NPR News Now – 01-13-2026, 1PM EST

Episode Summary & Key Insights

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode features anchor Lakshmi Singh presenting concise national and international news highlights. The episode covers steady US inflation, President Trump’s commentary on monetary policy, new Trump Organization real estate ventures in Saudi Arabia, Minnesota faith leaders’ activism on immigration, White House scrutiny of Smithsonian exhibitions, and expansion plans from discount grocery chain Aldi.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. US Inflation Remains Steady

[00:25]

• The Consumer Price Index for December shows a 2.7% year-over-year increase—unchanged from November.
• While still above the Federal Reserve’s target, inflation is steady and will influence upcoming Fed rate decisions.
• Lakshmi Singh: “Inflation’s higher than what the Federal Reserve would like, but it remains steady. And that'll weigh on Fed policymakers when they meet later this month to decide whether to cut the key interest rate for a fourth straight time.”

2. President Trump Critiques Fed Policy

[00:59]

• President Trump calls current inflation “very low” and pressures Fed Chair Jerome Powell for a larger interest rate cut.
• The president’s remarks highlight ongoing tension with Powell, especially after threatened investigations.
• Notable Quote:
  • Donald Trump [01:00]: “The inflation numbers just came out and we have very low inflation. So that that would give Tule Powell the chance to give us a nice beautiful big rate cut, which would be great.”
• Bipartisan support for Powell among former Fed Chairs comes as pressure mounts.

3. Trump Organization Expands in Saudi Arabia

[01:10]

• Two new projects—a golf course/hotel/residential community outside Riyadh and a second Trump Plaza in Jeddah—are announced.
• Projects are in partnership with Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund and Dar Global, valued at $10 billion.
• Trump Organization is also expanding in Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.
• Aya Batrawi [01:42]: “The Trump Organization this week launched a golf course, hotel and residential community on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. … The projects reflect a rapid expansion of the family run business and other financial dealings in the Gulf following President Trump’s first term in office.”

4. Faith Leaders in Minnesota Mobilize on Immigration

[02:25]

• Multi-faith group Isaiah rallies communities to oppose federal immigration enforcement after the killing of Renee Macklin Goode.
• Their efforts build on previous activism, including responses to the murder of George Floyd and advocating for progressive state legislation.
• Janae Bates Imari [02:52]: “It is a sin for any person, especially a person of faith, to watch what is happening and to stay in silence.”
• Emphasizes the moral dimension and mobilization of faith communities.

5. White House Orders Ideology Review of Smithsonian Exhibits

[03:15]

• Today is the deadline for eight Smithsonian museums to submit exhibition materials for White House review, as stipulated in a Trump executive order.
• Federal funding for the Smithsonian is at stake, raising concerns about the independence of cultural and historical institutions.
• The Smithsonian declined comment; its charter calls for independence from federal interference.
• Anastasia Julgas [03:51]: “The White House says that federal funds for the Smithsonian’s $1 billion budget depend on the institution fulfilling these terms.”

6. Aldi Announces Major Expansion Amid High Food Prices

[04:39]

• Discount grocer Aldi to open over 180 stores and new distribution centers in 2026 (Florida, Arizona, Colorado).
• The chain will reach nearly 2,800 stores across the US, responding to ongoing consumer struggles with food costs.
• Lakshmi Singh: “Expansion plans mean Aldi will be operating nearly 2,800 stores by next year.”

7. Stock Market Update

[03:15]

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average is reported down 367 points as of airtime, reflecting ongoing market volatility.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Jonathan Goldstein [00:06] (from a promoted podcast):
  • “I was writing and no one was buying what I was selling. I just couldn't get anywhere. And I just kept doing it because I felt compelled to do it, like a spider spinning a web.”
    (from a podcast promo, sets a tone of perseverance but not central to this newscast)
• Janae Bates Imari [02:52]:
  • “It is a sin for any person, especially a person of faith, to watch what is happening and to stay in silence.”
    (on faith-based activism in Minnesota)

Key Segment Timestamps

• 00:25 – Inflation report / Fed policy context
• 00:59 – President Trump’s comments on inflation and Fed
• 01:10 – Trump-Powell policy tensions and real estate news tease
• 01:42 – Trump Organization’s Saudi Arabia expansion
• 02:25 – Faith leaders oppose federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota
• 03:15 – Stock market update / Smithsonian exhibition review deadline
• 03:51 – Details on the White House mandate for Smithsonian
• 04:39 – Aldi’s expansion in response to continued high food prices

Tone & Approach

• Matter-of-fact, succinct, and informative, this episode maintains NPR’s signature neutral delivery—quickly summarizing major news events with just enough context for relevance.

This summary highlights the factual reporting, notable statements, and concise structure characteristic of NPR News Now, enabling listeners and non-listeners alike to capture the episode’s essential updates in context.