NPR News Now – Summary
Episode: NPR News: 01-13-2026 2AM EST
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview
This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on the latest political, legal, corporate, and tech developments. The main focus is on U.S. foreign policy moves regarding Iran, new tensions between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, legal pushback against increased immigration enforcement, major tech industry partnerships, and regulatory actions on artificial intelligence worldwide.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. President Trump Threatens Broad Tariff in Response to Iranian Protests
- Main Point: President Trump threatens a 25% tariff on goods from any country doing business with Iran, aiming to intensify international pressure amidst deadly protests there.
- Details:
- Trump posted about the tariff on social media; no official executive order or legal basis shared so far.
- Notable countries affected: China, Iraq, United Arab Emirates.
- The Iranian government’s crackdown on protests has reportedly led to nearly 500 deaths.
- Quote (Danielle Kurtzleben, 00:36):
"Trump did not reveal what law would authorize this tariff, nor whether it will stack on top of existing tariffs.”
- Quote (Giles Snyder, 00:11):
“President Trump is threatening a new tariff on goods from any country that does business with Iran. He has provided little additional information on that new tariff…”
2. Federal Reserve Under DOJ Investigation
- Main Point: Former top economic officials warn DOJ’s probe into the Fed could harm the economy.
- Details:
- Investigation targets Fed’s costly headquarters renovation and Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony.
- Powell characterizes the probe as White House pressure for lower interest rates.
- Economists say this is reminiscent of policy interference in less developed nations.
- Quote (Scott Horsley, 01:30):
“Powell says the probe is part of a long running pressure campaign by the Trump administration designed to intimidate the central bank and force it to adopt much lower interest rates.”
- Quote (Scott Horsley, 01:51):
“Such tactics have no place in the United States where the rule of law is a great source of strength and economic success.”
3. Legal Pushback Against Pentagon and Immigration Enforcement
- Sen. Mark Kelly v. Defense Department
- Main Point: Sen. Kelly files for a temporary restraining order, alleging the Trump administration is censoring him for a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders.
- Hearing set for Thursday.
- Minnesota and Twin Cities Sue Federal Government
- Main Point: Lawsuit attempts to block Trump administration’s surge in immigration enforcement after a fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
- Accusations include unlawful tactics and politically motivated actions.
- Additional Legal Action: Illinois and Chicago file similar lawsuits.
- Quote (Meg Anderson, 02:47):
"The lawsuit alleges that the surge is, quote, driven by nothing more than the Trump administration's desire to punish political opponents and to sow fear in the community here. They also allege that the tactics... have been unlawful and are creating dangerous and chaotic circumstances and making people afraid to leave their homes.”
4. Apple Partners with Google for AI Technology
- Main Point: Apple announces partnership with Google to use Gemini AI for Siri and other features amid criticism of its slow AI progress.
- Details:
- Apple’s AI plans delayed for months; Google’s Gemini AI chosen for its “capable foundation.”
- The partnership is a multi-year collaboration with undisclosed terms.
- Quote (John Ruich, 03:31):
"Google's technology provides, quote, the most capable foundation for Apple's underlying AI models."
- Quote (John Ruich, 03:46):
“Critics have blasted Apple for being slow to develop and adopt AI... leaving Apple in the dust.”
5. International and Tech Regulation Developments
- Malaysia and Indonesia Block Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot “Grok”
- Cites concerns about explicit image generation; both countries demand stronger safeguards.
- Meta Appoints Dina Powell McCormick (ex-Trump official) as President and Vice Chair
- Reflects leadership changes post-Trump’s return to office.
- Quote (Giles Snyder, 04:27):
"Malaysia and Indonesia are now the first countries to block Elon Musk's AI chatbot known as grok... both are demanding stronger safeguards."
"Meta announced Monday that Dina Powell McCormick will help guide the company's overall strategy. Her appointment is the latest in a series of changes at Meta after President Trump regained the White House."
Notable Quotes and Timestamps
- On Trade With Iran:
"Trump did not reveal what law would authorize this tariff, nor whether it will stack on top of existing tariffs.” — Danielle Kurtzleben (00:36)
- On Fed Investigation:
“Such tactics have no place in the United States where the rule of law is a great source of strength and economic success.” — Scott Horsley (01:51)
- On Immigration Enforcement Lawsuit:
"They also allege that the tactics... have been unlawful and are creating dangerous and chaotic circumstances and making people afraid to leave their homes.” — Meg Anderson (02:47)
- On Apple-Google AI Deal:
"Google's technology provides, quote, the most capable foundation for Apple's underlying AI models." — John Ruich (03:31)
Timeline of Important Segments
- 00:11 — Trump threatens global tariff over Iran; protests and trade impact
- 01:15 — DOJ investigates Federal Reserve; economic leaders warn of consequences
- 02:07 — Senator Mark Kelly sues Pentagon over free speech; Minnesota, cities sue feds on immigration enforcement
- 03:08 — Illinois and Chicago file similar lawsuit
- 03:31 — Apple-Google AI announcement
- 04:13 — Malaysia/Indonesia ban Musk’s Grok; Meta appoints ex-Trump official to top role
This episode provides a brisk but thorough snapshot of fast-developing stories affecting politics, law, tech, and international policy, marked by direct reporting, expert quotes, and clear updates on ongoing legal and business shifts.