NPR News Now: January 13, 2026, 3AM EST

Main Theme:
This brief NPR News Now episode gives listeners a fast update on top stories around U.S. politics, foreign affairs, law enforcement controversies, and notable political milestones as of January 13, 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions and White House Response

[00:17–00:55]

• Amid a deadly crackdown on protesters in Iran, the White House signals that diplomacy remains the preferred approach but warns of military options.
• White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarifies President Trump’s stance:
  • Diplomacy is prioritized, yet there is ongoing, complex communication with Iran not reflected in public statements.
  • President Trump is “unafraid to use military options,” suggesting credible threat projection.
• Quote:
  • "Diplomacy is always the first option for the president... However, with that said, the president has shown he's unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran."
    — Caroline Levitt [00:32]

2. Senator Mark Kelly’s Lawsuit Against the Pentagon

[00:55–01:58]

• Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly sues Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over threats to censure and demote him for openly criticizing Trump-era military policies.
• Tensions rose after Kelly and other Democrats urged military members to reject “illegal orders”—a move President Trump labeled “treason.”
• Pentagon’s response: As a retired officer, Kelly could face loss of rank and retirement pay.
• Kelly's argument centers on veterans’ free speech rights and resisting “choke” on political dissent.
• Quote:
  • "Kelly, who served with distinction as a Navy combat pilot, called it an attempt to choke free speech by military veterans."
    — Quill Lawrence [01:45]

3. Legal Pushback Against Immigration Enforcement Surge

[01:58–02:35]

• Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul file suit against the Trump administration's escalation of immigration enforcement following a Minneapolis police shooting.
• The lawsuit seeks a judicial halt, claiming unconstitutional overreach and abuse of federal power.
• Illinois and Chicago are joining similar legal actions.

4. Discrepancies in ICE-Involved Shooting Reporting

[02:35–03:14]

• Department of Homeland Security updates its version of an ICE shooting in Maryland, after local police contradict initial claims.
• Federal narrative originally said three agents shot at two men; local reports say only one man was in the van, and the other was already in custody.
• The incident receives heightened scrutiny amid viral video evidence from a separate ICE-involved fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
• Quote:
  • "ICE is claiming that the driver tried to weaponize the vehicle. The two men in custody seem to be the only witnesses to the incident who are not related to law enforcement."
    — Scott Mascioni [02:56]

5. Historic Mayoral Inauguration in New Orleans

[03:14–04:07]

• Helena Moreno becomes the first Hispanic woman mayor of New Orleans, sworn in at a private, community-funded ceremony.
• Born in Mexico, Moreno vows to address a significant budget deficit and defend inclusivity amid national immigration crackdowns.
• Former Vice President Kamala Harris conducts the swearing-in, lauding Moreno’s commitment and leadership.
• Quote:
  • "Helena, I know you will be a mayor who will lead with integrity, with courage and with the people of New Orleans always at the center of your work."
    — Kamala Harris [03:55]

6. Federal Reserve Chair Investigation Draws Backlash

[04:14–04:34]

• The Trump administration faces criticism for a criminal probe targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who claims it’s an attempt to undermine the Fed’s independence.
• Multiple Republican senators, notably Thom Tillis of North Carolina, publicly oppose further Federal Reserve nominees until the investigation’s conclusion.

7. Markets Update – Japan

[04:35–04:54]

• Asian stock markets rally, with Japan’s Nikkei rising over 3% as trading resumes post-holiday.
• Tech stocks boost Tokyo’s gains, while political watchers anticipate possible snap elections by Japan’s prime minister.

Selected Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caroline Levitt on U.S.–Iran Approach:
  "Diplomacy is always the first option for the president... the president has shown he's unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary." [00:32]

• Quill Lawrence on Mark Kelly’s Free Speech Lawsuit:
  "Kelly, ... called it an attempt to choke free speech by military veterans." [01:45]

• Scott Mascioni on ICE Narrative Shift:
  "ICE is claiming that the driver tried to weaponize the vehicle... the only witnesses... are not related to law enforcement." [02:56]

• Kamala Harris Praising Helena Moreno:
  "Helena, I know you will be a mayor who will lead with integrity, with courage and with the people of New Orleans always at the center of your work." [03:55]

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.–Iran diplomacy & military options: [00:17–00:55]
• Senator Mark Kelly sues Pentagon: [00:55–01:58]
• Immigration enforcement lawsuit: [01:58–02:35]
• ICE shooting controversy in Maryland: [02:35–03:14]
• Helena Moreno sworn in as New Orleans mayor: [03:14–04:07]
• Fed Chair criminal investigation & GOP opposition: [04:14–04:34]
• Asian markets rally, especially Japan: [04:35–04:54]

Tone & Approach

• The reporting maintains NPR’s signature measured, fact-forward tone, relaying official statements and significant political developments without editorializing.
• Moments such as Kamala Harris’s remarks at Mayor Moreno’s swearing-in add a personal and historical note to the otherwise brisk news rundown.

This episode provides a condensed but thorough pulse check on major U.S. and international events as of early January 2026.