NPR News Now – January 13, 2026, 6AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk roundup of the day’s top stories in politics, legal actions, economic developments, and major business appointments. Key topics include President Trump’s threatened tariffs amid Iran protests, Supreme Court cases on transgender athletes in sports, legal challenges to federal immigration practices, updates on inflation, a significant executive hire at Meta, and congressional moves to fund Voice of America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Threatens New Tariffs Related to Iran

[00:18–01:06]

• President Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from countries doing business with Iran.
• Details about the executive order were unclear: No legal basis was provided, and it was not confirmed if these tariffs would add to existing ones.
• The threats arrive as the Iranian government violently suppresses protests at home.
• Major Iranian trading partners (2022): China, Iraq, UAE.

"Trump post on social media that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from any country doing business with Iran. However, the White House has not yet released an executive order imposing this tariff."
—Danielle Kurtzleben, [00:31]

Additional Note:

President Trump is scheduled to speak in Detroit and visit a Ford factory as the Detroit Auto Show approaches; his previous tariffs have increased costs for automakers, despite some relief measures.

2. Supreme Court Cases on Transgender Athletes

[01:06–02:22]

• The Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether states can ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
• Example: Lindsay Hecox, a transgender athlete who sued when Idaho law barred her from the women’s track team.
• Initial court rulings were in her favor but only applied to her; the case now reaches the Supreme Court on broader grounds.
• Over two dozen states currently have restrictions on trans athletes.
• Legal experts expect the Court may opt for a narrow, case-specific ruling.

"What we've seen historically from this court is that it tends to rule in cases in this field on fairly case specific grounds rather than reaching out and deciding questions that it doesn't have to decide."
—Peter Wren, Lambda Legal, [02:01]

3. Legal Battles Over Immigration Enforcement

[02:22–03:04]

• Illinois, Minnesota, and the cities of Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Paul are suing the Trump administration.
• Allegations: Federal immigration agents are interrogating individuals without legal cause and making civil arrests without warrants or probable cause.
• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calls for judicial intervention:

"We don't back down in Minnesota. We stand up against bullies. And right now, what we are asking for is an intervention from the court to push back on this unconstitutional conduct, pure and simple."
—Jacob Frey, [02:51]

Additional Note:

Chicago has already filed over 40 legal actions on issues ranging from immigration enforcement tactics to SNAP benefit withholdings.

4. Economic Update: Inflation Data

[03:04–03:41]

• The Labor Department will soon release inflation numbers; forecasts predict inflation remains elevated, with December possibly up 2.6% year-over-year.

5. Meta Hires Former Trump Adviser as President & Vice Chair

[03:41–04:24]

• Meta (Facebook’s parent company) appoints Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chair.
• McCormick’s background includes investment banking at Goldman Sachs and a tenure as Trump’s deputy national security adviser.
• CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised her “deep relationships around the world” as an asset for Meta’s growth—especially as the company heavily invests in artificial intelligence.
• President Trump congratulated McCormick on social media.

"Her experience in finance combined with, quote, her deep relationships around the world make her uniquely suited to help Meta manage the next phase of its growth."
—Mark Zuckerberg (paraphrased by John Ruich), [03:57]

6. Congressional Funding for Voice of America

[04:24–04:56]

• Bipartisan lawmakers agree to fund Voice of America’s parent company with over $650 million.
• This move rebuffs President Trump’s attempts to shutter the broadcaster.
• Funding is part of a larger spending bill still pending congressional approval.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Danielle Kurtzleben on tariff ambiguity:
  "Trump did not reveal what law would authorize this tariff, nor whether it will stack on top of existing tariffs." [00:44]
• Peter Wren on Supreme Court approach to trans athlete cases:
  "It tends to rule in cases in this field on fairly case specific grounds rather than reaching out and deciding questions that it doesn't have to decide." [02:01]
• Jacob Frey’s defiant statement:
  "We don't back down in Minnesota. We stand up against bullies." [02:51]
• Mark Zuckerberg’s take on new Meta president:
  (as paraphrased): McCormick will be an asset due to her financial experience and global relationships. [03:57]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18–01:06: Trump tariffs on Iran-related trade & context
• 01:06–02:22: Supreme Court case on transgender athletes
• 02:22–03:04: States/cities sue over immigration enforcement
• 03:04–03:41: Inflation report preview
• 03:41–04:24: Dina Powell McCormick joins Meta
• 04:24–04:56: Congressional funding for Voice of America

This five-minute NPR News Now episode concisely covers developing headlines on domestic and international policy, judicial matters, economic outlook, tech industry leadership, and public broadcasting. It sets the stage for ongoing political and legal debates shaping the U.S. news landscape in early 2026.