NPR News Now – 7AM EST, January 13, 2026

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 13, 2026
Episode: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major developments across global and domestic news as of the morning of January 13, 2026. It spans crisis in Iran, policy moves by President Trump, key Supreme Court hearings, legal action against federal agents, a major synagogue arson confession, the rise of IVF among older single women, and an ongoing water crisis in El Paso.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Iran Under Total Communications Blackout

• [00:15]
  • Iran is experiencing a total blackout in communications as widespread protests continue.
  • Eyewitnesses report Iranian security forces using live fire against protesters.
  • Death toll estimates: Reuters cites at least 2,000 killed (per Iranian official), but other groups estimate numbers in the hundreds.
  • President Trump has threatened military action in support of protesters.
  • Expert Insight: Javed Ali, former National Security Council senior director, questions the legal basis for any U.S. military action.
    • Quote – Javed Ali [00:50]:
      “What legal authority can President Trump rely on to conduct attacks against Iran for Iran's crackdown against its own citizens? That is not a direct threat to the United States, at least on my read of President Trump's constitutional authority.”

2. Trump Announces Tariffs on Countries Doing Business with Iran; Visits Detroit

• [01:04]
  • President Trump announced new tariffs targeting any nation doing business with Iran. No further details provided.
  • Trump travels to Detroit for a business leaders' meeting and a Ford factory tour.
  • Analysis from Quinn Kleinfelter (WDET):
    • Trump touts tariffs as a means to support Detroit’s auto industry and bring manufacturing back to the U.S.
    • However, tariffs have driven up costs for automakers, despite some industry exemptions.
    • Trump’s changes have also included relaxing emission standards and removing EV tax credits.
    • Michigan’s economic and political climate is closely tied to these policy decisions.
    • Quote – Quinn Kleinfelter [01:26]:
      “Tariffs have increased costs for automakers even with carve outs for the industry. Trump also eased Biden ERA emission standards and erased tax credits designed to promote electric vehicles.”

3. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Transgender Athlete Bans

• [02:03]
  • SCOTUS takes up legal challenges to state laws banning transgender girls and women from participating in publicly funded school sports.
  • Report by Nina Totenberg:
    • 27 states have enacted such bans, covering all levels from elementary to college.
    • Supporters claim these laws ensure fairness in women’s sports; opponents denounce them as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
    • The outcome could have widespread impact on sports and civil rights protections.
    • Quote – Nina Totenberg [02:16]:
      “Supporters of these laws say they are needed to ensure fairness in athletic competition... Opponents counter that the laws discriminate based on sex in violation of both federal statutes and the Constitution’s guarantee to equal protection of the law.”

4. Illinois, Minnesota and Cities Sue Trump Administration Over Citizenship Status Interrogations

• [02:55]
  • States and cities are suing the Trump administration, alleging agents are interrogating people without legal grounds and making illegal arrests related to citizenship status.

5. Mississippi Synagogue Arson Confession

• [03:10]
  • FBI reports Steven Spencer Pittman confessed from the hospital to arson at Jackson’s largest synagogue after being treated for burns. He has been charged.

6. IVF’s Impact on Single Motherhood Over 40

• [03:32]
  • Government data: Unmarried women over age 40 using IVF to have children has risen by 250% in 30 years.
  • Personal Story – Laura Terry (Nashville):
    • Gave herself donor sperm as a 39th birthday present to start a family via IVF.
    • Success on the first attempt, but noted high costs and unpredictability for others ($30,000 per try).
    • Quote – Laura Terry [03:51]:
      “For my 39th birthday, I bought a vial of donor sperm, which is a kind of odd birthday gift by yourself, I suppose.”
    • Quote – Laura Terry [04:28]:
      “I love the blocky box.” (in reference to enjoying parenting moments with her children)

7. El Paso Water Main Break Leaves Thousands Without Water

• [04:32]
  • Up to 100,000 people still without water after a recent water main break.
  • Ongoing boil water advisories; school closures reported.

Notable Quotes

• Javed Ali on Iran Legal Authority [00:50]:
  “What legal authority can President Trump rely on to conduct attacks against Iran for Iran's crackdown against its own citizens? That is not a direct threat to the United States, at least on my read of President Trump's constitutional authority.”

• Quinn Kleinfelter on Detroit’s Auto Industry [01:26]:
  “Tariffs have increased costs for automakers even with carve outs for the industry. Trump also eased Biden ERA emission standards and erased tax credits designed to promote electric vehicles.”

• Nina Totenberg on Supreme Court Cases [02:16]:
  “Supporters of these laws say they are needed to ensure fairness in athletic competition... Opponents counter that the laws discriminate based on sex in violation of both federal statutes and the Constitution’s guarantee to equal protection of the law.”

• Laura Terry on Her IVF Journey [03:51]:
  “For my 39th birthday, I bought a vial of donor sperm, which is a kind of odd birthday gift by yourself, I suppose.”

• Laura Terry on Parenting Joys [04:28]:
  “I love the blocky box.”

Timestamps for Segments

• Iran Blackout, U.S. Response: [00:15]
• Trump Tariffs & Detroit Visit: [01:04]
• Supreme Court—Transgender Athlete Bans: [02:03]
• States Sue on Citizenship Interrogations: [02:55]
• Mississippi Synagogue Arson: [03:10]
• IVF and Older Single Motherhood: [03:32]
• El Paso Water Crisis: [04:32]

This episode provides a brisk, informative sweep through breaking issues in international affairs, domestic policy, legal trends, personal stories, and crises affecting local U.S. communities.