NPR News Now: 01-13-2026 9AM EST

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise, five-minute update on major national and international news, including the latest report on U.S. inflation, President Trump’s proposed tariffs in response to Iranian unrest, Israeli reactions to events in Iran, lawsuits over federal immigration enforcement in the Midwest, Supreme Court arguments on transgender athletes, a new report on greenhouse gas emissions, and a congressional move to fund Voice of America despite White House opposition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Inflation Remains Steady

[00:19]

• The Labor Department reports December’s inflation rate at 2.7%, matching November and aligning with economists’ expectations.
• Context: The inflation rate is noted as stable, neither accelerating nor decreasing dramatically.
• Korva Coleman: “The agency says consumer prices rose 2.7% last month over what they were a year ago. That matches the inflation report from November, and it falls in line with what economists had expected.”

2. U.S. Response to Iranian Protests

[00:33]

• President Trump threatens a 25% tariff on goods from any country doing business with Iran, in response to Iranian government crackdowns on anti-government protests.
• Over 500 Iranian civilians reportedly killed, according to human rights groups.
• The White House indicates President Trump is considering both diplomatic (meeting requests from Iran) and military responses.
• Korva Coleman: “But he has also threatened to use US Military force against Iran.”

3. Israel’s Reaction to Iranian Unrest

[01:11]

• Israel, a major opponent of Iran, has stayed largely silent as turmoil continues in Iran.
• Israel and Iran exchanged missile and drone strikes in June; the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites afterward.
• Analyst Mairav Zunshein (International Crisis Group, Israel) suggests Israel views its military pressure as having destabilized Iran.
  • Quote: “It does see the combination of this last operation in June, plus the economic hardships in Iran and now these protests as successful, meaning maximum pressure, military pressure work.” (Mairav Zunshein, [01:33])
• Emily Fang notes Israel is monitoring U.S. moves, warily watching for any potential U.S.-Iran nuclear deal.
  • Quote: “Israel is first watching what the US does or does not do in Iran before acting and is now nervous the cut a deal with Iran over its nuclear program.” (Emily Fang, [01:46])

4. Midwest Cities Sue Federal Government Over Immigration Enforcement

[02:00]

• Illinois, Minnesota, Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Paul file lawsuits against the Trump administration, claiming federal immigration agents are illegally stopping people.
• The lawsuit criticizes the “enforcement surge,” asserting it creates “dangerous and chaotic circumstances.” (Meg Anderson quoting the lawsuit, [02:20])
• Community members have formed neighborhood watch groups to monitor and record federal immigration officers.
  • Quote: “So when officers exit their vehicles, observers are there. Soon after, honking horns, blowing whistles and...recording.” (Meg Anderson, [02:20]-[02:41])
• Conflicts between protesters and federal officers, including a recent incident in Minneapolis where ICE officers struck a vehicle and used tear gas to disperse a crowd, but made no arrests.

5. Comment from President Trump on Midwest Immigration Issues

[02:59]

• President Trump addressed the issue online:
  • Quote: “Fear not great people of Minnesota. The day of reckoning and retribution is coming.” (President Trump, [02:59])

6. Supreme Court to Hear Transgender Athlete Case

[03:14]

• The U.S. Supreme Court will soon hear arguments on state laws banning transgender girls and women from joining publicly funded school sports teams.
• The case is part of a broader national debate on transgender rights and school athletics.

7. Report: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise

[03:41]

• The Rhodium Group estimates U.S. emissions increased by 2.4% last year, mainly from power plants burning more coal and higher heat use in buildings due to a colder winter.
• Ben King (Rhodium): "As higher natural gas prices encouraged power plants to burn more polluting coal and in buildings, Americans turned up the heat we've had in 2025."
• Growth in electric vehicles helped keep transportation pollution flat.
• Trump administration’s pro-fossil fuel policies had little immediate impact on emissions.
  • Quote: “Trump policies to boost fossil fuels and hurt renewable energy had little effect on the estimate. Those policy changes could show up in future years.” (Jeff Brady, [04:06])

8. Congress Moves to Fund Voice of America Despite White House Opposition

[04:25]

• Bipartisan agreement in Congress to fund the VOA’s parent company with over $650 million, rebuffing President Trump’s efforts to close the broadcaster.
• This funding is part of a broader spending bill, which still needs passage from both houses and approval by President Trump.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mairav Zunshein (International Crisis Group):
  “It does see the combination of this last operation in June, plus the economic hardships in Iran and now these protests as successful, meaning maximum pressure, military pressure work.” ([01:33])

• President Trump (on social media, re: Minnesota):
  “Fear not great people of Minnesota. The day of reckoning and retribution is coming.” ([02:59])

• Ben King (Rhodium Group, via Jeff Brady):
  “As higher natural gas prices encouraged power plants to burn more polluting coal and in buildings, Americans turned up the heat we've had in 2025.” ([03:41])

Timeline of Major Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |--------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:19 | Inflation steady at 2.7% in December | | 00:33 | Trump's threat of tariffs & military action on Iran | | 01:11 | Israeli perspective on Iran protests & US actions | | 02:00 | Midwest cities sue over federal immigration tactics | | 02:41 | ICE-protester clashes in Minneapolis | | 02:59 | Trump posts inflammatory message to Minnesota | | 03:14 | Supreme Court to hear transgender athlete case | | 03:41 | Greenhouse gas emissions rise 2.4% | | 04:25 | Congressional deal to fund Voice of America |

Tone & Style

The report is matter-of-fact, succinct, and focused on conveying verified facts and brief expert analysis, in the standard NPR news style: calm, informative, serious, and neutral in tone.

This summary provides a comprehensive account of the key developments and soundbites from the NPR News Now 9AM EST episode on January 13, 2026, making it accessible and useful even for those who have not listened to the episode.