NPR News Now: 9PM EST, January 12, 2026

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a rapid update on key U.S. and international stories, focusing on political developments surrounding Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the latest on protests and crackdowns in Iran, intensified immigration enforcement in Minnesota, a historic synagogue fire in Mississippi, and the announcement of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Under Investigation

[00:18–01:05]

• Main Story: Fed Chair Jerome Powell announces he is the subject of a federal criminal investigation linked to his Senate Banking Committee testimony regarding renovations to the Fed's headquarters.
• Powell contends the investigation is "unprecedented" and considers the stated reason (building renovations) a "pretext."
• A political/economic analyst underscores the broader significance:
  • The threat of criminal charges may be a response to the Fed’s independence—setting interest rates based on economic assessment rather than White House preference.
  • Raises concerns about possible political intimidation and the future autonomy of monetary policy in the U.S.
• President Trump has had longstanding tensions with Powell over interest rates.
  • Trump's term as chair for Powell ends in May; he has picked a successor but has yet to announce who it is.

Notable Quotes:

• “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public...” — Political/Economic Analyst [00:42]

• “Powell, who calls the investigation unprecedented, said renovations are not the reason for the subpoena, calling it a pretext.” — Jeanine Herbst [00:33]

2. Intensifying Crisis in Iran

[01:05–02:14]

• Iran Warns U.S. Over Protests: Iran vows retaliation against any potential U.S. military action in response to the ongoing protests, which began over economic hardships but have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
• Iranian authorities have cut internet and phone lines, and security forces have escalated their crackdown.
• U.S. President Trump warns of strong military response if Iran kills protesters.
• Villa Marks’ Reporting:
  • Protests started with shopkeepers in Tehran over price hikes and currency collapse.
  • Movement has rapidly spread nationwide; death toll in the hundreds, thousands involved in clashes.
  • Demonstrations have shifted from economic relief to direct governmental opposition.

Notable Quotes:

• “Protesters are not just demanding economic relief anymore. Many are chanting anti-government slogans.” — Villa Marks [01:56]

• “President Trump says the US Military will hit hard if Iran kills protesters.” — Jeanine Herbst [01:23]

3. Immigration Enforcement Surge in Minnesota

[02:14–03:08]

• Over 2,000 federal immigration agents are deployed in Minnesota, triple the size of the Minneapolis Police Department.
• Additional ICE and Border Patrol agents will arrive to support President Trump’s expanded deportation clampdown.
• Residents report door-to-door activity by ICE agents in Minneapolis neighborhoods—an unusually aggressive approach.
• Vice President J.D. Vance claims the focus is finding “criminal illegal aliens,” but the sweep is unprecedented compared to prior targeted actions.

Notable Quotes:

• “Right now, there are more than 2,000 federal immigration agents in Minnesota. That's three times the size of the Minneapolis Police Department.” — Sergio Martinez Beltran [02:26]

• “All of this is highly unusual, but this is all part of the Trump administration's effort to deport millions from the U.S.” — Sergio Martinez Beltran [03:02]

4. Markets React to Powell Probe

[03:08–03:20, 04:38–04:57]

• News of the investigation into Powell triggers a drop in U.S. futures contracts: Dow futures down 0.3%, Nasdaq 0.6%, S&P 500 also lower.

5. Jackson, Mississippi Synagogue Arson

[03:20–04:02]

• Police arrest a suspect following a fire at the historic Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi; no injuries reported.
• Damage includes several Torahs; the synagogue was previously targeted during the civil rights movement.
• Community intends to rebuild despite the setback.

6. U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team Announced

[04:02–04:38]

• 16 U.S. figure skaters named to Olympic team for Milan.
• The women's roster includes reigning national champion Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, and Alyssa Liu (notable for coming out of retirement).
• The trio is considered the strongest shot at a U.S. women’s gold since 2002.

Notable Quotes:

• “I think as long as we all stick to what we do best, then we will break that down.” — Amber Glenn [04:25]

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• [00:33] “Powell, who calls the investigation unprecedented, said renovations are not the reason for the subpoena, calling it a pretext.” — Jeanine Herbst
• [00:42] “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public...” — Political/Economic Analyst
• [01:56] “Protesters are not just demanding economic relief anymore. Many are chanting anti-government slogans.” — Villa Marks
• [02:26] “Right now, there are more than 2,000 federal immigration agents in Minnesota. That's three times the size of the Minneapolis Police Department.” — Sergio Martinez Beltran
• [03:02] “All of this is highly unusual, but this is all part of the Trump administration's effort to deport millions from the U.S.” — Sergio Martinez Beltran
• [04:25] “I think as long as we all stick to what we do best, then we will break that down.” — Amber Glenn

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18–01:05: Federal Reserve/Powell investigation
• 01:05–02:14: Iran protests & U.S.–Iran tensions
• 02:14–03:08: Immigration enforcement in Minnesota
• 03:20–04:02: Synagogue fire in Jackson, MS
• 04:02–04:38: U.S. Olympic figure skating team announcement

This segment-packed update serves as a clear snapshot of January 2026’s most urgent national and global events, blending major political and economic developments with human-interest and sports stories.