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

Brief Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of current major news stories in the U.S. and around the world. Key topics include President Trump’s Detroit speech, U.S.-Greenland diplomatic tensions, inflation updates, a lawsuit involving the BBC and Trump, legal developments in South Korea, White House scrutiny of the Smithsonian, and an announcement about the opening of an ancient Roman home to the public.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump in Detroit: Economy Overshadowed ([00:15]–[01:14])

• Speech Focus Shift: Though billed as an address on affordability, the President focused less on economic issues and more on other topics:
  • Economic Claims: Trump highlighted recent positive trends.
    • Quoting Trump:

      “We have quickly gone from the worst numbers on record to the best and strongest numbers, the most dynamic numbers, and an economy that is far ahead.”
      — President Donald Trump ([00:38])

  • Lingering Voter Concerns: While gas prices are down, groceries and electricity remain costly for voters.
  • Other Issues Addressed:
    • Boosted military recruitment
    • Criticized Somali immigrants
    • Attacked former President Joe Biden
    • Encouraged Iranian protestors to, “take over your institutions”
• Tone: The report subtly underscores a disconnect between the speech’s original theme and its actual content.

2. U.S.–Greenland Relations: Tension Over Annexation Talks ([01:15]–[02:06])

• Diplomatic Strain: The U.S. is meeting with Greenland and Denmark’s officials, raising alarm over discussions of a potential annexation.
• Greenland’s Reaction:

  • Energy Minister Naya Nathanielson expressed strong emotion:

    > “We feel betrayed. We feel that the rhetoric is offensive.”  
    — Naya Nathanielson ([01:32])
    

    -
    > “We are allies of the US and of course, we are bewildered that now I have to have a press conference discussing a possible annexation or selling of Greenland.”
    — Greenland Official ([01:49])
  • She emphasized Greenland is more than just land for its people:

    “For others, the Arctic island may be a piece of land, but for Greenlanders, ... it’s home.”
    — Lauren Frayer paraphrasing Naya Nathanielson ([01:58])

• Collaboration Willingness: Greenland welcomes partnership but without coercion.

3. U.S. Inflation Remains Stubborn, Fed Under Scrutiny ([02:06]–[02:55])

• Latest Numbers:
  • December saw consumer prices rise 2.7% year-over-year (same as last month)
  • Month-over-month increase: 0.3%, with housing, food, and energy leading
  • Gas prices down, but electricity and natural gas up steeply
• Implications for Interest Rates:
  • Persistent inflation likely to keep the Federal Reserve from further rate cuts
  • President Trump is applying pressure for lower rates
• New Federal Investigation:
  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell revealed the Justice Department has launched an investigation into the central bank, considered part of the administration’s campaign to gain more control.

    “On Sunday, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the justice department had launched an investigation of the central bank and suggested that's part of the administration's long running pressure campaign to exert more control over interest rates.”
    — Scott Horsley ([02:42])

4. BBC Seeks Dismissal of Trump Defamation Lawsuit ([02:55]–[03:17])

• Lawsuit Summary:
  • President Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion, alleging defamation and unfair practices regarding an edited 2021 speech aired in a documentary.
  • BBC has apologized for the edit but denies defamation.
• Context: The speech in question occurred before the January 6 Capitol riot.

5. Former South Korean President Faces Death Sentence ([03:17]–[03:47])

• Charges:
  • Independent counsel in South Korea seeks the death penalty for ex-President Yoon Song Yol, related to his martial law declaration in 2024.
  • Yoon, who has been removed from office, claims his actions were meant as a peaceful protest against the opposition.

6. White House Scrutiny of Smithsonian Exhibits ([03:47]–[04:35])

• Executive Order Compliance:
  • The White House has ordered eight Smithsonian museums to submit thousands of documents by today for review regarding “improper ideology.”
  • Museums affected include major institutions like the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Federal Funding at Stake:
  • Smithsonian’s $1B budget depends on compliance.
  • The institution asserts its legal mission to operate independently of government directives.

    “According to the Smithsonian’s charter, all of its museums and research centers are meant to be run independ of the federal government.”
    — Anastasia Tsiolkas ([04:30])

7. Palatine Hill’s Ancient Roman Home Opening Virtually ([04:35]–[04:56])

• Cultural Highlight:
  • One of the best-preserved Roman homes on Palatine Hill will open in March via livestream, featuring rarely-seen underground frescoes and mosaics.
  • The hill, famed for its temples and high-status homes, will share its cultural treasures with a global audience virtually due to accessibility issues.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on the Economy:

  “We have quickly gone from the worst numbers on record to the best and strongest numbers, the most dynamic numbers, and an economy that is far ahead.”
  — President Donald Trump ([00:38])

• Greenland’s Frustration:

  “We feel betrayed. We feel that the rhetoric is offensive.”
  — Naya Nathanielson, Greenland’s Energy Minister ([01:32])

• Smithsonian and Government Oversight:

  “According to the Smithsonian’s charter, all of its museums and research centers are meant to be run independ of the federal government.”
  — Anastasia Tsiolkas ([04:30])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15] – President Trump’s Detroit Speech
• [01:15] – U.S.–Greenland Relations
• [02:06] – U.S. Inflation and Fed Investigation
• [02:55] – BBC vs. Trump Lawsuit
• [03:17] – South Korea: Former President Faces Death Sentence
• [03:47] – White House-Smithsonian Documents Request
• [04:35] – Ancient Roman Home Virtual Opening

Summary Tone & Engagement

The reporting is brisk, factual, and carries NPR’s signature balanced tone, quickly moving between stories and providing essential context for listeners who rely on concise news updates. The episode balances U.S. domestic concerns with noteworthy international developments, closing with a rare cultural opportunity for history enthusiasts.