Up First – January 13, 2026: Trump Weighs Options in Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Hears Trans Sports Cases

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR’s Up First delivers concise reporting and analysis on three major stories:

• President Trump’s escalating threats of military action against Iran amid protests and ongoing negotiations.
• Minnesota’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security following a fatal ICE operation and allegations of civil rights violations.
• Supreme Court cases set to decide the legality of state laws banning transgender girls and women from girls’ sports.

The tone is urgent and factual, with reporters bringing clarity and context to fast-moving and often contentious national stories.

1. US-Iran Tensions: Military Threats, Ongoing Protests, and Talks

Segment Begins: 02:00

Key Discussion Points

• President Trump is considering military strikes in response to Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters, which has resulted in more than 600 deaths, including children and security personnel.
• Amid global concern and an intense situation on the ground in Iran, Trump announces a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.
• The President claims Iran’s leaders reached out for negotiation, but maintains threats of force if violence against protesters continues.
• Options on the table include targeting Iran’s missile program, security forces, and possibly direct special operations, reminiscent of actions in Venezuela.
• Despite President Trump’s general lack of emphasis on human rights, parallels are drawn to his 2017 Syria strikes; here, the stated goal is preventing Iran’s nuclear armament.
• Analysis suggests Iranian leadership could consider a “zero enrichment” nuclear deal for regime survival, but questions remain about their commitment.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Steve Inskeep (02:09): “A U.S.-based group called the Human Rights Activists News Agency…says more than 600 Iranians have been killed so far. That number includes nine children and 133 members of the military and police.”
• Franco Ordonez, White House correspondent (02:55): “Trump warned last week that the U.S. was, quote, locked and loaded and would come to the protester rescue if they continued to be killed...He also said they might have to act sooner if the violence continues.”
• Michelle Martin quoting Trump (03:29): “‘If they [Iran] do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before. They won't even believe it.’”
• Franco Ordonez summarizing Trump’s approach (04:46): "What Trump really wants in Iran is a deal that permanently prevents the government from getting a nuclear weapon."
• Expert analysis (Matthew Kranig, Atlantic Council, paraphrased, 04:46): Iranian Supreme Leader may accept a zero enrichment deal if it means regime survival.

Timestamps for Key Moments

• Trump’s escalation and background: 02:00–02:43
• Analysis with Franco Ordonez: 02:48–05:30

2. Minnesota Sues DHS Over ICE Operations

Segment Begins: 05:38

Key Discussion Points

• Minnesota files a lawsuit seeking to stop the federal surge of ICE agents, following the killing of Renee Macklin Goode, a 37-year-old state resident.
• Allegations include arrests of peaceful bystanders, detention of U.S. citizens, use of chemical irritants on demonstrators, and racial profiling.
• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison contends these practices are unconstitutional and asks courts to halt the federal presence.
• DHS pushes back, claiming law enforcement is acting within the bounds of the Fourth Amendment and denying racial profiling allegations.
• On-the-ground reporting captures stories of residents, many legal U.S. citizens or permanent residents, being questioned and detained, causing fear and tension in communities of color.
• There is increasing defiance and protest among Minneapolis residents, with frequent protests and federal use of pepper and tear gas.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sergio Martinez-Beltran (06:04): “State officials say that during this federal search, federal immigration agents have arrested peaceful bystanders, that they've detained U.S. citizens and fired chemical irritants at demonstrators and others exercising their First Amendment rights.”
• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, quoted (06:34): “We ask the courts to end the DHS unlawful behavior in our state. The intimidation, the threats, the violence.”
• Joel Kilikai, permanent U.S. resident, on the ground (07:43): “We don't want this to escalate… people are getting killed. Yes. We just gotta do our best out here to make sure that we live to see tomorrow.”
• Sergio Martinez-Beltran (08:41): “Many people in Minneapolis do not want ICE around, and it's starting to seem like residents are more defiant, willing to protest more.”

Timestamps for Key Moments

• Lawsuit background and allegations: 05:38–07:00
• Reports of on-the-ground actions and community responses: 07:00–08:45

3. Supreme Court Hears Landmark Transgender Sports Cases

Segment Begins: 08:55

Key Discussion Points

• Supreme Court is considering two cases challenging state laws that bar transgender girls and women from competing in girls’ sports at public schools.
• The debate is highly politicized, particularly since the 2024 election where trans issues became a rallying point.
• There are now 27 states with such laws, with supporters citing competitive fairness and opponents decrying sex discrimination.
• Case examples:
  • Idaho college student barred from women’s team.
  • West Virginia student, Becky Pepper Jackson, transitioned young and experienced exclusion from sports teams but was not a highly competitive athlete at first.
• Arguments center on whether state laws unlawfully discriminate or legitimately protect fairness in women’s sports.
• The practical impact is significant: in West Virginia, only one student (Becky) is currently impacted, raising questions of scope and necessity.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Nina Totenberg, legal affairs correspondent (09:17): “The rhetoric around trans issues proved very helpful for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign…Supporters say these laws are needed to ensure fairness...Opponents...say these laws discriminate based on sex in violation of both federal statutes and the Constitution’s guarantee to equal protection.”
• Steve Inskeep (11:15): “[Becky] is the third best shot putter in the entire state, and that includes 15, 16, and 17-year-old girls.”
• Steve Inskeep (12:00): “John Birsh of the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom...This question is actually bigger than sports, and it's about whether those who support the gender ideology movement are going to be allowed to continue harming children, women and adults.”
• Nina Totenberg (12:27): “As far as we know, there's only one [trans athlete], and it's Becky.”

Timestamps for Key Moments

• Introduction to cases and debate: 08:55–09:57
• Case studies and legal perspectives: 09:57–12:32

Memorable Quotes (with Attribution & Timestamps)

• "If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before. They won't even believe it."
  —President Trump, quoted by Michelle Martin (03:29)

• “We don't want this to escalate...people are getting killed...We just gotta do our best out here to make sure that we live to see tomorrow.”
  —Joel Kilikai, Minneapolis resident (07:43)

• “The elephant in the room, he says, is Donald Trump and his executive orders.”
  —Josh Block, ACLU lawyer for Becky Pepper Jackson, summarized by Nina Totenberg (11:31)

• "As far as we know, there's only one [trans athlete in West Virginia], and it's Becky."
  —Nina Totenberg (12:27)

Conclusion

This episode captures the intersection of hardline presidential diplomacy, domestic civil rights struggles, and complex legal questions on gender and fairness. With succinct, on-the-ground reporting and legal context, listeners receive a robust overview of critical stories shaping U.S. politics and society at the start of 2026.