NPR News Now - NPR News: 01-13-2026 6PM EST

Episode Date: January 13, 2026

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This message comes from Databricks, the data and AI company. Are your AI agents working? Most aren't reliable for business. You need AI that's accurate. Agent Bricks, AI agents grounded in your data and built for your goals. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan Barton. President Trump was supposed to talk about affordability in Detroit today, but as NPR's at Deepa Shivaram reports, he mostly talked about other issues.

Despite Trump's historically, low approval ratings on his handling of the economy, he continues to insist that the country is experiencing economic success. 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. Things like gas prices have decreased, but high prices of things like groceries and electricity remain atop concern for voters in this midterm election year. For most of his speech, the president, didn't even talk about the economy. Instead, Trump touted military recruitment numbers, attacked Somali immigrants and former president Joe Biden, and encouraged protesters in Iran to, quote,

take over your institutions. Deepa Chivaram, NPR News. The Trump administration is hosting a meeting with officials from Greenland and Denmark tomorrow. NPR's Lauren Freer reports an official in Greenland says it's unfathomable that the U.S. is considering taking over a NATO ally. Greenland's energy Minister Naya Nathanielsen describes how Greenlanders are feeling. We feel betrayed. We feel that the rhetoric is offensive. Nathanielsen told reporters in London she understands that the U.S. sees Greenland as part of its national security sphere. And she says her government is willing to collaborate with the U.S. But that she hopes that can be done without the use of force.

We are allies of the U.S. and, of course, we are bewildered that now I have to have a press conference discussing a possible annexation or selling of Greenland. For others, the Arctic Island may be a piece of land, but for Greenlanders, she said, it's home. Lauren Freyer, NPR News, London. Inflation held steady last month, rising rents and grocery prices offset a drop in gasoline prices. NPR's Scott Horsley reports on the latest cost of living figures. Consumer prices in December were up 2.7% from a year ago, matching the annual increase of the previous month. Prices rose 3 tenths of a percent between November and December, led by rising costs for housing, food and energy.

gasoline prices have fallen over the last year, but the cost of electricity and natural gas is way up. Stubborn inflation is likely to make the Federal Reserve cautious about additional cuts to interest rates, despite pressure from President Trump. 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, NPR News, Washington. The BBC is asking a judge to dismiss President Trump's 10,000. billion dollar lawsuit. Trump claims defamation and unfair trade practices over a documentary that

edited a speech he made on January 6, 2021 before his supporters stormed the capital in Washington. The BBC apologized for the edit, but denies defamation. This is NPR. An independent council in South Korea is demanding a death sentence for former South Korean president Yun Song Yal. The charges relate to his martial law declaration in 2024. Yun was removed from office and faces trials over the incident and other scandals. He argues that his decree was a peaceful attempt to raise awareness about the opposition party. The White House is scrutinizing the Smithsonian's galleries to determine if they express, quote, improper ideology. NPR's Anastasia Zilkas reports. In a letter posted online in December, the White House said that today is the deadline for

eight Smithsonian museums to submit thousands of documents for review to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump last March. The museums under current review include the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The White House says that federal funds for the Smithsonian's $1 billion budget depend on the institution fulfilling these terms. The Smithsonian declined to comment to MPR. According to the Smithsonian's charter, all of its museums and research centers are meant to be. be run independently of the federal government. Anastasi Azeulkus and Pierre News, New York. One of the best preserved ancient Roman homes on the Palatine Hill is opening to the public for the

first time in March, but it's happening via a live-streamed tour of its hard-to-reach underground frescoes and mosaics. Palatine Hill was known for temples and homes of leading citizens during Rome's Republican era. This is NPR News from Washington. This message comes from Wise. The app for international people using money around the globe. You can send, spend, and receive in up to 40 currencies with only a few simple taps. Be smart, get Wise. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. Tease and Cs apply.