“Here's the Scoop” (NBC News) – January 7, 2026

Episode: Protests in Minnesota After ICE Shooting; Tanker Seized on the Open Ocean

Host: Yasmin Vossoughian

Episode Overview

On this episode of “Here’s the Scoop,” host Yasmin Vossoughian covers two major breaking stories:

• Widespread protests erupting in Minneapolis after a fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent, amid an escalated federal presence tied to alleged fraud cases involving the Somali community.
• The US seizure of two oil tankers—including a Russian-flagged ship—raising global tensions and signaling increased military leverage around Venezuela following the dramatic capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Additional headlines include the postponement of Nick Reiner’s arraignment, protests in Iran over economic collapse, a corporate bidding war over Warner Brothers Discovery, and the reintroduction (and controversial revision) of the food pyramid.

Main Story 1: Fatal ICE Shooting Triggers Protests in Minneapolis

Background & Competing Accounts ([01:12]–[03:41])

• Julia Ainslie, NBC News Senior Homeland Security Correspondent joins to detail the fatal shooting.
  • Federal Narrative (DHS/ICE):
    • A woman attempted to obstruct ongoing ICE operations by blocking the street with her car.
    • She allegedly tried to ram agents with her vehicle.
  • Local Narrative (Bystanders/Police Chief):
    • The woman was reportedly trying to leave when approached.
    • Viral videos show her reverse lights as officers approach, possibly doing a three-point turn to escape.
  • Outcome: An ICE agent—positioned by her hood—fired several fatal shots. The car crashed into a snowbank, another vehicle, and a telephone pole.

Key Investigation Uncertainty

• The critical question: “Was she actually going toward the officer at the hood of her car, or was she attempting to change the angle of her vehicle to evade him and drive off down the road in the other direction?”
  — Julia Ainslie ([03:17])

Community Response & Escalated ICE Presence ([03:41]–[06:12])

• Large crowds gathered at the Minneapolis scene; emotions running high.
• More than 2,000 ICE agents have been deployed to the area since Sunday, following earlier surges.
• Local sentiment: Many residents—especially those speaking to NBC affiliates—sympathize strongly with the deceased woman and feel federal agents “have seriously crossed a line.”
• ICE activity surge attributed to a high-profile fraud investigation targeting members of the Somali community.

The Spark: Fraud Allegations and Social Media ([04:21]–[06:12])

• Since 2022, 98 individuals charged with fraud related to child care and supplemental benefits, many of Somali descent.
• Right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley visited ten daycares, claiming fraud—his video gained 100 million+ views but was largely debunked by state investigations.
• Political Ramifications: Despite debunked claims, HHS cut daycare funding to Minnesota and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem dispatched 2,000 ICE agents.
  • “Are we looking at immigration related violations or are we looking at fraud here?” — Julia Ainslie ([05:29])
• Fallout includes Governor Tim Walz’s announcement not to seek re-election, possibly due to the political furore.

Fact Check: Citizenship and Community Context ([07:17]–[07:48])

• Over 90% of Minneapolis' Somali community are citizens, many naturalized decades ago after fleeing war.

Local Officials and Rising Tension ([07:48]–[08:37])

• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demands ICE leave:

  • “ICE get the f--- out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.” — Mayor Jacob Frey ([07:58])

• Situation is becoming a national flashpoint with no signs of de-escalation from the White House; protests expected to intensify into the night.

Main Story 2: US Seizes Oil Tankers Amid Venezuela-Russia Tensions

What Happened? ([10:09]–[11:44])

• Courtney Kube, NBC News Senior National Security Correspondent breaks down two recent seizures:
  • Tanker 1 (“Bella One”):
    • Departed Venezuela, seized off Europe (near Ireland & England) after eluding US authorities.
    • Refused initial boarding attempts, traveled east before being intercepted by the US Coast Guard and taken into US custody.
  • Tanker 2 (“Sofia”):
    • Also left Venezuela, seized in the Caribbean, likely en route to the US (possibly Texas).

Broader Context: Venezuela & US Military “Leverage” ([11:44]–[13:38])

• The seizures follow the recent dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
  • “We haven’t seen any true degradation of the US military presence there...they’re calling this ‘military leverage’ instead of deterrence, which is a really different distinction.” — Courtney Kube ([12:24])
• Presence maintained partly as a contingency for additional operations or to interdict future smuggling.

Russia’s Involvement and International Fallout ([13:38]–[15:00])

• One tanker was Russian-flagged, prompting sharp criticism from Moscow.
  • Russia claims the vessel was temporarily flagged, rendering the seizure an international violation. The US disputes this.
• These actions further inflame US–Russia tensions, particularly given Russia’s close diplomatic and trading relationship with Venezuela.
  • “That’s one of the things the Trump administration is openly talking about—they want to change the influence in Venezuela now that they believe that they have a major say over policy of the government there.” — Courtney Kube ([16:41])

Tanker Details: Flagging, Cargo, and Trading Ties ([15:00]–[17:01])

• Vessel “flagging” akin to car registration; ships can be “flagged” by one nation but owned/registered elsewhere, enabling the evasion of sanctions or scrutiny.
• The “Bella One” was believed to carry oil but was apparently empty upon seizure.
• Russia and Venezuela remain “big trading partners” and maintain strong diplomatic ties; Trump administration is particularly concerned with increasing influences of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and China in Venezuela and the region.

Quick Headlines & Notable Updates ([17:06]–[18:31])

• Nick Reiner Arraignment Postponed: Defense attorney Alan Jackson steps back; Reiner faces charges for the fatal stabbing of his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner.
• Iran Protests:
  • Economic meltdown after war; 1 US dollar now equals 1.46 million rial.
  • “I've seen protests since 2009, and these completely feel different. Poor areas across the country are coming to the streets.” — Amin Khodadodi, NBC Producer in Tehran ([17:49])
• Warner Brothers Discovery Bidding War:
  • Paramount’s bid rejected for being riskier than Netflix’s lower offer.
  • President Trump to personally review merger outcomes.
• New Food Pyramid:
  • Trump administration doubles recommended protein, elevates meats/dairy to the top.
  • “Come on, you gotta love some cheese.” — Yasmin Vossoughian, lightheartedly ([18:30])
  • Nutrition experts voice concern over the increased emphasis on red meat and full-fat dairy.

Notable Quotes

• Julia Ainslie:

  “What does seem clear is that DHS was very quick to call this an act of domestic terrorism. They're saying it's the fault of Democratic Governor Tim Waltz and...the mayor of the city.” ([03:23])

• Mayor Jacob Frey:

  “ICE get the f--- out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.” ([07:58])

• Courtney Kube:

  “We haven’t seen any true degradation of the US military presence [off Venezuela]...they’re calling this ‘military leverage’ instead of deterrence, which is a really different distinction.” ([12:24])

• Amin Khodadodi (from Tehran):

  “The rial is losing value every day, making business nearly impossible...I think the coming days will be very challenging.” ([17:49])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:12] – Introduction: Minneapolis shooting and ICE presence
• [01:46–03:41] – Julia Ainslie explains the shooting, competing narratives
• [03:41–06:12] – Community reactions, ICE surge, and fraud allegations
• [06:12–07:17] – Fact-checking fraud, YouTube influence, and political fallout
• [07:17–08:37] – Somali American community, Mayor’s statement, escalation
• [10:09–11:44] – US oil tanker seizures: sequence of military actions
• [11:44–13:38] – Venezuela context, ongoing US presence, “military leverage”
• [13:38–16:41] – Russian flagging, international consequences, Venezuela trade ties
• [17:06–18:31] – Quick headlines: Nick Reiner, Iran protests, Warner Bros. deal, new food pyramid

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode delivers a brisk, news-dense rundown of top stories, blending urgent breaking news with political analysis and on-the-ground reporting. Yasmin Vossoughian’s tone is clear, urgent, and sometimes conversational, balancing hard news with the approachable brevity “Here’s the Scoop” promises.

The episode underscores how local incidents—like the ICE shooting—quickly become political flashpoints, while global power dynamics are playing out in real time on the high seas and in shaken economies. The importance of deciphering truth amid viral misinformation and government posturing is a throughline.

For listeners who missed the show:
This summary captures the central events and perspectives from today's “Here’s the Scoop,” outlines the key moments, and includes the context you need to stay informed about why these evolving stories matter nationally and globally.