NPR News Now – January 7, 2026, 3PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an up-to-date snapshot of major national and global developments, including escalating tensions between Minneapolis officials and federal immigration agents, a historic shift in U.S. dietary guidelines, trade friction between Japan and China, bold U.S. military actions against shipping in the Caribbean, and the latest major media acquisition bid involving Warner Bros. Discovery. These stories are highlighted through short field reports and direct quotes from key officials.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Minneapolis Mayor Condemns Federal ICE Operations

[00:17–01:35]

• Reporting by Lakshmi Singh and Ximena Bustillo describes how Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticizes the presence and actions of ICE agents after a protester was fatally shot during a confrontation.
• Differing accounts: ICE claims the woman drove at officers, justifying lethal force; Homeland Security frames the incident as domestic terrorism.
• Mayor Frey denounces both the operation and its impact on city safety and community trust.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jacob Frey ([00:25]): “To ICE: Get the 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.”
  • Jacob Frey ([01:20]): “What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust.”

2. Sweeping Changes to U.S. Dietary Guidelines

[01:35–02:29]

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveils a new food pyramid, shifting away from restrictions on meat, dairy, and saturated fats.
• Guidelines limit added sugars; encourage whole foods, healthy proteins, and fats. “We are ending the war on saturated fats,” Secretary Kennedy says.
• The new policies will affect school meals, military bases, and federal food aid.
• Notable Quote:
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([02:09]): “Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines. We are ending the war on saturated fats.”

3. Japan Protests Chinese Export Ban

[02:29–03:12]

• Japan responds to China’s export ban on dual-use technologies, which may include rare earth minerals essential for industries.
• Japan’s Foreign Ministry demands the withdrawal of the ban, calling it discriminatory and contrary to international norms.
• China defends the ban as a legitimate security measure and continues to pressure Japan on Taiwan-related remarks.
• Notable Quote:
  • NPR Report ([02:36]): “The ministry noted that the ban only targets Japan. It runs counter to international practice and is unacceptable.”

4. U.S. Military Seizures Target Venezuela and Russia

[03:12–04:04]

• U.S. European Command reports seizure of motor tanker Sofia, allegedly running illicit operations in the Caribbean and supporting Venezuela.
• A Russian-flagged tanker, the Bella, also seized after a long Coast Guard pursuit.
• The U.S. military reportedly apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a raid; they are to be tried in New York for drug trafficking.

5. Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Ellison Family Acquisition Bid

[04:04–04:51]

• Warner Bros. Discovery rejects a massive bid from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s family, despite personal guarantees of $40 billion and plans to merge with Paramount to challenge streaming giants.
• Company chairman Sam Di Piazza declares the proposed deal less attractive than Netflix’s offer, citing regulatory risks and deal structure.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sam Di Piazza ([04:31]): “So in our perspective, Netflix continues to be the superior offer, a clear path to closing.”

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Minneapolis/ICE Confrontation & Protests: 00:17–01:35
• U.S. Dietary Guidelines Reset: 01:35–02:29
• Japan–China Export Dispute: 02:29–03:12
• US Military Interdiction (Venezuela/Russia): 03:12–04:04
• Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Bid: 04:04–04:51

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey ([00:25]):
  “To ICE: Get the out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here… you are doing exactly the opposite [of providing safety].”
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ([02:09]):
  “Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged... We are ending the war on saturated fats.”
• Sam Di Piazza, Warner Bros. Discovery ([04:31]):
  “Netflix continues to be the superior offer, a clear path to closing.”

This episode compresses major developments into a rapid-fire but substantial briefing, balancing urgent domestic stories with significant international and business news. The reporting maintains NPR’s sober, fact-based delivery with strong direct quotations from figures at the center of the unfolding events.