NPR News: 01-10-2026 8AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 10, 2026 – 8AM EST

Overview

This five-minute episode from NPR News Now delivers rapid updates on key national and global stories as of the morning of January 10, 2026. Major topics include a developing immigration enforcement controversy in Minnesota, Israel’s posture on US military aid, escalating protests and Internet blackout in Iran, strategic attacks in the Ukraine-Russia war, public health recommendations for flu season, and a surprising study about canine intelligence.

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Key News Stories and Insights

1. Immigration Controversy and Protests in Minneapolis

[00:25–01:36]

• Incident:

  • Minnesota authorities and the Department of Homeland Security are seeking public evidence related to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, during an incident with an immigration agent.
  • This incident has intensified scrutiny and opposition to ongoing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations.

• Public Response:

  • Protests and rallies in Minneapolis and other US cities are being organized in response to both Renee Good’s death and the federal immigration crackdown.
  • Demonstrators gathered outside a hotel reportedly hosting ICE agents, with plans for more protests throughout the weekend.

• Insightful Quote:

  • "People here told me they want to send the Trump administration a couple of messages: one, they're still mourning the death of Renee Good, and that they don't want immigration agents in their community."
    — Sergio Martinez Beltran [01:12]

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2. Israel’s Plan to Reduce US Military Aid Dependency

[01:36–02:33]

• Netanyahu’s Statement:

  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, after meeting with President Trump in Florida, indicated Israel hopes to taper off US military aid within the next decade, highlighting the country’s growing self-reliance.
  • While no concrete deadlines were given, this represents a shift from the current 10-year US-Israel defense agreement ($3.8 billion/year since the Obama administration).

• Context:

  • Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s “incredible capabilities” and ongoing development.
  • The discussion occurs as an Israeli election year looms and Netanyahu underscores his relationship with the US President.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "He told the US leader that Israel has come of age and developed, quote, ‘incredible capabilities.’"
    — Michelle Kellerman [01:54]

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3. Protests and Internet Blackout in Iran

[02:33–03:18]

• Spread of Protests:

  • Originating from anger over rising inflation, demonstrations have expanded countrywide.
  • The Iranian government imposed a nationwide Internet blackout, now entering its second day.

• Attempts to Contain:

  • The blackout is intended to prevent the spread of protest footage to international media and to stymie organizer coordination.
  • Limited video evidence is still emerging, particularly from the capital, potentially via alternative connections like Starlink.

• Notable Quote:

  • "They don't want them to send like videos and footage to the international media. And in the past, we've seen when the Internet is down, the shutdown kind of escalate and the government intensified the crackdown."
    — Sara Namjoo, BBC [02:47]

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4. Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Facility Amid Power Grid Attacks

[03:18–03:53]

• Conflict Update:
  • Ukraine targeted a Russian oil depot in Volgograd region with a drone, sparking a fire.
  • The move is aligned with Kyiv’s broader approach to weaken Russian energy infrastructure, in retaliation to ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine’s power grid.

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5. Public Health – Flu Season Guidance

[03:53–04:39]

• Seasonal Outlook:

  • Over 15 million Americans have contracted the flu in what’s described as a “moderately severe” season.

• Advice from Experts:

  • Vaccination remains critical, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • Preventative steps: maintain distance from the ill, ventilate indoor spaces, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • If sick, follow CDC guidelines by staying home until fully recovered to prevent further spread.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "The CDC recommends staying home until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are getting better. That could help you mend faster and protects others from getting infected."
    — Ping Wang [04:28]

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6. Science Snapshot – Gifted Dogs and Toy Names

[04:39–05:03]

• Study Findings:

  • New research in Science highlights that some unusually intelligent (“gifted”) dogs can learn the names of new toys by simply overhearing people talk— a skill previously documented in only a few animal species like parrots and apes.

• Playful Closing Remark:

  • "Scientists say only so called gifted dogs, like yours and mine obviously, have that ability."
    — Luis Schiavone [04:53]

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Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• "People here told me they want to send the Trump administration a couple of messages: one, they're still mourning the death of Renee Good, and that they don't want immigration agents in their community."
  — Sergio Martinez Beltran, [01:12]

• "He told the US leader that Israel has come of age and developed, quote, ‘incredible capabilities.’"
  — Michelle Kellerman, [01:54]

• "They don't want them to send like videos and footage to the international media. And in the past, we've seen when the Internet is down, the shutdown kind of escalate and the government intensified the crackdown."
  — Sara Namjoo, BBC, [02:47]

• "The CDC recommends staying home until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are getting better. That could help you mend faster and protects others from getting infected."
  — Ping Wang, [04:28]

• "Scientists say only so called gifted dogs, like yours and mine obviously, have that ability."
  — Luis Schiavone, [04:53]

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Episode Flow and Timestamps

• [00:25] – Immigration enforcement controversy and Minneapolis protests (Luis Schiavone, Sergio Martinez Beltran)
• [01:36] – Israel discusses decreasing US military aid reliance (Luis Schiavone, Michelle Kellerman)
• [02:33] – Iranian protests and information blackout (Luis Schiavone, Sara Namjoo)
• [03:18] – Ukrainian drone strike on Russian energy site (Luis Schiavone)
• [03:53] – Flu season update and health guidance (Luis Schiavone, Ping Wang)
• [04:39] – Canine intelligence research (Luis Schiavone)
• [05:03] – Episode ends (non-content sponsor message begins)

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Tone

True to NPR’s signature style: clear, concise, factual, and measured, with correspondents reporting from the field and offering human perspectives alongside official updates. The tone remains earnest even when occasional lightness (e.g., “gifted dogs, like yours and mine obviously”) slips in.

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A brisk and informative snapshot of ongoing events, this episode will leave listeners up to date with headlines and context on politics, public health, international unrest, and even a quirky science story—all before they finish their morning coffee.

Transcript

[Scott Carter]

On Ye Gods with Scott Carter here from the Faithful.

[Ping Wang]

I told my very Catholic mother that.

[Michelle Kellerman]

She needs to meet Jesus the faithless. I just so don't believe in God and the fearless.

[Luis Schiavone]

Serve people, connect with people. That's how we thrive.

[Scott Carter]

If life's a mystery, we investigate who done it.

[Michelle Kellerman]

I pray to the humor God.

[Scott Carter]

Listen religiously to Ye Gods with Scott Carter, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Luis Schiavone]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Luis Schiavone. A Minnesota prosecutor is calling on the public to share with investigators any recordings and evidence connected to the fatal incident involving an immigration agent and Minneapolis woman, Renee Good. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security is continuing its immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities. In Minneapolis, as in other locations across the nation, people are slated to rally in response to Good's death and against ice operations. NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran has more from Minneapolis.

[Sergio Martinez Beltran]

People in Minneapolis continue to protest President Trump's immigration crackdown in the city and in the state of Minnesota. And they're doing it in the streets. You can hear in the background there is a noise demonstration outside a hotel in downtown Minneapolis where organizers say ICE agents are staying. And people here told me they want to send the Trump administration a couple of messages, one that they're still mourning the death of Renee Goode and that they don't want immigration agents in their community. More protests are expected over the weekend. The Trump administration has said it will continue its immigration crackdown in the state of Minnesota. Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News, Minneapolis.

[Luis Schiavone]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he thinks Israel will be able to wean itself off US Military aid over the next decade. He made the comments in an interview with the Economist. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.

[Michelle Kellerman]

Netanyahu was recently in Florida visiting President Trump and says he told the US Leader that Israel has come of age and developed, quote, incredible capabilities. In the interview with the Economist, the Israeli leader did not set any specific deadlines, but he he says he wants to taper off the military aid within the next 10 years. The US and Israel signed a 10 year commitment during the Obama administration that amounts to about $3.8 billion a year, much of it in grants to buy U.S. military equipment. Netanyahu is Israel's longest serving prime minister, but this could be a challenging election year for him. He often touts his relationship with President Trump. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Luis Schiavone]

Protests that began in Iran over rising inflation have now spread across the country. And as the BBC Sara Namjoo reports, a nationwide Internet blackout now in its second day, is doing little to quell the unrest.

[Sara Namjoo]

They don't want them to send like videos and footage to the international media. And in the past, we've seen when the Internet is down, the shutdown kind of escalate and the government intensified the crackdown. We are receiving kind of a few videos from the capital and other cities, mostly the capital, because I think people have more access to potentially a starlink or other source of communication, but it's very, very limited.

[Luis Schiavone]

The BBC, Sara Namjoo, this is NPR News in Washington. A Ukrainian drone strike earlier today sparked a fire at an oil depot in Russia's Volgograd region. According to regional authorities, the attack is part of Ukraine's strategy targeting Russ energy sites. Russia, in turn, has been targeting Ukraine's power grid. More than 15 million people have gotten sick with flu in what federal officials are describing as a moderately severe flu season. NPR's Ping Wang has some tips for staying healthy as flu season continues for.

[Ping Wang]

Several more weeks, there's still time to get a flu vaccine, especially for people who are older or have medical conditions that make them more vulnerable. The shot, which is covered by insurance, prepares the immune system to fight the virus so you're less likely to develop serious illness or have to go to the hospital if you get exposed to flu. Another way to prevent infection is to put more distance between yourself and people who are sick and to air out your indoor spaces by opening windows or using an air filter and cleaning countertops, door handles and other frequently touched surfaces. If you do get sick, like many of us have, the CDC recommends staying home until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are getting better. That could help you mend faster and protects others from getting infected. Ping Huang, NPR News.

[Luis Schiavone]

A study published this week in the journal Science finds that some dogs are so smart they can learn the names of new toys by eavesdropping. The skill previously had been observed in very few animals, including parrots and apes. Scientists say only so called gifted dogs like yours and mine obviously have that ability. I'm Louise Schiavone, NPR News, Washington.

[Scott Carter]

Listen to this podcast sponsor, free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now +@ +npr.org. that's +npr.org.