NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-11-2026 10AM EST
Date: January 11, 2026
Host: Luis Schiavone

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode covers major international and domestic developments as of January 11, 2026. Key stories include escalating U.S.-Cuba-Venezuela relations, unrest in Iran, continued violence in Syria, updates from the Russia-Ukraine war, a preview of the Golden Globes awards ceremony, and an unusual incident in Boston during an NHL game.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S., Cuba, and Venezuela Relations

[00:35–01:47]

• President Trump announced Venezuela will halt all support to Cuba, including oil and financial aid.
• Trump's message, delivered via social media, warned Cuba's leadership to "make a deal before it's too late," referencing Cuba's severe ongoing economic crisis (blackouts, food, gas shortages).
• The U.S. has seized Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro and stepped up the blockade on oil tankers, boarding three vessels since Maduro's ouster.
• Carrie Kahn (NPR) reports from Bogota:
  • “Cuba is suffering its greatest economic crisis in decades… it relies heavily on Venezuelan oil and without, experts warn the economy could collapse, leading to widespread suffering and social unrest.”
  • Growing U.S. pressure could destabilize both Cuba and the wider region.

2. Unrest and Crackdown in Iran

[01:47–03:16]

• Thousands protested in Tehran and other Iranian cities; chants of “death to America” dominated recent parliamentary sessions.
• Iran’s attorney general warned protest participants could be charged as “enemies of God,” a capital offense.
• President Trump declared U.S. support for Iranian protesters, and human rights groups report over 100 casualties—with hospitals overwhelmed.
• Michelle Kellerman (NPR) summarizes:
  • “Videos have been circulating online of security forces using live fire against the protesters.”
  • Protests ignited by economic collapse; Israeli and U.S. officials are in contact, and Iran threatens retaliation against Israel and U.S. bases if attacked.

3. U.S. Strikes ISIS in Syria

[03:16–03:30]

• U.S. Central Command confirms airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria, in retaliation for last month’s ambush that killed two American soldiers and one civilian.
• No further details given in this briefing.

4. Russia-Ukraine War Update

[03:30–04:00]

• Russian claims: Ukrainian drone attack in Voronets damaged homes, a school, and killed one.
• Ukraine: Russian bombardment killed at least four people in Kyiv.

5. Golden Globes Awards Preview

[04:00–04:45]

• Ceremony airs on CBS/Paramount, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.
  • Nikki Glaser [04:08]: "You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren't going to ruin anyone's night. But people at home want you to make fun of the A listers."
• This year’s film nominee leader: Paul Thomas Anderson’s dark comedy action thriller.
• TV: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 earns six drama nominations.
• Notable: A new podcast category, with NPR’s own ‘Up First’ among the contenders.

6. Boston Bruins NHL Game Incident

[04:45–05:07]

• At a packed TD Arena, a fight broke out in the stands during a Bruins-Rangers game.
• Eye-witness Carrie Blythe reports:
  • [04:57] “We noticed that the section kind of emptied out, which was weird because the game was fully packed. And then when we looked ahead, there were a lot of Boston police officers. The detectives came. They started bagging up some evidence.”
• One man fell from a balcony; another was arrested.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Cuba/Venezuela:
  • [00:58] “But not anymore... I strongly suggest they make a deal before it's too late.”
• Carrie Kahn on Cuba's Crisis:
  • [01:19] “Cuba is suffering its greatest economic crisis in decades... it relies heavily on Venezuelan oil and without, experts warn the economy could collapse.”
• Michelle Kellerman on Iran’s Protest Response:
  • [02:33] “Videos have been circulating online of security forces using live fire against the protesters.”
• Nikki Glaser on Awards Show Humor:
  • [04:08] “You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren't going to ruin anyone's night. But people at home want you to make fun of the A listers.”
• Carrie Blythe on NHL Game Incident:
  • [04:57] “We noticed that the section kind of emptied out, which was weird because the game was fully packed… Boston police officers... detectives came... bagging up some evidence.”

Timeline of Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------|:--------------:| | U.S.-Cuba-Venezuela Relations | 00:35–01:47 | | Protests/Crackdown in Iran | 01:47–03:16 | | U.S. Strikes ISIS in Syria | 03:16–03:30 | | Russia-Ukraine War Update | 03:30–04:00 | | Golden Globes Preview | 04:00–04:45 | | Boston Bruins Fight in Stands | 04:45–05:07 |

This NPR News Now episode offers a succinct, comprehensive snapshot of rapidly developing stories around the world, with timely updates on political tensions, conflict, cultural events, and a striking moment from American sports.