NPR News Now — January 11, 2026, 11PM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
This episode delivers concise updates on international diplomatic tensions, European defense shifts, nationwide U.S. protests over immigration policy, Olympic team selections, and the latest box office rankings.

1. Iran Protests & U.S. Response

[00:19–01:24]

• Escalation in Iran: President Trump revealed Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat of military action following reports of protester deaths in Iran.
  • Trump said, “we may still take action first,” even as talks with Iranian officials are ongoing and the protest death toll reportedly exceeds 540.
• Background on Iranian Protests:
  • Willem Marx reports on how the late December protests began among Tehran shopkeepers reacting to economic hardship and currency collapse.
  • Protests have spread nationwide with deaths “climbing sharply” and “thousands detained in the clashes between these demonstrators and security forces.”
  • The movement has evolved: “Protesters are not just demanding economic relief anymore. Many are chanting anti government slogans.”
• Memorable Moment:
  • Widespread nature of the protests emphasized, highlighting both the scale of dissent and the authorities’ response.

2. EU Push for Independent Security Framework

[01:24–02:18]

• EU’s Defensive Stance:
  • The EU’s top defense official, Andreas Kubelius, urges the bloc to establish its own Security Council due to uncertainty in U.S.-European relations.
  • Terry Schultz reports:
    • Kubelius references the “new US Security strategy, which de emphasizes the transatlantic relationship,” Trump’s intervention in Venezuela, and intentions regarding Greenland as signs of shifting U.S. priorities.
  • Quote [01:50]:
    • Andreas Kubelius: “The times of Pax Americana is over. We need to be defence ready inside NATO, but with much less American presence in Europe.”
  • Proposal includes rotating membership and possibly including the UK.
  • Quote [02:06]:
    • Andreas Kubelius: “I believe it’s now an urgent task to turn this idea into reality.”
  • First step: “increase support for Ukraine.”

3. U.S. Immigration Protests Nationwide

[02:18–03:15]

• Scale of Demonstrations:
  • “At least 1,000 events” nationwide as part of “Ice out for Good Weekend of Action” demanding accountability in immigration enforcement.
  • Major activity in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, D.C. (outside ICE headquarters and the White House); Philadelphia saw “about 500 demonstrators.”
  • All events remained peaceful; “no arrests.”
• Official Response:
  • DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the agency’s stance:
    • Quote [03:08]:
      • “The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly, not rioting, assault and destruction… [we’re] taking measures to protect public safety and its officers.”
  • Tone: Government cautious but affirming protest rights.

4. U.S. Olympic Freeski & Snowboard Team Announcements

[03:15–04:22]

• Team Selections in Aspen:
  • Three new team members named after four days of U.S. Grand Prix competition.
  • Hunter Hess (Oregon) secures spot after 2nd in men’s freeski halfpipe.
  • Jake Cantor (Colorado) qualifies with 1st in men’s snowboard slopestyle.
  • Svea Irving (Colorado) joins women’s halfpipe freeski team; all are first-time Olympians.
• Athlete Perspective:
  • Quote [03:54]:
    • Olympic Athlete: “The Olympics is a dream for all of us in action sports. Being able to go and represent my country and be on the biggest stage in front of everyone and show what we’re all capable of means the world to me.”
  • Full team not yet finalized.

5. Box Office Report

[04:22–04:58]

• Avatar: Fire and Ash remains number one for the fourth week, earning $21.3M, with $342M domestic and $888M worldwide.
• New Releases:
  • Primate debuts at $11.3M (2nd place).
  • The Housemaid close behind with $11.2M.
  • Zootopia earns $10.1M.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Andreas Kubelius on EU Defense [01:50]:

  “The times of Pax Americana is over. We need to be defence ready inside NATO, but with much less American presence in Europe.”

• Andreas Kubelius on EU Security Council [02:06]:

  “I believe it’s now an urgent task to turn this idea into reality.”

• DHS Spokesperson on Protests [03:08]:

  “The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly, not rioting, assault and destruction.”

• Olympic Athlete on Making the Team [03:54]:

  “The Olympics is a dream for all of us in action sports… means the world to me.”

Summary Table of Timestamps

| Segment | Start Time | |-----------------------------------|------------| | Iran Protests & U.S. Response | 00:19 | | EU Security Push | 01:24 | | U.S. Immigration Protests | 02:18 | | Olympic Team Announcements | 03:15 | | Box Office Report | 04:22 |

This concise news roundup spotlighted ongoing international unrest, European strategic recalibration, activism over U.S. immigration, American Olympic ambitions, and the continued dominance of blockbuster films — encapsulating key stories shaping national and global discussions tonight.