NPR News Now - January 11, 2026, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of national and international news, covering escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. military action in Syria, diplomatic controversy over Greenland, Golden Globes preview, a tragic shooting in Mississippi, and the passing of a musical icon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions and Protests in Minneapolis

Timestamps: [00:18] – [01:12]

• Iran Issues Warning to the U.S.

  • Iran’s parliament speaker warns President Trump: any U.S. attack on Iran will prompt Iran to strike Israel.
  • This warning follows Trump’s threats to strike Iran if protester deaths continue during nationwide demonstrations.

• Minneapolis Protest After ICE Shooting

  • The death of Renee Goode, 37, at the hands of an ICE agent sparked large protests, echoing the trauma from the George Floyd case.
  • Sergio Martinez Beltran reports live from Minneapolis:
    • “Residents here told me that they're sad, angry, and hurt. And there's this feeling that this shooting could have the same effect and inflict as much trauma as the killing of George Floyd…” (Martinez Beltran, [00:58])
  • About 1,000 protesters were present; protests were mostly peaceful, with 29 arrests for property damage.

2. U.S. Military Strikes in Syria

Timestamps: [01:12] – [02:16]

• Response to Deadly ISIS Ambush

  • U.S. Central Command announced multiple large-scale strikes on ISIS in Syria, working with local partner forces, including new participation from the Syrian government.
  • Kurdish fighters were previously primary U.S. partners; now, the Syrian government is directly involved.
  • Key capture: ISIS Levant military leader.
  • The operation is in response to a December ambush in Palmyra that killed two Iowa National Guardsmen and an American interpreter.

• Notable Reporting:

  • “Syrian officials say their security forces have arrested the military leader of ISIS operations in the Levant.” (Quil Lawrence, [01:51])
  • Names of soldiers killed: Sergeant Edgar Bryan Torres Tovar and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard.

3. Diplomatic Flare-Up: U.S. Interest in Greenland

Timestamps: [02:16] – [03:14]

• Canadian Critique of Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
  • Former Canadian UN ambassador Bob Wray criticizes President Trump’s attempts to take over Greenland, calling it “an obvious abuse of power.”
  • Wray alleges U.S. motives center on economic interests over national security.
  • He warns that Trump’s approach resembles “gunboat diplomacy,” could damage U.S. credibility, and risks undermining NATO.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “[Trump’s actions are] creating a crisis and then stealing resources.” (Dan Karpenschuk, paraphrasing Bob Wray, [02:49])

4. Hollywood Awards Season Preview

Timestamps: [03:14] – [04:12]

• Golden Globes Preview
  • Ceremony hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, who aims for humor without mean-spiritedness:
    • “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.” (Nikki Glaser, [03:35])
  • Heavy hitters among nominees: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio.
  • Leading film category: Paul Thomas Anderson’s dark comedy action thriller.
  • Top TV nominee: The White Lotus (six drama nominations).
  • New podcast category: Amy Poehler’s show and NPR’s Up First among contenders.

5. Tragic Shooting in Mississippi

Timestamps: [04:12] – [04:41]

• Six Dead in West Point Shooting Spree
  • 24-year-old Derek Amore is in custody, accused of killing six people (including his father, brother, and uncle).
  • Multiple crime scenes; an hours-long manhunt ended in his capture.
  • Prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

6. Remembering Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead

Timestamps: [04:41] – [04:57]

• Passing of a Music Legend
  • Grateful Dead cofounder and rhythm guitarist Bob Weir has died at 78 due to lung issues.
  • Career highlights:
    • Lead vocals on several Grateful Dead tracks.
    • Led his own band, Ace, since 1972.
  • The music world mourns his loss.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Community Trauma in Minneapolis:

  • “There's this feeling that this shooting could have the same effect and inflict as much trauma as the killing of George Floyd…”
    (Sergio Martinez Beltran, [00:58])

• On U.S. Actions in Greenland:

  • “[Trump’s approach is] creating a crisis and then stealing resources.”
    (Dan Karpenschuk relaying Bob Wray, [02:49])

• Golden Globes Host Philosophy:

  • “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.”
    (Nikki Glaser, [03:35])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iranian Warning, U.S.-Iran Tensions: [00:18]
• Minneapolis Protest Coverage: [00:58]
• U.S. Syria Strikes, CENTCOM Statement: [01:34]
• Greenland Diplomatic Row: [02:31]
• Golden Globes Preview: [03:27]
• Mississippi Shooting Spree: [04:12]
• Bob Weir’s Passing: [04:41]

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk overview of the day’s most urgent stories, balancing international conflict, national upheaval, cultural anticipation, and personal loss, all in under five minutes.