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

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major global and domestic events, focusing on escalating tensions in Iran, political responses to the upheaval in Venezuela, a debate over school prayer in Texas, diplomatic friction concerning Somaliland and Taiwan, and the passing of Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Iran Warns U.S. & Israel over Protest Crackdown

• Tensions escalate as Iran signals intentions to retaliate against potential U.S. or Israeli attacks, amid ongoing lethal crackdowns on countrywide protests.

• Over 100 have died and thousands detained as unrest, stemming from economic discontent, intensifies and spreads nationwide.

• Iran’s Threat:

  • The parliament speaker warns U.S. and Israeli facilities could become "legitimate targets for preemptive strikes" if signs of imminent attack arise ([00:47]).
  • The Iranian military, weakened post-"12 Day War" with Israel the previous June, appears braced for confrontation.

• International Response:

  • Former President Trump asserts via social media: "The US stands ready to help," and promises a strong response if protesters are harmed ([01:00]).

  "The protests that began at the end of December over the economy have quickly spread to all corners of Iran, with people shouting death to the dictator, meaning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei."
  — Jackie Northam, [01:20]

2. U.S. Senate Pushback on Venezuela Operations

• Background: One week after U.S. forces ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, bringing them to the U.S. to face charges, dissent surfaces in Washington.

• Bipartisan Senate Move: Five Republican Senators join Democrats to pass a War Powers act measure, aiming to curtail presidential military authority ([01:28]).

• The bill passes 52-47 but faces unlikely prospects of becoming law ([01:53]).

• Trump's Reaction:

  • Demands political retribution against the GOP dissenters: "Trump called for all five Republicans who voted with the Democrats to lose their seats.” ([01:53])
  • Notably, only Susan Collins of Maine is up for reelection this year.

  "Trump does not seem to be in any danger of losing his base or Republican support in Congress over Venezuela."
  — NPR Host, [01:57]

3. Texas School Boards Pressured on Prayer Policy

• New legislation requires Texas public school boards to vote on setting aside school time for prayer or Bible reading ([02:37]).
• Faith Leaders' Response: 160+ Texas faith leaders urge boards not to support the measure, warning it is unnecessary and potentially problematic.
• Notable Perspective:
  Reverend Laura Mayo of Houston:

  "One of my professors in Graduate School, Rev. Dr. James Dunn, used to say as long as there are math tests, there'll be prayer in school. Students can already pray. They can already form religious clubs. This is not needed. It does not solve a problem. It creates problems."
  — Rev. Laura Mayo, [02:54]

• Deadline for board votes: March 1, 2026 ([03:11]).

4. China Opposes Somaliland–Taiwan Ties Following Israel Recognition

• After Israel formally recognizes Somaliland, China reinforces its support for Somalia and denounces what it calls Somaliland’s “collusion” with Taiwan seeking independence ([03:19]).

• Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, while touring Africa, restates Beijing’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity ([03:42]).

• Background: Taiwan, itself claimed by China, is reportedly welcoming Israel’s move.

  "China supports Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty... Beijing opposed what he claimed as Somaliland's collusion with Taiwan authorities to seek independence."
  — Michael Kaloki, [03:46]

5. Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead Dies at 78

• Legendary guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, passes away ([04:26]).
• Noted for his influence on the 1960s counterculture and enduring musical legacy:
  • Formed the group with Jerry Garcia in 1964.
  • The Grateful Dead inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994); received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2007).
• Remembered as a pivotal figure in American music.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Iranian Protests:

  "[The protests] have quickly spread to all corners of Iran, with people shouting death to the dictator..."
  — Jackie Northam, [01:20]

• Senate Defiance:

  "Trump called for all five Republicans who voted with the Democrats to lose their seats."
  — NPR Host, [01:53]

• On School Prayer:

  "As long as there are math tests, there'll be prayer in school. Students can already pray... This is not needed. It does not solve a problem. It creates problems."
  — Rev. Laura Mayo, [02:54]

Important Timestamps

• Iran's Military Warnings & Protest Crackdown: [00:24] – [01:28]
• Senate Pushback on Venezuela Operations: [01:28] – [02:12]
• Texas School Prayer Policy Debate: [02:37] – [03:19]
• China, Somaliland, and Taiwan Diplomacy: [03:19] – [04:26]
• Bob Weir Tribute: [04:26] – [05:04]

This NPR News Now episode succinctly covers key international flashpoints, American legislative friction, First Amendment debates in schools, shifting diplomatic alliances in Africa, and the end of an era in music history. Each story is delivered with clarity, urgency, and contextual relevance.