NPR News Now – 8AM EST, January 11, 2026

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a compact, five-minute update on significant national and international news developments as of the morning of January 11, 2026. Major stories covered include nationwide protests following a deadly ICE shooting, escalating tensions and protests in Iran, a tragic family shooting in Mississippi, ongoing violence in Ukraine and Russia, wildlife poisoning in Kenya, and a new proposal by President Trump for a cap on credit card interest rates.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Nationwide Protests over Minneapolis ICE Shooting

[00:23–01:31]

• Main Story:
  • Protests erupted in multiple cities after a deadly ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) shooting in Minneapolis.
  • The confrontation between Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident, and ICE officers turned fatal when shots were fired into her vehicle.
  • The ICE agent involved, Jonathan E. Ross, was identified and remains under investigation.
  • The Trump administration’s immediate attribution of blame to Renee Good fueled public outrage.
  • Approximately 500 demonstrations were planned nationwide under the banner “ICE Out for Good.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Protesters ire has been raised by the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday." – Bruce Konviser [00:55]
  • "Public anger was fueled further when Trump administration officials almost immediately began blaming Good for the shooting." – Bruce Konviser [01:11]

2. Iran Unrest and Escalating International Tensions

[01:31–02:26]

• Main Story:
  • Iranian officials warn of harsh retaliation if the U.S. or Israel take military action amid rising protests across Iran.
  • Over 100 people have reportedly been killed and thousands detained by Iranian security forces.
  • Iran’s parliament threatened U.S. and Israeli military facilities with preemptive strikes if an attack seemed imminent.
  • President Trump reiterated via social media the U.S. would "hit hard" if Iran harms protesters, stating readiness to help.
  • The protests, initially about Iran’s economy, have broadened, with chants of "death to the dictator" targeting the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Iran's parliament speaker said Tehran would consider U.S. military facilities and Israel legitimate targets for preemptive strikes..." – Jackie Northam [01:45]
  • "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..." – Jackie Northam [02:16]

3. Mass Shooting in Clay County, Mississippi

[02:26–03:15]

• Main Story:
  • Derek Moore, 24, is accused of killing multiple family members, including a child, across three locations in Clay County, Mississippi.
  • Victims listed: Moore’s father, brother, uncle, and a seven-year-old child.
  • Charges are expected to escalate from first-degree to multiple capital murder charges.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Emotional reaction from a family member on the inconceivable nature of the tragedy:
    • "Just to be there looking at these family members trying to... grieving the loss of their loved one and then finding out who it was that committed this. Another family member. I mean, it was overwhelming." – Family Member [02:50]

4. Ongoing Violence: Russia-Ukraine & Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kenya

[03:15–04:36]

• Ukraine-Russia Conflict:

  • Continued bombings and drone attacks in Russian and Ukrainian territories.
  • Ukrainian drone strike in Voronets, Russia, damaged homes, buildings, and killed one person.
  • Russian bombardment in Kyiv killed at least four.

• Lion Poisoning in Kenya:

  • Two arrested for poisoning six lions and 34 vultures in Amboseli National Park via a tainted cow carcass.
  • Surge in human-wildlife conflict attributed to severe drought and urban encroachment, resulting in increased animal–and human–deaths.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "The killing of wildlife and poaching are considered serious crimes, with offenders facing 20 years in jail or fines of up to $120,000." – Emanuel Egunza [03:55]
  • "More than 44 people killed, including eight trampled by a herd of elephants last month." – Emanuel Egunza [04:18]

5. U.S. Politics: Trump Proposes Cap on Credit Card Interest Rates

[04:36–04:57]

• Main Story:
  • President Trump introduced a proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, aiming for implementation by January 20th.
  • The credit card industry’s response has been “not enthusiastic,” but the White House expects Republican congressional backing.
  • The proposal could offer significant financial relief, potentially saving Americans “tens of billions of dollars.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Protesters ire has been raised by the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday."
  — Bruce Konviser [00:55]

• "Public anger was fueled further when Trump administration officials almost immediately began blaming Good for the shooting."
  — Bruce Konviser [01:11]

• "Iran's parliament speaker said Tehran would consider US Military facilities and Israel legitimate targets for preemptive strikes..."
  — Jackie Northam [01:45]

• "Just to be there looking at these family members trying to... grieving the loss of their loved one and then finding out who it was that committed this. Another family member. I mean, it was overwhelming."
  — Family Member [02:50]

• "The killing of wildlife and poaching are considered serious crimes, with offenders facing 20 years in jail or fines of up to $120,000."
  — Emanuel Egunza [03:55]

Structure & Flow

This episode weaves together urgent topics from domestic unrest and shocking violence, to volatile international relations and environmental crises, all set against the backdrop of ongoing political maneuvering in the U.S. The tone remains matter-of-fact and concise, providing listeners with a broad yet focused overview of pressing issues as of January 11, 2026.