NPR News Now: 01-10-2026 10AM EST

Date: January 10, 2026
Host: NPR News Team
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise episode of NPR News Now delivers a roundup of the hour’s most urgent news stories from around the globe. The main themes include ongoing unrest in Iran, a controversial police-involved shooting in Minneapolis, another shooting with alleged gang connections in Portland, the impact of the flu season in the U.S., regulatory challenges facing Texas’ booming AI data center industry, and an update on the deadly Swiss bar fire.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iranian Protests Intensify

[00:25 – 01:27]

• Protests have entered their second week, with thousands on the streets chanting “death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Authorities warn that protestors will be treated as “enemies of God”—a capital offense.
• Casualties: Human rights groups report dozens killed and hundreds detained by security forces.
• The Iranian regime is perceived as especially vulnerable due to a crumbling economy and lingering effects from last summer’s Israeli attack, which weakened Iran’s military and killed senior security officials.
• International tension: President Trump has warned of U.S. retaliation if Iran kills protesters. Khamenei responded, suggesting Trump should "concentrate on problems in the US instead."
• Quote:
  • Jackie Northam [00:42]: “Friday's protests were some of the largest since Iranians first turned out on the streets about two weeks ago… The regime is particularly vulnerable. The economy is crumbling and Iran's military was weakened after Israel attacked last summer.”

2. Shooting in Minneapolis Sparks Federal-State Tension

[01:27 – 01:49]

• A Minnesota prosecutor calls for the public’s help in submitting evidence related to the killing of Renee Good by an immigration agent.
• State senators are urging the Justice Department to include state police in the investigation.
• Political friction:
  • Democratic Senators Smith and Klobuchar: By excluding state authorities, the investigation’s legitimacy is questioned; bystander video allegedly contradicts federal claims.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance dismisses local involvement:
    • Quote:
      • Vice President J.D. Vance [01:49]: “A bunch of radicals in Minneapol should have no part in the investigation.”

3. Controversy Over Border Patrol Shooting in Portland, Oregon

[02:09 – 03:06]

• Two people shot and wounded by Border Patrol are alleged by federal officials to be associates of a Venezuelan gang. That characterization is disputed by one of the victims’ attorneys.
• Local law enforcement and federal statements both allege gang connections.
• Counterpoint from the public defender:
  • Quote:
    • Fidel Casino Decloux [02:43]: “The shooting by federal officers and the subsequent accusations leveled against the victims of that shooting follow a well worn playbook that the government has developed to justify the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of its agents.”
• Both individuals remain in stable condition and in federal custody. The FBI leads the investigation.

4. U.S. Flu Season Update

[03:06 – 03:38]

• Over 15 million flu cases reported in what is called a “moderately severe” season.
• The CDC urges the sick to stay home until fever and major symptoms resolve.

5. Texas’ Booming AI Data Centers Strain Regulators

[03:38 – 04:25]

• Texas is rapidly expanding its AI data center infrastructure (over 400 centers), raising environmental concerns.
• The state commission tasked with environmental oversight is reportedly stretched thin.
• Former regulator’s warning:
  • Quote:
    • Catherine Guerra [04:04]: “The TCEQ doesn't have near the resources it needs to enforce the permits that it's issuing, and that should be really concerning for policymakers and for communities.”
• While additional state funding has been provided, it falls short of agency requests—raising the likelihood of regulatory lapses affecting pollution and water supply.

6. Deadly Swiss Bar Fire Investigation

[04:25 – 05:04]

• Background: Over 40 people died in a New Year’s Day fire at a bar in Crans-Montana.
• Update: Owner Jacques Moretti is now in pre-trial detention along with his wife.
• Authorities allege negligence, noting that required safety checks had not been conducted.
• Moretti and his wife pledge to cooperate fully.
• 116 others were injured, many severely.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jackie Northam (on Iran):
  "Friday's protests were some of the largest since Iranians first turned out on the streets about two weeks ago… The regime is particularly vulnerable. The economy is crumbling and Iran's military was weakened after Israel attacked last summer." [00:42]

• VP J.D. Vance (on Minneapolis shooting probe):
  "A bunch of radicals in Minneapol should have no part in the investigation." [01:49]

• Fidel Casino Decloux (Oregon public defender):
  "The shooting by federal officers and the subsequent accusations leveled against the victims of that shooting follow a well worn playbook that the government has developed to justify the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of its agents." [02:43]

• Catherine Guerra (former TCEQ employee on Texas data centers):
  "The TCEQ doesn't have near the resources it needs to enforce the permits that it's issuing, and that should be really concerning for policymakers and for communities." [04:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Protests: 00:25 – 01:27
• Minneapolis Shooting Investigation: 01:27 – 01:49
• Border Patrol Shooting in Portland: 02:09 – 03:06
• Flu Season Update: 03:06 – 03:38
• AI Data Centers in Texas: 03:38 – 04:25
• Swiss Bar Fire Update: 04:25 – 05:04

This summary captures the tone and essential facts reported in this fast-paced NPR newscast, providing clear context, quotes, and timestamps for those needing a thorough briefing.