NPR News Now – January 10, 2026, 10PM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Jeanine Hurst
Date: January 11, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the day’s most pressing U.S. and international news: protests over an ICE shooting in Minneapolis, a mass shooting in Mississippi, Greenland’s resistance to U.S. claims, unrest in Iran, the death of rock legend Bob Weir, and the Washington National Opera’s departure from the Kennedy Center.

Main Stories & Key Discussion Points

1. Protests Erupt Over ICE Agent Shooting in Minneapolis

[00:18–01:33]

• Protests are ongoing across the U.S. in response to the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
• Immigrant rights groups have organized hundreds of demonstrations nationwide, from New York to Portland.
  • In Portland, federal officers shot two protesters earlier in the week.
• Three Minnesota Democratic Members of Congress (Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison) were denied access to visit an ICE detention center in St. Paul, leading to controversy about oversight and transparency.
• Increased Homeland Security presence has been reported in the Twin Cities.

Notable Quotes:

• Rep. Ilhan Omar, after being denied entry:

  “What happened today is a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties.” (Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, quoting Omar, [01:10])

• Clay Masters, on the situation:

  “The lawmakers say they were told their denial is because the facility was... funded by the Big Beautiful Bill act, which they dispute.” ([01:22])

2. Mass Shooting Arrest in Mississippi

[01:33–01:59]

• Derecka Moore, 24, was arrested in Clay County, Mississippi, accused of killing six people—including immediate family and a child.
• The murders occurred at three separate locations.
• Moore faces an upgraded charge to “capital murder,” with more charges expected.
• No motive has been released; the preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Notable Quotes:

• Sheriff Eddie Scott:

  “Moore is currently charged with first degree murder. That charge will be upgraded here shortly to captive murder with additional murder charges forthcoming.” ([01:47])

3. Greenland Rejects U.S. Attempts at Annexation

[01:59–02:57]

• President Trump has reiterated claims he intends to take over Greenland.
• In response, all political leaders of Greenland (an autonomous Danish territory) issued a forceful joint statement rejecting U.S. plans and emphasizing self-determination.
• A recent Danish poll finds almost 40% believe the U.S. could launch a military invasion during Trump’s term.

Notable Quotes:

• Greenland’s leadership joint statement:

  “The United States’ disregard for our country must come to an end.”
  “We do not wish to be Americans. They went on. We do not wish to be Danes. We wish to be Greenlanders.” (Terri Schultz reporting, [02:20])

4. Ongoing Unrest in Iran Amid Communications Blackout

[02:57–03:32]

• Protests continue in Iran over severe economic issues.
• Internet and phone outages persist.
• Official reports: dozens killed, over 2,300 people detained.
• Iran’s Supreme Leader warns that protesters could face death penalty charges.
• President Trump threatens severe retaliation against Iran in case of protester deaths.

5. Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead Dies at 78

[03:32–04:17]

• Bob Weir, co-founder of the iconic Grateful Dead, has died from underlying lung complications.
• He was acclaimed for his musical innovation—his “cowboy guitar licks and throaty vocals”—and for shaping the sound of American jam bands since the 1960s.
• Weir remained active with various configurations of the band following Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, ensuring their enduring legacy.

Memorable Tribute:

• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento:

  “For decades, Weir and his bandmates transformed their improvisational, psychedelic sound from an output of San Francisco’s hippie scene to a massively appealing subculture across the country and around the world.” ([03:32])

6. Washington National Opera Leaves Kennedy Center

[04:17–04:58]

• The Washington National Opera announced its departure from the Kennedy Center after 54 years.
• Reasons: sharp declines in attendance and donations since President Trump’s second term began.
• Trump, now chairman of the Kennedy Center, replaced the board and rebranded the center with his name, prompting a series of artistic groups to depart.
• The opera has secured new venues in Washington for future performances.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis ICE Shooting Protests: [00:18–01:33]
• Mississippi Mass Shooting Arrest: [01:33–01:59]
• Greenland Rejects U.S. Takeover: [01:59–02:57]
• Iran Protests and Communications Shutdown: [02:57–03:32]
• Bob Weir Obituary: [03:32–04:17]
• Washington National Opera Exits Kennedy Center: [04:17–04:58]

The episode delivers a succinct yet powerful roundup of the escalating tensions and changes in national and international affairs, marked by the enduring impact of political power, protest, and cultural loss.