NPR News Now – January 10, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: Breaking news and top stories in U.S. and world affairs

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of the latest global and national news, including U.S. policy decisions, social unrest, public safety, and international developments as of January 10, 2026. The show captures major headlines with input from reporters on major stories, highlighting political events, social movements, and major incidents from around the world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Oil Companies and Venezuela

President Trump’s White House Meeting with Oil Executives

• Trump met with over a dozen oil company leaders to discuss the future of oil production in Venezuela, emphasizing significant private, not government, spending.
  • Key Quote:

    “Our giant oil companies will be spending at least $100 billion of their money, not the government's money. They don't need government money, but they need government protection.”
    — President Trump [00:35]

• Trump implied there is strong competition for Venezuelan opportunities, and firms unwilling to invest would be replaced.
• Industry Pushback:
  Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, raised concerns:
  • Venezuela previously seized ExxonMobil assets twice.
  • He stated Venezuela is currently "uninvest[able]."

2. Shooting by ICE Agents Sparks Protests

Community Response in Minneapolis, Broader Immigration Crackdown

• Minnesota’s prosecutor asks the public for evidence after ICE's fatal shooting of Renee Goode.
• Separate shooting incident in Portland has fueled multi-city protests.
• On-the-ground reporting:
  Sergio Martinez Beltran describes Minneapolis activism:
  • Protesters rally outside a downtown hotel believed to house ICE agents.
  • Protesters are mourning Renee Goode and demanding ICE's removal.
  • More protests are planned; the Trump administration maintains commitment to its crackdown.
  • Key Quote:

    “People here told me they want to send the Trump administration a couple of messages. One that they're still mourning the death of Renee Goode and that they don't want immigration agents in their community.”
    — Sergio Martinez Beltran [01:29]

3. Justice Department Targets Public Benefits Fraud

Administration Forms New Position Amid Criticism

• Trump administration intensifies focus on fraud in public benefit programs.
• Critics argue many fraud claims are unsubstantiated, but experts see inherent risks, especially given complex oversight structures:
  • Many benefits are administered by states using federal funds, weakening accountability.
    • Key Quote:

      “This is the same reason why you don't wash rental cars, right?”
      — Matt Weidiger, American Enterprise Institute [02:34]

  • Heavy involvement of private contractors adds to vulnerability.
    • Key Quote:

      “Once you make that choice, then that… also invites more opportunities for bad apples.”
      — Don Moynihan, University of Michigan [02:47]

  • Moynihan warns that politicizing the fraud issue may undermine legitimate efforts and public trust.

4. Other Noteworthy Events

• Markets Update:

  • Stocks rose on Friday, with the Dow Jones industrial average up by 237 points. [03:06]

• Deadly Fire in Swiss Bar

  • Owner Jacques Moretti detained as a flight risk after New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana killed 40+ people, over half teenagers.
  • Investigation ongoing for homicide by negligence and poor safety checks.
  • French and Italian presidents joined Swiss mourners.
    — Terry Schultz [03:26]

• Storms Disrupt UK and France

  • Major storm with winds up to 99 mph leaves tens of thousands without power in southern England and northern France.
  • Disruptions to rail and airport services. [04:05]

• Russian Attacks on Ukraine

  • Overnight bombardments kill at least four in Kyiv, with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles.
  • Comes amid reported progress on a possible peace framework for Ukraine.
  • European leaders denounce latest Russian escalation. [04:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on oil investment:
  “They don't need government money, but they need government protection.” [00:40]

• Darren Woods (ExxonMobil) on Venezuela:
  (Summarized) — Venezuela is uninvestable due to previous asset seizures.

• Protester sentiment in Minneapolis:
  “People here told me... they're still mourning the death of Renee Goode and that they don't want immigration agents in their community.”
  — Sergio Martinez Beltran [01:29]

• Public benefits oversight:
  “This is the same reason why you don't wash rental cars, right?”
  — Matt Weidiger [02:34]

• Expert on outsourcing public benefits:
  “Once you make that choice, then that... also invites more opportunities for bad apples.”
  — Don Moynihan [02:47]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• White House & Venezuela oil deals: 00:16–01:06
• ICE shooting & protests in Minneapolis: 01:06–02:07
• Benefits fraud & administration response: 02:07–03:06
• Swiss bar fire, arrests and aftermath: 03:06–04:05
• Storms in UK/France, Ukraine attacks: 04:05–04:55

This rapid news episode delivers sharp updates on American policies, domestic unrest, European tragedies, and global crises—summarizing the critical stories driving current events at the start of January 2026.