NPR News Now – 4AM EST, January 10, 2026

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update delivers a concise roundup of the latest national and international headlines, with a particular focus on protests following ICE-related shootings, U.S. refugee policy, jobs data, a Mississippi shooting, developments in educational AI, UK storm disruptions, and college football news.

Key News Segments & Insights

[00:17] Nationwide ICE Protests & Rising Tensions

• Protests are planned across the country in response to two separate ICE-related shootings in Minnesota and Portland.

  • In Minnesota, officials are investigating a shooting death.
  • In Portland, a man and a woman were shot; both are stable but now in federal custody.

• Quote – Mayor Keith Wilson, Portland (as reported by Martin Kosti):
  "There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past..." [00:44]
  This reflects the deepening mistrust of federal authorities, notably Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

• Revival of Anti-ICE Protests:
  Public anger is reigniting around ICE operations, echoing protests from the previous summer.

[01:02] DHS to Review Refugee Status – Focus on Minnesota

• DHS initiates refugee reviews:

  • 5,600 refugees in Minnesota, not yet granted lawful permanent residency, will be subject to background checks and interviews by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Some cases are being referred to ICE.
  • Refugees already undergo years of vetting by multiple agencies before U.S. entry.

• Historical Context:

  • "The U.S. refugee program is expected to admit a historically low number of refugees this year, with a priority on white South Africans." – Ximena Bustillo [01:48]

[01:53] December Job Report: Slow Growth, Changing Sectors

• Hiring slowed nationwide:

  • Only 50,000 new jobs added last month.
  • Job cuts in factories, construction, business services, and—despite the holiday rush—even in retail (down 25,000 jobs).

• Long-term context:

  • "Employment gains for all of last year were the smallest since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic put millions of people out of work." – Scott Horsley [02:19]
  • Net jobs added for the year: under 600,000 (compared to 2 million the previous year).
  • Unemployment rate down to 4.4%, attributed largely to workforce dropouts.

[02:43] Mississippi Shooting: West Point Incident

• Police Update:
  • A suspect is in custody after a deadly overnight shooting in West Point.
  • Several fatalities reported; details pending a morning news conference.

[02:54] Financial Markets Recap

• Stocks up across the board:
  • Dow Jones: +237 points
  • NASDAQ: +191 points
  • S&P 500: +44 points

[03:10] AI in American Schools: Opportunities & Equity Concerns

• AI tools spreading rapidly:

  • Used for lesson planning, tutoring, etc.
  • Quote – Sonia Tiwari, independent AI-in-education researcher:
    "Many school districts are jumping in without clear policies or equal access." [03:30]

• Equity Issues:

  • AI could create disparities depending on district-level resources.
  • "The experience for the child will completely change," warns Windsor Johnston [03:40].
  • Tiwari adds that AI has transformative potential, "but only if resources are there." [03:51]

• Potential for Good:

  • AI could be a great equalizer if used for tutoring in under-resourced families.
  • "Schools need a plan to make sure AI helps every student, not just those with early access." – Sonia Tiwari [04:06]

[04:14] UK Storm Upends Rail, Power

• Major storm (winds up to 99 mph) disrupts rail service and causes power outages in southern England and northern France.
• Storm meets arctic air—snow for northern UK, especially Scotland.

[04:34] Sports Update: College Football

• Indiana will play Miami in the national championship game January 19th.
• Highlight: Fernando Mendoza’s five touchdown passes carry Indiana over Oregon (56–22), marking Indiana’s first-ever championship appearance.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Portland Mayor Keith Wilson (via Martin Kosti) on ICE skepticism:
  "There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past..." [00:44]

• Ximena Bustillo on refugee admissions:
  "The U.S. refugee program is expected to admit a historically low number of refugees this year, with a priority on white South Africans." [01:48]

• Sonia Tiwari on educational AI:
  "Many school districts are jumping in without clear policies or equal access." [03:30]
  "It could have an equalizing effect if it's used as tutor in scenarios where...the average family cannot afford private tutors." [03:57]
  "Schools need a plan to make sure AI helps every student, not just those with early access." [04:06]

Timestamps – Quick Reference

• [00:17] – ICE shootings and protest response
• [01:02] – DHS begins refugee status reviews
• [01:53] – December jobs report
• [02:43] – Mississippi shooting
• [02:54] – Stock market update
• [03:10] – AI in schools: promises and risks
• [04:14] – UK storm disrupts services
• [04:34] – Indiana advances in college football

This snapshot covers the most pressing news with NPR’s hallmark clarity and balance—ideal for listeners who need a quick, comprehensive update on the world’s top stories.