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

Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on key national and global news stories, including Congressional oversight at a Minnesota ICE center, ongoing protests in Iran, the state of the U.S. job market and stock indices, NFL playoffs, and the aftermath of a catastrophic Texas flood. The tone is factual and urgent, offering listeners fast-moving coverage of top headlines.

Congressional Oversight Blocked at ICE Detention Center

[00:35 – 01:32]

• Three Minnesota Democratic Representatives Blocked:
  Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison attempted a pre-arranged visit to a St. Paul ICE detention center following the fatal shooting of Renee Goode by an ICE officer.
• Denied Access:
  The lawmakers were initially allowed inside, but quickly told to leave by officials.
  • Rep. Ilhan Omar:

    “What happened today is a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties.” [01:11]

• Reason for Denial:
  Facility staff claimed denial was because it was funded by the “Big Beautiful Bill Act”—a rationale disputed by the representatives.

Nationwide Immigration Protests & International Unrest in Iran

[01:32 – 02:28]

• U.S. Immigrants’ Rights Protests:
  Over a thousand demonstrations are planned across the country from New York City to Portland to Minneapolis, calling attention to immigrant rights and recent ICE actions.
• Iranian Protests Intensify:
  Anti-government protests endure across Tehran and other regions with communication blackouts in place.
  • Rising Toll:
    At least 72 people have died, according to a U.S.-based human rights organization.
  • Legal Crackdown:
    The Attorney General of Iran threatens protesters could be charged as “an enemy of God.”
    • Notable Quote:

      “Participating in mass demonstrations could result in protesters being charged as, quote, an enemy of God.” — [01:58; summarized]

  • Origins of Protest (Jackie Northam):

    “This was started at the end of November, December, when shopkeepers turned out in large numbers to protest against the economy. Inflation is red hot, close to 50%, and the local currency, the Riel, has lost half its value since September. But you know, the economy is often the trigger for protests in Iran, but this one quickly spread.” [02:08]

• U.S. Response:
  Former President Trump commented on Truth Social that “Iran is looking at freedom perhaps like never before. The U.S. stands ready to help.” [02:28]

Economic Update: Sluggish Job Growth & Market Rebound

[02:28 – 03:28]

• Jobs Data:
  December 2025 saw just 50,000 jobs added — the worst annual hiring total since the pandemic, with hiring down over 70% from 2024.
• Market Performance:
  • Investors remained optimistic regardless of jobs data.
  • Market Gains:
    • S&P 500: +1.6%
    • NASDAQ: +1.9%
    • Dow Jones: +2.3%
  • Energy Sector:
    • Chevron shares jumped nearly 4% after the ouster of Venezuela’s president.
    • U.S. gasoline prices declined from the previous week.
  • Scott Horsley summary:

    “Investors mostly shrugged off the report from the Labor Department…The ouster of Venezuela's president gave a modest boost to oil company stocks...” [02:49]

NFL Playoffs Kickoff

[03:44 – 04:26]

• Wild Card Weekend:
  First two of six playoff games launched, covering Jan 10-12.
  • Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers opens the round.
  • “104-year-old rivalry” — Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers resumes at Soldier Field in Chicago.
  • Regional Broadcast: Airing restricted to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay; others must stream via Amazon Prime Video or similar services.
  • Playoff Path:
    Pro football playoffs to continue through to Super Bowl on February 8th.
  • Chuck Kornbach, reporting:

    “Despite the expected intensity of the game, it’s only being broadcast over the air in Chicago, Milwaukee and Green Bay...” [03:44]

Six Months After Kerrville, Texas Flood Tragedy

[04:26 – end]

• Flood Disaster Recap:
  Six months since a deadly flood near Kerrville, TX, claimed over 130 lives (including nearly 30 children) along the Guadalupe River.
• Survivor Spotlight:
  Joe and Lillian Herrera—rescued from rising floodwaters by neighbors—share their story of survival and gratitude:
  • Joe Herrera, living with Parkinson’s, says:

    He prays daily, “thankful for what he has.” [summarized, ~04:35]

• Community Impact:
  Local editor Louis Amistoy notes the lasting emotional toll:

  • “The beauty and the calmness of that river, to see the damage that it’s done, it’s really hard for people to understand.” [~04:50]

Memorable Quotes

• Ilhan Omar [01:11]:
  “What happened today is a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties.”
• Jackie Northam [02:08]:
  “This was started at the end of November, December, when shopkeepers turned out in large numbers to protest against the economy. Inflation is red hot...this one quickly spread.”
• Louis Amistoy [~04:50]:
  “The beauty and the calmness of that river, to see the damage that it’s done, it’s really hard for people to understand.”

This episode efficiently highlights pressing social, economic, and political issues, blending reporting with direct voices from those at the heart of the news. It provides a snapshot of American and international affairs in early 2026.