NPR News Now: January 10, 2026 – 8AM EST

Overview

This five-minute episode from NPR News Now delivers rapid updates on key national and global stories as of the morning of January 10, 2026. Major topics include a developing immigration enforcement controversy in Minnesota, Israel’s posture on US military aid, escalating protests and Internet blackout in Iran, strategic attacks in the Ukraine-Russia war, public health recommendations for flu season, and a surprising study about canine intelligence.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Immigration Controversy and Protests in Minneapolis

[00:25–01:36]

• Incident:

  • Minnesota authorities and the Department of Homeland Security are seeking public evidence related to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, during an incident with an immigration agent.
  • This incident has intensified scrutiny and opposition to ongoing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations.

• Public Response:

  • Protests and rallies in Minneapolis and other US cities are being organized in response to both Renee Good’s death and the federal immigration crackdown.
  • Demonstrators gathered outside a hotel reportedly hosting ICE agents, with plans for more protests throughout the weekend.

• Insightful Quote:

  • "People here told me they want to send the Trump administration a couple of messages: one, they're still mourning the death of Renee Good, and that they don't want immigration agents in their community."
    — Sergio Martinez Beltran [01:12]

2. Israel’s Plan to Reduce US Military Aid Dependency

[01:36–02:33]

• Netanyahu’s Statement:

  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, after meeting with President Trump in Florida, indicated Israel hopes to taper off US military aid within the next decade, highlighting the country’s growing self-reliance.
  • While no concrete deadlines were given, this represents a shift from the current 10-year US-Israel defense agreement ($3.8 billion/year since the Obama administration).

• Context:

  • Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s “incredible capabilities” and ongoing development.
  • The discussion occurs as an Israeli election year looms and Netanyahu underscores his relationship with the US President.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "He told the US leader that Israel has come of age and developed, quote, ‘incredible capabilities.’"
    — Michelle Kellerman [01:54]

3. Protests and Internet Blackout in Iran

[02:33–03:18]

• Spread of Protests:

  • Originating from anger over rising inflation, demonstrations have expanded countrywide.
  • The Iranian government imposed a nationwide Internet blackout, now entering its second day.

• Attempts to Contain:

  • The blackout is intended to prevent the spread of protest footage to international media and to stymie organizer coordination.
  • Limited video evidence is still emerging, particularly from the capital, potentially via alternative connections like Starlink.

• Notable Quote:

  • "They don't want them to send like videos and footage to the international media. And in the past, we've seen when the Internet is down, the shutdown kind of escalate and the government intensified the crackdown."
    — Sara Namjoo, BBC [02:47]

4. Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Facility Amid Power Grid Attacks

[03:18–03:53]

• Conflict Update:
  • Ukraine targeted a Russian oil depot in Volgograd region with a drone, sparking a fire.
  • The move is aligned with Kyiv’s broader approach to weaken Russian energy infrastructure, in retaliation to ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine’s power grid.

5. Public Health – Flu Season Guidance

[03:53–04:39]

• Seasonal Outlook:

  • Over 15 million Americans have contracted the flu in what’s described as a “moderately severe” season.

• Advice from Experts:

  • Vaccination remains critical, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • Preventative steps: maintain distance from the ill, ventilate indoor spaces, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • If sick, follow CDC guidelines by staying home until fully recovered to prevent further spread.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "The CDC recommends staying home until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are getting better. That could help you mend faster and protects others from getting infected."
    — Ping Wang [04:28]

6. Science Snapshot – Gifted Dogs and Toy Names

[04:39–05:03]

• Study Findings:

  • New research in Science highlights that some unusually intelligent (“gifted”) dogs can learn the names of new toys by simply overhearing people talk— a skill previously documented in only a few animal species like parrots and apes.

• Playful Closing Remark:

  • "Scientists say only so called gifted dogs, like yours and mine obviously, have that ability."
    — Luis Schiavone [04:53]

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• "People here told me they want to send the Trump administration a couple of messages: one, they're still mourning the death of Renee Good, and that they don't want immigration agents in their community."
  — Sergio Martinez Beltran, [01:12]

• "He told the US leader that Israel has come of age and developed, quote, ‘incredible capabilities.’"
  — Michelle Kellerman, [01:54]

• "They don't want them to send like videos and footage to the international media. And in the past, we've seen when the Internet is down, the shutdown kind of escalate and the government intensified the crackdown."
  — Sara Namjoo, BBC, [02:47]

• "The CDC recommends staying home until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are getting better. That could help you mend faster and protects others from getting infected."
  — Ping Wang, [04:28]

• "Scientists say only so called gifted dogs, like yours and mine obviously, have that ability."
  — Luis Schiavone, [04:53]

Episode Flow and Timestamps

• [00:25] – Immigration enforcement controversy and Minneapolis protests (Luis Schiavone, Sergio Martinez Beltran)
• [01:36] – Israel discusses decreasing US military aid reliance (Luis Schiavone, Michelle Kellerman)
• [02:33] – Iranian protests and information blackout (Luis Schiavone, Sara Namjoo)
• [03:18] – Ukrainian drone strike on Russian energy site (Luis Schiavone)
• [03:53] – Flu season update and health guidance (Luis Schiavone, Ping Wang)
• [04:39] – Canine intelligence research (Luis Schiavone)
• [05:03] – Episode ends (non-content sponsor message begins)

Tone

True to NPR’s signature style: clear, concise, factual, and measured, with correspondents reporting from the field and offering human perspectives alongside official updates. The tone remains earnest even when occasional lightness (e.g., “gifted dogs, like yours and mine obviously”) slips in.

A brisk and informative snapshot of ongoing events, this episode will leave listeners up to date with headlines and context on politics, public health, international unrest, and even a quirky science story—all before they finish their morning coffee.