NPR News Now – January 10, 2026, 9AM EST

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This episode delivers a concise, comprehensive overview of key headlines shaping the U.S. and global landscape as of the morning of January 10, 2026. Stories include ongoing nationwide protests over immigration enforcement, tensions after a controversial U.S. presidency statement about Greenland, developments in Ukraine and Russia, U.S. economic updates, progress in U.S.–Venezuela relations, warnings from the UN regarding Uganda's upcoming elections, and major entertainment award announcements.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nationwide Protests Against Immigration Enforcement

[00:16–01:24]

• Following a high-profile incident in Minneapolis—where a woman, Renee Nicole Goode, died during a fatal encounter with a federal immigration agent—protests and vigils have emerged across the country.
• Hundreds attended a multi-faith vigil at the Minnesota Capitol, marked by public mourning and calls for resistance among diverse religious groups.
  • Faith leaders from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other communities have increasingly monitored immigration enforcement activities over the past year.
  • They urged responding to fear with love and unity, rather than division.
• Notable Quote:
  • “We stand here with our beautiful differences and in unity with our grief and determination. And we stand here because Renee Nicole Goode was murdered by forces of evil.”
    — Rabbi Jason Rhodic [00:56]
  • “We are Minnesota.”
    — Rabbi Jason Rhodic [00:47]

2. U.S. Presidential Statement on Greenland Met With International Criticism

[01:24–02:07]

• Canada's former ambassador to the UN, Bob Ray, forcefully criticized President Trump's renewed push to acquire Greenland, describing the rhetoric as "gunboat diplomacy" and "an abuse of power."
  • He emphasized that U.S. security interests involving Greenland should be addressed through NATO, not unilateral pressure or crisis creation.
  • Ray noted the economic motivations for such moves, arguing they primarily serve U.S. interests and those of individuals close to the president.
• Notable Quote:
  • “I don’t know why people are afraid to describe what’s really happening... Everything that Trump does has an economic component. It’s about the interests of the U.S. and investors close to the president.”
    — Bob Ray, former Canadian UN Ambassador [01:42]

3. Conflict Escalations: Ukraine and Russia

[02:07–02:32]

• Ukraine conducted a drone strike on a Russian oil depot in the Volgograd region, intensifying cross-border hostilities.
• This action followed increased Russian bombardment in Ukraine the previous day, signaling ongoing military escalation without signs of de-escalation.

4. U.S. Economic and Market Updates

[02:32–03:11]

• Job market data disappointed, with the December growth showing only 50,000 new jobs, making 2025 the worst year for hiring since the pandemic began.
  • Full-year job growth was down over 70% compared to 2024.
  • Despite weak jobs data, major stock indexes posted gains:
    • S&P 500: +1.6%
    • NASDAQ: +1.9%
    • Dow Jones: +2.3% (closing at 49,504)
  • Chevron stocks rallied nearly 4% following political change in Venezuela.
  • Retail gasoline prices are lower compared to the previous week.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Investors mostly shrugged off the report from the Labor Department showing U.S. employers added just 50,000 jobs in December.”
    — Scott Horsley, NPR [02:32]

5. Warming Relations: U.S. and Venezuela

[03:11–03:57]

• Following the ousting of Venezuela’s president, a U.S. delegation is in Caracas to explore steps—both technical and logistical—toward reopening the U.S. Embassy.
• Venezuelan officials are calling for both nations to address what they term "illegal aggression," a reference to sanctions and prior diplomatic actions.
• Diplomatic relations had been severed since 2019.

6. UN Warns of Election Repression in Uganda

[03:57–04:36]

• With Uganda’s elections imminent, the UN Human Rights Office reported repression and intimidation:
  • Opposition leaders have been arrested and detained.
  • Restrictions on free speech and assembly are widespread.
  • Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term; opposition supporters report abductions and suppression by security forces, with live ammunition used on peaceful gatherings.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The U.N. report claims that in the lead-up to the elections, the country’s security forces have abducted opposition supporters and used live ammunition to disperse peaceful gatherings.”
    — Michael Kaloki, NPR [04:18]

7. Entertainment: Pre-Golden Globes Honors

[04:36–04:55]

• Helen Mirren received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for career achievement.
• Sarah Jessica Parker was honored with the Carol Burnett Award for her life in television.

Memorable Moments & Speaker Quotes

• “We stand here with our beautiful differences and in unity with our grief and determination. And we stand here because Renee Nicole Goode was murdered by forces of evil.”
  — Rabbi Jason Rhodic [00:56]

• “I don’t know why people are afraid to describe what’s really happening... Everything that Trump does has an economic component. It’s about the interests of the U.S. and investors close to the president.”
  — Bob Ray [01:42]

• “Investors mostly shrugged off the report from the Labor Department showing U.S. employers added just 50,000 jobs in December.”
  — Scott Horsley [02:32]

• “The U.N. report claims that in the lead-up to the elections, the country’s security forces have abducted opposition supporters and used live ammunition to disperse peaceful gatherings.”
  — Michael Kaloki [04:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:16] – Protests and multi-faith vigil in Minneapolis
• [01:24] – Canadian ambassador on Trump and Greenland
• [02:07] – Ukrainian drone strike in Russia
• [02:32] – U.S. jobs report and market summary
• [03:11] – U.S. diplomatic mission to Venezuela
• [03:57] – UN report on Uganda election repression
• [04:36] – Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker honored

This NPR News Now episode provides a sharp, authoritative, and human-centered snapshot of breaking headlines, blending global affairs, domestic debates, economic trends, and moments of cultural recognition.