NPR News Now – January 11, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: The episode covers major national and international news headlines, focusing on protests against immigration enforcement in Minnesota and across the US, unrest in Iran, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, US housing policy proposals from President Trump, community tension regarding ICE agents, and US military activity in Syria.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Protests Erupt After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

[00:15 – 01:12]

• Incident: Thousands are protesting in Minnesota and cities nationwide after Renee Goode, a 37-year-old woman, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
• Context: The protests, now in their fourth day, are a direct response to President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
• Community Response: Protestors call for honoring Renee Goode and express strong opposition to ICE presence in Minnesota.
  • Notable Quote:
    “They want to honor the life of Renee Good...and to send the Trump administration a message that ICE agents are not welcomed in their state.”
    – Sergio Martinez Beltran [00:34]
• Escalation: The Trump administration vows to continue the crackdown, deploying 2,000 federal immigration agents, with more on the way.

2. Iran's Growing Anti-Government Protests Amid Economic Turmoil

[01:12 – 01:50]

• Development: Internet blackout persists as tens of thousands protest economic decline—raging inflation (~50%) and a collapsing currency (the rial).
• Origins: The movement began with shopkeepers protesting in late November/early December and expanded rapidly from economic to broader anti-government discontent.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Inflation is red hot, close to 50%, and the local currency, the rial, has lost half its value since September.”
    – Jackie Northam [01:31]
• Repression: Human rights groups report civilian deaths and hundreds of detentions by Iranian security forces.

3. Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Infrastructure

[01:50 – 02:34]

• Event: Ukrainian drone strikes set fire to an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region.
• Context: Occurs a day after Russia’s missiles disrupt Kyiv’s power. No casualties reported.
• Significance: Ukraine hopes to undercut Russia’s oil revenue that funds its invasion.

4. Trump Proposes Ban on Institutional Investors Purchasing Single Family Homes

[02:34 – 03:13]

• Proposal: To reduce housing prices, President Trump suggests banning institutional investors from buying single-family homes—a policy he seeks to have codified by Congress.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Inflation has put the American dream of homeownership out of reach for many.”
    – Jennifer Ludden, paraphrasing Trump [02:34]
• Analysis: Past efforts have failed. While corporate landlords are criticized for raising rents and outbidding buyers, experts say they own only a small share of homes. The real issue is low housing supply.

5. Hilton Worker Fired After TikTok Post About ICE Agents

[03:13 – 04:15]

• Incident: "Gia," a TikTok user and Hilton valet worker in Dallas, was fired for warning the public via social media that ICE agents were staying at her hotel.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Quite frankly, I don’t really care if I lose my job...because I care more about your families.”
    – Gia, TikTok user [03:35]
• Aftermath: Her video triggered calls for a boycott and highlighted community tensions following Minneapolis’ shooting incident.
• Context: Demonstrations against ICE actions have also flared in Dallas.

6. US Expands Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

[04:15 – 04:30]

• Military Action: The Pentagon confirms the US carried out major strikes on multiple ISIS targets in Syria.
• Trigger: This is a response to a deadly ISIS attack last month that killed two US soldiers and an interpreter.

7. Trump Pushes for Credit Card Interest Rate Cap

[04:30 – 04:56]

• Announcement: President Trump proposes a 1-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates, aiming for quick enactment.
• Uncertainty: It’s unclear whether this will be an executive order or need congressional approval.

Memorable Quotes & Attributions

• "They want to honor the life of Renee Good...and to send the Trump administration a message that ICE agents are not welcomed in their state."
  – Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News, Minneapolis [00:34]

• “Inflation is red hot, close to 50%, and the local currency, the rial, has lost half its value since September.”
  – Jackie Northam, NPR [01:31]

• “Inflation has put the American dream of homeownership out of reach for many.”
  – President Trump (paraphrased by Jennifer Ludden) [02:34]

• “Quite frankly, I don’t really care if I lose my job...because I care more about your families.”
  – Gia, Hilton worker [03:35]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis Protests & ICE Shooting: 00:15 – 01:12
• Iran Economic Protests & Blackout: 01:12 – 01:50
• Ukraine/Russia: Oil Depot Strike: 01:50 – 02:34
• Trump Housing Policy Proposal: 02:34 – 03:13
• Dallas Hilton/ICE TikTok Incident: 03:13 – 04:15
• US Strikes on ISIS in Syria: 04:15 – 04:30
• Trump Credit Card Cap Proposal: 04:30 – 04:56

Tone & Summary

The episode’s tone is urgent but measured, rapidly moving across significant national and international news. The focus on immigration enforcement, international unrest, and policy proposals reflects sharp divides and ongoing tensions both in the US and abroad.

The concise format provides snapshots of each headline, with short on-the-ground and expert commentary from NPR correspondents and sources.