NPR News Now - January 11, 2026, 12PM EST

Host: Dan Ronan
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of breaking national and international news. Major stories include Iran’s heightened tensions with the US and Israel amid ongoing domestic protests, updates on a controversial police shooting in Minnesota, the Trump administration’s funding freeze targeting Minnesota, China's reaction to new diplomatic moves involving Somaliland and Taiwan, and the Washington National Opera's severing of ties with the Kennedy Center.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Iran Warns of Harsh Response to US/Israeli Threats

[00:29–01:34]

• Protests in Iran:
  Iran has seen widespread demonstrations sparked by economic grievances, rapidly escalating into calls against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Crackdown and Causalities:
  Human rights groups estimate over 100 deaths and thousands of detentions in two weeks.
• Iran’s Warning:
  Iran’s parliament speaker threatened preemptive strikes on US and Israeli targets if an attack appears imminent.
• US Response:
  Former President Trump warned on social media that the US “will hit hard” if Iranian protestors are killed.

Notable Quote:

"Tehran would consider US Military facilities and Israel legitimate targets for preempt strikes if there are signs by either country of an imminent attack."
– Jackie Northam, NPR News ([00:53])

2. Minnesota Protests Over ICE Shooting

[01:34–02:30]

• Shooting Incident:
  Protests continue in Minnesota after the fatal shooting of Renee Goode, 37, by an ICE agent.
• Community Reaction:
  Local and state officials urge protesters to remain peaceful amid mounting federal presence.
• Federal and State Tensions:
  The FBI’s takeover of the investigation is causing frustration among state and local authorities, who now seek public help for evidence.
• Potential for Escalation:
  More federal agents may arrive, and the Governor has signaled readiness to deploy the National Guard.

Notable Quote:

"State and local authorities are not happy about that and they're now asking the public for help collecting their own evidence."
– Sergio Martinez Beltran ([01:55])

3. Trump Administration Freezes USDA Funding to Minnesota

[02:30–03:25]

• Funding Freeze:
  All USDA funding, including SNAP food aid, is suspended in Minnesota following allegations of massive fraud.
• Details:
  Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rawlins referenced a longstanding benefits scandal. The freeze affects $129 million in payments.
• Broader Impact:
  A judge temporarily blocked a larger freeze ($10 billion) in federal aid to several Democrat-led states.

Notable Quote:

"The Trump administration has alleged rampant fraud in all those states without providing evidence."
– Jennifer Ludden, NPR News ([02:39])

4. China Criticizes Somaliland–Taiwan Ties Amid Israel Recognition

[03:25–04:26]

• Somaliland Recognition:
  Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as independent provoked condemnation from Somalia and opposition from China.
• China’s Position:
  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reasserted support for Somali sovereignty and objected to Somaliland’s engagement with Taiwan.
• Taiwan's Response:
  Taiwan reportedly welcomes Israel’s move, as both regions are at odds with their respective parent states.

Notable Quote:

"China supports Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty. Yi added that Beijing opposed what he claimed as Somaliland's collusion with Taiwan authorities to seek independence."
– Michael Kaloki ([03:47])

5. Washington National Opera Cuts Ties with Kennedy Center

[04:26–05:08]

• Arts Community Backlash:
  Following President Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center’s board and rebranding of the facility, the Washington National Opera announces it will sever its longstanding relationship.
• Financial and Policy Strain:
  The opera cited new Kennedy Center policies as disruptive to their financial model; Kennedy Center leadership claims it made the break.
• Wider Effect:
  Other arts organizations are reportedly also reconsidering their affiliation.

Notable Quote:

"The opera said it made the decision to end the relationship because the center's new policies are causing strain on its financial model."
– Dan Ronan ([04:26])

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• On Iran’s resolve:
  “Tehran would consider US Military facilities and Israel legitimate targets for preempt strikes if there are signs by either country of an imminent attack.”
  – Jackie Northam ([00:53])

• On state/federal investigation clashes:
  “State and local authorities are not happy about that and they’re now asking the public for help collecting their own evidence.”
  – Sergio Martinez Beltran ([01:55])

• On federal funding issues:
  “The Trump administration has alleged rampant fraud in all those states without providing evidence.”
  – Jennifer Ludden ([02:39])

• On China, Somaliland, and Taiwan:
  “Yi added that Beijing opposed what he claimed as Somaliland’s collusion with Taiwan authorities to seek independence.”
  – Michael Kaloki ([03:47])

• On the rupture in the arts:
  “The opera said it made the decision to end the relationship because the center’s new policies are causing strain on its financial model.”
  – Dan Ronan ([04:26])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Iran crisis and US/Israel reaction: [00:29–01:34]
• Minnesota protests and ICE shooting: [01:34–02:30]
• USDA funding freeze in Minnesota: [02:30–03:25]
• Somaliland, Israel, China, Taiwan: [03:25–04:26]
• Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center fallout: [04:26–05:08]

This tightly packed episode offers a global snapshot of intensifying conflict, political strain, and societal upheaval—demonstrating the interconnection of diplomacy, policy, activism, and the arts at a time of national and international tension.