NPR News Now — 1PM EST, January 11, 2026

Host: Dan Ronan
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of the biggest national and international news stories, including unrest and protest in Iran, U.S. and Israeli responses, upheaval in Venezuela and Cuba relations, domestic U.S. protests over immigration policy, the regulatory future of legal cannabis in Texas, U.S. military action in Syria, and a quick update on the NFL playoffs.

Key News Segments and Discussion Points

1. Iran Protests and Internet Blackout

[00:31–01:37]

• Human rights organizations are raising the alarm over an Internet blackout in Iran, imposed as security forces violently crack down on mass protests.
• The death toll is feared to be in the hundreds. President Trump has warned Iran that the U.S. might intervene on behalf of the protesters.
• Israel is closely monitoring the situation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the Iranian government's oppression and killings of peaceful protesters.
  • Notable Quote:

    “The world is in awe of the immense bravery of Iran's citizens.”
    — Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Michelle Keleman [00:53]

• Netanyahu discussed the protests with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Iranian authorities accuse the U.S. and Israel of inciting unrest, labeling the protesters as "terrorists and rioters."
• The protests began two weeks prior in response to deteriorating economic conditions in Iran.

2. Venezuela Cuts Off Aid to Cuba

[01:37–02:39]

• President Trump announced on social media (Truth Social) that Venezuela will stop sending oil and financial aid to Cuba, an alliance that has endured for years.
• "No oil, no money," Trump declared, urging Cuba to "make a deal before it's too late."
• Cuba, already in the throes of its worst economic crisis in decades, depends heavily on Venezuelan oil.
• U.S. enforcement: The U.S. has intensified a blockade, recently boarding another oil tanker — the third such action since Maduro was removed from power.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Cuba has lived off Venezuela's aid and…provided, quote, security services for two Venezuelan dictators. But not anymore…strongly suggest they make a deal before it's too late.”
    — President Trump, summarized by Kerry Kahn [01:50]

• Experts warn of possible economic collapse and social unrest in Cuba if aid stops.

3. US Immigration Enforcement and Community Protests

[02:39–03:46]

• Hundreds participated in demonstrations across U.S. cities—Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Austin—protesting the federal government’s ongoing immigration enforcement and military action in Venezuela.
• John Crittenden, a protester from Los Angeles, emphasized solidarity with migrant communities:
  • Notable Quote:

    “They belong to our community. They are our friends. They are our people. And we have to put an end to this harassment of those members of our community who are among the most vulnerable.”
    — John Crittenden [03:10]

• In Minnesota, calls for calm followed an incident where a 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an ICE agent.

4. Texas Proposes Tougher Regulations on Legal Cannabis

[03:46–04:31]

• Texas may ban smokable cannabis products by the end of January despite the legality of hemp under state (2019) and federal law.
• Proposed regulations would require:
  • Child-resistant packaging
  • Accurate ingredient labeling
• A dramatic fee increase for businesses—from $150 to $20,000 per year—could force small operators out.
  • Notable Quote:

    “These proposed fees don't regulate small businesses, they eliminate them.”
    — Estela Castro, Austin Cannabis Co. owner [04:12]

• The rules would keep edibles legal but ban smokable forms as early as January 25, 2026.

5. US Strikes ISIS in Syria; NFL Playoff Update

[04:31–05:11]

• The U.S. launched military strikes against ISIS targets in Syria following the deaths of three Americans (two Iowa National Guard, one civilian) last month.
• Quick sports update: NFL first-round playoffs include the Bills at Jaguars (1PM), 49ers at Eagles (4:30PM), Chargers vs. Patriots (8PM Monday), and Steelers vs. Texans. Saturday winners: Bears and Rams.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Benjamin Netanyahu (via Michelle Keleman, 00:53):
  “The world is in awe of the immense bravery of Iran's citizens.”
• President Trump (via Kerry Kahn, 01:50):
  “No oil, no money.” … “strongly suggest they make a deal before it's too late.”
• John Crittenden, LA protester (03:10):
  “They belong to our community. They are our friends. They are our people. And we have to put an end to this harassment of those members of our community who are among the most vulnerable.”
• Estela Castro, Austin Cannabis Co. (04:12):
  “These proposed fees don't regulate small businesses, they eliminate them.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran protests & international response: 00:31–01:37
• Venezuela-Cuba oil, U.S. actions: 01:37–02:39
• U.S. immigration protests & MN shooting: 02:39–03:46
• Texas cannabis regulations: 03:46–04:31
• U.S. strikes ISIS & NFL update: 04:31–05:11

Podcast Tone & Style

The episode maintains NPR's signature concise, impartial, and factual style, moving quickly through major global and national headlines, weaving in direct quotes and voices from newsmakers and ordinary citizens alike.