NPR News Now – January 11, 2026, 6PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst | Runtime: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

In this concise news roundup, NPR News Now delivers the latest global and national headlines. Today’s major stories include escalating tensions in Iran, proposals for new European defense frameworks, faith leaders opposing mandatory school prayers in Texas, Google’s AI partnership in retail, and the passing of Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran Warns U.S. and Israel Over Protest Crackdown

[00:15–01:20]

• Background:
  Massive protests have erupted throughout Iran, sparked by economic grievances but rapidly evolving to anti-government demonstrations.
• Major Developments:
  • Iranian security forces have killed over 500 people and detained thousands, according to human rights groups.
  • Iran's parliament warns of retaliation, targeting U.S. military facilities and Israel if signs of external intervention appear.
  • Iran’s military remains weakened from last June’s “12 Day War” with Israel.
  • Former President Trump threatens hard U.S. response if protesters are harmed, reaffirming support on social media.
  • Protestors are loudly opposing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Notable Quote:

“The protests that began at the end of December over the economy have quickly spread to all corners of Iran, with people shouting 'death to the dictator,' meaning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”
– Jackie Northam [01:11]

2. EU Calls for Autonomous Security Council

[01:20–02:14]

• Key Statements by Andreas Kubelius, EU Defence Commissioner:
  • Europe is under geopolitical pressure, particularly as U.S. strategic priorities shift away from Europe.
  • Criticism of American foreign policy, citing interventions in Venezuela and intentions regarding Greenland.
  • Urges strengthening NATO’s purpose while depending less on U.S. military presence.
• Proposal:
  • European version of the UN Security Council, potentially including the UK.
  • Immediate focus would be expanded aid for Ukraine.

Notable Quote:

“The times of Pax Americana is over. We need to be defense ready inside NATO, but with much less American presence in Europe.”
– Terry Schultz quoting EU viewpoints [01:45]

“I believe it's now an urgent task to turn this idea into reality.”
– Terry Schultz quoting proposals [02:01]

3. Texas Faith Leaders Oppose School Prayer Mandate

[02:14–03:12]

• New Law:
  • Requires school boards in Texas to vote on allowing time for prayer or Bible readings during the school day; deadline: March 1.
• Faith Leader Concerns:
  • Over 160 religious leaders appeal to school boards, asserting students already have the right to pray and form clubs; worry mandates create rather than solve issues.

Notable Quotes:

“As long as there are math tests, there will be prayer in school.”
– Rev. Dr. James Dunn (quoted by Rev. Laura Mayo) [02:47]

“Students can already pray. They can already form religious clubs. This is not needed. It does not solve a problem. It creates problems.”
– Rev. Dr. James Dunn (quoted by Rev. Laura Mayo) [02:50]

4. Google Expands Gemini AI for Shopping

[03:12–04:08]

• Tech News:
  • Google partners with Walmart, Shopify, and others to enable in-app shopping and instant checkout within its Gemini AI chatbot.
  • The aim is to transform the chatbot into not just a helper but a virtual merchant.
  • The move is expected to fuel debates at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention about AI’s impact on consumers and retail.

5. Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir Dies at 78

[04:08–04:46]

• Reporting from San Francisco:
  • Fans gather outside the Dead’s former Haight Ashbury home, laying flowers and sharing their sorrow.
• Testimony from a Fan:
  • Emphasizes the unique emotional impact of the Grateful Dead’s music.

Notable Quote:

“There's nothing else in life that really resonates with my soul the way the music does. Nothing else that I really feel I relate to or get to experience the deep emotions in life, too.”
– Russell Beatty, fan [04:21]

• Historical Note:
  • Drummer Bill Kreutzman is now the last surviving original member.

Timestamps & Segment Guide

| Segment | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------------------|--------------| | Iran Protests and Threats | 00:15–01:20 | | EU Security Council Proposal | 01:20–02:14 | | Texas School Prayer Debate | 02:14–03:12 | | Google’s Gemini AI Shopping Expansion | 03:12–04:08 | | Bob Weir (Grateful Dead) Obituary | 04:08–04:46 |

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “The protests... have quickly spread to all corners of Iran, with people shouting 'death to the dictator.'” – Jackie Northam [01:11]
• “The times of Pax Americana is over. We need to be defense ready inside NATO, but with much less American presence in Europe.” – Terry Schultz [01:45]
• “As long as there are math tests, there will be prayer in school.” – Rev. Dr. James Dunn, as quoted by Rev. Mayo [02:47]
• “There's nothing else in life that really resonates with my soul the way the music does.” – Russell Beatty [04:21]

This summary covers the content portion of NPR News Now for January 11, 2026, 6PM EST. For additional developments, tune in to hourly updates or visit NPR’s website.