NPR News Now — January 8, 2026, 4AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Run Time: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise, five-minute NPR News Now update delivers top national and international stories as of the morning of January 8, 2026. The episode covers a fatal ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis, US sanctions enforcement against Venezuela, legal action against former Venezuelan leadership, shifting US demographic projections, a deadly shooting in Salt Lake City, an apology for a reporting error about Greenland, and the Vatican cardinals’ summit in Rome.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Vigil and ICE Shooting Controversy (00:18–01:21)

• Incident: Minneapolis residents held a large vigil after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, age 37, by an ICE agent.
• Disputed Narrative:
  • ICE/Homeland Security's View: Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Good’s actions as “domestic terror,” alleging she “weaponized her vehicle.”
  • Local Response: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly refuted this claim, describing the shooting as “an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying,” and emphatically telling ICE to leave the city.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying...” — Jacob Frey (Reported by Matt Sepik, 00:58)
• Context: Witness video contradicts the federal account, showing Good attempting to drive away when shot.

2. US Seizes Tankers Linked to Venezuela; Oil Policy (01:21–01:53)

• Action: The US seized two tankers in the North Pacific, targeting vessels allegedly violating sanctions on Venezuela.
• White House Stance:
  • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated the US “does not plan to run Venezuela, but will control its oil.”
  • The US will soon receive a shipment of “sanctioned oil...sitting on ships because of the effective quarantine.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • “The interim authorities have agreed to release that oil to the United States. So it will be arriving here at home very soon.” — Caroline Levitt (01:47)

3. Legal Proceedings Against Ousted Venezuelan Leaders (01:53–02:22)

• Update: Former Venezuelan leader Licitas Maduro and spouse Celia Flores are detained in New York post-Saturday raid, pleading not guilty to narco-terrorism and related charges.

4. US Population Growth Slows Due to Immigration Policy (02:22–03:01)

• Forecast: The Congressional Budget Office projects the US population will reach 357 million by 2035, ~7 million more than present—a notable slowdown.
• Key Factors:
  • The primary driver is the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration.
  • Lower US birth rates; more people dying than babies born by 2030.
• Demographic Shifts:
  • Without immigration, US population would decline.
  • Growth concentration in the 65+ age group.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “By 2030...there’ll be fewer babies born each year in the US than there are deaths.” — Scott Horsley (02:38)

5. Market Update: Flat Futures, Down Asian Markets (03:01–03:18)

• Snapshot: US futures flat post-Wall Street losses; Tokyo and Hong Kong indexes down 1%.

6. Salt Lake City Church Shooting (03:18–03:44)

• Details: Shooting outside a Latter Day Saints meeting house kills 2, injures 6; occurred during a memorial service. Suspect not in custody, but “strong leads” reported.

7. Correction: Greenland Misidentified (03:44–03:56)

• Apology: NPR corrects a previous error; Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory, not a Dutch island.

8. Vatican Summit — Cardinals Gather in Rome (03:56–04:51)

• Event: Around 250 Catholic cardinals convene for first time since electing Pope Leo XVI (May 2026).
• Reform Agenda:
  • Pope Leo aims for greater consultation with cardinals.
  • Topics: Church governance reforms from Leo and Francis, liturgical debates—especially restrictions on the Latin Mass.
  • Larger issue: How Pope Leo’s advocacy for “an unarmed and disarming peace” fits in a turbulent world.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “The agenda is expected to include reforms that Leo and Francis have made to how the church is governed...Conservatives expect that liturgy will also be discussed, as some hope that the new pope will eliminate restrictions placed by Pope Francis on the Latin Mass.” — Claire Giangrave (04:19-04:38)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying.” — Jacob Frey via Matt Sepik (00:58)
• “The interim authorities have agreed to release that oil to the United States. So it will be arriving here at home very soon.” — Caroline Levitt (01:47)
• “By 2030...there’ll be fewer babies born each year in the US than there are deaths.” — Scott Horsley (02:38)

Important Timestamps

• 00:18 — Minneapolis ICE vigil and shooting discussion
• 01:21 — Seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, White House statement
• 01:53 — Legal update on Licitas Maduro and Celia Flores
• 02:22 — US population forecast and immigration policy analysis
• 03:01 — Financial markets update
• 03:18 — Salt Lake City church shooting
• 03:44 — NPR Correction: Greenland’s status
• 03:56 — Vatican cardinals summit coverage

This episode delivers a rapid but thorough snapshot of significant overnight events, with an emphasis on the interplay between US policy, international developments, and demographic trends, all delivered in NPR’s signature clear and direct journalistic tone.