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

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: Five Minutes
Theme: The latest headlines spanning national legal developments, international tensions, economic data, sports milestones, and space exploration.

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode provides a concise roundup of significant news stories as of the afternoon of January 8, 2026. The top stories include a federal investigation into a police shooting in Minnesota, developments in Venezuela following a regime change, U.S. economic indicators, high-stakes college football matchups, and the postponement of a planned NASA spacewalk.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Takes Over Minneapolis Shooting Investigation

[00:01–01:01]

• The FBI is now the sole agency investigating the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
• The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been excluded, following a reversal by the U.S. attorney in Minnesota.
• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz doubts the investigation’s impartiality if local agencies can't participate.
• The federal government, including high-level officials such as President, Vice President, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have already made public statements about the case.
• The state’s frustration is further fueled by concerns over misinformation shared by those in power.

Notable Quotes:

• “The U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota had, quote, ‘reversed course.’ Now the state agency won’t have access to the evidence needed to do an independent investigation...”
  — Meg Anderson, [00:15]
• “People in positions of power have already passed judgment from the president to the vice president to Kristi Noem have stood and told you things that are verifiably false.”
  — Meg Anderson (paraphrasing criticism of public officials), [00:37]

2. Venezuelan Migrants Face Uncertainty After Maduro’s Ouster

[01:01–01:54]

• The Trump administration is urging Venezuelan migrants to return home after the ouster and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro.
• For many, returning still poses risks—dissidents like Luis Falcon fear torture and death.
• Despite claims of safety from U.S. officials, Falcon highlights ongoing dangers, including detainments and crackdowns on Maduro’s supporters.
• Over a dozen journalists have already been detained since the transition began.
• The interim Venezuelan government plans to release political prisoners.

Notable Quotes:

• “Putting a foot back in Venezuela means I will be taken to jail, tortured and potentially killed.”
  — Luis Falcon, [01:29]
• “The U.S. has advised U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela due to severe risk of wrongful detention and torture.”
  — Sergio Martinez Beltran, [01:41]

3. U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows; Employment Numbers Pending

[01:54–02:51]

• The U.S. trade deficit in October dropped sharply, showing a 39% decrease over the previous month.
• Exports went up while imports declined.
• Worker productivity increased by nearly 5% in the last quarter, potentially allowing for wage gains without fueling inflation.
• Despite this, wage growth has been cooling, and job market softness is noted.
• December unemployment figures are expected in a forthcoming report.

Notable Quotes:

• “Productivity rose by nearly 5% during the third quarter. That's important because when workers are more productive, they can earn higher wages without putting upward pressure on prices.”
  — Scott Horsley, [02:28]

4. College Football Playoff Semifinals Preview

[02:51–04:00]

• Ole Miss faces Miami in the first semifinal, having persevered despite losing their head coach Lane Kiffin.
• Defensive coordinator Pete Golding, new to head coaching, has kept Ole Miss unbeaten since the transition.
• Miami is fresh off an upset against reigning champs Ohio State.
• The second semifinal sees Indiana, undefeated and led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, tackle Oregon and their young phenom QB Dante Moore.

Notable Quotes:

• “Sure, the number six seed had only lost one game this season. But last month, the Rebs lost something else. Their head coach, Lane Kiffin, departed for a shiny new gig at rival Louisiana State...”
  — Becky Sullivan, [03:22]
• “Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has already won the Heisman Trophy, but he and his Hoosiers have their eyes on a different prize: Indiana’s first ever national title.”
  — Becky Sullivan, [03:48]

5. NASA Postpones ISS Spacewalk Due to Medical Concern

[04:00–04:40]

• NASA canceled a scheduled spacewalk after a “medical concern” arose involving an unnamed astronaut—the situation is said to be stable.
• The agency may consider bringing Crew 11 home early.
• Four crew members aboard diverse nationalities are nearing the end of a six-month ISS mission.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:01] — Federal investigation into Minneapolis shooting begins
• [01:01] — U.S. policy and personal safety risks for Venezuelan migrants
• [01:54] — U.S. trade deficit and labor updates
• [02:51] — College football playoff semifinal preview
• [04:00] — NASA spacewalk postponed over astronaut health

Memorable Moments

• Challenging the fairness of federal-only investigations: Governor Walz’s concerns about impartiality and the questioning of federal transparency resonated.
• Heartfelt plea from Venezuelan migrant: Luis Falcon’s direct statement about his fears powerfully illustrates the stakes for dissidents abroad.
• Underdog collegiate storyline: Ole Miss’s football run despite leadership turnover adds drama to the sports narrative.

Overall Tone

The report is brisk, informative, and urgent—mirroring NPR News Now’s signature style. Correspondents deliver fact-focused updates, incorporating direct quotes where impact is strongest.