NPR News Now – January 8, 2026, 9PM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Ryland Barton
Air Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This concise news episode delivers the latest developments on pressing national and international stories. Major topics include nationwide protests after a Minneapolis police shooting, scrutiny of immigration enforcement violence, a rare NASA crew evacuation, European farmer demonstrations, Mexico's decreasing homicide rates, and a trio of Jamaican-American ski racers breaking barriers.

Key Discussion Points

1. Shooting by Immigration Agents in Portland (00:18)

• Incident: Two people were shot and wounded by a Homeland Security agent in Portland, Oregon, during a vehicle stop related to alleged Venezuelan migrant gang members.
• Official Statement: The driver reportedly attempted to run over agents, prompting a defensive shot.
• Reaction: Portland Mayor Keith Wilson deemed it a "deeply troubling incident." The FBI is leading the investigation.

2. Protests Erupt After Minneapolis Police Shooting (01:03)

• Victim: Renee Nicole Goode, a 37-year-old white mother of three, was shot and killed by an immigration officer, less than a mile from where George Floyd died in 2020.
• Protests: Demonstrations erupted nationwide, with protesters demanding accountability for the officer involved.
• Quote:
  • "So we have definitely feel like we're ground zero for the fight for police accountability and social justice."
    — Trahern Cruz, BLM Minnesota co-founder (01:18)
• Nationwide Impact: Protests also held/planned in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Portland, and other cities.

3. Scrutiny Over Immigration Enforcement Violence (01:44)

• Background: There have been at least 14 shootings by immigration agents since January last year, per non-profit The Trace (not all verified by NPR).
• High-Profile Cases:
  • In Chicago, a Mexican immigrant was killed by agents during an attempted escape by car.
  • Another incident involved agents injuring a woman still in her vehicle.
• Quote:
  • (Paraphrased): “Chicago has seen some of the most high-profile shootings.”
    — Sergio Martinez Beltran (02:09)

4. NASA Medical Evacuation from the International Space Station (02:20)

• Incident: A crew of four on the International Space Station is making an unplanned early return due to an astronaut's serious medical issue.
• Official Statement:
  • "After discussions with Chief health and medical officer Dr. J.D. Polk and leadership across the agency, I've come to the decision that it's in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew 11 ahead of their planned departure."
    — NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (02:40)
• Significance:
  • First time a NASA mission has been cut short for medical reasons.
  • The issue was not related to pre-flight preparations or a station injury.

5. European Farmers Protest Trade Deal (03:12)

• Locations: Demonstrations in France and Greece against EU's proposed free trade deal with South American nations.
• Actions: Blocked roads with tractors, about 100 tractors in Paris, main highways shut in Greece.
• Reason: Fear that new trade agreements would undermine European farmers' livelihoods.

6. Mexico’s Declining Homicide Rates (03:55)

• Statistic: Daily homicide rates at their lowest since 2016, with a 40% decline since late 2024.
• Attribution: President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration credits new security strategies.
• Persistent Challenges:
  • Violent crime remains high in states like Sinaloa due to cartel violence.
  • High rates of extortion and missing persons persist.
• Quote:
  • "The state of Sinaloa, for example, has seen a spike in violence in the past year and a half as cartel factions battle for power there.”
    — Nina Kravinski (04:15)

7. Jamaican-American Ski Triplets Aiming for Winter Games (04:31)

• Story: Henry, Helena, and Hania Rivers, teenage triplets, aspire to represent Jamaica at the Winter Games.
• Current Status: Henry has qualified for the slalom; Helena and Hania are close.
• Mission: Inspire inclusion and open sports opportunities for Black athletes in predominantly white winter sports.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trahern Cruz, BLM Minnesota:
  "So we have definitely feel like we're ground zero for the fight for police accountability and social justice.” (01:18)
• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman:
  "I've come to the decision that it's in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew 11 ahead of their planned departure." (02:40)
• Nina Kravinski, on Mexican crime:
  "The state of Sinaloa, for example, has seen a spike in violence in the past year and a half as cartel factions battle for power there.” (04:15)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Portland Shooting Report: 00:18
• Minneapolis Police Shooting Protests: 01:03
• Immigration Agent Violence Analysis: 01:44
• NASA Medical Evacuation: 02:20
• European Farmers Protests: 03:12
• Mexico’s Homicide Rate Declines: 03:55
• Jamaican-American Ski Triplets: 04:31

End of summary.