NPR News Now – January 9, 2026, 1AM EST

Episode Overview

This five-minute episode brings listeners the latest global and national news headlines, focusing on high-profile law enforcement shootings, ongoing protests in Iran, updates on the U.S. economy, international diplomacy concerning Gaza, a rare NASA medical evacuation, and U.S. Senate action on military intervention in Venezuela.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ICE Officer-Involved Shooting in Minneapolis

• Officer Identified: Jonathan Ross, a 10-year veteran of ICE, shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Good earlier this week.
• Details of Incident:
  • Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem states that Ross acted in self-defense after Good allegedly blocked agents with her SUV and disobeyed commands.
  • Noem reveals Ross was previously attacked by a vehicle in an earlier incident.
  • Current status: Ross is recovering with his family; it remains unclear if he is on leave or under investigation. (00:19–01:16)
• Notable Quote:
  • Kristi Noem: “The very same officer who was attacked today had previously been dragged by an anti-ICE rioter who had rammed him with a car and drug him back in June.” (00:49)

2. Federal Agent Shooting in Portland, Oregon

• Incident: Federal agents shot and injured two people during enforcement operations.
• Local Response:
  • Mayor Keith Wilson emphasizes the need to pause operations during the investigation.
  • Portland Police Chief Bob Day expresses uncertainty about which agencies are leading the inquiry, highlighting the challenges involved.
• Public Reaction: The shootings have sparked protests in the city. (01:16–01:45)

3. Mass Protests & Internet Blackout in Iran

• Situation: Widespread protests against Iran’s economic conditions continue.
• Government Response:
  • Human rights groups accuse security forces of excessive force as participation grows across society.
  • The Iranian government imposes an "almost total internet blackout," isolating citizens nationally and internationally.
• International Reaction: Donald Trump warns Iran of harsh reprisals if protesters are killed.
• Notable Quote:
  • Caroline Hawley: “No one knows exactly where all this leads now. Donald Trump has again warned Iran it will be hit hard if people are killed. The regime imposed a near total Internet blackout, cutting Iranians off from each other and the outside world.” (01:45–02:10)

4. U.S. Economic Outlook for 2026

• Forecast: The Congressional Budget Office predicts faster economic growth than 2025—GDP up 2.2%.
• Drivers and Challenges:
  • Boosted by extended tax cuts passed by Republicans in summer 2025.
  • Offset by President Trump’s tariffs and immigration crackdown, constraining the workforce and growth.
• Inflation & Interest Rates:
  • Inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
  • Forecasters expect continued Fed interest rate cuts.
• Notable Quote:
  • Scott Horsley: “The economic boost from the tax cut is expected to be partially offset, however, by President Trump’s tariffs, which are a drag on the economy, and his immigration crackdown, which limits the size of the workforce.” (02:27–03:07)

5. Update: Wall Street and International Markets

• U.S. futures are flat; Asia-Pacific markets are mixed. (03:07)

6. Diplomacy: Gaza and Trump’s Board of Peace

• Announcement: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu names Bulgarian diplomat Nikolay Mladanov as the new leader of President Trump’s Board of Peace, overlooking Gaza negotiations—a key step in the administration’s regional plan. (03:07–03:51)

7. NASA Crew Medical Evacuation from ISS

• Incident: A crew of four astronauts is returning early from the International Space Station because an astronaut is seriously ill.
• Details:
  • The illness is not related to spacewalk preparations or any injury.
  • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman describes it as a precautionary “medical evacuation”—the first early return for medical reasons in NASA’s history.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Jared Isaacman: “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.” (03:58–04:11)
  • Brendan Byrne: “It’s the first time a NASA mission has been cut short for medical reasons.” (04:31)

8. Senate Action to Limit Military Force in Venezuela

• Development: U.S. Senate passes a War Powers resolution (52–47) to limit President Trump’s ability to carry out attacks on Venezuela; five Republicans join Democrats.
• Outlook: The measure faces long odds but signals bipartisan concern over executive military authority.
• Presidential Response: Trump claims the vote infringes on his commander-in-chief powers. (04:31–04:58)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Kristi Noem (Homeland Security Secretary) (00:49):
  “The very same officer who was attacked today had previously been dragged by an anti-ICE rioter who had rammed him with a car and drug him back in June.”

• Caroline Hawley (BBC) (01:45):
  “No one knows exactly where all this leads now. Donald Trump has again warned Iran it will be hit hard if people are killed. The regime imposed a near total Internet blackout, cutting Iranians off from each other and the outside world.”

• Scott Horsley (NPR) (02:27):
  “The economic boost from the tax cut is expected to be partially offset…by President Trump’s tariffs, which are a drag on the economy, and his immigration crackdown, which limits the size of the workforce.”

• Jared Isaacman (NASA Administrator) (03:58):
  “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.”

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:19 – Minneapolis ICE shooting updates & officer identified
• 01:16 – Federal agent-involved shooting in Portland, protests erupt
• 01:45 – Iran protests, international reaction, and internet blackout
• 02:10 – U.S. economic growth and forecasts for 2026
• 03:07 – Financial markets snapshot; Netanyahu’s diplomatic announcement
• 03:51 – NASA’s historic medical evacuation from the ISS
• 04:31 – Senate vote to limit Trump’s military powers in Venezuela

This episode delivers a concise yet comprehensive rundown of the day’s biggest stories, interweaving critical updates on domestic incidents, international crises, economic outlooks, and space exploration milestones.