NPR News Now — January 9, 2026, 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Theme: Early morning top news update on current U.S. events in politics, public safety, health care, and sports.

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now presents critical overnight developments: escalating protests after two separate shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis and Portland, details about the proposed White House ballroom project, congressional action to address soaring health insurance premiums following subsidy expirations, and a key college football playoff result. The segment is concise, fact-driven, and aims to equip listeners with the day's major headlines in under five minutes.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Protests Continue After Minnesota Fatal Shooting

[00:17–01:15]

• Background: Protests are ongoing in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Goode, a 37-year-old woman, by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
• Government Appeal:
  • Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan urges demonstrators to stay nonviolent and insists on a transparent investigation with full state involvement.
  • Quote:

    “Minnesotans and frankly the American people deserve, right, a fair investigation to ensure transparency and that includes making sure that state officials are engaged and involved.”
    — Peggy Flanagan [00:42]

• Political Fallout: Flanagan accuses the Trump administration of lying about the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem maintains the shooting was in self-defense as the victim reportedly accelerated her vehicle against agents.

2. Portland Shooting by Federal Agent Raises Further Tensions

[01:15–02:15]

• Incident Details: Two people were hospitalized after being shot by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent during a targeted vehicle stop; federal authorities allege the driver tried to ram officers.
• Local Response:
  • Portland police cannot confirm federal claims.
  • Portland Mayor Keith Wilson denounces the incident and calls for an immediate ICE operations halt in the city.
  • Quote:

    “There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past. That is why we are calling on ICE to halt all operations in Portland until a full and independent investigation can take place.”
    — Mayor Keith Wilson [01:47]

• Context: This shooting comes one day after the fatal Minnesota incident, amplifying scrutiny on federal law enforcement actions.

3. White House Ballroom Project Developments

[02:15–03:08]

• Project Update: The scope of President Trump’s White House ballroom project was outlined during a National Capitol Planning Commission hearing.
• Design Details:
  • Architect Shalom Baranas shares plans for a 1,000-seat ballroom, 22,000 sq ft in size, as part of an 89,000 sq ft overall project. Larger expansion ideas were abandoned in November 2025.
• Procedural Status: The commission has not yet voted on the ballroom plan.
• Quote:

  “There had been talk of going bigger, but further consideration of enlarging the size was abandoned in late November.”
  — Tamara Keith [02:52]

4. Federal Health Care Subsidy Extension Passes House

[03:08–04:29]

• Legislative Action: The House passes a three-year extension of federal health care subsidies with bipartisan support; 17 Republicans join Democrats.
• Public Impact: The move aims to pressure the Senate into a bipartisan deal to control skyrocketing health care premiums.
• Personal Story:
  • Ken Warner from Connecticut expresses the financial strain after enhanced subsidies expired.
  • Quote:

    “It's about $2,500 a month, which is just insane. I mean, that's, that's just criminal. Like we can't afford that. Who can afford that? That's, that's another salary, basically.”
    — Ken Warner [03:54]

• Broader Significance: Millions of Americans face unaffordable premiums unless Congress acts.

5. College Football Playoff Results

[04:29–04:56]

• Result: Miami defeats Ole Miss 31–27 with a late-game touchdown run by quarterback Carson Beck (18 seconds remaining).
• Next Match: Miami advances to the national championship to face the winner of Indiana vs. Oregon.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Peggy Flanagan [00:42]: Stressing the need for state oversight in federal investigations:

  “Minnesotans and frankly the American people deserve, right, a fair investigation to ensure transparency and that includes making sure that state officials are engaged and involved.”

• Mayor Keith Wilson [01:47]: Confronting federal narrative and seeking accountability:

  “There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past.”

• Ken Warner [03:54]: Illustrating personal impact of expiring health subsidies:

  “It's about $2,500 a month, which is just insane. I mean, that's, that's just criminal. Like we can't afford that...”

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Minnesota Shooting & Protest Response: 00:17–01:15
• Portland Shooting & Local Reaction: 01:15–02:15
• White House Ballroom Project Update: 02:15–03:08
• Health Care Subsidies Legislation: 03:08–04:29
• College Football Playoff Recap: 04:29–04:56

This news summary distills the urgent U.S. headlines of the morning, captures the voices of key stakeholders, and sets the national agenda for the day ahead.