NPR News Now: January 9, 2026, 6AM EST

Overview

This episode provides a concise but information-packed update on the latest headlines across politics, law enforcement, international relations, economic news, and science/technology as reported by NPR's Korva Coleman and correspondents. Major stories include US military and oil interests in Venezuela, high-profile federal officer shootings in Portland and Minneapolis, ongoing unrest in Iran, Russia deploying advanced weaponry against Ukraine, slowing US job growth, and a rare crew evacuation from the International Space Station.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Venezuela Tensions & Oil Investment

• President Trump cancels second wave of US military attacks on Venezuela

  • Announces on social media that major oil companies will invest over $100 billion in Venezuela.
  • No concrete plans for investment have been disclosed.
  • Trump is scheduled to meet with oil executives at the White House later today.

  [00:15] Korva Coleman: "President Trump says he has canceled a second wave of US Military attacks against Venezuela. Writing online, he says big oil companies will invest more $100 billion in Venezuela."

2. Federal Officer-Involved Shootings: Portland & Minneapolis

• Portland, Oregon

  • Federal officers shot and wounded two people in East Portland.
  • DHS claims they were targeting Venezuelan gang members—no substantiating evidence provided.
  • Tensions escalate following an ICE agent's fatal shooting in Minneapolis.

• Response from Portland's Mayor

  • [00:57] Portland Mayor Keith Wilson:
    • Criticizes the federal narrative and calls for accountability and a stop to all ICE operations pending an investigation.
    • Notable quote:
      “We know what the federal government says happened here. There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past...Our community deserves answers. Our community deserves accountability. And most of all, our community deserves peace.”

• Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • ICE officer identified as Jonathan Ross—a decade-long veteran.
  • Case details: Officer shot Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, claimed to be in self-defense after she allegedly blocked officers and disobeyed orders.
  • Officer Ross previously injured in an unrelated vehicle incident involving anti-ICE protests.

  [01:49] NPR Reporter Ximena Bustillo:
  "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."

  • Current status of the officer (per Secretary Noem): Recovering with family; agency has not announced disciplinary or investigative action.

3. US Economy: December Jobs Report

• December recorded around 75,000 jobs added—a slight uptick from the previous month, but the overall slowest growth since the pandemic began.

• Unemployment up from 4% to 4.6% over the past year.

• Survey results indicate rising anxiety over job security and reduced confidence in finding new employment after layoffs.

  [02:29] NPR Reporter Scott Horsley:
  "Job growth overall slowed sharply in 2025, with employers adding less than half as many jobs as they did the year before. The unemployment rate's been inching up from 4% a year ago to 4.6% in November...workers were slightly more worried about losing a job in the coming year and less confident about finding a new job if they do get laid off."

4. International Affairs

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• Russia claims to have launched a next-generation hypersonic missile (nuclear-capable) at Ukraine, saying it’s in retaliation for an alleged attack on a Putin residence—an event denied by both Ukrainian and US sources.

Unrest in Iran

• Massive protests reported in several cities.
• Ayatollah Khamenei, via state television, accuses demonstrators of acting to "please President Trump."
• The exiled Iranian crown prince encourages continued protests despite widespread internet blackouts.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:09] Korva Coleman:
  "Khamenei says they're only doing this to please President Trump. Iran's exiled crown prince has also urged Iranians to demonstrate despite an Internet blackout in that country."

5. Science/Health: NASA Crew Evacuation

ISS Crew 11 Medical Evacuation

• NASA is bringing home Crew 11 early due to a serious, private medical issue.

• First time a crewed NASA mission has been cut short for medical reasons.

• Crew’s return is prioritized for safety despite original plans for a month longer stay.

  [04:17] NASA Administrator 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.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Portland Mayor Keith Wilson [00:57]:
  “There was a time when we could take [the federal government] at their word. That time is long past...Our community deserves answers. Our community deserves accountability. And most of all, our community deserves peace.”

• NPR Reporter Ximena Bustillo [01:49]:
  "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."

• NPR Reporter Scott Horsley [02:29]:
  "A survey by the New York Federal Reserve bank shows Americans are increasingly nervous about job security."

• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman [04:17]:
  "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."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US-Venezuela & Oil Investment – 00:15
• Portland & Minneapolis Federal Shootings – 00:57 to 01:58
• December Jobs Report & Economic Anxiety – 02:15 to 03:09
• Russia’s Hypersonic Attack & Iranian Protests – 03:09 to 04:09
• NASA Crew Medical Evacuation – 04:09 to 04:49

Summary

This NPR News Now episode covers rapidly unfolding international and domestic stories with depth, from US foreign policy and oil interests to significant incidents involving federal law enforcement, labor market uncertainty, controversial missile strikes, large-scale protests in Iran, and a rare international space station evacuation. The reporting balances headline urgency with key insights and powerful, context-rich quotes from leaders and reporters.