NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-09-2026 7AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman (with reporting from Sam Greenglass, Joanna Kakissis, Tamara Keith)
Date: January 9, 2026

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the latest nationwide and global headlines for the morning of January 9, 2026. Coverage centers on a controversial federal shooting in Portland, the latest legislative push around Affordable Care Act subsidies, deadly Russian missile attacks in Ukraine, President Trump’s evolving foreign policy and White House renovations, and an update on a high-profile federal court case.

Key Story Summaries

1. Federal Agents Shoot Two in Portland, Oregon

[00:15]

• Two people, identified as Venezuelan gang members, were shot and wounded by federal agents in a medical clinic parking lot in Portland.
• Homeland Security claims the driver attempted to run over federal agents after being stopped by Border Patrol.
• The incident has ignited outrage among city and state officials, who are urging federal agents to leave Portland.

Quote:

"I just ask the community to please stay aware, stay alert. If they're planning to protest, please do it in a peaceful way, and let our police law enforcement do their investigation."
— Oregon State Representative Ricky Reese [00:53]

• The shooting follows another federal incident: an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis the previous day.

2. House Moves to Restore Affordable Care Act Subsidies

[01:03]

• The House passed a bill to extend health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act for three years; these had expired last year.
• The measure passed with bipartisan support despite opposition from House Republican leaders.

Quote:

"The bill is passed, and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table."
— House Speaker Mike Johnson [01:44]

• The bill is unlikely to become law in its present form, but negotiations continue for a two-year extension with GOP-sponsored amendments.

Summary from Reporter:

"This three year extension won't likely become law, but boosters of the subsidies on both sides of the aisle in both chambers say this vote is rekindling bipartisan negotiations. Lawmakers involved in the talks say they're nearing a deal for a two year extension with some changes Republicans want, though sticking points remain."
— Sam Greenglass [01:49]

3. Russia Launches Hypersonic Missile Attack on Ukraine

[02:09]

• Russia confirmed a strike on Kyiv using advanced hypersonic missiles and drones, killing at least four and injuring more than a dozen.
• Air Force spokesman Yuri Ihnat described collateral strikes and power outages in Kyiv and Lviv.
• Russia claims the strike retaliated against an alleged Ukrainian attack on one of Putin’s homes, a claim refuted by the CIA and denied by Ukraine.
• Reference to Ereshnik missile system, capable of carrying nuclear warheads and traveling at 10 times the speed of sound.

Reporting from Kyiv:

"In Kyiv, the strikes were heard for hours. They caused fires and power outages..."
— Joanna Kakissis [02:28]

4. President Trump Cancels Second Military Strike on Venezuela, Announces Oil Investment

[03:08]

• President Trump stated online that he has canceled a second planned strike on Venezuela and claimed big oil companies will invest $100 billion there, though no companies have confirmed.
• Trump set to meet oil executives and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington.
• Plans for a new White House ballroom move forward.

5. White House Ballroom Project Details

[03:54]

• The National Capital Planning Commission hears about designs for a new 22,000 sq. ft. White House ballroom seating 1,000 people.
• The total project covers 89,000 sq. ft.; expansion plans were abandoned in November.
• No vote took place; that will come at a future meeting.

Memorable Moment:

"But further consideration of enlarging the size...was abandoned in late November."
— Architect/Planning Official and Oregon State Representative Ricky Reese [04:19–04:22]

6. Legal Update: UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case

[04:34]

• Luigi Mangione, accused in the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appears in federal court in New York. His attorneys contest the potential death penalty.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I just ask the community to please stay aware, stay alert. If they're planning to protest, please do it in a peaceful way...” — Oregon State Rep. Ricky Reese [00:53]
• “The bill is passed, and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.” — House Speaker Mike Johnson [01:44]
• “In Kyiv, the strikes were heard for hours. They caused fires and power outages.” — Joanna Kakissis [02:28]
• “But further consideration of enlarging the size...was abandoned in late November.” — Planning Official and Representative Reese [04:19–04:22]

Chronological Segment Guide (Timestamps)

• Portland Shooting & Fallout: 00:15–01:03
• ACA Subsidy Vote Analysis: 01:03–02:09
• Ukraine Missile Strike: 02:09–03:08
• Venezuela Policy, White House Renovation: 03:08–04:34
• UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case Update: 04:34–04:53

Summary Table

| Segment | Timestamps | Principal Voices | Key Points | |----------------------------------|------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Portland Shooting | 00:15–01:03| Korva Coleman, Ricky Reese | Federal agents shoot two; city/state outrage; call for peace| | ACA Subsidy Vote | 01:03–02:09| Sam Greenglass, Mike Johnson | House passes ACA subsidy bill; bipartisan action emerging | | Russia-Ukraine Attack | 02:09–03:08| Joanna Kakissis | Advanced missile strike kills four in Kyiv | | Trump/Venezuela/White House News | 03:08–04:34| Korva Coleman, Tamara Keith | Trump cancels strike, touts investment, ballroom plan details| | CEO Murder Case | 04:34–04:53| Korva Coleman | Mangione in court over UnitedHealthcare CEO killing |

This summary preserves the brisk, factual tone of the episode, highlights quotes in context, and provides useful timestamps for listeners or readers seeking further detail on any topic.