NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-03-2026 2AM EST
Date: January 3, 2026
Host: Dale Willman

Episode Overview

This five-minute newscast brings updates on urgent breaking news in the US and globally, spanning developing stories in Venezuela and Denver, significant criminal and national security cases, global humanitarian concerns, major scientific discoveries, and the latest sports highlights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News Headlines

Multiple Explosions in Caracas, Venezuela

• [00:17] Dale Willman reports on developing reports of "multiple explosions in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela."
• Details are unclear, with NPR continuing to monitor.

Massive Five-Alarm Fire in Denver

• [00:34] An "entire city block" in Denver is burning due to a fire in an under-construction apartment complex.
  • At least one firefighter is injured; no reports of other injuries.
  • Residents of nearby buildings evacuated due to extreme heat.
  • An overnight shelter is open in Glendale.
  • "Significant power outages" reported in Denver.
  • State emergency management is responding.

2. Legal and National Security Developments

Pipe Bomb Case Linked to January 6 Investigation

• [01:21] Ryan Lucas covers the court decision regarding Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 5, 2021.
  • Federal judge ruled Cole "must remain in jail pending trial."
  • Prosecution: Argues Cole is "a danger to the community."
  • Defense: Notes Cole's autism diagnosis; claims he "poses no threat" and should be released.
  • Judge cited "the serious nature of Cole's alleged offense" as rationale for detention.
  • Quote: "The 30 year old was arrested on December 4th after a nearly five year FBI investigation." — Ryan Lucas, [01:22]

Foiled New Year’s Eve Terror Plot in Charlotte

• [02:02] FBI stopped a possible attack by 18-year-old Christian Sturtevant, who allegedly planned to use knives and hammers at a local fast food venue.
  • Sturtevant had communicated plans to an undercover FBI agent.
  • He "pledged loyalty to the Islamic State."
  • Authorities attribute his threat to online self-radicalization.
  • Quote: "They seek to attack soft targets with easily accessible weapons and with little to no warning." — James Barnacle, [02:37]

3. International Humanitarian Update

Gaza Refugee Camp Tragedy

• [02:47] A grandmother and her 5-year-old grandson died when their tent caught fire.
  • Cause: Poorly constructed shelter in refugee conditions.
  • Tens of thousands face "bitterly cold weather" and limited supplies due to border restrictions.
  • Severe shortages in food and materials.

4. Science & Human Evolution

Breakthrough in Understanding Bipedalism

• [03:33] Nell Greenfield Boyce reports new analysis suggesting ancestors walked upright as far back as 7 million years ago.
  • Based on fossilized leg bone analysis by NYU's Scott Williams.
  • Quote: "Walking upright frees the hands and makes it possible to leave the trees and live in new places." — Nell Greenfield Boyce, [03:34]
  • The findings "are sure to be controversial" since previous evidence dated bipedalism to only 3–4 million years ago.

5. Sports Headlines

College Football & Hockey Updates

• [04:14] SMU beat Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl, featuring a remarkable 80-yard play by QB Kevin Jennings on just the second snap.
  • Navy, Texas State Bobcats, and Wake Forest also logged wins.
  • Hillary Knight named to the U.S. Women’s Hockey team for her fifth Olympic appearance.
  • Quote: "SMU beat number 21 Arizona 24-19 Friday in the Holiday Bowl." — Dale Willman, [04:15]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There are reports tonight of multiple explosions in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela."
  — Dale Willman, [00:17]

• "The 30 year old was arrested on December 4th after a nearly five year FBI investigation."
  — Ryan Lucas, [01:22]

• "They seek to attack soft targets with easily accessible weapons and with little to no warning."
  — James Barnacle, [02:37]

• "Walking upright frees the hands and makes it possible to leave the trees and live in new places."
  — Nell Greenfield Boyce, [03:34]

• "SMU beat number 21 Arizona 24-19 Friday in the Holiday Bowl."
  — Dale Willman, [04:15]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Breaking news from Venezuela & Denver: [00:17]–[01:19]
• Pipe bomb federal case (Brian Cole Jr.): [01:21]–[02:02]
• Charlotte terror plot uncovered (Christian Sturtevant/FBI): [02:02]–[02:47]
• Gaza refugee camp fire & conditions: [02:47]–[03:33]
• Ancient bipedalism discovery: [03:33]–[04:14]
• Sports updates (Holiday Bowl, Olympic hockey): [04:14]–[04:56]

Summary

This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of urgent global and national stories, highlighting serious public safety, humanitarian, and scientific developments, while also offering a quick sports digest. For listeners seeking concise and up-to-date news delivered in NPR's signature calm and authoritative tone, this is a thorough snapshot of the moment’s most pressing headlines.