NPR News Now – Jan 3, 2026, 9AM EST

Host: Jael Snyder, NPR
Date: January 3, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode covers a momentous international event: the overnight US military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The episode details the operation’s impact, global reactions, and follow-up statements from US and international leaders. It also reports on unrest in Iran, a major fire in Denver, and a significant WHO announcement about Brazil's public health milestone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overnight US Military Operation in Venezuela

• President Trump’s Announcement

  • The US launched a major strike in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
  • Trump announced the capture via Truth Social but provided few operational details or what’s next for Venezuela.
  • (00:24–01:26)

  “The United States has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President N. Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”
  – President Trump via Truth Social (00:44, reported by Greg Myre)

  • The operation followed months of military buildup and threats from Trump towards Maduro, who is indicted in the US on drug charges.
  • It remains unclear who is now in charge of Venezuela.

2. On-the-Ground Reporting from Caracas

• First-Hand Accounts of the Night

  • Explosions and ongoing helicopter activity filled the Caracas valley overnight.
  • Fires were reported at the military airport (La Carlota), but fire crews responded quickly.
  • Local journalist Vanessa Silva described the ongoing tension and fear in the city.
  • (01:26–01:59)

  “She says Caracas is in a valley. And so she said you could hear explosions echoing throughout there. And she says there were several fires on the runway, but they were put out quickly.”
  – Kerry Kahn, NPR, relaying Vanessa Silva’s account (01:41)

3. Global and Political Reaction

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Response

  • Rubio calls for Western and Congressional support, citing Maduro’s illegitimacy.
  • The EU, via top diplomat Caya Kalla, expresses support for a “peaceful transition” respecting international law and the UN Charter.
  • Russia condemns the action as “armed aggression.”
  • Hamas and Iran also denounce the operation, Iran calling it a “blatant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.”
  • (01:59–03:02)

  “The European Union supports a peaceful transition that follows the principles of international law and the UN Charter.”
  – Caya Kalla, EU top diplomat (02:25, paraphrased by Michelle Kellerman)

  “Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the US Operation an act of armed aggression that must be condemned.”
  – Michelle Kellerman (02:34)

4. Rising Tensions in Iran

• Supreme Leader’s Defiance Amid Protests

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears on state TV, refusing to “yield to President Trump” and calls for forceful suppression of demonstrators.
  • Recent protests have led to at least 10 deaths.
  • (03:02–03:35)

  “Iran’s supreme leader vowing not to yield to President Trump… Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said rioters must be put in their place.”
  – Jael Snyder (03:02)

5. Domestic News

• Massive Fire in Denver

  • A five-alarm fire destroys an apartment complex under construction and causes power outages.
  • (03:35–03:54)

• Brazil’s Public Health Achievement

  • Brazil becomes the most populous country certified by the WHO for eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission.
  • Success attributed to universal, free health care.
  • (03:54–04:32)

  “Brazil is the most populous country in the Americas and the first country of more than 100 million people to achieve this milestone.”
  – Gabriela Emmanuel, NPR (03:59)

6. Wrap-Up & Forward Look

• President Trump is expected to give further details about the Venezuelan operation later in the day.

• Attorney General announces that Maduro will face trial in New York.

• (04:32–05:04)

  “Attorney General Pam Bona Gandhi says Maduro will face trial in New York, where he was indicted on narco terrorism and other charges.”
  – Jael Snyder (04:45)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "The United States has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President N. Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country."
  – President Trump via Truth Social (reported by Greg Myre, 00:44)
• “You could hear explosions echoing throughout there... several fires on the runway, but they were put out quickly.”
  – Vanessa Silva, Caracas journalist (relayed by Kerry Kahn, 01:41)
• “The European Union supports a peaceful transition that follows the principles of international law and the UN Charter.”
  – Caya Kalla, EU top diplomat (02:25)
• “Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the US Operation an act of armed aggression that must be condemned.”
  – Michelle Kellerman (02:34)
• “Iran’s supreme leader vowing not to yield to President Trump … rioters must be put in their place.”
  – Jael Snyder (03:02)
• “Brazil is ... the first country of more than 100 million people to achieve this milestone.”
  – Gabriela Emmanuel (03:59)
• “Attorney General Pam Bona Gandhi says Maduro will face trial in New York, where he was indicted on narco terrorism and other charges.”
  – Jael Snyder (04:45)

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:24 | Trump announces Maduro’s capture | | 00:44 | Details on the military operation (Greg Myre) | | 01:32 | First-hand accounts from Caracas (Kerry Kahn) | | 01:59 | Rubio/EU/Russia/Iran reactions (Michelle Kellerman)| | 03:02 | Iran protests and Khamenei’s statement | | 03:35 | Denver fire news | | 03:54 | Brazil’s HIV milestone (Gabriela Emmanuel) | | 04:32 | Wrap-up; Trump/Maduro future steps |

This episode delivers a succinct but dense overview of a major global event, followed by other significant international and domestic news, maintaining NPR’s neutral and straightforward commentary style throughout.