NPR News Now: January 4, 2026, 12AM EST

Episode Overview

In this five-minute NPR News Now update, host Dale Willman delivers the latest headlines from around the world. Key stories include the U.S. military operation to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a deadly ski resort fire in Switzerland, the global film industry's performance in 2025, Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, and the passing of Kenya's famed "super tusker" elephant, Craig.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Flight Restrictions Lifted Following U.S. Operation in Venezuela

• [00:16] Dale Willman announces that flight restrictions in the Caribbean have been lifted after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who are now in custody in Brooklyn, NY.

  • The military action was part of an operation "to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife."
  • President Trump states, "they'll now be facing justice."

• [00:39] An unidentified NPR reporter underscores the magnitude of the evidence against Maduro:

  • Quote [00:39]: "The overwhelming evidence of their crimes will be presented in a court of law. And I've seen it. I've seen what we have. It's both horrible and breathtaking that something like this could have been allowed to take place."

• [00:56] Trump uses his social media channels to publicize the arrest.

  • Franco Ordonez details the president's use of Truth Social, sharing images of Maduro in custody and U.S. officials involved in the operation.
  • Quote [01:13], Franco Ordonez: "In the photo, Maduro appeared to be in handcuffs, wearing a gray Nike sweatshirt, wearing sun blocking eyewear and ear protection. He was also holding a water bottle."
  • The report notes Trump's strategy of using social media, "to amplify his actions and communicate directly with the American people."

2. Switzerland Ski Resort Fire and Criminal Investigation

• [02:04] European countries offer aid following a catastrophic fire in Kramantana, Switzerland.
  • At least 40 people died and 100 were injured in a New Year's Eve blaze at a ski resort.
  • Terry Schultz reports that the French couple managing the bar is under investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm, and arson by negligence.
    • Authorities are examining whether victims "were trapped inside without access to an escape route."
  • The fire is believed to have started when "the ceiling caught fire from lit sparklers carried inside the bar."
  • The European Union is sending burn care experts and coordinating international patient transfers.

3. Hollywood's Box Office: Domestic Slump, International Boom

• [03:12] Dale Willman introduces Bob Mondello’s report on global film performance in 2025.
• [03:25] Mondello describes lackluster U.S. ticket sales, while international box office numbers soar.
  • Films such as "Fire and Ash" and "F1" performed "twice as well in other countries" compared to the U.S.
  • Hollywood blockbusters "did at least half of their business overseas."
  • Quote [03:35], Bob Mondello: "So where North American box office increased just over 1%, international numbers rose 16% to $24.6 billion."
  • The biggest hit of the year was the Chinese animated fantasy "Neyja 2."
    • [04:02] Memorable moment: a line from "Neyja 2": "I will change my destiny."
  • Global box office still trails pre-pandemic highs by about 20%.

4. Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen and Ongoing Civil War

• [04:12] Saudi Arabia launched additional airstrikes in Yemen, targeting southern separatist-held areas, including Mukalla.
  • Yemen remains locked in civil war for over a decade.

5. Kenya Mourns Beloved Elephant Craig

• [04:32] The death of Craig, a cherished "super tusker" elephant in Amboseli National Park, at age 54.
  • Symbolized anti-poaching efforts in Kenya.
  • "Super tuskers" are elephants with tusks over 100 pounds.
  • Dale Willman: "Officials say he died of natural causes. He was one of only a few of what are called super tuskers."

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [00:39] Unidentified NPR Reporter:
  "The overwhelming evidence of their crimes will be presented in a court of law. And I've seen it. I've seen what we have. It's both horrible and breathtaking..."

• [01:13] Franco Ordonez:
  "In the photo, Maduro appeared to be in handcuffs, wearing a gray Nike sweatshirt, wearing sun blocking eyewear and ear protection. He was also holding a water bottle."

• [03:35] Bob Mondello:
  "So where North American box office increased just over 1%, international numbers rose 16% to $24.6 billion."

• [04:02] Character from Neyja 2:
  "I will change my destiny."

• [04:32] Dale Willman:
  "He was one of only a few of what are called super tuskers. Those are elephants whose tusks weigh more than than £100."

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | U.S. arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro | | 01:13 | Trump posts images of Maduro on social media | | 02:04 | Switzerland ski resort fire and criminal probe | | 03:12 | Hollywood's 2025 global box office performance | | 04:12 | Saudi airstrikes in Yemen | | 04:32 | Death of Kenya's "super tusker" elephant, Craig |

Summary

This concise NPR News Now episode covers urgent international developments—the bold U.S. military action in Venezuela, the tragic Swiss ski resort fire and its legal aftermath, the shifting landscape of global film revenue, continuing conflict in Yemen, and the death of a cherished animal symbol in Kenya. Through tightly focused reporting and vivid quotations, the episode offers a snapshot of a world in flux at the start of 2026.