NPR News Now – January 4, 2026, 12PM EST

Host: Nora Rahm
Duration: ~5 minutes
Date: January 4, 2026

Overview

This tightly-packed NPR News episode centers on dramatic global developments, including the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, international responses, a deadly fire in Switzerland, renewed Western military action in Syria, and diplomatic commentary from Pope Leo. The episode provides concise, direct updates with insights from on-the-ground reporters and sources.

Major Headlines & Key Discussion Points

1. U.S. Seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Reported by Nora Rahm and Greg Myhre

• Maduro Detained: Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan President, was seized in a U.S. military operation and is now held in Brooklyn, facing federal drug and weapons charges.
  • “Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is being held in a detention center in Brooklyn after being seized in a US Military operation yesterday.” (00:24, Nora Rahm)
• Trump’s Stance: President Trump, less hesitant than during his first term, signals possible broader military involvement in Venezuela.
  • "'We're not afraid of boots on the ground. ... The US can't just … leave Venezuela or the country would never recover.'” (00:54, Greg Myhre reporting Trump’s words)
  • “Trump said the US Would run Venezuela and he said he'd do it with people that were with him at the news conference. He was referring to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth along with Venezuelans as well.” (01:02, Greg Myhre)
• What’s Next? Uncertainty looms over Venezuela’s immediate future amidst foreign intervention.

2. Protests and Divided Sentiment in the U.S.

Reported by Juan Carlos Lara (San Francisco)

• Antiwar Protests:
  • Hundreds in San Francisco protest the U.S. bombing of Venezuela and the capture of Maduro.
    • “Richard Becker with the Anti War Answer Coalition says the Trump administration's attack is a blatant scheme to take natural resources.” (01:34, Juan Carlos Lara)
    • Notable quote: “They want the wealth of Venezuela, they want its oil, they want its gold, they want its bauxite.” (01:42, Richard Becker)
• Venezuelan-American Celebration:
  • Nearby, some Venezuelan expats celebrate Maduro’s ousting, calling him a corrupt dictator and expressing hope for U.S. involvement.
    • “Ruby Nino, who grew up in Venezuela, says she's optimistic ... and hopes the involvement of US Officials will help. She says the people have already suffered too much for things to go bad now.” (01:47, Juan Carlos Lara)

3. British and French Airstrike in Syria

Reported by Lauren Frayer (London)

• Airstrike Details:
  • U.K. and French warplanes target an alleged ISIS weapons facility near Palmyra, Syria.
    • “British Royal Air Force jets have been flying patrols over Syria since the Islamic State's defeat in 2019.” (02:32, Lauren Frayer)
    • “Intelligence ... revealed what the British military calls a weapons and explosives facility in the mountains north of Palmyra.” (02:37)
    • “The British military says its Typhoon fighter jets joined French aircraft ... dropping guided bombs on the site, which was occupied by ISIS. There was no risk posed to civilians.” (02:45)
  • Context: The U.S. recently carried out its own airstrikes after an ambush killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter (02:55).

4. Swiss Ski Resort Fire Tragedy

Reported by Sarah Rainsford (BBC)

• Memorials and Mourning:
  • A silent procession and a special mass follow a devastating fire that killed 40 people at a Swiss resort on New Year's Day.
    • “There is a mass at St Christopher's Church this morning. The normal Sunday Mass has become a Mass for the victims of the tragedy on New Year's Eve…” (03:40, Sarah Rainsford)
  • Grieving families receive confirmation of loved ones' deaths:
    • “For the families ... they're getting the worst possible news. They're now beginning the grieving process knowing that their children have, in fact, died.” (03:56, Sarah Rainsford)

5. Papal Comment on Venezuela Crisis

Pope Leo through interpreter

• Pope Leo’s Stance:
  • During Sunday prayer, Pope Leo calls for respect of Venezuelan sovereignty and urges prioritization of Venezuelans’ welfare.
    • “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over any other consideration and lead to overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace…” (04:31, Interpreter for Pope Leo)
  • Reminds world leaders to respect the Constitution, civil, and human rights.
    • “...guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of each and every person.” (04:44, Interpreter)
  • Context: Pope Leo has previously criticized Trump’s use of force policy in Venezuela.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s Directness:
  • “We're not afraid of boots on the ground. … The US can't just … leave Venezuela or the country would never recover.” (00:54, Greg Myhre quoting President Trump)
• Pro/Anti Intervention Sentiments in San Francisco:
  • “They want the wealth of Venezuela, they want its oil, they want its gold, they want its bauxite.” (01:42, Richard Becker, Anti War Answer Coalition)
  • “...the people have already suffered too much for things to go bad now.” (01:52, Ruby Nino, Venezuelan-American)
• Pope Leo’s Plea:
  • “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over any other consideration and lead to overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace...” (04:31, Interpreter for Pope Leo)

Significant Timestamps

• 00:24 – 01:16: U.S. detains Maduro; Trump signals possible troop deployment
• 01:17 – 02:17: San Francisco protests and Venezuelan expat reactions
• 02:17 – 03:19: U.K. and French joint airstrike in Syria; context of U.S. military activity
• 03:19 – 04:08: Swiss ski resort fire aftermath and community mourning
• 04:08 – 04:53: Pope Leo’s message on Venezuela, emphasis on peace and sovereignty

Conclusion

This episode paints a portrait of heightened international tension, mixed local reactions, and solemn reflection on tragedy. The coverage is brisk yet thorough, emphasizing direct participant voices—from policymakers and protesters to ordinary citizens and religious leaders—while providing vital context for unfolding global events.