NPR News Now – 01-05-2026 10AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 5, 2026
Run Time: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now broadcast reports on several major national and international news developments, market updates, and current weather alerts. Key stories include Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ending his reelection bid, the U.S. capture of deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, mixed reactions among Venezuelan Americans, economic updates following the capture, changes at the U.S. Mint, and severe weather conditions across the West and Southern Plains.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Ends Reelection Campaign

• [00:13] Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) announced the end of his reelection campaign, referencing ongoing investigations into state child care fraud.
  • Walz stated he could have won another term but was unable to give his full attention amidst the scrutiny.
  • Notably, Walz was Kamala Harris’s running mate in her previous presidential campaign.

2. Venezuelan Leader Nicolas Maduro Captured

• [00:27] Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife were brought to a New York City federal courthouse by U.S. troops to face drug charges.
  • This military operation has found some Republican support.

3. Congressional Oversight and Criticism

• [01:02] CT Rep. Jim Himes raises constitutional concerns regarding unilateral executive action:
  • Jim Himes Quote:

    "Clearly, Congress needs to do something that it has not done because it's been under the control of the president's acolytes for the last year or so, which is to assert itself, to say we are the legitimate representatives of the people. And you're now talking about using those people on foreign adventures that would have made Teddy Roosevelt blush..."
    — Jim Himes, 01:02

  • Calls for Congress to reclaim its role in foreign military action oversight.

4. Venezuelan-American Community in Houston Reacts

• [01:39] Houston, home to a large Venezuelan population, sees mixed response:
  • Celebration:
    • Dozens gather in Houston to celebrate, with emotional reactions.
      • Hector Machuca Quote:

        "It's a lot of emotions, you know, altogether like happiness, but at the same time a little worry and we're a little nervous."
        — Hector Machuca, 01:48

  • Protest/Opposition:
    • Some residents oppose U.S. intervention.
      • Caleb Kurowski Quote:

        "I think we already can see the results of US Interventions across the world, and we don't think that Venezuela will end up any different."
        — Caleb Kurowski, 02:05

  • Local political leaders remain divided on the operation.

5. Economic and Oil Market Update

• [02:16] Despite Venezuela news, global oil markets and the Dow Jones saw little turbulence:
  • Oil prices remain below $60/barrel; U.S. gas prices falling.
  • Scott Horsley details how Venezuela’s weakened production reduces market impact and U.S. companies would face high hurdles reviving its oil sector.
  • Average U.S. regular gas: $2.81/gallon, down 25 cents from one year ago.

6. U.S. Mint’s 250th Anniversary Coin Release

• [03:08] New coins marking the U.S. semiquincentennial debut today.
  • However, the Trump administration blocks the release of coins celebrating women’s and civil rights.
  • A $1 coin featuring sitting President Trump is under consideration—a break from precedent.

7. Weather: Bay Area Flooding and Plains Fire Risk

• Northern California:
  • [03:43] Storm surge, king tides, and continued rain keep the Bay Area at elevated flood risk.
    • Lanie Hendricks Quote:

      "While the rain is tapering off, we still have moderate to high tides in the forecast again for tomorrow, so we may not necessarily be in the clear on flooding."
      — Lanie Hendricks, 04:07

  • National Weather Service issues statewide flood watches.
• Southern Plains:
  • [04:29] Red flag fire warnings remain in effect for the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, with conditions ripe for wildfire outbreaks (strong winds, low humidity, dry grass).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jim Himes, on congressional authority:

  "...you're now talking about using those people on foreign adventures that would have made Teddy Roosevelt blush." (01:09)

• Hector Machuca, on Maduro's capture:

  "It's a lot of emotions, you know, altogether like happiness, but at the same time a little worry and we're a little nervous." (01:48)

• Caleb Kurowski, reflecting on U.S. interventions:

  "We already can see the results of US Interventions across the world, and we don't think that Venezuela will end up any different." (02:05)

• Lanie Hendricks, Bay Area flood caution:

  "...we still have moderate to high tides in the forecast again for tomorrow, so we may not necessarily be in the clear on flooding." (04:07)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:13 – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ends reelection bid
• 00:27 – Nicolas Maduro captured, brought to NYC
• 01:02 – Rep. Jim Himes discusses congressional oversight
• 01:39 – Houston’s Venezuelan community reaction
• 02:16 – Stock markets and oil price update
• 03:08 – U.S. Mint coin release and controversy
• 03:43 – Flooding in Northern California
• 04:29 – Fire risk in the Southern Plains

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