NPR News Now – 01-05-2026 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 5, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now provides a rapid roundup of top national and international headlines. The segment primarily covers developments regarding Venezuela and its former leader, updates on the Trump administration’s foreign and domestic policy moves, US political news, a resignation of a Wisconsin judge, global business, US-India trade frictions, and weather warnings affecting the US West Coast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Venezuelan Leader Nicolas Maduro Captured and in Court

• [00:15 – 01:06]
  • Headline: Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appears in a New York federal court after being captured in a US military operation.
  • Scene: Protesters are gathered outside the courthouse with opposing views – some are relieved, others angry at the US operation.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Maria Su, from Venezuela:
      • "I'm happy. I'm happy to see him enter court today and pay for everything." ([00:45])
  • Maduro faces US charges, including drug trafficking. A legal battle is expected.

2. President Trump’s Plans for Venezuela and Beyond

• [01:06 – 02:12]
  • President Trump declares the US will “run Venezuela,” possibly with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Plans involve:
    • US oil companies taking charge of Venezuela’s oil resources.
    • Contemplating military action elsewhere: Colombia, Cuba, and even (facetiously or otherwise) Greenland.
  • Internal US Political Fallout:
    • Defense Secretary Hegseth moves to censure Senator Mark Kelly after Kelly’s public call for troops to “resist illegal orders.”
    • Possible demotion for Senator Kelly, a retired Navy captain.

3. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Not Seeking Reelection

• [02:12 – 02:57]
  • Tim Walz announces he will not pursue a third term as governor.
  • States desire to focus on rooting out fraud in state programs.
  • The Walz administration has recently been under scrutiny for alleged misuse of government funds, intensified by increased attention from the Trump administration.
  • Walz expresses confidence in a Democratic victory in November.

4. Wisconsin Judge Resignation Over Immigration Case

• [02:57 – 03:12]
  • Judge Hannah Dugan resigns after being convicted of obstructing justice for aiding a migrant's evasion of federal authorities.

5. Swiss Bar Fire Aftermath

• [03:12 – 03:42]
  • All injured from a deadly Swiss bar fire have been identified.
  • 83 victims remain hospitalized.

6. US-India Trade Tensions Over Russian Oil

• [03:42 – 04:28]
  • President Trump threatens India with higher tariffs if it continues buying Russian oil, accusing India of “helping fund Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.”
  • India had reduced imports from Russia after US tariff hikes but appears to have resumed them.
  • Notable Quote:
    • President Trump (summarized):
      • "India reducing imports from Russia was important to make me happy. But if that trade continues, the US could boost tariffs on India very quickly." ([04:15])

7. West Coast Weather Warnings

• [04:28 – 04:54]
  • Heavy winter weather and precipitation batter California.
  • Flood watches and warnings for Northern California; up to three inches of additional rain possible after a weekend of flooding in the Bay Area.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Maria Su’s emotional reaction to Maduro’s court appearance:
  • "I'm happy. I'm happy to see him enter court today and pay for everything." – Maria Su ([00:45])
• President Trump (paraphrased by NPR):
  • "India reducing imports from Russia was important to make me happy. But if that trade continues, the US could boost tariffs on India very quickly." – President Trump ([04:15])

Important Timestamps

• Maduro’s court appearance & protests: [00:15 – 01:06]
• Trump’s foreign and domestic policy statements: [01:06 – 02:12]
• Tim Walz withdraws from re-election: [02:12 – 02:57]
• Wisconsin judge resignation: [02:57 – 03:12]
• Swiss fire aftermath: [03:12 – 03:42]
• US-India oil tariffs standoff: [03:42 – 04:28]
• California weather updates: [04:28 – 04:54]

Tone and Style

NPR’s concise, objective reporting prevails, with emotional color added through brief interviews (notably during the Venezuela coverage). The language remains direct, impartial, and focused on facts, with underlying tensions highlighted through contextual background on several stories—such as the polarized reaction to US intervention in Venezuela and heightened US-India economic friction.

This summary provides a comprehensive and engaging snapshot of key international and US political developments, legal news, economic tensions, and environmental concerns as covered in this NPR News Now episode.