NPR News Now – January 5, 2026, 3PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Purpose:
A concise five-minute update covering the latest major national and international news, including political, economic, health, and legal developments.

Featured Stories and Key Insights

Venezuelan President Maduro and First Lady Arraigned in New York

• [00:16] Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, weapons, and other charges during their arraignment in New York City.

  • Maduro claimed they were “prisoners of war kidnapped at their home two days ago during a US Military raid.”
  • He attempted to invoke protections under the Geneva Conventions, implying the nature of their capture was unlawful.
  • Quote:
    • “Maduro said he and his wife were prisoners of war kidnapped at their home... and he sought to invoke protections under international law by appealing to The Geneva Conventions.” – Lakshmi Singh [00:32]

• Celia Flores' Injuries

  • [00:51] NPR’s Jasmine Garz reported that Flores had a swollen right eye, a bandaged forehead, and possible rib injuries or fractures sustained during the operation.
  • Quote:
    • “Her right eye looked a bit swollen. Her forehead was bandaged. And... she may have sustained a fracture during the operation or at the very least, severe bruising on her ribs.” – Jasmine Garz [00:52]
  • Defense requested medical attention and X-rays for Flores.

Geopolitical & Oil Industry Impact

• [01:09] The arrest of Maduro and Flores is linked to U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil reserves.
  • President Trump stated control of Venezuelan oil was a component of the U.S. operation.
  • Oil Sector Context ([01:30]):
    • Venezuela has abundant oil, but relationships with U.S. companies soured in 2007 after President Hugo Chavez forced renegotiations.
    • Major companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips left, later winning $11 billion in court settlements against Venezuela.
    • Oil experts say returning to Venezuela could help these companies recover losses.
    • Venezuela’s neighboring Guyana, with significant ExxonMobil operations, has had territorial oil disputes with Venezuela.
    • Analysts see the ouster of Maduro as boosting U.S. oil security in Guyana.
  • Quote:
    • “Oil experts tell NPR that for some oil companies, coming back could be a way to recoup money owed.” – Julia Simon [01:42]
    • “With President Maduro gone, U.S. oil investments in Guyana are more secure.” – Julia Simon [02:09]

Financial Markets Surge

• [02:19] U.S. energy sector stocks are soaring, attributed to the latest geopolitical developments.
  • Dow up 800+ points (1.6%), S&P gained 50, Nasdaq up 160.

CDC Dramatic Vaccine Schedule Changes

• [02:36] The CDC announced a significant reduction in vaccines recommended for children, following a presidential directive to review the childhood vaccine schedule.
  • Now limited: Vaccines for rotavirus, hepatitis A & B, meningitis, seasonal flu.
  • These will only be recommended for high-risk children or after consultation with a healthcare provider.
  • Memorable Summary:
    • “Vaccines…such as those for rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningitis and seasonal flu, are now more limited.” – Lakshmi Singh [02:50]

Wegovy Obesity Pill Launch

• [03:29] Novo Nordisk’s pill version of Wegovy, previously a popular injectable, goes on sale.
  • Patients can fill prescriptions at $149–$299/month (without insurance).
  • List price matches injectable ($1,400/month).
  • Insurance coverage is tighter, but copays can be as low as $25/month for those insured.
  • Quote:
    • “The discounted starting dose of the pill is $149 a month. The higher doses are $299 a month for patients who don’t use health insurance.” – Sydney Lupkin [03:41]

Uvalde School Shooting Officer on Trial

• [04:08] Adrian Gonzalez, a former Uvalde Schools police officer, stands trial on 29 counts of child abandonment/endangerment for his response to the 2022 Robb Elementary mass shooting.
  • He is one of two officers facing charges.
  • An investigation found 400 officers responded but waited 77 minutes before intervening, during which 19 students and 2 teachers were killed.
  • Summary Quote:
    • “An investigation found nearly 400 officers…waited 77 minutes before they breached the classroom and killed the shooter.” – Lakshmi Singh [04:25]

Attempted Break-In at Vice President’s Residence

• [04:37] Secret Service detained a man who allegedly tried to break into Vice President J.D. Vance’s Ohio home, causing property damage. No one was home at the time.

Notable Quotes by Segment

• Maduro’s defense:
  • “We are prisoners of war kidnapped at our home.” – Nicolás Maduro via Lakshmi Singh [00:25]
• Celia Flores’ injuries:
  • “Her right eye looked a bit swollen. Her forehead was bandaged...” – Jasmine Garz [00:52]
• Oil dynamics:
  • “For some oil companies, coming back could be a way to recoup money owed.” – Julia Simon [01:42]
• CDC vaccine change summary:
  • “Vaccines…are now more limited. They’re recommended only for those at high risk or after consultation…” – Lakshmi Singh [02:50]
• Wegovy pill pricing:
  • “Discounted starting dose…$149 a month…higher doses…$299 a month for patients who don’t use their health insurance.” – Sydney Lupkin [03:41]
• Uvalde response:
  • “400 officers…waited 77 minutes before they breached the classroom…” – Lakshmi Singh [04:25]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:16] Venezuelan President and First Lady Arraignment
• [01:09] U.S. Oil Interests and Geopolitical Impact
• [02:19] Market Reaction
• [02:36] CDC Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes
• [03:29] Wegovy Obesity Pill Launch
• [04:08] Uvalde School Shooting Officer on Trial
• [04:37] Attempted Break-in at Vice President’s Home

Tone: Clear, factual, urgent—capturing the brisk, news-driven style of NPR’s hourly update.