NPR News Now — January 5, 2026, 4PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Main Theme

This episode delivers a fast-paced overview of significant global and national news stories, including legal drama in New York involving Venezuela’s former president, major shifts in U.S. vaccination policy, Minnesota political developments, a tribute to Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, and public safety updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arraignment of Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

[00:19–01:19]

• Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing multiple charges, including narco-terrorism and weapons-related offenses.

• Both pled not guilty; Maduro, notably, referred to himself as "the president of Venezuela and a prisoner of war."

• The couple was captured in Caracas by a U.S. military operation two days prior and brought to New York for the trial.

• U.S. prosecutors allege Maduro led a massive cocaine trafficking operation, collaborating directly with drug cartels to move "tons of cocaine to the United States."

  Quote:

  “During the proceedings, Maduro introduced himself as the president of Venezuela and a prisoner of war.”
  — Ryan Lucas, NPR News, [00:46]

2. U.S. Latin America Policy Reaction and Regional Tensions

[01:19–01:45]

• President Trump is using the military operation in Venezuela as a warning to other nations, particularly naming Colombia and Cuba.
• In Cuba, officials lowered flags to half-staff in honor of 32 officers killed during the U.S. strike in Venezuela.

3. Major Overhaul of U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule

[01:46–02:33]

• New CDC guidelines maintain recommendations for core vaccines (polio, measles, tetanus, pneumonia) but relegate others (hepatitis A & B, flu, meningitis) to targeted recommendations for high-risk children or after doctor consultation.

• The changes stemmed from a Trump administration directive to align the U.S. vaccine schedule with those in peer countries (e.g., Denmark).

• The process bypassed public comment and the typical CDC advisory route, drawing attention to transparency and health policy protocol.

  Quote:

  “The changes were made without formal public comment or input from vaccine makers and sidestepped the usual process of getting guidance from the CDC's vaccine advisors.”
  — Bing Wong, NPR News, [02:12]

• Health officials assure all vaccines will remain available and free for families who desire them.

4. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Drops Re-Election Bid

[02:33–03:07]

• Governor Tim Walz, Democratic VP nominee in 2024, announced he’s leaving the race for a third term to prioritize investigating alleged fraud in state childcare programs.

• He expressed concern over politicization, suggesting President Trump and allies are leveraging fraud investigations at the expense of Minnesota’s families.

  Quote:

  “We should be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services, and if we can't earn the public's trust.”
  — Minnesota Official, [02:50]

  Quote:

  “Waltz accused President Trump and his allies though of politicizing the fraud probes at the expense of Minnesota's families.”
  — Lakshmi Singh, [03:01]

5. Remembering Eva Schloss, Anne Frank's Stepsister

[03:10–04:12]

• Holocaust survivor and memoirist Eva Schloss passed away at 96.

• King Charles led tributes, expressing pride in having known her. Schloss co-founded and was president of the Anne Frank Trust UK.

• Her biography: born in Vienna, fled Nazis to Amsterdam, became friends with Anne Frank, survived concentration camps, and later became a prolific Holocaust educator and author.

  Quote:

  “King Charles says he's privileged and proud to have known Eva Schloss.”
  — Lauren Frayer, NPR News, [03:29]

6. Secret Service Detains Suspect at VP J.D. Vance’s Home

[04:12–04:15]

• A man was detained after allegedly attempting to break into the unoccupied Ohio residence of Vice President J.D. Vance.
• No injuries or family members present; officials continue to investigate.

7. Flu Surge and Market News

[04:15–04:53]

• Flu cases surged over the holidays; 45 states reported high or very high activity during Christmas week, up from 30 the prior week.
• The Dow Jones closed up nearly 600 points (1.2%), reflecting positive market sentiment.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “During the proceedings, Maduro introduced himself as the president of Venezuela and a prisoner of war.”
  — Ryan Lucas, NPR News [00:46]

• “The changes were made without formal public comment or input from vaccine makers and sidestepped the usual process of getting guidance from the CDC's vaccine advisors.”
  — Bing Wong, NPR News [02:12]

• “We should be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services, and if we can't earn the public's trust.”
  — Minnesota Official [02:50]

• “King Charles says he's privileged and proud to have known Eva Schloss.”
  — Lauren Frayer, NPR News [03:29]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:19] Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arraigned in NYC
• [01:19] Trump’s message to Venezuela’s neighbors
• [01:46] CDC announces overhaul of childhood vaccine schedule
• [02:33] Gov. Tim Walz steps out of re-election race
• [03:10] Death and remembrance of Eva Schloss
• [04:12] Security incident at Vice President Vance’s Ohio home
• [04:15] Flu surge and market update

This 5-minute news summary delivers concise, critical updates on global justice, U.S. policy changes, political shifts, historical tributes, and public health—all in the clear, authoritative style of NPR.