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

Host: Ryland Barton, NPR
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode summarizes major global and US developments as of early January 2026. Key topics include political upheaval in Venezuela, escalating US-Colombia tensions, an unprecedented disciplinary move against Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Tim Walz’s departure from the Minnesota gubernatorial race, a controversy over anniversary coins, and a record-setting tuna auction in Tokyo.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Venezuela’s Leadership Turmoil & US Involvement

• Ousted President Maduro Pleads Not Guilty:
  • Nicolas Maduro, former Venezuelan president, appeared in a New York court facing drug trafficking and other charges and pleaded not guilty.
    • [00:13–00:30]
• Interim President Sworn In:
  • Nelson Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president by her brother (assembly head).
  • Rodriguez vowed to improve stability amid crisis but moderated her rhetoric in response to direct threats by President Trump.
    • “She pledged to bring Venezuela out of these terrible times that she says is threatening the stability and peace of our country.” — Kerry Kahn [00:45]
  • The transition suggests continuity:
    • “The old guard is still in charge of Venezuela. There has been no big shakeup after the U.S. attack.” — Kerry Kahn [00:56]

Rising Tension: US, Venezuela, and Colombia

• Urgent Congressional Briefing on Venezuela:
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio will brief congressional leaders; Democrats called for this after the surprise US operation and lack of prior consultation.
    • [01:06]
• Military Threats Toward Colombia:
  • President Trump floated military action in Colombia, citing its alleged drug production, further escalating tensions.
  • Trump:
    • “Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, and he's not going to be doing it very long.” — Donald Trump, quoted by Franco Ordonez [01:35]
  • Colombian President Petro responded forcefully via social media, suggesting arresting a president would “unleash a popular jaguar,” and urging national defense against violence.
    • “He’s asked the Colombian people to defend their president from any violence against him.” — Franco Ordonez [01:51]

Military Discipline vs. Political Speech

• Senator Mark Kelly Faces Military Reprisal:
  • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth initiated disciplinary action against retired Navy pilot and Senator Mark Kelly for alleged sedition, after Kelly urged troops not to follow illegal orders.
    • “Secretary Hegseth claims that Kelly's statements... amount to sedition.” — Quill Lawrence [02:25]
  • The process may reduce Kelly’s rank and military retirement pay.
  • Kelly’s statement:
    • “Hegseth and the Trump administration are trying to stifle free speech and dissent among retired military officers. Kelly called that outrageous and un-American.” — Quill Lawrence, paraphrasing Kelly [02:47]

Domestic Politics: Minnesota Governor Steps Aside

• Tim Walz Ends Re-election Campaign:
  • Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz withdrew from the race after persistent fraud allegations in social services, despite efforts to address the issues.
    • Potential replacements discussed include Senator Amy Klobuchar.
    • [03:11]

Historical Coin Design Controversy

• New Commemorative Coins Spark Debate:
  • Congress authorized special coins for the 250th anniversary of US independence.
  • Citizens committee recommended progressive themes (abolition, civil rights, women’s suffrage), but the Trump administration swapped them for designs centered on Pilgrims, the Revolutionary War, and Gettysburg.
    • “They stopped history at the Civil War. They just kind of said, okay, this series of quarters doesn't really reflect where we are 250 years later.” — Donald Scorincy (advisory committee member) [04:16]
  • The Mint may use rejected designs in the future.
    • [04:25]

Economic & Cultural Roundup

• Market Gains:
  • US stock markets advanced, led by energy and banks.
    • [03:06]
• Record Tuna Auction:
  • Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market sold a 535-pound bluefin tuna for $3.2 million, breaking the previous record from 2019.
    • [04:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “She pledged to bring Venezuela out of these terrible times that she says is threatening the stability and peace of our country.”
  — Kerry Kahn [00:45]

• “Colombia is very sick, too... and he's not going to be doing it very long.”
  — Donald Trump, quoted by Franco Ordonez [01:35]

• “Arresting a president would, quote, unleash a popular jaguar.”
  — Gustavo Petro (Colombian President), paraphrased by Franco Ordonez [01:46]

• “Hegseth and the Trump administration are trying to stifle free speech and dissent among retired military officers. Kelly called that outrageous and un-American.”
  — Senator Mark Kelly (statement), reported by Quill Lawrence [02:47]

• “They stopped history at the Civil War. They just kind of said, okay, this series of quarters doesn't really reflect where we are 250 years later.”
  — Donald Scorincy [04:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Topic | Timestamp | |:--------------------------------------------:|:----------:| | Venezuela interim president, US angle | 00:13–01:06| | US-Colombia tensions, Trump & Petro comments | 01:06–02:15| | Disciplinary action, Sen. Kelly vs. DoD | 02:15–03:06| | Minnesota governor drops out, market news | 03:06–03:48| | 250th anniversary coins controversy | 03:48–04:31| | Record tuna auction in Tokyo | 04:31–04:53|

Summary

This concise newscast paints a dynamic global and national political landscape: Venezuela’s leadership shuffle occurs amid US assertiveness, US-Colombia relations are tense and personal, old boundaries between politics and the military are tested, and US history is symbolically debated in coinage. The episode ends with a light cultural note—a blockbuster tuna sale—before returning to headlines-only brevity. This format is ideal for listeners seeking a thorough news briefing in just five minutes.