NPR News Now – January 6, 2026, 8PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton, NPR
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Focus:
A concise roundup of major national and international news headlines, covering political upheaval in Venezuela, U.S. vaccine policy changes, Minnesota's gubernatorial election, the Uvalde school shooting, a health and exercise update, and an environmental penalty in the Gulf of Mexico.

1. Political Upheaval in Venezuela

[00:11–01:21]

• Venezuela swears in new acting president:
  • Delsey Rodriguez, former vice president and Maduro ally, was sworn in after Nicolas Maduro and his wife appeared in New York to face drug trafficking and other charges.
  • Rodriguez was sworn in by her brother, head of Venezuela's National Assembly.
  • She promised to “bring Venezuela out of these terrible times that threatened the peace and stability of the country.”
  • Maduro’s son, also implicated in the indictment, gave a public pledge:
    • Memorable quote [00:57]:
      • “Is in good hands, Papa, and we will hug each other soon here in Venezuela,” – Maduro’s son
  • Seven independent journalists were reportedly arrested outside the National Assembly.
  • The U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s capture sparked global debate at the UN Security Council.
    • U.S. envoy Mike Waltz defended the operation as “a justified and surgical law enforcement operation.” [01:33]

2. U.S. Childhood Vaccine Policy Overhaul

[01:49–02:35]

• Major changes to recommended vaccines for children:
  • Vaccines for polio, measles, tetanus, and pneumonia remain universally recommended.
  • Other vaccines, like hepatitis A and B, flu, and meningitis, are now only recommended for high-risk kids or after consulting a health provider.
  • Directed by a memo from President Trump last month, the CDC moved to align more closely with peer developed countries like Denmark.
  • These changes were made without formal public comment or input from vaccine makers or CDC advisory committees.
  • All vaccines remain free for those who want them.
    • Notable explanation [02:01]:
      • “…others that used to be like shots for hepatitis A and B or flu and meningitis are now shifted to more limited recommendations, such as for kids at high risk or only after consulting with a healthcare provider.” – Ping Huang, NPR

3. Minnesota Gubernatorial Race Update

[02:35–02:56]

• Governor Tim Walz ends reelection campaign:
  • Cites ongoing political fallout from fraud allegations in state social service programs.
  • Direct quote [02:44]:
    • “Every minute that I spend defending my own political interest would be a minute I can't spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who want to prey on our differences.” – Tim Walz
  • U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar mentioned as a possible replacement as Democratic candidate.

4. Uvalde School Shooting Trial Begins

[02:56–03:46]

• First trial over police response to Uvalde massacre:
  • Former officer Adrian Gonzalez charged with failing to protect children during the 2022 attack.
  • Authorities delayed more than an hour before confronting the shooter, resulting in 19 student and 2 teacher deaths (21 others injured).
  • His attorney claims he made attempts to save children as best he could.
  • Jury selection for the trial is underway.

5. Minimal Effective Strength Training

[03:46–04:28]

• New research highlights efficiency of strength training:
  • Resistance training aids cardiovascular health, metabolism, brain function, and longevity.
  • “Minimum dose” training:
    • Just once a week, 2–3 sets with 4–5 exercises, can yield significant results.
    • Notable study: 20 minutes per week increased participants’ strength by 30–50% over seven years.
  • Direct quote [04:02]:
    • Stuart Phillips (exercise scientist):
      • “The message is a good one. It doesn't really require a whole lot, and it can be lighter, it can be heavier.”
  • Will Stone summarizes:
    • “…people typically got anywhere from 30% to 50% stronger.” [04:21]

6. Record U.S. Pipeline Fine after Gulf Oil Spill

[04:28–04:54]

• Federal regulators impose largest-ever fine for pipeline spill:
  • Third Coast, the company responsible for 2023’s Gulf of Mexico oil leak, failed to shut down the pipeline for nearly 13 hours after warning signs.
  • The spill released over a million gallons into the Gulf.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board led the investigation.

Summary Table of Timestamps and Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:11 | Venezuela's leadership change & UN response | | 01:49 | U.S. childhood vaccine requirements updated | | 02:35 | Minnesota Governor Tim Walz steps aside | | 02:56 | Uvalde police officer trial begins | | 03:46 | Minimal effective strength training research | | 04:28 | Record pipeline fine for Gulf oil spill |

For more detailed information, see full episode transcript or NPR’s ongoing coverage.