NPR News Now — Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-06-2026 10AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 6, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise, five-minute NPR News Now episode, anchored by Korva Coleman, covers the latest breaking news from around the world. Today’s updates span political turmoil and gunfire in Venezuela following President Maduro’s capture, U.S. political developments, economic reflections on oil and Wall Street, a major product recall from Nestle, California storm damage, and a volcanic alert in the Philippines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gunfire and Unrest in Caracas, Venezuela

[00:16–01:12]

• Incident: Residents of Caracas, near the presidential palace, experienced heavy gunfire overnight.
• Cause: Possible confusion stemming from social media, with videos showing rifle fire and possible anti-aircraft rounds.
  • “From their balconies, residents saw what appeared to be antiaircraft fire streaking through the air.” — Ada Peralta ([00:33])
• Official Statement: Venezuela’s information ministry said the gunfire was an attempt to “dissuade drones overflying Miraflores, the presidential palace.”
• Power Struggle Concerns: Public fears over a struggle for power after the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
• Transition of Power: Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as acting president, with defense officials signaling armed forces' loyalty to Rodriguez.
  • “The minister of defense, Vladimir Padrino, also said the Venezuelan armed forces are firmly behind Rodriguez.” — Ada Peralta ([01:04])

2. U.S. Political Response to Venezuela

[01:12–01:48]

• Trump’s Meeting: President Trump is set to meet Republican lawmakers to discuss election strategies; Venezuela expected to come up.
  • “I think Venezuela will be part of the conversation. I don’t think it will be the only topic.” — Barbara Sprunt ([01:38])
• Congressional Briefing: Last night, bipartisan congressional leaders were briefed on the situation.
• Political Perspectives:
  • Democrats demand more transparency regarding Trump’s declaration that the U.S. will “run Venezuela.”
  • Republicans express satisfaction with the briefing, asserting their “questions were answered.”

3. Economic Updates: Oil Prices and Corporate Tax

[01:48–03:04]

• Stock Market: Stocks opened higher; Dow Jones up about 120–140 points.
• Oil Prices: U.S. crude oil trades below $59/barrel—slightly up since Maduro's capture but still low, tempering investment interest in Venezuela’s oil industry.
  • “Prices are still low enough that major oil companies may think twice about making big investments to revitalize Venezuela’s long neglected oil industry.” — Scott Horsley ([02:32])
• Pipeline Fine: Third Coast company fined for 2023 Gulf oil spill exceeding one million gallons. The company allowed oil flow despite warning signals.
• Corporate Tax: U.S. companies secure exemption from an international agreement imposing a 15% minimum corporate tax.

4. Nestlé Infant Formula Recall

[03:04–03:31]

• Recall Details: Nestlé is recalling specific batches of its “sma”-branded infant formula due to potential contamination with a toxin.
• Health Risk: The toxin could cause nausea and vomiting.

5. Flooding in Northern California

[03:31–04:31]

• Impact: Coastal communities north of San Francisco are recovering from storm-induced flooding.
• Local Scene: Gym in Corte Madera, Marin County, protected by sandbags and tarps, still faced severe flooding.
  • “At least three feet of standing water surrounding the entire building that even with sandbags and plywood and tarps, it was still coming through.” — Ryan Davis ([04:04])
• Weather Service: Storm’s impact exceeded forecasts, causing extra high tides and greater damage than expected.

6. Volcanic Alert in the Philippines

[04:31–04:55]

• Mayon Volcano: Elevated alert due to increased eruption risk; located on southern Luzon island.
• Authorities’ Advice: Residents advised to stay away from the area; Mayon is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caracas Gunfire:
  “From their balconies, residents saw what appeared to be antiaircraft fire streaking through the air.”
  — Ada Peralta ([00:33])

• Venezuela Power Shift:
  “The minister of defense, Vladimir Padrino, also said the Venezuelan armed forces are firmly behind Rodriguez.”
  — Ada Peralta ([01:04])

• US Political Commentary:
  “I think Venezuela will be part of the conversation. I don’t think it will be the only topic.”
  — Barbara Sprunt ([01:38])

• Flooding Reality:
  “At least three feet of standing water surrounding the entire building that even with sandbags and plywood and tarps, it was still coming through.”
  — Ryan Davis ([04:04])

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------- |--------------| | Caracas gunfire & power struggle | 00:16–01:12 | | US political response | 01:12–01:48 | | Economic update (oil, tax) | 01:48–03:04 | | Nestlé infant formula recall | 03:04–03:31 | | California flooding | 03:31–04:31 | | Mayon volcano alert | 04:31–04:55 |

For listeners:
This episode delivers fast, critical news about evolving situations in Venezuela, U.S. politics, global economics, product safety, severe weather, and international volcano alerts—all in five minutes. The reporting mixes eyewitness accounts, official statements, and analysis, maintaining NPR’s objective, sober tone throughout.