NPR News Now – January 6, 2026, 12PM EST
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: January 6, 2026
Duration: 5 Minutes
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise, up-to-date summary of major national and international events. The focus is on notable political developments in the U.S., an upheaval in Venezuela, a federal trial tied to the Uvalde school shooting, and a surge in U.S. flu cases.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa
- Reported by: Lakshmi Singh [00:16]
- President Trump pays tribute after the passing of Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa, age 65.
- LaMalfa led the Western Caucus and was recognized for his advocacy on California water issues.
- Trump described him as “a fierce champion on California water issues.”
- Quote:
"He was great on water. He wanted release the water. He'd scream at him."
— President Trump [00:34]
- Quote:
- LaMalfa’s passing, alongside Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, narrows the GOP House majority [00:40].
2. GOP Retreat and 2024 Election Agenda
- Trump addresses Republicans at a party retreat, emphasizing unity and a forward push on the party agenda for the election year [00:45].
3. Five-Year Anniversary of January 6th Capitol Attack
- Reported by: Lakshmi Singh [00:47]; Tom Dreisbach [01:27]
- Recap of the 2021 Capitol attack and its long-lasting impacts.
- President Trump, now in office again, issued mass pardons to January 6th participants on his first day.
- Focus on lasting trauma for assaulted police officers (approx. 140 injured).
- Interview with Daniel Hodges, D.C. police officer attacked during the insurrection.
- Quote:
"I've been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety adjustment disorder and PTSD symptoms."
— Officer Daniel Hodges [01:47] - Hodges continues to speak out to "preserve an accurate account of what happened" [01:58].
- Quote:
- Reporting highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and mental health support for officers.
4. Venezuela: Gunfire and Political Turmoil
- Reported by: Ada Peralta [02:09]
- Residents of Caracas experience heavy gunfire near the presidential palace, seemingly sparked by viral videos and confusion over drone activity.
- Government sources claim gunfire was meant “to dissuade drones over flying Miraflores, the presidential palace” [02:20].
- Events raise fears of instability after U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
- Vice President Delse Rodriguez sworn in as acting president; military expresses support for her.
- Quote:
"The violence surfaced fears that there might be a struggle for power following the U.S. Capture of President Nicolas Maduro."
— Ada Peralta [02:35]
- Quote:
5. Maduro’s U.S. Court Appearance
- Former Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife plead not guilty to drug and weapons charges at a New York federal court [03:02].
6. Uvalde School Shooting: Trial Begins
- Opening statements in trial of Uvalde Schools officer Adrian Gonzalez, facing 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment.
- Gonzalez, one of two officers charged, is among nearly 400 who responded to the Robb Elementary shooting in 2022 but waited 77 minutes before ending the attack [03:02].
- During that time, 19 students and two teachers were killed.
7. Surge in U.S. Flu Cases
- Reported by: Giles Snyder [04:07]
- CDC reports escalating flu cases:
- 45 states with high or very high activity, up from 30 prior week.
- At least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, 5,000 deaths thus far this season.
- Factors: Holiday travel, low vaccination, partial vaccine mismatch.
- Quote:
"Holiday travel likely contributed to the surge over the Christmas holiday. Also, low vaccination rates and a partial vaccine mismatch."
— Giles Snyder [04:33]
- Quote:
- Expectation: "Increased flu activity will likely continue for several weeks."
8. Financial Update
- The Dow Jones is up 285 points [04:50].
Notable Quotes and Moments
- “[Doug LaMalfa] was great on water. He wanted release the water. He'd scream at him.” — President Trump [00:34]
- “I've been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety adjustment disorder and PTSD symptoms.” — Officer Daniel Hodges [01:47]
- “The violence surfaced fears that there might be a struggle for power following the U.S. Capture of President Nicolas Maduro.” — Ada Peralta [02:35]
- “Holiday travel likely contributed to the surge... Also, low vaccination rates and a partial vaccine mismatch.” — Giles Snyder [04:33]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Congressman LaMalfa Obituary & GOP Majority: 00:16–00:45
- GOP Retreat & Party Agenda: 00:45–00:47
- January 6th Anniversary & Officer Testimony: 00:47–02:09
- Venezuela: Gunfire/Political Unrest: 02:09–03:02
- Maduro & U.S. Charges: 03:02–03:28
- Uvalde Shooting Trial: 03:28–04:07
- U.S. Flu Surge: 04:07–04:50
- Financial Market Update: 04:50–04:55
Summary
This fast-moving NPR News Now episode covers key issues including the political balance in the U.S. House after the death of Rep. LaMalfa, the five-year mark since the January 6th Capitol attack (with emphasis on pardons and officer trauma), dramatic scenes in Caracas amid Venezuela’s leadership crisis, a high-profile trial in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting, and a concerning escalation in U.S. flu cases. The reporting is concise, objective, and framed with direct input from newsmakers and eyewitnesses.