NPR News Now — January 6, 2026, 7AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Theme: The latest global and national news updates delivered in concise, headline-driven segments.

Main Theme

This episode covers major breaking stories worldwide: the U.S. criminal trial of Venezuela’s deposed president Nicolas Maduro, potential effects of Venezuela regime change on Texas' oil industry, a significant shift in U.S. childhood vaccine policy, international resistance to a U.S. bid for Greenland, notable NFL coaching firings following 'Black Monday,' and volcanic activity warnings in the Philippines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Venezuelan President Maduro and U.S. Charges

• [00:18–01:07]
  • Korva Coleman: Announces Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, pleaded not guilty to U.S. criminal charges in New York City.
  • Jasmine Gard: Describes the courtroom scene, noting interruptions and Maduro’s reaction.
    • Memorable Moment: Heckler disrupts proceedings; Maduro states he’s “a man of God” and calls himself “a prisoner of war kidnapped by the American military.” (00:39)
  • Political protests outside the courthouse reflect deep divisions over U.S. involvement in Venezuela.
    • Izzy McCabe (protester), 00:56: “This is a ploy to capture and foreign resource of a country.”
  • Next court hearing set for March 17.

2. U.S. Briefings and Venezuela’s Oil Future

• [01:07–02:19]
  • Top congressional leaders briefed on recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
  • President Trump tells NBC the U.S. could help fund oil companies seeking to rebuild Venezuelan infrastructure.
  • Natalie Weber (Houston Public Radio): Analyzes how regime change might impact Houston and Texas.
    • Mark Jones (Rice University), 01:45: “That would benefit the oil companies in Houston and the oil service companies in Houston. It would probably have a negative impact on Texas from a revenue perspective.”
    • Insight: Increased Venezuelan oil exports could lower global oil prices, negatively impacting Texas state revenue despite benefits to some oil companies.
  • U.S. continues oil quarantine on Venezuelan tankers (per Secretary of State Marco Rubio); Venezuela currently produces about 1 million barrels/day.

3. U.S. Children’s Vaccine Recommendations Overhauled

• [02:19–03:09]
  • The CDC unexpectedly reduces the number of vaccines recommended for all children—from 17 to 11.
  • Ping Huang:
    • Now, vaccines for diseases like measles, polio, chickenpox, and HPV remain universally recommended.
    • Vaccines for rotavirus, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, and flu are now advised only for high-risk children or after consulting a healthcare provider.
    • Notable Fact: There was no public comment or consultation with vaccine manufacturers before the change.

4. Global Headlines: Greenland and NFL Coaching Shake-ups

• [03:09–04:26]
  • Greenland Sovereignty:
    • European leaders issue a joint statement opposing U.S. moves to acquire Greenland, insisting its fate rests with Greenlanders and Denmark.
  • NFL ‘Black Monday’ — Coaching Firings:
    • Marlon Hyde (WABE Atlanta): Four NFL teams dismiss their head coaches after missing playoffs:
      • Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris
      • Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon
      • Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll (after one season)
      • Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski
    • Tennessee Titans and New York Giants had already fired coaches earlier in the season.
    • Insight: “Black Monday” remains a notorious day of upheaval for NFL coaching staffs.

5. Philippines: Mayon Volcano Alert Raised

• [04:26–04:56]
  • Philippine officials warn of increased eruption risk at Mayon Volcano on southern Luzon Island.
  • Residents advised to avoid danger zones.
  • Factoid: Mayon is among the world’s most active volcanoes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Heckler in courtroom (regarding Maduro): “Maduro would pay for what he’s done to Venezuelans.” [00:34]
• Maduro: “I am a man of God… a prisoner of war kidnapped by the American military.” [00:39]
• Izzy McCabe (protester): “This is a ploy to capture and foreign resource of a country.” [00:56]
• Mark Jones (Rice University): “That would benefit the oil companies in Houston... [but] probably have a negative impact on Texas from a revenue perspective.” [01:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18: Introduction to Maduro and Flores New York trial
• 00:39: Maduro’s courtroom comments
• 00:56: Protesters’ perspectives outside the courthouse
• 01:07: Briefings on Venezuela military operation; U.S. oil interests
• 01:45: Texas oil analysis by Prof. Mark Jones
• 02:19: CDC’s new childhood vaccine recommendations
• 03:09: European response to U.S. claims on Greenland
• 03:47: NFL ‘Black Monday’ coaching changes
• 04:26: Mayon Volcano alert in the Philippines

Tone & Style

Terse, direct, and factual—standard for NPR headline news. Coverage emphasizes objectivity with succinct reporting, while on-the-scene quotes and expert analysis add immediacy and diverse perspectives.

For listeners seeking a rapid yet comprehensive update, this episode encapsulates key global events with clear, reliable reporting.