NPR News Now: January 7, 2026 – 2AM EST

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A fast-paced roundup of global and national news, covering breaking developments in Venezuela, updates on the Uvalde school shooting trial, a deadly Swiss ski bar fire, international support for Ukraine, immigration raids in Minneapolis, the passing of Michael Reagan, and key highlights from the CES tech festival.

Key Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Raid in Venezuela Draws Sharp Condemnation

[00:18–01:24]

• Venezuelan officials report at least two dozen of their security officers and 32 Cuban allies killed in a U.S. raid targeting ousted leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

• Carrie Kahn (NPR): Details mounting Venezuelan government outrage, framing the U.S. action as "war crimes" to be investigated.

• Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello leads a rally in Caracas, calling the event a kidnapping of Venezuela’s leadership.

• Acting President Delsey Rodriguez publicly rejects U.S. threats, emphasizing agency and sovereignty.

  "Personally, to those who threaten me, my destiny is not determined by them, but by God."
  — Delsey Rodriguez (quoted by Carrie Kahn, 01:10)

2. New Information in Uvalde, Texas School Shooting Case

[01:24–01:57]

• Jury hears from a witness about defendant Adrian Gonzalez’s actions the day of the shooting; timeline under scrutiny.

• Nicole LaHood (Defense Attorney): Challenges the prosecution's portrayal of Gonzalez's window of action.

  "They tried to make you believe was this insane amount of time that he had to do all these things ... the time is about one minute."
  — Nicole LaHood (01:40)

• Gonzalez faces charges of failing to protect students and teachers; a motion to dismiss will be considered.

3. Swiss Ski Bar Fire: Investigation and Accountability

[01:57–03:01]

• A ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, fire on New Year’s Eve kills 40+ people, with 100+ injured.

• Eleanor Beardsley (NPR): Reports on mayor Nicolas Ferraud's public regret for skipped inspections; DIY ceiling foam and sparklers cited as probable cause.

• Victims mostly young (14–39 years old); 20 minors.

• Owners under investigation for homicide by negligence.

  "We will assume all of our responsibility."
  — Nicolas Ferraud, Mayor of Crans-Montana (02:26, reported by Beardsley)

4. International Support After the Ukraine War

[03:01–03:27]

• Leaders from Europe, Canada, the U.S., and the EU pledge equipment for Ukraine’s front-line forces once the war concludes.

5. DHS Immigration Raids in Minneapolis Amid Fraud Allegations

[03:27–03:56]

• DHS prepares for large-scale immigration raids; around 2,000 federal agents to be deployed.
• Linked to child-care fraud: Somali-American-run daycare centers were involved in a nonprofit fraud scheme exposed last year.

6. Remembering Michael Reagan

[03:56–04:40]

• Michael Reagan, adopted son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, dies at 80 after cancer diagnosis.

• Known for Newsmax commentary, a syndicated radio show, and his book "Lessons My Father Taught Me."

• Reagan was recognized for his dedication to his father's legacy.

  "[Michael Reagan was a] steadfast guardian of his father's legacy."
  — Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation (reported by Giles Snyder, 03:57)

7. Major Tech Announcements at CES

[04:40–04:57]

• Companies like Nvidia, Intel, and Samsung showcase new artificial intelligence plans, home entertainment, and appliances at the Vegas convention.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “War crimes against officers and civilians would be investigated.”
  — Venezuela's Attorney General Tariq William Saab (reported at 00:50)
• “My destiny is not determined by them, but by God.”
  — Acting President Delsey Rodriguez (01:10, via Carrie Kahn)
• “The soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling that caught fire from sparklers was installed in a do it yourself job by the owners.”
  — Eleanor Beardsley (02:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:18] — Venezuela: US Raid Casualties & Official Response
• [01:24] — Uvalde, Texas: Gonzalez Trial Update
• [01:57] — Switzerland: Ski Bar Fire Details
• [03:01] — Ukraine: International Equipment Promise
• [03:27] — US: DHS Immigration Raids in Minneapolis
• [03:56] — US: Death of Michael Reagan
• [04:40] — US: CES Tech Conference News