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

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 7, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the most pressing national and international events as of January 7, 2026. The newscast focuses on the international fallout from a dramatic US raid in Venezuela, ongoing diplomatic tension over Greenland, legal developments in US domestic deployment of National Guard troops, a shift in US-China tech trade, and the ongoing recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Aftermath of the US Raid in Venezuela

[00:18 - 01:23]

• At least 24 Venezuelan security officers killed: Venezuelan officials announce a high number of casualties following a US raid that captured ousted leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
• Additional Cuban casualties: Cuban officials report 32 of their personnel also killed in the attack.
• Venezuelan government response:
  • Attorney General Tariq William Saab labels the US actions as "war crimes" and vows an investigation.
  • Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello leads a large government rally in Caracas, denouncing the event as the "kidnapping of Venezuela's rightful leader."
  • Acting President Del Rodriguez condemns the "terrible military aggression of the US" and specifically rebuffs threats, stating:

    • "Personally, to those who threaten me, my destiny is not determined by them, but by God."
      — Del Rodriguez, [01:16]

Notable Quote

• “The, quote, war crimes against officers and civilians would be investigated.”
  — Korva Coleman, paraphrasing Attorney General Tariq William Saab, [00:44]

2. Greenland and US Foreign Policy

[01:23 - 02:06]

• European leaders issue a joint statement: They declare that decisions regarding Greenland’s future rest only with its people and Denmark.

• Comparison with Venezuela: Former US Ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, draws a sharp distinction:

  • “Greenland is different than Venezuela.”
  • Clarifies that military action in Greenland would violate NATO principles.

    • "The premise of Article 5 is that if you attack one of us, you attack all of us. So the argument that we need Greenland for national security doesn't hold water."
      — Rufus Gifford, [01:54]

• White House posture: President Trump and advisors are reportedly exploring "a range of options" to acquire Greenland.

3. National Guard Troop Withdrawals & Immigration Policy

[02:06 - 03:09]

• 500 National Guard troops demobilized: Northern Command confirms troops in California, Illinois, and Oregon are returning to their home units after court battles and opposition from governors.
• Legal precedent: The Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling blocking troop deployments in Chicago.

  • "It's highly likely that the president cannot use that same statute here."
    — Dustin Bueller, special counsel to Oregon, [02:55]

• Trump response: President Trump continues to reference Portland and does not rule out future use of the Insurrection Act.
• Immigration enforcement: Despite troop withdrawals, the Trump administration intensifies efforts, sending thousands of agents to Minneapolis, specifically targeting Somali and Somali American communities with allegations of daycare fraud.

4. Tech & Trade: Nvidia’s AI Chip Sales to China

[03:57 - 04:39]

• Nvidia ramps up H200 chip production: Following a policy reversal, US government now allows select sales to China.
• CEO Jensen Huang (speaking at CES Las Vegas): Anticipates strong demand, ongoing licensing discussions with both US and Chinese authorities.

  • "Nvidia is working out the last licensing issues with the Trump administration. Beijing will also have to approve purchases... but Huang says he expects that to happen quietly and orders to flow once the US Licensing is worked out."
    — John Ruich, summarizing Jensen Huang, [04:28]

5. Los Angeles Wildfire Anniversary

[04:39 - 04:56]

• Anniversary of deadly fires: Marking the start of the Los Angeles wildfires that killed 30+ people and destroyed over 16,000 structures.
• Recovery is slow: Many survivors are still struggling to rebuild.

Memorable Moments

• The unyielding rhetoric from Venezuelan officials and the large-scale government rally in Caracas ([00:44 - 01:16]).
• Rufus Gifford’s firm dismissal of invoking NATO for Greenland ([01:54]).
• The legal clarity from Dustin Bueller on limits of presidential authority ([02:55]).
• The quiet anticipation by Nvidia’s CEO regarding chip sales amid geopolitics ([04:28]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Del Rodriguez: "Personally, to those who threaten me, my destiny is not determined by them, but by God." [01:16]
• Rufus Gifford: "The premise of Article 5 is that if you attack one of us, you attack all of us. So the argument that we need Greenland for national security doesn't hold water." [01:54]
• Dustin Bueller: "It's highly likely that the president cannot use that same statute here." [02:55]
• John Ruich (paraphrasing Jensen Huang): "Nvidia is working out the last licensing issues with the Trump administration. Beijing will also have to approve purchases... but Huang says he expects that to happen quietly and orders to flow once the US Licensing is worked out." [04:28]

Summary Flow

This episode provides a rapid digest of high-stakes global and domestic developments, moving from the repercussions of US military action in Venezuela and tense diplomatic disputes with Europe over Greenland, to shifting legal and military actions tied to immigration enforcement in the US, and finally to major commercial and technological shifts in the US-China relationship. The episode closes with a somber reminder of ongoing recovery from environmental disaster in California. The tone is urgent and factual, capturing both the immediate details and the underlying tensions shaping today’s news.