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Ryland Barton (0:13)
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. The CIA struck a dock facility in Venezuela as the Trump administration continues to attack alleged drug operations in the region. That's according to an official not authorized to speak publicly. The U.S. has been targeting boats allegedly transporting drugs. But as NPR's Tom Bowman explains, this is the first known attack against Venezuela on land.
Tom Bowman (0:37)
We also don't know what else the CIA is doing in Venezuela. If history is a guide. In past decades, when the CIA gets involved in an effort to pressure or oust a political leader, the agency would reach out to military leaders, maybe retired leaders, to see if they would either work with a new government, maybe remain cohesive, even mount a coup. So that will be something to watch in the coming weeks. The Maduro government, by the way, has condemned the US Attack. Interestingly, Trump said he spoke with Maduro, quote, very recently, but he said not much came of it.
Ryland Barton (1:10)
NPR's Tom Bowman reporting. Enhanced subsidies for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care act marketplace will expire after December 31st. That means premiums will soon spike for millions of Americans. NPR's Sam Greenglass reports.
Sam Greenglass (1:24)
Congress left town for a holiday recess without acting to renew the pandemic era subsidies. Some people who get their plans on the marketplace are seeing premiums double or triple. Open enrollment in many states ends January 15th. The Congressional Budget Office estimates more than 2 million people will drop their coverage because they cannot afford the premiums. In January, the House is expected to vote on a three year extension of the subsidies after four swing district Republicans joined with Democrats to force a vote. A three year renewal, though, already failed in the Senate. But some lawmakers hope a successful House vote will recharge bipartisan negotiations. Sam Gringlass, NPR News.
Ryland Barton (2:04)
More than a dozen states will raise their minimum wage on January 1st. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports. The move comes as more Americans struggle with the cost of living.
Jennifer Ludden (2:13)
The federal minimum wage has been stuck since 2009 at just $7.25 an hour. In addition to the state hikes this year, dozens more localities are also raising their minimum wage. It's a growing trend, according to the National Employment Law Project, as prices outpace paychecks for millions of workers. Supporters say RA raising the minimum wage reduces hunger and poverty, while critics note it can also lead to job cuts. Both blue and red states are raising rates in 2026 in some places beyond $17 an hour. But the Employment Law Project says 20 states are keeping the lower federal rate, many of them in the south, where most black workers live. Jennifer Lutton, NPR News, Washington.