Ten News Special Report: What’s Going On With Venezuela?

Podcast: The Ten News, News For Curious Kids
Hosts: Ryan Willard & Pamela Kirkland
Date: January 5, 2026
Episode: Special Report

Overview

This special episode of The Ten News addresses the alarming headlines involving Venezuela, where the Venezuelan president has been arrested by US forces, creating international uncertainty and sparking conversations about war. Hosts Ryan and Pam carefully break down recent events, the historical context, and the complex questions raised by this dramatic international incident—all accessible and engaging for young listeners and their families.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Venezuela Is in the News (00:32–01:14)

• Venezuela has appeared in world news because of dramatic and unprecedented events: recent explosions, the president’s arrest, and speculation about a possible war.
• Hosts stress the need to slow down, take a breath, and understand all the people and factors involved.

Quote (Pam, 00:33):
"Explosions in Venezuela, arrests of the Venezuelan president, and people are talking about war. I think we need to take a beat and slow things way down."

2. Background: Where is Venezuela & Why It Matters (01:07–01:40)

• Venezuela is a South American country with millions of people, beautiful landscapes, and significant oil reserves.
• President Nicolas Maduro has ruled since 2013 and is considered by many, including the US, as authoritarian. Accusations include human rights violations and ties to economic and drug problems.

Quote (Ryan, 01:19):
"Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves in the world."

3. Escalating Tensions with the US (01:40–02:12)

• The US government has recently been targeting Venezuelan boats, claiming drug smuggling—a claim unverified, which includes possible innocent fishermen.
• The legality and ethics of these attacks are under review by Congress and international partners.

Quote (Pam, 01:53):
"It's important to note that this claim has not been verified and that it's not clear if the people on the boats that have been attacked are involved in the drug trade or innocent fishermen."

4. US Charges & Arrests (02:14–02:58)

• US courts have charged Maduro, his wife, and son with drug trafficking and terrorism.
• On Saturday, American forces entered Venezuela, arrested Maduro and his wife amid reports of explosions in Caracas. The US administration claims this was a limited operation to protect arresting forces, not full-scale military action.
• Questions raised: Does the US have the right to make such arrests in another country? Did this bypass international law and US congressional approval?

Quote (Ryan, 02:55):
"Wait a minute, Pam. Can the US Government actually do this, go into another country like this and arrest its president and his wife?"

5. Legal & Historical Context (02:58–03:55)

• Normally, only Congress can declare war; the President needs congressional approval.
• President Trump claims this wasn’t war, just a limited arrest. Many in Congress argue it breaks US and international law.
• Parallel drawn to the 1989 US invasion of Panama and arrest of President Manuel Noriega, which led to lasting instability.

Quote (Pam, 03:26):
"Others, including members of Congress, don't agree and say this action breaks US and international law."

6. Are We At War? (03:55–04:17)

• Officially, there’s been no declaration of war; US leaders insist this was a one-off.
• However, any military force across borders can have major global ramifications.

Quote (Pam, 03:59):
"The official answer is no... But anytime one country uses military force inside another, even briefly, other nations pay attention."

7. What Happens Next? (04:17–05:05)

• Situation continues to shift rapidly.
• President Trump claims the US is "now going to... run Venezuela," but what that entails is unclear.
• Key things to watch:
  • Congressional response to presidential actions.
  • US legal proceedings against Maduro and family.
  • Reactions of Venezuelans and expats.
  • International response.

Quote (Pam, 04:23):
"President Trump went on TV on Saturday to say that the US Was now going to, quote, run Venezuela. But no one knows what that means."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pamela Kirkland [00:32]:
  "Explosions in Venezuela, arrests of the Venezuelan president, and people are talking about war. I think we need to take a beat and slow things way down."
• Ryan Willard [02:55]:
  "Wait a minute, Pam. Can the US Government actually do this, go into another country like this and arrest its president and his wife?"
• Pamela Kirkland [03:26]:
  "Others, including members of Congress, don't agree and say this action breaks US and international law."
• Ryan Willard [05:13]:
  "Wow. What a wild way to start the year. Can we take a brain break before we do this week's 10 things you need to know?"
• Pamela Kirkland [04:23]:
  "President Trump went on TV on Saturday to say that the US Was now going to, quote, run Venezuela. But no one knows what that means."

Important Timestamps

• 00:32–01:07: The Venezuela headlines and need for clarity
• 01:07–01:40: Venezuela’s background (location, oil, leadership)
• 01:40–02:12: Recent US actions against Venezuelan boats
• 02:14–02:58: Charges against Maduro and the high-profile arrests
• 02:58–03:55: Legality, comparison to US invasion of Panama
• 03:55–04:17: War status and implications
• 04:17–05:05: What comes next—uncertainties and global impact

Tone and Delivery

The episode uses a reassuring and informative tone, pausing to answer big questions simply and honestly for younger listeners. The hosts encourage curiosity and critical thinking, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the story and the need for careful attention as events develop.

Summary for Listeners

This special report from The Ten News delves into the fast-unfolding crisis in Venezuela, exploring why US actions are controversial and historic, what’s happening on the ground, and the big questions about law, international relations, and the future. The episode models critical thinking for kids and adults alike, turning breaking news into an opportunity for understanding and conversation.