NPR News Now - NPR News: 01-05-2026 5AM EST

Episode Date: January 5, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dave Mattingley. The president of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, is scheduled to make his first appearance in a federal court in the U.S. today. His arraignment in New York comes two days after he was captured by U.S. military forces in Caracas. Maduro was facing counts that include narco-terrorism conspiracy and weapons charges. NPR's Joe Hernandez has more. In the early stages of the case against him, Maduro will be advised of his right to an attorney, his right to remain silent, and the charges against him, according to former federal prosecutor Adam Fells. Fells, who worked on the case against El Chapo-Guzman, says a judge will also decide whether to release Maduro or confine him before trial,

and that defendants in narcotics cases involving guns are often kept behind bars while their cases unfold. There's a very high presumption of detention that I don't imagine. that a defense attorney would be able to overcome and may not even try to overcome. Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. Joe Hernandez, NPR News. Members of Congress return from their holiday recess this week. NPR's Barbara Sprunt says the U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela and the subsequent arrests of the country's president and first lady

are expected to dominate discussions in the short term. GOP lawmakers have largely been supportive of the operation, but have requested briefings. President Trump is scheduled to meet with all House Republicans Tuesday. Congressional Democrats have denounced the administration's actions, saying the White House illegally circumvented Congress, which has not authorized military action against Venezuela. This comes as Congress faces a long to-do list. They have to pass nine appropriations bills by the end of the month or risk another government shutdown. The House is also expected to take up a vote on extending health insurance subsidies that expired at the end of 2025. Barbara Sprint, NPR News, Washington.

Among those voicing sharp criticism of President Trump for the operation to arrest Venezuela's president is Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollande of Maryland. He tells CBS's face the nation Trump's focus on Venezuela and Maduro has never been about stopping drugs from entering the U.S. Van Hollen says he believes Trump wanted Maduro gone from power to allow American oil companies to gain access to the country's vast oil supplies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC's meet the press, the operation was primarily about halting drug trafficking into the U.S. Rubio also said holding elections in Venezuela at this point would be premature. Much of the southern U.S. will be getting a break from winter's colder temperatures this week. Texas, the National Weather Service says afternoon highs in Dallas will be in the 70s for the next several days. This is NPR News.

Later today, Long Trek speed skaters will wrap up their attempt to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team ahead of the upcoming winter games. Team trials are being held in Wisconsin. Chuck Kornbach reports on a veteran competitor who won the women's 1,500 meter competition yesterday in Milwaukee. Florida resident Brittany Bo was already scheduled to compete at next month's Milan-Cortina Olympics in what will be her fourth winter games. Bo added to her schedule Sunday by winning the women's 1,500 meters. The 37-year-old says she always wants to win. Competition drives me, winning drives me, performing better than expectation drives me,

and I just really have a desire to be the best out there. Minnesota's Greta Myers also qualified for the Olympic 1500 meters, but only after having to re-skate. She was disqualified during her first effort. Illinois native Emery Lehman won the men's 1500 and is going to his fourth winter games. For NPR news, I'm Chuck Kwermbach in Milwaukee. This year's NFL playoff teams are set. The results of the weekend's final game rounded out the playoff picture. The Pittsburgh Steelers secured the AFC North title last night by beating the Baltimore Ravens 26 to 24. The Ravens kicker missed a 44-yard field goal in the final seconds that would have sent Baltimore to the playoffs. Wall Street is once again nearing record

territory. The Dow added 319 points on Friday. I'm Dave Mattingly, NPR News, in Washington.