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U.S. Involvement in Venezuela’s Future
President Trump has hinted at a prolonged U.S. influence in Venezuela following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro. His plans for the nation’s government and economy include significant roles for U.S. corporations.
President Trump dances as he departs after speaking during a House Republican retreat at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington, DC. House Republicans will discuss their 2026 legislative agenda at the meeting. Alex Wong/Getty Images
Uncertain Future for Venezuela
- 🎧 NPR’s Franco Ordoñez reports on Trump’s plans for Venezuela, highlighting the role of Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy. Known for his strict immigration stance, Miller is instrumental in overseeing U.S. efforts in Venezuela. Learn more about Miller’s influence.
- ➡️ Trump announced that Venezuela will deliver between 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the U.S. While capturing ongoing production is feasible, revamping Venezuela’s oil sector presents a bigger challenge. Explore the complexities.
Midterm Election Strategies
During a meeting with House Republicans, Trump outlined strategies for the upcoming midterm elections. He acknowledged potential losses, noting the historical trend of the president’s party losing midterms. Trump’s speech highlighted the stock market’s highs but offered little on rising living costs. Read more about the economic impact.
- 🎧 NPR’s Domenico Montanaro discusses the challenges of midterms for a president with low approval ratings, pointing out how Trump’s ratings have dipped due to economic concerns. Montanaro suggests health care legislation as a potential area for action.
Pentagon’s Review on Women in Combat
The Pentagon has initiated a six-month review to assess the military “effectiveness” of women in ground combat roles. Undersecretary Anthony Tata has asked the Army and Marine Corps for data on various aspects of ground combat units by Jan. 15. This assessment aims to evaluate the impact of gender integration on operational success. Learn more about the review.
Visual Archive of Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
Trump has attempted to obscure the events of Jan. 6, 2021. NPR has created a visual archive detailing the attack on the Capitol through various perspectives.
The attack began during Trump’s “Save America” rally, where myths of voter fraud were propagated. As violence erupted, it became “the most videotaped crime in American history,” according to Greg Rosen, a former federal prosecutor. Despite conspiracy theories, evidence shows the severity of the assault, with rioters attacking officers and looting. Explore the timeline and locations.
For further details, access NPR’s database of criminal cases from Jan. 6, or explore more of NPR’s coverage.
Puppetworks: A Glimpse into Nostalgia
The tin soldier, a marionette puppet made by Nicolas Coppola and the main character in “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” show at Puppetworks. Anh Nguyen for NPR
In Brooklyn’s Park Slope, Puppetworks has been bringing classic tales like The Tortoise and the Hare and Pinocchio to life for over 30 years. Nicolas Coppola, the 90-year-old founder, has been a puppeteer since 1954. His theater, filled with various puppets, captures the essence of the 1980s and adapts to cultural shifts. Explore Coppola’s world through these photos.
Things to Know Before You Go
This tiny forest in Los Angeles, CA is one of many micro-forests around the world offering green space and contributing to local biodiversity. Demian Willette/Loyola Marymount University
- Micro-forests are being established in urban areas to enhance biodiversity and restore degraded lands. Short Wave producer Rachel Carlson explores California’s largest micro-forest. Listen to her experience.
- Renowned Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr has passed away at 70. His films, like Sátántangó, are celebrated for their existential themes.
- Serendipity, often linked with luck, has a deeper historical context. NPR’s Word of the Week delves into its origins and offers insights on embracing it. Discover more.
Newsletter curated by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
