NPR News: 01-07-2026 12AM EST

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NPR News Now 4 min 3 speakers 6 chapters transcribed 29 days ago

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What sparked the heavy gunfire around Venezuela’s presidential palace?

Shea Stephens 0:02

Live from MPR News in Washington, I'm Shay Stevens. Residents of Caracas reported heavy gunfire around Venezuela's presidential palace this week. And PRZ reports that it appears to stem from some confusion.

Gary King 0:16

On social media, videos from Caracas showed men with rifles trading fire on the streets. From their balconies, residents saw what appeared to be anti-aircraft fire streaking through the air. The government's information ministry told the Spanish news agency EFE that the gunfire was to dissuade drones over flying Miraflores, the presidential palace. The violence surfaced fears that there might be a struggle for power following the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro. But earlier in the day, Venezuela's vice president Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president. President, the Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino, also said the Venezuelan armed forces are firmly behind Rodriguez.

How are U.S. envoys describing progress in Ukraine peace negotiations?

Gary King 0:56

Air Prata, NPR News, Cúcuta, Colombia.

Shea Stephens 0:59

US Envoy Steve Whitkov is reporting progress in peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. Whitkoff spoke with reporters in Paris.

Unknown 1:07

We think we're largely finished. With security protocols. which are important so that the people of Ukraine know That when this ends, it ends for ever. But we also think critically that we are very, very close to finishing up As robust a prosperity agreement as any country has ever seen coming out of conflicts like this.

What are the new federal rules changing child‑care funding and vouchers?

Shea Stephens 1:30

Nearly three dozen nations, including Britain and France, have pledged to send troops to Ukraine to secure peace once the fighting their ends. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will also take part in US led efforts. To bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Department of Health and Human Services has frozen Biden era child care funding affecting one point four million children. And PR skate and mill.

Caden Mills 1:54

Has details. The new rules are for the Federal Child Care and Development Fund, one of the largest federal funding sources meant to help low-income families pay for child care. Current rules require states to base funding for providers on enrollment rather than verified attendance. Under the new rules, funding will be attendance-based, and states will be allowed to reimburse providers rather than pay them in advance for their services. The administration

Why is former President Trump urging Republicans to drop unwinnable issues before the midterms?

Caden Mills 2:19

The administration also moved to prioritize parent vouchers, moving away from grants paid to providers. A cap on family co-payments will also be scrapped. Childcare advocates say the proposed changes would roll back rules designed to encourage a more stable and affordable childcare industry. Caden Mills, NPR News.

Shea Stephens 2:37

President Trump is telling Republican lawmakers to let go of issues that cannot win in the midterm elections. So that they can retain their majority in Congress. If the GOP loses that control, Trump says he will likely be impeached again. Trump issued the warning to Republicans who had gathered at a party retreat on Tuesday. You're listening to Men PR. Protests continued in Iran Tuesday amid anger over that nation's troubled economy.

What triggered the recent protests and sit‑in at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar?

Shea Stephens 3:06

One crowd staged a sit in at the Grand Bazaar, which is a longtime hub for economic and political life in Tehran. At least thirty six people have been killed in violent unrest, and authorities have say they've detained more than two thousand others. officials are bracing for me even more violence after run central bank Reduce the nation's subsidized exchange rates. For dollars. Poblio has marked the end of the Vatican's Jubilee year, a period that occurs once every quarter century with a message to help and care for immigrants. And Pierce Ruth Sherlock has the story.

Ruth Sherlock 3:43

In the closing ceremony for this holy jubilee year, Pope Leo kneeled in prayer at the stone floor threshold of the holy door of St. Peter's Basilica, which Christians coming to Rome could walk through this past year. He then pulled the door shut.

How is Pope Francis using the end of the Vatican Jubilee to call for care of immigrants?

Ruth Sherlock 3:58

The Vatican says a record 33.5 million pilgrims visited this year. Pope Leo has made care for immigrants a central issue of his parents. papacy. He used his homily on this special day to call on Christians to welcome strangers and resist what he called the flattery and seduction of those in power.