Trump Proposes US Role in Venezuela’s Future Government and Economy

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Major Headlines for Today

President Trump hints at an enduring U.S. involvement in Venezuela following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro. Trump has laid out various strategies for Venezuela’s governmental and economic restructuring, with American enterprises anticipated to play a significant part.

• 🎧 Uncertainty looms over Venezuela’s future, as NPR’s Franco Ordoñez reports on Up First. Trump’s assertion that America will oversee Venezuela leads many to scrutinize Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff for policy. Known for his strict immigration measures, Miller is involved in Venezuela’s oversight. Ordoñez notes Miller’s recent remarks about dominating the hemisphere through force.
• ➡️ Trump declared on social media that Venezuela will release between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the U.S. Seizing oil production is one matter, but revamping the industry presents a more formidable challenge. Here’s why.

During a meeting with House Republicans, Trump sought to provide a strategy for winning the upcoming midterm elections. He acknowledged the risk of losing the House majority, citing historical trends where a president’s party often fares poorly in midterms.

• 🎧 NPR’s Domenico Montanaro explains that midterms can be challenging for the president’s party, especially with approval ratings below 50%. Trump’s approval has dipped, mainly due to rising living costs. While addressing the economy, Trump highlighted the stock market’s record highs and defended his tariffs, which have increased prices on various goods. Pollsters have noted public concern over how Trump’s policies have impacted the economy. Montanaro suggests health care legislation could be a focus for Trump and Republicans.

The Pentagon is initiating a six-month assessment to gauge the military “effectiveness” of women in ground combat roles. Undersecretary Anthony Tata has directed the Army and Marine Corps to provide data on unit readiness, training, performance, casualties, and command climate by Jan. 15. The review seeks to evaluate the impact of gender integration on operational success over the past decade.

Special Series

Trump has tried to bury the truth of what happened on Jan. 6, 2021. NPR built a visual archive of the attack on the Capitol, showing exactly what happened through the lenses of the people who were there. “Chapter 3: Assault on the Capitol,” lays out the timeline of key moments throughout the day as the riot unfolded.

On the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Trump held a “Save America” rally at the Ellipse, a site near the White House and U.S. Capitol. Multiple speakers promoted voter fraud myths and urged Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election. Meanwhile, a group of 200 Proud Boys marched toward the Capitol. Before Trump’s speech ended, violence erupted on Capitol grounds. The Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol “was the most videotaped crime in American history, if not world history,” according to Greg Rosen, a former federal prosecutor who led the Justice Department unit that investigated the riot. But conspiracy theories still falsely label the assault a “normal tourist visit.” NPR’s review of thousands of court videos shows rioters assaulting officers with weapons, calling for executions and looting the building. These videos show the exact timing of events as they occurred. Corresponding maps show the locations where the conflict took place.

To learn more, explore NPR’s database of federal criminal cases from Jan. 6. You can also see more of NPR’s reporting on the topic.

Picture Show

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

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Anh Nguyen for NPR

For over three decades, Puppetworks has been presenting beloved tales like The Tortoise and the Hare, Pinocchio, and Aladdin in Brooklyn’s Park Slope. Weekend performances draw children who sit on foam mats and colorful blocks to enjoy these wooden puppet shows. Founded by Nicolas Coppola, a professional puppeteer since 1954, the theater offers a variety of puppets, from marionettes to hand puppets. Step into Coppola’s world with these images.

3 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

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Demian Willette/Loyola Marymount University

1. Scientists are creating micro-forests in urban areas to enhance biodiversity and rejuvenate degraded land. Short Wave producer Rachel Carlson visited California’s largest micro-forest. Listen to her account of the experience.
2. The Hungarian arthouse director Béla Tarr has passed away at 70. He was renowned for his bleak, existential films, including Sátántangó.
3. Serendipity is more than just luck or happy accidents. This week, NPR’s Word of the Week delves into the history of serendipity and shares tips on cultivating it.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.