Up First from NPR Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Congress On Venezuela, Vaccine Schedule Overhaul
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Jan 6, 2026 
Jasmine Garst, a courtroom reporter for NPR, shares insights from the dramatic New York court appearance of Nicolás Maduro, who claims he was kidnapped by U.S. forces. Barbara Sprunt, a congressional correspondent, discusses the split reactions from lawmakers after a classified briefing on the Venezuelan operation, highlighting partisan divides. Ping Huang, a health policy reporter, explains the CDC's controversial overhaul of childhood vaccine recommendations, which some pediatricians warn could jeopardize child health.
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Maduro's Court Appearance And Injuries
- Jasmine Garst described Maduro greeting reporters and saying he was a prisoner of war after being escorted out of court.
- She reported Maduro's wife appeared injured and requested x-rays, and the Maduros will be held in New York jail pending future hearings.
Partisan Split Over Prebriefing And Authority
- Democrats said they left a classified briefing with more questions than answers about the operation and its legal basis.
- Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, defended the operation as legal and within the president's authority.
Congressional Power Concerns Resurface
- Lawmakers debate a longer trend of presidents expanding executive power and Congress largely acquiescing.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted Article I powers weren't traversed and the president acted under law.