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The latest on Venezuela: legal issues, oil production, and more
Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. The United States military was behind a series of strikes against the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday.
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Today on AirTalk: The latest on Venezuela; What bills come into effect January 2026? A history of U.S. involvement in Latin America; and PetTalk: Ask a vet!
The latest on Venezuela: legal issues, oil production, and more
Listen
37:55
In a lightning military strike, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and spirited them out of the country to face justice in the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that the U.S. would not govern Venezuela day-to-day other than enforcing an existing “oil quarantine” on the country, walking back Trump’s comment that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily. is still unknown about how the U.S. ouster of Maduro will ricochet across the country and the region. Venezuela’s new interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who called Maduro’s capture an “atrocity” in the hours after the operation, has now invited Trump to “collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation.” Her conciliatory message came after Trump threatened that she could “pay a very big price” if she didn’t fall in line with U.S. demands. Joining us to break down what is happening is Laurie Levenson, professor of criminal law at Loyola Law School and former federal prosecutor; Milena Sterio, professor of law at Cleveland State University College of Law; Ron Elving, Senior Political Contributor, NPR Washington Desk; and Andrew Campbell, Executive Director, Energy Institute at UC Berkeley's Haas school of business.
With files from the Associated Press.
Here’s what bills come into effect January 2026
Listen
13:04
Starting this month, the California legislature will enact a slew of new policies, ranging from topics like healthcare to housing. On the healthcare side of things, California is making insulin more accessible by selling state-branded insulin, meant to serve as a cheaper alternative to well-known pharmaceutical brands. In the case of housing, the state has also made it a requirement for landlords to include working stoves and refrigerators in their apartments. Along with these enacted policies, you can also expect a ban on plastic bags, as well as a potential end to face coverings for law enforcement. Joining us to dig into these policies and more is Anabel Sosa, senior California politics reporter for SFGate, and Nicole Norman, California legislative reporter for Politico.
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The latest on Venezuela
Listen
16:16
For more on the ongoing Venezuela situation, Roxanna Vigil, international affairs fellow in national security at the Council on Foreign Relations, joined the program.
With files from the Associated Press.
PetTalk: all your burning pet questions, answered by a professional
Listen
33:27
Why is Fido barking at 3am? Why has Mr. Whiskers’ palette suddenly shifted away from his favorite wet food? Why is Fido STILL barking at 4am? These are all valid questions, but also maybe ones not worth an entire trip to the vet. So today on AirTalk, we’re bringing the vet to you! What are some burning pet care questions you have about your family’s furriest member? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com. And don’t worry, Larry won’t be spitballing answers here. He’ll be joined by dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of Health Systems Sciences at Western University of Health Sciences Dr. John Tegzes for the heavyweight questions.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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