I’m writing this just as I returned from Colombia, where I was covering the fallout after the U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife and brought them to New York to face federal charges. As I reported for “Today” and “Nightly News,” neighboring countries are very nervous that Colombia or Cuba could be next.

For NBC News subscribers, I was also able to deliver an on-the-ground briefing from the center of a demonstration in Bogota. People speaking onstage there said they want the U.S. out of Venezuela and want Colombia to remain a free and sovereign nation. I also explained for subscribers just what’s happening with Venezuelan oil.

Richard Engel in Bogota.

In these subscriber briefings, I’ll continue to cover the consequences for Venezuela, as well as the other major stories that have already emerged just a week into 2026. And I’ll keep focusing on the Middle East, especially what’s happening in Iran, as well as the future of Ukraine.

As an NBC News subscriber, you’ll also get video briefings from my colleagues, including Kristen Welker on the biggest political stories, Steve Kornacki on data, and Laura Jarrett on legal matters. Plus, you’ll have ad-free access to NBC News shows, podcasts, articles and more on our website and app. And you’ll receive our daily newsletter The Inside Scoop from Yasmin Vossoughian. 

I hope you’ll sign up.

Richard