Now, More Than Ever
January 3, 2026
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Today’s TL;DR
- Major developing story: U.S. operation in Venezuela reportedly led to Nicolás Maduro arriving in the U.S. to face charges; details still unfolding.
- Weather impacts: Flooding and storm conditions are affecting parts of California; winter weather warnings continue in parts of the Northeast.
- Public safety: A fatal helicopter crash in Arizona is under investigation after reports it may have struck a slackline.
- Preparedness move: Put one kit where accidents actually happen (car / garage / kitchen) and do a 2-minute “open + use” practice rep.
Top U.S. Developments (Jan 3)
1) Venezuela operation & Maduro in U.S. (developing)
Multiple outlets reported Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States after an overnight U.S. operation and is expected to face federal charges. Statements from U.S. officials and ongoing reporting indicate this is a fast-moving situation with major diplomatic implications.
Multiple outlets reported Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States after an overnight U.S. operation and is expected to face federal charges. Statements from U.S. officials and ongoing reporting indicate this is a fast-moving situation with major diplomatic implications.
2) Helicopter crash in Arizona kills 4
A private helicopter crash in a remote mountainous area east of Phoenix killed four people. Authorities said a possible contributing factor under investigation is that the helicopter may have struck a recreational slackline spanning a canyon.
A private helicopter crash in a remote mountainous area east of Phoenix killed four people. Authorities said a possible contributing factor under investigation is that the helicopter may have struck a recreational slackline spanning a canyon.
3) Court ruling on California open-carry restrictions
A U.S. appeals court ruling found California’s ban on openly carrying firearms in counties above a population threshold unconstitutional. (This is likely to continue through further legal review and appeals.)
A U.S. appeals court ruling found California’s ban on openly carrying firearms in counties above a population threshold unconstitutional. (This is likely to continue through further legal review and appeals.)
Weather & Impact Watch
California: Heavy rain combined with exceptionally high “King Tides” contributed to flooding and road closures in parts of Northern California, with responders conducting rescues in some areas. Additional storm activity keeps flooding risk elevated in pockets.
Sources:
AP,
AccuWeather
Northeast: Winter storm warnings and bitter cold conditions continue across parts of the region, with official National Weather Service alerts active in multiple areas.
Sources:
NWS warnings,
ABC News
Markets & Money (What to Watch)
With the holiday period ending, attention is turning to early-January economic data—especially U.S. jobs numbers—which could move markets as 2026’s first full week gets underway.
Source:
Reuters
60-Second Preparedness (Do This Today)
- Pick your “accident zone”: kitchen, garage, car, travel bag, or jobsite.
- Stage it: put your kit in a visible, repeatable spot (not buried in a drawer).
- One practice rep: open the kit once and identify your “first grab” items (gloves/shears/cleaning/dressing).
Product Spotlight
V2A Wound Closure Kit — built for everyday cuts & lacerations when you need a fast, clean close-up.
- Pull-to-secure design to help bring wound edges together quickly
- Waterproof film dressings for coverage and protection
- Antiseptic wipes to prep the area before dressing
- Trauma shears + elastic wrap for quick prep and a secure hold
Note: This edition summarizes major headlines reported on January 3, 2026. Developing stories can change as new verified information is released.
Veteran-owned. Built for real life. Preparedness made practical.
Veteran-owned. Built for real life. Preparedness made practical.