NPR News Now: January 1, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Date: January 1, 2026
Episode Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major U.S. and world news at the dawn of 2026. The broadcast highlights President Trump’s withdrawal of National Guard troops from several cities, the release of a key House Judiciary transcript related to former special counsel Jack Smith, the ongoing response to last year’s New Orleans terrorist attack, changes at the U.S. Postal Service, the resumption of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 search, and a difficult year for American nightclubs.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. President Trump Withdraws National Guard Troops

[00:18–01:14]

• News: President Trump announces the removal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland after the Supreme Court rejects an emergency appeal concerning troop deployments.
• Context: Trump claims the deployments reduced crime and protected federal officers in Democratically governed cities, but legal challenges by governors and the Supreme Court ruling prompt the withdrawal.
• Insight: The Supreme Court's decision, while not precedent-setting, clarifies the limitations of presidential powers regarding troop deployments in cities.
• Notable Quote:

  "Trump credits the deployments with reducing crime and promises to come back in a different and stronger form."
  — Franco Ordonez, NPR News (00:36)

2. House Judiciary Committee Transcript on Jack Smith Released

[01:14–02:13]

• News: The House Judiciary Committee (led by Republicans) releases a nearly 300-page transcript of their questioning of former special counsel Jack Smith.
• Details:
  • Smith volunteered to testify publicly, but Republican leaders have not accepted.
  • Smith defended the criminal cases he built against then-President Trump regarding the 2020 election and mishandling of classified documents.
  • The cases were dropped post-election, following Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.
• Notable Quote:

  "Smith told lawmakers the election case was built on Republicans who put their allegiance to the country before their political party..."
  — Carrie Johnson, NPR News (01:28)

3. One Year Since New Orleans Terror Attack

[02:13–03:13]

• News: January 1, 2026, marks one year since a truck attack during New Year’s celebrations on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, that killed 14 people.
• Security Measures:
  • Temporary barriers—including bollards, barricades, and police vehicles—still protect the street.
  • The police are requesting city council approval for a $1.5 million investment in permanent security gates.
• Notable Quote:

  "A temporary solution to a permanent problem."
  — Unnamed police official, via Debbie Elliott (02:29)

4. New USPS Postmark Rules

[03:13–03:36]

• Update: New procedures for postmarks mean letters, cards, and tax returns may not always be postmarked on the day they’re dropped off; customers may ask for same-day postmarking at a post office.

5. Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Search Resumes

[03:36–04:01]

• Update: The search is renewed for the final resting place of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, missing since 2014. All previous efforts, including a private search in 2018, have failed to locate the plane.

6. Nightclubs Face a Difficult 2025

[04:01–04:54]

• News: The industry faced numerous closures in 2025, including well-known venues in Brooklyn, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chicago, Austin, and on the Jersey Shore.
• Analysis:
  • Factors include tight economic margins, decreased patronage, changing drinking habits, gentrification, and competition from large corporations such as Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against those companies; trial set for March.
• Notable Quote:

  "It was a hard year."
  — Stephen Parker, International Venue Association (04:27)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:18] – National Guard withdrawal announcement
• [01:14] – House Judiciary Committee transcript on Jack Smith
• [02:13] – New Orleans terror attack anniversary
• [03:13] – USPS postmark rule changes
• [03:36] – Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 search resumes
• [04:01] – U.S. nightclub industry struggles
• [04:27] – Stephen Parker’s comment on industry hardship

Notable Quotes & Speaker Attribution

• Franco Ordonez (00:36):
  "Trump credits the deployments with reducing crime and promises to come back in a different and stronger form."
• Carrie Johnson (01:28):
  "Smith told lawmakers the election case was built on Republicans who put their allegiance to the country before their political party..."
• Debbie Elliott quoting police official (02:29):
  "A temporary solution to a permanent problem."
• Stephen Parker (04:27):
  "It was a hard year."

Summary Tone & Takeaway

Direct and factual, this episode succinctly captures the shifting political, legal, public safety, and cultural landscapes at the start of 2026. For listeners seeking a quick, comprehensive update, it touches on major legal and political actions, the emotional toll of recent events, and the evolving American nightlife scene.