NPR News Now: January 1, 2026, 5AM EST

Host: Nora Ram
Episode Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode provides a concise update on major overnight and early-morning national and international news. Headlines include New York City's historic new mayor, new SNAP restrictions in several states, workplace allegations against a federal judge, a deadly fire in Switzerland, Taiwan’s New Year’s address amid Chinese military drills, Jim Beam’s production halt, and a federal freeze on childcare funding in response to fraud.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. New York City’s Historic New Mayor

• [00:14] Nora Ram reports Zorin Mamdani was sworn in just after midnight at a decommissioned subway station.
• [00:29] Zorin Mamdani delivers his first remarks as mayor:

  “After just having taken my oath to become the mayor of the city of New York, I do so also here in the old City hall subway station, a testament to the importance of public transit, to the vitality, the health, the legacy of our city.” – Zorin Mamdani ([00:29])

• A symbolic choice of venue underscores the new mayor’s commitment to public transit.
• Public Ceremony:
  • Scheduled for the afternoon at City Hall.
  • Will include a second swearing-in by Senator Bernie Sanders.
• Historic Firsts:
  • Mamdani is the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City, and at 34, the youngest in generations.

2. SNAP Benefit Restrictions in Five States

• [01:17] Report by Maci Byers from Nebraska:
  • EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards can no longer be used to buy sodas, energy drinks, and candy in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia.
  • Iowa’s changes are the most restrictive, extending to some prepared foods.
• Policy Context:
  • The first waivers align with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative from the Trump administration, targeting processed foods, drug prices, and vaccine recommendations.
  • Thirteen more states will enact similar restrictions later in 2026.
  • Quote:

    “Nebraska was the first state to seek USDA approval for their restrictions, which includes soft drinks and energy drinks.” – Maci Byers ([01:17])

3. Federally Appointed Judge Faces New Allegations of Bullying

• [02:07] Kerry Johnson (NPR Legal Affairs):
  • The Legal Accountability Project has filed a complaint against Federal Appeals Court Judge Sarah Merriam for bullying clerks.
  • There’s a record of a similar complaint from 2023; previous investigation closed after the judge agreed to counseling.
  • Quote:

    “That investigation found the judge had an overly harsh management style. Officials closed the investigation after the judge agreed to watch workplace video and receive some counseling.” – Kerry Johnson ([02:24])

4. Fatal Fire in Switzerland During New Year Festivities

• [02:51] Nora Ram reports:
  • Deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort bar north of the Matterhorn.
  • Causalities confirmed but no exact numbers yet.

5. Taiwan Responds to China’s Military Drills

• [03:17] Nora Ram:
  • Taiwanese President Lai Ching Te vows in his New Year’s address to defend against “China's rising expansionist ambitions.”
  • Follows live-fire Chinese military drills around Taiwan.

6. Jim Beam Halts Kentucky Production for 2026

• [03:48] Eva Pukach reports:
  • The Claremont flagship facility will pause production for site upgrades.
  • Two other Kentucky plants will remain operational.
• Industry Trend:
  • Declining bourbon demand and challenging export environment, particularly due to trade disputes.
  • Quote:

    “Because of that, Beam isn’t unique. It truly is an industry trend where we’re seeing that this uncertainty is leading to a pause in economic activity.” – Sierra Enlow ([04:09])

7. Federal Childcare Program Freeze Amid Fraud Allegations

• [04:30] Nora Ram:
  • The Department of Health and Human Services freezes the Child Care and Development Fund.
  • Action prompted by fraud accusations in Minnesota, though the freeze impacts all states.
  • In 2019, 1.4 million children were helped by this program.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [00:29] Zorin Mamdani, on taking the oath in a subway station and prioritizing public transit.
• [01:17] Maci Byers, on SNAP restrictions’ policy origins.
• [02:24] Kerry Johnson, summarizing past investigations into Judge Merriam.
• [04:09] Sierra Enlow, on broader economic uncertainty in the bourbon industry.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:14] – Zorin Mamdani sworn in as NYC mayor
• [01:17] – New SNAP restrictions take effect
• [02:07] – Judge accused of law clerk abuse
• [02:51] – Swiss Alps fire report
• [03:17] – Taiwan’s president issues New Year’s address
• [03:48] – Jim Beam halts Kentucky bourbon production
• [04:30] – Federal childcare funding freeze

This NPR News Now episode offers a succinct but wide-ranging update on domestic policy developments, major international news, and headline culture and industry shifts as the new year begins.