NPR News Now: January 2, 2026, 9PM EST — Episode Summary

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update, hosted by Jeanine Hurst, provides a succinct roundup of major global events as of January 2, 2026. The episode covers breaking international news, significant domestic developments, economic updates, cultural shifts, and sports highlights.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. Deadly Fire at Swiss Alps Ski Resort

[00:15–01:12]

• A tragic fire during a New Year's Eve celebration at the Le Constellation bar in Caen, Montana, a ski resort in Switzerland, resulted in dozens of deaths and over 100 injuries.
• Cause: Swiss investigators have ruled out an attack; initial reports suggest a birthday candle held too close to the ceiling may have started the fire, though investigations continue.
• Notable Commentary:
  • “The evening should have been a moment of celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare.” — Matier Renard, regional government head (reported by Esme Nicholson, [00:34])
• The ski resort is popular with international celebrities and is located in the Valais canton.

Reporter: Esme Nicholson (Berlin)

2. Zoran Mahmoudani Sworn in as NYC’s New Mayor

[01:12–01:55]

• Zoran Mahmoudani becomes New York City’s mayor, making history as the first Muslim and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office.
• Sworn in both privately (at an unused City Hall subway entrance) and publicly on the City Hall steps.
• Key Quotes from Inaugural Address:
  • “Alongside them, regardless of whether we agree. I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you.” — Zoran Mahmoudani ([01:23])
  • “I have been told this is the occasion to reset expectations... I will do no such thing.” — Zoran Mahmoudani ([01:38])
• The inclusive message rejects recommendations to lower public expectations; inauguration followed by a celebratory block party.

3. China Introduces New Tax on Contraceptives to Boost Birth Rates

[01:55–03:09]

• Starting today, China applies a 13% tax on contraceptive products including condoms.
• For decades, contraceptives were tax-free as part of the one-child policy, but the policy shifted to boost birth rates amid a shrinking working-age population (now permitting up to three children).
• Part of the tax revenue is expected to fund pro-birth policies or child care support.
• Insightful Context:
  • “Officials said the country was in the midst of family planning under the one-child policy… but they now have the opposite problem, a shrinking working-age population.” — Emily Fang ([02:26])

Reporter: Emily Fang

4. Asian Market Update

[03:09–03:18]

• Asian markets trading mostly higher; Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index is up 1.2%.

5. Iran’s Widespread Economic Protests

[03:18–03:48]

• Protests over deepening economic troubles have spread from Tehran to rural provinces.
• At least 7 people are reported dead; chants are directed against Iran’s theocracy.
• These are the largest protests since 2022, spurred by inflation, currency instability, and general economic hardship.

6. Major Works Enter the Public Domain

[03:48–04:30]

• As of today, thousands of creative works have entered the public domain:
  • Books: William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, the first four Nancy Drew detective novels
  • Movies: Marx Brothers' Animal Crackers, All Quiet on the Western Front
  • Music: Compositions by George Gershwin, the first recording of Sweet Georgia Brown
• Significance: These works are now free for anyone to use, reuse, or remix without licensing fees.
• Quote:
  • “This means the work is available for anyone to use, reuse, or remix without paying a fee.” — Nnetta Ulupi ([04:17])

Reporter: Nnetta Ulupi

7. College Football Playoff Updates

[04:30–04:57]

• Orange Bowl: Oregon defeats Texas Tech, 23–0.
• Rose Bowl: Indiana over Alabama, 38–3.
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Ole Miss (underway, no final yet).
• Cotton Bowl: Miami upsets Ohio State, 24–14.

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• [00:34] Matier Renard (via Esme Nicholson):
  “The evening should have been a moment of celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare.”
• [01:23] Zoran Mahmoudani:
  “Alongside them regardless of whether we agree. I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you.”
• [01:38] Zoran Mahmoudani:
  “I have been told that this is the occasion to reset expectations… I will do no such thing.”
• [02:26] Emily Fang:
  “Officials said the country was in the midst of family planning under the one-child policy… but they now have the opposite problem, a shrinking working-age population.”
• [04:17] Nnetta Ulupi:
  “This means the work is available for anyone to use, reuse, or remix without paying a fee.”

Memorable Moments

• Emotional reflection on the Swiss Alps fire, emphasizing a lost sense of community amidst tragedy ([00:34]).
• Mahmoudani’s inaugural address marks a watershed for diversity in New York City politics and sets an ambitious tone for his leadership ([01:23]–[01:38]).
• China's pivot from limiting to promoting population growth, reflected in new policy and fiscal changes, illustrates shifting national priorities ([02:26]).
• The annual influx of classic works into the public domain is celebrated as a boon for creativity, scholarship, and the arts ([04:17]).

This newscast delivers concise, relevant updates on international crises, landmark political events, cultural developments, and major sports outcomes, maintaining NPR’s characteristic clarity and journalistic integrity.