NPR News Now — January 3, 2026, 10PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers key updates on international humanitarian access in Gaza, an alleged ISIS-inspired plot thwarted in North Carolina, changes to vote-by-mail deadlines in the US, a major earthquake in Mexico, Tesla losing its EV crown to BYD, and a science explainer on Earth’s orbit and the seasons. The episode ends with a Wall Street market update.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Israel’s Ban on Humanitarian Organizations in Gaza

[00:16–01:18]

• Israel suspended the registration of 37 aid organizations operating in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
• New Israeli requirements include disclosing names of all Palestinian staff to authorities.
• Dozens of aid organizations and foreign ministers from Arab and European countries urge reversal, citing “extreme” humanitarian needs in Gaza, especially after winter storms displaced tens of thousands.
• Ongoing West Bank military raids and settler violence are also highlighted as sources of displacement.
• Notable quote:

  "Dozens of aid groups warn in a letter that the humanitarian needs are still extreme in Gaza, where winter storms have displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians..."
  — Michelle Kellerman (00:53)

2. Foiled ISIS-Inspired Attack in North Carolina

[01:18–02:11]

• Authorities arrested 18-year-old Christian Sturtevant on New Year’s Eve for plotting attacks with knives and a hammer at grocery and fast food locations in Mint Hill, outside Charlotte.
• Sturtevant communicated with undercover law enforcement, believing them to be ISIS operatives; he pledged allegiance to the group.
• FBI discovered weapons and a detailed attack plan at his home.
• Notable quote:

  "He allegedly pledged allegiance to the terrorist group as well... He was arrested on New Year's Eve before any attack took place."
  — Ryan Lucas (01:47)

3. Changes to Vote-by-Mail Deadlines

[02:11–02:56]

• Nearly 20 states and territories currently accept mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day if received after polls close, allowing for delays.
• Four states recently changed their laws: ballots must now arrive by poll closing, regardless of postmark.
• Trump signed an executive order—mostly halted by court—which seeks to eliminate late-arriving ballot grace periods nationwide.
• Notable quote:

  "Four of those states passed legislation that require ballots to be received by the close of polls regardless of when the voter mailed their ballot."
  — Ashley Lopez (02:37)

4. Major Earthquake Strikes Southern and Central Mexico

[02:56–03:45]

• A magnitude-6.5 earthquake disrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the year in Mexico.
• At least two deaths confirmed, with hundreds of aftershocks, landslides, and building damage reported.

5. BYD Overtakes Tesla as World’s Largest EV Maker

[03:45–04:06]

• China’s BYD surpassed Tesla in global EV sales.
• Tesla deliveries dropped 9% in 2025 due to:
  • US tax breaks expiring (phased out in September by the Trump administration)
  • Consumer backlash to Elon Musk’s right-wing politics
  • Overseas competition
• Notable quote:

  "Tesla says it's delivered 9% fewer vehicles in 2025 compared to the year before. The company's bottom line was hit hard by the expiration of a $7,500 tax credit..."
  — Jeanine Herbst (03:54)

6. Science Explainer: Why the Seasons Happen

[04:06–04:46]

• Earth reaches its closest point to the sun at 12:15pm Eastern Time tomorrow (“perihelion”).
• The shape of Earth’s orbit (slightly elliptical) does not cause the seasons.
• Seasons are caused by Earth’s axial tilt (23 degrees), changing sun exposure throughout the year.
• Memorable moment:

  "Longer time bathed in sunlight does more to explain changes in temperature than slight changes in distance."
  — Joe Pelka (04:39)

7. Wall Street Market Update

[04:46–04:56]

• Dow Jones up 319 points
• Nasdaq down 6 points

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Michelle Kellerman (on humanitarian needs in Gaza):
  "Dozens of aid groups warn in a letter that the humanitarian needs are still extreme in Gaza, where winter storms have displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians..." (00:53)
• Ryan Lucas (on thwarted attack):
  "He allegedly pledged allegiance to the terrorist group as well... He was arrested on New Year's Eve before any attack took place." (01:47)
• Ashley Lopez (on vote-by-mail laws):
  "Four of those states passed legislation that require ballots to be received by the close of polls regardless of when the voter mailed their ballot." (02:37)
• Jeanine Herbst (on Tesla sales drop):
  "Tesla says it's delivered 9% fewer vehicles in 2025 compared to the year before. The company's bottom line was hit hard by the expiration of a $7,500 tax credit..." (03:54)
• Joe Pelka (on Earth’s tilt and seasons):
  "Longer time bathed in sunlight does more to explain changes in temperature than slight changes in distance." (04:39)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:16] Israel’s ban on Gaza humanitarian groups
• [01:18] ISIS-inspired attack foiled in North Carolina
• [02:11] Changes in vote-by-mail deadlines
• [02:56] Mexico earthquake and aftermath
• [03:45] BYD surpasses Tesla in EV sales
• [04:06] Science explainer: Earth's orbit and the seasons
• [04:46] Wall Street market update

This concise, hourly episode covers urgent international news, US domestic policy changes, economic shifts, and scientific context—all within five minutes, maintaining a neutral, informative NPR tone.