NPR News Now – 6AM EST, January 2, 2026

Host: Windsor Johnston, with reporting from Ruth Sherlock, Katia Riddle, Kirk Sigler, Emily Fang
Episode Purpose:
This special five-minute NPR News Now provides a concise briefing on the world’s key headlines: a deadly fire in Switzerland, developments on the January 6th U.S. Capitol insurrection aftermath, the ten-year anniversary of Oregon’s wildlife refuge standoff, China’s new contraceptive tax to boost birth rates, and new U.S. travel restrictions for Palestinians.

Major News Stories and Key Insights

1. Fatal Fire at Swiss Alpine Bar

[00:13 – 01:11]

• Incident: At least 40 dead, over 100 injured after a New Year's Eve fire at a busy ski resort bar near Matterhorn.
• Cause (unconfirmed):
  • Eyewitnesses described a barmaid holding a champagne bottle with sparklers, possibly igniting the wooden ceiling.
  • Videos on social media show flames above the bar and women carrying bottles with sparklers.
• Investigation: Ongoing; officials have not confirmed the exact cause.
• Notable Reporting:
  • Ruth Sherlock: "Two women who escaped the club told French media that they saw a barman carrying a barmaid on his shoulders and that she'd been holding a champagne bottle with lit sparklers and that that had set fire to the wooden ceiling." [00:39]

2. Five Years Since January 6th – Fallout Continues

[01:11 – 02:09]

• Context: House Republicans released closed-door testimony of former special counsel Jack Smith.
• Jack Smith’s Investigations:
  • One into President Trump's role in casting doubt on the 2020 election (related to the Capitol insurrection).
  • Another on Trump’s handling of classified documents post-presidency.
• Legal Resolution: Both cases were dropped after Trump was re-elected in 2024.
• Republican Counter-Narrative: Many GOP members continue to dispute the established narrative around Jan. 6.
• Testimony Quote:
  • Katia Riddle (quoting Smith): "His findings was by a large measure the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy." [02:00]
• Aftermath: Smith resigned as President Biden's administration ended.

3. Ten Years Since Oregon Wildlife Refuge Takeover

[02:15 – 03:12]

• Background: In 2016, Ammon Bundy and armed militants seized Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in protest of federal land policies.
  • Bundy was later acquitted by an Oregon jury.
  • The standoff originated after Bundy's earlier confrontation with authorities on their Nevada ranch.
• Local Response: Historian Patty Limerick noted local resentment toward the Bundys' intervention.
  • Quote from Patty Limerick: "That is such an arrogant imposition of authority for people who are going to denounce arrogant impositions of authority in others inland managers." [02:52]
• Outcome: 41-day standoff led to the death of Bundy supporter Lavoy Finicum.

4. China Imposes Surcharge on Contraceptives to Encourage Births

[03:12 – 04:11]

• New Policy: 13% tax on contraceptives to promote higher birth rates.
• Historical Context: For 30+ years, contraceptives were tax-free as part of one-child policy.
  • Now, due to a shrinking working-age population, limits have increased: one child → two in 2016 → three currently.
• Revenue Use: Funds from the new tax may go to support family expansion incentives or help offset childcare costs.
• Notable Reporting:
  • Emily Fang: "Chinese state media have suggested that some of the revenue from the new 13% tax on contraceptives could go to funding policies that encourage families to have more children or defraying the cost of childcare." [03:58]

5. U.S. Travel Ban Tightens for Palestinians

[04:11 – 04:57]

• Policy Change: State Department to reject visa applications using documents from the Palestinian Authority (PA).
  • Exceptions: Valid pre-2020–2026 visas, diplomats, and athletes.
• Response: U.S. liberal Jewish groups protest, arguing the move undermines diplomacy and the Palestinian Authority’s role.
• International Markets Update:
  • Japan’s Nikkei fell.
  • Chinese stocks up.
  • Hong Kong shares surged over 700 points.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Swiss Fire Eyewitness Details:

  • Ruth Sherlock: "Two women... saw a barman carrying a barmaid on his shoulders... she'd been holding a champagne bottle with lit sparklers and that that had set fire to the wooden ceiling." [00:39]

• On Jack Smith’s Testimony (Jan 6th):

  • Katia Riddle: "His findings was by a large measure the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy." [02:00]

• On Oregon Standoff Irony:

  • Patty Limerick (via Kirk Sigler): "That is such an arrogant imposition of authority for people who are going to denounce arrogant impositions of authority in others inland managers." [02:52]

• On China’s New Surcharge Purpose:

  • Emily Fang: "Chinese state media have suggested that some of the revenue from the new 13% tax on contraceptives could go to funding policies that encourage families to have more children or defraying the cost of childcare." [03:58]

Segment Timestamps Overview

• [00:13] – Fatal Swiss Alpine bar fire
• [01:11] – 5th anniversary of U.S. Capitol attack, Jack Smith testimony
• [02:15] – 10th anniversary of Oregon wildlife refuge standoff
• [03:12] – China’s new contraceptive tax policy
• [04:11] – U.S. travel restrictions for Palestinians, market updates

Summary Takeaway

This NPR News briefing delivers rapid, factual coverage of major international and U.S. stories: from tragedy in Switzerland and political/legal fallout in the U.S., to shifting policies in China and the Middle East. The reporting maintains NPR’s signature objective tone, with memorable quotes contextualizing events for listeners seeking a thorough, unbiased news update.