NPR News Now – 01-02-2026 6PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: January 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the day’s most pressing global and national stories, including escalating protests and violence in Iran, an investigation into a tragic fire at a Swiss ski resort, an interrupted terrorist plot in North Carolina, a significant earthquake in Mexico, and artist cancellations at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Deadly Protests in Iran & International Tensions

[00:15–01:23]

• Summary: At least seven protesters have died amid intensifying demonstrations in Iran as economic collapse fuels unrest.
• US Response: President Trump, via Truth Social, warned that the US is “locked and loaded and ready to go if Iran kills peaceful protesters.”
  • Quote: "President Trump warns Iran that we are locked and loaded and ready to go if Iran kills peaceful protesters." — Michelle Kellerman [00:38]
• Iran’s Counter-Accusations: Iran’s National Security Council member, Ali Larijani, blamed the US and Israel for stoking the protests and stated, "the American people should know that Trump started this adventure."
  • Quote: "The American people should know that Trump started this adventure." — Ali Larijani, relayed by Michelle Kellerman [00:50]
• Context: Last year’s US bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear sites and Israeli concerns over Iran’s missile program are factors in escalating tensions.

2. Alpine Ski Resort Fire in Switzerland

[01:23–02:21]

• Summary: Swiss authorities continue investigating a New Year’s Day blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which killed at least 40 people and injured over 100.
• Cause: Preliminary reports suggest sparklers lit inside the bar ignited the ceiling.
• Victim Identification: Efforts have been challenging due to the multinational makeup of the victims.
  • Quote: “We cannot afford to make mistakes in this area, even though we know that waiting is extremely difficult to live with.” — Colonel Pierre Antoine Langen, via Terri Schultz [01:53]
• International Response: Neighboring countries have offered to treat burn victims.

3. Foiled Terror Attack in North Carolina

[02:21–02:58]

• Summary: The FBI arrested 18-year-old Christian Sturtevant, who allegedly planned a jihadist attack and pledged loyalty to ISIS.
• Law Enforcement Assessment: U.S. attorney Russ Ferguson praised the disruption of "a very well planned, thoughtful attack."
  • Quote: “It was a very well planned, thoughtful attack that he had planned and that was fortunately foiled... we're very, very fortunate they did not.” — Russ Ferguson [02:44]
• Investigation Details: The suspect shared attack plans with an undercover FBI employee; the investigation began with a social media link to ISIS content.

4. Strong Earthquake Hits Southern & Central Mexico

[02:58–04:04]

• Event: A preliminary 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck near San Mar, Guerrero during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s press briefing.
• Impact: No immediate reports of damage or casualties. The quake caused seismic alarms and briefly interrupted national business.

5. Artist Withdrawals from the Kennedy Center

[04:04–04:51]

• Summary: Composer Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked", "Pippin") canceled his Kennedy Center event, citing politicization of the venue since President Trump took over as chairman and renamed the center.
• Artist’s Statement: Schwartz said the center “no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be.”
  • Quote: “…the performing arts venue, quote, no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be.” — Stephen Schwartz, relayed by Jeff London [04:13]
• Broader Trend: Multiple artists have withdrawn in protest of recent leadership changes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jeanine Herbst: “At least seven protesters have been killed in Iran as demonstrations grow and tensions mount over the Nation's economic collapse.” [00:15]
• Michelle Kellerman: "President Trump warns Iran that we are locked and loaded and ready to go if Iran kills peaceful protesters." [00:38]
• Terri Schultz (via Swiss official): "We cannot afford to make mistakes in this area, even though we know that waiting is extremely difficult to live with." [01:53]
• Russ Ferguson: “We’re very, very fortunate they did not [carry out the attack].” [02:54]
• Jeff London (via Stephen Schwartz): "No longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be." [04:13]

Timestamps & Segments

• [00:15] – Iran protests & Trump’s response
• [01:23] – Swiss ski resort fire aftermath
• [02:21] – North Carolina terrorist plot disrupted
• [02:58] – Earthquake strikes Mexico
• [04:04] – Kennedy Center artist withdrawal

This episode succinctly captures the urgency of today’s headlines, spotlighting the intersection of politics, tragedy, and culture across the globe.