NPR News Now: January 2, 2026, 9AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: January 2, 2026
Duration: 5 Minutes

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now provides a concise, five-minute update on major global and U.S. news stories. The episode covers rising tensions in Iran amidst economic upheaval and protests, U.S. relations with Venezuela, the ongoing Epstein files release controversy, a significant revocation of visas in 2025, the ten-year anniversary of the Oregon wildlife refuge standoff, new legal challenges to U.S. healthcare policy on gender-affirming care, and quick updates on Asian financial markets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Appreciation for Listeners and Funding Update

• Time: [00:00–00:25]

• Summary: Michele Martin addresses listeners, thanking them for their support following the loss of federal funding for NPR and local stations in 2025. She expresses optimism for NPR's future.

  “2025 dealt a big blow to NPR and local stations with the loss of federal funding for public media. But we are so heartened by the outpouring of support and we will get through this together.”
  — Michele Martin [00:09]

2. Iran Protests and U.S. Stance

• Time: [00:25–01:29]

• Summary: Windsor Johnston introduces the story of escalating protests in Iran due to the nation’s economic crisis. Michelle Kellerman reports from Tel Aviv, detailing U.S. President Trump’s threat to intervene if violence against protesters continues. The segment also covers accusations from Iran toward the U.S. and Israel and Israel’s concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program.

  "We are locked and loaded and ready to go if Iran kills peaceful protesters."
  — President Trump, quoted by Michelle Kellerman [00:47]

3. Venezuela-U.S. Relations and Drug Trafficking

• Time: [01:30–01:46]
• Summary: Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro signals openness to work with the U.S. on drug trafficking and to discuss American investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, following recent American strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels.

4. Epstein Files Investigation Delay

• Time: [01:46–02:24]

• Summary: The Justice Department is under scrutiny for missing a deadline to release Epstein-related files. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna criticizes the DOJ’s delay and calls for compliance with the law.

  "They've already violated the law by having this delay. They are claiming that the file is so big that they need to put hundreds of lawyers and they need the extra time. They frankly should have been doing this months ago when Massie and I introduced the law."
  — Rep. Ro Khanna [02:09]

5. Visa Revocations in 2025

• Time: [02:24–03:19]

• Summary: The Trump administration revoked 85,000 visas in 2025—more than double the prior year—including over 8,000 student visas. Major reasons cited were DUIs, assaults, theft, and alleged speech not aligning with "American values."

  "The State Department also moved forward with revoking the visas of students and others whose speech they say does not align with American values."
  — Jimena Bustillo [03:15]

6. 10-Year Anniversary: Malheur Occupation

• Time: [03:20–04:26]

• Summary: Conrad Wilson looks back at the takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, led by anti-government militants. Local perspectives suggest the event had less impact on the community than nationwide observers believed.

  "I think we were moving on even when it was happening."
  — Brenda Smith [03:54]

  "Living through that and working through that, I don't think it was as impactful for the community as it was impactful for people watching the community."
  — Rep. Mark Owens [04:09]

7. Legal Challenge on Gender-Affirming Care

• Time: [04:26–04:53]
• Summary: The Human Rights Campaign files a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s cessation of coverage for gender-affirming care under federal employee health plans, arguing it constitutes sex-based discrimination. The move goes against the guidance of major medical associations.

8. Asian Financial Markets Update

• Time: [04:53–05:04]
• Summary: Mixed results in Asian stock markets: Japan’s Nikkei dropped, China’s stocks posted slight gains, and Hong Kong’s market surged over 700 points.

Memorable Quotes

• On NPR Community Resilience:
  "Thank you for keeping NPR Strong moving into 2026 and beyond."
  — Michele Martin [00:21]

• On Iran’s Anger Toward the U.S.:
  "The American people should know that Trump started this adventurism."
  — Ali Larajani, quoted by Michelle Kellerman [01:01]

• On Community Impact of Malheur Occupation:
  "I don't think it was as impactful for the community as it was impactful for people watching the community."
  — Rep. Mark Owens [04:09]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Listener Gratitude & NPR Funding: [00:00–00:25]
• Iran Protests & U.S. Response: [00:25–01:29]
• Venezuela-U.S. Drug & Oil Talks: [01:30–01:46]
• Epstein Files Release Delay: [01:46–02:24]
• Visa Revocation News: [02:24–03:19]
• Malheur Occupation Anniversary: [03:20–04:26]
• Gender-Affirming Care Lawsuit: [04:26–04:53]
• Asian Markets Update: [04:53–05:04]

Tone & Style

The reporting remains factual and urgent, maintaining NPR’s hallmark of thorough, evenhanded news delivery with occasional inclusion of poignant local voices and selected quotes from key political figures.