NPR News Now – January 1, 2026, 11PM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced episode delivers a concise update on the latest major US and international news as 2025 turns into 2026. Key topics include updates on National Guard deployments, the Justice Department’s release of Epstein files, the swearing-in of New York’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor, muted New Year celebrations in East Asia, US military actions in the Caribbean, and record-low viewership for the Kennedy Center Honors.

Key Discussion Points

1. Suspension of National Guard Deployments in US Cities

[00:18–01:09]

• President Trump announced he is dropping efforts to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland “at least for now.”
• He credited previous efforts with reducing crime, but left open the possibility of re-deployment based on crime rates.
• Local leaders opposed the deployments, and Democrats accused the Trump administration of overreach.
• The Supreme Court recently refused to allow troop deployments to Chicago without the Illinois governor’s approval.
• Quote:
  • “Guard members could be sent back in a stronger form.” — Giles Snyder quoting Trump [00:41]

2. Delayed Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

[01:09–01:58]

• The Justice Department missed the December 19 deadline for full release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, as required by a recent law.
• Deputy AG Todd Blanch said lawyers are working “around the clock” to review the files.
• So far, 40,000 new pages have been released, but not all files or minimal redactions, as mandated.
• Quote:
  • “We don’t know how many Epstein files are yet to be released and we don’t know when they will be.” — Stephen Fowler [01:23]

3. Zoram Mamdani: Sworn In as Mayor of New York City

[01:58–02:54]

• Zoram Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, is set to be sworn in as NYC’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor just after midnight.
• He achieved a decisive victory over Andrew Cuomo and others, winning over 50% in a three-way race.
• Mamdani’s campaign focused on affordability: freezing rents, implementing free busing, city-owned grocery stores, and increasing the corporate tax to 11.5% to add $5 billion to city funds.
• Swearing in will take place on the Koran.
• Quote:
  • “The 34 year old Mamdani stands out as the first South Asian and the first Muslim to lead America’s largest city. He will be sworn in using a Koran.” — Bruce Kahnweiser [02:33]

4. New Year’s Celebrations Across the Globe

[02:54–03:21]

• 2026 has arrived in parts of the world, with typical crowd celebrations and fireworks in places like Europe and Sydney.
• In Hong Kong, celebrations are quieter due to a recent deadly apartment fire; light displays replaced traditional fireworks.

5. Chinese Military Drills Near Taiwan

[03:22–03:38]

• China’s PLA concluded two days of military exercises near Taiwan, aimed at asserting its sovereignty over the island.
• These moves increased tensions in East Asia at year’s end.

6. US Military Operations Against Drug Boats

[03:39–03:52]

• The US military destroyed two suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, part of ongoing efforts targeting narco-trafficking.
• Nearly 100 people have died in multiple strikes on small boats since September.

7. Kennedy Center Honors: Record-Low Ratings

[03:53–04:54]

• The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, hosted for the first time by President Trump, saw its lowest TV ratings ever—a 25% drop—per Nielsen.
• Aired on CBS, only about 3 million watched, 1 million fewer than last year.
• Trump hinted at renaming it the “Trump Kennedy Center”; since then, several artists have canceled appearances.
• Nielsen’s ratings methodology changed recently, possibly impacting year-to-year comparisons.
• Quote:
  • “President Trump triumphantly clapping… He became the first president to host the award show in 2025 and predicted his appearance would pull the highest ratings ever. Instead, the show saw a 25% drop from last year.” — Neda Ulaby [04:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On National Guard deployments:
  “Guard members could be sent back in a stronger form.” — Giles Snyder quoting Trump [00:41]
• On Epstein files delay:
  “We don’t know how many Epstein files are yet to be released and we don’t know when they will be.” — Stephen Fowler [01:23]
• On NYC’s new mayor:
  “The 34 year old Mamdani stands out as the first South Asian and the first Muslim to lead America’s largest city. He will be sworn in using a Koran.” — Bruce Kahnweiser [02:33]
• On Kennedy Center Honors:
  “President Trump triumphantly clapping… He became the first president to host the award show in 2025 and predicted his appearance would pull the highest ratings ever. Instead, the show saw a 25% drop from last year.” — Neta Ulaby [04:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------|------------| | National Guard deployments controversy | 00:18–01:09| | Epstein files release delay | 01:09–01:58| | Zoram Mamdani’s NYC mayoral swearing-in | 01:58–02:54| | Global & Hong Kong New Year’s celebrations | 02:54–03:21| | Chinese military exercises off Taiwan | 03:22–03:38| | US military strikes on drug boats | 03:39–03:52| | Kennedy Center Honors viewership drop | 03:53–04:54|

This summary captures the essential news and memorable commentary from the first NPR News Now broadcast of 2026.