NPR News Now - NPR News: 01-01-2026 6AM EST

Episode Date: January 1, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Crowds packed Times Square in New York City last night to ring in 2026, and for the first time, they got two countdowns instead of one. As the clock struck midnight, cheers erupted, confetti flew, and the iconic Times Square ball made its usual descent to mark the start of 2026, but this year organizers had a second ball. all drop just minutes later, this one, in red, white, and blue. America, sweet. The second drop honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

It featured 2,000 pounds of patriotic confetti and a new ball design. The event was organized by the Times Square Alliance in partnership with America 250 and nonprofit planning this year's celebration. New York City is starting the U.S. year with a new mayor. Elizabeth Kim of member station WNYC reports on Zoran, Mamdani, swearing-in ceremony. Mamdani, who focused on public transit during his campaign, arrived at his swearing-in ceremony by subway. He took the oath of office shortly after midnight, standing inside an abandoned subway station near City Hall. This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime.

Momdani is now the city's first Muslim and Asian American mayor. He's promised to deliver a bold affordability agenda that includes a rent freeze for stabilized tenants, free and fast buses, and universal child care. For NPR news, I'm Elizabeth Kim in New York. President Trump says he's dropping his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, at least for now. NPR's Giles Snyder reports. President Trump announced a move on social media, crediting the deployments with reducing crime, but warning that his decision to end his efforts to send guard troops into several largely Democratic-led cities depends on crime rates, saying that guard members could be sent back in a stronger form.

Local leaders have said the deployments were not necessary, and Democrats have accused the Trump administration of overreaching. The deployments have repeatedly faced legal roadblocks, and last week, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to allow the administration. to deploy troops to Chicago without permission from the governor of Illinois. Trial Snyder NPR News. Officials in Switzerland say dozens of people are presumed dead after a fire broke out at a bar in a Swiss ski resort town during New Year's celebrations. The blaze broke out in the early morning hours at a two-story bar in the southwestern part of the country. Police say dozens of others suffered severe injuries.

The popular resort is known for its views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. This is NPR News in Washington. President Trump has signed a proclamation to delay tariff increases on kitchen cabinets, upholstered furniture, and bathroom vanities. Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on kitchen cabinets and furniture. Those took effect in October, with increases originally planned to reach 50 and 30 percent by 2026. Under the new timeline, the higher rates won't take effect until 2027. The quarterfinals of the college football playoffs began last night and wrap up today. Steve Fetterman reports.

In last night's first quarter final, defending champion Ohio's state went down, following to Miami 24 to 14. Miami jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The Buckeyes were able at one point to cut the margin to three, but Miami pulled away at the end. state coach Ryan Day. We put ourselves behind the eight ball. At the end of the day, we didn't get it done. Today, the three other quarter finals take place. Here in Southern California, undefeated number one Indiana faces off against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. In the other two contests, Oregon plays Texas Tech

in the Orange Bowl, while Georgia matches up against Mississippi in New Orleans in the Sugar Bowl. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles. All of the major stock markets across Asia, Asia are closed today for New Year's Day. Trading is also paused on Wall Street after the Dow lost 303 points on Wednesday. The NASDAQ loss 177 markets reopen on Friday. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.