NPR News Now - NPR News: 01-01-2026 9AM EST

Episode Date: January 1, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Authorities in Switzerland are investigating a deadly fire that broke out at a popular ski resort in the early morning hours of New Year's Day. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports dozens of people are presumed dead and more than 100 others suffered serious injuries. The Kranz Montana Resort is a famed luxury ski destination, but last night at the Constellation Bar during a crowd, New Year's Eve celebration, tragedy unfolded. Officials say the cause of the fire that ripped through the bar is not yet known. Witnesses describe a crush of panicked people trying to climb the stairs to escape the basement nightclub. Another witness saw people on the street outside with their clothes on fire. Officials say there are so many injured that the intensive care unit and

operating theatre at the regional hospital are full. They warn it will take time to identify the dead, which may include people from several countries. Ruth Sherlock and Beyond News. Starting today, sodas, caffeinated beverages and candy are off the table for people who use SNAP benefits in five states. Macy buyers from Nebraska public media reports on the new changes. Electronic benefit cards can no longer be used to buy products like sodas, energy drinks and candy in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia. Product restrictions vary between states, with Iowa enacting the most restrictive changes on some prepared foods like granola bars. Nebraska was the first state to seek USDA approval for their restrictions. The restrictions align with the Trump administrations make America Healthy Again initiative,

which has sought to restrict processed foods, lower drug prices, and overturn existing vaccine recommendations. For NPR News, I'm Macy Byers in Lincoln, Nebraska. His New Year address, Ukrainian president Volodemir Zelenskyy said he will not agree to a weak peace deal that would prolong Russia's war. NPR's Joanna Kikis's reports, Ukrainian leaders are expected to meet in Paris next week to discuss how to defend the country after any agreement is reached. In Ukraine, watching the president's new year's address is an annual ritual. Zelensky spoke in his office, a Christmas tree twinkling in the background, and he said Russia's nearly four-year, full-scale war on Ukraine, has a exhausted the country. He said Ukrainians have held on for more than 1,400 days, longer than the Nazi occupation of many cities during World War II. He said Ukraine wants peace, but not

at any cost. It wants an end of the war, but not an end to Ukraine. Zolensky said a peace proposal is 90% finished. Russia has already rejected points in this proposal. Joanna Kekis and PR News This is NPR News in Washington. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith told Congress that the January 6th attack on the Capitol would not have happened without President Trump. A newly released transcript shows Smith called Trump the most culpable figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The remarks came during a closed-door interview last month. The transcript and video are now public, offering rare insight into one of the most consequential, Justice Department probes in recent history.

The quarterfinals of the college football playoffs began last night and wrap up today. Steve Futterman reports. In last night's first quarter final, defending champion Ohio State went down, falling 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. Ohio 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 quarterfinals 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 are closed today for the New Year's holiday. Trading has also paused on Wall Street after the Dow lost

303 points on Wednesday. Markets reopen on Friday. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.