The Headlines – January 2, 2026

Host: Tracy Mumford, The New York Times
Episode Title: Dozens Killed in New Year’s Fire, and Trump Abandons National Guard Push in 3 Major Cities

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an update on top world and U.S. news stories, reporting and analyzing major events such as the devastating New Year’s Eve fire in Switzerland, President Trump’s reversal on National Guard deployments in several major cities, the spike in health insurance costs following a lapse in congressional subsidies, the rapid adoption of AI in classrooms worldwide, and a quirky new workplace trend in tech startups. It concludes with a news quiz reflecting on the biggest winners of 2025.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Year’s Eve Fire in Swiss Ski Resort

• Situation: A deadly fire swept through a packed bar in a popular ski town in Switzerland (Kran, Montana), resulting in about 40 deaths and 115 injuries, overwhelming the nation’s burn units.
• Details of the Incident:
  • The fire triggered a flashover, causing surfaces to ignite almost simultaneously. At least one explosion followed.
  • Many victims were young adults, as the bar was a go-to spot for those aged 18–20.
• First-Hand Report:
  • Segalin Lustradique, Times correspondent, described the aftermath and the community’s response.
  • Quote (Segalin Lustradique, 01:51):

    “I talked to this group of four. They were all 17 and they were supposed to be at the bar. They arrived a little bit late and when they got there, police and firemen were already there. People were rushing out. They said that people were trampling each other, that it was total panic.”

  • Emotional impact on survivors and bystanders; makeshift memorials are forming.
• Accountability & Next Steps:
  • Focus will turn to safety measures and questions about why there appeared to be only one exit; social media videos suggest crowding and dangerous building design.

2. Trump Drops National Guard Efforts in Major Cities

• Event: President Trump retreats from efforts to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland following a preliminary Supreme Court ruling blocking such deployments where not backed by state/local governments.
• Key Notes:
  • In Chicago and Portland, Guard presence had already been minimal; LA saw the White House deescalate earlier.
  • Trump maintains National Guard troops in places like Washington, D.C., Memphis, and New Orleans, where Republican governors support deployment.
  • Trump’s statement on social media:

    “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form when crime begins to soar again. Only a question of time.” (03:09)

• Legal and Political Dynamics:
  • The controversy highlights ongoing legal/friction between federal, state, and local authorities regarding the use of military force in domestic affairs.

3. Obamacare Plan Price Hikes – Impacts Nationwide

• New Reality: Millions of Americans are facing much higher health insurance premiums due to the failure of Congress to extend enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) plans.
• Examples:
  • California family: Premiums rise from $1,300 to $4,000/month
  • North Carolina couple: $600 to $3,000/month
• Difficult Choices:
  • Some are dropping coverage, choosing bare-bones high-deductible plans, or reducing reported income to qualify for subsidies.
  • Profiled Story:

    Woman in Oregon keeps coverage for her husband but not for herself due to skyrocketing costs.

• Political Outlook:
  • Enhanced subsidies could still be extended later in the year, but infighting among Republicans in Congress makes action uncertain.

4. AI’s Rapid Spread in Global Classrooms

• Trend: Major tech companies are accelerating the adoption of AI-powered tools in schools worldwide (Thailand, Iceland, India, the UAE, El Salvador, and U.S. cities).
• Key Actors:
  • Microsoft, Elon Musk’s AI firm (“Grok”), and others are piloting chatbots and AI tutors.
• Perceived Benefits:
  • Quicker content creation, improved lesson planning, tools for responsible AI literacy.
  • Many teachers support classroom AI integration to guide students’ responsible use.
• Warnings and Critiques:
  • UNICEF policy expert cautions that hasty integration could “actively de-skill students and teachers.”
  • Recent study: Popular chatbots may diminish critical thinking.
  • Quote (via UNICEF digital policy expert, 05:38):

    “Without proper guidance, the global push could…actively de-skill students and teachers.”

5. The “No Shoes” Trend in Tech Startups

• New Practice: A trend of removing shoes and wearing custom slippers in small tech offices is growing, symbolizing a wish for homelike comfort at work (“pajama culture”).
• Rationale:
  • Startup leaders say it “disarms you in a positive way” and fits with both personal and cultural origins.
  • Quote (Startup CEO):

    “It makes it feel like home and disarms you in a positive way.”

  • Ties to pandemic-era work-from-home comfort, long hours at the office.
• Historical Context:
  • Silicon Valley companies experimented with shoe-free culture over a decade ago, but re-embraced footwear since.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• First-Hand Survivor Account:
  • “He rushed out when he saw the smoke, so he was not harmed. But he told me that his friend stayed inside and was injured and she was at the hospital in Sion. He waited all day to find out how she was, but they didn't let him see her.” (01:20, Segalin Lustradique)
• Local Teens’ Brush with Tragedy:
  • “They were mostly young people...they arrived a little bit late and when they got there, police and firemen were already there.” (01:51)
• Tech Startup Slippers:
  • “If you’re going to be there for 12 hours a day, six days a week, you might as well be comfortable.” (07:54, Economist cited)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Swiss Fire Tragedy: 00:32–03:09
• National Guard Withdrawal: 03:09–04:03
• Obamacare Price Hikes: 04:03–05:00
• Global AI in Schools: 05:00–06:32
• No Shoes Office Trend: 06:32–07:55
• News Quiz (Winners of 2025): 07:55–End

News Quiz Highlights (Starts at 07:55)

• NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s Inauguration: Held in the old City Hall subway station (symbol of daring civic ambition).
  • “A city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working people's lives.” (Quote from Mamdani)
• Nvidia Becomes World's Most Valuable Company:
  • First to reach $5 trillion, responsible for the chips powering AI.
• YouTube’s Mr. Beast Dominates Streaming:
  • 457 million subscribers – “more than the entire population of the United States.”

Tone and Delivery

The episode is direct, fact-focused, and empathetic—especially in coverage of the Swiss fire tragedy. The tone turns analytical and slightly wry when discussing tech trends and the workplace slipper phenomenon, maintaining New York Times objectivity and clarity throughout.

For listeners:
This episode delivers crucial updates with human impact, policy implications, and cultural context—useful for staying abreast of both hard news and evolving societal trends.