NPR News Now - NPR News: 01-01-2026 11AM EST

Episode Date: January 1, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a fire that broke out at a popular ski resort in southwestern Switzerland. Terry Schultz reports dozens of people are presumed dead and more than 100 others suffered serious injuries during New Year's Eve celebrations. Swiss authorities say the fire broke out in a bar in the Cremontana ski resort around 1.30 a.m. They won't speculate on what caused the high death toll. Many of the wounded suffered severe burns. Local hospitals and emergency responders are overwhelmed, officials set at a press conference,

and patients are being moved to nearby facilities. They're pleading with others out on ski slopes and roads to do their maximum to avoid accidents that could further strain services. That's Terry Schultz reporting. President Trump says he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors have recommended. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he blamed the higher dose for the visible hand bruises

that have raised questions about his overall health. Trump also told the publication that aspirin is, quote, good for thinning out the blood and he doesn't want thick blood pouring through his heart. Starting today, millions of Americans will pay a lot more for health insurance. Federal subsidies that help lower the cost of individual marketplace plans expired last night. Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat representing Vermont, has been pushing to extend the tax credits. Well, the most insignificant is anybody, a small business, a farmer, whether they're in a Republican or a Democratic district, is going to get hammered.

So a farmer in Vermont, their premium is going to go from $900 a month to $3,200 a month. So they're going to really face sticker shock. The skyrocketing costs could force people to drop their coverage. So Ron Mamdani has been sworn in as the first Muslim mayor of New York City. The 34-year-old progressive Democrat rose in a single year from being a relatively unknown state lawmaker to lead the largest city in the U.S. NPR's Brian Mann reports. The oath was administered to Mamdani in a ceremony held in a historic subway station under City Hall by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Congratulations, Mr. Mayor.

Mamdani was born in Uganda to parents originally from India. At a time when President Trump has sought to live. limit immigration from Muslim and African countries, Mamdani swept to victory, promising to make New York City more affordable in building a movement of young voters. After his swearing in, he flashed his trademark grin. This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime. A larger public ceremony will take place later on New Year's Day on the steps of City Hall. Brian Mann, NPR News, New York. Wall Street is closed for the New Year holiday. Trading resumes tomorrow. 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% tariffs on kitchen cabinets and furniture. Those took effect in October, with increases originally planned to reach 50 and 30% by 2026. Under the new timeline, the higher rates won't take effect until 2027. A new law in Illinois now regulates how employers use artificial intelligence when making new hires. This comes on the heels of an executive order from President Trump targeting states passing AI regulations. Mawa Iqbal from member station WBEZ has more.

Illinois employers are now banned from using AI software to factor in demographic information, such as race or zip code when reviewing applicants. This also applies to employers promoting or disciplining their employees. Democratic State Senator Javier Cervantes of Chicago backed the measure. This is an unchecked technology if we lead a run, and then it could hurt us, right? So just like we're doing this with employment. So we just got to get in front of it, do our best we can. Illinois is no stranger to positioning itself as a firewall against Trump administration policies.

Senator Cervantes says he's expecting a legal fight. Fenn PIRN News, I'm Mawa-Ikbonne, Springfield, Illinois. Trains are running again through the channel tunnel after power failures this week. Eurostar says service between London and cities like Paris and Brussels resumed overnight. But officials are warning of possible knock-on delays after Tuesday's disruptions, which impacted both directions. This is NPR.