The World This Hour - The World This Hour for 2026/01/01 at 17:00 EST

Episode Date: January 1, 2026

The World This Hour for 2026/01/01 at 17:00 EST

If you're listening to this, I already know you have great taste in podcasts. But maybe, if you like me, you still wonder if you're missing out on the best stuff. That's where the Sounds Good newsletter can help you out. Every other Thursday, the audio files at CBC Podcasts highlight one must-hear show and lots of other new and noteworthy titles. They do conversation starters, they do hidden gems, and they also tell you about the stuff they love that they didn't make. Go to CBC.ca slash sounds good to subscribe. From CBC News, the world this hour. I'm Mike Miles.

Switzerland has begun five days of morning after what officials are calling one of the country's worst tragedies. Police say at least 40 people are dead, over 115 others injured, many severely, in a barfire New Year's Eve. It happened in Cron Matana, a resort in the Swiss Alps. authorities say many of the victims were young and from many countries, including France and Italy. There's no word yet if any Canadians were involved or what caused the fire, but if officials insist it was not an attack. The Tobahydro says it is completed repairs to a downed power line that has affected a remote First Nation for days. But it says bringing electricity back to thousands of residents will take time. Power has been out in Pimichikamak Green Nation since Sunday night.

Those who did not evacuate have dealt with. frigid temperatures of around minus 30. Reducing water use right now is critical. Officials in Calgary say progress has been made to fix yesterday's catastrophic water main break, but emergency management chief Susan Henry says a boiled water advisory remains in effect for parts of the city. This is the second major water main break in the city in two years. It led to a significant loss of water in the system. Henry's urging residents to take steps to ensure the city continues to run smoothly. Run dishwashers laundry only when necessary and with full loads. Keep showers to three minutes or less, flush toilets only when needed. These may seem like small actions, but they make a huge difference.

Officials say crews are working to restore service and keep people safe. New legislation in Ontario paving the way for Canadian workers to move more easily between provinces comes into effect today. Skilled workers from other provinces will be eligible to work in Ontario within 10 days of their credentials being verified. The law would apply to professions such as engineers and health care workers. Ontario says the changes reduce internal trade barriers

and serve as an economic defense strategy in light of the U.S. trade war. One of the most celebrated classical musical performances was led by Canadian this year. Yannik Nizet Sagan conducted to the Vienna Philharamarnik for its annual New Year's Day concert.

Stephen Hoff has that story from Vienna. Over 50 million people around the world watched and listened to the Vienna Philharmonics New Year's Day concert at the historic music variety in the center of Vienna. This year, it featured the performance of a waltz by Florence Price. The first time a composition by an African-American woman has been performed at the event. As you can imagine, is the greatest honor. That's Canadian Yanik Nizet Sagan, a Montrealer given the task to lead the famous performance. This year's concert aims to promote peace and mutual understanding.

start listening to the same music, we feel we have more in common than our differences. The New Year's Day performances date back to the 1920s and remain one of the most celebrated and popular classical concerts each year. Stephen Hoff for CBC News, the end. Music to our ears, and that is the world this hour. For CBC News, I'm Mike Miles. Thank you.