WORLD Radio News - WORLD Radio News: 1-1-26 (3/3)

Episode Date: January 1, 2026

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With World Radio News, I'm Mary Muncie. Well, the only way to say it is, happy New Year. Chili temperatures didn't stop crowds from bundling up and turning out in New York's Times Square last night to ring in 2026. The countdown came and went and partygoers cheered as the traditional New Year's Eve ball was dropped from the pole. and a patriotic touch this year. The smooth voice of the late Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful, as the ball was re-lit in red, white, and blue, and rose again about the crowd. That encore was added to celebrate America's 250th anniversary that takes place this year.

But in Switzerland, a tragedy as a fire ripped through a New Year's celebration, at a Swiss Alpine resort less than two hours after midnight. Police believe dozens died at the Cranes Montana Resort Fire and about 100 more suffered injuries, most of them serious. Witness Dominic Du Bois praised the courage of the victims. There were many who were very strong, who stayed strong, and who understood that their life was in great danger,

but decided that mentally it was more important to stay calm. He said several bystanders rushed to assist and were able to pull people from the fire. The cause of the blaze remains unclear, but police believe it was an accident, not an attack. And in Amsterdam, a fire at a historic Dutch church building in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Images captured by Dutch media show flames pouring from a tower of Vondel Church inside Amsterdam's famous Vondel Park. The fire ultimately, engulfed the roof and the church's iconic spire collapsed. The firefighters were eventually able to extinguish the blaze and no one was injured. No word yet on the cause of the fire. Elsewhere at the Vatican, Pope Leo the 14th also marked the start of the new year. He spoke to a crowd of thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square at noon today. Leo offered a prayer from the window

of his studio. He characterized 2026 as an open journey to be discovered and told onlookers they could venture forth on that journey with confidence. The address marked Leo's first New Year Mass as Pope. For World Radio, I'm Mary Muncie. For more sound journalism grounded in facts and biblical truth, visit worldradio.news. Thank you.