Mayor Mamdani, Swiss Resort Fire, & Oldest Soccer Player

Adam Rogers
January 03, 2026

Good morning! The weekend edition is 737 words, a 3-minute read.

What’s on tap:

First-time reader? Sign up here!

Today’s Big Story

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, sworn in just after midnight at a decommissioned subway station with his hand on a Quran. The 34-year-old is the city's first Muslim mayor, first of South Asian descent, and youngest in generations.
US Sen. Bernie Sanders administered the oath for a second time at a public ceremony where thousands braved freezing temperatures. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, promised to govern "expansively and audaciously," pledging free childcare, free buses, a rent freeze for one million households, and city-run grocery stores. "I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed 'radical,'" he said.
After the ceremony, Mamdani revoked multiple executive orders issued by predecessor Eric Adams. He then visited a Brooklyn apartment building to announce that he is revitalizing a city office that protects tenants and creating two task forces focused on housing construction.

A New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort bar killed 40 people. Sparklers on wine bottles ignited foam ceiling panels at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana around 1:30 a.m., and flames spread within seconds. Videos show partygoers initially filming on their phones before realizing the danger. Many of the 119 injured were young, between 15 and 30, and suffered severe burns from the intense heat. (More)

Tesla lost its spot as the world's top electric vehicle maker after sales fell 9% to 1.64 million cars in 2025. Chinese competitor BYD sold 2.26 million vehicles, taking the lead. Tesla's decline came from backlash over Elon Musk's politics, expired US tax credits, and tough overseas competition. Musk is now betting Tesla's future on robotaxis and humanoid robots rather than car sales. (More)

President Trump said the US is "locked and loaded" to intervene if Iran kills peaceful protesters during demonstrations. Iranian officials warned this would make American forces "legitimate targets" across the Middle East. At least seven people have died in protests that started over economic problems but now target Iran's clerical regime. Iran's civilian government wants to negotiate, but security forces have violently cracked down. (More)

China removed a 30-year tax exemption on contraceptives, making condoms and birth control pills cost 13% more. The move aims to boost birth rates as China's population fell for a third straight year in 2024. Beijing has tried other measures like childcare subsidies and urging schools to promote marriage positively, but high costs and economic uncertainty keep discouraging young people from having children. (More)

Betty Boop and Blondie joined Mickey Mouse in the public domain on January 1, letting creators use them freely. The cartoon characters' first appearances from 1930 reached their 95-year copyright limit. Nine more Mickey Mouse cartoons also became public, along with the debuts of Nancy Drew, Sam Spade, and Miss Marple. Classic films like "Animal Crackers" and songs including "Georgia on My Mind" entered the public domain too. (More)

The FBI stopped a terrorist attack planned for New Year's Eve in North Carolina. Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested for attempting to support ISIS and planned to attack a grocery store and the Burger King where he worked in Mint Hill. Police found hammers, knives, and notes detailing his plan at his home. (More)

Travel writer Rick Steves bought a Washington hygiene center for $2.25 million after reading it might close. The Lynnwood Center gives homeless people showers, meals, and medical care. (More)

Sixteen-year-old Lydia Brown donated 800 Christmas presents to hospitalized kids at a Maine hospital this year. After spending much of her childhood there, she's run the Lydia Project donation drive for four years straight. (More)

A Louisiana CEO sold his family business for $1.7 billion and shared 15% with employees. All 540 workers at Fibrebond will split $240 million, getting around $443,000 each. (More)

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has mailed over 270 million free books to children in 30 years. About 3 million kids monthly now receive books across four countries. (More)

A 59-year-old signed a contract to play his 41st season of professional soccer.

“6-7” tops 2025 list of overused words and phrases.

Your feedback helps us provide the best newsletter possible.