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The Story Is with Elex Michaelson

Karl Kani Pioneered Urban Street Wear Of The 1990's. Interview with the "Godfather of Urban Streetwear" Karl Kani; New Year's Day Sees Thrilling Bowl Games in Quarterfinals; Interview with "Star Trek" Actors Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn; wildlife Threated in the Strait of Magellan. Aired 1-2a ET

Aired January 02, 2026 - 01:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[01:00:00]

ELEX MICHAELSON, CNN ANCHOR: Six minute short dizzy dishes. That version of "Betty" is among thousands of creations whose copyrights expired on January 1st. They include the first four "Nancy Drew" detective books and the song "Georgia on My Mind."

Thanks for watching. Hopefully we'll play that stuff since now we can. Stay with us. The next hour of The Story Is starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The witnesses have described the fire literally ripping through from the moment it starts to within about 10 seconds, balls of flame ripping through.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAELSON: The Story Is New Year's party gone wrong, dozens dead, more than 100 injured after a catastrophic fire at a Swiss ski resort.

The Story Is Mayor Mamdani, we take you to the inauguration of New York's new democratic socialist mayor. Hear how his supporters and detractors are responding.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZOHRAN MAMDANI, NEW YORK CITY MAYOR: I promise you this, if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAELSON: The Story Is fashion in 2026. Designer Karl Kani once dressed icons like Tupac and Dr. Dre is with us live to talk about his new line.

And The Story Is "Star Trek" at 60. I catch up with "Star Trek" stars Jerry O' Connell and Rebecca Romijn on the "Star Trek" Rose Parade float.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Live from Los Angeles, The Story Is with Elex Michelson.

MICHAELSON: Welcome to a new year here on The Story Is. Thanks so much for being with us live. We've got a lot of fun stuff to get to in this next hour, but we begin with a heartbreaking story. Families desperately holding out hope that their loved ones are still alive following a deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort. Police say about 40 people were killed, more than 100 others injured, many severely.

A warning, some of what you will see and hear next is disturbing. This video obtained by CNN shows inside the popular bar as flames are visible on the ceiling. Survivors say things quickly turned chaotic as that fire engulfed the room and people rushed to get outside.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

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MICHAELSON: Here, people trying to escape the building through a window and stairs. You can see a rush as people leave the smoke filled room before trying to get out to the street. Bystanders walking by are helping treat victims on the street who made it out of the bar. The president of the Swiss Confederation said this was one of the worst tragedies the country has ever experienced. He offered condolences to the victims and their families.

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GUY PARMELIN, PRESIDENT, SWISS CONFEDERATION (through translator): Our thoughts are with the families who are in anguish. Some still do not know whether their children have died. Some are in the hospital in difficult conditions. And we will do everything we can to ensure that everything proceeds as quickly and as effectively as possible. But today our thoughts and our prayers are truly with all those who have experienced this tragedy.

I would also already like to thank all foreign governments, particularly the neighboring countries, who are showing solidarity and who will work with Switzerland to help care for those who are among the most severely injured. Now it is a matter of speed so that these people can be taken care of as quickly as possible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAELSON: The Swiss president, as you can see, visited the scene on Thursdays. CNN's Nada Bashir has more on the fire and what may have caused it.

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NADA BASHIR, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): What began as a night of celebration turned into a nightmare. As crowds rang in the New Year, a deadly fire tore through a packed bar in the luxury Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, in southern Switzerland. Swiss police say around 40 people were killed and over 110 injured, many of them severely, adding it will take several days to return bodies to families.

BEATRICE PILLOUD, PROSECUTOR (through translator): There are quite a few circumstances to be clarified through initial investigations. I would like to point out that as things stand, we are treating this as a fire and there is no question of any kind of terror attack at this stage.

BASHIR (voice-over): The fire broke out just after 1:30 in the morning inside a bar called Le Constellation. Two witnesses told CNN affiliate BFM TV it may have been caused by sparklers placed in champagne bottles.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): People shouted, fire, fire. And at first we thought it was a joke. Then suddenly there was a very large cloud of black smoke. We could not breathe anymore, and in our heads we knew we had to get out. But there was a crowd and we couldn't leave, so we tried to hide.

SAMUEL RAPP, LOCAL RESIDENT (through translator): There were people screaming and then people lying on the ground, probably dead. They had jackets over their faces. Well, that's what I saw, nothing more.

[01:05:09]

BASHIR (voice-over): The bar is located in the heart of Crans-Montana, an exclusive resort town known for skiing, fine dining and nightlife. On Thursday morning, authorities closed the area to the public and declared a state of emergency. They added the investigation would look into whether safety standards were met. Swiss Confederation President Guy Palmelin described it as one of the worst tragedies to have faced his country, saying on social media, quote, "What should have been a happy occasion on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, has turned into a tragic loss that touches the whole country and far beyond. Few could imagine the first day of 2026 would begin this way for a resort known for sweeping Alpine views. Authorities are now focused on finding answers and preventing another tragedy.

Nada Bashir, CNN in London.

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MICHAELSON: Last hour here on The Story Is I spoke live to Glenn Corbett, who is an associate professor of fire science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He investigated the fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 people. He said fires in enclosed spaces like this bar grow hot quickly and that people need to get out fast.

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GLENN CORBETT, ASSOC. PROF. OF FIRE SCIENCEC, JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE: So people have to realize that fires grow exponentially. This is a big issue with this particular club in this -- in Switzerland that we need to understand more about what was on that ceiling. I suspect it was more than just wood. I think there's something else going on here that they need to look at. But the main thing for your listeners is, of course, going to a club, I never go into a nightclub that's below ground, OK, I'll just tell you that because we had so many problems over the years.

But I also look for where are the exits. We don't know how many exits were here. We know there was a stairwell, at least a single stairwell. And again, our history is replete with unfortunately with large crowd crushes that happen when the situation. When it starts getting very hot, that's when people really start moving.

And so again, your listeners, if you end up in a situation like that, know where your exits are and move to them quickly. Don't stand to watch the fire, take pictures and things like that. It's time to get out.

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MICHAELSON: Police are investigating what caused a massive blaze that damaged a historic church in Amsterdam. Officials say the church fire started right after the New Year was rung in. The building has been in the heart of the city since late 1800s. 2026, off to a rough start in the Netherlands as a whole, two people killed in unrelated fireworks incidents. More than 250 others were arrested from what police described as rioting.

Setting off fireworks, by the way, is a Dutch New Year's tradition. The country is now moving to ban fireworks sales.

Tonight, those of us here in Southern California are getting a short break from days of heavy rainstorms. Another line of storms set to impact our region starting late tomorrow night. More systems could hit the coast by early next week. Thursday saw widespread flooding in the San Diego area. Look at these images.

Two interstates there swamped many cars submerged under high water in the streets. Teams from the San Diego Fire Department had to rescue people trapped in their cars by the floodwaters. Fears of debris flow flash flooding prompted officials to issue evacuation warnings in parts of LA County ahead of Thursday's storm. Good news, no major problems when it comes to that.

Now to New York City, a message of affordability there. On his first day as mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani set out to tackle one of his main campaign promises, the housing crisis. The mayor announcing new measures aimed at helping tenants who are renting.

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MAMDANI: We will not compromise on housing quality. If your landlord does not responsibly steward your home, city government will step in. These are sweeping measures, but it is just the beginning of a comprehensive effort to champion the cause of tenants too long ignored and homes too expensive.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAELSON: His inauguration saw big crowds and also featured two of the leaders of the progressive movement, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who swore him in. Just after midnight on Thursday, Mamdani sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James at a separate private ceremony inside a former subway station. During the public ceremony, Senator Sanders had the honor. Here's some of that.

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REP. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ (D-NY): And it is my deep honor and privilege to welcome you to the inauguration of our new mayor of New York City, Zohran Kwame Mamdani.

[01:10:11]

MULTIPLE SPEAKERS: Zohran, Zohran.

MAMDANI: I, Zohran Kwame Mamdani --

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (D-VT): Do solemnly swear --

MAMDANI: -- do solemnly swear --

SANDERS: -- that I will support the Constitution of the United States --

MAMDANI: -- that I will support the Constitution of the United States --

SANDERS: -- the Constitution of the State of New York --

MAMDANI: -- the Constitution of the State of New York --

SANDERS: -- and the charter of the City of New York.

MAMDANI: -- and the charter of the City of New York.

SANDERS: And that I will faithfully discharge the duties --

MAMDANI: And that I will faithfully discharge the duties --

SANDERS: -- of the office of the Mayor of the City of New York 00

MAMDANI: -- of the office of the Mayor of the City of New York --

SANDERS: -- according to the best of my ability.

MAMDANI: -- according to the best of my ability.

SANDERS: So help me God.

MAMDANI: So help me God.

Today begins a new era. I stand before you moved by the privilege of taking this sacred oath, humbled by the faith that you have placed in me, and honored to serve as either your 111th or 112th mayor of New York City.

SANDERS: You defeated them in the biggest political upset in modern American history.

OCASIO-CORTEZ: New York. We have chosen courage over fear. We have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few. And when the entrenched ways would rather have us dig in our feet and seek refuge in the past, we have chosen instead to turn towards making a new future for all of us.

JOSE ORTIZ, MAMDANI SUPPORTER: He spoke for the people. I think that things that resonate with me. I think we're all looking for something different, you know. And I. I'm just saying we needed a change.

NATHAN POWELL, MAMDANI SUPPORTER: We've been keeping up with the transition and been liking everything that I've been seeing so far.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We need Democrats with backbones, and Zohran has one.

SHARON JONES, REPUBLICAN VOTER: I'm here to hopefully prayerfully that he stands on his word. He's going to be a mayor for all.

MAMDANI: I stand alongside neighbors who carry a plate of food to the elderly couple down the hall, those in a rush who still lift strangers strollers up subway stairs and every person who makes the choice day after day, even when it feels impossible to call our city home. I stand alongside over 1 million New Yorkers who voted for this day nearly two months ago. And I stand just as resolutely alongside those who did not. I know there are some who view this administration with distrust or disdain or who see politics as permanently broken. And while only action can change minds, I promise you this, if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAELSON: Scenes from a historic day in New York. The price of many prescription medications is set to go up this year. According to data by healthcare research firm the 3 Axis Advisors, drug makers are planning to raise U.S. prices on at least 350 branded medicines in 2026. That list includes vaccines against COVID, RSV, shingles, even some cancer treatments. Americans currently pay the most by far for prescription drugs, in some cases paying nearly three times more than folks in other developed nations for the exact same pill.

Donald Trump is the oldest man to ever be sworn in as president and some questions have been swirling recently about his health. Well, now he's talking about it himself. Highlights from a surprising interview ahead on CNN. Plus, Americans are being detained in Venezuela as tensions rise between the country's leader and President Trump. That story and more next here on The Story Is.

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[01:18:04]

MICHAELSON: Welcome back. We're getting some new insight into the health of Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal reached out to the White House with reporting that said some of those close to him feel that he's showing signs of aging at 79. This led to Mr. Trump giving the paper an impromptu and virtually unprecedented interview about his health. President denies that he's been caught falling asleep during events like this one that you see here, saying it's simply he's blinking when the shot is taken.

He says he's, quote, "never been a big sleeper at night." Unlike many people, the president does not have exercise more on his list of New Year's resolutions. He told the Journal that he finds it boring and not for him. We know he likes playing golf, but some of the typical gym workouts, not his thing. CNN White House correspondent Alayna Treene has more on the president's view of his own health.

ALAYNA TREENE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published Thursday that he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors have recommended, blaming that for the visible hand bruises that have generated questions about his health. He said, quote, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart," the president, who was 79, said of why he takes a larger dose. He went on to say, "I want nice thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense? I'm a little superstitious."

He also noted that he's been taking aspirin for 25 years. Now Trump's physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, told the Journal that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily. The interview appeared to be one of the most extensive conversations that the president has had with journalists about his health, and it comes as scrutiny has intensified this year over his age, fitness for office and whether he's being sufficiently transparent with his medical information.

Now, Trump has long had bruising on his right hand, which CNN has previously reported predated his return to the White House. But it's drawn more scrutiny and attention after he began trying to cover it with heavy makeup and bandages. And he also has been shielding it from cameras with his other hand. Observers have also raised concerns about swelling in his legs and his appearing to doze during public events.

[01:20:08]

Now, the White House has previously explained that the bruising on his hand is due to constant handshaking along with a regular regimen of aspirin that can make such discoloration more common. For Dr. Jonathan Reiner, he's a professor at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, he was also a longtime cardiologist former Vice President Dick Cheney, he says that the latest updates from the Trump administration and his team raise more questions than they answer.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. JONATHAN REINER, CNN MEDICAL ANALYST: I'm almost less concerned about the actual cause of, you know, the president's bruising. We can talk about that than I am about why the White House medical team has felt the need to study him in the last few months. What symptoms, what clinical concerns have prompted this? The dosage that we use for patients, even with documented coronary artery disease is a quarter of that, is 81 milligrams per day. So why is the president taking, you know, an unorthodox dose of aspirin? And the media has published, you know, many photos of his right hand and now maybe his left hand with this chronic bruise. The White House has said that this is related to, you know, chronic aspirin therapy. So if you're bruising a lot and your doctor says you're on too much aspirin, why wouldn't you go down to the lower dose?

It makes no sense to me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TREENE: Now, 325 milligrams of aspirin each day is not a very high dose, according to Dr. Reiner. And when someone sprays ankle, he said, for example, they might get 325 milligrams of aspirin every four hours, which could be considered a high dose. But otherwise, there's no medical reason, according to Reiner, to take that much on a regular basis.

Now, in a statement to CNN, "The president's physician said that Trump remains in exceptional health and perfectly suited to execute his duties as Commander in Chief."

Alayna Treene, CNN, Washington.

MICHAELSON: Thanks, Alayna. The Trump administration is changing some previously announced tariff hikes. The Commerce Department is dropping planned tariffs on Italian pasta from a 107 percent to between 24 percent and 29 percent. That hike adjustment comes amidst accusations that some Italian companies were selling their pasta at unfairly low prices. President Trump is also pushing new tariff increases on upholstered furniture and cabinetry until next year. Higher rates had been set to take effect on Thursday, but tariffs on those items now remain at the 25 percent set by the president in the fall.

As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Venezuela, we are now learning that Venezuelan security forces have detained at least five Americans in recent months. That is according to a U.S. official who says the Trump administration believes that Venezuela is trying to build up leverage against the U.S. by detaining American citizens. This comes as the pressure campaign against Venezuela's leader, Nicolas Maduro, has intensified in recent months, with the U.S. Carrying out strikes on alleged drug boats, implementing an oil blockade, as well as the CIA striking a Venezuelan port.

Coming up, '90s fashion legend Karl Kani is back with a new clothing line and a memoir and an amazing hat. When we come back, the pioneer in hip hop is here live to reflect on his legacy, creativity. What's next for fashion? Some great stories. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[01:25:21]

MICHAELSON: Welcome back to The Story Is. I'm Elex Michaelson. Here are today's top stories. About 40 people were killed more than 100 injured in a fire at a Swiss ski resort. The blaze broke out at a popular bar during a New Year's Eve party.

Authorities say many of the victims were young and it will take days to identify them all. Witnesses say the fire started from sparklers inside champagne bottles, but officials warn that it's too early to know the cause just yet.

People in rain soaked Southern California are bracing for more storms, another line of storms expected to impact the region starting late Friday and again early next week. There was widespread flooding in the San Diego area on Thursday. Evacuation warnings issued for parts of LA ahead of the storms.

The 34-year-old Democratic socialist who took the political world by storm was sworn in as the New York City mayor. Zohran Mamdani inauguration Thursday features some of the biggest names in the progressive movement, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who swore him in. Mr. Mamdani is the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York, as well as the youngest in over a century.

Well, he is known as the godfather of urban fashion and he has dressed some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Aaliyah. Despite having no formal training, Karl Kani pioneered 1990s hip hop style, brought it to global markets. Today, the streetwear mogul shows no sign of slowing down. He's launching a new clothing line and a new book, it's called "Karl Kani, A Life by Design," detailing his journey to becoming known as the godfather of urban streetwear. It's available for pre order right now.

Joining me now is Karl Kani, founder of his self-titled hip hop fashion brand. Welcome.

KARL KANI, FASHION DESIGNER: Thank you.

MICHAELSON: Congratulations. And that name itself has significance to you?

KANI: Absolutely. By asking yourself the question, can I? You have to answer that question every day. Yes, I can. So that's where the name was derived from.

MICHAELSON: So you came up with that name and put it on your brand and then legally changed your name to that as well --

KANI: That's right.

MICHAELSON: -- which is pretty amazing. So as a kid, you looked around and saw there aren't a lot of people with the clothes that I want to wear. So you decided to create them yourself and Tupac Shakur changed your life.

KANI: That's right.

MICHAELSON: How so? KANI: Well, Tupac, I mean, you can't get more street, more real than Tupac. And he was the biggest ambassador for Karl Kani. You know, I met Tupac at the Hotel Nikko in Beverly Hills and he told me, hey, I'm going to blow your lineup. And everything he said he did. He visually directed the first photo shoot campaign that we did together as well.

MICHAELSON: And he told you how to do that, and then you get all these other stars that are impacted as well.

The biggest names really in rap history that you direct. Of all of them, I'm looking at Nas here. We saw Aaliyah, we saw Snoop and Dre, who was the most -- there's Tupac -- who was most into fashion?

KANI: I would say Tupac was the most into fashion.

MICHAELSON: Really?

KANI: Yes, because, you know, he could go from Versace to wearing suits to going street style and things like that. And by him implementing my clothing just helped put us on a bigger stage that way, by his style and his finesse in wearing clothing.

MICHAELSON: And what is sort of the urban style?

KANI: Yes, urban style now is very minimal now. Minimal logos, still baggy is back right now. So oversize clothing is happening again now.

You see it trending in Europe and Japan and things like that. So it's coming back to the U.S.A. in a major way.

MICHAELSON: And part of what you talk about in your book, you obviously blew up in the 90s, all the biggest stars and then some of that era, some of that style started to go away a little bit and you kind of went away too. You went to Asia of all places, right? And became a hit in Japan.

KANI: Yes.

MICHAELSON: What's the style like there? And how was it -- how did they embrace you in a place like that?

KANI: Yes. Well, you know, today we have ten flagship stores in Japan and we're distributed in 25 foreign countries in Europe as well.

The key to those markets is they want brand as authentic. They want original streetwear brands that have great credibility to it by a lot of these icons that were our brand gives us the credibility that we needed for our locations, and establishing a great basic jean as well is really big for us also.

MICHAELSON: And so they're into what -- the baggier look or what do they -- what do they like there?

KANI: They love the baggy oversize look. And baggy look is definitely there. And a lot of people are so happy that baggy is back. For a time, skinny jeans was happening in the marketplace. A lot of

big guys are wearing skinny jeans who really didn't want to wear it, but it wasn't a fashionable thing.

MICHAELSON: Yes. And they didn't look good in them either.

KANI: Exactly.

MICHAELSON: Some people should not be in skinny jeans -- me among them.

So let's talk about your new line, because we've got some images that we want to show. What's next.

KANI: Well, our new line is very clean and minimal, and we're using great fabrications. We've taken terry (ph) and turn it more into a luxury item. So we've taken simple fabrics, turned to a luxury item, do a lot of vintage washes on the items as well too.

So we want to be comfort, finesse and minimalism in terms of logos and things like that.

MICHAELSON: What do you think is next in terms of fashion? Not just for you, but for everybody in like 2026, what's the look for 2026?

KANI: I feel the look is going to be very luxury. I think luxury is back.

MICHAELSON: What does that mean?

KANI: Streetwear, luxury, quality of fabrications, timeless quality. A lot of times right now you can't find vintage Karl Kani because of the quality we use, we use the heaviest fleece, the heaviest fabrications on things.

I think people want timeless quality now. The days of Zara (ph) and cheap, fast fashion is played out right now. Really damaged fashion in my opinion. Quality and good heritage is back again.

MICHAELSON: We're looking at one of your fashion shows. Youve been doing these for years. What's that like for you when you're sitting there and you see your designs all implemented from the 90s to the current era?

KANI: Ultimate success. You know, just like all the hard work pays off when you see models down the runway wearing your stuff and people representing your brand like that.

Our brand stands for a lot because we open the doors up for a lot of designers to make you feel like if he could do it, I could do it.

MICHAELSON: And lastly, what did you learn from your dad about fashion?

KANI: Yes. My dad. Well, my dad used to get all his clothes made by a tailor, and I used to watch him go to Delancey Street, buys fabrics and bring it back to our tailor in Flatbush and make his clothing.

So that kind of inspired me to start making my own clothing. That's what really elevated me from day one, to make the first pair of baggy jeans which set the market on fire.

MICHAELSON: And because kids didn't know that that existed before that, right?

KANI: Exactly.

MICHAELSON: You made it happen.

KANI: That's right.

MICHAELSON: All right. Well, thank you so much, Karl. Congratulations on all the success. Great to meet you.

KANI: Thank you very much.

MICHAELSON: Good luck with the book as well.

KANI: Thank you.

MICHAELSON: Coming up, THE STORY IS in southern California from the history-making Rose Bowl game to the annual Rose Parade. It was a blowout in Pasadena on New Year's Day. We'll have highlights from that game.

Plus an interview with some of the stars of "Star Trek". As the franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary with a float in the parade. I catch up with Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn, next.

[01:34:02]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MICHAELSON: New Year's Day, of course, means bowl games for college football fans, and there was plenty of surprises and thrilling moments on Thursday.

Let's start with the Sugar Bowl, which came down to the wire in New Orleans. The University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, pulled off an upset victory, stunning the University of Georgia in the final seconds of the game.

Ole Miss came back in the fourth quarter in dramatic fashion to take the lead. Georgia tied the score with less than a minute remaining, but ultimately Ole Miss scored a field goal of their own, capped it off with a safety.

The final score of this one, 39 to 34 -- Ole Miss advances to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, fifth ranked Oregon shut out number four Texas Tech at the Orange Bowl in Miami on New Year's Day. The Ducks' defensive line dominated. Final score here Oregon, 23 to nothing. With that decisive victory, the Ducks advance to the semifinals where they will take on Indiana on -- at the Peach Bowl on January 9th.

And this is why Indiana got their ticket to the semifinals by trouncing Alabama 38 to 3. The Hoosiers winning the Rose Bowl for the first time in school history. The quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, fresh off winning the Heisman Pass for 192 yards.

Before this, Indiana had not won any bowl game since 1991' Copper Bowl. The undefeated Hoosiers, now just two wins away from what would be their first ever national championship. They are the number one ranked team in the country. And the craziest story in college football in years.

Meanwhile, a rainstorm here in southern California could not stop the beloved Rose Parade. This is what it looked like on Thursday.

[01:39:45]

MICHAELSON: CNN shot this drone video of the "Star Trek" float and other floats lining up, getting ready after so much effort to prepare all of this.

And we talked about the "Star Trek" float. We'll show you some video of this among the stars of "Star Trek" were out there for the float in the rain. And we had a chance to catch up with a couple of them as they were getting ready late Thursday night.

Here's my conversation.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAELSON: We are here on the "Star Trek" float with two "Star Trek" stars, who are also husband and wife Jerry O'Connell, Rebecca Romijn, the first wet Rose Parade in 20 years. We're getting poured on.

JERRY O'CONNELL, ACTOR: Yes.

MICHAELSON: But I love this concept "Space for Everybody", which is the theme of 60 years of "Star Trek".

REBECCA ROMIJN, ACTRESS: 2026 -- 60-year anniversary of "Star Trek". It's amazing.

MICHAELSON: And you think about what Gene Roddenberry did back then, which was envisioning a future that was more inclusive.

ROMIJN: That's right.

MICHAELSON: And how do you think that's played out over the years? And how do you think about that?

ROMIJN: Exactly according to plan. Exactly according to Gene Roddenberry's original plan. I think it's been beautiful the way it's played out.

MICHAELSON: Yes. I mean, what does that mean to you? Space for everybody. ROMIJN: I'm all about inclusivity and open-mindedness and curiosity

and questioning life in, you know, the universe, and all sorts of things.

O'CONNELL: I also really like it when my wife's character beats the crap out of an alien. That's really fun, too. Like an alien comes on the Enterprise and my wife beats it up. I think that's pretty cool, too.

MICHAELSON: Yes, I mean, so you play Number One in "Strange New Worlds", which is just --

ROMIJN: I'm the First Officer on "Strange New Worlds".

MICHAELSON: -- which is just coming out. You were the Number One on "Lower Decks", the animated series.

O'CONNELL: The animated one. It's really funny being a part of the "Star Trek" family which is why when we heard they were doing this float at the Rose Parade, we were like we have to be a part of it.

We're southern Californians. This is just such a part of southern California. I mean, it's also -- there's also a pretty big game going on afterwards.

It's so incredible to be on one of these floats. It's so impressive up close when you see it.

ROMIJN: Incredible.

O'CONNELL: For those watching, these are seeds that are painted. These are seeds, like everything is organic. Everything is flowers.

MICHAELSON: Every single inch has to be covered, that's part of it, with organic real materials.

ROMIJN: Including George Takei. He's organic.

O'CONNELL: Oh, yes.

ROMIJN: Yes. He'll on this float tomorrow morning, bright and early with the legendary George Takei and Tig Notaro and Karim Diane, who's in the new "Starfleet Academy" premiering this month.

(CROSSTALKING)

MICHAELSON: Talk about space for everybody. George Takei, his life -- what have you learned from his life?

ROMIJN: What have I learned from George Takei's life? Listen, I have not met him yet --

MICHAELSON: Oh, really?

ROMIJN: So tomorrow is the first I --

O'CONNELL: I met him, I actually bought an autograph from him at a "Star Trek" convention in Chicago when we were all there.

Yes, yes, I waited in line and I bought it. I was going to give it to our buddy John, but I had it and I was like, I'm not going to give this to him. I'm going to keep it myself. So I actually have an autograph picture of Sulu, that's the character that he plays in the "Star Trek".

MICHAELSON: So you were that into it that that's what you did?

O'CONNELL: Yes. I mean, yes. And by the way, George Takei's autograph not cheap. I'm not joking.

ROMIJN: How much was it?

O'CONNELL: And it was -- it was a lot.

ROMIJN: More than $50.

O'CONNELL: More than $50, yes.

ROMIJN: More than $60.

O'CONNELL: Yes.

ROMIJN: More than $80?.

O'CONNELL: I think right around there. I think right around there. Cash. Cash. Yes. I had to go to the ATM.

MICHAELSON: How much are they charging for your audience?

ROMIJN: Oh, you know --

MICHAELSON: You know, at conventions.

ROMIJN: I don't know. I don't -- I don't want to -- I don't want to know. I don't want to know that side of the conversation. The transactional part of it I don't like very much.

MICHAELSON: Yes, but it is wild, the fan base and everything. What can you tell us about the new season?

ROMIJN: "Strange New Worlds?

MICHAELSON: Yes. We have not aired our fourth season. We just wrapped up our fifth and final season, five-year mission complete. It's been emotional for us. We shot 16 episodes of "Strange New Worlds" this year. And, Season 4 is not yet aired.

It's incredible. Really incredible. I'm so proud of it. And then Season 5 is just like, out of this, we just knocked it out of the park.

MICHAELSON: Out of this world?

ROMIJN: Yes, out of this world. Out of this strange new world. O'CONNELL: We have to give a shout out to "Starfleet Academy", which

is all the kids. It's about the kids in school learning. It's the new show that's coming out. And I'm really excited to see that.

Elex, let us ask you a question, ok? Ok, let's just hold this a second.

MICHAELSON: Oh, you're such a great host.

O'CONNELL: You're a -- you're a southern Californian.

MICHAELSON: I am.

O'CONNELL: Tell us, how are you feeling moderating, hosting -- what do we call your duties tomorrow?

MICHAELSON: Yes. Hosting.

O'CONNELL: Hosting CNN's first ever Rose Parade coverage?

MICHAELSON: I mean, I'm nervous. I'm excited. It's very cool. It's a little bummer that we've got it raining, but it's something we'll remember.

But I think it's great. Look, I'm so excited that CNN is doing this new show. THE STORY IS which is based on the West Coast to showcase West Coast to the rest of the world.

[01:44:51]

MICHAELSON: And what better way to do that than the Rose Parade, which is so iconic for our --

(CROSSTALKING)

ROMIJN: 137th Rose Bowl parade.

MICHAELSON: -- for our region? Yes, and in -- and in 70 years, its rained once in 2006. And now -- and now it's twice. Yes.

O'CONNELL: It's crazy, but it's -- but it's good luck. But it is really a part of southern California -- I mean, this isn't just another parade. This is like, this is southern California showing off.

MICHAELSON: It was started in 1890 as a way for Pasadena to send a message to the rest of the world how great the weather is here.

And so it was supposed to be a postcard to the rest of the world for people to come here, to move here, to travel here. It's worked for so many years and it's so cool to be a part of it.

O'CONNELL: It's really fun.

MICHAELSON: Yes.

O'CONNELL: All right. Thanks for coming by, everybody. Oh, we'll be -- MICHAELSON: Thank you guys, very much. Thank you so much for the

support --

ROMIJN: Thank you.

MICHAELSON: And best of luck with the new season.

ROMIJN: Yes. Thank you.

MICHAELSON: Thanks, guys.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAELSON: How great are they? Very, very cool. Thanks to Jerry and to Rebecca and everybody at CNN who made the last couple days out in Pasadena possible.

Coming up a park at the edge of the world, CNN takes you to the tip of South America to show you why Chile wants to make Cape Froward its newest national park.

[01:46:04]

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MICHAELSON: Chile is preparing to create its newest national park in one of its most remote locations. That camp is located on the very southern tip of South America. But the region is facing threats both from global warming and political opposition.

Christopher Ulloa travels to the ends of Americas to show why activists want to save this camp.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BENJAMIN CACERES, MARINE BIOLOGIST (through translator): Due to global warming, it is receding year after year. In fact, I have been coming here to this area for about 15 years and you can clearly see a significant reduction. In fact, that exposed rock wasn't there years ago.

CHRISTOPHER ULLOA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Benjamin Caceres is a marine biologist from the Magallanes Region of Chile. He has dedicated his entire life to studying the flora and fauna of the ends of the earth and his concern is clear.

CACERES: Glaciers are tremendously important as reservoirs of fresh water. And unfortunately, due to the global climate change crisis, we are losing them.

ULLOA: In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, this place considered ancient by the Kawesqar indigenous people, has become a favorite area for several species threatened by human action.

CACERES: The diversity is tremendous. Species of fish, super important to marine mammals such as the humpback whale. It is a feeding ground for humpback whales, sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and countless other marine species that inhabit these waters.

ULLOA: Here at Cabo Froward, Caceres and other scientists are seeking to create the world's southernmost national park with more than 120,000 hectares, of which more than 93,000 were donated by the Rewilding Chile Foundation to the state, which would help protect emblematic species such as the huemul, the puma, the huillin (ph) and the (INAUDIBLE).

CACERES: The most pressing threat today is increased maritime traffic. Did you know that the Strait of Magellan is a super important international passage, just like the Panama Canal?

And today it is the most pressing threat which continues to this day with collisions between these ships and these wells.

ULLOA: For Caceres, the situation could become even more complicated once the far-right Jose Antonio Kast takes office as president of Chile. During his campaign, he expressed his opposition to environmental guidelines, describing them as merely ideologies.

The Rewilding Chile Foundation hopes that the park can be created in the next two years, and that the Kast government will not back down from the initiative.

CACERES: The future national park is a refuge for these species and for the ecosystems found there. With the status of national park, we can help to conserve these species.

ULLOA: A landscape that at first glance appears cold and inhospitable but leaves no one indifferent.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I thought it was a unique experience that everyone should have at least once in their life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is so beautiful. I've never seen something like this.

MARTIN TEJEDA, JOURNALIST: As a true Magellanic in love with my land and able to offer these experiences, bringing people to these places, which is Patagonia at its finest, is a source of pride.

ULLOA: For Caceres, the task ahead is decisive.

CACERES: I would like it to remain in balance so that future generations can enjoy it in a responsible way and see that the populations of all the individuals here remain as they are today.

ULLOA: A territory that captivated Charles Darwin two centuries ago, and today presents experts with a continuing challenge to protect the life of the entire local ecosystem.

For CNN, Christopher Ulloa -- Magallanes, Chile.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAELSON: Beautiful images there. 2026 set to be a year of big changes for Starbucks. After eight years spent working to get a storefront on the streets of every major city in the U.S., the coffee chain is actually repositioning itself in hopes of boosting slumping sales. It's already closed 400 stores in big cities nationwide, including New York, L.A., Chicago, San Francisco.

The company is now renovating some of its stores to encourage people to stick around longer and looking to expand in the suburbs where operating costs are lower.

Thousands of people kicked off the New Year with a dunk in a freezing bay in Washington state. The polar plunge in Birch Bay saw nearly 5,000 people brave the cold. Souls jumped in for a dip.

[01:54:50]

MICHAELSON: The previous record, set in Norway, was around 3,000 people. So there's a good chance this plunge is a world record.

Rules state each swimmer must wear a bathing suit, no wetsuits for warmth, and shoes. They also had to stay in waist-deep water for a full minute.

Guinness World Records will announce whether the plunge is one for the record books.

A film featuring Betty Boop from 1930 has entered the public domain, which means it is available for use and adaption by anybody.

Here's the cartoon character in her first appearance in the six-minute short "Dizzy Dishes". That version of Betty is among thousands of creations whose copyrights expired on January 1st.

So what else can you now use for free? The first four "Nancy Drew" detective books, the song "Georgia on my Mind".

Mark Fleischer, whose company owns Betty Boop, says his copyright on the later fully-formed character remains in force, and the expiration applies only to that original Betty Boop version.

Thank you so much for watching us all day long. Our day started at 5:00 in the morning here and is ending right here at 11:00 at night.

Tomorrow I'll be filling in for Kaitlan Collins on "THE SOURCE" at 9:00 Eastern. And then right back here for more of THE STORY IS to wrap things up or start your day, depending on what time it is.

Very happy New Year. Thanks for starting your New Year off with us.

We'll see you tomorrow for more of THE STORY IS.

[01:56:22]

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