2026-01-02: News Headlines

Staff (2026-01-02). Freed hostage Romi Gonen says Hamas offered to free her in exchange for silence about sexual assault. haaretz.com Gonen – who spent 471 in captivity in Gaza – told Channel 12 that Izz al-Din al-Haddad, currently the head of Hamas' military wing in the Strip, spoke with her about the sexual assaults she experienced. 'I don't know how if he really intended to get me out,' she said…

Staff (2026-01-02). Israel profundiza el asedio humanitario en Gaza con el bloqueo a 37 ONG. cubadebate.cu El régimen de Israel oficializó este jueves primero de diciembre de 2026 la suspensión de licencias para 37 organizaciones humanitarias internacionales que operan en la Franja de Gaza, una medida que profundiza el asedio contra la población palestina. Esta acción administrativa ocurre mientras la Knesset avanza en normativas para cortar el suministro de agua y electricidad.

editor (2026-01-02). A thesis confirmed: Epstein, Dershowitz and the Israel lobby. onlineopinion.com.au Behind the Epstein scandal lies a darker story: how elite influence networks moved to crush inconvenient scholarship on Israel and US power.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi delivers 2026 New Year message. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday delivered his 2026 New Year message in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

geo.tv (2026-01-02). Dubai transports over 2.8 million passengers during New Year 2026 celebrations. geo.tv

Yair Foldes (2026-01-02). Rabbi from religious nationalist group attacked in Jaffa; police probing possible racial motive. haaretz.com Tension between Jews and Arabs in Jaffa has intensified after a pregnant Arab woman was attacked with pepper spray early last month…

hindustantimes (2026-01-02). Trump pulls National Guard from cities after court defeats, warns 'they could…" hindustantimes.com U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he's withdrawing National Guard troops from Chicago, Portland and Los Angeles after facing major legal setbacks and court rulings that blocked or limited the deployments. The president framed the move as temporary and claimed the troop presence helped reduce crime, even warning federal forces might return "in a much different and stronger form" if crime surges again. City and state leaders, however, celebrated the decisions as victories against federal overreach, noting local efforts led to crime declines and courts refused to allow forced troop deployments.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi congratulates PLA Daily on its 70th anniversary. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of its founding.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). (W.E. Talk) Experts look to 2026: Seizing opportunities amid crises, forging ahead after breakthroughs. ecns.cn What direction will the international landscape take in 2026? In the West, far-right groups are on the rise, while in Japan, extremist politicians are attempting to revive militarism and the U.S. has adopted aggressive expansionist behavior in Latin America, said Benjamin Norton, founder of the Geopolitical Economy Report, in a recent exclusive interview with China News Network.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). The Awkward Chronicles of Uncle Sam: Claimed Glory, Met Chaos. ecns.cn "Clever" Uncle Sam's 2025 scorecard: shift blame, stall governance, profit from conflicts, swing the tariff hammer—only to hit himself.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). (W.E. Talk) Looking ahead to 2026: As geopolitical conflict risks intensify, all parties seek opportunities amid crisis through strategic moves. ecns.cn Looking back at 2025, the international landscape was marked by intertwined transformations and conflicts, with geopolitical tensions flaring up in various regions.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Beijing-Tangshan intercity railway starts full-line operation. ecns.cn The Beijing-Tangshan intercity railway linking Tongzhou District of Beijing, Baodi District of Tianjin, and Tangshan of Hebei, all in north China, started full-line operation Tuesday.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi says China ready to work with all countries to advance world peace, development. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). (W.E. Talk) Why does the world need China more than ever in 2026. ecns.cn The year 2026 marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026—2030) period. And the world anticipates a China striding confidently forward on the path of high-quality development. Amidst the turbulence of profound global changes and as the world navigates uncertainty with difficulty, the certainty emanating from China is increasingly seen as a "ballast stone" for maintaining the international order.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi says CPC exercises strict self-governance to fight corruption. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said the Communist Party of China (CPC) exercised strict self-governance through credible measures, and promoted the Party's self-revolution to fight corruption and advance healthy governance.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi says China's reunification is unstoppable. ecns.cn President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Highlights of Chinese President Xi Jinping's 2026 New Year message. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). The Awkward Chronicles of Uncle Sam: Tariff Bullying and Backfire. ecns.cn Those who hurt their neighbors will ultimately fall into the abyss. Those who go against the tide will inevitably be crushed. Those who try to undermine the operation of the global free trade system will be the first to fail, and will always be the so-called "smart ones."

geo.tv (2026-01-02). Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja hopes to inspire the 'different' after calling time on Test career. geo.tv

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi says China is one of economies with fastest growing innovation capabilities. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China sought to energize high-quality development through innovation in 2025.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). The Dunhuang Flying Dancers in the 1,360 ∞C kiln fire. ecns.cn When the sands of time from millennium-old Dunhuang greet the millennium-old kiln fires of Jingdezhen, a dialogue of civilizations across time and space quietly begins within the hues of glaze.

editor (2026-01-02). 14 Nations continue to fuel Jew-hatred around the world. onlineopinion.com.au The two-state mantra no longer delivers peace, but Western governments repeat it anyway, heedless of history, law, or consequences.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping's 2026 New Year message. ecns.cn On New Year's Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2026 New Year message through China Media Group and the internet.

hindustantimes (2026-01-02). Pope Leo warns against rising militarism and calls for 'unarmed' peace in 2026. hindustantimes.com Pope Leo led a solemn Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on January 1 to mark the World Day of Peace, which coincides with the Roman Catholic Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In his homily, the pontiff urged the faithful to look to the Nativity as a symbol of "unarmed and disarming peace," amid rising global conflict. He reiterated concerns raised in his December message about growing military spending and the misuse of religion to justify war or nationalism. Pope Leo also reflected on the nearing conclusion of the Catholic Church's Holy Year of Jubilee, dedicated to hope.

geo.tv (2026-01-02). New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledges left-wing success after taking office. geo.tv New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, during his inauguration ceremony on January 1, 2026. —ReutersVows to set an example for the world through New York's leadership.Centres his message on cost-of-living pressures and economic justicePromises to…

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi congratulates Guy Parmelin on assuming Swiss presidency. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Guy Parmelin on his assuming presidency of the Swiss Confederation.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). (W.E. Talk) Experts' review on 2025: China serves as a stabilizing force in a world of turmoil and chaos. ecns.cn The year 2025 was marked by turbulence and compounded challenges. As it draws to a close, China News Network's "W.E. Talk" program invited Chinese and U.S. experts to review the key moments and profound shifts that have shaped the international landscape over the past year.

Matan Golan (2026-01-02). Israel approves construction of a courtyard roof at Tomb of the Patriarchs, holy to both Jews and Muslims. haaretz.com The Hebron Municipality, which is run by Palestinians, petitioned Israel's High Court of Justice challenging both the expropriation of the site of the future roof and the limited transfer of planning authority. A hearing is expected to be held in the case next week…

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi says China makes solid advances on new journey of modernization. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). (W.E. Talk) Experts on 2026: China's 15th Five-Year Plan significant for the World. ecns.cn Benjamin Norton, founder of the Geopolitical Economy Report, U.S. foreign policy expert, also emphasized that the 15th Five-Year Plan is not only crucial for China but also of great significance to the world. China's contributions in areas such as scientific and technological innovation benefit not only its own people but also people around the globe.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). End of 2025: How the 'kill line' shatters the American Dream. ecns.cn As 2025 draws to a close, a term originally from the gaming world, the "kill line", has recently entered online discussions as a lens to understand U.S. social and economic vulnerability, sparking widespread debate.

hindustantimes (2026-01-02). Russian Shahed swarm batters Volyn power grid in New Year's Eve blackout. hindustantimes.com Russian Shahed attack drones pounded Ukraine's Volyn region through New Year's Eve night, heavily damaging critical energy infrastructure and plunging over 100,000 residents into blackout. Fires broke out in Lutsk and Kovel district after multiple strikes, though initial reports indicated no deaths or injuries. Volyn Oblast came under a large-scale Shahed drone attack on the night of December 31 to January 1, with "several dozen" enemy aerial targets striking critical infrastructure. Watch for more…

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Highlights of Xi's 2026 New Year message. ecns.cn Xi said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

hindustantimes (2026-01-02). Robert Fico New Year speech: Peace, sovereignty & stability for Slovakia in 2026. hindustantimes.com Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico delivered his New Year 2026 address marking the 33rd anniversary of Slovakia's independence, calling for peace, sovereignty, and social stability ahead of a pivotal election year. Speaking candidly, Fico warned of rising political polarization, rejected street politics and violence, and emphasized democratic competition through free elections. He strongly opposed Slovakia's involvement in the war in Ukraine, urging peaceful coexistence among nations. Fico outlined domestic priorities including housing affordability, infrastructure projects, regional government visits, and economi…

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). Xi urges efforts to write new chapter in story of China's miracle. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). China's L3 autonomous driving pilot gets off to a strong start, targeting full-scenario autonomy by 2030. ecns.cn Since receiving approval to operate on public roads on Dec. 20, Changan Deepal vehicles equipped with Level-3 autonomous driving systems have performed well in pilot operations, achieving zero major operational risks, zero accidents with equal or greater liability, and zero traffic violations, a company executive said Wednesday.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). South Korea's presidential office moves back to Cheong Wa Dae. ecns.cn The Phoenix Flag, a symbol of South Korea's head of state, was raised at Cheong Wa Dae at midnight local time on Sunday, marking the presidential office's officially return to Cheong Wa Dae after a three-year-and-seven-month absence.

ecns.cn (2026-01-02). (W. E. Talk) Experts' review on 2025: China seen as a stabilizing force amid global turbulence. ecns.cn

Staff (2026-01-02). Comienzan a aplicarse desde el 1 de enero de 2026 nuevas cuotas para impuestos del transporte terrestre. cubadebate.cu Un grupo de modificaciones de nuevas cuotas para el pago del Impuesto sobre el transporte terrestre y sobre la Propiedad o posesión de embarcaciones, comenzarán a aplicarse desde hoy en todo el país, de acuerdo con la Ley 181 del Presupuesto del Estado, correspondiente al 2026.

Staff (2026-01-02). Bolsonaro sale del hospital y regresa a la prisión en Brasil. cubadebate.cu El expresidente brasileño Jair Bolsonaro recibió hoy el alta médica del capitalino hospital DF Star y regresó a la sede de la Policía Federal (PF), donde cumple prisión desde el 22 de noviembre por tentativa golpista. Bolsonaro estuvo hospitalizado desde el 24 de diciembre y fue operado de una hernia inguinal bilateral.

Staff (2026-01-02). Dan a conocer la Letra del Año 2026. cubadebate.cu Un grupo de sacerdotes cubanos de la religión Yoruba dio a conocer en la madrugada de este primero de enero la Letra del Año, algunos consejos para enfrentar el nuevo período que comienza. La ceremonia, donde se reúnen practicantes consagrados de gran experiencia consagrados al culto de Ifá es una de las tradiciones más arraigadas para los creyentes.

Staff (2026-01-02). El 2026 comienza bien frío: Reportan mínima de 5,4 grados en Aguada de Pasajeros. cubadebate.cu El cuarto sistema frontal de la actual temporada invernal durante las pasadas veinticuatro horas estuvo desplazándose muy debilitado por el centro y el oriente del archipiélago cubano. El mismo ha impuesto una masa de aire más fría, seca y estable que ha ocasionado un descenso marcado de las temperaturas extremas. En consecuencia, la pasada madrugada fue muy fría en Cuba.

Lucy Blick, Fight Back! News. (2026-01-01). Denver Anti-War Protests Target New Palantir Headquarters. popularresistance.org Denver, CO — On December 21, protesters gathered at the Cherry Creek Financial House in Denver for a noise rally to protest at the new headquarters of Palantir. The tech and AI surveillance company has plans to move into the new Cherry Creek location after months of community organizing have made their downtown headquarters untenable. | Palantir, whose technology is widely used by ICE to track immigrants and by Israel to facilitate genocide in Gaza, was invited to place its headquarters in Denver by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, after protests drove them out of California in 2020.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Israel looking to reopen Rafah crossing after US pressure: Israeli media. aljazeera.com Israel currently occupies the Palestinian side of the crossing, choking Gaza of a vital humanitarian entry point.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Israel's NGO ban forces dozens of aid groups to suspend work in Gaza. aljazeera.com Israel is revoking the licenses of 37 international organisations, forcing them to stop operations in Gaza.

Hikers for Palestine (2026-01-01). Thursday 1/1: Hikers for Palestine: Walking in Solidarity with Gaza's Orphans. indybay.org Inspiration Point (Tilden Regional Park), Wildcat Canyon Rd, Orinda, CA 94563…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Photos: Thousands march in Türkiye in support of Gaza on New Year's Day. aljazeera.com Protesters in Istanbul march after morning prayers, calling for an end to Israel's genocidal war in Gaza.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Israel faces widespread condemnation as NGO ban comes into effect. aljazeera.com Ban could cut hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza off from essential care, Doctors Without Borders warns.

Jack Khoury (2026-01-01). Trump fostering a deal, but washing his hands of Gaza. haaretz.com Behind Trump's headline diplomacy is a void: core questions on Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament and Gaza's future governance are postponed or outsourced. This isn't a peace effort but conflict management, preserving the status quo and leaving Palestinians without a political horizon…

LVP (2026-01-01). The Bondi Attack in Australia, Repression, Imperialism & the Working Class. indybay.org The Bondi attack on the Jewish community in Australia has led to massive repression and an effort to shut down all opposition to the genocide in Gaza. Davey Heller who is a writer and unionist spoke about these attaks and Austrlian working class history.

Ido Efrati (2026-01-01). New far-right chairwoman of Knesset Health Committee renews push for withdrawal from the World Health Organization. haaretz.com During the war in Gaza, Limor Son Har-Melech of the Otzma Yehudit party pushed for Israel's withdrawal from the organization, arguing that the Geneva-based international agency is antisemitic and poses a threat to Israel and its sovereignty…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Doctors fear 'swamp fever' spreading in flood-hit Gaza. aljazeera.com Health authorities are warning of yet another potential health threat in Gaza: leptospirosis.

Amos Harel (2026-01-01). The Israeli intelligence officer who predicted the storm but was shocked by Oct. 7 attack. haaretz.com Military Intelligence research chief Amit Saar sent four warning letters to Netanyahu in 2023 as Israel's enemies sharpened their knives during the chaos of the attempted judicial coup. Well before his death Thursday, Saar admitted responsibility for not viewing Hamas in Gaza as the main threat…

Maha Kansou (2026-01-01). Israeli Occupation Forces Continue Attacks in Gaza. english.almanar.com.lb Israeli aggression has continued across the Gaza Strip, marking new violations of the ceasefire agreement that was brokered by Arab and American mediators and took effect on October 10, 2025. Since dawn on Thursday, January 1, 2026, a series of incidents have been recorded. Israeli occupation forces detonate a booby-trapped armored vehicle in Jabalia refugee …

en.mehrnews (2026-01-01). Israeli airstrike killed 15 family members in Gaza in 2024. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — An investigation led by a Geneva-headquartered human rights body has detailed the circumstances surrounding an Israeli airstrike that killed 15 members of a single family in Rafah in southern Gaza Strip February 2024.

Angela (2026-01-01). Thursday 1/8: Power Half Hour for Gaza. indybay.org Zoom | http: //jvp.org/gazaph…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Hundreds of thousands march in Istanbul in solidarity with Gaza. aljazeera.com Demonstrators in Türkiye demand global pressure on Israel, calling the so-called ceasefire 'a slow-motion genocide'.

Tricontinental Asia (2026-01-01). The Impending US Colonial Administration over Gaza, Palestine. dissidentvoice.org Behind the diplomatic language of 'reconstruction' and 'stabilisation', a new colonial framework for Gaza is being assembled. The following is why the latest Security Council resolution matters and what it sets in motion. On 17 November, the UN Security Council approved a draft resolution authored by the United States endorsing President Donald Trump's plan for …

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Maduro rejects Trump's 'monroe' pressure in New Year's speech?; 'Independence from doctrines…'. hindustantimes.com Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said in a New Year address that the country is overcoming a decade of international sanctions and is now in a strong position to face future challenges. Maduro pledged to boost economic growth, strengthen military and technical development, and defend national sovereignty against what he called external "imperial threats." He expressed confidence in Venezuela's trajectory heading into 2026 and closed his speech with a message of unity and peace.

Amy Goodman (2026-01-01). Venezuelan Communal Movements Pledge to Defend Country Against US Imperialism. truthout.org As the Trump administration escalates its military campaign against Venezuela, we speak to Venezuelan journalist Andreína Chávez about the latest developments. Responding to the U.S. military's drone strikes on small boats and seizures of oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, Chávez says U.S. claims of pursuing fentanyl traffickers lack evidence and are "pretext" for an attempt "to asphyxiate… |

War Industry Resisters Network (2026-01-01). Wednesday 1/14: Webinar: US aggression towards Venezuela and its repercussions for Latin America. indybay.org Online | secure.everyaction.com/BX66_bP-OEqF2ERN7…

Staff (2026-01-01). Nicolás Maduro: "Al pueblo de Estados Unidos le digo que aquí, en Venezuela, tiene a un pueblo amigo" cubadebate.cu Por décima vez consecutiva, el presidente de Venezuela Nicolás Maduro aceptó concedernos una "entrevista del año nuevo". La grabamos en Caracas a final de la tarde del 31 de diciembre cuando empezaba a caer la noche sobre la hermosa capital del país y se terminaba 2025. Esta vez, el presidente Maduro propuso que hiciéramos una "entrevista itinerante". O sea, que mantuviéramos nuestra conversación a bordo de su vehículo particular que él mismo conducía y mientras circulábamos por las animadas calles de la ciudad.

John W. Whitehead — Nisha Whitehead (2026-01-01). 2025: The Year the Government Stopped Pretending It Cared About Freedom. counterpunch.org Some years chip away at freedom. Others tear the mask off. 2025 was the year the government stopped pretending it was constrained by the Constitution—when executive power expanded openly and unapologetically, surveillance became ambient, dissent became dangerous, and the machinery of militarized government embedded itself into daily life. Under Trump 2.0, the erosion of civil

NEO (2026-01-01). Gauteng Health MEC to welcome New Year's Day babies. sanews.gov.za Gauteng Health MEC to welcome New Year's Day babies | Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, is today expected to join postpartum mothers in welcoming their newly born bundles of joy at the Leratong Hospital in the West Rand. | During the New Year's Day ceremony, mothers will be presented with gift hampers for their babies. | "Additionally, the MEC will use the opportunity to engage parents about the importance of registering their babies immediately after birth at the Department of Home Affairs. | "Furthermore, the MEC will also emphasise the significance of timely immunisation and breastf…

Raphaël Lopoukhine (2026-01-01). FIDH delegation barred from entering Kyrgyzstan: Authorities must provide explanations. fidh.org On the night of 11—12 December 2025, a delegation of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) was denied entry to Kyrgyzstan at Bishkek's Manas International Airport, without any explanation. The delegation was due to attend the Bir Duino documentary film festival, held from 12 to 15 December 2025. This incident highlights the country's democratic backsliding and its increasingly restrictive stance towards independent voices.
Paris, 15 December 2025. In the middle of the (…) | – |

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Donald Trump pauses US tariff hike on furniture, cabinets for one year. aljazeera.com The tariff pause comes as Trump's Republican Party faces questions of affordability going into the midterm elections.

____ (2026-01-01). Ashish Kundra: Leading Ladakh Towards Sustainable Development. devdiscourse.com Senior IAS officer Ashish Kundra has officially taken charge as the chief secretary of Ladakh, signaling a renewed focus on effective governance and sustainable development in the Union territory. His appointment follows the retirement of Pawan Kotwal.

UMMID (2026-01-01). Lessons to learn from the brutal murder of Anjel Chakma. ummid.com The town of Dehradun, including India, has to search its conscience and decide how it can do right by Anjel Chakma and what can be done to inculcate greater inclusivity.

| Our Correspondent | (2001-01-26). PM appoints Tahir Ashrafi as coordinator for religious harmony, diaspora in Muslim countries. tribune.com.pk Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, as Coordinator for Religious Harmony and for the Pakistani diaspora in the Middle East and Muslim countries, the Prime Minister's Office said on Thursday. | The appointment comes at a critical juncture amid evolving developments in the Muslim world and the strategic importance of Pakistan's relations with Gulf and other Islamic states. | {{pdf}} | Ashrafi has previously served as a special representative and brings extensive experience in religious diplomacy, interfaith engagement and internati…

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). ISIS network shattered? US launches massive nine-day offensive across Syria; 100+ bombs, 70 targets. hindustantimes.com Days after American troops were killed in Syria, Washington launched one of its most intense counter-ISIS campaigns in months. U.S. forces carried out a nine-day blitz targeting terror hideouts, weapons caches and key operatives across central Syria. Fighter jets, helicopters and precision munitions were unleashed as the Pentagon vowed the hunt would not stop. Officials say dozens of ISIS fighters were killed or captured, sending a clear warning message. But as troop numbers shrink and regional dynamics shift, questions remain about what this escalation means next.

WHYY (2026-01-01). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 7:00 p.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

Gabriela Calugay-Casuga, Rabble. (2026-01-01). This Year In Labour: Workers Fight Back Despite Instability And Hardship. popularresistance.org For workers and their families in Canada, the year has been rough. About one in five Canadians experience high financial pressure, according to data collected by the Angus Reid Institute. This financial pressure is driven by relatively high job insecurity, difficulty putting food on the table and higher debt levels. Many of these families are bracing for even more financial hardship in the new year, with 60 per cent expecting an increased level of difficulty in 2026. | Thousands of Canadians are losing their jobs amid U.S. president Donald Trump's tariffs and Prime Minister Mark Carney's cuts to the public servic…

David Giesen (2026-01-01). Saturday 1/10: Increase habitat for wild things, raise wages for humans: the walking tour. indybay.org meet in the lobby of the American Youth Hostel | 312 Mason Street | San Francisco…

Mark Taliano (2026-01-01). Evils of Settler Colonialism/ Video and Commentary by Dan Kovalik. voicesfromsyria.com t.me/danielmkovalik/3099 This video is older than the state of Israel- a glimpse of a time when Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived side by side in peace This isn't just history; it's evidence of what was stolen and destroyed by settler colonialism…

Naama Riba (2026-01-01). In 1925 Patrick Geddes was invited to Israel to plan the first Hebrew city — left of it today? haaretz.com Tel Aviv's leafy boulevards were built on the vision of Scottish town planner Patrick Geddes. To mark the 100th anniversary of the plan, an exhibition asks how Geddes would feel about the metropolis today…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Gabon government sacks Aubameyang, suspends national team at AFCON 2025. aljazeera.com Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and one other played banned after Gabon eliminated from Africa Cup of Nations group stage.

Yasmine Louanchi (2026-01-01). Iran: Narges Mohammadi, several other human rights defenders arbitrarily arrested in massive crackdown. fidh.org More than 50 people were arrested, including five women human rights defenders, while they were taking part in a memorial ceremony honouring a recently deceased fellow human rights defender. The Observatory (FIDH-OMCT) and the League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran (LDDHI) strongly condemn these new arrests and call on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including human rights defenders.
Paris-Geneva, 18 December 2025. (…) | – |

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Bulgaria adopts euro amid celebration and anxiety over inflation. aljazeera.com Move comes nearly two decades after it entered the EU as hope for stability clashes with fear of rising prices.

Julia Abusharr (2026-01-01). Meditations on the Loss of a Voice. counterpunch.org The 'minutely privileged', the people lucky enough not to be in the direct line of fire as of right now, are paralyzed in outrage and bewilderment, paralyzed in their attempts to simply function and survive their daily life in our capitalist hellscape. A new scandal each week keeps our minds attuned to the fact that the bar is just being set lower. Presidential and Homeland Security accounts parading AI videos of defecation on protesters and 'hip memes' of utterly dehumanized shackled individuals being led onto planes, Kanye West selling swastika t-shirts without consequence and still losing the finalist title of…

Zoà´ Read (2026-01-01). New Jersey is investing $11 million to restore salt marshes, including Scotch Bonnet Island. whyy.org This story is part of the From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? | New Jersey is investing nearly $11 million to restore coastal salt marshes, including a major project at Scotch Bonnet Island in Cape May County. | Tidal

Peter Mertens (2026-01-01). Internationalism: "More and more people are saying no.'. indybay.org I think it's important that a movement on the streets repeatedly voices the political demand for an end to arms deliveries to Israel. The International Criminal Court is also calling for this — and we must remind our governments of this. | We can put pressure on Israel and its supporters, but it is the Palestinians themselves who will liberate themselves.

| AFP | (2001-01-26). Zohran Mamdani sworn in on the Holy Quran as New York's first Muslim mayor. tribune.com.pk Zohran Mamdani has formally taken office as mayor of New York City in a ceremony that underscored his historic election and hinted at the challenges ahead. | The 34‚Äëyear‚Äëold Democrat was sworn in shortly after midnight at the disused Old City Hall subway station, becoming the first Muslim to lead the United States' largest city. | Mamdani's team said the choice of venue reflected his working‚Äëclass roots and his campaign focus on cost‚Äëof‚Äëliving pressures facing ordinary New Yorkers. | In a symbolic departure from tradition…

Santa Cruz Climate Action Network (2026-01-01). Wednesday 1/21: Community Forum on Make Polluters Pay and Threats of Offshore Oil Drilling. indybay.org London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz…

Charles Pierson (2026-01-01). Claudia Sheinbaum, I Love You! counterpunch.org I have a crush on Claudia Sheinbaum, who has been president of Mexico since October 2024. Foreign leaders usually strike me as more intelligent and accomplished than the ones we produce in the US. President Sheinbaum, a climate change scientist with a doctorate in energy engineering, is no exception. I wish we had someone like

Ben Kroll (2026-01-01). Netanyahu shares AI-generated New Eve image, capping string of Trump-style social media posts. haaretz.com In a string of recent Instagram posts his press office modestly labeled as AI-generated, Netanyahu can be seen brandishing a rifle as part of 'the AI team' alongside Trump, JD Vance and Marco Rubio, as well as taking a 'victory lap' with Trump aboard a B-2 bomber over Iran…

____ (2026-01-01). Final Chapter of 'Stranger Things' Series Mesmerizes Audience Amid Brief Netflix Glitch. devdiscourse.com Netflix users faced a brief setback on Wednesday night as they attempted to access the finale of 'Stranger Things', the beloved series known for its adventure-filled narrative, 80s nostalgia, and the mysterious Upside Down. A login issue left fans temporarily unable to watch the concluding episode of the show that has captivated audiences since its 2016 debut.

Liliana Segura (2026-01-01). It's 2026. Why Is Richard Glossip Still in Jail. theintercept.com Richard Glossip woke up on Christmas morning at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, a 13-story, red brick tower in downtown Oklahoma City. He did a video visit with his wife Lea, then talked to her on the phone as he was served his dinner tray — a bit of turkey and some instant mashed potatoes. | It was not how he'd pictured his first Christmas after leaving death row. | Glossip won the victory of a lifetime last February, when the U.S. Supreme Court

____ (2026-01-01). ODI Cricket: A Format in Peril Post-2027 World Cup? devdiscourse.com Ravichandran Ashwin, former off-spinner for India, raised an alarming note regarding the future of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) post-2027 World Cup, with key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma nearing retirement. As the global cricket community witnesses the expansion of T20 leagues, Ashwin foresees a potential decline in the 50-over format's relevance.

geo.tv (2026-01-01). In pictures: Fireworks light up skies worldwide as 2026 begins. geo.tv

Christians for a Free Palestine (2026-01-01). Wednesday 3/25: Virtual Action for Palestine. indybay.org Zoom | zoom.us/meeting/register/tU6krXE_RRGWnxK…

newleftreview (2026-01-01). Kevin Cox: South Africa In History's Shadow. newleftreview.org Why is South Africa seemingly still mired in the income and spatial segregation patterns of the apartheid era? Standard explanations focus on the ANC, either as too neoliberal or too statist. Kevin Cox looks instead at the making of classes—and expropriation of African farmers—in conditions of globalization's labour shock.

Rehan Saleem (2026-01-01). Small AI, Big Impact: Why 2026 Belongs to Europe's Compact Models. thinktank.pk the artificial intelligence landscape is poised for transformative shifts. Amid growing fatigue over generic AI outputs and concerns about an impending market correction, emerging technologies like world models and smaller-scale systems are gaining traction. The Backlash Against AI Slop: A Sign of Maturing Expectations? The past year saw widespread frustration with generative AI, culminating in …

Saeed Minhas (2026-01-01). Yemen Kicks Out UAE Forces: Is This the End of Gulf Unity? thinktank.pk In a dramatic escalation of regional dynamics, Yemen's internationally recognized government has terminated a long-standing security agreement with the United Arab Emirates, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Emirati forces. This decision, announced on December 30, 2025, underscores deepening fractures within the Gulf Cooperation Council and highlights broader geopolitical maneuvers in the Middle East. As Saudi …

Jeffrey St. Clair (2026-01-01). American Pogrom: the Year in ICE Abductions. counterpunch.org A year into Trump's mass purge of immigrants from the United States, it's beyond debate that the people orchestrating and conducting the raids, round-ups and deportations have committed more grievous crimes than the vast majority of the people they've harassed, assaulted, arrested, jailed and sent into exile. They've committed crimes against the Constitution of the government they're acting in the name of and they've used the force, often violent force, of the federal government against innocent people. They've lied to Congress and federal judges. They've systematically violated judicial orders. They've denied pe…

Mark Brody (2026-01-01). Sanders Backs Push for Billionaire Tax in California As Newsom Raises Money To Fight It. portside.org Sanders Backs Push for Billionaire Tax in California As Newsom Raises Money To Fight It |

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Traore's big moment? Burkina Faso leader strikes defiant tone, sends message to West loud and clear. hindustantimes.com Burkina Faso President Captain Ibrahim Traoré praised workers, security forces, media professionals and the diaspora for their efforts in 2025, calling for continued sacrifice and unity in the fight for sovereignty. Emphasising the role of communication in countering imperialism and disinformation, Traoré outlined plans to reorganise Burkina Faso's diplomacy in line with new geopolitical realities, strengthen the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and ensure the success of what he described as a revolutionary path. He urged citizens to remain patriotic, resist disinformation, and work together to defeat terrorism an…

Gid'on Lev (2026-01-01). War ethicist Michael Walzer, a Zionist to his core, cautiously joins critics. haaretz.com Michael Walzer supported Israel after October 7. Now he says its "crazed response of revenge" threatens its future and urges Israelis to face the injustices done in their name…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). 'Dozens' killed in Swiss ski resort blaze: What we know. aljazeera.com New Year's Eve fire in a Swiss resort in Crans-Montana has injured more than 100 people.

____ (2026-01-01). Mystery Blaze in Valais: Concerns Mount Amidst Tourist Rush. devdiscourse.com A devastating fire broke out in Valais Canton, leaving an indeterminate number of people dead and overwhelming local healthcare facilities. Investigators have ruled out an attack as the cause, but attorney general Beatrice Pilloud stated it's too early to identify how the blaze started.

Rachel Rebouché (2026-01-01). Major Battles for Reproductive Rights in 2026 Will Play Out in FDA and Courts. truthout.org In 2026, the biggest battles over abortion will not be at the polls. There will be a few contested measures on state ballots. Next year, Nevada's government will ask residents to approve constitutional protection for abortion rights for the second time, as required by state law. The same measure passed in 2024 with just over 64% of the vote. Virginians will likely see a similar ballot… |

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Who's telling the truth on Netanyahu pardon? Trump goes off-script on Israel, Herzog destroys him. hindustantimes.com Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption saga collides with a new controversy as Donald Trump claims Israel's president promised a pardon—only for Isaac Herzog to publicly deny it. With trials, legal peril, and war‚Äëtime politics colliding, Israel faces a deepening leadership and governance crisis that could reshape its future.

Editor (2026-01-01). Nuclear Standoff: Ray McGovern and Robert Scheer on the Most Dangerous New Year in Decades. scheerpost.com As the world stumbles into a new year, journalist Robert Scheer sits down with former CIA analyst Ray McGovern for a conversation that feels less like a holiday reflection and more like a warning flare. Both men came of age in the shadow of World War II, lived through the Cold War, and spent their …

THINK TANK Productions (2026-01-01). French Farmers Protest EU—Mercosur Deal Inside Supermarket. thinktank.pk Dozens of French farmers staged an unusual protest inside an E.Leclerc supermarket in Carcassonne, removing non-French agricultural products from store shelves. The demonstration was aimed at opposing the proposed EU—Mercosur trade agreement, which farmers say would unfairly disadvantage French agriculture. Protesters argue that European farmers face strict administrative and environmental regulations, while imported products from …

Amy Goodman (2026-01-01). Over 20M Americans set to lose healthcare coverage Jan. 1 after Congress goes on recess. nationofchange.org Health insurance premiums are expected to more than double or even triple for some 20 million people, pricing many out of healthcare coverage entirely.

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Turkey's 'terror' crackdown on ISIS: After Xmas attack bust, Islamic State agents on Erdogan's radar. hindustantimes.com Turkey has launched a massive nationwide crackdown on Islamic State after a deadly gunfight killed police officers and militants. Authorities detained 357 ISIS suspects across 21 provinces as Ankara moves to prevent a repeat of past terror attacks. The operation follows intelligence warnings of planned New Year attacks, suicide bombings, and drone strikes, highlighting Turkey's intensified counterterrorism campaign amid ISIS's global resurgence. Watch the full video to learn more!

Peter Bach (2026-01-01). The Abbey and the Airbase. counterpunch.org The first thing you notice when you exit London is the silence. The city's noise becomes an abstract memory. "In silence there is eloquence," wrote Rumi. "Stop weaving and see how the pattern improves." Lying awake at night, there is utter silence. It is loud, almost physical, and revealing what is usually hidden, such as

Deepak Kumar (2026-01-01). The Emergence of the New World Order and the Decline of the US. fairobserver.com The current world order is constantly facing upheavals in geopolitics, geostrategy, the world economy and, most importantly, the effectiveness of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO), in fulfilling their mandates. These upheavals stem from ongoing frictions and tensions between the West, led by the United States, and the…

Indivisible SF (2026-01-01). Saturday 1/31: Trump Regime Takedown (every Saturday). indybay.org corner of Van Ness and O'Farrell St, San Francisco…

en.mehrnews (2026-01-01). Front pages of Iran's English dailies on January 1. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Here are the front pages of Iran's English language dailies on Thursday, January 01.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Zohran Mamdani inaugurated as mayor of New York City. aljazeera.com At a ceremony on the steps of City Hall, Zohran Mamdani has been inaugurated as mayor of New York.

mforinoco (2026-01-01). Algerian Parliament Declares French Colonial Rule a Crime, Seeks Reparations. orinocotribune.com The legislation affirms that Algeria and its people are entitled to compensation for the material and moral damage inflicted during French colonial rule | Algeria's parliament unanimously passed legislation on 24 December declaring France's colonization of Algeria a crime, stating that "full and fair compensation for all material and moral damages" is an inalienable right of the Algerian state and people. | The law was adopted by Algeria's lower house in Algiers, with lawmakers voting in favor of a bill explicitly assigning France "legal responsibility for its colonial past in Algeria and the tragedies it caused.

Harald Gibson (2026-01-01). Frogs and left-wing terror. indybay.org Portland is by no means in a "war-like state" More like carnival than the dark side of the force. Bicycle demonstration in Portland against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the threatened deployment of the National Guard, October 12. | All eyes in the United States are on the West Coast city of Portland Trump supporters across the country consider it a hotbed of "wokeness" and violent left-wing militancy.

Reuters (2026-01-01). Several reported killed by authorities in Iran during protests over soaring inflation. haaretz.com Iranian authorities confirmed the deaths as protests over the country's economic conditions spread across Iran earlier this week, marking the most intense demonstrations since the 2022 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests…

| REUTERS | (2001-01-26). Australia name squad for T20 World Cup. tribune.com.pk Australia named injured fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and big-hitter Tim David in their provisional squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in February-March, while expanding their spin options to suit conditions in Sri Lanka and India. | Cummins, who has not played an international game in the short format since June 2024, was rested from the final two Ashes games against England to manage his back issues, only playing in the third test in the series. | The pacer will undergo final scans later in the month to determine his participation in the World Cup, Cricket Australia said. The teams have until Jan…

C.J. Polychroniou (2026-01-01). Trump's Attempts to Control Higher Education Follow a Familiar Fascist Playbook. truthout.org The United States is on the road to a form of neofascism that, if allowed to complete its course, will have long-lasting impacts on all aspects of society. Indeed, the Trump administration is carrying out a series of policies that target the very foundations of a free and open society — including an unrelenting assault on higher education and the U.S. education system in general. |

aljazeera (2026-01-01). How far will the latest protests go in Iran? aljazeera.com There have been angry protests across the country against economic hardships.

Prasanth R., Kate Janse Van Rensburg, People's Dispatch. (2026-01-01). Forging A Stronger Farmers' Movement In Tanzania. popularresistance.org Over 670 farmers gathered in Morogoro, Tanzania, on December 4-5 to chart a course for the future of MVIWATA (National Network of Farmers Groups in Tanzania), one of Africa's most unique farmers' organizations. The occasion was MVIWATA's 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which serves as the highest democratic platform for members to voice their aspirations for the organization's future. | As the powerful slogan, "Mviwata, Sauti ya Mkulima" (MVIWATA is the voice of the farmer) and "Mtetezi wa Mkulima, Mkulima Mwenyewe" (The defender of the farmer is the farmer), rang through the hall time and again, the farmers d…

Mark Brody (2026-01-01). 10 Good Things That Happened in 2025. portside.org 10 Good Things That Happened in 2025 |

UMMID (2026-01-01). Mohamed Salah's goal takes Egypt to AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals. ummid.com Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star who is also leading Egypt national football team, Saturday scored a classic goal to beat South Africa and take the Pharaohs to 2025 Africa Cup Quarter-Finals.

ICRC (2026-01-01). UN General Assembly: Principled humanitarian action is under increasing pressure. icrc.org Delivered by Elyse Mosquini, Permanent Observer to the United Nations, at the 60th plenary meeting on strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance.

albawaba (2026-01-01). Deadly explosion hits ski resort in Switzerland. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- A powerful explosion tore through a crowded bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana early on New Year's Day, killing several people and injuring others, Swiss authorities said early Thursday.The blast occurred at around 1: 30 a.m. local time (00: 30 GMT) at Le Constellation Bar, a popular venue packed with revellers celebrating the arrival of 2026. Police described the incident as an explosion of unknown origin, followed by a fire that engulfed part of the building. Emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating the area as firefighters battled the flames and medical teams treated the injured.

ICRC (2026-01-01). UN General Assembly: States must ensure that the protections afforded under IHL remain effective against the risks of ICT activities during armed conflict. icrc.org Statement delivered by Elyse Mosquini, Permanent Observer to the United Nations, at the High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the overall review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20)…

eng.belta.by (2026-01-01). Lukashenko declares 2026 Year of Belarusian Woman. eng.belta.by Aleksandr Lukashenko said: "We honor our mothers, wives, and daughters one day per year. It is time to give proper respect to the special role they play in our life and declare the year 2026 the Year of the Belarusian Woman."

UMMID (2026-01-01). Muslim Newsmakers of 2025. ummid.com Team ummid.com looks back at the year that was, and chronicled below some of the Muslim Newsmakers of 2025.

____ (2026-01-01). Controversy Surrounds Indore's Contaminated Water Death Toll. devdiscourse.com The city of Indore is embroiled in a controversy over the varying reports of deaths attributed to contaminated water consumption, with residents claiming 13 fatalities versus officials confirming only four to seven. This discrepancy has caused confusion and concern among the local populace.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Somaliland denies agreeing to host Israeli bases, resettle Palestinians. aljazeera.com Breakaway region dismisses Somalia's allegations as attempt to undermine diplomatic progress.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Brazil's Supreme Court rejects Jair Bolsonaro's request for house arrest. aljazeera.com Bolsonaro's latest petition, one in a series, comes after he spent the week in hospital for a hernia and hiccups.

____ (2026-01-01). Mystery Stabbing in Bengaluru Sparks Investigation. devdiscourse.com An autorickshaw driver, identified as Rechanna P, was allegedly stabbed to death in Bengaluru during the early hours of Thursday, according to police reports.

en.mehrnews (2026-01-01). Iran sends letter to IAEA over recent US threats. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iran's Permanent Mission to international organizations in Vienna has sent a letter to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in response to recent US threats against Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). US Vs China over Taiwan to happen as soon as…? Former Admiral's words echo amid Xi's war games. hindustantimes.com U.S. military planners say the "Davidson Window" for a possible Chinese move on Taiwan is rapidly shrinking as 2026 approaches, and China ramps up its most aggressive drills yet around the island. Here's how old U.S. intelligence warnings, new Chinese exercises under "Justice Mission 2025," and Donald Trump's Pentagon posture are converging into a dangerous flashpoint in the Taiwan Strait. Watch the video for more.

Prof. Louis René Beres (2026-01-01). "Dignity" and "Thought" : When the American President Declares War on Reason. moderndiplomacy.eu "All our dignity consists in thought."-Blaise Pascal, Pensées It's a New Year. For the most part, penetrating thought[1] remains the veiled province of academic specialists. While such thought can never be appropriate for general consumption,[2] it still warrants a prominent place in statecraft, law and diplomacy. Nowhere is this declaration more urgent than in …

tehrantimes (2026-01-01). Iran to play Spain in Madrid on June 2. tehrantimes.com TEHRAN – The Iran Football Federation's spokesman, Amirmehdi Alavi, recently confirmed a friendly match between Iran and Spain on June 2 at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Demonstrations turn deadly in Iran over rising living costs. aljazeera.com At least 6 protesters and a member of the security forces have been killed in demonstrations over living costs in Iran.

Macdonald Stainsby (2026-01-01). Interview With a Bolivarian Miliciana. counterpunch.org Her parents were too poor for her to get a proper education, and the schools were houses of neglect. With a family that couldn't feed itself with love, it was time to move out and get to work. She was only twelve years old and it was 1997. "I couldn't continue my studies because there

Amna Hashmi (2026-01-01). Is Illegal Fishing the Climate Crime We Keep Ignoring? moderndiplomacy.eu Authors: Amna Hashmi and Javaria Shaikh* For centuries, the oceans were treated as commons that can never be exhausted. From early imperial fishing fleets up to the Cold War industrial trawlers, the sea was presented as an area where nothing could be owned or controlled with any consequence. This assumption of unlimited abundance was what …

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea after just 18 months as manager. aljazeera.com Maresca exits the club midway through a turbulent season with the team winning just one Premier League game in December.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Yemen's separatist STC refuses to withdraw from provinces near Saudi Arabia. aljazeera.com STC to maintain presence, but agrees to deployment of Riyadh-backed National Shield government forces in the areas.

Editor (2026-01-01). Zohran Mamdani's Symbolism-Inspired Campaign Becomes Reality. scheerpost.com " In one of the scariest moments in modern history, we're doing our best at ScheerPost to pierce the fog of lies that conceal it but we need some help to pay our writers and staff. Please consider a By Diego Ramos / Original to ScheerPost | As New York Ci…

| AFP | (2001-01-26). Tsitsipas considered quitting tennis. tribune.com.pk Stefanos Tsitsipas said on Thursday he seriously considered retiring from tennis in the depths of a struggle with serious back pain during much of the 2025 season. | But the former world number three, now ranked 36th after playing just two Davis Cup matches since a second-round exit at the US Open, said his ongoing medical treatment appeared to be paying dividends. | "I'm most excited to see how my actual training responds with regard to my back," the 27-year-old said as he prepared to open his 2026 campaign for Greece at the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth, Australia. | "My biggest concern was if I could fini…

Fred Baumgarten (2026-01-01). The New York Times Goes Deep…for Propaganda. counterpunch.org Pornographic associations aside, I'm old enough to remember when "Deep Throat" was a quasi-heroic figure spilling the beans on U.S. government malfeasance during Watergate. In the New Year, Deep Throat is a shapeless phantom who peddles propaganda for the New York Times. He/she/they might as well be a clerk in the Times mailroom, for all

____ (2026-01-01). Tamil Nadu Rings in 2026 with Festive Spirit Despite Heavy Rainfall. devdiscourse.com Tamil Nadu entered 2026 in high spirits, with celebrations held at beaches and public spaces and prayers at temples, all under the watchful eyes of over 1.10 lakh police personnel ensuring safety. Despite heavy rainfall, festivities went off without a hitch, signaling a smooth start to the year.

WiBOPM (2026-01-01). Milwaukee, January 8, 2026: Wisdom's Uniting to Build Our Communities Forum. wibailoutpeople.org Join us for Uniting to Build Communities on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6: 00 PM to 8: 00 PM at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, located at 2620 W Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53206. This forum will bring together candidates, elected officials, religious leaders, formerly incarcerated individuals, those with loved ones who have experienced incarceration, and …

aljazeera (2026-01-01). 'My health is perfect': Trump dismisses scrutiny of his age and fitness. aljazeera.com By the end of his second term, Trump will be the oldest sitting president in US history, though he denies slowing down.

Keith Brower Brown (2026-01-01). Big Union Contract Fights Are Coming in 2026. Here's a Preview of What's Ahead. truthout.org The coming year could keep the strikes rolling through steel mills, state offices, telephone lines, axle plants, baseball diamonds, and hospitals from coast to coast. Union contracts expiring in 2026 could open up major fights by manufacturing, education, entertainment, and government workers. The contract covering 20,000 Verizon workers in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic expires on… |

albawaba (2026-01-01). 24 Russians killed in Ukrainian drone strike on Kherson region. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a Ukrainian drone strike targeting a café and hotel in the coastal village of Khorly in Ukraine's southern Kherson region during New Year's Eve celebrations, according to Russian authorities.Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-appointed governor of the partially occupied region, said that the attack occurred shortly before midnight and followed an initial reconnaissance phase, with multiple drones striking the venue and triggering fires as people gathered to mark the New Year. Emergency crews responded overnight, and several of the wounded remain in seri…

Caitlin Johnstone (2026-01-01). Israel Bans Aid Groups For The Same Reason It Bans Journalists, And Other Notes. caitlinjohnstone.com.au ‚ùñ | Israel has Israel banned the aid groups fro…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Somali president: Israel deal with Somaliland tied to hosting Palestinians. aljazeera.com Somalia's president says Somaliland has agreed to accept displaced Palestinians in exchange of Israel's recognition.

Violet Comber-Wilen (2026-01-01). Foster care proved a perfect match for this New Jersey woman: 'I needed to take care of someone'. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? In March 2007, Kathy Filippo met 3-year-old Jasmine at a Burger King. Filippo, who was a teacher at the time, said the meeting felt like "divine intervention." | "She stole my heart right away," she said. | Filippo couldn't conceive a child on her own. And after the death of her mother and brother, she wanted more love in her life and decided to adopt. | "I wasn't going to wait to get married to have children," she said. "I needed to take care of someone, because in my heart…

John Kendall Hawkins (2026-01-01). The Rat Cage is NSPM-7: On Raoul Peck's Orwell: 2+2=5. counterpunch.org I. 2+2=5: The Father's Warning The film opens with a scene inside an automobile: a father is talking to his young son about deep and troubling issues that the child cannot hope to understand yet. The father is saying to the boy, "How much is two and two?" The boy replies, "Four." "There are people

UMMID (2026-01-01). 'Heroic': Makkah Haram Security Guard hailed for saving pilgrim's life. ummid.com Grand Mosque Security Guard, Rayan bin Saeed bin Yahya Al-Ahmad, is receiving unprecedented praise for his heroic to save a pilgrim who jumped from the first floor of the Makkah Haram in an attempt to end his life.

Uzi Dann (2026-01-01). magical solution to fill the seats for Africa Cup soccer. haaretz.com Opening the gates for free at games' 20th minute is the first minute allowed by the African soccer federation — and it's a solution when unmoneyed fans can't simply hop in their cars or take a train to another country…

UMMID (2026-01-01). GATE 2026 Mock Test, Paper Schedule Released. ummid.com IIT Guwahati, the official authority to conduct Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026, has released the GATE 2026 Paper Schedule and Mock Test on its official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in.

UMMID (2026-01-01). Meet Mohammed Haris: The Owner of Al Hind Air, India's latest airline. ummid.com The Al Hind Air, owned and promoted by T. Mohammed Haris, has finally obtained the much needed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.

A A (2026-01-01). Did Ukraine try to kill Putin? strategic-culture.su By Larry C. JOHNSON | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | On the night of 28—29 December 2025, Russia's Defense Ministry and Fore…

UMMID (2026-01-01). Alert: CBSE 10th, 12th March 3, 2026 Papers Rescheduled. ummid.com The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rescheduled the Class 10th and 12th Papers of the 2026 Board Exams to be held on March 03, 2026.

Jessica Washington (2026-01-01). American Labor Needed Unity. Then Came Trump's Immigration Crackdown. theintercept.com

Ryan Black (2026-01-01). "The Blue Road To Trump Hell" : Norm Solomon On "How Corporate Democrats Paved The Way For Autocracy" progressivehub.net AMY GOODMAN, JUAN GONZàÅLEZ, AND NORMAN SOLOMON | DEMOCRACY NOW!

Mark Brody (2026-01-01). Zohran Mamdani Wants You To Do More Than Survive. portside.org Zohran Mamdani Wants You To Do More Than Survive |

Dale Webster (2026-01-01). TOP IA STORY OF 2025: Bendigo Bank makes half billion then boots community groups. independentaustralia.net

The Independent (2026-01-01). China's sacred revolutionary heartland Yan'an launches high-speed rail link. independent.co.ug * A bullet train departed Yan'an on Friday, linking the sacred revolutionary heartland to the country's high-speed rail network. * More than half of the new route crosses soft, water-sensitive loess, presenting world-class engineering challenges. * The line's opening has brought China's high-speed rail mileage to over 50,000 km. XI'AN, China | Xinhua | Some …

UMMID (2026-01-01). Hajj 2026 4th Waiting List of 1,259 Pilgrims, Payment Details Released. ummid.com The Haj Committee of India has released the fourth waiting list for Hajj 2026, asking 1,259 pilgrims to confirm their seats by depositing the payment before January 08, 2026.

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). At stroke of midnight, Zohran Mamdani takes oath on Quran to become New York's 1st Muslim Mayor. hindustantimes.com Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor of New York City during a historic ceremony held at a decommissioned Manhattan subway station. The 34-year-old Indian-origin Democrat became the first Muslim mayor of America's largest city, taking his oath with his hand on the Quran. Administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the ceremony marked a symbolic beginning to Mamdani's tenure. A larger public swearing-in at City Hall, to be conducted by Senator Bernie Sanders, is scheduled later in the day, followed by a celebratory block party in Manhattan.

Guest Contributor (2026-01-01). The table tennis players planting trees to fight drought in Iran. globalvoices.org

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). US Vs South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa takes subtle dig at Trump over G20 after POTUS' Miami disinvite. hindustantimes.com In a New Year address to the nation, South Africa's president reflected on the hardships faced by citizens over the past year, including unemployment, poverty, crime and the high cost of living, while outlining progress made in economic recovery, infrastructure investment, energy stability and job creation. Emphasising unity, partnership and national dialogue, the president called on South Africans to remain hopeful, resilient and committed to building a safer, more inclusive and prosperous country in the year ahead.

Daniel Warner (2026-01-01). Looking Beyond the 2026 Midterms: Slogans Are Not a Strategy. counterpunch.org The current buzzword is affordability. "'Affordability' mantra helps Democrats turn tide" the New York Times headlined. "Democrats used 'affordability' to harness worries about the cost of living and sweep to victory in this November's [2025] election. And once that happened, references to 'affordability' as a stand-alone term skyrocketed," Lisa Lerer and Jonah Smith wrote on

newleftreview (2026-01-01). Pierre Vesperini: Government of the Past. newleftreview.org If the past is always that of a certain present, what are the conditions for avoiding the subordination of public history to self-interested origin stories, or the consignment of past infamies to oblivion? Who belongs in public memory, and who not? Reflections on the political use and abuse of popular historiography.

newleftreview (2026-01-01). Nic Johnson: What The Thunder Said. newleftreview.org Nic Johnson on Melinda Cooper, Counterrevolution. Neoliberalism as programme to head off the radical potential of the Keynesian state.

Bob Feldman (2026-01-01). In The Pay Of Foundations Revisited: How US Power Elite Funds "Parallel Left" Media (21). indybay.org "New York Times Index 1966" entry for Apr. 3, 1966 noted that [the now-deceased] Bill Moyers handled "day-to-day decision-making" in Johnson White House during Vietnam War escalation (prior to later funding "Democracy Now!").

UMMID (2026-01-01). Dental Care in Andheri: Treatments, Technology and Safety Standard. ummid.com The main reason people prefer a dental clinic in Andheri is the ease of access to it because there is a good metro connectivity, railway stations, and it is well connected to major road links.

| Shahbaz Rana | (2001-01-26). 20m children remain out of school: survey. tribune.com.pk The number of out of school children has slightly decreased to below three out of every 10, due to the efforts by three provinces, except for the Punjab government. However, the food insecurity has significantly jumped this year, reveals an official survey released on Thursday. | According to the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES), out of school children remain a concern at 28% nationally. Rural girls, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan face the highest exclusion rates, while Punjab performed best and Balochistan the worst, despite recent improvement. | Although the survey did not give an absolute…

Mark Brody (2026-01-01). 'We Want the Mullahs Gone': Economic Crisis Sparks Biggest Protests in Iran Since 2022. portside.org 'We Want the Mullahs Gone': Economic Crisis Sparks Biggest Protests in Iran Since 2022 |

Staff (2026-01-01). "Empire of AI" : Karen Hao on How AI Is Threatening Democracy & Creating a New Colonial World. democracynow.org In this holiday special, we revisit our interview with longtime technology reporter Karen Hao, author of the new book Empire of AI, which unveils the accruing political and economic power of AI companies — especially Sam Altman's OpenAI. Her reporting uncovered the exploitation of workers in Kenya, attempts to take massive amounts of freshwater from communities in Chile, along with numerous accounts of the technology's detrimental impact on the environment. "This is an extraordinary type of AI development that is causing a lot of social, labor and environmental harms," says Hao, in a…

newleftreview (2026-01-01). Anders Stephanson & George Kennan: Stephanson—Kennan Correspondence. newleftreview.org An inter-generational exchange between one of the Cold War's originating thinkers and a young Marxist scholar studying his work. Problems of American foreign policy, definitions of the national interest, the Soviet Union and the containment doctrine and the independent development of political discourse among the subjects under consideration.

Johnny Perez-Gonzalez (2026-01-01). First Day Hikes return to Delaware State Parks as visitors welcome 2026 outdoors. whyy.org What are journalists missing from the state of Delaware? What would you most like WHYY News to cover? As 2026 begins, hundreds of Delawareans — and visitors from nearby states — are choosing to start it outdoors, turning to state parks to kick off the year with physical activity, fresh air and time with loved ones. | It's all part of "The fi…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Indonesia floods leave families fighting to survive. aljazeera.com More than a month after floods hit Indonesia, survivors are still living in ruins and desperately trying to get by.

Chen Maanit (2026-01-01). Mediator recommends judge drop terrorism charges against Israeli activists who shot flares at home. haaretz.com Israel's state prosecutor will decide whether to pursue a plea deal with four protesters accused of firing maritime flares at the prime minister's residence last year or to proceed with the case. Legal sources support the recommendation, saying the terrorism charges were driven by improper considerations…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Firework accidents kill two in Netherlands as fire ravages Amsterdam church. aljazeera.com The Neo-Gothic Vondelkerk, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church, has been used for other purposes since the 1970s.

Staff (2026-01-01). 365 Days Left for Tax-Deductible 2026 Donation. consortiumnews.com You have until midnight Dec. 31, 2026 to show your support for Consortium News' unique brand of independent journalism with a 2026 tax deductible donation. There are plenty of ways you are still paying for big media that serves the…

UMMID (2026-01-01). JEE Advanced 2026 Information Brochure Released. ummid.com The IIT Roorkee has published JEE Advanced 2026 Information Brochure detailing the registration start date, exam schedule, syllabus and other important details.

UMMID (2026-01-01). 2025 in Retrospect: Plight of Christians in India. ummid.com This year's attacks on Christians in India is yet another warning signal of the silence and double speak of the ruling dispensation.

ecns.cn (2026-01-01). AS700 airship receives production certificate, readies for flight services. ecns.cn An AS700 airship hovers over the tarmac at an airport in Jingmen, Hubei province, on Tuesday.The AS700, the largest airship China has developed, received its production certificate on Tuesday from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, paving the way for its delivery.

Democracy Now! (2026-01-01). Democracy Now! 2026-01-01 Thursday. democracynow.org Democracy Now! 2026-01-01 Thursday: "Empire of AI": Karen Hao on How AI Is Threatening Democracy & Creating a New Colonial World

THINK TANK Productions (2026-01-01). Real Madrid Open Training Draws Thousands of Fans in Madrid. thinktank.pk Thousands of Real Madrid supporters packed the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium in Madrid as the club held an open training session to mark the end of 2025. Fans cheered the players' arrival, waved placards, and enjoyed rare up-close moments, including autographs, selfies, and signed balls. The session, led by head coach Xabi Alonso, focused on …

| Web Desk | (2001-01-26). Babar Azam equals Jos Buttler's T20 record after Sixers' BBL win. tribune.com.pk Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam etched his name further into T20 history on Thursday, equalling former England skipper Jos Buttler's record of 97 T20 half-centuries during Sydney Sixers' Big Bash League (BBL) 15 clash against Melbourne Renegades at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium. | Babar produced a composed, match-winning knock of 58 not out off 46 balls, striking four boundaries and a six over extra cover, as the Sixers chased down a target of 165 with six wickets in hand. | Classy knock from Babar üëë#BBL15 #ExpectTheUnforgettable pic.twitter.com/0UBToCQ6Zv | — Sydney Sixers (@…

UMMID (2026-01-01). Somaliland Recognition by Israel. ummid.com Israel's recognition does not automatically secure Somaliland broader international acceptance, but it changes the conversation.

Nguyen Thi Minh Anh (2026-01-01). What the U.S. strike in Nigeria reveals about Trump 2.0's Africa Policy? moderndiplomacy.eu The U.S. airstrike in Nigeria, framed as moral intervention to protect Christians, reveals an Africa policy increasingly defined by selective engagement, reactive counterterrorism, and Christian protector symbols. On Christmas night, President Donald J. Trump posted on his Truth Social that the United States had launched a "powerful and deadly strike" against Islamic State in Nigeria, …

en.mehrnews (2026-01-01). DR Congo says over 1,500 civilians killed in eastern violence. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said Wednesday that more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in escalating violence in the country's eastern province of South Kivu since early December.

Kim C. Domenico (2026-01-01). But Wouldn't It Be Nice? A Paean to Decency. counterpunch.org [The Combine] worked on (my father, the Chief) for years. He was big enough to fight it for awhile…. He said [to the government men with the checks]; What can you pay for the way a man lives? He said, What can you pay for what a man is?…The Combine… whipped him. It beats everybody.

UMMID (2026-01-01). Why Association of Chartered Accountants scrapped online exams. ummid.com In a move to combat cheating, UK based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has announced to scrap online or remote (at-home) exams from March.

eng.belta.by (2026-01-01). Lukashenko phones defense minister, thanks personnel on duty on New Year's Eve. eng.belta.by Aleksandr Lukashenko said: "Good evening, Viktor Gennadyevich [Khrenin]! How do you do? How are our adversaries, competitors, and, god forbid, enemies? You have to understand that some people are celebrating while you and I cannot do it. We need to see everything that is going on."

Reuters (2026-01-01). Aden airport shuts as Saudi-UAE rift deepens over Emirati flight cancellations. haaretz.com Aden airport was shut down by the separatist Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, in defiance of a government ban on UAE flights imposed to curb rising tensions in Yemen. The internationally recognized government is supported by Saudi Arabia…

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Ukraine's first Shahed‚Äë107 kill exposes Iran drone's combat failure | Russia. hindustantimes.com Ukraine claimed its first shootdown of Russia's newly deployed Shahed‚Äë107 kamikaze drone, marking a dramatic debut failure for Iran's latest unmanned export to Moscow. The interception occurred on December 30, when Ukraine's 47th "Magura" Brigade's "Wild Hornets" air defence unit used a low-cost Sting interceptor drone equipped with Hornet Vision thermal imaging to destroy the Shahed‚Äë107 mid‚Äëair. Built by Iranian engineers to combine reconnaissance and attack capabilities, the Shahed‚Äë107 reportedly features an 8—9&s…

ecns.cn (2026-01-01). Fujian Coast Guard calls on Taiwan side to communicate in Mandarin. ecns.cn A law enforcement officer of the Fujian Coast Guard has urged an officer of a Taiwan naval vessel to use Mandarin while the latter used English to communicate during their encounter on the sea.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). UAE won't lose "influence in Yemen" after withdrawal. aljazeera.com Luciano Zaccara on the UAE's decision to withdraw its forces from Yemen, which could alter its regional influence.

aljazeera (2026-01-01). US federal employees file complaint against Trump's anti-transgender policy. aljazeera.com The complaint targets a policy that would nix coverage under federal health insurance for gender-affirming healthcare.

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Albanese reveals 4-point plan to probe Bondi Beach attack: Antisemitism, intel failure to be studied. hindustantimes.com Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday reiterated his government's commitment to tackling terrorism and hate speech, outlining a four-point plan following the Bondi terror attack. Speaking at a news conference in The Entrance, New South Wales, Albanese defended his decision not to call a federal royal commission, instead highlighting ongoing legal proceedings against those responsible, a New South Wales royal commission into the incident, and full Commonwealth cooperation. He also reaffirmed plans for a national intelligence and security review led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, as well a…

The Independent (2026-01-01). The Uganda national flag debate. independent.co.ug Globally, citizens often display their national flags at homes, offices, and public spaces as expressions of pride. Uganda is no exception COMMENT | JULIUS BUSINGE | As Uganda journeys toward the January 15 general elections, the national flag has once again taken centre stage in public debate—raising questions not only about law and politics, but …

The Independent (2026-01-01). YEAR-ENDER: Peace, development remain Asia-Pacific's shared aspirations amid security challenges. independent.co.ug HONG KONG | Xinhua | In 2025, the Asia-Pacific region faced a series of security challenges, ranging from recurring border conflicts, aggressive political rhetoric to domestic unrest in several countries. Despite these challenges, regional countries continue to express a shared commitment to peace and development, highlighting that dialogue and cooperation remain the path to lasting …

geo.tv (2026-01-01). 2025 proved to be 'year of failures and setbacks' for India: report. geo.tv India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an event at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, December 5, 2025. — Reuters India sufferred historic military setback against Pakistan.New Delhi failed to strike trade deal with Washington.Indian rupee touched all-time low of…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Somali president blames ISIL and al-Shabab for 'destroying' country. aljazeera.com Somalia's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that ISIL and al-Shabab are responsible fo destroying the country.

UMMID (2026-01-01). IIM JAP 2026: Direct Link, Steps to Apply. ummid.com IIM (Indian Institute of Management) Raipur has started online registration for candidates who have passed CAT 2025 and now seeking admission in two-year full time MBA program through Joint Admission Process or JAP 2026.

en.mehrnews (2026-01-01). Farzin appointed president's special economic advisor. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Mohammadreza Farzin as his Special Economic Advisor.

Eileen Kinch (2026-01-01). 'Joy Within His House': Making sense of life in a monastery. anabaptistworld.org A 38-year-old Dominican makes the fundamentals of contemplative life more accessible to laypeople.

Vlada Moran (2026-01-01). Wednesday 12/31: New Eve Kaleidophone! indybay.org Peace United Church | 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060…

Direct Action Everywhere (2026-01-01). Sunday 1/11: Pigeon First Aid. indybay.org 885 Market St, San Francisco, CA…

Gary Lindorff (2026-01-01). We are Consumers Being Consumed. counterpunch.org Much of the world we live in is artificial and there are forces in the world that take advantage of our psychological / emotional vulnerability. AI is a perfect example, but it's not the only artificial intelligence out there that is out to exploit and control us. There is the media, with its invasive advertising

albawaba (2026-01-01). Trump orders withdrawal of national guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. albawaba.com ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump announced that National Guard troops would be withdrawn from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, ending a months-long federal deployment to three major U.S. cities.In a social media statement, Trump credited the presence of the Guard with reducing crime and restoring order, saying the deployments had helped stabilize the Democrat-led cities. "Crime has been greatly reduced by having these troops in place," he wrote, adding that the withdrawal would proceed despite what he described as security gains.The decision marks the conclusion of a controversial intervention launched in…

UMMID (2026-01-01). Nigeria denies persecution of Christians after US missile attack. ummid.com Donald Trump said the US missiles on Christmas Day attacked 'terrorists' targeting Christians in Nigeria even as the Giant of Africa denied persecution of Christians in the country as claimed by the U.S. President…

Kathleen Wallace (2026-01-01). NFL Welfare in Oz: Pay No Attention to that Billionaire Behind the Curtain. counterpunch.org Don't say dreams don't come true. If you wish very hard, wish upon a STAR and click your feet together (and are a billionaire with a net worth of 1.6 billion dollars), you too can get your 3 billion dollar domed football stadium. You can get that stadium built with a majority of public funds—a

newarab (2026-01-01). Zohran Mamdani: New year, new mayor for New York and the world. newarab.com On the first day of the new year, New York is ushering in Zohran Mamdani, who will be the city's first Muslim and As expected, his inauguration was filled with symbolism of a new chapter. For the s…

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Keir Starmer admits to govt's failures in New Year's speech- A bid to woo disgruntled citizens. hindustantimes.com UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to "defeat decline and division" in his New Year message, promising that 2026 would bring visible improvements to everyday life, including lower bills, increased policing and better healthcare access. Acknowledging public frustration over the pace of change, Starmer said long-term challenges required sustained effort. Opposition leaders used their own messages to criticise Labour's record and outline alternative visions, with Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the SNP all positioning themselves ahead of crucial local elections scheduled for May.

Direct Action Everywhere (2026-01-01). Saturday 1/3: Meetup: Animal Liberation and the End of the Carceral System. indybay.org 2414 6th St. Berkeley, CA…

Editor (2026-01-01). Listening to Frank Sinatra on New Year's Eve. scheerpost.com Frank Sinatra (1957 studio portrait close-up). English: Photograph by Capitol Records, per a credit found in the 1959 edition of the International Celebrity Register at page 696. No known source credits an individual photographer., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons | In one of the scariest moments in modern history, we're doing our best at ScheerPost to pierce the fog of lies that conceal it but we need some help to pay our writers and staff. Please consider a By Edward Curtin / Origin…

geo.tv (2026-01-01). Around 40 killed in fire at Swiss ski resort bar, say Swiss officials. geo.tv A collage showing rescue officials at the site of explosion in Crans Montana, Switzerland on January 1, 2026. — Instagram@trtworldBottle of "birthday candles" close to wooden ceiling causes fire: witnesses.Helpline launched for relatives to get information, says rescue team.Full…

UMMID (2026-01-01). CUET 2026: NTA Releases Registration Guideline, Syllabus. ummid.com The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the guidelines for registration, syllabus and online application process for the candidates planning to appear in the Common University Entrance Test or CUET 2026 (UG).

Eden Solomon (2026-01-01). Southern Israelis back police raids on Bedouins, insist not. haaretz.com Residents of southern Israeli Negev communities criticize the lack of notice for police operations in nearby Bedouin towns, and lament the never-ending cycle of violence that endangers them and their property…

UMMID (2026-01-01). AMU in shock after ABK School Teacher's brutal murder. ummid.com The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is in shock after the brutal murder of ABK Union School teacher Rao Danish Ali Wednesday December 24, 2025.

Institute of the Arts, Sciences (2026-01-01). Monday 1/19: How Long is Long Enough: Screening and Conversation. indybay.org Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, 1817 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz…

WHYY (2026-01-01). WHYY Newscast for Thursday 6:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

____ (2026-01-01). Odisha Leaders Unite in New Year Wishes for 2026. devdiscourse.com In a show of unity and regional pride, Odisha's top leaders extended heartfelt New Year wishes to the state's residents for 2026. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik conveyed their hopes for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). New Year horror in Switzerland: Several dead, 100 injured | What triggered the deadly bar explosion. hindustantimes.com Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 injured after a powerful explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year's Eve celebrations at the upscale ski resort of Crans in southwestern Switzerland. Valais canton police said the blast occurred around 1: 30 a.m. at a bar called Le Constellation, after smoke was reported and emergency services were alerted. Firefighters, police units and rescue teams were rapidly deployed from across the region, with victims transported to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich. Authorities have closed the main street of Crans as investigations continue into the ca…

The Independent (2026-01-01). The African Rebirth: Ibrahim Traore and the audacious return of a continent to itself. independent.co.ug COMMENT | ALEX ATWEMEREIREHO | Africa is not a sleeping giant; it is a suffocated one. Its lungs have long been pressed by the weight of imperial duplicity, its arteries drained by extractive economies masquerading as partnerships, and its political spine bent by postcolonial elites conditioned to administer decline on behalf of others. Yet history …

WiBOPM (2026-01-01). DOUBLE AMPUTEE BEATEN, TORTURED AND TERRORIZED FOR OVER A DECADE IN VIRGINIA PRISONS. wibailoutpeople.org DOUBLE AMPUTEE BEATEN, TORTURED AND TERRORIZED FOR OVER A DECADE IN VIRGINIA PRISONS (2025) By Kevin "Rashid" Johnson, December 28, 2025 The inhumanity of Virginia's prisons knows no limits. The experiences of Neil Lyness aka Turbo proves the case. Neil is a double-amputee who lost his left arm and left leg in a motorcycle accident. …

Josh Breiner (2026-01-01). In first, Shin Bet links weapon smuggling by drone to terrorist attacks. haaretz.com The assessment was included in support of an indictment against four residents of Bedouin villages in the south who are accused of smuggling weapons by drone and espionage offenses. The head of the Shin Bet recently called the weapon smuggling by drone an 'ongoing catastrophe' and warned that it poses a 'strategic threat to the State of Israel'…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Search for survivors after US military strike on alleged drug convoy. aljazeera.com The US says a search is underway for survivors after it bombed what it said was a suspected drug trafficking convoy.

WiBOPM (2026-01-01). MY RETALIATION AND ABUSE CONTINUES IN SOUTH CAROLINA PRISONS UNDER INTERSTATE COMPACT. wibailoutpeople.org By Kevin "Rashid" Johnson December 28, 2025 Since I was interstate transferred to South Carolina from the Virginia prison system on May 1, 2025, I have endured continued abuses and retaliation in response to and to deter my role in publicizing, resisting and organizing against abuses in Va prisons (and now in SC). Which is …

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Israel's new rules for non-profits violate "duty of care" aljazeera.com "They're [Israel] asking us to accept political and ideological conditions that are unrelated to our humanitarian work."

The Independent (2026-01-01). Uganda bets on agro-industry and fiscal discipline to expand growth. independent.co.ug The World Bank projects that poverty will keep falling through 2026 and 2027, extending a trend that resumed as growth picked up Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda is positioning itself for another phase of strong economic expansion as policymakers seek to lock in recent gains while tightening the public purse and accelerating …

Isabelle Laurent (2026-01-01). Icon in a New Light: The Honey Gold Lange 1 Daymatic. moderndiplomacy.eu The LANGE 1 DAYMATIC is a self-winding watch from A. Lange & Sà∂hne, closely resembling the famous LANGE 1 model. For the first time, it features a case made of 750 honey gold, which enhances the watch's charm and pairs beautifully with its brown silver dial. Limited to just 250 pieces, this edition celebrates major …

aljazeera (2026-01-01). 'Only sheets to cover us': Sudan's displaced face little shelter in Kosti. aljazeera.com Thousands flee to Kosti as Sudan war rages, only to find overcrowded camps and aid cuts.

Brett Wilkins (2026-01-01). As 19 States Raise Their Minimum Wages, the Federal Rate Remains Stuck at $7.25. truthout.org Over a third of US states are set to raise their minimum hourly wage in 2026, but worker advocates including Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday decried a federal minimum wage that's remained at $7.25 since 2009 — and just $2.13 an hour for tipped workers for over three decades. Minimum wage hikes are set to go into effect in 19 states on Thursday: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut… |

Angela (2026-01-01). Saturday 1/3: Virtual screening of the film. indybay.org Zoom | us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HfI5…

The Black Alliance for Peace. (2026-01-01). US Airstrike In Nigeria Confirms Why AFRICOM Must Be Shut Down. popularresistance.org If it was not clear before the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Christmas Day bombing of its Sokoto state, that Nigeria is not a sovereign African nation but is instead a neo-colonial state with a Western puppet government, it should be crystal clear now. The longstanding fundamental crisis of the sovereignty of African nations lies in the continuity of its neo-colonial structures, with the unrestrained operation of AFRICOM as a graphic example of that dependency. | The Black Alliance for Peace's (BAP) Africa Team and U.S. Out of Africa Network (USOAN) unequivocally condemn this veiled act of aggression in the stron…

Nick KariukiCory Sharber (2026-01-01). Mummers Parade 2026: Frigid winds delay string band competition, but the show must go on. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? New Year's Day in Philadelphia began as it has for the past 125 years, with the This day, though, was frigid, and windy conditions suspended the string band competition until further notice. | That didn't deter the spectators and marchers — much.

UMMID (2026-01-01). Meet Imran Baig's daughter, Aviva, who is engaged to Priyanka Gandhi's son. ummid.com Senior Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi's son Raihan Vadra Monday December 29, 2025 announced his engagement with Aviva Baig, sparking a sudden interest in the Delhi based charming girl.

geo.tv (2026-01-01). One security force member killed, 2 wounded in Aleppo suicide attack. geo.tv Syrian army members take part in a military parade, as they mark the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall, in Aleppo, Syria December 8, 2025. — ReutersA suicide bomber suspected of having links to Daesh tried to target a church in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on New…

UMMID (2026-01-01). Explained: How to change gmail.com email address. ummid.com In a much desired feature, Google has now decided to allow @gmail.com email address users to change with a new user name without losing data and also brand value.

hindustantimes (2026-01-01). Germany quietly prepares for war with Russia as Ukraine arms exports plummet | Merz's secret OPLAN. hindustantimes.com While Donald Trump claims a peace deal could be near, Germany appears to be planning for the opposite. A new report reveals Berlin has drawn up a classified wartime blueprint outlining how the country would function during a major NATO conflict. The plan maps scenarios ranging from cyberattacks to missile strikes, even as Germany sharply cuts new arms export approvals for Ukraine. Officials insist support continues through other channels, but the timing has raised eyebrows. Is Europe quietly bracing for a wider war while diplomacy plays out on the surface?

newleftreview (2026-01-01). Julieta Caldas: Luxury without Grandeur. newleftreview.org The experience of the Frieze Art Fair in London, as sibling events sprout in New York, LA, Seoul, Abu Dhabi, under the ownership of an entertainment mogul. Commercial logics on display in a glaring, idea-less space, where artists function as generators of speculative capital.

UMMID (2026-01-01). SPL 2025/26: Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr only FC to win 10 opening matches. ummid.com Saudi Football Club Al-Nassr, led by Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, created another record Saturday, becoming the only club in the history of Saudi Pro League (SPL) to win all opening 10 matches.

Juan Cole (2026-01-01). "Reviving old Desires:" Saadi and Omar Khayyam on Celebrating the New Year. juancole.com Revised. | [Thanks to all our loyal and generous supporters for making our annual fundraiser a success! There is a lot of work to do, in both in informing the public and fighting disinformation, in 2026, and you have given us a sound basis to pursue it! Excelsior!] | New Year is a favorite subject in classical Persian poetry, though the Iranians celebrate it at the spring solstice, usually March 21, rather than just after the winter solstice. This difference leads them to adorn their New Year verse with springtime imagery, of flowers blossoming and once-isolated friends gathering again. | Saadi of Shiraz (1210-1…

en.mehrnews (2026-01-01). US kills five people as it attacks ships in Caribbean. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The US military has launched new attacks on the vessels targeting two boats allegedly used by members of drug cartels, killing five people, the US Southern Command said.

Ellis Cashmore (2026-01-01). Brigitte Bardot: Beauty, Bigotry and the Complexity of Legacy. fairobserver.com Can we take pleasure in the art of someone we know has committed deeds we now regard as despicable? And even if that artist once enchanted us, can we ignore the bigotry that may have been festering for decades? For over 20 years, Brigitte Bardot was unquestionably the most celebrated object of heterosexual male desire,…

WiBOPM (2026-01-01). ACT-UP NATION WANTS YOU… To Fight Against Trump's Deadly Attacks on HIV Prevention and Treatment! wibailoutpeople.org ACT UP Boston We are ready to organize and fight back. Will you join us? ACT-UP NATION WANTS YOU to join the fight against Trump's deadly attacks on HIV Prevention and Treatment here in the U.S. and globally. Since 1987, ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) has led the fight against the fear, stigma and …

The Independent (2026-01-01). Bulgaria adopts euro, becomes 21st eurozone member. independent.co.ug SOFIA | Xinhua | Bulgaria joined the eurozone and adopted the euro as its official currency on New Year's Day, becoming the 21st member of the euro area. Throughout January, the Bulgarian lev (BGN) will remain in circulation alongside the euro. However, from Feb. 1, the euro will become the country's sole legal tender. Between Jan. …

Roger D. Harris, John Perry (2026-01-01). The Reactionary Backwash: Year 2025 in Review for Latin America and the Caribbean. counterpunch.org 2025 saw progressive governments in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) delegitimized and displaced. Right-wing forces have seized on drug-related crises to attack the so-called Pink Tide governments, driving a reactionary backwash and putting new, neoliberal administrations in power. The irony is that the rise in drug use and crime is driven by neoliberalism's failure

WiBOPM (2026-01-01). Francesca Albanese and the Lonely Road of Defiance. wibailoutpeople.org

Stephen F. Eisenman (2026-01-01). Portraits by the Mysterious "Master I.S." : An Art History Detective Story. counterpunch.org It's often difficult to tell if a Dutch work of art from the 17th century is a portrait (conterfeytsels) or a tronie. Many pictures lack documentation, so we don't know who, if anybody, was the subject of a given canvas or who may have commissioned it. As a rule, paintings of prosperous-looking people in contemporary costume are presumed portraits, and poor people tronies. After all, it's generally only the rich that can afford commissioned portraits, though in the Dutch Republic, even some shopkeepers could. Wealthy people also enjoyed owning pictures of poor people ⚪ so long as the latter are shown as weak, su…

Anthony Watts (2026-01-01). No, Yale Climate Connections, Dramatic Photos Don't Prove Climate Change Effects. wattsupwiththat.com By substituting photographs for trends and models for measurements, Yale Climate Connections misleads readers into believing that six images can "show how climate change shaped our world." They cannot. Climate is measured over decades, not captured in a frame. Until media reporting consistently distinguishes weather from climate and imagery from evidence, readers will keep getting a powerful yet false visual narrative. Only long-term trends can suggest that climate change is making weather worse and photographs can't capture trends.

albawaba (2026-01-01). Yemen-UAE tensions rise as flights halted at Aden airport. albawaba.com ALBAWABA – Yemen's internationally recognized government has tightened its grip on air travel to and from the United Arab Emirates, a step that has only intensified the already fraught relationship with the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC, in turn, grounded all flights at Aden International Airport. | A Yemeni government source, speaking to Al Jazeera, attributed the move to escalating political and military tensions. Reuters, citing a Saudi source, confirmed the restrictions were in place for flights to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, characterizing the action as an effort to prevent further deteriora…

The Independent (2026-01-01). Top 10 China news events of 2025. independent.co.ug BEIJING | Xinhua | Xinhua News Agency on Monday unveiled its selection of the top 10 news stories that defined China in 2025. Below is a concise summary of these key events, listed in chronological order: 1. CPC launches Party-wide education campaign on improving conduct A comprehensive education campaign was launched across the Communist Party …

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Who are the Palestine Action hunger strikers? aljazeera.com Four activists from the proscribed Palestine Action group in the UK are still on hunger strikes in prison.

A a (2026-01-01). The sad state of Europe's economy. strategic-culture.su By Sven R. ARSON | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | As 2025 draws to a close, it is time to take inventory of the European economy.

UMMID (2026-01-01). The Most Shameful Moment of 2025. ummid.com Read on as Team ummid.com takes a review of the soon-to-be-ending year, and chronicles the most shameful moment(s) and most ashamed moments of the Year 2025.

Eyewitness Palestine (2026-01-01). Tuesday 12/30: Virtual Delegation – Taybeh. indybay.org Online | www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/virtual-de…

aljazeera (2026-01-01). Peruvian municipal officials say three killed in attack on informal mine. aljazeera.com Local officials say the death toll could rise as seven people are missing following the attack on New Year's Eve.

WHYY (2026-01-01). WHYY Newscast for Thursday 9:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

David S. D'Amato (2026-01-01). Oligarchy XIV: Thoughts on the Anarchism of Dorothy Day. counterpunch.org Remarking on the 1927 murder of Italian immigrants and anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, Day noted that anarchism "is the word, or label, which confuses many of our readers (especially the bishops?)" Day saw anarchism, as a philosophy of mutual respect and voluntary cooperation, as a natural extension of Christian spiritual practice and fellowship. She argued that there is no human law applicable to those who love and follow Jesus, and that "anarchism means 'Love God, and do as you will.'" From the moment it became aware of the Catholic Worker movement, the U.S. government has treated it with suspi…

Staff (2026-01-01). León XIV inaugura el año con un llamado a la paz. cubadebate.cu En su homilía, el pontífice sostuvo que la salvación no llega a través de las armas ni del sometimiento, sino mediante el esfuerzo constante por comprender, reconciliar y acoger a todos sin temor ni cálculos.

Staff (2026-01-01). Informan sobre el hallazgo de una embarcación. cubadebate.cu De conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 214 inciso c) del Decreto No. 317, Reglamento de la Ley No. 115 "De la Navegación Marítima, Fluvial y Lacustre" de la República de Cuba, la Capitanía del Puerto de Nuevitas informa, sobre el hallazgo ocurrido el día 3 de diciembre de 2025, de una embarcación tipo Lancha Rápida con motor fuera de borda, en la zona conocida como Cayo Cruz, municipio Esmeralda, provincia Camagàºey.

Staff (2026-01-01). La Habana celebra el Triunfo de la Revolución con música en todos sus municipios. cubadebate.cu Este 1 de enero de 2026, La Habana se vestirá de música, danza y tradición con una amplia agenda cultural que abarcará todos sus municipios. Desde la emblemática Plaza de la Revolución hasta la Plaza àÅfrica en Alamar, el público podrá disfrutar de reconocidas orquestas como Mónica Mesa, Elito Revé y su Charangón, Pupy y los que son son, Anacaona y Moncada, junto a compañías de prestigio como el Conjunto Folklórico Nacional, Havana Queens y Ballet Revolution.

Dalia Reyes (2026-01-01). Adiós al 2025, bienvenido el 2026. radiohc.cu Despedimos el 2025 con el sentimiento de decir adiós a un período muy duro, marcado por profundas grietas en la economía, impactos sociales, familias y personas vulnerables, inflación. Precios astronómicos. Separación de las familias con el incremento de la emigración. Los apagones diarios de muchas horas, como consecuencia de las afectaciones a nuestro Sistema Electroenergético Nacional. | Y por si fuera poco, un huracán que devastó la región oriental y virus que maltrataron nuestra salud, ya lacerada por el déficit de medicamentos y otros recursos. | Y un enemigo que no descansa en hacernos la guerra. | Quizás,…

Dalia Reyes (2026-01-01). Adiós al 2025, bienvenido el 2026. radiohc.cu Despedimos el 2025 con el sentimiento de decir adiós a un período muy duro, marcado por profundas grietas en la economía, impactos sociales, familias y personas vulnerables, inflación. Precios astronómicos. Separación de las familias con el incremento de la emigración. Los apagones diarios de muchas horas, como consecuencia de las afectaciones a nuestro Sistema Electroenergético Nacional. | Y por si fuera poco, un huracán que devastó la región oriental y virus que maltrataron nuestra salud, ya lacerada por el déficit de medicamentos y otros recursos. | Y un enemigo que no descansa en hacernos la guerra. | Quizás,…

Staff (2026-01-01). Que su año nuevo sea feliz. cubadebate.cu Feliz año nuevo para quienes despiertan en 2026 sin la resaca de la culpa, plenos de una vida en la que la pasión supera a la desidia y el encanto teje luces donde la amargura suele bordar telas de araña. Feliz año a quien no ahorra afectos, arranca de sí fuentes donde borbotean transparencias y no mira a quienes le son próximos como extraños pasajeros de un viaje sin albergue, playas u horizontes.

Staff (2026-01-01). Fallece en La Habana el comentarista deportivo Iván López. cubadebate.cu Este 30 de diciembre falleció en La Habana el reconocido periodista y comentarista deportivo Iván López, una voz emblemática del béisbol cubano durante décadas en la televisión nacional.

Staff (2026-01-01). Fuegos artificiales y espectáculos de luces: Las imágenes de las celebraciones de Año Nuevo alrededor del mundo. cubadebate.cu A medida que los relojes llegan a la medianoche en las diferentes zonas horarias, en las naciones de todo el mundo se empieza a dar la bienvenida al Año Nuevo.

Staff (2026-01-01). Cómo vivió Fidel el 1 de enero de 1959 (+Fotos y Videos). cubadebate.cu En el año del Centenario del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro, Cubadebate y el Sitio Fidel Soldado de las Ideas rememoran cómo fue el primer día del año 1959 para Fidel. El día en que la Revolución Cubana, por la que tantos hombres y mujeres lucharon y dieron sus vidas, alcanzó su tan anhelada victoria.

Staff (2026-01-01). Fallece en La Habana el comentarista deportivo Iván López. cubadebate.cu Este 30 de diciembre falleció en La Habana el reconocido periodista y comentarista deportivo Iván López, una voz emblemática del béisbol cubano durante décadas en la televisión nacional.

newleftreview (2026-01-01). María Haro Sly: Sprawl as Subject. newleftreview.org María Haro Sly on Carlos Pagni, El Nudo. The Buenos Aires periphery as a political subject, from the early workers' movement to Javier Milei.

newleftreview (2026-01-01). María Haro Sly: Sprawl as Subject. newleftreview.org María Haro Sly on Carlos Pagni, El Nudo. The Buenos Aires periphery as a political subject, from the early workers' movement to Javier Milei.

Daniel Falcone (2026-01-01). Bari Weiss Pulls 60 Minutes' Report on Trump Outsourcing Torture to El Salvador's CECOT Prison. counterpunch.org According to the concept of "manufactured consent," elaborated by Noam Chomsky and Ed Herman in the 1980s, the media carries out a propaganda function in support of the dominant political system. In the United States, this consent has favored particular governments beyond the U.S. government itself—for instance, Israel in its conflict with Palestinians. A recent

A a (2026-01-01). Al giorno d'oggi, niente funziona più come prima. strategic-culture.su Il nuovo mondo multipolare non è ancora stabile: è turbolento, pieno di contraddizioni, ma rappresenta la fine di un'epoca e l'inizio di un'altra, una transizione che richiede tempo. Cosa succederà all'Europa che, come gli Stati Uniti, cerca di aggrapparsi al vecchio ordine mondiale? | Segue nostro Senza fine e quasi senza sosta | Viviamo in un mondo in cui la guerra non conosce più confini né tregue. Non è più un evento isolato, delimit…

A a (2026-01-01). Al giorno d'oggi, niente funziona più come prima. strategic-culture.su Il nuovo mondo multipolare non è ancora stabile: è turbolento, pieno di contraddizioni, ma rappresenta la fine di un'epoca e l'inizio di un'altra, una transizione che richiede tempo. Cosa succederà all'Europa che, come gli Stati Uniti, cerca di aggrapparsi al vecchio ordine mondiale? | Segue nostro Senza fine e quasi senza sosta | Viviamo in un mondo in cui la guerra non conosce più confini né tregue. Non è più un evento isolato, delimit…

A a (2026-01-01). A 34 anos da queda da URSS: uma reflexà£o sobre a democracia soviética. strategic-culture.su A democracia é a grande farsa do imperialismo para enganar os povos do mundo e encobrir a ditadura liderada pelos EUA. Mas a revoluàßà£o russa mostrou o que é uma verdadeira democracia | Junte-se a nós no e . | Esc…

A a (2026-01-01). A 34 anos da queda da URSS: uma reflexà£o sobre a democracia soviética. strategic-culture.su A democracia é a grande farsa do imperialismo para enganar os povos do mundo e encobrir a ditadura liderada pelos EUA. Mas a revoluàßà£o russa mostrou o que é uma verdadeira democracia | Junte-se a nós no e . | Esc…

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