In other news

The article argues that Brazil's President Lula should not run for re-election in October due to his advanced age, citing the risks associated with candidates over 80 as demonstrated by Joe Biden. Lula has been a strong leader, standing up to Donald Trump and persuading him to back down from punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods. Despite his accomplishments, the article suggests that it is time for fresh faces in Brazilian politics.

The article discusses the need for Britain and the EU to be bolder in getting closer post-Brexit. It highlights the negative consequences of Brexit, including damage to Britain's economy and the failure to reduce immigration. The article suggests that most Britons now think Brexit was a mistake and favour closer ties with the EU, with some voices in the Labour Party even considering rejoining the customs union.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu visited US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump praised Netanyahu's leadership during a time of conflict, potentially boosting Netanyahu's re-election campaign in 2026. The meeting was seen as beneficial for Netanyahu, with Trump's comments serving as a strong endorsement of his wartime leadership.

OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is facing a critical year in 2026 as it navigates its rapid growth and ambitious projects. The company has been expanding its scope beyond building chatbots powered by artificial intelligence, venturing into areas such as custom chips, e-commerce, business consulting, and consumer devices. Despite being one of the fastest-growing companies in history, OpenAI is in a perilous position, juggling multiple projects simultaneously to keep its audience engaged. The article highlights the challenges and risks associated with OpenAI's aggressive expansion and the pressure on Altman to deliver results.

The article discusses OpenAI's significant cash burn and its potential impact on the tech industry in 2026. It highlights the massive investment in AI startups, particularly OpenAI, and questions the sustainability of such high valuations. The article notes that OpenAI is seeking to raise $100bn in 2026, a sum almost four times the amount raised by the biggest stockmarket listing ever. The author expresses concerns about the bubbly valuations of generative-AI firms and the potential consequences of such high cash burn rates.

The article discusses the aftermath of the capture of el-Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur region, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late October 2025. Satellite imagery reveals the devastating impact of the massacre, with over 60,000 people killed and more than 100,000 still unaccounted for. The RSF's actions have been accused of being genocide by the US government. The article highlights the predictability of the atrocities, the failure of international intervention, and the humanitarian crisis that has ensued. The city is now a 'ghost town' with empty markets, deserted streets, and signs of destruction.

The Economist names a country of the year for 2025 based on improvement rather than happiness or influence. The article discusses the criteria used to select the country and hints at the significance of this recognition. It touches upon various global issues and other topics in brief, unrelated to the main theme of selecting a country of the year.

The article discusses the future of space exploration and argues that it depends on advancements in biology rather than just technological advancements like rockets. The number of people in space is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, with predictions ranging from a million to settling on Mars. The article highlights the importance of addressing biological needs such as sewage treatment for long-term space missions.

The article discusses the 'nautical theory of African development', which suggests that increasing maritime and inland water transportation in Africa could boost the continent's economy. A specific example is given of a passenger ferry that was transported from the port of Djibouti to Lake Tana in Ethiopia to ferry tourists to a new resort. The article implies that such initiatives could be part of a broader strategy to enhance economic development in Africa by improving its water transport infrastructure.

The article discusses the growing concern about affordability and the cost of living in rich countries, particularly among voters. It notes that politicians, especially Democrats in the US, are using the term 'affordability crisis' as a campaign slogan for the midterms. However, the article questions whether prices are truly out of whack, suggesting that the narrative might be exaggerated or misguided. The piece touches on the transatlantic consensus on the issue and hints at the political motivations behind the emphasis on affordability.

The article discusses Iran's surprising overtures to America despite a recent bombing campaign by America and Israel that damaged Iran's air defenses, killed top generals, and buried nuclear sites. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is signaling a willingness to engage with America, which appears to be a strategic move by the clerical regime to adapt and survive. The article provides context for this unexpected development, noting that Iran's natural response to the bombing campaign would have been to lick its wounds and curse America and Israel. Instead, Araghchi's signals suggest a more pragmatic approach by the Iranian regime.

The article 'Your Well Informed guide to surviving Christmas' offers evidence-based advice on how to cope with the perils of Yuletide feasting, drawing from the insights gained from numerous studies on health and well-being analyzed in the 'Well Informed' column throughout 2025. It suggests that enjoying oneself during Christmas, such as by drinking slowly and eating cake, is beneficial for one's well-being. The article is part of a series by The Economist that provides informed guidance on various topics, including health, based on comprehensive research and analysis.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson accused 'extremist influencers' of harassing Somali child care providers, prompting a warning from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to protect the free speech of citizen journalists. Wilson expressed solidarity with Somali child care providers amid a day care fraud scandal in Minnesota. Dhillon responded that citizen journalism is protected speech and threatened to step in if Seattle tries to chill it.

Former New York Mets player Lenny Dykstra was arrested on drug charges after being a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Pennsylvania State Police for alleged motor vehicle violations. Dykstra's lawyer claims he will be 'absolved' of the charges, stating that Dykstra was not driving and was not under the influence. This is not Dykstra's first run-in with the law; he has a history of legal issues, including previous arrests for drug possession, uttering terroristic threats, and bankruptcy fraud.

The family of an Ohio dentist, Spencer Tepe, and his wife, Monique, are grieving after the couple was found fatally shot in their home. The couple's two young children were inside the home and unharmed during the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect remains at large. The family is described as 'heartbroken beyond words' and is seeking justice for the tragedy.

A 4-year-old Florida boy, Johnathan Boley, was found dead in a wooded area near his father's home in Alabama after going missing on New Year's Eve. The boy was with his black Labrador mix, Buck, who was found alive beside him. An extensive search effort involving multiple agencies and volunteers was launched after the boy's disappearance. The boy's father, Jameson Kyle Boley, was arrested on charges unrelated to the disappearance, including unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and chemical endangerment of a child, due to the presence of explosive materials on the property.

Joe Rogan defended Kamala Harris after a guest on his podcast doubted she could have handled a three-hour interview like President Trump. Rogan argued that Harris would have been fine and that late-night shows are handicapped by time limits and commercial breaks. The article also discusses the controversy surrounding Harris' potential appearance on Rogan's podcast, with Rogan claiming Harris' team imposed ground rules and Harris' former aides claiming Rogan cancelled the interview.

The article criticizes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's recent appointments, labeling them as radical and likely to benefit the far left at the expense of the majority of New Yorkers. The appointments include Ali Najmi to chair the Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, Cea Weaver to run the Office to Protect Tenants, Kamar Samuels as schools chancellor, Steven Banks as corporation counsel, Ramzi Kassem as City Hall's chief counsel, and Tascha Van Auken to run the Office of Mass Engagement. The article argues that these appointments will lead to policies that favor radical ideologies, such as seizing private property and promoting Marxism, and will negatively impact the city's courts, housing market, and education system.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered 16 state landmarks, including the One World Trade Center, to be lit green to celebrate Muslim American Heritage Month. The decision has sparked controversy and outrage on social media, with some users calling it 'tone deaf' and 'disgusting' due to the site's connection to the 9/11 attacks. Hochul declared January as Muslim American Heritage Month in the state, citing the contributions and resilience of Muslim communities. The move is supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor.

The Cleveland Browns may trade head coach Kevin Stefanski, according to NFL insider Conor Orr. Although trading a head coach is rare in the NFL, it has happened before. Stefanski has been with the Browns for nearly six seasons, leading the team to two postseason appearances and winning the NFL Coach of the Year award twice. However, the past two seasons have been rough, with the team having a 3-14 record in 2024 and a 4-12 record this season. Some Browns players, including rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive end Myles Garrett, have spoken out in support of Stefanski, saying they don't listen to 'outside noise' and are committed to winning.

A violent brawl broke out between rival jewelers in Manhattan's Diamond District on Friday afternoon, leaving two business owners arrested and another hospitalized. The fight started when Maksud Agadjani, owner of TraxNYC, stormed into Akay Diamonds, accusing the owners, George and Freddy Akay, of fraud and ripping off his customers. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, with both sides trading blows and resulting in Agadjani being taken to Bellevue Hospital with red marks on his neck. The Akay brothers were charged with assault, and another person was issued a summons. The dispute centered around allegations that Akay Diamonds sold a customer a lower-karat bracelet than advertised, using TraxNYC's name and reputation.

China will lead a joint naval exercise with Brics nations in South African waters from January 9 to 16, 2026. The exercise, dubbed 'Will for Peace 2026', aims to enhance maritime safety and security among participating nations. The drill is the first defence cooperation under the Brics framework and is likely to raise concerns in Washington. Russia and Iran are reportedly taking part in the exercise, with Indonesia and Ethiopia also likely to participate. The joint exercise reflects the collective commitment of participating navies to safeguard maritime trade routes and deepen cooperation in support of peaceful maritime security initiatives.

China plans to expand its west-to-east power transmission network to over 420 GW by 2030, increasing the share of renewables to about 30% of total electricity output. The move is driven by rising demand fueled by the growth of AI and hi-tech manufacturing. The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration have issued guidelines to strengthen long-distance transmission lines and add interprovincial transfer capacity. China also aims to boost the grid's capacity to accommodate 900 GW of distributed renewables and support over 40 million charging stations by 2030.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is set to visit China on a state visit, his first since 2019, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with China, stating that conflict with China would not benefit South Korea. He also reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to the one-China principle in an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Lee called for more frequent leader-level dialogues to explore mutually beneficial opportunities amid an increasingly complex global environment. The visit aims to minimize misunderstandings and contradictions between the two countries and elevate their ties to a new stage.

The Hong Kong property market reached a four-year high in 2025, driven by the city government's easing measures and lower interest rates. According to Centaline Property Agency, the number of registered sales agreements for residential units, car parking spaces, and commercial and industrial properties increased by 18.7% year on year to 80,700, with the amount involved rising by 15.4% to HK$616.4 billion. The new home market was a major driver, with 20,564 units sold for a combined total of HK$225.6 billion in 2025, up 21.9% and 8.2% year on year, respectively. December marked the 10th consecutive month where new home transactions exceeded 1,500, a trend not seen in over 21 years.

India's military modernization efforts are underway, with the government approving three major defence packages worth $30 billion in the second half of last year. The packages include advanced weapon systems such as airborne early warning and control systems, drones, and air defence missile systems. Analysts say that while the modernization is on track, the pace of roll-out is worrying. The acquisition process is part of India's military reforms, with a focus on tighter procurement rules and simplified routine purchases. The upgrades aim to counter regional threats, particularly after India's war with Pakistan in May last year.

A recent survey of patients at Hong Kong's public hospital emergency departments found that most were unaware of evening clinics as an alternative for non-emergency care. The new fees regime aims to divert less urgent cases away from A&E departments. However, patients who tried to book appointments at evening clinics faced difficulties in securing a slot.

The article discusses China's advancements in AI innovation, driven by government support, improved funding, and a growing talent pool. Chinese AI companies, such as DeepSeek, have made significant breakthroughs in developing large language models and reasoning models, rivaling US tech companies. Analysts predict that China will continue to gain momentum in AI innovation, potentially overtaking the US as the world's leading AI power by 2027. Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the country's progress in AI development and semiconductor innovation, citing it as a key driver of economic growth.

The article discusses the impact of AI on China's job market, highlighting the emerging industries and job opportunities that are expected to drive growth over the next five years. China's job market is undergoing a structural transformation as the country shifts its growth model, with a focus on innovation-led industries, upgraded services, and regionally balanced development. The article identifies 10 promising directions for China's job market, including new energy, new materials, aerospace, and the low-altitude economy. While AI may replace some jobs, it is also creating new high-value roles, with over 20 new AI-related occupations announced in the past five years expected to create 300,000 to 500,000 jobs each.

China's BYD has overtaken Tesla as the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) seller, with BYD selling over 2.25 million vehicles in 2025, a 28% increase from the previous year. Tesla's sales dropped by 9% to 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, its second consecutive year of declining car deliveries. The shift is attributed to intense competition from Chinese rivals, mixed reception to Tesla's new offerings, and unease over Elon Musk's political activities. Despite BYD's rise, Tesla remains more profitable, and its self-driving technology and robotaxi rollout are expected to be crucial to its future performance.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women's toilets in the parliament building, citing the growing representation of women in the legislature. A record 73 women were elected to the Lower House in October 2024. Lawmaker Yasuko Komiyama highlighted the inconvenience faced by female staff and visitors due to the current toilet facilities, with only 9 female toilets and 22 cubicles compared to 12 men's toilets with 67 stalls and urinals. The parliament building, built in 1936, has been criticized for its outdated infrastructure. The issue extends beyond the legislative chamber, with long lines in front of women's public restrooms a common sight nationwide.

A boat carrying around 200 migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands capsized off the coast of Gambia, resulting in at least seven deaths and dozens missing. The Gambian Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, rescuing 96 people, with 10 in critical condition. The incident highlights the perilous journey African migrants take to reach Europe, with nearly 47,000 reaching the Canary Islands in 2024 and over 9,000 estimated dead. The Gambia has become a launchpad for migrants and asylum seekers crossing to Spain's Canary Islands and then mainland Europe.

US President Donald Trump revealed in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that he takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than recommended by doctors, uses makeup to cover bruising on his hands, and doesn't exercise regularly because he finds it boring. Trump, 79, the oldest inaugurated president in US history, also discussed his health, including a CT scan he underwent in October, and denied struggling with hearing or falling asleep during White House events. Trump's health has come under scrutiny due to his age.

A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, killing at least two people and causing moderate damage. The epicentre was near the tourist town of Acapulco, in the south-western state of Guerrero. A 50-year-old woman died in Guerrero, while a 60-year-old man died in Mexico City, where 12 others were injured. The earthquake caused power outages, landslides, and damage to roads and hospitals. Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, was holding a press conference when the earthquake struck, and was seen evacuating the room calmly. The Mexican Seismic Alert System was activated, and residents and tourists rushed into the streets. By midday local time, 420 aftershocks had been registered.

The US has significantly reduced proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports, initially set at 91.74%, following concerns from Italian producers and potential backlash from consumers. The tariffs were part of a broader trade policy under the Trump administration aimed at addressing perceived unfair trade practices. The reduction comes after Italian companies addressed some of the US Commerce Department's concerns, with some facing tariff rates as low as 2.26%. The move is seen as a positive development for Italian producers and US consumers, who were facing potential price increases.

A woman is believed to have been killed by a mountain lion in Colorado, USA. The incident occurred on a remote trail in the Crosier Mountain Trail area, north of Denver. A group of hikers found the woman's body and spotted a mountain lion nearby. They scared the lion off and reported the incident to the authorities. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials responded to the scene, euthanized two mountain lions, and are currently investigating the incident. This is the first reported fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado since 1999. The woman's identity has not been released, but her next of kin have been notified.

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring several others. The epicenter was near San Marcos in the state of Guerrero, close to the tourist town of Acapulco. The quake was felt over 250 miles away in Mexico City, causing widespread evacuations and some damage. Residents and tourists rushed into the streets as the shaking began. The earthquake resulted in landslides around Acapulco and on other highways in Guerrero. A 60-year-old man died in Mexico City after falling during evacuation, and a 50-year-old woman died in Guerrero when her home collapsed. President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada responded to the disaster, with Sheinbaum initially being told there was no serious damage reported. Mexico is prone to seismic activity due to its location between five tectonic plates.

Angelina Jolie visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing into Gaza, meeting with Palestinian refugees and aid workers. The purpose of her visit was to assess the humanitarian situation and aid deliveries into Gaza. She met with members of the Red Crescent and truck drivers ferrying aid into Gaza. The Rafah border crossing remains closed despite a ceasefire in effect since October. Egypt and other countries urged the international community to pressure Israel to lift constraints on essential supplies to Gaza. The visit comes amid a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with significant casualties and a looming crisis.

The French government has defended its decision to grant French citizenship to George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twins, despite criticism from a junior French minister and former US President Donald Trump. The government argued that the Clooneys contribute to France's international influence and cultural outreach, citing George Clooney's global movie star status and Amal Clooney's work with academic institutions and international organizations in France. The decision was announced in the Journal Officiel, where French government decrees are published. The Clooneys have strong ties to France, having purchased an estate in 2021, which they consider their primary residence.

Pope Leo XIV opened 2026 with a plea for peace, highlighting countries 'bloodied by conflict' and families affected by violence during his New Year's Day Mass and special noontime prayer. He referenced the church's World Day of Peace and his recent Christmas homily, where he condemned the devastation caused by wars and urged Russia and Ukraine to negotiate. The Pope is set to preside over a meeting with the College of Cardinals to seek their counsel on governing the Catholic Church.

An 18-year-old man, Christian Sturdivant, was arrested in North Carolina for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack on New Year's Eve. The suspect had been planning to attack a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in Mint Hill, near Charlotte, using knives and hammers. He was inspired by ISIS and had been in contact with an undercover FBI agent, pledging allegiance to the terrorist organization. The FBI had previously investigated Sturdivant in 2022 after he was in contact with an ISIS member online, but closed the case when he began receiving psychological treatment. The suspect was arrested on New Year's Eve and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, facing up to 20 years in prison.

The U.S. State Department has criticized China's recent military activities near Taiwan, stating that they 'increase tensions unnecessarily.' The activities, which included missile launches and the deployment of fighter jets, navy ships, and coastguard vessels, were part of a military exercise code-named 'Justice Mission 2025.' The U.S. has urged Beijing to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan. The tensions between China and Taiwan have been escalating since the Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan. China's actions have been condemned by Taipei as 'highly provocative.' The U.S. has maintained its commitment to ensuring Taiwan's self-defense, while remaining ambiguous about whether it would intervene militarily in the event of an invasion.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has received a wild-card entry to the 2026 Australian Open at the age of 45, making her the oldest woman to compete in the tournament's main draw. Williams last appeared in the Australian Open in 2021 and has a record of 54 wins and 21 losses at Melbourne Park. She has been on a comeback trail, winning a tour-level singles match in July 2025 and reaching the quarterfinals of the 2025 U.S. Open women's doubles tournament. Williams has also been entered to play in tournaments in Auckland and Hobart before the Australian Open.

A powerful storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to California, causing flooding in the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of the state. The storm coincided with exceptionally high tides, known as king tides, which made flooding worse in coastal areas. Forecasters warned of a risk of landslides in Southern California, where recent storms have saturated the landscape. The storm is expected to continue through the weekend, with heavy rain and wind gusts predicted for the Bay Area and other parts of the state.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, where recurring disasters have crippled livelihoods, forcing thousands of young climate migrants to leave their homes and families to work abroad, including in Singapore. The story follows Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who left his village in Gabura Union to work in a shipyard in Tuas, Singapore, to build a better future for himself and his family. The article highlights the devastating effects of climate change on Bangladesh, including rising sea levels, increased salinity, and frequent cyclones, which have destroyed homes, farms, and livelihoods, pushing millions to migrate. The government predicts that one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced due to climate change by 2050, with many flocking to cities or migrating abroad.

The article emphasizes the importance of strength training for overall health and well-being, citing its benefits such as increased longevity, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and better bone density. It suggests that incorporating strength training into one's New Year's resolutions can have a significant positive impact on one's life, particularly in performing everyday tasks with ease and confidence. The article highlights the value of strength training in boosting self-efficacy and motivation.

The Israeli government has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of anti-Semitism after he cancelled two executive orders issued by his predecessor that barred city agencies from boycotting Israel and defined some criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic. Mamdani did not directly address the accusation but stated that protecting Jewish New Yorkers would be a focus of his administration. The decision to cancel the executive orders was met with opposition from a coalition of major Jewish organisations, while some progressives celebrated the move, citing concerns over free speech.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called on Israel to reverse its decision to ban 37 foreign humanitarian organizations from operating in Gaza, citing concerns that the move will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ban, which includes organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, was imposed after the NGOs refused to share lists of their Palestinian employees with Israeli government officials. The decision has been denounced by several NGOs and Israel-based left-wing organizations, who argue that it contravenes international humanitarian law and undermines the principles of independence and neutrality.

A US appeals court has ruled that California's ban on openly carrying firearms in most parts of the state is unconstitutional. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals sided 2-1 with a gun owner, stating that the state's prohibition against open carry in counties with more than 200,000 people violated the US Constitution's Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The ruling was influenced by the US Supreme Court's 2022 landmark gun rights ruling, which established a new legal test for firearms restrictions.

The US Coast Guard has suspended its search for people who abandoned ship after US military strikes on alleged drug boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean earlier this week. The strikes, which took place on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of three people on one boat, while those on the other two boats abandoned ship. The Coast Guard coordinated over 65 hours of search efforts, but ultimately decided to suspend the search due to the low likelihood of survival. The US military has conducted strikes on suspected drug boats on Monday and Wednesday as well, resulting in at least 10 deaths and six boats sunk. The strikes are part of the Trump administration's campaign against alleged drug boats, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 115 crew members since September. Lawmakers are pressuring the administration for more information about the strikes.

The article discusses former national security official Miles Taylor's comments on President Donald Trump's threat to Iran, stating that Trump believes he doesn't need Congressional approval to strike Iran. Taylor's comments were made on CNN's NewsNight, where the panel debated the issue. Trump had previously sent a 'strong warning' to Iran, saying that the US would intervene if protesters were attacked.

Russia has filed a diplomatic request with the US State Department asking it to stop pursuing the oil tanker Bella 1, which was originally bound for Venezuela. The US Coast Guard has been chasing the vessel for nearly two weeks after it resisted seizure on December 21. The pursuit is part of a series of escalatory actions taken by the US against Venezuela and its leader, Nicolás Maduro. The US has also carried out military strikes against boats accused of trafficking drugs and has begun striking within Venezuela. Russia's request comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to end Moscow's war in Ukraine. The White House and State Department did not respond to requests for comment.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared publicly with his daughter, Ju Ae, during a New Year's Day visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a symbolic site honoring the country's founding leaders. The appearance has fueled speculation about Ju Ae's future role in the regime, with analysts suggesting she may be positioned as a potential successor to Kim Jong Un. Ju Ae has been featured more often in state media over the past three years, and her public appearances have sparked interest in her potential role in North Korea's leadership. The visit is part of a longstanding tradition in North Korea, where Kim visits the mausoleum on key dates and anniversaries to reinforce the legitimacy of the nuclear-armed country's dynastic heritage.

A violent altercation occurred at a McDonald's restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, when a customer launched a flying kick at an employee during a confrontation between workers and customers. The dispute, possibly stemming from a food order issue, escalated into a physical fight with both sides throwing objects at each other. McDonald's has expressed regret over the incident and is investigating.

Pope Leo XIV delivered a New Year's Day message on January 1, 2026, urging the world to reject violence and commit to reconciliation. Speaking to around 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome, the Pope emphasized that peace is a gift from God that requires personal conversion and daily choices. He acknowledged efforts to build peace worldwide and highlighted initiatives such as a national peace march in Catania, Italy, and the work of the Community of Sant'Egidio. The Pope also welcomed students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, and ended his address with a biblical blessing from St. Francis of Assisi, entrusting the new year to Mary, the Mother of God.

A New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort nightclub, Le Constellation, killed at least 40 people, highlighting the dangers of indoor fireworks in bars and nightclubs. The fire was likely caused by sparklers on champagne bottles that were taken too close to the ceiling, leading to a flashover incident. This incident is the latest in a series of deadly nightclub fires caused by fireworks, including recent examples in Goa, India, and North Macedonia. The article reviews several past incidents, including fires in Cameroon, Romania, Brazil, and the United States, where fireworks ignited flammable materials, resulting in significant loss of life. Experts emphasize the importance of trained staff directing people to exits during emergencies.

The article discusses how sanctions on Western wines have boosted the Russian wine industry, with local winemakers striving to produce high-quality vintages. The author visits a vineyard in Russia's Krasnodar region and conducts a blind taste test in Moscow to compare Russian and Western wines. While Russian wines have improved significantly, the taste test reveals that Western wines are still preferred by consumers.

Zohran Mamdani has been inaugurated as the new mayor of New York City, vowing to run the city 'expansively and audaciously' and promising not to 'hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers' lives'. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, became the city's first Muslim mayor and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. He was sworn in at a midnight ceremony and later at a grander inauguration ceremony at City Hall by Senator Bernie Sanders. Mamdani's administration is expected to focus on tackling the cost of living, implementing rent freezes, and making buses free.

The article discusses the growing trend of 'Chinese peptides' in Silicon Valley's tech community. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that regulate hormones and reduce inflammation. While some peptides have been approved for weight loss, others are unproven and unregulated, and are being used by techies for various purposes, including weight loss, productivity, and fitness. The FDA has warned about the serious safety risks of using unapproved peptides, but the tech community is drawn to their potential for self-optimization. The article highlights the gray market for peptides, with suppliers selling them online and at events, and notes that the trend is driven by the tech community's willingness to take risks.

Stephen Schwartz, the composer of 'Wicked,' has announced that he will no longer host a gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts due to changes at the arts center under the Trump administration. Schwartz cited the center's loss of apolitical status and the addition of Trump's name to the building as reasons for his decision. The Kennedy Center has disputed Schwartz's claims, stating that he was never confirmed or contracted to host the gala. The controversy is part of a larger backlash against the Kennedy Center, with several other artists canceling events in protest.

The article reports that President Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., raised over $100 million in the second half of 2025, with significant donations from wealthy individuals and corporations with interests before the administration. The biggest donors include Greg Brockman, co-founder of OpenAI, and Crypto.com, a cryptocurrency trading platform. The article suggests that these donors have benefited from Trump's actions and policies, and that the fundraising efforts may be siphoning money from party campaign spending vehicles.

US President Donald Trump has blocked the acquisition of Emcore's assets by HieFo Corp, a US photonics firm, citing national security and China-related concerns. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States identified a national security risk in its investigation of the deal. Trump ordered HieFo to divest its interests in Emcore's assets within 180 days. The decision was made despite Emcore stating that HieFo bought its chips business and indium-phosphide wafer-fabrication operations for $2.92 million.