About 40 people are feared dead and roughly 100 injured after a fire erupted early New Year’s Day at a bar in Switzerland. Many victims, aged 16 to 26, were tourists from several countries. Smoke was first seen around 1:30 a.m., witnesses said. Emergency crews sent 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances. Authorities ruled out terrorism but have not confirmed the cause. (Story URL)
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City’s 112th mayor yesterday on the steps of City Hall before thousands of supporters. In a 25‑minute address, Mamdani pledged to “return the vast resources of this city to the workers who call it home.” He vowed to expand universal child care funded by “taxing the wealthiest few” and to make city buses “fast and free.” (Story URL)
U.S. stocks ended 2025 with solid double-digit growth, overcoming erratic tariffs, an extended government shutdown, and concerns about an artificial intelligence bubble. The S&P 500 rose 16% for the year, the Nasdaq gained 19%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 13%. Each index reached record highs before dipping slightly in the final trading session. (Story URL)
The Department Of The Interior has ended its lease with the National Links Trust, which manages three Washington, D.C., public golf courses owned by the National Park Service. The agency sent a letter Tuesday citing NLT’s failure to complete required improvements and provide a plan to address alleged lease defaults. The group said it was “devastated” by the decision. (Story URL)
Workers across 19 states received pay raises Thursday as new minimum wage laws took effect. Over 8.3 million workers will benefit from these increases, adding an estimated $5 billion in nationwide earnings. Hawaii saw the biggest boost, with wages jumping from $14 to $16. Other states implementing increases include Arizona, California, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York. (Story URL)