Good morning, everyone. Millions will ring in 2026 tonight watching the Times Square ball drop. Here’s the history behind the tradition. Now, on to the news.
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NEED TO KNOW
Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
On the last day of the year, we’re looking back at an eventful 2025 and ahead to a (hopefully) more peaceful 2026. Here’s what stands out.
In news: Donald Trump, the 45th U.S. president, returned as the 47th; the first American pope was anointed; and long-awaited deals brought an end to the war in Gaza and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. We also said farewell to several greats. Revisit 2025’s biggest headlines. [BBC News/CBS News]
In culture: The year’s top moments included Sydney Sweeney’s controversial jeans ad, Sabrina Carpenter’s “anti-feminist” album cover and KPop Demon Hunters’ breakout success. Online, tongues couldn’t stop wagging about the absurdity of 6-7 and the Louvre heist. Look back at other viral moments. [Yahoo Entertainment/Yahoo News]
In 2026: You can count on a lot of feel-good moments in 2026, including more for Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Charli xcx fans, and the Winter Olympics. And save the date: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher” are getting married, allegedly on June 13. Here’s more to look forward to. [Yahoo News]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Tatiana Schlossberg speaks during the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony in 2023. | Steven Senne/AP
JFK’s granddaughter dies
Tatiana Schlossberg, a journalist and the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has died at 35. Schlossberg, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2024, wrote movingly about the “tragedy” of her prognosis last month. [AP]
Flu, measles cases spike
New CDC figures show that flu cases have risen sharply across the U.S., with at least 7.5 million illnesses and 3,100 deaths so far this season. The country has also surpassed 2,000 measles cases for the first time in over 30 years, affecting people in 43 states. [ABC News]
Minn. child care payments paused
The Trump administration said it froze all child care payments to Minnesota as federal agencies probe day care centers accused of fraud in a viral video. “Funds will be released only when states prove they are being spent legitimately,” a health official said. [CNN]
Search for MH370 resumes
The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was scheduled to resume yesterday, nearly 12 years after it vanished over the Indian Ocean with 239 people on board. Here’s how investigators narrowed the search area and are using new technology to solve the mystery. [CBS News]
Stefon Diggs charged
New England Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs was charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with a dispute involving his personal chef and unpaid wages. Diggs has denied the allegations. [Yahoo Sports]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
Netflix
Now streaming
The two-hour finale of Stranger Things, which brings the fifth and final season of the series to a close, is on Netflix. Watch the trailer. It’s also playing on the big screen for just over a day. [Variety/Deadline]
On the court
The Nuggets face the Raptors without star center, Nikola Jokić, who suffered a knee injury on Monday and will be out for at least four weeks. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. [AP]
On TV
For those staying in tonight, there are plenty of great New Year’s Eve TV specials to choose from. I like the look of New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which will feature some of country music’s hottest stars. It starts at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. [CNN]
And don’t forget to…
Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In 1970, Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit to dissolve the Beatles, legally marking the end of the most influential band in history. It was a painful period, he wrote in his new memoir: “‘Would I ever be able to move on from what had been an amazing decade?’ I thought. ‘Would I be able to surmount the crises that seemed to be exploding daily?’” [Parade]
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Julius Campbell
At 100, Julius Campbell, a crossing guard, preacher and World War II veteran in Milwaukee, has no plans to retire. In fact, he’s adding more goals to the list. “I don’t want to miss that love and connection to this wonderful community,” he said. Read about his incredible life. [People]
💡 P.S. Your daily advice: Whatever your goals are for 2026, experts say to start small and accept that some things may not go according to plan. “There are going to be uncontrollable things,” one said. [AP]
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