Latest Breaking News
Deadly Fire at Swiss Ski Resort Bar Kills Around 40 on New Year's Day
A massive blaze tore through a bar at a Swiss ski resort in Crown Montana around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, killing approximately 40 people and injuring over 115 others during New Year's festivities. Authorities are working to identify victims and determine the cause, with Prosecutor General Beatrice Pelu stating circumstances are still under investigation.
Swiss police confirmed the high casualty toll in initial reports.
Russia Claims Record 4,300 Ukrainian Drones Downed in December
Moscow reports downing a record 4,300 Ukrainian drones in December 2025, highlighting intensified aerial warfare. Kyiv officials vow to expand Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities in response.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Iranian Protests Surge Beyond Economy, Students Demand Regime Change
Protests in Iran have expanded from economic grievances to calls for freedom and an end to the Islamic Republic, with chants of 'death to Islamic Republic'. Student-led demonstrations took to the streets on December 30, 2025, signaling deepening unrest.
The movement challenges the regime's authority amid broader discontent.
Flash Floods in Afghanistan Kill at Least 17 After Heavy Rains
Season's first heavy rains and snowfall ended a dry spell but triggered flash floods, killing 17 and injuring 11 others, per Afghanistan's disaster agency. The floods struck on January 1, 2026, causing widespread damage.
Recovery efforts are underway in affected areas.
Pakistan Records Deadliest Year in Decade with 74% Surge in Combat Deaths
An independent think tank reports 2025 as Pakistan's deadliest year in over a decade, with combat-related deaths rising 74%. The surge underscores escalating violence across the country.
Details on specific incidents were highlighted in the January 1 analysis.
Pope Leo XIV Opens 2026 with Plea for Peace in War-Torn Nations
Pope Leo XIV urged peace in countries ravaged by war and families affected by violence in his New Year's message on January 1, 2026. The plea addresses global conflicts and domestic strife.
It sets a tone for the Vatican's 2026 priorities.
US Strikes Three Narco-Terrorist Vessels, Launches Survivor Rescue
U.S. Southern Command targeted three vessels in a convoy in international waters, forcing narco-terrorists to jump overboard; now conducting search-and-rescue for survivors. The operation occurred on January 1, 2026.
It aims to disrupt drug trafficking networks.
Turkmenistan Legalizes Crypto Mining and Exchanges in Economic Shift
The isolated nation of Turkmenistan has legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges, a major policy change for its controlled economy on January 1, 2026. This opens doors to digital assets in one of the world's most closed countries.
Implications for global crypto adoption are emerging.
Brazil's Bolsonaro Released from Hospital, Returns to Jail After Surgery
Former President Jair Bolsonaro left a Brasilia hospital on January 1, 2026, a week after double hernia surgery, and returned to jail in the capital. The update came hours ago amid his legal battles.
Health recovery details were not specified.
Thailand Repatriates 18 Cambodian Prisoners of War Under Ceasefire
Thailand released and returned 18 Cambodian prisoners of war as part of a ceasefire agreement, announced around December 31, 2025. This gesture aims to ease regional tensions.
Further diplomatic steps are anticipated.
Global New Year's 2026 Celebrations Amid Weather and Festivities
Countries worldwide rang in 2026 with parties, though some faced wicked weather; highlights include global fireworks and events reported on January 1. ABC News covered key moments from the celebrations.
Resilience shown despite challenges like fires and storms.