UK - The Independent

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1. Happy New Year! UK ushers in 2026 with spectacular fireworks display in London

   Britain rings in 2026 with big celebrations in London and Edinburgh

2. Zohran Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s first Muslim, South Asian and African-born mayor

   Mamdani, a democratic socialist, claimed an unlikely win in New York City’s mayoral race on a campaign promising a rent freeze and universal childcare

3. Run Away review – James Nesbitt brings much-needed heft to this Harlan Coben hokum

   The ‘Cold Feet’ star adds gravitas to another ‘never-mind-the-mystery, get-a-look-at-that-kitchen’ drama, in this pulpy adaptation from the bestselling thriller writer

4. ‘Even he was surprised by some of the stories’: The making of David Attenborough’s Wild London

   The 99-year-old naturalist explores his hometown of London in a one-off New Year’s Day special on BBC One. Louis Chilton speaks to some of the people behind this remarkable glimpse into the city’s hidden ecosystems

5. Magaluf is quietly becoming Spain’s most cultural getaway

   The party destination is shedding its hedonistic image for something more refined, discovers Hannah Williams

6. Voices: How do I stick to my new year’s resolutions without feeling like a failure?

   The Independent’s agony aunt Victoria Richards is here to help. Email dearvix@independent.co.uk for advice on love, work, family and relationships

7. The one simple change that made my life better

   Though the term ‘New Year’s Resolution’ rubs some people up the wrong way, making simple adjustments that stick can actually unlock a happier, healthier you. Helen Coffey rounds up the most effective hacks the ‘Independent’s’ features have done that have lasted all year

8. Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky says peace ‘10% away’ but won’t sign ‘weak’ deal in New Year address

   Kyiv is discussing the possibility of hosting US troops as part of peace talks with US president Donald Trump.

9. Sydney welcomes 2026 with spectacular fireworks display as world rings in new year

   An hour before midnight, the victims of the Bondi Beach attack – during which 15 were killed and 40 injured – were commemorated with a minute of silence

10. Volunteer in Iran's Revolutionary Guard reportedly killed during widening protests

    Authorities in Iran say a volunteer member of the Revolutionary Guard has been killed during protests over the country's struggling economy