AnewZ Morning Brief - 2 January, 2026

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Deadly New Year’s Eve fire hits Swiss ski resort

At least 47 people were killed and more than 110 injured after a fire tore through a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The blaze broke out just after midnight at Le Constellation, triggering panic among revellers. Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation, ruled out terrorism and warned the death toll may rise as victims are identified, with several European countries taking in injured survivors.

Deadly unrest erupts as Iran’s protests turn violent

Several people have been killed as nationwide protests in Iran over a collapsing currency and soaring prices escalated into violence across multiple provinces. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces were reported in western and central regions, with authorities and rights groups giving conflicting accounts of the deaths. The unrest, fuelled by inflation above 40% and the rial’s sharp fall, poses a growing challenge to Tehran despite government pledges of dialogue.

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s mayor

Zohran Mamdani has officially taken office as New York City’s mayor following a public swearing-in ceremony at City Hall, becoming the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor and its first immigrant leader in decades. The 34-year-old democratic socialist pledged to tackle cost-of-living pressures, outlining priorities such as universal childcare, rent stabilisation and expanded public transport, as progressive leaders hailed his election as a historic shift for the city.

Venezuela frees more election detainees amid U.S. pressure

Venezuela has released 88 more people detained after protests over last year’s presidential election, marking the second mass release in two weeks as pressure mounts from Washington. The government says at least 187 detainees have now been freed, though rights groups dispute the figures and estimate around 900 political prisoners remain in custody, a claim Caracas denies.

Russia and Ukraine trade civilian attack claims in New Year strikes

Russia and Ukraine accused each other of targeting civilians during New Year attacks, with Moscow reporting at least 24 deaths from a Ukrainian drone strike in Russian-controlled Kherson, while Kyiv said Russia launched more than 200 drones overnight, hitting energy infrastructure across seven regions. The renewed fighting comes as U.S.-led efforts intensify to push both sides toward ending the nearly four-year war.

Tags

News Politics Morning Brief