1. Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor, capping historic rise
On Thursday, just after midnight, Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as mayor of New York City in a modest private ceremony held in a historic decommissioned subway station under City Hall. The oath was administered by New York state Attorney General Letitia James.
"Congratulations, Mr. Mayor," she said, to cheers.
2. For Some Asian Americans, There’s No Such Thing As a Casual Drink
After a night of partying, new year reveler, oh, you know it well. For many Asian Americans, a single cocktail -- or hell, a sip of wine -- can cause their faces to turn red. Known as the "Asian glow" or the "Asian flush," the condition can stir up mixed emotions. Here is the paper of record's perennial journalism on said condition.
3. The ABBA song that’s huge in Vietnam at year's end
While it's far from one of the Swedish pop supergroup's well-known hits, ABBA's "Happy New Year" has a poignant, unexpected popularity in Vietnam, becoming a sort of traditional new year song in its own right.
4. K-Pop Group NewJeans Faces New Uncertainty After Member Is Dropped
You don't understand how bummed I am to hear that ADOR has dropped Danielle from the five-person lineup of NewJeans -- the latest flashpoint in the more than year-long legal battle between the label and the band. My favorite Kpop group! [Shakes fist.] Look, if you know, you know. But I just someone had given these gals some good advice early on. This is why we can't have nice things.
5. Angry New Year!
Use the code NEWYEAR26 for 26% off all "Stay Angry" shirt orders. Good through January 5, 2026.