A 14-year-old Bronx boy died after being stabbed, New York’s congestion pricing begins Sunday and hate groups have used social media to recruit children into their ideologies, according to an investigation by CBS News.

Watching the big ball descend in Times Square has become an annual New Year’s Eve tradition for nearly 100 years, and NPR reporters examine this timeless celebration.

1. President-elect Trump’s sentencing

After months of legal maneuvering and legal maneuvers, President-elect Donald Trump will finally receive his sentence in a Manhattan courtroom on November 9th. It could result in his unconditional discharge for his conviction on 34 felony charges related to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels as part of hush money payments.

Trump’s lawyers had been fighting to delay sentencing proceedings by citing presidential immunity as justification, but on Thursday the Supreme Court issued its ruling and upheld their opposition.

2. California fires

Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, killing 11 people and burning thousands of structures. The Palisades Fire has spread into wealthy areas like Brentwood while the Eaton fire continues its rampage through Altadena.

Scholars offer insights into the causes and consequences of historical fires. Though lightning has been disproven as the source, its source remains undetermined.

Fires have had devastating immediate repercussions, as well as contributing to climate change which will likely increase wildfires further down the line. To aid with recovery efforts for affected communities and ensure they get assistance for long-term recovery efforts. The California Fire Foundation provides long-term assistance.

3. New York stabbing

New Year’s Day morning got off to an unnerved start in Manhattan when two stabbing incidents took place on subway platforms. A 31-year-old was stabbed multiple times at 110th Street-Cathedral Parkway Station along the northbound 2 train platform.

Jamar Banks, 52, was swiftly apprehended shortly after the attack – his arrest being one in a string of disturbing events since 2020 which have captured headlines.

4. Los Angeles wildfires

Los Angeles fires have become one of the deadliest natural disasters ever in US history, destroying homes and even leading to some deaths.

Palisades and Eaton fires have caused widespread evacuations, devastating beautiful suburbs popular with Hollywood stars. Homes, schools and a community center were destroyed.

Current wind conditions allow firefighters to utilize aircraft for water and fire retardant drops, but conditions are expected to worsen by Saturday – slowing the pace of firefighting while compounding damage.

5. Congestion pricing

Reports indicate the effect of congestion pricing is still too soon to assess, but initial observations show traffic has become lighter on bridges and tunnels that lead into Manhattan, while bus services have become more regular.

Concerns arise that this policy could harm low-income residents, especially those without cars; car-owning households tend to make twice as much than noncar-owning ones.

An incoming governor with conservative views might try to dismantle the plan by withdrawing federal approval, though that move could face legal complications.

6. New Orleans safety barriers

Archer barriers installed by the city on Bourbon Street are portable, reusable and can deflect trucks that may be heading toward pedestrian areas. Meridian Rapid Defense Group manufactured and sold them worldwide as protection measures against such danger.

New Orleans does own other permanent barriers which could have provided access control on its tourist strip; however, at the time of this attack these were under repair and could not have stopped entry. Councilmember Jean Paul Morrell states he will conduct an investigation as to why these devices weren’t operational.

7. Abortion bans

CAP’s recent issue brief explores the effects of abortion bans, which impose political decisions rather than medical ones and undermine patient-provider relationships. Such bans wreak health, financial and emotional havoc for marginalized communities – inflicting health, financial and emotional hardship on many people as a result.

Many states have passed laws restricting abortion up to the point of viability or beyond, which conflict with EMTALA and are currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, gestational restrictions can hinder care for people experiencing miscarriage and stillbirth.

8. Jimmy Carter’s funeral

Funeral services for Carter took place Thursday at Maranatha Baptist Church, where both he and Rosalynn taught Sunday school for many years. This service concluded six days of national rites held throughout Plains where Carter lived his entire life before passing away on Tuesday at age 95.

Joe Biden delivered the eulogy. 92-year-old Andrew Young also attended and lauded Carter for his efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease as well as aid others.