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Firelines, Frontlines and Neon Signs Verse From Tehran to Mashhad and Yazd, the streets refuse to sleep, The web cut down to whispers, but the chanting runs so deep. A judge names faith as felony, the gallows in his tone, An exiled voice says take the squares, starve engines to the bone. Across the sea a warning growls, more thunder in the air, Children in the crossfire, candles trembling everywhere. Sources: Iranian protests continue despite lethal force from authorities Violent crackdown in Iran as Trump warns regime Iran protests rage for another night as deaths mount The latest on the anti-regime protests intensifying in Iran Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the smoke and the wire, Through borders of iron and rivers of fire. If the night throws stones, let our songs throw light— We are small flames learning to burn bright. Verse A newborn weapon takes the sky and arcs toward Lviv, A word like Oreshnik, and the boast no shield can thieve. A winter town goes dark again, the wind becomes a blade, They call it payback for a strike the others say they never made. From Brussels comes a warning bell to Washington and Rome, When thunder kisses nearest lines, all neighbors feel it in their bones. Sources: What is the Oreshnik missile, fired by Russia into Ukraine? Russia attacks Ukraine with new Oreshnik ballistic missile Russia hits Ukraine with Oreshnik hypersonic missile: Why it matters Ukraine: Massive overnight attack leaves millions in the dark Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the smoke and the wire, Through borders of iron and rivers of fire. If the night throws stones, let our songs throw light— We are small flames learning to burn bright. Verse In Victoria the sirens wail, a blackened noon at dawn, Longwood’s roaring dragon runs and swallows hill and lawn. “The worst is worst,” the fire chief says, “catastrophic” in his breath, Weeks of ash and ember rain, the countryside in death. Across the range the warnings glow, the grid goes cold and bare, And every hose and heartbeat fights the furnace in the air. Sources: Australia Bushfires to Burn Out of Control for Weeks, Authorities Say Australia's Victoria Calls State of Disaster as Fires Rage Wildfires spread across southeast Australia Australia declares state of disaster as bushfires rage Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the smoke and the wire, Through borders of iron and rivers of fire. If the night throws stones, let our songs throw light— We are small flames learning to burn bright. Verse An island made of ice and rock hears talk of easy, hard, A promise to “do something” lands like steel upon the yard. But leaders there say loud and clear, “we’re Greenlanders, not yours,” And Denmark says an armed demand would crack the oldest oaths. So diplomats take careful steps on snow that groans and sings, Where one wrong move can break the bridge between a thousand wings. Sources: US will take Greenland the 'hard way' if it can't do it the 'easy way,' Trump says Trump says U.S. will 'do something on Greenland whether they like it or not' Greenland's party leaders firmly reject Trump's push for US control of the island Trump threatens to take Greenland 'the hard way', citing Arctic strategy Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the smoke and the wire, Through borders of iron and rivers of fire. If the night throws stones, let our songs throw light— We are small flames learning to burn bright. Verse Along the coast an old scar burns as memory takes its day, Palisades and Eaton names still echo through the gray. Flags dip low and pockets lift a lifeline to the lost, A promise carved in policy to share the mounting cost. New lines around the homesteads mark the space the flames once owned, Clear the ring and guard the wall, so embers meet a stone. Sources: One year after Los Angeles firestorms, California continues recovery efforts Governor Newsom proclaims January 7th as day of remembrance for Los Angeles fires A Year After 2025's Devastating Wildfires, Help Continues for Los Angeles Communities Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the smoke and the wire, Through borders of iron and rivers of fire. If the night throws stones, let our songs throw light— We are small flames learning to burn bright. Verse In Vegas under neon skies, the future folds with grace, A screen with no more wrinkle draws a gasp across the place. Chip kings forge an iron pact to teach the mills to dream, New cores hum, old names return, the fabs run hot with steam. A stair-climbing cleaning bird taps rhythms on the risers, A canvas-making TV whispers art like gentle advisors— But under all the shining gloss, a quiet question rings: If every badge says “AI now,” which one truly sings? Sources: The coolest technology from Day 2 of CES 2026 CES 2026 LIVE — all the best new gadgets announced so far The 11 biggest tech trends of 2026, according to CES 2026 Final Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the smoke and the wire, Through borders of iron and rivers of fire. If the night throws stones, let our songs throw light— We are small flames learning to burn bright. Tag Raise it higher—over sirens, over steel— Let the chorus be the shield, let the truth be what we feel. Raise it higher—through the ash, through the neon signs— Until hope breaks like morning across our fault lines.

Sirens and Circuits Verse 1 Night over Lviv, Oreshnik split the sky, Aimed at the wires and water by the border line. Sirens over Kyiv, a medic fell between the cries, A Qatari flag scarred by a double strike. Moscow says it’s payback for a drone over the ruler’s roof, Kyiv and Washington say that story isn’t true. Kaja Kallas called it a warning to Westward eyes, And Ukraine rang the councils at the UN and NATO lines. Sources: Russia uses its new Oreshnik missile in a big attack on Ukraine and a warning to West Russia attacks Ukraine with new Oreshnik ballistic missile Russia uses advanced hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile to strike Ukraine Russia fires Oreshnik hypersonic missile, with attacks on Ukraine killing at least 4 Chorus Sirens and circuits, smoke and neon light, Deals inked at daybreak, ceasefires in the night. Prison doors open, robots learn to rise, Hold on to each other till the morning gets it right. Sirens and circuits, we bend and we fight, Between broken and becoming, keep a candle in the wire. Verse 2 Aleppo breathes a brittle ceasefire after fiercest days, Kurdish-led fighters and the army traded maze for maze. An order to leave by dawn was called a surrendered tune, Ashrafieh fell as Turkish drones buzzed low like moons. An old promise to join the state unraveled into flame, A U.S. envoy blessed the pause, trying to lengthen the frame. But the truce felt thin as thread on a war-torn loom, Sheikh Maqsoud named a closed and haunted room. Sources: Syrian army declares ceasefire in Aleppo after heavy clashes with SDF Syria's Defense Ministry announces ceasefire in Aleppo after days of clashes with Kurdish fighters Syria's govt announces ceasefire in Aleppo after deadly clashes Syria: Aleppo fighting leaves civilians dead, displaces thousands Chorus Sirens and circuits, smoke and neon light, Deals inked at daybreak, ceasefires in the night. Prison doors open, robots learn to rise, Hold on to each other till the morning gets it right. Sirens and circuits, we bend and we fight, Between broken and becoming, keep a candle in the wire. Verse 3 Down in Caracas, after Maduro’s capture shook the land, Jorge Rodríguez said peace and opened holding hands. Pilieri, Márquez stepped into the light, Rocío San Miguel and Spaniards reclaimed the night. Cells across the country counted breaths and names, A claim from Trump of asking, leverage in the frame, The White House said pressure can serve both shores, When a locked nation listens, someone opens doors. Sources: Venezuela releases imprisoned political figures, which Trump says U.S. requested Venezuela releases first prisoners in 'peace' gesture: Here's what to know Venezuela says it is releasing an 'important number' of political prisoners Venezuela releases imprisoned political figures in Trump-approved move Verse 4 After long, long winters of talking without end, Europe nodded to Mercosur, made a bigger blend. Most flags rose in favor, a few held the line— France, Ireland, Poland, Austria, Hungary declined. Belgium stood aside while tariffs learned to fall, Ursula said it’s strength in a hard, transactional sprawl. Macron called it a relic that could cut the farm, Parliament still to answer, pens warm in Paraguay’s arm. Sources: EU member states back Mercosur trade deal EU states' nod on Mercosur trade deal ends 25-year wait EU-Mercosur: Council greenlights signature of the comprehensive partnership and trade agreement EU governments approve landmark Mercosur trade deal Chorus Sirens and circuits, smoke and neon light, Deals inked at daybreak, ceasefires in the night. Prison doors open, robots learn to rise, Hold on to each other till the morning gets it right. Sirens and circuits, we bend and we fight, Between broken and becoming, keep a candle in the wire. Verse 5 In the south of Yemen, a banner came down slow, The STC said it’s over, out of places left to go. Al‑Zubaidi fled to shelter, charged with treason by the throne, Government troops with Saudi winds retook the stones. Seiyun, Mukalla, Aden echoed boots and dust, A secretary closed the offices, said the cause had lost its trust. Khalid bin Salman spoke of a path the kingdom tends, But Tamimi raised a palm—this may not be the end. Sources: Southern Yemen separatist group says it will dissolve after its head fled to the UAE Yemen's Southern Transitional Council says it will dissolve after its head fled to UAE 2025 Southern Yemen offensive (Wikipedia) Yemen's Southern Transitional Council says it will dissolve after its head fled to UAE Verse 6 Under Vegas ceilings, the future hummed awake, Jensen Huang named a next wave chips will take. Alpamayo on open roads, cars teaching street to steel, Pulsar screens that steady storms, DLSS learning feel. Siemens shook hands with Nvidia for factories that think, Atlas walked the stage in balanced metal ink. Uber called a driverless ride with Lucid, Nuro’s tune, A tri-fold phone unfolded, a twin‑screen rig sang soon. XPS returned in chrome, a vacuum climbed the stairs, AMD and Intel sparred, and the state bought market shares. Sources: CES 2026: Everything revealed, from Nvidia's debuts to AMD's new chips to Razer's AI oddities The coolest technology from Day 2 of CES 2026 CES 2026 Day 1: The biggest tech news and gadgets you missed CES 2026 LIVE — all the best new gadgets announced so far Final Chorus Sirens and circuits, smoke and neon light, Deals inked at daybreak, ceasefires in the night. Prison doors open, robots learn to rise, Hold on to each other till the morning gets it right. Exciting Ending Raise up your phones, your flags, your weary eyes, Let councils meet, let fields be fed, let empires compromise. From border storms to bright show floors, From locked cell keys to unlocked doors— Turn down the war drums, turn up the choir, Let human hands be the code in the wire. Sirens and circuits, we won’t tire— Keep the candle, keep the fire.

Front Pages and Footprints in the Snow Verse 1 They called it Absolute Resolve, a cloud of wings at night, Through Caracas streets they moved, out of sight. A president and his wife flown to New York light, He swore he wasn’t guilty of powder and terror’s bite. Bodies counted, even soldiers from Havana’s side, The Council at the UN split on Charter and pride, And Delcy Rodríguez took the oath at dawn to guide. Sources: Trump says U.S. is 'in charge' of Venezuela, Maduro jailed in New York after U.S. military operation The US capture of Nicolás Maduro - House of Commons Library Maduro Captured: What Comes Next for Venezuela? | CSIS Venezuela says 100 killed in U.S. military operation that captured Maduro - CNBC Maduro seized, norms tested: Security Council divided - UN News Chorus Oh world, you’re burning and you’re frozen, You’re a courtroom and a street. We keep singing through the shutdown, Through the thunder of a fleet. Raise your hands above the noise now, Let the commons claim the stage. We are ink on moving water, Turning fear into a brave new page. Verse 2 From bread lines to freedom cries, the squares filled up with song, In Tehran and beyond, the marches stretched long. Screens went dark as the blackout swallowed the sky, Strangers crossed a border in borrowed uniforms to quiet the cry. Children among the fallen, a judge with iron tongue, And Trump warned from afar as the grief stayed young. Sources: What to Know About Iran's Protests - TIME Iran experiencing nationwide internet blackout - Al Jazeera Mass protests erupt in Iran's capital - Euronews Iran protests continue as top judge warns 'rioters' - Al Jazeera Iran Uprising Day 12: Revolution Intensifies - NCRI Verse 3 The gaze swung north to ice where a green land grows, Trump talked of flags and lines where cold seas close. Denmark’s leader answered, touch an ally and it ends all, Paris and Berlin planned, ready for the call. Old party lions like McConnell broke from the drumbeat’s tone, Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress isn’t marching alone, Yet whispers from the White House kept the sword near the throne. Sources: Trump's team races to come up with a Greenland takeover plan - CNBC Denmark's prime minister says 'stop the threats' - NPR Republicans Break Ranks With Trump Over Greenland Threats - TIME Analysis: Trump wants to take Greenland because it's there - CNN Greenland allies vow action if Trump moves to seize island - Al Jazeera Chorus Oh world, you’re burning and you’re frozen, You’re a courtroom and a street. We keep singing through the shutdown, Through the thunder of a fleet. Raise your hands above the noise now, Let the commons claim the stage. We are ink on moving water, Turning fear into a brave new page. Verse 4 Out west, Los Angeles brushed ash from its sleeve, A day of remembrance, flags bowed to grieve. Rebuilding crawled like traffic in a choking haze, Some hearts failed later from the smoke of those days. Courts filled with filings against wires and wheels, Governor Newsom asked Washington for help that heals. Sources: One Year Later: Recovery, Resilience and Lessons Learned - LA County One year after Los Angeles firestorms - Governor of California LA Fires Recovery Is a Battleground For Billions - Bloomberg One year into an uneven recovery - NPR A Year After 2025's Devastating Wildfires - American Red Cross Verse 5 A saintly name on a storm took a hard turn east, Airfields slept under blankets, travelers on floors for a feast of least. Tracks froze between old capitals, lights blinking low, The air bit deeper than memory, and the cold said it would not go. On boulevards and backroads, loss walked soft and slow. Sources: At least six dead as cold snap grips Europe - Euronews Travel chaos across Europe as Storm Goretti brings heavy snowfall - Euronews Snow and ice ground flights and choke highways in parts of Europe - NPR Arctic Blast Triggers Alerts and Disruptions Across Europe - Bloomberg Chorus Oh world, you’re burning and you’re frozen, You’re a courtroom and a street. We keep singing through the shutdown, Through the thunder of a fleet. Raise your hands above the noise now, Let the commons claim the stage. We are ink on moving water, Turning fear into a brave new page. Verse 6 On the Danube’s road to the sea, coins changed their face, The lev bowed out, the euro took its place. Lagarde said welcome, the circle opened wide, A banker found a new chair where the central steeples rise. The market hummed with cheers and worried talk, Grocers’ chalk climbed faster than comfort’s walk, The family of a common coin took another step along the block. Sources: Bulgaria switches to the euro amid mixed reactions - Euronews Bulgaria introduces the euro - European Central Bank Bulgaria adopts euro amid celebration and anxiety - Al Jazeera Bulgaria joins eurozone from 1 January - EU Reporter Final Chorus Oh world, you’re burning and you’re frozen, You’re a courtroom and a street. We keep singing through the shutdown, Through the thunder of a fleet. Raise your hands above the noise now, Let the commons claim the stage. We are ink on moving water, Turning fear into a brave new page. Outro Bang the pots, light the windows, let the dark unspool, Melt the ice with marching feet, make the fire cool. From Caracas to Copenhagen, let the bright wind blow— We’ll write tomorrow’s headline with the footprints in the snow.

Ships, Fever, Frontiers, and Vows Verse 1 Cold spray on the North Atlantic, a steel hull under a foreign flag, Boarded in the dark for broken lines and sanction-tagged. Back home a promise poured from wells the south has known, Oil giants summoned to a room where deals are grown. And in a New York courtroom, a captured name pleads clean, While headlines braid the tanker, the trial, the gasoline. Sources: US seizes Venezuela-linked Russian oil tanker Trump says US to get 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela US begins operation to seize Venezuela-linked oil tanker U.S. intercepts Russian-flagged tanker that fled Venezuela blockade Chorus Hold on, the world is turning faster than our maps allow, Between the drums of power and the whisper of a vow. We’re drawing lines on water, we’re healing where we can, Hold on to each other, hold leaders to the plan. Verse 2 Waiting rooms are crowded, the cough is in the air, A fresh-born strain called subclade K slips past our usual care. The shots for kids got lifted from the list that used to guide, And doctors say the crest will come like one more heavy tide. It’s the worst we’ve felt in ages, with little ones in pain, We light a candle in the window for the fever’s fading rain. Sources: What are flu rates in your state? Cases surge in 45 states, breaking records Flu reaches highest levels in the US in 25 years Flu-like illness activity now at highest rate on record, new CDC data shows Flu season 2026: Welcome to the winter of subclade K Chorus Hold on, the world is turning faster than our maps allow, Between the drums of power and the whisper of a vow. We’re drawing lines on water, we’re healing where we can, Hold on to each other, hold leaders to the plan. Verse 3 A palace dream of Greenland, talk of force to stake a claim, An aide says no one’s fighting us, like war could be a game. A senator throws breakers down to bar the marching boots, A northern prime minister warns it’s breaking old-time roots. From Paris to Madrid, from London’s stiffened spine, They answer: sovereignty is not a thing you buy or mine. Sources: Trump weighs using U.S. military to acquire Greenland: White House Ukraine allies agree to security guarantees in peace plan Verse 4 A tender clears a roadway where the hillside meets the sky, Between Jerusalem’s long shadows and a city built nearby. Critics say it cinches tight the land at narrow waist, A minister calls the coffin nails on any twin-state taste. The world calls it illegal; for years it stood on ice, Now thawed beneath new weather, it cuts like border’s knife. Sources: Israel clears final hurdle to start settlement construction that would cut the West Bank in two Israel approves E1 settlement, dealing 'decisive blow' to two-state solution Early Edition: January 7, 2026 Chorus Hold on, the world is turning faster than our maps allow, Between the drums of power and the whisper of a vow. We’re drawing lines on water, we’re healing where we can, Hold on to each other, hold leaders to the plan. Verse 5 A western court in cowboy dust drew rights across the page, Struck down bans and pills outlawed in a younger, harsher age. Said health is yours to carry, your decision, not the state’s, The clinic lights stay burning for the neighbors at the gates. A governor calls the voters to rewrite what was sworn, But tonight someone’s breathing easier where a choice was born. Sources: Abortion stays legal in Wyoming as its top court strikes down laws, including first US pill ban Wyoming Supreme Court protects abortion access Abortion remains legal in Wyoming after state's Supreme Court throws out bans Abortion-pill ban is unconstitutional, Wyoming's top court rules Verse 6 In Paris under winter clouds, the allies wrote a line, To guard a battered country if the guns agree to pine. France and Britain promise boots when silence fills the field, America backs a watch that keeps the fragile ceasefire sealed. Envoys at the table nod to pledges made in stone, While Moscow shakes a warning at the thought of foreign tones. Sources: US backs security guarantees for Ukraine at summit of Kyiv's allies in Paris US backs security guarantees for Ukraine, as France and UK pledge troops Ukraine allies agree to security guarantees in peace plan Paris Declaration - Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine Bridge Ships on the deep, planes on the snow, Courts with a gavel, streets with a glow. Viruses learning the locks that we made, People with hands that still learn how to aid. Final Chorus Hold on, the world is turning—hear the heartbeat now, Between the drums of power and the thunder of our vow. We’re drawing lines with mercy, we’re healing where we stand, Hold on to each other, hold leaders to the plan. Let borders ink in treaties, not in blood or sand, Let fevers break like daylight, let the Paris promise stand, Let justice ring in courtrooms, let the tanker’s wake be found— Hold on, hold on, we’re the ones who turn this round.

Holy Doors, High Tides, and Fault Lines Verse 1 — Caracas Nightfall Under a thundered sky in Caracas, doors were kicked in by ghosts, A president and his bride were flown north to face the coast. A promise rang from a podium: we’ll run what’s not our own, While a gavel met a plea in a New York room of stone. The world shook its head at the force that crossed the line, Congress split like lightning down a storm-wet spine. From Mexico came thunder, from home an oath was sworn, An interim took the daylight where a ruler had been torn. Sources: Trump says U.S. is 'in charge' of Venezuela, Maduro jailed in New York after U.S. military operation 'We are going to run the country,' Trump says after strike on Venezuela Classified Venezuela briefing leaves lawmakers split along party lines after Maduro capture UN chief deeply concerned over 'possible intensification of instability' in Venezuela Nicolas Maduro pleads 'innocent' in NYC as judge sets next court date Chorus Under winter skies we draw our lines, but bridges still can grow, From holy doors to high tides, from fault lines to the snow. Hold each other, speak the truth, let mercy be the law, The world is loud and breaking, but our hands can mend it all. Verse 2 — A January at the Dome It’s another January reckoning beneath the marble dome, Old witnesses retelling what it cost to storm a home. A far-right banner rising, a pardoned voice out front, While some say it was nothing, others name the blunt. One side warns of embers that can swallow up the day, The other paints a different scene and turns the page away. The echo of that stairwell still carries through the chill, As memory and meaning fight for space upon the hill. Sources: The political divide over January 6 is only deepening five years after the deadly US Capitol attack 5 things to know for Jan. 6: Capitol riot anniversary Verse 3 — Europe in Whiteout A polar door swung open, Europe breathed a knife, Black ice wrote a secret on the ordinary life. Planes slept on their runways, rails went cold and still, The tunnel trains went silent between the shore and sill. Paris wore a bedsheet it wasn’t meant to wear, Balkan pines bowed heavy under winter’s iron stare. They said the high winds twisted the stratosphere above, And sent a frozen postcard that no one asked to love. Sources: Europe Under Siege: Deadly Winter Storms Spark Travel Havoc and National Alerts in 2026 Arctic Blast Triggers Alerts and Disruptions Across Europe Snow and ice cause travel disruptions in France, UK and Netherlands Arctic cold blast expands across Europe as Greenland block steers polar air south Verse 4 — Western Japan Tremor The islands shook awake like a bell with hidden cracks, Aftershocks kept tapping like a drummer at our backs. No sea rose to swallow, no siren split the blue, But hands still held each other, waiting for what to do. The bullet trains fell quiet, then hummed their song once more, A plant kept steady watch along the patient shore. A leader said be ready as the ground kept time, And gratitude felt sacred for the lives still in their prime. Sources: Strong earthquake rattles western Japan, followed by several more shakes 6.2 magnitude earthquake detected in Japan, no tsunami warning issued Powerful 6.2 earthquake hits Japan's Shimane Prefecture No major damage reported from strong Japan earthquake Verse 5 — The Holy Door Closes On Epiphany’s clear morning, a door of bronze swung closed, A Jubilee of hoping finished where the river flows. Opened by a father, sealed by the next in line, A rare and silent changing of the watch that keeps the time. He spoke against the glitter that turns strangers into trade, Against the fear of foreign hearts and the weapons we have made. He asked for craft of peace instead of war’s machine, For fairness over hunger, for a wider, warmer green. Sources: Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door at St Peter's to end Jubilee year Christians must resist allure of power, serve humanity, pope says at end of Holy Year Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door, concluding Jubilee Year of Hope Jubilee Year ends as Pope Leo XIV closes Holy Door after historic Vatican transition Verse 6 — California Afloat The ocean climbed the stairways of the cities by the bay, Storms braided with the moon to pull the streets away. Old roads turned into rivers, sirens cut the rain, Rescuers like lanterns moving slow against the grain. In the south the hills surrendered, mud came down like grief, A single soul was taken by a sudden, ruthless thief. The gauges called it record, the docks rose with the tide, And still a thousand hands reached out from either side. Sources: Rain continues in parts of California reeling from flooding and high tides California Flooding Breaks Multiple Records San Francisco Bay Area storm updates: Effects of King Tides, atmospheric river Bay Area flooding closes roads, strands motorists Bridge Cold snaps and hot tempers, headlines dressed in gray, But a candle in a window still can teach the storm to stay. If borders, doors, and levees fail, let kindness be a wall, If the ground begins to tremble, sing louder, don’t you fall. Final Chorus — Run To The Light Under winter skies we draw our lines, but bridges still can grow, From holy doors to high tides, from fault lines to the snow. Hold each other, speak the truth, let mercy be the law, The world is loud and breaking, but our hands can mend it all. Coda — The Exciting Ending Raise your voices like a siren, like a bell across the land, Let the tide turn, let the quake fade, join the march with open hands. From Caracas up to Rome, from Tokyo to the bay, We are thunder without violence, we are dawn at break of day.

Borders on Fire, Voices on the Wind Verse 1 — Venezuela Night fell near the capital, engines cut the dark in two, Barracks shook, the wires sparked, the runway knew its cue. A leader flown to colder halls, he swears he did no wrong, A voice in Washington says “we’re in charge,” eyes set on oil all along. Streets count the missing, Havana folds its flags and prays, An ally takes the oath at dawn, the drillmen set their gaze. Sources: Maduro appears in New York court after US capture Trump says U.S. is 'in charge' of Venezuela Early Edition: January 5, 2026 January 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode Trump tells NBC News he will be top person in charge of Venezuela Chorus Raise your hands, light the night, let the sirens drown, We are not your oilfield, not your captured crown. From desert wind to arctic sun, hear the same refrain: People are the borderlines no map can claim. Verse 2 — Protests worldwide Across the bridges, boots and bells, the handmade signs all sway, From Ankara to Havana, London rain to bayou gray. Outside a Brooklyn fortress wall, the chants refuse to bend, The UN calls it dangerous, a line we shouldn’t rend. Sources: Iran protests spread to 222 locations as death toll hits 20 on eighth day Death toll in Iran protest crackdown rises to 29 - rights group 2025–2026 Iranian protests Death Toll Rises As Protests Continue Across Iran Iran's leader says rioters 'must be put in their place' as protest death toll rises Chorus Raise your hands, light the night, let the sirens drown, We are not your oilfield, not your captured crown. From desert wind to arctic sun, hear the same refrain: People are the borderlines no map can claim. Verse 3 — Threats to Colombia, Cuba, Mexico He points the compass further south, throws thunder at the door, Says factories of poison bloom, that war could mean “restore.” Mexico is warned to move, Cuba “set to fall,” But Petro vows to stand his ground, and neighbors answer, all. Sources: Trump threatens Colombia's Petro, says Cuba looks 'ready to fall' Colombian President Petro threatens military response after Trump warns Colombia may be next target Trump Threatens Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Iran and Mexico After Attack on Venezuela Colombia's president pushes back against Trump's threats as tensions rise Chorus Raise your hands, light the night, let the sirens drown, We are not your oilfield, not your captured crown. From desert wind to arctic sun, hear the same refrain: People are the borderlines no map can claim. Verse 4 — Greenland Now eyes drift north to ice and stone, “we need it,” comes the claim, A photo paints an island draped in someone else’s name. Denmark pounds the table hard, Greenland says “enough,” Allies whisper crisis talk, that frozen peace feels rough. Sources: Denmark tells Trump to stop threatening to seize Greenland Venezuela attack: Denmark in crisis as Trump sets sights on Greenland Denmark PM urges Trump to stop 'threatening' Greenland Greenland prime minister says 'enough' after latest Trump threat Next stop, Nuuk? U.S. allies fear Trump may target Greenland after Venezuela Chorus Raise your hands, light the night, let the sirens drown, We are not your oilfield, not your captured crown. From desert wind to arctic sun, hear the same refrain: People are the borderlines no map can claim. Verse 5 — Iran In markets where the money breaks, the breadline turns to flame, The chants climb past the hunger now and call the ruler’s name. The prisons swell, the tally climbs, the night is full of knocks, The throne says “put them in their place,” escape plans fill the talk. Across the sea a warning comes, “be ready to be hit,” “Rescue” rides on heavy wings, the fuse already lit. Sources: Gunmen raid village in Nigeria, killing at least 30 people and abducting others Gunmen kill over 30 in village raid, abduct others in northern Nigeria Gunmen kill dozens of villagers in Nigeria days after US strikes Armed attackers raid Nigeria market, kill dozens Chorus Raise your hands, light the night, let the sirens drown, We are not your oilfield, not your captured crown. From desert wind to arctic sun, hear the same refrain: People are the borderlines no map can claim. Verse 6 — Nigeria Motorcycles tear the dust, the market’s flyers glow, Homes and harvest set alight, the shadows come and go. A village counts its broken heart, others pulled away, Since Christmas thunder split the north, the hungry dread the day. The fields are bare, the tables thin, a rumor haunts the land— How long until the guns go mute and mothers unclench hands? Sources: Protesters Worldwide Condemn U.S. Assault on Venezuela Anti-War Protests Planned Nationwide After US Strike on Venezuela US actions in Venezuela 'constitute a dangerous precedent': Guterres Final Chorus and Ending Raise your hands, light the night, let the sirens drown, We are not your oilfield, not your captured crown. From desert wind to arctic sun, hear the same refrain: People are the borderlines no map can claim. Strike the drums like city rails, make the windows sing, From Nuuk to northern highways, from Bogotá’s ring, From Tehran’s bold avenues to markets under rain— Let the chorus shake the towers: Not in our name, not again.

Skies Closed, Streets Open Verse 1 — Venezuela Helicopters like wasps in the Caracas night, Operation with a steel-hearted name took flight. They lifted a leader from a fortress of brass, Flew him north through sealed-off sky and glass. In New York air, a courtroom waits and hums, While a voice back home says the country will be run. An interim oath calls it barbarity in tears, The UN readies seats, the world leans in its ears. Flights were grounded, ocean roads of air went still, Then opened like a sigh across the Caribbean chill. Sources: Nicolas Maduro arrives in New York after capture, arraignment expected Monday 'We are going to run the country,' Trump says after strike on Venezuela Timeline: How the US assault on Venezuela unfolded U.S. strikes in Venezuela trigger regional and global alarm Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travelers Chorus Hold on—this planet’s singing louder, Borders bend and headlines shout. Wires hum, the ground grows prouder, Hearts on fire, doubts burn out. Hold on—storms become a chorus, Every street and screen a stage. Turn the dial; the future’s for us, Write the line, and lift the page. Verse 2 — Iran From the bazaar’s breath to the far-off hills, A currency crumbles, the crowd’s courage fills. “Death to the dictator” rings through smoke and glare, Candles and sirens mingle in the square. Warnings cross oceans, threats ride the wind, Power says “put them in place,” then says “let’s begin” To talk of bread and roofs and the price of light, It’s the largest storm since that other, aching night. Sources: Trump warns Iran after protests turn deadly across several provinces Five things you need to know about protests in Iran Iran's Khamenei says rioters 'must be put in their place' amid protests 2025–2026 Iranian protests - Wikipedia Verse 3 — EV Shift On electric roads, a new crown changes hands, A dragon takes the lead with factories on new lands. Old rivals stall with models running thin, Credits fade, and politics scrape the skin. Across the Channel, echoes cool the brand, While plants rise in Turkey and Hungary’s sand. Showrooms buzz in island rain, Batteries hum like a long, low train. Sources: The world has a new EV king. It's not Tesla China's BYD overtakes Tesla as world's top EV seller for the first time BYD officially crushes Tesla in all-electric sales for 2025 Tesla Dominated EVs For Years. BYD Just Left It In The Dust Chorus Hold on—this planet’s singing louder, Borders bend and headlines shout. Wires hum, the ground grows prouder, Hearts on fire, doubts burn out. Hold on—storms become a chorus, Every street and screen a stage. Turn the dial; the future’s for us, Write the line, and lift the page. Verse 4 — New York In a hidden station under city bones, A hand on a Quran, the rails like tones. Morning brought the people, banners in the air, Bernie raised the oath, and friends said “dare.” The city’s first Muslim at the granite mic, Free buses promised, rents on strike. Child care for all like a sunrise plan, From distant shores to mayor’s stand. Sources: Watch NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's full inauguration speech Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor in abandoned subway station WATCH: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani gives inaugural speech Zohran Mamdani begins term as New York's first Muslim mayor Verse 5 — Bulgaria The lev turns a corner, pockets find a star, The euro’s colder shine now jingles in the jar. Half the room is cheering, half guard their bread, Inflation shadows whispers in the shed. A president scolds the missing vote, Prices wear two labels while they float. A family says “welcome,” the ledger replies, New coins, old questions in the citizens’ eyes. Sources: Bulgaria switches to the euro amid mixed reactions from its citizens Bulgaria introduces the euro - ECB Bulgaria adopts euro amid celebration and anxiety over inflation Verse 6 — CES Desert lights bloom and the robots breathe, AI steps off the screen to roll up its sleeves. Chips from old titans drum in a row, Screens blur like wings where the pixels glow. No more fireworks only built for show, Smaller minds in our wrists learn the flow. The keynote’s fire sets the gears to spin— From hype to the hands where the world begins. Sources: CES 2026: What to expect when tech's biggest conference starts on January 4 CES 2026: What to expect from the tech industry's biggest show of the year In 2026, AI will move from hype to pragmatism CES 2026 LIVE: All the biggest tech and gadget news as it happens Bridge Caracas wind, Tehran flame, Sofia’s purse, New York name. Factory gates, Vegas glare, Every headline learning care. Rivals trade the lightning crown, Skies once closed are open now. We hold the steering wheel of sound— Hear the future gain its ground. Final Chorus and Ending Hold on—this planet’s singing louder, Borders bend and headlines shout. Wires hum, the ground grows prouder, Hearts on fire, doubts burn out. Hold on—rise with the roaring thunder, Grip the moment, break it open. We’re the spark that pulls the wonder— Kick the door, the world’s now spoken! Skies once closed, streets fly open! Raise the chord—the future’s woken!

Thunder in the Wires, Light in Our Hands Verse 1 (Venezuela) Night over Caracas, low engines cut the sky, reports say the strikes fell hard and dry. A president taken with his love, flown north to face the court, accused of running shadows in a country running short. A voice at home said “we’ll run your house until a hand can fit the key,” some neighbors clapped, some cried “the law, the law,” while Congress learned by TV. Sources: 'We are going to run the country,' Trump says after strike on Venezuela World reacts to US bombing of Venezuela, 'capture' of Maduro Trump says U.S. will govern Venezuela until there's a 'proper transition' What we know about a U.S. strike that captured Venezuela's Maduro US plans to 'run' Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, Trump says Chorus Hold on, hold out, the world is bloom and bruise, we are the chorus, trying hard to choose. Between strike and shelter, doubt and trust, keep your heart loud, keep your aim just. Verse 2 (Iran) Nearly a week of footsteps fills the streets with dust, a currency falling through fingers like rust. From city to city the chanting won’t fade, the elder says “put them in their place,” the threat is made. Across the ocean, promises and warnings share a stage, Tehran points at bases, and the new president names foreign rage— then says, “your pain is real,” as the crowd turns the page. Sources: Trump vows to 'rescue' Iran's protesters. Iran warns the U.S. to stay out of it Five things you need to know about protests in Iran Trump warns Iran after protests turn deadly across several provinces Iran's Khamenei says rioters 'must be put in their place' amid protests Deaths reported during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy Chorus Hold on, hold out, the world is bloom and bruise, we are the chorus, trying hard to choose. Between strike and shelter, doubt and trust, keep your heart loud, keep your aim just. Verse 3 (New York City) Under iron ribs of a sleeping line, a hand rose to the light, Zohran Mamdani took the city’s oath at midnight. First Muslim, South Asian, youngest in generations’ span, a second vow on stone steps with a friend who’s long been a fan. He promised to govern wide, to make the rent less cruel, tore out old orders from an indicted rule, named new deputies, built homes into the plan—crowds cheering, movement full. Sources: Zohran Mamdani's inauguration celebrates the progressive movement Zohran Mamdani begins term as New York's first Muslim mayor Zohran Mamdani inauguration: NYC mayor vows to govern 'audaciously' Watch NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's full inauguration speech New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Defends Scrapping Executive Orders Verse 4 (Flu) A lettered twist of fever, subclade K by name, slipped past the calendar, changed the game. Beds fill, maps glow, one state breaks its past, the doctors say the shot still softens the blast. But sleeves stay down on buses and trains, and the cough writes stories on windowpanes. Sources: Why the flu season is so bad and how you can protect yourself New York State Confirms Highest Number of Flu Hospitalizations in a Week Flu season surges with a new strain complicating vaccine efforts Flu is rising rapidly, driven by a new variant. Here's what to know Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Week 51 Chorus Hold on, hold out, the world is bloom and bruise, we are the chorus, trying hard to choose. Between strike and shelter, doubt and trust, keep your heart loud, keep your aim just. Verse 5 (Ukraine) On a guarded line, London reached for Kyiv’s hand, talked of peace and promises strong enough to stand. A willing circle set to meet beneath Paris skies, chiefs drafting safeguards for a day when the firing dies. And a new name steps beside the president’s chair, to steer the room where choices wear the air. Sources: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 3 January 2026 UK PM Holds Call With Ukraine's Zelenskyy Zelenskyy calls for increased support amid ongoing Russian attacks Verse 6 (CES) Desert neon hums, tomorrow checks in, a chipmaker’s sage grins at the din. Screens stretch wider, depth without glass, another voice says “affection,” can a circuit learn to ask? New lights, new walls, new ways to see, and a whisper turns to tools: wheels think free, drones stitch the wind, wrists get wise— AI steps off the page and looks you in the eyes. Sources: CES 2026: What to expect when tech's biggest conference starts on January 4 CES 2026: What to expect from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote In 2026, AI will move from hype to pragmatism Bridge From Caracas thunder to Tehran’s cry, from Gotham’s vow to wards running dry, from Kyiv’s cold hope to Vegas’ shine, we hold the wire and walk the line. We are more than headlines, more than fears, we are hands, we are years. Final Chorus (Exciting Ending) Hold on, hold out—raise every streetlamp heart, sing for the healers and the ones who restart. Between strike and shelter, we choose the trust, turn the noise to a compass, turn the ash to dust. Hold on, hold out—let the last note land: thunder in the wires, light in our hands.

Sparks in the Sky, Voices in the Street Verse 1 — New Year’s Fireworks From Kiribati’s dawn to Times Square’s bright, We lit the lids of midnight, turned fear into light. Sydney burned the biggest show under guarded eyes, A menorah on the bridge, a promise in the skies. In Washington, a candle climbed a marble spine, A nation marked a milestone, held a trembling line. And Syria raised a glass to a changing scene— After a battered year, we still dream green. Sources: Al Jazeera CNN Newsweek Fox News Iran International Chorus Oh, the world keeps turning, hearts keep beat, Sparks in the sky, voices in the street. Old stones fall and new vows rise, We count our hopes, not just our ties. We’re searching the deep, we’re changing our names, We’re holding the line through losses and flames. Oh, the world keeps turning, hear that drum: Another year says—here we come. Verse 2 — Iran’s Protests In Tehran’s maze of markets, in Isfahan’s squares, In Kermanshah winds, Lordegan’s stares, Azna answered back with a thunder of feet, “Down with the tyrant” echoing the heat. Price tags spinning, a currency undone, Doors of power shaken, offices overrun. A president said the anger has its place, But harder hands moved in, a familiar face. Largest wave since a young woman’s cry— Grief in the alleys, courage in the sky. Sources: CNN Politics NPR NBC News Al Jazeera PBS News Chorus Oh, the world keeps turning, hearts keep beat, Sparks in the sky, voices in the street. Old stones fall and new vows rise, We count our hopes, not just our ties. We’re searching the deep, we’re changing our names, We’re holding the line through losses and flames. Oh, the world keeps turning, hear that drum: Another year says—here we come. Verse 3 — New York’s New Mayor Just after midnight in a ghosted train hall, A oath rose up under tile and wall. First Muslim hand on a family page, And a centuries-old verse to begin this age. Letitia’s voice steady, the city leaned in, Bernie swore the words, AOC with a grin. He promised buses free, small hands cared, Cold rents frozen, a wider table shared. First stroke of the pen swept the old slate clean, A chapter turns under winter’s sheen. Sources: NL Times CNN Al Jazeera Verse 4 — Vondelkerk on Fire By Vondelpark’s edge, the old bell cried, A copper crown fell and the rafters sighed. No souls were taken, but a sanctuary gone, Neighbors in a yoga room waited for dawn. The mayor whispered, “We lost a friend,” A Cuypers dream met a darker end. Was it sparks from the street, a careless flare? Now ash on the stones, grief in the air. Sources: CBC News The New Daily Scientific American Verse 5 — The Search for MH370 Out on the Indian, under iron gray, A ship draws lines where the soundings sway. Robots hum over trench and ridge, Mapping secrets under night’s cold bridge. No find, no fee on a hopeful thread, Families cradle all the words unsaid. Years drift by like a ghosting wake, But love keeps asking the ocean to break. Sources: ABC News CBS News Times of Israel Verse 6 — Bulgaria Joins the Euro Beneath a blue ring of shared stars, a coin changed hands, The lev bowed out to continental plans. The bank lit its glass with a welcoming glow, More voices joined where the single currents flow. Some feared the price of a wider embrace, Some called it the last stitch into Europe’s lace. Labels in twin tongues, pockets learning the tune— New year, new wallet, same silver moon. Sources: European Central Bank Euronews Al Jazeera Council of the European Union Bridge — Light It, Lift It Light it, lift it—lanterns, lungs, Name what’s broken with unsilenced tongues. From bazaars to subways, from nave to sea, We’re the chorus of the could-be, the yet-to-be. Ring the bell even if the steeple is gone, March to the rhythm of a mending dawn. Cut through the static, find the thread— Raise what’s living, sing for the dead. Final Chorus Oh, the world keeps turning, hearts keep beat, Sparks in the sky, voices in the street. Old stones fall and new vows rise, We count our hopes, not just our ties. We’re searching the deep, we’re changing our names, We’re holding the line through losses and flames. Oh, the world keeps turning—come what may, Light up the night, we’ll widen the day. Tag Sparks in the sky, voices in the street— Another year opening under our feet.

Sparks on the Year’s First Night Verse 1 In Amsterdam by Vondelpark, a bell tower gave a cry, Vondelkerk in embered lace, its spire fell from the sky. Cuypers’ stones and timber bones, the nave and roof gave way, No lives lost, the neighbors fled, a yoga room for stay. The mayor called it sorrow’s mark, a monument undone, Some whispered sparks from midnight fire lit the grieving sun. Sources: Al Jazeera CNN Newsweek Fox News Iran International Verse 2 Under a sleeping subway hall, a hand met oath and air, Zohran Mamdani took the keys, the city’s youngest heir. First of a faith long citywide, from distant continent’s shore, He swore on family pages and Schomburg’s ancient lore. At City Hall the voices rose—Bernie, Alexandria’s cheer, He vowed bold care and buses free, to cool the rent this year. After his predecessor’s indictment shadowed the room, He swept the old orders aside to make a little more room. Sources: CNN Politics NPR NBC News Al Jazeera PBS News Chorus On the year’s first night, our sparks reveal the seams: We grieve what’s gone, we swear new vows, we chase unfinished dreams. Coins may change, tides may turn, and distant beacons glow— Hold on, hold out, keep singing as the wild winds blow. Verse 3 In Tehran’s maze of market stalls, a hunger found its voice, It carried out to Isfahan, to mountain, plain, and choice. They cried against the iron rule, and costs that crush the day, In Lordegan, halls of power were torn along the way. The president said “speak your piece,” no paper pass in hand, Yet harder men took higher posts, a darker counterplan. Since a young woman’s stolen breath, the streets have learned to rise, Now candles face the shields again beneath unquiet skies. Sources: NL Times CNN Al Jazeera Verse 4 Along the Black Sea’s western bend, a pocket changed its tune, The lev lay down, the euro rose beneath a winter moon. The bankers lit their glass and steel to welcome one more star, But kitchens talk of rising bills and whether hopes are far. The president called “final step,” then wished a people’s say, For now two tags share every shelf, two coins can pay the day. Sources: CBC News The New Daily Scientific American Chorus On the year’s first night, our sparks reveal the seams: We grieve what’s gone, we swear new vows, we chase unfinished dreams. Coins may change, tides may turn, and distant beacons glow— Hold on, hold out, keep singing as the wild winds blow. Verse 5 Far off Fremantle’s working port, a vessel split the foam, With quiet fleets of robot fins to comb the ocean’s loam. Ocean Infinity bets its pay on what the trenches keep— No find, no fee, just faith and math, and maps of midnight deep. So many years of empty scans, of tide-worn wing-bone shreds, Still loved ones watch the waveforms bloom like prayers above their beds. Sources: ABC News CBS News Times of Israel Verse 6 From Pacific isles to Times Square lights, the turning circled round, The planet sang in sparks and cheers across each river town. Sydney’s bridge held up a flame, a menorah on the stone, After a wound at Bondi’s sands, the city stood as one. A candle climbed the monument in Washington’s clear night, A milestone for old histories stitched in fragile light. And over Syria’s battered lanes, a different silence grew— A new year with a shadow gone, a sky that felt more blue. Sources: European Central Bank Euronews Al Jazeera Council of the European Union Final Chorus and Outro On the year’s first night, our sparks reveal the seams: We grieve what’s gone, we swear new vows, we chase unfinished dreams. Set the coins to ring, let the searchlights sweep the foam, Raise your signs, your psalms, your hands—this turning is our home. Light it up, hold the line, send the robots to the deep, Let the fallen towers teach us what the living mean to keep. From bazaars to boroughs to bridges catching fire, May the chorus drown the sirens, lift the broken into choir— On the year’s first night, we make the darkness bright, And run, and rise, and roar into the light.