World News: Rock Edition

Sirens Over Steel: Firelines of a Fractured World Verse 1 — Iran Streets are singing under blackout skies, Voices cut through tear gas lullabies. They’re branded “enemy of God,” condemned, But the march goes on in Mashhad, Tehran’s wind. Zahedan hears the rifles speak, Exiled crowns call cities to their feet. A warning from abroad says stop the fire, Yet the courage in the alleys only climbs higher. Sources: Violent crackdown in Iran as Trump warns regime Iran protests spread, death toll mounts amid internet blackout Iranian protests rage as deaths mount Death toll in Iran protest crackdown passes 100 Chorus Turn up the sky, we won’t go quiet, Wires cut and the night sparks riot. World on the brink, hearts made of steel, Truth in the noise, sirens over steel. From streets to borders, from code to fields, We won’t back down, we won’t learn to kneel. Verse 2 — Ukraine Oreshnik howls near a NATO line, Cold air shatters, grids go blind. Engines rake the winter’s vein, Kyiv’s shadowed drones in a burning chain. Moscow calls it payback for a midnight sting, The UN pleads for an end to everything. In the frost, a people light their own sun, Holding on till the long night’s done. Sources: Russia hits Ukraine with Oreshnik hypersonic missile Ukraine: Massive overnight attack leaves millions in the dark NPR: Russia bombarded Ukraine with hundreds of drones Chorus Turn up the sky, we won’t go quiet, Wires cut and the night sparks riot. World on the brink, hearts made of steel, Truth in the noise, sirens over steel. Verse 3 — Indonesia vs Grok A switch is thrown on a restless feed, To stem a flood that preys on need. “Human dignity,” the minister cries, “Not a playground for synthetic lies.” Leaders abroad call filth by name, Regulators circle the flame. Lock it behind a paid gate, some say— But harm for a ticket is harm anyway. Sources: Indonesia blocks access to Musk's AI chatbot Grok Indonesia suspends Grok AI over sexualized images Indonesia blocks Grok over non-consensual deepfakes Indonesia temporarily blocks access to Grok Verse 4 — Venezuela Prison doors crack with a clanging grace, Names step blinking into daylight’s face: Enrique Márquez, Pilieri’s stride, After a capture that turned the tide. A trumpet claims a deal well won, But warnings tell citizens to run. Militias hunt for foreign proof, While Spain greets kin under a safer roof. Sources: Trump says Venezuela 'started process' of releasing political prisoners Venezuela says it is releasing political prisoners Venezuela releases first prisoners in 'peace' gesture Venezuela releases imprisoned political figures Venezuela Frees Political Prisoners Chorus Turn up the sky, we won’t go quiet, Wires cut and the night sparks riot. World on the brink, hearts made of steel, Truth in the noise, sirens over steel. Verse 5 — Greenland A map is waved with a hard-way grin, “Easy or not, we’re coming in.” But island hearts beat glacier-strong, “We’re Greenlanders; you’ve got it wrong.” Reports of plans drawn under snow, War drums echo where no armies go. The ice replies with ancient breath: Freedom’s not a bargain chip for death. Sources: US will take Greenland 'hard way' if it can't do it 'easy way' Greenland's party leaders firmly reject Trump's push Verse 6 — Syria Hawkeye circles the desert’s seam, Steel-winged thunder answers a scream. Targets fall where black flags hide, Jordanian fighters at their side. For Palmyra’s ghosts, the names resound: Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, William Howard found In memory’s roll; Ayad’s prayer, A vow from command: we’ll find you anywhere. Sources: US launches retaliatory strikes against ISIS in Syria US carries out strikes in Syria US carries out 'large-scale' strikes on ISIS targets US launches large-scale strikes on ISIS targets Bridge Borders and fire, circuits and chains, Cold winds beating against hot veins. From alleys to oceans, the chorus grows— Every truth another fuse that blows. Final Chorus Turn up the sky, we won’t go quiet, Wires cut and the night sparks riot. World on the brink, hearts made of steel, Truth in the noise, sirens over steel. Raise every voice, let thunder heal, Light up the dark—sirens over steel. One world bleeding, one world real— We are the spark, we are the wheel. Guitars like lightning, drums that peel— End of the silence. Sirens over steel.

World on Fire, World in Wires Verse 1 – Iran Tehran thunder, Mashhad cries, Yazd holds the line in the dark, Screens go silent, streets keep roaring, sparks against the spark. “Don’t back down,” the leader warns, courts sharpen holy swords, Yet chants climb higher over sirens, freedom storms the boulevards. An exiled prince calls, “Take the centers,” strike where the engines run, Across the oil and gas and power, dawn keeps pushing on. A warning from across the ocean, steel words hang in the air— But it’s the feet on the pavement that answer with a dare. 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 World on fire, world in wires, burning sky and buzzing lines, Borders shaking, voices waking, drums beneath the faulting times. Turn it louder, be the thunder, carry truth through broken night— When the lights go out, we become the light. Verse 2 – Ukraine Lviv hears a howl from the edge of Europe, cold breath on the gate, A new name in the missile lexicon, “impossible” on its face. Night rips open with wings and cinders, Kyiv counts the cost, Homes go dark in winter’s teeth, the compass feels lost. The Kremlin calls it payback for a shadow at a palace door, Kyiv and Washington shake their heads, denying the score. Kaja Kallas, steady timbre: it’s a message to the West— When the sky writes warnings, who will read them best? 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 World on fire, world in wires, burning sky and buzzing lines, Borders shaking, voices waking, drums beneath the faulting times. Turn it louder, be the thunder, carry truth through broken night— When the lights go out, we become the light. Verse 3 – Australia Bushfires Victoria’s breath is ember-red, the maps turn into flame, Longwood’s name rides smoke-filled winds, a wildfire’s ruthless claim. “Catastrophic” says the captain, “that’s as bad as it can be,” Weeks of ash and sleepless watch, a continent on one knee. Across the border sirens wail, the radio speaks “emergency,” Power slips from weary hands as heat bends every tree— But courage holds the fireline where the grass meets iron will, And rain is a promise everyone is praying to fulfill. 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 Verse 4 – Greenland Standoff In the Arctic glare, a vow gets harder: “Take it, one way or the other,” But island voices answer strong: “We’ll be ourselves, no other.” From Nuuk to Copenhagen, a warning rides the snow: An armed grab cracks the bedrock where old alliances grow. Across the table, diplomats set chairs and steady breath, Next week’s talk in careful tones, to pull us back from the edge. The ice remembers every footstep, every echo in the cold— Some places can’t be purchased, and some stories won’t be sold. 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 World on fire, world in wires, burning sky and buzzing lines, Borders shaking, voices waking, drums beneath the faulting times. Turn it louder, be the thunder, carry truth through broken night— When the lights go out, we become the light. Verse 5 – L.A. Remembers Candles along the canyon roads, a city bows its head, Eaton, Palisades—names etched where ash and heartbreak bled. A governor calls a day to honor, and hands reach out to heal, Relief for roofs and shattered dreams, a promise made real. From block to block, the lessons hard: clear the space, protect the door, Zone Zero lines around the home, to face the flame once more. The bill is heavy, the scars run deep, but neighbors stand as one— In the ash of what was taken, new foundations have begun. 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 Verse 6 – CES in Vegas Neon deserts hum with future, folding glass without a crease, Whispers say another giant waits to fold and never cease. Factories learn in silicon, Siemens shakes hands with green, Nvidia paints the engine rooms where thinking machines convene. Intel sharpens traveler’s blades, the XPS rides again, TSMC counts steady winds that fill the racks of tin. A stair-climbing cleaner struts like a bird, art TVs choose the view, Yet voices warn of “AI washing,” shine that doesn’t ring true. 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 and Ending World on fire, world in wires, burning sky and buzzing lines, Borders shaking, voices waking, drums beneath the faulting times. Turn it louder, be the thunder, carry truth through broken night— When the lights go out, we become the light. So raise your hands, from desert heat to ice that cuts like steel, From city streets to forest lines, we sing what’s raw and real. If the night throws down its shadow, we’ll answer with our might— Guitars like sirens, hearts like engines: We are the power. We are the light.

Sirens, Circuits, and Shifting Lines Verse 1 Night fell and the sky tore open over Ukraine, waves of drones, a storm of steel on the plains. A newborn hypersonic name howled across Lviv, near the Polish wind where cold borders breathe. Kyiv lost a healer to a double-tap flame, an embassy scarred, and denials drown the blame. “Clear escalation,” Europe’s heartbeat cries, as councils and the UN light up the night skies. 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, circuits, and shifting lines, world on fire, world online. Deals get inked while the drones still whine, prison gates swing, old flags rise. Between the thunder and the neon signs, we hold the note, we draw the line. Verse 2 Aleppo’s streets shook with the fiercest roar, SDF and soldiers at the same old door. Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh bled into dawn, Bani Zaid emptied as families moved on. Ceasefire offered, “evacuate by morn,” Kurdish councils call it surrender, torn. Turkish wings overhead, a fragile thread sewn, Sheikh Maqsoud sealed as a military zone. 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, circuits, and shifting lines, world on fire, world online. Deals get inked while the drones still whine, prison gates swing, old flags rise. Between the thunder and the neon signs, we hold the note, we draw the line. Verse 3 Caracas unlatched a rusted lock in the night, after a fallen strongman was taken from sight. Jorge Rodríguez vowed a gesture for peace, names like Pilieri and Márquez taste release. Rocío San Miguel breathes free air again, rights groups count ghosts from a tainted pen. The White House calls it leverage done right, and a president claims he pushed for the light. 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 Chorus Sirens, circuits, and shifting lines, world on fire, world online. Deals get inked while the drones still whine, prison gates swing, old flags rise. Between the thunder and the neon signs, we hold the note, we draw the line. Verse 4 After decades of bargaining, Brussels said go, a bridge to Mercosur where warm trade winds blow. Tariffs fade as four southern flags align, Ursula calls it a signal through a hostile time. France stands firm, “from another era” the cry, farmers in the balance under a contested sky. Parliament still waiting, pens poised to sign, Paraguayan ink on the horizon line. 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, circuits, and shifting lines, world on fire, world online. Deals get inked while the drones still whine, prison gates swing, old flags rise. Between the thunder and the neon signs, we hold the note, we draw the line. Verse 5 In Yemen, the southern banner lowered its head, the council said dissolve as its fighters fled. Al‑Zubaidi to the Gulf under treason’s shade, Aden and Mukalla back under state parade. Riyadh welcomed a road the kingdom defined, while a spokesman swore the end wasn’t signed. 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 Chorus Sirens, circuits, and shifting lines, world on fire, world online. Deals get inked while the drones still whine, prison gates swing, old flags rise. Between the thunder and the neon signs, we hold the note, we draw the line. Verse 6 Vegas glowed as machines found a voice, AI in the driver’s seat, the future’s choice. Nvidia sketched new chips, models on the run, Siemens wired factories to an iron sun. Atlas took a bow on two restless feet, robotaxis rolled through electric heat. Foldable glass, twin-screen rigs ignite, vacuums climb stairs, the night bites back light. Chipmakers flex and the state buys in, the age of thinking metal makes a different din. 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 Bridge / Final Chorus From Lviv to the Strip, from Aleppo’s stone, from Caracas to Brussels, no one stands alone. From Aden’s harbor to deserts wide, let the people be louder than the war drums’ pride. Sirens, circuits, and shifting lines, raise your fist, rewrite the signs. When the blast goes quiet and the LEDs fade, we are the chorus that will not be swayed. Sirens, circuits—now choose your side— we hold the note, we hold the line.

Fire, Frost, and the Coin Verse 1 – Venezuela Night blades over Caracas, Absolute Resolve in the sky, Black birds and boots in the shadows, sirens learning to cry. He’s flown to New York, pleads not guilty under glare, Streets count the fallen, whispers say Havana was there. Council halls split over law and the sword, An interim oath in the palace, a nation’s chords pulled taut and torn. 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 Fire in the hills, frost on the rails, Iron in the headlines, thunder in the sails. Borders strain, voices roar, hearts won’t fold, We hold the line in a world on overload. Verse 2 – Iran From bread to freedom, the chant turns steel, Another week marching, a wound that won’t heal. Across every province the screen goes black, Foreign shadows arrive, pushing crowds back. Warnings from far shores ride a cold wind’s plea, While judges vow no mercy for the streets’ hungry key. 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 – Greenland From tropic thunder to an icy crown, A claim on the pole shakes allies down. Europe links arms, says touch the pact and it breaks, Even his own ranks flinch at the stakes. Capitol voices cool the fevered drum, Saying war talk is noise that should never come. 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 Fire in the hills, frost on the rails, Iron in the headlines, thunder in the sails. Borders strain, voices roar, hearts won’t fold, We hold the line in a world on overload. Verse 4 – Los Angeles Wildfires Angel City wears ash like a medal of pain, Flags bow low in a smoke-stained refrain. The costliest burn still haunts the nights, Empty lots waiting for hammers and lights. Breath runs thin, nerves tight as wire, Courts chase blame through the ghosts of fire. The governor calls for a long-haul hand, Says promises blew out like dust on the land. 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 – Europe Winter Storm Goretti carves ice on the continent’s face, Airfields are graveyards of grounded grace. Travelers sleep on cold terminal floors, Steel tracks groan under winter’s wars. The mercury dives, the forecast won’t bend, A deep-blue shiver that just won’t end. 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 Verse 6 – Bulgaria and the Euro On the Black Sea road to a circle of stars, The lev fades out under new guitar bars. Frankfurt opens a chair on high, Lagarde says welcome beneath a shared sky. Streets are split between cheer and doubt, Groceries whisper what wallets shout. More lives bound to a single coin’s ring, A quieter drum with a wider swing. 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/Outro Fire in the hills, frost on the rails, Iron in the headlines, thunder in the sails. Borders strain, voices roar, hearts won’t fold— Turn up the amps, let the truth take hold. We are the spark, the storm, the spine; In the clash of the age, we hold the line. And when the last bell breaks the mold, We hit that chord and never let go.

Fault Lines on the Evening Wire Verse 1 — Oil and Iron Seas Black hull in the North Atlantic spray, special forces cut the wake and closed the way. Russian flag in the gale, seized for the sanction stain, distant radios crackle with Moscow’s blame. In the same breath, a deal for crude from Caracas heat, White House doors swing wide for oil barons to meet, shadows of a strongman flown to a Manhattan night, pleads his innocence under fluorescent light. 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 World on the edge, engines howl in the dark, deals on the table, borders leave their mark. Fever in the streets, courts light a spark, we’re riding these fault lines, chasing the arc. Hold the line, raise your voice higher, we’re wired to the evening, burning like fire. Verse 2 — Fever Season Waiting rooms overflow, winter sirens sing, the highest in decades, a hard and bitter sting. A new twist in the strain, they call it the K, not in the shot they picked before the summer day. Millions feel the weight, children in the fold, experts cry caution, the peak’s not told. And the schedule for the young lost one more shield, critics shake the rafters at an open field. 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 World on the edge, engines howl in the dark, deals on the table, borders leave their mark. Fever in the streets, courts light a spark, we’re riding these fault lines, chasing the arc. Hold the line, raise your voice higher, we’re wired to the evening, burning like fire. Verse 3 — Ice Crown of the North A whisper turns to thunder over Greenland’s ice, talk of taking by force, rolling the dice. An aide says no one’ll stand in the way of might, but a senator draws a line, ready to fight. From Copenhagen’s halls, a warning, cold and clear: break the pact of allies and the end is near. Across Europe’s capitals the chorus rings, hands held up for the island’s sovereign wings. Sources: Trump weighs using U.S. military to acquire Greenland: White House Ukraine allies agree to security guarantees in peace plan Verse 4 — A Road Through Stone A tender inked for hills east of the holy flame, a plan that cuts a land in two by name. Critics say the dream of two flags is frayed, a coffin’s new nail proudly displayed. Law books abroad call it an illegal sprawl, frozen for years, now rattling the wall. Bulldozers idle, engines barely warm, waiting for the word to reshape the form. 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 Verse 5 — High Plains Decision On a winter morning, a divided court spoke plain, the bans on the body cannot stand in this domain. They read their charter’s vow to private care, said a woman’s choice is a right laid bare. An unprecedented pill ban falls to dust, the lone clinic’s doors still open out of trust. A governor calls for a change in the creed, while neighbors cross borders to answer their need. 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 — Paris Lights and Steel Under chandeliers and flags, many nations swore, to wrap a battered ally in a stronger cord. Paris writes a promise with a soldier’s hand, troops when the guns fall quiet across the land. Washington backs watchers for a fragile truce, new envoys at the table give the pledge a boost. They call it binding, a shield against the next rain, while Moscow growls no foreign boots on that plain. 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 Breakdown From ice to desert, from clinic to court, from sickbeds to summits, we carry the report. Tankers and treaties, maps pulled tight, voices of mothers in the sleepless night. Final Chorus World on the edge, engines howl in the dark, deals on the table, borders leave their mark. Fever in the streets, courts light a spark, we’re riding these fault lines, chasing the arc. Hold the line, raise your voice higher, turn up the thunder, feed the fire. Hold the line, through smoke and wire, we’re the evening, we’re the wire, we’re the fire.

Shockwaves, Tides, and Dividing Lines Verse 1 Night over Caracas, boots ghost down the street, Delta shadows close in where the power used to beat. A jet to a courtroom skyline, he swears the charges lie, A voice says “we’ll run your country,” while the UN asks why. On the Hill, the briefings fracture—law or war, choose a side, Some say no boots will follow, some say the plan’s too wide. Mexico says the hemisphere won’t bow to any throne, Back in the palace, the vice president takes the phone. 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 Shockwaves, tides, and dividing lines, We’re caught in the crack where the world redesigns. Hold to the truth, open the doors, Raise up the lost, turn down the wars. From marble halls to frozen skies, We ride the noise with open eyes. Verse 2 Years since the Capitol cracked, the echo won’t let go, Old keepers of the record meet to test what we all know. Proud Boys march the steps again, a pardoned leader near, One chorus shouts “democracy,” one chorus shrugs “no fear.” 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 Chorus Shockwaves, tides, and dividing lines, We’re caught in the crack where the world redesigns. Hold to the truth, open the doors, Raise up the lost, turn down the wars. From marble halls to frozen skies, We ride the noise with open eyes. Verse 3 Arctic breath on Paris streets, the city painted white, Black ice bites in Landes, sirens carve the night. Flights scrubbed in Amsterdam, Eurostar calls time, Classrooms dark in the north wind, tracks drowned in rime. A sudden warming splits the roof, the polar fences spill, And snow stacks in the Balkans, across the continent’s will. 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 Shimane and Tottori shake, the earth’s low thunder rolls, Walls sway but seas stay gentle, aftershock patrols. Few hurt and quickly tended, the bullet train goes still, Then hums again through valleys, obeying iron will. The plant along the shoreline holds steady under stress, Leaders tell the people: be ready, nothing less. 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 Chorus Shockwaves, tides, and dividing lines, We’re caught in the crack where the world redesigns. Hold to the truth, open the doors, Raise up the lost, turn down the wars. From marble halls to frozen skies, We ride the noise with open eyes. Verse 5 At St. Peter’s the Holy Door closes, hope takes stock and breath, Opened by one shepherd, sealed by the next—history’s rare test. Pilgrims from near every land, lanterns through the roar, Pope Leo speaks against the lure that turns the soul to store. Welcome the wandering stranger, unlearn the taste for might, Trade the industry of battle for the craft of making right. Cardinals called to counsel, to steer the ship through night. 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 crowns its storms, the king tides take the throne, Bay towns turn to rivers, on maps of streets now flown. From coastal hills to canyons, a life is swept away, Mud drags down the highways, rescues light the spray. Record glass keeps breaking where the ocean meets the frame, The surge writes salty letters, signing nature’s name. 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 Final Chorus Shockwaves, tides, and dividing lines, We’re caught in the crack where the world redesigns. Hold to the truth, open the doors, Raise up the lost, turn down the wars. From marble halls to frozen skies, We ride the noise with open eyes. Outro Ring the bells, brace the shores, let the open heart be our guide— Mend the fault, calm the flood, keep the human fire alive. Hold the line—hold the line—till hope cuts through the noise.

Sirens Over Oil and Ice Verse 1 — Venezuela Night over Caracas, rotors tear the sky, Blasts on barracks and the grids that keep the lights alive. They pulled a president from a guarded southern base, Flew him north to plead to powder, steel, and case. A voice said we’re in charge now, and the wells will flow, An ally took the chair while the streets count what they know. The energy chief huddles where the crude men meet, Plans on paper for the drills to bite concrete. 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 Fire in the headlines, ice on the wire, Leaders play with matches over empires. Crowds in the avenues, thunder in the throat, World on a fault line—pray it doesn’t choke. Verse 2 — Iran Bread breaks thinner, money turns to sand, Market smoke and prayer smoke fill the land. The chants climb higher at the palace gate, The call comes down to crush, to dominate. Rumors of a runway if the ranks should crack, Far off, a promise to hit hard and hold them back. Arrests in the alleys, grief on the wind, A nation in the mirror asking where to begin. 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 Fire in the headlines, ice on the wire, Leaders play with matches over empires. Crowds in the avenues, thunder in the throat, World on a fault line—pray it doesn’t choke. Verse 3 — Colombia, Cuba, Mexico The thunder turns to neighbors with a pointed glare, Calls a leader kingpin, says a raid sounds fair. Tells the border to fix itself, shouts Havana might fall, But a president vows to stand, to rally them all. From the southern cone to a crown across the sea, A chorus names this path a danger to peace. 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 Verse 4 — Greenland Eyes on the ice again, painted stars say “soon,” Denmark answers, no, not under any moon. Greenland’s leader: enough—no pressure, no dreams, Respect our home, our people, our streams. Analysts whisper this tremor could split The bridge that keeps the allies lit. 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 Fire in the headlines, ice on the wire, Leaders play with matches over empires. Crowds in the avenues, thunder in the throat, World on a fault line—pray it doesn’t choke. Verse 5 — Nigeria Motorbikes and muzzle flash where the market stood, Stalls to cinders, homes to broken wood. Voices taken into night, families torn, Close to roads that still remember children gone. After distant jets struck militants by name, Hunger’s shadow lengthens, fanning the flame. 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 Verse 6 — Streets of the World From Ankara to Havana, London to the Med, Cardboard banners, marching feet, a riverbed. Across the states, from coast to heartland’s bend, Outside a Brooklyn jail, they chant for an end. The UN warns the pattern, precedent set, A line in the sand the world won’t forget. 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 Fire in the headlines, ice on the wire, Leaders play with matches over empires. Crowds in the avenues, thunder in the throat, World on a fault line—hold the common hope. Guitars like sirens, drums like a flood, Raise up the truth from the oil and the blood. Turn up the daylight, drown out the spin— If the streets keep singing, the night can’t win.

Helicopters, Street Fires & Neon Verse 1 Helicopters bite the midnight, rotor blades like drums, Commandos storm the barracks where the strongman slumbers numb. They haul him to the Hudson, northbound winter air, To face drug-trafficking counts beneath New York glare. Operation Absolute Resolve scorched across the sky, Moscow and Beijing thunder while the Council calls to vie. Caribbean routes go quiet, travelers sleep in rows, An interim at the podium cries “barbarity” to those. 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 Crank the world to overdrive, feel the power and the pain, Headlines like a kick drum, thunder in the vein. From raid-lit clouds to wildfire cries, From battery roads to a city that tries, We ride the fault line, steel in our eyes— Turn it louder, we won’t compromise. Verse 2 The bazaar sparks the tinder where the shuttered stalls once sang, Currency dissolves like dust through every open hand. “Death to the dictator” rips the winter air, Sirens split the alleys, grief you cannot bear. A warning from the ocean: harm the peaceful and we come, While the ruler swears of order and a talk when day is done. Biggest roar since a woman’s name set history ablaze, Hunger wrapped in courage, marching through the haze. 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 Chorus Crank the world to overdrive, feel the power and the pain, Headlines like a kick drum, thunder in the vein. From raid-lit clouds to wildfire cries, From battery roads to a city that tries, We ride the fault line, steel in our eyes— Turn it louder, we won’t compromise. Verse 3 On the factory floor a new electric crown is raised, BYD takes the highway while the old king looks amazed. An aging slate, the credits fade, the politics ignite, In far-off boulevards the numbers lose their bite. Plants rise by the straits and on a river’s bend, An island buys in torrents, trends begin to bend. Hybrids in the slipstream, plugs hum under lights, The scoreboard flips in silence on a thousand city nights. 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 Verse 4 An oath beneath the iron in a temple of the rail, A Quran glows in tunnels where the ghostly echoes wail. Daylight on the steps as the square begins to cheer, Sanders lifts a hand, a Bronx fire rings clear. An immigrant at the helm with a promise cut in steel: Free buses in the boroughs, a rent freeze you can feel. Cradles in the city’s arms, a door forever wide— A barrier shattered by the people at his side. 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 Chorus Crank the world to overdrive, feel the power and the pain, Headlines like a kick drum, thunder in the vein. From raid-lit clouds to wildfire cries, From battery roads to a city that tries, We ride the fault line, steel in our eyes— Turn it louder, we won’t compromise. Verse 5 By the Black Sea wind the euro finds its home, Bulgaria in the circle where the shared stars roam. Windows speak in double, prices pull and sting, Bread remembers yesterday, still the tills must ring. A welcome from the bankers, a chorus warm and bright, Yet a president asks loudly, “Where was the people’s right?” Is this anchor, is it ballast? Will it steady, will it rise? A country holds its breath beneath those open skies. 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 Vegas neon surges, robots strut the stage, Chips like thunderclaps rattle every cage. Smaller minds in bodies, from wrist to rolling steel, AI drops the smoke screens—goes to work for real. OLED waves are crashing, Micro colors blaze, Laptops whisper futures in a sober, focused haze. A black jacket calls the tempo, less sparkle, more spin— From hype to the hands that build it: let the work begin. 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 Final Chorus and Ending Crank the world to overdrive, feel the power and the pain, Headlines like a kick drum, thunder in the vein. From raid-lit clouds to wildfire cries, From battery roads to a city that tries, We ride the fault line, steel in our eyes— Turn it louder, we won’t compromise. Raise your fists to the skyline, let the feedback roar, Street fires, soldered circuits—open up the door. If the world is breaking, we’ll bend it back to right— Plug in, stand up, strike the chord, and light the night.

Shockwaves, Streetlights, and Signal Fires Verse 1 — Caracas in the Crosshairs Night rolls in and thunder walks the rooftops of Caracas, Steel wings carve the dark, the barracks burn like matches. A president pulled from the palace and flown to a New York air base, Facing courts that whisper trafficking and conspiracy in his face. The White House vows to run a nation “until the handoff’s clean,” Neighbors split the sky with cheers and accusations of breaking the scene. Lawmakers left in shadows, asking who unlocked the war-room door, While sirens argue with the law that governs going to war. 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 Shockwaves, streetlights, and signal fires, We’re riding cables through a world of wires. Storms in the headlines, hearts in the choir, Turn it up, turn it higher. From broken glass to hopeful choirs, We’re chasing truth through smoke and choirs. Hold the line, light the spires— Shockwaves, streetlights, and signal fires. Verse 2 — Streets of Iran Wallets thin as paper, markets bleeding through their seams, Crowds pour into alleys with a thousand fragile dreams. The guardmen raise their visors, call the marchers rioters, While a distant Oval Office threatens rescue for the quieted. Tehran points at foreign hands, says the pain was planted there, Warns bases in the region if outsiders dare. A president admits the anger, says the cause is not within, And the streets keep beating rhythms through a tightened ring. 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 Shockwaves, streetlights, and signal fires, We’re riding cables through a world of wires. Storms in the headlines, hearts in the choir, Turn it up, turn it higher. From broken glass to hopeful choirs, We’re chasing truth through smoke and choirs. Hold the line, light the spires— Shockwaves, streetlights, and signal fires. Verse 3 — Midnight Mayor A midnight oath in a ghosted station under city stone, An immigrant kid now wearing New York’s crown of chrome. First Muslim, South Asian, youngest in ages and ages, A second oath with Sanders under City Hall stages. He tears down orders from an indicted yesterday, Stacks a slate of deputies, points housing to the fray. Bronx voices and progressives lift a borough-wide roar, “Govern wide, govern bold,” as he kicks open the door. 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 Chorus Shockwaves, streetlights, and signal fires, We’re riding cables through a world of wires. Storms in the headlines, hearts in the choir, Turn it up, turn it higher. Verse 4 — The K in the Air There’s a letter in the virus that slipped past careful hands, Hospitals fill with echoes, a tide across the land. The shot still dulls the blade, even if the mask is frayed, But too few rolled their sleeves and the fever doesn’t fade. A city breaks a record that no one wants to own, Public health says brace yourself, the wave still hasn’t flown. Scientists map the changes, chase the variant’s sway, And whisper, “Get what help you can,” to make it through the day. 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 Verse 5 — Lines to Kyiv A call across the channel, a promise crossed with snow, London speaks to Kyiv of the peace they aim to grow. Security on paper, a shield for future nights, Generals mark the margins where the ceasefire might take flight. A willing coalition gathers under Paris skies, Staff chiefs trade assurances while another missile cries. A spymaster turned to steward in the president’s hall, And hope moves like a lantern through a long and bitter crawl. 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 — Neon Futures Desert lights go nova where the screens all bloom, The chip king tunes a keynote, AI shakes the room. Walls glow with micro colors, glass that bends the view, Monitors breathe 3D without the frames we knew. A gentler kind of logic from a giant’s open hand, New panels flash from Sony, bright as desert sand. Robots, cars, and drones step out of demo lines to streets, Wearables hum a pulse where hype and real life meet. 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 The fuse is lit from palace gates to factory floors, From winter plazas to the Strip’s revolving doors. If truth is loud, then let it tear the static from the wires— We’ll keep singing over sirens, over smoke, and over choirs. Final Chorus and Outro Shockwaves, streetlights, and signal fires, We’re riding cables through a world of wires. Storms in the headlines, hearts in the choir, Turn it up, turn it higher. Hold the line, light the spires, Name the pain and stoke the flyers, From Caracas to Tehran, New York nights to eastern choirs— Turn it up, turn it higher— We are the spark in the signal fires.

Midnight Sparks and City Shadows Verse 1 – Iran In the bazaars the money’s falling like ash in a storm, From Tehran to Isfahan the streets have changed form. “Death to the dictator” rides the dust and the heat, Kermanshah to Lordegan, they rush the state’s seats. The president says the pain is real, no permits to plead, Unions called to the table, but the Guard sharpens its lead. They bring in a hard-liner, the tone turns cold, Largest roar since a young woman’s story was told. Sources: Al Jazeera CNN Newsweek Fox News Iran International Chorus The world is on the edge but the chorus won’t break, We’re a million beating hearts that the night can’t take. From sparks on the skyline to thunder below, We carry all the weight and still we glow. Hold the line, raise the light, Rock the dawn from the ruins of night. Verse 2 – New York City Down in an old subway shrine at the change of the year, A city takes a vow with a new kind of cheer. A Muslim, South Asian, African-born son, Young in his fire and ready to run. Hand on family scripture and a page from the past, He says buses for free and rent freezes that last. Child care for all, make the living less tough, Takes a pen to old orders, says enough is enough. Sources: CNN Politics NPR NBC News Al Jazeera PBS News Chorus The world is on the edge but the chorus won’t break, We’re a million beating hearts that the night can’t take. From sparks on the skyline to thunder below, We carry all the weight and still we glow. Hold the line, raise the light, Rock the dawn from the ruins of night. Verse 3 – Amsterdam Near the park where the bikes cut the midnight air, A neo-Gothic tower fell in a fiery glare. Cuypers’ stone music, roof and nave caving in, Sirens kiss the windows with a blue violin. Neighbors led out, no blood on the floor, A yoga room opens up its quiet door. The mayor whispers grief for a monument’s loss, Fireworks in the rumor, cause still at a cross. Sources: NL Times CNN Al Jazeera Verse 4 – Indian Ocean Out where the maps turn to murmurs and cold, A steel ship hums and the future takes hold. Autonomous hunters sweep valleys of night, No find, no fee, they gamble on light. Years of false echoes, just fragments on sand, But hope keeps a vigil where the trench meets the land. Weather once halted the riddle’s refrain, Now the robots dive deep to sing it again. Sources: CBC News The New Daily Scientific American Chorus The world is on the edge but the chorus won’t break, We’re a million beating hearts that the night can’t take. From sparks on the skyline to thunder below, We carry all the weight and still we glow. Hold the line, raise the light, Rock the dawn from the ruins of night. Verse 5 – New Year’s World From islands at dawn to the square that never sleeps, The sky blooms with fire while the planet keeps. Sydney’s bridge wears a menorah of gold, Under watchful eyes after a story too cold. A candle climbs the monument in D.C., Syria breathes a new chapter, tries to be free. Through wars that still thunder, we lift our gaze, And paint the heavens with louder days. Sources: ABC News CBS News Times of Israel Verse 6 – Bulgaria and the Euro Across the Danube winds a brand-new tune, The lev shakes hands with a star-ringed moon. Frankfurt lights a welcome on a glass-blue spine, But in Sofia some wonder what climbs with the shine. Prices in twin mirrors for a season of trust, The old coin lingers, then turns to dust. Leaders call it the closing of a long, long road, While the people weigh dreams against the load. Sources: European Central Bank Euronews Al Jazeera Council of the European Union Bridge Money falls, vows are sworn, Spires burn, new flags are born. Engines dive where sunlight ends, Fireworks heal and sometimes rend. Coins change hands, the tides turn slow, But the human drum still learns to flow. Final Chorus and Ending The world is on the edge but the chorus won’t break, We’re a million beating hearts that the night can’t take. From sparks on the skyline to thunder below, We carry all the weight and still we glow. Turn it up, make it rain, Kick the doors off the chain. Let the robots dive and the choirs rise, Let the city vow under midnight skies. From the ashes, from the rail, from the roar we send: We are the rock in the storm— And this is the year we bend, not end!