On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a monstrous "Everest-style" avalanche thundered down Castle Peak near Donner Summit, engulfing a guided group of 15 backcountry skiers. As a ferocious "thunder-snow" blizzard hammers Northern California with up to 40 inches of fresh snow and 80 mph winds, search crews are racing against a freezing clock to find 9 skiers still buried alive.  

New Year 2026 was welcomed by Sydney with a spectacular fireworks display held under heightened security, following a deadly attack that shocked the city weeks earlier. Countdown organisers paused celebrations for a moment of silence to honour the victims, with the Harbour Bridge lit in white and symbols of unity projected across the skyline.