Good evening, New York City. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know about for tonight and tomorrow, as well as your weather outlook.

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Times Square prepares for New Year’s Eve confetti drop

As the countdown to 2026 approaches, Times Square organizers are rehearsing one of New Year’s Eve’s most iconic moments: the confetti drop.

About 3,000 pounds of colorful confetti — tossed entirely by hand by dozens of “confetti engineers” perched atop buildings — will rain down at midnight as 2025 turns to 2026. Organizers say the tradition is carefully timed and rehearsed.

2. What you need to know about Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration

New York City’s next mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will officially take office Thursday, Jan. 1, becoming the city’s youngest mayor in a century and its first Muslim and first South Asian mayor.

Mamdani will be sworn in during a private midnight ceremony inside the decommissioned Old City Hall Subway Station, followed by a public ceremony at 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. Here’s what you need to know.

3. Libraries unveil the books New Yorkers couldn’t put down in 2025

New York City’s public libraries have released their annual list of the most checked-out books of 2025, offering a snapshot of what readers couldn’t put down this year.

Percival Everett’s “James” topped the citywide list, followed by Liz Moore’s “The God of the Woods” and Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm.” Reader favorites varied by borough, with romance, literary fiction and fantasy dominating across systems.

4. As inauguration nears, Hochul says Mamdani could ‘surprise’ critics

With just days to go before he takes office, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she expects to find common ground with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on key issues, including affordability and child care.

In a radio interview Sunday on WABC, Hochul said she and Mamdani share similar priorities and predicted the incoming mayor could exceed expectations as he begins his term.

5. Mamdani to reappoint several key health leaders

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced plans to reappoint several top city health officials.

Mamdani said he will renominate Dr. Mitchell Katz to the NYC Health + Hospitals Board of Directors for reappointment as president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, and reappoint Dr. Jason Graham as chief medical examiner.