The Daily Populous

Friday January 2nd, 2026 day edition

image for Mayor Zohran Mamdani doubles down in an unapologetically progressive inauguration

It was an unapologetically progressive speech, in which Mamdani framed the mainstream Democratic party as one that lacked imagination and ambition.

It’s a high bar for a new mayor who is taking the reins of a complicated city in a political landscape that often demands compromise.

Before securing the mayoralty, Mamdani showed his willingness to make concessions and back away from some controversial positions.

But on Thursday, the new mayor sought to dispel any suggestions he would soften his agenda.

“If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” Mamdani told the crowd.

US Sen. Bernie Sanders swears in New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his public inauguration ceremony on Thursday.

As they shuffled inside the building, Mamdani was set up behind a folding table, distributing hot chocolate. »

Jan. 6 attack 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress

Authored by pbs.org

The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee released on Wednesday a transcript and video of a closed-door interview Smith gave about two investigations of Trump.

READ MORE: Jack Smith tells lawmakers his team developed 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' against Trump.

The communications between Trump and Republican supporters in Congress were an important component of the case, Smith said. »

‘We Can’t Even Afford to Have Sex’: China’s New Condom Tax Draws Ire

Authored by time.com

Consumers will pay a 13% value-added tax on contraceptive drugs and products, including condoms, beginning Jan. 1, as part of China’s newly revised Value-Added Tax Law.

Now, on social media, the tax has drawn criticism from some who say it punishes ordinary people, especially singles, who can’t afford to have a child.

“Now, not only can we not afford to have children, we can’t even afford to have sex,” another quipped. »

I was CIA's top agent in Moscow - Putin has trained to manipulate men like Trump

Authored by inews.co.uk

Dannenberg remembers meeting the former KGB colonel during the first of his two stints in Moscow in the mid-1990s .

Rob Dannenberg with the statue of Soviet spy Richard Sorge in Moscow, and outside the Kremlin in Red Square (Photos: Rob Dannenberg).

In a following press conference, Zelensky could scarcely contain his bewilderment when Trump declared that Putin “wants Ukraine to succeed”. »

Mayor Mamdani signs five executive orders on first day in office

Authored by bronx.news12.com

Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked his first day in office with a flurry of activity, signing five executive orders that set the tone for his new administration.

The first order repealed all executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams following the day Adams was federally indicted.

Mamdani said the move reflected a moment when “many New Yorkers decided that politics had nothing for them but more of the same.”. »