Cities around the world are getting ready to ring in the New Year with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions, after a year roiled by ongoing conflict and political instability.

Experts suggest starting a creative hobby, such as knitting, painting, or pottery, as a New Year’s resolution for improved mental health.

Temperatures going well below freezing by the end of the week & into the weekend

As the year draws to a close, a remarkable initiative involving “superheroes” clad in unique costumes brings unexpected joy — not only to the sick children but also, perhaps even more deeply, to their parents.

Asian shares have retreated after U.S. stocks edged back from their record heights.

Franz Welser-Möst will retire as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra in June 2027, ending a 25-season tenure that will be the longest in the ensemble’s history.

Asian shares are mostly higher after Wall Street drifted to a mixed close.

Asian stocks are lower, tracking a weak start to 2024 on Wall Street as Japan's markets reopened.

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has announced that she plans to abdicate after 52 years and hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

As we look ahead to the end of the weekend and New Year’s Eve, expect cloudy skies, and we will bring a chance of rain and snow showers back to the forecast.

The Austrian government says that it is giving the country’s world-famous Vienna Boys Choir 800,000 euros ($884,000) to help it out of severe financial difficulties.

Ten years ago, Ukrainians took to the streets to protest a decision by their Moscow-friendly president to move the country away from the European Union and toward Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a substantial boost in military spending through the end of this decade to face evolving threats.

Nutrition and fitness expert shares advice on how to stick to losing weight this year.

There are more efficient ways to approach the traditional New Year’s resolution and navigate a path to success.

Here are the most popular New Year's resolutions among Americans for 2023, and how they compare to previous years.

A healthy start to the New Year doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something sweet or flavorful. How about smoothies, pressed juices, or even Acai Bowls? That’s what they are serving up at Urge Juice and Kitchen in Berkley.

Germany’s biggest police union has called for concerted action to prevent a repeat of the violence toward officers, firefighters and medical personnel seen in Berlin and other cities during the New Year’s celebrations.

Flower-covered floats, marching bands and equestrian units celebrated the New Year as the 134th Rose Parade slipped through a gap in California’s siege of drenching storms.

Here is the weather forecast for Metro Detroit.

An active weather pattern sets up for the majority of the week ahead with major swings in temperatures ahead as well

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New Year’s address to the nation usually is rather anodyne and backed with a soothing view of a snowy Kremlin.

Lottery players will have a chance to ring in the New Year with a $685 million bonus in their bank account as a drawing is held in the Mega Millions game.

Events for weekend of December 30 to January 1

Have you ever tried noodles from the Philipines? How about some tasty grilled chicken from Burundi? The world has tons of delicious cuisines, and you can try many of them here in Metro Detroit.

French President Emmanuel Macron says people spreading fake news online should be held accountable and possibly brought to justice.

Russian officials are sounding the alarm about a looming surge of coronavirus infections due to the highly contagious omicron variant.

The Serbian Orthodox Church says the Patriarch, Porfirije, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Health experts stress to only make as much juice as you can drink at one time to avoid bacteria growth.

Millions of people celebrate the beginning of the new year by resolving to make a change in their lives.

Here are four realistic changes you can make to help boost your mental and physical health in the months to come.

Reigning “Jeopardy!”.

Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle is always at the top of most people’s new year resolutions list but how do you get started?

Check out these cool places where you can entertain the family, indoors or out!

Every year, Lake Superior State University has to make the tough decisions on which words won’t be enjoying the New Year with us.

Flight cancellations surged again on the last day of 2021, with airlines blaming it on crew shortages related to the spike in COVID-19 infections.

To kick off the new year, a Detroit animal shelter is offering free pet adoptions and waiving licensing fees through Tuesday.

More than a year after the vaccine was rolled out, new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. have soared to their highest level on record at over 265,000 per day on average.

Many people report that their stress and anxiety levels rise this time of year. So local mental health expert Dr. Jennifer Peltzer Jones from Henry Ford Emergency Behavioral Services is here to help circumvent that frame of mind with tips that can help change your way of thinking.

Ring in 2022 in style at these local hot spots bringing in big bashes.

Joe Biden will spend his first Christmas as president at the White House with family and is giving up his New Year’s tradition of sun and St. Croix for the chill of Delaware this year.

Aliyev marked the Nowruz holiday by lighting a ceremonial fire outside Shusha, a culturally revered city that Azerbaijan took from Armenian forces in last autumn's war. Shusha, a center of Azeri culture for centuries, came under Armenian control in 1992 in fighting over the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region. (Vugar Amrullaev, Azerbaijani Presidential Press Office via AP)MOSCOW – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev marked the Nowruz holiday Saturday by lighting a ceremonial fire outside Shusha, a culturally revered city that Azerbaijan took from Armenian forces in last autumn’s war. Shusha, a center of Azeri culture for centuries, came under Armenian control in 1992 in fighting over the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region. “Today we are celebrating Nowruz in our ancient city Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan.

Highs in the low to mid 30s (0 to 1 degree Celsius), with a north wind becoming northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday snow forecastHighs Tuesday should once again be in the low to mid 30s (0 to 1 degrees Celsius). Snow ends Tuesday evening, with lows in the mid 20s (-5 to -4 degrees Celsius). Becoming partly cloudy by late Wednesday night, and the clearing skies will allow temperatures to fall into the mid-teens (-10 degrees Celsius). Weekend outlookIncreasing clouds on Saturday, with highs in the low 30s (0 degrees Celsius).

After blue skies Saturday afternoon, we’ll have fair skies across Metro Detroit Saturday evening. Saturday evening will be very cold under fair to partly cloudy skies. Sunday will be cloudy with scattered light snow from a weak clipper system. Afternoon temps will be in the low 30s each day. Tuesday remains snowy with on-and-off light snow after sunrise and throughout the rest of the day.

(Stephane Mahe/Pool Photo via AP)BREST – French President Emmanuel Macron hoped on Tuesday that U.S. President-elect Joe Biden will show a greater military commitment to fight against Islamic extremists in several theaters of conflict and especially in the Middle East. Macron stressed that France has maintained its efforts to fight against the Islamic State group in the region. About 900 French troops are currently taking part in the U.S.-led international coalition. In his speech, Macron also suggested he is considering a partial troop pullout in Africa’s Sahel region, an “adjustment” he presented as a consequence of successes achieved by French forces last year and an expected greater involvement of other European countries. The deployment of about 5,100 troops in five West African countries represent France’s largest military operation abroad.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during an on-line New Year press conference with local and foreign journalists at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. (Jeon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP)SEOUL – South Korea’s president on Monday urged the incoming Biden administration to build upon the achievements and learn from the failures of President Donald Trump’s diplomatic engagement with North Korea. Biden has accused Trump of chasing the spectacle of summits rather than meaningful curbs on the North’s nuclear capabilities. And while Moon acknowledged that Biden is likely to try a different approach than Trump, he stressed that Biden could still learn from Trump’s successes and failures in dealing with North Korea. “The start of the Biden administration provides a new opportunity to start over talks between North Korea and the United States and also between South and North Korea,” which have stalled amid the stalemate in nuclear negotiations, Moon said.

It remains slippery Sunday evening, with flurries and light snow showers continuing to fall. It remains a bit snowy overnight on Sunday and during MLK Day on Monday, but accumulations will be light. Snow showers continue Sunday evening. As we celebrate and reflect, it will be chilly and mostly cloudy with on-and-off flurries and snow showers. Tuesday will have on-and-off snow showers with highs in the low 30s.

Scattered snow flurries and light snow showers are appearing on Storm Tracker 4 just before dinner on Saturday. Scattered flurries and light snow showers develop mainly north of Eight Mile Road. It gives us a chance of scattered snow showers during the day Sunday. Neighborhoods north of Eight Mile Road, particularly those in Livingston County, have a better chance of receiving over an inch of snow. In Detroit and south of Eight Mile Road, some rain may mix with snow and a trace to one inch of snow is possible.

FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2020 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses for photographs after the television recording of her annual New Year's speech at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel considers U.S. President Donald Trump's eviction from Twitter by the company “problematic,” her spokesman said Monday. Twitter permanently suspended Trump from the microblogging platform on Friday, citing a “risk of further incitement of violence” in the wake of the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of the outgoing president. “Seen from this angle, the chancellor considers it problematic that the accounts of the U.S. president have now been permanently blocked.”Facebook on Thursday suspended Trump’s account through Jan. 20, the day of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, and possibly indefinitely. Merkel herself does not have a Twitter account, although Seibert does and many German government ministers do.

Tranquil weather continues to bring relief, or at least not add to the rigor, Sunday evening, Sunday night and early this week. Sunday evening will be mostly cloudy and chilly. Thursday becomes cloudy with afternoon temps near 40 degrees or a bit more. Friday will have rain and snow showers with daytime temps near 35 degrees. Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation.

After highs in the low 40s and sunshine all day, skies will be fair Saturday evening. An amazing three-planet conjunction has a good chance of being visible as it becomes chillier at night. Overnight lows return to the low and middle 20s, which is barely higher than the average low temperature of 19 degrees. Thursday and Friday will have cloudier skies with Thursday rain showers turning to snow showers Thursday night and Friday. Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation.

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional. Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Here are a few tips for your personal finances in 2021. More: Money Monday section

The start of the first full week of 2021 did not disappoint snow lovers, as one to five inches of snow fell across the region. Sunday evening will be cloudy with re-freezing likely on untreated surfaces Sunday night. Our Jan. 3 snow storm dropped one to three inches of snow, generally. Sunday evening will be cloudy and chilly. Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation.

Thousands of people attend a music concert to celebrate New Year's in the Mbare suburb of Harare, Zimbabwe, early Friday, Jan 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)MUTARE – In response to rising COVID-19 numbers, Zimbabwe has reintroduced a night curfew, banned public gatherings, and indefinitely suspended the opening of schools. “We are being overwhelmed and overrun,” Information Minister Nick Mangwana warned, saying the country's hospitals are rapidly reaching capacity with COVID-19 patients. Zimbabwe recorded 1,342 cases and 29 deaths in the past week, “the highest number recorded so far,” Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said, announcing the strict measures. Funerals are now limited to 30 people while other gatherings such as weddings and church services are banned for 30 days.

Then, chilly but unremarkable weather is back for much of next week -- which is what we love in Detroit this time of year. Temperatures return to the freezing mark, and people must watch out for re-freezing on roads and sidewalks. As it expands, light snow will spread across the region, from Lenawee and Monroe counties northward over Detroit and through the thumb by dawn. Sunday will be cloudy with light snow, especially in the morning and midday. Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation.

Trace testing has linked the new Melbourne coronavirus cluster to the New South Wales outbreak. The newest occurred at midnight Friday when Victoria closed its border to New South Wales, prompting traffic bottlenecks as people raced to beat the closure. Once in Victoria, COVID-19 testing sites saw long queues as travelers lined up for mandatory testing. South Korea reported 824 new cases, raising the national tally to 62,593 with 942 deaths. — Thai authorities are planning to launch two levels of restrictions of activities for highly controlled areas where coronavirus cases are on the rise.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, intensive care units in several parts of Texas were full or nearly full. India and Brazil trail behind the U.S. in coronavirus cases at over 10 million and 7 million, respectively. ___MILAN, Italy — Italy added another 462 virus deaths on Friday for a known pandemic death toll of 74,621, the highest in Europe. ___BANGKOK — The Thai capital is shutting down venues including schools and entertainment parks as coronavirus cases continue to spread. China on Friday reported a total of 19 new virus cases, including 10 that were brought from outside the country.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 11:Winter weather advisory issued for Southeast Michigan from noon Friday until Saturday morningEverything thus far remains consistent with our New Year’s storm, but fortunately, we’ll get through our New Year’s Eve dry (granted, we’re not supposed to be going out to parties, but some undoubtedly will, and at least the roads will be dry). Friday starts dry. Then, snow and freezing rain will move in from south to north, so those in our South Zone will see it before those in our North Zone.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – It may not be your normal New Year’s Eve celebration, but many are still ready to bring in 2021 in Downtown Northville -- whether outside in the cold or something a little more warmer. “We’re just going to go home and have some dinner, just alone with our little puppy,” said Carol Seneker. “Well we did a little shopping in Downtown Northville today and we’re going to go home and spend it with my wife and family and bring in the new year,” said Sean Carlson. We are, I think, all ready for 2021,” said Mayor Turnbull. “Oh yes, yes.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – There has never been a more anticipated end to the year than in 2020 -- and even amid the pandemic, Metro Detroiters are not missing the opportunity to say kiss the year goodbye. New Year’s Eve celebrations in Michigan look different this year due to COVID restrictions, but some Metro Detroiters took to downtown Northville on Dec. 31, where outdoor businesses were ready to welcome them. Businesses and restaurants in downtown Northville have taken advantage of outdoor structures and heaters to continue offering services amid the state’s coronavirus restrictions. More: Heated outdoor ‘pods’ installed to keep downtown Northville businesses goingLocal 4′s Larry Spruill visited Northville on New Year’s Eve and found crowds of people enjoying the outdoor space with their friends and family. LIVE STREAM: 2021 New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop virtual event

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:Winter weather advisory issued for Southeast Michigan -- Full forecast nextEverything thus far remains consistent with our New Year’s storm, but fortunately, we’ll get through our New Year’s Eve dry (granted, we’re not supposed to be going out to parties, but some undoubtedly will, and at least the roads will be dry).

Winter weather advisoryThe National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory in anticipation of the hazardous conditions. The advisory is in effect for Wayne, Monroe and Lenawee counties from noon Friday through 12 a.m. Saturday (midnight Friday into Saturday). The advisory is in effect for Washtenaw, Macomb, Oakland, Livingston, St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, and Sanilac counties from noon Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday. Then, snow and freezing rain will move in from south to north, so those in our South Zone will see it before those in our North Zone. Rain and freezing rain will changeover to some snow between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday, which should end by 6-7 a.m. Saturday.

The benchmark S&P 500 index finished with a gain of 16.3% for the year, or a total return of about 18.4%, including dividends. And the S&P 500 rose or fell by at least 1% on twice as many days in 2020 than it did, on average, since 1950. The electric car maker jumped 743.4% in 2020 for the biggest gain in the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 set 33 record highs in 2020. The S&P 500 rose 24.03 points, or 0.6%, to 3,756.07, an all-time high.

According to new research, Michigan residents expressed more hatred for this year than Americans in any other state -- particularly on Twitter. Tech company Someka Excel Solutions reportedly tracked more than 900,000 tweets containing negative comments about 2020, rifling through hashtags and keywords like “I hate 2020,” “2020 is the worst” and “horrible year,” officials said. Using geotagging data from Twitter, Someka identified which states the most negative sentiments were tweeted from -- and Michigan was number one. Michigan residents were the most negative about the year on Twitter, according to the data. 🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience.

FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2020, file photo, an employee tolls the closing bell during a ceremony of the last trading day at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo. Major Asian bourses were closed for the New Year's holidays Thursday, Dec. 31, while the handful that remained open was mixed. (JPX via AP)Major Asian bourses were closed for the New Year's holidays Thursday while the handful that remained open was mixed. Trading was closed in Tokyo and South Korea. The Tokyo exchange marked the end of trading for the year Wednesday, with the Nikkei falling 0.5%, and trading will not reopen until Monday next week.

Thailand generally has been viewed as successful in combating the coronavirus, due partly to its well-regarded public health infrastructure and people’s adherence to mask-wearing and other protocols. But cases have jumped significantly since an outbreak was detected last week among migrants from Myanmar working at a seafood market in Samut Sakhon province. Samut Sakhon Gov. Weerasak Wijitsaengsri tested positive for the virus after meeting Sunday with senior health officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Samut Sakhon was put under lockdown on Dec. 19, followed by Samut Songkhram and Samut Prakarn.

Asian shares were mixed Wednesday after a lackluster day on Wall Street, as the boost from President Donald Trumps signing of the coronavirus relief package faded. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)Asian shares were mixed Wednesday after a lackluster day on Wall Street, as the boost from President Donald Trump’s signing of the coronavirus relief package faded. It is still on track to end the month 7.7% higher, more than twice as much as the S&P 500. The S&P 500 fell 8.32 points to 3,727.04. With two days of trading left in 2020, the S&P 500 is up 15.4% this year, while the Nasdaq is up 43.2%.

Hata was the son of late Prime Minister Tsutomu Hata, who headed an opposition-led government in 1994. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s government has been reluctant to impose tougher restrictions that would further damage the pandemic-hit economy. South Korea on Monday registered 808 new coronavirus cases, raising its national caseload to 57,680 with 819 deaths. Sri Lanka has confirmed 41,053 coronavirus cases, including 191 fatalities. The government also announced 5,854 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the country's total to 719,219 confirmed cases, including 21,452 deaths.

NEW YORK – Jennifer Lopez will help bring in the New Year with a headlining performance in New York’s Time Square for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021." Other performers include Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter and Jimmie Allen. Lauper and Porter collaborated on the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots" and they will join forces for a special performance during the TV special, which will air on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021" will run until 2 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 1. Seacrest is returning to host the event for a 16th year, and he will be joined by Porter and Lucy Hale in New York.