Authorities across the United States are working to ensure New Year’s revellers’ security this weekend, particularly in New York. The NYPD has prepared for a crowd in the hundreds of thousands. The New York City Mayor and NYPD officials have both said there are no credible threats to the city’s iconic bash in Times Square. They do anticipate pro-Palestinian demonstrators who’ve taken to the city streets the entire holiday season. The police presence has also been expanded in Chicago as they prepare for their celebrations.

Road fatalities have seen an increase this year and the government is yet to release data as to why. This year has seen the New South Wales road toll climb to 351 – a 26 per cent increase from last year. Victoria has reported a 24 per cent increase, leading to a national increase of 6.3 per cent. Over 1,250 people have been killed in crashes nationally — the highest number since 2016. Transport Accident Commission acting CEO Samantha Cockfield has said intoxication, fatigue and seatbelts are the main cause for the tolls. Australian Automobile Association Managing Director Michael Bradley says the main cause or solution to the problem won't be known until the government releases its data on what causes the accidents.

Image Matrix Tech Editor Djuro Sen has discussed the best smartphones released in 2023 from the Google Pixel 8, iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S23 and many more. Mr Sen said the best smartphone for 2023 was the iPhone 15 Pro Max with satellite SOS service. “I just think the camera is sensational – I use it all the time for those sorts of things, so overall that package from Apple is the winner for me,” he told Sky News Australia. “But a very close second is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to me this does the best selfies reliably that you can get in any phone. “So if you're into selfies … then you might want to have a go at this one.”

Locals and tourists have already started camping out across Sydney Harbour ahead of the city's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks. People have been camping out since midday yesterday all in a bid to secure their perfect spot to watch the display. Unlike previous years, many of the official vantage points across the city are free instead of ticketed. More than a million people are expected to line Sydney’s Harbour to watch the fireworks. People are being advised to leave their cars at home and take public transport if they are entering the city tonight.

The Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore says the "eyes of the world" are on Sydney ahead of the 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks display. “The eyes of the world will be watching Sydney as we optimistically ring in the New Year with our iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks,” the Lord Mayor told a press conference Sunday ahead of the event. Ms Clover also revealed her hopes for Australians and the wider world going into 2024. “Hoping that 2024 will be a much better year than 2023 with an end to the devastation of communities in the Gaza – Israel, and Ukraine conflicts, and an end to the approval of coal mines and gas projects, and real support for our First Nations people after the pressing No Vote. “I also hope that in 2024, the people that are most hurting in our community from the cost of living crisis will get adequate support.” One million people will descend on Sydney Harbour to watch the 58,000-firework display. A further 425 million are expected to tune in from around the world.

One of Australia’s most deadly snakes has interrupted a tennis match in Brisbane. Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem was facing Australia's James McCabe during a first-round qualifier at the Brisbane International when a snake slithered on to the court. The umpire stopped play after the reptile was spotted by fans. The match was subsequently suspended for 40 minutes until snake catchers arrived. The 50-centimetre snake was identified as an eastern brown.

2023 is close to its big finish, but New Year’s Eve is looking wet and stormy across parts of Queensland. Centre Queensland can expect the worst of the blustery weather. In Brisbane showers are forecast with a chance of a severe storm. Sydney and Canberra will be cloudy with a small bit of drizzle throughout the evening. The sun will be shining in Adelaide and Perth however with the latter expected to hit a high of 31 degrees.

From January 1, some of the world's toughest rules around vapes will become law in Australia. The importation of all disposable vapes containing nicotine will be officially banned. Doctors and nurses will still have the power to prescribe them as a method to help patients recover from addiction. Health Minister Mark Butler has warned that one in four Australians aged 18 to 24 were already addicted to vapes. One in seven 14 to 17-year-olds also use disposable vapes.

Millions of people are facing travel troubles on the roads and at airports as they head home from their holidays. More than 90 per cent of travellers will be on the road, where drivers will be facing headaches beyond just major congestion. Heavy rain, flooding and dense fog are creating hazardous conditions in many parts of the country. More than 7,000 flights from the US were delayed on Wednesday. By Thursday, hundreds of flights were already behind schedule.

Oscar-nominated British actor Tom Wilkinson has died, aged 75. A statement shared by his agent on behalf of his family said the actor 'died suddenly at home on December 30 while surrounded by his 'wife and family.' Mr Wilkinson was best known for his character Gerald Arthur Cooper in the 1997 comedy ‘The Full Monty,’ for which he received a BAFTA. Throughout his career, he received an Emmy, two Oscar nominations and many other accolades. Mr Wilkinson appeared in dozens of other movies including the 1998 romcom 'Shakespeare In Love', the 2005 Christopher Nolan blockbuster 'Batman Begins', and starred alongside Dame Judi Dench, Dame Penelope Wilton, and Bill Nighy, in the all-British ensemble cast of the 2011 comedy-drama 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'.

Firework fanatics are already camped out at Sydney's most popular vantage points, as one million people prepare to descend on the Harbour for New Year's Eve. There are fewer ticketed places this year so competition for the best spots is expected to be tough. There are 49 official vantage points, 38 of which are free on a first come first serve basis. The Sydney Opera House will open at 7am. Sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points will provide live updates as spots fill up.

Ferocious winds, giant hail and intense rain has smashed parts of southern Queensland, bringing down trees and powerlines. Severe storm warnings remain in place for residents further north. Thousands of households remain without power. It follows a week of intense scrutiny of the bureau, with the government announcing a review into possible gaps in the nations emergency warning system. More dangerous weather is predicted over the first few days of 2024.

South East Queensland told to brace for more wild storms, 81 councils have cancelled citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, Anthony Albanese says cost of living is the government's top priority in 2024, a father is in critical condition following a crash in Bali, a Tesla cyber-truck involved in its first accident in the U.S., and iconic British Actor Tom Wilkinson passes away aged 75. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

The Douglas Shire region has restored drinking water after authorities in parts of flood-devastated Far North Queensland raced to find a solution for the residents. Towns like Mossman, Newell and Cooya Beach lost access because of damage to the water treatment plant as a result of the large flooding emergency. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr joined Sky News Australia to discuss the latest update on the region’s water situation. “The latest situation is we have got water flowing through all our pipes, through the region,” he said. “Which is great news for everyone, especially those tourists that are here at the moment.”

Fireworks fanatics are already camped out around Sydney’s most popular vantage points to witness the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Over 1 million people are set to descend on Sydney Harbour on Sunday night. With fewer ticketed places this year, competition for the best spots will definitely be hot. There are 49 official vantage points and 38 of those are free on a first come first served basis. The Opera House will open at 7am to allow for the high number of people expected to attend.

Pro-Palestinian activists have attacked the US Consulate on Melbourne’s St Kilda Road. The activists smashed glass doors and sprayed graffiti at the scene. Reportedly, it is believed they are the same group who gatecrashed ‘Carols by Candlelight’ and disrupted Boxing Day shoppers too. A curated video, shot by the protesters themselves, was uploaded to social media on Friday night. Federal and Victorian Police are investigating the criminal damages.

A theatre company in London is set to revamp a Shakespearean classic. The company has chosen William Shakespeare’s famous play ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. The performance is helping change the lives of young people from challenging backgrounds. The production will blend the 400-year-old language with modern themes, providing a fresh twist. The theatre production is called ‘Taming Who’.

Australian retailers are reporting this year’s Boxing Day sales have recorded lower-than-usual levels of trading. Shoppers could see sales extended into the new year as retailers look to shift their stock. Retail bosses say the Boxing Day crowds have generally met their expectations. This is after accounting for cost of living pressures. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted stock with some retailers cutting prices beyond 50 per cent.

A massive 7.1 kilogram baby boy has been born in southwest Chile. The huge newborn is the largest ever to be born in the South American nation. The birth passes the previous record of 6 kilograms. A hospital spokesperson said the child had to be transferred to another hospital due to health complications. Reportedly, the boy is now in a stable condition and his mother remains in the hospital she gave birth in and is receiving treatment.

Adelaide Oval has switched on a $5 million upgrade to its tower lighting system. It is now the only major stadium in Australia to boast white sports lighting. It also has striking light show capabilities. The lighting upgrade will debut at a BBL game on New Year's Eve. The lights will shine as the Adelaide Strikers take on the Melbourne Stars.