The start of the year can be with a bang, a shout, the eating of 12 grapes, a clink of a glass, a kiss with a loved one, eating extra long noodle soup, or attending a night service. But for many New Yorkers, and people all around the world, watching the Times Square Ball Drop is tradition too. Starting from 1907, the Ball has been dropped at midnight, every New Year’s Eve, bringing in the new year. 

The Ball itself has changed throughout the years, from iron to aluminum, the introduction of red light bulbs and a faux green stem, which was replaced with more aluminum, rhinestones, strobe lights and the ability to be controlled from a computer. This aluminum Ball ran from 1920 to 1998, being the longest lasting at Times Square.

To welcome in a new millennium, the Ball was redesigned to be crystal, which showed the great future ahead, while also keeping in mind the past by employing the use of new technologies and traditional materials. For the 100th anniversary of the Ball Drop, an LED crystal Ball was created, which increased the amount of light it could emit, while also showing the amount of change in the world since the first Ball Drop. 

This year, the Constellation Ball will be dropped at midnight at Times Square, a month after its debut. The Ball is made of 5,280 crystals and LED light pucks. Each face of the Ball shows intricate light designs, calling on images of celestial bodies, hence its name. 

You too can watch the Ball Drop, either on television or in person, at Times Square. Just make sure you bring someone you can ring in the new year with!

Written By: Lucinda Wilson-Petty

Source: Times Square - Official Website

With the retirement of MetroCards, here come the new turnstiles. These new turnstiles can help with fare evasion by blaring an alarm each time someone attempts to go through the turnstile without paying. These turnstiles can only be accessed through OMNY as the swipe mechanic was removed. However, these turnstiles have their negatives. Many reports of people having the turnstiles close on them and these turnstiles blaring an alarm for no real reason, which can be very annoying to listen to. It was reported that a child was sent to the hospital with injuries after the turnstile had closed on him as he was going through. These are only at select stations, but will be implemented in more throughout the year. Hopefully, the MTA repairs the issues and these can become the new turnstiles of the New York City Subway.

Written By: Mieszko Pekala

Source: Me

The MTA has raised fares again! Beginning the new year, there have been new changes, including increasing fares on bus and subway rides. They have started January 4th. Now, the fares have a ten cent raise, they are no longer $2.90, but instead $3. These changes were approved by the MTA board on September 30th, 2025, but took effect in 2026. Since the MTA system began, this fare increase marks the 20th one. In 2023, the fare was increased from $2.75 to $2.90, this is the second fare change in under three years. Though, before, the system went over a decade without having to increase their prices. The Metro North and Long Island Rail Roads fares are also changing. West of Hudson line, however, has no new fare changes. 

Written By: Jasmeet K. Sidhu

Source: MTA Fares