Hong Kong rings in 2026 without fireworks after deadliest blaze in decades

HONG KONG, Dec 31: Fireworks are typically a celebratory centrepiece of Hong Kong’s New Year celebrations. Not this year. The territory will ring in 2026 without spectacular and colourful explosions in the sky over its iconic Victoria Harbor after a massive fire in November that killed at least 161 people. The city’s tourism board will instead host a music show Wednesday night featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central, a business district that also is home to the famous nightlife hub Lan Kwai Fong. The facades of eight landmarks will turn into giant countdown clocks presenting…