Pongal Festival - Singapore

Pongal Festival - Singapore

Performers dance during the media preview of the Pongal Festival celebration held in Singapore's Indian Heritage Centre on Jan. 9, 2026. Pongal Festival is a tradition celebrated in south India. This year's festival is held from Jan. 14 to 17. Singapore's Indian Heritage Centre will be hosting a series of Pongal Festival activities on the two weekends on Jan 10, 11, 17 and 18. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM)

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Performers take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Cape Town on Monday for the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, a key part of the city's New Year celebrations. The carnival, officially known as the Cape Town Street Parade, is widely regarded as Africa's largest cultural festival. Its origins date back to the colonial era, when enslaved people were granted a single day after New Year's Day to celebrate. Over the years, the event has evolved into a vibrant cultural tradition marked by music, dance, and elaborate costumes. TO GO WITH "Tens of thousands attend Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to mark New Year" Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Performers take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Cape Town on Monday for the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, a key part of the city's New Year celebrations. The carnival, officially known as the Cape Town Street Parade, is widely regarded as Africa's largest cultural festival. Its origins date back to the colonial era, when enslaved people were granted a single day after New Year's Day to celebrate. Over the years, the event has evolved into a vibrant cultural tradition marked by music, dance, and elaborate costumes. TO GO WITH "Tens of thousands attend Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to mark New Year" Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Performers take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Cape Town on Monday for the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, a key part of the city's New Year celebrations. The carnival, officially known as the Cape Town Street Parade, is widely regarded as Africa's largest cultural festival. Its origins date back to the colonial era, when enslaved people were granted a single day after New Year's Day to celebrate. Over the years, the event has evolved into a vibrant cultural tradition marked by music, dance, and elaborate costumes. TO GO WITH "Tens of thousands attend Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to mark New Year" Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade - South Africa

Performers take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Cape Town on Monday for the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, a key part of the city's New Year celebrations. The carnival, officially known as the Cape Town Street Parade, is widely regarded as Africa's largest cultural festival. Its origins date back to the colonial era, when enslaved people were granted a single day after New Year's Day to celebrate. Over the years, the event has evolved into a vibrant cultural tradition marked by music, dance, and elaborate costumes. TO GO WITH "Tens of thousands attend Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to mark New Year" Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gazas New Doctors Graduate

Gazas New Doctors Graduate

Performers take part in a show on stage during a medical students’ graduation ceremony at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza Strip on January 3, 2026. The ceremony marks the graduation of medical students from Al-Azhar University and the Islamic University of Gaza, held two years after the war amid severe destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. Photo by Eyad Azam/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gazas New Doctors Graduate

Gazas New Doctors Graduate

Performers take part in a show on stage during a medical students’ graduation ceremony at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza Strip on January 3, 2026. The ceremony marks the graduation of medical students from Al-Azhar University and the Islamic University of Gaza, held two years after the war amid severe destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. Photo by Eyad Azam/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gazas New Doctors Graduate

Gazas New Doctors Graduate

Performers take part in a show on stage during a medical students’ graduation ceremony at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza Strip on January 3, 2026. The ceremony marks the graduation of medical students from Al-Azhar University and the Islamic University of Gaza, held two years after the war amid severe destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. Photo by Eyad Azam/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

End of the year 'Desfile de Viudas' at the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia

Participants dressed as “widows” take part in the traditional 'Desfile de Viudas' during the Multicolor Border Carnival in Ipiales, Colombia. The parade symbolically marks the end of the festive year through satire, humor, and social criticism, with performers using theatrical costumes and irony to comment on political, social, and everyday issues, reinforcing the carnival’s transgressive spirit along the Colombia–Ecuador border. Photo by: Camilo Erasso/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Performers wearing traditional folklore costumes perform in a public square in Zakho, Iraq, on December 21, 2025. The event at the Corniche, organized by local authorities, is part of a cultural festival intended to increase tourism and night-time entertainment in the city. Photo by Mohammed Majid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Children interact with performers wearing large animal costumes near the Delal Bridge in Zakho, Iraq, on December 21, 2025. The event at the Corniche, organized by local authorities, is part of a cultural festival intended to increase tourism and night-time entertainment in the city. Photo by Mohammed Majid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Performers from an Egyptian troupe display fire tricks during a show in Zakho, Iraq, on December 21, 2025. The event at the Corniche, organized by local authorities, is part of a cultural festival intended to increase tourism and night-time entertainment in the city. Photo by Mohammed Majid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

A man takes a photo of performers wearing gorilla and bear costumes near the Delal Bridge in Zakho, Iraq, on December 21, 2025. The event at the Corniche, organized by local authorities, is part of a cultural festival intended to increase tourism and night-time entertainment in the city. Photo by Mohammed Majid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Cultural Festival in Zakho - Iraq

Performers from an Egyptian troupe display fire tricks during a show in Zakho, Iraq, on December 21, 2025. The event at the Corniche, organized by local authorities, is part of a cultural festival intended to increase tourism and night-time entertainment in the city. Photo by Mohammed Majid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Harbin Ice-Snow World - Harbin

Harbin Ice-Snow World - Harbin

Tourists interact with parading performers at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 17, 2025. The Harbin Ice-Snow World, world's largest ice and snow theme park, officially opened for the season on Wednesday, unveiling its most spectacular edition yet, featuring landmark attractions, thoughtful services and magnificent ice sculptures across a record 1.2 million square meters of park area. Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons is seen during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Henry Hinton, President & CEO of Inner Banks Media speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons is seen during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Henry Hinton, President & CEO of Inner Banks Media speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons is seen during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons is seen during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Michael Huppe, President & CEO of SoundExchange speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Henry Hinton, President & CEO of Inner Banks Media speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons is seen during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Michael Huppe, President & CEO of SoundExchange speaks during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age

Former KISS band member Gene Simmons is seen during Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearings to examine balancing the interests of local radio, songwriters, and performers in the digital age in the Dirksen Senate office building in Washington, DC on Sunday, December 9, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM