In Nigeria’s latest incident of mass abduction, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding school, seizing 215 students and 12 teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria. The attack occurred despite prior intelligence warnings of potential threats, with authorities noting the school had reopened without government clearance. The Niger State Police Command has deployed military and security forces, and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora reported a security staffer was injured. This follows a pattern of abductions, with schools, travelers, and remote villages frequently targeted by gangs, prompting the closure of numerous federal unity colleges and President Bola Tinubu to cancel his trip to the G20 summit.
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U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced her resignation from the House of Representatives, with her last day in office set for January 5th. This decision followed a significant break with former President Donald Trump, citing it as a key factor in her departure during her third term. Greene, a prominent supporter of Trump and the MAGA movement, faced harsh criticism from the former president, who labeled her a “traitor” and withdrew his support. Greene cited her desire to avoid a primary challenge and preserve her dignity as reasoning for her departure.
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President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is facing a critical moment, with the US and Russia proposing a 28-point plan to end the war. The plan reportedly includes concessions from Ukraine, such as ceding territory and scaling down its military, while Russia demands recognition of its control over certain regions and an end to NATO aspirations. Moscow also seeks reintegration into the global economy, the lifting of sanctions, and amnesty for all parties involved, including its troops. In return, Russia offers vague assurances of non-aggression towards other countries and desires a comprehensive non-aggression agreement with Europe.
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Following a subpoena from the committee in July, Ghislaine Maxwell has indicated through her lawyers that she will invoke her Fifth Amendment rights and refuse to answer questions. Committee Chairman Comer stated that this decision makes a costly in-person appearance by the committee an unwise use of taxpayer resources. Maxwell had previously expressed a willingness to cooperate under specific conditions, including immunity, which were rejected. Before the committee’s subpoena, Maxwell spoke to the Justice Department, stating she had never seen Donald Trump at Epstein’s house.
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Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 5th, via a statement posted to her social media account. Greene’s decision comes after a public falling out with former President Donald Trump, who criticized her in a social media post and severed ties. The congresswoman cited concerns for her safety and a desire to avoid a primary battle. This follows a period of growing discontent with the political system, including criticisms of the Republican Party and attempts to appeal to a wider audience.
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A remarkably well-preserved copy of “Superman #1,” discovered in a California attic, has become the most expensive comic book ever sold, achieving a record-breaking $9.12 million at auction. The comic, found by three brothers while clearing out their mother’s attic, was from the first print run and in exceptional condition. Heritage Auctions deemed it the “highest ever graded copy,” further contributing to its value. This sale surpasses previous records held by other Superman comics, solidifying the character’s enduring legacy in pop culture.
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A grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers near a river in the Bella Coola Valley of the Nuxalk Nation on Thursday, resulting in several injuries, some critical. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is working to locate and capture the bear, while authorities have urged residents to avoid the area. According to reports, teachers intervened using bear spray and bear bangers. The Nuxalk Nation chief warned people to stay indoors. The Acwsalcta School announced its closure on Friday due to the incident, and expressed support for those affected.
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The recent wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has inflicted significant damage on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, impacting all major thermal and hydroelectric power plants. This has resulted in a substantial decrease in electricity generation capacity, while consumer demand remains high. Consequently, all available power is being allocated solely for domestic consumption, leading to emergency power cuts in several regions. Furthermore, the IAEA confirmed that Ukrainian nuclear power plants have been forced to reduce electricity production due to the attacks, highlighting the severity of the situation.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed unwavering support for Ukraine amid a looming deadline imposed by the US. A meeting of European leaders is scheduled for Saturday in Johannesburg to discuss the situation, reaffirming the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” The US has proposed a 28-point plan for ending the war, which Ukraine is reportedly preparing to counter with its own alternative developed in collaboration with key European allies. Russia, under the US plan, would retain territory and be reintegrated into the global economy, prompting a stern warning from the Kremlin to Kyiv to negotiate or face further losses.
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Despite past animosity, President Trump and Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani held a surprisingly cordial meeting on Friday, focusing on areas of agreement like public safety and affordability. Both leaders emphasized a shared desire to improve the lives of New Yorkers, particularly regarding housing and crime. This marked a significant shift from their previous clashes, with Trump having falsely labeled Mamdani a “communist” and even threatened to withhold federal funds. The meeting was initiated by Mamdani, who sought to collaborate for the benefit of all New York City residents.
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John Q. Hosedrinker