‘Criminal proceedings’ begin against Russians behind missile attack
Ukrainian authorities on Monday opened a “criminal case” against Russian soldiers held responsible for the rocket attack that destroyed a nine-story apartment building in Ukraine, killing at least 40 people. At least 30 people are still missing in Saturday’s attack in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, and rescue teams continued to search the rubble in hopes of finding survivors, Ukraine’s security service said. At least 75 people were injured, including 14 children. The attack left hundreds of Ukrainians homeless in the middle of winter.
At least 69 killed in plane crash in Nepal
The search for missing persons continued on Monday after a plane crashed into a canyon in Nepal on Sunday. The wreckage burned so hot that rescuers were unable to help at least one victim. Rescue teams discovered the data and cockpit voice recorders and the remains of a 69th victim, authorities said. Three people remained missing. “We are praying for a miracle,” local official Tek Bahadur KC told Agence France-Presse. “But the hope of finding someone alive is nil.” The cause of the crash of Yeti Airlines flight NYT691 on Sunday near the tourist city of Pokhara is still under investigation.

Republicans seek answers to Biden’s handling of classified documents
Republicans said on Sunday that the White House should provide more information about President Joe Biden’s handling of classified information. On Friday, House Republicans announced they are investigating Biden’s handling of classified documents found in his private office and the garage of his Delaware home. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said he wants to know who may have had access to the documents and how the documents got to Biden’s office and home in the first place. “We have a lot of questions,” Comer told CNN’s “State of the Union.” Meanwhile, Biden allies said the GOP is trying to use the case to undermine an investigation into Donald Trump and top secret material.

Teen mother, baby under 6 killed in California shooting
At least six people, including a baby and a 17-year-old mother, were shot and killed Monday after a violent altercation in Central California. The shooting took place in Goshen, a semi-rural community of about 3,000 residents, 35 miles southeast of Fresno. Deputies who arrived on the scene found two victims and a third at the doorway of the house; Three more victims were found in the house, including a man who was alive but later died in a hospital. Deputies said there were at least two gunmen and gang involvement is suspected.
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USA Flag Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. made history as a defining leader of the civil rights movement who preached a message of nonviolent resistance. His role in organizing a number of important protests, marches and speeches helped bring about groundbreaking legislation – most notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – and his message continues to resonate today. On April 4, 1968, 39-year-old King was shot to death on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. On Monday, in honor of King’s birthday on January 15, the nation paused to reflect on the life, death and legacy of the towering historical figure.
‘Idol’ alum CJ Harris dies at age 31
“American Idol” alum CJ Harris, who competed in season 13 and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a spokesperson for the Walker County Coroner confirmed to USA TODAY. TMZ first reported the news, with a family member telling the outlet that Harris had suffered a heart attack. An official cause of death has not been released. In 2014, Harris sang songs including John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change”, Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” and Darius Rucker’s “Radio” before finishing in sixth place. In 2019, he released his debut single ‘In Love’.

NFL: A wild weekend of wild card playoffs
The NFL’s “Super Wild Card Weekend” is nearing completion, with Monday night’s battle between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys bowing to a series of games that saw three young quarterbacks win in their playoff debut. Trevor Lawrence overcame a 27–0 first half deficit and four interceptions to lead Jaguars past the Chargers. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones caused the Giants to get upset over the Vikings, and Brock Purdy continued his winning streak, leading the 49ers past the Seahawks. The Bengals and Bills also advanced, setting up a rematch of the game that was not completed when Bills player Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field.

Brendan Fraser tearfully accepts the Critics Choice award
A tearful Brendan Fraser accepted Best Actor for “The Whale” at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, gratefully acknowledging his return to acting. “I was in the wilderness and I probably should have left a trail of bread crumbs, but you found me,” Fraser said from the stage, thanking director Darren Aronofsky for casting him in the critically acclaimed role. In ‘The Whale’, 54-year-old Fraser plays a homebound English teacher who tries to mend his relationship with his teenage daughter due to obesity.

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Contributions: The The Bharat Express News