UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued an urgent warning that Ukraine faces a crucial decision regarding its sovereignty as discussions unfold over a U.S. peace plan that may jeopardize American support. This announcement, made earlier today in Kyiv, comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously embraces the U.S. proposal, which is perceived to favor Russia’s longstanding demands.
The proposed U.S. plan suggests Ukraine may need to concede territory to Russia—something Kyiv has firmly rejected in the past. It also implies a reduction in Ukraine’s military forces and a block on Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations. Zelenskyy emphasized that accepting such terms could risk losing vital support from the United States in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
In a separate but equally significant development, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced her resignation from Congress, effective January. Greene, once a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, cited the potential for a contentious primary battle as a key reason for her departure. This comes after a public fallout with Trump, who criticized her on various issues, labeling her a “traitor” following her recent criticisms of his policies.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested early on Saturday as he prepared to serve a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a coup attempt. Brazilian authorities acted on a Supreme Court request, taking Bolsonaro into custody in Brasilia. This arrest follows Bolsonaro’s failed appeals against the sentence, which is set to begin next week.
In Nigeria, a harrowing incident unfolded as gunmen abducted over 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in the Papiri community. Authorities are currently involved in efforts to secure their release. This incident is part of a troubling trend in Nigeria, where such kidnappings have become alarmingly common, often perpetrated by gangs in search of ransom.
In health news, a Washington state resident is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, identified as H5N5. The Washington State Department of Health reported the death of an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, highlighting the importance of monitoring potential health risks, although officials stated that the public is at low risk.
Weather updates indicate that torrential rains have returned to Southern California, prompting flash flood warnings across multiple areas, including downtown Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has issued alerts as the region braces for possible mudslides and localized flooding, following a series of storms that have already claimed lives this month.
Finally, in a courtroom in Columbus, Ohio, an officer was acquitted in the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother accused of shoplifting. The jury’s decision has sparked outrage, with family members expressing deep disappointment over the verdict. Bodycam footage from the incident revealed that Young had refused to exit her vehicle before the incident escalated.
As these stories develop, they highlight critical issues affecting both local and international communities. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor these urgent situations.
