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Trudeau Expected to Announce Resignation Amid Party Pressure 

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly likely to announce his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, a source familiar with the matter said Sunday. While Trudeau has not made a final decision, an announcement could come as early as Monday, according to the Globe and Mail. 

The source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, said Trudeau’s departure would leave the Liberals without a permanent leader ahead of an election that must be held by late October. Current polling suggests the party is on track to lose decisively to the opposition Conservatives. 

Trudeau’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The prime minister’s schedule for Monday indicates he is set to participate virtually in a cabinet meeting on Canada-U.S. relations. 

Sources cited by the Globe and Mail expect Trudeau to announce his intentions before a Wednesday emergency meeting of Liberal legislators. Growing calls from party members, alarmed by a string of unfavorable polls, have added to the pressure. 

Trudeau, who became Liberal leader in 2013 and led the party to victory in 2015, has faced increasing criticism for recent political missteps. In December, tensions rose after an attempt to demote Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland backfired, leading to her resignation and a public rebuke of Trudeau’s leadership style. 

It remains unclear whether Trudeau would immediately step down or remain as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is reportedly among those considered for interim leadership, though this could complicate his potential bid for the permanent role. 

If Trudeau resigns, analysts anticipate calls for a snap election to stabilize the government and address pressing challenges, including navigating relations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. 

Trudeau, 53, campaigned on a progressive platform emphasizing inclusivity and climate action. However, his tenure has been increasingly marked by challenges, including economic pressures, soaring housing costs, and public frustration over a botched immigration policy. 

While his government’s pandemic response included record deficit spending to shield Canadians from economic fallout, it failed to shield his party from mounting public dissatisfaction. 

As Trudeau’s future hangs in the balance, his resignation could mark a significant turning point for the Liberal Party and Canadian politics at large. 

Russia Claims Capture of Eastern Ukraine Town, Kyiv Remains Silent 

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Russian forces claim to have captured the eastern Ukrainian stronghold of Kurakhove after a prolonged battle, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Monday. The ministry stated the heavily damaged town was now part of the Kremlin’s list of conquests in the nearly three-year-long conflict. 

Ukrainian authorities have not responded to the claim, which follows reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry that Ukrainian forces had launched new attacks in the Kursk border region. 

Kurakhove, a strategic location for the Ukrainian military in the Donetsk region, features industrial infrastructure, including a thermal power plant and a reservoir. The town also serves as a key transit point along a highway linking eastern and southern Ukraine. 

In November, the Associated Press reported that between 7,000 and 10,000 residents remained in Kurakhove, which had a prewar population of about 20,000. The area has endured heavy bombardment from artillery, rocket launchers, and drones, leaving much of the town in ruins. 

Russian forces have focused on advancing westward in a slow and costly campaign to gain control of Donetsk. Ukrainian troops, stretched thin along the front lines, continue to resist Russia’s numerically superior army. 

Nearby Pokrovsk, a critical transportation hub providing supplies to Ukrainian forces, is also under pressure as Russian forces attempt to encircle it. 

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to expedite military aid, emphasizing its importance during his recent address. Zelenskyy expressed hope for additional support during an upcoming meeting with Western partners in Germany. 

Russia’s Defense Ministry also claimed on Sunday that Ukrainian forces launched a new offensive in the Kursk region. While Moscow stated it successfully repelled the attack, reports from Russian military bloggers hinted at considerable challenges faced by Russian troops. 

The developments come amid heightened uncertainty, as the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump approaches. Analysts suggest both sides are attempting to secure territorial gains ahead of potential peace negotiations. 

In 2022, Moscow declared the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, although Russian forces have yet to fully control any of the four. 

The prolonged conflict continues to reshape the region, with no clear resolution in sight. 

Lawsuit Claims Fox Sports Ex-Host Harassed Hairstylist, Offered $1.5M for Sex-AP

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A woman who worked as a hairstylist for Fox Sports alleges in a lawsuit that former host Skip Bayless made repeated, unwanted advances toward her — including an offer of $1.5 million to have sex with him.

Sports commentator and television personality Skip Bayless 

Attorneys for Noushin Faraji, who was a hairstylist at Fox for more than a decade, are seeking unspecified damages from Bayless, Fox Sports and its parent company, Fox Corporation, according to a copy of the lawsuit filed Friday in California Superior Court in Los Angeles.

The complaint claims Fox executives fostered a hostile work environment that allowed senior managers and on-air personalities including Bayless to abuse workers without fear of punishment.

The Associated Press does not generally identify, in text or images, those who say they have been sexually assaulted or subjected to abuse unless they have publicly identified themselves as Faraji has in filing the lawsuit.

An attorney for Bayless, Jared Levine, did not immediately respond to AP’s telephone and text messages seeking comment. Email and phone messages left at Bayless’s talent company were not immediately returned.

Bayless could not be reached directly for comment.

Fox Sports said in a statement that it takes the allegations seriously but had no further comment given the pending lawsuit.

Faraji claimed that the advances by Bayless, which began in 2017 and continued until last year — included lingering hugs, kisses on the cheek and comments from Bayless that he could change Faraji’s life if she had sex with him.

In 2021, she claims in the suit, Bayless offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex and, after she refused, later threatened her job.

“Ms. Faraji knew that he was trying to pressure her into having sex with him, but she kept repeating that she was a professional that had to be kind to all talent,” the lawsuit says.

Kanye West Shares Nude Video of Wife Bianca Censori for Her 30th Birthday

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Kanye West marked the 30th birthday of his wife, Bianca Censori, by sharing a provocative video on Instagram. The 47-year-old rapper posted a black-and-white clip showing the Australian architect in a bath, where she gazed at the camera with her hair tied in a bun. Kanye captioned the video, “happy birthday baby.”

Censori, who celebrated her milestone birthday on Sunday, also hosted an extravagant party. The event featured Bianca dancing with Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, 50, on the dance floor to Azealia Banks’ hit “212.” Bianca wore a sultry black bodysuit that highlighted her cleavage, paired with high-heel boots, smokey eye makeup, and a sleek bun. Kanye dressed in all-black attire for the occasion.

In a separate video, Bianca was seen dancing with Kanye, her legs wrapped around his waist as she smiled brightly. She later shared photos of the couple sharing intimate kisses on her Instagram Stories. Other attendees at the birthday party included Australian basketball star Elizabeth Cambage, with several guests posting photos from the celebration.

Bianca also shared a picture of herself standing beside a towering white birthday cake, captioning it, “happy birthday to me.” She posted another snap of the ocean from a plane, tagging Kanye in the caption.

Censori, who is known for her bold fashion choices, recently shared daring social media photos, including one where she went braless in a sheer black top. She also posted images in revealing outfits, including a black thong bodysuit with sheer tights and a barely-there bikini paired with blonde hair.

This celebration comes after Kanye’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, shared holiday photos with their four children—North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5—while Kanye has not been seen with his children in several months. Kim filed for divorce in 2021, and their divorce was finalized in November 2022.

Kanye and Bianca’s marriage, initially thought to be a non-legal ceremony, was later confirmed as legally binding in October 2023. The wedding took place for religious reasons.

U.S. Delegation to Attend Mahama’s Inauguration; Ten Heads of State Confirmed

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U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has named a delegation to represent the United States at the inauguration of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will lead the U.S. delegation. A White House statement announced her designation and added that she would be joined by Virginia E. Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana; Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles; and Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.

The ceremony will mark the return of President-elect Mahama to the highest office in Ghana after his overwhelming victory in the December 7 elections. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo will formally hand over the presidency. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama Transition Team, confirmed that the event will be attended by 10 heads of state, along with two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and representatives from organizations such as the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank.

In addition to the swearing-in, there will be a parliamentary session held temporarily at Black Star Square. To manage the large crowd, access to the venue will be restricted to invited guests only, with Mr. Ofosu emphasizing that no one will be allowed into the swearing-in area without their invitation cards.

For the duration of the event, several roads in Accra will be closed, including 28th February Road, Castle Road, and Starlet 91 Road. Traffic will be diverted, and designated parking areas will be available, such as those behind the Independence Arch, at the State House, and at other nearby locations. Unauthorized parking or driving through roadblocks will be prohibited.

President-elect Mahama has pledged to focus on economic transformation, job creation through a 24-hour economy, empowering women with a Women Development Bank offering low-interest loans, and improving access to affordable tertiary education.

The inauguration will highlight Ghana’s dedication to democracy and peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing its reputation as a stable nation. Guests are expected to arrive by 8:30 AM, with formal proceedings set to begin at 11:00 AM.

Five Feared Dead as Tanker Fire Razes Banks and Properties in Delta State, Nigeria

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Tragedy struck in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, on Sunday afternoon when a petrol tanker exploded along the busy Old Lagos-Asaba Road. The incident reportedly left five people feared dead, while multiple properties, including two banks, vehicles, and houses, were destroyed by the ensuing fire. 

The tanker reportedly overturned and burst into flames near the First Bank branch located in the Agbor Central area. Witnesses said the driver lost control while attempting a turn, igniting a massive fire that spread rapidly. 

A local source described the scene as catastrophic. “The petrol tanker fell by First Bank in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the Old Lagos-Asaba road. Many people died, though the exact number is uncertain. Initially, five deaths were reported, while several others sustained injuries,” the source said. 

The blaze engulfed nearby structures, including First Bank, Access Bank, two houses, and vehicles within the vicinity. Victims caught in the flames were rushed to the hospital, though the lack of an immediate firefighting response reportedly worsened the situation. 

“We couldn’t see firefighters at the scene, which escalated the fire further,” another witness recounted. 

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the incident but reported a lower death toll. Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe stated, “Two deaths were recorded. First Bank, Access Bank, two houses, and two vehicles were affected by the fire.” 

The explosion has left the Agbor community in shock and mourning. Efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess the full extent of the damage are ongoing. 

This incident highlights the persistent dangers posed by tanker accidents along busy roads in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, emergency response preparedness, and better road management to prevent similar tragedies. 

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Church of England Faces Uncertainty as Archbishop Welby Resigns Amid Scandal

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The Church of England is navigating turbulent waters as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby steps down on Monday, concluding his tenure under the shadow of a high-profile abuse cover-up scandal. Adding to the institution’s challenges, his interim successor, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, is also under scrutiny for his handling of a separate abuse case, leaving the Church in a precarious position. 

Justin Welby, 69, announced his resignation in November following the findings of an independent inquiry that criticized his insufficient response to one of the Church’s most egregious abuse cases. The case involved John Smyth, a man accused of abusing young boys during Christian summer camps decades ago. Smyth passed away in 2018, but the inquiry revealed that Welby had failed to take adequate action to address the allegations. 

In his resignation statement, Welby accepted “personal and institutional responsibility” for the Church’s failures in addressing what he called “heinous abuses.” 

As the leader of the Church of England and spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, representing over 85 million Anglicans, Welby’s departure marks a significant moment for an institution grappling with declining faith in Britain and deep internal divisions over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. 

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Church’s second-ranking cleric, will assume Welby’s duties on an interim basis while a permanent successor is chosen—a process that could take up to six months. However, Cottrell himself faces allegations of mishandling a sexual abuse case involving a priest, David Tudor. 

According to a BBC report, Cottrell allowed Tudor to remain in his role despite being aware that the Church had barred him from being alone with children. It was only later that Tudor was suspended and ultimately banned for life from ministry in October. 

Cottrell has apologized for not acting sooner, stating that he took action “at the first opportunity” once additional information came to light. The case has cast a shadow over his interim leadership, further complicating the Church’s efforts to rebuild trust. 

The Church of England is also contending with broader challenges, including a steady decline in religious affiliation. A 2019 British Social Attitudes (BSA) report found that only a third of Britons identified as Christian, a sharp drop from 66% in 1983. 

Internal divisions over the Church’s approach to same-sex couples have also fueled tensions, raising questions about its relevance in modern society. 

Adding to the turmoil, former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey resigned as a priest last month following allegations of mishandling the same abuse case involving Tudor. 

Experts warn that the current situation could leave the Church vulnerable. Linda Woodhead, head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King’s College London, expressed concern about the lack of stable leadership. 

“The Church could soon find itself with no archbishop at the helm,” she said. “This would create significant problems, even in the safeguarding realm, let alone other aspects of Church governance.” 

In his Christmas Day sermon, Cottrell acknowledged the gravity of the scandals, urging the Church to confront its failings. “The Church must strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration,” he said. 

As the Church begins the search for its next leader, it faces immense pressure to address its internal divisions, regain public trust, and strengthen its safeguarding practices to prevent further harm. 

Mali Rebels Accuse Army and Russian Fighters of Killing Nine Civilians in Vehicle Attack

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Nine civilians, including women and children, were reportedly killed last week in Mali’s Segou region when their vehicle came under fire, according to statements from a civil society group and a coalition of Tuareg rebels. The groups have accused Malian armed forces and Russian Wagner mercenaries of carrying out the attack. 

The attack occurred on Thursday as a vehicle traveled from the town of Niono to a refugee camp in Mauritania, said Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for a coalition of Tuareg groups seeking independence in northern Mali. 

Local civil society association Kal Akal and Ramadane claimed Malian troops and fighters from Wagner, a Russian private military contractor, were responsible for the assault. 

However, the leader of Kel Ansar, one of the largest Tuareg groups, issued a separate statement calling for an investigation but suggested Malian forces were not involved in the incident. 

Neither Mali’s army nor Wagner representatives responded to requests for comment. 

Wagner fighters have been present in Mali since the military seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, expelling French and U.N. troops. They now assist Malian forces in combating Islamist insurgents and Tuareg separatists. 

The incident follows reports of civilian abuses in the region. In December, Human Rights Watch accused Malian armed forces, supported by Wagner fighters, of committing serious violations of the laws of war, including attacks on civilians. 

Human rights organizations and local groups are calling for a thorough investigation into the attack to determine responsibility and ensure justice for the victims. 

The ongoing violence underscores the volatile situation in Mali, where tensions between government forces, Russian allies, Islamist militants, and separatist groups continue to escalate. 

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Heaviest Snowfall in a Decade Possible as Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across the U.S.

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A powerful winter storm brought snow, ice, high winds, and plummeting temperatures to parts of the central United States on Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for what the National Weather Service called the “heaviest snowfall in a decade” in some areas. 

Snow and ice covered roads across Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, where the National Guard was mobilized to assist stranded motorists. Over 8 inches of snow were expected in some areas, particularly north of Interstate 70, as blizzard conditions hit Kansas and Missouri with wind gusts reaching 45 mph (72 km/h). Winter storm warnings were also issued for New Jersey, extending through early Tuesday. 

“For locations receiving the highest snow totals, this could be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” the National Weather Service reported Sunday. 

Approximately 63 million Americans were under some form of winter weather advisory, watch, or warning, according to meteorologist Bob Oravec. The polar vortex, a mass of ultra-cold Arctic air, stretched southward, bringing freezing temperatures to areas as far south as Florida. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency of such events to a warming Arctic. 

The storm brought widespread disruption to transportation. Major highways, including parts of Interstate 70 in Kansas, were closed due to “impassable” conditions. Snowfall reached 10 inches in Kansas, with predictions of up to 14 inches in some areas. 

In Kentucky, Louisville shattered its snowfall record for the date, with 7.7 inches (19.5 cm), surpassing the previous mark of 3 inches set in 1910. Lexington also recorded 5 inches (12.7 cm), breaking its own record. 

Upstate New York faced lake-effect snow, with accumulations exceeding 3 feet (0.9 meters) in some areas. 

Governors in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky declared states of emergency as roads became treacherous. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to stay off the roads, citing numerous car accidents, including one involving a state trooper on Interstate 65. 

Virginia reported at least 135 crashes, with injuries but no fatalities. Kansas closed 220 miles (354 kilometers) of Interstate 70 due to dangerous conditions. 

The storm also wreaked havoc on air and rail travel. Nearly 200 flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport were canceled, and Amtrak suspended multiple routes, including services between Chicago and New York. 

“If local authorities are advising people not to travel, it’s counterproductive to maintain a full schedule of services,” said Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari. 

The eastern two-thirds of the country braced for dangerously cold temperatures starting Monday, with wind chills making conditions even more hazardous. Temperatures were expected to drop 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 14 degrees Celsius) below normal in some areas, with single-digit lows anticipated along parts of the East Coast. 

Chicago experienced temperatures in the teens (-7 to -10 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, while International Falls, Minnesota, saw a frigid -11 degrees Fahrenheit (-24 Celsius). 

School closures were announced across multiple states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, and Maryland. Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools canceled classes for nearly 100,000 students on what would have been their first day back after winter break. 

The storm’s effects are expected to linger, with cold air gripping the eastern half of the U.S. into the coming week. Meteorologists also warned of possible tornadoes in the Deep South, with damaging winds reported in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 

As the storm progresses, officials continue to urge residents to avoid travel and stay indoors to ensure safety. 

Former French President Sarkozy Faces Trial Over Alleged €50 Million Gaddafi Campaign Financing

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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy goes on trial Monday, facing charges of accepting €50 million in illegal campaign financing from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The case, a result of over a decade of investigations, adds to a series of legal troubles shadowing Sarkozy since leaving office in 2012. 

The 69-year-old politician, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, is accused of concealing embezzlement of public funds and illegal campaign financing. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Sarkozy has denied all allegations, calling them part of a conspiracy against him. 

Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign was financed with funds illicitly provided by Gaddafi’s regime. In return, Sarkozy and senior officials purportedly pledged to rehabilitate Gaddafi’s international image, despite Libya’s ties to the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie and other attacks. 

The case gained momentum in 2012 when investigative outlet Mediapart published a document alleging an agreement between Sarkozy and Libyan officials. Sarkozy, however, has insisted the document is a forgery. 

The accusations intensified after Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine claimed he delivered up to €5 million in cash from Gaddafi to Sarkozy’s campaign in 2006 and 2007. Takieddine later retracted his statement in 2020, fueling suspicions of witness tampering. 

Sarkozy has already been convicted in two separate cases. In December 2023, France’s top appeals court upheld a one-year prison sentence for influence peddling, which Sarkozy is serving under electronic surveillance. Another campaign financing conviction was confirmed by a Paris appeals court last year. 

Sarkozy and the late Libyan leader, Gaddafi

In October 2023, Sarkozy was also charged with illegal witness tampering, while his wife, Carla Bruni, was charged with concealing evidence in the same case. 

The trial, scheduled to run until April 10, includes 12 other defendants, among them Sarkozy’s former chief of staff Claude Guéant, campaign financing head Eric Woerth, and ex-minister Brice Hortefeux. 

Defense attorneys have dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated. “There was no Libyan financing of the campaign,” said Sarkozy’s lawyer Christophe Ingrain. 

Prosecutors argue the alleged pact dates back to a 2005 meeting between Sarkozy, then interior minister, and Gaddafi in Tripoli. However, Sarkozy’s defense maintains no evidence of illegal funds was ever found in the campaign accounts. 

The alleged campaign financing ties are set against a backdrop of Western countries’ attempts to re-engage with Gaddafi in the mid-2000s. Gaddafi visited Paris in 2007, pitching his tent in the city center during a highly publicized state visit. 

However, relations soured by 2011 when France backed NATO-led military action that helped oust Gaddafi during Libya’s civil war. Sarkozy has since claimed the accusations stem from personal vendettas among former Gaddafi officials. 

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