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Recent US surveillance flights over Nigeria and Ghana indicate increased security cooperation, following threats by President Trump to intervene militarily in Nigeria over violence against Christians. The flights, operated by Tenax Aerospace, aim to gather intelligence on militant groups and track a kidnapped US pilot amid regional tensions.
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U.S. colleges are increasingly adopting courses that require reading only one big book per semester, reflecting a shift towards accommodating shorter attention spans. Meanwhile, some institutions are introducing remedial math classes, raising concerns about the impact on academic rigor and student potential. Today's date: Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:15:07 +0000.
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An AP investigation reveals that SafeSport hesitated to impose a permanent ban on coach Sean Gardner, despite his willingness to admit abuse. Gardner, facing federal child pornography charges, was suspended in 2022 but remains eligible to work, raising concerns about internal politics and delayed justice.
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Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has granted clemency to Maurice Taylor, who was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to sell a Schedule III drug, after his brother Marcus was released earlier this month. The move follows legal reviews and advocacy for justice reform.
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Five Democratic-led states—California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York—sued the federal government over a funding freeze targeting social programs. A judge temporarily blocked the freeze, citing potential harm to low-income families and ongoing legal questions about the administration's justification for withholding over $10 billion in aid.
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Six people were fatally shot at three locations near West Point, Mississippi. The suspect is in custody and no longer poses a threat. Authorities have not disclosed the motive or details of the incident, which remains under investigation on this Saturday afternoon.
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The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Gabriel Olivier can pursue a civil rights lawsuit after being arrested for preaching outside a designated protest zone. The decision clarifies free speech rights and opens the door for future legal challenges against local restrictions.
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Morocco's plans to develop large-scale data centers for AI and cloud services are advancing with international investment, but face hurdles due to energy and water constraints. Meanwhile, in the US, xAI's new supercomputer data center in Mississippi faces environmental scrutiny and local opposition.
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A 19-year-old man confessed to setting fire to the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, causing extensive damage. The fire, believed to be a hate crime, destroyed parts of the synagogue, including Torah scrolls. Authorities are investigating motives amid community support for the congregation.
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Federal courts have struck down efforts by the Trump administration to withhold education funding over diversity and equity programs. The judge ruled these policies violated free speech and procedural rules, marking a significant legal victory for education groups and opponents of anti-DEI measures. The administration has withdrawn its appeal.
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Stephen Pittman, 19, has confessed to setting fire to Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, citing its Jewish ties. He was arrested after his father reported burns and a Snapchat selfie showing injuries. The fire damaged the synagogue's library and offices but spared the main sanctuary, with no casualties reported. This attack follows a history of anti-Semitic violence at the site.
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A severe winter storm is sweeping across the US, affecting over 140 million people from New Mexico to New England. It brings heavy snow, dangerous ice, and extreme cold, prompting states to declare emergencies, cancel flights, and prepare for widespread power outages. The storm's impact is comparable to a hurricane in some areas.
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Recent cold snap in the US has caused dozens of deaths and widespread power outages, highlighting vulnerabilities to prolonged cold. Meanwhile, global warming projections show rising extreme heat risks worldwide, especially in developing nations, demanding urgent adaptation measures.
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Recent incidents highlight ongoing disputes over transgender participation in school sports, with Nevada's UNR volleyball team forfeiting a match after refusing to compete against a transgender player, Blaire Fleming. Meanwhile, nationwide youth sports participation, especially in girls' basketball, continues to decline amid social and economic challenges.
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A winter storm caused widespread power outages and road closures across the southeastern US, especially in Mississippi and Tennessee. Over 80 deaths have been reported, and millions remain without electricity amid record low temperatures and ice damage. Emergency efforts continue to restore services and assist affected residents.
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Recent cold weather across the US and parts of Canada has increased health risks, including hypothermia and frostbite, especially in areas with inadequate infrastructure. Experts warn prolonged exposure can exhaust the body and overwork the heart, with vulnerable populations at higher risk.
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A severe Arctic cold wave has swept across the eastern US, causing record low temperatures, widespread power outages, and over 110 deaths. Major cities like New York and Nashville face extreme conditions, with ongoing recovery efforts and warnings of dangerous weather into early February.
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Mississippi advances a measure requiring initiative organizers to gather 10% of registered voters' signatures, while Florida's proposed amendments fail to meet ballot requirements amid ongoing political clashes over constitutional reforms and ballot access laws.
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A severe ice storm in Mississippi caused widespread power outages, especially in Lafayette County and Oxford. Despite improved weather, thousands remain without electricity and water, with recovery efforts ongoing. The storm has resulted in at least three deaths, and federal aid has been approved to support cleanup.
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Former Detroit Lions linebacker Robert Scroggins has died at age 56. He played 142 games, recorded notable sacks, and helped the team reach the playoffs five times. Cause of death was not disclosed. The news was announced by the Lions on Monday.
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Storm Nils swept through southwestern France and northern Spain, causing two deaths and widespread power outages. The storm, described as having 'uncommon strength,' prompted flood alerts and disrupted thousands of households. It has now moved eastward into Europe, with ongoing weather warnings.
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Strong storms caused damage in Louisiana, overturning vehicles and damaging infrastructure. The storm system is moving into Georgia and Florida. Meanwhile, the Northeast begins to thaw after a prolonged cold spell, and California faces heavy snow and rain. No fatalities reported.
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Congressman Bennie Thompson, first elected in 1993, secured his 18th term in Mississippi's 2nd District with 84.8% of the vote, defeating challenger Evan Turnage, who emphasized generational change. Thompson's district remains strongly Democratic, and he maintains key committee roles, including on Homeland Security.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed the state has lower taxes than Texas and Florida, citing studies that contradict overall tax burden rankings. Critics argue his assertions rely on selective data and ignore California's high cost of living, amid ongoing population decline and political ambitions.