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US Mayor Yemi Mobolade under investigation for plotting racist attack to win election

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Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade is under pressure from local officials to clarify his ties to Derrick Bernard, who was indicted for staging a hate crime during Mobolade’s mayoral campaign.

Bernard, who is black, scrawled a racial slur on a campaign sign and set a cross on fire in an incident described as a hoax to boost Mobolade’s candidacy.

The indictment revealed Bernard communicated with Mobolade about the hoax, including a message on the day of the incident promising his victory.

Despite initially denying contact with Bernard in two FBI interviews, Mobolade later stated he could not recall specifics.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to prosecute him, citing political and racial considerations.

In a statement to the Colorado Springs Gazette, Mobolade rejected the allegations without directly disputing the details. “My family and I are victims of a hate crime… I had no knowledge, warning, or involvement in this reprehensible act,” he said, adding that politically motivated websites spread misinformation.

City Councilman Dave Donelson and County Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. have called for transparency. Donelson asked, “Did he lie to the FBI in those two interviews?” Mobolade’s office dismissed the claims as “unfounded,” emphasizing respect for the ongoing investigation.

Former prosecutor George Brauchler criticized Mobolade in a Gazette op-ed, saying, “Lying to the FBI is a serious, go-to-prison crime.” He questioned Mobolade’s refusal to provide a clear denial, suggesting it raises further suspicion. Brauchler argued that the DOJ’s handling of the case undermines public trust.

The controversy deepened when reports revealed Bernard messaged Mobolade on election night to take credit for the win and later sought favors in return.

Calls for the mayor to address these allegations continue to mount, as local leaders and residents demand accountability.

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10 dead, 30 injured after vehicle drives into crowd in US

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At least 10 people have been killed after a vehicle drove into a large crowd in New Orleans, a city in Louisiana, United States.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the French Quarter, a popular tourist area, when a car sped down Bourbon Street.

Witnesses told CBS News that the driver reportedly got out and began shooting at pedestrians. Police returned fire, and two officers were injured in the exchange.

Anne Kirkpatrick, the city’s police superintendent, described the attack as “very intentional”.

“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” she said.

Kirkpatrick said attack began at 15:15 local time (21:15 GMT), adding that most of the victims appeared to be local residents, but the identities of those killed or injured are still being determined.

She said numbers could change, but confirmed 10 people were killed and at least 35 others injured.

She said it is unclear how many victims are tourists and how many are locals but added that she believed that the majority are local to New Orleans.

The superintendent said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will take over the investigation into the incident.

Althea Duncan, FBI agent, clarified that the shooting was not a terrorist incident, but noted that “improvised explosive devices” were found on scene.

Duncan said the FBI is working to find out if they are “viable” devices and urged the public to stay away from the area.

Jeff Landry, governor of Louisiana, described the incident as a “horrific act of violence”.

Landry said he is praying for all the victims and first responders at the scene.

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South Korean court issues arrest warrant for impeached president

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A Seoul western district court has issued an arrest warrant against impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol following his botched martial law declaration.

It is the first time authorities have sought to detain a sitting South Korean president.

It is unclear when authorities would attempt to take Yeol into custody. January 6 was given as the deadline to execute the warrant.

“The arrest warrant and search warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, requested by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, were issued this morning,” the Joint Investigation Headquarters, which includes officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), police, and the defence ministry, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The warrant comes after Yeol, who is being investigated for power abuse and inciting an insurrection, ignored three summons in the last fortnight.

The president’s legal team has called the warrant “illegal and invalid” and said they would challenge it in court.

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Biden declares January 9 national mourning day for Jimmy Carter

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United States President Joe Biden has declared January 9, 2025 as a national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter.

Carter, the 39th US president, died on Sunday at 100. He was the first ex-US president to become a centenarian.

Biden described Carter as an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” Biden said in a statement following Carter’s death.

“He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together,” he added, referencing Carter’s wife of 77 years who died in November 2023.

Biden ordered that flags be displayed at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels for a period of 30 days from Carter’s death.

The president said similar arrangements applied to US representatives in foreign countries at embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad.

“I do further appoint January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States,” Biden added.

The president urged Americans and people around the world who share in the grief to honour Carter’s memory on the said day.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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