Ukraine strike, Nepal plane crash, NFL action: The weekend’s top news

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‘Criminal proceedings’ begin for Russians behind missile strike

Ukraine authorities began “criminal proceedings” Monday against Russian soldiers blamed for the missile strike that devastated a nine-story apartment building in Ukraine and killed at least 40 people. At least 30 people remained missing from Saturday’s attack in the central Ukraine city of Dnipro, and rescue teams continued picking through the rubble in hopes of finding survivors, the Ukraine Security Service said. At least 75 people were injured, 14 of them children. The attack left hundreds of Ukrainians homeless in the dead of winter.

At least 69 dead in Nepal plane crash

The search for missing persons continued Monday after a plane crashed Sunday in a Nepal ravine, the wreckage burning so hot that rescue workers were unable to aid at least one victim. Rescue teams uncovered the data and cockpit voice recorders and the remains of a 69th victim, authorities said. Three people remained missing. “We pray for a miracle,” local official Tek Bahadur KC told Agence France-Presse. “But the hope of finding anyone alive is nil.” The cause of Sunday’s crash of Yeti Airlines Flight NYT691 near the tourist town of Pokhara remains under investigation.

Republicans seek answers on Biden’s handling of classified documents

Republicans said Sunday the White House needs to 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 at 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 might have had access to the documents and how the documents made their way 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 undercut an investigation of Donald Trump and top secret material.

Teen mother, infant among 6 killed in California shooting

At least six people including an infant and a 17-year-old mother were shot and killed following a violent altercation in Central California early Monday. The shooting took place in Goshen, a semi-rural community of about 3,000 residents 35 miles southeast of Fresno. Deputies responding to the scene found two victims and a third near the doorway of the home; three more victims were found inside the home, including a man who was still alive but later died at a hospital. Deputies said there were at least two shooters and that gang involvement is suspected.

Real Quick

US marks 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 significant protests, marches and speeches helped bring about landmark 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, King, 39, was fatally shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. On Monday, in honor of King’s birthday on Jan. 15, the nation paused to reflect on the life, death, and legacy of the towering historical figure.

‘Idol’ alum C.J. Harris dies at 31

“American Idol” alum C.J. Harris, who competed on 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 suffered a heart attack. An official cause of death has not been released. In 2014, Harris performed 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. He released his debut single, “In Love,” in 2019.

NFL: A wild weekend of wild-card playoff game

The NFL’s “Super Wild Card Weekend” is nearly complete, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Dallas Cowboys battle Monday night putting a bow on a slate of games that saw three young quarterbacks win in their playoff debuts. Trevor Lawrence overcame a 27-0 first-half deficit and four interceptions to lead Jaguars past the Chargers. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones sparked the Giants to an upset over the Vikings, and Brock Purdy continued his winning ways, 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 suffered a cardiac arrest on the field.

Brendan Fraser tearfully accepts 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 prominence. “I was in the wilderness and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you found me,” Fraser said from the stage, thanking director Darren Aronofsky for casting him in the critically lauded role. In “The Whale,” Fraser, 54, plays an English teacher housebound by severe obesity who tries to restore his relationship with his teenage daughter.