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By Sarah Naffa

January 14, 2025

In the news today: Fallout from Russian mercenary armed revolt; the Supreme Court’s big week; and who pays for adventure rescues. Also, today is the first day of Hajj.

Members of the Wagner Group company on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (AP Photo)

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Russian mercenaries’ revolt could have long-term consequences

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Monday made his first public appearance since a mercenary uprising demanded his ouster, projecting a sense of order after a weekend of chaos. Under terms of the agreement that ended the crisis, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led his Wagner troops in the failed uprising, will reportedly go into exile in Belarus. Read more.

Why this matters:

For the first time in his more than 20-year rule, President Vladimir Putin’s power appeared to hang in the balance over the weekend.
"This whole episode has sowed really profound anxiety across Russia’s elites,” said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the Institute for Strategic Studies. He also noted that the mutiny has destabilized the military and badly hurt troop morale, opening new opportunities to Ukraine, which is in the initial stages of a counteroffensive.

Related coverage ➤

Live Updates | Fallout from Russian mercenary armed revolt

Belarus deal to take in leader of Russian rebellion puts him in an even more repressive nation

The mercenary chief who urged an uprising against Russia’s generals has long ties to Putin

COURTS

Major Supreme Court decisions are coming this week

The U.S. Supreme Court has 10 opinions left to release this week before the justices begin their summer break. The last opinions will cover some of the most contentious issues including affirmative action, student loans and gay rights. Read more.

Why this matters:

The survival of affirmative action in higher education is the subject of two related cases, one involving Harvard and the other the University of North Carolina. The Supreme Court has previously approved of the use of affirmative action in higher education in decisions back in 1978, but the decision to take the cases suggests a willingness to revisit those rulings.
Justices will also decide the fate of President Joe Biden’s plan to wipe away or reduce student loans held by millions of Americans. When the court heard arguments in February, the plan didn’t seem likely to survive.
A clash of gay rights and religious rights is also yet to be decided by the court. One case involves a Christian graphic artist from Colorado who objects to making wedding websites for same-sex couples. The other case involves a Christian mail carrier who refused to work on Sundays when required to deliver Amazon packages.

Related coverage ➤

Court upholds law used to prosecute people who encourage illegal immigration
A year later, the Supreme Court’s abortion decision is both scorned and praised
Supreme Court ruling complicates Navajo Nation’s fight for more water

RELIGION

The Hajj has begun in Saudi Arabia

The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has commenced, with over 2 million worshippers arriving for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. This year is the first without restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic. Read more.

Why this matters:

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. But inflation and economic crises have strained pilgrims this year, putting the Hajj out of reach for many.
As climate change heats up an already scorching region, the pilgrimage could prove even more daunting.

Related coverage ➤

Through personal ups and downs, they've waited years to perform Hajj. These are their stories
From sunhats to shoe bags, a guide to gear Muslims bring to the pilgrimage
Official says Yemeni pilgrims depart Sanaa on first direct flight to Saudi Arabia since 2016

HAPPENING TODAY

A U.S. aircraft carrier and two guided missile cruisers are visiting Vietnam in a rare port call.
Greece’s center-right leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be sworn in as Prime Minister after winning a second term with a record-high margin.

IN OTHER NEWS

Titanic expedition: When wealthy adventurers take huge risks, who should foot the bill for rescue attempts?

Fact check: Photos do not show remains of OceanGate’s Titan submersible

Triple-digit heat: A man and his stepson die after hiking in Big Bend park

Gun violence: At least three dead and five injured at shootings in Missouri

Uber driver killed: A woman is accused of fatally shooting her Uber driver

Obesity drug: A daily pill may work as well as Wegovy shots to treat obesity

TODAY IN HISTORY

Woman holds an signed copy of ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone''

On June 26, 1997: The first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling was published in the United Kingdom. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)