An October 2011 file photo shows Bolshoi Theater artistic director Sergei Filin, left, and then president Dmitry Medvedev attending a gala opening of the Bolshoi in Moscow.Vladimir Rodionov/The Associated Press
A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe's news desk on Jan. 18, 2013
Uncertainty, frustration over Algerian raid
More than 24 hours after the Algerian military moved in to rescue dozens of workers abducted by militants, many questions remain unanswered. It is still uncertain just how many of the workers at the natural gas plant have been killed or escaped. At least six foreign workers – and perhaps many more – have been killed in the on-going efforts to secure the release of the captives. British Prime Minister David Cameron, frustrated about not being given advanced warning about the operation, described the situation as "fluid and dangerous." The militants attacked the facility in retaliation for the French intervention in Mali's civil war.
Bolshoi director may be blinded by acid attack
The artistic director of one of the world's premier ballet companies was attacked with acid in Moscow Thursday night and may lose his sight. The attack on Serfei Filin, the 42-year old leader of the famed Bolshoi Theatre ballet troupe, may be linked to a power struggle within the company, reports suggest. Hints of trouble had surfaced in recent weeks – the tires of Mr. Filin's car had been slashed and hackers posted some of his personal correspondence online
Supreme Court to rule on hit man case
Can fear of an abusive spouse justify efforts to murder? The Supreme Court Of Canada will tackle that controversial issue today in the case of Nicole Ryan, a Nova Scotia school teacher who was acquitted by lower courts of trying to hire a hit man to kill her abusive husband. The hit man was a RCMP undercover agent, leading to a charge of counselling murder.
"All the blame falls on me": Armstrong
It's official: Lance Armstrong used. To no one's surprise, the disgraced cyclist laid bare his transgressions in a much-anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey Thursday night, admitting long-term use of performance enhancing drugs in the quest to dominate his sport. "All the blame falls on me," Mr. Armstrong told Ms. Winfrey. The second installment of the interview airs tonight.
Chief mulling no-confidence vote on Atleo
Is Shawn Atleo on the way out? The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations dropped from public view following a controversial summit with Prime Minister Stephen Harper a week ago, suffering from exhaustion and the flu. Now, the AFN executive is investigating the possibility of a non-confidence vote that could lead to Mr. Atleo's removal, the Globe's Gloria Galloway reports. Mr. Atleo's decision to attend the meeting over the objections of many of chiefs has divided the aboriginal community.
Jill Mahoney