South Korea’s acting leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, announced his resignation to pursue a presidential bid amid political turmoil. Han, a potential conservative candidate, is expected to align with the People Power Party against liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung. With 40 years in public service, Han has held key roles, including trade and finance minister, and ambassador to the U.S. Supporters cite his economic expertise, while critics question his lack of electoral experience and age. Observers anticipate his campaign launch on Friday. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 4:00 pm
Local elections in England on Thursday are the first major test since Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party’s landslide victory. With the economy struggling and the government low in polls, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK aims to capitalize on voter frustration. Both Labour and the opposition Conservatives face challenges, leaving opportunities for smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats and Greens. Elections are only in parts of England, as many councils canceled elections due to expected reorganization. Penelope Kingsley 01/05/2025 12:30 pm
A group of hardline conservative Catholics is pushing for the next pope to align with their views, using smear tactics against candidates they oppose. They criticize the late Pope Francis for his liberal stance on issues like same-sex unions, divorce, and immigration. Influential conservatives are promoting hard-right candidates like Bishop Athanasius Schneider and Cardinal Robert Sarah. They hope for a pope focused on pro-life and family issues rather than climate change and immigration. This conservative push reflects a broader trend of traditionalism among Catholic followers, despite liberal leadership. Ava Sinclair 01/05/2025 12:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “national emergency” as wildfires near Jerusalem threatened the city. Thick smoke and rapidly spreading fires prompted military deployment and evacuations. Magen David Adom reported hundreds at risk, treating 23 people, including pregnant women and infants, mostly for smoke inhalation and burns. Netanyahu emphasized the urgent need for firebreaks and additional fire engines to protect Jerusalem. Highways were closed, and communities evacuated as the situation worsened, with residents expressing concerns over preparedness. Penelope Kingsley 01/05/2025 12:30 pm
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed a missile launch test on the newly launched destroyer, Choe Hyon, marking a significant step in modernizing North Korea’s navy with nuclear capabilities. The 5,000-tonne warship, unveiled with his daughter Ju-ae, is reportedly equipped with advanced weapons systems, likely built with Russian assistance. This collaboration follows a defense deal where North Korea supplied troops to Russia. The destroyer, despite North Korea’s naval inferiority to South Korea, poses a serious security threat. Kim aims to further strengthen his navy by acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 12:30 pm
Tourist Nash Core and his 11-year-old son, Parker, helped rescue a stranded 10-foot great white shark off the Australian coast near Ardrossan. Alongside three local men, they managed to return the shark to deeper water after an hour-long effort. Core, visiting from Queensland, captured the event with his drone. Despite initial fear, he and Parker joined the rescue, though Core chose not to push the shark himself. The shark was either sick or tired, and they hoped it would recover. Penelope Kingsley 01/05/2025 12:30 pm
A report alleges that Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna was brutally tortured and killed while in Russian custody. Her autopsy revealed severe injuries, including brain removal, broken bones, and signs of electrocution. Initially misidentified as a male soldier, her body was later confirmed as Roshchyna’s. Known for her fearless reporting in occupied territories, she aimed to expose Russian detention sites but became a victim herself. Detained in Enerhodar, she was moved to a torture site in Melitopol, where she endured horrific abuse before her death. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 9:00 am
Local and mayoral elections are taking place in parts of England, with polls open from 07:00 to 22:00 BST on Thursday. Voters will decide on 1,650 seats across 14 county councils, eight unitary authorities, and one metropolitan district. Six mayoral elections are also occurring, including first-time votes in Hull and East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire. A by-election in Runcorn and Helsby follows the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury. Results are expected by Friday evening. Voters must show photo ID to vote in person. Ava Sinclair 01/05/2025 9:00 am
At a World Court hearing, the U.S. stated that Israel cannot be compelled to allow UNRWA to operate in Gaza. Israel banned UNRWA, citing its employment of Hamas members involved in attacks. The U.N. General Assembly sought an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations to facilitate aid. The U.S. argued Israel can decide which organizations provide aid in Palestinian territories. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 9:00 am
Erin Patterson is on trial for allegedly murdering three relatives and attempting to murder another by serving a poisonous mushroom lunch. Her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, testified that it was “very rare” for her to host social gatherings. Simon was invited but chose not to attend. Erin, who has pleaded not guilty, claims she accidentally poisoned her family. The prosecution alleges she invited them under false pretenses. Three people died, while one survived after extensive hospital treatment. The trial is ongoing in Morwell, Victoria. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 5:30 am
