Ukrainian troops captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, now held by Ukraine’s Security Service in Kyiv. President Zelensky praised Ukrainian forces for the capture, noting the challenge due to Russian and North Korean practices of executing wounded North Koreans. The prisoners, captured on January 9, are receiving medical care per the Geneva Convention and are held under international law standards. Communication is facilitated through Korean interpreters with South Korean NIS assistance. Zelensky emphasized transparency, allowing journalist access to reveal the truth. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 1:00 pm
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed willingness to discuss Greenland’s future with US President-elect Donald Trump but emphasized Greenland’s desire for sovereignty and independence. Egede stated Greenland prefers to remain Greenlandic, not Danish or American, and its people will decide their future. Despite Trump’s interest in American control, Egede is open to dialogue about shared interests, highlighting cooperation and solutions. He reiterated Greenland’s stance alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, emphasizing Greenland’s autonomy. Penelope Kingsley 12/01/2025 1:00 pm
Moscow accused the U.S. of risking global energy instability with new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, targeting Gazprom Neft and others. Announced by the U.S. and U.K. just before Biden’s departure, the sanctions aim to reduce Russian energy revenues. Moscow criticized the move as harmful to global markets and vowed to respond. Kremlin spokesman Peskov suggested the Biden administration was burdening incoming President Trump with a challenging legacy. The U.S. Treasury designated over 180 ships and major Russian oil companies, calling it a significant step against Russia’s energy revenue. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 6:00 am
Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first such capture since North Korea’s involvement in the war. President Zelenskyy announced their interrogation by Ukraine’s SBU, with assistance from South Korea’s NIS. The soldiers, shown in a video with injuries, claimed to be experienced, with one stating he was in Russia for training. One had a Russian ID under another name, while the other lacked documents. South Korea’s NIS confirmed the capture, noting significant North Korean losses and harsh conditions faced by the soldiers. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 6:00 am
A phased cease-fire is under discussion, with Netanyahu agreeing only to a partial hostage release for a temporary halt in fighting. Hamas demands a full Israeli troop withdrawal, while Netanyahu aims to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities. Over 46,000 Palestinians have died, mostly women and children. Israeli officials are in Qatar for negotiations, with pressure mounting from families of 100 hostages taken in October 2023. Recent recovery of two hostages’ bodies has heightened urgency for a deal. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 6:00 am
A Lincoln Police cruiser collided with another vehicle Friday night at 27th and W streets, sending both drivers to the hospital. The officer was responding with lights and sirens when the crash occurred. An off-duty officer nearby assisted at the scene. The other driver was extricated by Lincoln Fire & Rescue and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Neither driver was identified. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 2:30 am
Syria’s new leader, Ahmad Sharaa, urged Lebanon to move past negative relations from the Assad era, promising to resolve issues and establish strategic ties. During a joint news conference with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Sharaa emphasized building a positive relationship based on mutual respect and sovereignty. He acknowledged the damaged ties under Hafez and Bashar Assad, who was ousted by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham. Lebanon endured Syrian military presence and political influence, notably after the 1976 civil war intervention and the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 2:30 am
Thousands protested against the far-right AfD party in Riesa, Germany, as it held a convention endorsing Alice Weidel for chancellor. Despite police clearing blockades, 8,000 to 12,000 demonstrators gathered, with some clashes reported. The AfD, polling second but isolated politically, discussed policies like “remigration” and leaving the euro. Analysts doubt Weidel’s chances in the upcoming election, with Friedrich Merz of the Union bloc favored to win. The AfD also plans to replace its extremist-classified youth wing. Penelope Kingsley 12/01/2025 2:30 am
Elon Musk, owner of X, has intervened in European politics, criticizing leaders and policies. In the UK, he clashed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, labeling Britain a “tyrannical police state” and attacking new tax rules. In Germany, Musk supported the far-right AfD, calling Chancellor Scholz a “fool.” He criticized the EU’s Digital Services Act, sparring with officials like Věra Jourová and Thierry Breton. Musk’s comments have sparked controversy, with accusations of foreign interference and undermining democratic institutions. Ava Sinclair 11/01/2025 11:00 pm
Reporting on Chinese dissident Wang Jingyu is challenging, as experienced by Marije Vlaskamp of de Volkskrant. In 2022, Wang claimed harassment by individuals he believed were linked to the Chinese government and sought Vlaskamp’s help to publish his story. She declined due to the chaotic and unverifiable nature of his information. Later, bomb threats were made in Wang and Vlaskamp’s names at Chinese embassies in the Hague and Norway, which they denied involvement in, leaving Vlaskamp frightened. Noah Prescott 11/01/2025 11:00 pm
