Lawyers for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol criticized efforts to detain him after his brief martial law imposition. The acting president warned against clashes between law enforcement and Yoon’s security. Anti-corruption officials, with police and military, plan another attempt to apprehend Yoon, who faces rebellion charges. His impeachment followed the martial law declaration, overturned by lawmakers. The Constitutional Court is deliberating his removal. Yoon’s legal team questioned the detention warrant’s validity, arguing the anti-corruption agency lacks authority to investigate rebellion or instruct detentions. Noah Prescott 10/01/2025 5:00 am
Elon Musk hosted Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right AfD, on his social media platform, endorsing the party ahead of German elections. Their conversation criticized speech regulations and education policies, likening them to historical censorship. German officials are investigating if this constitutes illegal party donations, as it could be seen as political advertising. The interview, promoted to Musk’s vast following, drew significant attention, raising concerns about foreign election interference. Musk’s involvement is further complicated by his advisory role to President-elect Donald Trump. Noah Prescott 10/01/2025 5:00 am
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk’s political involvement, emphasizing national interest over personal ties. She clarified no discussions with Musk about secure communications for Italy, despite SpaceX’s potential €1.5 billion deal for Starlink services. Opposition parties criticized the project, questioning the suitability of Musk’s company. Meloni stressed the evaluation phase and dismissed concerns about political interference, focusing on secure communications for government and defense across the Mediterranean. Noah Prescott 10/01/2025 1:30 am
Elon Musk urged German voters to support the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the upcoming election during a live-streamed conversation with AfD leader Alice Weidel. Musk, who is expected to advise US President-elect Donald Trump, emphasized that only AfD could “save Germany.” He criticized Germany’s energy policy, bureaucracy, and immigration, comparing media treatment of AfD to Nazi-era censorship. Musk’s political stance has alarmed European leaders, though Italian PM Giorgia Meloni defended him. Musk’s support for far-right parties in Europe has grown, especially in Germany. Ava Sinclair 10/01/2025 1:30 am
MarÃa Corina Machado, a key Venezuelan opposition leader, was reportedly “kidnapped” by regime officials after leading a protest against President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. She was released hours later, having been forcibly taken and made to record videos. Machado had emerged from hiding to protest Maduro’s upcoming third term, amid claims of election fraud. Her capture followed a large rally where she led chants against fear. Maduro’s administration, previously hesitant to detain her, seemed to change tactics after her public appearance, despite potential backlash. Ava Sinclair 09/01/2025 10:00 pm
Elon Musk hosted a live conversation with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right AfD, on his platform X. This has sparked controversy in Germany ahead of the February 23 general election, where AfD is polling second at around 20%. Despite this, other German parties have ruled out coalition partnerships with AfD, limiting its governing prospects. DW is providing live fact-checking and updates on the event. Penelope Kingsley 09/01/2025 10:00 pm
Europe’s security is precarious, and President-elect Trump is correct in urging NATO members to boost military spending, according to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He emphasized that the post-Cold War peace is over, with Russia’s actions posing a threat. Lammy supports Trump’s call for increased defense spending, suggesting NATO countries should spend at least 5% of GDP on defense. While acknowledging Trump’s unpredictable rhetoric, Lammy believes NATO’s future remains secure, despite past concerns during Trump’s first term. Britain plans to raise its defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP. Noah Prescott 09/01/2025 10:00 pm
Ukraine has humorously suggested it could replace Hungary in the EU and NATO if Budapest opts for Russian-led blocs, highlighting tensions over Hungary’s support for Moscow’s narratives and obstruction of Western support for Kyiv. This statement followed Hungary’s criticism of Ukraine’s decision not to renew a gas transit deal with Russia, which Hungary claims raised European gas prices. Despite EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, Hungary remains dependent and is viewed as the EU’s most Moscow-friendly member, often opposing aid to Ukraine and delaying sanctions against Russia. Ava Sinclair 09/01/2025 6:30 pm
YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy blamed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the Tirupati stampede, which killed six and injured many. He criticized the lack of police for crowd management, as forces were deployed for Naidu’s tour. Reddy demanded compensation for victims’ families and criticized the neglect of arrangements for Vaikunata Ekadasi. He accused Naidu of disrespecting the holy site and highlighted inadequate crowd control and delayed medical response. Reddy contrasted this with his party’s past management of such events. Penelope Kingsley 09/01/2025 6:30 pm
The Polish government pledged to ensure the safe participation of Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s liberation. Despite an ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Poland aims to honor Holocaust victims. President Andrzej Duda requested assurances for Netanyahu’s attendance without arrest risk. While ICC member states must detain suspects, enforcement is limited. Poland emphasized its safety and dismissed arrest concerns as “fake news.” Netanyahu’s attendance remains uncertain. Ava Sinclair 09/01/2025 6:30 pm
