Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun was arrested for alleged collusion with President Yoon Suk Yeol in imposing martial law, which lasted six hours and sparked protests. Authorities are investigating potential rebellion charges, and Yoon faces criminal probes and impeachment attempts. The Justice Ministry banned Yoon and eight others from leaving the country. Kim, accused of recommending martial law and deploying troops to block lawmakers, apologized and claimed full responsibility. Prosecutors have 20 days to decide on indicting him, with rebellion charges carrying a potential death sentence. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 8:30 pm
The report describes a visit to Saydnaya prison in Syria, known for its brutal conditions. Outside, a man reads names from a list of those hanged, while families anxiously listen, hoping to hear about missing loved ones. One man seeks news of his brother, while another desperately inquires about his son, taken 11 years ago at age 15. The scene highlights the anguish and uncertainty faced by families of the disappeared. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 8:30 pm
Seth Meyers highlighted the contradiction between Donald Trump’s campaign promises and his recent admissions. Trump had claimed that tariffs on imports would lower prices and “make America affordable again.” However, in a recent interview, Trump admitted he couldn’t guarantee this outcome. Meyers criticized Trump for backtracking on his promises, noting that tariffs typically raise prices, contrary to Trump’s claims. Meyers emphasized that while tariffs might boost domestic production, they don’t magically lower prices, as Trump suggested during his campaign. Penelope Kingsley 10/12/2024 8:30 pm
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 79, is recovering in intensive care after emergency surgery in Sao Paulo to drain a brain bleed from an October fall. The operation was successful, with no brain injury or neurological issues. Lula is stable, speaking, and eating normally, expected to remain in intensive care for 48 hours. Health concerns arise as he is halfway through his third term. Lula curtailed travel recently due to the fall. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will assume Lula’s agenda temporarily. Lula remains a significant political figure in Brazil. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
The collapse of Assad’s regime has led Israel to launch airstrikes and deploy ground troops in Syria, marking a significant military escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described this as a “new and dramatic chapter,” attributing Assad’s downfall to Israel’s actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. While Israel celebrates Assad’s fall, it fears radical Islamists taking power. Foreign Minister Sa’ar emphasized targeting Syrian military sites to prevent extremists from acquiring chemical weapons. Israel’s navy destroyed Syria’s naval fleet, and airstrikes caused significant damage in Damascus, raising regional tensions. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
Javier Milei’s economic reforms in Argentina have led to consecutive budget surpluses and reduced inflation, earning praise from the IMF and boosting the Merval stock index by 140%. However, these budget cuts have deepened the recession, increased unemployment, and pushed the poverty rate above 50%. Despite projected GDP growth of 5% next year, the economy remains strained. Milei’s drastic measures, including reducing government ministries and laying off over 30,000 employees, have sparked growing desperation among ordinary Argentines, with rising demand for basic necessities. Penelope Kingsley 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
China has launched its largest regional maritime deployment in decades, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, amid increased Chinese military activities in the Taiwan Strait and Western Pacific. This follows Taiwan’s heightened alert after President Lai Ching-te’s unofficial U.S. stops. Taiwan reports multiple Chinese naval formations in regional waters, though Beijing hasn’t confirmed any drills. China claims Taiwan as its territory, opposing U.S.-Taiwan interactions. Lt. Gen. Hsieh Jih-Sheng noted the deployment’s scale could block external forces, extending beyond the first island chain, impacting regional security dynamics. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
In May 2016, Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia’s military success in Syria with a concert in Palmyra, highlighting Russia’s influence in the Middle East. However, following a rapid militant-led offensive that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russian media downplayed the events and Russia’s role in Syria. Major Russian outlets focused on other topics, and officials, including Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, remained silent on Assad’s ouster, despite Russia’s significant involvement in Syria over the past decade. Noah Prescott 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in his corruption trial, becoming the first sitting Israeli leader to do so. He denied charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, calling them a “witch hunt.” Netanyahu argued he could manage his trial alongside his duties amid ongoing conflicts. The trial has deepened divisions in Israel and affected his legacy. He faces accusations of accepting gifts for favors and promoting media regulations for positive coverage. His testimony occurred in a secure courtroom, with protesters outside, both supporting and opposing him. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 5:00 pm
Syrian rebels discovered around 40 bodies showing signs of torture at Harasta Hospital’s mortuary in Damascus after President Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow. The bodies, wrapped in blood-stained shrouds, had wounds and bruises, with adhesive tape bearing numbers and names. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports nearly 60,000 tortured and killed in Assad’s prisons. The bodies are believed to be detainees from Saydnaya prison. The Syrian Red Crescent is coordinating with rebels to identify the bodies. The White Helmets concluded a search at Saydnaya prison without finding detainees. Ava Sinclair 10/12/2024 1:30 pm
