Sir Keir Starmer plans to unveil a “plan for change” with six clear, measurable targets, or “milestones,” ahead of the next general election. This approach aims to provide transparent success metrics, though it risks exposing failures. Critics label it an “emergency relaunch,” while Starmer’s team emphasizes relatable, concrete promises over abstract goals. Immigration won’t be a milestone, but border and economic security will be highlighted. The plan seeks to shift focus from foundational fixes to clear priorities, learning from recent U.S. election strategies. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 11:00 am
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is set to resign after far-right and leftist lawmakers toppled his government over an unpopular budget. This marks France’s second major political crisis in six months. Barnier, the shortest-serving modern French PM, faced backlash for pushing a budget without a vote, seeking €60 billion in savings. His resignation weakens President Macron, who faces calls to resign but remains in office until 2027. France risks ending the year without a stable government or 2025 budget, impacting the EU amid Germany’s coalition issues. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 11:00 am
The chaotic scenes in Seoul, with troops and lawmakers storming South Korea’s parliament after President Yoon declared martial law, reflect the nation’s turbulent political history. Amidst calls for Yoon’s resignation, the unrest is linked to recent events like a nationwide doctors’ strike. The strike, ongoing since February, protests a government plan to increase medical school admissions to address South Korea’s aging population. Yoon’s hardline stance against the strike, citing societal threats, adds to the political tension, highlighting the complex challenges facing the country. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 7:30 am
Fabio Ochoa Vásquez, a former key operator of Colombia’s Medellin cocaine cartel, has been released from a U.S. prison after serving 25 years of a 30-year sentence. Ochoa, 67, and his brothers became billionaires in the late 1970s and 1980s as cocaine flooded the U.S. He managed a distribution center in Miami for Pablo Escobar’s cartel. Ochoa’s story was featured in Netflix’s “Narcos.” He is expected to be deported back to Colombia. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 7:30 am
Women training as midwives and nurses in Afghanistan have been told not to return to classes, effectively closing their last educational avenue. Five institutions confirmed the Taliban’s order to close, aligning with their policy restricting female education since August 2021. Despite promises to resolve issues, no progress has been made. Midwifery and nursing were among the few careers available to women, crucial due to restrictions on male medics treating women. The future of these women and 17,000 others in training is uncertain, with no formal announcement yet. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 7:30 am
Cuba faced a severe power crisis as its national grid collapsed, leaving millions without electricity. The National Electric Union reported generating only 533 MW, far below the 3,000-3,200 MW needed. The government prioritized restoring power to hospitals and water facilities, while schools and non-essential services were closed. The crisis, worsened by fuel shortages and economic issues, led to frequent blackouts. Dwindling oil imports and U.S. sanctions exacerbated the situation. The blackout was triggered by a failure at the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the island’s largest electricity producer. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 7:30 am
President Joe Biden concluded a historic trip to Angola, promoting US investment in the Lobito Corridor railway project to counter China’s influence in Africa. He acknowledged Angola’s role in the history of slavery and declared the US “all-in on Africa.” The trip was overshadowed by controversy over Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter and South Korean President Yoon’s brief martial law declaration. Biden avoided questions on these issues and skipped a formal news conference. Despite global focus shifting to President-elect Trump, Biden aims for lasting impact in Africa. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 4:00 am
The EU condemned the Taliban’s reported suspension of medical education for Afghan women, calling it a severe human rights violation. This follows previous bans on girls’ and women’s education since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power. Medical education was one of the few remaining opportunities for women, crucial for Afghanistan’s health sector amid a healthcare worker shortage. The suspension is expected to worsen healthcare access for women and children. The Taliban has not confirmed the order, and Newsweek sought comment from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 4:00 am
Amnesty International claims Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, citing evidence of mass killings, harm, and life-threatening conditions for Palestinians. The 296-page report accuses Israel of indiscriminate attacks and infrastructure destruction, asserting genocidal intent since October 2023. Israel denies these allegations, highlighting operational challenges and Hamas’ use of human shields. Amnesty acknowledges Hamas’ role but insists Israel must adhere to international law. Israeli officials reject genocide accusations, arguing the term is misused. The report adds to ongoing criticism of Israel’s Gaza conduct. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 4:00 am
The French government collapsed after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote, just three months into his term. MPs overwhelmingly supported the motion following Barnier’s controversial use of special powers to pass his budget without a vote. This marks the first government collapse via no-confidence since 1962, exacerbating France’s political instability. Barnier, likely to remain as caretaker, must resign, and his budget is defunct. Opposition from both the left and far-right criticized his budget and reforms, leading to his downfall. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 4:00 am
