The ACTUAL NEWS: Thursday, January 2nd 2025 Recap
Presidential Citizens Medals, Attack in New Orleans, FCC Lacks Authority to Reinstate Net Neutrality Rules, Changes at META, and Other National and Global News
QUICK NEWS
Bashar al-Assad has reportedly been poisoned in Moscow.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 struck Cobb in northern California on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of 1.1 km (0.68 miles).
In the afternoon, the President delivered remarks on securing 235 judicial nominations. In the evening, the President gave remarks at a Presidential Citizens Medal Ceremony.
The U.S. State Department has authorized a potential $3.64 billion sale of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Japan, according to a Pentagon announcement. RTX Corp will serve as the primary contractor for the deal, which aims to bolster Japan's defense capabilities.
An Israeli hostage held by Gaza's Islamic Jihad militant group has attempted to take his own life, according to a spokesperson for the group's armed wing in a video posted on Telegram on Thursday.
A large fireworks accident in Honolulu on New Year’s Eve left three people dead and injured dozens, NBC News reports.
President-elect Donald Trump stated that he would attend next week's state funeral for Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president who died on Sunday at the age of 100, and predicted that only House Speaker Mike Johnson could win the vote for the House's top job.
China has added 28 U.S. entities to its export control list to "safeguard national security and interests," according to a statement from the commerce ministry on Thursday. The companies on the list include General Dynamics, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. China is also banning the export of dual-use items to these companies starting on Thursday, the ministry confirmed.
South Korean police said on Thursday they had raided Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport as part of their investigation into Sunday’s crash that killed 179 people. The crash is the worst aviation disaster on South Korean soil.
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol told supporters in a letter he will "fight until the end" as he faces an attempt by authorities to arrest him over his short-lived imposition of martial law last month, a lawyer said on Thursday.
The Fiji government on Thursday said police were investigating incidents involving two crew members of Australian airline Virgin Australia. The crew members were allegedly victims of rape and theft in Nadi in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Malaysia's communications regulator announced it granted Tencent's WeChat and ByteDance's TikTok licenses to operate in the country under a new social media law. However, some other platforms had not applied for licenses.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Thursday that Chinese warplanes and warships conducted their first "combat patrol" around the island in the New Year. The patrol followed comments from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who reiterated his willingness to engage in talks with Beijing.
Liz Cheney Among Those to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal from Biden
Former Representative Liz Cheney will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden, recognizing her exceptional service, particularly for her role as vice chair of the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. Cheney, who broke with the Republican Party over her criticism of President-elect Donald Trump, joins 19 other honorees, including Congressman Bennie Thompson and legal advocates like Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson. The medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their country or fellow citizens. Biden is also reportedly considering a preemptive pardon for Cheney ahead of Trump’s inauguration, following calls for her investigation by Trump supporters.
Attack in New Orleans: Suspect’s Background and Investigation Unfolding
On New Year’s Day, a truck plowed into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans, tragically killing 15 and injuring dozens. The man behind the attack, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, has been identified as a former U.S. Army soldier with a history of military service, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Jabbar served for almost eight years in the Army, working in human resources and information technology, and was deployed once to Afghanistan.
Jabbar lived in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood north of Houston, where investigators from the FBI began their search as soon as the attack was linked to him. His ex-wife’s husband reported that Jabbar had been acting erratically in recent months, adding to the growing concerns surrounding his behavior. Authorities have yet to confirm whether he had ties to ISIS, and investigations are ongoing to determine if he acted alone in the attack.
The brutal incident has shaken the nation, and President Joe Biden addressed the country on the tragedy.
Investigators continue to piece together details of Jabbar’s life and possible motivations as the community grapples with the shock of the New Year’s Day massacre.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Jabbar’s activities or possible connections to extremist groups to come forward as they continue their investigation into this devastating attack.
Tragic Explosion Outside Trump International Hotel: Details Emerge About Victim
A devastating explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day resulted in one death and at least seven injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning.
Details have now emerged about the man who died in the explosion. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill held a press conference on Thursday, revealing that the coroner's office suggested the victim died by suicide before the vehicle detonated. "The individual had sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle," McMahill explained. A handgun was reportedly found near the man’s feet.
The victim, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, was an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Livelsberger, a highly decorated Green Beret, had been on leave from his military duties at the time of the explosion. He had served in various locations, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Tajikistan, since joining the military in 2006.
The explosion occurred on the circular driveway in front of the hotel’s glass doors, with the vehicle caught in flames before it was extinguished. The blast left a large portion of the area damaged, and emergency services rushed to the scene to treat the injured and investigate the cause of the incident.
This tragic event has prompted further scrutiny and questions about the circumstances leading up to the explosion. Investigators are looking into the connection between Livelsberger’s death and the explosion, while also assessing any potential issues with the vehicle that may have contributed to the incident.
U.S. Cities Heighten Security After Deadly New Orleans Attack and Las Vegas Explosion
Law enforcement across the United States has ramped up security following a deadly New Orleans truck attack and an explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, as concerns grow over potential threats during a month filled with high-profile events.
In Washington, heightened security measures are in place for two major events: the Jan. 9 state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and President-elect Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. Trump will also hold a "victory rally" on Jan. 19 at Capital One Arena, which has already seen increased security measures. The certification of Trump’s election victory on Jan. 6, designated a National Special Security Event, will involve the U.S. Secret Service taking the lead in ensuring safety.
In New Orleans, authorities are investigating the motives behind a U.S. Army veteran’s truck attack on New Year’s Eve, which left 15 dead, including the suspect. Security has been bolstered ahead of the Sugar Bowl and upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations, with expanded perimeters and National Guard deployment.
In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel is under investigation for potential links to the New Orleans attack. Meanwhile, cities like New York have increased police presence and monitoring despite no specific threats, ensuring public safety during this tense period.
NYPD Investigates Shooting Outside Queens Nightclub, 10 Injured
The NYPD is searching for multiple suspects following a shooting outside the Amazura nightclub in Jamaica, Queens, on Wednesday night. Around 11:15 p.m., four men approached a group of 15 people waiting outside the venue and opened fire, injuring 10 individuals, including six women and four men. The suspects, who fired over 30 rounds, fled the scene and were later seen driving away in a light-colored sedan with out-of-state plates. The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as police continue their investigation.
Appeals Court Rules FCC Lacks Authority to Reinstate Net Neutrality Rules
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not have the legal authority to reinstate net neutrality rules. These rules, originally implemented in 2015 under President Barack Obama, were repealed in 2017 during President Donald Trump's administration.
The three-judge panel concluded that the FCC overstepped its bounds in attempting to bring back the regulations, marking a significant decision in the ongoing debate over net neutrality's future in U.S. internet policy.
Meta Appoints Joel Kaplan as Chief Global Affairs Officer Amid Transition to Trump Administration
Meta Platforms has named Joel Kaplan, a prominent Republican, as its new chief global affairs officer, succeeding Nick Clegg. Clegg, a former British deputy prime minister, joined Meta in 2018 and played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s content policy, managing election-related issues, and establishing the independent content oversight board.
Kaplan’s appointment comes as businesses prepare for President-elect Donald Trump’s administration following his recent election victory. Meta has reportedly sought to strengthen its ties with Trump, including a $1 million donation to his inaugural fund, despite past tensions over claims of content suppression and CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s election infrastructure donations. Kaplan has not yet commented on his new role.
Crypto Industry Urges Trump to Prioritize Policy Overhaul with Executive Orders
The cryptocurrency industry is calling on President-elect Donald Trump to prioritize his campaign promises of advancing crypto policy through executive orders as he prepares to take office on Jan. 20. Industry leaders seek measures such as creating a strategic bitcoin reserve, ensuring banking access for crypto firms, and establishing a crypto council within Trump's first 100 days.
Trump, who has promised to support crypto innovation, has already assembled a crypto-friendly policy team, including SEC chair Paul Atkins and White House crypto czar David Sacks. Proposals include a $21 billion bitcoin stockpile and regulatory relief for banks working with crypto firms, though analysts question the feasibility of implementing these changes via executive orders.
Bitcoin's price has surged in anticipation of Trump's crypto initiatives, reaching record highs before retreating. While industry advocates hope for swift action, experts note that certain regulatory changes may require congressional approval or face limitations due to the independence of federal banking regulators.
Musk Faces Ongoing Federal Investigations as Trump Prepares to Take Office
In the final days of the Biden administration, the SEC demanded Elon Musk settle over alleged securities violations during his 2022 Twitter acquisition or face civil charges. Musk has long criticized government oversight, portraying himself as a victim of political harassment. With Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House, Musk's business empire, which includes Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, faces numerous ongoing federal probes, including investigations into Tesla's Autopilot system, SpaceX's pollution violations, and Neuralink's animal welfare practices. Musk’s close ties with Trump, whom he has supported both financially and publicly, raise questions about the future of these investigations. Many speculate that under a Trump administration, some of these probes may be delayed or dropped, particularly as Musk has gained influence in the new administration, including an advisory role on government efficiency. Despite this, some legal experts caution that investigators may proceed with cases if they have sufficient evidence, regardless of political connections.
U.S. Commerce Department Considers New Restrictions on Chinese Drones Amid National Security Concerns
The U.S. Commerce Department announced it is considering new regulations that could restrict or ban Chinese drones due to national security concerns. The proposed rules, which would impact drones with Chinese and Russian components, aim to protect U.S. data from potential foreign threats. China, particularly the drone giant DJI, controls a significant portion of the U.S. drone market. This follows a series of actions, including legislation signed by President Biden that could prevent DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new models in the U.S. by 2024, unless their security risks are deemed acceptable. DJI has strongly opposed the claims, citing financial harm and denying any links to forced labor or military cooperation. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, the decision on these new drone rules will be made under his administration.
PJM Responds to PA Governor's Concerns Over Power Market Rules Amid Data Center Growth
PJM Interconnection addressed a complaint from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro regarding potential power shortages linked to rapid data center expansion. Shapiro had urged changes to market rules to avoid surges in electricity costs. PJM warned that the growing risk of power shortages is driven by premature retirements of power generators and the rapid construction of data centers. In response, PJM has proposed lowering market price caps and accelerating the integration of new power generation projects to alleviate high-demand issues. Serving nearly 65 million people, PJM has faced increasing scrutiny after announcing record-high payments to power plants following its recent capacity auction.
Nippon Steel Proposes U.S. Veto on Production Cuts to Secure Approval for U.S. Steel Acquisition
Japan's Nippon Steel has proposed granting the U.S. government veto power over any future cuts to U.S. Steel's production capacity as part of its efforts to gain approval for acquiring the American steelmaker. The proposal was submitted to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), which referred the decision to President Joe Biden, who must decide by January 7. If Biden does not act, the merger will be automatically approved. Nippon Steel has pledged a 10-year commitment to maintain production levels at U.S. Steel’s domestic mills unless a Treasury-led review panel approves cuts. Both companies have yet to comment on the proposal.
Argentina Files ICC Complaint Against Venezuela Over Detention of Security Official
Argentina has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Venezuela, accusing it of the "forced disappearance" of Nahuel Gallo, a member of its gendarmerie. Gallo was detained after attempting to enter Venezuela from Colombia to visit family.
Tensions between the nations have escalated since Javier Milei assumed Argentina's presidency in late 2023, compounded by Venezuela's contested July presidential election that saw Nicolas Maduro claim victory.
While Argentina demands Gallo's immediate release, Venezuelan authorities allege he is linked to groups planning "destabilizing and terrorist" activities. Argentina's foreign ministry affirmed its commitment to pursuing all legal and diplomatic means to secure Gallo's rights and release.
Migrant Crossings Through Panama's Darien Gap Drop 42% in 2024
Panama's migration authorities reported a significant 42% decrease in migrants crossing the Darien Gap in 2024 compared to the record high in 2023. A total of 302,203 individuals made the treacherous jungle crossing last year, with 69% identified as Venezuelans fleeing economic turmoil in their home country.
Since assuming office in July, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has implemented stricter migration policies, including fencing parts of the Darien with barbed wire, imposing fines, and deporting over 1,500 migrants on U.S.-funded flights. Despite these measures, over 209,000 Venezuelans were allowed to continue their journey due to the suspension of direct flights between Panama and Venezuela following Venezuela's contested July election.
While officials assert that the policies aim to prevent illegal migration from reaching Panama City and beyond, analysts warn that such measures fail to address the root causes of migration and may exacerbate the dangers faced by migrants traversing the Darien.
Slovakia Considers Retaliation Against Ukraine Over Russian Gas Transit Halt
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Thursday that his government is considering retaliatory measures against Ukraine after the cessation of Russian gas transits through Ukraine to Slovakia. Fico claimed the halt caused significant financial losses for Slovakia and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "sabotage" under alleged Russian influence.
Fico outlined potential responses, including halting electricity supplies to Ukraine, reducing aid for Ukrainian refugees, and demanding compensation or the renewal of gas transits. Slovakia reportedly faces increased transit fees for non-Russian gas and potential economic impacts on energy prices.
The halt in gas transits marks the expiration of a long-standing transit contract between Russia and Ukraine, signaling the end of Russian dominance in Europe’s energy markets. While Slovakia has alternative gas sources, Fico's Smer-SSD party claims the loss of transit revenues—estimated at nearly €500 million—will strain public finances.
A Slovak delegation is set to discuss the issue in Brussels next week, with coalition talks on potential retaliatory actions to follow. The situation underscores escalating tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine as Fico’s government seeks closer ties with Moscow and distances itself from Ukraine.
Zelenskyy previously accused Fico of undermining Ukraine’s efforts by opening a "second energy front" against Kyiv.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Command Post in Kursk Region
The Ukrainian military announced a precision strike on a Russian command post in Maryino, located in Russia’s Kursk region, as part of ongoing cross-border operations. Ukrainian forces maintain a foothold in the area following a major incursion five months ago, despite Russian claims of recapturing much of the territory.
According to a statement from Ukraine, the strikes aim to disrupt Russian operations and prevent attacks on Ukrainian civilians. A video shared on Telegram by the Ukrainian military displayed damage to a Russian base in Ivanivskoye, near Maryino.
Russia's military reported intercepting four Ukrainian missiles in the region, while Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein noted damage to residential and commercial properties, including an apartment building, a school, and local businesses. Efforts to repair the damage are underway.
Both Ukrainian and Russian accounts of the incident remain unverified by independent sources.
The strike marks the latest escalation in the border region, highlighting the enduring volatility and strategic importance of the area amidst the broader conflict.
Israel Confirms Special Forces Raid on Syrian Missile Facility Linked to Hezbollah
The Israeli military revealed on Thursday that it conducted a raid in September on an underground missile production facility in Masyaf, Syria, which was allegedly primed to produce hundreds of precision-guided missiles for Hezbollah.
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, described the facility as a major Iranian manufacturing hub in the region. The plant, under construction since 2017, was reportedly nearing operational capacity to produce long-range missiles with ranges up to 300 km (190 miles).
"This facility posed an immediate threat," Shoshani stated, adding that its destruction was critical for Israel's security. The complex operation involved dozens of aircraft and 100 helicopter-borne troops who dismantled the site, seizing documents and equipment.
Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes in the area on the same date killed at least 16 people.
The operation comes amid heightened efforts by Israel to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah as the Assad government in Syria weakened. Israeli officials have long accused Damascus of facilitating the supply of arms from Iran to Hezbollah, a militant group considered a primary threat to Israeli security.
This marks one of Israel's most intricate operations in recent years, underscoring its commitment to counter threats in the region.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Resigns from Knesset After Tensions with Netanyahu
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, known for frequently diverging from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies, announced on Wednesday that he was resigning from the Knesset. Gallant had been fired by Netanyahu in November following disagreements over the war against Hamas but retained his parliamentary seat. In a televised statement, Gallant explained that, like on the battlefield, there are times in public service when one must stop, assess, and choose a new direction. Gallant had clashed with Netanyahu on various issues, including military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. He was also dismissed by Netanyahu in March 2023 after calling for a halt to controversial judicial reforms, sparking widespread protests. Both Gallant and Netanyahu face arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes related to the Gaza conflict.
Elon Musk Set to Host AfD Leader Alice Weidel on X Ahead of Germany's National Election
Elon Musk is poised to host Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in a live interview on his social media platform, X, ahead of Germany's February 23 national election.
Weidel confirmed that she is in discussions with Musk's office, though specific details are not yet available. Reports suggest that the conversation will take place on January 10. Musk, who has garnered attention for his support of far-right and anti-establishment movements in Europe, caused controversy in December when he endorsed the AfD, a party accused of right-wing extremism by German security services.
The AfD, known for its anti-immigration and anti-Islamic stances, is considered a dangerous and undemocratic force by Germany's mainstream political parties. Musk has voiced criticism of German leaders, labeling Chancellor Olaf Scholz an "incompetent fool" and calling President Frank-Walter Steinmeier a "tyrant" for opposing the AfD.
Musk, also a supporter of Donald Trump and Britain's Reform Party, has become a vocal backer of parties with libertarian economic and anti-immigration views. His involvement in German politics has been condemned by leaders across the political spectrum, with Scholz emphasizing that the election should be determined by German voters, not billionaires.
German Conservative Leader Proposes Free Trade Talks with U.S. Amid Economic Challenges
Friedrich Merz, the German conservative leader and potential successor to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressed support for renewed negotiations on a free trade deal with the United States in response to tougher trade conditions. Merz, in an interview with German news agency dpa, emphasized that Europe should focus on restoring competitiveness rather than imposing tariffs in response to U.S. economic policies under President-elect Donald Trump. He suggested that a new European-American initiative for joint free trade could help prevent a harmful cycle of tariffs. With Trump set to take office ahead of Germany's federal elections, Merz warned that the U.S. could impose high tariffs on EU goods, which would particularly impact Germany's economy.
China Proposes Export Restrictions on Technology for Lithium and Gallium Processing
China's Ministry of Commerce has proposed new export restrictions on technologies used to produce battery components and process critical minerals like lithium and gallium. The changes, outlined in a document issued Thursday, would expand Beijing's previous restrictions on these materials, where it holds a global dominance.
The proposed rules target technologies involved in manufacturing cathodes for batteries, as well as methods for extracting and processing lithium and gallium. While the changes are open for public comment until February 1, the document does not specify when these restrictions may be implemented.
If enacted, these restrictions could significantly affect the global expansion of major Chinese battery makers such as CATL, Gotion, and EVE Energy. The restrictions come amid ongoing trade tensions, particularly with the United States, where President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he will leverage tariffs and trade restrictions against China.
China to Address Mental Health Gaps Amid Rising Concerns
China’s National Health Commission (NHC) plans to address gaps in mental health services from 2025 to 2027, focusing particularly on children and adolescents. The initiative includes setting up a mental health hotline, establishing regional mental health centers, and expanding outpatient services nationwide. This effort comes in response to an increase in mental health issues, particularly after several violent incidents in 2024. According to the World Health Organization, 54 million people in China suffer from depression, and 41 million suffer from anxiety. By 2025, outpatient services for mental and sleep disorders will be available at hospitals across the country, and more than 95% of schools are expected to have mental health education programs. Economic pressures, driven by a slowing economy and fewer employment opportunities, are worsening mental health concerns in China.
Asia's Factory Output Weakens as Trade Risks and Chinese Demand Drag Down Growth
Factory activity across Asia ended 2024 on a soft note, with manufacturing in China and South Korea slowing, while Taiwan and Southeast Asia showed some signs of recovery. December's purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs) revealed modest growth in China, with a slight dip in its Caixin/S&P Global PMI, signaling only slight expansion. South Korea and Japan also reported shrinking factory activity, while Taiwan stood out with robust growth, driven by strong demand from Asia, Europe, and North America. The outlook for 2025 is clouded by trade uncertainties, with President-elect Donald Trump's threat of imposing significant tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Mexico, and Canada, adding to global economic risks.
Russian Drone Strike on Kyiv Kills One and Damages Buildings Amid Ongoing Attacks
Russia launched a drone strike on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Wednesday, killing one person and injuring six others. The attack caused significant damage to buildings in two districts, including a residential block where two floors were partially destroyed. Rescue teams retrieved the body of a woman from the rubble. The National Bank of Ukraine's building was also damaged by drone debris. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defenses successfully repelled part of the attack, with Ukraine's military reporting the downing of 63 out of 111 Russian drones launched overnight. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the strike, highlighting Russia's continued focus on harming Ukraine even during the New Year period. Russia's air strikes have been a consistent tactic throughout its nearly three-year invasion.
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Area, Scrapping Land Border Controls
Romania and Bulgaria officially became full members of the European Union's Schengen free-travel area on Wednesday, removing land border controls and joining 25 other EU member states in facilitating passport-free travel. The symbolic moment was marked by fireworks at the Friendship Bridge on the Danube River, where the interior ministers of both countries raised a barrier just after midnight. While air and sea checks were lifted earlier in March 2024, land border checks continued until Austria lifted its veto last month, which had been based on concerns over irregular migration. The Schengen area, first established in 1985, now includes most EU nations, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus remain outside the zone.
Kim Jong Un and Daughter Ju Ae Attend New Year's Celebrations as Kim Reaffirms Ties with Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Ju Ae, participated in New Year's celebrations, which included fireworks and an ice dancing display, according to state media KCNA. Senior officials were also present at the event, although Kim did not deliver a speech. On the preceding day, KCNA reported that Kim had sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming North Korea's commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia.
Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks with Europe on January 13 Amid Rising Tensions
Iran and three European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—will resume nuclear talks on January 13 in Geneva, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. These discussions follow a contentious November 2024 meeting after Tehran expressed anger over a European-backed resolution criticizing its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. In response, Iran announced plans to install more uranium-enriching centrifuges. U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi warned in December that Iran is rapidly increasing uranium enrichment, nearing levels suitable for weapons. Since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has escalated its nuclear activities, including enriching uranium and installing advanced centrifuges. Efforts to revive the nuclear pact under President Biden have so far stalled, while former President Trump has called for a new deal, warning of dire consequences if one is not reached.
South Korean President's Aides Offer Resignations Amid Impeachment Crisis
Senior aides to South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol offered to resign en masse on Wednesday, following a controversy over Acting President Choi Sang-mok's approval of two new judges for a court handling Yoon's impeachment. Yoon’s chief of staff, policy chief, national security adviser, and other senior officials submitted their resignations, but Choi announced he would not accept them, focusing instead on stabilizing the economy and government. The resignations followed the aides' repeated offers to step down after Yoon’s failed martial law attempt in December. The latest resignation offer coincided with Choi’s controversial approval of two new Constitutional Court justices, a decision criticized by Yoon’s party. The ongoing political instability is exacerbated by Yoon's facing investigation for leading an insurrection, with a court recently approving his arrest.
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