South Korea: Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for insurrection related to his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024, which sparked widespread political turmoil. Prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty, but the life sentence reflects the deep divisions in the country following his ouster.

Middle East Tensions: US Ramps Up Military Presence Amid Iran Talks

The United States is deploying additional warships, fighter jets, and weaponry to the Middle East, preparing for potential strikes on Iran while simultaneously pressing for a diplomatic deal. This buildup comes as the White House emphasizes diplomacy, but skepticism persists about de-escalation.

US: Deadly Avalanche in Lake Tahoe

Eight skiers have been confirmed dead following a massive avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, with one person still missing and presumed deceased; six others survived the incident in what authorities call one of the deadliest in the region’s history.

Gaza and Middle East Peace Efforts: Trump’s Board of Peace Convenes

President Trump presided over the first meeting of the “Board of Peace,” focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction, which hinges on Hamas disarming and tightening its grip in the region amid an ongoing conflict where the death toll has surpassed 75,000. Many questions remain unresolved, including peace plans pushed by the administration.

Syria: US Airlifts Thousands of ISIS Fighters

The US military secretly airlifted around 6,000 ISIS fighters from Syrian prisons to prevent a massive jailbreak that could have unleashed chaos in the region. The operation was conducted covertly to avert a potential catastrophe.

Peru: New President Appointed Amid Political Instability

José María Balcázar has been appointed as Peru’s new president, becoming the eighth or ninth leader in a decade as the country grapples with chronic political upheaval.

India: Global AI Summit in New Delhi

World leaders are gathering at India’s global AI summit in New Delhi to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, though controversies emerged, including an Indian university being expelled for using a Chinese-made robotic dog.

Other Notable Stories

• A gas explosion in Karachi, Pakistan, killed 13 people after collapsing a building.
• In Sudan, a UN mission reported that destruction by the Rapid Support Forces in el-Fasher bears hallmarks of genocide.
• An explosion at a firecracker store in China’s Hubei province left 12 dead.
• European spies express doubt over a US-brokered Ukraine peace deal in 2026.
• A Zelenskyy ally was arrested in Ukraine while trying to flee amid a deepening corruption probe.
• Russia sentenced an American to four years in prison for attempting to acquire Kalashnikov rifle stocks.

SOURCES:
NBC, Al Jazeera, Google News, FOX, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian,