Wife of South Korea's jailed ex-president arrested
The wife of South Korea's jailed former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been arrested over a raft of charges, including stock manipulation and bribery, BBC reported.
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee denied all charges during a four-hour court hearing in Seoul on Tuesday. But the court issued a detention warrant, citing the risk that she may destroy evidence.
South Korea has a history of former presidents being indicted and imprisoned. However, this is the first time both the former president and former first lady have been jailed.
Yoon was detained in January to face trial over a failed martial law bid last year that plunged the country into chaos and eventually led to his ouster, according to BBC.
National Guard troops appear in Washington DC as mayor rejects 'authoritarian push'
US National Guard troops have begun appearing on the streets of Washington DC, a day after President Donald Trump deployed the troops to the city and took control of its police force as he argued violent crime was out of control, BBC reported.
Armoured vehicles were spotted at urban centres and tourist sites around the US capital on Tuesday evening.
Officials have said that 800 National Guard troops are expected to be deployed, as well as 500 federal law enforcement agents, according to BBC.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, who has denied crime is out of control in her city, described the troop deployment as an "authoritarian push".
Zelensky rules out ceding Donbas region as Russians make fresh advance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal to give up the Donbas region for a ceasefire, warning it would invite further Russian attacks. His statement came before a planned Alaska meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, BBC reported.
Trump hinted a peace deal might involve territorial swaps, including Russia’s demand for parts of Donbas. Russia holds much of the region and is advancing militarily.
Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s constitution requires a referendum before any land is ceded and voiced frustration at being excluded from the talks, calling the summit a win for Putin. He will join a virtual meeting with Western leaders urging Trump not to concede to Russian pressure, according to BBC.
Madonna urges Pope to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'
Madonna has urged Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza and bring hope to the suffering children, calling him “the only one who cannot be denied entry.” She emphasized the urgent need to fully open humanitarian aid to save innocent lives, BBC reported.
International bodies warn that famine is worsening in Gaza, with the UN saying aid deliveries remain far below what’s needed due to delays at Israeli-controlled borders. Israel denies starvation claims.
Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire and respect for humanitarian law after civilians were killed in an Israeli strike. Madonna’s plea reflects her deep concern as a mother and her ongoing calls for peace, according to BBC.
Meanwhile, U2’s Bono condemned violence on both sides and urged the release of hostages. The conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and severe malnutrition in Gaza.
