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National Day of Mourning Declared for Jimmy Carter on January 9 

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 The United States will observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter on January 9, highlighted by a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, was the longest-lived president in U.S. history. 

President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags on federal properties to be flown at half-staff for 30 days, a traditional tribute to honor the life and legacy of the 39th president. Carter’s body will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda ahead of the funeral, allowing the public and officials to pay their respects. 

Funeral Details and Tributes 

Carter’s state funeral will include a eulogy originally intended to be delivered by his vice president, Walter Mondale, who died in 2021. Mondale’s son will read the eulogy. Public ceremonies are also scheduled in Atlanta before Carter is interred beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023. 

Biden praised Carter in a statement, calling him “a humble servant of God and the people.” The president has encouraged the nation to use January 9 to reflect on Carter’s contributions to the country and the world. 

Former President Donald Trump described Carter as “a truly good man” despite political differences, while former President Barack Obama said Carter “taught us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, and service.” 

All living former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump — are expected to attend Carter’s services. 

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter attends an interview with Reuters in Cairo, Egypt, January 12, 2012. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo

Legacy of the 39th President 

Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, where he prioritized global peace, environmental policies, and human rights. He is perhaps best remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. 

Despite his achievements, Carter’s presidency was marked by economic struggles and what he described as “a crisis of confidence.” After losing his 1980 reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, Carter became a symbol of humanitarian work in his post-presidential years. 

He founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to global health, democracy, and conflict resolution. Carter also worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need well into his later years. 

The National Day of Mourning will include the closure of stock markets, along with memorial events honoring Carter’s life and service to the nation. 

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, expressed condolences to the Carter family, saying, “We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing.” 

As the country prepares to bid farewell, Carter’s enduring contributions to peace, diplomacy, and public service remain at the forefront of his legacy. 

US Treasury Confirms Hack by Chinese State-Sponsored Actor 

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The U.S. Treasury Department has confirmed a “major cybersecurity incident” involving a breach by a Chinese state-sponsored hacker, officials said Monday. The breach allowed access to employee workstations and unclassified documents within the department. 

The incident, which occurred in early December, was revealed in a letter sent by the Treasury Department to lawmakers. The agency disclosed that the hackers exploited a security key used by BeyondTrust, a third-party service provider offering remote technical support. 

The compromised service has since been taken offline, and officials stated there is no evidence of continued access to Treasury information since the breach. The department has been working with the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and third-party forensic investigators to assess the extent of the intrusion. 

Details of the Breach 

Officials identified the attacker as a “China-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor.” The hacker reportedly gained remote access to multiple user workstations and unclassified documents. The Treasury has not disclosed the nature or sensitivity of the compromised files or the level of confidentiality of the affected systems. 

BeyondTrust, the third-party provider, first detected suspicious activity on December 2 but took three days to confirm the hack. The Treasury Department was informed on December 8. During this period, the hackers may have created accounts or altered passwords, though their primary objective appears to have been information gathering rather than financial theft. 

Response and Investigations 

Treasury officials stated that they are treating the incident with the highest level of urgency, working closely with federal agencies to secure systems and determine the full scope of the breach. A supplemental report will be provided to lawmakers within 30 days, the letter noted. 

The Chinese embassy in Washington denied the allegations, calling them a “smear attack” without factual basis. Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu criticized the U.S. for making accusations without evidence and urged a professional and evidence-based approach to attributing cyber incidents. 

Context and Implications 

The breach is the latest in a series of high-profile cyberattacks attributed to Chinese state-sponsored actors, including a December attack on U.S. telecommunications companies that may have exposed phone records. 

Cybersecurity experts warn that such incidents highlight vulnerabilities in third-party service providers, often targeted as entry points for attackers. The Treasury Department emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its systems and the sensitive data they contain. 

Trump Endorses Mike Johnson for House Speaker Despite GOP Divisions 

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President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to remain Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, despite backlash within the Republican Party over Johnson’s recent actions as leader. 

In a post on his Truth Social platform Monday, Trump urged his supporters to back Johnson, describing him as a “good, hardworking, religious man” and pledging his “Complete & Total Endorsement.” Trump’s message comes as Republicans prepare for a leadership vote when the new Congress convenes on January 3. 

“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hardworking, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!” Trump wrote. 

However, Johnson faces challenges to maintaining his position. His passage of a bipartisan budget bill earlier this month, aimed at averting a government shutdown, exposed deep divisions within the Republican caucus. Some members criticized the deal as a concession to Democrats, fueling speculation of resistance to Johnson’s leadership. 

Johnson, a Louisiana congressman known for his socially conservative policies, will need near-unanimous support from his party to retain the speaker’s gavel. The endorsement from Trump, a key figure among the GOP base, is seen as an effort to solidify support ahead of the contentious vote. 

South Korean Court Issues Arrest Warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol Over Declaration 

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In a historic move, a South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his controversial declaration of martial law, marking the first time authorities have sought to detain a sitting president in the country. 

The Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant on Tuesday following a request by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, which is probing Yoon for alleged insurrection and abuse of power. 

Yoon, who has been suspended from office since December 14 after the National Assembly impeached him in a 204-85 vote, faces charges related to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. The move has plunged South Korea into one of its most severe political crises in decades. 

The conservative leader could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted. The investigation and warrant have sparked nationwide debate as South Korea grapples with the fallout from the martial law decree and its impact on the country’s democratic institutions. 

Maysaa Sabrine Becomes First Woman to Lead Syria’s Central Bank

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Maysaa Sabrine has been appointed as the governor of Syria’s central bank, making history as the first woman to hold the position in the institution’s over 70-year existence, a senior Syrian official confirmed.

Sabrine, who previously served as deputy governor, brings over 15 years of experience in banking oversight and financial regulation. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from Damascus University and is a certified public accountant. Since December 2018, she has represented the central bank on the board of directors at the Damascus Securities Exchange, in addition to serving as deputy governor and head of the Office Control Division.

Her appointment follows the removal of Mohammed Issam Hazime, who was named governor in 2021 by former President Bashar al-Assad. Hazime’s tenure ended after al-Assad was ousted in a rapid rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 8.

Sabrine’s leadership comes during a challenging period for Syria’s economy, as the new administration seeks to stabilize the country’s financial institutions amid ongoing political and economic turmoil.

Russia, Ukraine Swap Over 300 Prisoners of War in UAE-Mediated Deal

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Russia and Ukraine exchanged more than 300 prisoners of war (POWs) in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates ahead of New Year’s Eve, officials from both countries confirmed.

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated on Monday that it had returned 150 Ukrainian prisoners, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 189 Ukrainians had been brought home. The discrepancy in the reported numbers has not been explained.

“The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of such days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. He added that the exchange included two civilians captured in Mariupol in 2022 and thanked the UAE for facilitating the negotiation.

Photos released by Zelenskyy showed dozens of men sitting inside a bus, some wrapped in Ukraine’s national blue-and-yellow flags. A separate video from Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, depicted soldiers dressed in winter clothing and military fatigues gathered outside buses. “I thank you for your service, patience, and courage,” Moskalkova said, wishing them a happy New Year.

“Very soon, our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land,” she wrote on Telegram.

The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the returned POWs were provided with medical and psychological assistance in Belarus, a key ally of Moscow, before traveling home.

Since the war began in February 2022, Ukraine claims to have secured the release of 3,956 people, both soldiers and civilians, in prisoner swaps with Russia. Monday’s exchange marked the 60th such deal, following an October swap in which 95 POWs were exchanged by both sides.

“We continue working to free every single person from Russian captivity. This is our goal, and we will not forget anyone. I thank the team that is doing everything to bring our people home,” Zelenskyy stated.

The exchange coincided with an announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden that the United States would send an additional $2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The move aims to support Kyiv in its ongoing resistance against Russia.

Federal Court Rejects Trump Appeal in E. Jean Carroll Sexual Abuse and Defamation Case

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A federal appeals court has upheld a jury decision against Donald Trump, rejecting his appeal in a case involving sexual abuse and defamation claims brought by E. Jean Carroll.

Following a nine-day civil trial in 2023, a jury determined that Trump sexually abused Carroll at a Manhattan department store in 1996. The jury also found that Trump defamed Carroll in statements made in 2022. Carroll was awarded $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Trump appealed the verdict, arguing that the trial court judge made errors in several rulings. He contested the admissibility of testimony from two women who also accused him of sexual assault and objected to the jury hearing the 2005 Access Hollywood recording, in which Trump discussed kissing and groping women without their consent.

In a 77-page decision, a three-judge panel ruled that Trump failed to show that the trial court made any errors impacting his “substantial rights.” The panel concluded that a new trial was not warranted.

“Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments,” said Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the ruling, calling it part of ongoing “political weaponization” of the justice system. “The American people demand an immediate end to these witch hunts, including the Carroll hoax, which will continue to be appealed,” Cheung said.

In a separate 2024 trial, a New York jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $83 million in damages. The jury concluded that Trump’s public statements had harmed Carroll’s reputation as an advice columnist, accusing her of lying about the sexual assault.

Dozens Killed in Ethiopia After Lorry Carrying Wedding Guests Plunges Into River

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At least 71 people have died in southern Ethiopia after a lorry carrying wedding guests veered off a road and fell into a river, local officials reported. 

The tragic accident occurred on Sunday in Sidama state when the lorry missed a bridge and plunged into the water below, according to Wosenyeleh Simion, a regional official who spoke with Reuters. Many of the passengers on board had been attending a wedding celebration. 

Traffic police in the region noted that the lorry was significantly overloaded, a likely factor in the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. 

Among the 71 fatalities, 68 were men and 3 were women, according to the Sidama Police Commission’s Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate. 

Images shared on social media by the state health bureau reveal the aftermath of the disaster, showing locals attempting to retrieve the damaged vehicle from the river in the Bona district. Other photos depict bodies, some covered with blue tarpaulin, lying along the riverbank. 

This latest tragedy underscores a broader issue in Ethiopia, where thousands die annually in road accidents. Authorities frequently attribute these incidents to over-speeding, overloading, and a disregard for traffic laws. 

The Ethiopian government has pledged to address road safety concerns, but accidents like this highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. 

Kenyan Police Fire Teargas to Disperse Protesters Over Abductions

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Police in Nairobi, Kenya, fired teargas on Monday to disperse protesters demonstrating against a surge in unexplained abductions targeting government critics, according to eyewitnesses. The protests, organized by human rights groups, highlight growing concern over what they allege to be extrajudicial arrests carried out by Kenya’s police and intelligence services. 

In recent months, dozens of people have reportedly been abducted, human rights activists claim. However, Kenyan authorities deny these allegations, maintaining that the government does not condone or participate in illegal detentions or killings. 

Protesters, primarily young Kenyans, marched through downtown Nairobi, chanting anti-government slogans and holding placards condemning illegal detentions. Others staged sit-ins, calling for justice for victims of abductions, as shown in live footage broadcast by NTV Kenya. 

Despite the peaceful nature of some protests, police used teargas to disperse crowds, sparking further tension. The national police spokesperson has not yet issued a statement regarding Monday’s demonstrations. 

These alleged abductions follow a series of anti-government protests that began in June, initially opposing proposed tax hikes. Over time, the movement expanded into a broader call for accountability, cutting across Kenya’s traditionally ethnic-based political lines and posing a significant challenge to President William Ruto’s administration. 

Human rights organizations have accused law enforcement of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent, further fueling public anger and raising questions about government transparency and accountability. 

The recent protests reflect deepening frustrations with the current government, as citizens demand justice for those allegedly abducted and call for an end to what they perceive as increasing authoritarianism. Activists continue to push for independent investigations into the disappearances, as the issue becomes a focal point for human rights advocacy in Kenya. 

South Korea Orders Nationwide Airline Safety Probe After Worst Domestic Crash Kills 179

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South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, on Monday ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of the nation’s entire airline operation following a tragic air disaster at Muan International Airport that claimed 179 lives. Investigators are racing to identify victims and determine the cause of South Korea’s deadliest air accident. 

The crash occurred when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, belly-landed and skidded off the runway, erupting into flames after hitting a concrete embankment. The disaster killed all 175 passengers and four of the six crew members. Two crew members survived and are undergoing treatment. 

“The immediate priority is identifying victims, supporting their families, and aiding the survivors,” Choi stated during a disaster management meeting in Seoul. He emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation and urged the transport ministry to conduct emergency safety inspections of South Korea’s entire airline operation to prevent future tragedies. 

The Ministry of Transport announced plans to inspect all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airlines, starting Monday, focusing on maintenance records of key components. 

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday when it reported a bird strike and declared an emergency. Moments later, the plane belly-landed 1,200 meters along the runway and slid into a concrete embankment. 

Officials are examining various factors, including bird strikes, potential system malfunctions, and the pilots’ decision to attempt a rushed landing. Experts are also investigating the role of the localizer antenna, located on the embankment, and the absence of safety features like an engineered material arresting system (EMAS), which might have prevented the crash. 

Most of the victims were South Korean residents returning from holidays in Thailand, along with two Thai nationals. Families gathered at Muan airport, awaiting updates on the identification of their loved ones. 

The flight data recorder was recovered, though its condition raises concerns about whether the data is intact for analysis. A U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) team and Boeing representatives will assist with the investigation. 

Muan International Airport will remain closed until Wednesday, while other airports, including Incheon International Airport, continue normal operations. 

Shares of Jeju Air plummeted by 15.7% on Monday, while Boeing’s U.S.-listed shares fell 4.3% in pre-market trading. Aviation insurance claims from the crash are estimated to range between $135 and $200 million, encompassing airline hull insurance and passenger liability claims. 

Under international aviation regulations, South Korea will lead the investigation, with involvement from the NTSB due to the aircraft’s U.S. origins. 

A memorial has been set up near the crash site, with Acting President Choi paying respects. The tragedy comes just days after Choi assumed leadership following the impeachment of South Korea’s president and prime minister. 

This accident has reignited debates over aviation safety in South Korea, with calls for stricter regulations and advanced safety infrastructure at airports nationwide. 

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