Last week, a coordinated operation involving police forces, the prison services, local authorities, and safeguarding partners saw the shutdown of eight drug lines and the arrest of 82 people in the North East. The national intensification week was aimed at tackling County Lines - a criminal activity where dealers use dedicated mobile phone lines and exploit vulnerable children and young people to sell highly addictive substances. This crackdown is just one example of the ongoing efforts to protect those impacted by this ruthless and dangerous trade.
Despite efforts to cut down on alcohol consumption in the North East, new government data reveals that the region continues to have drastically higher alcohol-related death rates than the national average. With a 57% increase in deaths since 2019, charity Balance calls for stricter regulations on alcohol marketing and pricing to address the issue. The government, however, claims to be working towards preventing alcohol-related deaths.
In a televised address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has invoked emergency martial law to combat pro-North Korean forces and protect the country's democratic order. This decision comes amidst a tense struggle between the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party over next year's budget bill and calls for investigations into scandals involving top officials. The impact of this declaration on the country's governance and democracy remains uncertain.
40 years ago, on November 8, 1984, Dr. Anna Lee Fisher defied gender roles and made history as the first mother to travel to space. In honor of the anniversary, Porsche Cars North America. Inc. (PCNA) celebrates Fisher and her love for Porsche by showcasing her journey through the space program and her passion for the brand. Despite retiring from NASA in 2017, Fisher's love for exploration and Porsche remains strong.
In response to North Korea's recent launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), South Korea's Missile Strategy Command plans to test its own Hyunmoo-2 ballistic missile this week. The test is a direct response to North Korea's continued provocations, according to an unnamed military official quoted in a Yonhap News report. The Hyunmoo-2 missile is capable of striking North Korea if needed, and serves as a warning to the country. North Korea has fired approximately 45 ballistic missiles so far this year and recently launched an ICBM that reportedly broke flight records.
In a historic move, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has named 18-year-old Tommy Setford as the starting goalkeeper for the Gunners' EFL Cup match against Preston North End. This marks the first time ever that two teenage goalkeepers have been fielded in a single campaign for Arsenal. Arteta's decision to prioritize the development of young players in this competition speaks to the importance of the EFL Cup for the future of the club. Fans will be eager to see how Setford and 16-year-old Jack Porter perform in these rare chances to shine.
Amid speculation that North Korea is sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to ratify a treaty with North Korea that would provide mutual assistance in the case of aggression from an outside force. The move has raised concerns in South Korea, with its spy agency claiming that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia and are likely to be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine soon. This development comes as Western countries accuse North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine.
In a recent development in the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas, South Korea has reported that a balloon carrying trash from North Korea landed in the presidential compound in Seoul. This incident has caused further strain on the already fragile relationship between the two nations. Stay updated and informed on this issue with our 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events.
In a press conference in Rome, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited intelligence suggesting the presence of up to 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, who would support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. South Korean lawmakers have also reported that North Korea has recently sent 3,000 troops to Russia, doubling previous estimates. This revelation raises concerns about the potential involvement of North Korea in the Ukraine crisis and adds further tension to the already volatile situation.
In a concerning move, 12,000 North Korean soldiers are set to arrive in the Kursk region of Russia today to support Vladimir Putin's forces. The region has been partially occupied by Ukrainian forces since August, and the arrival of these troops has raised tensions even higher. Ukraine's military intelligence has confirmed the deployment, but the exact number of troops and their weapons is still unknown. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on allies to take action against this move, stating that it is not just a war in Europe, but an invasion that must be stopped.