Samsung leader named a suspect in South Korea political probe
SEOUL (Reuters) – A South Korean special prosecutor’s office will question Samsung Group [SAGR.UL] leader Jay Y. Lee as a suspect in a widening influence-peddling scandal that may force President Park Geun-hye from office.
Polarized societies fuel risks at Davos after year of upheaval
LONDON (Reuters) – Divided societies, rising populism and fears for the world’s climate top the list of risks facing politicians, central bankers and business leaders gathering in Davos next week.
Relatives’ U.S. bribery case rains on ex-U.N. chief’s homecoming
SEOUL (Reuters) – A U.S. bribery case against two relatives has cast a pall over former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon’s planned return this week to South Korea, where he is expected to launch a bid to run for president.
Ruling Fidesz party wants Soros-funded NGOs ‘swept out’ of Hungary
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Any civil society group with funding from billionaire George Soros should be “swept out” of Hungary, a vice chairman of the ruling Fidesz party said on Tuesday.
Japan, South Korea ‘comfort women’ feud flares amid Pyongyang missile fears
TOKYO (Reuters) – A South Korean political vacuum and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s concerns about his conservative political base have rekindled a feud over wartime history, just as tension over North Korea makes cooperation between the U.S. al…
Twenty people trapped on Australian roller coaster ride
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Twenty people were trapped for almost two hours at the top of a roller coaster ride at a theme park on Australia’s Gold Coast on Wednesday, said emergency services, only a few months after an accident on a neighboring theme park ride…
Russia hacked Republican state campaigns but not Trump’s: FBI head
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Russia hacked into Republican state political campaigns and old email domains of the Republican National Committee but there is no evidence it successfully penetrated President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign, FBI Director James Co…
Japan looks at steps to allow Emperor’s abdication: media reports
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s government is planning legal steps that would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate and his son to ascend the throne in two years, media reported on Wednesday, potentially setting the stage for the first abdication in two centurie…
Iraqi forces advance in Mosul but civilian toll mounts
ERBIL, Iraq/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi forces pushed Islamic State fighters back further in Mosul on Tuesday in a renewed effort to seize the northern city and deal a decisive blow to the militant group, though progress was slow in some districts, the a…
U.S. says might not shoot down North Korean ICBM, eying intel
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. military might monitor a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile test and gather intelligence rather than destroy it, as long as the launch did not pose a threat, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Tuesday.
