Tragic South Korean Plane Crash Takes the Lives of 179, Only 2 Survivors

Following the political discourse that has affected South Korea in the past several months, a tragedy has struck the nation. Last week, a passenger jet flying from Bangkok crashed in South Korea, killing all but two crew members aboard. Reports say the pilot of the airplane announced prior to the crash that a bird had struck the plane, and an emergency landing would be employed. Unfortunately, the plane’s landing gear did not work properly, and the aircraft crashed. Two of the passengers were Thai citizens, and the rest residents of South Korea. Acting President, Choi Sang-mok, addressed the country following the crash, only two days into his term after his predecessor’s impeachment. He has declared a seven-day period of national mourning for those killed and their families. As authorities attempt to recover and identify the bodies, loved ones currently fill Muan International Airport, waiting to receive news. The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team of U.S. investigators from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration to help South Korea’s team. A memorial  altar for those who lost their lives has been placed within Muan Airport. 

Former President Jimmy Carter Dies at Age 100

Former President Jimmy Carter, who started as a humble peanut farmer in rural Georgia, has passed away at the age of 100. He was the oldest president to have ever lived, and leaves behind a large family and a larger legacy. While he left the White House after only one term with negative public reception, Carter pivoted his post-administration life to philanthropy and helping others. Along with his wife, Rosylnn, who he had been married to for 77 years, he created the Carter Center, an organization formed to expand human rights throughout the world. Working with Nelson Mandela, Carter also formed The Elders, a group of global leaders focused on world peace. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian work, making him only the third American president to receive such an award. While many may remember Carter for his presidency’s economic and international crises, even more remember the generous and modest man that committed decades to doing good for others. Jimmy Carter’s state funeral will be held on January 9th in Washington DC, with the stock exchange and other organizations closing its doors for the occasion in his honor. 

New York State to Raise Minimum Wage

With inflation as an ever-present issue in the lives of Americans, many are living paycheck to paycheck. The federal minimum wage, which still sits at $7.25 an hour, is often not enough for American adults to care for their families. New York State has continually increased their minimum wage, and will be doing so again in the new year. Throughout the state, the minimum wage will be increased by 50 cents, meaning it will become $16.50 in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester, and $15.50 for all other counties. The federal minimum wage has been unchanged since 2009, while New York has grown continuously over the past decade. 

NYPD Chief of Department Resigns After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey has resigned after allegations against him have come to light. Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, an administrative worker in Maddrey’s department, filed a complaint with the city alleging Maddrey performed a quid pro quo exchange of sexual favors for Epps to receive more overtime. Maddrey submitted his resignation to new Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who accepted. Several other accusations have been leveled against Maddrey, including one police captain who says he sexually harassed her incessantly over years. While the Commissioner’s office is investigating the allegations, they have moved several heads of departments and inspectors within the NYPD. Among these are the heads of the Internal Affairs Bureau and six members of Maddrey’s office. “The NYPD works tirelessly to protect New Yorkers, and these roles are critical to keeping our communities safe,” Tisch said in her statement. “The interim Chiefs of Department and Patrol will continue to lead the efforts to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust,” Tisch said. 

Violent Tornadoes Cause Fatalities in the South

A severe weather event has caused destruction throughout the American South. At least four people have been declared dead throughout the region, with large scale destruction of communities. A series of tornadoes have ravaged across seven states, with as many as 44 tornadoes having been reported. One church in Mississippi was hit especially hard, with the structure completely destroyed. This will be the second time a tornado has ripped its way through the church in 90 years, the last time back in 1934. Now, many have lost their homes or are attempting to prevent further damage.