December 30, 2011

WORLD: North Korea's New Leader Called 'Supreme Leader'  Kim Jong-un, son of late Kim Jong-il, has been given the title of 'Supreme Leader' inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) (North Korea).  This naming follows the nation's tradition.  Kim Jong-il was known as 'Dear Leader' and his father, eternal president of the nation, Kim Il Sung is known as 'Great Leader'.  The nation has reassured the international community, through its national television channel, that there will be no change in policy under Kim Jong-un.  Read More: BBC News | EuroNews | Guardian


POLITICS: Campaign Updates  Mitt Romney and Ron Paul are in a virtual tie for first place in the Iowa caucuses.  Ron Paul will be spending the New Year's weekend in Texas.  Newt Gingrich is not longer in the top tier as Rick Santorum has taken third place in some polls.  Read More: Chicago Tribune | New York Times | KTIV | Los Angeles Times



WORLD: Samoa and Tokelau First Will Be First to Celebrate the New Year  In the past, Samoa and Tokelau were the last of nations around the world to celebrate the New Year.  That changes this year as the two nations have shifted to the other side of the time-line.  The two islands were encouraged to align closer to the U.S. controlled Samoa over 100 years ago.  The result however meant that they would operate about 24 hours behind their key trading partners in Asia.  With this change, they have lost an entire day, Friday, December 30.  But now, they will be the first nations in the world to celebrate the New Year.  Read More: Washington Post | Guardian | Forbes


WORLD: Ukraine's Former Prime Minister Sent to Remote Prison  Yulia Tymoshenko, who was sentenced for 7 years earlier this year, has been moved to a penal colony in Kharkov.  The was jailed for overstepping her boundaries as prime minister when negotiating a gas deal with Russia.  The case has seen international attention as most suspect the case is about politics and not about crime.  Tymoshenko was the primary opposition leader and faced off against President Yanukovich in the last election.  Read our post on August 17, 2011.  Read more: New York Times | Interfax | Ria Novosti

HIGHLIGHT: News Clip Discussing Time Change in Samoa and Tokelau  Watch: YouTube