North Korea missile test; Walker abortion accusation; AL redistricting case

On Oct. 4, 2022, North Korea conducted its longest-ever weapons test; a new report accused Herschel Walker of paying for an abortion; and the Supreme Court is set to look at an important redistricting case.

North Korea missile test –  North Korea fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean Tuesday. The missile, which had the capability of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam and beyond, forced the Japanese government to issue evacuation alerts and halt trains.

“The ballistic missile firing by North Korea was an outrageous act that was absolutely impermissible,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in response to the launch. “We will respond as soon as possible with the utmost vigilance.”

Tuesday’s launch was the most provocative weapons demonstration in a year that has seen the country test 40 missiles over about 20 different launches. In response, the South Korean and U.S. militaries launched fighter jets, which fired weapons at a target off South Korea’s west coast.

Herschel Walker accused of paying for abortion – According to a Daily Beast report published late Monday night, Georgia Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker paid for an abortion for a now ex-girlfriend back in 2009. The Daily Beast spoke to the woman, who they say provided the following:

• A receipt for the procedure
• A get-well card from Walker
• Bank deposit records that included a check from Walker dated five days before the receipt

Walker, a Republican who has strongly opposed abortion rights over the course of his campaign for senator, released a statement denying “in the strongest possible terms” what he called “a flat-out lie.” He said he would file a defamation lawsuit against the Daily Beast on Tuesday.

“This is another repugnant hatchet job from a Democrat activist disguised as a report who has obsessively attacked my family and tried to tear me down since this race started,” Walker said in the statement. “I’m not taking this anymore.”

Supreme Court to hear redistricting case – The Supreme Court is set to hear a redistricting case that could have major ramifications when it comes to minority voting power in the United States. Plaintiffs have sued to force Alabama officials to create a second Black majority congressional district. About 27% of Alabamians are Black, but they hold the majority in only one district.

A lower court had ruled the state’s refusal to create a second Black majority district violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The state argues it is taking a “race neutral” approach to redistricting, and that the lower court ruling would force it to sort voters by race.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.