South Korea’s constitutional court has begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended after declaring martial law and triggering nationwide chaos. Parliament impeached Yoon last Saturday, leaving Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president during the trial.

Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, with wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), flattening settlements and leaving hundreds feared dead. Rescue teams, including reinforcements from France, are working tirelessly to locate survivors amid widespread destruction and severe shortages of food, water, and shelter.

Francis visits the French island. The president gives him a book on the Paris cathedral…

Bitcoin soared to an all-time high, briefly surpassing $106,000, fueled by optimism over Donald Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance ahead of his return to the White House. The cryptocurrency has gained more than 50% since Trump’s election victory on November 5.

Israel announced plans to shut its Dublin embassy, accusing Ireland’s government of “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised Ireland for supporting South Africa’s legal action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which accuses Israel of “genocide.”  

Full transparency must always surround public appointments as there are legitimate questions about the circumstances…