South Korea’s opposition party seeks to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for not filling three Constitutional Court vacancies, crucial for reviewing charges against impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The vacancy dispute has stalled diplomacy and unsettled markets. Han insists on bipartisan consent for appointments, while the opposition accuses conservatives of delaying the court process to protect Yoon. A vote on Han’s impeachment could happen soon. The Constitutional Court needs six of nine justices to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, but it’s currently short three members. Han emphasizes maintaining stability during the crisis. Noah Prescott 27/12/2024 1:00 am
Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Yemen’s Sanaa and Hodeidah, killing at least six and injuring dozens, according to the Iran-backed Houthis, who vowed retaliation. The strikes targeted military infrastructure, including Sanaa International Airport, where three died and 30 were injured. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at the airport during the attack but remained unharmed. In Hodeidah, three more were killed. The Houthis condemned the strikes as “brutal aggression” and threatened Israel, while the IDF confirmed targeting Houthi military sites. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 1:00 am
In Aceh, Indonesia, people commemorated the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed around 230,000 people, including over 170,000 in Indonesia. Survivors gathered at mass graves, like Ulee Lheue, to pray and remember lost loved ones. The tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake, displaced 1.7 million people across several countries. In Banda Aceh, sirens marked the earthquake’s time, and prayers were held at the Baiturrahman Mosque. Despite the years, grief remains palpable among survivors. Ava Sinclair 27/12/2024 1:00 am
In June 1991, Manmohan Singh was unexpectedly appointed as India’s Finance Minister by PV Narasimha Rao. Despite having no political experience, Singh, then UGC chairman, was informed by Rao’s confidante, PC Alexander, about the appointment. Singh’s first budget abolished the licence-permit raj, liberalized industries, and focused on fiscal consolidation, transforming India’s economy into the fastest-growing major economy. His appointment and subsequent reforms significantly boosted India’s economic outlook. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 1:00 am
Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has ordered an investigation into Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for alleged harassment of opponents and witness intimidation in his criminal trial. The investigation follows a Channel 12 report accusing her of harassing a witness and indirectly targeting the attorney general. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the report as biased, while Justice Minister Yariv Levin and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the investigation as politically motivated. Netanyahu’s corruption trial began in January 2020, with charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 1:00 am
Ko Wen-je, a former Taipei mayor and presidential contender, was indicted on corruption charges, accused of accepting $500,000 in bribes and misreporting campaign finances. Prosecutors seek up to 28.5 years in prison. His indictment impacts his political movement, which offers an alternative to Taiwan’s main parties. Ko, who denied the allegations, was arrested in September. He and 10 others face prosecution, with several Taiwan People Party members charged for misappropriating donations. Despite controversies, Ko garnered significant voter support, highlighting demand for political diversity. Ava Sinclair 26/12/2024 9:30 pm
In his Christmas message, Pope Francis urged global unity and reconciliation during the 2025 Holy Year, emphasizing the need to silence arms and overcome divisions worldwide. He highlighted conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Myanmar. The pope called for the release of hostages in Israel and addressed issues like measles in Congo and the plight of displaced people. He emphasized hope, mercy, and reconciliation, urging all to become “pilgrims of hope” and to embrace peace and understanding. Penelope Kingsley 26/12/2024 9:30 pm
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, has passed away. An economist-turned-politician, Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was instrumental in liberalizing the economy as finance minister in the 1990s. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences due to age-related health issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Singh as a distinguished leader with great personal integrity. Singh, born in British-ruled India, studied at Cambridge and Oxford, and was unexpectedly appointed finance minister in 1991, implementing crucial economic reforms. Ava Sinclair 26/12/2024 6:00 pm
In 2024, 538’s visual journalists and reporters used charts and interactives to explain key themes, including election forecasts and public opinion on campaign issues. Highlights included the presidential, Senate, and House forecasts, a “what-if” interactive, and post-election analyses. These visuals captured the close presidential race, shifts in Democratic support, the gender gap’s impact on Trump’s win, and global trends of incumbent parties losing elections. Republicans secured the House, marking a significant political shift. Noah Prescott 26/12/2024 6:00 pm
Commercial flights continue to land at Sanaa’s international airport in Yemen despite damage from Israeli air strikes targeting Houthi-controlled sites. Israeli Air Force Commander Maj Gen Tomer Bar highlighted the strikes as a demonstration of Israel’s capabilities. The strikes resulted in at least three deaths and 11 injuries. WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was in Yemen to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and assess the humanitarian situation when the strikes occurred. Penelope Kingsley 26/12/2024 6:00 pm
