South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested for questioning by the anti-corruption agency.

Yeol was impeached by parliament on December 14 following his botched martial law declaration. His presidential powers and duties have since been suspended pending the ruling from the constitutional court — which has up to 180 days to dismiss Yeol as president or restore his powers.

Previous attempts to arrest Yeol after his impeachment proved abortive.

On Wednesday morning, Yeol was picked up from his residence by investigators after a stand-off that pitted his security details against those of the state.

He was then driven in a motorcade to be taken into custody. It would be the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested.

The warrant allows investigators to hold Yeol for up to 48 hours. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) would need to apply for another warrant to detain him further.

Yeol’s supporters and opponents clashed at the scene of the arrest, with each group baying for the other’s jugular. Police officers had to cordon off the street to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Yeol is accused of martial law declaration and leading an insurrection — a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

After his arrest, Yeol released a pre-recorded message to say “the law is all broken in this country”.

“As a president who must protect the constitution and legal system of the Republic of Korea, responding to these illegal and invalid procedures is not an acknowledgment of them, but in the hopes of preventing unsavoury bloodshed,” he said.

Jhené Aiko, the American singer, has revealed she lost her home in the fast-moving wildfires in Los Angeles, a county in California.

The fire started on Tuesday night and was caused by strong gusty winds and fast-moving embers. It has led to the evacuation of over 137,000 people, the death of five people, and the destruction of over 1,000 houses, cars, and businesses.

In an Instagram post, the 36-year-old singer disclosed that her home got “burned to the ground with all of our things inside”.

She said while the situation left her heart feeling “so heavy,” she is grateful to be alive with her children.

“Me and my children’s home is gone burned to the ground with all of our things inside,” she wrote.

“Lord have mercy. Thankful we still have each other starting from scratch. My heart is so heavy.”

She offered prayers for those affected by the loss, hoping the situation would inspire compassion and understanding between people.

“Praying for everyone this morning. Those who lost their home. Those who lost their life’s work, those who lost their life,” she added.

“Praying for my city. Praying for the wildlife and lost pets. Praying for the world. Let suffering be a gift; a lesson in compassion.”

The singer has two children, including a two-year-old son Noah Hasani with rapper Big Sean.

Aiko is not the only celebrity affected by the disaster.

The American rapper Kid Cudi disclosed he had to evacuate his home. The media personality Paris Hilton also lost her house in Malibu.

“Heartbroken beyond words,” Hilton wrote. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.”

Chrissy Teigen earlier revealed that she and John Legend, her husband, their four children, and four dogs had to evacuate and check into a hotel.

“I haven’t had the words, it is a hellscape,” Teigen wrote on her Instatory.

“We are ok as of right now, and I felt weird saying that with so many people we know and don’t know who are not ok. Thank you for reaching out. Looking for any and all ways to help our community right now, please send anything you see. And god bless the firefighters and all first responders.”

Billy Crystal released a statement on Wednesday revealing that his home of 45 years was lost in the wildfire.

“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this,” Billy wrote.

While songwriter Diane Warren lost her home, Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam’s house in Pacific Palisades was also destroyed by fire.

‘This Is Us’ actress Mandy Moore shared footage of the scene of destruction as she evacuated.

“Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets),” she wrote.

“Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children’s school is gone.

“Our favourite restaurants, levelled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”

Other celebrities who have homes in the area include Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere caused by climate change have been key drivers in exacerbating wildfires in the western United States.

The US Supreme Court has rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s last-minute bid to halt his sentencing on Friday in the criminal hush-money case.

Trump had urged the top court to consider whether he was entitled to an automatic stay of his sentencing, but the justices rejected the application by 5-4.

Trump was found guilty of falsifying records to disguise reimbursements for a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels as legal expenses in 2016.
Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, has indicated he will not consider a jail term for Trump.

Reacting on Thursday evening, the president-elect told reporters the case was a “disgrace”, although the Supreme Court decision was a “fair decision, actually.”

“It’s a judge that shouldn’t have been on the case,” he said, apparently referring to Justice Merchan, and adding “they can have fun with their political opponent”.
“The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts against me will not distract us,” he posted later on his Truth Social platform.
Two of the Supreme Court’s conservative justices – John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett – joined the three liberals to deny Trump’s request for a delay.
The remaining four judges – Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh – would have allowed Trump’s bid to postpone sentencing.