Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for accepting bribes from the Unification Church. The court cleared her of other charges, including stock price manipulation. Kim denied the charges but apologized for her actions.
Key Facts
Kim Keon Hee was a former First Lady of South Korea.
She was found guilty of taking bribes from the Unification Church.
The bribes included luxury items, such as Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace.
A South Korean court sentenced her to one year and eight months in jail.
She was cleared of charges related to stock manipulation and political funds.
Her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, is serving a five-year prison sentence.
Kim denied the bribery charges but later apologized for causing trouble.
The Dior bag scandal involved footage of her receiving a $2,200 luxury handbag.
A Reddit user shared a story about gifts from his mother that seemed insensitive toward his wife. The mother-in-law gave the wife a hat with a word that could be taken the wrong way and a broken wine glass, despite her not drinking wine. The situation led to discussions about passive-aggressive behavior.
Key Facts
The Reddit user posted about receiving strange gifts from his mother for his wife.
The gifts included a "beachy" hat and a wine glass, which arrived broken.
The user mentioned his mother has shown disapproval of his wife before.
The mother's previous actions included giving inappropriate gifts while the wife was pregnant.
The Reddit user stated he supports his wife and does not side with his mother.
The post generated over 4,000 comments discussing the mother’s behavior as passive-aggressive.
Similar stories have been shared online about in-law conflicts.
Newsweek covered the story and attempted to reach the Reddit user for further comments.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals after his opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retired due to injury. Musetti was leading the match when a leg injury forced him to stop playing. Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic moved into the semi-finals of the Australian Open when Lorenzo Musetti retired because of an injury.
Musetti was ahead with two sets but couldn't continue due to a thigh injury.
Djokovic aims to win his 25th Grand Slam title, which would be a record.
Musetti required help to leave the court after his injury.
Djokovic had earlier received treatment for blisters during the match.
Djokovic experienced a similar situation in the fourth round when his opponent withdrew with an injury.
Djokovic previously struggled with errors, losing the first set, but advanced after Musetti's retirement.
Celebrities and influencers are sharing videos online to guide people on how to contact their government representatives to express concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These videos are part of a broader movement encouraging more direct political engagement among younger generations. There is an increasing call to withhold funding for ICE following incidents that have raised concerns about the agency's actions.
Key Facts
Influencers and celebrities are posting videos about reporting ICE to elected officials.
Actress Kerry Washington and influencer Chris Olsen have shared tutorials on contacting representatives.
The movement follows protests against ICE after incidents involving federal agents in Minnesota.
ICE experienced its deadliest year in two decades in 2025, with 32 custody-related deaths.
The House passed a DHS funding bill, which includes $10 billion for ICE, sparking criticism.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to block the DHS funding package.
Videos explain the process to engage those unfamiliar with calling representatives.
Washington's video has been viewed over six million times, highlighting its wide reach.
During a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, US Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown liquid by a man. She was not hurt, and the police arrested the man for assault.
Key Facts
Ilhan Omar is a US Representative from Minnesota.
She was attacked with an unknown liquid at a public meeting.
The incident happened in Minneapolis.
Omar was unharmed during the attack.
Police arrested the attacker on charges of third-degree assault.
Omar was speaking about abolishing the immigration agency ICE when the incident occurred.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is bringing back its Chicken al Pastor dish to menus in several countries, starting February 10. The dish will be available for a limited time in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The decision follows a large number of customer requests on social media.
Key Facts
Chipotle is reintroducing Chicken al Pastor, available for a limited time starting February 10.
The dish will be offered in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany.
Chicken al Pastor includes chicken marinated with morita peppers, achiote, pineapple, lime, and cilantro.
Chipotle had over twice as many requests to bring back this dish compared to any other limited-time item.
Chipotle "Fan Day" on February 9 offers early access to Rewards members.
Free delivery is available for orders of Chicken al Pastor made through the app or website from February 14 to February 28, with certain purchase requirements.
Chipotle aims to innovate more with limited-time menu items throughout the year.
South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, received a 20-month jail sentence for taking bribes from the Unification Church. The court also demanded she return a diamond necklace and repay a sum of money. This is the first time a former South Korean presidential couple has faced convictions at the same time.
Key Facts
Kim Keon Hee is the wife of a former South Korean president.
She was sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting bribes.
The Unification Church gave her gifts, including a diamond necklace.
Kim was cleared of stock price manipulation charges.
The court ordered her to return the necklace and repay some money.
Her husband, a former president, is already serving jail time.
This is the first time both a former president and first lady in South Korea were convicted together.
The IRS has updated its guidelines for tax payments as the U.S. government plans to stop using paper checks by September 30, 2025. This change, directed by an executive order from President Donald Trump, will involve using electronic payment methods like direct deposit and prepaid cards. Despite the push for electronic payments, paper checks will still be accepted for tax payments but in limited circumstances.
Key Facts
The IRS will stop using paper checks for government payments after September 30, 2025.
The change is part of Executive Order 14247, signed by President Donald Trump.
This order aims to reduce costs, delays, and fraud risks associated with paper checks.
Taxpayers are urged to use electronic payment options, although paper checks are still allowed.
Tax refund payments will mostly be sent electronically via direct deposit.
Special provisions exist for those without bank accounts, allowing for alternative electronic payments like prepaid cards.
The deadline for filing 2025 taxes is April 15, unless an extension is granted.
A columnist for The Washington Post tested ChatGPT's ability to analyze Apple Watch health data and received incorrect and inconsistent results. The chatbot's health assessments conflicted with a doctor's real-life evaluation, raising concerns about relying on AI for medical advice.
Key Facts
A columnist used ChatGPT to analyze health data from an Apple Watch.
ChatGPT initially graded the columnist's cardiovascular health as an "F," which later changed to a "C" and sometimes a "B."
The columnist's doctor disagreed with ChatGPT's assessment, saying the columnist had a low risk for heart issues.
Another doctor called the chatbot's mistakes "totally unacceptable."
ChatGPT uses metrics like VO2 max and heart-rate variability, which can be unreliable.
Critics warn users not to rely on AI over medical professionals for health evaluations.
AI companies plan to keep developing health products but acknowledge they aren't replacements for clinical care.
Paris St-Germain (PSG) is facing challenges this season, having lost several matches in both the French league and the Champions League. Injuries, defensive mistakes, and ineffective finishing have contributed to their inconsistent performance, despite having a lot of the ball and creating chances.
Key Facts
PSG has lost two games in the French league and two in the Champions League this season.
They had a significant amount of possession and shots but lost a recent match to Sporting in the Champions League.
Injuries to key players like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi affected their performance.
Last season, PSG's successful performance included a variety of goals and strong performances in away games.
This season, their attack has struggled with consistency compared to last year's dynamic play.
Despite problems, PSG is at the top of Ligue 1 and among the top eight in the Champions League.
The team has been promoting younger players, who are still adjusting to top-level football.
Key player Dembele is returning to fitness, influencing games when available.
A model of Claudia Winkleman has been displayed on artist Sharon Kulesa's garden fence in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Kulesa creates life-sized models of celebrities and characters using simple materials, and her work has become popular with the local community.
Key Facts
The model of Claudia Winkleman was inspired by the TV series "The Traitors."
Sharon Kulesa started making these models during the coronavirus pandemic.
Her past models have included Queen Elizabeth II and Ed Sheeran.
The models are made from mannequins, stuffed tights, and heads crafted from newspaper, kitchen foil, and masking tape.
Kulesa uses second-hand materials from charity shops and websites like Vinted.
The community enjoys the models, with many locals reacting positively on social media.
Kulesa is considering creating a model of Winnie-the-Pooh for its 100th anniversary.
Taiwan's military conducted exercises showcasing weapons bought from the United States as a response to perceived threats from China. The Chinese government did not comment, but has asserted that Taiwan is part of its territory and has the right to use force for reunification. The U.S. and Taiwan are working to strengthen defense measures against potential conflicts.
Key Facts
Taiwan's military held drills using U.S. weapons due to threat perceptions from China.
The drills included Taiwan's use of U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems and F-16 fighter jets.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite not having control over it.
The Pentagon has assessed that China aims to be capable of engaging in a conflict over Taiwan by 2027.
China has maintained military activities around Taiwan, practicing blockade tactics.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported close monitoring of Chinese military movements, including aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan.
Tensions remain as the U.S. states that deterring conflict over Taiwan is a priority in its National Security Strategy.
Spain plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 migrants living without documentation. This decision is different from the stricter immigration policies in other countries like the United States, Denmark, Germany, and Austria. The move aims to help fill workforce gaps and support Spain's aging population.
Key Facts
Spain plans to give legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants.
This decision breaks from strict immigration policies in other Western countries.
Migrants will be able to work in any job and any region in Spain.
Spain’s plan aims to fill job shortages and help balance an aging population affecting pensions and welfare.
The Spanish government hopes regularizing migrants will benefit society and boost contributions to taxes and social security.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez supports migration for economic reasons.
Migrant organizations and NGOs find Spain's policy a positive contrast to anti-migrant sentiment elsewhere.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University created a tool called the Drinking Water Utilities Climate Risk Index to measure how ready U.S. water systems are for climate challenges like drought and heat. They found that many water systems are not prepared for climate change, and some do not mention these risks in their financial documents. This could leave communities and investors at risk during extreme weather events.
Key Facts
Carnegie Mellon University developed the Drinking Water Utilities Climate Risk Index to evaluate U.S. water systems' readiness for climate change.
The study evaluated 1,455 medium and large water utilities in the U.S.
Utilities serving 67 million people are considered high risk for climate change impacts, yet 36% of their financial disclosures ignore climate risks.
These bonds represent $39.3 billion in debt, with $9.2 billion from high-risk utilities lacking climate awareness in disclosures.
Climate risks may affect utilities' long-term planning and ability to adapt to a changing climate.
Utilities in the Western U.S., Northeast, and Midwest are particularly vulnerable due to climate threats and infrastructure issues.
States like Michigan, Illinois, and California have high exposure to climate risks and significant recent bond debt.
The researchers suggest using the new Index as a resource for better planning and understanding of future risks.
Moeen Ali, a former England cricketer, has decided to join Yorkshire and continue playing in the T20 Blast, a cricket competition. Previously, Moeen supported a teammate who faced racism at Yorkshire, and he believes the club has improved since then. Moeen hopes to help the team build better connections with communities.
Key Facts
Moeen Ali is a former England all-rounder and two-time World Cup winner.
He reversed his retirement decision to play for Yorkshire in the T20 Blast.
Moeen previously supported Azeem Rafiq, a Yorkshire player who experienced racism.
He believes Yorkshire has made positive changes toward inclusivity.
Moeen has played 420 T20 matches, scoring 7,792 runs and taking 271 wickets.
Yorkshire's cricket general manager praised Moeen's ability to set high standards.
Moeen is known for his stance against excessive drinking and its effects on performance.
The move allows Moeen to play at Headingley, a famous cricket ground, alongside England's captain, Harry Brook.
The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisories for countries worldwide, affecting how Americans plan international trips. These advisories help travelers understand the safety levels of different destinations based on factors like crime and health services. The advisories are grouped into four levels, ranging from "exercise normal precautions" to "do not travel."
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories to help Americans understand the safety of international destinations.
These advisories consider factors such as crime, terrorism, health services, and natural disasters.
Level 1 advisories suggest travelers "exercise normal precautions" and include countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan.
Level 2 advisories advise "increased caution," including countries such as China, France, and Italy.
Level 3 advisories suggest people "reconsider travel" to destinations like Nigeria and Israel.
Level 4 advisories strongly recommend not traveling to countries like Afghanistan and Syria due to high risks.
Level 4 is the highest advisory level, often due to conflicts or other severe risks.
These updates help Americans choose safer travel destinations by understanding potential risks.
A woman named Abby shared a video on TikTok where her mother, speaking through a doorbell camera, commented on her appearance as she left for work. The video, which showed a conversation about Abby's hair and makeup, has been viewed over 1.1 million times and sparked varied reactions from those who viewed it. Some people saw the comments as harsh, while others thought it was typical family interaction.
Key Facts
Abby uploaded a video to TikTok of her mother commenting on her appearance through a doorbell camera.
The comments included questions about Abby's hair and makeup as she left for work.
The video has received over 1.1 million views on TikTok.
Reactions to the video were mixed, with some users criticizing the comments as harsh and others seeing it as normal family feedback.
Abby explained that she perceives her mother's comments as constructive criticism and typical of her Italian American upbringing.
Mental health experts note the difference between constructive criticism, which is helpful, and destructive criticism, which can be harmful.
Abby mentioned that she values honesty from her mother over others critiquing her.
The debate continues about the role of tone and cultural context in family feedback.
Official New England Patriots jerseys for Super Bowl LX with special patches are now available for purchase. The Patriots secured their place in the Super Bowl by defeating the Denver Broncos. They will face the Seattle Seahawks, and this will be their 12th appearance in the Super Bowl.
Key Facts
The New England Patriots have released official jerseys with Super Bowl LX patches.
The jerseys are available on the Fanatics website.
The Patriots reached the Super Bowl by beating the Denver Broncos 10–7 in the AFC Championship Game.
This is the Patriots' first Super Bowl appearance since 2019.
Quarterback Drake Maye led the team's offense and has had an outstanding season.
The Patriots' defense allowed only 26 points throughout the playoffs.
Super Bowl LX will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
This will be the Patriots' 12th Super Bowl appearance, which is the most in NFL history.
The article discusses international reactions and strategies toward tech and trade policies during President Donald Trump's administration. European countries, such as France, are trying to reduce reliance on American technology. Meanwhile, Canada's trade agreement with China causes tension with the U.S.
Key Facts
France plans to stop using American tech tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom in government by 2027.
France aims to use a locally developed videoconferencing tool to secure communications.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits China, focusing on managing security risks while increasing business ties.
Canada allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a reduced tariff, causing tension with the U.S.
President Trump threatens high tariffs on Canadian goods in response to the Canada-China trade deal.
France's new tech strategy could save significant licensing costs for government services.
The trade agreement allows Chinese EVs to make up a significant portion of Canada’s electric vehicle market.
Puffins in Scotland are having trouble finding food due to Storm Chandra, leading many to be washed up on beaches. Conservationists say extreme weather caused by climate change and other factors makes it hard for puffins to survive. Local people are finding and trying to help these vulnerable birds, while wildlife experts recommend consulting organizations like the SSPCA for guidance.
Key Facts
Puffins are struggling to survive due to strong winds from Storm Chandra, making it hard for them to find food.
Many puffins have washed up on beaches in Scotland, far from their usual wintering areas in the North Atlantic.
Local residents are rescuing puffins, but experts urge them to contact wildlife organizations like the Scottish SPCA for help.
Puffins are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species.
Changes in ocean conditions, disease, and unsustainable fishing practices also threaten puffins' food supply.
Conservationists report that harsh weather conditions strain wildlife, including puffins, who need calmer conditions to forage.
A local wildlife rescue center noted finding and caring for waterlogged puffins, helping them recover for release.
