South Korea’s former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean court has sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for corruption. The sentencing on Wednesday in Seoul Central District Court comes ahead of a verdict against her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces a rebellion charge over his martial law imposition a year ago. Investigators say Kim wasn’t involved in Yoon’s martial law enforcement. Kim was sentenced for receiving bribes from the Unification Church in return for business favors. The defense said the prison term is relatively high and will consider an appeal.

Middle East worries over possible US strike on Iran one month after protests began

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has reached out to Middle Eastern countries over the threat of a possible U.S. military strike. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have signaled they won’t allow their airspace to be used for any attack. The United States has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln into the region and President Donald Trump has urged Iran to negotiate. A month has passed since protests in Iran began over the economy and grew to challenge the theocracy. They led to a bloody crackdown, and activists say at least 6,301 people were killed. Meanwhile, Iran’s currency on Wednesday reached a new low.

Mullally confirmed as archbishop of Canterbury, first woman to lead the Church of England

LONDON (AP) — Sarah Mullally was confirmed as archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England. The worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Church in the U.S., has no formal head, but the archbishop traditionally has been seen as its spiritual leader. Mullally, a cancer nurse turned cleric, officially took up the responsibilities of her new job Wednesday as judges presided over a legal ceremony confirming her appointment, which was announced almost four months ago. The Church of England ordained its first female priests in 1994 and its first female bishop in 2015.

A new report warns that combined war casualties in Russia’s war on Ukraine could soon hit 2M

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A new report warns that the number of soldiers killed, injured or missing in Russia’s war in Ukraine could reach 2 million by spring. The report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that Russia has suffered the largest troop deaths for any major power since World War II. It estimates Russia suffered 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 deaths, since February 2022. It said Ukraine has suffered between 500,000 to 600,000 casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths. Officials said Wednesday that two people were killed near Kyiv after Russian strikes and at least nine were injured in attacks across Ukraine.