Michelin-Starred Chef Busted Serving This to Customers

The owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in South Korea is facing charges for allegedly serving his customers crawly critters on their desserts. The unidentified restaurant violated the country’s Food Sanitation Act, serving ants atop sorbets, which are not approved for human consumption by law. South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety identified the violation through social media posts from customers as well as online reviews. Grasshoppers, mealworms, silkworm pupae, locusts and two-spotted crickets are among the approved list of insects. Ants are not included in this due to their high heavy metal concentration. Prosecutors identified the ants as having 55 times the allowed amount for edible insects, and also alleged that 49,000 ants had been served since 2021. The defense said the ants were an optional topping on the dessert dish and were selected by only about 60 percent of customers. The owner of the restaurant could face a fine of up to $13,500 and a year’s prison sentence as he awaits September’s verdict.

A vacation swim off Italy’s Mediterranean coast ended in horror when a tourist was left bleeding heavily after a mystery sea creature tore into his leg. The 55-year-old Swiss man was swimming off Myosotis Beach in the seaside town of Pioppi when he suddenly suffered a deep bite wound that reportedly left him struggling to make it back to shore. Beachgoers and lifeguards rushed to his aid, using a tourniquet to slow the blood loss before taking him to a first-aid station. He was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he received stitches for the serious injury. Authorities have not identified the animal responsible, though experts believe the bite may have come from a grey triggerfish or a small barracuda. The incident follows other reported fish bites along Italy’s coastline and comes as officials across parts of the Mediterranean continue monitoring increasingly aggressive marine species linked to warming seas.

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There are plenty of purchases I’ve justified over the years in the name of “self-care,” but few have delivered quite as much immediate gratification as my Lola Blanket. Whether you’re settling in for a TV marathon, reading in bed, cuddling with your partner (or, more realistically in my case, your pet), or just trying to survive an overzealous air conditioner in the middle of summer, a great throw blanket is one of those everyday luxuries we often overlook. Lola Blankets have very much earned their reputation as the internet’s favorite blanket, and after wrapping yourself in one, it’s not exactly hard to understand why.

Dubbed the “softest blanket ever,” the brand’s premium faux-fur throws have amassed more than 30,000 five-star reviews, making them among the most beloved blankets online. Available in an impressive range of colors, patterns, and four different sizes (along with weighted and pet-friendly versions), there’s a Lola Blanket for just about every sofa, bed, and perpetually chilly person. The ultra-soft blankets strike that rare balance of looking elevated enough to leave draped over your couch while still being the blanket everyone instinctively reaches for the second they sit down.

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Of course, softness is only part of their appeal. Unlike many faux-fur throws that require delicate care (or immediately look worse after one wash), Lola Blankets are machine washable, stain-resistant, and built to withstand everyday life. That makes them especially ideal for homes with kids, pets, or anyone who’s been known to enjoy dinner, wine, or an entire sleeve of cookies on the couch (*shamefully raising my hand*).

Each blanket is crafted with OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified faux fur, therapeutic four-way stretch that makes sharing with a partner (or a pet) a little easier, and reinforced double-hemmed edges for added durability. Best of all, they’re shed-proof, so your furniture, clothes, and floors won’t end up looking like you’ve adopted a very fluffy new pet.

A South Korean court has ordered AI billionaire and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife, Roh Soh-yeong, about $645 million. The ruling marks South Korea’s largest-ever divorce settlement, though it falls short of the nearly $1 billion Roh sought. Judges awarded her roughly one-third of the couple’s marital assets, rejecting Chey’s argument that his inherited SK Inc. shares should be excluded from the settlement. The case stems from Chey’s 2015 public confession that he had fallen in love with another woman, Kim Hee-young, and fathered a child with her during his 27-year marriage to Roh, the daughter of former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo. The legal fight also evolved into a dispute over the origins of the SK business empire, with Roh’s attorneys alleging her father secretly helped finance the company’s early expansion, claims Chey has denied. Chey’s fortune has surged in the past years thanks to the AI boom, as SK Hynix, a major supplier of advanced memory chips used in Nvidia’s AI systems, saw its stock soar. His lawyers said they are reviewing Friday’s decision and have not ruled out another appeal.

Supriya Ganesh won’t be staying off TV screens for long after her surprising departure from The Pitt. The actress has joined the cast of Netflix’s upcoming reboot of 13 Going on 30, which also stars Emily Bader, Logan Lerman, Jessica Alba, Tim Meadows, and Taylor Ortega. Jennifer Garner, who headlined the 2004 romantic comedy, is returning as an executive producer on the new film. The announcement comes just weeks after HBO confirmed Ganesh’s character, Dr. Samira Mohan, would not return for the upcoming third season of The Pitt, with sources describing the move as a story-driven creative decision. Ganesh previously said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans after news of her exit broke and hinted that she already had new projects in the works. The announcement marks her first major role announced since leaving the Emmy-winning medical drama.

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Whether for college, at the office, or just daily life, unless you’ve got the memory of an elephant, taking notes is a must. Remarkable has built a name for itself with innovative tablets that cut out distracting apps and focus on productivity. In fact, a study by Remarkable found that users experience 35 percent less stress and 20 percent more focus when using a paper tablet compared with working on a PC. The brand’s Remarkable Paper Pure is its latest model, allowing users to experience the feel of taking notes with old-fashioned pen and paper, with modern upgrades like Google and Microsoft integration, AI summary functionality, handwriting conversion, and so much more.

The Paper Pure is designed with a 10.3-inch screen, a three-week battery life on a single charge, and a super-crisp black-and-white canvas display. Writing on the Remarkable Pure Paper feels just like writing on paper, with the digital ink appearing in as little as 21 milliseconds—faster than the blink of an eye.

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The next-level tablet also comes with a custom-made marker that can be used as a ballpoint pen, pencil, or even highlighter. Plus, since the tablet is held together with screws and snaps (not glue), repairs aren’t a headache for professionals.

Need a weekly planner? There’s a template for that. Want a notebook with ruled lines? There’s a template for that, too. You can even connect with productivity apps like Outlook, Slack, Google Drive, and OneDrive to pick up writing on your laptop. Whether you’re using it for work, school, or just as a journal, the Paper Pure is an all-in-one note-taking device.

Australian soccer player Cristian Volpato, who made three World Cup appearances, has allegedly tested positive for cocaine and was also allegedly caught speeding. The 22-year-old was stopped by police twice within a matter of hours, the Associated Press reported. The first stop occurred at around 11:05 p.m. on Thursday, when he underwent a drug test that came back negative. Roughly two hours later, he was allegedly caught driving 30 mph over the speed limit in a BMW coupe on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge. Police then carried out a second roadside drug test, which allegedly detected cocaine in his system, with a follow-up oral fluid sample taken for further analysis, according to the BBC. The midfielder, who holds dual Italian and Australian citizenship, previously represented Italy at youth level before switching allegiance to the Australian national team in May ahead of the World Cup. He played against the U.S. in the group stage, before Australia were knocked out by Egypt on penalties in the round of 32. In a statement, Football Australia said it was “aware of the allegations involving one of our players,” according to ABC News Australia. “We have been in contact with the player and continue to monitor the matter and support the player throughout this process,” the organization added.

Amy’s Kitchen is recalling more than 184,000 cans of its Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium after discovering a manufacturing defect that could cause the product to spoil. The voluntary recall affects 15,350 cases of the 14.5-ounce soup and was announced on June 22. The issue stems from a defect involving the can’s easy-open pull tab, which compromises the product’s seal. “The defect could cause the product to spoil, and the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the quality and safety of our products,” an Amy’s spokesperson said. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the recall has been classified as a Class II recall, meaning exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. The risk of serious adverse effects is considered remote. Amy’s said no other products or lot numbers are included in the recall. Consumers who have the affected soup should avoid eating it, dispose of it, or return it to the place of purchase. The recalled product is Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup – Light in Sodium, Lot Number: 60D0924, with a best-by date of April 2027. Cans were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded the nation’s largest known Cyclospora outbreak to include nine extra states. Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania join Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia in an ongoing investigation involving contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce. Cyclospora infections have been reported in at least 41 states this year, but investigators are still working to determine how many are part of the nine-state outbreak linked to the lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell restaurants. Health officials have confirmed 1,947 illnesses tied to people who reported eating at Taco Bell, with at least 98 people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Federal investigators have traced the lettuce to Taylor Farms, which voluntarily recalled shredded iceberg lettuce sourced and processed in central Mexico. Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including watery diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and extreme fatigue. The CDC said illnesses in the outbreak began on June 22 and have continued through July 20. Officials stressed that not every cyclospora infection reported this year is tied to the Taco Bell outbreak.

LeBron James is officially a Philadelphia 76er. ESPN first revealed the shock signing late Friday morning, reporting that the 41-year-old was inking a two-year deal worth $8 million. Where James would play his record-breaking 24th season has been the biggest talking point of the NBA offseason, with many experts predicting that he would sign to one of his previous teams, like the Miami Heat or his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead, James is headed to Philadelphia with hopes of breaking a 43-year championship drought for the 76ers—similar to how he delivered a championship to the Cavaliers in 2016 after the team went 52 years without a trophy. The 76ers finished last season as the seventh-best team in the Eastern Conference, but were able to shock the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. They were then eliminated in the conference semi-finals by the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.

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If there’s one person whose skincare routine deserves our attention, it’s probably Martha Stewart. The lifestyle mogul has spent decades teaching us how to set a table, decorate a home, and roast the perfect chicken. And, considering her famously radiant complexion at 84, she may have accidentally become one of beauty’s most convincing ambassadors too. After five years of development alongside board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, Stewart launched Elm Biosciences in late 2025. Nearly a year later, the biotech-driven brand’s hero product (the A3O Elemental Serum) has already established itself as a favorite among beauty editors and skincare devotees alike.

The $135 serum is powered by the brand’s patent-pending A3O Complex, an antioxidant designed to target UV damage, discoloration, dehydration, and irritation. It’s formulated as a gentler, more stable alternative to traditional vitamin C, making it a game-changer for sensitive skin. The formula is also infused with line-smoothing hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration, squalane to support the skin barrier, vitamin E to soothe, and blue tansy to help lift redness and discoloration.

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According to editors and reviewers, the texture is just as impressive as the ingredient list. The lightweight serum sinks in almost instantly without leaving behind a sticky finish, making it easy to layer under sunscreen and makeup (a rarity for vitamin C serums).

There’s no shortage of celebrity-backed beauty brands on the market these days, but Stewart’s Elm Biosciences feels substance-over-star-power. Rather than relying on her name alone, the brand has built its debut around an innovative formula that delivers real skincare benefits. At $135, it’s certainly a splurge, but if looking even a little more like Martha Stewart is the goal, this serum might be money well spent.

Read our full review of Elm Biosciences here.

Foreclosure filings have skyrocketed as home prices in the United States continue to rise. Filings have increased by 21 percent in the first six months of 2026 compared to last year, according to analysis by ABC News. Florida, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, had the highest average number of foreclosure filings by zip code since the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada, South Carolina, Illinois, California, Maryland, Ohio, and Arizona. “If you don’t have savings or a way to cover yourself, it absolutely can happen to you,” former Arizona homeowner Emily Arner told ABC, losing her home to foreclosure in September 2025 following her husband’s sudden job loss. “It can happen to anybody.” The report comes weeks after Trump declared at the G7 summit that affordability was “a fake word made up by the Democrats.” Trump has blamed the inflation rates of his current term on the economy he inherited from former President Joe Biden. The number of foreclosures remains below the peak of the 2008 housing crisis, during which 2.9 million foreclosures occurred in one year. However, experts remain concerned that high mortgage rates, property taxes, and insurance costs are driving up the price of rent.

Donald Trump has quietly killed off his own Justice Department pick—three weeks after it emerged he’d called the president a “clown”. Kosta Ligris, a tech entrepreneur and former real estate lawyer, was nominated by Trump to run the DOJ office that funds state, local and tribal police. The Senate Judiciary Committee then unearthed more than 300 archived posts from an X account appearing to be his, as Courthouse News Service reported, which mocked judges, cops and lawmakers from both parties. Senators read them aloud at his June 24 confirmation hearing. Rhode Island’s Sheldon Whitehouse noted that Ligris had once dismissed Trump, 80, and Kamala Harris as “two clowns.” He had also gone after the police he would have funded, writing in a 2024 reply to dashcam footage: “typical cop … dumb as dirt.” Ligris said he wiped his posts every 90 days for cybersecurity reasons. Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin pressed him on it. “That’s it?” Durbin said. Trump signed the withdrawal letter on July 14, the Daily Beast’s investigative Substack PunchUp reports. The Senate logged it that day. PunchUp contacted Ligris, the White House, and the DOJ for comment.

Tom Latchem exposes the secrets, scandals, and stories that powerful people and institutions want to keep under wraps. Follow all of his reporting at PunchUp on Substack.