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Concise news summaries
The stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications for weight loss reflects societal norms that equate being overweight with acts of weakness or failure, often idealizing it as a problem rooted in personal inadequacy rather than lifestyle or health choices. These medications are prescribed effectively but hidden due to judgment and lack of public visibility, with individuals opting not to admit their use out of fear of scrutiny, similar to how smoking cessation is shamed. Cultural narratives that view weight management as a sign of inability further deepen this stigma, contributing to the pressure individuals face in seeking medical solutions without revealing their choices to loved ones.
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETThe 12th-Gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon is back on sale. Case in point: the 12th-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The 12th-Gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon has a 14-inch 2.8K resolution (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) OLED display outfitted with image-enhancing software. On battery saver, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon lasted around five hours before dying. ZDNET's buying adviceI would recommend the 12th-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon to just about everyone: casual users, professionals, programmers, and creators.
In a heated clash between HR software rivals Deel and Rippling, Deel has filed a countersuit accusing Rippling of corporate espionage, misreporting payroll taxes, and attempting to steal its trade secrets. The startup further alleges that Rippling placed an insider at Deel, allowing the other company to eavesdrop on internal communications. Meanwhile, Rippling is seeking to serve its legal papers to Deel’s CEO, whose location in Israel complicates matters. Both companies are locked in a bitter battle over accusations of wrongdoing and reputational damage.
" TGC partners with CoreBlazer to host a global game jam for indie developers. The event aims to create emotionally resonant and accessible games featuring original content inspired by TGC's signature style, offering prize opportunities. Participants will showcase their winning games at an upcoming festival in Shanghai."
Beth Hyland believed she had found her soulmate on Tinder when a French man pretending to be Richard duped her using deepfake video and photos. The manipulate video art was often hard to detect without special tools. Now, Beth is the victim of identity theft after her personal information was stolen in this elaborate online scam.
The Oscars are getting a fresh overhaul with new rules and dates for the 98th ceremony. Key changes include revised voting requirements, an首次设立的Achievement in Casting award, and clearer guidelines on artificial intelligence in film production. Members must now watch all nominated films to vote, and more international filmmakers qualify. The casting award will recognize creative collaboration, while AI use won’t influence nominations—focusing instead on human authorship. Nominations voting runs Jan 12–16, with the ceremony set for March 25, 2025.
(2:22)Open Extended ReactionsThe University of North Carolina issued a statement Friday saying Bill Belichick's girlfriend is a welcome guest at football facilities after reports claimed she had been banned by the school. Jordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of the Tar Heels' coach, has gained notoriety for her hands-on approach to Belichick's media presence and branding, including a back-and-forth during an interview with CBS two weeks ago. But North Carolina made it clear her role as Belichick's de facto publicist has not impacted her access to the football program. "While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities," the school said in the statement. "Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick's personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University."
Felix Rojas has been charged with attempted rape following surveillance footage showing him engaging in what authorities described as sexual acts on an unresponsive passenger aboard a subway train near Whitehall Street station. The incident involved two individuals who allegedly robbed the victim’s body before conducting abuse inside the car. Rojas, facing charges including grand larceny, was arraigned three weeks after the alleged crimes occurred. The victim, Jorge Gonzalez, 37, was a father from Mexico struggling with alcoholism and reported losing contact with his estranged wife Teresa; his family is deeply affected by the tragedy, with his son grieving over the loss of their father.
Julie Chrisley and her husband Todd, known for their controversial reality TV appearances, were unexpectedly freed from federal prison after President Trump’s pardon following their 2022 convictions for bank fraud and tax evasion. Their daughter, Savannah, held a press conference shortly before their release, and the family is reportedly gearing up for what’s expected to be a significant reunion as they adapt to life post-release. The exoneration has sparked media attention, with a Lifetime special set to air their historic moment.
Dozens of opposition figures, including former justice minister Kamel Guizani and former intelligence head Kamel Chebbi, have been sentenced to life sentences on charges of conspiracy against state security in Tunisia. Critics claim the charges are fabricated to suppress dissent under President Kais Saied’s authoritarian rule, with one lawyer calling the case “a farce.” International observers highlight the symbolic nature of the trial as a tool to consolidate power and silence opposition voices amid growing tension in the North African nation.
The idea of a war between Canada and the United States was inconceivable even a few months ago. An American military threat is Canada’s worst nightmare. And Canada is unprepared precisely because it never considered the U.S. to be a potential threat. For 60 years at least, both Conservative and Liberal governments have worked toward greater integration with the United States. Conventional war between the United States and Canada would be highly asymmetric, to say the least.
The article explores the tension between people's strong desire for privacy and their reluctance to act to protect it, highlighting Meta's controversial "pay or consent" model as a prime example of this dynamic. Despite backlash from regulators and civil society, Meta continues to promote this approach, suggesting companies may convince users they care enough about privacy by offering trade-offs that compromise user control. Meanwhile, the podcast episode discusses how these issues are influencing the TNW Conference agenda, with listeners encouraged to sign up for a newsletter to secure discounted tickets.
The Old Skool Classiq 3 HD offers a nostalgic experience for retro gaming enthusiasts by providing access to older games at a fraction of the cost of used systems. It supports multiple consoles, including NES, SNES, and Genesis, and even works with regional cartridges through adapters. While it has minor build quality issues, its affordability and ease of use make it a favorite, allowing players to enjoy classic titles effortlessly.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has faced backlash after reminding players that showering before matches must be done in full view of chaperones to comply with anti-doping rules. The organization emphasized that this is not an entitlement but a requirement they are taking seriously if players choose to freshen up first.
Reddit is suing Anthropic over allegations that its AI company used Reddit content to train Claude, starting in December 2021, as shown in a screenshot. The platform has intensified efforts to curb scraping and companies profiting from user data, with a spokesperson describing Anthropic’s actions as "s sustained effort to exploit Reddit while ignoring legal and ethical boundaries." Anthropic denies the claims, stating it disagrees with Reddit’s assertions and will defend itself vigorously. The case underscores the tension between tech companies’ demands for user data and their obligations to respect privacy and legal rights.
Canada's 45th Parliament marks a pivotal moment as the country grapples with political and economic challenges influenced by U.S. policies, including tariffs and trade threats. Voters prioritize addressing rising costs, preserving economic strength, and navigating societal progress while tackling citizen struggles, setting the stage for shaping future policies under a minority government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or his colleague Jean-Yves Champagne.
Ransomware attacks surged between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a significant escalation as victims increased by 24% from the previous year. A report highlights an even steeper rise over two years, with ransomware responsible for 67% of third-party breaches. Newer groups, though fewer in size, have become more effective, targeting small and mid-sized businesses due to weaker defenses and lower risk of retaliation, alongside a surge in supply chain warfare attacks.
The article describes a tense confrontation between Trump supporters and counterprotesters in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills on Sunday, marked by performances from a pro-Trump punk icon and speeches from figures with controversial pasts. Matt Gaetz, a former congresswoman now advocating for Republican unity, drew criticism for his troubled history but still addressed around 300 attendees, urging them to "patriotally embrace" despite his admitted misconduct. Meanwhile, anti-Trump protesters and #WalkAway members clashed nearby, reflecting broader political divisions in the LGBTQ+ community and the wealthy Westside neighborhoods.
In a civil complaint filed on Tuesday, Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, New Jersey, accused acting US Attorney Alina Habba of “subjecting him to false arrest and malicious prosecution”. “As a result of this false arrest”, the lawsuit argues that Mayor Baraka “suffered severe reputational harm, emotional distress and other damages”. The suit is the latest fallout from a May 9 protest outside Delaney Hall, a privately run immigration detention facility in Newark. “No one is above the law.”Habba initially filed a trespassing charge against Baraka for his actions during the protest. “The way Mayor Baraka was treated at Delaney Hall was outrageous,” the statement reads.
Lamine Yamal returned to Barcelona in top form after a year away from the club, scoring twice in pivotal moments as Inter proved their mettle in a thrilling semi-final against his former team. Despite not being favored by the manager, Simone Inzaghi, Yamal demonstrated his skill and leadership, leading Inter to an emotional victory that reignited hopes for the club. His performances highlighted Barcelona’s resilience and unexpected identity under pressure, while also underscoring the significance of individual moments over grand gestures in a dramatic finish.
Users of classic Outlook for Windows have reported high CPU usage since last year, with Microsoft acknowledging the issue recently. The problem primarily occurs when composing emails after updating to Version 2406 Build 17726.20126+ on certain channels. Microsoft is working on a fix but suggests users switch to the Semi Annual Channel as a temporary workaround, which can be done via registry commands or using the Office deployment tool.
The automotive world is filled with innovative ideas and concepts that often fade into obscurity. Among these, four-wheel steering (4WS) stands out as a promising technology that has been overlooked due to poor execution and marketing. Once used in early 20th-century trucks, 4WS was conceptualized for enhanced maneuverability but rarely saw real-world application. Now, with its potential benefits—reducing turning circles and improving stability—it is gaining attention despite lingering doubts about its viability in the current market landscape.
Don Quijote, a popular Japanese discount chain, is booming thanks to its unique mix of affordable yet trendy products like noopdeedop products and colorful party costumes, attracting both locals and tourists amid inflation. In Shibuya's busy stores, hundreds of visitors rush to fill their bags with snacks, souvenirs, and soufflé-like items from the narrow aisles. One tourist shares how the overwhelming variety and multilingual signage left them "overwhelmed" at first.
Edie Antle, a daring Florida reporter in 1942, finds herself entangled in the criminal underworld during Prohibition as she investigates a legendary bootlegging operation. Her dual identity as a journalist and a participant in illegal activities creates a tension between her professional ambitions and personal duplicity. The novel masterfully explores how her involvement with organized crime not only jeopardizes her life but also challenges her sense of self, ultimately leading to her downfall after discovering the truth about those involved.
Yelp has introduced an AI-powered call answering system designed to enhance customer service efficiency by automating responses, reducing missed calls, and improving user experience. This innovative feature is integrated into Yelp's platform, offering businesses the ability to customize greetings, manage spam filters, handle transfers, capture messages, and receive tailored support, with specific optimizations for restaurants like automating reservations and highlighting deals. --- This summary effectively captures the essence of Yelp's new AI features, emphasizing efficiency gains and customization options while engaging readers interested in how Yelp is modernizing its services.
Elizabeth Hurley left the airport with a heartfelt goodbye kiss from Billy Ray Cyrus, looking every bit the emotional departing guest in her signature suede coat and boots. The couple appeared headed for an adventurous long-distance trip as they bid farewell to Nashville International Airport on their way home. fans noted the surprise reveal of their relationship via Instagram just days earlier, sparking curiosity about their unexpected connection.
Kneecap's Liam Ó hAnnaidh denies charges following a high-profile gig in London, where he allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a show. The band has denied the terror offense and criticized authorities for attempting to cancel their shows. During a recent gig at Glastonbury, Ó hAnnaidh claimed the charges were being used as a tactic to silence them ahead of an upcoming performance. Meanwhile, local residents and festival organizers continue to push for better planning permissions, with courts set to rule on whether the events can proceed in Brockwell Park.
Celebs areaddicted to these squishy collectible plushies called Labubus! BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rosé, Bretman Rock, and Olivia Attwood have all acquired them. Adelaine Morin shared her latest batch as part of a new series, while Kim Kardashian showed off her impressive stash on social media. Meanwhile, there's debate over whether fake Labubuses (aka "Lafufus") are real or not—Top Model Amelia Gray even got into the mix with hers!
Jacob Couch, a 32-year-old Alabama father, was killed at a Tucson bus stop by an attacker with a hatchet after severe injuries nearly severed his head. His wife recalled how their son's death affected their family as they moved back to Alabama following the stillborn death of their child. The attacker faced first-degree murder charges following the incident.
“Up until then, DOD had been the golden child,” one person familiar with Hegseth’s office told us. When Hegseth visited the White House the next day to debut the Air Force’s newest fighter jet, Trump again conveyed his displeasure. The president did not express anger toward Hegseth personally, White House officials told us. White House officials say that Trump continues to support Hegseth—the defense chief’s job is “100 percent safe,” one told us. Trump personally blocked Buria from the chief-of-staff job because of his ties to Lloyd Austin, Joe Biden’s Pentagon chief, White House officials told us.
The Amazfit Bip 6 is a stylish and functional smartwatch priced under $80, offering an impressive AMOLED display and long battery life (14 days), alongside extensive activity tracking for over 200 activities, including artistic swimming and dancing. Though it sacrifices temperature and altitude sensing compared to its pricier sibling, the Bip 6 excels in fit and style, making it a great budget option for active lifestyles, providing accurate sleep tracking as well. Available in bold colors like Black, Charcoal, Stone, or Red, this sleek device strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, ideal for those on a tight budget.
Waymo and Toyota have teamed up to create an autonomous vehicle platform for ride-hailing and explore integrating self-driving technology into regular cars, signaling a potential shift toward widespread robotaxis. While Waymo aims to advance innovation with its own fleet in cities, Toyota supports expanding accessibility through safer tech integration. This collaboration reflects their shared commitment to enhancing safety and accessibility in transportation.
President Donald Trump has appointed Dr. Casey Means as his new surgeon general after withdrawing his previous nominee. Means, a wellness influencer with ties to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is praised for her academic achievements and potential to improve healthcare. She plans to address broader health issues beyond diet, including conditions like infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
Camogie players in Ireland are taking a bold step by skipping required skort-wearing at their provincial game to protest against uncomfortable clothing that limits their ability to play and discourages young girls from joining the sport. Their move has gained public and political support, with officials acknowledging the rule is outdated, while the sport’s governing body defends it as more feminine than shorts. The players plan to continue advocating for change, facing potential legal challenges if successful.
Sweden’s housing market is facing a severe imbalance: while some areas struggle to find available properties, others have emptied out with nearly double the number of empty apartments among surveyed companies. First-hand rentals are rationed through lengthy queues, particularly problematic in smaller towns and cities like Stockholm, where waiting times can reach 28 years. The report highlights regions like Södermanland averaging 15 months on queues, while larger cities grapple with even greater delays. This imbalance poses significant risks of overcrowding and homelessness for those already grappling with limited housing options.
RewardBench 2 streamlines AI evaluation by addressing real-world complexities through a comprehensive benchmarking tool designed across six key domains: factuality, instruction following, math, safety, focus, and alignment with goals. It enhances model evaluation by integrating on-policy training recipes for RLHF, ensuring alignment with human standards and ethical decision-making while offering flexibility to businesses in selecting models suited to their specific needs from datasets like Gemini, Claude, and Llama-3.1, thus guiding effective AI deployment without neglecting broader business considerations.
The sketch on *Saturday Night Live*’s season finale escalates into a tense argument as Ego Nwodim and Marcello Hernández’s characters argue over table precedence at a bar, with viewers eavesdropping in Spanish. Bad Bunny’s character commiserates with Hernández about the woman’s fear, admiting he “crazier than a coffee maker,” while Johanssen’s character misunderstands Hernández’s admission of seeking relationships. The barflies find the chaos entertaining but viewers may struggle to grasp the deeper nuances of the mistranslations and misinterpretations. Ultimately, the sketch highlights how much truth can be obscured by language barriers or misunderstandings.
George Kittle just became the highest-paid tight end in NFL history after securing a four-year extension worth $76.4 million, with $35 million guaranteed at signing. The Niners ensured he stays under contract until 2029 despite challenges last season, while his impact on the field is marked by 538 catches for 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite tight ends.
President Trump quickly congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope, calling it an "honor." However, far-right figures within his base criticized him for adopting similar views to Pope Francis, whom they dislike as being anti-MAGA and open borders.
The iconic Dutch tea shop 't Zonnetje, established in 1642, is shutting down due to escalating rents, marking its end after 26 years of running a passion-driven venture. The closure coincides with other independent shops closing, sparking concerns about Amsterdam's potential shift toward chain stores and tourist-friendly establishments. While locals cherish these unique spots for their character and charm, critics warn that prioritizing tourism over essential services and local businesses could be harmful. Regretfully, the shop's owner won’t have time to mark its 750th anniversary in the future.
In its third year of a civil war, Sudan faces ongoing attacks by the SAF and RSF; el-Fasher saw at least nine civilians killed, including four children, as RSF forces struck Sunday. SAF killed six RSF members and destroyed three vehicles in the attack, while the RSF seeks to reclaim their last major city in North Darfur. The conflict has deepened humanitarian crises, with UN calls for aid.
Guyanese soldiers have faced severe attack three times in 24 hours near the disputed Essequibo border with Venezuela, raising concerns about escalating tensions. The region is claimed by both countries, with Venezuela asserting its sovereignty over much of Essequibo despite UN interference and a planned referendum on its claim. While Guyana has administered the area for decades, Venezuela claims it was already in place before 1777, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict and maintain peace along the border.
Two major teaching unions in England are poised to call for strikes if the government fails to meet their demands for full funding and prevent cuts to education. Their negotiations over a 2.8% pay increase have stalled, with concerns that inadequate offers risk teacher redundancies and school closures, while they advocate for above-inflation pay rises and full budget support to safeguard education quality and staffing. The unions' actions could lead to significant job losses and disruptions in the education sector if their demands aren't met.
Britain and the European Union have reached a significant milestone in their post-Brexit relations by striking a landmark deal to ease trade barriers and enhance security cooperation, reducing reliance on the unpredictable United States. The agreement aims to strengthen mutual efforts in security while minimizing dependence on an uncertain U.S., though key policy details remain to be finalized, potentially carrying political risks for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Ukraine's parliament has voted to extend martial law and military mobilization for another three months, pushing back potential elections until at least August 6. This move comes despite pressure from both the US and Russia for a presidential vote. The extension was approved by a significant majority in parliament, with only one dissenting vote. Ukraine's constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which remains in effect despite external calls for a timeline on future voting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose term was originally set to end last year. The Kremlin has accused Kyiv of trying to maintain its current structure through the extension of martial law. While there is broad support for maintaining martial law in Ukraine, opposition politicians like Petro Poroshenko have criticized Zelenskyy for potentially abusing his powers. Heavy fighting and air attacks continue between Russia and Ukraine as the conflict enters its 38th month. Recent attacks include Russian drone strikes on Odesa and artillery attacks in Kherson, causing injuries and damage. The Russian military has also claimed advances in the Donetsk region and accused Ukraine of attacking its energy infrastructure despite a temporary moratorium that is set to expire on Wednesday. There is currently no clear indication whether this moratorium will be extended.
Slate Auto, led by Jeff Bezos, launched its innovative Slate Truck, a compact EV designed for affordability and performance with a claimed 150-mile range starting at under $20k, thanks to federal tax credits. The vehicle offers two battery options—57.2 kWh for 150 miles or 84.3 kWh for 240—and charges quickly, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes with up to 120 kW power. Customization includes body wraps but no paint options, while tech features like active emergency braking and multiple airbags ensure safety. The Slate Truck caters to those seeking a simple yet high-performance EV experience at an accessible price point.