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Recent articles highlight evolving food trends, from innovative mocktails in New York to regional dessert debates and creative holiday pies. Stories include viral food experiments, store-bought pie reviews, and insights into traditional favorites like pumpkin and sweet potato pie.
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Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist and a pioneer in neural networks, is departing to establish a startup focused on advanced AI that understands the physical world. Meta will partner with the new venture amid ongoing internal restructuring and shifting AI priorities.
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Meta has announced it will restrict access for Australian users aged 13-15 starting December 4, ahead of a new law requiring social media platforms to exclude under-16s. The law, effective December 10, aims to protect minors but raises concerns over privacy and effectiveness.
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Australia will enforce a law from December 10 that bans social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch from allowing users under 16. The law aims to protect minors from online harm, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Twitch plans to deactivate underage accounts from January 9.
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Malaysia's government is reviewing measures to restrict social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's upcoming ban at age 16. The move aims to protect youths from online harms like cyberbullying and scams, with plans to implement electronic age verification methods next year.
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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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Deceptive AI-generated videos of health experts are circulating on TikTok and other platforms, promoting unproven health products. These videos impersonate real professionals, raising concerns about misinformation and platform moderation failures. TikTok has removed some content after complaints, but the issue persists.
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This week saw major geopolitical shifts, including Putin's return to Alaska, US diplomatic antics, and political upheavals across Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, US domestic politics remain volatile with controversial comments from Trump and rising support for unconventional candidates, reflecting a turbulent international and national landscape.
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Merriam-Webster names 'slop' as 2025 Word of the Year, highlighting the surge of low-quality AI-generated content across social media, fake videos, and misinformation. The term reflects growing awareness and skepticism about AI's role in producing dubious digital material, with global implications for online trust.
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Australia has ordered major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to block around one million users under 16, citing concerns over youth safety. Content creators report significant drops in followers and engagement, impacting their income and connection with young audiences. The ban affects approximately 200,000 TikTok accounts so far.
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A UK medical workforce report shows 42% of doctors qualified abroad, with a record 26% leaving NHS. Rising hostility and racism in healthcare settings threaten service stability, as experts warn of NHS collapse without urgent action. The government emphasizes support for international staff.
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As of early 2026, Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16, prompting France to prepare similar legislation banning under-15s from social media starting September 2026. Other countries including Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are considering comparable measures amid rising concerns over youth mental health and online harms. The bans target platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, aiming to protect young people from exposure to harmful content and addictive behaviors.
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Kenyan influencer barbers like Chief Safro are transforming grooming with unique, culturally inspired techniques. Using unconventional tools and social media, they attract customers willing to pay premium prices. Despite their popularity, many feel they are undervalued financially compared to other content creators amid Kenya’s social media boom.
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As of January 2026, the UK government is actively considering a ban on social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's recent legislation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have expressed support for exploring all options, including age restrictions and limiting addictive app features. The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has pledged to implement such a ban if elected. The government plans to respond to public consultations by summer 2026.
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Residents of West Haven, Connecticut, have reported ongoing low-frequency humming sounds for years, causing sleep issues. The city has hired an acoustics expert to investigate the source, with past suspicions on a local food ingredient plant. The investigation aims to identify and address the cause of the noise disturbance.
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On February 9, 2026, New Mexico begins the first stand-alone trial against Meta over alleged harms to children on its platforms. The case involves undercover investigations, claims of algorithm-driven addiction, and failure to disclose harmful effects, with Meta denying violations. The trial could influence future legal actions nationwide.
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Spain plans to ban social media for minors under 16, requiring platforms to enforce age verification. The move aims to address concerns over harmful content and mental health, aligning with similar measures in Australia, France, and other European countries. Legislation could pass next week.
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European countries including Spain, Greece, France, and Britain are debating stricter social media restrictions for minors, following Australia's December ban on under-16s. Governments cite concerns over mental health, hate speech, and disinformation, with legislation potentially passing this year to protect children online.
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As of February 2026, a landmark trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court is underway against Meta and Google's YouTube, accused of deliberately designing platforms to addict children and harm their mental health. The case centers on a 19-year-old plaintiff, KGM, and could set precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits. TikTok and Snap settled earlier. Meta denies wrongdoing, citing complex mental health factors and safeguards.
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A landmark trial in Los Angeles accuses Meta and YouTube of designing platforms to be addictive, especially targeting children. The case alleges these platforms caused mental health harm, with internal memos and user testimonies highlighting profit-driven, addictive features. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.