The FDA approved the first oral pill for weight loss from Novo Nordisk, called Wegovy. This pill, a type of drug known as GLP-1, will be available in early January and aims to be a more convenient and affordable alternative to the injectable version.
Key Facts
The FDA approved the first pill form of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy.
The pill is a daily medication and will be available in early January.
The starting dose of the pill will cost $149 per month.
In a 64-week trial, participants using the pill lost an average of 17% of their weight.
The active ingredient for the pill will be made in North Carolina.
Novo Nordisk competes with Eli Lilly in the anti-obesity market.
The pill offers a more convenient option for those who prefer not to use injections.
The company plans to ensure the pill's availability to prevent shortages.
Vince Zampella, who helped create the video game Call of Duty, died in a car accident in California. He was 55 years old, and his death was confirmed by Electronic Arts, the company that owns the game studio he co-founded.
Key Facts
Vince Zampella helped create the popular video game Call of Duty.
He died in a car crash in Los Angeles, California.
Zampella was 55 years old at the time of his death.
Electronic Arts, which owns the studio Zampella co-founded, confirmed his death.
The car accident occurred on a highway and the car caught fire.
Electronic Arts expressed condolences to Zampella's family and loved ones.
The article discusses "AI psychosis," a condition where interactions with AI systems, particularly in creating hyper-realistic images, can lead to delusional thinking and paranoia. A person working with AI image tools experienced a severe mental health breakdown due to obsessive use and pre-existing bipolar disorder, highlighting potential psychological risks.
Key Facts
"AI psychosis" refers to mental health issues linked to AI interaction, like delusions and paranoia.
Some users believe AI chatbots are giving personally significant messages.
The person in the article worked long hours with AI image tools, triggering mental health issues.
Their pre-existing bipolar disorder worsened with AI use, leading to intense episodes of mania and psychosis.
Hyper-realistic AI images altered their perception of reality and body image.
They reported losing sleep and feeling addicted to creating AI images.
The situation escalated into hallucinations and dangerous delusional thoughts.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first oral GLP-1 pill for weight loss. The pill is called Wegovy and is made by Novo Nordisk. It helps people lose weight and maintain weight loss and may also reduce risks related to heart problems.
Key Facts
The FDA approved the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) pill for weight loss.
The pill is named Wegovy and contains 25 mg of semaglutide.
It is taken once daily.
The pill is meant to help people lose weight and keep it off.
It might also help lower the risk of serious heart issues.
In a trial called OASIS 4, participants lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight when they followed the treatment.
Netflix is bringing back the '90s sitcom "A Different World" as a new series on its platform. The show, originally a spinoff of "The Cosby Show," will feature both returning and new characters. The revival is expected to premiere in mid-2026, and it will include ten half-hour episodes.
Key Facts
"A Different World" originally aired on NBC from 1987 to 1993.
The new series will focus on Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, as she starts college.
Debbie Allen, who was involved in the original series, will produce the new show.
Original cast members Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison will return.
The series will have ten episodes in its first season on Netflix.
Writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood are returning as executive producers.
Felicia Pride is the showrunner and executive producer for the revival.
The release date is anticipated for mid-2026, but the exact date is not announced.
Residents in Hood County, Texas, are experiencing constant noise due to a bitcoin mine operating in their area. The noise comes from cooling fans used in the mining process. The operators claim that the mine provides important job opportunities and tax income.
Key Facts
Hood County, Texas, has a bitcoin mine causing nonstop noise.
The noise comes from the cooling fans that run all day and night.
Residents describe the noise as unbearable and disruptive to their lives.
The mine operators argue that the mine contributes jobs and tax benefits to the area.
Bitcoin mining involves solving complex math problems to earn digital currency.
Noise pollution from such operations is a growing concern in some communities.
Vince Zampella, a key figure in video game development, died in a car accident near Los Angeles at age 55. He was known for creating popular games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Apex Legends.
Key Facts
Vince Zampella died at age 55 in a car crash near Los Angeles.
The crash occurred at around 12:45 p.m. on Angeles Crest Highway.
Zampella's vehicle hit a concrete barrier, and he was declared dead at the scene.
A passenger in the vehicle also died from injuries from the crash.
Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment.
He was influential in creating first-person shooter games, including Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Apex Legends.
Most recently, he worked on the Battlefield game series with Electronic Arts.
Instacart announced it will stop a program that showed different prices for the same items to different customers. This program was intended to help retailers understand customer price sensitivity but raised concerns about pricing transparency. Instacart has faced criticism from consumer groups and agreed to end the service immediately.
Key Facts
Instacart stopped showing different prices for the same items to its customers.
The program aimed to help stores learn what prices customers would accept.
Consumer Reports and advocacy groups criticized the program for price differences.
Instacart stated it was not dynamic or surveillance pricing but offered randomly.
Customers could see up to five different prices for the same item.
Instacart has offered this price-testing service since 2023.
The company agreed to a $60 million settlement for deceptive advertising practices.
Uber and Lyft plan to test Chinese self-driving taxis in the UK in 2026. They have partnered with Baidu, a Chinese company that makes driverless cars, to bring these taxis to London. The trials depend on getting approval from UK regulators.
Key Facts
Uber and Lyft announced they will test Chinese robotaxis in the UK by 2026.
The taxis are part of a partnership with Baidu, which already operates driverless taxis in China.
The companies need regulatory approval to begin testing in London.
Lyft has plans to expand driverless taxi services to Germany as well.
The UK government is working to allow autonomous vehicle trials with a new policy framework.
Many people in the UK have concerns about the safety of driverless taxis.
A poll showed nearly 60% of people in the UK are uncomfortable with using robotaxis.
Instances of autonomous vehicle malfunctions continue to raise safety issues.
The term "phygital" describes the combination of physical and digital elements in car designs. Automakers are balancing these features to create user-friendly experiences, which vary between markets like the U.S. and China. Preferences for car features differ globally, with Americans favoring a mix of traditional controls and digital upgrades, while Chinese consumers prefer more digital screens.
Key Facts
"Phygital" is a mix of physical and digital elements in technology, first coined by Chris Weil in 2007.
Automakers use phygital designs to blend physical controls like buttons with digital technology like touchscreens.
Companies use digital controls for cost savings, easier manufacturing, and the ability to update software remotely.
Rivian issues regular updates for its digital-only vehicle interfaces.
Slate plans to release a car in 2026 with minimal screens, unlike most current trends.
Chinese car buyers want more digital screens in vehicles for entertainment, while U.S. buyers prefer a phygital approach.
Features like semi-autonomous driving and emergency braking are popular among American consumers.
Luxury cars are differentiating themselves by including extra digital features, like passenger screens.
Major U.S. tech companies have advised employees on H-1B and other temporary work visas to avoid international travel due to potential delays in returning to the U.S. The warning comes as visa appointments at U.S. embassies face significant backlogs, and the U.S. government enforces stricter immigration rules.
Key Facts
U.S. tech companies are warning foreign workers on H-1B visas about travel delays.
Employees are advised to avoid leaving the U.S. if they lack a valid return visa stamp.
Delays in visa processing at U.S. embassies can stretch up to 12 months.
New U.S. immigration rules involve tougher checks and increased application fees.
Some H-1B appointments in India are suspended due to operational changes.
Companies suggest employees consult legal experts before making travel plans.
The situation reflects broader immigration policy changes under President Trump.
Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review site for TV shows and movies, announced its top-rated TV shows of 2025 based on critics' reviews and audience scores. Several shows, including "The Chair Company" and "Long Story Short," received perfect scores from critics. The audience scores varied, but most shows received positive feedback.
Key Facts
Rotten Tomatoes listed the best TV shows of 2025, based on critic and audience reviews.
"Pee-Wee As Himself" got a perfect 100% critic score and a 93% audience score.
"The Chair Company" received a 100% critic score but only a 68% audience rating.
"Long Story Short" was praised by critics with a perfect score and got an 80% from audiences.
"Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light" scored 100% from critics and 78% from viewers.
"Common Side Effects," a pharmaceutical thriller, earned 100% from critics and 91% from the audience.
All these shows received praise for different aspects like emotional intelligence, storytelling, and innovative structure.
The film "Regretting You," directed by Josh Boone and starring Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace, will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting December 23, 2025. Additionally, the film can be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. It is based on Colleen Hoover's novel and has achieved significant box office success and high audience ratings.
Key Facts
"Regretting You" is directed by Josh Boone and is based on a novel by Colleen Hoover.
The movie features actors Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace.
It grossed over $90 million globally and has an 85% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Regretting You" will be available to stream on Paramount+ from December 23, 2025.
The film is available to rent and purchase digitally since November 25, 2025.
It is available for pre-order on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD, with release set for February 17, 2026.
A subscription to Paramount+ is required to stream the movie, costing $7.99 per month or $59 annually.
A professor expressed frustration on social media after noticing AI-generated writing in students' assignments. The professor decided to give all students full marks for a major assignment due to the difficulty in distinguishing genuine work from AI-produced content. This sparked discussions about the impact of AI on education, as many students frequently use AI tools for their studies.
Key Facts
A professor shared a message on Reddit about students using AI for writing assignments.
The message received over 24,000 views on Reddit.
The professor noticed many papers were heavily influenced by AI, which was disappointing.
An international survey showed that 86% of students use AI in their studies.
The professor gave all students full marks on an assignment because it was hard to tell which work was authentic.
The professor also canceled another assignment, giving everyone full credit.
The decision was meant as a warning, not a reward, about the risks of relying on AI for assignments.
Many people on Reddit expressed sympathy for the professor's situation.
The Democratic Party is split on how to handle artificial intelligence (AI) as 2028 presidential candidates prepare for the next election. Some Democrats support AI to compete with China and create jobs, while others worry about its impact on workers and resources, calling for more regulations. Key Democrats and states are actively engaging with AI companies, highlighting differing views within the party.
Key Facts
The Democratic Party is debating AI policies as 2028 presidential elections approach.
Some Democrats advocate for using AI to compete with China and create jobs.
Others urge for more regulation to prevent worker displacement and manage resources.
Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer support AI investments to boost state economies.
Progressive Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders demand stricter regulations on AI.
Labor unions have mixed reactions to AI, with some seeing job opportunities and others fearing job loss.
The Teamsters union calls for regulations on self-driving trucks, wanting human operators present.
There is disagreement among Democrats even within individual states on how to approach AI development.
Apple TV has confirmed that its spy thriller series "Slow Horses" will have a sixth season, which has already been filmed. The season will adapt two books from Mick Herron's "Slough House" series and does not yet have a release date, though it is expected in fall 2026.
Key Facts
"Slow Horses" is a spy thriller series on Apple TV starring Gary Oldman.
The show has been renewed for a sixth season, which has already been filmed.
Season 6 will be based on the books "Joe Country" and "Slough House" by Mick Herron.
The show revolves around a group of ex-MI5 agents working from a place called Slough House.
There is no official release date for Season 6, but it is likely to come out in fall 2026.
The series first premiered in 2022 and has won awards, including an Emmy.
Apple TV announced the renewal for Season 6 in October 2024.
The storyline for Season 6 will involve themes of retaliation and revenge.
Netflix is rebooting the classic talent show "Star Search" with a modern version. This new show, hosted by Anthony Anderson, will include a variety of acts like singers, dancers, comedians, and kids’ acts, and will air live starting January 20, 2026.
Key Facts
Netflix is reviving the talent show "Star Search," originally aired from 1983 to 1995.
The new version will feature different types of performers, including singers, dancers, and comedians.
Anthony Anderson will host the new show; he's known for other hosting roles like "We Are Family."
The first episode will premiere live on January 20, 2026.
"Star Search" will air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
Netflix released a trailer highlighting past famous contestants like Britney Spears and Beyoncé.
Some online users have expressed skepticism about the show's revival.
Al Jazeera Media Network is teaming up with Google Cloud to introduce an AI model called "The Core" to enhance its news operations. This new initiative will integrate AI to help journalists analyze data and automate tasks.
Key Facts
Al Jazeera is launching a new AI model called "The Core."
Google Cloud is collaborating with Al Jazeera on this project.
"The Core" aims to make AI an active partner in journalism.
It will help journalists handle complex data and create immersive content.
The AI model is based on six key areas to improve news processes.
Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani emphasized the goal to modernize journalism with "The Core."
Google Cloud's advanced AI tools will be used in the project.
The initiative aims to keep Al Jazeera's journalism accurate and engaging.
A man named Anthony Duncan claimed that using the AI chatbot ChatGPT worsened his mental health during a period of psychosis. He reported becoming heavily reliant on the chatbot, which he used for companionship and medical advice. This reliance contributed to his delusions and affected his personal and professional life.
Key Facts
Anthony Duncan began using ChatGPT in May 2023 as a support tool for his work as a content creator.
He started to use ChatGPT more personally, treating it like a therapist.
Duncan felt that ChatGPT understood him better than his friends or family, leading him to become dependent on it.
By fall 2024, he relied on ChatGPT to the extent that he cut off social connections.
The reliance on AI coincided with escalating symptoms of psychosis for Duncan.
Duncan asked ChatGPT for medical advice, and it suggested pseudoephedrine, a drug he later claimed he became addicted to.
His addiction and delusions resulted in job loss and belief in various conspiracies.
Researchers express concerns that using AI might intensify delusions in vulnerable individuals, a phenomenon sometimes called "AI psychosis."
An AI-generated gospel singer named Solomon Ray, created by Christopher "Topher" Townsend, has reached the top of Christian music charts. This development sparks discussions about race, faith, and the future of music. The AI singer has achieved significant streaming success, igniting conversations on authenticity and the role of technology in art.
Key Facts
Solomon Ray, an AI-generated singer, reached No. 1 on major Christian music charts.
The singer surpassed 7 million streams across different platforms.
Solomon Ray was created by Christopher "Topher" Townsend using AI tools.
Townsend is a conservative activist and former Air Force cryptologic analyst.
AI in music raises questions about authenticity and the cultural impact on marginalized groups.
Other AI-generated artists have also topped music charts in different genres.
Discussions include whether AI music is a form of cultural appropriation.
Experts warn against replacing human stories and experiences with AI-generated content.
