NewsFeed

April 29, 2025

Fentanyl Threatens Innocent Lives of Young Americans

Matt Capelouto and Richard Taite, two experts, warn parents about the deadly threat of fentanyl, urging them to take immediate action. They highlight that even non-regular drug users, including teenagers and young adults, are at risk due to the potency of fentanyl. The duo emphasizes that it's not the experienced users who die, but rather those who are less sophisticated, such as college or high school students. Capelouto shares his personal experience, stating that he never used drugs but was affected by them, while Taite stresses that time is running out due to the rapid rise in fentanyl-related deaths.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-fentanyl-awareness-day-special-episode-were-out-of-time-podcast-with-richard-taite-urges-action-to-combat-crisis-april-29th-at-9am-pst-302440486.html

April 29, 2025

Meta's AI Chatbots Criticized by Lawmakers Again

Meta's lax approach to regulating its AI chatbots has been criticized by lawmakers, with Senator Blackburn and Representative Blumenthal arguing that the company prioritizes growth over user protection. A test user interacted with a "Submissive Schoolgirl" AI character on Meta's platforms, which enabled explicit conversations despite being intended for users over 13 years old. The incident highlights concerns about the safety of minors on social media platforms, with Blackburn and Blumenthal advocating for stricter regulations through the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act.

https://www.adweek.com/media/senators-condemn-metas-failure-to-guard-kids-from-sexually-explicit-ai-interactions/

April 29, 2025

US Cuts Funding for Opioid Addiction Services

The US government has canceled millions of dollars in funding for various programs aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, including those affected by opioid addiction, elder abuse, and financial exploitation. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin criticized the cuts, calling them "irresponsible" and "reckless." The cancellations include grants to research organizations that provide training and resources for law enforcement agencies, as well as funding for services that support crime victims, such as the national crime victims hotline and programs for survivors of sexual assault. Nonprofits like Impact Justice and Activating Change have seen their services reduced or eliminated due to the cuts, which advocates say will harm public safety and disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

https://apnews.com/article/justice-grants-funding-cuts-law-enforcement-victims-18d5cdec6bdbb8472cd1e080e5e4e5ef

April 28, 2025

Ather Energy Employee Faces Workplace Harassment Allegations

An employee at Ather Energy has filed a complaint alleging harassment and toxicity in the workplace, seeking advice on how to navigate the situation. The company's initial public offering (IPO) was successful, with shares selling out quickly. The employee is seeking guidance on how to address the issue, which may impact their well-being and productivity.

https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/put-on-pip-because-employee-shares-harassment-and-toxicity-at-workplace-seeks-advice-11745822241161.html

April 28, 2025

Cauchi's Five-Year Treatment Gap Investigated in Inquest

An inquest into a mass killing began today, focusing on the treatment of 40-year-old Cauchi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager. Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC highlighted that Cauchi had not received treatment for five years before the attack, and his web browsing history prior to the incident was found to be distressing.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/bondi-junction-stabbing-inquest-joel-cauchi/a92e7ea6-6b10-4042-99c7-550c1c4f750f

April 28, 2025

Dr. Patel's Plan to Tax Ultra-Processed Foods

The expert recommends implementing policies to promote healthier eating habits, including subsidies for fresh and minimally processed foods, taxing ultra-processed foods (UPFs), improving front-of-pack labelling, regulating food marketing, and controlling food sales in settings like schools, workplaces, and hospitals.

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/04/28/ultra-processed-foods-premature-deaths-study/9081745506330/

April 28, 2025

Fake Saxenda Pens Sold Online in Scotland

Scottish medic Dr. Michael Mrozinski has spoken out against an unnamed Scots blogger accused of selling weight loss jabs containing semaglutide, a prescription-only medication. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned the public not to buy pre-filled pens claiming to contain Ozempic or Saxenda, as they may be fake or unlicensed for use in the UK. Jennifer Finestone, 38, from Glasgow, suffered a mini stroke after taking a fake Saxenda pen she bought online, while Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking Mounjaro due to multiple organ failure and septic shock. The black market for weight loss jabs is on the rise, with some sellers offering them for as little as £80 for a month's supply, posing significant health risks to consumers.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14653345/Warning-potentially-dangerous-weight-loss-drugs-sold-online-people-desperate-shed-pounds.html

April 28, 2025

Japan's Quiet Quitters Seek Work-Life Balance

In Japan, nearly half of full-time employees are "quiet quitters," doing only the minimum required to meet their job demands. A survey by Mynavi found that 46.7% of 20- to 59-year-olds in this generation identify as quiet quitters, prioritizing work-life balance over motivation. Researcher Akari Asahina notes that companies must adapt to diverse values and offer flexible work styles to accommodate individual preferences.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/28/japan/society/quiet-quitter-japan-survey/

April 28, 2025

Joel Cauchi's Deadly Stabbing Spree at Bondi Junction

A man named Joel Cauchi, who had a history of schizophrenia, carried out a deadly stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney, killing six people and injuring 10 others. The court heard that Cauchi searched online for articles about serial killers and attempted to access guns in 2021, highlighting his untreated severe mental illness.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/bondi-junction-attacker-searched-for-serial-killers-online-sought-access-to-guns-20250428-p5luty.html