Today Briefly
Today Briefly

These young adults make good money. But life, they say, is unaffordable.

Many Americans in their 20s and 30s consider middle-class living unaffordable despite higher incomes and greater access to consumer goods.

US news

fromBoston.com

Turning Point's annual gathering turns into a gripefest

AmericaFest exposed intense infighting among conservatives over antisemitism, conspiracy theories, and "heritage Americans", fracturing the MAGA coalition.

Wellness

fromBusiness Insider

Martha Stewart, 84, still works out every weekday - and says her routine hasn't changed much in decades

Martha Stewart, 84, maintains a consistent fitness routine centered on Pilates, strength training, walking, gardening, and morning green juice.

Digital life

fromZDNET

I'm a tech reviewer, and these 5 tech gadgets surprised me the most in 2025

Five 2025 gadgets—including Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Huawei FreeClips 2—deliver refined design, improved battery life, comfort, and dependable overall usability.

Digital life

fromThe Nation

6 hours ago

Are Cell Phones to Blame for the Youth Loneliness Epidemic?

Cell phones embody an isolated yet always connected lifestyle and serve as portals to monetized digital worlds that depend on and amplify youth loneliness.

Wellness

fromPsychology Today

3 Ways to Manage Chronic Pain Without Medication

Changing approach to pain using distraction, attention, and submission can alter pain perception and reduce reliance on habit-forming medications.

Digital life

fromwww.bbc.com

fromDiscover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods

Parents told to lead by example and turn off phones this Christmas

Parents should model phone-free behavior during Christmas to boost children's engagement and establish clear, shared screen-time boundaries.

Wellness

fromHuffPost

2 days ago

The Toxic Phrase We Need To Stop Saying Around The Holidays

Exercise should be valued for health, mental wellbeing, longevity, and social benefits, not framed as punishment or a way to "work off" food or treats.

OMG science

fromwww.scientificamerican.com

Best Sasquatch Chronicles Episodes: From Skeptic to Believer

Claire experienced prolonged, life-threatening stalking and terror by an unidentified large, human-like creature, resulting in lasting psychological trauma and narrow survival.

OMG science

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Is the Klein Bottle the Perfect Holiday Gift for Math Fans?

A Mobius strip is a nonorientable band with a single surface and edge, producing unique mathematical, physical, and practical implications such as slower-wearing conveyor belts.

OMG science

Harvard scientist believes alien 3I/Atlas could have been sent to 'seed' life on Earth - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows anomalous comet-like behavior prompting speculation about possible non-natural origins, including deliberate seeding by advanced life.

EU data protection

fromTheregister

6 hours ago

Europe gets serious about cutting US digital umbilical chord

Europe's digital sovereignty is undermined by reliance on US cloud infrastructure and the US CLOUD Act, creating legal conflicts that prevent GDPR-compliant data control.

EU data protection

fromTheregister

EU offers UK early gift: Data adequacy until 2031

EU renews data adequacy with the United Kingdom, permitting GDPR-compliant personal data flows between the EEA and UK until 27 December 2031.

UX design

fromMedium

AI won't save you, color contrast mistakes, the 3 layers of AI context

AI increases efficiency and resilience while reducing human input and concentrating power, so perspective and human judgment determine outcomes.

EU data protection

fromeuronews

Italy hits Apple with 98m fine over app tracking policy

Italy's competition authority fined Apple €98 million for abusing App Store dominance by imposing App Tracking Transparency rules that unfairly burden app developers.

UX design

fromMedium

A UX Carol

A UX designer is transported through time to witness the evolution of web design roles from multi-skilled 1990s webmasters to present specialization and AI impact.

UX design

fromMedium

Stop worrying so much about AI

Design skill matters more than mandatory AI proficiency; AI and tools like Figma are tactical skills, not prerequisites for delivering high-value design.

Privacy professionals

fromProPublica

Privacy Policy and Other Terms

ProPublica limits tracking, safeguards personal data, uses analytics and third-party tools, and shares personal information only when explicitly disclosed.

Privacy professionals

fromIndependent

3 days ago

AI-generated sex abuse images being used to blackmail children online, Dail committee told

Young people face rising risk from AI-generated images and deepfakes used for sexual extortion after personal information is mined online.

Artificial intelligence

fromInfoWorld

7 hours ago

6 AI breakthroughs that will define 2026

Improved context windows and memory, combined with self-verification, will enable autonomous, scalable agentic AI that uses English natural language for coding and long-term tasks.

#cbs-news

Media industry

READ: 60 Minutes Correspondent Slams Bari Weiss's Political Decision' to Axe Her Trump Deportations Report in Stunning Internal Memo

Media industry

Bari Weiss Reportedly Explains to CBS News Staff in Private Call Why She Killed 60 Minutes Segment: Did Not Advance the Ball'

Media industry

Morning Joe Torches Cosplaying' Journalist Bari Weiss for Poisoning the Well' By Spiking 60 Minutes Story

Media industry

READ: 60 Minutes Correspondent Slams Bari Weiss's Political Decision' to Axe Her Trump Deportations Report in Stunning Internal Memo

Media industry

Bari Weiss Reportedly Explains to CBS News Staff in Private Call Why She Killed 60 Minutes Segment: Did Not Advance the Ball'

Media industry

Morning Joe Torches Cosplaying' Journalist Bari Weiss for Poisoning the Well' By Spiking 60 Minutes Story

What efficiency-first martech gets wrong about creativity | MarTech

Marketing technology increases output and efficiency but often undermines creativity by creating cognitive load, data friction, and unused complexity that prioritizes volume over value.

Artificial intelligence

fromFortune

An Iowa company that builds wood chippers doesn't care about your AI buzzwords: 2 Silicon Valley CEOs get real about the hype-slop-cycle | Fortune

Business customers want practical, measurable AI solutions that improve productivity and costs rather than hype; many still prefer human-in-the-loop.

Marketing tech

fromAdExchanger

Programmatic's Transparency Problem; ChatGPT Backs Into An SDK | AdExchanger

Ad tech suffers distrust and opacity while platform giants dominate ad spend; ChatGPT builds an app store and Axel Springer seeks digital media acquisitions.

Information security

fromThe Hacker News

Weekly Recap: Firewall Exploits, AI Data Theft, Android Hacks, APT Attacks, Insider Leaks & More

Attackers increasingly exploit trusted infrastructure and everyday tools—firewalls, browser extensions, and smart devices—to create numerous low-profile breaches from unpatched or overlooked systems.

Artificial intelligence

fromInfoQ

Neptune Combines AIAssisted Infrastructure as Code and Cloud Deployments

Neptune is a language- and cloud-agnostic conversational AI agent that plans, provisions, and configures cloud infrastructure to run containerized applications.

Social media marketing

fromForbes

Social Media Marketing For Real Estate: Key Strategies For Success

Audience-tailored social media marketing generates high-intent real estate leads and builds relationships that close deals, outperforming other technologies for lead attraction.

Food & drink

fromTasting Table

The Hot Dog In Pensacola That Comes Topped With Fruity Pebbles And Sriracha - Tasting Table

A Pensacola eatery tops hot dogs with sweet cereals and bold condiments, creating surprising sweet-savory-crunch combinations that appeal visually and flavorfully.

Marketing tech

fromThe Drum

Influencer commits to guaranteeing business results with appointment of head of paid media

Influencer appointed Maya Jundi head of paid media and guarantees clients maximum ROAS with refunds if agreed outcomes are unmet.

Food & drink

fromTime Out London

The 8 best things Time Out staff ate this year in London

London’s 2025 top restaurant dishes include Lavery’s asparagus fonduta and Tollington’s scallops among other standout plates that defined the year.

Major League Baseball

fromDodger Blue

Teoscar Hernandez Calls Wrigley Field Most Iconic Ballpark In MLB

Wrigley Field remains an iconic MLB ballpark admired by players like Teoscar Hernández, who idolized Sammy Sosa and withdrew from WBC 2026 for health.

Writing

fromAnildash

They have to be able to talk about us without us - Anil Dash

Effective communication to large groups is vital and achievable across diverse domains using transferable skills despite challenges in reaching every audience member.

Information security

fromThe Hacker News

10 hours ago

Android Malware Operations Merge Droppers, SMS Theft, and RAT Capabilities at Scale

Malicious Android droppers deliver Wonderland SMS stealer to intercept OTPs and siphon bank funds, exploiting fake Google Play pages, ads, and abused Telegram sessions.

Food & drink

fromEater Atlanta

The 5 Best Dishes Eater Atlanta Ate in 2025

Atlanta dining emphasized inventive small plates, casual quality-focused third spaces, standout Peruvian brunch, experimental tasting menus, and theatrical intermezzo courses.

Information security

fromNextgov.com

Three moves that can jumpstart cyber modernization - even wthout a full budget

Agencies can materially improve cybersecurity quickly by enforcing phishing-resistant MFA, encrypting critical data, and microsegmenting around legacy systems.

Social media marketing

fromForbes

How Social Media Is Redefining Power In The C-Suite

Social media has shifted leadership power: algorithms now determine visibility, credibility, and authority inside organizations faster than formal structures or internal communications.

Books

fromThe Verge

The best books we read in 2025

Historical blunders over the past 70 years are recounted with humor to make serious mistakes feel absurd and to comfort readers about everyday errors.

Books

Richard Osman's The Impossible Fortune tops 2025 UK bestsellers list

Fantasy, mystery and psychological thrillers dominated the UK's 2025 bestsellers, led by Richard Osman's The Impossible Fortune; adult colouring books resurged into the top 20.

Major League Baseball

fromMLB Trade Rumors

The Opener: Murakami, Red Sox, Free Agency

Munetaka Murakami joins White Sox; 80-grade power could yield 30–40 homers despite swing and defensive concerns. Red Sox face roster and contract dilemmas.

Social media marketing

fromAdExchanger

Breaking The Snap Stereotypes | AdExchanger

Snapchat reaches substantial adult and teen audiences, offers notable teenage buying power, and requires familiar, evolving ad tools to build long-term brand loyalty.

#remote-work

fromFast Company

Remote teams

3 things I won't miss about remote work as RTO policies get stricter in 2026

fromTODAY.com

Remote teams

Would Parents Rather Work Remote for $120K or In Office for $240K? The Internet Is Divided

fromFast Company

Remote teams

3 things I won't miss about remote work as RTO policies get stricter in 2026

fromTODAY.com

Remote teams

Would Parents Rather Work Remote for $120K or In Office for $240K? The Internet Is Divided

I left Google Maps behind for a free alternative that doesn't track me (or drain my phone battery)

CoMaps offers privacy-first, open-source offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation with no tracking, reduced battery use, voice guidance, and free cross-platform support.

Privacy technologies

fromZDNET

What are passkeys really? The simple explanation - for anyone tired of passwords

Passkeys replace passwords, enabling biometric, phishing-resistant sign-ins that sync across devices for easier, more secure authentication.

Europe news

fromwww.dw.com

2 days ago

Ukraine battles new Russian incursion in Sumy region DW 12/21/2025

Ukrainian forces are resisting a new Russian incursion in Sumy while diplomats meet in Miami to discuss a US peace plan and European consultations.

Writing

fromThe New Yorker

Lawrence Wright on A. J. Liebling's "The Great State"

A. J. Liebling was a witty, versatile New Yorker reporter known for vivid character portraits, boxing coverage, culinary passion, and trenchant critiques of the press.

Privacy technologies

fromKotaku

NordProtect Online Identity Service Covers Up to $10K in Scam Losses, Now Going for Peanuts - Kotaku

Record-low identity protection at $4.49/month can reduce heightened holiday identity theft risk amid increased online transactions and widespread fraud.

Writing

My weirdest Christmas: I tried to catch out Santa with a whoopee cushion but the Big Man outwitted me

An eight-year-old twin devises a clever, mischievous plan using a whoopee cushion and a toy camera to prove Father Christmas's existence on Christmas Eve 1987.

Wine

fromTasting Table

fromSan Francisco Bay Times

What To Look For If You Want A Buttery Chardonnay - Tasting Table

Buttery chardonnays gain creamy, buttery flavor primarily through malolactic conversion, producing aromas of brioche, ripe yellow apples, and pears.

Remote teams

fromZDNET

3 days ago

How to get that hybrid or remote job you want: 6 expert tips

Flexible hybrid or remote work is essential to attract and retain tech talent despite increasing employer return-to-office mandates and rising in-office day expectations.

Europe news

fromwww.aljazeera.com

3 days ago

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,394

Ukrainian and Russian strikes killed civilians, devastated energy infrastructure leaving 180,000 without power across regions, and Russia deployed a new Oreshnik hypersonic missile.

Wine

Wine Trends for 2026 - San Francisco Bay Times

Wine trends for 2026 include preservation technology, low/no-alcohol options, and Zebra Drinking habits that support varied, moderated consumption.

Wine

A fresh take on wine pairings for Christmas dessert

Fortified and sweet dessert wines—LBV port, Pedro Ximenez sherry, recioto della Valpolicella, rivesaltes and banyuls—make excellent after-dinner drinks and pair beautifully with cheese and chocolate.

Europe news

fromwww.npr.org

A photographer discovers miles of dinosaur tracks near Italy's Winter Olympic venues

Thousands of Late Triassic dinosaur tracks were discovered on nearly vertical dolomite walls in Stelvio National Park between Livigno and Bormio in the central Alps.

English Premier League

fromwww.bbc.com

Time to take a punt on Wirtz - FPL team of the week

Short turnarounds and injuries made Gameweek 14 difficult for FPL managers; five free transfers will help manage AFCON-related absences.

#liverpool

fromESPN.com

English Premier League

Slot: Teams expect to 'get a result' from Liverpool

fromRush The Kop

English Premier League

Liverpool's mixed night at Sunderland shaped by good, bad and ugly displays

fromESPN.com

English Premier League

Slot: Teams expect to 'get a result' from Liverpool

fromRush The Kop

fromHot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog

English Premier League

Liverpool's mixed night at Sunderland shaped by good, bad and ugly displays

more#liverpool

New York Knicks

14 hours ago

Heat cannot slow down scorching Knicks, lose 132-125

Jalen Brunson scored 47 points and dished eight assists as the New York Knicks beat the Miami Heat 132-125 at Madison Square Garden.

Cryptocurrency

fromFortune

Crypto in 2025 was defined by two big trends-and only one of them is obvious | Fortune

Wall Street fully embraced crypto in 2025 while DeFi expanded, prompting uncertainty about what 'decentralized' means as institutions adopt blockchain.

Marketing

fromFast Company

These were the best ads of 2025

Select 2025 commercials stood out for creative risk, technical difficulty, and entertainment, turning forgettable advertising into memorable, provocative, and hilarious brand work.

Germany news

fromwww.dw.com

Germany news: Many voters doubt gov't will hold until 2029 DW 12/22/2025

Nearly half of Germans doubt Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition will complete its term while authorities logged over 1,000 suspicious drone flights in 2025.

Python

fromInfoQ

Toad: A Unified CLI Tool for All Your LLMs That Promises Improved UX From Existing Ones

Toad provides a unified, beautiful terminal GUI that runs multiple ACP-enabled coding agents and improves terminal UX with rich Markdown and project-aware features.

London food

The hill I will die on: Small plates' are fiddly and cost a fortune ban them | Jonny Woo

Small-plates dining fragments meals into many expensive bites, forces unwanted sharing, and replaces satisfying full dinners.

Mindfulness

fromPsychology Today

Micro-Moments of Renewal You Can Start Today

Small, intentional pauses throughout the day restore energy more effectively than occasional long breaks.

France news

fromwww.thelocal.fr

6 hours ago

PODCAST: From travel changes to politics, what to expect in France from 2026

France faces major 2026 political uncertainty with elections and legal battles, alongside new immigration and border controls affecting foreigners and cultural highlights to watch.

SF politics

from48 hills

14 hours ago

It's time to kick PG&E out of the city. In fact, it's long, long overdue - 48 hills

PG&E's failures caused a large blackout; autonomous vehicles and drones like Waymo are not reliable in emergencies and can endanger public safety.

LGBT

fromLGBTQ Nation

How has living under Trump affected you personally this year? LGBTQ Nation wants to hear from you. - LGBTQ Nation

LGBTQ+ rights face intensified attacks under the second Trump administration, with particular targeting of the trans community and calls for community response and strategy change.

Arts

fromwww.npr.org

fromThe American Conservative

The 2025 pop culture yearbook, from pettiest cameo to nerdiest movie moment

2025 delivered memorable cultural moments across film, television, awards satire, and sports biopics that blended art, commerce, humor, and provocation.

Right-wing politics

fromThe American Conservative

Liberals: This Christmas, Stop Being Afraid

Stop letting fear-driven narratives push support for demagogues; avoid reducing complex events to emotionally charged slogans that fuel partisan panic.

Right-wing politics

Marijuana Rescheduling Rewards Big Weed, Leaves Social Debate Unresolved

The Trump administration reclassified marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III to ease research and potentially benefit the cannabis industry and political support.

Arts

fromHyperallergic

fromThe Art Newspaper - International art news and events

A Letter to Mamdani

City arts funding is deeply unequal, with the Met receiving more annual support than all Queens and Staten Island cultural institutions combined.

Arts

Late UK artist Sarah Cunningham honoured with Nottingham Contemporary show

Nottingham Contemporary will present the first institutional solo exhibition of British artist Sarah Cunningham, opening next autumn, the largest presentation of her work to date.

Dallas Cowboys

fromInside The Star

George Pickens' Cowboys Future in Play in Week 16 " Inside The Star

George Pickens' breakout season has recently declined, creating urgent performance and contract questions as his rookie deal approaches expiration.

Dallas Cowboys

fromInside The Star

15 hours ago

NFC Playoff picture takes shape after Week 16 showdowns " Inside The Star

NFC playoff picture is nearly set; only NFC South division-winner and a wildcard spot remain undecided, with 49ers the only NFC team still to play.

New York City

fromStreetsblog

Streetsies 2025: Advocate(s) of the Year - Streetsblog New York City

Activists persisted through setbacks in 2025, fighting for safer, more livable streets despite policy reversals, enforcement crackdowns, and infrastructure removals.

National Hockey League

fromESPN.com

The NHL's best this week: Is Craig Berube in the hot seat in Toronto?

Craig Berube faces mounting pressure as the Toronto Maple Leafs underperform, with players and coach expressing contrasting assessments of the team's mental state.

DevOps

fromAzure DevOps Blog