July 2025 - Page 7 of 39

Jul

Graphic: Follow grocery price changes

Over the past few years, grocery shopping has transformed from a routine errand into a financial balancing act for many households. Price changes across food categories have caused consumers to shift their buying habits, rethink priorities, and search for affordable alternatives. While prices often fluctuate due to predictable factors like seasons or supply chain costs, recent global events, economic pressures, and shifting demand have significantly disrupted this once-stable routine. Understanding grocery price trends not only helps with personal budgeting, but also reveals larger patterns in food systems and economic health.A change in consumer habitsInflation has significantly influenced consumer behavior regarding…

'Quishing' scams dupe millions of Americans as cybercriminals exploit QR codes

Jul

By Liam Walker

Science and Technology

Millions in America fall victim to ‘quishing’ scams exploiting QR codes

QR codes have become part of everyday life. People use them to view restaurant menus, pay for parking, download apps, or visit websites. With a quick scan from a smartphone camera, these codes connect users directly to online information. Their convenience has made them extremely popular in both personal and professional settings.Nonetheless, the technology that makes QR codes beneficial has also created opportunities for cyber criminals. A novel scam called "quishing" now aims at unsuspecting individuals. The word merges “QR” and “phishing” and pertains to schemes where counterfeit QR codes are employed to mislead people. These codes frequently direct victims…

Hackers leak 13,000 user photos and IDs from the Tea app, designed as a women's safe space

Jul

By Liam Walker

Science and Technology

13,000 Tea app users’ photos and IDs leaked by hackers, compromising women’s safe space

A major security breach has affected Tea, an app created to offer a safe and supportive space for women, as hackers leaked personal data from more than 13,000 users. The compromised information includes sensitive materials such as selfies, photos of government-issued IDs, and user-submitted reports that were part of the app’s internal verification and complaint processes.The incident has prompted significant worries about user safety and the confidentiality of information, especially since Tea promotes itself as a platform designed to safeguard women, particularly those who report harassment or abuse. A large number of users signed up for the app with the…

A Texas candy company switched to natural dyes — but it wasn't easy

Jul

By Liam Walker

Health

Switching to natural dyes: A Texas candy company’s tough process

A candy manufacturer in Texas recently undertook a significant shift in its production process: moving from synthetic to natural colorants. While the decision aligned with growing consumer demand for more natural ingredients, the transition proved to be far from simple.For years, artificial dyes have been a standard in the confectionery industry due to their consistency, vibrant hues, and cost-effectiveness. However, increased awareness about food ingredients has encouraged many companies to reconsider what goes into their products. As a result, this Texas-based company decided to take the leap and reformulate its sweets with plant-based and mineral-derived colorings.The goal was straightforward: eliminate…

Patients allege that cosmetic surgeries led to disfiguring injuries

Jul

By Liam Walker

Health

Patients blame cosmetic surgeries for disfiguring injuries

A rising number of people are sharing their experiences with cosmetic surgeries that ended not in improved looks but in distressing, altered appearances. With failed facelifts and breast augmentations, as well as subpar liposuction and rhinoplasty operations, individuals are starting to voice their worries about the safety and oversight of an industry that pledges transformation but, in certain cases, results in lasting harm.These accounts are not unique. Throughout the United States and in nations with thriving aesthetic sectors, individuals have recounted experiencing cosmetic surgeries that resulted in infections, nerve injuries, uneven outcomes, or even lasting facial and body deformations. Despite…

Gen Z is staring at you. It may be more than just a quirk.

Jul

By Liam Walker

Fashion and Trends

Why Gen Z can’t stop staring at you

In an age where constant scrolling and fleeting attention spans are the norm, one surprising behavior stands out among Generation Z: their unwavering, direct eye contact. Whether on social media or in real life, many have noticed that Gen Z doesn’t shy away from holding a stare. While to some it may seem intense or even unsettling, this generational trait reflects deeper changes in cultural values, communication norms, and the digital landscape that shaped their upbringing.This generational shift goes beyond simple social awkwardness or self-awareness. It speaks to how Gen Z is renegotiating the rules of engagement—visually, emotionally, and socially—in…

In Mallorca, Craft Is Taking Center Stage

Jul

By Liam Walker

Fashion and Trends

Craft Takes Center Stage in Mallorca: Artisanal Revival on the Island

Previously recognized for its sunny shores and lively vacation spots, the island of Mallorca in Spain is undergoing a subtle change. Away from the popular tourist routes, there is an increasing appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, which is being highlighted as a new cultural focal point. By reviving ancient methods, artisans are reshaping Mallorca's image through ceramics, basketry, textile creation, and leather crafting.This resurgence is not just aesthetic—it reflects a broader shift in values. As mass tourism continues to evolve, many locals and visitors are turning their attention toward authenticity, sustainability, and heritage. In Mallorca, this means investing in the art…