Latest Stories from Jessica
Why are countries pulling out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
Several European countries have pulled out of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking issue with Israel being allowed to participate despite its continued war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank since 2023. On Wednesday, Iceland became the fifth country to bow out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, saying the political debate around Israel’s allowed participation has made it impossible to take part in good faith. The European Broadcasting Union...
Study suggests sleep may be more vital to long-term health than exercise
New research suggests that bailing on a workout due to a poor night's sleep might actually be the best decision you can make for your long-term health. A large global study is challenging the common assumption that regular exercise is the number one way to stave off long-term health issues. In some great news for me and the rest of the world’s sleepyheads, researchers have found that getting enough sleep may...
how social media transforms our reading habits + why people are nicer than you think
the data proves it! Hello everyone! 🤩 Welcome back to another newsletter from the common thred. After two weeks of radio silence (our sincerest apologies), we’re back with a bang on this wonderful Tuesday. Compiling stories from around the world, as well as developments in culture, tech, and a sprinkle of positive news, this edition has got you covered if you’re looking for a juicy weekly update. So what are you waiting for? Grab...
Cambridge Dictionary names ‘parasocial’ its Word of the Year
Highlighting the prevalence of ‘unhealthy’ and ‘one-sided’ relationships people are forming with celebrities, influencers, and AI chatbots today, Cambridge Dictionary has named ‘parasocial’ as its Word of the Year. Can you name a celebrity you feel like you ‘know’ because you’ve paid so much attention to their career and personal life? The person that springs to mind may be an actor, singer, athlete, or influencer. Perhaps you have at least one...
the big perfume debate + pregnant robots?
in the words of nene leakes: it's getting weird Hey chat! 💬 You already know what time it is :) hope you’re feeling fresh and well this week, and that you’re staying warm with temperatures dropping suddenly all over the place! ❄️ This week we’ve got several interesting stories for you, two focused on culture (to spray or not to spray?) as well some some positive news in both environment and tech...
Venting may not actually be good for reducing anger
A study involving 10,189 participants of a variety of ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities showed that the key to curbing anger is reducing physiological arousal – not indulging in it by venting. From time to time, we all feel the urge to vent about a problem that’s been weighing heavy on our minds. My dearest colleagues could tell you about the numerous times I’ve asked: ‘can I just say something?’ paused...
Why is Foster’s Lager lowering its alcohol content even further?
Heineken UK, the company responsible for brewing of the iconic British beer Foster’s Lager, has announced it will be lowering the beverage’s alcohol content once again. Surprisingly, the decision isn’t entirely rooted in cost cutting. If you’re looking for a cheap pint in a UK pub, a glass of Foster’s Lager will usually fit the bill. That said, this choice might mean it takes a little longer to get your...
why we can’t stop saying ‘honestly’ + another celebrity beauty brand???
another line of products you can live without have entered the villa What’s gooooood, family? Just like that, it’s time for another Tuesday newsletter. This week’s edition kicks off with a bit of culture (how the internet has changed how we speak and the Malala vs. Greta Thunberg stan debate) before delving into stories about social change (a new documentary featuring IDF soldiers and protests over pollution in Dehli). As usual, we’ve...
World’s second-heaviest 24-hour rainfall recorded in Vietnam’s Hue
Vietnam’s ancient city of Hue is recovering from complete submersion after 1,739 millimetres of rain fell in just 24 hours. It was the highest amount of rainfall ever recorded in Vietnam, and the second largest daily total in the world. Central Vietnam has been hit with extremely bad weather as of late, with multiple typhoons and compounding storms rolling in from the South China Sea, bringing with them high winds...
SKIMS faces boycott after announcing store openings in Israel
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand SKIMS is facing boycotts and backlash after announcing it will be opening fifteen stores in Israel by 2026. Who would the Kardashians be without their controversies? That’s a rhetorical question really, but I’m sure most of us could agree on the answer. There's hardly a week that passes by without a new story about the family, and over the last year alone, its most famous member –...
