Three British undergraduates' extensive use of ChatGPT over 18 months reveals a widespread trend. Their shared ChatGPT Plus account logs show nearly 12,000 prompts covering academic work, career advice, mental health concerns, and even mundane queries. While approximately half the interactions involved academic research, assisting with essay writing and referencing, the students also used ChatGPT for relationship advice, mental health support, and career planning. The students, Rohan, Joshua, and Nathaniel, demonstrate a reliance on AI for tasks ranging from essay writing to navigating complex emotional issues.

The students' interactions highlight both the helpfulness and potential risks of relying on AI. While ChatGPT provided assistance with academic tasks and offered seemingly helpful advice on various personal matters, its tendency to provide overly positive feedback and occasionally fabricate information raises concerns about accuracy and ethical implications. The study further reveals how students are leveraging AI for tasks traditionally handled through human interaction, such as mental health support and career counseling.

Impact Statement: The increasing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT by students highlights the evolving relationship between technology and education, raising concerns about academic integrity, the potential for misinformation, and the impact on human interaction.

A 38-year-old touring artist reveals her heartbreak after discovering her partner of two and a half years does not want children, despite previous assurances. She had made her desire for a family clear early in the relationship and issued an ultimatum after he cheated, including a commitment to having children. He agreed to cohabitation and getting a dog, but ultimately admitted he doesn't want children, fearing losing her. The woman, who previously suffered heartbreak from a previous marriage and worries about repeating her parents' struggles with depression, is now grappling with the decision to end the relationship and the prospect of starting a family alone. Relationship therapist Joanna Harrison is quoted, highlighting the difficulty of such situations and the potential for separation in couples with differing views on parenthood. The article also explores alternative options like co-parenting.

The woman faces a difficult decision balancing her desire for a family with her career and mental health concerns, highlighting the complexities of relationship dynamics and family planning.

Impact Statement: The article highlights the challenges faced by individuals in navigating conflicting desires within relationships and the emotional toll of unmet expectations regarding family planning.

Sarina Wiegman, manager of the England women's national football team, is poised to lead England to a second consecutive European Championship title after reaching the Euro 2025 final against Spain. Wiegman's career is highlighted by her consistent success, having reached the final of every major tournament she's managed. Her leadership style, described by players and colleagues as a blend of direct honesty, calm demeanor, and genuine care, has fostered a strong team dynamic and exceptional results. Former players and colleagues praise her communication skills, tactical adjustments, and ability to motivate her players through both individual and team strategies. Wiegman’s journey has involved navigating significant personal and professional challenges, including the loss of family members, player injuries, and high-pressure situations.

Despite facing tactical questions and player retirements throughout the Euro 2025 tournament, Wiegman's strategic choices and strong team unity have proven successful. Her ability to make crucial substitutions and adapt her strategies, as well as her dedication to fostering a supportive team environment, have contributed significantly to England's success. She also maintains open communication with players, even those not making the team, showcasing her emotional intelligence.

Impact Statement: Sarina Wiegman's managerial success highlights the importance of leadership, team cohesion, and adaptability in high-pressure environments. Her story has resonated with fans and athletes alike.

A new two-part BBC documentary, "Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army," details the widespread abuse suffered by hundreds of people within the now-closed Jesus Army evangelical group. Jon Ironmonger, who previously investigated the group, states that around six to seven hundred victims have come forward. The documentary, directed by Ellena Wood, features interviews with over 80 survivors, revealing stories of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and a cover-up by senior leadership, including founder Noel Stanton, who died in 2009. A redress scheme has since paid out an average of £12,000 to hundreds of victims.

The documentary highlights the lasting trauma experienced by survivors, many of whom struggled to understand or acknowledge the abuse they suffered, blaming themselves instead. Wood emphasizes the complexities of leaving a cult, comparing it to leaving an abusive relationship while facing the loss of support systems and perceived spiritual repercussions. The documentary also notes that not all experiences within the Jesus Army were negative, and some former members had positive memories. The Jesus Fellowship Trust issued an unreserved apology for the abuse.

The documentary, airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on July 27th and accompanied by a podcast launching July 28th, aims to challenge assumptions about why people stay in cults and shed light on the long-term impacts of such abuse.

Impact Statement: The documentary is expected to raise awareness about cult abuse and the lasting trauma experienced by survivors, potentially leading to further support and accountability for similar organizations.

Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. De Ridder (21-2) earned his third win of the year, landing 169 total strikes compared to Whittaker's 100. The fight was closely contested, with Whittaker knocking de Ridder down in the third round, but de Ridder ultimately secured the victory.

De Ridder called for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16. In other notable fights, Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision, and Shara Magomedov defeated Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision.

Impact Statement: De Ridder's victory propels him closer to a UFC middleweight title shot.

The BBC News offers a morning newsletter delivering news directly to subscribers' inboxes. The newsletter's content comprises BBC News updates. Signing up involves a straightforward process.

Impact Statement: Increased access to BBC News for subscribers.

Ozzy Osbourne's death prompted reflection not only on his music career but also his significant impact on reality television. His family's MTV show, The Osbournes (2002-2005), which featured Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack, is credited with pioneering the celebrity reality sitcom format, predating shows like Keeping Up With the Kardashians. The show's success, including an Emmy win, stemmed from its blend of mundane family life and the spectacle of rock star fame. Producers described it as an experiment, drawing on sitcom experience to portray the Osbourne family's daily life, from loading the dishwasher to world tour rehearsals.

The show's appeal, according to experts, lay in its relatable yet outrageous portrayal of a celebrity family. While the initial filming was largely unscripted, capturing three weeks of footage per 20-minute episode, later seasons saw more production intervention. The show's success influenced numerous subsequent reality shows, establishing tropes still used today, such as narrative editing and "Frankenquotes." However, the experience took a toll on the family, with Ozzy expressing feeling like a "laboratory rat" and Kelly and Jack facing challenges with fame.

The impact of The Osbournes is undeniable. It established a new genre of reality television, significantly influencing the landscape of celebrity-driven programming and shaping audience expectations of what constitutes "reality" on television.

Almost half of working-age adults in the UK are not contributing to a private or workplace pension, according to government figures. The self-employed, low earners, and women are disproportionately affected, with only one in four people of Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage holding a pension. Individuals cited concerns about daily survival and immediate financial needs, such as housing deposits, as reasons for not prioritizing pension contributions. The state pension provides a safety net, but its maximum annual value (£11,973 in 2025/26) falls short of the estimated minimum and ideal retirement living standards.

While all employers must offer workplace pension schemes and auto-enroll eligible employees (earning at least £10,000 annually, aged 22-state pension age), workers can opt out. Those contributing receive tax relief, reducing the actual cost of contributions. Experts emphasize the long-term benefits of early pension saving to supplement the state pension in later life.

Impact Statement: The high number of working-age adults without pension savings highlights a significant societal challenge regarding retirement planning and financial security, particularly among specific demographics.

Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a 26-year-old customs official in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, was murdered in July 2007 after refusing bribes to allow the passage of spoiled rice. Kositi, a devout Catholic and member of the Sant'Egidio community, repeatedly rejected bribes totaling thousands of dollars. His murder was described as "mafia-style" by Fr. Francesco Tedeschi, who is campaigning for Kositi's sainthood.

The Catholic Church declared Kositi a martyr in 2023, recognizing his death as a result of his unwavering Christian values. His beatification ceremony took place in Rome in June, a significant step towards sainthood. Kositi's mother and brothers attended the ceremony. Pope Francis (during his visit to DR Congo in February 2023) and Pope Leo XIV (at the beatification) both cited Kositi as an example of integrity and faith for young people, urging them to resist corruption.

Kositi's legacy extends beyond his martyrdom; his commitment to helping street children through Sant'Egidio's "Schools of Peace" continues to inspire. A school in Goma now bears his name.

Impact Statement: Kositi's beatification serves as a powerful symbol of faith and resistance to corruption in a region plagued by conflict and poverty, inspiring hope for peace and change.

Watching England's women's football team compete elicits strong physical reactions in fans, with many reporting intense stress and adrenaline surges during matches, particularly during tense moments like penalty shootouts. Fans described feeling shaky, needing to decompress, and even experiencing nail-biting anxiety. Experts attribute these reactions to hormonal changes, including increased testosterone, adrenaline, and cortisol. The most loyal fans reportedly experience the biggest stress response.

The physiological effects, such as increased heart rate and a "buzzy" feeling, are a result of the body's "fight or flight" response and are not necessarily cause for alarm. These effects can last for hours, impacting sleep and even influencing post-match behavior, such as increased calorie consumption after losses or increased spending after wins. Experts suggest managing these effects through pre-match planning, good rest, healthy eating, avoiding excessive alcohol, and engaging in physical activity to release adrenaline. They encourage reframing the nervous energy as an enjoyable part of the experience of shared emotional expression and collective support.

Impact Statement: The article highlights the significant psychological and physiological impact of intense sporting events on fans and offers advice for managing related stress and heightened emotions.

A woman recounts her whirlwind romance that began in 1966 when a broken radio led to a meeting with a technician, John. Their relationship quickly escalated, culminating in a proposal during a Noosa getaway in 1969 and a wedding later that year. She left the navy to marry him, and they have been together for over 55 years, raising a family and navigating life's ups and downs.

Despite acknowledging a rushed courtship and initially knowing little about each other, she attributes their enduring marriage to their complementary personalities and mutual support. The couple faced challenges, including the loss of their first child, but their bond strengthened. He supported her educational pursuits, and she describes their relationship as consistently supportive and loving.

Impact Statement: This heartwarming story highlights the enduring power of love and commitment in a long-term relationship.

The families and friends of England's Lionesses players shared their experiences supporting the team during the Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland. For Ella Toone and Beth Mead, the tournament held particular significance, marking their first major tournament since the loss of their fathers and mother respectively. Toone's boyfriend, Joe Bunney, described the emotional impact, highlighting the support system for the players and the inspiration drawn from their loved ones. He emphasized the shared grief and bonding among the players and their families, particularly during moments of intense celebration like Michelle Agyemang's late equalizer against Italy.

Lucy Bronze's brother, Jorge, described the rollercoaster of emotions throughout the tournament, noting the intense highs and lows experienced by both the players and their families. He described the shift under manager Sarina Wiegman, where families are actively involved in supporting the players, providing a sense of normality and downtime amidst the pressure of the competition. Alessia Russo's brother, Giorgio, who joined the families after his stint on Love Island, highlighted the emotional intensity of watching a family member compete, particularly during penalty shootouts. Georgia Stanway's brother, John-Paul, described the efforts of the families to provide a sense of normalcy and calm for the players, even when casual gatherings turned into team events.

Impact Statement: The article provides a heartwarming glimpse into the emotional support network surrounding the England Lionesses, showcasing the significant role families play in the players' success.

Director Gurinder Chadha confirmed a sequel to the 2002 hit film Bend It Like Beckham is in development for release in 2027. The sequel, timed to coincide with the film's 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, may be a film or a television series. Chadha stated she hopes to reunite the original cast, featuring Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, and include members of the current England women's football team in cameo roles. The original film, a surprise success grossing almost £60m on a £3.5m budget, inspired a generation of women to play football.

Chadha cited the continued struggle for women's football to be taken seriously as a motivating factor, despite the recent success of the Lionesses. She emphasized the film's enduring message of empowering girls to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

Impact Statement: The sequel's announcement could reignite conversations about gender equality in sports and inspire a new generation.

A study by researchers Alyssa Wicks and Graham Peaslee at the University of Notre Dame found that nearly one-third of 59 reusable menstrual products (underwear, cups, and pads) from North America, South America, and Europe contained PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." These chemicals, which persist in the environment, can be absorbed through the skin and contaminate water supplies, posing health risks including impacts on fertility, immune system function, and increased cancer risk. While some products showed low levels possibly from packaging, others contained high enough levels to indicate intentional use in manufacturing, despite not being necessary for product functionality.

The researchers emphasize that while reusable products are marketed as eco-friendly, the presence of PFAS undermines this claim due to the chemicals' lasting environmental impact. Professor Peaslee highlighted that the absence of PFAS in some tested products demonstrates its unnecessary use by certain manufacturers. He advocates for consumer pressure to drive companies to remove PFAS from their products, citing both cost-effectiveness and the potential for legal ramifications if companies misrepresent their products' composition.

Impact Statement: The study raises concerns about the environmental and health implications of PFAS in reusable menstrual products, urging consumers to demand transparency and PFAS-free products from manufacturers.

Ziad Rahbani, a renowned Lebanese musician, composer, and playwright, died on Saturday at age 69 from a heart attack in Beirut. Rahbani, son of iconic singer Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani, was known for his fusion of jazz and traditional Arabic music, creating a unique "oriental jazz" style. His works often reflected Lebanon's complex history, addressing social and political issues including class inequality and sectarian strife.

His plays, such as "Nazl el-Sourour" (Happiness Hotel) and "Bennesbeh Labokra Chou?" (What About Tomorrow?), became iconic, with lines known by generations of Lebanese people. President Joseph Aoun praised Rahbani as "a living conscience," while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam lauded him as a "free voice" who spoke truth to power. Rahbani's music and plays continued to resonate with younger generations, finding renewed relevance online and in protest movements.

Rahbani is survived by his mother Fairuz, sister Reema, and brother Hali.

Impact Statement: Rahbani's death marks the loss of a significant figure in Lebanese arts and culture, leaving a lasting legacy of music and social commentary.

This article details the author's experience of stillbirth, the loss of her son Mo Ibrahim Lingwood-Noor on July 15, 2023, and her subsequent journey of grief and healing. The account describes the events leading up to the stillbirth, including a negative interaction with a midwife, and the emotional toll of delivering her stillborn son. It also recounts the process of saying goodbye, the difficulties of coping with grief, and the gradual acceptance and healing that followed. The author discusses her initial feelings of failure and guilt, her evolving understanding of her loss, and the eventual positive impact on her relationship with her surviving son.

The impact of the stillbirth on the author's life is profound, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. The author's experience offers a raw and intimate portrayal of the complexities of grief and the process of healing after the devastating loss of a child.

Impact Statement: The article offers a deeply personal and moving account of stillbirth, contributing to a broader understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by parents experiencing this type of loss.

Claudia Winkleman will host a BBC Proms concert on Saturday featuring the soundtrack to the BBC show The Traitors, incorporating classical pieces and gothic pop re-workings. Previous cast members are expected to attend. The concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds. A new reality show, Destination X, premieres Wednesday on BBC One and iPlayer, following contestants on a bus journey across Europe, with the furthest guesser eliminated each episode. The winner receives £100,000. Netflix will release WWE: Unreal on Tuesday, a documentary series offering a behind-the-scenes look at WWE storylines and the creative process.

Comic Con Manchester will take place this weekend, with attendees expected to number over 10,000. Celebrities such as Sean Astin, Oscar Isaac, and Rob Delaney are scheduled to appear.

Impact Statement: The events highlight the continued popularity of reality TV adaptations and the ongoing appeal of comic conventions.