2025 has seen the tragic passing of several beloved online creators, including Ben Bader, Emman Atienza, Valeria Márquez, Joshua Blackledge, John Crawley, and Jean Pormanove. Their deaths, attributed to various causes including suicide and violence, have deeply impacted their communities and sparked important conversations about mental health and creator safety.
Related news
Viral social media claims of Germany cancelling all Christmas markets in 2025 are false. While a few smaller markets face cancellations due to rising security costs and local issues, the vast majority, including major ones like Dresden's Striezelmarkt, are proceeding as planned. These sensational claims originate from a dubious online source with AI-generated content.
President Trump's plan for a $250 million private White House ballroom has drawn sharp criticism from Hillary Clinton, who decried the project as a misuse of public property. Demolition has begun on the East Wing, with the massive ballroom slated to accommodate nearly 1,000 guests, dwarfing the current East Room. Despite ongoing construction, formal approval from planning commissions is pending.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state's Board of Governors to cease the use of H-1B visas in colleges and universities. He asserted that these positions can and should be filled by American workers, questioning the necessity of foreign hires for roles like assistant professors and coaches. According to USCIS data, as of June 30, 2025, there are 78 H-1B employers and 677 beneficiaries in Florida's higher education sector.
Donald Trump is leveraging AI-generated images and videos on Truth Social, blending spectacle with misinformation. These creations, ranging from self-flattering to mocking opponents, represent a new evolution in political communication. Experts note the absurdity enhances virality, blurring lines between parody and propaganda, and normalizing digital manipulation as state-sanctioned messaging.
North West, Kim Kardashian's daughter, has gone viral for her Halloween costume as Twitch streamer Kai Cenat. The 12-year-old perfectly recreated Cenat's look and mannerisms, alongside friends dressed as other streamers like Ray and Tota MC. Her impressive attention to detail and embrace of internet culture has fans calling her a Halloween trendsetter.
At the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards, pop star Billie Eilish urged billionaires to share their wealth, stating the world needs empathy and help. Her call to action followed her announcement of an $11.5 million donation from her tour earnings to organizations addressing food equity and climate justice.
Glamour magazine's "Woman of the Year" awards have sparked controversy, honoring Rachel Zegler and YouTuber Ms. Rachel amid backlash for their strong anti-Israel posts and perceived pro-Gaza sentiments. Zegler faced criticism for her "free Palestine" tweet and comments on Donald Trump, while Ms. Rachel was accused of spreading misinformation and Hamas-backed narratives, despite her prayers for all innocent children.
A devastating landslide destroyed most of Blatten, Switzerland, but residents are determined to rebuild. Despite losing homes and businesses, villagers are already working on temporary solutions and planning for a new village by 2030. The community's resilience shines through as they face this immense challenge, with a new hotel project offering a beacon of hope.
FBI Director Kash Patel vehemently denied claims that President Trump orchestrated the NBA gambling bust due to player activism. Patel asserted his sole authority over arrest decisions, dismissing the suggestion as "dumbest thing I've ever heard." Social media users trolled him, saying he couldn't make any arrests in the Epstein or Diddy case whatsoever.
A reflective Quora post by a long-term Dubai resident has reignited debate on expatriate life in the UAE. The author, a UK-based molecular biologist, described the country’s safety, diversity, and opportunity, but also its limits. He left after six years, citing visa restrictions, rising costs, stalled career growth, and one striking admission: “cheap labour makes you lazy.”