Ultra

California Governor Gavin Newsom has thrown his support behind a constitutional amendment that would ban the state from imposing a wealth tax, a move that puts him at odds with progressive Democrats who have pushed for taxing the ultra-rich to fund state programmes. The proposal would need voter approval, and critics say it locks in tax advantages for the wealthy while supporters frame it as protecting residents from tax hikes.

A weekly gadgets roundup from Deccan Herald highlights a reported Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra alongside the Lenovo ThinkBook 14x and other new devices. The collection groups the week's most notable laptop and gadget launches into one briefing for readers. Details on specifications, pricing and availability are not provided, so the significance of each announcement remains limited beyond the names of the products themselves.

Researchers at Virginia Tech report that the degree of food processing affects both metabolism and brain activity, offering new evidence on how ultra-processed diets may influence the body and mind. The findings add to ongoing debate about the health effects of processed foods, a topic that continues to draw attention from scientists and consumers alike.

A report from eldiario.es examines the alliance between Brazil's far right and evangelical churches, describing how religious mobilisation is being used to unseat left-wing forces in the country. The piece frames the relationship between pastors, conservative politicians and voters as a decisive factor in Brazilian electoral politics, with the religious right shaping campaigns and political outcomes.

News coverage is revisiting how ultra-processed foods differ from whole foods in their effects on metabolism. Reports point to growing scientific interest in whether processing itself, beyond nutrients like fat, sugar and salt, drives weight gain, poorer blood sugar control and other metabolic changes. Nutrition researchers continue to debate how strong the evidence is and what it means for dietary guidance.

Food industry and nutrition observers are debating how "ultraprocessed" foods are perceived by the public, with discussion focusing on how the category is defined and communicated. The conversation centers on whether the label reflects genuine health risks or shapes consumer attitudes through framing, as scrutiny of processed foods continues to grow among regulators, researchers and shoppers.

Apple Watch Series 12 and the Ultra 4 are being compared for everyday fitness use. The Series 12 is the mainstream model, while the Ultra 4 is the rugged, premium option aimed at athletes and outdoor use. Coverage asks which suits regular workouts and daily activity tracking better, though detailed conclusions are not yet widely available.

A new leak about Apple's unannounced iPhone Air 2 claims the phone will pack a 3,500 mAh battery into a chassis just 5.2 mm thick, with observers noting the engineering constraints involved in fitting that capacity into such a slim frame. The news is circulating among tech watchers discussing battery trade-offs in ultra-thin smartphones.

Fortune reports on Aurora, an invite-only AI concierge service costing $10,000 a year that is aimed at ultra-wealthy clients. The service is designed to anticipate members' needs, handling requests and logistics proactively rather than waiting for instructions, in the style of a traditional private concierge or family-office assistant. The launch highlights a growing market for premium, exclusive AI tools targeted at the rich rather than mass consumers.

The ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism have signed a vote-sharing agreement ahead of Israel's election, Haaretz reports. Such deals allocate surplus votes between allied parties so neither wastes support at the ballot, improving the bloc's chances of securing extra Knesset seats. The agreement signals coordination between the two Haredi factions as coalitions take shape ahead of the vote.