What? There's a secret Hadid sister??
yes, really
Happy Friday, folks!
We made it to the end of the week, and that deserves a small celebration.
We’ve got some stories today that’ll make you think, laugh, and maybe even send a “you need to read this” message to a friend.
Ready? Let’s dive in…
📌 Meet the secret sister of Gigi and Bella Hadid
Born and raised in Florida, Aydan grew up believing another man was her father until his sudden passing when she was 19. Years later, out of curiosity, she took a genetic test and uncovered a biological connection to two of the world’s biggest supermodels.
The story? Her mother, Terri Hatfield Dull, had a brief relationship with Mohamed Hadid after his divorce from Yolanda Hadid in 2001.
In a joint statement, Gigi and Bella confirmed the news, explaining, “Over 20 years ago, our dad, while single, had a brief relationship that led to a pregnancy.” The sisters said they first connected with Aydan in late 2023 and have since “embraced her with open arms.”
Aydan recently graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York and has already started carving out her path in the fashion world. She’s interned with stylists and photographers and worked at a vintage store while studying.
Though Mohamed Hadid hasn’t publicly acknowledged her, sources say he’s aware of her and maintains a cordial relationship.
The Hadids emphasized their support for Aydan and her desire for privacy, saying, “We’ve cherished this unexpected and beautiful addition to our family.”
📌 New super-contagious COVID variant hits NYC
Just when we thought we’d put COVID-19 behind us, there’s a new player on the field, NB.1.81, a fast-spreading variant that’s been making waves in China and has now popped up in the US, including New York City.
First spotted among international travelers in March and April, cases have been reported in several states like California, Virginia, Hawaii, and New York.
While it's still under the radar in CDC tracking (thanks to limited cases), experts are sounding the alarm; this variant spreads faster than others we’ve dealt with.
China and Hong Kong have seen significant spikes in hospital visits, with COVID-related emergency room cases more than doubling in the past month. Hong Kong even reported its worst COVID stats in a year, especially affecting adults over 65.
But here’s the twist: while it spreads easily, doctors like Dr. Amy Edwards and Prof. Subhash Verma say it doesn't seem more dangerous or severe (yet). Still, it’s a reminder that the virus isn’t done evolving. There are concerns it might dodge vaccines better than earlier strains.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Hong Kong are asking people to stay cautious, and the US is shifting its booster strategy, prioritizing seniors and high-risk groups over the general population.
So, no need to panic, but definitely time to stay alert. Keep an eye on symptoms and updates, because COVID’s still got a few tricks up its sleeve.
📌 Saudi Arabia has prisons for 'disobedient' women and girls
In Saudi Arabia, women are being locked away in so-called “care homes” for one reason: disobedience. But that word hides a brutal reality. Many of these women are being punished for speaking out against sexual abuse or refusing to comply with their male guardians’ demands.
Inside these facilities called Dar al-Re’aya survivors report floggings, isolation, virginity tests, strip searches, and being sedated to keep them quiet. They’re often addressed by numbers instead of names. Some were even punished for praying the wrong way or for simply being seen alone with another woman.
These places were originally meant to rehabilitate young women.
But today, they’re effectively prisons, detaining anyone a male guardian accuses of being “delinquent,” whether she’s 13 or 30. Even worse, women can’t leave without the approval of a male relative. If no guardian is available or willing, they’re transferred to similar “guest” facilities, potentially for life.
Activists like Sarah Al-Yahia are now breaking the silence. She says her own father threatened to send her there if she didn’t obey his abuse. Others describe horrific stories of suicide attempts, self-harm, and being forced to eat vomit after being fed spoiled food.
All this is happening in a country that publicly champions women’s rights and chairs the UN’s gender equality body. Human rights groups warn these facilities are less about care and more about control.
Behind Saudi Arabia’s progressive image, many women are still trapped and desperately trying to be heard.
That’s it for today. If you found this edition interesting and entertaining, please drop a like and follow us for more!
See ya👋
