Hyundai, General Motors, and Airstream are part of this week's recall roundup

k

A mid-stage clinical trial has found meaningful reductions in body weight

• An experimental, once-daily GLP-1 pill was found to help participants lose up to 12% of their body weight over 36 weeks.

• The phase 2b clinical trial enrolled adults with overweight or obesity and compared several doses of the medication with a placebo.

• Researchers say the findings support continued testing, but larger phase three studies will be needed before the drug could become widely available.

GLP-1 medications have changed the way obesity is treated, but many of the best-known options require injections.

Now, researchers have reported encouraging results from a clinical trial evaluating an experimental oral GLP-1 medication that could one day offer another option for people with overweight or obesity.

The drug, called aleniglipron, is a once-daily pill designed to activate the GLP-1 receptor, which helps regulate appetite and food intake.

According to researchers at Northwestern Medicine, the medication produced meaningful weight loss during a mid-stage clinical trial, while showing a safety profile that was generally consistent with other drugs in the GLP-1 class. Because the medication is taken by mouth, researchers believe it could provide an alternative for people who prefer not to use injectable treatments.

The difference with aleniglipron is its a small molecule, which means its chemically made and could be taken with or without food. Most medications we take, whether its aspirin or blood pressure medicine, are small molecules. Theyre chemicals that you make structurally, and because of that you can potentially combine them with other medications, researcher Robert Kushner, M.D., said in a news release.

How the study was conducted

The findings come from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b clinical trial involving adults with overweight or obesity.

Participants were assigned to receive one of several daily doses of aleniglipron or a placebo for 36 weeks. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the active medication during the study.

Researchers primarily measured the percentage change in body weight from the start of the trial through week 36.

They also tracked safety, side effects, and how many participants discontinued treatment. Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting were among the most commonly reported side effects, which researchers noted is similar to what has been observed with other GLP-1 medications.

What the results mean

At the highest dose studied, participants lost up to 12% of their body weight over the 36-week trial. Researchers also reported that the medication met its primary goal of producing greater weight loss than placebo.

While the results are encouraging, the researchers emphasize that this was a phase 2b study, meaning additional research is still needed. Larger phase three trials will help determine whether the medication's benefits and safety hold up in a broader group of patients over a longer period.

For consumers, the study highlights the continued development of new obesity treatments, including medications that may eventually be available in pill form rather than by injection.

Although aleniglipron is still under investigation and is not yet widely available, these findings suggest it could become another treatment option if future studies confirm its effectiveness and safety.

We didnt find any concerns; no new safety signals. We found a dose that seems to be effective, and the dose escalation will be slowed down further as we go into phase III trials to increase tolerability, Dr. Kushner said.

7-Eleven's anniversary celebration features a new flavor, giveaways, and a unique dating theme

• 7-Eleven is celebrating the Slurpee's 60th anniversary with its first-ever "Slurpee Date" concept.

• Customers can get a free small Slurpee on July 11 at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores.

• The celebration also includes a new limited-time Mountain Dew Confetti Chill Slurpee flavor and special in-store experiences at select locations.

For many people, grabbing a Slurpee on a hot summer day is a familiar tradition.

This year, 7-Eleven is hoping to turn that simple stop into something even more memorable. As the iconic frozen drink marks its 60th anniversary, the convenience store chain is celebrating with a new campaign centered around "Slurpee Dates" a lighthearted way to encourage friends, couples, and even first dates to share the experience together.

The campaign coincides with the annual Slurpee Day celebration on July 11, when participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores across the country will once again offer customers a free small Slurpee.

According to the company, the goal is to celebrate six decades of the frozen drink while creating new memories for fans.

Very few brands become part of peoples childhoods, everyday routines, and memories across generations like Slurpee has over the last 60 years. From first Slurpee drinks to family traditions, Slurpee has been there for countless moments of joy and connection, Brandon Brown, senior vice president, Fresh Foods and Beverages at 7-Eleven, Inc., said in a news release.

As we celebrate this milestone Slurpee Day and create new ways for fans to connect, we want to recognize the customers who have turned a simple icy drink into a beloved cultural icon.

The details

The new "Slurpee Date" concept is designed as a casual alternative to more elaborate date plans. To help promote the idea, 7-Eleven has partnered with reality TV personality and creator JaNa Craig, who says the relaxed atmosphere of sharing a Slurpee can make first dates feel less intimidating.

On July 11, select 7-Eleven and Speedway locations will host special Slurpee Date experiences featuring outdoor photo-op benches, on-site photographers, and commemorative keepsakes for visitors. Those locations will also hand out limited-edition bedazzled double straws inspired by the Slurpee brand's diamond anniversary, while supplies last.

The anniversary celebration also introduces a new limited-time flavor: Mountain Dew Confetti Chill. The frozen drink combines citrus flavor with notes of sweet vanilla icing for what 7-Eleven describes as a lemon birthday cake-inspired treat. Customers can enjoy the flavor in commemorative 60th anniversary Slurpee cups and add colorful sugar crystals as a topping.

What this means for shoppers

For consumers, the promotion offers a few different ways to take part in the celebration.

The free small Slurpee available on July 11 provides an easy way to join in, while fans looking for something new can try the limited-time Confetti Chill flavor before it leaves stores later this summer.

Those who happen to visit one of the select event locations may also have the chance to take home exclusive keepsakes from the anniversary celebration.

Overall, the promotion gives longtime Slurpee fans and anyone curious about the milestone a few extra reasons to stop by their local store this July.

Why this everyday nutrient supports your gut and your body

• Fiber does much more than support digestion it also plays an important role in gut, heart, immune, and metabolic health.

• Experts say eating a variety of fiber-rich plant foods is better than relying on supplements alone.

• Adding fiber gradually and drinking plenty of water can help your body adjust comfortably.

Many people think of fiber as the nutrient that helps keep digestion on track, but its benefits extend much further than that.

According to a recent Mayo Clinic Q&A with Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, fiber is an important part of overall health because it helps nourish the trillions of microbes that live in your gut. Since your body can't digest fiber, it travels to the colon, where beneficial gut bacteria use it as fuel.

That relationship between fiber and the gut microbiome has ripple effects throughout the body. Research cited by Mayo Clinic suggests that getting enough fiber may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, support healthy weight management, regulate immune responses and reduce the risk of conditions including colorectal cancer, stroke, and chronic inflammation.

In other words, fiber isn't just about staying regular it's an important part of keeping multiple body systems functioning well.

Looking beyond digestion

Dr. Kashyap explains that fiber has traditionally been divided into soluble and insoluble types, depending on whether it dissolves in water. However, experts now suggest it's more useful to think about fiber based on how it behaves in the body.

Fermentable fiber can be broken down by gut microbes, producing beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids that help support overall health. Nonfermentable fiber isn't used as readily by gut bacteria, but it helps add bulk to stool and supports regular bowel movements.

Dr. Kashyap also emphasizes that whole foods are the best source of fiber because they naturally contain a mix of different types. Fruits like apples, pears and berries, vegetables including broccoli and leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains all contribute different forms of fiber.

Eating a wide variety of these foods helps provide a broader range of benefits than relying on a fiber supplement alone.

What this means for consumers

For most healthy adults, Mayo Clinic recommends aiming for about 30 to 40 grams of fiber each day, although individual needs can vary based on age and overall health. If your current intake is low, there's no need to overhaul your diet overnight.

Instead, experts recommend increasing fiber slowly about three grams per week and maintaining that level for a week before adding more. Drinking plenty of water, with a goal of around 80 ounces daily, can also help reduce temporary bloating or gas while your digestive system adjusts.

Simple swaps, such as choosing whole-grain bread instead of white bread or replacing chips with fruit or nuts, can gradually increase your fiber intake.

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, Dr. Kashyup said. By eating a variety of plant-based foods, increasing fiber intake gradually, and staying well hydrated, you can support gut health and overall well-being while making fiber goals more achievable and sustainable.

The cars logo doesn't always tell the full story

• Tesla leads the way: The Model 3 and Model Y top the 2026 list of the most American-made vehicles.

• Don't judge by the badge: Honda, Acura, and Lexus outranked many traditional U.S. automakers based on where their vehicles are built and sourced.

• Research before you buy: Look beyond the brand name and compare assembly location, reliability, safety, and long-term ownership costs.

For many car shoppers, "Made in America" means more than patriotism. It often means supporting American jobs, manufacturing plants, and local communities.

But determining which vehicles are truly American-made isn't as simple as checking the badge on the hood.

According to the latest American-Made Index from Cars.com, some of the vehicles that contribute the most to the U.S. economy may surprise consumers. After evaluating more than 350 vehicles based on assembly location, parts sourcing, manufacturing, and factory employment, Tesla claimed the top two spots for the sixth consecutive year.

The top 10 most American-made vehicles of 2026 are:

• Tesla Model 3

• Tesla Model Y

• Jeep Gladiator

• Jeep Grand Cherokee / Grand Cherokee L

• Honda Ridgeline

• Honda Odyssey

• Lexus TX

• Honda Accord

• Acura MDX

• Honda Passport

One of the biggest surprises is that several vehicles from Japanese brands Honda, Acura, and Lexus ranked higher than many vehicles sold by traditional American automakers.

Where a vehicle is actually built often matters more than where the companys headquarters are located.

Why this matters to consumers

Cars.com found that 57% of consumers are willing to pay more for a vehicle if it supports American jobs.

That interest may grow as tariffs, supply chain shifts, and domestic manufacturing investments continue to reshape the automotive industry.

It's also a reminder that buying American isn't always obvious.

Many consumers assume vehicles like the Ford F-150 automatically rank among the most American-made vehicles. In fact, Cars.com found that 71% of shoppers identified the F-150 as American-made when shown a selection of vehicles. While the truck remains an important part of U.S. manufacturing, other vehicles scored higher when all factors were considered.

What makes a vehicle 'American-made'?

There is currently no vehicle that is 100% made in America.

Instead, Cars.com's rankings evaluate several factors, including:

• Final assembly location

• Percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts

• Engine sourcing

• Transmission sourcing

• Manufacturing workforce

This year's top 10 vehicles tied the highest average domestic parts content percentage seen since 2020, showing that many automakers continue investing heavily in North American production.

Actionable tips for car shoppers

• Don't assume the brand tells the whole story: A vehicle wearing an American badge isn't necessarily more American-made than a Honda, Acura, or Toyota. Before buying, check where the specific model is assembled and where its major components are sourced.

• Research the VIN: One quick way to identify where a vehicle was assembled is by checking the VIN. If the VIN begins with: 1, 4, or 5 = United States, 2 = Canada, 3 = Mexico. While this doesn't tell the whole manufacturing story, it provides a useful starting point.

• Compare more than patriotism: Supporting American jobs is important to many shoppers, but it shouldn't be the only factor. Its smart to also compare reliability, safety ratings, insurance costs, fuel economy, and resale value. A vehicle that supports American jobs and saves you money over the long run can be a win-win.

• Pay attention to future changes: Tariffs and supply chain adjustments affected this year's rankings, resulting in fewer vehicles qualifying for the index. As automakers continue shifting production and sourcing strategies, the most American-made vehicles may look different in future years.

If supporting American manufacturing is important to you, don't stop at the sticker on the window. Ask the dealer where the vehicle is assembled and look up its ranking on the American-Made Index. You may discover that a Honda, Acura, Lexus, or Tesla contribute more to U.S. jobs than a vehicle you assumed was "more American."