The term 'obits' is a shortened form of the phrase 'obituaries, ' which are death notices that are published in newspapers and other media outlets. Obituaries are typically brief summaries of a person's life, including their date of birth, date of death, and any other relevant information. They are often accompanied by a photograph or other image of the deceased. Obituaries are usually written by family members or close friends, and are meant to serve as a memorial for the deceased.