Arkansas sues YouTube over youth mental health crisis
The state of Arkansas is suing YouTube, alleging that the video-sharing platform contributes to a youth mental health crisis. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a consumer protection lawsuit in state court against Google, YouTube and their parent company, Alphabet. The lawsuit accuses the tech giants of deliberately targeting children with addictive content.
The lawsuit claims that YouTube’s addictive nature resulted in millions of dollars in expanded mental health services for young Arkansans, raising concerns about the platform’s impact on public health.
The lawsuit also alleged violations of Arkansas’ deceptive trade practices and public nuisance laws, which could result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
YouTube’s algorithms came under scrutiny for potentially steering young users toward inappropriate adult content and contributing to the spread of child exploitation material.
In an effort to mitigate risks, YouTube recently implemented policy changes, such as restricting firearm-related content to users 18 and older.
“Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work,” a spokesperson for Google said in a statement. “In collaboration with youth, mental health and parenting experts, we built services and policies to provide young people with age-appropriate experiences, and parents with robust controls.”
While YouTube has age restrictions, the lawsuit points out that young users can easily misrepresent their age, exposing them to harmful content despite existing safeguards.
Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those on cigarette boxes.
New X report shows platform more compliant with ‘censorship’ under Musk
X, the social media platform formerly called Twitter, has issued its first transparency report since Elon Musk took control of the company. The report details a significant increase in both account suspensions and content moderation actions, reflecting the company’s efforts to enforce its rules more strictly.
During the first half of this year, X suspended nearly 5.3 million accounts, more than triple the 1.6 million accounts suspended in the same period in 2022. The company also reported that over 10.6 million posts were either removed or labeled for violating platform rules, with roughly 5 million falling under its “hateful conduct” category.
Reuters
Posts involving violent content accounted for 2.2 million of the removals or labels, while those related to abuse and harassment reached 2.6 million. However, the company did not specify how many posts were taken down compared to those that were only flagged.
In a previous blog post from April 2023, X noted that it had required users to take down 6.5 million pieces of content in the first half of 2022, marking a 29% rise from the latter part of 2021.
Musk’s leadership has faced criticism, with some accusing him of turning the platform into a more chaotic and toxic space. He has sparked controversy by sharing conspiracy theories and clashing with political figures and world leaders. Additionally, X remains banned in Brazil after a conflict between Musk and a Brazilian Supreme Court judge over free speech, misinformation and far-right accounts.
X said it relies on a combination of machine learning and human moderators to enforce its rules. Automated systems are tasked with flagging or taking action on problematic content, which is then reviewed by human moderators if needed. The company added that posts violating its policies made up less than 1% of the total content on the platform.
When Musk sought to acquire Twitter in 2022, he expressed a desire to transform it into a “platform for free speech.” Since completing the purchase in October 2022, Musk has overseen substantial changes, including firing much of the staff. These changes have contributed to the steady departure of many celebrities, public figures, organizations and users from the platform.
Mark Zuckerberg reportedly now identifies as libertarian
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly shifted his political views towards libertarianism, according to a New York Times report. the Times claims those closest to Zuckerberg say his political views now align more closely with “classical liberalism,” combining fiscal conservatism with social liberalism.
This ideological shift has apparently led to internal policy changes at Meta, including restrictions on workplace discussions about contentious topics like abortion and racial justice movements.
In August, Zuckerberg confirmed that the Biden-Harris administration had pressured Facebook to censor content, and he expressed regret for complying with these requests.
Zuckerberg is also allegedly attempting to smooth over a relationship with former President Donald Trump.
In 2021, Facebook had banned Trump after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. This year, the New York Times claims Zuckerberg talked to Trump twice on the phone over the summer, including shortly after Trump’s narrow escape from an assassination attempt in July.
The Meta CEO has also apparently hired prominent Republican strategist Brian Baker to improve his status with conservative media and GOP lawmakers.
Zuckerberg’s shift reflects a broader trend in Silicon Valley, with many tech executives who previously supported Democrats now aligning with more conservative politicians.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also evolved from political neutrality to vocal support for Trump.
TikTok removes Russian state media accounts for ‘covert influence’ operations
TikTok removed accounts linked to Russian state media outlets for allegedly engaging in covert influence operations ahead of the U.S. election. TikTok previously restricted the Russian state media accounts’ visibility in the European Union and United Kingdom.
The social media company cited violations of community guidelines, particularly the ban on deceptive behavior. TikTok defined these alleged Russian operations as “coordinated, inauthentic behavior” where account networks collaborate to mislead users and influence public discourse.
The platform’s move coincides with federal charges against two employees at RT, a Russian state-controlled TV network, accused of running a $10 million project to promote Russia-aligned narratives while concealing the funding source.
Meta recently implemented a global ban on RT and other Russian state media networks. Facebook and Instagram’s parent company cited deceptive tactics used for online influence campaigns.
The Kremlin claimed that tech companies are “discrediting themselves” by banning Russian networks.
Meanwhile, TikTok itself faces a potential ban in the United States due to data security concerns.
Some other social media platforms, such as X, have maintained a different stance, allowing RT and Sputnik accounts to remain active.
Biden to address UN assembly for last time as president
Joe Biden is set to address the United Nations General Assembly for the final time as U.S. president. And with a heavy focus on Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump is reportedly returning to the town of his first assassination attempt. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.
Biden to address UN assembly for last time as president
The Pentagon announced Monday, Sept. 23, it’s sending additional U.S. troops to the Middle East to supplement the roughly 40,000 already in the region as tensions continue to rise there — especially between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Associated Press has reported Biden administration officials will also be speaking to their counterparts on the sidelines of the U.N. about ways to prevent the fighting there from escalating further.
Zelenskyy is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump while he’s visiting the U.S.
Trump, Harris focus on crucial swing state Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has long been considered a swing state when it comes to presidential elections and this year, the candidates know the importance of winning there. During a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania Monday, former President Trump told supporters, “If we win Pennsylvania, we win the whole thing. It’s very simple.”
His visit was just the latest in a handful of visits to the crucial state in recent weeks as he looks to secure a second presidential term.
Also on Monday, sources close to the Trump campaign told media outlets he will return to Butler, Pennsylvania on Oct. 5. Butler is where a sniper fired and grazed his ear with a bullet, in the first assassination attempt on his life in July.
Since then, the Secret Service put in place tighter security protocols for candidates at rallies.
Vice President Kamala Harris is also pushing to win the Pennsylvania vote. She’ll be there again Wednesday, Sept. 25, for a campaign event in Pittsburgh. She’s also made many stops in the swing state since taking up the Democratic nomination.
In the 2020 election, Pennsylvania went to Joe Biden, a key state in helping him win the presidency. There are 19 votes at stake in the Keystone State.
Israeli strike kills nearly 500 in Lebanon in deadliest day since 2006
Nearly 500 people were killed Monday in Lebanon in the deadliest strike by Israel in nearly two decades. Lebanese authorities said Israeli warplanes struck civilian areas in the southern part of the country.
Earlier in the day, Israel had told civilians to move away from the areas, which it says are commonly used by Hezbollah for military purposes.
This comes after almost a year of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza along Israel’s southern border. Israel is now shifting its focus to the north, where the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel in support of Hamas, which is also backed by Iran.
Tuesday morning, Israel’s military said it struck “dozens” of additional targets in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it fired rockets into northern Israel late Monday night.
The fighting has heightened fears of a widening war in the region.
Missouri set to execute man convicted of 1998 murder
An execution of a man found guilty of a 1998 murder is set to proceed Tuesday evening in Missouri, after the state’s supreme court and governor rejected requests to cancel the scheduled lethal injection.
A jury convicted Marcellus Williams of the stabbing death of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former newspaper reporter, inside her suburban St. Louis home. Williams has asserted his innocence.
His lawyers argued the state supreme court should halt the proceedings due to alleged procedural errors in jury selection and alleged mishandling of the murder weapon by the prosecution. The court rejected those arguments.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson also rejected a clemency request to switch the sentence to life in prison. Williams’ lawyers still have an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.
As of now, though, the execution — which would be the third in the state this year — is set for 6 p.m. CST Tuesday.
Hurricane John makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm
Hurricane John made landfall in Mexico late Monday as a Category 3 storm. It brought 120 miles per hour winds to Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Levi’s teases a potential partnership with Beyoncé
It appears music superstar Beyoncé has a new collaboration coming out. This one would not be with another singer, but with a jeans company.
Levi’s teased what appears to be a partnership with Beyoncé in an Instagram post on Monday. The company shared an image of a woman wearing a cowboy hat and riding a horse with the caption reading “Introducing a new chapter,” seemingly referencing Beyoncé’s latest album “Cowboy Carter,” which features a song called “Levi’s Jeans.” Levi’s also tagged her Instagram account in the post.
You could say denim is having a moment lately, with fashion brands like American Eagle and Abercrombie saying the trend is growing in popularity and revitalizing sales.
Ukraine bans Telegram app for some as fears of Russian spying grow
Ukraine announced on Friday, Sept. 20, that it is banning the use of the Telegram messaging app for government officials and members of the military over fears Russia is using it to spy on Ukrainians. Ukraine’s security council said it has found evidence Russian special services accessed Telegram messages, including deleted ones, as well as personal information.
The head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov said the move is not a matter of supporting free speech but of protecting national security. Right now, the ban does not apply to personal devices.
It’s estimated that more than 70% of Ukrainians get their news from the app, including alerts for incoming missile attacks and evacuations, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regularly uses the app to broadcast announcements.
There are an estimated 33,000 Telegram channels in Ukraine alone, and it’s also been called “the last window into Russia,” as it’s one of the few platforms to circumvent a Russian crackdown with sources such as The New York Times and independent Russian outlets available on the app.
However, it’s also become a safe haven for terrorists and criminals, some of whom orchestrated terrorist attacks in Paris and Berlin. The lack of oversight also has Ukrainian officials worried.
The platform is reportedly teeming with pro-Russian propaganda, sparking concerns it could destabilize Ukrainian society as Russia is reportedly working on software to reveal the identities of anonymous users and access private chats
The platform was founded by Russian native Pavel Durov, who left the country in 2014 after refusing the Kremlin’s demands to shut down opposition communities on the app.
Durov was arrested in France in August on charges related to child pornography, drug trafficking and fraud transactions on the Telegram app, but was later released on bail. He was instructed not to leave the country.
‘Galaxy Gas’ puts new name on old — and very dangerous — way kids get high
Doctors sounded the alarm about a dangerous trend that is not new but resurfaced under a new name. They said they’re seeing a rise in kids using Galaxy Gas as a recreational drug.
Galaxy Gas is a brand of nitrous oxide that is intended for use only in whipped cream chargers and dispensers, according to the Atlanta-based company that makes it. People can use the chargers to transform cream or other ingredients into a whipped state for culinary use.
Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas” and its misuse has been known as “doing whippets” for decades. However, this new, unfamiliar name could mean kids using the gas to get high may go unnoticed, especially since Galaxy Gas and similar products are legal in the U.S. The cans are also often flavored, which experts said that can make them more appealing to young people.
The trend gained popularity on TikTok. However, the platform is trying to stop users from viewing any content they might find by searching Galaxy Gas, instead directing them to resources for help with substance abuse. Still, like pretty much any other barrier in the tech age, kids have found a way around that. Often, they will get around censorship by leaving certain letters out of the tag.
While Galaxy Gas became the popular term for this form of getting high, experts warned parents there are other brands selling similar items that can be used in the same way.
Using nitrous oxide recreationally can be very dangerous because of its impact on the central nervous system, the brain in particular. Inhaling the gas can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and impaired judgment — all hallmarks of the high.
Doctors also said there are some signs parents can look out for that could indicate your child is misusing nitrous oxide. They include memory gaps, bouts of random laughter, mood changes — especially if they’re inexplicably euphoric — and, of course, finding empty canisters. They also said parents should be suspicious if their kids seem to innocuously ask them to buy whipped cream canisters or if they turn up missing for parents who already have these products.
Nike rehires 1988 intern as next CEO. Here are Elliott Hill’s first hurdles.
Nike’s new CEO has a lot of ground to make up. On Thursday, Sept. 19, the company announced the sudden retirement of four-year CEO John Donahoe, while Elliott Hill will be returning from retirement to lead the company.
Hill last led commercial and marketing operations for Nike and the Jordan brand in 2020. He spent 32 years with the company, from intern to now-incoming CEO. He starts the job on Oct. 14.
Nike complimented Donahoe for leading the company through the pandemic, but in a lot of areas, Nike has been lapped by competitors under Donahoe’s reign. In the past year alone, Nike’s stock has fallen as much as 42% off its 52-week peak.
Donahoe’s resume includes CEO of eBay and software company ServiceNow. But during his time at Nike, analysts say his focus was too much on selling directly to consumers and not enough on providing them with new, innovative products to buy.
His marketing approach appears to have also fallen flat in the age of social media.
“Our experience has been when we launch these big moments in sport, we then cascade them down to consumers all over the world,” Donahoe said in April.
Yes, Nike has the record-breaking marathon shoe, the Alphafly 3. But that success didn’t necessarily cascade down. Nike’s often losing the race in consumer running shoes to cult running brands Hoka and On.
It’s not just a Nike problem. There’s real momentum behind smaller brands with spot-on marketing. Take Vuori, the athletic fashion brand stealing market share from lululemon. The brand partnered with more than 400 college athletes last year; most notably, LSU gymnast and social media sensation Livvy Dunne.
“If you think about it, before social media, athletes needed Nike to build their brand. Pause for a moment on that one,” Hill said in an interview last year. “So athletes wanted to be a part of Nike because Nike would help showcase them and build their brand. Today, they want Nike; they don’t have to have Nike. They can build their brand through social media and whatnot.”
Nike hopes the re-hiring of Hill will kick brand excitement into another gear. Who better than someone who’s been digging into the brand’s marketing since he was an Ohio University graduate student in the ’80s?
“I take a sports marketing class and do a paper on Nike, literally, just by chance,” Hill said of his graduate school days. “I love the brand, I love the product, and I write this paper on Nike about their evolution of their marketing funds. They started doing athletes first and then print and started to move into some TV.
“I did this paper and by chance, a month later, someone from Nike by name of Tim Joyce speaks at the university. And I went up to him after I just said, ‘Hey, I want to work for Nike.’ He said if you want to work for Nike, meet me at this cafe. I put on my suit and met him. There’s a whole story about that, but I bothered him for about six months until he finally hired me.”
Nike’s stock surged 10% when the company announced the 1988 intern was taking the company’s top job.
Mark Robinson vows to stay in NC governor race after CNN report
Controversy is surrounding the race for governor in North Carolina. Republican candidate Mark Robinson has vowed to remain in the race after CNN published a story Thursday alleging he made lewd and inflammatory statements on the message board of a pornographic website more than 10 years ago.
Robinson denies these allegations.
Among the accusations in the report, CNN said Robinson expressed support for reinstating slavery. The comments were made between 2008 and 2012, before Robinson entered politics. He was elected North Carolina’s lieutenant governor in 2020.
In an interview with CNN, Robinson called the report “tabloid trash” and said, “I’m not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.”
He had a similar message in a social media video posted before the CNN report was made public.
“Let me reassure you: the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson,” he said. “You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.”
Robinson added, “We are staying in this race, we are in it to win it, and we know that, with your help, we will.”
Israel strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah vows revenge for device explosions
Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon as Hezbollah vows revenge for the recent device explosions. And a sheriff has been charged with the murder of a judge in Kentucky. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
More strikes in Lebanon as fears of an escalating war grow
Israel carried out its strongest strike yet against Hezbollah in Lebanon Thursday night, Sept. 19, intensifying the conflict between the two that started almost a year ago after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.
The strikes, which were part of a bigger exchange of fire between the Israeli military and the militant group, came after two days of attacks targeting wireless devices in Lebanon.
Those attacks, which caused thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies to explode, are widely believed to have been orchestrated by Israel against Hezbollah. However, hundreds of civilians were also hurt, some even killed. Israel has not commented on the explosions.
Hezbollah’s leader said Thursday Israel has “crossed all the red lines” and vowed revenge.
Attacks have been ramping up between the Iranian-backed militant group and Israel since the start of the war in Gaza with Hezbollah claiming it’s part of a “supportive front” for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israel is turning more of its military attention toward the border with Lebanon. Soldiers have taken up a new artillery position in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Residents there have been warned by Israel’s military to stay inside or close to a bomb shelter for the time being.
The heightening tensions in the Middle East come as President Joe Biden looks to help secure a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The Wall Street Journal, however, has reported senior U.S. officials don’t expect a cease-fire to be reached by the end of Biden’s term.
Harris talks with Oprah, Trump speaks with Jewish supporters
Thursday was a busy day for both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump with both presidential candidates participating in campaign events.
The Vice President took part in an evening live-stream from Michigan hosted by Oprah Winfrey. During the event titled United for America — which also featured celebrities like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez — Harris spoke about stepping up to be the Democratic presidential nominee once President Biden dropped out of the race.
“I felt a sense of responsibility, to be honest with you, and with that comes a sense of purpose,” Harris said. “But we’re all here, and you all are taking time of out of your busy lives because there really is so much at stake.”
Harris also touched on her stances on gun violence, abortion rights, and cutting costs for the middle class.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee former President Trump spoke to a group of Jewish donors during an event in Washington called Fighting Antisemitism in America.
“With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House,” he said. “Sadly, and I have to say this, and it hurts me to say it; you’re going to still vote for Democrats, and it doesn’t make sense. I say all the time that any Jewish person that votes for her — especially now — her or the Democrat Party should have their head examined.”
During his address, Trump also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the war in Gaza and the protests on college campuses.
Kentucky sheriff charged with killing judge inside courthouse
Kentucky State Police said Mullins died at the scene and Stines surrendered to authorities. Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating what led up to the killing.
Mark Robinson vows to stay in NC governor race after CNN report
Controversy is surrounding the race for governor in North Carolina. Republican candidate Mark Robinson has vowed to remain in the race after CNN published a story Thursday alleging he made lewd and inflammatory statements on the message board of a pornographic website more than 10 years ago.
Robinson denies these allegations.
Among the accusations in the report, CNN said Robinson expressed support for reinstating slavery. The comments were made between 2008 and 2012, before Robinson entered politics. He was elected North Carolina’s lieutenant governor in 2020.
In an interview with CNN, Robinson called the report “tabloid trash” and said, “I’m not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.”
He had a similar message in a social media video posted before the CNN report was made public.
“Let me reassure you: the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson,” he said. “You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.”
Robinson added, “We are staying in this race, we are in it to win it, and we know that, with your help, we will.”
Nike replaces CEO with former executive to shake up brand
Big changes are coming to Nike as the sneaker brand is looking to get back on the right foot with a switch in leadership. Nike announced Thursday it will replace CEO John Donahoe with a company veteran: former senior executive Elliot Hill.
The move comes as Nike is hoping to revive sales amid growing competition. Hill is set to take over as CEO on Oct. 14.
Shohei Ohtani becomes first MLB player to reach 50/50 milestone
History was made on the baseball diamond Thursday night by Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
During Thursday night’s game against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. But he didn’t stop there.
All in all, Ohtani was 6 for 6 in the game with three home runs and 10 RBIs in the Dodgers’ 20 to 4 rout of the Marlins, clinching a playoff spot for LA.
