Former President Donald Trump and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, have settled a lawsuit. The agreement requires Meta to pay Trump $25 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The lawsuit stemmed from Meta’s decision to suspend Trump’s accounts for nearly two years. The ban followed the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
On that day, Trump posted a video on social media, reiterating claims of election fraud. He also appeared to commend the rioters.
Meta removed the video and initially imposed a temporary suspension. The company later extended the ban to two years, citing concerns about potential violence.
As part of the settlement, Meta will pay Trump $25 million. According to The Wall Street Journal, $22 million will go toward a fund for Trump’s presidential library.
The settlement also marks a shift in Trump’s relationship with Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
Tensions date back to 2016 when Trump repeatedly accused Facebook of suppressing conservative voices. Despite this, signs of reconciliation emerged in 2019. Zuckerberg met with Trump at the White House for a private dinner that year.
In December, Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. The donation was widely viewed as an effort to mend relations.
Zuckerberg further signaled a thaw in tensions by meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after the election. He also attended Trump’s inauguration earlier this month.
Sources familiar with the agreement told The Wall Street Journal that Trump is expected to sign the settlement in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
One Facebook user posted about a raid at a Home Depot in Houston and wrote, “Support our Hispanic Community!”
“We are here for our families and we have so many blessings,” the person wrote in Spanish. “And education for their sacrifices for our Hispanic community.”
Another post warned anyone who was undocumented to be careful and stay inside. The post contained a list of 13 alleged ICE checkpoints in the Houston area.
A Nebraska-based immigration law firm made a post with advice and reminders for undocumented immigrants if they encounter officers.
The post said individuals are not obligated to speak with a law enforcement agent, they are not obligated to open their door unless they have a warrant, and the warrant is not valid unless it is signed by a judge.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 29, ICE had announced more than 5,500 arrests since the Trump administration began. The agency highlighted criminals, including known or suspected terrorists, weapons and drug traffickers and murderers.
Some on social media opposed those who sent out warnings. They believe ICE should be able to remove those in the country illegally, especially those with criminal histories.
“The fact that people in Colorado are WARNING IMMIGRANTS about ICEraid locations is disgusting,” one user posted on X.
Perplexity AI offers TikTok merger allowing US government to own a stake
Could the U.S. government end up owning half of TikTok? If the latest version of one revised bid goes through, it will become a real possibility.
Outlets including Reuters and The Hill report that Perplexity AI, a U.S.-based search engine startup, is offering TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance a proposal for a merger between Perplexity and TikTok U.S.
Adding the 50% option lines the deal up with President Donald Trump’s stated goal of ensuring the U.S. has a 50% stake in the app.
The Hill reports that the U.S. government would not have voting power or any seats on the company’s board. This would limit its ability to exert control over the app.
Unlike other bids to purchase TikTok, this offer would still allow existing investors to hold a stake in the company.
Under the terms of Perplexity’s offer, the new company would go public with an initial public offering of at least $300 billion. In that plan, the U.S. government could control up to 50% of the company or less if it chooses to do so. Reuters reports that Chinese owner ByteDance would keep TikTok’s recommendation technology if the sale went through as drafted.
It’s the latest offer in an increasingly crowded market of buyers.
Another offer came last week from Jesse Tinsley, founder of the payroll management website employer.com. Tinsley joined up with top internet personality Jimmy Donaldson, whose MrBeast page is the most subscribed-to channel on YouTube.
President Trump said Tuesday, Jan. 21, that he would like Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who reached a previous deal with TikTok in 2020 to help it avoid a ban, to join in with an offer.
Trump also said he would be open to his close political ally Elon Musk, who owns the social media platform X, buying TikTok as well.
President Trump’s action on Jan. 20 halted enforcement of the U.S. ban for 75 days. It gives the app roughly two more months to figure out its future in the U.S.
Colombia accepts deported migrants after tariff showdown with Trump
The showdown between the Trump administration and Colombia over deported migrants is over, but what happens to the tariffs the president threatened to impose? And much-needed rain in Southern California brings new concerns to the region. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
Colombia accepts deported migrants after tariff showdown with Trump
The Trump administration claimed a quick and decisive victory after Colombia agreed to allow the U.S. to transport repatriated migrants back to the South American country.
Early Sunday, Jan. 26, Colombia blocked two U.S. military planes carrying deportees from landing. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the U.S. “can’t treat Colombian migrants like criminals.”
President Donald Trump responded to the move on Truth Social, announcing “emergency 25% tariffs” on all imports from Colombia — which would be raised to 50% in a week, a travel ban for Colombian citizens and a revocation of visas for Colombian officials in the U.S.
Within hours, Petro threatened a 25% retaliatory tariff increase on the U.S. in a series of social media posts objecting to the use of military planes and the treatment of migrants.
However, by late Sunday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Colombia’s government agreed to the “unrestricted acceptance” of migrants from Colombia “without limitation or delay.”
Leavitt added tariffs and financial sanctions will be held in reserve but not signed. Still, the visa sanctions against Colombian officials and stricter customs inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo ships, ordered by Trump earlier Sunday, will remain in effect “until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”
Leavitt’s statement said other countries should take notice and fully cooperate in accepting its deportees who were in the U.S. illegally.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire moves forward after weekend issues
Early Monday, Jan. 27, Qatar announced an agreement was reached to release an Israeli civilian hostage and allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the hostage release, which is set for Thursday, Jan. 30, will include civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud and female soldier Agam Berger.
As of Monday morning, Palestinians are now allowed to return to northern Gaza on foot. They were set to start returning on Saturday, Jan. 26, but Israel put that on hold because of Yehoud, whom Israel said should have been released on Saturday.
However, Israel did release 200 Palestinian prisoners Saturday as part of the second phase of an exchange in the ceasefire deal that saw Hamas release four female Israeli soldiers.
Trump weighed in on the issue over the weekend, suggesting most of Gaza’s population be temporarily resettled in other countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, to “just clean out” the war-ravaged enclave. Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority rejected his idea.
Bird feathers found in engines of crashed South Korean plane: Report
Authorities investigating last month’s deadly passenger jet crash at South Korea’s Muan airport said they found evidence a bird may have caused the plane to go down.
A preliminary report, released Monday, said duck feathers and blood stains were found in both engines of the jet that crashed into a concrete structure that houses a “localizer,” killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The localizer aids in the navigation of an aircraft approaching the runway.
The report said investigators will examine the jet engines and concrete structure further to determine the role each played in the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil.
Rain brings relief to wildfire-devastated Los Angeles area
Thousands of South California residents displaced by deadly wildfires hope to return to their homes, or what remains of them, Monday, as the area sees its first significant rainfall in months.
A slow-moving rainstorm settled over Southern California on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief as three major wildfires, now mostly contained, scorch the already devastated area.
However, this morning, major concerns about mudslides, flash flooding, and toxic ash emerged. Experts said rain that falls on recently burned areas picks up contaminants from ash, charred vehicles, and other debris and can carry pollutants into the ecosystem and water supply.
Forecasters said rain showers will continue into Monday afternoon.
New CIA analysis says COVID-19 outbreak ‘more likely’ came from lab leak
The CIA now says the COVID-19 pandemic “more likely” started with a lab leak rather than originating from animals. However, the agency said it would continue evaluating any new intelligence reporting.
On Saturday, a CIA spokesperson said the pandemic’s “research-related origin” is “more likely than a natural origin based on the available body of reporting.”
However, analysts said they have “low confidence” in that assessment, despite former CIA Director Bill Burns telling the agency it needed to look at the existing evidence again and come down on one side or the other.
The decision to release that assessment marks one of the first made under the CIA’s new Trump-appointed director, John Ratcliffe, who took over the agency on Thursday, Jan. 23.
The country has argued over the origin of COVID-19, with other agencies like the FBI and the Energy Department believing the coronavirus most likely came from a leak in a lab in Wuhan, China, and not the theory of an infected animal at an outdoor market, which other intelligence agencies have favored.
Chiefs to meet Eagles in Super Bowl rematch
Super Bowl LIX is now set for Sunday, Feb. 9, in New Orleans. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will play for the title in a rematch from two years ago.
The Chiefs will attempt to win three consecutive Super Bowls.
The defending champs knocked off the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in a thriller at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ran for two touchdowns while its defense held off Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills led going into the fourth quarter 22-21, but Mahomes led his team down the field twice, including a game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker with just over three minutes left.
In the first game of the day, the Philadelphia Eagles put up 55 points — the most ever in a conference championship game — and routed the upstart Washington Commanders 55-23.
Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley ran for three touchdowns, including a 60-yarder on the team’s first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Jalen Hurts also showed up to play, running for three touchdowns, as well.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ family pleads for him to get help after inauguration performance
Country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus performed at the Liberty Inaugural Ball following President Donald Trump’s swearing-in Monday, Jan. 20. However, his performance has sparked concern among his family and fans.
Cyrus encountered technical difficulties while performing “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Old Town Road.” The issues caused him to sing a cappella and stand awkwardly on stage after the lights dimmed, raising eyebrows online.
Trace Cyrus, Billy Ray’s son, posted on Instagram on Wednesday, Jan. 22, expressing deep concern for his father’s health. “Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now,” he wrote in part. Trace detailed his own sobriety, adding, “I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly, but I think I have a pretty good idea, and I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help.”
Billy Ray’s ex-wife of seven months, FireRose, also weighed in, telling Page Six: “What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship. Healing is only possible when you confront the truth and accept there’s a problem.”
Despite criticism, Billy Ray focuses on music
Despite his family’s public pleas, Billy Ray Cyrus seems undeterred. He announced plans for a new album Friday, Jan. 24, co-produced and written with his son Braison Cyrus.
Trace responded to a comment asking why Braison is acting as if Billy Ray is happy and healthy. He responded to his Instagram story by saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Later, he posted a video of himself working out, saying, “Braison, I can help you too. Man up boys.”
While Billy Ray Cyrus appears focused on his career, his family’s concerns remain public and pressing. Whether their pleas lead to healing is yet to be seen.
Sellers listing phones online with TikTok installed for thousands of dollars
Sellers on eBay are capitalizing on TikTok’s uncertain future by listing phones with the app already installed for thousands of dollars. They’re trying to sell to the people who deleted TikTok off their phones when the app stopped working in the United States on Saturday, Jan. 18, after the Supreme Court backed a law that banned it.
But, they can’t redownload it, because Apple and Google removed it from their app stores to comply with the law.
As of Friday, Jan. 24, the app is still not available for download.
How much are the phones listed for?
There are currently over 18,000 listings of phones on eBay with TikTok installed.
Some are also being sold with CapCut, the editing app owned by TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance, which also got deleted from app stores.
Are people actually buying the phones?
It’s not clear how many of the phones are actually selling. There are some devices listed for up to $1 million.
The majority of the high priced listings show zero bids, but the phones listed for around $200 to $500 dollars do have bids.
Is this another Flappy Bird situation?
Some on social media are saying this is reminiscent of when Flappy Bird got deleted from app stores in 2014, leading to phones with the gaming app installed being listed for astronomical prices on eBay.
In an interview with Forbes, the creator said the app became addictive for people, which is why he got rid of it.
The same can be said for TikTok, with data proving its features can make it hard to put down.
How does social media addiction play a role?
Baylor researchers found that 24% of TikTok users involved in a 2023 study were addicted based on several factors, including losing a sense of time while on the app, a desire to keep up with what’s happening online and experiencing immense enjoyment.
So far, there’s no timeline on when TikTok could return for download.
What happens next?
Tiktok’s long-term future is also still up in the air. The law requiring ByteDance to sell the app’s U.S. business is still in effect despite Trump’s executive order.
Trump has said he is aiming to revive TikTok, but wants 50% U.S. ownership.
LinkedIn sued over privacy violations, data collection for AI models
LinkedIn users have filed a class action lawsuit in a California federal court, accusing the platform of harvesting their private messages to train artificial intelligence models without consent. They allege privacy laws were broken when the company shared their data with third parties.
Alleged data harvesting for AI
LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, is one of the world’s largest social media sites for professionals and hosts millions of users worldwide. The platform offers various premium services designed to help users network, find new employment opportunities and stand out in a crowded professional space.
According to the lawsuit, the platform automatically shared users’ personal data with third parties without notifying them or seeking their permission. The plaintiffs claim this violates privacy rights and is a misuse of the data users entrust to the platform.
Privacy policy update sparks legal challenge
The lawsuit also alleges LinkedIn attempted to cover its tracks by updating its privacy policy in 2024. The revised policy included language that permitted the platform to harvest user data to develop products and services, including AI training.
While LinkedIn’s updated privacy policy allows users to opt out, the plaintiffs argue LinkedIn made these changes after the fact. LinkedIn’s FAQ page states users can opt out of the AI data usage. Still, the lawsuit contends that LinkedIn did not adequately communicate this information to users before the data harvesting.
LinkedIn’s premium subscription services, which offer enhanced features, have generated nearly $2 billion in revenue. The lawsuit seeks to recover a portion of that amount, with plaintiffs requesting $1,000 for each user whose privacy was allegedly violated, among other damages.
A spokesperson for LinkedIn has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “invalid” and without merit.
This lawsuit is not LinkedIn’s first legal challenge. Last year, the platform settled a class action lawsuit with advertisers who accused it of overcharging by falsifying video view counts.
7 French families suing TikTok over alleged content promoting suicide
Seven French families are suing the social media company TikTok. The families allege the company failed to remove harmful content they said led to two of the families losing their 15-year-old children to suicide.
The families claim in the lawsuit that TikTok’s algorithm exposed their teens to content promoting suicide, self-harm and eating disorders.
One of the mothers involved in the lawsuit told The Associated Press in a report published on Thursday, Jan. 23, that TikTok’s algorithm led her 15-year-old daughter down a rabbit hole of videos promoting suicide methods, tutorials and comments that encouraged users to end their lives.
TikTok responds to the allegations
In response to the lawsuit, TikTok told The Associated Press it has guidelines banning any promotion of suicide. The company also said it employs 40,000 trust and safety professionals globally to remove posts deemed harmful.
The Chinese-owned company said it refers people who search for suicide-related content to mental health services. Officials also claimed that 98.8% of harmful videos were flagged or removed between April and June of last year.
The CEO of the Center for Digital Hate, Irman Ahmed, dismissed the claim of 98.8% of harmful content being removed between April and May. Ahmed argued code words and ambiguous language could bypass moderation efforts.
The lawyer representing the families also pointed out that TikTok’s Chinese version features stricter content controls for younger users than its American and European counterparts. The lawyer noted Beijing’s version has a “Youth Mode” required for users under the age of 14 years old. The mode limits screen time to 40 minutes a day and shows only approved content.
A study commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron found certain algorithmic features on social media platforms were addictive. The study said those features should be banned from any app in France.
The study also recommended restricted use for users under the age of 15 years old. However, neither policy recommendation has been adopted to date.
Psychology professor Gregoire Borst, who helped conduct the study, said social media platforms must take additional steps to protect young users.
“Like any toy that goes to market, at least the European market, it needs to adhere to certain standards,” Borst said.
Legislative action against TikTok
Other countries have already taken action, like Australia. The country enacted a law in December that bans social media accounts for children under the age of 16 years old.
Along with Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, TikTok faces hundreds of lawsuits in the U.S. Many of the lawsuits accuse the companies of creating addictive features to bring millions of children to their platforms and harming their mental health in the process.
If someone you know needs mental health help, call or text the national suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988. There is also help online at 988lifeline.org, and outside the United States there is help at this website.
The Trump administration is beefing up security at the U.S.-Mexico border. And a new California wildfire is raging, with at least one fire official calling it “a completely different beast.” These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Pentagon deploys 1,500 troops to southern border
President Donald Trump has swiftly followed through on his Day 1 executive orders. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, the Pentagon announced it was deploying 1,500 active-duty troops, including U.S. Army soldiers and Marines, to the southern border with Mexico. They will arrive in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California by next week.
“This is just the beginning,” Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses said.
The troops will assist border patrol agents and help in the construction of barriers. However, as of now, there is no plan for the troops to engage in law enforcement, as they have for decades past.
The Pentagon said it will also provide military aircraft for Department of Homeland Security deportation flights for more than 5,000 detained migrants. Defense officials said the department is prepared to send even more troops if needed, including up to 2,000 additional Marines.
The active-duty troops will join the roughly 2,500 National Guard and reserve members already at the southern border. This is a 60% increase as the Trump administration gets started.
Trump expected to sign ‘Laken Riley Act’ into law
The 119th Congress passed its first bill of its new session, and Trump is expected to sign it into law. The Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented migrant in February 2024, passed Congress with bipartisan support on Wednesday.
The bill will require illegal immigrants in the country arrested for certain nonviolent offenses, like burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting, to be detained until trial.
Lauren Taylor has more on the legislation’s history and what it means for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. here.
Trump taps head of personal security detail to lead Secret Service
The president tapped his personal security director, Sean Curran, to head the Secret Service. Curran was one of the first agents to rush on stage when a gunman opened fire at Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July.
A bullet grazed Trump’s ear while he was speaking to the crowd.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called Curran a “brilliant leader” and said he “proved his fearless courage when he risked his own life to help save mine from an assassin’s bullet.”
Curran will replace Ronald Rowe as the agency’s director. Rowe took over as the head of the Secret Service in July after then-Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned in the wake of Trump’s first assassination attempt. Many believe the attack happened due to failures by agents to secure the building where the shooter fired from.
A second assassination attempt was thwarted on Trump’s life in September while he was golfing in Florida. An agent spotted a gunman in the bushes. The suspect escaped but was later captured by local sheriff’s deputies.
New Los Angeles fire threatens thousands, prompts evacuations
Another massive wildfire now burns north of Los Angeles and has led to more evacuations. The Hughes Fire started Wednesday and quickly grew to more than 10,000 acres.
As of CalFire’s last update, the Hughes Fire is only about 14% contained. Authorities said it “blew up overnight” and is likely to grow as more Santa Ana winds sweep across Southern California.
More than 50,000 people remain under evacuation orders or warnings.
This comes as the area deals with the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have scorched more than 40,000 acres. Since the fires broke out earlier this month, 28 people have died in the infernos.
The Palisades fire was 70% contained and the Eaton fire was 95% contained as of Thursday morning.
Teen opens fire in Nashville high school cafeteria, killing 1 student
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at a high school in Nashville, Tennessee. Police said a 17-year-old gunman opened fire just after 11 a.m. CST on Wednesday, Jan. 22, in the school cafeteria.
Police said a bullet struck and killed a 16-year-old girl before the teen gunman turned the gun on himself. A 17-year-old boy was also grazed in the shooting.
Police have not identified any connection between the gunman and the victims. Authorities said they might have been struck by random gunfire.
The high school remains closed for the remainder of the week.
Post Malone, Oreo collaborate for a new twist
In just a little over one week, the best in the music industry will be honored at the 67th annual Grammy Awards. One of those looking to win big is artist Post Malone. He is up for eight Grammys, including Best Country Album and Record of the Year for his collaboration with Taylor Swift.
But before Post Malone gets to the Grammys, he’s working on another collaboration: the Post Malone Oreo.
The singer, known for his hit “Circles,” worked with the maker of Oreo to create a new version of the popular cookie. The limited-edition Oreo features a first-of-its-kind swirled creme combining salted caramel and shortbread flavors, sandwiched between one chocolate and one golden cookie.
The Post Malone Oreos will be available nationwide starting Feb. 3, the day after the Grammy Awards.
Meta offering $5K bonuses, verified badges to creators on other platforms
Meta is giving creators a chance to turn their content into cash. The company is now offering $5,000 bonuses to select creators who post on Instagram and Facebook over three months.
By sharing content across Meta’s apps, creators can access Facebook’s content monetization program. The Breakthrough program allows users to earn additional income from their posts.
In addition to the bonuses, Meta is offering creators a free trial of Meta Verified. Normally, the verified badge comes with a monthly cost ranging from $15 to $120. This sought-after blue checkmark provides exclusive features that help accounts stand out.
Creators who already have a presence on other platforms can access these bonuses and perks.
An answer to TikTok’s CapCut
Meta’s latest initiative comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding TikTok in the U.S. Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced a new app called “Edits,” set to launch next month.
“Edits” is seen as Meta’s response to CapCut, a popular video editing app owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. If TikTok fails to reach an agreement with U.S. regulators by the 75-day deadline announced Monday, Jan. 20, CapCut and other related apps could face removal from the U.S. market.
