How a ‘suicide capsule’ could allegedly violate Swiss safety standards
A so-called “suicide capsule” was just used for the first time in Switzerland, which prompted police to take several people into custody and open a criminal investigation. Prosecutors said they were told of an assisted suicide involving an American woman from the Midwest on Monday, Sept. 23.
Prosecutors are looking into charges of suspicion of incitement and accessory to suicide. Much of the investigation is because these capsules are still under legal review in the country.
The 64-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly suffered from symptoms related to an autoimmune disorder and had wished to die for at least two years. She died on Monday in a forested area near the German border. The only person who was present described her death as “peaceful and dignified.”
The device is designed to let a person lay in a reclining seat and push a button inside to release nitrogen gas into a sealed chamber. The person is supposed to fall asleep and then die from suffocation in a few minutes.
The doctor behind Exit International, the company which created the device, said he is “pleased that the Sarco had performed exactly as it had been designed.”
Swiss law allows assisted suicide under specific circumstances. For instance, the individual must take his or her life with no “external assistance” and those helping in the death must not have “any self-serving motive.”
Switzerland is among the only countries where foreigners can travel to legally end their lives.
However, the Swiss health minister contended the Sarco Pod is illegal because it does not meet requirements involving product safety law and the use of chemicals in assisted suicide.
A state prosecutor said in July of this year that anyone who helped operate the “suicide capsule” could face criminal charges and a conviction would carry up to five years in prison.
However, the creator of the device argued that he was told by lawyers in Switzerland the Sarco would be legal in the country.
The capsule is made with the help of a 3D printer and cost more than a million dollars to develop.
Social media companies team up to address self-harm content
Meta, Snap, and TikTok have come together to start a new program to stop content featuring suicide or self-harm from spreading across social media platforms. The program, called Thrive, was created along with the Mental Health Coalition, a group of organizations that work to destigmatize those issues.
Through Thrive, Meta, Snap, and TikTok will be able to share what the companies call “signals” with each other about content concerning suicide or self-harm. If the content appears on multiple apps, similar actions and investigations can then be launched.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said Thrive will serve as a database all social media companies can access.
The company says when content featuring suicide or self-harm is discovered, it will be removed and flagged in the Thrive database so other social media companies can act. Meta also made it clear the program will target content not users.
Social media has increasingly been linked to a spike in depression and suicidal behavior in kids and teens, and companies like Meta, Snap, and TikTok have been widely criticized for not doing more to moderate content on their platforms. All three companies have been sued by parents and communities who say the social media platforms led to suicide deaths.
Jon Bon Jovi credited with talking woman off ledge of Nashville bridge
Singer Jon Bon Jovi is being credited with saving the life of a woman who appeared to be moments away from jumping off of a bridge in Nashville. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released surveillance video Wednesday, Sept. 11, of the incident along the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge the day before.
The singer and his team were at the scene filming a music video as the incident unfolded, and the group came upon a woman standing on the ledge over the Cumberland River.
Bon Jovi and his representatives have not commented on the incident. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said in a brief statement on social media, “It takes all of us to help keep each other safe.”
According to People magazine, Jon Bon Jovi’s foundation, the JBJ Soul Foundation, routinely deals with people in crisis, giving the singer extensive training in speaking with individuals in need of help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis you can call or text 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Teens’ overall mental health getting better but crisis not over: CDC
The mental health of high school students has improved slightly in recent years, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, a share of students still reported feeling sad and hopeless — especially female students.
The CDC conducts its youth risk behavior survey every two years. Between 2021 and 2023, overall reports of poor mental health went down slightly from 42% to 40%. While that may not sound like much, the director of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health said it is “statistically significant.”
While girls and LGBTQ+ students are still more likely to report feelings of sadness and hopelessness, the percentage of girls who said they felt that way dropped from 57% in 2021 to 53% in 2023.
The survey also found 20% of teens said they had seriously considered suicide and 9% said they had attempted it. That number is down from a high of 10% in 2021, but still higher than the 8% reported a decade ago.
The survey also found substance abuse is down among teens, as well.
The Feb. 7 incident at Owasso High School led to widespread condemnation from LGBTQ rights groups, who highlighted the issue of bullying at the school. The Owasso Police Department, which had been waiting for the autopsy results to confirm the cause of death amid initial uncertainty, stated that a report on the bathroom altercation was only filed after Benedict was taken to the hospital by relatives on the same day.
Prior to the release of the autopsy findings, police officials noted that preliminary results indicated Benedict did not die from physical injuries sustained in the fight.
An Owasso Police Department spokesman revealed that right from the start, investigators believed the tragic death of Nex was a case of suicide.
“From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide,” Lt. Nick Boatman stated. “However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office.”
In an interview recorded on video with a school resource officer after the fight, Nex, who described how the conflict started: three girls mocked Nex and their friends over their clothing. Nex responded by pouring water on the girls.
“Then all three of them came at me,” Nex explained in the interview.
Vice President Kamala Harris to tour Minnesota abortion clinic in historic visit
Vice President Kamala Harris plans for a historic stop at an abortion clinic in Minnesota. And a man who lived most of his life in an iron lung passes away. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris to tour abortion clinic in Minnesota
Harris’ visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic is a key stop in her nationwide “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, initiated in response to the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The landmark ruling had recognized a constitutional right to abortion for nearly five decades.
During her visit, the vice president plans to meet with healthcare providers and possibly interact with patients, highlighting the significance of safeguarding reproductive rights. The Supreme Court’s decision has prompted states like Minnesota to pass laws guaranteeing abortion rights, a measure Harris is expected to address, especially in light of abortion bans in other states.
The exact location of the clinic remains undisclosed due to potential protest concerns, with sources citing security reasons. The vice president’s team will likely reveal the details closer to the time of her visit.
This event marks the sixth stop on Harris’ tour, which began in January on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, underscoring the administration’s commitment to reproductive freedom amidst a shifting legal landscape.
Trump’s legal team to argue classified documents case should be dismissed
The case centers on documents found at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, which his lawyers claim were designated as personal, thereby allowing Trump to retain them under the Presidential Records Act. However, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team contends that the documents were not personal and that the act does not cover classified and top-secret documents.
Additionally, Trump’s legal team will argue that a portion of the Espionage Act, which pertains to retaining national defense information, is unconstitutionally vague as it applies to the former president. Smith’s team has countered, asserting the statute is clear.
Earlier this month, the judge also heard arguments from both parties regarding the setting of a trial date, though it remains unclear when either ruling on the case will be issued.
Hunter Biden has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges brought against him.
Israel plans to relocate civilians to ‘humanitarian islands’ before Rafah invasion
As the Israeli military gears up for a significant offensive in Rafah, plans are underway to relocate a large portion of the population from Gaza’s southernmost city, home to 1.4 million people, ahead of the operation. According to the IDF’s spokesperson, Israel intends to move civilians to “humanitarian islands” established with international community support in the center of the territory.
This move comes amidst warnings from Israel’s allies, including the United States, and aid organizations about the potential consequences of attacking the densely populated city. Many residents of Rafah have been displaced from other areas within the territory.
The objective of the planned offensive, Israel states, is to dismantle Hamas. The IDF spokesman detailed that the humanitarian islands would offer temporary housing, food, water, and other essential services to the displaced individuals. However, specifics regarding the start of evacuations or the offensive’s exact timing remain undisclosed.
Autopsy Report: Oklahoma teen died by suicide following school fight
The incident, which occurred on February 7 at Owasso High School, led to widespread condemnation from LGBTQ rights groups, who highlighted the issue of bullying at the school. The Owasso Police Department, which had been waiting for the autopsy results to confirm the cause of death amid initial uncertainty, stated that a report on the bathroom altercation was only filed after Benedict was taken to the hospital by relatives on the same day.
Prior to the release of the autopsy findings, police officials noted that preliminary results indicated Benedict did not die from physical injuries sustained in the fight.
Texas man who lived in iron lung for seven decades dies
Paul Alexander, a Texas man who spent seven decades living in an iron lung after being diagnosed with polio in 1952, has died at the age of 78. Alexander became a social media sensation in recent months.
Diagnosed at the age of 6 as the disease swept through Dallas, Alexander was left paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on an iron lung to breathe. Despite these challenges, he achieved remarkable milestones, graduating from college, earning a law degree, and practicing law for 30 years. Alexander also penned an autobiography, sharing his life’s journey.
His cause of death has not been specified, but his passing comes weeks after being hospitalized with COVID-19.
In January, Alexander launched a TikTok account named “Polio Paul,” quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of followers. Through his posts, he answered questions about his life and strongly advocated for polio vaccination for children, drawing widespread attention to his story and the importance of the vaccine.
Florida’s social media ban for kids under 16 awaits Gov. DeSantis’ signature
Florida may soon have one of the strictest social media laws in the United States. On Friday, Feb. 23, a bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from social media, regardless of parental consent, is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature.
According to The Associated Press, the proposed restrictions, which have passed the Florida House and Senate, target any social media platforms that track user activity. The ban would enforce rules on any site that allows children to upload content and interact with other users.
Supporters of the social media measures argue they’re necessary as rates of suicide, depression and anxiety increase in teens. Advocates said the numbers are attributed to social media use, but social media companies have contended that the science is not conclusive.
Florida is not the first state to take action against social media companies.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, announced efforts to combat algorithms on social media sites, which she said send kids down rabbit holes and introduce them to harmful content.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, also a Democrat, declared social media an “environmental toxin” and announced action against five social media companies, seeking a payout of millions of dollars in damages for the cost of mental health services and programs provided to teens. Adams largely blames social media for the mental health crisis among adolescents.
However, opponents of the bill contend the proposed law would violate the First Amendment, and they said that the decision to keep social media away from children should be left up to parents.
Social media bans for kids in Arkansas and Ohio have been paused as Big Tech has fought back against the laws, and judges have granted injunctions on the grounds that restrictions violate free speech rights.
The legislation in Florida has bipartisan support, with a mix of Democrats and Republicans helping to get the bill to DeSantis’ desk.
If DeSantis signs the social media ban into law, companies would be forced to close accounts believed to be used by minors and cancel accounts at the request of parents.
NY officials propose restricting social media algorithms for kids
Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., is throwing her support behind legislation that limits the power of social media algorithms for its youngest users. The proposed legislation would also require age verification for anyone under 18.
On Oct. 11, 2023, Hochul announced the state would pursue legislation that would limit the power of Big Tech algorithms and how they connect kids to content they’ve liked in the past. Lawmakers believe the law would protect kids from potentially harmful content.
“They’ll give more parents more tools to keep their kids safe, limit social media’s outreach, and also loosen the grip that these algorithms have on the way our kids think and act,” Hochul said.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the legislation is part of a “broader spending plan” by Hochul. The Journal also said that the proposal is likely to pass with state lawmakers required to take action by March 31.
The proposed law in New York is another critical juncture in the fight to rein in the powers of Big Tech. Forty-one attorneys general nationwide have filed lawsuits against Meta, and more cities and states are enacting laws to combat what critics contend are the harmful impacts of social media on the health of kids and teens.
The Wall Street Journal interviewed New York Attorney General Letitia James, D, who said that she believes the legislation, if passed, will survive a legal challenge. James said it will not falter under legal scrutiny like laws in Ohio and Arkansas, which ban social media for kids.
The laws banning social media for kids in Ohio and Arkansas are unable to be enforced because of legal challenges from NetChoice, a trade group that represents technology companies including Meta and TikTok. A district judge granted NetChoice a temporary injunction after it filed a lawsuit against all three states. Utah’s law doesn’t go into place until March 1, 2024.
The reason James believes the New York’s proposed law will be successful is because it differs in scope from the states that previously enacted age restrictions. Instead of targeting all of the content, New York’s law would target a “delivery mechanism.” The law would not regulate content broadly.
The state senator who sponsors the bill, Andrew Gounardes, D-N.Y., spoke with the Journal.
“If you want to follow the Taylor Swift fan page, that’s great,” said New York Sen. Andrew Gounardes, the bill’s sponsor.“What we don’t want is where you click on one thing and in 15 minutes be shown self-harm videos.”
New York is not the only state attempting to change laws regarding social media usage. The Wall Street Journal reported 140 bills in at least 30 states are on the books regarding media literacy, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In June, Politico reported that Connecticut required online platforms to perform children’s safety assessments. The assessments are designed to limit kids interactions with potentially dangerous people on social media.
Social media protections for kids have also been prominently featured in national politics recently. Congress members accused companies like Meta of hurting American youth through algorithms that target teens by enticing them with content.
“I know you don’t mean it to be so, but you have blood on your hands,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. said. “You have a product that’s killing people.”
However, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg argues that algorithms are taken out of context, telling The New York Times that his company uses them to identify and remove dangerous content.
Zuckerberg has also questioned the link between mental health issues in teens and social media usage. The Meta CEO said during testimony in front of U.S. senators that he did not see a “causal” link.
However, many lawmakers and activists contend that there is a link between social media and a rise in suicides, depression and mental health disorders among teens. In May, The New York Times reported that the U.S. surgeon general warned of the negative effects social media usage can have on anxiety and depression among kids.
Hochul is not the first public official in her state to take action on the reportedly harmful effects of social media use. In January, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, D, declared a public health emergency regarding social media usage among teens and kids. In response, New York City became the first major city in the U.S. to label social media an “environmental toxin.” Adams said he would reveal more details about his plan of action at a later date.
CDC: US suicide deaths reached record high in 2022
According to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people who committed suicide in the United States reached a record high of 49,449 in 2022. The suicide rate in 2022 — 14.9 deaths for every 100,000 people — was also 5% higher than the previous record high of 14.2 deaths for every 100,000 people from 2018.
“Today’s report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in a statement on Thursday, Aug. 11. “Mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time. Far too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone.”
Over half of all U.S. suicides in 2022 involved firearms. Experts have said recent increases in suicide might be driven by a range of factors, including higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services.
“These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgent it is that we further expand access to mental health care, address the root causes of mental health struggles, and recognize the importance of checking on and supporting one another,” Murthy said. “If you or a loved one are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please know that your life matters and that you are not alone.”
The largest increases were seen in older adults. Deaths rose nearly 7% in people ages 45 to 64, and more than 8% in people 65 and older.
Meanwhile, young people committed fewer suicides compared to 2021, with those ages 10 to 24 seeing an 8% drop. The CDC credited this to a higher awareness and emphasis on mental health.
A national crisis line launched in 2022. Anyone in the U.S. can dial 988 to reach mental health specialists, something the CDC hopes will help lower the unprecedented suicide rates.
Detained Americans on house arrest in planned Iran prisoner swap: The Rundown Aug. 11, 2023
An encouraging step takes place in a plan to get detained Americans home from Iran. And a 300,000-year-old skull is raising new questions about humans. It’s time for The Rundown for Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
Americans moved to house arrest in Iran under planned prisoner swap
Five Americans imprisoned in Iran have been placed under house arrest in what U.S. officials are calling a significant step in their return home.
The Americans have been held prisoner in Iran for several years, one being imprisoned for nearly eight. The move is part of a planned prisoner exchange that would see the release of roughly $6 billion in Iranian government assets currently frozen in South Korea under U.S. sanctions.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Aug. 10 that the move is an encouraging start for the Americans’ return.
“My belief is that this is the beginning of the end of their nightmare and the nightmare that their families have experienced,” Blinken said.
Back in 2015, then-President Barack Obama came under fire from Republicans for a similar deal with Iran. Now, President Joe Biden is receiving the same reaction.
Among the Republicans voicing their concerns with the deal is Senator Jim Risch of Idaho who posted on social media, “While I welcome home wrongfully detained Americans, unfreezing $6 billion in Iranian assets dangerously further incentivizes hostage taking & provides a windfall for regime aggression. The Biden administration must punish those who use Americans as political pawns and work to end this practice.”
Due to current U.S. sanctions, Iran would only be allowed to use the funds for food, medicine and other humanitarian purposes. As part of the proposed swap, an unknown number of Iranians detained in America will be transferred back to Iran.
Officials say the transfer of the money and the release of the five Americans are expected in the next month.
Death toll from Hawaii wildfires rises, thousands flee island
The wildfires that have torn through Hawaii’s island of Maui are now responsible for killing at least 55 people. It’s one of the deadliest wildfires in recent U.S. history.
More than 50 others were pulled from the Pacific Ocean and rescued by the Coast Guard. Dozens of people had jumped into the water to escape the flames closing in.
With Maui being a sought-after tourist destination, airports have been slammed over the course of several days as thousands of visitors try to leave. Eleven-hundred tourists flew out on Aug. 9, another 1,500 the next day and similar numbers are expected to follow.
President Biden has declared a major disaster on Maui. FEMA is sending resources their way as the island’s charred reality begins to set in.
Russia launches first lunar mission in 50 years
Russia has launched its first mission to the moon in nearly 50 years. Russia’s rocket is in a race with India which launched its lunar lander last month. Only three governments have ever managed to successfully land on the moon: the United States, China and the Soviet Union.
Russia and India are aiming to be the first to land on the moon’s south pole. This location piques the interest of scientists who believe its permanently shadowed craters just might contain water.
Also in out of this world news, billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic rocket-powered space plane flew almost 55 miles high carrying its first group of tourists after decades in the making. Those on the ride included a mother-daughter duo who won tickets for the trip. Tickets for Virgin Galactic cost $450,000.
Record-high suicide deaths in 2022, but a decrease in young people
Data released Aug. 10 from the CDC shows that suicide deaths reached a record high in 2022. About 49,500 hundred people died by suicide last year in the U.S.
That’s the highest number ever recorded and a 5 percent increase from the previous record high in 2018. Rates had fallen in 2019 and 2020 during the first year of the pandemic, but in 2021 suicides were once again ticking upward.
People ages 65 and older saw the largest increase in suicides. While for young people it was the opposite. Those ages 10 to 24 saw an 8 percent drop. The CDC credits this to a higher awareness and emphasis on mental health.
A national crisis line launched a year ago meaning anyone in the U.S. can dial 9-8-8 to reach mental health specialists. The CDC hopes this will help lower the unprecedented suicide rates.
Driverless taxi service expanding in San Francisco
If you live or plan to visit San Francisco and need to hail a cab, you may be surprised who’s behind the wheel. Because now there’s a good chance it could be nobody.
On Aug. 10, the California Public Utilities Commission voted in favor of expanding driverless taxi service in the city, despite vocal opponents of the technology who claim the cars to be potential road hazards. While these driverless cars have not led to any major crashes, they have been known to shut down on the roadway when encountering an obstacle like a fire hose.
Cruise, owned by General Motors, operates 300 vehicles during the night and 100 during the day. Alphabet-owned Waymo has a fleet of 250 used in the daytime.
An executive with Cruise called the decision a “historic industry milestone.”
Study: 300,000-year-old skull found in China unlike any other
A discovery by a team of international researchers – a 300,000-year-old skull – is said to be unlike any other found before. Those who located the skull in eastern China say it is “unexpected” and does not fit into any known classification.
Though discovered in 2015, the researchers just released their findings in the Journal of Human Evolution. The skull is believed to have belonged to a 12 or 13 year old. The study’s author says more work needs to be done to properly place this discovery on the human family tree.