4 minutes
Sign up for Chalkbeat Tennessee’s free newsletter to keep up with statewide education policy and Memphis-Shelby County Schools.If Tennessee Republicans move forward to impose a state-backed takeover of Memphis-Shelby County schools, the district’s hands may be tied from challenging the state intervention’s legitimacy in court. Tennessee school districts would be blocked from using their budgets to pay for lawsuits challenging any state-imposed accountability measures under a new bill making its way through the General Assembly. Districts could still sue the state if other organizations like legal defense funds foot the legal bills.Senate Republicans passed Sen. Brent Taylor’s SB 712 on Thursday, though the House version awaits a pivotal House Education Committee vote. Though the legislation is written broadly to block districts from funding lawsuits to challenge accountability measures, it comes just days before lawmakers are expected to unveil a renewed effort to seize major controls from the locally elected Memphis school board. The legislation is backed by the takeover’s sponsors, Taylor and fellow Memphis Republican Rep. Mark White. Two MSCS officials declined to comment on the passing of Taylor’s bill. But Memphis Board Chair Natalie McKinney has previously said she’s in favor of challenging state takeover legislation in court. Taylor and White have said they’re modeling their takeover of MSCS after a 2023 state intervention in Houston public schools. Houston’s local board delayed that action for three years by filing a 2019 lawsuit against the state education department. The case went all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, where it was ultimately overruled. As the General Assembly enters what is expected to be the final month of session, the clock is ticking on the takeover effort Taylor and White say will be coming this year. The two lawmakers, backed by Republican leadership, have argued that Memphis students have been badly served by years of district drama at the board level, and that years of languishing test scores require external intervention. White has proposed an oversight committee structure that would take control of the district’s major financial decisions, including the superintendent’s contract. The committee would be made up of Shelby County residents, which Republicans argue would amount to local intervention rather than a state takeover. But the committee would be handpicked by state Republican leaders at a time of increased tensions between state and locally elected Memphis officials. Takeover effort details are still unclear with just weeks left in the General Assembly session. White and Taylor say they need the results of an external financial audit to inform intervention plans, though both want an oversight committee that takes significant controls away from the local board.That audit was completed in mid-March, according to the Tennessee Comptroller’s office, and lawmakers have received private briefings on its details. But the office still has not set a date for its public release. Multiple legislators this week said they expect the audit to be released publicly next week. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican, last year favored an intervention effort with more input from local elected officials. But in recent weeks he has said the audit briefings revealed significant mismanagement and proved that oversight is necessary. Melissa Brown is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact Melissa atmbrown@chalkbeat.org.
Sign up for Chalkbeat Tennessee’s free newsletter to keep up with statewide education policy and Memphis-Shelby County Schools.If Tennessee Republicans move forward to impose a state-backed takeover of Memphis-Shelby County schools, the district’s hands may be tied from challenging the state intervention’s legitimacy in court. Tennessee school districts would be blocked from using their budgets to pay for lawsuits challenging any state-imposed accountability measures under a new bill making its way through the General Assembly. Districts could still sue the state if other organizations like legal defense funds foot the legal bills.Senate Republicans passed Sen. Brent Taylor’s SB 712 on Thursday, though the House version awaits a pivotal House Education Committee vote. Though the legislation is written broadly to block districts from funding lawsuits to challenge accountability measures, it comes just days before lawmakers are expected to unveil a renewed effort to seize major controls from the locally elected Memphis school board. The legislation is backed by the takeover’s sponsors, Taylor and fellow Memphis Republican Rep. Mark White. Two MSCS officials declined to comment on the passing of Taylor’s bill. But Memphis Board Chair Natalie McKinney has previously said she’s in favor of challenging state takeover legislation in court. Taylor and White have said they’re modeling their takeover of MSCS after a 2023 state intervention in Houston public schools. Houston’s local board delayed that action for three years by filing a 2019 lawsuit against the state education department. The case went all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, where it was ultimately overruled. As the General Assembly enters what is expected to be the final month of session, the clock is ticking on the takeover effort Taylor and White say will be coming this year. The two lawmakers, backed by Republican leadership, have argued that Memphis students have been badly served by years of district drama at the board level, and that years of languishing test scores require external intervention. White has proposed an oversight committee structure that would take control of the district’s major financial decisions, including the superintendent’s contract. The committee would be made up of Shelby County residents, which Republicans argue would amount to local intervention rather than a state takeover. But the committee would be handpicked by state Republican leaders at a time of increased tensions between state and locally elected Memphis officials. Takeover effort details are still unclear with just weeks left in the General Assembly session. White and Taylor say they need the results of an external financial audit to inform intervention plans, though both want an oversight committee that takes significant controls away from the local board.That audit was completed in mid-March, according to the Tennessee Comptroller’s office, and lawmakers have received private briefings on its details. But the office still has not set a date for its public release. Multiple legislators this week said they expect the audit to be released publicly next week. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican, last year favored an intervention effort with more input from local elected officials. But in recent weeks he has said the audit briefings revealed significant mismanagement and proved that oversight is necessary. Melissa Brown is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact Melissa atmbrown@chalkbeat.org.
15 minutes
For years, parents and advocates have argued that social media is detrimental to young people's mental health. This week, two juries agreed.
For years, parents and advocates have argued that social media is detrimental to young people's mental health. This week, two juries agreed.
15 minutes
For Sara Roldan and Brenda Lara, WonderCon is an opportunity to impart their passion for pop culture to a new audience.
For Sara Roldan and Brenda Lara, WonderCon is an opportunity to impart their passion for pop culture to a new audience.
17 minutes
With the notable exception of humans, most mammals give birth alone. But in July 2023, researchers in the Caribbean witnessed something extraordinary: sperm whales not only attending a birth but actively helping both mother and newborn. Some of the whales present were not even related to the mother, known as Rounder. “Kinship barriers dissolved,” notes […]
With the notable exception of humans, most mammals give birth alone. But in July 2023, researchers in the Caribbean witnessed something extraordinary: sperm whales not only attending a birth but actively helping both mother and newborn. Some of the whales present were not even related to the mother, known as Rounder. “Kinship barriers dissolved,” notes […]
19 minutes
La firma desembarca en nuestro país con precios que parten de 26.000 euros y un plan para lanzar nueve modelos en tres años No todos los días se asiste a la llegada de una nueva marca de automóviles a nuestro país, aunque es cierto que en los últimos tiempos esto se ha convertido casi en una costumbre. La última en llegar, oficialmente presentada este miércoles en los estudios de Netflix en Madrid, es Geely Auto, perteneciente al grupo de marcas ya establecidas en Asia que pretenden hacerse hueco en la mente de los consumidores europeos. Es muy probable que el nombre no te suene, pero sí lo hará alguna de sus marcas hermanas, donde destacan Volvo, Polestar, Smart o Lotus Cars. Todas ellas, junto a Geely Auto, forman parte de Geely Auto Group y, en última instancia, de la matriz Geely Holding Group. Nadie puede discutir su experiencia a la hora de crear coches de éxito. El modelo más vendido en China en 2025 lleva su sello, el Geely Galaxy Xingyuan, un utilitario eléctrico con 116 CV de potencia y batería de hasta 40,2 kWh del que se comercializaron medio millón de unidades el año pasado. Por ahora, este modelo, el más pequeño de la gama y que en otros mercados se comercializa como EX2, no está previsto que recale en España, si bien la marca ya ha adelantado que tiene planes para presentar hasta nueve modelos en nuestro mercado en los próximos tres años, por lo que no sería extraño verlo entre ellos. El Geely E5 es un SUV eléctrico de 218 CV. De momento, la ofensiva arranca con dos modelos con nombre y apellido. La estrategia en España seguirá una línea similar a la de otros países europeos donde ya está presente, como Italia o Reino Unido. Por un lado, ofrecerá el Geely E5, un SUV eléctrico de 218 CV con hasta 475 kilómetros de autonomía WLTP en su versión con batería de 68,4 kWh; también habrá una opción de acceso con una batería más pequeña, de 60,2 kWh. Admite carga rápida en corriente continua de hasta 100 kW, lo que permite pasar del 30 al 80% en unos 20 minutos. Pero el modelo del que se espera un mayor éxito es el híbrido enchufable Starray EM-i. Este tipo de vehículos vive un buen momento en España, puesto que combinan lo mejor de ambos mundos, con autonomías que superan los 1.000 kilómetros y sin depender exclusivamente de la batería en viajes largos. Y con los precios del combustible al alza, como todos sabemos. El Starray EM-i desarrolla una potencia combinada de 262 CV. El Starray EM-i combina un motor de combustión de alta eficiencia de 1,5 litros de cilindrada y 100 CV con un motor eléctrico de 160 kW (218 CV), alcanzando una potencia combinada de 262 CV. Ofrece dos opciones de batería, de 18,4 kWh y 29,8 kWh, que permiten recorrer un máximo de 136 km en modo eléctrico y contar con una autonomía combinada de 1.055 kilómetros. Las versiones con batería de mayor capacidad pueden recuperar desde el 30 al 80% de capacidad en 16 minutos, gracias a la carga rápida con corriente continua de hasta 60 kW. Oferta de lanzamiento La gama de ambos modelos de Geely se articula en tres niveles de acabado: Pro, Pro+ y Max+. El primero es la opción de acceso en los dos casos y la principal diferencia entre Pro y Pro+ se halla en la batería. Desde el nivel básico, se incluye un equipamiento amplio que comprende climatizador con bomba de calor, acceso y arranque sin llave, asientos delanteros eléctricos, calefactados y ventilados, instrumentación digital de 10,2 pulgadas, pantalla multimedia de 15,4“, llantas de 18” y carga bidireccional V2L para alimentar dispositivos externos. Interior de uno de los modelos con que Geely desembarca en España. Las versiones Max+ añaden techo panorámico, portón trasero de accionamiento eléctrico, asientos delanteros ventilados con función de masaje, head-up display, sensores de aparcamiento delanteros, equipo de sonido Flyme Sound con 16 altavoces y llantas de 19“. La oferta de lanzamiento, limitada a 1.000 unidades, del Geely Starray EM-i parte de 26.215 euros en su versión de acceso, un precio promocional que incluye las ayudas del Plan Auto+ y financiación a 0% TAE. Por su parte, con las mismas promociones, el Geely E5 se pone a la venta desde 27.485 euros. El listado de precios PVP (sin incluir promociones) de ambos modelos queda como sigue: Geely E5 Pro: 37.490 euros Geely E5 Pro+: 39.990 euros Geely E5 Max+: 41.990 euros Geely Starray EM-i Pro: 33.490 euros Geely Starray EM-i Pro+: 35.990 euros Geely Starray EM-i Max+: 37.990 euros Geely Auto ha anunciado la puesta en marcha de una red de 20 puntos de venta y servicio en España en estos primeros meses. Su idea es crecer rápidamente y alcanzar los 50 antes de que acabe el año, y llegar al centenar en 2027. La marca acompañará este despliegue con una garantía de ocho años o 200.000 kilómetros, tanto para el vehículo como para la batería. A esto se suma una estrategia logística apoyada en un sistema de doble almacén, con centros en Países Bajos y España para surtir las piezas de recambio que sean necesarias. Con ello, la nueva firma china asegura una amplia disponibilidad de componentes y entregas en un plazo de 24 horas.
La firma desembarca en nuestro país con precios que parten de 26.000 euros y un plan para lanzar nueve modelos en tres años No todos los días se asiste a la llegada de una nueva marca de automóviles a nuestro país, aunque es cierto que en los últimos tiempos esto se ha convertido casi en una costumbre. La última en llegar, oficialmente presentada este miércoles en los estudios de Netflix en Madrid, es Geely Auto, perteneciente al grupo de marcas ya establecidas en Asia que pretenden hacerse hueco en la mente de los consumidores europeos. Es muy probable que el nombre no te suene, pero sí lo hará alguna de sus marcas hermanas, donde destacan Volvo, Polestar, Smart o Lotus Cars. Todas ellas, junto a Geely Auto, forman parte de Geely Auto Group y, en última instancia, de la matriz Geely Holding Group. Nadie puede discutir su experiencia a la hora de crear coches de éxito. El modelo más vendido en China en 2025 lleva su sello, el Geely Galaxy Xingyuan, un utilitario eléctrico con 116 CV de potencia y batería de hasta 40,2 kWh del que se comercializaron medio millón de unidades el año pasado. Por ahora, este modelo, el más pequeño de la gama y que en otros mercados se comercializa como EX2, no está previsto que recale en España, si bien la marca ya ha adelantado que tiene planes para presentar hasta nueve modelos en nuestro mercado en los próximos tres años, por lo que no sería extraño verlo entre ellos. El Geely E5 es un SUV eléctrico de 218 CV. De momento, la ofensiva arranca con dos modelos con nombre y apellido. La estrategia en España seguirá una línea similar a la de otros países europeos donde ya está presente, como Italia o Reino Unido. Por un lado, ofrecerá el Geely E5, un SUV eléctrico de 218 CV con hasta 475 kilómetros de autonomía WLTP en su versión con batería de 68,4 kWh; también habrá una opción de acceso con una batería más pequeña, de 60,2 kWh. Admite carga rápida en corriente continua de hasta 100 kW, lo que permite pasar del 30 al 80% en unos 20 minutos. Pero el modelo del que se espera un mayor éxito es el híbrido enchufable Starray EM-i. Este tipo de vehículos vive un buen momento en España, puesto que combinan lo mejor de ambos mundos, con autonomías que superan los 1.000 kilómetros y sin depender exclusivamente de la batería en viajes largos. Y con los precios del combustible al alza, como todos sabemos. El Starray EM-i desarrolla una potencia combinada de 262 CV. El Starray EM-i combina un motor de combustión de alta eficiencia de 1,5 litros de cilindrada y 100 CV con un motor eléctrico de 160 kW (218 CV), alcanzando una potencia combinada de 262 CV. Ofrece dos opciones de batería, de 18,4 kWh y 29,8 kWh, que permiten recorrer un máximo de 136 km en modo eléctrico y contar con una autonomía combinada de 1.055 kilómetros. Las versiones con batería de mayor capacidad pueden recuperar desde el 30 al 80% de capacidad en 16 minutos, gracias a la carga rápida con corriente continua de hasta 60 kW. Oferta de lanzamiento La gama de ambos modelos de Geely se articula en tres niveles de acabado: Pro, Pro+ y Max+. El primero es la opción de acceso en los dos casos y la principal diferencia entre Pro y Pro+ se halla en la batería. Desde el nivel básico, se incluye un equipamiento amplio que comprende climatizador con bomba de calor, acceso y arranque sin llave, asientos delanteros eléctricos, calefactados y ventilados, instrumentación digital de 10,2 pulgadas, pantalla multimedia de 15,4“, llantas de 18” y carga bidireccional V2L para alimentar dispositivos externos. Interior de uno de los modelos con que Geely desembarca en España. Las versiones Max+ añaden techo panorámico, portón trasero de accionamiento eléctrico, asientos delanteros ventilados con función de masaje, head-up display, sensores de aparcamiento delanteros, equipo de sonido Flyme Sound con 16 altavoces y llantas de 19“. La oferta de lanzamiento, limitada a 1.000 unidades, del Geely Starray EM-i parte de 26.215 euros en su versión de acceso, un precio promocional que incluye las ayudas del Plan Auto+ y financiación a 0% TAE. Por su parte, con las mismas promociones, el Geely E5 se pone a la venta desde 27.485 euros. El listado de precios PVP (sin incluir promociones) de ambos modelos queda como sigue: Geely E5 Pro: 37.490 euros Geely E5 Pro+: 39.990 euros Geely E5 Max+: 41.990 euros Geely Starray EM-i Pro: 33.490 euros Geely Starray EM-i Pro+: 35.990 euros Geely Starray EM-i Max+: 37.990 euros Geely Auto ha anunciado la puesta en marcha de una red de 20 puntos de venta y servicio en España en estos primeros meses. Su idea es crecer rápidamente y alcanzar los 50 antes de que acabe el año, y llegar al centenar en 2027. La marca acompañará este despliegue con una garantía de ocho años o 200.000 kilómetros, tanto para el vehículo como para la batería. A esto se suma una estrategia logística apoyada en un sistema de doble almacén, con centros en Países Bajos y España para surtir las piezas de recambio que sean necesarias. Con ello, la nueva firma china asegura una amplia disponibilidad de componentes y entregas en un plazo de 24 horas.
21 minutes
A plan to overhaul higher education funding by tying state aid to enrollment squeaked through the Missouri House on Thursday and faces strong opposition in the state Senate. The spending bill that would cut funding for some state universities by 40% or more passed the House 83-66 as 21 Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. A […]
A plan to overhaul higher education funding by tying state aid to enrollment squeaked through the Missouri House on Thursday and faces strong opposition in the state Senate. The spending bill that would cut funding for some state universities by 40% or more passed the House 83-66 as 21 Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. A […]
21 minutes
رحل اليوم الفنان اللبناني أحمد قعبور عن عمر 71 عاماً، بعد معاناة مع مرض السرطان، تاركاً مسيرة فنية طويلة ارتبطت بالأغنية الملتزمة والقضية الفلسطينية. شكّل عام 1975، ولم يكن قعبور قد تجاوز العشرين عاماً، نقطة التحول في مسيرته، إذ قدم حينها تجربته الأولى في التلحين، حين لحّن وغنّى قصيدة "أناديكم"، وسجّلها بصحبة كورال لم يسبق […] The post غني للناس والجنوب وبيروت وفلسطين: وداعا أحمد قعبور appeared first on مجلة رمان الثقافية.
رحل اليوم الفنان اللبناني أحمد قعبور عن عمر 71 عاماً، بعد معاناة مع مرض السرطان، تاركاً مسيرة فنية طويلة ارتبطت بالأغنية الملتزمة والقضية الفلسطينية. شكّل عام 1975، ولم يكن قعبور قد تجاوز العشرين عاماً، نقطة التحول في مسيرته، إذ قدم حينها تجربته الأولى في التلحين، حين لحّن وغنّى قصيدة "أناديكم"، وسجّلها بصحبة كورال لم يسبق […] The post غني للناس والجنوب وبيروت وفلسطين: وداعا أحمد قعبور appeared first on مجلة رمان الثقافية.
22 minutes
The board governing Florida’s universities voted Thursday to remove sociology as a general education offering at the state’s public universities, leaving it available as an elective course. The decision, while not on the agenda for the meeting at University of West Florida, comes after state rulemakers and faculty tugged back and forth over what a […]
The board governing Florida’s universities voted Thursday to remove sociology as a general education offering at the state’s public universities, leaving it available as an elective course. The decision, while not on the agenda for the meeting at University of West Florida, comes after state rulemakers and faculty tugged back and forth over what a […]
24 minutes
Agriculture and environmental advocates say now is the “prime time” for Iowans to pressure state lawmakers to fund water quality monitoring that they say is essential for Iowans’ health and well-being. Iowa Environmental Council Water Program Director Colleen Fowle spoke with members of the Iowa Farmers Union Thursday about the importance of keeping Iowa’s water […]
Agriculture and environmental advocates say now is the “prime time” for Iowans to pressure state lawmakers to fund water quality monitoring that they say is essential for Iowans’ health and well-being. Iowa Environmental Council Water Program Director Colleen Fowle spoke with members of the Iowa Farmers Union Thursday about the importance of keeping Iowa’s water […]
24 minutes
Michigan’s participation in a nationwide medical licensure compact is secure after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a renewal bill into law on Thursday. Whitmer signed House Bill 5455, sponsored by state Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Wyandotte). Michigan joined the compact when the law was passed and signed during Whitmer’s first term, but the agreement had a sunset […]
Michigan’s participation in a nationwide medical licensure compact is secure after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a renewal bill into law on Thursday. Whitmer signed House Bill 5455, sponsored by state Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Wyandotte). Michigan joined the compact when the law was passed and signed during Whitmer’s first term, but the agreement had a sunset […]
24 minutes
C'est le « scandale sanitaire du XXIe siècle » : la pollution aux PFAS, aussi appelés « polluants éternels ». Jeudi 26 mars, un rapport scientifique de l'Agence européenne des produits chimiques, très attendu sur le sujet, préconise une « restriction large » de ces derniers par l'Union européenne, sauf « exceptions ciblées » quand il n'y a pas d'alternative.
24 minutes
C'est le « scandale sanitaire du XXIe siècle » : la pollution aux PFAS, aussi appelés « polluants éternels ». Jeudi 26 mars, un rapport scientifique de l'Agence européenne des produits chimiques, très attendu sur le sujet, préconise une « restriction large » de ces derniers par l'Union européenne, sauf « exceptions ciblées » quand il n'y a pas d'alternative.
26 minutes
Jovens relatam agressões, falta de água e comida e são levados à delegacia; defesa afirma que policiais atuaram sem câmeras corporais O conteúdo PM usa spray de pimenta contra estudantes em ocupação na Secretaria da Educação de SP Pode ser acessado em Ponte Jornalismo.
Jovens relatam agressões, falta de água e comida e são levados à delegacia; defesa afirma que policiais atuaram sem câmeras corporais O conteúdo PM usa spray de pimenta contra estudantes em ocupação na Secretaria da Educação de SP Pode ser acessado em Ponte Jornalismo.
26 minutes
پرزیدنت ترامپ: مقامات ایران با التماس به دنبال توافق با ما هستند
پرزیدنت ترامپ: مقامات ایران با التماس به دنبال توافق با ما هستند
27 minutes
Local demonstrations are planned across Southern California.
Local demonstrations are planned across Southern California.
27 minutes
Den svenska arkitektbyrån Krook & Tjäder invigde på torsdagen sin nya satsning på ett kontor i centrala Köpenhamn. Ansvarig för denna danska satsning är Tobias Magnesjö, kontorschef i Malmö. (News Øresund
Den svenska arkitektbyrån Krook & Tjäder invigde på torsdagen sin nya satsning på ett kontor i centrala Köpenhamn. Ansvarig för denna danska satsning är Tobias Magnesjö, kontorschef i Malmö. (News Øresund
28 minutes
Presidente venezuelano e a primeira-dama compareceram nesta quinta a uma corte em Nova York pela segunda vez Fonte
Presidente venezuelano e a primeira-dama compareceram nesta quinta a uma corte em Nova York pela segunda vez Fonte
29 minutes
Падзеі 27 сакавіка ў беларускай і сусьветнай гісторыі.
29 minutes
Падзеі 27 сакавіка ў беларускай і сусьветнай гісторыі.
30 minutes
(The Center Square) – Meta and YouTube are appealing a $6 million-plus ruling that held them liable for social media addiction. Meta Platforms Inc. is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. YouTube is a subsidiary of Google. YouTube and Google are owned by Alphabet Inc. Attorneys for a 20-year-old California woman identified only as K.G.M. or "Kaley" argued the social media platforms “caused severe mental health harm” to her during her preteen and teenage years. A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury agreed on Wednesday. Google spokesperson José Castañeda does not see it that way. "We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal,” Castañeda told The Center Square Thursday. “This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.” The verdict ordered Meta and Google to each pay more than $3 million in compensatory damages. Meta did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment. However, the company has issued statements to news outlets saying that “teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.” Mark Lanier, founder of The Lanier Law Firm and lead trial counsel representing K.G.M., said in a press release that the companies purposely “built digital spaces designed to negatively influence the brains of children.” The Center Square reached out to the plaintiff's attorney for comment, but did not hear back by press time. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified, as did Instagram head Adam Mosseri and psychiatrist Kara Bagot. “The evidence showed that Meta and YouTube knew their platforms were hooking children and harming their mental health, and instead of fixing the problem, they kept developing features to maximize the time kids spent on their apps,” said Lanier in a press release. Snapchat and TikTok were originally defendants in the case, but they each settled claims with the plaintiff before trial. Terms were not disclosed. Earlier this week, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million over child exploitation and user safety claims. Both rulings have been labeled “historic" by experts observing the lawsuits.
(The Center Square) – Meta and YouTube are appealing a $6 million-plus ruling that held them liable for social media addiction. Meta Platforms Inc. is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. YouTube is a subsidiary of Google. YouTube and Google are owned by Alphabet Inc. Attorneys for a 20-year-old California woman identified only as K.G.M. or "Kaley" argued the social media platforms “caused severe mental health harm” to her during her preteen and teenage years. A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury agreed on Wednesday. Google spokesperson José Castañeda does not see it that way. "We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal,” Castañeda told The Center Square Thursday. “This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.” The verdict ordered Meta and Google to each pay more than $3 million in compensatory damages. Meta did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment. However, the company has issued statements to news outlets saying that “teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.” Mark Lanier, founder of The Lanier Law Firm and lead trial counsel representing K.G.M., said in a press release that the companies purposely “built digital spaces designed to negatively influence the brains of children.” The Center Square reached out to the plaintiff's attorney for comment, but did not hear back by press time. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified, as did Instagram head Adam Mosseri and psychiatrist Kara Bagot. “The evidence showed that Meta and YouTube knew their platforms were hooking children and harming their mental health, and instead of fixing the problem, they kept developing features to maximize the time kids spent on their apps,” said Lanier in a press release. Snapchat and TikTok were originally defendants in the case, but they each settled claims with the plaintiff before trial. Terms were not disclosed. Earlier this week, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million over child exploitation and user safety claims. Both rulings have been labeled “historic" by experts observing the lawsuits.
30 minutes
(The Center Square) – A bill that would require Illinois workers to be provided more protections from excessive temperatures made progress in the state’s General Assembly this week. House Bill 3762, as amended, would require the Illinois Department of Labor to adopt extreme temperature safety standards for employers by the beginning of 2027, with enforcement beginning the following year. Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Edgar González Jr, D-Chicago, said he has worked with organized labor groups on the bill, but is waiting on industry interests to provide input for further changes. “I'm waiting on many many actors in industry to come with language, and some have told me that they're going to. So once I get a look at that, the plan would be to come back to committee,” González said. González did not initially agree to return to the committee with new amendments to the bill, saying it would depend on how much negotiation industry leaders are open to beyond having carve-outs. The bill would require employers when conditions are hot to provide water colder than 61 degrees, paid rest breaks with access to shade, either schedule modifications or task rotation to limit exposure, and access to personal protective equipment. When temperatures are too cold, employers must provide thermal protection and face coverings, mandatory warm-up breaks and either schedule modifications or task rotation to limit exposure. Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-St. Charles, said the bill’s scope was too large, which he emphasized by saying there is nothing that would prevent it from applying to professional sports teams. “Are we going to tell these sports teams that they have to stop something mid-game because Illinois has a law,” Ugaste said. “They've been playing these games for hundreds over 100 years” Representing the Chicago Workers Collective, Andrew Herrera testified in favor of the bill, and said the bill would not do what Ugaste implied. “Nothing in this bill would prohibit an employee from working if you cross a threshold. All it does is mandate that there be a plan in place to keep the workers safe,” Herrera said. “So in the case of MLB or any other major sports teams, those guys have rest breaks, they have water breaks, they have all kinds of things that are already in place to protect them.” The Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act was recommended for adoption by the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee upon agreement it would return fully amended, after having its second reading on the floor.
(The Center Square) – A bill that would require Illinois workers to be provided more protections from excessive temperatures made progress in the state’s General Assembly this week. House Bill 3762, as amended, would require the Illinois Department of Labor to adopt extreme temperature safety standards for employers by the beginning of 2027, with enforcement beginning the following year. Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Edgar González Jr, D-Chicago, said he has worked with organized labor groups on the bill, but is waiting on industry interests to provide input for further changes. “I'm waiting on many many actors in industry to come with language, and some have told me that they're going to. So once I get a look at that, the plan would be to come back to committee,” González said. González did not initially agree to return to the committee with new amendments to the bill, saying it would depend on how much negotiation industry leaders are open to beyond having carve-outs. The bill would require employers when conditions are hot to provide water colder than 61 degrees, paid rest breaks with access to shade, either schedule modifications or task rotation to limit exposure, and access to personal protective equipment. When temperatures are too cold, employers must provide thermal protection and face coverings, mandatory warm-up breaks and either schedule modifications or task rotation to limit exposure. Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-St. Charles, said the bill’s scope was too large, which he emphasized by saying there is nothing that would prevent it from applying to professional sports teams. “Are we going to tell these sports teams that they have to stop something mid-game because Illinois has a law,” Ugaste said. “They've been playing these games for hundreds over 100 years” Representing the Chicago Workers Collective, Andrew Herrera testified in favor of the bill, and said the bill would not do what Ugaste implied. “Nothing in this bill would prohibit an employee from working if you cross a threshold. All it does is mandate that there be a plan in place to keep the workers safe,” Herrera said. “So in the case of MLB or any other major sports teams, those guys have rest breaks, they have water breaks, they have all kinds of things that are already in place to protect them.” The Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act was recommended for adoption by the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee upon agreement it would return fully amended, after having its second reading on the floor.
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Dr. W. Paul Bowman has worked in the blood cancer space for 50 years.
Dr. W. Paul Bowman has worked in the blood cancer space for 50 years.