Mark Zuckerberg is taking the stand as social media goes on trial

This article reports on the testimony of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a major Los Angeles trial where parents who lost their children due to alleged social media harms are seeking accountability. The trial centers on the design of social media platforms, particularly Instagram, and their impact on young users' mental health. Parents, including Lori Schott and Julianna Arnold, have made it a mission to be present during the trial, hoping Zuckerberg will see their faces and understand the consequences of his company's actions.

FDA reverses surprise rejection of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine - Ars Technica

Score one for intelligence prevailing!

Shia LaBeouf Gets Beaten Up Outside A New Orleans Bar

Russian journalist uncovers Putin’s secret stake in Kremlin-backed super app MAX

Independent investigative journalist Andrey Zakharov claims that a relative of Vladimir Putin owns a stake in the Russian tech giant VK, which in turn owns the new state-backed 'everything app' MAX.

High IQ men tend to be less conservative than their average peers, study finds

This study challenges the stereotype of highly intelligent individuals having radical political views. It finds that gifted adults largely share similar political outlooks as their non-gifted peers, with the exception that high IQ men tend to be less conservative than their average peers. The research, based on a 35-year longitudinal study, suggests that gifted men may possess greater cognitive flexibility, allowing them to process diverse perspectives more easily and be less inclined to adhere to rigid traditional norms.

A Romanian man was arrested after an unusual incident at a supermarket in Italy — public spaces can hold unexpected events.

A 47-year-old homeless Romanian man was arrested for attempting to kidnap an 18-month-old girl in a Bergamo supermarket. The child suffered a fractured femur during the attack, but her father and bystanders intervened, preventing further harm. The suspect, who has no prior criminal record, is facing charges of attempted aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump warned “my friends will get hurt” as she pushed for Epstein files release

Marjorie Taylor Greene claims President Trump warned her that 'my friends will get hurt' when she pushed for the release of Epstein-related files. She alleges that she and three other Republicans faced pressure from the White House to back off from the discharge petition.

UN Panel Says Epstein Files Point to ‘Crimes Against Humanity’

A UN panel of independent experts has found that the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein suggest the existence of a global criminal enterprise that may meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity, citing systematic and widespread sexual abuse, human trafficking and exploitation of women and girls.

Cuban-American Voters Who Supported Hardline Immigration Policies Are Now Seeing Family Members Detained

Cuban-American voters in Florida are grappling with the consequences of hardline immigration policies, as family members face detention and deportation. Former President Trump's sanctions and oil cuts have exacerbated economic hardships in Cuba, leading to strained family relations and community unease.

Social media addiction trial: Mark Zuckerberg says increasing engagement on Instagram is not a company goal and that Meta removes underage users it identifies

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a social media safety trial, addressing concerns about Instagram's beauty filters and the platform's impact on young users. Zuckerberg stated that the company consulted with stakeholders about the beauty filters but did not name them. He acknowledged the negative effects of these filters, particularly on teenage girls, but emphasized the importance of free expression. The trial, likened to the 'Big Tobacco' moment for the industry, centers on allegations that Meta and other social media companies misled the public about the safety of their services and knowingly caused mental health harms to young users.

Fact Check Team: Unauthorized biolabs sprouting up in the US

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., is warning that illicit biolabs on U.S. soil that the FBI says are linked to Chinese nationals could represent a serious national security threat, and may be an effort by Beijing to infect a "patient zero" for the

Trump administration to investigate Portland’s Center for Black Student Excellence - oregonlive.com

It’s worth noting the deep irony of this action in the state where it was illegal to be in Oregon while Black until 1926…

FSU Turns to Banana Ball to Boost Revenue Amid Debt Woes

Florida State University (FSU) is planning to host the Savannah Bananas' Banana Ball event at Doak Campbell Stadium on February 28, 2026, as part of its effort to generate additional revenue during the offseason. The university is facing significant financial pressure, with total institutional debt at $617 million and athletic spending reaching $208.2 million in 2025. The Banana Ball event, which features a fast-paced version of baseball with unique rules and entertainment, is expected to draw large crowds and generate revenue through ticket sales, alcohol sales, and luxury suite income. If the event is successful, FSU may consider hosting additional Banana Ball games in the future.

[FLORIDA MAN] U.S. Asks Canada And Mexico For Help With Tourism After One State Is Hit By Human Rights Travel Warning Ahead Of FIFA World Cup - AOL

A new bill, the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, aims to improve U.S.-Canada-Mexico cooperation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, concerns over human rights violations in Florida and travel restrictions have led to a decline in overseas travelers. Canadian visits to the U.S. have also dropped by over 26% in October compared to the previous year.

Video: How do young adults get their news? | Pew Research Center

I work with students in this age range. I believe this checks out.

Allegations in Epstein files may amount to 'crimes against humanity,' UN experts say

Shia LaBeouf Finds Reinvention in New Orleans

Shia LaBeouf begins a reflective new chapter in New Orleans, embracing faith, artistic growth, and a quieter life away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Read more > https://url-shortener.me/DBAA

DOJ Epstein Files Letter Names Presidents and Celebrities — Rep. Khanna Says It 'Muddies the Waters' | IBTimes UK

The Justice Department has sparked a political firestorm after releasing a list of prominent figures—from former presidents to icons like Princess Diana—found within millions of Jeffrey Epstein's records.

SpaceX Might Be Getting Into Weaponry Now

SpaceX, known for its rockets and Starlink, is reportedly entering a $100 million competition to develop voice-controlled, AI-enabled drone swarms for the U.S. Department of Defense. This move, if confirmed, would mark SpaceX's first venture into weaponry, leveraging its subsidiary xAI, which has received $200 million for integrating its chatbot Grok into military networks. The competition is run by the Defense Innovation Unit and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group, reflecting the Pentagon's focus on advancing drone technology in modern warfare.

Zoho hits 1 million customers at 30 years old

Zoho Corporation celebrates its 30th anniversary with 1 million paying customers and 150 million users, showing resilience in a bootstrapped, privately held SaaS model. Despite industry trends towards venture capital and AI integration, Zoho maintains a focus on long-term customer value and practical AI use cases. Its broad suite of tools offers an affordable, integrated alternative to larger competitors, appealing to small and midsize businesses. The real question moving forward is whether Zoho can maintain its growth trajectory in an increasingly AI-driven market.

Estonia Warns It Will Take War Deep Into Russia if Moscow Invades — Fear of Wider Conflict | IBTimes UK

In a firm dismissal of claims branding Estonia a 'weak link' in Europe, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has outlined a bold new era for national security.

YouTube is down globally

This live status page reports on current issues with YouTube, including slow performance and login problems, based on user reports from various countries. The page also provides information on the total downtime and the resolution of issues.

US DHS reportedly demanded personal information about ICE critics from Discord, Reddit, Google, and Meta— 3 platforms have complied

The US Department of Homeland Security has reportedly issued hundreds of subpoenas to major online platforms, including Google, Reddit, Discord, and Meta, to obtain personal information of individuals who criticize ICE. According to anonymous sources, the subpoenas requested names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and other identifying data. Google, Meta, and Reddit have reportedly complied with some of the requests, while Discord has not yet commented.