Tag: United States

A major social media addiction trial has started in California, where Instagram and YouTube face serious claims about their impact on children’s mental health. Lawyers for the plaintiff say the world’s largest tech companies built platforms that hook young users on purpose. The case centers on a girl identified as K.G.M., also called Kaley G.M., who says she developed mental health problems because of her addiction to social media. Her initials are used because the alleged harm happened when she was a minor. Lawyers Claim Platforms Were Designed to Hook Children During opening statements in Los Angeles Superior Court, attorney Mark Lanier argued that Meta and YouTube created systems that target children’s brains. He told the jury that the companies designed features to keep kids online for longer periods. To make his point, he placed children’s blocks in front of him labeled with words like “Addicting,” “Brains,” and “Children.” Lanier also presented internal company emails. In one 2015 email shown in court, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly pushed for a 12% increase in time spent on the platform to meet business goals. Lanier claimed YouTube targeted young users because advertisers pay more to reach them. He also accused the platform of acting as a “digital babysitter” for busy parents. According to the lawsuit, both companies failed to warn families about the potential mental health risks linked to their platform designs. Defense Says Other Factors Caused Mental Health Struggles Lawyers for Meta and YouTube rejected the claims. Meta’s attorney, Paul Schmidt, argued that Instagram was not a key factor in K.G.M.’s mental health challenges. He told the jury that she experienced family neglect, verbal abuse, and domestic violence long before using social media. Court records show she began therapy at the age of three. Schmidt displayed statements in which K.G.M. described her mother yelling at her and calling her hurtful names. He urged jurors to consider her home environment when assessing her psychological distress. The companies also argue that federal law protects them from liability for content posted by third parties. Trial Could Shape Future Social Media Lawsuits The six-week trial could influence thousands of similar cases across the United States. Families, school districts, and state prosecutors have filed lawsuits claiming social media platforms harm young users. In a separate case, 29 state attorneys general asked a federal judge to order Meta to remove accounts belonging to children under 13. They also want the company to delete data collected from those users and remove algorithms built on that information. Eighteen of those states also requested limits on school-time and late-night usage. They asked the court to disable features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and beauty filters. Meta says it has introduced safety measures for teen accounts, including stronger content filters. However, state officials argue these changes offer limited protection. Over the coming weeks, the court will hear from expert witnesses, former employees, and top executives, including Zuckerberg, Instagram head Adam Mosseri, and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. Snapchat’s parent company Snap and TikTok have already settled with K.G.M. and are no longer part of the case. The outcome may set a financial benchmark for future lawsuits and reshape how social media companies design their platforms for young users.
Business

Instagram and YouTube Addiction Trial Begins in California Court

A major social media addiction trial has started in California, where Instagram…

Back to Oil and Gas The company is refocusing on oil and gas operations, moving away from renewable energy projects. Meg O'Neill, former head of Woodside Energy, will become the first woman to lead a major global oil firm in April. She is expected to continue this strategy. Carol Howle, BP’s interim CEO, said O'Neill’s leadership will help make BP simpler, stronger, and more valuable. Ramped-Up Cost-Cutting BP now aims to save $5.5 billion–$6.5 billion by the end of 2027, up from the previous target of $5 billion. The company also sold a 65% stake in its Castrol business. Analysts praised BP’s decisive steps, including halting the buyback, selling non-core assets, and increasing structural cost savings. BP currently carries $22 billion in debt. Its fourth-quarter profits fell 30% to $1.54 billion, as Brent crude fell below $60 per barrel for the first time in over four years. Shareholders Question Strategy BP’s profits have now declined three years in a row, after peaking at $27.7 billion in 2022. Rival Shell also reported a 22% drop in annual earnings. Some shareholders are questioning BP’s renewed focus on oil and gas. Pension funds filed a resolution for the April AGM, asking whether upstream investments—exploration and extraction—will deliver the best returns. Critics note that upstream operations caused 75% of disposal losses and impairments since 2020. Leadership Challenges Previous CEO Murray Auchincloss stepped down after less than two years, replacing Bernard Looney, who was dismissed in 2023 over undisclosed workplace relationships. Cornelia Meyer, former BP executive, praised O'Neill’s record. “She’s an oil woman, not a renewables woman,” Meyer said. “If anyone can revive BP’s fortunes, she probably can.”
Business

BP Boosts Cost-Cutting Efforts as Profits Fall

Back to Oil and GasThe company is refocusing on oil and gas…

US consumer spending stalled in December, reflecting cautious consumer behavior amid inflation and slower wage growth.
Business

US Consumer Spending Slows in December, Raising Economic Concerns

US Retail Sales Flat During December Holidays Retail sales in the US…

Itoje Back in Starting XV England captain Maro Itoje is back in the starting lineup for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Scotland in Edinburgh. Itoje, who came off the bench in England’s 48-7 win over Wales, will start in the second row. Luke Cowan-Dickie starts at hooker, while Jamie George, who captained England in Itoje’s absence, is among the replacements. Fly-half Fin Smith also joins the bench, replacing Marcus Smith. England Aim to Retain the Calcutta Cup After four consecutive losses to Scotland between 2021 and 2024, England reclaimed the Calcutta Cup with a narrow 16-15 victory in London last year. Head coach Steve Borthwick praised Scotland’s strength and talent, highlighting their dangerous backline, including Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn, and Duhan van der Merwe. Borthwick said, “Scotland are a top-quality side. If they bring their phase game, our defence has to be perfect.” Team Changes and Key Players Up until last weekend, Itoje had started every England Six Nations game since 2020. He missed the start of training camp in Girona to attend his mother’s funeral in Nigeria and played as a second-half substitute against Wales. He will partner fellow Lion Ollie Chessum at lock, with Alex Coles on the bench. England’s backline remains unchanged. Henry Arundell keeps his place on the left wing after a first-half hat-trick against Wales. Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman continue in midfield despite Ollie Lawrence being available. Tom Roebuck starts on the right wing after scoring on his return, with Freddie Steward at full-back and George Ford and Alex Mitchell as the half-back pairing. England Team vs Scotland: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Chessum, Itoje, Pepper, Underhill, Earl. Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pollock, T Curry, Spencer, F Smith England Focused on Murrayfield Despite a 12-match winning streak, England aim to break a six-year drought at Murrayfield. Number eight Ben Earl emphasized the team’s focus on reversing past failures rather than looking ahead to Paris. Earl said, “No one is talking about Paris in our camp. We have got to right some wrongs.” Freddie Steward’s Comeback Full-back Freddie Steward relishes the trip to Scotland after being dropped in 2024 in favour of George Furbank. He admitted the experience taught him resilience and maturity. With Furbank facing injuries, Steward has reclaimed the No 15 shirt, having previously appeared in 28 consecutive Tests and featuring in summer and autumn tours.
Sports

Maro Itoje Returns as England Prepare for Six Nations Clash Against Scotland

Itoje Back in Starting XV England captain Maro Itoje is back in…

Mum is still out there - Savannah Guthrie issues new plea as ransom deadline passes (1)
News

Savannah Guthrie Appeals for Help as Mother’s Ransom Deadline Passes

Family Holds Out Hope for Nancy Guthrie’s Safe Return US news presenter…

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Between US and Canada
PoliticsTravel

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Between US and Canada

Trump Threatens Bridge Opening Former President Donald Trump has threatened to block…

Trump world order and Europe defence
PoliticsUnited States

Trump’s World Order Pressures Europe Ahead of Munich Security Conference

A Turning Point for Europe and the US One year ago, US…

US lawmakers accuse justice department of inappropriately redacting Epstein files
Crime and JusticeNewsUnited States

US Lawmakers Question Justice Department Over Epstein File Redactions

Lawmakers Challenge DOJ Over Epstein File Redactions US lawmakers have accused the…

Target Cuts 500 Jobs as It Refocuses on Store Growth Target has announced it will cut around 500 jobs across its regional offices and distribution centers in the United States. The company says this move will help it invest more money and resources directly into its stores. Executives shared the decision with employees through an internal email on Monday. The company believes these changes will allow it to strengthen store operations and attract more customers. Reorganization Aims to Boost Store Staffing Along with the job cuts, Target is reorganizing its geographic store districts. Leaders say this step will free up resources so the company can increase staffing levels in stores where support is needed most. Management plans to add more labor hours and provide new training focused on improving the overall guest experience. Company leaders say enhancing in store service remains a top priority for future growth. New CEO Begins Strategic Changes These changes mark one of the first major decisions by Target’s new chief executive, Michael Fiddelke. He took over leadership last year as the retailer struggled with stagnant sales that have lasted more than four years. The latest cuts follow an earlier round of layoffs announced in October. At that time, Target eliminated about 1,800 corporate positions, which represented roughly eight percent of its global corporate workforce. Although this round is smaller, it shows that the company continues to shift investments away from corporate roles and toward store level improvements. Retail Challenges Continue Target has long built its brand on affordable fashion, groceries, home products, electronics, and toys. However, recent economic pressure has changed customer spending habits. Many shoppers now limit purchases to essentials and avoid non essential items such as clothing and electronics. These categories make up nearly half of Target’s total sales. The company has also dealt with supply chain shortages and public criticism over its decision to end diversity, equity, and inclusion targets. In addition, recent immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis created internal tension. Last month, authorities detained two workers inside a suburban Minneapolis Target store. After the incident, more than 300 employees signed a letter urging company leaders to take action and address concerns about enforcement activity on store property. A Push to Win Back Customers Target now hopes that stronger store staffing, better training, and improved customer service will help rebuild momentum. Leadership believes that investing directly in stores can restore growth and bring shoppers back through the doors. The company has not yet shared full details about how much it plans to invest in store improvements. However, the direction is clear. Target wants to strengthen the in store experience as competition in retail continues to grow.
Business

Target Cuts 500 Jobs to Invest More in Stores and Improve Customer Experience

Target Cuts 500 Jobs as It Refocuses on Store Growth Target has…

Terminally Ill Man Denied Toilet Access at Iceland Store in Liverpool
Business

Terminally Ill Man Denied Toilet Access at Iceland Store in Liverpool

A 63 year old man with terminal bladder cancer says he felt…

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