# data[].attributes.body
New Mexico has become the first state in the U.S. to offer universal free childcare to all of its residents regardless of their income. This is an initiative put into place by Governer Michelle Lejan Grisham, and set to begin in November, which builds off previous efforts to reduce childcare costs. The goals of this initiative are to provide financial relief to families, boost the state’s economy, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, saving families $12,000 annually. With a budget of around $1 billion, improvements for child care facilities, potential staff raises, a loan fun for facility reconstruction, and recruitment campaign for home-based providers. There are concerns for the strains on the child care system and sustainability, but this marks a significant step toward accessible and affordable child care, potentially influencing other states to follow suit.

I think this topic is relevant because there are many policies, like the tariffs, budget cuts, etc., that make it hard for the average American to comfortably live. This will help so many families de-stress about something that I think the government should have been providing to the people. It is unfair for parents to worry about this kind of issue because they obviously want the best conditions for their children, but the lack of access and resources makes it extremely difficult. I truly hope that this influences other states to follow suit and invest in the future of our children. Our country is only as good as the people who live in it, so why not provide them with experiences that will enhance their childhood. This could potentially change the course of society because it seems as if America is starting to become more family oriented  rather than business and financial oriented. With New York’s Governor Hochul’s cell-phone ban, I feel like we can already see leaders focusing more on the well-being of our children. With more access to child care, I can predict that there will be happier homes due to parents having to worry less about financial burdens, because no matter how much they try to hide household issues, kids can still sense there is something going on. Some people say that money leads to happiness, and saving $12,000 annually just in child care will definitely make many parent happy so they can invest their time and money into other things.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Mexico is the first state to promise free child care for all families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New Mexico’s governor plans to leverage a financial windfall from oil and gas production to bankroll free child care for families of all income levels.

# data[].attributes.body
New Mexico has become the first state in the U.S. to offer universal free childcare to all of its residents regardless of their income. This is an initiative put into place by Governer Michelle Lejan Grisham, and set to begin in November, which builds off previous efforts to reduce childcare costs. The goals of this initiative are to provide financial relief to families, boost the state’s economy, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, saving families $12,000 annually. With a budget of around $1 billion, improvements for child care facilities, potential staff raises, a loan fun for facility reconstruction, and recruitment campaign for home-based providers. There are concerns for the strains on the child care system and sustainability, but this marks a significant step toward accessible and affordable child care, potentially influencing other states to follow suit.

I think this topic is relevant because there are many policies, like the tariffs, budget cuts, etc., that make it hard for the average American to comfortably live. This will help so many families de-stress about something that I think the government should have been providing to the people. It is unfair for parents to worry about this kind of issue because they obviously want the best conditions for their children, but the lack of access and resources makes it extremely difficult. I truly hope that this influences other states to follow suit and invest in the future of our children. Our country is only as good as the people who live in it, so why not provide them with experiences that will enhance their childhood. This could potentially change the course of society because it seems as if America is starting to become more family oriented  rather than business and financial oriented. With New York’s Governor Hochul’s cell-phone ban, I feel like we can already see leaders focusing more on the well-being of our children. With more access to child care, I can predict that there will be happier homes due to parents having to worry less about financial burdens, because no matter how much they try to hide household issues, kids can still sense there is something going on. Some people say that money leads to happiness, and saving $12,000 annually just in child care will definitely make many parent happy so they can invest their time and money into other things.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Mexico is the first state to promise free child care for all families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New Mexico’s governor plans to leverage a financial windfall from oil and gas production to bankroll free child care for families of all income levels.

# data[].attributes.body
New Mexico has become the first state in the U.S. to offer universal free childcare to all of its residents regardless of their income. This is an initiative put into place by Governer Michelle Lejan Grisham, and set to begin in November, which builds off previous efforts to reduce childcare costs. The goals of this initiative are to provide financial relief to families, boost the state’s economy, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, saving families $12,000 annually. With a budget of around $1 billion, improvements for child care facilities, potential staff raises, a loan fun for facility reconstruction, and recruitment campaign for home-based providers. There are concerns for the strains on the child care system and sustainability, but this marks a significant step toward accessible and affordable child care, potentially influencing other states to follow suit.

I think this topic is relevant because there are many policies, like the tariffs, budget cuts, etc., that make it hard for the average American to comfortably live. This will help so many families de-stress about something that I think the government should have been providing to the people. It is unfair for parents to worry about this kind of issue because they obviously want the best conditions for their children, but the lack of access and resources makes it extremely difficult. I truly hope that this influences other states to follow suit and invest in the future of our children. Our country is only as good as the people who live in it, so why not provide them with experiences that will enhance their childhood. This could potentially change the course of society because it seems as if America is starting to become more family oriented  rather than business and financial oriented. With New York’s Governor Hochul’s cell-phone ban, I feel like we can already see leaders focusing more on the well-being of our children. With more access to child care, I can predict that there will be happier homes due to parents having to worry less about financial burdens, because no matter how much they try to hide household issues, kids can still sense there is something going on. Some people say that money leads to happiness, and saving $12,000 annually just in child care will definitely make many parent happy so they can invest their time and money into other things.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Mexico is the first state to promise free child care for all families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New Mexico’s governor plans to leverage a financial windfall from oil and gas production to bankroll free child care for families of all income levels.

# data[].attributes.body
New Mexico has become the first state in the U.S. to offer universal free childcare to all of its residents regardless of their income. This is an initiative put into place by Governer Michelle Lejan Grisham, and set to begin in November, which builds off previous efforts to reduce childcare costs. The goals of this initiative are to provide financial relief to families, boost the state’s economy, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, saving families $12,000 annually. With a budget of around $1 billion, improvements for child care facilities, potential staff raises, a loan fun for facility reconstruction, and recruitment campaign for home-based providers. There are concerns for the strains on the child care system and sustainability, but this marks a significant step toward accessible and affordable child care, potentially influencing other states to follow suit.

I think this topic is relevant because there are many policies, like the tariffs, budget cuts, etc., that make it hard for the average American to comfortably live. This will help so many families de-stress about something that I think the government should have been providing to the people. It is unfair for parents to worry about this kind of issue because they obviously want the best conditions for their children, but the lack of access and resources makes it extremely difficult. I truly hope that this influences other states to follow suit and invest in the future of our children. Our country is only as good as the people who live in it, so why not provide them with experiences that will enhance their childhood. This could potentially change the course of society because it seems as if America is starting to become more family oriented  rather than business and financial oriented. With New York’s Governor Hochul’s cell-phone ban, I feel like we can already see leaders focusing more on the well-being of our children. With more access to child care, I can predict that there will be happier homes due to parents having to worry less about financial burdens, because no matter how much they try to hide household issues, kids can still sense there is something going on. Some people say that money leads to happiness, and saving $12,000 annually just in child care will definitely make many parent happy so they can invest their time and money into other things.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Mexico is the first state to promise free child care for all families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New Mexico’s governor plans to leverage a financial windfall from oil and gas production to bankroll free child care for families of all income levels.

# data[].attributes.body
Riek Machar is charged with treason and crimes against humanity which consisted of the deaths of 250 soldiers and a military general. These events came from a civil war that lasted 5 years until ending in 2018 with the world's newest country being born. The victim count from the civil war was approximately 400,000 and this kept bad relations with Machar and Kiir. ¨ With a peace deal in 2018 confirmed that ended a conflict that took the lives of over 400,000 people.¨ Machar was charged along with seven others but 13 are still at large. While his spokesperson commented that this crisis by Kiir's allies was a fabrication designed to break the peace deal that was established to stop the mass killings. ¨The spokesperson of Machar spoke out saying that the crisis was fabricated by kiir supporters, the intention to keep the civil war going¨. With a peace deal in 2018 confirmed that ended a conflict that took the lives of over 400,000 people.

Its relevance in today's society is to show that the world around us is changing and other countries have major political instability compared to our own. With many countries on the brink of war as well as on the backfoot this is showing some of the other conflicts that while smaller and more condensed still have serious ramifications to human life. The significance of South Sudan to the world is its oil and unchanged/underdeveloped landscape. As this is invaluable to the rest of the world that at the moment is being blocked because of the internal civil war and conflict of the newly established country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Riek Machar: South Sudan vice-president charged with murder and treason

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The roads leading to Riek Machar’s house are blocked by tanks and soldiers, amid fears of renewed fighting.

# data[].attributes.body
Recently, the FTC, the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission looked into seven tech companies: Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta, and Instagram to examine how their chatbots interact with children, asking how the companies are monetizing chatbots while ensuring safeguards for younger users. This investigation began because of rising concerns, lawsuits, and reports of forms of harm, where teens died after long conversations with these chatbots.

FTC chairman, Andrew Ferguson, explained that the investigation is used to better understand how AI products are developed and what actions are being taken to protect children.

OpenAI admitted that their protections tend to be weaker in longer conversations and has promised to review lawsuits linked to harm.

Meta was criticized after reports showed Meta’s guidelines once allowed AI chatbots to have romantic or sensual interactions with minors.

This investigation is important and relevant, because AI chatbots are on the rise, along with many other kinds of AI with their different uses, and especially on children, who are vulnerable to their human-like responses. The FTC’s actions could influence how AI is regulated in the future and how companies balance profit with ethics.

This investigation points out the possible flaws and dangers of AI, not even for just children but also for adults too. Pointing out the need for safeguards, a clearer picture, and ethical AI development, as the world uses these kinds of tech more and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Seven technology companies are being probed by a US regulator over the way their artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots interact with children.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is requesting information on how the companies monetise these products and if they have safety measures in place.

The impacts of AI chatbots to children is a hot topic, with concerns that younger people are particularly vulnerable due to the AI being able to mimic human conversations and emotions, often presenting themselves as friends.

The seven companies - Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta and its subsidiary Instagram - have been approached for comment.

FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said the inquiry will "help us better understand how AI firms are developing their products and the steps they are taking to protect children."

But he added the regulator would ensure that "the United States maintains its role as a global leader in this new and exciting industry."

Character.ai told Reuters it welcomed the chance to share insight with regulators, while Snap said it supported "thoughtful development" of AI that balances innovation with safety.

OpenAI has acknowledged weaknesses in its protections, noting they are less reliable in long conversations.

The move follows lawsuits against AI companies by families who say their teenage children died by suicide after prolonged conversations with chatbots.

In California, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine are suing OpenAI over his death, alleging its chatbot, ChatGPT, encouraged him to take his own life.

They argue ChatGPT validated his "most harmful and self-destructive thoughts".

OpenAI said in August that it was reviewing the filing.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time," the company said.

Meta has also faced criticism after it was revealed internal guidelines once permitted AI companions to have "romantic or sensual" conversations with minors.

The FTC's orders request information from the companies about their practices including how they develop and approve characters, measure their impacts on children and enforce age restrictions.

Its authority allows broad fact-finding without launching enforcement action.

The regulator says it also wants to understand how firms balance profit-making with safeguards, how parents are informed and whether vulnerable users are adequately protected.

Vulnerable users

The risks with AI chatbots also extend beyond children.

In August, Reuters reported on a 76-year-old man with cognitive impairments, who died after falling on his way to meet a Facebook Messenger AI bot modelled on Kendall Jenner, which had promised him a "real" encounter in New York.

Clinicians also warn of "AI psychosis" - where someone loses touch with reality after intense use of chatbots.

Experts say flattery and agreement built into large language models can fuel such delusions.

OpenAI recently made changes to ChatGPT, in an attempt to promote a healthier relationship between the chatbot and its users.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Safety of AI chatbots for children and teens faces US inquiry

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Federal Trade Commission is probing seven tech companies including Snap, Meta, OpenAI and XAI.

# data[].attributes.body
President Trump series of strong executive orders and related actions to tighten immigration enforcement, increase border security, and limit certain protections for immigrants across U.S. southern borders. He believes this is important to protect national security.

In January 20, 2025

order that  aims to ban birthright citizenship so that kids who were  born in the U.S. to parents who are not citizens or  residents can not automatically become citizens.

The orders seek to expand expedited removal and deny public benefits to immigrants who are unlawfully present.

Some these actions raised questions regarding banning birthright citizenship, considering birthright citizenship via the 14th Amendment.

Executive order Increased fear, potential for more deportations, less access to benefits

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting The American People Against Invasion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PROTECTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AGAINST INVASION By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of

# data[].attributes.headline
Robot powered by the same machine as ChatGPT performs surgery without human help!

# data[].attributes.subject
Robot powered by the same machine as ChatGPT performs surgery without human help!

# data[].attributes.body
During July of this year, huge breakthroughs in medical technology were made. A robot performed a realistic surgery without any human assistance. The robot learned through watching videos of surgeries and performed the removal of a gallbladder without any human help. It operated on a lifelike patient and it was federally funded. Led by John Hopkins University, the robot was built with the same kind of machine that powers ChatGPT. Just three years ago, they attempted something similar on a live animal. Plenty of human help was needed to instruct and help the robot through the procedure. The new innovative robot is now able to learn surgical tasks in mere seconds. Although the procedure took the robot more time, the results were that of a highly trained surgeon. However, the team who put this into motion is not finished. They plan on creating more models of such robots and hope to perform a complete autonomous surgery in the future.

This breakthrough is relevant for a variety of reasons. For instance, people in the medical field have always been confident that their jobs could never be replaced by Ai. According to the current innovations, surgeons and doctors could soon be out of jobs. Since robots are less likely to make mistakes under pressure, they might be favored in the medical world. Robots are also completely sterile with no body fluids to contaminate the environment. Robots don't feel emotions so they are more reliable in stressful situations where a patient could lose their life. This is extremely relevant to me personally because I plan on going into the medical field and seeing that robots are being integrated into the workplace frightens me. Potentially not being able to go for my dream line of work because of artificial intelligence is disturbing.

These innovations in medical technology are incredibly significant. Robots taking over the medical field is significant to not just doctors, but to patients as well. Many might be disturbed by artificial intelligence treating their injuries, many might think it’s proof of technological evolution, many might not think anything at all. Some people might feel troubled about a robot caring for them. People could begin avoiding doctors visits, medical procedures, or even regular check ups leading to complications and issues in their health. Many people, such as myself, live in fear of Ai taking over. I believe that the integration of artificial intelligence into the medical workplace is a sign of just how powerful Ai is becoming.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Robot performs first realistic surgery without human help

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In work led by Johns Hopkins researchers, the robot performed unflappably across trials and with the expertise of a skilled human surgeon, even during unexpected scenarios typical in real life medical emergencies

# data[].attributes.body
The North Korean government is The North Korean government is increasingly implementing the death penalty, including for people caught watching and sharing foreign films and TV dramas.The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that if this situation continued, North Koreans "will be subjected to more of the suffering, brutal repression and fear that they have endured for so longThe report, which is based on more than 300 interviews with people who escaped from North Korea in the past 10 years, found that the death penalty is being used more often.Kang Gyuri, who escaped in 2023, told the BBC that three of her friends were executed after being caught with South Korean content.In the early days of Kim Jong Un, we had some hope, but that hope did not last long," said one young woman who escaped in 2018 at the age of 17.There’s a lot of government in different countries is taking away peoples right in different way,the Significance of this is because no where else in the world people is facing the same situation as the people in North Korean.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
North Korea executing more people for watching foreign films and TV, UN finds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The report is based on more than 300 interviews with escapees from Kim Jong Un’s secretive regime.

# data[].attributes.body
The Trump administration moves to remove gender affirming surgery or any physical medical having to do with the transgender youth for workers and their families. Some people think it is unlawful and discriminating against people for their gender and sexual orientation while the administration issued an executive order outright rejecting the validity of transgender identity in the law. Trump administration labeling the youths access to gender affirming surgery or anything related to transgender medical needs as child abuse and if attempting to ban it. This is a part of a broader goal of the trump administrations to cut back on transgender rights all together. This is relevant because this is technically a way to be discriminatory against transgender people which goes against the 14th amendment. the significance is that this is just another thing that he is doing that is "ruining" our country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Yasemin Smallens Officer, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program ysmallens ysmallens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Trump Moves to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care to Federal Workers, Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Trump administration announced last month that it would remove gender-affirming care from the health care services covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program beginning in 2026. The move erodes health care coverage for the more than 8 million people who rely on FEHB, employment-based health insurance for federal employees, retirees, and their family members, and threatens the dignity of transgender recipients.

# data[].attributes.headline
 Science Ice bergs melting in Antarctica 

# data[].attributes.subject
 Science Ice bergs melting in Antarctica 

# data[].attributes.body
Ice acts like a protective cover over the Earth and our oceans. These bright white spots reflect excess heat back into space and keep the planet cooler. In theory, the Arctic remains colder than the equator because more of the heat from the sun is reflected off the ice, back into space.

Glaciers around the world can range from ice that is several hundred to several thousand years old and provide a scientific record of how climate has changed over time. Through their study, we gain valuable information about the extent to which the planet is rapidly warming. They provide scientists a record of how climate has changed over time.

Today, about 10% of land area on Earth is covered with glacial ice. Almost 90% is in Antarctica, while the remaining 10% is in the Greenland ice cap.

Rapid glacial melt in Antarctica and Greenland also influences ocean currents, as massive amounts of very cold glacial-melt water entering warmer ocean waters is slowing ocean currents. And as ice on land melts, sea levels will continue to rise.

Since the early 1900s, many glaciers around the world have been rapidly melting. Human activities are at the root of this phenomenon. Specifically, since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have raised temperatures, even higher in the poles, and as a result, glaciers are rapidly melting, calving off into the sea and retreating on land.

Even if we significantly curb emissions in the coming decades, more than a third of the world’s remaining glaciers will melt before the year 2100. When it comes to sea ice, 95% of the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic is already gone.

Scientists project that if emissions continue to rise unchecked, the Arctic could be ice free in the summer as soon as the year 2040 as ocean and air temperatures continue to rise rapidly.

Melting glaciers add to rising sea levels, which in turn increases coastal erosion and elevates storm surge as warming air and ocean temperatures create more frequent and intense coastal storms like hurricanes and typhoons. Specifically, the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are the largest contributors of global sea level rise. Right now, the Greenland ice sheet is disappearing four times faster than in 2003 and already contributes 20% of the current sea level rise.

I chose this topic because the earth is heating up fast and we have to find ways and solutions to make it slower or even make earth cold, and with ice bergs melting

the sea level is rising and they say that if it keeps going new York might sink this will change peoples lives because they have to find new homes and lose their jobs. and The us economy will fall if new York falls. Also with the earth heating up polar bears go extinct, penguins go extinct, a lot of animals/ people lose their home land. some predictions we can make are that these cities will sink Jakarta, Bangkok, New Orleans, Venice, Shanghai, Miami, Amsterdam, and various U.S. cities like New York City and Charleston

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since the early 1900s, many glaciers around the world have been rapidly melting.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2025 Namrata Nangia who lives in Mumbai is unsure about having another child due to the high costs of raising one. A UN report shows many people worldwide can't afford the number of children they want, with 39% of financial reasons. The report also shows that the decline in fertility is largely due to people feeling they cannot create the families they want. Falling fertility rates are a global issue, driven by costs and lack of time, with many feeling they can't balance work and family. The UN warns against panic policies on low fertility. This article’s topic is relevant because it shows a major issue many people face today balancing the cost of living with family planning. Rising expenses, long work hours and the pressure to provide extra opportunities for children like extracurricular activities make this makes it harder for families to have more kids. The idea that many people can’t afford their wanted family size is a global trend, seen in both high income and low-income countries. In my opinion the article connects to real-life challenges faced by parents everywhere. It’s not just about finances, but also the time and energy needed to raise children in today’s fast world. It’s important for governments to understand these struggles rather than rushing into policies based on fear of population decline. This issue of fewer children could change society by causing an aging population and strain on resources like healthcare. People are reacting by having fewer kids or delaying parenthood because of high costs and busy lives. In the future, we might see governments offering more support for families, like financial help or better work-life balance policies. If nothing changes, we could face labor shortages and economic challenges.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
World fertility rates in ‘unprecedented decline’ - UN

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hundreds of millions of people are not able to have the number of children they want, the UN warns.

# data[].attributes.body
The report I've chosen highlights that by March 2025, nearly 48,600 first responders and survivors involved in the 9/11 cleanup had been diagnosed with cancer, a 143% increase compared to five years earlier. Common cancers include skin, prostate, and breast cancer. Most patients are in their 50s and 60s, and their causes are directly related to exposure to toxic materials at Ground Zero and the Fresh Kills landfill in New York City following the 2001 attacks. While participation in this program continues to grow, the total number of deaths has surpassed the casualties from the attacks themselves. The report states, "The rise in cancer rates among zero responders is also correlated with their age, with many now in their 50s and 60s." It also states, "As of March 27, 2025, 8,215 program members have died, including 5,844 first responders, 3,767 of whom died from cancer. This death toll now exceeds the 2,977 deaths on September 11, 2001."

The 9/11 attacks created a hazardous environment, leading to long-term health consequences and causing long-term human losses that far exceed the casualties on the day of the attacks. The fact that the long-term health losses of 9/11 far exceed the casualties on that day suggests that the true end of the disaster does not occur after the destruction of the rubble but continues to this day.

# data[].attributes.body
Charlie James Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington, Illinois, and was an American conservative political person who talked about his opinions on what is happening around the U.S. Charlie Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA in 2012 and later became a known voice to the MAGA movement and also spread Christian nationalism in the Republican Party. He was also known for being part of Trump's Make America Great Again campaign and talking about controversial views, for example, gun control and abortion. Recently, on September 10, 2025, he was at a college campus in Utah doing his known thing that most people from the internet know is college students trying to prove him wrong. Later that day he was killed by a person who is 22 years old, Tyler Robinson, with a gunshot wound on his neck, and later died.  1 quote from the website that I found interesting was that Charlie Kirk co-founded the Turning Point organization at just 18 years old. Another quote that I found interesting was about the controversy that happened where he mentioned abortion and how it was worse than the Holocaust. What’s relevant about this is he gained popularity from the controversial things he said that some people on the internet say are true facts and the other side of people not agreeing, which is false statements he claims.What's significant about this is Charlie Kirk loved what he was doing and helping out the country he loves. Which he did by being involved in an organization, which he also founded, that helped Trump win because of the claims he made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Charlie Kirk’s influence with younger voters helped Donald Trump: ANALYSIS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
“Both young men and young women moved to the right dramatically,” he said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Guatemala and its political challenges that have been forming throughout the years. 

# data[].attributes.body
Guatemala is located in the Northern part of Central America and in the center is Guatemala City which is the capital of Guatemala. The climate consists of hot, humid, and spring-like climates. Home to the many mountains and volcanic peaks such as Sierra Madre, that Maya Mountains, and its highest peak Volcán Tajumulco. The country is very diverse as different people live in different parts of the region which consists of different backgrounds, languages, and traditions. Over the years Guatemala has faced difficult challenges that affected the different since there are 22 administrative departments that affect the way people live in Guatemala, because of this reason the country faces political corruption, economic disparities that left more than 79% of the people in poverty, and an unfair justice system. A lot of difficulties that are growing in the country cause for aid from other countries. This brings a rise of protest against the governance corruption that restricts, challenges, disperse the freedoms to the people living there and fighting for their human rights. The division that has intensified the past few years have caused major international problems that requires the aid other countries. A lot of drug trafficking, low safety standards, and challenges of democracy give a massive impact to majority go the people in Guatemala. Even though these challenges are prominent in the country many have been speaking out and finding different ways to manage the country.

# data[].attributes.body
Zohran Mamdani is a 33-year-old democratic socialist who is currently a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th Assembly District which consists of neighborhoods like Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights in Queens, NYC. Recently, he won the Democratic primary back in June of 2025, meaning he’s officially a mayoral candidate for New York City. He’ll be facing opponents like the current mayor, Eric Adams (Independent), and other nominees like Curtis Sliwa (Republican), and Andrew Cuomo (Independent). Moreover, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign proposes to expand childcare, to make public transit fast and free, to freeze rent, to construct city-owned grocery stores, to create more rent-stabilized homes, and to increase funding for hate violence prevention programs by 800%. These policies would be funded and put in place with the aid of Mamdani’s revenue plan, where he plans to tax big corporations and the wealthiest New Yorkers. However, many New Yorkers are apprehensive about voting for a democratic socialist as they’ve never experienced anyone with similar ideals and policies in office as New York City’s mayor. In interviews, the candidate has clarified that his job is to address concerns New Yorkers may have, also committing to have meetings with said New Yorkers. In addition, Mamdani plans on devoting himself to transform life in the city that everyone, including billionaires, can benefit from.

I think that Mamdani is a trailblazer for non-christian and non-white immigrants, while also currently facing countless death threats from all over the U.S. for being a Muslim South-Asian immigrant and a democratic socialist that's running for mayor. So, I commend him for his drive to step up for New Yorkers and showing that people like himself can be in these political positions. I find it surprising that despite all the hate and death threats, Mamdani’s campaign website has closed their donations after reaching the $8 million dollar spending cap, receiving $1 million+ in private small-dollar donations within almost a month with a high proportion of young voters and educators compared to his rivals. As the general election for New York City’s mayor is approaching, which is November 8th, New Yorkers should educate themselves on the candidates as this decision will directly affect their quality of life in New York City.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When Zohran Mamdani launched his mayoral campaign for New York City last year, many wrote off his chances.

He's a South Asian Muslim Democratic socialist. He faced resistance from his own party's establishment. Even The New York Times editorial board told voters not to support the 33-year-old.

And even though Mamdani tried hard to keep affordability at the center of his campaign, others tried to define his identity with unsubstantiated claims that he would promote Islamic law, that he supports terrorism and that he's an antisemite.

"There are a lot of concerns based on a caricature of myself," Mamdani said on Morning Edition. "I don't blame New Yorkers for having that caricature because they've had to deal with more than $30 million of spending that paints me in that manner - that smears and slanders me, that artificially lengthens the color and the length of my beard, that calls me a monster."

But for the most part New Yorkers didn't fall for it. Mamdani is now the Democratic candidate after getting the most votes in the primary last week. He is one step closer to becoming mayor of the nation's largest city.

On Monday, NPR's Leila Fadel sat down with Mamdani in New York City to discuss the lessons his victory holds for his party and how he plans to implement his policies if he becomes mayor despite skepticism about their feasibility.

Mamdani clarified remarks he made on NBC News' Meet the Press about billionaires, saying, "I think the better question is whether working people have the right to exist, because what we've seen in this city is that more and more working people are being pushed out."

Asked about his proposals, like free public transit and expanded childcare, he acknowledged that many of his ideas would need state-level support, particularly from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has voiced skepticism and so far has not endorsed him. But he remained optimistic, citing his success in launching New York City's first fare-free bus pilot as evidence that progressive reform is achievable.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Interview highlights

Leila Fadel: Let's talk about your policies, because one of the criticisms that your detractors have is that it sounds great to have free childcare and free buses and groceries that you can afford. But a lot of what you're promising is out of the mayor's hand. It's something that will have to happen at the state level. It will have to happen with other actors. So how, how can you actually fulfill any of these promises?

Zohran Mamdani: Any mayor that has an ambition that meets the scale of the crisis of the people that they're seeking to represent will have to work with Albany. And the reason that I put forward this agenda is not only because it's urgent, but because it's feasible. I say that to you as an assembly member who won the first fare free bus pilot in New York City, who saw that in making buses free. It wasn't simply about economic relief. It's also about public safety, the fact that assaults on bus drivers went down by 38.9% through this pilot, the fact that we actually saw an increase in riders who had previously been driving a car or taking a taxi, reducing congestion around those same routes. These are the reasons why we pursue this agenda.

Fadel: The way that you say you're going to pay for these programs is by increasing the corporate taxes on corporations and then also an income tax on anybody who makes over a million dollars, right?

Mamdani: The top 1% of New Yorkers.

Fadel: So again, that's a non-starter for Gov. Kathy Hochul, she said that. So how are you going to pay for it?

Mamdani: I've appreciated my conversations with the governor, and one thing that I really appreciate about our current governor, Kathy Hochul, is she is laser focused on affordability. And what we've seen is that these policies I'm speaking to you about, they are not just policies that people are voting for, incidentally, while they're voting for me, they're voting for this platform.

Fadel: But again, what makes you confident about the coalition building when you're hearing the governor say it's a non-starter, she hasn't also endorsed you yet, as these other leaders within your party have not done?

Mamdani: The experience that I've had. Over this campaign, there was a time when many of the ideas we were putting forward were considered to be distinct to our campaign, and yet, as we built it, more and more candidates started to embrace those same policies, and I am confident of seeing that happen across the political spectrum. Even Andrew Cuomo, in his own transportation plan, said that he wanted to explore making buses free. That was a recognition of the popularity of that as a proposal.

Fadel: You made some waves this weekend when you said that you didn't believe that billionaires had the right to exist. What does that mean?

Mamdani: I was speaking about the stark nature of income inequality in this city and in this country, and ultimately, I think the better question is whether working people have the right to exist, because what we've seen in this city is that more and more working people are being pushed out. The vision that I'm speaking about, it's a vision that I want everyone to enjoy and benefit from, including billionaires. Though my taxes that I'm proposing are ones that would be on the top 1% of New Yorkers, on the most profitable corporations, it's not taxes that will detract from their life. It's, in fact, taxes that will benefit everyone across the city, including those who are being taxed. And ultimately, this is not an interest in taxation in and of itself. It's an interest in finding revenue to pay for something that will transform life in the city.

Fadel: So you weren't proposing that your policies would ultimately lead to a New York with no billionaires?

Mamdani: No, that's not what I was proposing.

Fadel: You are going to have what looks like a tough race in November. You already have people like billionaire Bill Ackman saying he'll give hundreds of millions of dollars to anybody who runs against you.

Mamdani: I think he also said some nice things, nice things about me as well.

Fadel: What else did he say?

Mamdani: I think he said that I was smart, which I appreciated. Thank you, Bill.

Fadel: Well, okay, but he also doesn't want you to be mayor of New York City, you know, and there are other corporations, wealthy New Yorkers, who feel the same way, and there are some people who fear your candidacy. You have support among some Jewish voters, and you have some Jewish voters who are extremely skeptical of you and afraid of your candidacy.

Mamdani: My job is to lead this entire city. My job is to address those very concerns that New Yorkers may have, be it for whatever basis. My commitment is now to have meetings with New Yorkers who may be concerned. Maybe it's, you know, a business leader who is worried about the impact of my tax proposals, and I get to share the fact that these are proposals that will make it easier for them to attract and retain talent. If I can speak with a Jewish New Yorker who's concerned about the issue of antisemitism, and I can share the fact that this is a real crisis that we have to tackle, and one that I'm committed to doing so through increased funding for actually preventing hate crimes across the city, and make it clear time and again that my commitment is to protect Jewish New Yorkers and that I will live up to that commitment through my actions. And that's what these next many months are about.

Fadel: You know, the thing that was very clear in the weeks before and the days after the primary was this barrage of racist, anti-Muslim attacks on you, equating you to a terrorist, saying you're a danger to the safety of Americans, especially Jewish Americans. I'm going to repeat some of the attacks, not because I think they're okay to say, but I want listeners to understand what's being said. And it's not just from the right wing and Republicans in office. It's also from other influential figures. Deborah Messing of Will & Grace posted online that you sided with terrorists and you celebrated 9/11. You were nine when that happened. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace posted a picture of you in your Eid outfit and wrote, "After 9/11 we said, "Never Forget." I think we sadly have forgotten." Republican Rep. Andy Ogles called you "little Muhammad," and said you need to be deported, and is calling for your denaturalization. Were you prepared for this level of bigotry?

Mamdani: It's unsurprising, and yet it's still deeply saddening. As many Muslims in this country know, to exist in public life is to have to deal with this kind of slander at a different scale, and it's part of why so many have thought that the safest place to live is in the shadows, and so much of my hope for this campaign was to bring the margins of our city into the mainstream. It's been very difficult to see just how much of this hatred has been normalized. And as you've said, it's, it's not just Republican Congress people. It's an actress from a show that I used to watch as a kid. I think that ultimately my responsibility is to show that our vision for this city, it's a vision that is universal. It's a vision that wants to recognize the belonging of each and every New Yorker, and it's in stark contrast to this exclusionary vision that we see from so many, one that seeks to distract people from an inability to take care of working people by designating the enemies as the other. One of the most difficult parts of this, however, have been that the threats that have been made on my life and on people that I love are ones that fundamentally transform how you can live.

Fadel: And so it's changed how you can live?

Mamdani: It has. The fact that I now have to have security at all times. It's a different way of engaging with the world. But my responsibility is to showcase that this is but a drop in the bucket of how people actually feel in the city. Just a few days after I received a number of death threats and someone who said that he was going to blow up my car, which was news to me, because I don't own a car. I walked the length of Manhattan to speak to New Yorkers. And I did it because I think, though, the way that we defeat this bigotry is by showcasing just how small of a minority it actually represents.
The digital version of this interview was edited and produced by Majd Al-Waheidi. Video edited by Courtney Theophin and Nick Michael.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'We need a better quality of life': Zohran Mamdani on taxing the rich, tackling hate

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani discusses his vision for the city and his surprise win in last week's Democratic primary on Morning Edition.

# data[].attributes.body
In Jacksonville ,Florida,22 year old William McNeil filed a federal lawsuit claiming his civil rights were violated when police pulled him from his car and beat him during a February traffic stop.Prosecutors later decided not to charge Officer D.Bowers, saying he gave McNeil "a dozen lawful commands" before breaking his car window. McNeli's attorneys argue the stop was racially motivated and escalated unnecessarily, with Ben Crump calling it "an unjustifiable, unnecessary and most importantly unconstitutional use of force."McNeil himself shared that the experience left him traumatized, saying he is "still afraid of police" and has trouble sleeping.

This case is important because it highlights national debates about police accountability and racial profiling.Viral footage of the stop has fueled public outrage and raised questions about how prosecutors determine whether force is 'lawful'.The lawsuit could push for changes in Jacksonville's police culture and possibly lead to a federal investigation.Just like past civil rights struggles, it shows how one case can symbolize broader systemic issues and might influence reforms in policing across the country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Black student files federal lawsuit after video shows Florida officers hitting him, dragging him from car during traffic stop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A video showing a Jacksonville Sheriff’s officer punching and dragging William McNeil from his car went viral online and sparked nationwide outrage.

# data[].attributes.body
As of September 2025 EU lawmakers have created ways to cut down with the over consumption of food products and clothes around all 27 nations. It has been said that the there is an approximation of 60 million tonnes of food waste and about over 12 million tonnes of cloth and material wasted by individuals every year. With this law passed to cut down on waste, the EU is planning to start from what they believe is the beginning of the problem, the mass production of produce and fast fashion. This meant lessening the amount of fertilizer, energy, and water used to help make these products. Now, I do think that mass production is a huge problem, however I do not think it was the best idea to pass this law out of the blue without educating first, as it can affect many, even people's jobs. Hospitality workers like Marine Thizon says, "The Key is raising awareness--especially among consumers." I agree with this statement, one of the main problems to begin with other than the mass production of produce was that there wasn't much taught about the negative impacts. I feel people need to realize that interacting with the environment not only affects you as an individual, it affects the people and world around you. Research could have helped with the environment, while also thinking about retail and hospitality workers and how they can still have quality items to serve and sell. The EU's plan is to decline 30% of food and textile waste overall, with no exceptions by 2030. The positive side of this is that EU lawmakers are looking at the impact of fast fashion imports, like Shein, and doing their own research to see the harms that can come with and from their products that can negatively affect so many people and their surroundings. Fast fashion can cause so much pollution in land, sea, and even air pollution by manufacturing and delivering these clothes. The good news is that the EU has limited the amount of delivery by creating an import fee. Like I explained before, I feel that before these laws were made there should have been warnings from the get go and experiments with how well the general public would deal with waste, if not well then they could proceed with passing these laws. Overall it is important to educate about the waste and the mass production negatively impacting our environment and what precautions and steps we can take to help slow it down.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
EU Clamps Down On Food Waste, Fast Fashion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
EU lawmakers gave a final green light Tuesday to a law on slashing back the mountains of food wasted in Europe each year, and curbing the environmental impact of so-called fast fashion.

# data[].attributes.body
In Colorado, a 16-year-old high school student shot and hurt two other students before committing suicide. Police say he had become extreme in his views because of an online group. They said, "The suspect was identified as a 16-year-old student at the high school." Now, authorities are trying to figure out how much this online group affected him. They're checking "the extent of the extremist network's influence." This event makes us think about how to keep schools safe and how to help young people who might be getting into dangerous ideas online.This event shows how young people can be influenced by extremist groups online, which can lead to violence. It also makes us think about keeping schools safe and how we can help young people before bad things happen.

This event is significant because it prompts discussions on mental health, online radicalization, social media's impact on youth, community awareness, and reporting suspicious behavior to prevent future violence.

I think kids may feel scared,sad or unsured after something like this. If school create a safe, open environment where adults listen and take concerns seriously, students will feel more comfortable talking about their feelings and worries.

# data[].attributes.body
AI is fascinating and a controversial topic. This article is about the history of artificial intelligence also known as ai. Which means making computers and machines that can think and learn and solve problems like humans. It started in the 1940s with a scientist named Alan Turing, who asked "can machines think”? This question helped create the first ideas of Ai. In the 1950s and 60s scientists created early AI programs like ELIZA, which mimicked human conversation, even if it didn't understand it. By the 1970s and 80s, Ai was helping doctors and researchers using systems that used rules and facts to make decisions like a human expert.

AI is important today because we use it in everyday things like phones, cars, work and schools. This article helps us understand how Ai went from small experiments to big tools used around the world. People have different reactions to Ai. Some were excited and others were concerned about its power. Since ai affects so many parts of our lives, understanding it helps us make better choices. Also, learning about its history reminds us to think about the good and the risk of Ai.

Learning about the history of Ai helped me understand how smart ideas from the past became the technology we use today. I think it's cool that this all started from a question, people wondering if machines could think like humans. Over time those ideas turned into real inventions that we use everyday like voice assistants and smart tools. I think AI can be really helpful but we also need to be careful on how we use it. I say this because ai can be used to create fake images or videos that look real. This could lead to the spread of fake information that can trick people. But AI can also be used in a good way like helping doctors find diseases faster, helping students learn new materials better and by helping people with everyday tasks making their life easier. I think if we use ai in the right way it can be a powerful tool that makes the world easier and better.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

# data[].attributes.body
The ban primarily applies to school and driving situations. On campus, starting with the 2025-2026 school year, all K-12 public schools, charter schools, and other institutions in the state will implement a "24/7" smartphone restriction. Students are prohibited from using smartphones and internet-connected personal devices while in school. They may use school-based teaching equipment and non-internet-connected basic phones. Schools are required to develop storage plans, with $13.5 million in state funding. Emergency contact channels for parents are also established, with exemptions for students with special needs.

On the driving side, drivers are prohibited from using mobile phones or portable electronic devices. Violators face fines, surcharges, and points on their licenses. Entry-level drivers may have their licenses suspended or revoked.

This ban stems from numerous issues with cell phone use in school and while driving. In school, cell phones can reduce student focus, inhibit creative thinking, exacerbate bullying, and increase social anxiety. Cell phone use while driving is a significant contributing factor to traffic accidents.

After the ban was implemented, over one million New York City students complied with the new rules on the first day of school. Roosevelt High School in Outer Yonkers distributed special sealed bags to students. Police stepped up enforcement efforts regarding driving, such as the 2017 "Hang Up" campaign, which issued a large number of tickets.

The ban has had positive effects: improved student focus in class and higher test pass rates in pilot schools; it has also reduced traffic accidents. However, it has also been controversial. The school ban has been opposed by some parents and has increased school operating costs. Enforcement of the driving ban is difficult, making it difficult to eliminate violations.

Overall, New York State's cell phone ban has positive implications for protecting youth development and ensuring traffic safety, but implementation still faces challenges, and detailed regulations and supporting measures need to be refined.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
简单说就是：上学期间不能玩手机，不能玩智能手表，不能玩平板电脑。哪怕课间、午饭、厕所、图书馆都不行，统统要收起来！

而且新法案不只是老师盯一盯那么简单，而是 全州统一执行、严肃立法推行、每所学校必须执行落地方案 。

纽约也因此成为 全美实行学校手机禁令的最大州 ！禁令一出，直接把纽约1600所学校、上百万学生、几十万家长、无数老师推上了这场史上最强"校园反手机运动"。

为什么纽约要"强制禁手机"？ 州长霍楚亲自解释，核心理由只有一个：学生健康，尤其是心理健康。

她在发布会上直言： "我们不能再眼睁睁看着一整代孩子，被社交媒体吞噬了。"

她提到了越来越多的学生沉迷短视频、焦虑对比、精神内耗，甚至因为网络霸凌产生自残倾向。而手机，尤其是带社交软件的智能手机，就是罪魁祸首之一。

根据州府和CDC联合报告，纽约州青少年每天平均玩手机超过7小时，青少年焦虑、抑郁症状过去十年增长了近50%，课堂注意力涣散、学习效率下降已成为全美校园的普遍问题。而且大量学生在课间完全不社交，只沉浸在TikTok、Snapchat、Instagram上，人和人之间越来越"离线"。

这项禁令，就是为了让孩子们从早上进校园到下午放学， 彻底"断网"8小时 ，远离手机，回归课堂。

⏰正式开始时间：2025年秋季开学（9月）

🏫适用范围：全纽约州的公立学校（包括特许学校、K-12全年龄段）

📵禁用设备：所有能上网的个人设备，包括智能手机、智能手表、平板、个人笔记本

不止上课， 午饭、课间、图书馆自习、厕所、甚至体育课 也不例外。霍楚在发布会上强调："如果课间、午餐时间还让他们玩手机，那这项政策就完全失去了意义。"

不过很多学校校长已经表示：这操作光是中午发手机、下午再收，至少得多配两三个工作人员，压力不小。

怎么没收手机？州政府不给出具体收法，但要求所有学校必须提交执行方案，必须落实。

也就是说，很多学校还是得自己出钱掏腰包。不少校长已经在抱怨：我们不是不支持，但预算真的很紧张。

不过 学校可以要求学生提交申请证明，是否批准由学校决定 。一些老师也担心：豁免流程容易变成"主观判定"，可能引发师生冲突或不公平现象。

不过，霍楚本人也公开表示："在紧急情况下，比如校园安全事件，其实手机反而会带来混乱。"

州政府引述执法部门说法："学生若在枪击等事件中拿出手机拍摄、直播、传讯，会暴露位置，反而更危险。"

纽约前教育总监David Banks就吐槽过："一开始以为是学生的问题，后来才发现，其实家长才是最不想孩子交手机的人。"很多家长会在孩子上课时间发短信、打电话、发指令，甚至通过手机定位盯着孩子。

现在学校要接下这"中介角色"，既要劝学生别抱怨，又要劝家长别闹腾，还得管好设备、安全和纪律，头都大了。这些问题都要等8月前学校自己出方案解决。

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
手机禁令请注意！纽约市将生效！

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
纽约一些高中允许学生中午外出吃饭，这种情况是唯一例外：学生在出校园时可以领取手机，出门用完再进校交回。 纽约前教育总监David Banks就吐槽过："一开始以为是学生的问题，后来才发现，其实家长才是最不想...

# data[].attributes.body
The wars in Yemen and Palestine have shown how ordinary people suffer because of biager political battles between powerful countries. Over the past year, both countries have faced worsening crises as foreign nations continue to get involved in ways that make the situation worse. The people in both Yemen and Palestine are caught in the middle of these struggles, with their lives destroyed by violence and political games that have nothing to do with their needs. The war in Yemen hdas been going on since 2015, but over the past year, it has only gotten worse. Saudi Arabia, with support from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, continues to carry out airstrikes and enforce a blockade against rebel groups. These airstrikes have caused the deaths of thousands of civilians and have destroyed vital infrastructure, like hospitals and schools. Yemen’s people are facing famine, disease, and a lack of basic necessities. The conflict is mainly between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with both countries using Yemen as a battleground for their political and religious differences. Yemen’s strategic location and oil resources make it a prize for these foreign powers, but the Yemeni people have to bear the cost. Over the past year, the situation has gotten even worse, with Israel also cnducting airstrikes on Yemeni ports, making it harder to get humanitarian aid into the country. These foreign actions have left Yemenis in a constant state of crisis, with no end in sight. The situation in Palestine is just as bad, especially in the Gaza Strip. For years, Israel has controlled Palestinian territories, and in the past year, things have only gotten worse. Israeli airstrikes continue to hit civilian areas, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. Gaza has been under blockade for years, and this has made it difficult for people to access food, medicine, and clean water. The people of Gaza are living in extreme poverty, with no way out. In the West Bank, Israeli settlements have continued to expand, and the Israeli military often uses force to suppress Palestinian protests. Over the past year, the violence has intensified, and many Palestinians have been killed or arrested. Despite the sudffering, the world has not taken strong action to stop Israel's occupation, and some Arab countries have even begun normalizing relations with Israel, leaving Palestine more isolated than ever. Both Yemen and Palestine are stuck in larger geopolitical struggles where foreign countries use these regions for their own interests. In Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran are fighting for control, with both sides using the Yemeni people as pawns. Over the past year, Saudi Arabia has faced growing international criticism for its role in the war, but it continues to get support from Western countries. In Palestine, the conflict is driven by Israel’s control over Palestinian land, and international pressure on Israel to end its occupation has been weak. Recently, some Arab countries have started to work with Israel, further isolating Palestine and making it harder for the Palestinian people to get help. The wars in Yemen and Palestine will only end when the international community stops using these regions for political gain. Yemenis need an end to airstrikes and blockades, and Palestie needs an end to Israel’s occupation. Both people deserve to live in peace, free from foreign interference and violence. Over the past year, the suffering in both countries has deepened. The world must take action to help the people of Yemen and Palestine, deman ding justice and a fair resolution. Only when foreign powers stop interfering for their own interests will the people of these regions have a chance to live in peace and safety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stay on top of Yemen latest developments on the ground with Al Jazeera's fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated maps.

# data[].attributes.body
A state of emergency was declared in January, 2025 because of concerns of an illegal immigration crisis. In June of 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis used the emergency powers granted to him to move forward with a project meant to combat illegal immigration—a project now dubbed as “Alligator Alcatraz.” It is a functioning prison located in the Florida Everglades in Miami-Dade County, as of September 2025. Its location in the Florida Everglades was claimed to have been chosen for extra security, as there is little to no chance for escaping prisoners to survive the wildlife in the Everglades. The location of the facility seems to be a controversial pick—tribes native to the area have voiced worries over the negative environmental effects it could have on the Everglades, which are part of their ancestral homelands. Not only that, but the prison is plagued by a plethora of humanitarian concerns. One such concern is inmates not having adequate access to food and water.

In modern times, there are many conflicting opinions on the topic of immigration—especially illegal immigration; the Trump administration's promise to be strict on the matter has only brought more controversies regarding the matter to light. The opening of Alligator Alcatraz is significant because it shows that the crackdown on immigration is getting harsher. The human rights violations rumored to be happening in the prison are nothing short of terrible; in my opinion, any place with such accusations made against it should not be running. It is very saddening that it’s still open currently, and I think it sets a bad example for the rest of the country. Immigrants, illegal or not, have inalienable rights as humans; they deserve adequate living conditions and basic necessities just like anyone else. I, personally, also believe that immigrants help make our country great. Trump administration officials’ eagerness to utilize alligator-filled waters as a “security measure” for a detention center is already worrying; I am wary of what other ruthless things they will accomplish in the future. It is crazy to me that even though members of the Miami-Dade community had already warned beforehand of the environmental consequences of opening a prison in the Everglades, its location wasn’t changed. Because of this, among other factors, I refuse to believe that Ron DeSantis and his collaborators created Alligator Alcatraz in the peoples’ interests instead of their own.

# data[].attributes.body
On September 12th 2025, over 300 South Korean workers were detained by U.S. immigration at a Hyundai company in Georgia due to visa issues. Many of these workers were handcuffed and held in detention for several days before being sent back to South Korea. This raised tensions between South Korea and the U.S. who were usually on good terms. South Korea’s government is now working with the U.S. to create better visa policies. This situation raised concerns on how it could affect Korean companies doing business in the U.S. in the future.The South Korean workers were held in detention for several days, which caused fear and confusion for many families who were unable to contact their loved ones. One mother described how deeply traumatizing it was to imagine her son handcuffed and shackled at his ankles, especially without having any way to reach him. Another mother, after watching a video of the immigration raids, said she no longer felt safe sending her son back to the U.S. for work. These reactions show how much stress and pain this caused for many families. It is also not clear whether these workers will be allowed back to continue working which makes people worry about the future of Korean investment in the U.S.

This event is relevant because it affects real workers who were treated unfairly and makes people worry about how dangerous it could be to work in a different country.  This also caused a lot of stress for many families and others about traveling or working abroad, including a mother who wasn't able to reach her son at all after his detention. South Korea even promised to invest billions of dollars into the U.S. economy weeks earlier, so this situation led many to feel shocked seeing it as a betrayal. This shows how workers and business partners got treated which could lead to some workers avoiding working abroad in the future.This is significant because it could affect future connections between South Korea and the United States when it comes to business. South Korea could possibly decide to invest their money in other countries instead of the U.S. if they feel their workers aren't being treated fairly. This could hurt the U.S. economy which shows that both countries need better systems for handling worker visas and protecting foreign employees. This can remind others that strong partnerships depend on trust, respect, and clear rules.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
South Korean workers detained by ICE return home after saga that has rattled close US friendship | CNN

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
More than 300 South Korean workers detained in Georgia last week arrived home on Friday, marking the end of a saga that has stunned their nation and threatened to upend a close bilateral friendship.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year our economy is collapsing. It's really difficult to find jobs in this society and unemployment levels are risking up because young adults are struggling to find jobs with their degree and the amount of debt they accumulate leads to homelessness. The hourly minimum wage is 16.50 in NYC BUT even lower depending on the job and state which is clearly not enough to survive and live a stable life in this economy. People are struggling to make it to pay check to pay check. Inflation is making people fall deeper into financial stress, forcing them to cut back on basic necessities and leaving many unable to afford housing, food, or healthcare. A 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that a minimum wage worker would need to work approximately 96 hours per week—the equivalent of 2.4 full-time jobs—to afford a two-bedroom rental home at the national average fair market rent. This stark reality makes it nearly impossible for those earning low wages to secure and maintain stable housing, even if they are working full-time. Another study notes that young workers from teenagers to recent college graduates are being hit the hardest as the job market slows. This topic is relevant because job rates show how much the economy is failing to support people, especially the younger generation. As part of the younger generation I am afraid of my own future too because I might face the same challenges in the future when looking for jobs. It's scary to think that even if you work hard in school and get a degree, it still might not be enough to find a stable job. This matters to me because I want to be able to live on my own one day, buy a house, and support myself without always worrying about money. If the job market keeps getting worse, it could stop me and other people my age from reaching those goals. That’s why I think this issue is so important, it’s not just numbers or statistics, it's about our lives and our futures. This is significant because the economy affects everyone, not just certain groups. As prices rise and wages stay low, more people are becoming homeless or struggling to pay for basic needs like food, rent and healthcare. This is changing society because families are under more stress, people are working longer hours or multiple jobs just to survive and many are losing hope for a stable future. People are reacting by asking for higher wages,government aid, and programs to help those in financial need. If the economy keeps getting worse we can predict that homelessness and poverty will continue to rise, more families will struggle to make ends meet, and people may lose home in buying homes or starting family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breaking Barriers: The Challenges Homeless Individuals Face in Employment - Harford Family House

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Breaking Barriers: The Challenges Homeless Individuals Face in Employment Finding and maintaining stable employment is a key step toward overcoming homelessness, yet it is far from easy. While many assume […]

# data[].attributes.body
What is Brute Force Attack? What steps can you take to prevent it?

A brute force attack is a trial-and-error method used to decode encrypted data such as a password by trying various combinations of possible credentials. These brute force attacks are typically automated. Some of the methods you can use to prevent these cyberattacks include instituting mandatory password complexity and length (and ensuring that no one in the company is still using a default password), putting a two-factor authentication system in place, or setting a limit on unsuccessful login attempts.

What is the difference between black hat and white hat hackers?

A black hat hacker is a person who tries to obtain unauthorized access into computer systems or operating systems through a brute force attack or other tactics for malicious reasons, while white hat hackers use some of the same tactics for a totally different goal: to help organizations fix vulnerabilities to protect data and keep sensitive data safe from malicious actors.

Cybersecurity roles tend to be highly technical. After your hiring manager gets a good handle on your overall understanding of core cybersecurity concepts, they will likely want to drill down into even more complex topics and technical tasks to make sure you have the right mix of experience and expertise.

What steps would you take to secure a server?

For virtually any job in cyber security, hiring managers will want to know that you have experience protecting and securing a web server. The first step in your response should be to secure passwords for administrative and root users before removing remote access from default admin and root accounts. The final step would be to set up a firewall to monitor network traffic and protect the computer system from being attacked by malware, viruses, or warms.

In cybersecurity, staying on top of trends can make all the difference in protecting your company from emerging threats. Your hiring manager will want to see that you are plugged into the industry. Talk about how you check vulnerability alert feeds and advisory websites, read cybersecurity news sites and blogs, and follow all the top cybersecurity social media accounts. It is also worth mentioning if you have experience networking and sharing ideas with other cybersecurity professionals at conferences, live events, or other meet-ups.

Cybersecurity is highly collaborative—to be successful, you need strong teamwork and communication skills. Cybersecurity experts also tend to interact with a wide variety of employees and stakeholders within an organization, given that security risks can affect anyone.

Employers will want candidates who can lead major cybersecurity projects and communicate their processes in a clear and compelling way to team members and clients.

Why is a good cybersecurity team essential for any business?

This is a good opportunity for you to show the hiring manager that you understand overall business goals and how cybersecurity fits in. Talk about the importance of convincing management to prioritize security policy and infrastructure by focusing on how any breaches of network security could affect sales, revenue, and the company’s reputation. Stress your experience communicating these ideas in a persuasive and accessible way to a variety of stakeholders.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
2025 Guide

BrainStation's Cybersecurity Analyst career guide is your first step toward a career in cybersecurity. Read on to learn how to prepare for common Cybersecurity Analyst interview questions.

Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

Speak to a Learning Advisor to learn more about the Cybersecurity Certificate Course at BrainStation.

Once your top-notch cybersecurity cover letter and resume have landed you an interview opportunity, you'll need to begin preparing for your Cybersecurity Analyst interview. With cybersecurity positions, the interview process can vary depending on the company and the role.

One example of the hiring process may be an initial call with a Hiring Manager, followed by an interview with the Hiring Manager and/or a panel of team members.

Throughout the hiring process, you will be answering a mix of technical and behavioral questions. These questions will test your knowledge of cybersecurity as well as your fit with the company culture.

To prepare you for the range of questions you may encounter, we have compiled a list of commonly asked interview questions and answers for cybersecurity jobs.

When you interview for a job in cyber security, you can expect the bulk of the interview to focus on your knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices, your experience carrying out a variety of standard tasks, and your ability to keep up with a field that is constantly changing.

Here is an example of a common skills-based cybersecurity interview question and how to answer it:
Question: What is a Brute Force Attack? What steps can you take to prevent it?

Answer: A brute force attack is a trial-and-error method used to decode encrypted data such as a password by trying various combinations of possible credentials. These brute force attacks are typically automated. Some of the methods you can use to prevent these cyberattacks include instituting mandatory password complexity and length (and ensuring that no one in the company is still using a default password), putting a two-factor authentication system in place, or setting a limit on unsuccessful login attempts.

Question: What is the difference between black hat and white hat hackers?
Answer: A black hat hacker is a person who tries to obtain unauthorized access into computer systems or operating systems through a brute force attack or other tactics for malicious reasons, while white hat hackers use some of the same tactics for a totally different goal: to help organizations fix vulnerabilities to protect data and keep sensitive data safe from malicious actors.

Additional Skills-Based Cybersecurity Interview Questions

What is cryptography?

How do you define the differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?

How do you define the differences between IDS and IPS?

What is the CIA triad?

How do you define the differences between encoding, encryption, and hashing?

Do you have experience with Traceroute?

What steps would you take to prevent an XSS attack?

What would be your process to set up a firewall?

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

What is cross-site scripting?

In your experience, how frequently do you perform a Patch management?

What is your process to prevent identity theft?

Please take us through your understanding of risk, vulnerability, and threat within a network?

What steps would you take to prevent an MITM attack?

What is the difference between a threat, a vulnerability, and a risk?

Why is DNS monitoring important?

What is two-factor authentication?

How would you define Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)?

Cybersecurity roles tend to be highly technical. After your hiring manager gets a good handle on your overall understanding of core cybersecurity concepts, they will likely want to drill down into even more complex topics and technical tasks to make sure you have the right mix of experience and expertise.

Here are two examples of a technical cybersecurity interview question and how to answer them:

Question: What are the different layers of the OSI model?

Answer: The seven different layers of OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) models are:

Physical Layer

Data Link Layer

Network Layer

Transport Layer

Session Layer

Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Question: What steps would you take to secure a server?
For virtually any job in cyber security, hiring managers will want to know that you have experience protecting and securing a web server. The first step in your response should be to secure passwords for administrative and root users before removing remote access from default admin and root accounts. The final step would be to set up a firewall to monitor network traffic and protect the computer system from being attacked by malware, viruses, or warms.

Additional Technical Cybersecurity Interview Questions

How would you identify a compromised system?

Imagine you have to both compress and encrypt data during a transmission. Which would you do first?

What is your approach to defend against a cross-site scripting attack?

What are the differences between cybersecurity in the cloud and on-premises?

What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?

How do you define data leakage and its types?

Can you please define the process of salting?

What is the difference between UDP and TCP?

What is the application of address resolution protocol (ARP)?

What is a black box penetration test?

What are the default ports for HTTP and for HTTPS?

What is a polymorphic virus?

What is a null session?

What is the difference between spear phishing and phishing?

What is the term for the situation when a user is attacked by directing them to what they think is a legitimate site, but it is actually a scam site?

What's the difference between logging and auditing?

Explain why you would do a vulnerability assessment instead of a penetration test.

What kind of cookie would a spyware attack typically use?

What is the difference between a virus and a worm?

How do you prevent outdated software from being exploited?

Which attacks involve the use of previously captured network traffic?

What is the term for a situation when somebody is forced to reveal cryptographic secrets through physical threats?

What cybersecurity tool would you use to quickly search through logs with regular expression?

Even with all the necessary skills and qualifications, the best Cyber Security Analyst still needs to have the right personality to fit in with a company or team.

Here is an example of a personal cybersecurity interview question and how to answer it:
Question: How do you keep on top of cybersecurity industry news and trends?

Answer: In cybersecurity, staying on top of trends can make all the difference in protecting your company from emerging threats. Your hiring manager will want to see that you are plugged into the industry. Talk about how you check vulnerability alert feeds and advisory websites, read cybersecurity news sites and blogs, and follow all the top cybersecurity social media accounts. It is also worth mentioning if you have experience networking and sharing ideas with other cybersecurity professionals at conferences, live events, or other meet-ups.

Additional Personal Cybersecurity Interview Questions

Which trend in cybersecurity are you most excited about? Which cybersecurity trend will have the biggest impact in five years?

What is an emerging threat in cybersecurity that deserves more attention?

Tell us about yourself.

Tell us about your preferred work environment.

Tell us about your educational background. How has your education prepared you for this job?

What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

What skills from previous positions will help you in this job?

What are your professional goals?

What inspired you to pursue cybersecurity?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What kind of team environment do you thrive in?

What excites you about our company?

Cybersecurity is highly collaborative-to be successful, you need strong teamwork and communication skills. Cybersecurity experts also tend to interact with a wide variety of employees and stakeholders within an organization, given that security risks can affect anyone.

Employers will want candidates who can lead major cybersecurity projects and communicate their processes in a clear and compelling way to team members and clients.

To test your leadership and communication skills, employers may ask situational cybersecurity interview questions such as:
Question: Why is a good cybersecurity team essential for any business?

Answer: This is a good opportunity for you to show the hiring manager that you understand overall business goals and how cybersecurity fits in. Talk about the importance of convincing management to prioritize security policy and infrastructure by focusing on how any breaches of network security could affect sales, revenue, and the company's reputation. Stress your experience communicating these ideas in a persuasive and accessible way to a variety of stakeholders.

Additional Situational Cybersecurity Interview Questions

Please describe a time when you demonstrated leadership capabilities on the job.

What is your approach for resolving conflict?

Tell us about a successful presentation you gave and why you think it went well.

What is your approach to build rapport with others?

Please describe a time when you had to handle sensitive information. How did you do it?

How would you explain a complicated technical problem to a colleague/client who had less technical understanding?

Please rate your communication skills on a scale of 1 to 10. Give examples of experiences that demonstrate the rating is accurate.

Is it more important to be a good listener or a good communicator?

Are you better at communicating verbally or in writing?

Please tell us about a time you had to relay bad news to a client or colleague.

With behavioral interview questions, employers want to see how you handled past situations. Your response will give employers insight into how you may handle tasks or solve problems in the future.

For these types of interview questions, specificity is key. Provide an example of a past situation, describe the actions you took and share the results or outcome.

A few examples of behavioral cybersecurity interview questions are:

An important company stakeholder is putting sensitive data at risk because of their poor habits. How would you convince this person to change their behavior?

Tell us about a time you had to respond to negative feedback. How did you learn from it?

Please tell us about a time when you were caught off-guard by data breaches, malicious software, or a different form of cyber attacks in the past. How did you learn from the experience to ensure you were more prepared next time?

What is your approach to handle conflicts on your team?

To give you an idea of the range of cyber security interview questions you may be asked, here are a few questions from top tech companies (including Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft).

What risks come with public Wi-Fi?

What is the main difference between RSA and Diffie-Hellman?

What is port scanning?

What protocols fall under TCP/IP internet layer?

Please define forward secrecy.

Please explain the difference between stream cipher and block cipher.

What is cognitive cyber security?

Define a buffer overflow attack.

What is CryptoAPI?

What is an SQL Injection?

What are some common types of non-physical attacks?

What is a botnet?

What is the difference between vulnerability assessment and penetration testing?

Please define system hardening.

What are the several indicators of compromise that organizations should monitor?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cyber Security Interview Questions (2025 Guide)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To prepare you for questions you may encounter, we have compiled a list of commonly asked interview questions for cybersecurity jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
A recent survey conducted by Intelligent.com, involving 1,268 U.S. business leaders, shows that a growing number of employers are hesitant to hire recent college graduates, particularly those who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests. In total, 64% of employers said they have become more concerned about hiring new graduates over the past five years, and nearly one-third specifically expressed concern about applicants who had attended pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the last six months. These protests, sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict that began on October 7, 2023, have taken place at many major U.S. universities, including Columbia, Michigan, and Virginia. Some employers cited fears that these students may bring confrontational behavior or politically charged views into the workplace, with more than half saying such individuals could make others feel uncomfortable. Others believe that protesters may be liabilities, unprofessional, or lacking in the kind of education and workplace readiness they are looking for. On the other hand, about 21% of employers said they would be more likely to hire these graduates because they admire their passion, political engagement, and dedication to causes they believe in. Despite these divided opinions, experts like Huy Nguyen from Intelligent.com warn that judging candidates based on political activism is both ethically problematic and potentially illegal in some cases, emphasizing that hiring decisions should be based on skills, experience, and job qualifications. While some employers may ask about protest involvement during interviews—31% reportedly do so often—students and graduates are encouraged to maintain professionalism, focus on their strengths, and be aware of potential biases without letting them derail their career paths.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Some employers are reluctant to hire college grads who attended pro-Palestinian protests, survey finds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Some employers are reluctant to hire college grads who attended recent pro-Palestinian protests over fears they are liabilities, an Intelligent.com survey found.

# data[].attributes.body
Rapper T.I. and his wife, singer-songwriter Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris, have been awarded a whopping $71 million by a jury in their lawsuit against Mga Entertainment, the toy company they alleged violated the intellectual property rights of their teen pop group the Omg Girlz with their popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. line of dolls.

According to the Daily Journal, which first reported the news, jurors gave the couple $17.8 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages at the end of the three-week trial held in a federal court in Santa Ana, Calif.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
T.I. And Tiny’s ‘OMG Girlz’ Lawsuit Over Popular L.O.L. Surprise Dolls, Explained

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Toy conglomerate MGA Entertainment lost a lawsuit alleging its popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. line of dolls infringed on the intellectual property rights of teen pop group OMG Girlz.

# data[].attributes.body
On november 24th, Luigi was seen entering new york city via bus around 9pm. On December 4th, Luigi calmly shot Brian Thompson  multiple times due to his gun jamming once, Thompson was on his way to a meeting at Hilton midtown. After the murder Luigi fled on foot, then on a bike, then ditched it for a taxi to the port authority bus. Throughout the days he had traveled through Pennsylvania to Pittsburg; however, eventually on December 9th Luigi Mangione was caught and taken to custody. People have tried to charge him with terrorism– although the terrorisms have been dropped recently as his trial is still ongoing, however many want to have him get the death penalty. Speculations of his intentions with the murder is that he was deeply upset about how the American healthcare system is– especially with its insurance, since he believed that many leaders of healthcare systems are corrupted and greedy due to the fact lower class men are unable to usually get the treatment they need despite it being life or death, and/or the treatment has put them in a terrible situation of debt. It is also said that he wanted the murder of Brian Thompson, who is a CEO of UnitedHealthcare, as a symbol of a challenge against the corrupted side of government healthcare. He had also insisted that this was no “terrorist” attack as it was planned and specific so that no innocent people were harmed during the process of the murder.

He has once stated to reporters that this is an insult to the american people and their intelligence

He had once stated that the corporate leaders were parasites that had it coming

A notorious phrase from Luigi is “Deny, Defend, Depose”

The relevance of the incident is that it was practically a direct challenge to not only healthcare corporations but corporations and leaders in general, It is a known problem that the healthcare system had caused people to struggle to be able to pay for treatment that could mean life or death, and/or drowning in debt, causing for hundreds and thousands of people to be denied of health insurance which ultimately could and most likely negatively impact their life. The significance of the incident shows that due to the circumstances on healthcare, the government overall has been so dire and has been negatively impacting people– that people are starting to take things into their own hands. However it is clear that trying to make change peacefully like petitions and protests aren’t working as many times the attempt ends up suppressed and silence, so unfortunately many have to lead to violence and crime to get their message in, and in this case– it lead to a man who took the life of a healthcare CEO, well aware of how the path of his life ultimately ended there because of his crimes; however it is clear that for Luigi it is a sacrifice he was willing to make.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect’s timeline before, during, after the brazen murder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The man charged with murder for gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was arrested and charged after the shooting outside a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

# data[].attributes.body
The impact of AI chatbots on children is a serious issue, with concerns that young people are particularly vulnerable given AI's ability to mimic or imitate human conversation and emotions. Several families have filed lawsuits against AI companies, alleging that their children committed suicide after engaging in lengthy conversations with chatbots. In California, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Ryan sued OpenAI, alleging that its chatbot, ChatGPT encouraged him to commit suicide. They argued that ChatGPT confirmed his self-destructive thoughts. The risks of AI chatbots aren't limited to children. A 76-year-old man with cognitive impairment died after falling while meeting with an AI bot on Facebook Messenger. Doctors warn that people who overuse chatbots could develop "AI psychosis," a loss of touch with reality. AI would be more attracted to teens by providing R18 discussion topics, which are totally harmful to teen’s mental and physical health. If teens or children are using AI too frequently or overtimes, AI would be uncontrollable provided the topic might not be censored, and that absolutely no company wants to see.

Sometimes I would use AI (like ChatGPT) for study and research, so I kind of learned to not rely entirely on it. AI can easily become addictive, and sometimes I spend too much time using it. Seeing these risks has made me realize that the negative impact of AI is more significant than the cheating that teachers often assume. This is also relevant to me as I'm interested in computer science. These cases have made me concerned about the importance of responsible AI development. This Current Event is significant to me because I used AI as a tool, but sometimes it’s emotion similar to  human beings. If I spend much time on it, it would learn my behavior and provide more topics that I might be interested in. It is also significant to our society, because except those teens just want AI to write homework for them and treat it as a tool. For young age child might probably rely on it, because it’s fun and attractive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Seven technology companies are being probed by a US regulator over the way their artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots interact with children.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is requesting information on how the companies monetise these products and if they have safety measures in place.

The impacts of AI chatbots to children is a hot topic, with concerns that younger people are particularly vulnerable due to the AI being able to mimic human conversations and emotions, often presenting themselves as friends.

The seven companies - Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta and its subsidiary Instagram - have been approached for comment.

FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said the inquiry will "help us better understand how AI firms are developing their products and the steps they are taking to protect children."

But he added the regulator would ensure that "the United States maintains its role as a global leader in this new and exciting industry."

Character.ai told Reuters it welcomed the chance to share insight with regulators, while Snap said it supported "thoughtful development" of AI that balances innovation with safety.

OpenAI has acknowledged weaknesses in its protections, noting they are less reliable in long conversations.

The move follows lawsuits against AI companies by families who say their teenage children died by suicide after prolonged conversations with chatbots.

In California, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine are suing OpenAI over his death, alleging its chatbot, ChatGPT, encouraged him to take his own life.

They argue ChatGPT validated his "most harmful and self-destructive thoughts".

OpenAI said in August that it was reviewing the filing.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time," the company said.

Meta has also faced criticism after it was revealed internal guidelines once permitted AI companions to have "romantic or sensual" conversations with minors.

The FTC's orders request information from the companies about their practices including how they develop and approve characters, measure their impacts on children and enforce age restrictions.

Its authority allows broad fact-finding without launching enforcement action.

The regulator says it also wants to understand how firms balance profit-making with safeguards, how parents are informed and whether vulnerable users are adequately protected.

Vulnerable users

The risks with AI chatbots also extend beyond children.

In August, Reuters reported on a 76-year-old man with cognitive impairments, who died after falling on his way to meet a Facebook Messenger AI bot modelled on Kendall Jenner, which had promised him a "real" encounter in New York.

Clinicians also warn of "AI psychosis" - where someone loses touch with reality after intense use of chatbots.

Experts say flattery and agreement built into large language models can fuel such delusions.

OpenAI recently made changes to ChatGPT, in an attempt to promote a healthier relationship between the chatbot and its users.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Safety of AI chatbots for children and teens faces US inquiry

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Federal Trade Commission is probing seven tech companies including Snap, Meta, OpenAI and XAI.

# data[].attributes.body
Immigration is a huge topic going on right now. Many with mix thoughts if it's right or wrong. Deportation isn't a new thing in the United States, it goes as early as the 1790s. It is unfortunately being enforced even more since President Trump has been back in office.  Sadly there are many people that are losing their lives trying to run away from ICE agents. There's been a recent incident in Chicago where a single father was brutally shot 2 times for trying to flee. The ice agents justified by saying that he hurt one of the agents but there isn't much proof since they didn't have body cams on them.Unfortunately deporting people seems more personal than “making the United States a better place” He uses terms like rapists and murders to describe immigrants and didn't allow Muslims enter the US weeks later.I think this is relevant since this is a horrible world we are living in. There are many illegal immigrants here that are just seeking opportunities for them and their families. It's devastating to hear how far and how much power these ice agents truly have. People shouldn't be shot mostly if the person isn't even armed. It isn't fair for them or their family, in this case the children that are now without a father. This is relevant because no one should feel unsafe in the place they call their home. Kids shouldn't be worried if their parent will make it home that night.

# data[].attributes.body
In September 2025, NASA announced that its Perseverance rover discovered a potential biosignature in a July 2024 rock sample from Jezero Crater's “Bright Angel” formation. Instruments detected organic carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and oxidized iron in clay-rich sedimentary rocks, plus unusual “leopard spot” mineral patterns of vicinity and greigite. Both being minerals that on Earth, often point to microbial activity. Scientists emphasize caution since non-biological processes could explain the signals.

Lead author Joel Hurowitz noted that even with compelling chemical signatures, the data needed context before being considered a biosignature. NASA's acting Administrator called the finding the closest agency has come to discovering life on Mars, highlighting the need for continued “Gold Standard” science.

This discovery matters because it suggests Mars may have been habitable longer than once thought, improves frameworks for judging potential life evidence, and directs future exploration priorities.

Most importantly, it keeps open the possibility of answering one of humanity's central questions on whether life ever existed beyond Earth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A sample collected by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named "Cheyava Falls" last year, the sample, called "Sapphire Canyon," contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

A potential biosignature is a substance or structure that might have a biological origin but requires more data or further study before a conclusion can be reached about the absence or presence of life.

"This finding by Perseverance, launched under President Trump in his first term, is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars," said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. "NASA's commitment to conducting Gold Standard Science will continue as we pursue our goal of putting American boots on Mars' rocky soil."

Perseverance came upon Cheyava Falls in July 2024 while exploring the "Bright Angel" formation, a set of rocky outcrops on the northern and southern edges of Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley measuring a quarter-mile (400 meters) wide that was carved by water rushing into Jezero Crater long ago.

"This finding is the direct result of NASA's effort to strategically plan, develop, and execute a mission able to deliver exactly this type of science - the identification of a potential biosignature on Mars," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "With the publication of this peer-reviewed result, NASA makes this data available to the wider science community for further study to confirm or refute its biological potential."

The rover's science instruments found that the formation's sedimentary rocks are composed of clay and silt, which, on Earth, are excellent preservers of past microbial life. They also are rich in organic carbon, sulfur, oxidized iron (rust), and phosphorous.

"The combination of chemical compounds we found in the Bright Angel formation could have been a rich source of energy for microbial metabolisms," said Perseverance scientist Joel Hurowitz of Stony Brook University, New York and lead author of the paper. "But just because we saw all these compelling chemical signatures in the data didn't mean we had a potential biosignature. We needed to analyze what that data could mean."

First to collect data on this rock were Perseverance's PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry) and SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) instruments. While investigating Cheyava Falls, an arrowhead-shaped rock measuring 3.2 feet by 2 feet (1 meter by 0.6 meters), they found what appeared to be colorful spots. The spots on the rock could have been left behind by microbial life if it had used the raw ingredients, the organic carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, in the rock as an energy source.

In higher-resolution images, the instruments found a distinct pattern of minerals arranged into reaction fronts (points of contact where chemical and physical reactions occur) the team called leopard spots. The spots carried the signature of two iron-rich minerals: vivianite (hydrated iron phosphate) and greigite (iron sulfide). Vivianite is frequently found on Earth in sediments, peat bogs, and around decaying organic matter. Similarly, certain forms of microbial life on Earth can produce greigite.

The combination of these minerals, which appear to have formed by electron-transfer reactions between the sediment and organic matter, is a potential fingerprint for microbial life, which would use these reactions to produce energy for growth. The minerals also can be generated abiotically, or without the presence of life. Hence, there are ways to produce them without biological reactions, including sustained high temperatures, acidic conditions, and binding by organic compounds. However, the rocks at Bright Angel do not show evidence that they experienced high temperatures or acidic conditions, and it is unknown whether the organic compounds present would've been capable of catalyzing the reaction at low temperatures.

The discovery was particularly surprising because it involves some of the youngest sedimentary rocks the mission has investigated. An earlier hypothesis assumed signs of ancient life would be confined to older rock formations. This finding suggests that Mars could have been habitable for a longer period or later in the planet's history than previously thought, and that older rocks also might hold signs of life that are simply harder to detect.

"Astrobiological claims, particularly those related to the potential discovery of past extraterrestrial life, require extraordinary evidence," said Katie Stack Morgan, Perseverance's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "Getting such a significant finding as a potential biosignature on Mars into a peer-reviewed publication is a crucial step in the scientific process because it ensures the rigor, validity, and significance of our results. And while abiotic explanations for what we see at Bright Angel are less likely given the paper's findings, we cannot rule them out."

The scientific community uses tools and frameworks like the CoLD scale and Standards of Evidence to assess whether data related to the search for life actually answers the question, Are we alone? Such tools help improve understanding of how much confidence to place in data suggesting a possible signal of life found outside our own planet.

Sapphire Canyon is one of 27 rock cores the rover has collected since landing at Jezero Crater in February 2021. Among the suite of science instruments is a weather station that provides environmental information for future human missions, as well as swatches of spacesuit material so that NASA can study how it fares on Mars.

Managed for NASA by Caltech, NASA JPL built and manages operations of the Perseverance rover on behalf of the agency's Science Mission Directorate as part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program portfolio.

To learn more about Perseverance visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance
-end-

Bethany Stevens / Karen Fox
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov / karen.c.fox@nasa.gov

DC Agle
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
818-393-9011
agle@jpl.nasa.gov

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year - NASA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A sample collected by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken

# data[].attributes.body
After Trump assumed office again in January 2025, he continued to escalate his trade war with the People's Republic of China, raising tariffs on that country to 145% starting April 11. He launched a second trade war against Canada and Mexico, imposing 25% tariffs on most Mexican goods, but then allowed all goods eligible for the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) to be removed indefinitely.

"We're going to put a 10 to 20 percent tariff on countries that have taken advantage of us for years, and we're going to charge 10 to 20 percent to people who come in and take advantage of our country, because that's what they've been doing.

‘What is victory? What is the definition of victory? " said Maurice Obstfeld, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics

Trump again postponed his own tariff deadline this week.

Higher tariffs affect trade

# data[].attributes.body
The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul wanted to ban cell phones in New York schools from bell to bell. Hochul first announced this proposal in January of 2025 and the proposal was finalized by May of 2025. Governor Hochul implemented the policy of bell to bell where students won't be able to access their phones from the start of their school day to the end. The cause of the cell phone is because the governor has noticed the impact it had on student’s mental health and how it's been a constant complaint from teachers that cell phones have been a distraction to students in the classroom.

I think the topic is relevant because many students are glued to their phones all day and this cell phone ban can definitely help reduce screens and get students to socialize more. As a high school student I completely understand why they are doing this cell phone ban to help improve students mental health, avoid distractions in the classroom, and help students focus more in class. This would help so many students that are addicted to their phones to focus in class and socialize with the people around them including myself. There's been concern for students not being able to contact their parents in case of an emergency for safety reasons and not being able to have their phone for free periods and lunch time. This can potentially cause students to try to figure out ways to unlock their phones and use them in class or during lunch time. Although, I feel like we can definitely see the improvement of students engaging more in class with no cell phones and more interactions in the hallways. I think a ban can be very beneficial to a lot of students whose phones affect their study and attention span in class. I can predict that future students will improve so much more in class and on tests with the cell phone ban.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas' Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom have little in common ideologically, but the two have both been vocal supporters of an idea that's been rapidly gaining bipartisan ground in the states: Students' cellphones need to be banned during the school day.

At least eight states have enacted such bans over the past two years, and proposals are being considered in several more states this year.

Here is a look at the push by states for such bans.

Why are states banning cellphones at schools?

The push for cellphone bans has been driven by concerns about the impact screen time has on children's mental health and complaints from teachers that cellphones have become a constant distraction in the classroom.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms about their effects on young people's lives, has said schools need to provide phone-free times.

Nationally, 77% of U.S. schools say they prohibit cellphones at school for non-academic use, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But that number is misleading. It does not mean students are following those bans or all those schools are enforcing them.

Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, said the issue is catching on because parents and teachers in both red and blue states are struggling with the consequences of kids on mobile devices.

"It doesn't matter if you live in a big city or a rural town, urban or suburban, all children are struggling and need that seven-hour break from the pressures of phones and social media during the school day," she said.

What states are enacting bans?

At least eight states - California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia - have enacted measures banning or restricting students' use of cellphones in schools.

The policies range widely. Florida was the first state to crack down on phones in school, passing a 2023 law that requires all public schools to ban cellphone use during class time and block access to social media on district Wi-Fi.

A 2024 California law requires the state's nearly 1,000 school districts to create their own cellphone policies by July 2026.

Several other states haven't banned phones, but have encouraged school districts to enact such restrictions or have provided funding to store phones during the day.

Sanders announced a pilot program last year providing grants to schools that adopt phone-free policies, and more than 100 school districts signed on. Sanders said she now wants to require all districts to ban cell phones during the school day, but the proposal will leave it to the districts on how to craft the policy.

"Teachers know (cellphones are) a huge distraction, but much bigger than that is that it is impacting the mental health of so many of our students," Sanders told reporters on Thursday.

Other governors recently calling for bans include Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who was sworn in this month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has suggested she'll seek a statewide policy, but has not offered specifics.

What is the opposition to the bans?

The cellphone bans have faced opposition from some parents who say they need to be able to contact their children directly in case of emergency.

Some parents have pointed to recent school shootings where having access to cellphones was the only way some students were able to communicate with loved ones for what they thought might be the last time.

But supporters of the bans have noted that students' phones could pose additional dangers during an emergency by distracting students or by revealing their location during an active shooter situation.

Parents opposed to the ban have also said they want their children to have access to their phones for other needs, such as coordinating transportation.

Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, said she agrees about the dangers of social media on children but that the bans sought by states are taking too broad of an approach. Banning the devices during the school day is not going to solve underlying issues like bullying or the dangers of social media, she said.

"We have not done our job as grown-ups to try to teach our kids the skills they need to actually navigate this technology," she said. "We've just kicked the can down the road and thrown them into the deep end of the pool when they're by themselves after school."

___

Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut, Margery Beck, Holly Ramer and Anthony Izaguire contributed to this report.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Banning cellphones in schools gains popularity in red and blue states

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Efforts to ban students' cellphones at school is gaining rare bipartisan consensus in Republican and Democrat-led states.

# data[].attributes.body
Students are getting dumber as test scores hit all time lows. They are the lowest that they have ever been since the test that tracks the scores started back in 1992 almost 30 years ago People in the 12th grade are doing the worst out of all grades with only about 22% reaching the expected standard. There is a major growing gap between the best performing students in schools and the worst performing students in schools. Test scores have been falling since before the COVID-19 pandemic found that 45% of seniors scored below “basic” in math, and 32% scored below “basic” in reading in 2024. These scores clearly show the K-12 system is failing children and families. Students are leaving high school unable to read and unprepared for the workforce. Many people are still in school and learning and these results mean that a majority of American people are growing less and less intelligent and it will slowly lead this country to ruin with such uneducated and low intelligence people start running the country. We are still students and such a trend shows how we are greatly affected by this. The generation that we are a part of are mostly performing below basic levels which show how this generation is greatly unprepared for people to go into the world and find jobs and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
US test scores hit damning new lows in math, reading since COVID school closures, ‘nation’s report card’ shows

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nearly one third (31%) of 12th graders acknowledged missing three or more days of school in the month before taking the test, a 26% increase from 2019.

# data[].attributes.body
In Finland Kungsvägens Skola there is a phone ban that has kids in a different position than their other years of school. The students aren’t used to this new norm and of course they were mad at first and not wanting to use their phones during school. After a while the students started to notice that they were addicted to their phones because they wanted to use them. The teachers started to notice the children socialize  in class more and they were able to see their faces instead of their heads facing their desk because of their phones. More kids during the school expressed how they enjoyed socializing and playing at recess and doing board games. Some other kids are saying days are too noisy and wild and don’t really enjoy this during school. This ban has both positive and negative feedback. Teachers in the school say that it feels good to see the faces of their kids and not have them looking down at their phones and not paying attention in class.

Another plus to the phone ban was the reading of physical books and we all know the more books read the better the literacy in the school.

More students were socializing but now some kids just sit alone by themselves because they don't have their phones. The ban is relevant to our world today because more students nowadays are not even trying to do their work, kids are just using ai to figure everything out. Kid's grades may be better now but the actual intellect of the kids is not getting better. The ban is significant because our everyday life is being affected by AI and technology more and more. School needs to be more about using our brains and socializing instead of just looking down all the time if we do it outside the school we could give ourselves a break and not have it in school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Finnish Phone Ban Brings Focus, And Chatter, Back To School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Students huddle together in the corridor, chatter filling the air on a break between classes at a school in Finland, where mobile phones have been banned since school resumed in August.

# data[].attributes.body
Today, AI is having a tremendous impact on people, society, and the economy. The article discusses AI's impact on human thought, the economy, and our innate abilities. He, a father, expressed concern about the future of AI and humanity. He discussed AI's impact on the workplace. AI is gradually replacing humans in some jobs because it's inexpensive, immune to fatigue, immune to illness and strikes, and requires no medical insurance. Its efficiency doesn't require wages. This has led to many people losing their jobs. In education, students are beginning to use AI to assist with their studies, but many are unaware of the gradual impact it is having on our thinking and moods (for example, feeling annoyed when AI takes too long or doesn't provide the correct answer). People are starting to think less when using AI, believing it's more convenient and efficient, which in turn leads to a decline in their independent reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The real danger isn't that AI will become smarter than us, but that we will become more foolish due to our over-reliance on AI.

This article is incredibly relevant to me and our lives. I've recently come across the term "AI psychosis," which alleges that some people who engage with AI for a long time may feel supported and encouraged by it, and that the AI ​​may even fabricate erroneous theories to encourage and appease them, leading to confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and other mental disorders. We inevitably encounter AI in our daily lives, yet we often fail to notice its anomalies or changes in our thinking. This article serves as a reminder to be wary of AI and its proper use, and a catalyst for reflection. "Irreducible human qualities are the most precious in this cognitively rich world." This article predicts that the regulation and oversight of AI will become even more rigorous and regulatory in the future.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The real danger isn’t that AI will become smarter than us. It’s that we’ll become dumber because of it... The wave is here…

# data[].attributes.headline
Seoul To Review Rights Violations During US Raid

# data[].attributes.subject
Seoul To Review Rights Violations During US Raid

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.barrons.com/news/seoul-to-review-rights-violations-during-us-raid-512a4a5a?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Human rights are a crucial issue in contemporary America, particularly with the Trump administration's aggressive approach to illegal immigration. The article I cited concerns the controversial arrest of over 400 Korean nationals by ICE at a factory in Georgia. Many ICE officers fail to clearly identify themselves during law enforcement, leaving those arrested unaware of the agency or the offense for which they were arrested. In these situations, individuals are unable to exercise their fundamental rights and protect their legitimate interests. It's not just illegal immigrants who are arrested; sometimes, legitimate citizens are also "accidentally" injured by ICE's violent enforcement, and this isn't an isolated incident.

In the article, the author cited an example of violent ICE enforcement, where Korean workers were arrested while their hands were chained and handcuffed, without being informed of their rights, and were subjected to discriminatory language and insults. If true, this constitutes a serious violation of the rights of those arrested. This incident, after spreading back to South Korea, sparked public opinion, and the South Korean government expressed doubts about human rights violations. The companies involved also stated that they would review the situation.

This also raises another question: will the ICE raids affect the operations of these factories and other manufacturing industries? If all employees of a factory are rounded up for inspection due to an ICE raid, the factory's operations for the day will have to stop, which will also bring huge losses. This will make some investors unwilling to develop manufacturing industries in the United States, and entrepreneurs will no longer choose to establish industries in situations that will affect their interests and are unavoidable. In the long run, this may have a negative impact on American industries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Seoul To Review Rights Violations During US Raid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The South Korean government said Monday it would review whether there were any human rights violations when hundreds of its citizens were detained in a massive US immigration raid.

# data[].attributes.body
The shooting was highlighted as an example of growing political violence in the United States and was condemned by leaders at home and abroad.Charles James Kirk is an American right-wing politician, author, and media commentator who co-founded and served as CEO of Turning Point USA. As a close ally of US President Donald Trump, Kirk has used his skills in social media and campus organizing to become a highly influential figure in the far-right movement.At the same time, this case has raised concerns among Americans about escalating political violence.

Kirk’s murder may further reveal what’s already become apparent in Western culture: that transgender ideology, and the broader ideology behind it, is rotten and doomed. In many ways, it’s already dying.Some left-wing netizens gloated over Kirk's death, suggesting that he deserved it. On the right, the initial grief and shock were quickly replaced by calls for political reckoning and retaliation.This incident also intensified the conflict between the left and the right, and gradually became a major turning point in future politics.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
'Landmark EPA greenhouse gas rollback would create ‘Environmental Destruction Agency'

# data[].attributes.body
Required by the clean air act, The 2009 Endangerment Finding  provided information about the scientific linkage between greenhouse gases and climate change,  a crucial foundation to enabling the EPA to set standards and create regulations upon GHG emissions and other climate factors. However, the Trump administration’s EPA (environmental protection agency) has proposed eliminating that 2009 endangerment finding, planning to effectively get rid of all greenhouse gas and climate regulations, especially on cars and trucks. Senator Markey as well as the Massachusetts House delegation stated that this rollback would effectively eliminate the EPA's authority to combat climate change. Markey and other lawmakers also believed that this action would reverse decades of climate progress and will increase environmental destruction.
"EPA’s shameful proposal signals that the agency has abandoned its fundamental mission to protect human health and safeguard the environment. " "Ignoring danger does not change the science and facts. pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, worsening extreme weather, and imposing devastating costs." I believe that this action is an environmentally damaging move because it would eliminate the EPA's authority to regulate climate-changing pollution from vehicles and other sources, which would negatively impact environmental protection and public health.

The significance is that this repeal/rollback would take away the EPA’s legal basis to regulate climate-changing emissions, creating a hindrance for climate action and more worsening impacts of climate change. Climate scientists say there is significantly greater risk from an increasing amount of  destructive storms, droughts, wildfires and heat waves, as well as from species extinction.

# data[].attributes.body
In September 2025, anti-government protests erupted in the South Asian country of Nepal. On September 4, the Nepali government announced a ban on 26 social media platforms (including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) for allegedly failing to comply with regulations. Nepal, plagued by serious corruption and other political injustices, erupted on September 8th, leading to large-scale protests across the country and bloody clashes with police. Because the protesters' slogan was "Youth Against Corruption," and most of them were members of Generation Z (those born between 1990 and 2010), they were dubbed the "Generation Z Protest Movement." The clashes were mostly student-organized.

As of September 12th, the clashes had resulted in 51 deaths and approximately 1,300 injuries. Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced the lifting of the social media ban in the early hours of September 8th and resigned the following day. After deliberations, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister, and Parliament was dissolved. The final incident concluded with the protests and the government changes.

# data[].attributes.body
In April 2025, the Uyghur Human Rights Project released a report titled "It Does Matter Where You Stay: International Hotel Chains in East Turkistan." Compiled by Peter Irwin, Dr. Henryk Szadziewski, and Ben Carrdus, the findings show how international hospitality chains like Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham and Accor continue operations—with projected expansions—in the Uyghur Region despite ongoing atrocities labeled genocide. Collectively, they operate a minimum of 115 hotels and have 74 hotels in the pipeline for almost 190 properties. These chains allegedly render state-sponsored atrocities palatable by constructing facilities on razed religious sites, partnering with organizations associated with forced labor efforts, and operating in regions sanctioned by governmental entities. Such expansion coincides with state-run propaganda efforts, whitewashes observed human rights abuses and turns the region into a tourist hotspot while actual Uyghurs experience mass state surveillance, cultural genocide and forced assimilation.

The extent to which these hotels are operational, according to the report, renders ongoing atrocities status quo and desirable. For instance, the Hampton by Hilton Khotan by Hilton was erected on the grounds of a razed mosque, a part of China's efforts against Uyghur religious existence. Furthermore, the report states that international hotel chains could facilitate further persecution as East Turkistan emerges as an otherwise normal tourist location despite internment camps, forced labor and cultural genocide still taking place.

This is relevant because it shows how big companies get mixed up in human rights problems. They often put making money ahead of doing what's right. It links what regular businesses do, like hotels you might book when you travel, to one of the biggest human rights issues we face. It's asking customers, governments, and businesses to see that tourism and business in Xinjiang aren't just neutral. They actually help build up the system of oppression.

This is significant because it points out corporate responsibility and global awareness. It shows that companies aren’t just watching from the sidelines. They're actually involved when they decide to work in places where horrible things are happening. The findings make us think about business ethics. They also get people to consider how simple choices, like booking a hotel room, can connect to bigger human rights problems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Alyson Chadwick 1789Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Check-In to Complicity: How Global Hotel Chains Are Enabling Atrocities in the Uyghur Region

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In April 2025, the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) released a deeply disturbing report titled It Does Matter Where You Stay: International Hotel Chains in East Turkistan. Authored by Peter Irwin, Dr. Henryk Szadziewski, and Ben Carrdus, the report…

# data[].attributes.body
As of lately, a large number of people have begun to question whether deportation tactics used by ICE were inhumane. This political topic has grown more controversial primarily because of the critical living conditions of these facilities. Furthermore, according to Miami herald, many of the immigrants that were detained at Alligator Alcatraz reported to their attorneys that the chaos brought trauma to them even after they left. This shows that the facilities were under poor management. But, that's not all, detainees that were located in Alligator Alcatraz and later transferred to privately run facilities were often not registered in the ICE database, so if families wanted to contact their loved one to check up on them, they wouldn't be able to. Unfortunately, one of the detainees, a 35 five year old Michael Borrego Fernandez was a victim of this disorganization. At first, Michael was sent to Alligator Alcatraz, and later moved to Krome detention center in Florida where he was able to communicate with all of his family at least once per day. However, things took a turn for the worse when he was transferred to a privately run migrant detention site, Otay Mesa Detention Center, based in San Diego, California. Michael could no longer contact his family. Despite his family's attempts to contact the facility he was transferred to, they were told that there was no one registered under his name. Even worse, Michael needed surgery for his severe health condition that was worsening day by day. After he had surgery, he didn't receive proper medical care during his recovery period and was left in great pain. Michael's mother was angered for how harshly they treated her son: "This is like psychological torture,” she said. “Where’s the humanity?”. A week after their last call, Michael was finally able to contact his family to inform them that he was deported to a Mexican state called Tabasco. This is relevant information because those who are responsible for this disaster need to be held accountable and stopped before this situation worsens. Reports that come from the detention centers are enough evidence to say that human rights are being violated. Shockingly, even pregnant woman and girls are sent to facilities that do not have basic human necessities. The significance of this is to raise more awareness so that the current system is criticized and changed. To sum up, the same people that come to this country for a better life are now being treated worse than animals and it is unjustifiable.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Ben Wieder and Shirsho Dasgupta Updated September 16, 2025 12:52 PM

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hundreds of Alligator Alcatraz detainees drop off the grid after leaving site

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As of the end of August, the whereabouts of two-thirds of more than 1,800 men detained at Alligator Alcatraz during the month of July could not be determined by the Miami Herald.

# data[].attributes.body
On Aug 26, 2025,community members and officials gathered at the YMCA in Coney Island to debate a proposed $3 billion casino and resort called “The Coney.”The project would include a hotel , convention center, and concert venue ,and is one of eight casino proposals in New York City, though the state will only approve three. Supporters argue that the casino would bring much needed jobs and money to the neighborhood. One supporter said “The financial gain of the community will definitely rise.” Another saying that “I would love a job and to be able to bring some money home to my family.” The opponents, however, worried about safety and schools nearby, with one resident warning, “Nowhere in history has there ever been a casino one block from our schools.

I think this topic is relevant because it shows how development projects can deeply divide a community. On one hand is about casino could create thousands of jobs and attract visitors all over the world, which can also boost Coney Island’s economy. On the other hand, this may bring problems like gambling addiction , safety issues and higher cost of living for the community. This significance is that the decision will shape whether Coney Island becomes a major tourist destination or stay more community focus.Public reactions are sharply spilt , and a prediction is that the debate will influence how New York balances business growth with protecting neighborhoods.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coney Island community sounds off on proposed casino

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"The Coney" would stretch along three blocks of Surf Avenue.

# data[].attributes.body
On April 28, 2025, Sharmake Omar was at a playground with his family in Rochester, Minnesota when he noticed a woman, Shiloh Hendrix, scolding and yelling racial slurs at a little five year old boy. Omar quickly reacted by recording and confronting Hendrix. Omar expected for Hendrix to deny any accusations and lie when confronted, instead, she doubled down and proudly admitted that she did call the little boy the n word. Hendrix stated that the boy dug through and stole her son's stuff. Omar asked if this justified the use of a racist slur and she said yes. This is relevant because racism in our society today is prevalent and minorities are facing hate and unjust due to the ignorance and hatred of people, including our government. Obviously this event provoked reactions and there were two sides, those who disagreed with Hendrix's actions, and those who agreed with and supported her actions. I personally am on the disagree side and almost can't fathom that there are so many people in our society that are okay with a woman not only using a racial slur, but towards a kid as well? I also did some further research and found out that a GiveSendGo campaign was started to help raise funds for Hendrix. The set goal for this was $1,000,000, and if that's not crazy enough, white supremacists and racists donated to this campaign and raised a staggering $700,000. I don't really got the words to explain how genuinely shocking this is, and it's weird to me having to acknowledge that someone was rewarded for being so hateful.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Police investigate after white mother used racist slur at Minnesota park

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Video recorded in Rochester shows the apparent aftermath, with the woman, who has not been identified by police, saying the child’s actions justified the slur.

# data[].attributes.body
On September 10th, 2025, a shooting occurred at Evergreen High School in Colorado, following the death of activist Charlie Kirk, who also died at the hand of a gun, causing the issue of the event to be set aside by the world. The tragedy marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis of gun violence in American schools. The 16 year old shooter, reportedly said to be radicalized by online platforms, injured 2 students before taking his own life. This incident intensified public discourse on gun control and school safety, highlighting the urge to turn this issue around from being a common occurrence. As of September 2025, there has been at least 146 incidents revolving gun violence on school property and about 12 incidents revolving school shootings that injured or killed in 2025 alone. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there has been about 320 mass shootings as of today. After the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an alarming surge in the amount of school mass shootings. According to Garen Wintemute, a director of the Centers for Violence Prevention at University of California, "The maximum number of people killed and injured in a mass shooting grew over time". The Evergreen high school shooting serves as a reminder of the constantly rising threat of gun violence in educational settings and emphasized the need to take action to protect students and communities before its too late.

I think this topic is relevant because in todays society, school shootings have become far too common. School shootings have changed the way people, especially young people operate when going to school. Following the Evergreen shooting, people reacted with grief, public vigils, and immediate praise for two students who confronted the perpetrator and helped others escape. Families and local leaders publicly demanded "real, meaningful action" on prevention and support. This event forces communities to confront this issue of violence and how they can keep each other safe. Most students, like me, are afraid that they can become an addition to the statistics in just a second, especially if more safety precautions and changes aren't made. Investigators showed concern pointed towards the shooters disturbing activity online and radicalistic tendencies, highlighting how extremist and violent content are a point as to why young people commit such cruel acts. This event also is significant because it reflects on the effect of digital radicalization and impacts, lack of mental health support, and the continuation of gun violence without a change in gun laws. Parents, students, and educators demand a change and stronger protections in our school environment. Personally, I hope in the future this situation isn't something I as a student have to worry about whist traveling to school every morning. I am constantly thinking, "am I next?", and that is something that someone as young as me shouldn't have to worry about. I hope that stricter controls for youth access to guns, better detections of the impact of social media radicalization, and better access to mental health resources is put into effect to hopefully prevent this issue from becoming constant as the world progresses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On a visceral level, it feels far too common.

A week ago, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at a college in Utah. That same day, a student opened fire at a Colorado high school, critically wounding two peers. Just two weeks earlier, a mass shooting at a Minnesota Catholic church killed two children and injured 21 others.

Once again, a series of horrific, high-profile shootings has gripped the country and brought national focus to the issue of gun violence, especially as it relates to school safety and politically motivated attacks.

NPR spoke with experts on mass shootings, political violence and school attacks about the data, trends and context to better understand this moment.

Here's what to know.

Are mass shootings becoming more frequent?

There's no universal definition for a mass shooting, so data can vary based on the number of victims killed or injured, where the shooting took place, and whether it was related to gang activity or terrorism.

For example, the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a nonpartisan think tank, only tracks shootings that occur in public or populated places, involve at least two victims (injured or killed), and excludes incidents related to gang violence or terrorist activity. By its definition, there have been 12 mass shootings in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Gun Violence Archive - which counts all instances in which four or more people were shot (injuries and deaths), not including the shooter, and regardless of location - reported over 300 mass shootings this year.

Still, by most standards, mass shootings are more frequent now than they were 50 years ago, according to Garen Wintemute, director of the  Centers for Violence Prevention at the University of California, Davis. At the same time, mass shooting deaths represent only a tiny fraction of people killed by gun violence. Wintemute said that most also don't resemble the attacks that dominate national headlines.

" Most mass shootings are not events that generate a lot of publicity," he said. " Most mass shootings have some connection to domestic violence."

Everytown for Gun Safety, an advocacy group that uses data from the Gun Violence Archive, found that in 46% of mass shootings from 2015 through 2022, "the perpetrator shot a current or former intimate partner or family member."

What about school shootings?

Gun-related incidents on school grounds have surged since the pandemic, according to David Riedman, a researcher who tracks all cases in which a gun is fired, brandished or in which a bullet hits K-12 school property. His K-12 School Shooting Database shows that there have been more than 160 incidents so far this year.

Before 2021, the number of instances had not surpassed 124. But by 2023, that figure climbed to 351. While the recent attack at Evergreen High School in Colorado is front of mind, Riedman said most shootings are the result of an escalated dispute.

" That really escalated in the late 2010s and then became an even bigger problem post-COVID during the return of both students and community members to the campuses," he said.

Loading...

At large, only a small share of K-12 schools report gun-related instances each year, according to Riedman. Among school incidents, part of the issue is that some students live in homes where firearms are easily accessible or not properly secured, he said.

"There are students arrested with guns at schools just about every single day, and they don't have a plan to shoot anyone," Riedman said. "They just carry the gun with them often for either the prestige of having it or for protection because they themselves fear being victimized."

Are politically motivated attacks becoming a bigger threat in the U.S.?

Political violence has been rising over the past decade, according to terrorism and gun violence experts. Joshua Horwitz, the co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, said while the issue has existed throughout American history, the recent surge is significant.

"Just in the last 12 months we've seen terrible, terrible examples of political violence," he said. " We've just seen a lot more intimidation lately."

There are a few ways to measure this, but one indicator comes from the U.S. Capitol Police. In 2024, the agency investigated over 9,400 "concerning statements and direct threats" against members of Congress - more than twice the number in 2017.

In a study published on Monday, Wintemute of UC Davis found that while most Americans reject political violence, those who hold harmful beliefs - such as racism, hostile sexism, homonegativity, transphobia, xenophobia, antisemitism, or Islamophobia - are also more likely than others to believe that political violence is justifiable. Support for political violence was even higher among individuals who harbored multiple hateful phobias, according to his survey of over 9,300 adults.

But Wintemute's research also suggests there are small steps that can help curb political violence. In a survey conducted last year, a small number of respondents said they would participate if a civil war broke out. Yet, of that group, about 45% said they would abandon that position if urged by family members.

"  We just need to make sure that those of us who reject it speak as loudly as do those who support it," he added.

How widespread is the issue of gun violence?

More than 46,000 people died from gun-related injuries in 2023, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center using the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gun homicides have declined since 2021, while suicides continue to make up a majority of gun deaths, Pew Research found. But for many Americans, gun violence may hit closer to home than many people expect.

In 2023, Liz Hamel and her team at KFF, a health research group, conducted a survey of more than 1,200 adults across the country about their experiences with gun-related incidents. The survey found that 1 in 5 respondents said they have personally been threatened with a gun, while nearly 1 in 6 said they have personally witnessed a person get shot. Worries about gun violence also affected Black and Hispanic respondents disproportionately.

"We often see national attention to the issue of gun violence in the wake of high-profile events," Hamel said. "What our polling really shows is that experiences with gun-related incidents are more common than you might think among the U.S. population."

Loading...

In the survey, 84% of all participants said they have taken at least one precaution to protect themselves against gun violence. The most common step was speaking to loved ones about gun safety. But about a third said they have avoided large crowds or big events. Meanwhile, 3 out of 10 said they have purchased a firearm to protect themselves or their family from gun violence.

Of the people who have a gun in their home, nearly half of participants said a firearm was stored in an unlocked location and more than one-third said a gun was stored loaded. More than half said at least one gun is stored in the same location as the ammunition. Those results suggest the need for more efforts to teach the public about safe gun storage practices, according to Hamel.

"  We do see opportunities for improved awareness around gun safety," she said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
After a wave of horrific shootings, gun violence trends put recent attacks in context

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mass shootings, political violence and school safety are front of mind for many Americans following a recent spate of high-profile attacks. Experts who study gun violence unpack the data and trends.

# data[].attributes.body
Apple is in the early stages of developing a brain-computer interface that would allow people, particularly those with limited mobility, to control their iPhones, iPads, and Vision Pro headphones through neural signals captured by a new type of brain implant. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is working on the project with Synchron, a privately held New York-based company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. In a press release, Synchron CEO and co-founder Dr. Tom Oxley praised Apple, saying the company “is helping to pioneer a new interface paradigm where brain signals are formally recognized alongside touch, voice, and typing.Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) eliminate the need for physical movement, thereby expanding device accessibility for people with severe physical disabilities.In the past, most users relied on mechanical interaction using a keyboard or mouse and behavioral interaction using a touchscreen or voice to interact with computers. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) eliminate the need for physical movement, expanding device accessibility for people with severe physical disabilities.This topic talks about the help and role of brain-computer interface for people with disabilities. I think brain-computer interface is very important to us because it is a cutting-edge technology that is ahead of its time. It opens up a channel for "direct communication" between the brain and the outside world, thereby bringing revolutionary changes to medical rehabilitation, improving human capabilities, exploring scientific mysteries, and even reshaping the way people interact with computers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Apple Is Developing a Brain-Computer Interface

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Cupertino giant is partnering with a Jeff Bezos-backed interface company.

# data[].attributes.body
North Korean government Kim Jong Un is punishing citizens harder for watching foreign films and TV shows. A UN report said that some people have been executed for watching foreign media, showing “the government wants to control every part of life.” The report also mentioned the increasing of forced labor and the growing restrictions on freedom in North Korea. One official wrote that, “Killing people just because of watching foreign films is against human rights.” So we could see how North Korea takes its citizens' basic human rights.

This shows the North Korean government's fear of foreign ideas. They don’t want their citizens exposed to other cultures, because this could lead to different thinking and resistance to the policy. This is also showing how harsh the government control can shape a society. Many North Koreans may be afraid, but at the same time, fully control of people's thoughts is impossible, as people's thinking evolves. Some may still secretly watch these films and TV programs. In the future, the government may make even stricter changes in rights, or more people may resist quietly.

# data[].attributes.body
During Trump's administration as president, there was a nuclear power plant that was releasing toxic air into the atmosphere thus polluting it and this stirred up controversies. This nuclear power plant was known as Constellation Energy's gas plant which released 23,102  metric tons of carbon dioxide , 16 tons in methane and 31 tons of nitrous oxide. Many justified the idea of keeping this power plant by stating the strengthening of artificial intelligence and reserved for wartime/ natural disasters. Many also did not like this idea as this nuclear power plant was toxicating the air quality making it unhealthy to breathe.The reason this research is relevant for me is because a healthy and proper air quality is important and beneficial towards our health. One reason this is important is because our body requires oxygen to be absorbed into our body so that our red blood cells may receive it and produce ATP for our body to function with energy. Also speaking from past experience, during 2023 there was a wild fire that spread its improper air quality to our area and that school was released early. The air was so horrible that it was hard to breathe. So my argument for this research is that people should better consider the air quality for the benefit of society.The significance of this research is to show the need for improvement for air quality and lower nuclear gas plants. In my research, the Trump administration decided to keep the nuclear gas plant going even though they knew it contained harmful chemicals and could affect the public negatively.

# data[].attributes.body
The Trump Administration is threatening to cut federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to increase spending for the defense and national homeland security programs. Despite making up less than 1 percent of total federal funding, the IMLS and other agencies (such as the NEA and NEH) directly support libraries and museums nationwide. What could be seen as a reallocation of federal funds is also seen as an attempt to dismantle institutions deemed “unnecessary” and “inessential”, decrease the federal bureaucracy, and curtail their personnel. The immediate effects can be seen in how funding for other non-defense discretionary departments is also being cut to increase defense spending, in addition to more than half of the staff being placed on administrative leave. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has deemed the Trump Administration’s litigation a violation of the Impoundment Control Act. Congress has the “power of the purse” because it wields the majority of the power to authorize federal funding. The act enables the executive branch to withhold congressionally appropriated funding temporarily. This current event is significant because thousands of libraries across the nation directly depend on the grants provided by the IMLS alone, thereby further exacerbating access to digital resources, summer reading programs, and educational opportunities in rural and low-income communities. Furthermore, the accused violation of the Impoundment Act raises questions about the extent of central government power and the checks and balances between the legislative and executive branches.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Watchdog: Trump administration violated Impoundment Act a second time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Government Accountability Office said the administration violated a law blocking presidents from withholding congressionally appropriated funds when the Institute of Museum and Library Services did not distribute money it had received.

# data[].attributes.body
In the past two years, the Epstein case has continued to unravel, with ongoing investigations, court cases, and the revelation of new details about the late financier’s illegal activities. Jeffrey Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking of minors, died in his jail cell shortly after his arrest, sparking widespread conspiracy theories. However, in the years since, various individuals connected to Epstein’s network have faced legal repercussions. Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, was convicted in December 2021 of sex trafficking minors for Epstein, bringing a measure of justice to the victims. Several high-profile figures, including wealthy businessmen, politicians, and celebrities, have been scrutinized, with some named in court documents and depositions, though many have denied involvement or wrongdoing.

Additionally, civil lawsuits and ongoing investigations have continued to expose the extent of Epstein’s global network, revealing new victims and detailing his manipulation and coercion tactics. In 2023, newly unsealed court documents provided more insight into Epstein’s vast wealth, his connections to powerful individuals, and the scale of the abuse he perpetuated. Victims have also continued to seek justice through legal action, with some pursuing compensation from Epstein’s estate. The case remains a focus of public interest, driven by both the sheer scope of Epstein's crimes and the mystery surrounding the full extent of his connections, with many demanding accountability for anyone involved in or benefiting from his criminal activities.

# data[].attributes.body
The NYC Mayoral election is an important topic to talk about today because it makes a good way to learn about the corruption of Donald Trump and how people with political power and we the people can help fight back against that. The Mayoral candadites, Zohran Mamdani, Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa and the running contenders for being the mayor of NYC. Mamdani built his campaign on a better and more affordable New York, leading people to immediatly put him up in the race, more than 88% of New York citizens have said that housing is not affordable. Another contender who I think also has a chance in the race is, Curtis Sliwa, who makes good points and also speaks for the people. He makes points like public safety, mental health response and even help with restoring police authority. Although Sliwa makes good points, Mamdani has the best chance to win the Mayoral Election because of how he responds back to the people and he has more of a connection to the 5 boroughs of NYC. He also supports against the ideas of Trump and plans to help immigrants against discrimination and ICE raids. Overall, this Mayoral election is a good way to spread news about how small leaders like mayors can make a big difference in the community