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Tag: Thursday

  • Senators Call For Probe Into Meta After News Report On AI Conversations With Children

    Senators Call For Probe Into Meta After News Report On AI Conversations With Children

    Authored by Jacob Burg via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

    Two Republican Senators on Aug. 14 called for a congressional investigation into Meta Platforms, Facebook’s parent company, after a recent news media report revealed an internal policy document that allowed the company’s chatbots to have “romantic or sensual” conversations with a child.

    The offices of Meta in Menlo Park, Calif., on July 31, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

    On Thursday, Reuters reported that it had viewed a Meta policy document detailing polices on chatbot behavior that permitted the technology to “engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual,” generate incorrect medical information, and assist users in arguing that black people are “dumber than white people.”

    While Meta confirmed the authenticity of the document, the company said that after recently receiving questions from Reuters, it removed the portions stating that the chatbot is allowed to flirt or participate in romantic roleplay with children.

    Andy Stone, a spokesperson for Meta, said the company is currently revising the documents and that those types of conversations with children should never have been permitted.

    “The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed,” Stone told Reuters. “We have clear policies on what kind of responses AI characters can offer, and those policies prohibit content that sexualizes children and sexualized role play between adults and minors.”

    On the X platform, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) criticized the company for allegedly only making the changes after being questioned by Reuters.

    “So, only after Meta got CAUGHT did it retract portions of its company doc that deemed it ‘permissible for chatbots to flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children,’” Hawley said. “This is grounds for an immediate congressional investigation.”

    A spokesperson for Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said she supports a probe into Meta.

    After Hawley called for an investigation, a Meta spokesperson reiterated the company’s previous statement. However, the spokesperson declined to comment on Hawley’s remarks.

    Blackburn said the report underscores the need to pass reforms for better protection of children online, like the Kids Online Safety Act. The senator co-sponsored the bill, which passed in the Senate last year by a bipartisan 91–3 vote, but failed in the House.

    The bill called for certain platforms, such as social media networks, to “take reasonable measures in the design and operation of products or services used by minors to prevent and mitigate certain harms that may arise from that use (e.g., sexual exploitation and online bullying).”

    “Additionally, covered platforms must provide (1) minors with certain safeguards, such as settings that restrict access to minors’ personal data; and (2) parents or guardians with tools to supervise minors’ use of a platform, such as control of privacy and account settings,” the bill states.

    Blackburn reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act in May.

    “When it comes to protecting precious children online, Meta has failed miserably by every possible measure. Even worse, the company has turned a blind eye to the devastating consequences of how its platforms are designed,” Blackburn said.

    The legislation would also explicitly define a “duty of care” that social media companies employ regarding minors’ use of their products, focusing on the regulation of the companies and the platforms’ designs.

    The Meta document states that the standards in question do not necessarily reflect “ideal or even preferable” generative AI outputs, according to Reuters. However, the provocative outputs by bots have been permitted, the news outlet’s analysis revealed.

    The Epoch Times has not independently verified the document in question.

    Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called the standards “deeply disturbing and wrong.” He said Section 230, the law that protects internet companies from liability for statements or content posted on their platforms, should not extend to shielding the companies’ generative AI chatbots.

    “Meta and Zuckerberg should be held fully responsible for any harm these bots cause,” Wyden said.

    Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said Reuters’s report “shows how critical safeguards are for AI—especially when the health and safety of kids is at risk.”

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  • JetBlue will use Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites for free in-flight internet

    JetBlue will use Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites for free in-flight internet

    Many major airlines are beefing up their in-flight internet offerings by tapping SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, but JetBlue is going in a different direction. Amazon and JetBlue announced Thursday a partnership under which the airline will instead use Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites to provide free in-flight connectivity starting in 2027.

    The Kuiper terminals on JetBlue’s planes will be capable of download speeds of up to 1Gbps from Amazon’s low-Earth orbit satellites. That’s more bandwidth than Starlink’s current max of 250 Mbps, although Amazon is only planning to build a network of 3,226 satellites, while SpaceX has launched more than 8,000. While Amazon has previously claimed it is more focused on “unserved and underserved communities around the world,” that language has been removed from its website.

    When the service goes live, JetBlue will be the first airline to use Kuiper satellites, which Amazon started launching to space in April. Amazon also announced earlier this year that it was integrating its satellite internet tech with Airbus planes.

    Those contracts are big steps for Kuiper, which has been in the works for years. The project has been bogged down by production problems, although Amazon has said it will be able to hit the mid-2026 deadline imposed by the Federal Communications Commission to launch the first half of its network into orbit.

  • Chase Briscoe Clinches Daytona 500 Pole, Race Starts Early Amid Weather Shift

    Chase Briscoe Clinches Daytona 500 Pole, Race Starts Early Amid Weather Shift

    Start of ‘The Great American Race’ moved up to 1:30 p.m. ET

    Briscoe Breaks the Pack: Pole Position Pulse

    The 67th Daytona 500 was anything but dull, and for a moment, Chase Briscoe became the headline act. He upset Ford’s assumed reigns in qualifying, snatching the pole with a burst of speed that left everyone gasping.

    Why It Matters

    • Briscoe’s lightning-quick lap time carved a fresh benchmark.
    • Ford’s dominoes fell: no longer invincibles, they’ve got a new contender on the block.
    • The race dynamics are reshuffled; everyone’s eyes will be on Briscoe for the main event.

    Quick Q&A

    1. Q: How fast was Briscoe’s lap?
      A: He thundered past the field at nearly an inch per minute faster than the quickest Ford.
    2. Q: What’s the next step for Briscoe?
      A: He’s now chasing the win, but first, he must charm the crowd and keep the momentum rolling.
    Takeaway

    In a race where tradition is king, a fresh face can change the story overnight. Briscoe has proven that the pole is not just a title—it’s a testament to speed, strategy, and that fearless drive that keeps the sport alive.

    Chase Briscoe Steals the Daytona Pole, Giving Toyota a First‑Come Breakthrough

    Quick Take: In a blazing, 49.249‑second lap at 182.745 mph, Chase Briscoe flipped the script and snagged the pole for the 67th Daytona 500. It’s a historic moment—the first time a Toyota driver has ever headed the grid at this classic race.

    Qualifying Highlights

    • Briscoe: 49.249 s – 182.745 mph
    • Austin Cindric: 182.463 mph (just 0.076 s shy)
    • Only Briscoe and Cindric are locked into their Sunday starting spots thanks to the unique format.

    Backstage & Behind the Wheel

    After the finish line, Briscoe couldn’t contain his excitement: “This is an amazing way to start our season. It feels epic to kick things off with Toyota and deliver them their first pole at Daytona.” The rookie even added that “Coach Gibbs and the JGR crew crushed it off‑season, especially on superspeedways.” Everyone in the pit feels the swagger.

    Why It Matters

    In NASCAR lore, the Daytona 500 is the crown jewel. A pole position leads the charge, and bringing a Toyota to the front for the first time is a bold statement. Briscoe’s lap speed outpaced the defending champ, proving that a fresh start can be a power‑move.

    What’s Next?

    Everyone’s eyes will be on Sunday, when the engines roar at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Will Briscoe hold on, or will the battle reignite?

    Chase Briscoe Clinches Daytona 500 Pole, Race Starts Early Amid Weather Shift

    Daytona’s Duel Duel: The Stakes and the Sizzle

    When the Daytona cup is in full gear, the rest of the starting grid takes shape during Thursday night’s Duel qualifying races. A few open spots still need to be settled, but Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson have already clawed their way into the race with the fastest times among nine uncharted drivers.

    Truex and Johnson Seal the Deal

    • Truex – 22nd overall, the first Thursday entry from TRICON Garage.
    • Johnson – 29th spot behind Legacy Motor Club’s No. 84 Toyota.

    “It’s a huge relief,” Truex told the crew after smooth laps came to a close. “You never know what can happen in the Duels—anything from pit‑road mishaps to on‑track incidents could jeopardize your chances. The team worked tirelessly on this car, and I’m grateful we could lay down a solid lap.”

    Johnson echoed the sentiment, especially after last year’s nerves. “Last year’s Duels were nerve‑wracking for me, so I’m glad I don’t have to go through that again. I respect the process, but I don’t envy the guys who still have to race their way in.”

    Ford’s Formidable Form‑up

    In the final qualifying round, the Ford squad took the top four spots:

    1. Austin Cindric
    2. Ryan Preece
    3. Joey Logano – reigning champion
    4. Josh Berry

    The remainder of the top‑10 looked heavy on the under‑the‑radical-Porsche craft:

    • Denny Hamlin
    • Austin Dillon – fastest Chevy
    • Christopher Bell
    • Ty Dillon
    • Kyle Larson

    Who Starts Where?

    • Briscoe will take the pole for Thursday’s Duel 1.
    • Cindric will lead the field in Duel 2.
    • Preece opens Duel 1 in second place, with Logano lining up on the outside first row for Duel 2.

    Drivers in odd‑numbered positions battle it out in Duel 1, while even‑numbered qualifiers clash in Duel 2. The highest‑finishing uncharted driver in each duel earns a coveted spot in the Daytona 500.

    Daytona 500 Schedule – A Twisty Turn

    Due to a sunny‑twist of weather, the documentary‑style Daytona 500 will jump an hour up on the clock: now rolling out at 1:30 p.m. ET, morning of Sunday.

    Fans, take note:

    • Gates open at 9:00 a.m. ET.
    • Hard Rock Bet Fanzone kicks off at 8:30 a.m. ET.
    • Parking lots open as early as 6:00 a.m. ET.

    Security is playing hardball, so a few hours earlier is the best plan. Traffic can be a surprise‑guest, so bring plenty of extra time.

    Musical Motors and Military Flair

    Even with the schedule shuffle, the Dawn of the Race remains unchanged: Pitbull will lay down the beats before the National Anthem, followed by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds’ flyover that will send the crowd into a flurry of gives‑thumb‑up‑for‑the‑sky.

    All in all, the Daytona scene stays electric—just a little earlier than expected. Grab your seat, gear up for the roar, and let the Duels decide who’s truly worth the horn’s luster!

  • Awkward: "Brazen Election Cheating" Allegations Rock Minneapolis Mayoral Endorsement

    Awkward: "Brazen Election Cheating" Allegations Rock Minneapolis Mayoral Endorsement

    What’s Happening in Minneapolis? A Quick, Clear Look

    In August 2025, something big happened in Minneapolis politics. A local Democratic group, the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), pulled the backing of Senator Omar Fateh for the mayor race. They said he cheated. Why it matters: the DFL had just gave him a thumbs‑up over the sitting mayor, Jacob Frey. Now that vote is gone. It’s shaking up the city’s future plans and raising questions about fairness. Let’s break it down.

    Who are the Main Players?

    • Omar Fateh – State senator, candidate for mayor, popular in Democratic circles.
    • Jacob Frey – The mayor standing for re‑election, leaning more toward the middle ground.
    • DFL – The statewide Democratic party, traditionally strong in Minnesota.
    • Richard Carlbom – DFL chair in Minnesota, who issued the official statement.

    What Happened at the DFL Convention?

    In July 2025, the DFL held a convention in Minneapolis. Inside the venue, a set of electronic machines read the votes. People wanted a fair, clear process. But it turns out the machines failed in a few spots.

    • One machine counted 176 fewer votes than it should have. The missing votes mattered a lot.
    • Because of that missing piece, the machine told the unofficial leaders that Omar Fateh had been dropped from the race.
    • In the real world, that cut off a big chunk of the DFL’s typical support for Fateh.

    Why is This “Cheating?”

    The DFL’s own review team said the voting system had serious glitches. They called it “brazen cheating.” That means the system didn’t follow the rules that the party had set out. Here’s why it matters:

    • Fateh’s supporters claimed the vote was wrong.
    • Some observers felt the machines were split in the wrong way.
    • Because of those mistakes, the party’s leadership chose to back Jacob Frey instead.

    Beyond the Machines: Other Controversies

    When Fateh’s endorsement vanished, some others started pointing fingers at old rumors. One rumor was that his brother‑in‑law had once stolen absentee ballots. That story cuts deep because it’s a crime. The accusations were connected to how ballots were handled. Even though that case wasn’t directly tied to the current race, it added a layer of distrust in the same area.

    DFL’s Official Response

    Here’s what the head of the party said. He said the process was not done right. He called it a failure of the voting rules. He gave these points:

    • The procedure missed votes and the machine miscounted by 176.
    • It led to the elimination of a candidate unfairly.
    • Now the party wants to focus on team unity and get ahead to bring cost cuts down for the city.

    He said the errors should not stay and the DFL felt the best next step was to remove Omar Fateh’s endorsement. The goal is to keep the door open so the party wins big next time.

    How Republicans Are Talking About this

    People from the opposing side say the DFL’s move shows weakness. They claim the Democratic party is confusing itself. They add it changes the whole city plan. If even a small Democratic group thinks the system didn’t work, then the big party can be as slow as the old era. Republicans point to the long list of mistakes to make the people feel comfortable telling the city government to look at them.

    The Big Picture: “Who is in Charge?”

    What does this brick wall of confusion mean for the city? The main mayors in charge were going to check new policies on council taxes, rents, and city growth. These public records used to be solved at the state level, and the council tries to win factions in this inner circle. Now that a big coalition is forgetting the process, what will happen next?

    • Will the city send a new set of rules to make sure this doesn’t happen again? Yes.
    • Will the city chair out a new plan to get the city budget smaller and “hard hats” cheaper? Likely.
    • Will supporters shake as they think the city has to do it in a stronger method? Probably.

    Three Ways to Keep the Process Fair

    We have three real ideas that could help. One is stronger machine but with a backup judge. Two is to use paper ballots first. Three is to bring extra staff that avoid errors.

    • These are already easy in a big city. Making it more time is fun for them. These is also fine and more steps are better. They should kill of a very strong because they are not trying to see the changes that have been the main ones.

    What Should Workers in the City Do?

    The people who will run each house must watch each step. They are all traveling out for each big stuff.
    They need to keep the methodology short and over there.
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    They have to keep the text in the part of the form in to be the rare state of persuasion for the success.

    In short

    1. Keep your look at how to run the services to each second step in the golden windows.

  • Do a small check with a plan for the quick editors when they write their system.

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