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Deep dive into Meta’s algorithms shows that America’s political polarization has no easy fix

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

By DAVID KLEPPER (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — The powerful algorithms used by Facebook and Instagram to deliver content to users have increasingly been blamed for amplifying misinformation and political polarization. But a series of groundbreaking studies published Thursday suggest addressing these challenges is not as simple as tweaking the platforms’ software.The four research papers, published in Science and Nature, also reveal the extent of political echo chambers on Facebook, where conservatives and liberals rely on divergent sources of information, interact with opposing groups and consume distinctly different amounts of misinformation.Algorithms are the automated systems that social media platforms use to suggest content for users by making assumptions based on the groups, friends, topics and headlines a user has clicked on in the past. While they excel at keeping users engaged, algorithms have been criticized for amplifying misinformation and ideological c...

In ripping Nathaniel Hackett, Sean Payton got called a bum by a former Bronco and sent a message to his own team

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

Is it October yet?The Broncos only officially open training camp on Friday morning and already first-year coach Sean Payton has thrown down the gauntlet.In an interview with USA TODAY, the first-year coach said Nathaniel Hackett’s 2022 in Denver, “might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL. It was that bad.”He implied the New York Jets, where Hackett is now the offensive coordinator and Aaron Rodgers the quarterback, are ripe for disappointment in 2023. He said Russell Wilson still has “gas in the tank” and sharpened comments he made to the local media corps when he was first hired that a lot more people than just Wilson share blame for his career-worst 2022 season.Payton’s comments rang out around the league, a hot shot that certainly found the mark in New York. The Jets, of course, visit Denver on Oct. 8.“He’s been in the league a while, he can say whatever the hell he wants,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters there Thursday. “I kind o...

FBI, Los Angeles police raid home in Reseda

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

Local and federal law enforcement agents are executing a search warrant at a home in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.The warrant was executed sometime Thursday morning in the 7500 block of White Oak Avenue between Saticoy and Valerio streets in Reseda.Details are limited and the nature of the investigation was not immediately disclosed.The Los Angeles Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation would only confirm that a federal search warrant was being executed at the location.Evidence collected from a home in the 7500 block of White Oak Avenue as part of a federal search warrant. July 27, 2023. (KTLA)Local and federal agents are seen outside a home in the 7500 block of White Oak Avenue in Reseda, California. July 27, 2023. (KTLA)Evidence collected from a home in the 7500 block of White Oak Avenue as part of a federal search warrant. July 27, 2023. (KTLA)Local and federal agents are seen outside a home in the 7500 block of White Oak Avenue in Reseda, California. July 27...

Dodgers acquire shortstop from Cleveland

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

Amed Rosario was never viewed as Cleveland's long-term shortstop — more of a temporary fix.On Wednesday, he became a former one.Eager to give young infielders Tyler Freeman and Gabriel Arias more playing time, the Guardians traded Rosario to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Noah Syndergaard and nearly $1.9 million in a deal that addresses major needs for both contending clubs.Rosario came to Cleveland from the New York Mets in the blockbuster deal for Francisco Lindor a few years back. And while he has been a reliable player and leader for the defending AL Central champions, the Guardians felt it was time to turn to their future. Shohei Ohtani is off the trade block; Angels add top starter Giolito: Report Rosario started slowly at the plate this season, but is batting .265 with six triples, three homers and 40 RBIs. However, his defense has been lacking — he's ranked among baseball's worst shortstops in several categories — and the Guardians feel it's better to see what Freeman...

8 Californians win millions with Lottery scratchers

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

Eight Southern Californians recently struck it rich, winning a combined $13 million from California Lottery Scratcher tickets, Lottery officials announced on Thursday.Lilia Gharbian of Pasadena played a Millionaire Bucks ticket purchased at a Liquor Mart and instantly won the top prize of $5,000,000, officials said.In Carson, Miguel Hernandez scratched his way to a $2 million prize from an Instant Crossword ticket.In San Bernardino County, Efren Figueroa won a cool million playing a Win Big scratcher purchased at the Albertsons in Highland.In Los Angeles County, Dana Treadway won $1 million playing an Xtreme Multiplier ticket purchased in Covina.In Orange County, Francisco Fajardo also struck gold with a million-dollar Perfect Gift! ticket he bought at Bob’s Liquor in Fullerton.Jesus Rojo, Thomas Bockover, and Larry Fox also won $1 million each playing Diamond 8’s tickets purchased in Orange and L.A. counties.The California Lottery is required by law to disclose the names of winners...

Another university looks to leave Pac-12

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

If Colorado is ready to leave the Pac-12, the Big 12 is ready to welcome the Buffaloes back to the conference they left 12 years ago.Big 12 presidents and chancellors voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept Colorado as a new member, clearing the way for the school to leave the Pac-12 and rejoin its former league, a person with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 was not making its expansion plans public. ESPN first reported the vote.Colorado still needs to go through a formal process on its campus in Boulder and officially accept membership. The university’s board of regents has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon with athletics operations on the agenda. Big Ten votes to add USC, UCLA as members starting in 2024 Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, athletic directors and Commissioner George Kliavkoff are scheduled to convene Thursday to discuss the next moves for the conference, two people with knowl...

Rams QB Matthew Stafford addresses trade inquiries

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

Matthew Stafford apparently had little doubt he would play football this season. He had even less doubt he would play for the Los Angeles Rams.And when other teams called to inquire about trading for the Super Bowl champion quarterback, Stafford says he made it clear where he preferred to be.“I see it as flattering, I guess, that other teams would reach out and want me to come play for them,” Stafford said Wednesday. “I just know that I’m really happy where I am, playing for this team, playing for this coach and these fans.” Los Angeles Rams linebacker flattens protester who ran on field After an offseason during which he claimed not to know about many of the rumors swirling around him, the 35-year-old Stafford fully participated in the opening practice of training camp with the Rams at UC Irvine on Wednesday to begin his 15th NFL season.Stafford hasn't retired, he hasn't been traded, and he won't say whether he restructured his contract - or whether he declined to help out the Ra...

The Unveiling of Self-Sovereignty: Is Decentralized Identity the Future of Online Security?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

The rise of digital technologies has led to an exponential increase in online activities. However, with this rise, the threat of identity theft has also grown. A simple fake ID can enable a criminal to impersonate another individual, leading to dire consequences. In 2021 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported 4.8 million identity theft and fraud reports, a sharp increase from the previous years.Given the escalating threat to online identity, there’s a growing interest in the potential of decentralized identity. In essence, decentralized identity is a concept that seeks to shift control of personal data from centralized authorities to individuals, hence termed self-sovereign identity.Building Blocks of Decentralized IdentityDecentralized identity utilizes blockchain technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, to secure personal data. Blockchain’s distributed ledger technology ensures that any identity-related data stored on the netw...

How This Small-Town Photographer Became the Most In-Demand Sports Photographer in 3 Years

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

With technological advancements and evolving trends in the digital realm, sports photography has undergone a sea of changes. From creating just an image, it has combined art with expression to narrate unique stories. Madeleine Penfold, a sought-after photographer in the sports industry, is storming this space with her inherent passion for the lens and unique ability to understand the human psyche. Hailing from North Manchester, Madeleine is making her mark as a visionary photographer while introducing a fresh perspective. Here’s her story.From a young age, Madeleine was passionate about capturing moments through the lens. At 11, her passion found expression when she received an old disposable camera and her father’s compact camera. As she grew up, her interests evolved as she became drawn to Manchester’s club culture. However, Madeleine continued to capture the vibrancy of these parties and Manchester’s nightlife in a documentary style.Following her mother’s advice, Madeleine ...

Building Trust in the Finance Sector: Halfmoon Capital’s Strategy to Connect with Investors

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:40:10 GMT

In a world where financial markets continue to grow in complexity, the relationship between investors and financial institutions continues to evolve, moving away from its once purely transactional nature.Nowadays, trust, connection, and brand awareness have risen to prominence, becoming fundamental to the survival and success of finance entities. The traditional confines of numerical data and economic trends have been pushed aside. To thrive in this fiercely competitive realm, companies are tasked with building more than just an image. They must cultivate a brand that resonates with investors and builds trust.Among the innovative frontrunners navigating this shift is Halfmoon Capital. Under the leadership of Lumine Lin, an eight-year retail trading veteran, this hedge fund has been able to carve a distinct brand identity that strikes a chord with investors and sets a new standard in the industry.Lin’s extraordinary journey, marked by his unusual background in design and a unique len...