CA leads states suing TikTok, claiming platform is addictive and harms kids’ mental health
More than a dozen states, including California, and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against TikTok on Tuesday, alleging the popular short-form video app is harming youth mental health by designing its platform to be addictive to kids. The lawsuits stem from a national investigation into TikTok, which was launched in March 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from many states, including California, Kentucky and New Jersey. All of the complaints were filed in state courts. At the heart of each lawsuit is the TikTok algorithm, which powers what users see on the platform by populating the app’s main “For You” feed with content tailored to people’s interests. The lawsuits also emphasize design features that they say make children addicted to the platform, such as the ability to scroll endlessly through content, push notifications that come with built-in “buzzes” and face filters that create unattainable appearances for users. Joining us today on AirTalk is Bobby Allyn, technology correspondent for NPR based in LA. We also want to hear from you. If you use TikTok, how has it impacted you or your family? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
With files from the Associated Press.
CA Congressional District 47: Sen. Dave Min discusses work at the state level, priorities if elected
California representative Katie Porter's decision to not seek re-election for Congress, as her attempted bid for Senator ended in March’s primaries, has left her position up for grabs. California’s 47th congressional district, which represents cities like Seal Beach, Irvine, and Laguna Beach, is considered to be a purple district; the two candidates to make it out of the primary were former State Assemblymember Scott Baugh and sitting State Senator Dave Min. Both candidates are making different cases to voters, with Min prioritizing reproductive rights and gun violence prevention, Baugh’s focus is securing the border and modifying congressional spending. Today on AirTalk, we sit down with California State Senator Dave Min, to learn how he’d represent his constituents if elected to this new position.
As more college athletes take advantage of NIL, the rules around compensation become murkier
The NCAA allowed athletes to profit off their own name, image and likeness (NIL) back in 2021. Now, three years later, the rules around NIL are still being defined, with many regulations and laws differing between each state and institution. The recent case of former USC running back, Reggie Bush, suing over use of his likeness without compensation, calls into question whether former college athletes should receive compensation for NIL even if they played prior to the rule change. And the situation of UNLV's quarterback sitting out the season due to false promises of NIL from the university raises concerns about NIL being used to recruit athletes. Today on AirTalk, we explore the shifting landscape of college sports as NIL becomes more widely utilized despite the murky legal waters it currently inhabits. We're joined by Shehan Jeyarajah, national college football writer for CBS Sports and Gabriel Feldman, director of the sports law program and associate provost for NCAA compliance at Tulane University.
Prop 5: Should the state lower its supermajority for local housing infrastructure measures?
As it stands, the state of California requires a two-thirds approval vote to use bond funds for local projects, a standard that might potentially decrease if approved by voters this November election. Proposition 5 on this year’s ballot, would lower future supermajority votes on these bond-related measures down to 55%. Yes on 5 has made the case to voters that this would give more power to local communities when it comes to funding projects, while those rejecting the proposal cite higher property taxes as a concern. So today on AirTalk, we discuss the pros and cons of Proposition 5 with Susan Shelley, vice president of communications at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and Matthew Lewis, director of communications at California YIMBY.
How LAist’s 2024 Voter Game Plan can help you this election
Elections can be completely overwhelming. It’s difficult to find useful information to help make informed voting decisions, especially for lower-profile races. LAist has you covered with the 2024 Voter Game Plan, which is full of guides that walk you through everything you need to know about statewide, Los Angeles and Orange County elections. We walk you through what you should know today on AirTalk. Joining to discuss is Frank Stoltze, civics and democracy correspondent at LAist, Brianna Lee, LAist Civics & Democracy engagement producer, and Jill Replogle, LAist correspondent covering Orange County. If you have questions, call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
You can find LAist’s Voter Game Plan here
A not-so-secret guide to LA’s best speakeasy bars
It has been almost a century since America’s repeal of prohibition. Although the days of bootleg alcohol are long gone, in Los Angeles, the culture of prohibition lives on in speakeasies. From refrigerator doors to VHS stores, easily missed hole-in-the-walls offer angelenos a portal to another world. Today on AirTalk, we explore the best speakeasies the city has to offer. Joining us to discuss is Prairie Rose, senior drinks editor at Food & Wine. We also want to hear from you. What are your favorite speakeasy bars? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com
