Gun control isn't the only issue being thrust into the spotlight in the wake of the Parkland school shooting. The concept of "trending" news is facing criticism after conspiracies about some of the students seeped into the top stories sections of leading online content platforms. New York Magazine's Brian Feldman joins Cheddar to explain why he thinks it's time to put all things trending to an end.
Feldman describes what he sees as the problematic nature of content curation. He says sites base their story suggestions based on the quantity of clicks, with no eye towards editorial quality or accuracy. This allowed a video accusing a Parkland survivor of being a crisis actor to rise to the top of YouTube's trending section.
The associate editor says part of the problem is the lack of consistency in how different platforms define "trending." He points to Twitter as an example of a better way to approach story curation. The social media giant uses actual people instead of algorithms to assemble its "Moments."
The average city in California has a 38% higher cost of living than the average American city, according to a cost of living index. For many, the general minimum wage of $15/hour just doesn't cut it. Anti-poverty activist Joe Sanberg wants to get the minimum wage changed to $18/hour. He joins Cheddar News to discuss the Living Wage Act of 2022.
Liana Guzmán, CEO of FOLX Health, joins Cheddar News to discuss the company launching billboards across the country in response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
President Biden has announced an additional $800 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including artillery, armored personnel carriers, and helicopters. It comes as Russian forces appear to be preparing for a new, aggressive offensive in the eastern part of Ukraine. Paul McLeary, defense reporter for Politico, joined Cheddar to discuss this new round of aid and what it means for the U.S. commitment to arming the embattled country.
Catching you up on what you need to know on April 18, 2022, with Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian city of Lviv killing seven, mass shootings in South Carolina and Pittsburgh, Lucky Charms cereal under official investigation by the FDA, and more.
Activism is growing around the country in response to school boards banning books from shelves that focus on sexuality, gender, identity, or race. Jen Cousins, co-founder of The Florida Freedom to Read Project, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine intensifies, President Biden has announced a ban on importing Russian oil, gas, and energy. To discuss how this ban will impact the war and Americans, Amir Handjani, non-resident fellow at Quincy Institute, joins Cheddar News.
Thousands of protesters around the world are expressing their solidarity with Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
Jason Beardsley, national executive director of the Association of the U.S. Navy and national security expert, joins Cheddar News to discuss.