in the clear: 2024-04-08

This is a running list of various media I've looked at each week. It's mostly for reference and to give an impression of the type of news that I'm exposed to. Bullets are written by me and numbers are summaries of the respective article from an LLM.

If you have any suggestions or know of other good news sources, please leave a comment in the guestbook or reach out to me directly. I can't spend all my time reading about current events, but I like to try and stay informed whenever possible.

Proton Blog: Big Tech passkey implementations are a trap

1. Passkeys are a new technology aimed at replacing passwords, offering faster, easier, and more secure logins.
2. Big Tech companies like Apple and Google have implemented passkeys in a way that prioritizes their own interests over universal security.
3. Passkeys are based on an open standard, but their full potential can only be realized if they become universal and interoperable.
4. Apple and Google's implementation of passkeys has been criticized for being difficult to use across different platforms and devices.
5. Passwords are at the root of 80% of data breaches, and passkeys aim to provide a more secure solution.
6. Proton Pass, a product by Proton, offers passkeys that are easy to use and accessible to everyone, prioritizing universal security.

NYT: Insurers Reap Hidden Fees by Slashing Payments. You May Get the Bill.

1. A data analytics firm called MultiPlan helps insurers determine payments for out-of-network medical providers, often resulting in lower reimbursements and larger bills for patients.
2. Insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Aetna, use MultiPlan to process out-of-network claims and pay a percentage of the savings as a fee.
3. MultiPlan and insurers argue that this practice helps combat overbilling, but patients are left with unexpectedly high bills and reduced access to care.
4. Employers contract with insurers for health plan administration, and the insurers consult MultiPlan when an employee sees an out-of-network provider.
5. The insurer, MultiPlan, and the employer benefit from the savings, while patients and healthcare providers may experience financial strain.
6. The system lacks transparency, and regulators have limited involvement in employer-funded health plans, leaving patients and providers with few options for recourse.

IAPP: Maryland adds new dimensions to US comprehensive state privacy law patchwork

1. Maryland General Assembly is set to enact one of the toughest comprehensive privacy laws among states.
2. The bill includes broad data minimization standards and applies to businesses that control or process personal data on more than 35,000 consumers or derive 20% of revenue from selling the data of more than 10,000 consumers.
3. The bill puts an all-out prohibition on sensitive data sales, includes provisions for universal opt-out mechanisms and anti-discrimination prohibitions, and offers a limited 60-day right to cure that sunsets in 2027.
4. Maryland's data minimization requirements are a game-changer for consumers, shifting the onus of privacy protection from individuals to companies.
5. Complying with Maryland's bill will require more than the standard compliance framework due to the ban on sensitive data sales and the inclusion of data minimization standards.
6. The bill includes unique provisions such as optional recognition of universal opt-out mechanisms and attorney general discretion over when a 60-day cure can be applied.

IAPP Summary: US House to consider COPPA 2.0 (Bloomberg Article)

"Bloomberg Law reports members of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce will introduce a companion bill to the Senate's proposed legislation to update the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Reps. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., and Kathy Castor, D-Fla., will carry the bipartisan bill, which has already passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and awaits full Senate consideration. The House bill is likely to include recent amendments added by the Senate in stakeholder consultation."

NY Post: NYC’s public Wi-Fi network nixes deal to bring TikTok to ‘every street corner’

1. New York City's public Wi-Fi network has canceled a partnership with TikTok, following congressional scrutiny and concerns over national security.
2. The partnership would have brought TikTok's "Out of Phone" service to public displays on cell phone poles and Wi-Fi kiosks.
3. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Ritichie Torres called for the deal to be scrapped, citing national security risks due to TikTok's ties to China.
4. Intersection, the tech firm involved in the partnership, confirmed the deal has been terminated due to recent developments at the federal level.
5. The city's LinkNYC Wi-Fi program is provided under a franchise agreement with a consortium called CityBridge, which includes Intersection and Boldyn Networks.
6. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about TikTok collecting data from children and allowing China-based employees access to Americans' data.

NYT Opinion: Good Economy, Negative Vibes: The Story Continues

1. The economy has been strong under President Biden, with 39 consecutive months of job growth and low unemployment.
2. Inflation has been a concern, but wages have still risen faster than prices for most workers.
3. Many Americans still believe the economy is in bad shape, despite positive data, possibly due to a "vibecession" or a focus on negative news.
4. People tend to view the economy more negatively when both wages and prices are rising.
5. Partisanship plays a large role in people's perceptions of the economy, with Republicans more negative under a Democratic president.
6. The U.S. economy has been successful, and policies like expanding Obamacare and student debt relief have not dragged it down.

NYT: For $367 a Month, She Has 345 Square Feet, a Hot Tub and a River

1. Liz Gilson, the subject of the article, has a history of living in small spaces, including a sailboat and a furniture-moving van.
2. She now lives in a 345 square foot former barbershop in Glencoe Mill Village, North Carolina, which she converted into her home.
3. The house was originally a one-room building, but the previous owner had added an addition, and Ms. Gilson later made renovations to the interior.
4. Ms. Gilson's home is part of a historic community and she had to maintain its historical character during renovations.
5. She has a hot tub and a fire pit in her backyard, and the community is known for its social events and gatherings.
6. Ms. Gilson enjoys showing off her home to visitors and takes pride in her simple and sustainable lifestyle.

NYT: In Landmark Climate Ruling, European Court Faults Switzerland

1. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Swiss government violated human rights by not doing enough to combat climate change.
2. The court rejected two other climate-related cases from France and Portugal due to inadmissibility.
3. Switzerland is ordered to pay 80,000 euros to the group of Swiss women who brought the case.
4. The Swiss government argued that human rights law does not apply to climate change.
5. This ruling could influence similar cases in national courts and encourage climate-related lawsuits.
6. The ruling comes as part of a broader wave of climate-related lawsuits aiming to push governments to act against global warming.

Wired: It’s Time to Switch to a Privacy Browser

1. Google tracks user data even in Incognito mode, with billions of records to be deleted as part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit.
2. To ensure privacy, switching to a browser not associated with a company that earns revenue from advertising is recommended.
3. DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused browser that enforces encrypted HTTPS connections, provides a grade for data mining efforts of websites, and automatically clears browsing data.
4. Ghostery is another privacy-focused browser that blocks ads and tracking cookies, with advanced tools to control which trackers are blocked on specific sites.
5. Tor Browser offers the highest level of anonymity and tracker-free browsing, using the Tor Project network and blocking fingerprinting methods.
6. Brave is a comprehensive privacy-focused browser with built-in tracker-blocking technologies, optional VPN, and the ability to access the Tor network.

EFF Podcast: Antitrust/Pro-Internet

"In this episode you’ll learn about: 

• Getting a better “deal” in trading some of your data for connectedness. 
• Building corporate structures that do a better job of balancing the public good with private profits. 
• Creating a healthier online ecosystem with corporate “quarantines” to prevent a handful of gigantic companies from dominating the entire internet. 
• Nurturing actual innovation of products and services online, not just newer price models."

After Babel: Yes, Social Media Really Is a Cause of the Epidemic of Teenage Mental Illness (In response to a Nature Article)

1. The text discusses the debate over whether social media contributes to an epidemic of teenage mental illness.
2. Researchers, such as Candice Odgers and Jean Twenge, have differing views on the issue.
3. Odgers argues that the correlation between social media use and mental health issues does not imply causation.
4. The author of the text, however, presents evidence from correlational, longitudinal, and experimental studies that suggest a relationship between social media use and mental health.

5. The author argues that heavy social media use is associated with increased risk of mental illness in adolescents.

6. The text also highlights the potential impact of social ills such as racism, economic hardship, and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis on teenage mental health.

The Record: FCC opens rulemaking to probe connected car stalking

1. The FCC is launching a formal proceeding to study ways to prevent abusers from using car connectivity tools to harass domestic violence survivors.

2. The probe is in response to the 2022 Safe Connections Act, a law passed by Congress to improve access to communications services for survivors of domestic abuse.

3. The FCC will seek comment on the types and frequency of use of connected car services available in the marketplace today.

4. The proposed rulemaking may designate connected cars as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which would give the FCC greater power to regulate the vehicles.

5. If connected cars are determined to be MVNOs, companies would be forced to improve transparency on data practices.

6. The FCC is proposing that survivors should be able to separate lines that connect their cars, just like they can separate their phone lines from family plans.

WSJ: Banks Strike Back Against Private Credit

1. Wall Street banks are regaining market share in financing deals from nonbank lenders.
2. Over $11 billion of debt previously from direct lenders was refinanced via the broadly syndicated loan market in Q1 2024.
3. Banks have lowered pricing to compete with private credit, offering savings of up to 3 percentage points.
4. Investment banks are expected to see a 19% jump in overall investment-banking fees in Q1 2024 compared to the same period last year.
5. Loan syndication and debt underwriting fees have seen significant increases across major banks.
6. Megabanks with fee streams from investment banking and trading are likely to outperform regional banks in 2024.

NPR: The order your siblings were born in may play a role in identity and sexuality

1. The number of older brothers a person has can influence their sexuality, known as the "fraternal birth order effect."
2. This effect has been found in various countries, such as Turkey, North America, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
3. The likelihood of being gay increases with each older brother, but this effect doesn't apply to older sisters.
4. The "fraternal birth order effect" has a scientific basis and is still a subject of ongoing research.
5. Early scientific research on sexuality has had a harmful impact on queer communities and has been debunked over time.
6. NPR's Short Wave explores the science behind siblings, and you can email them at shortwave@npr.org to share your thoughts.

Proton Blog: Proton and Standard Notes are joining forces

1. Proton and Standard Notes are collaborating to further their shared mission of prioritizing privacy and community.
2. Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking app, used by over 300,000 people, which complements Proton's ecosystem of services.
3. Standard Notes will remain open-source, freely available, and supported, with no price changes for existing subscribers.
4. Proton aims to preserve what makes Standard Notes special and maintain its commitment to the community.
5. Proton and Standard Notes share a common value of putting people ahead of profits, with both companies having a history of long-term success without external funding.
6. The collaboration aims to make Standard Notes more accessible to the Proton community and serve both communities better in the years to come.

NYT Opinion: Get Tech Out of the Classroom Before It’s Too Late

1. A concerned parent, Jaime Lewis, noticed her eighth-grade son's grades slipping due to watching YouTube during class on his school-issued laptop.
2. Lewis and other parents formed a group to address the issue and requested the school district to block YouTube on students' devices.
3. The district superintendent acknowledged that he wasn't aware of the extent of content getting through the schools' content filters.
4. The overuse of technology in schools, particularly during the pandemic, has led to concerns about its impact on students' learning and well-being.
5. There is little evidence that tech improves educational outcomes, and schools have spent significant funds on tech with minimal proof of its effectiveness.
6. The issue extends beyond access to inappropriate content and general distraction, affecting fine motor skills, socialization, and students' overall learning experience.

• I definitely think tech can be distracting
• As far as I know though, it also has done wonder for accessibility and familiarizes students with computers, which is becoming increasingly important

The Economist: China’s state is eating the private property market

1. China's property crisis has led to a rise in state-owned firms, who now control more land, build more homes, and sell more of them than private companies.
2. The state is set to become China's biggest home builder, aiming to construct millions of "social housing" units for low-income households by 2030.
3. State firms have stronger links with banks, giving them an advantage in securing funding and surviving the crisis, while private companies face restructuring.
4. State-owned firms' dominance may lead to a less efficient market, lower quality homes, and reluctance among homebuyers to buy at commercial rates.
5. Local-government firms hold massive debt, with estimated collective debt of 75 trillion yuan, or about 60% of China's GDP.
6. State dominance may lead to fewer boom-and-bust cycles and help narrow the wealth gap, but could also exacerbate the crisis for private companies.

Lawfare: Jawboning and the Limits of Government Advocacy

1. The Supreme Court is considering two cases related to government "jawboning," or using speech to persuade others to act, and its impact on the First Amendment.
2. The first case, National Rifle Association (NRA) v. Vullo, involves the NRA alleging that a New York bank regulator pressured financial institutions not to do business with the NRA due to its gun promotion advocacy.
3. The second case, Murthy v. Missouri, stems from the Biden administration's efforts to combat misinformation on the internet, and allegations that the government coerced social media companies to remove certain posts.
4. The court must balance the government's ability to advocate for its policy views with private parties' First Amendment rights to speak freely without government coercion.
5. The court seems to acknowledge the importance of government speech in certain contexts, such as warning regulated companies about reputational risks or asking social media platforms to remove harmful content.
6. The two cases provide an opportunity for the court to establish clear rules regarding when government conduct crosses the line from permissible persuasion to impermissible coercion.

WSJ: Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Arm Probed by Multiple Federal Regulators

1. Multiple federal regulators are investigating Morgan Stanley's wealth-management division for potential money-laundering risks.
2. Regulators are probing the bank's client vetting process and monitoring of clients' financial activity, particularly for international clients.
3. The SEC has questioned why Morgan Stanley's financial-adviser unit continued to work with clients cut off by E*Trade due to red flags.
4. The bank is working to address the issues raised by regulators, including investing in compliance, technology, and AI.
5. Morgan Stanley's wealth division, which accounts for half of the company's total revenue, has shown signs of slowing down.
6. The SEC and FinCEN have taken an interest in differences in the vetting procedures of E*Trade and Morgan Stanley's financial-adviser unit.

NYT: What Researchers Discovered When They Sent 80,000 Fake Résumés to U.S. Jobs (Visualization Report Card)

1. Economists sent 80,000 fake résumés to 10,000 jobs, manipulating names to suggest different races and genders.
2. On average, white applicants were contacted 9.5% more often than Black applicants, with significant variation among companies and industries.
3. AutoNation and Genuine Parts Company were found to favor white applicants over Black ones by 43% and 33% respectively.
4. Some industries, like food stores and freight and transport, showed no significant racial bias in contacting applicants.
5. The study suggests that certain HR practices can help companies avoid biased hiring decisions.
6. The researchers emphasize that while racism and sexism exist in the labor market, it is possible for companies to do better and reduce discrimination.

NYT: With State Bans on D.E.I., Some Universities Find a Workaround: Rebranding

1. Universities are renaming and rebranding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices due to state bans and political pressures.
2. The rebranding often involves changing job titles, eliminating certain words, and refining requirements to maintain the essence of DEI programs.
3. The changes aim to appeal to a diverse generation of students and faculty while addressing concerns of conservative critics who view DEI programs as biased and expensive.
4. DEI programs often oversee various functions, including student cultural centers, regulatory compliance, and bias workshops for students and faculty.
5. At least 82 bills opposing DEI in higher education have been filed in more than 20 states since 2023, with some leading to layoffs and closures of diversity-related offices.
6. Some universities are finding ways to maintain DEI efforts despite the bans, while others have chosen to eliminate diversity offices altogether, citing political reasons and equal opportunity.

NYT Opinion: The Founding Fathers Don’t Have the Answer to Every Question

1. The current system of allocating electoral votes in the United States is based on the winner-takes-all system, except in Nebraska and Maine where it's partially proportional.
2. The Electoral College was a last-minute compromise at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, intended to address the intractable differences over the method and mode of presidential selection.
3. The framers initially favored a national popular vote, but this was opposed by Southern delegates due to the larger free population in the North.
4. The Electoral College was designed as an intermediary body to filter candidates for the presidency, with electors gathering in a purpose-made body to make their decision.
5. The Electoral College has evolved over time, with state legislatures adopting different methods to secure victory for their favored candidate.
6. The current form of the Electoral College is not a direct representation of the original intent of the framers, but rather a product of historical evolution and partisan politics.

NPR: 6 in 10 U.S. Catholics are in favor of abortion rights, Pew Research report finds

1. A Pew Research report indicates that 6 in 10 U.S. Catholics support abortion rights, disagreeing with the church's official stance.
2. Catholic opinions on abortion align with political leanings, with Catholic Democrats more likely to favor legal abortion than Catholic Republicans.
3. Pew also found that 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Catholic, but only about 3 in 10 attend mass regularly.
4. The Pew report notes a partisan divide in views of Pope Francis's impact, with Catholic Democrats more strongly supporting him than Catholic Republicans.
5. Many U.S. Catholics would welcome change in the church, with majorities favoring contraception use, married priests, women priests, and recognizing same-sex marriage.
6. The Vatican recently issued guidance allowing priests to bless same-sex relationships, but clarified that these blessings are not a form of marriage or worship service.

The Register: 96% of US hospital websites share visitor info with Meta, Google, data brokers (Full Study)

1. A study found that 96% of US hospital websites transmit user data to third parties, such as Meta, Google, and data brokers.
2. This data sharing occurs even when hospitals don't have a privacy policy, or when the policy doesn't specify which companies receive user information.
3. Google and Meta are the most common recipients of this data, followed by companies like Adobe, Verizon, Oracle, and Amazon.
4. This data sharing poses risks for both users, who may not want their data collected, and hospitals, which could face regulatory penalties if they fail to follow data deletion policies.
5. The study also found that 80% of hospital website privacy policies collect IP addresses, web browser information, and pages visited.
6. Individuals can protect their data by using browser-based tools like Ghostery and Privacy Badger, which identify and block transfers to third-party domains.

Capitol News IL: Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split

1. The Illinois Supreme Court suggested that state lawmakers clarify the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) in 2021.
2. A bipartisan majority in the Illinois Senate approved the first major change to Illinois’ BIPA since it was originally passed in 2008.
3. The new legislation changes BIPA’s violation accrual so that each initial collection of biometric data is considered one violation.
4. Illinois is the only state that allows residents to sue over businesses’ improper collection and mishandling of biometric data.
5. Business groups have been divided over the proposed changes, with some offering support and others expressing continued opposition.
6. The bill, SB 2979, passed through a Senate committee last month and is expected to be signed by the governor sometime in spring or summer 2024.

NPR: Google blocks California news in response to bill that would force tech giant to pay

1. Google is restricting news access for some California users due to a bill that would require tech giants to pay publishers for news content.
2. The California Journalism Preservation Act is intended to support local news organizations, but Google argues it's unworkable and refers to it as a "link tax."
3. If the bill passes, Google warns of significant changes to their services and potential traffic reduction for California publishers.
4. Google's move is temporary and affects a small percentage of California users, aiming to protest the bill and push for an alternative approach to supporting journalism.
5. Meta has previously indicated it might follow similar restrictions, as seen in Canada and Australia, where tech companies eventually negotiated deals with news publishers.
6. The bill aims to infuse the California news industry with financial support, addressing the decline in subscriptions and advertising revenue.

NYT: Most N.Y.C. Drivers Who Honk Are Breaking the Law. Can They Be Stopped?

1. Honking is generally prohibited in New York City under the noise code, except in cases of imminent danger.
2. Enforcing the law has been challenging due to the city's aggressive driving culture and heavy traffic.
3. New York City has made efforts to curb honking since the 1930s, including the use of signs and bumper stickers, but with limited success.
4. A significant increase in honking complaints has been noted in the city since the removal of 'Don't Honk' signs in 2013.
5. The City Council passed a bill in 2022 to expand the use of 'noise cameras' to ticket excessive honking and modified mufflers.
6. Constant exposure to honking and other noise can cause stress and health issues, and research shows it can significantly increase the risk of hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks.

EFF: S.T.O.P. is Working to ‘Ban The Scan’ in New York

1. Facial recognition technology is considered a threat to privacy, racial justice, and civil liberties.
2. The "Ban The Scan" campaign aims to pass bills banning facial recognition in New York City and State in various contexts.
3. The New York State package includes a ban on law enforcement use of facial recognition, while the City package bans all government use.
4. The main hurdles are gathering support from legislators and the public for the State package, and moving the City package into the next phase of legislation.
5. New York City or State residents can support this cause by contacting their legislators and spreading awareness on social media.
6. The University of Georgia School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic has filed a lawsuit to demand public records from the Atlanta Police Foundation regarding police surveillance.

NYT: The Gen Z Crossword Era

1. The New York Times' crossword puzzle has evolved to include modern slang, internet speak, and references to memes, appealing to a younger audience.
2. This evolution has led to a more exciting puzzle experience, but some longtime puzzlers may not be as enthusiastic about the change.
3. The Times' puzzle-solving community feels a sense of ownership over the crossword, and some may feel a sense of loss as it evolves to include a wider audience.
4. A well-constructed puzzle remains solvable, even with niche entries, and these niche entries can make the puzzle more fun and relevant to everyday life.
5. The crossword's evolution has led to a more diverse range of references, making it feel more inclusive for solvers.
6. The inclusion of modern slang, internet speak, and references to memes in the crossword can delight solvers and make the puzzle more engaging.

ArsTechnica: “Ban Chinese electric vehicles now,” demands US senator

1. US Senator Sherrod Brown has called for a ban on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) due to government subsidies, citing an existential threat to the US auto industry.
2. Chinese EV brands like BYD and MG have been on sale in the European Union, with an anti-subsidy investigation launched in October 2024.
3. BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, received nearly $4 billion in government subsidies in 2022, and is considering a factory in Mexico to avoid import taxes.
4. Chinese EVs are subject to a 27.5% import tax in the US, and a 100% increase in tariffs has been proposed, raising concerns for US automakers.
5. Chinese-connected cars pose a security risk due to potential access to sensitive data, with the US Commerce Department launching an investigation.
6. Senator Brown suggests using Section 421 (China Safeguard) of the Trade Act of 1974 to ban Chinese EVs, aiming to protect the US EV market and manufacturing base.

NYT: Why Heat Pumps Are the Future, and How Your Home Could Use One

1. Heat pumps, which warm and cool buildings using electricity, are seen as a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
2. They work by moving heat instead of creating it, making them highly efficient. Air-source heat pumps are the most common type and suitable for New York City.
3. Large buildings can be a challenge to electrify due to the complexity of installing heat pump piping across many stories.
4. New York City aims for properties larger than 25,000 square feet to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. Incremental steps like improving insulation can help.
5. There has been an increase in heat pump installations in New York City and across the state, with financing options available.
6. The installation process can vary in length and complexity, but it is generally seen as a worthwhile investment for its energy efficiency and environmental benefits.

NYT Opinion: The Atmosphere of the ‘Manosphere’ Is Toxic

1. The article discusses the crisis of masculinity and the rise of self-help gurus like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan, and Jordan Peterson.
2. The author argues that these gurus often provide a materialistic and toxic approach to masculinity, focusing on winning and revenge.
3. The article suggests an alternative approach to addressing the crisis, emphasizing universal values and virtues, rather than a distinctly male experience.
4. The author recommends the book "The Pursuit of Happiness" by Jeffrey Rosen, which promotes classical virtues like prudence, justice, temperance, and courage.
5. The article criticizes the success-driven ethos of modern education and parenting, arguing that it fails to fill the 'hole in the hearts' of children.
6. The author advocates for a shift from success ethics to virtue ethics, emphasizing that virtue is a purpose in itself, not a means to an end.

AP: Can homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme Court

1. Grants Pass, a city in Oregon, is facing a significant case before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding homelessness.
2. The case challenges the constitutionality of fining or jailing people for camping in public when they have no other shelter.
3. The crisis in Grants Pass has made it the "unexpected face" of the nation's homelessness crisis.
4. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that it's unconstitutional to give criminal citations for sleeping outside when there's no alternative housing.
5. Grants Pass has one overnight shelter with strict rules, leading many to choose not to stay there.
6. The city's parks, a focal point of the debate, are used for various community events but also serve as sites for homeless encampments.

Center for Internet and Society: Harmful 5G Fast Lanes are Coming. The FCC Needs to Stop Them

1. The FCC is set to vote on reinstating federal net neutrality protections, which were removed in 2017, on April 25, 2024.
2. The proposed rules could allow mobile ISPs to create "fast lanes" for certain applications, which could lead to user choice limitations and distorted competition.
3. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon are reportedly testing ways to create 5G fast lanes for specific apps using network slicing technology.
4. The FCC's draft order opens the door to these fast lanes, but only if the app provider isn't charged for them.
5. The creation of fast lanes could favor popular apps, potentially leaving smaller, niche apps and services at a disadvantage.
6. Meaningful net neutrality protections should prohibit ISPs from speeding up and slowing down apps and kinds of apps to prevent picking winners and losers online.

NYT: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Really a Cure-All?

1. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples and contains acetic acid, which may have potential health benefits.
2. Some small studies suggest that drinking apple cider vinegar before meals can help control blood sugar and aid in weight loss, but more research is needed.
3. Apple cider vinegar contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. The claim that unpasteurized and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is healthier than regular versions lacks scientific backing.
5. There is no substantial evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for treating digestive conditions like acid reflux or skin conditions such as eczema or acne.
6. Consuming apple cider vinegar can have interactions with certain medications and may lower potassium levels, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before use.

LA Times: The legal system is closing in on crypto, and things may only get worse

1. The crypto community faced a severe setback in March due to fraud and illegality in cryptocurrency trading.
2. Regulatory investigations and judicial rulings continue to impact the crypto asset class and its promoters.
3. San Francisco is considering a law to make it illegal for grocery stores to close without six months' notice.
4. This law, if passed, would significantly change business dynamics in the city.
5. A proposed "Bitcoin Halving" could deal a $10 billion blow to crypto miners.
6. There is a trend of homicides plummeting in American cities and challenges in selling America's bonds.