TRENTON, NJ – In an effort to combat the increasing rate of eating disorders among children, a new bill has been introduced that seeks to regulate the content and features on social media platforms that could potentially influence eating disorders in child users.
Under this bill, social media platforms are prohibited from utilizing any design, algorithm, or feature that knowingly or through neglect could lead children to develop eating disorders, including the promotion of diet products. To avoid violations, platforms must engage in rigorous self-auditing and independent reviews to ensure that their content does not contribute to eating disorders.
Key measures include mandatory quarterly internal audits and annual independent audits to assess and rectify any harmful practices. Platforms that fail to comply or are found contributing to the development of eating disorders through their features will face substantial penalties, with fines up to $250,000 per violation.
Exemptions are provided for smaller platforms generating less than $100 million in gross annual revenue, and primary gaming platforms are also excluded from these regulations. Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions under which platforms are not held liable, such as user-generated content unless it is financially supported by the platform.
The bill defines eating disorders broadly, encompassing conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, highlighting the serious nature of these illnesses.
This legislative move represents a significant step towards safeguarding young users from the potentially harmful effects of targeted content on social media, aligning public health concerns with digital consumer protections.
- Arrest Made Following Violent Dine and Dash in Chinatown
BOSTON, MA – A suspect was arrested and a firearm seized after a dine-and-dash incident escalated to violence in a Chinatown restaurant. Boston Police responded to a larceny call at a Washington St. establishment around 10:15 PM on Saturday, where they encountered multiple witnesses and a pink firearm.
Approximately 25 minutes prior to police arrival, a male and female duo had finished their meal and attempted to leave without paying. The male successfully fled the scene, while the female, after being stopped by staff, brandished a firearm. In the ensuing struggle, a staff member managed to disarm her before she escaped in a vehicle.
During the incident, one person received minor injuries and was treated on-site by Boston EMS. The recovered firearm was identified as a pink .380 caliber semi-automatic, equipped with a Glock magazine and one ejected round from the chamber.
Further investigation revealed the female suspect's social security card and personal belongings at the scene. Zaire Alexander, 24, from Charlestown, turned herself in at the Boston Municipal Court at 12:25 PM on Monday.
- Eight Men Out as Police Uncover Drug and Gun Ring Outside Yankee Stadium
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban have announced the indictment of eight Bronx men on charges related to the sale of firearms, cocaine, and methamphetamine near Yankee Stadium. The defendants are accused of endangering the public by conducting illegal transactions in a highly trafficked area.
District Attorney Clark highlighted the risk posed by the defendants, stating, “The defendant who allegedly sold eight guns to an undercover NYPD officer put thousands of subway commuters, those who work and go to school nearby, and baseball fans in jeopardy. These alleged traffickers conducted business in broad daylight, down the block from the Stadium and beneath the elevated subway station.”
Commissioner Caban emphasized the ongoing threat of illegal guns and drugs, praising the efforts of the undercover officer and the collaboration with the Bronx District Attorney's office. “These charges underscore the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering dedication to improving quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said.
The defendants, identified as Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31 (all related), Marvin Fortuna, 29, Ronny Fortuna, 32 (related), Jose Tejada Jr., 26, his father Jose Tejada Sr., 60, and Christian Espinal, 49, are charged in a 108-count indictment. The charges include first-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Conspiracy, and first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm.
The investigation, which led to the recovery of 11 firearms, including an AK-47, and $418,000, culminated in the arraignment of the Tejadas, the Fortunas, and Jonathan Fernandez on July 2, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera.
This indictment reflects the concerted efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal trafficking of guns and drugs, ensuring the safety and security of New York City's residents and visitors.
- Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Gun Possession and Sex Offenses
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced that Christopher Cano, a 30-year-old man formerly from Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession, attempted rape, and attempted criminal sexual act against fellow inmates at Rikers Island. Cano's sentencing follows his guilty plea on three indictments.
District Attorney Clark emphasized the danger posed by Cano, stating, “The defendant was caught on the street with an illegal gun, posing a threat to the crowd gathered for a parade, and then committed horrendous acts against inmates while he was incarcerated. This prison term will keep a dangerous defendant away from the community.”
Cano was sentenced on July 1, 2024, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Shari Michels. He received seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and concurrent sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for Attempted Rape in the first degree and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree. Cano pleaded guilty to these charges on December 4, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on July 24, 2016, Cano was spotted with a gun at the Bronx Dominican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse. Police arrested him after finding a loaded .38 caliber firearm. Cano claimed he had a bomb in his shoe and stated he was paid $5,000 to kill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who was attending the parade.
Additionally, on October 19, 2020, while detained at the Rose M. Singer Center, Cano raped a victim in the shower area. On May 4, 2021, Cano forced another inmate at the George R. Vierno Center to engage in sex acts under the pretense of helping with his criminal case.
Cano's convictions and subsequent sentencing reflect the concerted efforts of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for violent and predatory behaviors both on the streets and within correctional facilities.