States, Cities and Counties
States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
Featured Stories
Virginia Gov. Northam Issues Proclamation on Virginia Hospital Week
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 11 -- Gov. Ralph S. Northam, R-Virginia, issued the following proclamation:WHEREAS, public health is critical to sustaining and improving the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, a hallmark of Virginia's public health network is the extensive collaboration among its hospitals and health systems; and
WHEREAS, frontline caregivers in hospitals and health systems throughout the Commonwealth have rapidly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic while demonstrating great resilience and working tirelessly to keep Virginians safe and healthy; and
WHEREAS, Virginia hospitals have treated and ... Show Full Article RICHMOND, Virginia, May 11 -- Gov. Ralph S. Northam, R-Virginia, issued the following proclamation: WHEREAS, public health is critical to sustaining and improving the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, a hallmark of Virginia's public health network is the extensive collaboration among its hospitals and health systems; and WHEREAS, frontline caregivers in hospitals and health systems throughout the Commonwealth have rapidly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic while demonstrating great resilience and working tirelessly to keep Virginians safe and healthy; and WHEREAS, Virginia hospitals have treated anddischarged nearly 51,000 patients who contracted COVID-19 and required hospital care; and
WHEREAS, health care professionals at Virginia's hospitals have worked to administer more than one million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Virginians and have been national leaders in the use of emerging therapies to treat patients with COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Hospital Week celebrates all healthcare workers who improve the health of their communities through compassionate patient care; and
WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals annually accommodate more than 4.2 million patients, handle more than 800,000 inpatient admissions, and deliver more than 90,000 babies; and
WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals have partnered with the Commonwealth to fund Medicaid expansion costs, enabling more than 500,000 Virginians to access quality and health care coverage since 2019; and
WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals provided more than $3.2 billion in community benefits to the Commonwealth in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Virginia's 110 hospitals employ more than 132,000 individuals, generating nearly $40 billion in economic activity; and
WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals are a top five employer in many of Virginia communities; and
WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals are dedicated to providing quality care, education, and leadership to their residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Hospital Week is an opportunity to thank all the dedicated individuals within our hospitals and health systems for their many outstanding contributions;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize May 9-15, 2021, as VIRGINIA HOSPITAL WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
Va. A.G. Herring Urges Facebook to Abandon Launch of Instagram Kids
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 11 -- Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring issued the following news release:Citing serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children and the danger social media poses to young people, Attorney General Mark R. Herring has joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in urging Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. In a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Attorney General Herring and his colleagues contend that social media can be detrimental to children for a myriad of reasons and that ... Show Full Article RICHMOND, Virginia, May 11 -- Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring issued the following news release: Citing serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children and the danger social media poses to young people, Attorney General Mark R. Herring has joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in urging Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. In a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Attorney General Herring and his colleagues contend that social media can be detrimental to children for a myriad of reasons and thathistorically Facebook has failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms.
"It is becoming increasingly clear just how dangerous the internet can be for children from cyberbullying to dangerous individuals who prey on young people," said Attorney General Herring. "It is concerning that Facebook has demonstrated that they do not share the same concerns about the negative impact the internet and social network platforms have on children, which is why I am joining my colleagues in urging the company to rethink their plan to launch an Instagram for children."
In their letter, Attorney General Herring and his colleague express various concerns over Facebook's proposal, including research that social media can be harmful to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children; rapidly worsening concerns about cyberbullying on Instagram; use of the platform by predators to target children; Facebook's checkered record in protecting the welfare of children on its platforms; and children's lack of capacity to navigate the complexities of what they encounter online, including advertising, inappropriate content and relationships with strangers.
At a Congressional hearing in March, Zuckerberg dismissed the idea that social media is harmful to children, despite strong data and research that has shown a link between young people's use of social media and an increase in mental distress, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality. Instagram has been frequently flagged for increasing suicidal ideation, depression, and body image concerns in children.
Additionally, Attorney General Herring and his colleagues argue that young children are not equipped to handle the many challenges that come with having an Instagram account, including that they often lack a developed understanding of privacy. There is also a risk that predators may exploit children online and cloak their identities using the anonymity of the Internet. One report found an increase of 200 percent in recorded instances in the use of Instagram to target and abuse children over a six-month period in 2018. In 2020 alone, Facebook and Instagram reported 20 million child sexual abuse images.
Cyberbullying is also a major concern, and a 2017 survey found that 42 percent of young Instagram users had experienced cyberbullying on the platform, the highest percentage of any platform measured. As children spend more time online during the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues have likely been exacerbated.
Attorney General Herring and his colleagues also cast doubt on Facebook's ability to protect children on their proposed Instagram platform and comply with relevant privacy laws such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). They point out that the company has a record of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children. For instance, Facebook's Messenger Kids app contained a glitch that allowed children to circumvent restrictions and join group chats with strangers.
Joining Attorney General Herring in sending today's letter are the attorneys general of Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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To: Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer, Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Re: Facebook's Plans to Develop Instagram for Children Under the Age of 13
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg:
The undersigned attorneys general of Massachusetts, Nebraska, Vermont, Tennessee, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming (collectively attorneys general) write regarding Facebook's recently announced plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. The attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon these plans. Use of social media can be detrimental to the health and well-being of children, who are not equipped to navigate the challenges of having a social media account. Further, Facebook has historically failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms. The attorneys general have an interest in protecting our youngest citizens, and Facebook's plans to create a platform where kids under the age of 13 are encouraged to share content online is contrary to that interest. First, research increasingly demonstrates that social media can be harmful to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children. "In the last decade, increasing mental distress and treatment for mental health conditions among youth in North America has paralleled a steep rise in the use of smartphones and social media by children and adolescents."/1 Research shows a link between young people's use of social media and the "increase in mental distress, self-injurious behavior and suicidality among youth."/2 In fact, an online-monitoring company tracking the activity of 5.4 million children found that "Instagram was frequently flagged for suicidal ideation, depression and body image concerns."/3
As recently articulated by dozens of organizations and experts, "Instagram...exploits young people's fear of missing out and desire for peer approval to encourage children and teens to constantly check their devices and share photos with their followers[,]" and "[t]he platform's relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation, and branding presents challenges to adolescents' privacy and wellbeing."/4 One study found that frequently viewing selfies led to "decreased self-esteem" and "decreased life satisfaction,"/5 while another study found that "the amount of [Facebook] time allocated to photo activity...is associated with greater" body-image dissatisfaction (i.e. "thin-ideal internalization, self-objectification, weight dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness[]") among girls./6 This data and research directly contradict your statements made at the March 2021 Congressional hearing dismissing the idea that social media is harmful to children and claiming that "[t]he research we've seen is that using social apps to connect to other people can have health benefits."/7 This overly simplified statement conflates the benefits of social connection (of which there are many) with purported benefits of using social media to enable that connection, which as outlined above, carry distinct harms to young children. Fortunately, there are myriad other--and safer--ways for young children to connect with family and friends.
Second, young children are not equipped to handle the range of challenges that come with having an Instagram account. Children do not have a developed understanding of privacy. Specifically, they may not fully appreciate what content is appropriate for them to share with others, the permanency of content they post on an online platform, and who has access to what they share online. They are also simply too young to navigate the complexities of what they encounter online, including inappropriate content and online relationships where other users, including predators, can cloak their identities using the anonymity of the internet. One report found an increase of 200% in recorded instances in the use of Instagram to target and abuse children over a six-month period in 2018, /8 and UK police reports documented more cases of sexual grooming on Instagram than any other platform./9 In 2020 alone, Facebook and Instagram reported 20 million child sexual abuse images./10
The alarming rates of cyberbullying among children also present a dire problem that a new Instagram platform could very well exacerbate. One 2017 survey found that 42% of young Instagram users had experienced cyberbullying on the platform, the highest percentage of any platform measured./11 Technology platforms have "paved the way for greater blurring of boundaries for the engagement of bullying across settings such as school, home, and cyberspaces[,]"/12 where the internet often leads cyberbullies to "say and do crueler things" than a schoolyard bully./13 These problems have likely been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as children spend more time using online platforms./14 Third, Facebook has a record of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children on its platform, despite claims that its products have strict privacy controls. Reports from 2019 showed that Facebook's Messenger Kids app, intended for kids between the ages of six and 12, contained a significant design flaw that allowed children to circumvent restrictions on online interactions and join group chats with strangers that were not previously approved by the children's parents./15 Just recently, a "mistake" with Instagram's algorithm promoted diet content to users with eating disorders, where the app's search function recommended terms including "appetite suppressants" and "fasting" to vulnerable people who were at risk of relapsing./16 These alarming failures cast doubt on Facebook's ability to protect children on their proposed Instagram platform and comply with relevant privacy laws such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
It appears that Facebook is not responding to a need, but instead creating one, as this platform appeals primarily to children who otherwise do not or would not have an Instagram account. In short, an Instagram platform for young children is harmful for myriad reasons. The attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon its plans to launch this new platform.
Footnotes:
1/ Elia Abi-Jaoude et al., Smartphones, Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health, 192(6) CMAJ, 136- 141 (2020); https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/192/6/E136.full.pdf.
2/ Id.
3/ Heather Kelly, "Instagram is making a kids' app. Here's what parents need to know about social media Jr.," Washington Post, March 24, 2021; https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/24/instagram-kids-faq/.
4/https://commercialfreechildhood.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/04/LetterToZuckerberg_ScrapInstagramForKids.pdf.
5/ Wang, R., et al. Let me take a selfie: Exploring the psychological effects of posting and viewing selfies and groupies on social media. Telemat. Informat. (2016).
6/ Meier, Evelyn P. et al., Facebook Photo Activity Associated with Body Image Disturbance in Adolescent Girls, Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking; https://www.cs.vu.nl/~eliens/sg/local/cyber/paper-bodyimage.pdf.
7/ Ryan Tracy & John D. McKinnon, "Lawmakers Hammer Tech CEOs for Online Disinformation; Lack of Accountability," Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2021; https://www.wsj.com/articles/tech-ceos-toface-questions-on-online-disinformation-trump-ban-11616664602?mod=article_inline.
8/ National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; "Over 5,000 grooming offenses recorded in over 19 months," 2019; https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/news-opinion/2019/over-5000- grooming-offences-recorded-18-months/.
9/ "Instagram Biggest for Child Grooming Online - NSPCC Finds," BBC News, March 1, 2019, sec. UK, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47410520.
10/ Tom Porter, "Facebook Reported More than 20 Million Child Sexual Abuse Images in 2020, More than Any Other Company," Business Insider, February 26, 2021, https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-instagramreport-20-million-child-sexual-abuseimages-2021-2.
11/ 5 The Annual Bullying Survey 2017, Ditch the Label (Jul. 2017), https://www.ditchthelabel.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/07/The-Annual-Bullying-Survey-2017-1.pdf.
12/ Rachel E. Maunder & Sarah Crafter, School Bullying From a Sociocultural Perspective, 38 Aggression & Violent Behav. 13, 15 (2018).
13/ Richard Donegan, Bullying and Cyberbullying: History, Statistics, Law, Prevention and Analysis, 3 Elon J. Undergraduate R es. Commc'ns. 33, 34 (2012).
14/ Sarah Darmanjian, "Organizations Say Rise in Cyberbullying Likely During COVID-19 Isolation," News10 (Apr. 8, 2020), https://www.news10.com/news/organizations-say-rise-in-cyberbullyinglikely-during-covid-19-isolation/.
15/ Russell Brandom, "Facebook design flaw let thousands of kids join chats with unauthorized users," The Verge (Jul. 22, 2019), https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20706250/facebook-messengerkids-bug-chat-app-unauthorizedadults.
16/ "Instagram fixes mistake promoting harmful diet content," BBC News, April 14, 2021; https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56750088.
See signatories here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/files/2021/NAAG-Letter-to-Facebook-Final.pdf
Tenn. A.G. Slatery Leads Coalition Urging Facebook to Abandon Launch of Instagram Kids
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 11 -- Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III issued the following news:Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III is leading a coalition of 44 attorneys general urging Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13.
"Facebook has a record of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children," said General Slatery. "Let's not take their word for it that this time- and with a product specifically created for children- is going to be any different."
In their letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the attorneys general express ... Show Full Article NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 11 -- Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III issued the following news: Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III is leading a coalition of 44 attorneys general urging Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. "Facebook has a record of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children," said General Slatery. "Let's not take their word for it that this time- and with a product specifically created for children- is going to be any different." In their letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the attorneys general expressvarious concerns over Facebook's proposal, including research that social media can be harmful to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children; rapidly worsening concerns about cyberbullying on Instagram; use of the platform by predators to target children; Facebook's checkered record in protecting the welfare of children on its platforms; and children's lack of capacity to navigate the complexities of what they encounter online, including advertising, inappropriate content, and relationships with strangers.
At a Congressional hearing in March, Zuckerberg dismissed the idea that social media is harmful to children, despite strong data and research that has shown a link between young people's use of social media and an increase in mental distress, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality. Instagram has been frequently flagged for increasing suicidal ideation, depression, and body image concerns in children.
The attorneys general also cast doubt on Facebook's ability to protect children on their proposed Instagram platform and comply with relevant privacy laws such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). They point out that the company has a record of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children. For instance, Facebook's Messenger Kids app contained a glitch that allowed children to circumvent restrictions and join group chats with strangers.
Co-leading today's letter are the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Vermont, and the letter is joined by the attorneys general of Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
* * *
To: Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer, Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Re: Facebook's Plans to Develop Instagram for Children Under the Age of 13
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg:
The undersigned attorneys general of Massachusetts, Nebraska, Vermont, Tennessee, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming (collectively attorneys general) write regarding Facebook's recently announced plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. The attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon these plans. Use of social media can be detrimental to the health and well-being of children, who are not equipped to navigate the challenges of having a social media account. Further, Facebook has historically failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms. The attorneys general have an interest in protecting our youngest citizens, and Facebook's plans to create a platform where kids under the age of 13 are encouraged to share content online is contrary to that interest. First, research increasingly demonstrates that social media can be harmful to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children. "In the last decade, increasing mental distress and treatment for mental health conditions among youth in North America has paralleled a steep rise in the use of smartphones and social media by children and adolescents."/1 Research shows a link between young people's use of social media and the "increase in mental distress, self-injurious behavior and suicidality among youth."/2 In fact, an online-monitoring company tracking the activity of 5.4 million children found that "Instagram was frequently flagged for suicidal ideation, depression and body image concerns."/3
As recently articulated by dozens of organizations and experts, "Instagram...exploits young people's fear of missing out and desire for peer approval to encourage children and teens to constantly check their devices and share photos with their followers[,]" and "[t]he platform's relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation, and branding presents challenges to adolescents' privacy and wellbeing."/4 One study found that frequently viewing selfies led to "decreased self-esteem" and "decreased life satisfaction,"/5 while another study found that "the amount of [Facebook] time allocated to photo activity...is associated with greater" body-image dissatisfaction (i.e. "thin-ideal internalization, self-objectification, weight dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness[]") among girls./6 This data and research directly contradict your statements made at the March 2021 Congressional hearing dismissing the idea that social media is harmful to children and claiming that "[t]he research we've seen is that using social apps to connect to other people can have health benefits."/7 This overly simplified statement conflates the benefits of social connection (of which there are many) with purported benefits of using social media to enable that connection, which as outlined above, carry distinct harms to young children. Fortunately, there are myriad other--and safer--ways for young children to connect with family and friends.
Second, young children are not equipped to handle the range of challenges that come with having an Instagram account. Children do not have a developed understanding of privacy. Specifically, they may not fully appreciate what content is appropriate for them to share with others, the permanency of content they post on an online platform, and who has access to what they share online. They are also simply too young to navigate the complexities of what they encounter online, including inappropriate content and online relationships where other users, including predators, can cloak their identities using the anonymity of the internet. One report found an increase of 200% in recorded instances in the use of Instagram to target and abuse children over a six-month period in 2018, /8 and UK police reports documented more cases of sexual grooming on Instagram than any other platform./9 In 2020 alone, Facebook and Instagram reported 20 million child sexual abuse images./10
The alarming rates of cyberbullying among children also present a dire problem that a new Instagram platform could very well exacerbate. One 2017 survey found that 42% of young Instagram users had experienced cyberbullying on the platform, the highest percentage of any platform measured./11 Technology platforms have "paved the way for greater blurring of boundaries for the engagement of bullying across settings such as school, home, and cyberspaces[,]"/12 where the internet often leads cyberbullies to "say and do crueler things" than a schoolyard bully./13 These problems have likely been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as children spend more time using online platforms./14 Third, Facebook has a record of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children on its platform, despite claims that its products have strict privacy controls. Reports from 2019 showed that Facebook's Messenger Kids app, intended for kids between the ages of six and 12, contained a significant design flaw that allowed children to circumvent restrictions on online interactions and join group chats with strangers that were not previously approved by the children's parents./15 Just recently, a "mistake" with Instagram's algorithm promoted diet content to users with eating disorders, where the app's search function recommended terms including "appetite suppressants" and "fasting" to vulnerable people who were at risk of relapsing./16 These alarming failures cast doubt on Facebook's ability to protect children on their proposed Instagram platform and comply with relevant privacy laws such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
It appears that Facebook is not responding to a need, but instead creating one, as this platform appeals primarily to children who otherwise do not or would not have an Instagram account. In short, an Instagram platform for young children is harmful for myriad reasons. The attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon its plans to launch this new platform.
Footnotes:
1/ Elia Abi-Jaoude et al., Smartphones, Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health, 192(6) CMAJ, 136- 141 (2020); https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/192/6/E136.full.pdf.
2/ Id.
3/ Heather Kelly, "Instagram is making a kids' app. Here's what parents need to know about social media Jr.," Washington Post, March 24, 2021; https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/24/instagram-kids-faq/.
4/https://commercialfreechildhood.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/04/LetterToZuckerberg_ScrapInstagramForKids.pdf.
5/ Wang, R., et al. Let me take a selfie: Exploring the psychological effects of posting and viewing selfies and groupies on social media. Telemat. Informat. (2016).
6/ Meier, Evelyn P. et al., Facebook Photo Activity Associated with Body Image Disturbance in Adolescent Girls, Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking; https://www.cs.vu.nl/~eliens/sg/local/cyber/paper-bodyimage.pdf.
7/ Ryan Tracy & John D. McKinnon, "Lawmakers Hammer Tech CEOs for Online Disinformation; Lack of Accountability," Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2021; https://www.wsj.com/articles/tech-ceos-toface-questions-on-online-disinformation-trump-ban-11616664602?mod=article_inline.
8/ National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; "Over 5,000 grooming offenses recorded in over 19 months," 2019; https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/news-opinion/2019/over-5000- grooming-offences-recorded-18-months/.
9/ "Instagram Biggest for Child Grooming Online - NSPCC Finds," BBC News, March 1, 2019, sec. UK, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47410520.
10/ Tom Porter, "Facebook Reported More than 20 Million Child Sexual Abuse Images in 2020, More than Any Other Company," Business Insider, February 26, 2021, https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-instagramreport-20-million-child-sexual-abuseimages-2021-2.
11/ 5 The Annual Bullying Survey 2017, Ditch the Label (Jul. 2017), https://www.ditchthelabel.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/07/The-Annual-Bullying-Survey-2017-1.pdf.
12/ Rachel E. Maunder & Sarah Crafter, School Bullying From a Sociocultural Perspective, 38 Aggression & Violent Behav. 13, 15 (2018).
13/ Richard Donegan, Bullying and Cyberbullying: History, Statistics, Law, Prevention and Analysis, 3 Elon J. Undergraduate R es. Commc'ns. 33, 34 (2012).
14/ Sarah Darmanjian, "Organizations Say Rise in Cyberbullying Likely During COVID-19 Isolation," News10 (Apr. 8, 2020), https://www.news10.com/news/organizations-say-rise-in-cyberbullyinglikely-during-covid-19-isolation/.
15/ Russell Brandom, "Facebook design flaw let thousands of kids join chats with unauthorized users," The Verge (Jul. 22, 2019), https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20706250/facebook-messengerkids-bug-chat-app-unauthorizedadults.
16/ "Instagram fixes mistake promoting harmful diet content," BBC News, April 14, 2021; https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56750088.
See signatories here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/files/2021/NAAG-Letter-to-Facebook-Final.pdf
N.Y. State Comptroller DiNapoli: Amazon Shareholders Urged to Support Audit of Company's Policies on Racial Inclusion
ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release:New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today released a statement on behalf of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) to fellow Amazon shareholders in advance of the company's annual shareholders' meeting on May 26, 2021. The statement calls on shareholders to vote for the Fund's shareholder proposal seeking an independent audit of the company's practices related to civil rights, racial equity, diversity and inclusion, and how they affect the company's business.
The Fund's ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release: New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today released a statement on behalf of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) to fellow Amazon shareholders in advance of the company's annual shareholders' meeting on May 26, 2021. The statement calls on shareholders to vote for the Fund's shareholder proposal seeking an independent audit of the company's practices related to civil rights, racial equity, diversity and inclusion, and how they affect the company's business. The Fund'sstatement also encourages Amazon shareholders to vote against the members of the company's Nominating and Governance Committees in response to the lack of racially diverse directors on Amazon's board.
"Amazon says it supports the fight against racial injustice, but so far it's failed to live up to that commitment," DiNapoli, Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, said. "In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and other Black men and women, and the racially charged attacks on voting rights, companies that don't live up to their public statements and help address equity, diversity and inclusion put themselves and their investors at risk of damaged reputations and financial losses. It's past time for Amazon to take a hard look at how it is addressing racial justice in its operations, just like other major corporations have."
Despite its stated commitment to combatting racial inequity, Amazon continues to face complaints, including accusations of racial bias in its hiring practices, the use of footage from its Amazon Ring home surveillance system to identify Black Lives Matter protesters and the sale of products that promote hatred.
Although Amazon has said it is taking steps to address these issues it has not disclosed to investors and stakeholders its process for completing this internal review and whether its efforts are working, which is why DiNapoli and the Fund believe it is necessary to have an independent review led by auditors with experience in rooting out discrimination.
Earlier this year, Amazon sought approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to block DiNapoli's proposal from a vote at its annual meeting. The SEC staff disagreed with the company and sided with DiNapoli and the Fund, effectively allowing the vote to go forward.
In line with DiNapoli's recent announcement of the Fund's updated voting guidelines, the Fund also plans to vote against members of the Nominating and Governance Committee on Amazon's board of directors because of the absence of racial diversity on the company's board. Just one of the 10 directors nominated is from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
Statement to Amazon Investors
DiNapoli's Statement on the Fund's Amazon Shareholder Proposal
Securities and Exchange Commission Filing
The Fund's notification to the SEC of its intent to urge investors to vote in favor of its proposal
About the New York State Common Retirement Fund
The New York State Common Retirement Fund is the third largest public pension fund in the United States with estimated assets of $247.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. The Fund has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation. The Fund's fiscal year ends March 31.
N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Announces Eight New Pop-Up Vaccination Sites at MTA Stations
ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced eight new pop-up vaccination sites at MTA station stops in the New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions. The sites will serve up to 300 walk-ins per day on a first come, first served basis utilizing the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The MTA will provide incentives to get vaccinated at the sites, including a free seven-day MetroCard or free round trip Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North ticket. The MTA will partner with SOMOS Community ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced eight new pop-up vaccination sites at MTA station stops in the New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions. The sites will serve up to 300 walk-ins per day on a first come, first served basis utilizing the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The MTA will provide incentives to get vaccinated at the sites, including a free seven-day MetroCard or free round trip Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North ticket. The MTA will partner with SOMOS CommunityCare, Northwell Health and Westchester Medical Center on the sites. MTA employees can get vaccinated at the sites.
"We've made huge progress vaccinating New Yorkers across the state, but vaccination rates are slowing and we have to redouble our efforts to get more shots in arms and reassure people that the vaccine is safe to take," Governor Cuomo said. "New Yorkers may struggle to take time out of their schedules to get the vaccine, so we're bringing it directly to them at these new sites in MTA stations. The more New Yorkers are vaccinated, the safer our state is for everyone, and we'll continue to pursue all avenues to distribute the vaccine and bring more people to safety from this terrible virus."
The sites will be open from Wednesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 16. Individuals planning on being vaccinated are encouraged to allow for additional time in their commute to accommodate the vaccination process.
"Ensuring easy access to free vaccinations is key to reopening New York and building back better. The MTA is proud to do its part to help lead the State's recovery and get the region back on track," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye. "By taking the vaccine, you're protecting not only yourself but your fellow New Yorkers at this pivotal moment as more and more COVID restrictions are lifted and customers start to return to mass transit."
"Offering free vaccines at high traffic stations across the transit system is an important step in the right direction when it comes to combatting COVID," said New York City Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg. "Promoting a safe environment is our single highest priority - one that is safe from both COVID and crime and harassment - and it's especially important as we move into the latest phase of New York's recovery. We look forward to seeing more New Yorkers in the system to take advantage of this important program."
The MTA stations are available below:
Penn Station - 34th Street Corridor
Open: 3 PM - 8 PM
Grand Central Terminal - Vanderbilt Hall
Open: 8 AM - 1 PM
East 180th Street (Bronx)
Open: 8 AM - 1 PM
179th Street (Queens)
Open: 8 AM - 1 PM
Coney Island (Brooklyn)
Open: 8 AM - 1 PM
Broadway Junction (Brooklyn)
Open: 3 PM - 8 PM
Hempstead (LIRR)
Open: 3 PM - 8 PM
Ossining (Metro-North)
Open: 3 PM - 8 PM
New Yorkers may struggle to take time out of their schedules to get the vaccine, so we're bringing it directly to them at these new sites in MTA stations.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Digital messaging will run on over 12,000 screens at MTA stations, onboard train cars, and buses to promote the site locations and hours of operation. Promotional content will be pushed to over 3 million subscribers across MTA social media platforms. Audio announcements will also run in more than 500 stations. Way-finding signage will be produced and posted at station pop-up locations to help ensure proper traffic flow. Information will also be available on the MTA website.
This announcement adds to New York State's ongoing efforts to make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible. On April 27, Governor Cuomo announced that beginning April 29, all state mass vaccination sites are open for walk-in appointments, a continuation of efforts to make it easier for New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Walk-in appointments are currently reserved for first doses only or single-shot doses of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine, dependent on availability and location. Additionally, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments and eliminate other barriers for vaccinations for eligible New Yorkers.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available to update New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The New York State Department of Health requires vaccinating facilities to report all COVID-19 vaccine administration data within 24 hours; the vaccine administration data on the dashboard is updated daily to reflect the most up-to-date metrics in the state's vaccination effort.
New Yorkers who suspect fraud in the vaccine distribution process can now call 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) toll-free or email the state Department of Health at STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov. Hotline staff will route complaints to the appropriate investigative agencies to ensure New Yorkers are not being taken advantage of as the State works to vaccinate the entire eligible population.
New York State continues to open community-based pop-up vaccination sites in underserved communities across the state. Since January 15, more than 200 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 77,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Del. Gov. Carney Nominates Kevin O'Connell as Chief Defender for the State of Del.
DOVER, Delaware, May 11 -- Gov. John C. Carney, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:Governor John Carney on Monday nominated Kevin O'Connell to serve as the next Chief Defender for the State of Delaware, leading the Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS). The Delaware Senate is expected to consider his nomination next week.
"Kevin has the experience, character, and commitment to justice for all Delawareans that is so critical for a public defender," said Governor Carney. "I'm confident he will be a strong leader of the Office of Defense Services and continue to provide important ... Show Full Article DOVER, Delaware, May 11 -- Gov. John C. Carney, D-Delaware, issued the following news release: Governor John Carney on Monday nominated Kevin O'Connell to serve as the next Chief Defender for the State of Delaware, leading the Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS). The Delaware Senate is expected to consider his nomination next week. "Kevin has the experience, character, and commitment to justice for all Delawareans that is so critical for a public defender," said Governor Carney. "I'm confident he will be a strong leader of the Office of Defense Services and continue to provide importantlegal services for those who need it most. I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering his nomination."
O'Connell has more than 30 years of experience representing indigent criminal clients. He has been with the ODS since 2005, most recently as the head of the New Castle County Division and head of the office's Superior Court Unit. Prior to that, O'Connell was in private practice. O'Connell is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a founding member of the Delaware Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Widener University Delaware Law School.
"I am humbled and honored by my nomination, and I am thankful to Governor Carney for his trust and support. Public defenders are on the front lines of the criminal justice system, and my goal is to continue the tradition of supporting ODS employees in their mission to provide unmatched criminal defense representation for their clients," said Kevin O'Connell. "Under Brendan's leadership, the ODS has taken tremendous steps to advance indigent defense and I am committed to continuing that work by further promoting a model of holistic defense and by combating systemic racism in the Courts and elsewhere."
O'Connell would replace Brendan O'Neill, who will retire on May 31, 2021. O'Neill was first appointed by former Governor Jack Markell in 2009.
"Kevin is the epitome of a public defender. He has been in the trenches advocating for clients in the courtroom, but also as an administrative leader providing a keen listening ear to ensure the staff of the ODS are supported in their day-to-day lives. I know the Office will be in talented and capable hands," said Chief Defender Brendan O'Neill. "I'm excited to see the future of the Office of Defense Services for not just our staff, but also our clients."
California PUC Issues Decision Granting Petition for Modifications Involving Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority
SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 11 -- The California Public Utilities Commission issued the following decision granting petition for modifications (Agenda ID No. 19439): BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Application of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority for an order authorizing construction of two light rail tracks and one freight track, for three (3) highway-rail crossings at (1) Wheeler Avenue, (2) A Street and (3) D Street in the City of La Verne in Los Angeles County, California.
DECISION GRANTING PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF DECISION ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 11 -- The California Public Utilities Commission issued the following decision granting petition for modifications (Agenda ID No. 19439): BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Application of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority for an order authorizing construction of two light rail tracks and one freight track, for three (3) highway-rail crossings at (1) Wheeler Avenue, (2) A Street and (3) D Street in the City of La Verne in Los Angeles County, California. DECISION GRANTING PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF DECISION19-02-010
Summary
This decision grants the petition for modification of Decision 19-02-010 filed by the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority.
This proceeding is closed.
1. Background
On February 12, 2018, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Metro Construction Authority) filed an application (Application (A.) 18-02-011) for approval of construction of two light rail tracks (LRT) and one freight rail track (FRT) at three at-grade highway-rail crossings in the City of La Verne in Los Angeles County.
On February 21, 2019, the Commission issued Decision (D.) 19-02-010, approving the proposed construction of two LRTs and one FRT at three at-grade highway-rail crossings in the City of La Verne as proposed in A.18-02-011.
On December 2, 2019, Metro Construction Authority filed the instant Petition for Modification (PFM) of D.19-02-010, requesting the Commission modify that decision and authorize certain proposed alterations to the Wheeler Avenue highway-rail at grade crossing (Wheeler Avenue Crossing). PFM does not seek extension of the five (5) year construction authorization period originally authorized in D.19-02-010.
A response to the PFM was filed on December 30, 2019, by the Commission's Rail Safety Division (RSD).
2. Discussion
Pursuant to Public Utilities (Pub. Util.) Code Section (Sec.) 1708 and Rule 16.4 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules), this PFM to modify D.19-02-010 was filed by the Metro Construction Authority. Following the issuance of D.19-02-010 which authorized Wheeler Avenue Crossing, as proposed in A.18-02-011, the Metro Construction Authority continued its coordination with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the project stakeholders and discovered that alterations were necessary to the Wheeler Avenue Crossing.
Specifically, the Metro Construction Authority requests authority to modify the Wheeler Avenue Crossing by relocating the existing FRT to the south side of the right-of-way with a centerline separation of 18 feet between the FRT and LRT, rather than the 30-foot centerline separation initially authorized in D.19-02-010. These proposed minor modifications to the Wheeler Avenue Crossing are necessary in order to: 1) reduce the overall crossing width and improve crossing efficiency; 2) reduce the risk of motorists stopping on the tracks; 3) allows pedestrians to travel the crossing in less time; 4) reduces the impact on the adjacent bridge over Marshal Creek; and 5) install an intrusion detection system on the intertrack fence between the FRT and LRT tracks responsible for alarming, should a derailment occur.
The Metro Construction Authority also requests that the Ordering Paragraph 11 of D.19-02-010 remain unmodified. That Ordering Paragraph 11 of D.19-02-010 provides: "This authorization shall expire if not exercised within five years of the issuance of this decision unless time is extended or if the above conditions are not satisfied. Authorization may be revoked or modified if public convenience, necessity or safety so require." The Metro Construction Authority's request is that, if the PFM was granted, the five-year time period, starting from the date D.19-02-010 was issued, as originally ordered in D.19-02-009 should continue to remain in effect.
The Wheeler Avenue Crossing is identified as:
[Table 1 - Crossing Subject to Approval: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M369/K668/369668208.PDF]
RSD has reviewed Metro Construction Authority's PFM and the proposed modifications for the Wheeler Avenue Crossing and participated in discussions with the stakeholders regarding impacts of the Wheeler Avenue Crossing and reviewed the proposed reduction in track centerline separation between the FRT and LRT tracks. Based thereon, RSD opines that the proposed modifications reduce the overall crossing widths, improve public safety and comply with all applicable requirements of the Commission's Rules, as well as all applicable safety requirements of GOs 26-D, 72-B, 75-D, 143-B and 164-D.
Specifically, the proposed 18-foot centerline separation between FRT and LRT tracks complies with GO 26-D, Section 5.2 as it exceeds the 15-foot minimum clearance between the center line of any standard gauge track and the center of a main or passing track. In addition, all related railroad warning devices, signage, fencing, channelization, and roadway striping will be adjusted to meet the change in centerline separation between the FRT and LRT tracks at the four crossings.
Based on the foregoing, the Commission approves the Metro Construction Authority's PFM.
3. Waiver of Comment Period
This is an uncontested matter in which the decision grants the relief requested. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 311(g)(2) of the Public Utilities Code and Rule 14.6(c)(2), the otherwise applicable 30-day period for public review and comment are waived.
4. Assignment of Proceeding
Darcie L. Houck is the assigned Commissioner and Sasha Goldberg is the assigned Administrative Law Judge in this proceeding.
Findings of Fact
1. The Metro Construction Authority requests modification to D.19-02-010 to alter the Wheeler Avenue Crossing by relocating the existing FRT to the south side of the right-of-way with a centerline separation of 18 feet between the FRT and LRT, rather than the 30-foot centerline separation initially authorized in D.19-02-010.
2. These proposed minor modifications to the Wheeler Avenue Crossing are necessary in order to: 1) reduce the overall crossing width and improve crossing efficiency; 2) reduce the risk of motorists stopping on the tracks; 3) allow pedestrians to travel the crossing in less time; 4) reduce the impact on the adjacent bridge over Marshal Creek; and 5) install an intrusion detection system on the intertrack fence between the FRT and LRT tracks responsible for alarming, should a derailment occur.
3. The Metro Construction Authority requests that Ordering Paragraph 11 of D.19-02-010 remain unmodified.
Conclusions of Law
1. The Metro Construction Authority's PFM should be granted.
2. The Metro Construction Authority has demonstrated good cause to modify D.19-02-010.
3. The Metro Construction Authority's request that the Ordering Paragraph 11 of D.19-02-010 remain unmodified is reasonable and should be confirmed.
4. This proceeding should be closed.
ORDER
IT IS ORDERED that:
1. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority's Petition for Modification (PFM) of Decision (D.) 19-02-010, filed on December 2, 2019, is granted, and D.19-02-010 is modified as requested in the PFM.
2. The proposed alterations, as identified in the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority's Petition for Modification (PFM) of Decision (D.) 19-02-010, filed on December 2, 2019, to the Wheeler Avenue highway-rail at grade crossing (identified as California Public Utilities Commission Number 84P-32.36/101PA-108.50 and Department of Transportation Number 026191, previously authorized for construction in D.19-02-010) is authorized.
3. The modified Wheeler Avenue at-grade highway-rail crossing authorized by this decision shall have the configuration as described and specified in the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority's Petition for Modification (PFM) of Decision 19-02-010, filed on December 2, 2019, and the Exhibit attached to the PFM.
4. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority shall comply with all applicable rules, including California Public Utilities Commission General Orders, California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
5. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority shall have its design-build contractor provide a compliance filing of 100 percent design level drawings for the crossings to the California Public Utilities Commission's Rail Safety Division, Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch no later than 60 days prior to commencing construction. The compliance filing will serve to demonstrate conformance with the crossing designs approved in this Order.
6. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority shall have its design-build contractor concurrently provide a copy of same compliance filing of 100 percent design level drawings for the crossings to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority and City of La Verne. Southern California Regional Rail Authority and City of La Verne will review compliance filing for conformance with their applicable standards.
7. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority shall notify the California Public Utilities Commission's Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch of the Rail Safety Division at least 30 days prior to the opening of the crossing. Notification should be made by e-mail to rceb@cpuc.ca.gov.
8. Within 30 days after completion of the work authorized by this decision, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority shall notify the California Public Utilities Commission's Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch of the Rail Safety Division by submitting a completed California Public Utilities Commission Standard Form G (Report of Changes at Highway Grade Crossing and Separations), for the completion of the authorized work. Form G requirements and forms can be obtained at the California Public Utilities Commission web site. The completed report must be submitted via e-mail to rceb@cpuc.ca.gov.
9. Within 30 days after completion of the work under this order, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority and Southern California Regional Rail Authority shall notify the Federal Railroad Administration of changes to the crossings by submitting a U.S.DOT CROSSING INVENTORY FORM, form FRA F6180.71. A copy shall be provided concurrently to the California Public Utilities Commission's Rail Safety Division, Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch. This copy of the form may be submitted electronically to rceb@cpuc.ca.gov.
10. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority and Southern California Regional Rail Authority must ensure that Emergency Notification Systems signs are installed at the crossings to comply with Code of Federal Regulations Section 234.309.
11. This authorization shall expire if not exercised within five years of the issuance of Decision 19-02-010 unless time is extended or if the above conditions are not satisfied. Authorization may be revoked or modified if public convenience, necessity or safety so require.
12. A request for extension of the five-year authorization must be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission's Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch of the Rail Safety Division at least 30 days before the expiration of that period. A copy of the extension request shall be sent to all interested parties.
13. Application 18-02-011 is closed.
This order is effective today.
Dated , at San Francisco, California