Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Darrin Bell was arrested and charged with possessing 134 videos of child sex abuse material, stemming from a tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This arrest marks the first under a new California law addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Bell is currently being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a court appearance. The investigation was conducted by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Read More
Elon Musk, the CEO of X, has once again made headlines with his bold statement to move the company out of California over the state’s new transgender law. While the decision may seem sudden to some, it is crucial to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper implications of his actions.
Musk’s history of controversial statements and behavior is well-documented, but his recent vow to relocate X out of California sheds light on his underlying transphobia and prejudice. The notion that he would uproot an entire company over a law aimed at protecting transgender individuals speaks volumes about his priorities and values.… Continue reading
Living in California, the recent announcement that restaurants must now include all of their add-on fees into menu prices has sparked quite the debate among both consumers and restaurant owners. Some are thrilled with the transparency this new regulation brings, while others are wary of potential price increases and sticker shock. As for me, I fully support this move towards more upfront and honest pricing in the food industry.
For far too long, diners have been subjected to hidden fees, surcharges, and mandatory tips cleverly disguised at the bottom of menus in tiny font. It’s frustrating to think you’re paying one price only to be hit with a significantly higher bill at the end of your meal.… Continue reading
As a consumer, I have always been frustrated with the deceptive practices of businesses that add on fees after the fact. The recent California law requiring restaurants to bake all of their add-on fees into menu prices is a welcome change in my opinion. The idea that the price you see is the price you pay seems like common sense to me. I have always felt blindsided by additional charges for things like service fees, healthcare surcharges, or gratuity that are not clearly stated upfront.
The fact that this law applies to a wide range of businesses beyond just restaurants is even more reason to celebrate.… Continue reading
As I read about American Express, Visa, and Mastercard moving ahead with a code to track gun store purchases in California, I can’t help but have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I understand the need for increased regulation and monitoring to prevent suspicious gun purchases and potential illegal activities. But on the other hand, I can’t help but question the extent of power and control that big corporations like credit card companies have over our lives.
The idea of credit card companies tracking our purchases is not new, but when it comes to something as sensitive as guns, it feels invasive and unnecessary.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood