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Friday, mar 14
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News
Meta's Community Notes To Use Tech From Elon Musk's Social Media Platform
Meta's new Community Notes system will be based on algorithms developed by billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform, the company said. Meta will begin testing the crowdsourced program that aims to prevent misinformation on Tuesday, Mar. 18, the tech giant said in a blog post on Thursday, Mar. 13. The move comes as Meta replaces its third-party fact-checking program in the US for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Community Notes are part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's broader shift toward what he calls "free expression" on the company’s platforms. "We’re going to take time to …
News
Facebook Users Reporting Outage
Multiple Facebook users were reporting an outage Wednesday night, Feb. 26. Down Detector showed a spike sometime after 9 p.m. As of 9:25 p.m. a message on the Facebook website, owned by Meta, reads "Sorry, something went wrong. We're working on getting this fixed as soon as we can." Meanwhile, multiple users ran to X to report, and ask about, the outage. Facebook is down. — Samantha Lee (@AsianOptionGirl) February 27, 2025 Is Facebook down? — Rodjhun B. Navarro (@Rodjhun) February 27, 2025
News
Earn Your Scroll: Walking Unlocks Social Media With Boston Entrepreneur's New App
A new app is fighting against doomscrolling and helping users get active by turning steps into screen time. Steppin' blocks you from using certain apps unless you walk a certain number of daily steps. The app was founded by Boston entrepreneur Paul English, who's also a co-founder of travel search engine Kayak.com. Steppin' rewards physical activity by tying screen time to movement. For every 100 steps, users earn one minute of access to restricted apps, including social media apps like Facebook and Instagram, as well as other platforms like Netflix. The app's settings are fully …
Business
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports
Meta will cut thousands of employees in the latest move for the controversial company that owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram, according to reports. An internal memo sent to Meta workers said five percent of low-performing employees will be terminated, Bloomberg News reported. The company that also owns WhatsApp and Threads has more than 72,000 employees, according to Meta's most recent quarterly report. A five-percent reduction would mean about 3,600 people could lose their jobs. "I've decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,…
News
Ex-Mass Cop Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds
If you bought a luxury watch from a Massachusetts police officer for a steal, you may have been duped. That’s what former cop Klevis Nako, 24, admitted to in a Connecticut federal court this week, according to federal authorities. Nako was convicted of conspiracy to sell counterfeit goods after he imported fake designer watches from China and sold them across the U.S. through Instagram and Facebook, the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut said. He has been sentenced to 60 days in federal prison, authorities said. His operation unraveled after federal agents intercepted dozens of shipments and con…
Business
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says
Meta is dismantling its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S. and aims to bring back political content as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the company said. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the changes in a video statement on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, will replace its fact-checking program with a Community Notes system similar to the one implemented on X (formerly Twitter). Zuckerberg said the new system's goal is to reduce bias and restore free expression. "Fact-checkers have be…
News
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes
Hours after a Meta outage left Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users in the dark, ChatGPT seems to be following suit. Users of the AI website began experiencing technical difficulties sometime around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. A message on the website as of 9:20 p.m. reads: "ChatGPT is currently unavailable. Status: Identified - We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix." Naturally, X users had a field day. #ChatGPT is down. Looks like everyone will have to finish their assignments the old fashioned way. pic.twitter.com/68xVq9DNf8 — Xon Kurama (@XonKurama) Decemb…
Business
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms
Tens of thousands of Meta users are experiencing outages across its platforms. Just before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, there were numerous reports of outages on Downdetector.com, including 69,000 on Instagram, over 1,000 on Facebook, and 10,000 on WhatsApp. Meta issued a statement on the outages on X at around 1:45 p.m. "We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps," the statement said. "We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience." We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some use…
Business
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down
Meta is admitting that harmless content gets taken down amid criticism for its handling of moderation. “Too often, harmless content gets taken down, or restricted, and too many people get penalized unfairly,” the company's president of global affairs, Nick Glegg, told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2, according to a report in The Verge. Meta's platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. Despite advancements in AI moderation, Clegg acknowledged there is still “work to do” in ensuring fair and accurate enforcement, the report said. Meta has promised to refine its…
Politics
'Not What We Voted For:' Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech After Losing To Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris has addressed the nation for the first time after losing the 2024 Presidential Election to Donald Trump at her alma mater, Howard University. "The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for not what we voted for," the vice president said. "but hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright." Harris urged her supporters to keep fighting before saying, "We must accept the results of this election." The veep said that she spoke to Trump and congratulated him on his victory, "and told him we will help him and h…
Business
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents'
Millions of teenage Instagram users are being forced into private accounts with enhanced security features aimed at limiting their exposure to harmful content. Meta, the social media platform’s parent company, unveiled its “Teen Accounts” feature on Tuesday, Sept. 17, automatically placing anyone under the age of 18 into a default private account. Teens with a private account must accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their contact or interact with them. It also comes with strict messaging settings, making it so they can only receive messages from people they foll…
News
Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants'
The owners of a popular restaurant in Berkshire County made a big announcement on the eatery's Facebook page last week: they're going to be on the "America's Best Restaurants Roadshow" The owners posted the video on Saturday, June 1, explaining that producers will film scenes from the Lanesborough restaurant on Monday, June 17. The show features hosts Theo Williams, Jacalyn Mains, and Luis Rivera as they try some of the best foods from across the country from small, family-owned eateries. Biggins Diggins boasts on its website that the restaurant will be your new …
Obituaries
Woman Killed By Train In Western Mass
A woman was struck and killed by a train Wednesday morning, June 5, in Berkshire County, authorities said. Lynn Stanley, 41, of North Adams was hit in the area of American Legion Drive in North Adams, the Berkshire County District Attorney said. Multiple people have posted memorials to the mother on Facebook. Rip Lynn Stanley love and miss you fly hight with gram Posted by Doreen Stanley on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Investigators have not disclosed the circumstances around the crash. Police are investigating the incident and more information will be made ava…
News
Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta
Facebook and Instagram users were locked out of their accounts Tuesday morning, March 5 in what appeared to have been a widespread outage. Hundreds and thousands of both Facebook and Instagram users had reported problems on DownDetector as of 11 a.m. The issue was resolved at approximately 11:45 a.m. Meta spokesman Andy Stone addressed the outage on Twitter: Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience. https://t.co/ybyy…
Police & Fire
Lowell Man Accused Of Killing Whitman Woman Left In Car At Boston Airport Busted In Kenya: Cops
A 40-year-old Lowell man has been arrested in the killing of a Whitman woman whose body was found in a garage at Boston Logan Airport, officials said. Troopers found the deceased woman, later identified as Margaret Mbitu, 31, inside a car in the Central Parking garage at Logan Airport around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, authorities said. Kevin Kangethe, the suspect in the killing, boarded a flight to Kenya. Related: Body Of Missing Whitman Woman Found In Car At Boston Logan Airport: DA Mbitu was last seen leaving work in Halifax at 11 p.m. on Oct. 30, authorities said in a missing person's …
Politics
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says
As campaign season heats up, rumors are swirling over former President Donald Trump’s pick to be his running mate should he clinch the Republican nomination. Among the names that Trump is strongly considering for his vice president is New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, NBC News reports. The 39-year-old House Republican Conference chair – whose 21st District represents several Capital Region counties, including Rensselaer – was brought up during a dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home in December 2023, according to the outlet. Trump nodded approvingly and referred to Stefanik as “a ki…
Police & Fire
Springfield Man Talked Foster Child Into Sex Trafficking Gets 18 Years: Feds
A Springfield man who talked a child into performing sex acts for money will spend the next 18 years in a federal prison, authorities announced Friday, Jan. 12. Carlos Casillas, 51, was convicted of sex trafficking a 13-year-old girl in July, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He will serve five years of probation after he is released from prison. Investigators said Casillas met the 13-year-old girl, who was living in a foster home, on Facebook and communicated through Facebook Messenger. He talked about her leaving the group home and "exchanging money for services," the pr…
News
20-Year-Old Chinese Restaurant In Western Mass Closes Its Doors
A 20-year-old family-run Chinese restaurant in Hampshire County announced that it has shuttered its doors. Related: Springfield Foodies Fight Over Best Chinese Food In City China Wok Express in Northampton, which boasts several glowing reviews on Google and Yelp!, announced that it had closed on Oct. 30 on Facebook. Dear Friends,We are announcing the closing of China Wok Express. The last day of business will be Monday, October 30th, 2023. We want to thank all of you for supporting us over the past two decades. Some of you may have just found us, while others have been din…
Police & Fire
Pittsfield Man, 42, Discussed Sexually Assaulting Child He Met Online: DA
A Pittsfield man who struck up a sexual conversation with a 14-year-old on Facebook found out that the girl he wanted to assault was a police officer, authorities said. James Wojtkowski was arrested and charged last week with dissemination of matter harmful to minors, the Berkshire County District Attorney said on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Related: Plainfield Man Busted Sending Sexual Messages To 'Child' Investigators said Wojtkowski contacted a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl living in North Adams on April 29. He probed the girl for information like where she went …
Police & Fire
Plainfield Man Busted Sending Sexual Messages To 'Child' On Facebook: DA
A 49-year-old Plainfield man who thought he was preying on a 14-year-old girl on Facebook was, in truth, talking to an undercover officer in Berkshire County. Jamie Wooldridge was arrested earlier this month and charged with dissemination of matter harmful to a minor and enticing a child under 16, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. He had been in contact with a North Adams police officer posing as a child for more than a year before his bust. Related: Pittsfield Man Sent Nudes To What He Thought Was 14-Year-Old Girl Police say Woolridge contacted the undercover a…
News
Dave Chappelle: Fans, Critics Discuss Fall Out From Boston Show Walk-Outs, Backlash
A stand-up show from one of the controversial and beloved comedians ended earlier for some people who decided to walk out when he brought up the topic of the Israeli-Hamas, reports said. Some called his comments political "tirade," while others said he was preaching peace. Chapelle made the remarks during a TD Garden show on Thursday. According to The Wall Street Journal, the comic commended Hamas' attack on Israel but also condemned Israel for what he considered war crimes, which drew boos and shouts from the audience, posted Andrew Margolie, who was at the show, on Facebook.&nb…
Lifestyle
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan
It was Swiftie Mania day in a Connecticut town after a rumor started that the mega pop queen Taylor Swift was lunching in town with her new boyfriend Travis Kelce. In the heart of Fairfield County, hundreds of teens, moms, and well, guys, turned up in the town. of New Canaan outside the popular Elm Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 20 where Swift was supposed to be inside dining with boyfriend Kelce (the Kansas City Chiefs tight end), Swift's BFF actor Blake Lively, and Lively's hubby actor Ryan Reynolds who live in neighboring Pound Ridge in Northern Westchester County. Once the rumor made it…
Police & Fire
Girl, 10, Shot In Springfield Murder-Suicide Has Died, Her Mother Says
The mother of a 10-year-old girl who was shot in Springfield earlier this week in a murder-suicide has died in the hospital, her mother announced on Facebook. Aubrianna Lynn was shot on Monday, Aug. 14, along with her 12-year-old sister and grandmother, Kim Fairbanks, at their home at 174 Berkshire Ave., Springfield police said. Their upstairs neighbor Victor Nieves, who knew the family well, pulled the trigger before killing himself, police said. Stephanie Croteau, the girl's mother, posted on Facebook that the 10-year-old was in heaven dancing with her grandmother, who was also killed…
News
Worcester Bar Closes Its Doors But Promises To Return Bigger, Better
Jack's Tiki Tavern, which was forced to move earlier this year, has closed its doors in Worcester for good, owners announced on Facebook. The bar at 3 Mill St. posted to social media on Aug. 2 that the "time has come" to shutter, but they promised to return with a new location in another city with expanded offerings. However, they did not say when or where that might be. The time has come and we are moving out of the city and will be starting g a new adventure. Stay tuned for the when and where. Our valued customers and our team want our kitchen back so we can deliver some of the best foo…
Police & Fire
Offensive Facebook Post On Police Page Is Hacker Hoax, Central Mass Chief Says
An incendiary post on a Worcester County police department's Facebook page about trans people was not written by an officer, the chief promised on Wednesday, Aug. 2. They were hacked. The post appeared on the Hopedale Police Department's page on Tuesday night, claiming that an officer had shot a trans woman after she showed him her genitals. Chief Mark Giovanella released a statement saying that someone had gotten into their account and made the post without their knowledge. He added that his department is investigating the matter. “Unauthorized access was gained to our soc…
News
Rapper Opens Yogurt Shop In Northborough; Celebrates With Fans In Music Video
Joyner Lucas held the grand opening for his new yogurt and smoothie shop in Worcester County on Sunday, July 23. To help get people in the door, the two-time Grammy-nominated rapper shot a music video with dozens of his fans and new customers. Oh Wow Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies, located at 269 West Main Street in Northborough, serves boba tea along with self-serve yogurt and a laundry list of smoothies, a press release announced. Videos on the store's Facebook page shows Lucas making some of the items on the menu and promising quality. Lucas, a Worcester native, celebrated the grand op…
Business
Springfield Foodies Fight Over Best Chinese Food In City — Here's Who Won
A Facebook comment went semi-viral in a Facebook group when it sparked a lively, spirited, and occasionally pointed debate over what restaurant served the best Chinese food in Springfield. Nancy Trace posted a comment last week looking for suggestions of where to grab a decent bite to eat after finding the city's Chinese options lackluster since moving from Connecticut last year. What followed was a more than 150-comment avalanche of opinions from Springfield foodies. The winner? Wong Wok at 749 Summer Avenue took home the top prize as the most suggested option fo…
Business
Friendly's In Palmer Closed After 62 Years In Business
Friendly's, the ice cream and restaurant chain and a mainstay on North Main Street in Palmer, has closed its doors for good. The restaurant abruptly shut down the store on Monday, June 19, leaving a sign on the front window that reads, "This restaurant has permanently closed. THANK YOU for your patronage." It directed anyone in Palmer in the mood for a Fribble to the next closest Friendly's in Springfield. The Palmer location opened in 1961, according to reports. A spokesperson for the company could not be reached, and it's unclear how many employees lost thei…
Police & Fire
'Unconscionable Act': Video Of Kids Beating Classmate In Central Mass Woods Posted Online
A 13-year-old and his older brother are accused of beating a 13-year-old classmate in the woods in Worcester County and later his stepfather when he confronted them about the attack, authorities said. The boys allegedly filmed the first fight and posted it online. Sturbridge police released details on the April 19 attack on Thursday, June 8, after a news report linked to the footage of the beating. According to investigators, the two 13-year-olds agreed to meet in the woods near Old Sturbridge Village and fight to settle an argument. However, during the fight, one of the boy's 1…
Police & Fire
‘GOAT’ Trooper Saves Scared Deer In Holyoke: 'This Is Why He Get's The Big Bucks'
Proving a trooper's shift is never, Timothy Martin put in some overtime on Sunday, June 4, when he spotted a lost deer on I-91 in Holyoke and leaped into action to save its life with the help of some doe-eyed drivers. Martin was on his way home when he noticed a traffic jam grow around a confused and frightened doe that had gotten separated from its mother, State Troopers said in a Facebook post. Several drivers had gotten out of their cars to corral the week-old fawn away from traffic. Instinct took over for man and beast, as Martin threw himself headlong into the fray like a buck makin…
News
Jimmy Buffett To Announce New Show Dates After Brief Hospital Stay In Boston
Have no fear Jimmy Buffett fans, you'll be wasted away in "Margaritaville" before you know it! After a brief hospital stay in Boston caused the singer to postpone his upcoming show in Charleston, SC, Buffett shared an update regarding his health on his Facebook. "Thank you for the outpouring of support and well wishes," the post on Friday, May 19 read. "I head home tomorrow for a while, and then I will go for a fishing trip with old friends, along with paddling and sailing to get myself back in good shape." quick update - Posted by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers on Friday, May 1…
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