Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Virginia Judge Rules Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Virginia Judge Rules
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Virginia Judge Rules A federal judge ruled that Google illegally cornered the online advertising market by linking its tools together to block out competition, a major win in a broader antitrust crackdown on Big Tech. The ruling found Google liable for willfully using a series of "anticompetitive acts" to dominate how digital ads are placed across the internet. The decision was handed down in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia on Thursday, April 17. In her decision, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema said Google's ad technology blocked out competitors and hurt consumers. "For over …
Body Of NYC Financier Washed Ashore In Spain Weeks Ago – But Desperate Family Kept Searching Body Of NYC Financier Washed Ashore In Spain Weeks Ago – But Desperate Family Kept Searching
Body Of NYC Financier Washed Ashore In Spain Weeks Ago – But Desperate Family Kept Searching A New York City banker who vanished during a sailing trip to Spain earlier this year was found dead – though his desperate family continued searching for weeks before getting the devastating news. Grant Barr, 37, disappeared on Tuesday, Jan. 28, while visiting friends and family in Estepona, a coastal town along Spain’s Costa del Sol. The discovery of his passport, boating license, and pants near a beach that same day sparked a desperate search. But on Monday, April 7, Barr’s father, Michael Carr, shared devastating news on Facebook: “It is with profound sadness that I speak of the passing…
Facebook May Send You $40 – And It's Not A Scam: Here's Why Facebook May Send You $40 – And It's Not A Scam: Here's Why
Facebook May Send You $40 – And It's Not A Scam: Here's Why Double-check your bank account, you may have gotten money from Facebook that you completely forgot was coming. Facebook users who filed claims in a $90 million privacy settlement that dates back nearly 15 years could soon start seeing payments – or may have already been paid. Many people on social media said they started receiving payments of $40.67 on Thursday, April 10. A class-action lawsuit claimed Facebook improperly tracked users' online activity without consent when users visited non-Facebook websites displaying Facebook's "Like" button. The suit said the nonconsensual trac…
Meta To Limit Instagram Livestreaming For Some Teens: Here's How Meta To Limit Instagram Livestreaming For Some Teens: Here's How
Meta To Limit Instagram Livestreaming For Some Teens: Here's How Younger teens won't be able to go live on Instagram anytime soon unless they have a parent's permission. Meta has banned users under 16 from livestreaming unless approved by a parent, the tech giant said in a blog post on Tuesday, April 9. The change is part of a broader push to expand protections for teen users across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. There are at least 54 million active "Teen Accounts" worldwide, according to Meta. "With these changes, teens under 16 will be prohibited from going Live unless their parents give them permission to do so," Meta said "We'll …
Jacob Burns Film Center Under Fire After Alleged Antisemitic Incident At Box Office Jacob Burns Film Center Under Fire After Alleged Antisemitic Incident At Box Office
Jacob Burns Film Center Under Fire After Alleged Antisemitic Incident At Box Office A woman who claimed that her Jewish parents were subjected to an antisemitic rant by a box office clerk at a New York film center has sparked a Facebook firestorm. On Friday, March 28, the Jacob Burns Film Center in the Westchester County village of Pleasantville announced it would be holding a special event screening of "OCTOBER 8" later in spring.  The film focuses on "antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and in the streets of America beginning the day after the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas," according to its website.  In the comment section, one woman …
'OG Facebook' Returns With Revamped Friends Tab In Meta's Latest Change 'OG Facebook' Returns With Revamped Friends Tab In Meta's Latest Change
'OG Facebook' Returns With Revamped Friends Tab In Meta's Latest Change Meta is hoping to bring back the original Facebook experience with a new Friends tab that shows only content from friends, removing recommended posts and ads.  The feature launched in the US and Canada on Thursday, Mar. 27. The addition is part of a broader effort to restore Facebook's original focus on connecting friends, according to Meta. The revamped feed only highlights content from friends, eliminating recommended posts and ads. "The new Friends tab is a throwback to OG Facebook when you only saw friends' status updates," CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted. "More OG Facebook coming soon…
Facebook Friend, Roommate Stabbed, Burned Alive By Easton Gang Member: AG Facebook Friend, Roommate Stabbed, Burned Alive By Easton Gang Member: AG
Facebook Friend, Roommate Stabbed, Burned Alive By Easton Gang Member: AG An Easton gang member with a violent past has been convicted of brutally killing his Facebook friend, 18-year-old Tyrell Holmes, stabbing him before setting him on fire while he was still alive, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Friday, March 14. A Northampton County jury found Alkiohn Dunkins, 26, guilty of first-degree murder and related charges after seven days of testimony detailing the 2018 killing. Holmes was discovered near a dumpster outside an apartment complex, suffering from four stab wounds to his neck and torso, authorities said. At the time, Dunkins was …
Stepfather Of Missing PA Teen Enci Aubrey Wu Charged With Harassment Of NJ Sex Offender: UPDATE Stepfather Of Missing PA Teen Enci Aubrey Wu Charged With Harassment Of NJ Sex Offender: UPDATE
Stepfather Of Missing PA Teen Enci Aubrey Wu Charged With Harassment Of NJ Sex Offender: Update The stepfather of missing 14-year-old Enci Aubrey Wu, who has been searching for her for over two months, has now been charged with harassment, authorities confirmed. John F. Gehrmann III, 44, currently of Easton, PA, and originally from Kearny, New Jersey, was charged with three misdemeanor counts of harassment for allegedly targeting a New Jersey sex offender online in connection with Wu’s disappearance, according to Pennsylvania State Police and court documents. However, advocates for Wu’s family say the charges misrepresent the situation and that Gehrmann was acting in an attempt to prot…
Meta's Community Notes To Use Tech From Elon Musk's Social Media Platform Meta's Community Notes To Use Tech From Elon Musk's Social Media Platform
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 …
Best Playground/Play Space On Long Island In 2024: RocketShip Park Best Playground/Play Space On Long Island In 2024: RocketShip Park
Best Playground/Play Space On Long Island In 2024: RocketShip Park We are thrilled to announce that RocketShip Park, also known as Clifton H. Lee Memorial  Park, has been named Best Playground/Play Space on Long Island in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! With its massive rocket ship climbing structure, interactive play panels, and accessible design, it’s a playground that truly encourages exploration while making safety and convenience top priorities, according to its Facebook page. At the heart of the playground is its towering rocket ship, where aspiring astronauts can climb, slide, and imagine their own intergalactic missions, and nearb…
Best Bagels In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Eastdale Avenue Bagels Best Bagels In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Eastdale Avenue Bagels
Best Bagels In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Eastdale Avenue Bagels We are thrilled to announce that Eastdale Avenue Bagels has been named Best Bagels in the Hudson Valley in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to its Facebook page, Eastdale Avenue Bagels specializes in traditional bagels that are fresh—baked daily, delicious, and sure to satisfy any craving. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of the Best in the Hudson Valley began with reader nominations in October and ended with a voting period for finalists in 80+ categories in December.  Daily Voice Congratulations to Eastdale Aven…
Best Barber Shop In Bergen County In 2024: In The Cut Barbershop Best Barber Shop In Bergen County In 2024: In The Cut Barbershop
Best Barber Shop In Bergen County In 2024: In The Cut Barbershop We are thrilled to announce that In the Cut Barbershop has been named Best Barber Shop in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to In the Cut Barbershop's Facebook page, this establishment combines traditional barbering artistry with modern styling techniques to deliver personalized grooming experiences.  In the Cut is dedicated to precision, creativity, and customer care, per its Facebook page. Local voters couldn’t agree more.  "Joel and his crew are the best in the business," said Readers' Choice voter Frank. Photo supplied by In the …
Best Burger In Westchester County In 2024: Fat Stu's All-American Burger Best Burger In Westchester County In 2024: Fat Stu's All-American Burger
Best Burger In Westchester County In 2024: Fat Stu's All-American Burger We are thrilled to announce that Fat Stu’s All-American Burger has been named Best Burger in Westchester County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers’ Choice Awards! According to Fat Stu’s All-American Burger’s Facebook page, this Harrison spot is redefining the classic American burger experience with bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a no-frills, all-flavor approach.  Its burgers are crafted with fresh, never-frozen beef, cooked to perfection, and stacked with delicious toppings, per its Facebook page. Several Readers' Choice voters called Fat Stu's All-American Burger the best a…
Best Coffee Shop On Long Island In 2024: Urban Coffee Best Coffee Shop On Long Island In 2024: Urban Coffee
Best Coffee Shop On Long Island In 2024: Urban Coffee We are thrilled to announce that Urban Coffee has been named Best Coffee Shop on Long Island in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! Since 2008, Urban Coffee has been perfecting the craft of coffee, ensuring every espresso shot, pour-over, and latte is made with precision and passion, according to its website, Every cup reflects the dedication and care of a team that knows coffee inside and out, per its website. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of the Best on Long Island began with reader nominations in October and ended with a voting period for …
Registered Sex Offender In Reading Caught Sharing Child Porn On Facebook:DA Registered Sex Offender In Reading Caught Sharing Child Porn On Facebook:DA
Registered Sex Offender In Reading Caught Sharing Child Porn On Facebook:DA A convicted sex offender in Berks County was busted with hundreds of child pornography files, including images and videos he shared on Facebook, authorities announced on Thursday, Feb. 27. Daniel R. Kromer, 60, of Reading, was already a lifetime registered sex offender in Pennsylvania when investigators uncovered his online activity, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office said. Kromer’s criminal history includes convictions for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault, both in December 1999. The charges stemmed from incidents on January 1, 1994, and April 15, 1999, r…
Facebook Users Reporting Outage Facebook Users Reporting Outage
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
New Pizza Hotspot Debuts In Troy After ‘Many Ups And Plenty Of Downs’ New Pizza Hotspot Debuts In Troy After ‘Many Ups And Plenty Of Downs’
New Pizza Hotspot Debuts In Troy After ‘Many Ups And Plenty Of Downs’ A longtime Capital Region favorite is adding another slice to its legacy. DeFazio’s Pizzeria officially opened its new Troy location at 216 4th Street on Wednesday, Feb. 5, bringing its famous wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas to a brand-new crowd. The family-run pizzeria, which has been slinging pies in Albany since 1991, is owned by Elizabeth and Matthew DeFazio and is already earning high praise from excited diners. “This long journey has had many ups and plenty of downs, but it has been so worth it,” the DeFazios shared on Facebook ahead of the grand opening. “We can't wait to serv…
Expectant Dad Killed During Dispute In Maryland Expectant Dad Killed During Dispute In Maryland
Expectant Dad Killed During Dispute In Maryland Courtney Zentz and Trevor Dean Van Devander were months away from their happy ending before he became one of Montgomery County's first victims of gun violence in 2025. In early January 2025, Van Devander was involved in a dispute with Benjamin Jack Dresbach in Kensington, resulting in the expectant 29-year-old father's murder. The unexpected death left Zentz and their 6-year-old son to fend for themselves as they continue to cope with a new normal following the fatal shooting. "I’m unemployed at this time and we don’t know when we will begin receiving survivor benefits," she wrote in a GoF…
Facebook Threats To Forks Township Police Lands Easton Man Terror Charge Facebook Threats To Forks Township Police Lands Easton Man Terror Charge
Facebook Threats To Forks Township Police Lands Easton Man Terror Charge A Forks Township man is accused of making threats against law enforcement on Facebook, leading to his arrest, authorities announced on Monday, Jan. 27. Michael Manuel Morinico, 40, was charged with terroristic threats after Forks Township Police were alerted by Bethlehem Police to a concerning video posted to his Facebook account on Jan. 24, police said. Bethlehem officers told Forks Township Police they had recently interacted with Morinico and found his behavior troubling, according to a release. Upon reviewing his Facebook account, officers discovered multiple videos, including one conta…
Earn Your Scroll: Walking Unlocks Social Media With Boston Entrepreneur's New App Earn Your Scroll: Walking Unlocks Social Media With Boston Entrepreneur's New App
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 …
This Riverhead Eatery Among 'Hidden Gem' Restaurants On Long Island, Foodies Say This Riverhead Eatery Among 'Hidden Gem' Restaurants On Long Island, Foodies Say
This Riverhead Eatery Among 'Hidden Gem' Restaurants On Long Island, Foodies Say For diners seeking delicious, under-the-radar culinary experiences, three restaurants have emerged as must-try spots thanks to their authentic cuisine and glowing endorsements. When Rosa Dee posed a simple question in the “Long Island Restaurant Group” Facebook group on Sunday, Jan. 5 — “Share some hidden gems on LI” — the response was overwhelming. Over 400 comments poured in, but three eateries stood out for their unique offerings and loyal followings. Below are the three most recommended “hidden gem” restaurants, according to local foodies. Mexican Grill 2000: A Taste of Mexico in Patch…
Vehicle Slams Into Sunny Side Family Restaurant In Carlisle, Injures One Vehicle Slams Into Sunny Side Family Restaurant In Carlisle, Injures One
Vehicle Slams Into Sunny Side Family Restaurant In Carlisle, Injures One A car crashed into the side of Sunny Side Family Restaurant on North Hanover Street in Carlisle Borough, sending one person to the hospital, authorities said. The crash happened around 8:50 a.m., according to Cumberland County emergency dispatch. The victim’s condition was not immediately available. The incident caused temporary road closures in the area, but they have since reopened. Sunny Side Family Restaurant shared the following statement on Facebook regarding the crash: "We will be closed until further notice. A vehicle came through the side of our building earlier this morning. We …
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports
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,…
Edison Facebook User Sexually Assaults Woman He Met Online, Then Does It Again: Cops Edison Facebook User Sexually Assaults Woman He Met Online, Then Does It Again: Cops
Edison Facebook User Sexually Assaults Woman He Met Online, Then Does It Again: Cops An Edison man has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault after two women accused him of assaulting them following meetings arranged through Facebook, authorities said. Faton Boqolli, 31, was arrested on Jan. 10, after an investigation by Detective Clint Hetzell of the Edison Police Department, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department said. A female victim reported that Boqolli had sexually assaulted her during an in-person meeting after they connected on Facebook. This is not the first time Boqolli has faced such a…
Ex-Mass Cop Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds Ex-Mass Cop Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds
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…
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says
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…
Social Media Clue Cracks Case Of Arson At Maryland Church: Fire Marshal Social Media Clue Cracks Case Of Arson At Maryland Church: Fire Marshal
Social Media Clue Cracks Case Of Arson At Maryland Church: Fire Marshal An investigator randomly scrolling through Facebook was key in apprehending a man who set a tree ablaze at a Maryland church last month, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Shortly after 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, first responders were called to the Radiant Life Church in Cumberland, when a tree was found burning outside, which was extinguished within minutes. An investigation led by the Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire was intentionally set, prompting assistance from the State Fire Marshal, who were able to obtain surveillance footage that captured the suspect in …
Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat
Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat As Westchester County Executive George Latimer prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District, he has scheduled when he will say farewell to his current position.  Latimer, age 70, will give his farewell address on Monday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. The speech will be live-streamed on Facebook, according to county officials.  Following these remarks, Latimer’s resignation will take effect a few days later on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address in November.  Latimer will then transition to hi…