Network of online predators convince young victims to harm themselves, animals

The FBI says a network of online predators has been using common social media and gaming sites to find young victims, with the goal of grooming, and then manipulating the victims to share violent images of themselves self-mutilating, killing pets, or sharing sexual images. 

Some teen girls using smartphone up to 6 hours per day, study finds

Researchers found that 17% of the teen girls surveyed are potentially addicted to social media, and more than a third have potential anxiety disorders.

Daily marijuana use outnumbers daily drinking in the US: study

Millions of people in the U.S. report using marijuana daily or nearly every day, and those people now outnumber those who say they drink alcohol daily or nearly-daily.

Nestlé launches food line targeting Ozempic, other weight-loss drug users

Nestlé is launching a line of food products tailored to people using weight-loss medication in an effort to capitalize on a market expected to reach $30 billion in the next six years. 

Pink noise? Brown noise? Why white noise has colorful competition

White noise is well-known for masking sounds, but pink, brown, and other colored noises are gaining popularity for their potential benefits on sleep, concentration, and relaxation despite limited scientific research.

US pediatricians allow HIV-positive mothers to breastfeed under new guidelines

People with HIV can breastfeed their babies, as long as they are taking medications that effectively suppress the virus that causes AIDS, a top U.S. pediatricians’ group said Monday in a sharp policy change.

Golden State Valkyries block party brings fans to Thrive City

The newest Bay Area sports team, the Golden State Valkyries, held a block party celebration in San Francisco Saturday afternoon.

Man sentenced for deliberately disabling East Bay water treatment plant computer system

Rambler Gallo, 53, will spend six months in home confinement followed by 36 months of probation for intentionally causing damage to the computer network at the Discovery Bay water treatment facility.

Neuralink knew for years that tiny wires in brain were an issue, Reuters says

Elon Musk’s Neuralink has long known about significant durability and reliability issues with its tiny wires, which are designed to detect and stimulate neural activity, yet deemed the risk too low for a redesign despite evidence from animal testing, Reuters reports.

City of Antioch settles for $7.5M with family of man who died in police custody

The family of a man who died after being in police custody in Antioch in 2020 has settled with the city for $7.5 million, a spokesperson for the law office of John Burris said Tuesday.  

Planet Fitness’ free summer pass returns for high schoolers

Teens will be able to work out for free with Planet Fitness’ High School Summer Pass. Here’s what to know and how to register.

Former ranger Betty Reid Soskin, 102, honored with honorary doctorate

At 102, beloved former park ranger and Bay Area icon Betty Reid Soskin received an honorary degree at a graduation ceremony at Cal State East Bay in Hayward.

1st person to receive pig kidney transplant dies nearly 2 months later

Pig kidney transplant recipient Richard Slayman has died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure. Here’s what’s known about xenotransplantation.