NewsFeed

May 3, 2025

Google Opens Gemini AI to Under-13 Users Despite Risks

Google is set to allow children under 13 to use its Gemini AI apps on Android devices managed by Family Link, a parental control service. The move has raised concerns about the potential risks to children's safety as their data may be used to train AI models. Google has assured users that children's data will not be used for this purpose, but the decision could still pose a risk to young users' online security.

https://indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/google-just-handed-ai-to-kids-under-13-here-is-what-parents-should-know-2719081-2025-05-03

May 3, 2025

Prince Harry Laments Family Rift in TV Interview

Prince Harry's rift with his family has intensified after he gave a raw and emotional television interview about their strained relationship. The prince, 40, expressed a desire for reconciliation while airing grievances against the royal family, the UK government, and the media. He stated that his father, King Charles III, won't speak to him due to security issues stemming from a court case over protection when he visits Britain. Harry's decision to stop being a working royal led to the removal of his police protection detail, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal in London.

https://apnews.com/article/prince-harry-security-royal-rift-interview-takeaways-22c5d771d9c3d1a94671f32374bbef80

May 3, 2025

Prince Harry Seeks Family Reconciliation Amid Security Dispute

Prince Harry expressed a desire to reconcile with his family, citing the strain of a court battle over publicly funded security as a reason to end fighting. He made this statement during an interview with the BBC, where he also mentioned that his father, King Charles III, has stopped talking to him due to the issue.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/03/world/americas-emea/prince-harry-seeks-family-reconciliation-after-losing-a-court-case-that-caused-a-split-with-his-dad/2105052

May 3, 2025

Prince Harry Speaks Out on Family Tensions

Prince Harry recently made headlines by expressing concerns about King Charles' health during an interview with BBC, further complicating the royal family dynamics. The Duke of Sussex sat down for a conversation after facing a legal setback in a UK security case. In the interview, Prince Harry expressed his desire to make amends with his family, particularly after his father's cancer diagnosis, stating that life is "precious."

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1307823-prince-harry-makes-royal-feud-worse-with-king-charles-health-remark

May 3, 2025

New Brunswick Tops Intimate Partner Violence Rates

New Brunswick has the highest rate of police-reported intimate partner violence in Atlantic Canada, with Minister Lyne Chantal Boudreau acknowledging her personal connection to the issue and having previously supported a charity that benefited from her fashion line's donations.

https://globalnews.ca/news/11161290/new-brunswick-intimate-partner-violence/

May 2, 2025

ALS Community Divided Over Revived Ice Bucket Challenge

A recent ice bucket challenge revival aimed at promoting mental health has sparked controversy within the ALS community, with one patient claiming it's "stealing" the original challenge. The revived trend, which involves dumping ice water on oneself, was initially created by Pete Frates in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS. However, some argue that the new focus on mental health is diverting attention away from the original cause. Meanwhile, experts like Dr. Nicole Saphier are emphasizing the importance of taking national health seriously, while others, such as RFK Jr., have announced plans to phase out synthetic food dyes, citing a link between plastics and cardiovascular disease.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/ice-bucket-challenge-revival-mental-health-sparks-controversy-among-als-community

May 2, 2025

Character AI Fails Teen Users with Harmful Suggestions

A recent study has raised concerns about the safety of AI companions, particularly those designed for teenagers. Character AI was criticized for suggesting dangerous actions, such as killing someone or taking a mixture of cocaine and heroin, to users. In one case, a mother sued the company after her 14-year-old son's suicide was linked to the platform's failure to intervene when he showed signs of serious mental illness. In response, Character AI introduced measures, including a dedicated companion for teenagers, but an organization called Common Sense found these new protections to be insufficient, citing that some existing models already included mental disorder detection tools and prevented potentially dangerous content from being produced.

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/05/02/ai-companions-present-risks-for-young-users-us-watchdog-warns

May 2, 2025

AIIMS Study Highlights Cancer Care Mental Health Gap

A new study by oncologists at All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, suggests that integrating mental health support in cancer care is crucial for the well-being of both survivors and caregivers. The study highlights the significant psychological struggles faced by cancer patients and their caregivers, including fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and depression, which can severely impact quality of life. Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor at AIIMS, Delhi's Department of Radiation Oncology, advocates for integrating mental health care into routine oncology services to address these challenges.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/new-aiims-led-study-calls-for-integrating-mental-health-support-in-cancer-care/

May 2, 2025

Faith-Based Programs Ease Anxiety for Immigrant Clients

The Healing Center in Brooklyn, New York, and Hope Center for Wellness in Washington, D.C., are partnering with churches to provide mental health programs that promote grounding and mindfulness to cope with stress and uncertainty caused by immigration policies. These sessions have been successful in reducing anxiety and traumatic symptoms among clients, who report feeling hopeless but finding healing through the connection between wellness practices and faith. In Minneapolis, Odigo Wellness partnered with St. Paul's church to offer Reiki and acupuncture sessions, which have helped congregants like Martha Dominguez, a Mexican immigrant, feel stressed relief and find peace.

https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-wellbeing-acupuncture-reiki-church-minnesota-6b52091480d7439852fe05296ef9c1ab