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A group representing TikTok, Meta and X sues Ohio over new law limiting kids’ use of social media
By JULIE CARR SMYTH (Associated Press)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A trade group representing TikTok, Snapchat, Meta and other major tech companies sued Ohio on Friday over a pending law that requires children to get parental consent to use social media apps.
The law was part of an $86.1 billion state budget bill that Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law in July. It’s set to take effect Jan. 15. The administration pushed the measure as a way to protect children’s mental health, with Republican Lt. Gov. Jon Husted saying at the time that social media was “intentionally addictive” and harmful to kids.
The NetChoice trade group filed its lawsuit against GOP Attorney General Dave Yost in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. It seeks to block the law from taking effect.
The litigation argues that Ohio’s law — which requires social media companies to obtain a parent’s permission for children under 16 to sign up for social media and gaming apps — unconstitutionally impedes free speech and is overbroad and vague.
The law also requires social media companies to provide parents with their privacy guidelines, so that families can know what content will be censored or moderated on their child’s profile.
“We at NetChoice believe families equipped with educational resources are capable of determining the best approach to online services and privacy protections for themselves,” Chris Marchese, director of the organization’s litigation center, said in a statement. “With NetChoice v. Yost, we will fight to ensure all Ohioans can embrace digital tools without their privacy, security and rights being thwarted.”
The group has won lawsuits against similar restrictions in California and Arkansas.
Husted, who leads Ohio’s technology initiatives and championed the law, called Friday’s lawsuit “cowardly but not unexpected.”
“In filing this lawsuit, these companies are determined to go around parents to expose children to harmful content and addict them to their platforms,” Husted said in a statement.
He alleged the companies know their algorithms are harming children “with catastrophic health and mental health outcomes.”
Tua Tagovailoa’s brother enters transfer portal; if eligible, could Miami Hurricanes be his landing spot?
Could Miami’s professional and college football team both be quarterbacked by a Tagovailoa in 2024?
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, entered the transfer portal Friday.
The Miami Hurricanes just so happen to be looking for a quarterback in the transfer market.
The younger Tagovailoa, who has set records with the Terrapins, is seeking an extra year of eligibility to play a sixth college season. As a redshirt senior, Tagovailoa is not currently eligible to play in 2024, but he can receive a hardship waiver from the NCAA to return to the field at a new school as a graduate transfer.
Tagovailoa became the Big Ten’s career leader in passing yards this season. He has set nearly every Maryland career passing record, including yards (11,256), touchdowns (76), completion percentage (.671) and 300-yard games (15). Tagovailoa set a season school record with 3,860 passing yards in 2021 and led the Terrapins to three straight bowl appearances.
Miami is still in need of a quarterback after last season’s starter, Tyler Van Dyke, transferred to Wisconsin. One option, Washington State’s Cam Ward, opted for the NFL draft this week.
Tagovailoa could also end up pursuing a professional career, whether he isn’t given the sixth year or by choice. Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard chose to transfer to Ohio State.
Tagovailoa, who skipped out on Maryland’s matchup with Auburn in the Music City Bowl, was expected to enter the NFL draft weeks back, and Tua Tagovailoa reacted to the rumblings.
“I’m always here for ‘Lia (Taulia). I’m always here for you. You know that. Whatever you need, I can help with,” Tua said.
“But outside of that, I just tell my brother to listen to what he thinks is best when he hires agents or when he has to go throughout that process. I’m not the one who’s going to tell you who you should go with or whatnot. That should be totally up to you. Because when it’s your decision, regardless of if it is right or wrong, in the end, you always make it right.”
Tua Tagovailoa is in his fourth professional season with the Dolphins and was named to his first Pro Bowl this week. Leading the NFL in passing yards (4,451) and completion percentage (69.6), he is bound for a pivotal Sunday night showdown with the rival Buffalo Bills to determine the AFC East winner and conference’s No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
Former police officer sentenced to 14 months in jail, 4 years probation in Elijah McClain’s death
Elijah McClain (Courtesy of McClain family)
The only police officer convicted in Elijah McClain’s death was sentenced Friday to 14 months in jail and four years of probation.
Adams County District Court Judge Mark Warner sentenced former officer Randy Roedema during a two-hour hearing in Adams County District Court.
The 41-year-old was convicted in October of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault in McClain’s 2019 death. Roedema faced between one and three years in prison on the homicide conviction and up to 24 months in jail on the assault conviction.
Warner sentenced Roedema to four years of probation with 90 days in jail, during which he will be eligible for work-release, on the homicide charge, and 14 months in jail, also with work-release eligibility, on the assault charge.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Roedema must report to the Adams County Jail by March 22, the judge said.
He also most complete 200 hours of community service.
Roedema did not appear to visibly react when the sentence was imposed.
People on both sides of the case cried during the sentencing hearing.
Warner noted that Roedema would have been eligible for parole in about 13.5 months had he been sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum allowable and the term requested by the prosecution.
“The court was shocked by what appeared to be indifference to Elijah MClain’s suffering,” Warner said.
Sheneen McClain, Elijah’s mother, addressed the judge before he handed down his sentence. Her son, she said, “was murdered with intent and malice.”
“My son, Elijah McClain, was a healthy young man the night Randy Roedema chose to show my son the power and privilege of the boys in blue,” she said.
Roedema also addressed the judge, saying the situation that night in 2019 had a “horrible outcome that no one intended or wanted to happen.”
“I cannot imagine the agony they must feel,” Roedema said of McClain’s family.
Some 75 people submitted letters of support for Roedema before the sentencing, court records show.
Roedema was the only one of three Aurora police officers charged in McClain’s death to be convicted. Two Aurora paramedics also were convicted of criminally negligent homicide.
McClain was walking home on Aug. 24, 2019, when officers contacted him after a teenager called 911 and reported McClain as a suspicious person. The 23-year-old unarmed Black man was wearing a ski mask, listening to music and waving his arms as he walked home.
Within seconds of reaching McClain, Aurora police officers threw him to the ground and violently arrested him. Roedema helped to restrain McClain and Aurora police officer Nathan Woodyard used a carotid hold on McClain, squeezing his neck to force him to lose consciousness.
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McClain vomited after the neck hold and inhaled that vomit into his lungs, testimony at trial revealed. He begged the officers for help, repeatedly telling them that he could not breathe, but the officers did not give him any medical aid, instead calling for paramedics.
After McClain was subdued and handcuffed, Aurora paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec injected McClain with a dose of the sedative ketamine, and he suffered a heart attack. He never recovered and died in the hospital days later.
Three officers and the two paramedics were criminally charged in connection with McClain’s death. Roedema, Cichuniec and Cooper were convicted. Woodyard and former officer Jason Rosenblatt were acquitted.
Top 25 destinations for 2024, according to Afar travel guides
Afar, the travel media guide and magazine, has just released its annual “where to go” list for 2024 travelers. It’s a globe-circling mix of 25 destinations that ranges from Fiji to Texas, Toronto and more, all chosen with an eye to thoughtful, sustainable travel.
So while you’ll see Peru’s famous Machu Picchu on the list, editors suggest getting there via the lesser-known Quarry Trail — complete with spectacular views and waterfalls — rather than the tourist-clogged Inca Trail. Buzzy, busy Los Angeles makes the list with a shout out to the February opening of Destination Crenshaw, a 4-acre, open-air museum that showcases the work of Black artists, the largest such installation in the country. And while everyone knows all about Prague, Afar’s editors suggest Czech Republic visitors head for Brno, which was designated one of UNESCO’s Cities of Music.
Each destination, Afar’s editorial team said, “is an awe-inspiring, joy-inducing destination where human connection and creativity define the travel experience.”
Here’s just a peek. Check out the full list, along with photographs and travel tips, at www.afar.com/magazine/where-to-go-2024 or pick up the print edition, available on newsstands Jan. 9.
13 top destinations to visit in 2024Bhutan
Brno, Czech Republic
Ronald Martinez, Getty ImagesThe Czech Republic city of Brno received recognition as one of UNESCO’s Music Cities. (Getty Images)Fiji
Lamu, Kenya
Los Angeles
Manchester, England
Norway
Rome, Italy
John Moore, Getty ImagesRome’s Trevi Fountain is one of the world’s most iconic sights. (Getty Images)St. Kitts
Tangier, Morocco
Hill Country, Texas
Toronto, Canada
Maldonado, Uruguay
Dolphins’ Rob Hunt, Jerome Baker could both be back in time to face rival that has given them AFC East heartbreak
MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker and right guard Robert Hunt have a few things in common these days.
They’ve both been ironmen over several years with the franchise, but they’ve also missed significant time lately and are trying to return for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills.
They’re also a pair of players that, in their tenure as Dolphins (11-5), have not seen success against the Bills (10-6), who have controlled the division the past three seasons. Miami now has a chance to take the AFC East in Sunday’s 8:20 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.
When the Dolphins went to Orchard Park Oct. 1 and lost 48-20 in their first meeting with Buffalo, Baker repeatedly said, in the locker room postgame, “I’m tired of losing to Buffalo.”
Hunt said Thursday that winning the division Sunday night, despite Miami now pressing for it after holding a three-game lead four weeks ago, would be even sweeter if it came by beating the rival Bills.
“It definitely would,” Hunt said. “I’ve been here four years, and I’ve only beat them once. So to beat these guys, it would be a good day. I’ll have a great night if we win.”
The two reliable veterans are trending toward playing.
In fact, Hunt is clear of any game status designation. He’s good to go after missing seven of eight starts with the ailing hamstring. He hadn’t missed a game in his first three NFL seasons.
Baker, who had only missed one game before this year since getting drafted in 2018, is questionable for Sunday. He has faced the minimum four-game absence on injured reserve due to an MCL injury in his left knee suffered Dec. 3 in Washington. The team would have to activate him off IR Saturday to play him Sunday.
“It went well for him,” coach Mike McDaniel said of Baker’s Thursday work before the linebacker’s limited participation again Friday. “Now, we need another day of no setbacks. I’m optimistic about him. … How he came in and responded from (Thursday’s) activities and how he’s able to move around (Friday) will kind of dictate Sunday. So, it’s still pending.”
Baker hurt his knee running behind a play against the Commanders as safety Brandon Jones swooped in for a touchdown-saving tackle, providing friendly fire on Baker.
Hunt started dealing with the nagging hamstring in the buildup to Miami’s Nov. 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany. He missed the next three starts, was back at right guard in that same Washington game and aggravated the injury then, costing him the last four games.
“It happened, and I felt it pop,” he said. “When I did it, I knew what it was. I kind of just overextended and aggravated (it).”
Robert Jones has been at right guard for Hunt and has filled in serviceably. With Hunt set to return, Jones could switch to left guard or Miami could keep Lester Cotton starting there. In either scenario, the Dolphins will deploy their 12th different starting offensive line combination.
The line is happy to have Hunt return.
“He’s a hell of a player and a big part of our offense,” right tackle Austin Jackson said Friday. “He’s been with us for a long time, a big part of the chemistry we have going on, so it’ll be good to have him, for sure.”
Added center Liam Eichenberg: “It’ll be good. He’s a guy that has experience, started so many games, has played at such a high level.”
Duke Riley has filled in for Baker at his inside linebacker post and in communicating the signals to the defense. Riley has had fine moments but also some struggles in coverage, namely last week in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Thursday a return for Baker could give the Dolphins their three-man rotation back with David Long Jr. also there.
“The biggest challenge after missing four games with the sprained MCL is the speed of it, getting back out there,” linebackers coach Anthony Campanile said Thursday. “The benefit is he’s super smart, elite-level smart. It gives you a level of comfort as a coach.”
Hunt and Long know their history against the Bills. Including playoffs, Hunt is 1-7 against Buffalo and Baker is 2-9.
“Times change,” Hunt said. “Hopefully, that is what it is this weekend. We’ll see. We just have to play the game, man. It is what it is.”
Baker, while still on IR, was not made available for an interview, due to club policy.
If he were to be activated Saturday, the natural move would be to use the spot on the roster that would be freed by placing outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, who is done for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee, on IR. Veteran pass rusher Melvin Ingram also has another elevation from the practice squad available for the team to use in the finale.
Dalmar hotel owner sues Fort Lauderdale to block high-rise project next door
Jake Wurzak, owner of the Dalmar hotel, filed a lawsuit against Fort Lauderdale late Thursday to block a high-rise project he says will cast a looming shadow over his 25-story hotel.
The new project would sit 10 feet to the south of the Dalmar, blocking its views of downtown and casting shadows over its sixth-floor pool deck, the lawsuit says.
Commissioners approved the project on Dec. 5, with Commissioner Warren Sturman casting the only “no” vote.
“No surprise,” Sturman said Friday after learning of the lawsuit from the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I’m not surprised (about the lawsuit). That’s one of the reasons I voted against it. I feel really bad that the building is so close to them and blocking the view. It didn’t have to be that big.”
New York-based Naftali Group plans to build two apartment towers linked by a nine-story parking podium on a 1.25-acre parcel at 201 North Federal Highway. One tower would rise nearly 523 feet. The other would approach 493 feet.
To build the project as planned, the developer needed and got commission approval on two variances.
One allows the developer to build a podium that’s nearly 400 feet long despite a code that sets the maximum length at 300 feet. The other allows Naftali to exceed the maximum floor plate size of 12,500 square feet on each tower, allowing for hundreds more residential units, the lawsuit says.
“They’re not just bending the rules, but rewriting them at the Dalmar’s expense,” Wurzak told commissioners before the vote. “Their increase in the floor plates blocks our view, blocks our sunlight, blocks fresh air. It’s terrible.”
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Broward circuit court, asks the court to declare the resolution approving the developer’s deviations from the city’s downtown master plan as void and unenforceable.
City Attorney Tom Ansbro says his policy is to never comment on pending litigation.
A New York-based developer plans to build two apartment towers at 201 North Federal Highway in Flagler Village. One tower will rise nearly 523 feet into the sky. The other will be close to 493 feet. (Naftali Group/Courtesy)The Sun Sentinel contacted the entire commission on Friday.
Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioners Steve Glassman and John Herbst declined to comment, citing the lawsuit. Vice Mayor Pamela Beasley-Pittman could not be reached for comment.
The lawsuit argues that the process used to consider the deviations to allow the Naftali Group to add approximately 220 extra units to the proposed project failed to meet the principles of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown master plan.
“The deviation for maximum tower floor plate size was to allow the floor plate size to be enhanced from 12,500 square feet to 15,965 square feet for each of the 47 and 45 floor towers,” the lawsuit says. “The deviations would, if granted, allow the two towers to be expanded by hundreds of units.”
The master plan encourages a diverse, walkable and mixed-income downtown along with workforce housing, live work units, family-oriented housing, a variety of building scales and pedestrian-friendly buildings.
The lawsuit goes on to point out that none of the apartments will be “affordable” housing units. In lieu of including affordable units in the project, the developer plans to make a payment of $9.36 million that would be split between the county’s and Fort Lauderdale’s affordable housing trust fund.
A Tires Plus store that sits south of the Dalmar hotel in Fort Lauderdale would be torn down to make way for a towering new high-rise project that won commission approval in December. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)If built as proposed, the project would harm the Dalmar by obscuring views and light for guests visiting the hotel’s pool deck and restaurant, the lawsuit says.
The commission, sensitive to those impacts, discussed requiring better screening and additional design related to architectural lighting or landscaping so the Dalmar’s guests would not have to look at a parking garage and headlights from vehicles, the lawsuit notes.
The lawsuit refers to comments made by Commissioner Herbst before the vote.
“If we’re going to again do a deviation from the code that’s going to have a negative impact on the Dalmar, I think they need to have an opportunity to agree or not agree,” he said. “And so I want to figure out how we wrap that up in this.”
The lawsuit also quotes the city attorney’s comments to the commission: “What I think I would recommend is that they try to meet, come to an agreement. If it fails, they bring that component back to you to solve.”
The lawsuit also includes comments made by Commissioner Sturman after his “no” vote.
“I do not think this meets intent,” Sturman said. “I cannot support this.”
Naftali Group released the following statement on Friday in response to the lawsuit.
“We plan to move forward with the development as scheduled,” Miki Naftali, Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group, said in the statement. “Naftali Group’s mission remains the same, to enhance the communities we enter with high-quality residential products. We are excited about the future of Fort Lauderdale and look forward to working with all parties involved to make this development a success.”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
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