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Meta has agreed to pay up to $16.68 billion to settle claims about child safety on its platforms Facebook and Instagram. The settlement resolves lawsuits from 47 states and requires Meta to add new protections for young users, though the company denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Meta’s stock rose 4.4% after announcing the $16.68 billion settlement.
The settlement ends lawsuits from 47 U.S. states related to child safety on Facebook and Instagram.
Claims said Meta designed features like infinite scrolling and likes to keep teens engaged, harming their mental health.
Meta denied the accusations and highlighted existing safety measures like parental controls and age verification.
The payment equals about one quarter of Meta’s recent profits, making it manageable for the company.
The deal includes limits on daily screen time, notifications during school hours, and removing social comparison tools like like counts.
States accused Meta of collecting data from children under 13 without proper parental consent, violating U.S. law.
The trial ended without a verdict, but the settlement removes uncertainty over much higher possible fines.
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New data from July shows that inflation, the rate at which prices for goods and services rise, stayed the same as in June and was higher than expected. Because of this, the Federal Reserve might decide to raise interest rates soon to try to control inflation.
Key Facts
Inflation did not decrease in July compared to June.
The inflation rate was higher than experts had predicted.
The Federal Reserve, which sets U.S. monetary policy, may raise interest rates.
Raising interest rates can make borrowing more expensive and slow down spending.
This action aims to reduce inflation by cooling the economy.
The information comes from CBS News and contributor J.D. Durkin.
Inflation affects the cost of living for consumers across the country.
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Trade talks between the United States and Canada have ended without an agreement. In response to tariffs imposed by President Trump's administration, Canada is placing new tariffs on American goods.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Canada held talks to discuss trade but did not reach an agreement.
President Trump’s administration had imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian products.
Canada responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
These tariffs are taxes added to imported products to make them more expensive.
The conflict is part of ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.
Retaliatory tariffs are meant to pressure the other country to change its trade policies.
The dispute affects businesses and consumers in both countries by raising prices.
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Pubs, bars, and hotels in the UK feel more hopeful following new government support, especially a business rates discount announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. However, many in the hospitality sector say that without more tax cuts, this optimism may not last due to high costs, especially taxes.
Key Facts
A survey shows 37% of hospitality businesses now believe the government will help their industry, up from 18% before recent tax relief announcements.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham introduced a discount on business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues.
The hospitality and brewing sector contributes about £100 billion to the UK economy.
Three-quarters of businesses in the sector see tax, mainly VAT (value-added tax), as their biggest problem.
Political instability is the second biggest concern for these businesses.
Trade groups want lower VAT, permanent business rate reforms, and changes to employer national insurance contributions.
Over 330,000 people have signed a petition to reduce VAT on hospitality from 20% to 10%, matching many European countries.
Some critics argue that lowering VAT would be costly and mostly benefit large companies, not small ones.
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Settling $25,000 in credit card debt usually involves paying less than the full amount, but the exact settlement depends on the creditor and your financial situation. Debt relief companies may charge extra fees, making the total cash needed higher than the reduced debt amount.
Key Facts
Credit card interest rates average over 22%, making large balances expensive to carry.
Debt settlement can reduce a $25,000 balance by 30% to 50%.
With a 30% reduction, you’d pay about $17,500; with 50% reduction, about $12,500.
Debt relief companies often charge fees of 15% to 25% of the debt enrolled.
These fees can add $3,750 to $6,250 to the total amount needed for settlement.
Settlements usually require a lump sum or payments over a short time.
Using a debt relief company often means saving money first in an account before settling.
Other costs can include taxes on forgiven debt.
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A woman named Aubrey found an original painting in a thrift store that she first thought was a print. After investigating, she discovered it was created by artist Cordell Cordaro, whose paintings can be worth thousands of dollars. Cordaro offered to create a custom piece for her since he no longer makes art in that style.
Key Facts
Aubrey found the artwork in a thrift store and initially thought it was a print by Ramon Santiago.
She noticed a signature and details that made her question the artist and did research online.
The artist was identified as Cordell Cordaro, a New York-based painter.
The painting was originally valued at about $2,500, and similar early works can be priced around $10,000.
Cordaro was happy the painting became accessible to the thrift store buyer.
Aubrey and Cordaro connected, and he asked her what she wanted in return for saving the piece.
Cordaro no longer creates art in the same style but offered to make Aubrey a custom painting inspired by his earlier work.
Aubrey is collaborating with Cordaro on a custom piece to complement the thrift store painting in her home.
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Meta Platforms has agreed to pay up to $16.68 billion to settle a lawsuit claiming Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to children and mishandled their safety and data. The company will also make changes such as daily time limits for users under 18 and removing children under 13, but Meta denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Meta faced a lawsuit from 29 US states accusing it of creating addictive social media for children and misusing their data.
The settlement amount could be as high as $16.68 billion, pending court approval.
Meta will set daily limits of two hours on Facebook and Instagram for users under 18, removable only by parents.
The platforms will block use during nighttime hours for those under 18.
Meta will identify and remove children under 13 from its social media platforms.
The company denied it did anything wrong as part of the settlement.
Meta could have faced fines up to $1.4 trillion but settles for a much smaller amount.
The settlement follows earlier similar rulings requiring Meta to pay hundreds of millions in other states.
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A home equity line of credit (HELOC) lets homeowners borrow money using their home’s value as security. If someone opens a $50,000 HELOC in September at the current average interest rate, their monthly payments could range from about $482 to $610, depending on the loan term.
Key Facts
HELOCs let homeowners borrow money using their home as collateral.
Interest rates for HELOCs change over time, making exact cost predictions hard.
The average interest rate for HELOCs in September is about 8.14%.
Monthly payments for a $50,000 HELOC are approximately $610 on a 10-year loan or $482 on a 15-year loan.
Earlier in the year, rates were lower, so monthly payments were cheaper.
Payments during the draw period are interest-only before repayment of the principal starts.
Using a HELOC for home repairs may allow borrowers to deduct interest on their taxes.
HELOC rates adjust automatically with market changes, so refinancing is not needed when rates drop.
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CBS Mornings is offering special discounts on various products that aim to improve daily life. People can find these deals on the website cbsdeals.com, where CBS earns a commission from sales.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings features exclusive discounts on different items.
These products are meant to help make everyday life better.
The deals are available on the website cbsdeals.com.
CBS earns money from purchases made through this site.
The promotion is part of CBS News programming.
The article encourages viewers to use the CBS News app or web browsers to access the deals.
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Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, agreed to pay $17 billion to settle a lawsuit about social media addiction. The case was brought by many U.S. states accusing Meta of causing harm related to addiction on its platforms.
Key Facts
Meta owns popular social media sites Facebook and Instagram.
Dozens of U.S. states joined the lawsuit against Meta.
The lawsuit focused on social media addiction linked to Meta's platforms.
Meta agreed to pay $17 billion to settle the case.
The settlement was announced in a court filing on Wednesday.
The case is important because it involves state governments and a major tech company.
The story is still developing and may get updated with more details.
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Canada will impose tariffs on U.S. goods in response to tariffs placed by President Donald Trump on Canadian exports. Both countries are increasing taxes on each other's products, which experts say will cause higher prices for consumers and harm businesses on both sides.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump set 50% tariffs on many Canadian exports and threatened the same on cars and auto parts.
Canada announced tariffs of 15% to 50% on U.S. goods like steel and electronics, effective September 8.
Both countries’ tariffs target goods worth about $20 billion each.
Experts agree trade wars usually hurt consumers because they pay more for goods.
The U.S. economy is larger and more self-sufficient, so Canada is more vulnerable to the trade dispute.
Canada relies heavily on the U.S. market, with 72% of its exports going there.
The U.S. sends only 15% of its exports to Canada, showing less dependence.
Canada is trying to find other trade partners to reduce reliance on the U.S.
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Meta has agreed to settle a legal case brought by several state attorneys general. The case accused Meta of making its social media platforms addictive for young people. The settlement, announced by California’s Attorney General, includes changes Meta must make and could be worth up to $17 billion.
Key Facts
Meta is the company behind popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
State attorneys general sued Meta, saying its platforms are addictive for young users.
The lawsuit focused on design features intended to keep users engaged.
Meta and the states reached a settlement to end the trial.
The settlement is expected to cost Meta up to $17 billion.
California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the deal.
Meta will have to make changes to how its platforms operate regarding youth users.
The settlement aims to reduce social media addiction risks among children and teenagers.
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Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion to settle a large lawsuit from 29 US states accusing the company of harming children through addictive social media products. The settlement requires Meta to add protections for teens, such as daily limits and blocking app use at night across the US.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by California and 28 other US states.
States accused Meta of creating addictive social media features that harmed children.
Meta also faced claims of collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent.
Meta will pay up to $17 billion as part of the settlement.
The company must introduce new safety measures like daily usage limits and nighttime blocks for teen users.
Meta denies any wrongdoing in the case.
This is the first time Meta has been required to change how its social media platforms work.
Meta is facing many other similar lawsuits in the US related to child safety and addiction.
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Meta has reached a settlement with several U.S. states in a lawsuit claiming Facebook and Instagram caused harm to children. The company will pay money to support public health programs focused on children’s well-being.
Key Facts
Meta agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by U.S. states.
The lawsuit involved claims that Facebook and Instagram were harmful to children.
Meta will provide compensation for public health initiatives.
Funds will support services like crisis intervention and youth mental health programs.
The settlement also includes support for after-school and outdoor activities.
This deal is likely to end an ongoing federal court trial.
The case focused on the safety and health impacts of social media on children.
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European green crabs are an invasive species harming shellfish and fisheries in New England. A group of oyster farmers, scientists, volunteers, and chefs are trying to reduce the crabs by promoting them as a food product, turning the pest into a marketable seafood.
Key Facts
European green crabs invade New England waters and damage fisheries by eating mussels, oysters, and clams.
The crabs outcompete native species like Atlantic rock crab and juvenile lobsters.
Their numbers are in the tens of millions and they threaten eelgrass beds and salt marshes.
Climate change has helped green crabs survive New England winters and expand their range.
A female green crab can lay up to 185,000 eggs once or twice a year.
Mike Masi’s company, shell+claw, sells soft-shell green crabs for about $3 each, compared to 8 cents for hard-shell crabs.
New markets for green crabs include pet treats, fish sauces, and even green crab whiskey.
Soft-shell clam harvests in Maine dropped from 7.8 million pounds in 1978 to 1.3 million pounds in 2025, partly due to green crab predation.
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Meta has agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion to settle a lawsuit brought by 29 US states about child safety on Facebook and Instagram. As part of the settlement, Meta must put new rules in place for teenage users, such as daily usage limits and night-time restrictions.
Key Facts
Meta is settling a court case involving child safety on its platforms Facebook and Instagram.
The settlement involves 29 US states.
Meta will pay a maximum of $16.68 billion.
The court requires Meta to set daily limits for teenage users on these social media sites.
Night-time blocks will also be introduced for teenagers.
Meta denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.
The case focuses on protecting children and teenagers using social media.
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Canada has responded to new U.S. tariffs by putting tariffs on American goods. This follows the failure of recent trade deal talks between the two countries. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow shared her views on these actions.
Key Facts
The U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump, imposed tariffs on Canadian products.
Canada introduced retaliatory tariffs on American goods in response.
These tariffs happened after trade deal negotiations between the U.S. and Canada did not succeed.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow commented on the impact of the tariffs.
Tariffs are taxes on imports, which can affect prices and trade between countries.
The dispute is part of continuing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Both countries rely heavily on each other for trade.
The tariffs could affect businesses and consumers in both countries.
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The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, which measures inflation for U.S. consumers, stayed at a 3.7% annual rate in July. This was slightly higher than experts expected and showed that prices for goods and services did not go down from June.
Key Facts
The PCE index grew at a 3.7% yearly rate in July.
Economists had predicted a 3.6% increase, so the actual number was a bit higher.
Inflation in July stayed the same as it was in June.
The PCE index shows the price changes for things U.S. households buy.
The Federal Reserve watches this index closely to decide on interest rates.
Inflation being steady suggests ongoing pressure on consumer prices.
The Federal Reserve uses this data to guide economic policies.
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The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, stayed steady at 3.7 percent for July compared to last year. After removing food and energy prices, which change often, inflation increased by 3.3 percent over the same period.
Key Facts
The PCE price index increased by 0.2 percent in July.
Year-over-year inflation using the PCE index remained at 3.7 percent in July.
Inflation excluding food and energy prices rose 3.3 percent compared to last year.
The data was released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The Federal Reserve uses the PCE price index as its preferred inflation gauge.
Food and energy prices are considered volatile and excluded in one inflation measure.
The inflation rate did not increase or decrease significantly in July.
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United Airlines will add 10 new international destinations and three new routes in 2027. The new flights focus on smaller cities in Europe and include a service to Okinawa, Japan, reflecting a strategy to reach less-served locations.
Key Facts
United plans 10 new international destinations starting in 2027.
New routes include cities in Slovenia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan.
Eight new routes will start from Newark, New Jersey; others from San Francisco and Washington Dulles.
United aims to serve more destinations in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France than any other U.S. airline.
The expansion targets cities with limited nonstop U.S. flights, such as San Francisco to Okinawa and Washington D.C. to Toulouse.
The airline will add three new routes on existing networks, including Los Angeles to Osaka and Denver to Paris.
United plans to resume flights between San Francisco and Tel Aviv, paused since October 2023 due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
This growth contrasts with many smaller airlines downsizing or ceasing operations worldwide in 2026.
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