FAC sent this letter to Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco to oppose AB 817, a bill that would reduce the transparency and accountability of local government meetings, by allowing certain entities to meet entirely virtually.
A MIT researcher found that Meta’s AI systems has learned to lie to humans, “AI’s increasing capabilities at deception poses serious risks, ranging from short-term risks, such as fraud and election tampering, to long-term risks, such as losing control of AI systems.” (Courthouse News Service, May 1, 2024, by Hillel Aron) For related FAC coverage, click here, here and here.
The Pulitzer Prizes of 2024 were notable for online news outlets winning more awards than newspapers. The score was 12 to eight. With the decline of print newsrooms, there has been an increase in online editions and with the Pulitzer count this year hope that hard-nosed journalism may yet prevail. (NiemanLab, May 7, 2024, by Joshua Benton) For related FAC coverage, click here.
A Washington Post editorial, May 8, 2024, criticized President Joe Biden for evading press conferences. In the last 100 years only Nixon and Reagan gave fewer conferences. Biden also answers few questions on the way to an event. The editorial said, “Taking questions from the media promotes public accountability. It also shows that the president is willing to defend his positions and instills confidence that he can do the job.” For related FAC coverage, click
The First Amendment Coalition has filed a motion to intervene in Shelton v. Napa Valley Unified School District, a “reverse CPRA” lawsuit that seeks to prevent the release of public records regarding a former public school teacher’s alleged sexual abuse of students.