Life Online – TheMinotVoice.com

NC House panel advances bill restricting K-12 student cell phone use

by: Josh Wolsky | March 20, 2025

North Carolina lawmakers are weighing how far schools should go in limiting student cell phone use. A new bill moving through the state House would require school districts to set policies on phones during class but stops short of a full ban. Some advocates want stricter “bell-to-bell” restrictions, arguing phones disrupt learning and fuel cyberbullying.

Read & Share sourced from: NC Newsline

Watch Out: Cryptocurrency scams involving so-called “Investment Education Foundations”

by: MinotVoice | March 15, 2025

The North Dakota Securities Department is warning the public about a new investment scam involving fake “investment education foundations” that lure investors with promises of education on stocks and cryptocurrency, “risk-free” trials, and loans. The main goal of the scammers is to persuade investors to invest their own money into the platform as well as

Read & Share

Canada’s Hudson’s Bay has survived 355 years. Now the store is in crisis

by: MinotVoice | March 15, 2025

For 355 years, Hudson’s Bay has been a cornerstone of Canadian commerce, evolving from a fur-trading empire to a high-end department store chain. Now, the country’s oldest retailer is fighting to stay afloat. Struggling with debt, declining foot traffic, and economic pressures, the company has sought creditor protection in a bid to restructure. Once a

Read & Share sourced from: NPR

Manitoba election disinformation bill goes into ‘uncharted waters,’ analyst says

by: MinotVoice | March 14, 2025

From Manitoba to Minot, election misinformation is a growing concern. Our northern neighbors are considering hefty fines—up to $20,000 a day—for those who spread misleading claims about elections. It’s a bold move, but one that raises tough questions: How do you separate falsehoods from political debate? Who decides what crosses the line? With deepfakes and

Read & Share sourced from: Discover Westman

Social media companies applaud Utah’s latest bill aimed at teen social media use

by: Josh Wolsky | March 7, 2025

Utah is taking another step to regulate teen social media use, this time by shifting responsibility to app stores. A newly passed bill would require Apple and Google to verify users’ ages and link minors’ accounts to a parent’s for approval before downloading apps with terms of service agreements. Unlike past efforts, this measure has

Read & Share sourced from: Utah News Dispatch

A break from your smartphone can reboot your mood. Here’s how long you need

by: MinotVoice | February 25, 2025

Most of us know we spend too much time on our phones—but breaking the habit is another story. A new study suggests that even a short break from the internet on our smartphones can lead to better mental health, improved focus, and even a boost in overall well-being. Participants who blocked the internet for just

Read & Share sourced from: MPR

Local history buffs are turning to Facebook to share memories of bygone eras

by: Josh Wolsky | February 16, 2025

Social media often feels like a fleeting snapshot of our lives, but many are turning to Facebook groups for a different reason: to preserve shared memories and unique materials. While these communities can quickly gather hundreds of thousands of members, questions linger about the long-term fate of the content collected. What happens to these digital

Read & Share sourced from: Fast Company

‘For You’: What to know about news on TikTok (and all Social Media)

by: Josh Wolsky | February 16, 2025

TikTok isn’t just for dance trends and viral challenges—it’s also where millions of people get their news. But what happens when that news is shaped by algorithms rather than editors? Unlike traditional media, TikTok doesn’t separate journalism from opinion, advertising, or misinformation. That means what lands on your “For You” page isn’t just about what’s

Read & Share sourced from: The Conversation

The Loneliness Epidemic Is a Security Crisis

by: Josh Wolsky | February 16, 2025

Loneliness isn’t just a quiet struggle—it’s becoming a target. Romance scams prey on isolation, turning digital affection into financial ruin. With scammers refining their tactics and using AI to cast a wider net, the risk is growing. These fraudsters don’t just ask for money; they manipulate trust, weaving elaborate stories of love and need. And

Read & Share sourced from: WIRED

‘Cybersecurity event’ impacts The Bismarck Tribune, other Lee news outlets, causing disruptions

by: MinotVoice | February 11, 2025

A cybersecurity breach has disrupted operations at Lee Enterprises, the parent company of _The Bismarck Tribune_ and newspapers across 24 states. While _The Tribune_ has continued publishing, some editions were delayed, digital access was affected, and print quality has suffered. Lee Enterprises is investigating the breach, but details remain scarce. Law enforcement has been notified,

Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota opens bids in state-funded $7 million cybersecurity effort to protect local governments

by: MinotVoice | February 5, 2025

South Dakota is stepping up its cybersecurity game. The state is looking for a company to assess the vulnerabilities in local government networks, a critical move given the rising threat of cyberattacks. With $7 million in state funds on the table, the initiative—led by Attorney General Marty Jackley’s office and Dakota State University—aims to shore

Read & Share sourced from: South Dakota Searchlight

Washington lawmaker seeks ban algorithmic rental market pricing

by: MinotVoice | January 30, 2025

A little legislative perspective here: in Washington, a legislator is seeking a ban on algorithmic-driven technology that provides rental-market pricing recommendations. The belief is that use of the technology and recommendation they deliver amounts to competitor collusion and drives prices up. Opponents argue the technology is an innovation that drives prices down. Why does it

Read & Share sourced from: SmartCitiesDive

Fargo Area shops turning to public to help them stay afloat

by: MinotVoice | January 29, 2025

In Fargo, local businesses are turning to social media and crowdfunding to connect with their communities during challenging times. Partners Nikki Berglund and Ryan Nitschke are raising $150,000 for their new Nova Eatery and Supper Club, seeking community buy-in for renovations. Meanwhile, Bella’s Dulce Sweets and Treats shared its struggles online, leading to a spike

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

House passes anti-doxxing bill

by: Josh Wolsky | January 29, 2025

North Dakota is on the verge of strengthening its harassment laws. House lawmakers approved House Bill 1134, targeting online harassment, particularly focusing on the act of doxxing—sharing someone’s personal information without consent. If enacted, this would make such actions punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, which could include jail time. The bill passed overwhelmingly, but

Read & Share

Stick with us: Why the internet is obsessed with one of the simplest tools known to man

by: MinotVoice | January 23, 2025

In a world bustling with innovations and digital distractions, there’s a quiet, delightful rebellion afoot—Stick Nation. This worldwide movement reminds us of the simple joy found in nature’s most unassuming creations: sticks. People everywhere are embracing their inner child, crafting whimsical narratives around these humble twigs. It’s a celebration of creativity and a nod to

Read & Share sourced from: NPR

Broadcast TV Is Dying

by: MinotVoice | January 23, 2025

Broadcast television is slowly fading out. Over the past two decades, fewer people are flipping channels, opting for on-demand streaming instead. Streaming services are bagging the top shows and sports events, often leaving traditional TV struggling for audience and ad revenue. What’s more, controversies linger, with figures like Trump and FCC nominee Brendan Carr threatening

Read & Share sourced from: WIRED