AI chatbot dangers: Are there enough guardrails to protect children and other vulnerable people?
The technology is used by more than 70% of teenagers in the U.S. ByMark Guarino November 2, 2025, 6:39 PM Character.AI, one of the leading platforms for AI technology, recently announced it was banning anyone under 18 from having conversations with its chatbots. The decision represents [...]
Possible school shooting prevented with Sandy Hook tip line: Police
Police received a tip saying a former student posted concerning content. ByMark Guarino September 22, 2025, 4:43 PM Police in Northern California say a possible school shooting was prevented due to a tip line that led to the detainment of a student who shared questionable material [...]
AI chatbots are creating more hateful online content: Researchers
A lack of guardrails leaves AI chatbots open to manipulation, researchers said. ByMark Guarino August 30, 2025, 12:13 PM Like many social media influencers, Samantha Ettus spends most of her time publishing content for her followers. In her case, that content advocates for Israel and Jewish [...]
In 1st address to US, Pope Leo sends message of hope from White Sox stadium
The event began with two national anthems, one from Peru and one from the U.S. ByMark Guarino June 14, 2025, 5:06 PM CHICAGO -- Supporters of Pope Leo XIV gathered Saturday, not in a cathedral or a neighborhood church, but a baseball stadium the pope once frequented [...]
Chicago reacts to the election of the city’s own Pope Leo XIV
The city celebrates a homegrown pontiff helming the Catholic Church. ByMark Guarino May 8, 2025, 9:43 PM CHICAGO -- When Sherry Stone learned that childhood friend Robert Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, she got on her computer and did what few [...]
Kentucky bourbon industry caught in middle of global tariff war
Advocates say tariffs on both sides are "catastrophic." ByMark Guarino April 3, 2025, 5:49 PM The Kentucky bourbon industry said it is reeling from retaliatory actions taken by Canada and the European Union in response to President Donald Trump's trade war against both global regions. More [...]
Underwater remains could crack 1983 cold case of missing Chicago-area woman: Police
The discovery "changes everything," the sister of the missing woman said. ByMark Guarino March 26, 2025, 4:34 PM CHICAGO -- Human skeletal remains were discovered in a submerged vehicle Tuesday outside Chicago. Law enforcement say they are working to determine if they belong to a Chicago-area woman [...]
Indiana teen arrested for allegedly plotting a mass shooting
Police said the 18-year-old planned a school shooting for Valentine's Day. ByMark Guarino February 13, 2025, 10:50 PM A teenage girl was arrested on Thursday for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at her high school on Valentine's Day. Trinity Shockley, 18, was arrested for conspiracy to [...]
As the Super Bowl nears, New Orleans grapples with how safe is safe enough
After a terrorist attack rattled the city, some worry it remains vulnerable. ByMark Guarino February 6, 2025, 4:01 AM NEW ORLEANS -- The anticipation surrounding Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans is not just about which team will win, it's whether or not the city can pull [...]
Jazz musician loses home to LA fires while receiving award at Lincoln Center
While in New York, John Clayton lost his home of 40 years in California. ByMark Guarino January 21, 2025, 6:00 PM To jazz bassist John Clayton, being recognized for his life in music at a ceremony hosted by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. [...]