1. Last Friday, news broke that political advertising firm Cambridge Analytica may have used data improperly obtained from roughly 50 million Facebook users to try to sway elections in the U.S. and elsewhere, with clients including President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. After five days of silence, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared on CNN Thursday night and apologized for the “major breach of trust” that occurred. “I am really sorry that happened,” he said. Zuckerberg went on to say that Facebook has a “responsibility” to protect its users’ data and if it fails, “we don’t deserve to have the opportunity to serve people.” He also said he would be “happy” to testify before Congress on the matter. Meanwhile, Facebook said in a post that it will inform people whose data was misused by apps. The AP reports that the company first learned of the breach of privacy more than two years ago, but never mentioned it publicly until Friday. (APNews)
2. One day after a school shooting in Maryland and one week after the National School Walkout, students continue to campaign for stricter gun control. Students at Cheverus High School held their version of the walkout Wednesday morning after the original plan was postponed last week due to weather. Students had one of two options to either protest outside in front of the school with signs for 17 minutes in honor of the lives lost in Parkland, Florida, or they could take part in a silent prayer service in the school’s chapel. (WGME)
3. Julian Edelman “had the halibut, and said it was delicious.” The New England Patriots wide receiver was in Bangor Tuesday night, where he stopped at Evenrood’s, a downtown restaurant, for dinner. The owner says she didn’t ask why Edelman was in town, but she said he “was very nice.” (WGME)
4. San Francisco supervisors voted unanimously to ban the sale of fur on Tuesday, making it the first major city in the United States to go fur-free. The ban takes effect January 1, 2019 and applies to all apparel and accessories featuring real fur, including coats, key chains and gloves. However, fur products currently in stock can remain on shelves until January 1, 2020. The reselling of used and vintage furs will also still be allowed at secondhand stores, pawnshops and non-profit retailers. (Glamour)
5. Unisex baby names are on the rise among parents who want to embrace the possibility of gender fluidity in their child and attempt to head off sexism on their behalf. Nameberry examined the 2016 Social Security Administration data into a top 50 androgynous name list focused on those with heavy gender splits. Charlie came in at 50-50, followed by Finley at 58 percent for girls and 42 percent for boys. Skyler came in third place (54-46), Justice was fourth (52-48) and Royal was fifth (42-58). (APNews)
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