Topic: Child Predators

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has filed a lawsuit against Discord, alleging the platform is a "playground for child predators." The state claims Discord's default settings allow strangers to message children and that the company misled parents about its "safe direct messaging" features. The lawsuit also alleges the app is a breeding ground for extremist content, citing its use in organizing the 2017 "Unite the Right" rally.

Parents of child influencers report spending hours each day blocking inappropriate comments and predatory men from their children's accounts. However, critics point out that simply blocking users does not stop the behavior, and many parents fail to report these individuals to law enforcement or the platform. The investigation suggests that the current business model of platforms like Instagram facilitates this environment of exploitation.

The segment addresses "Pizzagate" conspiracy theories claiming Steve Scalise was targeted because of his work against human trafficking. A PSA from Scalise regarding the inherent worth of human life and House actions against child predators is played. The hosts express skepticism toward claims that the shooting was a coordinated effort to stop a sex ring investigation.

John C. Dvorak analyzes a segment from The Joy Behar Show regarding a supposed 170-page "manual" for child predators. Dvorak argues the manual is likely a media fabrication or a "gateway" for increased email surveillance and censorship. The hosts suggest such documents could be used by law enforcement to plant evidence or ruin political enemies through false accusations.

A study in the *American Naturalist* describes a fungus that takes control of carpenter ants' brains, turning them into "zombie ants" to optimize spore reproduction. In a separate item, a listener points out a creepy tip on smallsteps.gov suggesting adults "pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games" for exercise. The hosts joke that following such government advice could lead to an arrest.