IT: Congress faces potential weekend shutdown, and... 💻 Should YouTube shut down disinformation campaigns?

Welcome to Friday, December 18th, nerds and jocks...

Leaders from both sides of the aisle say that Congress is very close to a deal on a roughly $900 billion coronavirus relief package and a $1.4 trillion omnibus to fund the government for the rest of FY2021.

But time is running out to avoid a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said Thursday that negotiations were “on the one-yard line." Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “while many, if not all, of the difficult topics are behind us, a few final issues must be hammered out. We’re very close to an agreement but the details really matter.”

Among the lingering issues that are yet to be resolved are eligibility criteria for recipients of stimulus checks, which are expected to be roughly $600 per recipient with more for households with children, and the duration of the $300 per week enhancement of unemployment benefits.

Should Congress pass COVID relief & an omnibus funding bill?

Virality Over Veracity

3000,000 Americans have already died from COVID-19, yet people protest wearing masks and fear vaccinations. How does disinformation manipulate people into risky behavior?

Who gains from spreading disinformation that might result in avoidable deaths?

Why does YouTube spread disinformation?

Check out our video here for answers.

Then join the conversation:

Should YouTube shut down disinformation campaigns?

And, in the End…

Garish the thought: it's National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.

If you're stuck in the snow today, take time to celebrate Flake Appreciation Day,

—Josh Herman

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.