Media News Daily: Top Stories for 05/11/2026

Google Settles Racial Discrimination Lawsuit for $50 Million

Google has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and promotions. The 2022 lawsuit claimed Google steered Black workers into lower-level jobs, limited advancement opportunities, and allowed a hostile work environment, though the company did not admit wrongdoing. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the plaintiffs, called the settlement a significant accountability step and said it includes commitments to conduct pay equity analyses. The case echoes years of complaints from Black employees, including concerns raised by former Google AI scholar Timnit Gebru, who was pushed out in 2020 after a research dispute. Read More (AP News Rating)

Trump Surgeon General Nominee’s Podcast Reveals Views on Science, Vaccines, and Trust

Poynter reviewed the podcast of Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump’s surgeon general nominee, to examine her views on health policy, vaccines, and public trust. Saphier, a radiologist, Fox News contributor, author, and host of “Wellness Unmasked,” has aligned with several Make America Healthy Again priorities while also criticizing parts of the Trump administration’s health messaging. She has opposed some broad COVID-19 mitigation measures, questioned vaccine mandates, and supported risk-based vaccine recommendations, while also emphasizing data, long-term safety research, and evidence-based policymaking. Read More (Poynter Rating)

RSF and Freedom of the Press Foundation Seek Paramount Records Over Warner Bros. Discovery Deal

Reporters Without Borders and the Freedom of the Press Foundation are demanding corporate records from Paramount Skydance over its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns about political influence and threats to editorial independence at outlets including CNN. The groups warn that consolidation under Paramount could deepen censorship, weaken public trust, accelerate newsroom layoffs, and undermine democratic accountability. They also point to David Ellison’s political ties to President Donald Trump and reports suggesting potential concessions meant to secure regulatory approval. Read More (Reporters Without Borders Rating)