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Source: https://xcancel.com/dshiatt/status/1840822267737162237
Obviously just damage control but they do seem to be "fixing it". They must've accidentally implemented a feature to get and show image from the newest news post (which is often an ad), accidentally tested and vetted that feature, and accidentally pushed it.
I'm skeptical whether it was really a bug or not, but I could definitely see how it could've been just a bug given the description in the OP. Could've also been a "happy accident" they were hoping nobody would complain about.
It's best to not believe companies