All posts tagged: concerns

Oil drops, stocks mostly higher despite AI concerns

Oil drops, stocks mostly higher despite AI concerns

Published by Sam Flores

US JOBS BOOST Looking ahead, markets are awaiting government figures on US employment due on Friday morning for a gauge on the health of the economy. A separate report this week showed that despite rising energy prices, companies in the world’s biggest economy in May added the most jobs since the start of 2025. The dollar fell against main rivals after recent gains thanks to its safe-haven status and expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise US interest rates to combat higher inflation. Bitcoin flirted with its lowest levels since October 2024, just before the election of Donald Trump, which helped propel the world’s leading cryptocurrency to record highs. Bitcoin “has suddenly started looking less attractive” compared to AI stocks that have soared in recent months, said Swissquote analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya. “They have delivered higher returns than Bitcoin while benefiting from actual earnings growth that justifies at least part of their price gains, also explaining the deteriorating interest in harder-to-price cryptocurrencies,” she said. Bitcoin fell under US$64,000 in Thursday trading. It has not fallen under …

Netflix pauses production on Denzel Washington-starring Hannibal film due to budget concerns

Netflix pauses production on Denzel Washington-starring Hannibal film due to budget concerns

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Netflix has paused production on Denzel Washington’s forthcoming Hannibal film. The untitled historical epic war movie, which was planned to shoot in Italy this summer, has been halted as the producers and studio deal with budget concerns. Movie execs on both ends are reportedly working to get production back on track in the hope it can still move forward at Netflix, according to Deadline. Netflix did not return The Independent’s request for comment. The Equalizer director Antoine Fuqua is leading the film, which will star Washington as the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who is regarded as one of the most famous military commanders in history. The script has been written by Oscar-winner John Logan, known for work on Michael, The Aviator and Gladiator. The story …

George Santos rejects trading claims amid expanding prediction market concerns

George Santos rejects trading claims amid expanding prediction market concerns

Published by skeptic

Former Rep. George Santos is disputing allegations that he improperly benefited from prediction-market trading as federal authorities reportedly examine activity connected to his account on Kalshi. In a June 3 post on X, Santos said he learned through media reports that the Department of Justice could be looking into the matter. He said his attorneys had already contacted federal officials for clarification and that he would cooperate with any requests for information. To the 100’s of reporters calling me through the night. Stop! My legal team and I were made aware by a report from NPR yesterday that the DOJ might be looking into me. So now my legal team is in contact with the DOJ to see what is going on. I will comment further when… — George Santos (@Georgesantos) June 3, 2026 “The bases of the accusation is preposterous and I look forward to supplying any information asked of me to any agency that inquires,” Santos wrote. Reports from NPR, the Associated Press and other outlets say investigators are reviewing trades tied to …

DHS watchdog finds use-of-force issues and safety and sanitation concerns at Louisiana ICE center

DHS watchdog finds use-of-force issues and safety and sanitation concerns at Louisiana ICE center

Published by Sam Flores

A Department of Homeland Security watchdog report revealed that staff members at an ICE detention center in Louisiana used a prohibited chokehold to “gain control” of a person being held there and stabbed another in the hand with a pen when an officer could not close the door to a housing unit. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. The newly released findings about Winn Correctional Center in central Louisiana follow the DHS inspector general’s review of video of the use-of-force incidents as part of an unannounced facility inspection. The report, which was published on the DHS website, also noted that the officer who stabbed the detainee with a pen was disciplined. FORSUBSCRIBERS Why an ICE detention center in New Jersey has sparked protests 02:55 Staff members failed to maintain safe and sanitary conditions, the report says, noting leaking vents and ceilings with insulation falling through. Staff members used napkins and Styrofoam containers to collect the water from the leaks, according to the report. Scrutiny of conditions …

US cites forced labour concerns as grounds for new tariffs | Trade War News

US cites forced labour concerns as grounds for new tariffs | Trade War News

Published by Sam Flores

The administration of US President Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies after determining they had failed to curb trade in goods made with forced labour, an assertion that was rejected by US trading partners. The proposal from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), issued late on Tuesday, comes from a Section 301 unfair trade practices investigation designed to help rebuild US President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs, struck down by a US Supreme Court decision in February. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list Despite laws banning them, the products of forced labour are deeply embedded in supply chains across the world. European lawmakers bristle at the accusation that the region is less effective than the US at curbing the trade in such goods, with one describing the US findings as “utterly absurd”. Business leaders said the US move created more confusion for companies. The USTR proposed 10 percent additional duties on imports from Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, …

Pentagon Restricts Press Office Access Over Privacy Concerns

Pentagon Restricts Press Office Access Over Privacy Concerns

Published by Jenni Sidey

Via American Greatness, The Pentagon announced Monday that reporters will no longer have open access to the War Department’s public affairs office after the space was redesignated as a classified facility to accommodate staff handling sensitive material. The announcement marks the latest effort by the Pete Hegseth-led War Department to tighten operational security and reshape longstanding media access practices inside the Pentagon. Under the new policy, the Pentagon’s public affairs office has been converted into a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, commonly known as a SCIF. The office had previously allowed journalists to enter without escorts and directly approach military public affairs officials with questions. Pentagon spokesman Joel Valdez said the change was necessary because speechwriters working in the office routinely handle classified material and require access to secure government systems. “This is the most transparent War Department in history. No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change that,” Valdez wrote in a post on X. This is the most transparent War Department in history. No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change …

As AI Expands, Erin Brockovich Taps Communities to Map Data Center Concerns

As AI Expands, Erin Brockovich Taps Communities to Map Data Center Concerns

Published by skeptic

Data centers have become a high-stakes battleground. Amid booming demand for AI infrastructure, residents affected by water shortages, electric bill spikes and environmental dangers have increasingly clashed with developers. Community blowback, including among local and federal officials, has led to project delays and, in some cases, cancellations.  Now, an interactive online hub launched by environmental activist Erin Brockovich could give regular folks a louder voice in the data center conversation. Brockovich became well known for fighting Pacific Gas & Electric over water contamination in Hinkley, California, with a Hollywood movie from 2000 about her activism starring Julia Roberts.  At the center of the Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting website is an interactive, crowdsourced map of AI data centers, including those that already exist, as well as those proposed or currently under construction: 3,674 reported locations in total. Anyone can submit a report on a data center issue through the online form. Brockovich personally vets all submitted reports, removing duplicates and excluding submissions without ZIP codes from the map.  Enlarge Image A crowdsourced, interactive map on the website Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting currently …

Childhood Lying Is Normal and Rarely Signals Behavioral Concerns, Study Says

Childhood Lying Is Normal and Rarely Signals Behavioral Concerns, Study Says

Published by Sam Flores

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, June 1, 2026 (HealthDay News) — The dog didn’t eat your homework. You started it, not your sister. Your phone did not die when I was trying to reach you.  Kids’ lies can infuriate adults, no doubt. But most lying children will not grow up with criminal records or certain mental health diagnoses, a new study says. Only children who lie frequently or whose lying increases over time are more likely to show early aggression and impulsive behavior, researchers wrote. Such kids have a higher risk of antisocial personality and criminal convictions as young adults. “Children do not all follow the same developmental pattern of lying,” said lead researcher Victoria Talwar, a professor of educational and counseling psychology at McGill University in Montreal. “Most children in our study showed low or declining levels of lying over time,” she said in a news release. “For most, lying is not a problem behavior.” For the new study, her team tracked more than 3,000 French-speaking children who were part of a long-term research …

Rod Stewart, 81, forced to cancel shows last minute amid health concerns

Rod Stewart, 81, forced to cancel shows last minute amid health concerns

Published by Sam Flores

Rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, 81, has cancelled his shows in Las Vegas amid concerns for his health. The I Don’t Want to Talk About It singer was scheduled to perform on Friday and Saturday as part of his The Encore Shows Residency, but pulled out before showtime due to a sinus infection. “Following his doctor’s advice, Rod Stewart has regretfully cancelled his performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on May 29 and 30, but is scheduled to return with shows beginning June 2,” a representative for the singer told the Las Vegas Review. Rod sent his “apologies to my family of fans” in his own statement as per the publication. “I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection. I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer,” he added. The rocker is set to continue his Vegas residency next week, which will run until 6 June and return from 18 to 29 August. You may also like …

Frankie Valli Cancels the Remainder of the Four Seasons’ Farewell Tour, Citing Health Concerns

Frankie Valli Cancels the Remainder of the Four Seasons’ Farewell Tour, Citing Health Concerns

Published by Sam Flores

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Frankie Valli, whose legendary falsetto defines the sound of the 1960s rock group the Four Seasons, has cancelled the remainder of the band’s 2026 tour dates, citing health concerns. “I’m so sorry to disappoint the folks who have purchased tickets to my shows, but I have decided to take the rest of the year off from touring to focus on my health,” the 92-year-old singer wrote on social media Friday. Valli, the frontman and only original member still performing with the Four Seasons, launched an extended farewell tour billed “The Last Encores” in October 2023. Shows scheduled for April of this year were rescheduled to dates in summer and fall. Now, all eight performances remaining for 2026 in cities from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Detroit have been called off entirely. The Four Seasons found fame in the 1960s, but the band’s hits –- from “Sherry” to “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” –- span decades. The Four Seasons sold 100 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall …