Rising

Scarlett Johansson Calls for Urgent U.S. Action on AI Misuse Amid Rising Antisemitism in Viral Deepfake Controversy

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Los Angeles, Calif. — Actress Scarlett Johansson has called for lawmakers to address the misuse of artificial intelligence after an unauthorized deepfake video featuring her image went viral. The video, which spread across social media platforms, showcased AI-generated likenesses of Johansson and other notable Jewish celebrities in a manner that responded to recent antisemitic comments made by rapper Kanye West. In the controversial video, Johansson is depicted wearing a white T-shirt adorned with a Star of David and the name “Kanye” inscribed below, seemingly linking her to West’s prior antisemitic remarks. The video also featured … Read more

Michigan Attorney General Warns of Rising Jury Duty Scam Threats

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LANSING, Mich. — Residents across Michigan are being cautioned about a wave of deceptive calls where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to demand payments for supposedly missed jury duty. This alert has been reissued by Attorney General Dana Nessel amidst reports of increasing incidents, particularly with claims of being from the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. According to the state’s top law enforcement official, these con artists assert that the individuals contacted have neglected to show up for a jury summons and must urgently remit a bond payment. Nessel emphasized that using trepidation and urgency are … Read more

Ecuador’s Presidential Race: A Battle Between Security Promises and Calls for Change Amid Rising Crime Rates

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GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — As voters in Ecuador headed to the polls, the presidential election mirrored the country’s political landscape of 2023, pitting a wealthy conservative incumbent against a leftist challenger associated with Ecuador’s most influential leader of the 21st century. The continuing battle against high crime levels dominated the election discourse, with both leading candidates, President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, vowing to address the pervasive violence that has beset the nation during their campaigns. Mandatory voting brought millions to the polling stations across Ecuador, with particularly high turnout observed in Guayaquil’s public university voting … Read more

Baldwin County Authorities Alert Residents to Rising “Jury Duty Scam” Phone Frauds

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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — Residents in Baldwin County are urged to stay vigilant as local police departments report a surge in what is being called the “jury duty scam.” According to law enforcement officials, scam artists, claiming to be court officers or other law officials, are tricking citizens into believing they have missed jury duty and must pay fines to avoid arrest. The scam typically involves a phone call where the caller accuses the recipient of failing to appear for jury duty and demands immediate payment of a fine through unconventional payment methods such as … Read more