Boeing Shares Drop Following Workers' Rejection of Latest Contract Offer

Boeing shares dropped on Thursday following the rejection of the company’s latest contract offer by striking workers, raising concerns over the planemaker’s financial stability and its ability to restore its reputation. Approximately 64% of Boeing’s West Coast factory workers turned down the deal, halting production for most of the company’s commercial aircraft, including the crucial 737 MAX model.

The rejection caused Boeing shares to fall by more than 2%, while key suppliers like Spirit AeroSystems saw a nearly 4% drop amid warnings of possible layoffs and furloughs. Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur called the situation “challenging” and unfortunate, as the strike's impact ripples across the aerospace sector.

The rejected contract proposal included a 35% wage increase over four years but lacked a defined pension plan, which has been a significant demand from the striking workers. The dispute over pension benefits, which were removed a decade ago to preserve jobs in Washington state, has cast doubt on how long the strike could last, with rating agencies like S&P Global watching closely for a potential credit downgrade for Boeing.

Ben Tsocanos, aerospace director at S&P Global Ratings, warned that an extended strike could intensify Boeing’s financial woes and increase the likelihood of a downgrade. Analysts believe Boeing is unlikely to reinstate the pension plan due to its high cost. However, others argue the company will need to offer a better deal to avoid further delays and expenses.

Nick Cunningham, an analyst at Agency Partners, suggested Boeing will have to make a higher offer, as it’s not in a strong position to prolong the standoff. Bank of America analyst Ron Epstein echoed this, predicting further wage concessions will be necessary to end the strike, which has now stretched into its 40th day.

As the strike continues, Boeing’s first major labor stoppage in 16 years has led Wall Street analysts to speculate on how the dispute over pensions and wages will unfold. Some believe that increasing the wage offer to meet the union’s 40% demand could resolve the issue. However, online discussions show workers remain divided, with some machinists determined to press on, citing long-standing grievances over the pension deal made a decade ago.

Boeing’s ongoing cash burn, compounded by the strike, is muddying efforts to secure refinancing to stabilize operations. The company recently filed paperwork to raise as much as $25 billion to avoid a credit downgrade and also secured a $10 billion credit line. While some analysts believe Boeing would prefer to wait until after the strike to tap the market, the pressure to resolve the labor dispute is mounting.

JPMorgan analyst Seth Seifman noted that a capital raise before the strike’s resolution can’t be ruled out, depending on market conditions. Boeing’s struggles come on the heels of multiple crises, including safety issues, quality concerns, and industry-wide shortages of parts and labor, overshadowing a reported $6 billion loss for the third quarter.

Boeing leadership, led by Chief Financial Officer Brian West, has acknowledged that the company is likely to continue bleeding cash into 2025. As Boeing works to regain its competitive edge against European rival Airbus, executives have outlined a recovery plan but warned that the turnaround will take time.

E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder Leads to One Death, Dozens Sickened Across U.S.

A deadly E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald’s popular Quarter Pounder hamburgers has claimed one life and left dozens of others ill across 10 U.S. states, with Colorado being the hardest hit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that 49 people have been affected, with 26 cases in Colorado alone. Ten individuals have been hospitalized due to severe infections caused by the E. coli O157 strain

Strain

The outbreak has sparked concerns over McDonald’s food safety standards, especially regarding its Quarter Pounder. Investigations are focused on two potential sources of contamination: fresh slivered onions and fresh beef patties, both used in the Quarter Pounder and distributed by a single supplier serving three distribution centers. As a precaution, McDonald’s has voluntarily removed these ingredients from its restaurants in the affected regions, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming.

The E. coli O157

strain is notorious for causing serious illness. This strain was also responsible for the infamous 1993 Jack in the Box outbreak, which resulted in the deaths of four children. Foodborne illness lawyer Bill Marler, who represented a victim from the 1993 case, warns that more illnesses could still emerge from this McDonald’s outbreak.

The CDC’s investigation revealed that every person interviewed had consumed McDonald’s food before falling ill, with most reporting eating the Quarter Pounder specifically. Although no definitive ingredient has been confirmed as the source of contamination, McDonald’s is working with suppliers to ensure the safety of its products. The fast-food giant has also temporarily halted the sale of Quarter Pounders in the impacted states while the investigation continues.

McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, saw its shares dip by 6% following news of the outbreak. Industry experts are predicting that the incident could also impact U.S. cattle futures by reducing demand for beef. Meanwhile, concerns about potential lawsuits loom as McDonald’s grapples with the fallout from this public health crisis.

E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, with symptoms typically appearing three to four days after exposure. The CDC has advised customers who have recently consumed McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in the affected states to be vigilant for signs of illness.

The E. coli outbreak in McDonald’s recalls the food safety issues faced by Chipotle in 2015, which severely damaged the burrito chain’s sales and reputation. Like Chipotle’s outbreak, McDonald’s is now facing scrutiny over its food safety practices as the CDC continues its investigation.

Affected states include Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Montana. McDonald’s has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with health officials to resolve the issue and restore customer confidence.

 Trump Thrusts McDonald’s Into the Political Arena in Final Days of 2024 Campaign

In the final push of his 2024 White House campaign, Donald Trump has pulled one of America’s most iconic companies, McDonald’s, into the political spotlight. On a visit to a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Trump swapped his usual suit jacket for an apron and briefly took on the role of fry cook. The visit, where he joked about making food for customers himself, adds a new twist to his campaign as it reaches its final days.

The former president’s love for McDonald’s is well-known, but this particular stop also reignited a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has previously shared her experience working at McDonald’s during her youth, a fact Trump has repeatedly questioned. His visit to the fast-food chain seemed aimed at sowing further doubt about Harris’s claims, stating, “I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s, but I never did. I’m running against somebody who said she did, but it turned out to be a totally phony story.”

Harris has largely avoided engaging with Trump’s comments, but her work at McDonald’s has been mentioned as part of her middle-class background during her 2024 campaign. Trump’s remarks come as part of his broader strategy of questioning the personal histories of his political rivals, a tactic he has employed before, including during the infamous "birther" movement targeting former President Barack Obama.

The McDonald’s visit isn’t the first time Trump has used his fast food preferences as a political statement. Earlier in his campaign, he visited another McDonald’s in East Palestine, Ohio, where he claimed to know the menu better than anyone. His connection with fast food has been a recurring theme throughout his public life, reflecting his broader appeal to working-class voters.

As Election Day approaches, Trump continues to mix politics with his personal branding, using stops like the McDonald’s visit to reinforce his relatable image while attacking his rivals. Whether this strategy will sway undecided voters remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Trump is doubling down on familiar tactics to energize his base in these final campaign days.

 "If Anything Happens To Me, It Wasn't Suicide," Boeing Whistleblower Warned—Family and Friends Speak Out

When it comes to financial misconduct, there are numerous documented cases that confirm its existence. From the Enron scandal to instances of lobbyists and politicians engaging in illegal self-serving actions, or even municipal officials embezzling funds, history has shown that unethical financial practices do occur. So, if you ever suspect that significant financial transactions may be ethically questionable, you can rest assured that such transgressions have been known to happen.

 Consumer Reports Is Urging USDA To Remove Lunchables From Schools

 Walmart Recalls Apple Juice in 25 States Due to Elevated Arsenic Levels

Walmart has initiated a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice sold in its stores across the United States, following the discovery of potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic in the product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) heightened the urgency of the recall on Friday after initially announcing it on August 15. The updated classification indicates that the affected apple juice may cause temporary adverse health effects, although it is unlikely to result in serious or long-term medical issues.

The recall involves 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The recall was voluntarily initiated by Refresco Beverages US Inc., a Florida-based manufacturer after the company identified elevated levels of the chemical contaminant that surpassed industry standards in the six-packs of 8-ounce (227-gram) juice bottles.

Refresco still needs to respond to requests for comment.

"The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," said Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman. "We have removed this product from our affected stores and are collaborating with the supplier to conduct a thorough investigation."

According to the National Institutes of Health, inorganic and organic arsenic are traceable in many food products. Routine testing is conducted since even slightly elevated levels of these compounds can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramping.

The FDA notes that inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic than the naturally occurring organic form, poses a greater health risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen, a substance that can cause cancer.

Despite the elevated levels found in the recalled apple juice bottles, the FDA does not anticipate severe health consequences from this exposure. So far, the FDA has not received any reports of illnesses related to the apple juice recall.

 Harris Proposes Major Tax Relief for Families Welcoming a New Baby

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to introduce an ambitious economic plan aimed at easing the financial burden on American families by addressing key expenses such as housing, groceries, and child-rearing costs. 

A central feature of the plan is a significant expansion of the child tax credit. Under Harris's proposal, low- and middle-income families could receive up to $6,000 for each new baby, alongside the restoration of the pandemic-era benefit that provided up to $3,600 per child. This move aligns with Republican proposals, including one from Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, who has suggested a $5,000 child tax credit.

While President Joe Biden has faced challenges in gaining recognition for his economic policies, particularly in reducing prices, polls indicate that Harris fares better in voter confidence on economic issues. During a campaign stop in Las Vegas on August 10, Harris acknowledged the ongoing issue of high grocery prices, stating, "While our economy is doing well by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high. You know it and I know it."

Harris's plan also targets housing affordability. In Raleigh, North Carolina, she will deliver her campaign's first major policy address, where she plans to propose tax incentives that could lead to the construction of 3 million new housing units within four years. This exceeds the Biden administration's current proposal of 2 million new and renovated homes. Harris's proposal includes unspecified tax breaks for homebuilders focusing on first-time buyers and affordable rentals, along with a $40 billion fund to support local governments in financing housing developments, doubling the Biden administration's $20 billion proposal.

Additionally, Harris will advocate for a $25,000 down payment assistance program for first-time homeowners, which could benefit over 4 million buyers. This plan is more generous than Biden's State of the Union proposal, which offered a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

On the corporate front, Harris will emphasize her commitment to challenging corporations that profit excessively from consumers. Drawing from her experience as California's attorney general, she will pledge to fight corporate price gouging, particularly by landlords and pharmaceutical companies. Harris plans to propose an extension of the $35 insulin price cap to all Americans, not just seniors, and a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.

Harris's campaign also indicates she will support legislation restricting tax breaks for corporate investors purchasing homes and banning the use of algorithmic data by rental property owners to increase rent prices. Regarding grocery prices, Harris will advocate for a federal ban on price gouging in the food sector, with a particular focus on meat prices. She will argue that the concentrated meat processing industry is a significant factor driving up grocery costs and commit to more aggressive investigations and prosecutions of price-fixing in the meat supply chain.

The plan also proposes empowering the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general with the authority to investigate and penalize corporations that keep grocery prices high instead of passing savings to consumers. Additionally, Harris's administration would scrutinize mergers in the food sector to ensure they do not lead to higher grocery prices.

 Today's Stock Market: Dow Falls 600 Points Due to Weak Jobs Data Amid Global Sell-Off

Stocks plummeted on Friday due to concerns that the U.S. economy might falter under the strain of high interest rates designed to control inflation.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.8%, marking its first consecutive loss of at least 1% since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 610 points or 1.5%, and the Nasdaq composite decreased by 2.4% as a global stock sell-off circled back to Wall Street.

A report revealed that U.S. employer hiring slowed significantly more than economists anticipated, causing market panic and leading to sharp declines in stock prices and bond yields. This followed a series of disappointing economic reports from the previous day, including a worsening situation in U.S. manufacturing, which has been heavily impacted by high interest rates.

Just days earlier, U.S. stock indexes saw their best performance months after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that inflation had slowed enough to potentially justify rate cuts in September.

However, there are growing concerns that the Federal Reserve may have maintained its main interest rate at a two-decade high for too long. A rate cut would make borrowing cheaper for households and businesses, stimulating the economy, but its full effects could take months to manifest.

“The Fed is seizing defeat from the jaws of victory,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management. “Economic momentum has slowed so much that a rate cut in September will be too little and too late. They’ll have to do something bigger than” the traditional quarter-point cut “to avert a recession.”

Traders are now betting on a 70% chance that the Fed will cut its main interest rate by half a percentage point in September, according to CME Group data. This is despite Powell's statement on Wednesday that such a significant reduction is “not something we’re thinking about right now.”

The U.S. economy continues to grow, and a recession is not certain. The Fed has emphasized the delicate balance it is trying to maintain since it began sharply raising rates in March 2022: being too aggressive could stifle the economy, but being too lenient could exacerbate inflation.

While Powell did not declare victory on either the jobs or inflation fronts on Wednesday, he indicated that the Fed has ample room to respond to any weakness in the job market after significantly raising its main rate.

“Certainly today’s job data feeds the weakening economy narrative, but I believe the market is overreacting at this point and pricing too much in on rate cuts at this stage,” said Nate Thooft, senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management. “Yes, the economy is weakening, but I am not convinced there is enough evidence that the data so far is a death knell for the economy.”

U.S. stocks appeared poised for losses on Friday even before the disappointing jobs report.

Several major technology companies reported underwhelming profits, continuing a mostly disappointing trend that began last week with Tesla and Alphabet’s results.

Amazon fell 8.8% after reporting weaker-than-expected revenue for the latest quarter and issuing a forecast for operating profit that fell short of analysts’ expectations.

Intel dropped even more, 26.1%, marking its worst day in 50 years, after its quarterly profit fell short of forecasts. The chip company also suspended its dividend payment and forecast a loss for the third quarter, when analysts had expected a profit.

Apple fared better, gaining 0.7% after reporting stronger-than-expected profit and revenue.

Apple and a few other Big Tech stocks, known as the “Magnificent Seven,” were the primary drivers behind the S&P 500 setting numerous records this year, partly due to excitement around artificial intelligence technology. However, their momentum slowed last month amid concerns that investors had overvalued their prices.

Friday’s losses for tech stocks pushed the Nasdaq composite 10% below its peak set last month, a drop that traders refer to as a “correction.”

Other sectors of the stock market, which had been struggling due to high interest rates, began to rebound sharply last month as tech stocks declined, particularly smaller companies. However, these sectors also fell on Friday amid concerns that a fragile economy could hurt their profits.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks dropped 3.5%, more than the broader market.

Overall, the S&P 500 fell 100.12 points to 5,346.56. The Dow dropped 610.71 to 39,737.26, and the Nasdaq composite fell 417.98 to 16,776.16.

In the bond market, Treasury yields fell sharply as traders anticipated deeper rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 3.79% from 3.98% late Thursday and from 4.70% in April.

Internationally, Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 5.8%, struggling since the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday. The hike increased the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar, potentially hurting exporters' profits and dampening a tourism boom.

Chinese stocks fell as investors were disappointed by the government’s latest growth-stimulating measures, which were seen as insufficient. Stock indexes dropped by more than 1% across much of Europe.

Commodity prices also faced challenges this week. Oil prices surged after the killings of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah raised fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East disrupting crude supplies. However, prices fell back on Thursday and Friday due to concerns that a weakening economy would reduce fuel demand. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude dropped below $74 on Friday after starting the week above $77.

 Scientists Uncover 'Dark Oxygen' Production by Seabed Metals in Groundbreaking Study

An international team of scientists has discovered that oxygen is being produced by potato-shaped metallic nodules thousands of feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

The findings, published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience, challenge the scientific consensus on how oxygen is produced and could potentially lead to a radical rethink of the origins of complex life on Earth.

In addition to its implications for ocean science, the research raises new concerns about the risks of deep-sea mining.

Led by Professor Andrew Sweetman of the U.K.’s Scottish Association for Marine Science, the team found that oxygen is being produced in complete darkness approximately 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) below the ocean’s surface.

Previously, it was believed that only living organisms like plants and algae could generate the planet’s oxygen through photosynthesis, a process that requires sunlight.

“For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen, and our understanding has been that Earth’s oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms,” Sweetman said.

“But we now know that oxygen is produced in the deep sea, where there is no light. This discovery prompts us to revisit questions like: where could aerobic life have begun?”

“Dark oxygen” was discovered during ship-based fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean. The team sampled the seabed of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an abyssal plain between Hawaii and Mexico, to assess the possible impacts of deep-sea mining.

Researchers analyzed multiple nodules and found many carried a “very high” electric charge, which they said could lead to the splitting of seawater into hydrogen and oxygen through seawater electrolysis.

“Through this discovery, we have generated many unanswered questions, and we need to think carefully about how we mine these nodules, which are effectively batteries in a rock,” Sweetman said.

He added that further research into “dark oxygen” production is necessary.

 Deep-Sea Mining

The study was partly funded by Canadian deep-sea mining firm The Metals Co., which aims to begin mining in an area of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone by late 2025.

In a statement to CNBC, The Metals Co. criticized the study’s findings and said it would publish a rebuttal in due course.

The controversial practice of deep-sea mining involves using heavy machinery to remove valuable minerals and metals—such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese—that are found in polymetallic nodules on the ocean floor. These minerals are used in electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.

Scientists have warned that the full environmental impacts of deep-sea mining are difficult to predict.

Environmental campaign groups argue that the practice cannot be done sustainably and will inevitably lead to ecosystem destruction and species extinction.

“The discovery that a process associated with polymetallic nodules is producing oxygen, in an area targeted by the deep-sea mining industry, supports the urgent need for a moratorium,” said Sofia Tsenikli, deep-sea mining global campaign lead for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, a nongovernmental environmental group.

“This research highlights how much we still have to discover and learn about the deep sea and raises more questions about how deep-sea mining could impact deep-sea life and processes,” Tsenikli said Monday.

 Toxic Pesticide Found in Cheerios and Quaker Oats: What You Need to Know

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that Cheerios and Quaker Oats may contain chlormequat, a pesticide associated with infertility in animals.

Despite not being approved for use in food grown within the United States, researchers discovered chlormequat in 77 out of 96 urine samples collected between 2017 and 2023, with a notable increase in concentration observed in 2023. Additionally, EWG's findings from last year indicated the presence of chlormequat in 92% of oat-based foods tested, including popular brands like Cheerios and Quaker Oats.

While chlormequat is not directly applied to crops in the U.S., its presence in wheat products and egg powder can result from high temperatures during food processing. Since 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has permitted the importation of oats, wheat, barley, and certain animal products treated with chlormequat, even raising the allowable limit of the pesticide in oats in 2020.

General Mills, the manufacturer of Cheerios, asserts that its products comply with all regulatory requirements, according to a spokesperson's statement to Verywell. Alexis Temkin, PhD, a senior toxicologist at EWG and lead author of the study, stresses the need for continued monitoring of chlormequat in food and its potential impact on human health, citing concerns raised by animal studies.

While studies on humans are lacking, research on animals has shown adverse effects of chlormequat on reproductive health and hormone levels. Although the EPA considers current levels of chlormequat safe based on animal studies, concerns persist regarding its potential impact on human health.

Toxic Chemical Chlormequat Found In Cheerios and Quaker Oats

To minimize exposure to chlormequat, consumers can opt for USDA Certified Organic products, as organic oats are cultivated without the use of most synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, the EWG study indicates that even some organic oat-based foods may contain traces of chlormequat, underlining the need for continued vigilance in food choices.

 "Undercover Pursuit: Unmasking the Glue and 'Tap' Thief Scam Targeting a Victim at Chase Bank ATM"

A novel ATM scam has emerged, targeting Chase Bank customers in San Francisco. In this deceptive ploy, criminals applied glue to the card reader, compelling victims to use the tap feature and subsequently draining their accounts. Despite falling prey to this scheme, customers faced denial from the bank when filing claims.

EXCLUSIVE: Chase Bank ATM victim goes undercover to prove he was scammed by glue and 'tap' thief

Joey Mularky, a victim of this scam, decided to take matters into his own hands after the bank rejected his claim. Recounting the incident, Mularky described how he encountered a glued card slot at a Chase Bank ATM. A helpful stranger advised him to tap his card, purportedly due to a malfunction. Unbeknownst to Mularky, this set the stage for the scammers.

Upon returning to the same ATM, Mularky withdrew $60, only to notice the same individual present again. Sensing something amiss, he proceeded with another withdrawal, and the suspicious man approached closely. The aftermath revealed multiple unauthorized withdrawals totaling $1,640 from Mularky's account.

Several other victims shared similar experiences, recounting encounters with the glued card reader and subsequent unauthorized transactions. Despite the victims' pleas, Chase Bank dismissed their claims, asserting that there was no evidence of a scam. The bank contended that customers had authorized the withdrawals.

Frustrated by the lack of assistance, Mularky undertook his investigation. He observed the same suspect lingering near the ATM and covertly recorded a video of the individual engaging in the scam with someone else. However, even armed with this evidence, Chase Bank initially refused to acknowledge it as proof of Mularky's victimization.

Upon media intervention, Chase Bank reviewed Mularky's case and issued a refund. The bank extended similar restitution to other scam victims but remained silent on its investigative processes. Chase Bank vaguely mentioned implementing changes to its ATMs for customer protection without specifying the nature of these modifications.

Victims speculated that scammers might have observed their PIN entries by exploiting the close proximity during transactions or employing hidden cameras. While relieved to have his money returned, Mularky stressed the importance of thorough investigations and adherence to legal requirements.

Consumer advocates emphasized the significance of banks incorporating surveillance video evidence in their investigations, as mandated by law. The incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities of current ATM systems and underscores the need for robust security measures to protect customers from evolving scams.

In Other SMH America News

Payless Successfully Markets Discount Shoes at Luxury Prices

Payless ShoeSource executed a clever marketing stunt by creating a fake luxury brand called Palessi, enticing fashion influencers to pay exorbitant markups of up to 1,800 percent for the retailer's shoes. The bargain store set up a temporary, high-end store in Los Angeles, featuring gold mannequins and a statue, and invited 60 influencers to its launch party. These fashion insiders, recruited from the street and social media, unknowingly paid prices ranging from $200 to $645 for shoes typically sold by Payless for $19.99 to $39.99.

Payless sold discount shoes at luxury prices — and it worked

The influencers praised the supposed luxury brand's design and quality, unaware that the shoes were from Payless. The elaborate prank aimed to challenge perceptions and remind consumers of Payless's combination of stylish relevance and affordability. The participants were later informed of the stunt, and while they received refunds, they were allowed to keep the shoes.

DCX Growth Accelerator, the advertising agency behind the campaign, strategically chose the name Palessi, playing on the cachet of Italian design. The campaign's goal was to bring Payless back to its roots of appealing to pragmatic American consumers, highlighting the contrast with elite fashion brand prices. The stunt underscores the power of branding in shaping perceived value and resonating with cultural codes, according to Doug Cameron, DCX Chief Creative Officer. The campaign, featuring stunned influencers, is set to air on cable networks throughout the holiday season.

In Other SMH America News

"Amazon's Alexa Records and Sends Private Conversation to Random Contact"

Despite Amazon's assurances that its Echo devices only record conversations when triggered by the wake word "Alexa," a Portland resident, Danielle, discovered otherwise. She requested an investigation after an Alexa device recorded a private conversation between her and her husband, sending it to a random contact in their address book without permission. Danielle received a call from her husband's colleague, warning them that they were being hacked and to unplug their Alexa devices immediately.

Amazon's Alexa recorded private conversations and sent them to random contact

Initially skeptical, Danielle realized the severity of the situation when the colleague mentioned details from their conversation about hardwood floors. Feeling invaded and questioning her trust in the device, Danielle decided never to use it again. Amazon confirmed the incident, apologized and termed it an "extremely rare occurrence."

In an updated statement, Amazon explained that the Echo device mistakenly woke up due to a word resembling "Alexa" in the background conversation. The subsequent conversation was misconstrued as a "send message" request, leading Alexa to ask aloud, "To whom?" The background conversation was then interpreted as a name in the user's contact list, and Alexa asked, "[contact name], right?" Amazon acknowledged the improbability of this sequence of events and stated they were exploring options to minimize such incidents.

Despite Amazon's insistence that this was a malfunction rather than evidence of constant listening, the company has filed patent applications for features involving continuous listening, such as an algorithm to analyze when users say they "love" or "bought" something. The patent included a scenario where individuals having a phone conversation received separate targeted advertisements afterward.

In Other SMH America News

 Massive Fish Mortality: Tens of Thousands Found Stranded on Texas Beach Amid Low Oxygen Levels

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of deceased fish washed ashore along the Texas Gulf Coast, creating a shoreline littered with decaying carcasses and prompting local authorities to advise against visitation.

Tens of Thousands of Dead Fish wash up on a Texas Beach due to Low Oxygen Levels.

On Friday, waves from the Gulf of Mexico carried in vast numbers of dead fish, creating a grim spectacle in Brazoria County, located over 40 miles south of Houston, according to officials at Quintana Beach County Park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department attributed the mass fish mortality to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, a condition making it challenging for the fish to breathe. Termed a "fish kill," such incidents are common during the summer when temperatures rise, the state department noted.

Although no direct link to climate change has been established in this particular occurrence, researchers caution that fish kills may become more frequent with rising temperatures and decreasing oxygen levels in lakes across the United States and Europe.

Dissolved oxygen levels in water typically rise through photosynthesis, a process where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen. When there is less sunlight, as occurs at night, photosynthesis slows or halts, while the consumption of oxygen by aquatic plants and animals continues unabated, leading to a reduction in oxygen concentration, as explained by Texas Parks and Wildlife officials.

The Gulf menhaden, commonly used as bait by fishermen, was the species most severely impacted by this fish kill, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

By Sunday evening, efforts had largely cleared Quintana Beach of the deceased fish, with only some remaining that machinery couldn't remove, according to county officials.

In Other SMH America News