Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg reveals why he no longer wants to be ‘associated’ with Mark Zuckerberg

Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg reveals why he no longer wants to be ‘associated’ with Mark Zuckerberg

Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg reveals why he no longer wants to be ‘associated’ with Mark Zuckerberg

The star played Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film

Eisenberg is perhaps best known for his role in the film, which earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination. Despite this, Eisenberg has not been afraid to hit out at the Facebook co-creator.

The actor and director was on BBC’s Radio 4 Today show promoting his newest film A Real Pain, which received a Best Picture nomination, as well as a Best Original Screenplay nod for Eisenberg.

When asked about Mark Zuckerberg, he said: “It’s like this guy is… doing things that are problematic, taking away fact-checking.

“[There are] safety concerns. Making people who are already threatened in the world more threatened.”

Meta, the company led by Zuckerberg behind Facebook and Instagram, announced recently that they would be doing away with independent fact-checking on both platforms.

Jesse Eisenberg played the Facebook co-creator in The Social Network (Sony Pictures)

Jesse Eisenberg played the Facebook co-creator in The Social Network (Sony Pictures)

Eisenberg went on to say: “These people have billions upon billions of dollars, like more money than any human person has ever amassed and what are they doing with it?

“Oh, they’re doing it to curry favour with somebody who’s preaching hate. That’s what I think… not as like a person who played in a movie. I think of it as somebody who is married to a woman who teaches disability justice in New York and lives for her students are going to get a little harder this year.”

Though Zuckerberg at one time was a critic of Donald Trump, the billionaire has seemingly made peace with the new American president.

Zuckerberg appeared front-and-centre at Trump’s inauguration last month, with the Los Angeles Times saying he and other tech leaders have ‘gone out of their way to position themselves in the president’s good graces, knowing he could help or hinder them in the race to develop artificial intelligence technologies’.

Zuckerberg alongside other tech CEOs at Donald Trump's inauguration (Pool via Getty Images)

Zuckerberg alongside other tech CEOs at Donald Trump’s inauguration (Pool via Getty Images)

The decision from Meta to end independent, third-party fact-checking was slammed by former POTUS Joe Biden, who said: “I think it’s really shameful, telling the truth matters, completely contrary to everything America’s about.”

In an interview with Joe Rogan last month, Zuckerberg compared the fact-checking operation to George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, saying: “I think people just felt like the fact checkers were too biased, not necessarily even so much in what they ruled… although sometimes I think people would disagree with that.

“A lot of the time, it was just what types of things they chose to even go and fact check in the first place. So I kind of think, after having gone through that whole exercise, it’s something out of, like, Nineteen Eighty-Four – one of these books, where it’s just like, it really is a slippery slope.

“And it just got to a point where it’s just ‘OK, this is destroying so much trust, especially in the United States’.”

Eisenberg spoke out against the Meta CEO (Alex Wong via Getty Images)

Eisenberg spoke out against the Meta CEO (Alex Wong via Getty Images)

He also said of Brexit and Trump’s first presidency: “I think that those were basically these two events where for the first time, we just faced this massive, massive institutional pressure to basically start censoring content on ideological grounds.”

Last week, President Trump and Meta agreed on a payment of £20m to settle a lawsuit following the ban of his accounts in the wake of the January 6 Capitol Riots.
Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg reveals why he no longer wants to be ‘associated’ with Mark Zuckerberg Read More
Air hostess convinced extreme fatigue was caused by ‘jet lag and break-up’ given shock cancer diagnosis

Air hostess convinced extreme fatigue was caused by ‘jet lag and break-up’ given shock cancer diagnosis

Air hostess convinced extreme fatigue was caused by ‘jet lag and break-up’ given shock cancer diagnosis

Chloe was a self-confessed ‘sunbed addict’ before she was diagnosed with cancer

An air hostess who thought her extreme fatigue was caused by jet lag discovered she had cancer.

Chloe Broad, 24, had been in the middle of a busy work schedule – as well as navigating a break-up last year – when she started to feel exhausted.

Chloe thought she'd been left tired from work (Kennedy News and Media)

Chloe thought she’d been left tired from work (Kennedy News and Media)

Feeling as though she needed a well-earned break, Chloe booked a three week-long holiday – but she became concerned when she noticed a suspicious looking mole on her right arm.

Chloe – who describes herself as a ‘sunbed addict’ – was left in shock when she visited her GP and found out she had melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.

“I was exhausted all of the time. Obviously being cabin crew, I just put that down to jet lag or fatigue. I’d just finished a busy summer schedule,” said Chloe.

“I’d taken three weeks off work because I was so fatigued. It’s really common in cabin crew to have jet lag, it’s one of those things.

“In August, my boyfriend and I split up, which was a big shock that I wasn’t expecting at all.

“That was a stressful time. I just didn’t expect to come out of that relationship and was feeling a bit sorry for myself.

“I thought that could be having an impact on my energy levels, I was just moping around.”

Chloe said she'd always enjoyed being tanned (Kennedy News and Media)

Chloe said she’d always enjoyed being tanned (Kennedy News and Media)

After doctors discovered the melanoma, they were able to remove the cancerous cells and Chloe has since ditched her sunbed habit for good.

“I’ve always loved being super tanned. I always tanned really well. As soon as I was 18 I started using the sunbeds,” she said.

“When I moved away from the family home at 19, that’s when I really started tanning.

“I was getting sunbeds every single day. Once I started getting darker I would do the maximum, which was 24 minutes, I was doing that for six months.

“I loved the way I looked with a tan. I used creams from the start then started using nasal sprays around a year-and-a-half into it.

“… I had abused sunbeds. Very rarely would I put a high SPF on, so I knew I was at risk of skin cancer. You just never think it’s going to happen to you.

“People always say you won’t die of it. It was only when I went to the specialist that they told me melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.”

Doctors discovered that the mole was cancerous (Kennedy News and Media)

Doctors discovered that the mole was cancerous (Kennedy News and Media)

Chloe is now in remission and is having checks twice a year for the next five years.

She now uses fake tan out of the bottle, explaining: “Now I just use spray tans. I still love a tan, it’s just not worth risking your health.

“It’s so much quicker, easier, cheaper and safer to do spray tans. I regret ever going on the beds.

“I would much rather not have the scars it’s left and have saved the money.”

Air hostess convinced extreme fatigue was caused by ‘jet lag and break-up’ given shock cancer diagnosis Read More
Man who makes £20,000 a year from his farts says he is 'blown away' by the demand

Man who makes £20,000 a year from his farts says he is ‘blown away’ by the demand

Man who makes £20,000 a year from his farts says he is 'blown away' by the demand

Nath Wyld can’t believe how much demand there is for his fart videos

A man who makes thousands of pounds every year from selling his farts can’t believe how much demand he’s been getting.

Nath Wyld – who goes by @nath_wyld – on Instagram, specialises in ‘making fart videos’ and has racked up a lot of cash doing so.

Writing for Metro, Nath – a former carpenter from Australia – explained that he even eats foods that he knows will make him bloated, to ensure he’s able to perform.

Nath says he's blown away by the demand for fart videos (Instagram/@nath_wyld)

Nath says he’s blown away by the demand for fart videos (Instagram/@nath_wyld)

“I specialise in making fart videos,” he explained.

“In fact, I make around $3,000 AUD (£1,540) a month from them alone.”

While Nath started out working as a topless waiter, he soon began getting more and more popular on his social media.

It wasn’t long before Nath moved on to OnlyFans, deciding to ‘give it a shot’.

“At the start it was very tame, just photos of me semi-naked and short videos of me posing – just a little bit raunchier than what you could post on Instagram,” he explained.

“… Soon enough, I was making enough to leave my carpentry job. Not having to work eight hours a day and commute was a huge bonus – now I have the freedom to work from home.”

Nath says he eats foods to make himself bloated (Getty Stock Image)

Nath says he eats foods to make himself bloated (Getty Stock Image)

After his success on OnlyFans, Nath ended up getting a fart video request, which at first he wasn’t keen to do.

But soon, he was getting more and more requests and decided to film one in his bedroom.

“I was blown away (no pun intended) by the demand and I have been making them ever since,” he explained.

So how exactly does it work?

Nath explained that the requests vary, with some followers wanting to see his facial expressions.

“In terms of angles, people have specific things they want to see, like close-ups versus full view. Or maybe just staying clothed the whole time,” he added.

“Some people don’t want me to spread my cheeks, while others are the opposite. Some want to see my facial expressions; others just want to see me from far away.

“During the shoot, there’s a routine: I start bloated – kind of part of the process – and go through the video until I feel lighter by the end. It’s almost like clockwork now. A big meal is needed to be bloated and gassy and after that it comes naturally.”

Nath revealed he earns over $200,000 AUD (£101,000) a year through his content, with his fart videos apparently making up around 20 percent of his profits.

Man who makes £20,000 a year from his farts says he is ‘blown away’ by the demand Read More
Joey Swoll praises man's interaction with woman as 'etiquette we need more of in gym'

Joey Swoll praises man’s interaction with woman as ‘etiquette we need more of in gym’

Joey Swoll praises man's interaction with woman as 'etiquette we need more of in gym'

Swoll said the interaction was ‘true gym culture’

We all know the gym can be an intimidating place, which is why it’s important to encourage and celebrate healthy behaviour when we see it.

Bodybuilder and influencer Joey Swoll has taken to social media to praise one particular gym interaction, explaining how it perfectly demonstrates the kind of attitude we need in gyms and workout spaces.

In the clip, a woman who goes by @lilylifts could be seen benching a heavier weight when a man approaches her and asks if she needs spotting.

Swoll praised the man in the clip (X/@TheJoeySwoll)

Swoll praised the man in the clip (X/@TheJoeySwoll)

Lily explains that she would like some help and asks the man if he would be available to spot her straight away, which he was.

The man assists Lily with her lifts, before she explains that she’s been having some problems with her form recently.

The man then went on to offer her some advice, with the pair talking through any challenges she’d previously had.

At the end of the video, Swoll explains: “Absolutely love this video, wanted to share this with you… this is true gym culture.

“I know that when you’re training by yourself it can be very hard, very intimidating to ask a stranger to spot you.

“This man sees this, sees that Lily is going up in weight, so he offers her a spot… then he takes the time to give her some advice and show her a few things.

“This is why I love the gym community, it is truly a brother, sisterhood. It doesn’t matter your age or your gender, we’re all there to better ourselves and support one another.”

The man could be seen spotting Lily while she lifted a heavier weight (TikTok/@lilylifts_)

The man could be seen spotting Lily while she lifted a heavier weight (TikTok/@lilylifts_)

People were impressed on social media, with many explaining they wished their gyms were the same.

“No ulterior motive with the exception of trying to help someone get better… The best of Gym Culture,” one person wrote.

While another said: “What an awesome dude. Need more people like him in gyms.”

And a third added: “Love this. having a spotter really makes a huge difference is going past your limit.”

While a fourth wrote: “I wish more people were like this in the gym. The other day, I went to bench and pushed myself too far. I couldn’t get the bar off my chest, not one person tried to help me.

“I was so embarrassed, I wiggled and pushed until I got it off and fought back my tears. I know it was my fault but it really broke my heart that so many just stood by watching me struggle.”

Joey Swoll praises man’s interaction with woman as ‘etiquette we need more of in gym’ Read More
Denzel Washington's 'most underrated movie' drops on Netflix and fans can't believe its Rotten Tomatoes score

Denzel Washington’s ‘most underrated movie’ drops on Netflix and fans can’t believe its Rotten Tomatoes score

Denzel Washington's 'most underrated movie' drops on Netflix and fans can't believe its Rotten Tomatoes score

Netflix have dropped an underrated Denzel classic, yet critics and fans are far apart in their summation of the film

Denzel Washington’s ‘most underrated movie’ of all time has dropped on Netflix, but its Rotten Tomatoes score has left people surprised.

The most underrated film of Denzel’s is a rare claim considering he is arguably one of, if not, the greatest actor of all time.

Add to that the 60+ projects he has appeared in over a 45-year career, including The EqualizerAmerican Gangster, and Malcolm X.

Denzel Washington is perhaps one of the greatest actors (Noam Galai/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Denzel Washington is perhaps one of the greatest actors (Noam Galai/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Many feel, however, that his outing in John Q is the most underrated he’s ever acted in as the movie was added to Netflix.

The film, added yesterday to the streamer, follows Washington as a father whose young son cannot afford a heart transplant.

That won’t stop him though, as Washington’s titular character John ends up taking several members of the hostage until they agree to his demands.

He is joined by an all star cast including Robert Duvall, James Woods, Kimberly Elise, and Anne Heyce.

One viewer tweeted: “John Q is one of the most underrated movies in Denzel’s filmography.”

The film has an average rating of 7.1 on IMDb, with one 8/10 review calling it a ‘effecting drama’. They went on to say: “the intense direction and first-rate performances make this film work.

“I particularly loved Denzel’s work here because this was a character unlike he had ever played before. An emotional drama, wrought with tension, that will rivet you to the screen.”

Denzel in John Q (New Line Cinema)

Denzel in John Q (New Line Cinema)

One viewer on Twitter was discussing how Denzel’s filmography is so deep that fans could have any order of top ten imaginable, with another quoting it saying: “Such a great point. Literally hasn’t missed in 4 decades.

“You can blindly choice any Denzel movie and you will never be disappointed. One of his lowest rotten tomatoes scores is John Q. Which is lowkey one of my favorite movies.”

Despite this being a common opinion, the film received a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 26 per cent.

This puts it lower than Batman v Superman, lower than Joker 2, and only 2 per cent higher than The Room – the consensus worst film of all time.

Denzel's performance has been praised (New Line Cinema)

Denzel’s performance has been praised (New Line Cinema)

Roger Ebert, the legendary film critic, gave the film 1.5/4 stars, saying: “It is so earnest, so overwrought and so wildly implausible that it begs to be parodied.”

Elvis Mitchell of The New York Times gave the film one star, saying: “So ham-fisted that it sabotages its own worthwhile arguments.”

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone concurred, saying in his review: “An exploitative mess trying to pass as social activism.”

Despite this, more than 20 years on it remains relevant and loved by fans, with it debuting at number nine in Netflix’s charts.

After all, it still has a 73 per cent ‘Popcornmeter’ – which has got to be something.

John Q is available to watch on Netflix now.
Denzel Washington’s ‘most underrated movie’ drops on Netflix and fans can’t believe its Rotten Tomatoes score Read More
Chicago weather: Winter storm forecast to dump 3-6 inches of snow across area Wednesday | FUTURECAST

Chicago weather: Winter storm forecast to dump 3-6 inches of snow across area Wednesday | FUTURECAST

Chicago weather: Winter storm forecast to dump 3-6 inches of snow across area Wednesday | FUTURECAST

Dozens of schools announced closures for Wednesday, and a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued from Wednesday AM into Thursday.

FUTURECAST: Potential upcoming snowfall in Chicago
FUTURECAST: Potential upcoming snowfall in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A winter storm could dump several inches of snow across the Chicago area on Wednesday.

ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Larry Mowry said the storm could dump 3 to 6 inches of snow across our area.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the entire Chicago area, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, and Winnebago counties in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 3 a.m. Thursday.

Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 3 a.m. Thursday for Kenosha County in Wisconsin.

Winter Storm Watch was issued for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth areas in Wisconsin until 3 a.m. Thursday.

Northern Indiana was also upgraded to a Winter Storm Watch until Thursday 7 a.m. for DeKalb, eastern St. Joseph, Elkhart, Lagrange, Marshal, Noble, northern Kosciusko, northern LaPorte, southern Kosciusko, southern LaPorte, Starke, Steuben, Western St. Joseph, and Whitley.

How much snow are we getting tomorrow? A winter snowstorm is in the Chicago weather forecast Wednesday, with up to half a foot of snowfall possible.

Mowry said snow is expected to begin Wednesday between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 1 to 2 inches of snow could be on the ground by noon.

Dave Hauke in West Chicago wanted to make sure he was ready for the snow, so he made sure his neighbour’s snow blower would start.

“We haven’t started our snow blower since, probably, November. We want to make sure it runs,” Hauke said.

The first few tries are unsuccessful, however. Turns out, it needed gas. With a little fuel in the tank, it started right up.

And that is good, because he is almost sure to need it for the snow forecasters are calling for. Dozens of Chicago-area schools have already announced closures for Wednesday.

The heaviest snow will come between noon and 5 p.m., with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected to be on the ground by 5 p.m., Mowry added.

That snowfall is expected to impact traffic.

“We’re just like any other vehicle. We can get stuck too. So, it gets hard; it gets rough. You know, we have to take every call as it comes, see what plays out, what’s involved,” said Ben, a tow truck driver.

On Tuesday, Illinois Tollway crews were getting the truck filled with salt and ready to hit the road early Wednesday morning.

Tollway officials say they have been training for this expected snowfall for months, but this is the first chance to put their training into practice with a significant snowfall in quite some time.

Dozens of schools announced closures for Wednesday, and a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued from Wednesday morning into Thursday.

“And with most everyone out of practice in dealing with snow and ice so far this season, doctors are expecting to see a bit of an increase in emergency room visits. And not just from those who overexert themselves shovelling snow,” said Steve Mednis with Illinois Tollway.

Intermittent snow is expected to continue from 5 p.m. to midnight and could bring another 0.5 to 2 inches of additional snowfall.

The winter blast is expected to be harsh on drivers on interstates.

“Knowing whether or not we should be driving is the biggest thing. And, obviously, paying attention to the roads, slowing down, obviously. Yes, the speed limit might be 65 or 70, or whatever, in some areas, but do we really need to be going that speed? Obviously, there’s snow and ice on the ground. We need to be slowing down,” said Illinois State Police Trooper Jayme Bufford.

John Geroulis is a snow removal contractor for the city.

“No sleep, a lot of work, and just making some money,” Geroulis said.

He says he has about 40 crew members standing by to work through 24-hour shifts.

“Cold temperatures, slip, fall—we’re always looking for that. You know, we got to take care of our people, and of course, it’s just a long, long night,” Geroulis said.

Use caution when driving and walking outdoors.

“More people get injured walking their dog under the snow,” said Endeavour Health Elmhurst Hospital Dr. Tom King.

The Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management have been reminding residents about driving conditions, overnight parking restrictions, clearing sidewalks of snow, and warming centres.

ISP is also reminding drivers to make room for emergency vehicles, especially while they are tending to traffic accidents.

“We’re going to have extra troopers out there. A lot of times we have to hold over different shifts depending on the need of troopers and how many crashes,” Bufford said. “We’re hopefully helping, protecting everybody that’s out there.”

Temperatures will stay in the 20s on Wednesday, and Thursday will see some bitterly cold temperatures move in, with wind chills from 5 to -5 degrees.

Friday will be quiet, but snow showers are expected to arrive later in the evening, and the ABC7 AccuWeather Team is watching a storm system for Saturday as well. That could bring more accumulation snow, Mowry said.

Chicago weather: Winter storm forecast to dump 3-6 inches of snow across area Wednesday | FUTURECAST Read More
A big snowstorm is set to hit Toronto on Wednesday night. Here is when the snow is expected to fly.

A big snowstorm is set to hit Toronto on Wednesday night. Here is when the snow is expected to fly.

A big snowstorm is set to hit Toronto on Wednesday night. Here is when the snow is expected to fly.

Snowfall warnings are in effect in many parts of southern Ontario. Environment Canada map)

Toronto could see one of the biggest snowstorms of the season when upwards of 25 centimetres of snowfall hit the city on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Environment Canada has upgraded the special weather statement for Toronto to a snowfall warning.

The federal agency says snowfall amounts of 15 centimetres are possible with snowfall rates of two to four centimetres per hour. CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter said totals could pile up to as much as 25 centimetres.

“Snow, at times heavy, will begin late Wednesday afternoon,” the advisory reads.

“This snowfall will impact the Wednesday evening commute. Snow may become mixed with ice pellets late Wednesday evening and overnight for some areas.”

According to Coulter, “bursts” of lake effect flurries are expected to begin Wednesday morning before heavier snow arrives at around 4 p.m.

Environment Canada says snow will taper off through Thursday morning.

“The snow over the GTA will ease mid-morning. But blowing snow may still be an issue as crews clean up,” Coulter said.

The snowfall comes after the city saw a blast of winter weather over the weekend.

While Friday is expected to be “bright and cold,” another “snowmaker” is on the way this weekend, according to Coulter.

He said five or more centimetres of snowfall could arrive by the end of the day on Saturday.

Cooler winds will move in on Sunday, bringing frigid temperatures to the region for the start of the work week.

A big snowstorm is set to hit Toronto on Wednesday night. Here is when the snow is expected to fly. Read More
Trump Orders Plans for ‘Large Scale’ Work Force Cuts and Expands Musk’s Power

Trump Orders Plans for ‘Large Scale’ Work Force Cuts and Expands Musk’s Power

The latest executive order by the president made clear that the billionaire’s cost-cutting team will have continuing oversight of the Civil Service.

The order was signed by President Trump shortly before he and Elon Musk spent roughly 30 minutes defending the drastic overhaul in front of reporters in the Oval Office.Credit…Eric Lee/The New York Times

President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing agency officials to draw up plans for “large scale” cuts to the federal work force and further empowered the billionaire Elon Musk and his team to approve which career officials are hired in the future.

The order gives the so-called Department of Government Efficiency vast reach over the shape of the Civil Service as the Trump administration tries to sharply cut the number of employees working for the federal government. It states that, aside from agencies involved in functions like law enforcement and immigration enforcement, executive branch departments will need hiring approval from an official working with Mr. Musk’s team.

Each federal agency, with some exceptions, will be allowed to “hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart” after a hiring freeze is lifted, according to Mr. Trump’s order. New career hires would have to be made in consultation with a “DOGE Team Lead,” the order stated. It also said that agencies should not fill career positions that Mr. Musk’s team deems unnecessary unless an agency head—not a member of Mr. Musk’s initiative—decides that those positions should be filled.

The “work force optimisation initiative” was signed by Mr. Trump shortly before he and Mr. Musk spent roughly 30 minutes defending the drastic overhaul in front of reporters in the Oval Office. Mr. Musk, the world’s richest person, has moved rapidly to force change in Washington, an effort he asserted on Tuesday would benefit the public.

In the first three weeks of the new Trump administration, Mr. Musk’s team has inserted itself into at least 19 agencies, according to a tally by The New York Times, where it has begun identifying programs to cut.

Image

The order is the latest move by Mr. Trump to bolster the authority of Mr. Musk’s effort.Credit…Eric Lee/The New York Times

Theodore Schleifer is a Times reporter covering billionaires and their impact on the world.  More about Theodore Schleifer

Madeleine Ngo covers U.S. economic policy and how it affects people across the country.

Trump Orders Plans for ‘Large Scale’ Work Force Cuts and Expands Musk’s Power Read More
Ricky Starks Debuts On WWE NXT..Read_More_in_Comments👇

Ricky Starks Debuts On WWE NXT

Ricky Starks Debuts On WWE NXT

Ricky Starks WWE NXT 2
Ricky Starks WWE NXT 2

Ricky Starks already has a new home with NXT.

Starks made a surprise appearance on Tuesday’s episode of NXT, entering the arena through the crowd in Orlando. Starks declared NXT needed a star like him, declaring his intention to call Tuesday nights home.

“It’s obvious you know who I am. If NXT is the future of professional wrestling, well, guess what? You need an Absolute Superstar of the Future! If this is the hottest brand, well, you need the hottest free agent around, baby,” Starks said.

Starks said he was there to flip NXT upside-down. He knows fans have been asking when the revolution would be televised again, borrowing from his catchphrase. Well, that’s why he’s there, Starks noted.

Ricky Starks’ road to WWE

Ricky Starks appeared on NXT just one day after he became a free agent. Starks had been under contract with AEW but had not appeared on AEW TV in several months. Starks’ last appearance on AEW programming was in March 2024.

AEW reportedly picked up an option year on his contract, extending it into 2025. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reported that Starks’ AEW contract was set to expire in the spring. Earlier this year, Starks began taking independent bookings. He also reportedly asked for his release, but his request was denied by AEW.

Ricky Starks was asked about his absence from AEW television in a November interview with Chris Van Vliet. He recently confirmed he has not been injured and didn’t know the true reason for being kept off of AEW TV, but would love to know why.

Ricky Starks isn’t sure why he was kept off of AEW TV, but he wasn’t injured

“Beats me. I could have 1,000 theories about what’s really going on,” Starks told Insight. “The fact of the matter is that if I don’t have a definitive answer, I can’t just make up an answer for people and just assume. Would I love to know the exact reason? For sure. Do I have speculations about why? Absolutely. But that does nothing to speak on things that I speculate on; it does nothing for the situation. So I think it’s just a matter of, it sucks, it’s been a very cold day here in Austin. It’s been a very cold day. May have been cold for the past nine months, not sure. But thankfully, I have a sweater, and I’m always ready to keep the warmth going.”

“March was my last match. I’ve been home; I’ve been healthy. Never was injured. I did have a stinger,” Ricky Starks continued. “[It happened] in that match against Top Flight in March. I got immediately checked out, and everything was fine, but I was just concerned at the time. So that happened, and then I was just home. That’s kind of where it’s been at. I’ve just been home.

“It’s kind of a mindf*ck because I’m in my prime and it sucks when you’re on such a momentum, riding the wave, doing work and doing stuff, and then to just be at home for so long, you’re kind of like, whoa. It kind of throws it off. I am not meant to be at home. I’m not meant to be a homebody in this current phase of my life. I’m not meant to be just chilling at home and doing not the thing that I’ve been busting my ass to do for the past 13 years.”

Ricky Starks Debuts On WWE NXT Read More
A Canned Tuna Recall Is Hitting Costco, Trader Joe's, And Others

A Canned Tuna Recall Is Hitting Costco, Trader Joe’s, And Others

A Canned Tuna Recall Is Hitting Costco, Trader Joe’s, And Others

Opened can of tuna fish alongside bowl of flaked tuna from a can
Opened can of tuna fish alongside bowl of flaked tuna from a can – Adao/Shutterstock

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a notice about a voluntary recall of canned tuna fish sold at several grocers. The recalled tuna is sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names and is made by Tri-Union Seafoods. The manufacturer discovered defective pull-tab lids, which led to the recall.

These defective cans have the potential to leak or allow bacteria to contaminate the product. The bacteria they are concerned about is clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal toxin. This toxin leads to a type of food poisoning known as botulism, which attacks the body’s nervous and respiratory systems, causing paralysis or — even worse — death. At this time, no cases of illness have been reported.

This recall affects tuna sold in 27 states at various grocery stores. Costco — which had a recall on almost 80,000 pounds of butter last fall — Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart are all retailers who have been ordered to pull the offending tuna off of their shelves. The stores and states that are affected, product names, codes, and use-by dates are all listed on the FDA’s recall notice.

What To Do If You Have The Recalled Tuna

Genova yellowfin tuna can stacked at a store
Genova yellowfin tuna can stacked at a store – The Image Party/Shutterstock

If you purchased the affected tuna, return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund, or discard it. Do not eat it under any circumstances. Additionally, Tri-Union Seafoods can be contacted directly for a retrieval kit via the information provided on the FDA website.

Sometimes, events that lead to botulism can occur long after the food has left the manufacturing plant: for instance, cans that have been dented in transit or in the store itself. Dented cans should always be discarded or brought to the attention of the store manager to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

Botulism is the same toxin that affected Snapchill canned coffee in 2024, which also led to a voluntary nationwide recall. Voluntary recalls are a way for manufacturers to be proactive when a food item has a chance of being contaminated, avoiding serious illness for consumers and lawsuits for the company.

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