Human Times

North American Edition

16th October 2026

THE HOT STORY

Cleveland-Cliffs challenges Canadian job protection threats

Cleveland-Cliffs chief executive Lourenco Goncalves has criticized Canada's threat of legal action over potential job losses at its Stelco steel operations in Ontario, warning that government intervention could discourage foreign investment. Following the company's decision to suspend certain production activities in Hamilton, up to 500 workers could be affected, although fewer layoffs have reportedly occurred. Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly is considering legal measures to enforce employment commitments made when Cleveland-Cliffs acquired Stelco in 2024, including financial penalties or compulsory divestment. Goncalves argues that U.S. tariffs, trade disruptions and rising imports have made operations financially unsustainable, with the company supporting loss-making production for nearly two years. Describing the government's approach as "bullying and harassment", he warned that forcing asset sales could undermine Canada's attractiveness to international investors.

Bloomberg

WORKFORCE

Unemployment claims rise slightly

The number of new unemployment claims in the U.S. rose slightly last week, reaching 199,000, according to the Labor Department. This marks the fifth consecutive week that claims have remained below 200,000, indicating a stable labor market characterized by "low-hire, low-fire" conditions. The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report noted that labor market conditions have remained "little changed" from late August to early October, with adequate labor supply to meet demand. However, there are ongoing shortages for specialized and skilled workers, leading some firms to reduce staffing or delay hiring. The report also highlighted a decrease in continuing claims, which fell to 1.710m, although this figure does not account for recent graduates or those ineligible for benefits. The unemployment rate stood at 4.2% last month.

U.S. News

Los Angeles Times

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

New Jersey's AI bill clears hurdle

New Jersey's Fair AI Regulations Act, or FAIR, has successfully passed its first legislative hurdle, aiming to establish guidelines for how employers and government agencies utilize artificial intelligence in hiring and monitoring. Sponsored by Senators Andrew Zwicker, Shirley Turner, and Nicholas Scutari, the bill mandates that before using AI systems, employers must demonstrate their purpose, limit data collection, and ensure human oversight. "We must make sure technology doesn't replace accountability," Zwicker said. The legislation also prohibits invasive monitoring practices and requires transparency in AI-driven employment decisions. Violations could lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per affected employee. The bill reflects growing concerns about AI's impact on jobs, with a Rutgers survey indicating that 41% of New Jersey workers use AI tools weekly, while 57% believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates. The bill now moves to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

NJ.com

TECHNOLOGY

Tally the robot rolls into Ralphs

Tally, a six-foot inventory robot developed by Simbe Robotics, is now assisting grocery stores like Ralphs in Los Angeles by scanning shelves for missing and misplaced products. While the technology aims to help employees manage inventory more efficiently, concerns arise among grocery workers and unions about potential job losses and reduced hours due to automation. “Even an inventory job, like now, that's being shopped out to a computer,” said Rachel Fournier, a Ralphs employee. The retail automation market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it could reach $77bn by 2034. Despite the benefits of increased efficiency, some customers and employees worry about the diminishing human interaction in stores and the implications for job security. Kathy Finn, president of UFCW Local 770, emphasized the need for discussions regarding technology deployment in workplaces.

Los Angeles Times

HIRING

NFL recruitment memo raises bias questions

A confidential Korn Ferry assessment of NFL coach Brian Flores, disclosed during his discrimination lawsuit against the league, has revealed how executive recruiters evaluate candidates for senior positions. Prepared for the Las Vegas Raiders, the memo praises Flores's coaching capabilities while questioning his interpersonal skills, behavior and leadership qualities. His lawyers argue that references to his upbringing and ability to interact with wealthy individuals reflect racial stereotyping. Executive recruitment specialists acknowledge that candid assessments are standard practice, with boards expecting detailed evaluations of leadership strengths, weaknesses and potential risks. Martha Heller, chief executive of Heller Search Associates, described frank candidate assessments as "a part of every executive search". However, several recruiters criticized the document's subjective language, inconsistencies and apparent lack of editorial scrutiny.

Wall Street Journal

LEGAL

Fired FBI agents sue for justice

Nine former FBI agents and analysts, dismissed after the Mar-a-Lago classified-documents investigation, have filed a lawsuit claiming political retaliation and seeking reinstatement and back pay. The lawsuit alleges that their firings were unlawful and lacked due process, describing them as part of a broader campaign against employees involved in investigations of Trump. "In return for their service, they were fired because they did their jobs," said their attorneys, highlighting the agents' distinguished service. The suit details how the agents were assigned to the investigation and argues that their terminations stemmed from unfounded perceptions of political bias. The lawsuit seeks reinstatement, back pay, and a court declaration that the firings were unlawful, asserting that the actions were driven by a personal vendetta against the agents.

Los Angeles Times

U.S. News

Judge challenges soaring legal billing rates

A California federal judge has approved more than $22.6m in legal fees from a $68m Google privacy settlement while rejecting unusually high hourly billing rates. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman reduced Scott + Scott managing partner David Scott's proposed $3,000 hourly rate to $1,600, describing the original figure as "patently unreasonable". The court nevertheless approved lawyers receiving 33% of the settlement, recognizing their successful resolution of allegations that Google's voice assistant improperly recorded private conversations and supported targeted advertising. Google denied wrongdoing. The ruling comes amid increasing legal fees, with major U.S. law firms raising hourly rates by an average of 7% in 2025 and some leading partners charging up to $4,000.

Reuters

Nurses win big in lawsuit settlement

Hundreds of nurses from the Philippines, recruited by a Howell-based healthcare staffing agency, will share nearly $2m from a recently settled lawsuit. Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Owen C. McCarthy approved the settlement with Towne Nursing and Towne Pediatric Homecare on Oct. 7, addressing allegations that the companies threatened “substantial harm” to keep workers trapped in their jobs. The settlement will benefit 575 nurses across 30 states, with payments averaging $1,080. Additionally, nurses who paid to resign may receive up to $40,000 back. The companies will also revise their contracts to limit recoverable costs from resigning nurses. Attorney Hugh Baran noted: “We feel it provides meaningful benefits to nurses.”

NJ.com

Fraud allegations rock Snook Foundation

The Snook Foundation, a philanthropic organization in Baldwin County, has filed lawsuits against former employees Brenda Lee, Thomas E. Lee II, and Heather Lee, alleging over $2.5m in fraud. The lawsuits claim the Lees established an unauthorized pension fund, diverting substantial funds without the board's knowledge. "Unbeknownst to the Board of Trustees, and taking advantage of the trust placed in them by the Board," the Lees allegedly launched this personal pension plan in 2019, forging signatures to do so. The foundation's accountant, Steven Slaughter, is also accused of complicity in the scheme. Despite the allegations, the foundation continues its philanthropic efforts, having awarded millions in grants over recent years. The case is currently in legal limbo as jurisdictional issues arise.

Al.com

STRATEGY

Netflix replaces content chief amid slowdown

Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria is departing after a decade, with former Fox and Disney executive Peter Rice appointed as her successor amid slowing growth and declining customer engagement. Bajaria oversaw approximately $20bn in annual content spending, delivering major successes including Squid Game and Wednesday while expanding into live sports and events. Her departure follows Netflix's announcement of 1,000 job cuts, representing 6% of its workforce and its largest restructuring since 2022.

Wall Street Journal

LEADERSHIP

Okta CEO advocates deliberate leadership decisions

Okta co-founder and chief executive Todd McKinnon says one of his earliest leadership lessons was recognizing the importance of slowing down decision-making rather than acting quickly. Without a superior reviewing his choices, he realised that executive decisions could immediately shape organizational direction. He also learned to project confidence despite uncertainty, recognizing that employees and investors take cues from their leader's convictions. However, as Okta expanded and financial pressures increased, McKinnon became overly reliant on external advice and lost some confidence in his instincts. Reflecting on this, he explained: "You have to balance it, right?" His experience highlights the importance of combining thoughtful deliberation, optimism and independent judgement with appropriate consultation.

Wall Street Journal

PRODUCTIVITY

Boost productivity with human context

WORK-SELF's Human Context Infrastructure aims to enhance productivity by addressing the gaps left by AI agents in workflows. Wolf Magdelinic, chief executive and founder of WORK-SELF, stated: "If an employee still has to check, correct and coordinate the work around the agent, productivity is leaking back out of the workflow." The company’s Maya Enterprise provides the necessary organizational context for agents to operate effectively alongside employees. By implementing this system, enterprises have reported up to 40% less employee rework and significant cost savings, with improved coordination between humans and agents.

Green Bay Press Gazette

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. bosses tackle office return resistance

Top executives in the U.K. face challenges with developing AI as resistance to returning to the office continues, City AM reports. According to KPMG's 2026 global CEO outlook, 21% of UK bosses said they see resistance from staff to coming back into the office. Jon Holt, group chief executive of KPMG UK, said: "Human judgement is fundamental to AI success, not just humans using AI, but being in the lead with this technology." KPMG's report also found 87% of British bosses are prioritizing AI investment, expecting returns within three years. However, 81% acknowledge ethical concerns surrounding AI. Separately, although 86% of UK CEOs express confidence in their company's growth, broader economic optimism has declined from 79% to 64%.

City AM

OTHER

City worker makes his mark

Javier Rezendez Rocha, a 38-year-old employee of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), is among four men accused of causing over $170,000 in graffiti damage to downtown buildings. Prosecutors allege that from August 2025 to August 2026, the group used specialized equipment and drones to vandalize properties, including historic sites like the Cameo Theatre and the Roxie Theatre. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated: “These defendants turned buildings across Los Angeles into their personal billboards,” emphasizing that their motives were profit and social media attention rather than artistic expression. Rocha faces 12 counts of felony vandalism, while his accomplices face various charges. The investigation revealed that city-owned equipment was allegedly used during the incidents.

Los Angeles Times

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