News 4 u.

A proposed nearly 1-million-square-foot AI datacenter in California’s Imperial County has been halted pending an extensive environmental review after lawsuits and intense local opposition. Residents cite pressure on scarce water, the power grid, wildlife and quality of life, while developer Sebastian Rucci says the project would bring jobs and tax revenue. The proposal could require about 330 megawatts of electricity and 750,000 gallons of water daily. Google denies being involved in a datacenter project there, despite Rucci’s claims of interest.

AI investment in data centers and microchips has helped support global growth and trade, but officials meeting in Bangkok warned that the boom could create wider economic and financial risks if confidence breaks. IMF estimates cited in the report suggest a decline in AI investment could reduce global GDP by 0.4% by 2028. Higher energy prices, interest rates, uncertain profitability, and weak safeguards could intensify the strain. The figures are forecasts and depend on assumptions about investment and conflict.

President Donald Trump waived sanctions, restrictions and tariffs required by the Graham Act just before they were due to take effect. The order clears the way for Russian diesel imports and removes measures targeting Russian officials, banks, oil buyers and sanctions evasion. The administration says the waiver supports peace negotiations, while senators from both parties and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argue it weakens pressure on Moscow. Existing sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders remain in force, but the waiver also gives the administration broader room to alter the new regime.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and order after protests over fuel prices, living costs and deteriorating public services turned into widespread rioting and looting. About 550,000 people reportedly demonstrated, while the interior ministry said roughly 2,400 people were arrested and about 1,000 police officers injured. Fires and damage hit civic buildings and businesses, including a historic city hall in Limoges. Macron promised measures to protect shops and public buildings and full transparency over the police response, as smaller clashes continued in Paris and Lyon.

The Justice Department has taken a series of actions near the US midterms that critics say abandon longstanding safeguards against political interference, including raids, voter-fraud prosecutions, pressure on California to investigate 20,000 voters and campaign appearances by Attorney General Todd Blanche. The department says no binding rule bars action during an election period. The reporting contrasts that defense with its manual’s restrictions and an informal 60-day practice, while noting unresolved questions about evidence and methodology.