Author: psdk

Judge Dismisses Monopoly ClaimsA US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp more than ten years ago. The decision delivers a major setback for the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020, arguing the acquisitions allowed the company to dominate social media. Judge James Boasberg wrote that the agency failed to prove its case and concluded that Meta does not hold monopoly power. Meta welcomed the ruling, emphasizing it operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. Executives Highlight Intense Market RivalryIn April, Judge Boasberg presided over…

Pichai says no company will be immuneSundar Pichai warns every company will feel the impact if the AI surge slows. He told a major British news outlet that the current AI investment wave marks an “extraordinary moment” but also carries signs of “irrationality.” He highlighted growing concern in Silicon Valley as valuations rise and firms spend massive sums on AI technology. Pichai said Google can weather a slowdown but still faces exposure. “I think no company is going to be immune, including us,” he said. Inside Google: pressures on the AI sectorPichai discussed rising energy demand, delayed climate goals, UK…

Trump Reverses Position on DisclosureDonald Trump now calls on House Republicans to back the public release of the Epstein files. He writes on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans indicate they may vote with Democrats. The House plans to vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to release the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump would need to sign the measure if both chambers approve it. Bipartisan Support StrengthensDemocrats and several Republicans continue to back the legislation. Co-sponsor Thomas…

Soaring Grocery Costs Trigger Policy Shift President Donald Trump lifts tariffs on a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order removing duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move comes as households face frustration over climbing grocery prices. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite Republican setbacks in recent elections. The new exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these goods in sufficient quantities. Trump Defends Trade Policy Trump insists his tariffs never drove up consumer prices. He claims critics exaggerate affordability issues for political effect. He says the levies protect…

Judge Ends Years of LitigationA bankruptcy judge approved a $7.4bn settlement on Friday, requiring Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to pay for their role in the US opioid crisis. The ruling ends years of legal battles to hold the OxyContin-maker and its owners accountable. It also releases long-delayed funds to help people struggling with addiction. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after thousands of lawsuits accused the company of fueling the opioid epidemic. Settlement Surpasses Previous DealThe new agreement adds more than $1bn to an earlier settlement rejected by the Supreme Court last year. Steve Miller, Purdue board chairman,…

Apology Triggers Political BacklashThe national broadcaster apologises to US President Donald Trump after Panorama producers merged parts of his 6 January 2021 speech. The edit falsely suggested Trump directly encouraged violent action. The 2024 programme will no longer air. Trump’s lawyers threaten a $1bn lawsuit and demand a retraction, an apology, and compensation. The scandal leads to the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness on Sunday. The broadcaster seeks comment from the White House. Second Misleading Clip SurfacesThe apology follows hours after the Daily Telegraph exposes another edited clip from a 2022 Newsnight episode. In…

President Donald Trump has approved a short-term funding measure that ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. He signed the bill just hours after the House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 on Wednesday night. The Senate had narrowly passed the same legislation two days earlier following tense negotiations. In the Oval Office, Trump said the government would “resume normal operations” after “people were hurt so badly” during the 43-day closure. Since October, many federal agencies had suspended operations. About 1.4 million federal employees were either on unpaid leave or working without pay. Food assistance programs froze, and nationwide…

US President Donald Trump says he has a “duty” to sue a British broadcaster for editing part of his 6 January 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary. Speaking to Fox News, he claimed the edit “butchered” his words and “misled” viewers. This is his first public comment since his lawyers warned of a $1 billion lawsuit unless the organisation retracts the programme, apologises, and compensates him. Trump says speech was altered In an interview on The Ingraham Angle, Trump said he intends to pursue legal action. “Well, I guess I have to,” he said. “They deceived the public, and they…

The United States Senate has passed a major funding bill that could end the nation’s longest government shutdown within days. The measure cleared the chamber late on Monday with a 60-40 vote, supported by nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats. The deal funds federal operations through the end of January. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which must approve it before President Donald Trump can sign it into law. Trump said earlier on Monday that he was ready to support the legislation. The breakthrough followed weekend negotiations between both parties to reopen federal agencies and return employees…

New leader tasked with restoring growth and confidenceDiageo, the world’s largest drinks company, has appointed former Tesco chief executive Sir Dave Lewis as its new boss. He will take over on 1 January, following the summer resignation of Debra Crew, who left after two years at the helm. The move aims to reverse declining sales and strengthen investor confidence. Guinness continues to perform strongly, but other brands have struggled, pushing shares to a 10-year low. Following the announcement, shares rose 7% in early Monday trading. Key brands face challenges in global marketsDiageo owns major drinks brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff…