A coalition of 12 US states, led by California, has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed $110 billion (£85 billion) merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., arguing that the deal would reduce competition, increase prices, and limit consumer choice. The legal challenge targets what would become the largest media consolidation in Hollywood’s history,…
US fast-food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to open its first restaurant in Mexico this week, marking a significant milestone as the company expands into the country that inspired much of its menu. The restaurant chain, which operates more than 4,100 locations worldwide, announced on Monday that the launch represents an important step in…
A decade after it revolutionised mobile gaming, Pokémon Go continues to bring millions of players together, proving that its appeal extends far beyond catching virtual creatures. Since its launch in 2016, the augmented reality game has been downloaded more than one billion times across Android and iOS devices. Even after 10 years, millions of players…
Nigerian content creator and actress Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, has revealed why she chooses not to collaborate with certain colleagues in the entertainment industry. Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Kiekie said she avoids working with skit makers whose content she considers excessively vulgar or indecent, explaining that such collaborations would not…
A University of Plymouth student has developed a low-cost wearable device capable of translating spoken language and displaying real-time subtitles in front of a user’s eyes, offering an affordable alternative to expensive smart glasses. Twenty-two-year-old Milya Mohd Asyraf spent six months designing the prototype as part of her Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree. The device,…
Gloucestershire County Council has launched an artificial intelligence-powered messaging service designed to help unpaid carers access information and support at any time of the day. The new service, called Ask Grace, operates through WhatsApp, allowing carers to ask questions in their own words and receive tailored responses. The AI chatbot provides quick access to trusted…
SpaceX made history when it became a publicly traded company, delivering the largest initial public offering (IPO) ever seen. Yet barely a month after its spectacular Wall Street debut, the excitement that sent its share price soaring has begun to give way to questions about whether the company can live up to its lofty valuation….
Nigerian rapper Olanrewaju Ogunmefun David, popularly known as Vector Tha Viper, has shared how his childhood experiences with his sisters influenced the way he views women. Speaking in a recent episode of the MENtality podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Vector said he does not subscribe to the belief that women are “weaker vessels,” attributing his…
Around 200 jobs could be at risk after John Lewis announced plans to close its in-store foreign exchange services and dedicated gift-wrapping areas as part of efforts to modernise its operations. The retailer confirmed that no final decision has been made and that it has begun a consultation process with affected employees. If approved, the…
Hidden beneath a luxury apartment building in Manhattan, Aldi’s newest US store is proving that bargain hunting can thrive even in one of the world’s most expensive neighbourhoods. For shoppers like 79-year-old Mary Porter, the attraction was immediate. A jar of almond butter selling for just $4 stood out in particular because the same product…
Meta has withdrawn a newly launched artificial intelligence-powered image feature from Instagram just days after its release, following widespread criticism over privacy concerns. The feature, introduced as part of Meta’s new Muse Image tool, allowed users of the Meta AI chatbot to generate or edit images using content from public Instagram accounts by simply tagging…
Nigerian singer Brymo has reignited his long-running feud with fellow artiste Burna Boy, declaring that he intends to retaliate over what he described as an offence committed against him. Speaking during a recent appearance on the NotJustOk podcast, Brymo revisited the public disagreement between the two musicians, which dates back to 2023. The dispute began…
Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, its design subsidiary io Products and two former Apple employees, alleging the artificial intelligence company unlawfully obtained confidential information through the recruitment of key staff. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, accuses OpenAI of engaging in what Apple described as “a pattern of theft” involving sensitive product development…
South Korean semiconductor manufacturer SK Hynix has raised $26.5 billion (£19.8 billion) through its New York stock market debut, completing the largest US share offering ever by a foreign company. The company announced on Thursday that it sold 177.9 million American depositary shares (ADS) at $149 each. On their first day of trading on the…
Nigerian music star Qing Madi has been unveiled as the official face of the new Infinix HOT 70 Pro, as the smartphone maker launches a youth-focused campaign centred on creativity, self-expression and individuality. The partnership pairs one of Africa’s fastest-rising music talents with a brand that has built much of its identity around Gen Z…
Nigerian singer Augustine Kelechi, popularly known as Tekno, has shared his views on the state of modern relationships, claiming that love has changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking during a recent interview on Cool FM Lagos, the Pana hitmaker suggested that the prolonged lockdown in 2020 altered how many people viewed their romantic relationships…
The UK government has unveiled proposals to tighten regulations on vaping products, including banning colourful packaging and flavour names inspired by sweets, desserts and cocktails, as part of efforts to curb youth vaping. The measures form part of a 12-week public consultation launched to make vaping products less attractive to children and young people while…
A bidding war has erupted over one of Europe’s best-known budget airlines after EasyJet agreed in principle to a £5.7 billion takeover proposal from US investment giant Apollo Global Management, just days after accepting an earlier offer from rival private equity firm Castlelake. The dramatic twist has set the stage for a contest that could…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned an alleged drug kingpin, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians before a Federal High Court in Lagos over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory in Mowe Forest, Ogun State. The defendants are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, operating a…
Nollywood Actor Ikechukwu Nweke Appeals for Support Amid Colon Cancer Battle Veteran Nollywood actor Ikechukwu Nweke has revealed that he is battling colon cancer and has appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to continue his medical treatment. In a video shared on his Instagram page on Friday and titled My Cancer Journey, the actor disclosed…
Japanese authorities have arrested a 15-year-old high school student over his alleged involvement in a cyberattack that disrupted the operations of Bandai Namco Filmworks’s Bandai Channel streaming service and led to the cancellation of more than 46,000 user accounts. According to reports citing the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the teenager is being investigated for alleged…
East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust has become the first NHS trust in the UK to introduce an artificial intelligence tool designed to help clinicians detect infections earlier, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital-acquired infections. The technology, known as MEMORI, is being used at Kent and Canterbury Hospital as part of a partnership between the…
A California bankruptcy court has approved a $46.75 million (£35 million) compensation settlement for people affected by the 2023 data breach at genetic testing company 23andMe. The ruling requires Chrome Holding, which acquired 23andMe’s assets following the company’s bankruptcy, to fund the settlement. Chrome Holding, operating as TTAM Research Institute and led by 23andMe co-founder…
Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has weighed in on the long-running debate over the value of formal education, saying there is “some truth” to the popular phrase “school na scam.” Speaking during a recent interview with media personality Joey Akan, the actor argued that academic qualifications alone do not guarantee success, citing his own career…
Samsung Electronics expects a sharp rise in quarterly earnings, forecasting a nearly 19-fold increase in operating profit as strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory chips continues to boost its semiconductor business. In its earnings guidance released on Tuesday, the South Korean technology giant projected operating profit of 89.4 trillion won (about $58.4 billion)…
Nigeria’s electricity regulator says three neighbouring countries owe more than $12.6 million for electricity supplied during the first quarter of 2026 after paying less than one-third of their outstanding invoices. According to the latest first-quarter report released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), electricity generation companies billed international customers $17.48 million between January and…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unauthorised use of Nigerian news content. The directive follows a petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), which represents…
Nigerian music star Davido says he believes he would still have found success in the entertainment industry even if he had never become a recording artiste. Speaking during an interview with PlayKisstra, the Grammy-nominated singer said his passion for entertainment extends beyond performing, adding that he would likely have pursued opportunities in media or music…
Microsoft has announced plans to cut approximately 4,800 jobs, representing about 2.1% of its global workforce, with its gaming division, Xbox, accounting for a significant portion of the layoffs. The company said the move is part of a broader restructuring aimed at adapting to changes in the technology industry and positioning the business for long-term…
NEW DELHI – The Indian government has directed Meta to immediately remove advertisements and content on Instagram that promote or facilitate child sexual abuse material, following concerns over the presence of such content on the platform. A senior official from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said the government has also demanded that Meta…
For decades, Vietnam has been one of the world’s most recognisable destinations for counterfeit luxury goods. From bustling street markets in Ho Chi Minh City to hidden warehouses on the city’s outskirts, imitation handbags, sneakers, watches and clothing have long been sold openly, attracting both locals and international tourists seeking designer labels at bargain prices….
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Wizkid has reignited comparisons with fellow Afrobeats star Burna Boy after making a remark during his performance at the Afronation festival in Portugal. The renewed debate follows days of online discussions among fans over the performance schedule at the music festival. Burna Boy headlined the opening day of the event, prompting some…
The UK government has indicated that it may intervene in the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns over media plurality and the potential impact of the deal on the country’s news landscape. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she is “minded to intervene” in the transaction, which would…
As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces across industries, many companies are racing to automate tasks, streamline operations and reduce costs. But at Ford Motor Company, the future of manufacturing isn’t being built by algorithms alone. Instead, the automaker has made an unexpected investment: experience. Over the past three years, Ford has recruited more than 350 veteran…
NEW YORK – Comcast has announced plans to separate NBCUniversal and its European media business, Sky, into a standalone publicly traded company, a move that analysts say could reshape the media landscape and pave the way for future industry consolidation. The company said the spin-off process is expected to take about a year and remains…
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has responded to criticism surrounding his reported purchase of a custom one-of-one Venuum Widebody Bugatti Chiron, said to be worth approximately ₦9 billion. The singer has faced widespread reactions since news of the luxury vehicle emerged, with some critics questioning the decision to spend such a large sum on an…
Tesla recorded a sharp increase in global vehicle deliveries during the second quarter of 2026, signalling a potential recovery for the electric vehicle manufacturer after a challenging period marked by slowing sales and increased competition. The company reported delivering more than 480,000 vehicles between April and June, representing a 25% increase from just over 384,000…
For decades, ITV has been woven into the fabric of British television. From Coronation Street and Emmerdale to major sporting events and national news, it has remained one of the country’s most recognisable broadcasters. Now, that legacy could enter a new chapter. Sky is expected to acquire ITV’s television and streaming business in one of…
Long before the first serve is struck on Centre Court, another Wimbledon tradition is already in motion. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of tennis fans tuck into one of the tournament’s most enduring symbols: strawberries and cream. The simple dessert has become almost as iconic as the grass courts themselves, delighting spectators, celebrities and players…
Media personality and actress Toke Makinwa has challenged the perception that modern Nigerian women are excessively materialistic in relationships, arguing instead that many Nigerian men place too much emphasis on financial offerings. Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa said romantic relationships have historically involved an element of…
LONDON – Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to remain open until 5:00 a.m. on Monday to allow football fans to watch England’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, following a last-minute policy reversal by the UK government. The match, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. UK time in Mexico City,…
Authorities in Singapore have seized a luxury mansion valued at 55 million Singapore dollars (about $42.5 million) as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged smuggling of advanced Nvidia artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Police announced on Wednesday that the property was allegedly purchased using proceeds from the illegal trade of servers equipped with Nvidia…
LAGOS – Several customers of ProvidusUnity Bank, formerly Providus Bank, have reported unauthorised transactions on their payment cards, months after a cyberattack exposed sensitive data belonging to several Nigerian institutions. Affected customers took to the social media platform X on Friday to complain about suspicious deductions from their accounts. Some customers, who requested anonymity, also…
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has received some personal advice from his mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, who encouraged him to consider marriage and starting a family. Mrs Ogulu made the remark during a private celebration marking Burna Boy’s 35th birthday on July 2, attended by close friends and family. A video from the event,…
BRUSSELS – Europe’s highest court has upheld a €4.1 billion (£3.5 billion) antitrust fine against Google, ruling that the technology giant abused the dominance of its Android mobile operating system to restrict competition in the smartphone market. The decision dismisses Google’s appeal against the penalty, bringing to a close one of the European Union’s most…
WASHINGTON – Employment in the United States’ hospitality sector fell unexpectedly in June, defying forecasts that the ongoing FIFA World Cup would drive hiring across restaurants, bars and hotels. New figures released on Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the leisure and hospitality industry lost 61,000 jobs during the month, despite…
Volkswagen is reportedly preparing a sweeping restructuring plan that could see up to 100,000 jobs eliminated over the coming years as the German automotive giant responds to mounting financial and competitive pressures. According to German business publication Manager Magazin, the proposed cuts would affect roughly 15% of Volkswagen’s global workforce and would be accompanied by…
Nigerian music star Burna Boy has become the African artist with the highest number of monthly listeners in Spotify history, setting a new milestone on the global streaming platform. The Grammy-winning singer, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, recently surpassed the previous record of 46.58 million monthly listeners, which was held by South African artist…
The White House has asked OpenAI to restrict the initial release of its upcoming GPT-5.6 artificial intelligence model to a small group of government-approved partners, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The request follows growing concerns within the US government over increasingly powerful AI systems and comes shortly after the administration imposed export…
Air passengers have been urged not to pack power banks, vapes and other lithium battery-powered devices in checked luggage as aviation authorities warn that such items have become the leading fire risk on commercial aircraft. The warning comes from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ahead of the busy summer travel season, with school holidays…
