(Brands & Consumers)
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced legal action against Chrome Holding, the company that succeeded genetic testing firm 23andMe, over allegations linked to a major data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of users. The lawsuit follows an investigation by the California Department of Justice, which concluded that 23andMe failed to adequately…
For years, Stephanie Intrevado has been an enthusiastic collector of Sour Puss, the brightly coloured fruit-flavoured liqueur that has become a staple among generations of Canadian university students. From passionfruit and coconut to watermelon and raspberry varieties, the Quebec resident has spent years tracking down rare bottles and branded merchandise. Having first tasted the drink…
The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has expressed concern over the rising cost of clearing cargo at Nigerian seaports, revealing that importers now spend as much as ₦14 million to ₦15 million to clear a 20-foot container at Apapa Port in Lagos. According to the association, the same container can be cleared in neighbouring Benin…
A Google engineer has been charged in the United States over allegations that he used confidential company information to make more than $1.2 million from bets placed on cryptocurrency-based prediction platform Polymarket. US prosecutors identified the suspect as Michele Spagnuolo, an Italian citizen residing in Switzerland, who was arrested on Wednesday and later appeared before…
Global carmakers are facing mounting pressure as Chinese automotive brands rapidly gain ground in electric vehicles, battery technology, software integration, and manufacturing efficiency. At the Auto China 2026 exhibition in Beijing and Hefei, the scale of China’s advancement became difficult to ignore. Factory floors showcased extraordinary levels of automation, while software development cycles appeared significantly…
Canada has signed a major energy agreement with Germany that will pave the way for long-term exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe beginning in the early 2030s. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Vancouver by Canada’s Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, who described the development as a significant breakthrough for both countries. Under…
Luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari has seen its shares tumble after unveiling its first fully electric vehicle, the $640,000 (£474,320) Luce. Following the launch, Ferrari’s shares dropped more than 8% on the Milan stock market and over 5% in New York as investors and car enthusiasts reacted to the company’s bold shift into the electric…
Rising global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure has pushed semiconductor giants SK Hynix and Micron Technology past the $1 trillion (£740 billion) market valuation milestone. Shares of SK Hynix surged by 10% on Wednesday, extending a remarkable rally that has seen the company’s stock price more than triple since the start of the year. The…
For millions of Nigerians already battling rising living costs, the sudden increase in cooking gas prices has become yet another painful reminder of the country’s worsening economic realities. Across homes, markets and gas stations, frustration is growing as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, climbs sharply beyond the reach…
The chief executive of Next has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a “dramatic” decline in entry-level job opportunities across the UK, warning that young people are bearing the brunt of a weakening labour market. Simon Wolfson, widely known as Lord Wolfson, said the retail giant has seen a sharp rise in the…
Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the $640,000 (£474,320) “Luce.” The new model marks a major shift for the iconic Italian brand, becoming Ferrari’s first-ever five-seater and featuring a design created in collaboration with LoveFrom, the agency founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Unlike Ferrari’s traditional supercars,…
Leading fintech company OPay has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship scholarship initiative, now rebranded as OPay Scholars, as part of its ₦1.2 billion, 10-year commitment to supporting education in Nigeria. As part of the expanded programme, OPay has introduced an Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google and OPay Futures, aimed…
Sony has officially confirmed that a new PlayStation State of Play presentation will take place on June 2, 2026, giving fans another major showcase of upcoming PlayStation 5 titles. The upcoming broadcast will feature an extended look at the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac Games, one of the most awaited exclusive titles currently in…
A new wave of international acquisitions by Indian companies is reshaping the country’s corporate landscape, signalling a growing shift in how some of India’s biggest businesses view the future. From pharmaceuticals and technology to automobiles and insurance, Indian firms are increasingly spending billions to buy foreign companies – not merely as symbols of global ambition,…
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has directed the suspension of regulatory and administrative services to 11 domestic airlines over outstanding statutory debts owed to the agency. The directive was issued through an internal memo signed by the NCAA’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, and circulated to all relevant departments and regional offices…
The Canadian government is moving ahead with stricter regulations for streaming platforms, introducing a new 15 percent levy aimed at supporting local film, television and digital productions. The policy is part of the country’s Online Streaming Act, legislation introduced in 2023 to ensure major streaming services contribute financially to Canada’s creative industry. Under the updated…
British supermarket giant Morrisons has announced plans to close 100 stores across the UK over the coming months as the company battles rising operational costs and underperforming outlets. The retailer said the affected convenience stores, many of which were acquired through its takeover of McColl’s in 2022, have struggled financially for years despite efforts to…
As youth unemployment in the United Kingdom reaches its highest level in nearly a decade, the head of Amazon’s UK operations says young people are being unfairly blamed for a crisis they did not create. John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK country manager, believes the real problem lies in a system that is failing to prepare young…
Even as conflict involving Iran sends shockwaves across the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is refusing to slow its ambitious tourism expansion plans. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has faced direct security concerns following missile and drone attacks linked to the ongoing regional conflict. Some strikes targeted infrastructure connected to tourism, raising concerns about…
The global artificial intelligence boom has transformed Samsung Electronics into one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. Surging demand for semiconductors used in AI systems has pushed the South Korean tech giant beyond the $1 trillion mark in market value this year, helping drive South Korea’s stock market into the ranks of the world’s…
SpaceX has successfully launched its massive Starship V3 rocket on a major test flight after an earlier delay caused by a technical issue. The uncrewed rocket, regarded as the most powerful and tallest ever built, blasted off from Texas on Friday evening following days of anticipation surrounding the launch. The test mission marked the 12th…
Two luxury Hermès Birkin handbags confiscated from jailed Vietnamese businesswoman Truong My Lan have been sold for more than $535,000 during a government auction in Vietnam. According to reports, both bags were sold within 30 minutes of bidding, with one white crocodile-skin Birkin bag attracting the highest offer of about $440,144, while the second bag…
Meta has reached a settlement with a school district in the United States that accused social media companies of contributing to a growing mental health crisis among students. The case was filed by the Breathitt County School District, which alleged that platforms owned by Meta and other tech firms were intentionally designed to be addictive,…
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that the company’s refinery project is attracting billions of dollars in investment interest ahead of its planned Initial Public Offering (IPO) scheduled for September 2026. Dangote made the disclosure during a recent visit by Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo, alongside senior management officials of the…
SpaceX has officially unveiled plans to go public in the United States, setting the stage for what could become the largest stock market debut in Wall Street history. The company, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, develops rockets, operates the satellite internet network Starlink, and also controls the controversial artificial intelligence company xAI. The upcoming…
A potentially damaging strike at Samsung Electronics has been temporarily suspended after the company reached a tentative pay agreement with its largest labour union just hours before industrial action was set to begin. The decision has eased fears of disruption across the global technology industry, particularly at a time when demand for artificial intelligence (AI)…
Economic analysts and financial experts have reacted to the decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to retain the country’s benchmark interest rate at 26.50 percent, warning that businesses and ordinary Nigerians may continue to struggle with rising living costs and expensive borrowing conditions. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the decision on Wednesday after the…
Google is preparing to return to the smart glasses market more than 10 years after the commercial failure of Google Glass. The tech giant announced during its annual developer conference on Tuesday that the new AI-powered glasses will be released later this year and will feature built-in cameras and speakers designed to work with its…
Swatch chief executive Nick Hayek Jr has defended the company’s latest product launch after large crowds caused disruptions at several stores across the world. The chaos followed the release of Swatch’s collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, a pocket watch known as the Royal Pop timepiece. Speaking to the BBC, Hayek Jr admitted some stores…
Concerns are growing among gamers after reports emerged that several Sony PlayStation Network accounts may have been compromised through what users describe as a major security loophole. The issue gained widespread attention after gaming personality and podcast host Colin Moriarty revealed on X that his PlayStation account had allegedly been hacked despite security protections. Moriarty,…
Starbucks Korea has dismissed its chief executive officer following backlash over a promotional campaign many South Koreans viewed as insensitive to a painful chapter in the country’s history. The controversy erupted after the coffee chain launched a “Tank Day” promotion on Monday, coinciding with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising crackdown of May 1980. The…
Banking giant Standard Chartered has announced plans to cut thousands of jobs as the company increases its use of artificial intelligence and automation across its operations. The UK-headquartered bank said it intends to reduce more than 15 per cent of its back-office workforce by 2030, affecting approximately 7,800 roles globally. According to reports, some affected…
African billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has been named the African Energy Person of the Year 2026 by the African Energy Chamber, in recognition of his growing influence on the continent’s energy and industrial landscape. The award celebrates individuals whose contributions have strengthened Africa’s energy security, expanded infrastructure, promoted economic resilience and supported African-led development….
A robotics startup based in Boston, Automated Tire, has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered tire-changing system capable of replacing tires faster than traditional mechanics without removing the wheel from the vehicle. The company introduced the technology, called SmartBay, this week, describing it as a next-generation automated service platform designed to handle tire replacement, wheel balancing and…
James Murdoch is reportedly in discussions to acquire New York magazine and Vox Media’s podcast network in a deal estimated to be worth more than $300 million. According to reports, Murdoch’s investment firm, Lupa Systems, is currently negotiating the potential acquisition as Vox Media explores options to sell parts of its business amid growing challenges…
Sucker Punch has confirmed that Ghost of Yotei: Legends will not receive any more major updates, disappointing fans who had hoped for additional content for the online multiplayer mode. Legends, the free multiplayer component of Ghost of Yotei, launched on March 11 and recently received its first Raid update. However, the developers have now revealed…
Forza Horizon 6 is already recording massive commercial success ahead of its worldwide release, with reports indicating the racing game has generated more than $140 million from Premium Edition sales alone. The game became available on May 15 for players who purchased the Premium Edition, while the full global release is scheduled for May 19….
Trump Mobile has announced that shipments of its long-awaited T1 smartphone will begin this week, nearly a year after the company first opened pre-orders and collected deposits from customers. The gold-coloured smartphone, branded as the Trump Mobile T1, was initially expected to launch last August but faced repeated delays. The company recently updated its pre-order…
Social media platform X has committed to taking quicker action on reports of suspected illegal hate speech and terrorist content in the United Kingdom under new measures accepted by media regulator Ofcom. The Elon Musk-owned platform said it would review reports submitted through its illegal content reporting system within an average timeframe of 24 hours….
Japanese automobile giant Honda has posted its first annual financial loss in seven decades after its aggressive investments in electric vehicles failed to deliver the expected returns. The company reported an operating loss of ¥423 billion for the financial year ending March 2026, citing weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles and changing market conditions. Honda said…
Former England football star David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham, have officially joined the billionaire ranks after their combined fortune was estimated at £1.2 billion in the latest Sunday Times Rich List. The achievement makes Beckham the first British sports personality to reach billionaire status, according to the annual wealth ranking. The…
OPay has extended support to more than 1,000 students in Osun State through its Play4aChild Initiative, providing educational materials to learners across several schools as part of efforts to promote access to quality education and youth development. The fintech company partnered with the Do Good Charity Back-To-School project for the outreach, which also benefited 40…
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, have agreed to pay a combined $18 million to settle a civil fraud lawsuit filed against them by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The proposed settlement, which is still subject to court approval, relates to allegations made by the SEC in 2024 over…
Across cities like Kansas City, Houston, Miami and New York City, signs of the coming FIFA World Cup are impossible to miss. Billboards tower over busy roads, bars are preparing football-themed events, and stores are already stocking tournament merchandise. The excitement surrounding the global competition appears to be building steadily on the streets. But behind…
The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos has banned Point of Sale (PoS) transactions within its premises as part of measures aimed at strengthening professionalism and security standards. The directive was announced by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, during a strategic meeting and general…
The United States government has announced that football fans from dozens of countries will no longer be required to pay a $15,000 visa deposit if they are travelling to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup with valid match tickets. The decision affects travellers from 50 countries previously subject to the visa bond requirement introduced by…
Australian supermarket giant Coles has been found guilty of misleading consumers through deceptive discount promotions after a federal court ruled that several advertised price reductions were not genuine. The case was brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which accused the retailer of temporarily increasing prices before promoting them as discounted under its…
FLYGABON, Gabon’s national airline, has officially commenced flight operations from Lagos as part of its expansion strategy across Nigeria and the African aviation market. The airline said the move is aimed at improving connectivity between West, Central, and Southern Africa while supporting regional trade, tourism, and business travel. FLYGABON had earlier launched operations from Port…
Online marketplace eBay has turned down a $55.5 billion takeover proposal from video game retailer GameStop, describing the offer as unsolicited and unattractive. In a letter addressed to GameStop Chief Executive Officer Ryan Cohen, eBay’s Board of Directors said it rejected the proposal after reviewing concerns surrounding the financing structure, operational risks, and long-term impact…
A New Tech Boom With Old Privacy Questions A new generation of “smart glasses” is quietly becoming one of the fastest-growing consumer tech categories in the world. But alongside the rising sales, concerns about privacy are multiplying just as quickly. At the centre of the boom is Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are now the…
