(Brands & Consumers)
Fans of the wildly popular Labubu dolls have voiced frustration after toy maker Pop Mart suspended in-store sales across all 16 of its UK locations. The move follows chaotic scenes, including reports of fights and long overnight queues, as demand for the collectible dolls reached fever pitch. The company confirmed to the BBC that sales…
Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic has introduced a powerful new model that can operate autonomously for close to seven hours – a development that signals a potential shift in how businesses integrate AI into daily operations. The new model, Claude Opus 4, was launched on Thursday alongside a general-purpose version called Claude Sonnet 4. According to…
Global ride-hailing platform inDrive has launched a dedicated online portal designed to support public safety investigations by authorised Nigerian law enforcement agencies. The new Law Enforcement Request Portal, now live, provides a secure channel through which law enforcement officers can formally request user data in connection with safety or criminal investigations. The move aims to…
Renowned British designer Sir Jony Ive, celebrated for shaping Apple’s most iconic products, is teaming up with OpenAI as the artificial intelligence firm moves to develop its own hardware line. OpenAI announced it will acquire a start-up founded by Sir Jony, who will take on significant design and creative responsibilities across the company. The collaboration…
Marks & Spencer’s website has resumed browsing functionality following a temporary shutdown that left users unable to access the platform overnight. The retailer confirmed early Thursday morning that customers can now browse its site again after overnight updates were implemented. The brief outage came amid ongoing fallout from a cyber attack that has severely disrupted…
Sportswear giant Nike has announced plans to raise the prices of several products starting June 1, with adjustments set to affect a broad range of items including footwear, apparel, and equipment. According to the company, the decision is part of its regular “seasonal planning” process. While no direct reference was made to the ongoing uncertainty…
After nearly five years off the platform, Epic Games’ blockbuster title Fortnite has officially returned to the Apple App Store in the United States. The popular battle royale game was reinstated on Tuesday, marking the end of a prolonged standoff between Epic Games and Apple. The app had been banned from the App Store since…
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed his commitment to leading the electric vehicle company for at least the next five years, amid investor concerns about his focus and Tesla’s recent performance. Speaking at the Bloomberg Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Tuesday, Musk responded with an unequivocal “yes” when asked whether he would continue as…
Global pop star and entrepreneur Selena Gomez has teamed up with Oreo to create a brand-new cookie flavor – a first-of-its-kind for the 113-year-old brand. The limited-edition flavor, inspired by Gomez’s love for horchata – a sweet cinnamon-infused drink popular in many Latin cultures – features a rich blend of chocolate and cinnamon crème mixed…
Biotech giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced plans to acquire genetic testing firm 23andMe for $256 million, following the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. The deal was confirmed on Monday and is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2025. The acquisition comes after 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March amid falling demand for its ancestry…
Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) saw its shares jump sharply on its Hong Kong debut, marking the largest initial public offering (IPO) of the year so far. The world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer raised nearly HK$35.7 billion (US$4.55 billion) in the listing, with its stock climbing as much as…
Sesame Street is set to make its debut on Netflix following a new partnership between the streaming giant and the producers of the iconic children’s show. The move comes amid major funding cuts from the U.S. federal government to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the long-time home of the beloved series. The deal will bring…
adidas Originals is bringing back a standout from its “Island Series” for Summer 2025. The adidas Trinidad & Tobago sneaker, last released in 2015, returns in the same striking orange and black colorway. The “Island Series” is a unique offshoot of adidas’ well-known “City Series,” inspired by islands rather than major cities. Originally launched in…
Few video game franchises are as iconic as Doom. Since its debut in 1993, the first-person shooter has become a cornerstone of the gaming world. But even Doom and its legendary protagonist, The Doom Slayer, are navigating new hurdles in 2025 – from attracting fresh players to competing with free-to-play giants and handling rising development…
Uber says it is ready to deploy driverless taxis on UK roads, but new government timelines suggest fully autonomous vehicles won’t be approved until late 2027. While previous government projections aimed for a 2026 rollout, the Department for Transport has now confirmed that legislation enabling fully self-driving cars will likely come into effect in the…
Spotify is under pressure to clamp down on a wave of fake podcasts promoting the illegal sale of prescription drugs through questionable online pharmacies. A recent investigation revealed that Spotify’s podcast platform hosted dozens of phony shows that advertised the sale of medications like Adderall, Xanax, Oxycodone, and Percocet—often without requiring a prescription. Many of…
The Trump administration has stripped Harvard University of its ability to enroll international students, citing the institution’s refusal to comply with federal demands – marking a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the White House and one of America’s most prestigious universities. In a move announced Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said…
Save for collaborations by Fragment and UNDEFEATED, the Nike Zoom Spiridon appeared to be focusing exclusively on OG and OG-adjacent looks until a “Barely Volt” colorway hit the ‘net last month. Now that it’s been established that new colorways will also play a role in the model’s current retro stint, the Beaverton brand is pouring…
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has attributed a recent controversy involving its chatbot, Grok, to the actions of a “rogue employee.” The chatbot, which is integrated into Musk’s social media platform X, startled users earlier this week by referencing “white genocide” in South Africa—an unrelated and inflammatory topic that surfaced in response to general…
Caribbean-themed restaurant chain Bahama Breeze has closed more than a third of its locations across the United States, as parent company Darden Restaurants moves to streamline operations and boost overall performance. Fifteen outlets were shut down this week, including multiple locations in Florida and New Jersey, as well as single sites in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan,…
In a bid to deepen its connection with the global gaming community, leading tech brand Infinix has announced a new partnership with Garena Games, creators of the hit tactical mobile shooter Delta Force. To celebrate the game’s global debut, Infinix has rolled out exclusive Delta Force-inspired wallpapers through its customization platform, XTheme. The collaboration offers…
Rite Aid has announced the sale of pharmacy assets from more than 1,000 of its stores to major rivals, including CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Kroger, and Albertsons, as part of its ongoing efforts to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company revealed the deals on Thursday, describing the divestment as a critical step in ensuring uninterrupted…
Dick’s Sporting Goods has announced plans to acquire longtime rival Foot Locker in a $2.4 billion agreement, marking a major move in the evolving retail landscape as apparel companies seek to strengthen their positions amid global trade tensions and shifting consumer habits. Revealed on Thursday, the deal signals Dick’s first significant step toward international expansion….
British luxury fashion brand Burberry has announced plans to cut nearly one-fifth of its global workforce by 2027, as part of a broader effort to reduce costs and steer the company back to profitability. The company disclosed the move on Wednesday, revealing that approximately 1,700 jobs are at risk. The announcement accompanied its financial results…
POCO, the fast-growing sub-brand of Xiaomi, is gearing up to introduce two new smartphones to the Nigerian market – POCO C71 and POCO X7 Pro – expanding its reach across both entry-level and premium segments. Although official launch dates are yet to be confirmed, industry insiders suggest the devices will debut in quick succession, offering…
Fox News has secured a significant procedural win in its ongoing legal fight with voting technology company Smartmatic, as a New York appeals court on Tuesday granted the network access to documents it says are critical to its defense. The court overturned a lower ruling and allowed Fox News to obtain materials related to a…
Boeing has secured a landmark agreement with Qatar Airways for up to 210 widebody aircraft, marking what U.S. officials describe as the aerospace giant’s largest-ever deal of its kind, with a total estimated value of $96 billion. The announcement was made on Wednesday during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Doha. The deal, which includes…
PalmPay, one of Africa’s leading mobile financial platforms, has announced Amarachi Ujunwa Nwakire as the grand prize winner of its recently concluded Wealth Wish Campaign, awarding her a cash prize of ₦3 million. The campaign, which ran from April 2 to April 30, 2025, was designed to encourage users to build better saving habits using…
After months of speculation, ESPN has officially announced the name and launch details of its long-awaited standalone streaming platform. Simply branded “ESPN,” the new service is set to debut in the fall, marking a significant shift in the Disney-owned network’s approach to digital sports broadcasting. “We kept coming back to our four letters – ESPN,”…
Microsoft is reportedly preparing to lay off approximately 7,000 employees – about 3% of its global workforce – as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy tied to its growing focus on artificial intelligence. According to a report by CNBC, the job cuts will span multiple departments and regions, making this the company’s largest round of…
Airbnb is rolling out a major redesign of its app as it takes a bold step toward becoming a full-service travel platform, offering users the option to book personal services such as chefs, fitness trainers, and massage therapists directly through its platform. The move marks a return to the company’s broader vision of delivering an…
Just over a year after its highly anticipated global release, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is set to go offline, publisher Activision has announced. The mobile title, launched worldwide on March 21, 2024, will be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on Sunday, May 18, 2025. In a post on X…
Despite billions in added costs from tariffs, major automakers have largely resisted raising car prices – at least for now. While this may sound like good news for consumers, experts warn it could be an ominous sign for the broader U.S. economy. In recent years, the U.S. has imposed steep tariffs – 25% on imported…
Pepsi, once the dominant rival to Coca-Cola, has slipped to fourth place in the U.S. soft drink market, according to new data from Beverage Digest – marking a significant turning point in the long-running “Soda Wars.” While Coca-Cola continues to lead the $97 billion U.S. carbonated beverage industry with a commanding 19.1% market share, Pepsi’s…
Fast food giant McDonald’s has announced plans to hire up to 375,000 workers across its U.S. locations this summer, marking its largest recruitment drive in five years. The move, unveiled at an Ohio restaurant on Monday alongside U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is aimed at boosting staffing levels at more than 13,000 restaurants nationwide in…
Rockstar Games has released the second official trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, and fans around the world are soaking in every explosive second of it. Nearly 18 months after the game’s first reveal, the new trailer delivers a deeper dive into Vice City’s vibrant chaos – complete with story teases, fast-paced action, and a…
A fresh collaboration is on the horizon for sneakerheads and hip-hop fans alike, as OG Chase B teams up with Jordan Brand for the first time. The long-time Cactus Jack DJ and producer is reportedly lending his creative touch to the Jordan Jumpman Jack – officially known as the CJ1 T-REXX – a silhouette originally…
The White House is currently engaged in negotiations with Qatar’s royal family over the possible transfer of a luxury aircraft for temporary use as an Air Force One jet, sparking both diplomatic intrigue and political scrutiny. While the Qatari government has clarified that the aircraft would not be a gift, officials confirmed that talks are…
Kip’s Toyland, Los Angeles’ oldest toy store, is fighting for survival as looming U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports threaten to push prices beyond what small retailers – and their customers – can bear. The beloved store, nestled in the Farmers Market on Fairfax Avenue, has been a fixture of childhood joy for nearly 80 years….
Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Google for renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” on its maps platform for U.S. users, President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed. The legal move comes after months of diplomatic protest and a formal request urging the tech giant to reverse the change. Sheinbaum did not specify which…
The UK government has moved to allay concerns about food safety following a new trade agreement with the United States that allows for an increase in tariff-free beef imports. Officials insist that hormone-treated beef – commonly used in US farming – will remain banned from entering the UK. The new deal, which permits up to…
Former President Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism after unveiling a U.S.-UK trade framework that offers tariff relief for high-end British luxury vehicles while threatening to double toy prices for American families. In an Oval Office announcement on Thursday, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would lower import tariffs on up to 100,000 UK-manufactured vehicles annually…
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has issued a stark warning over recent foreign aid cuts driven by Elon Musk’s influence in the U.S. government, claiming the move could result in millions of deaths worldwide. Speaking to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria in an interview set to air Sunday, Gates criticised the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International…
Alexander Mashinsky, founder and former CEO of collapsed crypto lending platform Celsius Network, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for defrauding customers out of billions by misrepresenting the safety of their investments. A U.S. District Court in Manhattan handed down the sentence on Thursday, with Judge John G. Koeltl describing Mashinsky’s conduct…
Jordan Brand has released the first official images of the highly anticipated Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red” with the iconic black tongue, giving sneaker fans a detailed look at the 2025 edition of the classic silhouette. Featured in fresh Nike studio photography, the upcoming release is a nod to the original 1990 design, featuring precise…
Google is stepping up its fight against online scams with a new artificial intelligence-powered system that can detect fraudulent websites in real time on Chrome. The tech giant announced on Thursday that it’s now using a version of its Gemini AI model directly on users’ devices to identify scammy web pages – particularly those that…
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced a bold plan to give away the majority of his fortune – estimated at $200 billion – within the next two decades. As part of the move, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest private charities, will officially close its doors by…
The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands has filed a lawsuit against beverage giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, accusing the companies of misleading consumers about the environmental impact of their products and contributing significantly to the territory’s growing plastic waste crisis. The 42-page civil suit, filed in April and reported by the Virgin Islands Consortium, alleges…
The Walt Disney Company has revealed plans to open its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, marking a major expansion of its global entertainment footprint. The new resort will be built on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, through a partnership with local leisure developer Miral. Announced on Wednesday, the upcoming attraction…
Foxconn, the Taiwanese tech giant best known for manufacturing Apple’s iPhones, has unveiled plans to build electric vehicles (EVs) for Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors in a new push into the global EV market. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), outlining a collaboration in which Foxconn’s EV subsidiary, Foxtron, will design and…
