(Brands & Consumers)
Google’s greenhouse gas emissions surged by 48% in 2023 compared to 2019, according to the tech giant’s latest environmental report. The spike is largely attributed to the increasing energy demands of data centres, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered services require significantly more computing power—and consequently more electricity—than traditional online activities,…
Donal O’Leary, a barber who offers “pay-as-you-feel” haircuts, has been named the UK’s Best Barber at the 2024 UK Hair and Beauty Awards. O’Leary, who works at the Apothecary 87 salon in Balby, Doncaster, provides haircuts where customers pay what they can afford, a service especially valuable during the current cost-of-living crisis. Expressing his surprise…
Ghanaian chef Ebenezer Smith, widely known as Chef Smith, has been arrested for allegedly fabricating a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. On Tuesday, Chef Smith held a press conference where he announced on social media that he had set a new world record with an 820-hour and 25-minute cooking…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has unanimously voted to block the proposed $4 billion merger between mattress industry giants Tempur Sealy and Mattress Firm. The decision aims to prevent what the Commission sees as a threat to competition and consumer prices. Tempur Sealy, the largest mattress supplier globally, agreed in May 2023 to acquire Mattress…
Tesla has reported a decline in sales for the second consecutive quarter, marking the first time in its history that sales have decreased year-over-year for two quarters in a row. The electric vehicle (EV) giant sold nearly 444,000 cars this quarter, a 5% drop from the previous year. This follows an 8.5% decline in the…
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (CSSE), the parent company of Redbox, has filed for bankruptcy following prolonged financial difficulties. The company, known for its iconic red DVD rental kiosks, disclosed nearly $1 billion in debt in a recent filing. Among its creditors are major entertainment companies such as the BBC and Sony Pictures, as…
Hunter Biden has filed a lawsuit against Fox News and its parent corporation, accusing the network of defamation and illegally publishing explicit images of him without his consent in a 2022 miniseries detailing his legal troubles. The lawsuit, filed Sunday in New York state court, alleges that Fox News engaged in unjust enrichment, inflicted emotional…
A British startup, Nyobolt, has unveiled a groundbreaking 35kWh lithium-ion battery that can charge from 10% to 80% in just over four and a half minutes, addressing a major frustration for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. This development was showcased during a live demonstration last week. Nyobolt, based in Cambridge, claims its new battery significantly reduces…
Nissin Foods, a major player in Japan’s instant noodle market, has launched a new flavour featuring the notoriously poisonous pufferfish, also known as “fugu.” This luxurious delicacy, typically priced at up to 20,000 yen ($125) in high-end restaurants, is now available in an affordable cup noodle form for just 298 yen ($1.90). Released on Monday,…
The US Justice Department is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement with Boeing that would involve a corporate monitor and a fine in exchange for a guilty plea to criminal charges. This deal has sparked outrage among lawyers representing the families of victims from two fatal 737 Max crashes, who have labelled the proposal a…
“Inside Out 2” has become the fastest animated film ever to reach the $1 billion mark worldwide, achieving this milestone just 19 days after its release. The film’s success has reinvigorated the 2024 box office, which had been struggling before its debut on June 16. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have reached this phenomenal milestone in…
Nvidia, the tech giant that has captivated investors with its impressive growth, recently experienced a wave of volatility that saw its stock briefly dip. Despite a rapid recovery on Tuesday, the incident served as a reminder of the potential risks associated with such meteoric rises. The Rise and Fall: Nvidia’s stock has surged about 750%…
Walgreens is planning to shut down a considerable number of its approximately 8,600 locations across the United States as part of a comprehensive effort to restructure the struggling pharmacy chain’s business model. The company did not specify the exact number of store closures but announced on Thursday that it will undertake “significant” closures of underperforming…
Uber Technologies and Lyft have agreed to a $32.50 hourly minimum wage for drivers in Massachusetts and will pay $175 million to settle a lawsuit alleging they improperly classified drivers as independent contractors. As part of the settlement with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, the companies will also provide drivers with paid sick leave,…
The Federal Government has announced the disbursement of the second batch of the N5 billion Creative Fund, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s creative sector. The Creative Fund, initiated in December 2023 in collaboration with Providus Bank, is designed to support the growth and development of the creative industry in Nigeria. Fegho Umunubo, the Special Assistant to…
Volkswagen has issued a recall for 271,330 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs due to a defect in the passenger-side airbags. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect stems from a wiring error that could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash. The recall affects Atlas models manufactured between…
Levi’s, a global brand renowned for its ethical stance, is under scrutiny following a report from an independent labour monitoring group. The report accuses Levi’s of neglecting its own labour standards by continuing to work with a Turkish factory that laid off around 400 workers after they joined a union and protested over pay and…
For over a decade, Guinness has been a dedicated supporter of football in Nigeria, creating unforgettable experiences for fans and cementing its association with the sport. The leading premium beer brand has consistently sponsored football events, uniting the nation through the beautiful game. In 2013, Guinness unveiled the world’s largest Nigerian jersey, symbolizing unwavering national…
A court-appointed bankruptcy trustee is moving forward with plans to shut down Alex Jones’ Infowars media empire, aiming to liquidate its assets to settle a $1.5 billion debt owed to families of Sandy Hook school shooting victims. Christopher Murray, the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings, detailed in a court filing on Sunday his intention to…
US prosecutors have recommended that the Department of Justice (DoJ) file criminal charges against Boeing. This follows claims that the aircraft manufacturer violated a settlement agreement related to two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft, which resulted in the deaths of 346 people. The DoJ has accused Boeing of breaching a deferred prosecution agreement…
Germany has launched a new visa program aimed at making it easier for skilled workers from outside the European Union to immigrate. The Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card,” was introduced to address the country’s growing labor shortage and to attract professionals in fields such as medicine, education, manufacturing, and engineering. Starting from June 1, non-EU nationals…
European Union regulators have taken a significant step in their ongoing battle with Big Tech, accusing Apple of violating tough new digital competition regulations. The European Commission’s preliminary findings, announced on Monday, suggest that Apple may have breached the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by restricting app developers from directing consumers to cheaper services. If found…
Hooters has announced the closure of several “underperforming” restaurants across the United States, attributing the decision to challenging economic conditions, including rising food and labour costs. “Like many restaurants facing current market pressures, Hooters has made the tough decision to close a select number of underperforming stores,” a spokesperson told CNN. While the company did…
A group of prominent record labels has filed lawsuits against two AI startups, accusing them of using copyrighted music without permission to train their systems. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has taken legal action on behalf of labels like Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, and Warner Records, targeting AI companies Suno and Uncharted…
PrettyLittleThing (PLT), a well-known fast-fashion brand, is facing significant backlash after deactivating customer accounts for frequent returns. This move, which came to light through emails sent to affected shoppers, has sparked criticism and confusion among loyal customers. Customers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with some claiming they had only made one…
UPS has yet to fulfil its promise of air-conditioned delivery vans, a pledge made in last year’s contract with the Teamsters union. This delay persists despite rising temperatures and increasing concerns about worker safety. The commitment to install AC in new vans was a major concession in UPS’s contract with the Teamsters, who represent over…
Vitamix has issued an expanded recall for approximately 569,000 blending containers and blade bases due to a significant safety hazard. The recall, announced Thursday, comes after multiple reports of injuries caused by exposed blades in the high-powered blenders, which can cost up to $990. This recall builds on a previous one from 2018, which already…
Sportswear giant Under Armour has announced a settlement of $434 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit dating back to 2017, which accused the company of misleading shareholders about its revenue growth. The settlement, pending court approval, comes ahead of a scheduled trial on July 15 in a Baltimore federal court, averting further legal proceedings. Shareholders…
Several American Airlines employees have been suspended following an incident in which black passengers were removed from a flight due to a complaint about body odour. This action comes after three passengers filed a lawsuit in May, accusing the airline of racial discrimination in connection with the January 5 incident. In a memo to employees,…
Four members of the UK’s richest family have been sentenced to prison for exploiting staff brought over from India to work at their villa in Geneva. Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, along with their son Ajay and his wife Namrata, were convicted by a Swiss court on charges of exploitation and illegal employment, receiving sentences ranging…
Apple’s ambitious plans to integrate AI features into its iPhones are hitting a significant roadblock in China, where ChatGPT is banned. As the tech giant prepares to launch its new AI-enhanced iPhones, it must navigate strict Chinese regulations and find a local partner to fill the gap left by the ban on OpenAI’s technology. Earlier…
Truth Social’s parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, has seen a dramatic decline in its market value. The conservative social media company has experienced a staggering 50% drop in its share price (DJT) since May 30, the day former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in a hush money trial. The…
Bugatti has introduced its latest marvel, the Bugatti Tourbillon, a $4 million hybrid powerhouse set to replace the $3.3 million, 1,500 horsepower Chiron. This new model, boasting 1,800 horsepower, combines the brand’s traditional gasoline power with cutting-edge electric technology. Despite industry trends and Bugatti’s 2021 merger with electric supercar maker Rimac, CEO Mate Rimac never…
The grand finale of the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity celebrated numerous global brands for their exceptional contributions to the creative industry over the past year. The week-long annual event honoured Publicis as the Agency of the Year, and the network secured second place in the Network of the Year category. Omnicom claimed…
Corporate America is swiftly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to automate jobs traditionally performed by humans. According to a recent survey by Duke University and the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Richmond, 61% of large US firms plan to implement AI within the next year to streamline tasks previously handled by employees. These tasks span…
McDonald’s has unveiled a new $5 value meal aimed at attracting customers amid rising inflation and sluggish sales. Starting June 25, the fast-food giant will offer the “$5 Meal Deal” at US locations for a limited time. The meal includes a choice of a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, a 4-piece…
Elon Musk, who previously made headlines by telling advertisers to “go f**k yourself,” is now attempting to mend fences with the very community he once alienated. On Wednesday, Musk attended the Cannes Lions, the world’s largest advertising festival held in the South of France, where he engaged in a notably different tone. In an interview…
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is venturing into the realm of social media once again with the testing of its latest app, “Whee.” This move comes amidst ongoing regulatory scrutiny and potential bans on TikTok in various countries. Whee, described by many as a direct competitor to Instagram, offers a private photo-sharing experience akin…
A significant computer system outage hit car dealerships across the US and Canada due to a cyber incident at CDK Global, a key data provider. CDK’s software is utilized by 15,000 auto dealers, severely impacting their operations. CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney confirmed the incident in a statement to CNN, saying, “We are actively investigating a…
Pilots at major airlines have been cautioned that bird strikes on Boeing 737 Max engines could result in smoke infiltrating the passenger cabin. This warning was issued by both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines after receiving alerts from Boeing. According to documents obtained by CNN, Boeing informed the airlines in February about potential issues stemming…
Spotify has launched a dedicated Amapiano Hub to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the South African dance and music genre, marking a significant milestone in its global recognition. Following a year after the unveiling of its Afrobeats platform, “Journey of a Billion Streams,” Spotify aims to shine a spotlight on Amapiano. The genre amassed over…
London’s stock market has surpassed Paris as concerns mount over the outcome of France’s upcoming parliamentary elections. According to Bloomberg’s data compiled on Monday, all stocks listed in the United Kingdom now total approximately $3.18 trillion, slightly ahead of the $3.13 trillion total for French-listed shares. Despite Paris’s CAC All-Share index marginally exceeding London’s FTSE…
Electric vehicle startup Fisker has filed for bankruptcy, the company announced on Tuesday. The move follows warnings earlier this year about its financial instability, with the company admitting in February that it might not have enough funds to sustain operations through the next year. Discussions with an existing investor for additional funding have not resulted…
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is set to address recent safety concerns and cultural issues within the company during a recent Senate testimony. In his prepared remarks, Calhoun plans to acknowledge the company’s shortcomings while rebutting allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers. “Much has been said about Boeing’s culture. We’ve heard those concerns loud and clear,” Calhoun’s…
The United States government has taken legal action against software giant Adobe, accusing the company of engaging in deceptive practices and failing to disclose critical information to consumers regarding its subscription services. In a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Adobe is accused of violating consumer protection laws by imposing “hidden” termination fees…
In an unprecedented move, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called on Congress to mandate warning labels on social media apps, likening the threat they pose to children’s mental health to that of cigarettes and alcohol. Dr. Murthy’s urgent plea, outlined in an op-ed published in the New York Times on Monday, highlights growing concerns…
McDonald’s, in a surprising move, has decided to pause the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) ordering technology in more than 100 drive-thru systems across the United States. The fast-food giant had been collaborating with IBM to develop and test AI-driven, voice-automated ordering systems as part of its efforts to enhance customer experience and streamline operations….
Former football star Michael Essien faces the threat of losing two of his properties in Ghana as a court has ordered their auction to recover outstanding debts. The Ghanaian court intervened as creditors sought to recoup loans extended to Essien, whose financial woes have spiralled into a crisis. Reports from Ghana indicate that the properties…
BMW enthusiasts and luxury roadster aficionados, brace yourselves for the ultimate automotive experience with the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i. Sporting a stunning Skyscraper Grey exterior, this convertible masterpiece represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. Beneath its sleek and sculpted exterior lies a powerhouse of performance. The 2025 Z4 M40i boasts a robust 3.0-liter…
Washington Post’s new publisher and CEO, Will Lewis, is under intense scrutiny following allegations of unethical journalism practices from his past tenure at the Sunday Times. A New York Times report on Saturday revealed that Lewis allegedly used fraudulent methods to gather information for articles in the early 2000s. The report, citing a former co-worker,…
