(Brands & Consumers)
Tesla has unveiled a proposed compensation plan that could see CEO Elon Musk earn shares worth over $1 trillion if he meets a series of bold performance goals over the next decade. The package, announced by Tesla’s board, would not include a salary or cash bonus. Instead, Musk – already the world’s richest person –…
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a pause on a key electric vehicle (EV) sales target while unveiling a new “Buy Canadian” policy aimed at shielding the country’s economy from mounting pressure caused by U.S. trade actions. Speaking on Friday, Carney said automakers will no longer be required to meet the rule that 20%…
Google has been ordered to pay $425 million (£316.3 million) in damages after a U.S. federal court ruled that the tech giant violated users’ privacy by collecting data even after they had disabled a key tracking feature. The class-action lawsuit, first filed in July 2020, accused Google of misleading users about its Web & App…
A fierce legal battle is brewing in the U.S. conservative media landscape as Newsmax has filed a lawsuit against Fox News, accusing the dominant network of using its market power to stifle competition and maintain its stronghold in right-leaning television news. The lawsuit, lodged in a federal court in Florida, claims Fox News has engaged…
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has suffered a major cyber-attack that has brought its vehicle production to a standstill, severely disrupting operations at its two main UK factories and retail business. The attack, which began on Sunday, comes at a critical period for the luxury carmaker as a new batch of registration plates was released on…
Google has avoided being forced to sell its Chrome web browser after a landmark antitrust ruling in the U.S., but the company will now have to open up its search data to competitors and end exclusive deals that cement its dominance. The decision, issued on Tuesday by District Judge Amit Mehta, comes after a lengthy…
Gold prices recently soared to an all-time high as investors sought refuge from mounting global economic and political instability. The spot price of gold climbed to $3,508.50 per ounce early in the day, continuing a rally that has seen the precious metal gain nearly 30% since the start of the year. Often considered a safe-haven…
Nestlé has dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, after he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, the Swiss food and beverage giant confirmed on Monday. The company, known for products such as Kit Kat and Nespresso, said the decision took “immediate effect” following an internal probe overseen by chair Paul Bulcke…
For years, Vashi Dominguez dazzled investors and customers alike with the promise of diamonds, glamour, and innovation. He sold himself not only as a diamond dealer to the wealthy but also as the visionary behind a high-street revolution in jewellery retail. His shops sparkled in London’s Covent Garden and other major cities, where customers were…
Meta has announced new restrictions on its artificial intelligence chatbots, preventing them from engaging teenagers in conversations about suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. Instead, the company said the chatbots will now direct young users to professional resources when such topics arise. The move follows heightened scrutiny after a leaked internal document suggested Meta’s AI products…
Taco Bell is reassessing its use of artificial intelligence in US drive-through restaurants after a string of viral videos showed the technology making unusual mistakes – including processing a customer’s order for 18,000 cups of water. The fast-food chain, which rolled out AI-powered voice ordering at more than 500 locations in 2023, had hoped the…
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD saw its shares drop by as much as 8% in Hong Kong on Monday after the company reported a sharp decline in quarterly profit, underscoring the toll of intensifying competition in the world’s largest car market. The Shenzhen-based automaker said net profit for the April–June period fell 30% year-on-year to…
ANZ, one of Australia’s largest banks, has apologised to employees after some staff were mistakenly informed they had lost their jobs through an automated email. The message, which instructed recipients to return company equipment such as laptops, was sent ahead of schedule as the bank moves forward with a restructure of its retail banking division….
Tesla is asking a federal court in Florida to throw out a jury verdict that held the company partly responsible for a 2019 crash in which a pedestrian was killed and another victim left with life-changing injuries. The jury last month ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages, concluding that its Autopilot driver-assistance system…
One of gaming’s most iconic series has returned to the spotlight, nearly a decade after its future seemed uncertain. Konami has released a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, reigniting a franchise that has sold more than 60 million copies worldwide and helped redefine what video games could be. Metal Gear was never…
Nike has confirmed a broader release of the the Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 “Racer Blue” through SNKRS and select global retailers. The drop follows the brand’s earlier limited launch earlier in August, with the pair retailing at $230 in adult sizes. Unlike the earlier rollout, the highly coveted pink store-exclusive edition did not…
A new Texas law set to take effect on 1 September 2025 is igniting a heated debate over whether the state is protecting national security or fuelling discrimination against Asian communities. The legislation, Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), prohibits individuals and businesses from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from buying property in Texas, and…
Fresh court filings have raised new questions over the extent of the UK government’s efforts to gain access to Apple’s encrypted user data, suggesting the push may have gone further than initially understood. According to documents from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), Apple was served with a technical capability notice between late 2024 and early…
Apple has issued a strong warning to the UK’s competition regulator, arguing that proposed rules to rein in the dominance of Apple and Google could harm consumers and stifle innovation. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering measures to open up the mobile market, which it says is effectively controlled by the two tech…
The operators of controversial online forums 4chan and Kiwi Farms have filed a lawsuit in the United States against UK regulator Ofcom, challenging its authority to enforce the Online Safety Act on American-based platforms. The complaint, lodged in federal court in Washington, D.C., asks judges to block Ofcom from applying or attempting to apply the…
India has outlawed online real-money gaming platforms, ending a years-long boom that saw hundreds of startups flourish but also left many players in debt and distress. The new law, passed last week, makes it a criminal offence to operate or promote apps that allow users to bet cash on fantasy sports, poker, rummy, or other…
The value of small parcels shipped from China to the UK more than doubled in the past year, sparking concerns among British retailers about unfair competition and lost tax revenues. Figures obtained by the BBC from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) show the value of such low-value imports – goods priced at £135 or less…
British car exports to the United States rose in July, boosted by a new trade agreement that eased tariffs after months of decline. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows exports climbed 6.8% during the month, ending a three-month slump. The increase followed a deal between London and Washington that reduced…
Nvidia has posted another blockbuster quarter, fuelled by soaring demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips, even as it grapples with ongoing geopolitical challenges between Washington and Beijing. The California-based company reported revenue of $46.7 billion for the three months ending July, a 56% jump compared with the same period last year. The growth underscores…
The parents of a 16-year-old boy in California have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, alleging that the company’s chatbot ChatGPT contributed to their son’s death by suicide. The complaint, submitted Tuesday in California Superior Court, claims that the teenager, identified as Adam Raine, became emotionally dependent on the chatbot…
Korean Air has struck a multibillion-dollar deal with Boeing to purchase 103 aircraft, a move announced in Washington on Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump urged trading partners to boost purchases from American companies. Valued at roughly $36 billion, the agreement covers a mix of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliners, 777 wide-body jets, and 737 single-aisle planes….
U.S. restaurant chain Cracker Barrel has scrapped its recently unveiled logo after widespread criticism from customers and even political figures. The company confirmed the reversal in a statement on social media, saying it had listened to feedback and would keep its traditional “Old Timer” logo. “We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love…
Jordan Brand is gearing up for the Holiday 2025 season with a new edition of Luka Dončić’s signature sneaker, the Jordan Luka .77, dressed in a color scheme reminiscent of the iconic “Shattered Backboard” Air Jordan 1. The upcoming pair features a predominantly black upper with ribbed mesh side panels in a mix of black…
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has agreed to acquire Dutch coffee company JDE Peet’s in a €15.7 billion ($18.4 billion; £13.6 billion) deal, marking the biggest European takeover in more than two years. The agreement will split the combined businesses into two US-listed entities – one dedicated to global coffee brands such as Douwe Egberts, Peet’s,…
Two businesses backed by Elon Musk, social media platform X and artificial intelligence startup xAI, have filed a lawsuit in the United States accusing Apple and OpenAI of anti-competitive practices. The complaint, lodged in federal court in Texas, challenges Apple’s decision to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its iPhone operating system under an exclusive agreement. Musk’s…
Microsoft has unveiled a major update to its Windows gaming ecosystem aimed at reducing one of PC gaming’s most notorious frustrations – long load times and in-game stuttering caused by shader compilation. The announcement came during Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, where the company also showcased new Asus ROG Xbox handheld devices. At the heart of…
Chinese property giant Evergrande has been formally removed from the Hong Kong stock exchange, drawing a line under the dramatic downfall of what was once the country’s largest real estate developer. The delisting ends more than 15 years of trading for the company, whose market value at its peak exceeded $50bn (£37bn). Its implosion, triggered…
Nike is adding a bold twist to its outdoor-inspired lineup with the latest version of the ACG Izy, a silhouette known for its Wallabee-like design. Unlike previous editions, which often feature smooth leather and suede constructions, the upcoming release showcases a textured, wrinkled exterior. The material takes on a striking look when exposed to light,…
Apple has raised subscription prices for its streaming platform Apple TV+ across multiple markets, with viewers in the UK and US facing higher monthly costs. In the UK, the monthly fee has increased by £1 to £9.99, while the annual plan remains at £89. This marks a doubling of the monthly cost since Apple TV+…
On a weekday morning in Seoul’s affluent Daechi district, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as sunlight filters through a café’s wide windows. At one corner table, a university student unpacks two laptops, a stack of textbooks, and even a six-port power strip. By mid-afternoon, he’s still there – sipping slowly on…
When 18-year-old Brianna LeDoux from Florida stepped into her black, sequined gown, she didn’t just feel dressed for her high school prom – she felt transformed. “I wanted more than a dress,” she says. “I wanted to wear a story.” Her gown, crafted from traditional Yoruba lace fabric, shimmered with beads and sequins. For Brianna,…
When Paige Louise Williams walked away from her job at a beauty counter, she had no qualifications, no business plan, and little more than a dream. What she did have was belief—and a £20,000 loan from her nana, a part-time cleaner who staked her savings on her granddaughter’s ambition. Ten years later, that leap of…
The White House on Friday announced a landmark agreement under which the federal government will take a 10% ownership stake in US semiconductor giant Intel, in a move officials say is designed to safeguard America’s technological leadership. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described the arrangement as “historic,” adding in a post on X that it would…
Netflix has added another major YouTube creator to its line-up, announcing a new deal with former NASA engineer and science content creator Mark Rober. Rober, 45, has built a massive following of over 70 million subscribers on YouTube, where his inventive videos on science, engineering, and technology frequently attract tens of millions of views. Some…
McDonald’s Japan has postponed its upcoming “Happy Set” toy campaign following criticism that a recent Pokémon-themed giveaway triggered widespread food waste and profiteering. The fast-food chain announced on Thursday that its collaboration with the hit manga and anime franchise One Piece – scheduled to launch on 29 August – will no longer proceed as planned….
Elon Musk’s social media company, X, has reached a tentative settlement with thousands of former employees who accused the firm of withholding severance benefits following mass layoffs. In a joint filing submitted on Wednesday, lawyers for both sides asked the US Court of Appeals in San Francisco to delay a scheduled hearing while they finalize…
Sony has announced that the cost of its PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States will rise by about $50 starting Thursday, citing mounting economic pressures and uncertainty over U.S. trade tariffs. The move affects all three versions of the console, with the top-tier PlayStation 5 Pro now set at $749.99. The base edition will…
Two of America’s largest airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, are facing lawsuits from passengers who claim they were misled into paying extra for window seats that had no actual windows. The suits, filed separately but nearly identical in wording, accuse both carriers of deceptive practices for charging premium fees without alerting travelers that…
Denmark’s national postal service, PostNord, will stop delivering letters at the end of this year, marking the end of more than four centuries of state-run mail delivery. The move comes as letter volumes have collapsed in one of the world’s most digitalised nations. For postal workers like Herman Moyano, who has spent the past seven…
A television advert for Sanex shower gel has been pulled from broadcast after the UK’s advertising watchdog ruled it reinforced harmful racial stereotypes. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that the commercial, which aired in June, portrayed black skin as dry, cracked and itchy, while showing white skin as smooth and problem-free. The regulator upheld…
Pizza Hut is banking on a new budget-friendly menu item to revive its struggling U.S. business. The chain on Wednesday introduced Crafted Flatzz, a thinner, crispier spin on its Personal Pan Pizza, priced at $5 for a single serving. The offer, available for a limited time until 5 p.m., is aimed squarely at lunch customers…
Nexstar Media Group, already the largest owner of local TV stations in the United States, has announced plans to buy rival broadcaster Tegna in a deal valued at $6.2 billion, including debt. The acquisition, unveiled Tuesday, would further expand Nexstar’s national footprint but is subject to regulatory approval. If approved, the transaction would mark one…
The United Kingdom has backed away from its demand that Apple create a backdoor to access encrypted data of users worldwide, according to the US director of national intelligence. In a statement shared on X, Tulsi Gabbard said the UK had agreed to withdraw the controversial order, which would have forced the technology giant to…
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has apologised and withdrawn an advertising campaign after sparking outrage in China over imagery deemed offensive. The ad, which showed a male model stretching the corners of his eyes, was widely criticised on Chinese social media as echoing a racist gesture historically used to mock people of Asian descent. Hashtags condemning the…
Private members’ club group Soho House has been bought in a £2bn ($2.7bn) deal that brings Hollywood actor and investor Ashton Kutcher onto its board. The takeover is being led by MCR Hotels, the third-largest hotel owner in the US, in partnership with private equity firm Apollo. The move will see the company return to…
