58 mins. ago
NFL All-Pro cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is suing a Farmington Hills construction company for $1.4 million claiming breach of contract and fraud related to the planned renovation of a Detroit investment property.
Sanborn Construction Group has also sued Gardner, claiming the Detroit native and former Detroit King High School star misled the company and breached the contract because he wanted his "friends" to serve as general contractor on the project.
The dueling lawsuits center on the vacant 1920s era Bonita apartments building at 69 Seward Street. The 44-unit building is just west of Woodward, about five blocks north of the Fisher Building.
Nick Sanborn, CEO of Sanborn Construction Group, declined to comment on the case.
"We filed our breach of contract lawsuit first and our complaint is public info," Sanborn told the Free Press in an email. "Other than that we have no comment."
#detroit #building #claiming #breach
Sanborn Construction Group has also sued Gardner, claiming the Detroit native and former Detroit King High School star misled the company and breached the contract because he wanted his "friends" to serve as general contractor on the project.
The dueling lawsuits center on the vacant 1920s era Bonita apartments building at 69 Seward Street. The 44-unit building is just west of Woodward, about five blocks north of the Fisher Building.
Nick Sanborn, CEO of Sanborn Construction Group, declined to comment on the case.
"We filed our breach of contract lawsuit first and our complaint is public info," Sanborn told the Free Press in an email. "Other than that we have no comment."
#detroit #building #claiming #breach
2 days ago
Meta Platforms and state attorneys general have held talks about a potential settlement before the trial concludes, in a lawsuit that accuses the company of intentionally building Facebook and Instagram in ways meant to hook teenagers, according to Bloomberg.
Entering its second week in federal court in Oakland, California, the trial pits the attorneys general of 29 states against the company, with those officials seeking both monetary penalties and court-ordered changes to how Meta runs its platforms. People familiar with the settlement discussions asked not to be identified due to their sensitivity, according to Bloomberg.
A spokesperson for Meta had no immediate comment. A representative of the California attorney general's office declined to comment, and representatives of the other three states leading the case — Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Meta's internal estimates place the maximum penalty exposure from an adverse verdict at roughly $1.4 trillion, a figure approaching the company's total market capitalization. A settlement would likely amount to a far smaller sum.
At the heart of the states' case are claimed breaches of both state consumer protection statutes and the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, laws whose per-violation fines can compound into enormous totals given the scale of Meta's underage user base. The four lead states — California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — are also pressing additional consumer protection claims under their individual state laws, while all 29 states are pursuing federal claims tied to alleged data collection of minors without parental consent.
#meta #settlement #bloomberg #Colorado
Entering its second week in federal court in Oakland, California, the trial pits the attorneys general of 29 states against the company, with those officials seeking both monetary penalties and court-ordered changes to how Meta runs its platforms. People familiar with the settlement discussions asked not to be identified due to their sensitivity, according to Bloomberg.
A spokesperson for Meta had no immediate comment. A representative of the California attorney general's office declined to comment, and representatives of the other three states leading the case — Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Meta's internal estimates place the maximum penalty exposure from an adverse verdict at roughly $1.4 trillion, a figure approaching the company's total market capitalization. A settlement would likely amount to a far smaller sum.
At the heart of the states' case are claimed breaches of both state consumer protection statutes and the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, laws whose per-violation fines can compound into enormous totals given the scale of Meta's underage user base. The four lead states — California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — are also pressing additional consumer protection claims under their individual state laws, while all 29 states are pursuing federal claims tied to alleged data collection of minors without parental consent.
#meta #settlement #bloomberg #Colorado
3 days ago
The Magnum Ice Cream Company has welcomed a US court decision narrowing a lawsuit brought by former Ben & Jerry's independent directors over the ice-cream brand's activism and changes to its governance.
Judge Kevin Castel of the federal court in Manhattan on Friday threw out most of the claims brought by former Ben & Jerry's independent directors, dismissing seven of the ten counts and trimming another.
He also held that Magnum, the Amsterdam-headquartered ice-cream business created from Unilever's spin-off last year, should stand as the main defendant in place of the FMCG conglomerate.
The case was filed by former Class I directors linked to Ben & Jerry's independent board.
It accused Unilever and Magnum of breaching commitments dating back to the UK-listed group's 2000 acquisition of the US ice-cream brand, under which Ben & Jerry's retained unusual protections around its board structure, social mission and foundation.
#magnum #former #board #judge
Judge Kevin Castel of the federal court in Manhattan on Friday threw out most of the claims brought by former Ben & Jerry's independent directors, dismissing seven of the ten counts and trimming another.
He also held that Magnum, the Amsterdam-headquartered ice-cream business created from Unilever's spin-off last year, should stand as the main defendant in place of the FMCG conglomerate.
The case was filed by former Class I directors linked to Ben & Jerry's independent board.
It accused Unilever and Magnum of breaching commitments dating back to the UK-listed group's 2000 acquisition of the US ice-cream brand, under which Ben & Jerry's retained unusual protections around its board structure, social mission and foundation.
#magnum #former #board #judge
3 days ago
Everton started their cup play against Preston North End after the 40 mile drive down the M58 and up the M6. David Moyes ended his playing career at Preston and also started his managerial career before Everton came looking for someone to save them from the drop in 2002. A lot has happened since then but what has not changed is the fact that neither team have won silverware since then and today was another step in that journey. On a purely selfish note, I am heading home to Liverpool in September and would love to see a round three match with the Mighty Blues playing under the lights!
David Moyes went with a strong side to take on Preston. Jarrad Branthwaite and Hayden Hackney were given the night off with Michael Keane and James Garner taking their places. A big surprise to see O'Brien on the bench. Tyler Dibling was given another chance to shine on the right wing with Ndiaye moving to his favoured left.
Everton advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup following a dominant victory over Preston North End, highlighted by a clinical hat-trick from Thierno Barry. After a closely contested first half, Everton pushed forward and eventually forced Preston into submission.
The match began with a warm reception for former manager David Moyes, which set a lively atmosphere that energized the travelling Evertonians. While Preston looked to sit back in a resilient low block and strike on the counter-attack through Delano Burgzorg and Adam Armstrong, Everton safely neutralized those early threats. The Toffees dictated the tempo through key involvements from Iliman Ndiaye, Tyler Dibling, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, despite initially struggling to breach Preston's crowded defensive line.
The deadlock was finally broken when Dewsbury-Hall lobbed a precise ball over the top to Vitaliy Mykolenko, who slid a low cross into the middle for Thierno Barry to tap past goalkeeper Nichols. The Evertonians were in full voice. "Oh, Tierno Barry, oh, Tierno Barry!"
#everton
David Moyes went with a strong side to take on Preston. Jarrad Branthwaite and Hayden Hackney were given the night off with Michael Keane and James Garner taking their places. A big surprise to see O'Brien on the bench. Tyler Dibling was given another chance to shine on the right wing with Ndiaye moving to his favoured left.
Everton advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup following a dominant victory over Preston North End, highlighted by a clinical hat-trick from Thierno Barry. After a closely contested first half, Everton pushed forward and eventually forced Preston into submission.
The match began with a warm reception for former manager David Moyes, which set a lively atmosphere that energized the travelling Evertonians. While Preston looked to sit back in a resilient low block and strike on the counter-attack through Delano Burgzorg and Adam Armstrong, Everton safely neutralized those early threats. The Toffees dictated the tempo through key involvements from Iliman Ndiaye, Tyler Dibling, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, despite initially struggling to breach Preston's crowded defensive line.
The deadlock was finally broken when Dewsbury-Hall lobbed a precise ball over the top to Vitaliy Mykolenko, who slid a low cross into the middle for Thierno Barry to tap past goalkeeper Nichols. The Evertonians were in full voice. "Oh, Tierno Barry, oh, Tierno Barry!"
#everton
3 days ago
A federal judge has ordered Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios to pay a portion of Blake Lively's attorneys' fees and litigation costs pertaining to their legal battle last year. Although the request seems to favor the actress, it is a small fraction compared to what she originally asked for.
On August 26, in an order obtained by People, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman awarded Lively $363,245.40 in attorneys' fees and $44,206.35 in costs. She originally requested $8,035,040.88 for her defense against Baldoni and Wayfarer's defamation countersuit, which has been dismissed.
The Jane the Virgin star and Gossip Girl actress have been embroiled in legal woes since December 2024, when the actress accused her It Ends With Us director of ****** ual harassment, aiding and abetting harassment and causing intentional infliction of emotional distress while working on the film.
Most of Lively's claims were dismissed by a judge. However, her claims of retaliation and breach of contract were still allowed to proceed to trial.
Mayer/ MEGA
#actress #attorneys
On August 26, in an order obtained by People, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman awarded Lively $363,245.40 in attorneys' fees and $44,206.35 in costs. She originally requested $8,035,040.88 for her defense against Baldoni and Wayfarer's defamation countersuit, which has been dismissed.
The Jane the Virgin star and Gossip Girl actress have been embroiled in legal woes since December 2024, when the actress accused her It Ends With Us director of ****** ual harassment, aiding and abetting harassment and causing intentional infliction of emotional distress while working on the film.
Most of Lively's claims were dismissed by a judge. However, her claims of retaliation and breach of contract were still allowed to proceed to trial.
Mayer/ MEGA
#actress #attorneys
3 days ago
Meta Platforms and state attorneys general have held talks about a potential settlement before the trial concludes, in a lawsuit that accuses the company of intentionally building Facebook and Instagram in ways meant to hook teenagers, according to Bloomberg.
Entering its second week in federal court in Oakland, California, the trial pits the attorneys general of 29 states against the company, with those officials seeking both monetary penalties and court-ordered changes to how Meta runs its platforms. People familiar with the settlement discussions asked not to be identified due to their sensitivity, according to Bloomberg.
A spokesperson for Meta had no immediate comment. A representative of the California attorney general's office declined to comment, and representatives of the other three states leading the case — Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Meta's internal estimates place the maximum penalty exposure from an adverse verdict at roughly $1.4 trillion, a figure approaching the company's total market capitalization. A settlement would likely amount to a far smaller sum.
At the heart of the states' case are claimed breaches of both state consumer protection statutes and the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, laws whose per-violation fines can compound into enormous totals given the scale of Meta's underage user base. The four lead states — California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — are also pressing additional consumer protection claims under their individual state laws, while all 29 states are pursuing federal claims tied to alleged data collection of minors without parental consent.
#states #protection #settlement #comment
Entering its second week in federal court in Oakland, California, the trial pits the attorneys general of 29 states against the company, with those officials seeking both monetary penalties and court-ordered changes to how Meta runs its platforms. People familiar with the settlement discussions asked not to be identified due to their sensitivity, according to Bloomberg.
A spokesperson for Meta had no immediate comment. A representative of the California attorney general's office declined to comment, and representatives of the other three states leading the case — Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Meta's internal estimates place the maximum penalty exposure from an adverse verdict at roughly $1.4 trillion, a figure approaching the company's total market capitalization. A settlement would likely amount to a far smaller sum.
At the heart of the states' case are claimed breaches of both state consumer protection statutes and the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, laws whose per-violation fines can compound into enormous totals given the scale of Meta's underage user base. The four lead states — California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey — are also pressing additional consumer protection claims under their individual state laws, while all 29 states are pursuing federal claims tied to alleged data collection of minors without parental consent.
#states #protection #settlement #comment
4 days ago
On August 21, Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) disclosed in a letter that hackers gained unauthorized access to some of its cloud platforms between July 6 and July 10, exposing names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The breach lands weeks after Apollo told investors its **** ets under management had crossed $1 trillion for the first time, a milestone built in part on convincing individuals and retirees to trust the firm with their money. Now Apollo has to convince some of those same people it can protect their data too.
Apollo's second quarter showed why the growth story still has legs. **** ets under management reached $1.05 trillion, up 25% year over year, while fee-related earnings hit a record $785 million, also up 25%, and management fees climbed 23% as third-party money kept arriving across credit and equity strategies. Origination volume totaled $74 billion for the quarter, pushing the trailing 12-month figure to nearly $320 billion, and that tally does not yet include the $35 billion financing Apollo arranged for Broadcom's new AI computing platform, the largest private credit deal ever recorded, since Apollo only books revenue once financing closes rather than when it is announced.
CEO Marc Rowan frames Apollo's opportunity as bigger than private equity or credit alone. He argues the industry's client base is expanding from a single source of institutional demand into six categories, including individuals, insurance companies and 401(k) plans, and Apollo is building toward that shift with daily net **** et value pricing on its credit products and a partnership with Intercontinental Exchange that has already **** igned more than 2,000 identifiers to Apollo **** ets. Performance backs up the pitch: Apollo's Fund X has generated a 21% net internal rate of return, well ahead of the 14% industry benchmark for its 2023 vintage.
The breach is the more immediate problem, and it fits a pattern. Reuters has reported that dozens of financial institutions, including Uber and Levi Strauss, were recently targeted by the same kind of ransom-seeking hackers, who built fake websites designed to steal passwords from employees at private equity and financial firms through phone-based social engineering rather than any technical exploit. Apollo says its investigation is ongoing and it has found no evidence yet that the stolen information has been posted publicly or used for identity theft, and it is offering affected individuals free credit monitoring and identity protection.
#management #Equity #billion #july
Apollo's second quarter showed why the growth story still has legs. **** ets under management reached $1.05 trillion, up 25% year over year, while fee-related earnings hit a record $785 million, also up 25%, and management fees climbed 23% as third-party money kept arriving across credit and equity strategies. Origination volume totaled $74 billion for the quarter, pushing the trailing 12-month figure to nearly $320 billion, and that tally does not yet include the $35 billion financing Apollo arranged for Broadcom's new AI computing platform, the largest private credit deal ever recorded, since Apollo only books revenue once financing closes rather than when it is announced.
CEO Marc Rowan frames Apollo's opportunity as bigger than private equity or credit alone. He argues the industry's client base is expanding from a single source of institutional demand into six categories, including individuals, insurance companies and 401(k) plans, and Apollo is building toward that shift with daily net **** et value pricing on its credit products and a partnership with Intercontinental Exchange that has already **** igned more than 2,000 identifiers to Apollo **** ets. Performance backs up the pitch: Apollo's Fund X has generated a 21% net internal rate of return, well ahead of the 14% industry benchmark for its 2023 vintage.
The breach is the more immediate problem, and it fits a pattern. Reuters has reported that dozens of financial institutions, including Uber and Levi Strauss, were recently targeted by the same kind of ransom-seeking hackers, who built fake websites designed to steal passwords from employees at private equity and financial firms through phone-based social engineering rather than any technical exploit. Apollo says its investigation is ongoing and it has found no evidence yet that the stolen information has been posted publicly or used for identity theft, and it is offering affected individuals free credit monitoring and identity protection.
#management #Equity #billion #july
4 days ago
In a statement on 20 August 2026, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) said Boohoo had mislabelled synthetic products as "leather," "faux leather," and "suede," breaching French rules governing the accurate description of textiles and footwear.
An investigation by the DGCCRF's National Directorate for Investigative Operations found that Boohoo failed to provide legally required information on the composition of textile products and the materials used for shoe uppers, linings, and soles.
The regulator also identified additional instances of misleading commercial practices. Boohoo was found to have advertised price reductions online that did not accurately reflect real discounts.
According to the DGCCRF, 40% of the **** ysed promotions offered no genuine saving, 7% provided a smaller discount than advertised, and 48% of the cases represented a price increase.
The Paris Public Prosecutor approved a criminal settlement requiring Boohoo.com UK to pay the fine to the State Treasury, which the company has done.
#dgccrf
An investigation by the DGCCRF's National Directorate for Investigative Operations found that Boohoo failed to provide legally required information on the composition of textile products and the materials used for shoe uppers, linings, and soles.
The regulator also identified additional instances of misleading commercial practices. Boohoo was found to have advertised price reductions online that did not accurately reflect real discounts.
According to the DGCCRF, 40% of the **** ysed promotions offered no genuine saving, 7% provided a smaller discount than advertised, and 48% of the cases represented a price increase.
The Paris Public Prosecutor approved a criminal settlement requiring Boohoo.com UK to pay the fine to the State Treasury, which the company has done.
#dgccrf
4 days ago
NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has become the third player to be officially sanctioned during the ongoing second Test against India in Colombo, adding another disciplinary flashpoint to a match that had already been marred by the ugly confrontation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando.
Jayasuriya was on Tuesday handed an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day's play of the Colombo Test.
The left-arm spinner was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match".
It was Jayasuriya's first offence in a 24-month period, the ICC said.
"Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has become the third player to be sanctioned for an incident during the second ICC World Test Championship contest against India after he was hit with an official reprimand following his dismissal in his side's first innings," the ICC said in a statement.
The incident involving Jayasuriya occurred with the final delivery of the second day's play on Monday.
The Sri Lanka spinner was adjudged leg-before wicket off India spinner Manav Suthar. As he walked back towards the dressing room following his dismissal, Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat.
The action led to the charge under Article 2.2, with Jayasuriya subsequently admitting the offence and accepting the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
As Jayasuriya accepted the sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
The one demerit point has now been added to Jayasuriya's disciplinary record.
Jayasuriya's sanction comes after Jaiswal and Fernando were both punished following their heated exchange on the opening day of the Colombo Test.
The incident took place in the 17th over of India's first innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. The India opener walked towards the Sri Lanka pacer and the two exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal.
Jaiswal then leaned in, resulting in their heads making contact.
133507746
Both players were subsequently fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for the altercation.
With Jayasuriya now joining Jaiswal and Fernando on the ICC's disciplinary list, three players have been sanctioned during the same Test.
#lanka
Jayasuriya was on Tuesday handed an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day's play of the Colombo Test.
The left-arm spinner was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match".
It was Jayasuriya's first offence in a 24-month period, the ICC said.
"Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has become the third player to be sanctioned for an incident during the second ICC World Test Championship contest against India after he was hit with an official reprimand following his dismissal in his side's first innings," the ICC said in a statement.
The incident involving Jayasuriya occurred with the final delivery of the second day's play on Monday.
The Sri Lanka spinner was adjudged leg-before wicket off India spinner Manav Suthar. As he walked back towards the dressing room following his dismissal, Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat.
The action led to the charge under Article 2.2, with Jayasuriya subsequently admitting the offence and accepting the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
As Jayasuriya accepted the sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
The one demerit point has now been added to Jayasuriya's disciplinary record.
Jayasuriya's sanction comes after Jaiswal and Fernando were both punished following their heated exchange on the opening day of the Colombo Test.
The incident took place in the 17th over of India's first innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. The India opener walked towards the Sri Lanka pacer and the two exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal.
Jaiswal then leaned in, resulting in their heads making contact.
133507746
Both players were subsequently fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for the altercation.
With Jayasuriya now joining Jaiswal and Fernando on the ICC's disciplinary list, three players have been sanctioned during the same Test.
#lanka
4 days ago
Three more arrests have been made over fan disorder at the Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup quarter final at Ibrox earlier this year.
Police said the three men arrested - aged 45, 30 and 20 - have been charged in connection with ****** ault and breach of the peace offences.
Fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game at Ibrox on 8 March, which Celtic won 4-2 on penalties after the game finished 0-0.
A total of 43 arrests have now been made in connection with the scenes at the end of the match, one of several cases of crowd trouble in Scottish football this year.
The men will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
#celtic
Police said the three men arrested - aged 45, 30 and 20 - have been charged in connection with ****** ault and breach of the peace offences.
Fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game at Ibrox on 8 March, which Celtic won 4-2 on penalties after the game finished 0-0.
A total of 43 arrests have now been made in connection with the scenes at the end of the match, one of several cases of crowd trouble in Scottish football this year.
The men will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
#celtic
4 days ago
India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fees and handed one demerit point for their on-field altercation on the opening day of the second Test.
The ICC said both players had breached Article 2.12 of its code of conduct for players and player support personnel, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a player, support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person, including a spectator, during an international match."
The incident occurred during the 17th over of India's first innings on Sunday.
Fernando, who had been hit for three consecutive fours by Jaiswal, dismissed the left-hander for 45 with a delivery that jagged back in and bowled him.
The Sri Lankan pacer then gave Jaiswal an animated send-off, prompting the batter to turn back, charge towards him and exchange words.
The confrontation escalated as the two players came face-to-face, with Jaiswal's helmet making contact with Fernando's head.
Teammates and Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened and separated the two before the situation could escalate further.
Jaiswal later responded on social media to criticism of the incident, urging experts not to judge him without knowing what Fernando had said during the exchange.
"If you don't know what he said, then please don't make your judgement. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know: This India will fight and reply," Jaiswal posted before start of play on Day Two.
#jaiswal #players #India #batter
The ICC said both players had breached Article 2.12 of its code of conduct for players and player support personnel, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a player, support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person, including a spectator, during an international match."
The incident occurred during the 17th over of India's first innings on Sunday.
Fernando, who had been hit for three consecutive fours by Jaiswal, dismissed the left-hander for 45 with a delivery that jagged back in and bowled him.
The Sri Lankan pacer then gave Jaiswal an animated send-off, prompting the batter to turn back, charge towards him and exchange words.
The confrontation escalated as the two players came face-to-face, with Jaiswal's helmet making contact with Fernando's head.
Teammates and Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened and separated the two before the situation could escalate further.
Jaiswal later responded on social media to criticism of the incident, urging experts not to judge him without knowing what Fernando had said during the exchange.
"If you don't know what he said, then please don't make your judgement. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know: This India will fight and reply," Jaiswal posted before start of play on Day Two.
#jaiswal #players #India #batter
4 days ago
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) issued a subpoena to OpenAI on Monday requesting the company respond to a multistate investigation into the handling of its model breach of technology startup Hugging Face.
Marshall announced Monday the investigation is trying to determine whether OpenAI violated Alabama's Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which seeks to protect consumers from deceptive, false or unfair business practices, after two of its models went rogue and hacked into Hugging Face.
The Alabama attorney general's subpoena requests all of the company's documents, data and information on the July breach.
This includes every "employee, officer and agent" of the AI firm involved in the breach, along with materials on OpenAI's discovery or awareness of the hack. The state leader is also requesting information on OpenAI's safety measures and any concerns around model testing raised by employees.
The subpoena comes nearly three weeks after Marshall and 14 other state attorneys general warned OpenAI to preserve its records on the Hugging Face breach.
#openai #alabama #Monday
Marshall announced Monday the investigation is trying to determine whether OpenAI violated Alabama's Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which seeks to protect consumers from deceptive, false or unfair business practices, after two of its models went rogue and hacked into Hugging Face.
The Alabama attorney general's subpoena requests all of the company's documents, data and information on the July breach.
This includes every "employee, officer and agent" of the AI firm involved in the breach, along with materials on OpenAI's discovery or awareness of the hack. The state leader is also requesting information on OpenAI's safety measures and any concerns around model testing raised by employees.
The subpoena comes nearly three weeks after Marshall and 14 other state attorneys general warned OpenAI to preserve its records on the Hugging Face breach.
#openai #alabama #Monday
5 days ago
On August 21, Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) disclosed in a letter that hackers gained unauthorized access to some of its cloud platforms between July 6 and July 10, exposing names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The breach lands weeks after Apollo told investors its ***** ets under management had crossed $1 trillion for the first time, a milestone built in part on convincing individuals and retirees to trust the firm with their money. Now Apollo has to convince some of those same people it can protect their data too.
Apollo's second quarter showed why the growth story still has legs. ***** ets under management reached $1.05 trillion, up 25% year over year, while fee-related earnings hit a record $785 million, also up 25%, and management fees climbed 23% as third-party money kept arriving across credit and equity strategies. Origination volume totaled $74 billion for the quarter, pushing the trailing 12-month figure to nearly $320 billion, and that tally does not yet include the $35 billion financing Apollo arranged for Broadcom's new AI computing platform, the largest private credit deal ever recorded, since Apollo only books revenue once financing closes rather than when it is announced.
CEO Marc Rowan frames Apollo's opportunity as bigger than private equity or credit alone. He argues the industry's client base is expanding from a single source of institutional demand into six categories, including individuals, insurance companies and 401(k) plans, and Apollo is building toward that shift with daily net ***** et value pricing on its credit products and a partnership with Intercontinental Exchange that has already ***** igned more than 2,000 identifiers to Apollo ***** ets. Performance backs up the pitch: Apollo's Fund X has generated a 21% net internal rate of return, well ahead of the 14% industry benchmark for its 2023 vintage.
The breach is the more immediate problem, and it fits a pattern. Reuters has reported that dozens of financial institutions, including Uber and Levi Strauss, were recently targeted by the same kind of ransom-seeking hackers, who built fake websites designed to steal passwords from employees at private equity and financial firms through phone-based social engineering rather than any technical exploit. Apollo says its investigation is ongoing and it has found no evidence yet that the stolen information has been posted publicly or used for identity theft, and it is offering affected individuals free credit monitoring and identity protection.
#apollo #credit #management #private
Apollo's second quarter showed why the growth story still has legs. ***** ets under management reached $1.05 trillion, up 25% year over year, while fee-related earnings hit a record $785 million, also up 25%, and management fees climbed 23% as third-party money kept arriving across credit and equity strategies. Origination volume totaled $74 billion for the quarter, pushing the trailing 12-month figure to nearly $320 billion, and that tally does not yet include the $35 billion financing Apollo arranged for Broadcom's new AI computing platform, the largest private credit deal ever recorded, since Apollo only books revenue once financing closes rather than when it is announced.
CEO Marc Rowan frames Apollo's opportunity as bigger than private equity or credit alone. He argues the industry's client base is expanding from a single source of institutional demand into six categories, including individuals, insurance companies and 401(k) plans, and Apollo is building toward that shift with daily net ***** et value pricing on its credit products and a partnership with Intercontinental Exchange that has already ***** igned more than 2,000 identifiers to Apollo ***** ets. Performance backs up the pitch: Apollo's Fund X has generated a 21% net internal rate of return, well ahead of the 14% industry benchmark for its 2023 vintage.
The breach is the more immediate problem, and it fits a pattern. Reuters has reported that dozens of financial institutions, including Uber and Levi Strauss, were recently targeted by the same kind of ransom-seeking hackers, who built fake websites designed to steal passwords from employees at private equity and financial firms through phone-based social engineering rather than any technical exploit. Apollo says its investigation is ongoing and it has found no evidence yet that the stolen information has been posted publicly or used for identity theft, and it is offering affected individuals free credit monitoring and identity protection.
#apollo #credit #management #private
5 days ago
In a statement on 20 August 2026, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) said Boohoo had mislabelled synthetic products as "leather," "faux leather," and "suede," breaching French rules governing the accurate description of textiles and footwear.
An investigation by the DGCCRF's National Directorate for Investigative Operations found that Boohoo failed to provide legally required information on the composition of textile products and the materials used for shoe uppers, linings, and soles.
The regulator also identified additional instances of misleading commercial practices. Boohoo was found to have advertised price reductions online that did not accurately reflect real discounts.
According to the DGCCRF, 40% of the **** ysed promotions offered no genuine saving, 7% provided a smaller discount than advertised, and 48% of the cases represented a price increase.
The Paris Public Prosecutor approved a criminal settlement requiring Boohoo.com UK to pay the fine to the State Treasury, which the company has done.
#boohoo
An investigation by the DGCCRF's National Directorate for Investigative Operations found that Boohoo failed to provide legally required information on the composition of textile products and the materials used for shoe uppers, linings, and soles.
The regulator also identified additional instances of misleading commercial practices. Boohoo was found to have advertised price reductions online that did not accurately reflect real discounts.
According to the DGCCRF, 40% of the **** ysed promotions offered no genuine saving, 7% provided a smaller discount than advertised, and 48% of the cases represented a price increase.
The Paris Public Prosecutor approved a criminal settlement requiring Boohoo.com UK to pay the fine to the State Treasury, which the company has done.
#boohoo
5 days ago
ISTANBUL (AP) — Israel did not warn the United States before it struck an air base in northern Syria this week, despite fears of an escalation with the U.S. and NATO ally Turkey, the U.S. special envoy to Syria said.
Israel usually closely coordinates its military actions with the U.S., its key backer. Washington has tried to use this influence to moderate attacks as Israel carries out operations in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon.
Tom Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey, said the attack on Tuesday on the Abu Duhur base could have been Israel "baiting the Turks … that was the serious and worrying part."
However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz contradicted the U.S. envoy's remarks about there being no warning, saying in a statement that Israel decided to alert senior members of the Syrian government. "Simultaneously, we transferred the intelligence reports to the relevant authorities in the U.S.," Katz added.
In the wake of the strikes, which caused damage but no casualties, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the base was attacked because Syria was "on the verge of breaching" an agreement by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there.
#syria
Israel usually closely coordinates its military actions with the U.S., its key backer. Washington has tried to use this influence to moderate attacks as Israel carries out operations in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon.
Tom Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey, said the attack on Tuesday on the Abu Duhur base could have been Israel "baiting the Turks … that was the serious and worrying part."
However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz contradicted the U.S. envoy's remarks about there being no warning, saying in a statement that Israel decided to alert senior members of the Syrian government. "Simultaneously, we transferred the intelligence reports to the relevant authorities in the U.S.," Katz added.
In the wake of the strikes, which caused damage but no casualties, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the base was attacked because Syria was "on the verge of breaching" an agreement by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there.
#syria
6 days ago
Mitchell Starc produced another devastating spell in Mackay to finish with a 10-wicket match haul as Australia crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test, levelling the two-match series 1-1 inside two days.
Starc returned figures of 10-51, adding four wickets on Sunday to his remarkable 6-12 on the opening day. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in their first innings before Australia also found batting difficult on a spicy pitch at Mackay in northern Queensland.
The victory provided a significant boost for Australia after their surprise defeat in the opening Test in Darwin.
Starc's performance also moved him to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list. The left-arm quick now has 445 wickets, overtaking South African great Dale Steyn.
It was Starc's fourth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pat **** mins and Nathan Lyon also played key roles with three wickets each as Bangladesh were dismissed for 95 in their second innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 31, while Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 29. The Bangladesh captain and experienced wicketkeeper-batter received little support from the rest of the line-up, with only two other batters reaching double figures.
Australia had resumed their first innings at 165-8 and added 45 runs to their overnight total. Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon initially put on 28 for the ninth wicket before Shoriful Islam ended Green's resistance.
Shoriful produced a searing inswinging yorker that struck Green on the front pad, with the decision confirmed on review. Green departed for 67 from 105 **** , having struck 10 boundaries. It followed his breakthrough home century in the first Test at Darwin.
Shoriful finished with 7-48, the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in a Test away from home.
Lyon, unbeaten on 32, and Josh Hazlewood took Australia beyond 200 before Hazlewood fell for six to Taijul Islam. Australia were eventually dismissed for 210, giving them a crucial 146-run first-innings lead.
Bangladesh's second innings quickly became another Starc show.
After getting through his first over, Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam for one in Starc's next over, with Marnus Labuschagne taking the edge. Mominul Haque then shouldered arms to the following delivery, which crashed into his off stump.
Starc returned after lunch to dismiss Litton Das for another duck. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 27 **** across three innings in the series without scoring.
The Australia quick completed his 10-wicket haul shortly before tea, bowling Taijul Islam for seven with a delivery that breached the gap between bat and pad.
Starc finished with 4-39 in the second innings and narrowly missed his best Test match figures of 11-94, recorded against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2016.
Lyon completed the formalities after tea, taking the final two wickets in the first over of the session to wrap up Bangladesh's innings for 95.
The two-Test Top End series marks t
Starc returned figures of 10-51, adding four wickets on Sunday to his remarkable 6-12 on the opening day. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in their first innings before Australia also found batting difficult on a spicy pitch at Mackay in northern Queensland.
The victory provided a significant boost for Australia after their surprise defeat in the opening Test in Darwin.
Starc's performance also moved him to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list. The left-arm quick now has 445 wickets, overtaking South African great Dale Steyn.
It was Starc's fourth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pat **** mins and Nathan Lyon also played key roles with three wickets each as Bangladesh were dismissed for 95 in their second innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 31, while Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 29. The Bangladesh captain and experienced wicketkeeper-batter received little support from the rest of the line-up, with only two other batters reaching double figures.
Australia had resumed their first innings at 165-8 and added 45 runs to their overnight total. Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon initially put on 28 for the ninth wicket before Shoriful Islam ended Green's resistance.
Shoriful produced a searing inswinging yorker that struck Green on the front pad, with the decision confirmed on review. Green departed for 67 from 105 **** , having struck 10 boundaries. It followed his breakthrough home century in the first Test at Darwin.
Shoriful finished with 7-48, the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in a Test away from home.
Lyon, unbeaten on 32, and Josh Hazlewood took Australia beyond 200 before Hazlewood fell for six to Taijul Islam. Australia were eventually dismissed for 210, giving them a crucial 146-run first-innings lead.
Bangladesh's second innings quickly became another Starc show.
After getting through his first over, Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam for one in Starc's next over, with Marnus Labuschagne taking the edge. Mominul Haque then shouldered arms to the following delivery, which crashed into his off stump.
Starc returned after lunch to dismiss Litton Das for another duck. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 27 **** across three innings in the series without scoring.
The Australia quick completed his 10-wicket haul shortly before tea, bowling Taijul Islam for seven with a delivery that breached the gap between bat and pad.
Starc finished with 4-39 in the second innings and narrowly missed his best Test match figures of 11-94, recorded against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2016.
Lyon completed the formalities after tea, taking the final two wickets in the first over of the session to wrap up Bangladesh's innings for 95.
The two-Test Top End series marks t
6 days ago
No-balls explained: Different types of no ****** in cricket originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A no ball is an illegal delivery penalised with an extra run and, in white-ball cricket, a free hit.
No ****** fall into three groups: bowler faults, dangerous deliveries and fielding breaches.
Overstepping the popping crease is the most common type of no ball in the game.
The no ball is one of cricket's most familiar yet most misunderstood rulings, capable of swinging a match with a single delivery. Governed by Law 21 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, it penalises the bowling side for an illegal delivery, adding a run to the total and denying the bowler a legitimate ball in the over.
#balls #illegal #different #source
A no ball is an illegal delivery penalised with an extra run and, in white-ball cricket, a free hit.
No ****** fall into three groups: bowler faults, dangerous deliveries and fielding breaches.
Overstepping the popping crease is the most common type of no ball in the game.
The no ball is one of cricket's most familiar yet most misunderstood rulings, capable of swinging a match with a single delivery. Governed by Law 21 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, it penalises the bowling side for an illegal delivery, adding a run to the total and denying the bowler a legitimate ball in the over.
#balls #illegal #different #source
8 days ago
It's shaping up to be an expensive week for Prince Harry.
Just as the duke, ****** ss Meghan and their children prepare to move from California back to Britain, a judge has ordered Harry, Elton John and a handful of other claimants to pay almost $ 13 million to ****** ociated Newspapers Limited, publisher of the Daily Mail, MailOnline and the Mail on Sunday.
An initial payment of $13 million (£9,544,355) toward ANL's legal costs must be made by 4 p.m. on Aug. 28, the judge ruled on Friday. This is just the first round of legal costs. The final figure will be determined at a later hearing.
The judge has not enforced a cap on the total costs Harry and the other claimants may face.
The group of seven lost their lawsuit against the publisher last month after alleging that the publications unlawfully gathered information for their reporting. Supposed privacy breaches include voicemail interception, phone hacking and obtaining personal information through deception.
#judge #information #prince
Just as the duke, ****** ss Meghan and their children prepare to move from California back to Britain, a judge has ordered Harry, Elton John and a handful of other claimants to pay almost $ 13 million to ****** ociated Newspapers Limited, publisher of the Daily Mail, MailOnline and the Mail on Sunday.
An initial payment of $13 million (£9,544,355) toward ANL's legal costs must be made by 4 p.m. on Aug. 28, the judge ruled on Friday. This is just the first round of legal costs. The final figure will be determined at a later hearing.
The judge has not enforced a cap on the total costs Harry and the other claimants may face.
The group of seven lost their lawsuit against the publisher last month after alleging that the publications unlawfully gathered information for their reporting. Supposed privacy breaches include voicemail interception, phone hacking and obtaining personal information through deception.
#judge #information #prince
8 days ago
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been given a 10-match ban for the role he played in on-field clashes after his side were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Fifa's disciplinary committee has also handed his team-mate Nahuel Molina a seven-match suspension.
Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% capacity, though one match of that sanction is suspended.
The Argentinian Football ******* ociation (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code relating to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters.
Fifa have ordered that $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination - and $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine is suspended, with a probationary period to apply.
#match #fifa
Fifa's disciplinary committee has also handed his team-mate Nahuel Molina a seven-match suspension.
Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% capacity, though one match of that sanction is suspended.
The Argentinian Football ******* ociation (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code relating to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters.
Fifa have ordered that $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination - and $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine is suspended, with a probationary period to apply.
#match #fifa
8 days ago
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan early Thursday, accusing him of dragging Turkey into "dangerous adventures in Syria" and warning the Turkish leader not to test Israel's resolve.
"Israel will not allow any actor to threaten its security," Katz wrote on X. "It would be better for Erdoğan to continue his detached-from-reality, fanciful rhetoric against Israel in the Turkish Grand National ****** embly than to attempt to test Israel's determination to defend itself."
The warning comes two days after Israel struck Syria's Abu al-Duhur Airbase. The increasingly heated rhetoric has put Washington in the position of trying to contain tensions between Turkey, a NATO member, and Israel, Washington's closest security partners in the Middle East. Israel said Syria was on the verge of breaching a security understanding by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there, while Ankara rejected Israel's account.
Syria said there were no plans for a permanent Turkish base or troop deployment, although Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani acknowledged that Turkish military officers had visited the facility for training and exchanges of expertise. Turkey's Defense Ministry said no Turkish military delegation was present at the base before or during the strike, Reuters reported.
Critics Say Turkey's Verbal Attacks On Israel Have Crossed Into Antisemitism
#Israel #katz #erdo
"Israel will not allow any actor to threaten its security," Katz wrote on X. "It would be better for Erdoğan to continue his detached-from-reality, fanciful rhetoric against Israel in the Turkish Grand National ****** embly than to attempt to test Israel's determination to defend itself."
The warning comes two days after Israel struck Syria's Abu al-Duhur Airbase. The increasingly heated rhetoric has put Washington in the position of trying to contain tensions between Turkey, a NATO member, and Israel, Washington's closest security partners in the Middle East. Israel said Syria was on the verge of breaching a security understanding by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there, while Ankara rejected Israel's account.
Syria said there were no plans for a permanent Turkish base or troop deployment, although Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani acknowledged that Turkish military officers had visited the facility for training and exchanges of expertise. Turkey's Defense Ministry said no Turkish military delegation was present at the base before or during the strike, Reuters reported.
Critics Say Turkey's Verbal Attacks On Israel Have Crossed Into Antisemitism
#Israel #katz #erdo
8 days ago
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison said Thursday it was seeking more than $1.5 billion in damages from Panama after the country seized two canal ports caught in the crosshairs of U.S.-China tensions.
CK Hutchison said in the statement that it had begun new arbitration proceedings against Panama and alleged that the Central American country had breached an investment protection treaty through "sovereign acts that targeted a decades-old ports concession" in a "state attack campaign" on the company's ****** ets in the Central American country.
Panama's government in February seized the Balboa and Cristobal ports, located on each end of the Panama Canal, after its Supreme Court that a concession held by CK Hutchison's subsidiary to run the two ports was unconstitutional.
The two ports at each end of the Panama Canal became part of U.S.-China tensions since Donald Trump's return to the White House last year after he alleged China of "running" the canal.
The Panama Canal is managed and owned by Panama. But CK Hutchison's subsidiary Panama Ports Company had run the two ports on the canal from 1997 and had renewed its concession for 25 years in 2021.
#China #hong
CK Hutchison said in the statement that it had begun new arbitration proceedings against Panama and alleged that the Central American country had breached an investment protection treaty through "sovereign acts that targeted a decades-old ports concession" in a "state attack campaign" on the company's ****** ets in the Central American country.
Panama's government in February seized the Balboa and Cristobal ports, located on each end of the Panama Canal, after its Supreme Court that a concession held by CK Hutchison's subsidiary to run the two ports was unconstitutional.
The two ports at each end of the Panama Canal became part of U.S.-China tensions since Donald Trump's return to the White House last year after he alleged China of "running" the canal.
The Panama Canal is managed and owned by Panama. But CK Hutchison's subsidiary Panama Ports Company had run the two ports on the canal from 1997 and had renewed its concession for 25 years in 2021.
#China #hong
8 days ago
On August 18, Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ:CMCSA) announced Xfinity Shield, a new home security platform meant to make its broadband service harder to leave. The rollout matters because Comcast has spent much of 2026 managing broadband subscriber losses, and a bundled security product gives the company something fiber and wireless rivals cannot easily replicate. Xfinity Shield combines Wi-Fi-based protection, cybersecurity, and family controls inside the existing Xfinity app, folding a new revenue lever onto a business that badly needs one.
Xfinity Shield ships free to every Xfinity Internet customer, with a $15-a-month tier adding an indoor camera, door and window sensors, cloud video storage, and 24/7 urgent response. Comcast product chief Fraser Stirling described the strategy plainly, saying the company is "lowering the barrier of entry to the idea of a total security product under Xfinity Shield." The timing lines up with how connected the average home has become. Comcast says the typical Xfinity customer now runs 36 devices on their home Wi-Fi, and its network filters an average of 30 million threats every day, numbers that make a bundled security layer feel less like an add-on and more like a necessity.
That stickiness push sits on top of a business that already throws off serious cash. Comcast generated nearly $21.9 billion in free cash flow in FY 2025 and turned $123.7 billion in revenue into roughly $20.0 billion of net income, a 16.2% margin. Execution has held up too. Peacock turned profitable for the first time, wireless lines crossed a major milestone, and Comcast beat earnings estimates in its most recent quarter, evidence that the company can still deliver even while restructuring around it.
None of that changes the core problem Xfinity Shield is designed to fix: broadband subscribers are still leaving. Comcast faces intensifying competition from fiber providers and 5G fixed wireless rivals, a fight that keeps chipping away at what was once a near-monopoly business. The balance sheet reflects a company carrying real leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1x and a current ratio of 0.9x, meaning short-term liabilities outweigh short-term ***** ets as of the December 2025 balance sheet.
Comcast also paused its share buyback program ahead of a planned NBCUniversal spinoff, a separation that adds years of complexity for investors trying to value the pieces separately. The company took an $8.6 billion noncash impairment tied to Sky, and rising costs for sports broadcasting rights, including the NFL and NBA, continue to pressure the media segment. There is also an uncomfortable irony in Comcast selling a cybersecurity product months after agreeing to a $117.5 million settlement over a prior Xfinity data breach, a reminder that the company's own network security has already been tested and found wanting once.
#home #broadband
Xfinity Shield ships free to every Xfinity Internet customer, with a $15-a-month tier adding an indoor camera, door and window sensors, cloud video storage, and 24/7 urgent response. Comcast product chief Fraser Stirling described the strategy plainly, saying the company is "lowering the barrier of entry to the idea of a total security product under Xfinity Shield." The timing lines up with how connected the average home has become. Comcast says the typical Xfinity customer now runs 36 devices on their home Wi-Fi, and its network filters an average of 30 million threats every day, numbers that make a bundled security layer feel less like an add-on and more like a necessity.
That stickiness push sits on top of a business that already throws off serious cash. Comcast generated nearly $21.9 billion in free cash flow in FY 2025 and turned $123.7 billion in revenue into roughly $20.0 billion of net income, a 16.2% margin. Execution has held up too. Peacock turned profitable for the first time, wireless lines crossed a major milestone, and Comcast beat earnings estimates in its most recent quarter, evidence that the company can still deliver even while restructuring around it.
None of that changes the core problem Xfinity Shield is designed to fix: broadband subscribers are still leaving. Comcast faces intensifying competition from fiber providers and 5G fixed wireless rivals, a fight that keeps chipping away at what was once a near-monopoly business. The balance sheet reflects a company carrying real leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1x and a current ratio of 0.9x, meaning short-term liabilities outweigh short-term ***** ets as of the December 2025 balance sheet.
Comcast also paused its share buyback program ahead of a planned NBCUniversal spinoff, a separation that adds years of complexity for investors trying to value the pieces separately. The company took an $8.6 billion noncash impairment tied to Sky, and rising costs for sports broadcasting rights, including the NFL and NBA, continue to pressure the media segment. There is also an uncomfortable irony in Comcast selling a cybersecurity product months after agreeing to a $117.5 million settlement over a prior Xfinity data breach, a reminder that the company's own network security has already been tested and found wanting once.
#home #broadband
8 days ago
The biological parents of a baby born after their surrogate refused their request for an abortion are now seeking more than $100,000 from the woman who carried their child, alleging she breached their surrogacy agreement.
TMZ reported Wednesday that it obtained the countersuit filed by Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed against surrogate McKenna West, weeks before she gave birth in Texas Aug. 12.
The couple is seeking more than $100,000 for alleged breach of their surrogacy agreement, along with unspecified damages over what they call West's "malicious, outrageous conduct."
The couple alleges they paid West $60,000 during the pregnancy under the surrogacy agreement, which included provisions addressing termination, TMZ reported. The counterclaims accuse West of breaching that deal and causing the couple emotional distress.
Surrogate Gives Birth In Texas To Baby With Heart Defect After Parents Requested Abortion
#surrogate #couple #abortion #birth
TMZ reported Wednesday that it obtained the countersuit filed by Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed against surrogate McKenna West, weeks before she gave birth in Texas Aug. 12.
The couple is seeking more than $100,000 for alleged breach of their surrogacy agreement, along with unspecified damages over what they call West's "malicious, outrageous conduct."
The couple alleges they paid West $60,000 during the pregnancy under the surrogacy agreement, which included provisions addressing termination, TMZ reported. The counterclaims accuse West of breaching that deal and causing the couple emotional distress.
Surrogate Gives Birth In Texas To Baby With Heart Defect After Parents Requested Abortion
#surrogate #couple #abortion #birth
8 days ago
BUCHAREST, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets to destroy a marine drone spotted a few hundred metres from the Black Sea gas project Neptun Deep, Defence Minister Radu Miruta said on Thursday.
The incident underscores the growing threat to critical energy infrastructure in the Black Sea from drones and mines linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, with Neptun Deep expected to make Romania the European Union's largest gas producer when it comes onstream in 2027.
NATO-member Romania shares a 614-km (382-mile) land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones breaching its airspace over the last four years and mines floating in the Black Sea across key trade and energy routes.
Thursday's incident follows similar action earlier this month when army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones drifting in the exclusive economic zone near the offshore Neptun Deep project.
"In order to protect the lives of the several hundred people working on the platform and to secure critical infrastructure, the decision was made to destroy (the marine drone)," Miruta said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
#neptun #ukraine #destroy
The incident underscores the growing threat to critical energy infrastructure in the Black Sea from drones and mines linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, with Neptun Deep expected to make Romania the European Union's largest gas producer when it comes onstream in 2027.
NATO-member Romania shares a 614-km (382-mile) land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones breaching its airspace over the last four years and mines floating in the Black Sea across key trade and energy routes.
Thursday's incident follows similar action earlier this month when army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones drifting in the exclusive economic zone near the offshore Neptun Deep project.
"In order to protect the lives of the several hundred people working on the platform and to secure critical infrastructure, the decision was made to destroy (the marine drone)," Miruta said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
#neptun #ukraine #destroy
9 days ago
On August 18, Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ:CMCSA) announced Xfinity Shield, a new home security platform meant to make its broadband service harder to leave. The rollout matters because Comcast has spent much of 2026 managing broadband subscriber losses, and a bundled security product gives the company something fiber and wireless rivals cannot easily replicate. Xfinity Shield combines Wi-Fi-based protection, cybersecurity, and family controls inside the existing Xfinity app, folding a new revenue lever onto a business that badly needs one.
Xfinity Shield ships free to every Xfinity Internet customer, with a $15-a-month tier adding an indoor camera, door and window sensors, cloud video storage, and 24/7 urgent response. Comcast product chief Fraser Stirling described the strategy plainly, saying the company is "lowering the barrier of entry to the idea of a total security product under Xfinity Shield." The timing lines up with how connected the average home has become. Comcast says the typical Xfinity customer now runs 36 devices on their home Wi-Fi, and its network filters an average of 30 million threats every day, numbers that make a bundled security layer feel less like an add-on and more like a necessity.
That stickiness push sits on top of a business that already throws off serious cash. Comcast generated nearly $21.9 billion in free cash flow in FY 2025 and turned $123.7 billion in revenue into roughly $20.0 billion of net income, a 16.2% margin. Execution has held up too. Peacock turned profitable for the first time, wireless lines crossed a major milestone, and Comcast beat earnings estimates in its most recent quarter, evidence that the company can still deliver even while restructuring around it.
None of that changes the core problem Xfinity Shield is designed to fix: broadband subscribers are still leaving. Comcast faces intensifying competition from fiber providers and 5G fixed wireless rivals, a fight that keeps chipping away at what was once a near-monopoly business. The balance sheet reflects a company carrying real leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1x and a current ratio of 0.9x, meaning short-term liabilities outweigh short-term ****** ets as of the December 2025 balance sheet.
Comcast also paused its share buyback program ahead of a planned NBCUniversal spinoff, a separation that adds years of complexity for investors trying to value the pieces separately. The company took an $8.6 billion noncash impairment tied to Sky, and rising costs for sports broadcasting rights, including the NFL and NBA, continue to pressure the media segment. There is also an uncomfortable irony in Comcast selling a cybersecurity product months after agreeing to a $117.5 million settlement over a prior Xfinity data breach, a reminder that the company's own network security has already been tested and found wanting once.
#company
Xfinity Shield ships free to every Xfinity Internet customer, with a $15-a-month tier adding an indoor camera, door and window sensors, cloud video storage, and 24/7 urgent response. Comcast product chief Fraser Stirling described the strategy plainly, saying the company is "lowering the barrier of entry to the idea of a total security product under Xfinity Shield." The timing lines up with how connected the average home has become. Comcast says the typical Xfinity customer now runs 36 devices on their home Wi-Fi, and its network filters an average of 30 million threats every day, numbers that make a bundled security layer feel less like an add-on and more like a necessity.
That stickiness push sits on top of a business that already throws off serious cash. Comcast generated nearly $21.9 billion in free cash flow in FY 2025 and turned $123.7 billion in revenue into roughly $20.0 billion of net income, a 16.2% margin. Execution has held up too. Peacock turned profitable for the first time, wireless lines crossed a major milestone, and Comcast beat earnings estimates in its most recent quarter, evidence that the company can still deliver even while restructuring around it.
None of that changes the core problem Xfinity Shield is designed to fix: broadband subscribers are still leaving. Comcast faces intensifying competition from fiber providers and 5G fixed wireless rivals, a fight that keeps chipping away at what was once a near-monopoly business. The balance sheet reflects a company carrying real leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1x and a current ratio of 0.9x, meaning short-term liabilities outweigh short-term ****** ets as of the December 2025 balance sheet.
Comcast also paused its share buyback program ahead of a planned NBCUniversal spinoff, a separation that adds years of complexity for investors trying to value the pieces separately. The company took an $8.6 billion noncash impairment tied to Sky, and rising costs for sports broadcasting rights, including the NFL and NBA, continue to pressure the media segment. There is also an uncomfortable irony in Comcast selling a cybersecurity product months after agreeing to a $117.5 million settlement over a prior Xfinity data breach, a reminder that the company's own network security has already been tested and found wanting once.
#company
9 days ago
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Israel struck an air base in northwest Syria early Tuesday, saying it aimed to prevent Turkish troops from deploying there.
Turkey, which has close ties with the Syrian government and has been providing ****** istance to Syria's military, has tense relations with Israel. The rival countries have sought to curb each other's influence in neighboring Syria.
Eight strikes hit the runway of the Abu Duhur air base in the northwestern province of Idlib, causing damage but no casualties, state TV said. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani told reporters in Damascus that Syria condemns the "Israeli aggression," adding that the strikes were "an unjustified provocation, a violation of Syria's sovereignty, and a direct threat to regional and global stability."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Israel had attacked the base because Syria had been "on the verge of breaching" an agreed-upon "status quo in security matters" by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there.
"Israel repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a threat to Israel's security. Syria chose to ignore these warnings," the statement said.
#damascus #troops #strikes
Turkey, which has close ties with the Syrian government and has been providing ****** istance to Syria's military, has tense relations with Israel. The rival countries have sought to curb each other's influence in neighboring Syria.
Eight strikes hit the runway of the Abu Duhur air base in the northwestern province of Idlib, causing damage but no casualties, state TV said. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani told reporters in Damascus that Syria condemns the "Israeli aggression," adding that the strikes were "an unjustified provocation, a violation of Syria's sovereignty, and a direct threat to regional and global stability."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Israel had attacked the base because Syria had been "on the verge of breaching" an agreed-upon "status quo in security matters" by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there.
"Israel repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a threat to Israel's security. Syria chose to ignore these warnings," the statement said.
#damascus #troops #strikes
9 days ago
The 115-charge case against Manchester City continues to rumble on with no end in sight.
Still, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters insists the case is not dominating conversations with rival clubs.
Man City's hearing over alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations concluded in December 2024.
However, the independent panel has still not delivered its decision. The club denies all wrongdoing.
Masters said the case was not necessarily a top topic of conversation when he speaks to clubs, pointing out that plenty of other issues are occupying their attention as the new season approaches.
#case #masters #manchester #december
Still, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters insists the case is not dominating conversations with rival clubs.
Man City's hearing over alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations concluded in December 2024.
However, the independent panel has still not delivered its decision. The club denies all wrongdoing.
Masters said the case was not necessarily a top topic of conversation when he speaks to clubs, pointing out that plenty of other issues are occupying their attention as the new season approaches.
#case #masters #manchester #december
10 days ago
SYDNEY (AP) — Five Australian rules footballers have been banned for the remainder of the AFL season by the Sydney Swans for breaching player codes of conduct during a stay at a Melbourne hotel that has led to a police investigation into allegations of ***** ual ***** ault.
The Swans issued a statement Wednesday saying "Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner will not be considered for selection for the remainder of the 2026 AFL Season," ruling them out of a regular-season game this weekend and the playoffs series.
The Swans said the club-imposed sanctions were independent of an investigation by Victoria state police. No charges have been laid, and no player has been identified as being involved in an alleged ***** ual ***** ault.
Police were called to a hotel in East Melbourne early Monday when a woman made a complaint to staff there.
"We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and the actions we have taken today are independent of this," the Swans statement said, adding that the Australian Football League "is supportive of the club's sanctions."
#swans #sydney #player
The Swans issued a statement Wednesday saying "Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner will not be considered for selection for the remainder of the 2026 AFL Season," ruling them out of a regular-season game this weekend and the playoffs series.
The Swans said the club-imposed sanctions were independent of an investigation by Victoria state police. No charges have been laid, and no player has been identified as being involved in an alleged ***** ual ***** ault.
Police were called to a hotel in East Melbourne early Monday when a woman made a complaint to staff there.
"We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and the actions we have taken today are independent of this," the Swans statement said, adding that the Australian Football League "is supportive of the club's sanctions."
#swans #sydney #player
10 days ago
Charter operator Global Crossing Airlines has dismissed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Ascent Global Logistics, its one-time largest shareholder, and terminated their exclusive brokerage agreement, ending a saga that contributed to the carrier's persistent difficulty generating business for its cargo fleet.
Miami-based Global Crossing, or GlobalX, sued Ascent Global Logistics on June 4 for $30 million in damages, alleging the former investment partner failed to honor an agreement to steer air cargo business its way and instead ******* igned charter work to USA Jet Airlines, its expedited on-demand freighter subsidiary with a large roster of automotive clients.
Signs quickly emerged that GlobalX (OTCQB: JETMF) got cold feet over fighting a larger partner, but an agreement to drop the lawsuit and settle differences wasn't made official until last week. The companies said they have ended their 2023 exclusive brokerage agreement. GlobalX has also agreed to payment terms for amounts owed to Ascent, according to a joint news release.
Payment terms were not disclosed, but it was publicly known that Ascent demanded the remaining $1.94 million balance of a $2.5 million prepayment to GlobalX to provide cargo flights to its customers. GlobalX claimed that Ascent, headquartered in Belleville, Michigan, only referred a handful of flights over a three-year period.
Most of GlobalX's business comes from contract flying for professional and college sports teams, the Department of Homeland Security, and other groups. But the startup company also controls four Airbus A321 narrowbody converted freighters that have never been able to deliver consistent cargo business, partly due to Ascent's efforts to stymie GlobalX in the North American regional market.
#agreement #Logistics
Miami-based Global Crossing, or GlobalX, sued Ascent Global Logistics on June 4 for $30 million in damages, alleging the former investment partner failed to honor an agreement to steer air cargo business its way and instead ******* igned charter work to USA Jet Airlines, its expedited on-demand freighter subsidiary with a large roster of automotive clients.
Signs quickly emerged that GlobalX (OTCQB: JETMF) got cold feet over fighting a larger partner, but an agreement to drop the lawsuit and settle differences wasn't made official until last week. The companies said they have ended their 2023 exclusive brokerage agreement. GlobalX has also agreed to payment terms for amounts owed to Ascent, according to a joint news release.
Payment terms were not disclosed, but it was publicly known that Ascent demanded the remaining $1.94 million balance of a $2.5 million prepayment to GlobalX to provide cargo flights to its customers. GlobalX claimed that Ascent, headquartered in Belleville, Michigan, only referred a handful of flights over a three-year period.
Most of GlobalX's business comes from contract flying for professional and college sports teams, the Department of Homeland Security, and other groups. But the startup company also controls four Airbus A321 narrowbody converted freighters that have never been able to deliver consistent cargo business, partly due to Ascent's efforts to stymie GlobalX in the North American regional market.
#agreement #Logistics
10 days ago
Aug 17 (Reuters) - U.S. home builder sentiment unexpectedly ticked higher in August, but residential construction firms' confidence remains weak overall, weighed down by economic uncertainty, high mortgage rates and steep building costs aggravated by the U.S.-led war with Iran, a survey showed on Monday.
The National ****** ociation of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market index rose one point to a reading of 35 this month from July's unrevised level of 34. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index would decline for a third straight month to 33.
A NAHB subindex measuring current sales of single-family homes ticked up to 39, the highest since May, from 37 in July, while measures of future sales and prospective buyer foot traffic were both unchanged.
On a regional basis, sentiment edged up in the Northeast, South and West and was unchanged in the Midwest.
The national index level in August marked the 16th straight month it has remained below 40, the longest such stretch since 2012. Indeed, the index has not breached the 50 level demarking business conditions that builders consider to be positive in more than two years.
#sentiment
The National ****** ociation of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market index rose one point to a reading of 35 this month from July's unrevised level of 34. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index would decline for a third straight month to 33.
A NAHB subindex measuring current sales of single-family homes ticked up to 39, the highest since May, from 37 in July, while measures of future sales and prospective buyer foot traffic were both unchanged.
On a regional basis, sentiment edged up in the Northeast, South and West and was unchanged in the Midwest.
The national index level in August marked the 16th straight month it has remained below 40, the longest such stretch since 2012. Indeed, the index has not breached the 50 level demarking business conditions that builders consider to be positive in more than two years.
#sentiment
