Former Meta Executive Sues Company Over Memoir Restrictions
A one-time Meta executive has taken the tech company to court, claiming it tried to silence her over her memoir titled “Careless People,” which offers a behind-the-scenes look at her time working at the social media firm. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court in Northern California. She argues that a private arbitration order barring her from discussing the company or promoting her bestselling book should be thrown out. The suit also contends that the severance agreement she signed upon leaving Meta was made under duress.
Supreme Court Shields Roundup Maker from Cancer Lawsuits
The nation’s highest court ruled Thursday in favor of the manufacturer of Roundup weedkiller, effectively blocking thousands of lawsuits that claimed the product caused cancer without adequate warning to consumers. The ruling is considered a win for the Trump administration, though it may strain relationships with foreign allies pushing to reduce pesticide use. The court found that federal regulations — which concluded a cancer connection was unlikely — shield the company from lawsuits filed under state law. Roundup’s maker, Bayer, contests the cancer allegations but has set aside billions of dollars to resolve existing cases. Bayer called the ruling a positive development for science and agriculture. Attorneys representing affected individuals said the decision “wrongly slams the courthouse door on Americans sickened by pesticides.”
Apple Raises Prices on Macs and iPads
Apple announced Thursday that it is raising the cost of its Mac computers and iPad tablets, pointing to a shortage of memory chips driven by surging demand related to artificial intelligence. The company, headquartered in Cupertino, California, described the demand surge as an “unprecedented challenge” for the consumer electronics sector. Among the new prices: the entry-level MacBook Neo will now start at $699, up from $599; the 512-gigabyte MacBook Air climbs to $1,299 from $1,099; and the one-terabyte MacBook Pro rises to $1,999 from $1,699. On the tablet side, the 128-gigabyte iPad Air now costs $749, up from $599, and the 256-gigabyte iPad Pro Wi-Fi model jumps to $1,199 from $999. Industry analysts expect iPhone prices to follow suit later this year.
Billionaire Leon Black to Face Congressional Questions on Epstein Payments
Billionaire investor Leon Black is scheduled to answer questions from House lawmakers as part of their ongoing probe into Jeffrey Epstein and his influential associates. Black, who previously served as chief executive of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for tax and estate planning work, according to a 2021 internal review commissioned by Apollo. Black stepped away from the firm in 2021 following scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein. His closed-door testimony Friday before the House Oversight Committee makes him the latest prominent figure to appear in the investigation.
JPMorgan Chase Elevates Two Executives as Potential Successors to Dimon
JPMorgan Chase has promoted Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh to the role of co-presidents, positioning both men as possible future replacements for longtime CEO Jamie Dimon. Meanwhile, Marianne Lake, who had previously been seen as a contender for the top job, announced she will retire at year’s end. The bank’s board appears to be directing its succession focus toward its commercial and investment banking divisions. Petno has served in advisory roles while Rohrbaugh’s background is in trading. Dimon, who has led the country’s largest bank since 2006, has dealt with some health concerns but has indicated he intends to remain in his position.
California Governor Pushes National Billionaires’ Tax While Opposing State Version
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is advocating for a nationwide tax on billionaires and has suggested the federal government should hold an ownership stake in artificial intelligence companies. He warns that without swift reform, the growing concentration of wealth could threaten democratic institutions. Newsom’s stance puts him in line with the populist left wing of his party as he weighs a potential 2028 presidential campaign. His proposal would establish a minimum tax on individuals with a net worth exceeding $100 million and would close a loophole allowing wealthy individuals to borrow against stock portfolios without paying taxes. Notably, Newsom is opposing a similar measure being considered within California, arguing the matter should be handled at the federal level to keep wealthy residents from simply moving to other states.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Hawaii Gun Carry Restrictions
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Hawaii law requiring individuals to obtain permission before bringing firearms into places like stores and hotels is unconstitutional. The decision marks the court’s most recent move to expand Second Amendment protections. The Trump administration had argued against the law, saying Hawaii had essentially banned guns from a broad range of public spaces. Hawaii defended its 2023 law as a measure intended to protect property owners’ rights. The ruling does not prevent private businesses from independently choosing to prohibit guns on their premises.
World Cup Uniforms Balance National Pride and Performance
As the World Cup gets underway in North America, apparel companies including Nike set out to design jerseys that reflect national identity while keeping athletes cool in the heat. With temperatures reaching around 90 degrees Fahrenheit at some venues, breathable materials were a central concern. The Associated Press toured Nike’s headquarters near Portland, Oregon, where designers work in a facility equipped with motion-capture cameras and temperature-controlled chambers to test their products.
Inflation Gauge Reaches Three-Year High
The Federal Reserve’s go-to measure of inflation climbed to its highest point in three years during May, driven largely by rising gas prices along with increased costs for semiconductors and other computer components in demand for AI infrastructure. The increase signals potential political headaches for President Trump as midterm elections approach. In response to persistent inflation, the Fed has held its benchmark interest rate steady this year — a shift from earlier expectations of two rate cuts. Some economic analysts now believe the central bank may actually raise rates before the year is out.
