The European Union fines Qualcomm for allegedly violating antitrust laws. The EU is forcing the chipmaking company to pay $1.2 billion for illegally paying Apple to use its products exclusively. Apple and Qualcomm have been engaged in a long battle over this controversy.
Starbucks and Disney announce pay raises and better employee benefits thanks to savings from the new tax reform bill. Starbucks says it will increase employee salaries, offer stock options, and offer more benefits. Disney says it will pay one-time $1,000 bonuses to 125,000 employees. The company will also invest $50 million in an education program for hourly workers.
We talk to the directors behind the newest Netflix series, "Dirty Money," premiering this Friday, January 26th. Each episode in the six-part series will look at a different story of corporate corruption. Two of the directors, Kristi Jacobson and Erin Lee Carr, discuss how the series takes viewers beyond the headlines of big scandals such as VW's recall, Martin Shkreli, and even the Trump Organization.
And Brett Holts, VP of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit. Holts says the shoe features a brand new foam compound, developed entirely by Nike. In the ongoing sneaker wars between Nike and Adidas, Holts says competition is always good, but Nike is focused on its own products.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.