FTC launches inquiry into how big tech companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and Google are holding sway over AI startups

NASCAR is going pedal-to-the-metal in its marketing drive for more diverse viewers — despite the growing national backlash against DEI — to boost its sagging ratings. Average viewership for live NASCAR races across all television networks drew an audience of 2.9 million in 2023 — roughly 9.4% less than the 3.2 million audience members that…

Over the past two years, as Ishan Bhabha and his colleagues at the law firm Jenner & Block prepared briefs for the affirmative action case the Supreme Court ruled on last year, Mr. Bhabha had a realization: If higher education institutions like Harvard were the first target of litigation about diversity, equity and inclusion, America’s…

BANGKOK — Asian shares were mixed on Wednesday after Japan reported its exports jumped nearly 10% in December, though shares in Tokyo declined. U.S. futures and oil prices edged higher. Chinese shares resumed their upward climb after the vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Wang Jiangjun, called for better protections for investors and…

Paramount Global is sharpening the ax for a massive wave of staff reductions that could whack as many as 800 jobs, according to a new report. The debt-laden entertainment giant, which has been put up for sale, will begin slashing hundreds of jobs in February, Deadline reported late Sunday. The news follows a Wall Street…

A projection in Finland says Alexander Stubb wins the first round of the presidential election to set up a Feb 11 runoff

Chinese regulators on Tuesday appeared to backpedal from a plan to reduce how much money people spend on online video games, after the proposal had tanked video gaming companies’ stocks and raised doubts about the government’s commitment to reviving China’s slowing economy. The draft rules disappeared from the website of the National Press and Publication…