In response to a Bloomberg report, Google vehemently opposes a Department of Justice proposal to force the sale of Chrome browser, arguing it would negatively impact consumers and businesses. This proposed remedy, to be presented to Judge Amit Mehta, follows his August ruling that Google holds an online search monopoly. Further, Google objects to additional proposed measures concerning its AI practices, Android OS, and data usage. The company contends these actions would undermine American technological competitiveness.
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Private equity firm Blackstone has acquired a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s Subs for approximately $8 billion, marking the end of its independent run. Founder and CEO Peter Cancro will retain a significant equity stake and continue leading the company. This investment will fuel Jersey Mike’s expansion domestically and internationally, along with technological advancements. The deal follows Subway’s own sale to Roark Capital, making it the second-largest sandwich chain transaction in recent history.
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New York City issued its first drought warning in 22 years due to historically low reservoir levels and a record-breaking dry spell, prompting the implementation of water conservation measures across city agencies and voluntary reductions for residents. The warning, the second of three possible conservation declarations, follows a statewide drought watch and numerous brush fires fueled by dry conditions. Repairs to a major water pipeline have been temporarily halted to maximize water flow to the city, while officials await rain predicted for later in the week. The city’s reservoirs are currently at approximately 60% capacity, significantly below the usual 79% for this time of year.
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Billy Coull, the organizer of a widely criticized Willy Wonka event, has been added to the sex offenders register. Coull, 36, was convicted of abusive behavior for repeatedly sending explicit messages to a woman, using predatory language. He pleaded guilty in Glasgow Sheriff Court, citing the negative reaction to his event as impacting his mental well-being. The incident follows the February viral sensation surrounding his poorly-received, £35-a-ticket Wonka experience.
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Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on suspicion of rape following a late-night incident in Oslo. The alleged crime involved a sexual act without intercourse, with the victim reportedly unable to resist. The arrest followed prior incidents in August, including allegations of bodily harm and domestic abuse against the same woman, and a subsequent September arrest for violating a restraining order. Police are currently deciding whether to remand Høiby in custody.
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Ku Klux Klan flyers, claiming responsibility from the Kentucky-based Trinity White Knights chapter, were discovered Monday morning across multiple northern Indiana neighborhoods. Residents expressed shock and disgust at the hateful message, highlighting the unacceptability of such tactics. The flyers were reportedly distributed Sunday night in eleven cities, including South Bend, Elkhart, and Valparaiso. One resident noted the inappropriate and hateful nature of the message, emphasizing the existence of more peaceful methods for expressing opinions.
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Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, defends the city’s plan to eliminate tourist flats by 2028, citing a drastic but necessary response to the soaring cost of housing. The initiative aims to return over 10,000 properties to the residential market and curb overtourism, although it faces legal challenges and potential reversal after the 2027 mayoral elections. While opponents argue the timeline is too long and the plan is economically damaging, the city maintains that half-measures have failed and this approach is simpler and clearer. The plan will be enforced by increased inspections to combat illegal rentals.
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A Wyoming judge permanently blocked the state’s total abortion ban and its unique prohibition on medication abortion, marking another win for abortion rights advocates. The ruling, consistent with three prior temporary injunctions, found the laws violated the state constitution’s right to personal health care decisions. The challenged laws were argued to harm women’s health and violate a 2012 constitutional amendment guaranteeing health care autonomy. This decision follows recent statewide ballot measures across the country where voters in several states affirmed support for abortion access.
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A remarkably preserved mummified saber-toothed cat cub, the first of its kind, has been unearthed in Siberia. The 35,000-year-old Homotherium latidens mummy boasts exceptionally well-preserved fur, flesh, and even claws, offering unprecedented insights into its appearance and hunting techniques. Comparisons with modern lion cubs reveal significant anatomical differences, suggesting a powerful forelimb role in prey immobilization. This discovery, representing a crucial branch of the feline evolutionary tree, is a game changer for paleontological understanding of saber-toothed cats.
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Somalia’s debt relief efforts continued with the signing of a bilateral agreement, forgiving its $8.5 million debt to Denmark. This follows the Paris Club’s decision to forgive Somalia’s debts and individual negotiations with creditor nations, including the US and Japan. The forgiveness is part of the IMF’s Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, reducing Somalia’s overall debt by over $5 billion. Concurrent with the debt relief, Denmark pledged a new $18 million aid package for Somalia’s development. These advancements signal Somalia’s progress towards economic recovery and international financial reintegration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker