Author: Lester Holt

Commission Finds Anti-Competitive Behavior The European Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion, citing abuse of its leading position in the digital advertising market. Regulators determined that Google gave preferential treatment to its own ad exchange and publisher tools, restricting competition and limiting choices for advertisers and media outlets. 60-Day Deadline to Submit Compliance Plan Brussels has demanded that Google outline a plan to address the issues within 60 days. Authorities warned that if the proposed measures are insufficient, they could take stronger action, including the potential separation of parts of the company’s ad-tech operations. Google stated it intends to challenge…

Remarks at Russian Economic Forum Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western soldiers deployed to Ukraine while fighting continues would be treated as legitimate targets by Russia. He made the comments during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, emphasizing that Moscow would not tolerate foreign military involvement amid active hostilities. Triggered by Security Commitments from Allies The warning came after a Paris summit in which French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged long-term security support for Ukraine. These pledges include funding, military training, and the potential creation of a multinational reassurance force once the…

Trump labels strike a warning to traffickers President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that US military forces had targeted a vessel reportedly tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel, killing 11 people. The operation took place in international waters in the southern Caribbean, officials said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ship as part of a known drug-trafficking route from Venezuela and said the strike was aimed at disrupting cartel operations in the region. President defends operation Trump posted on Truth Social: “Under my orders, US forces carried out a kinetic strike on identified Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists in SOUTHCOM’s…

Relief hampered by landslides and destroyed roads A magnitude-6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least 800 people and injuring around 2,500, according to Taliban officials. Rescue operations have been severely hampered by landslides and damaged roads, making many mountainous villages difficult to reach. The quake’s epicenter was near the Pakistan border, with Kunar province hardest hit. The shallow tremor caused extensive destruction, and aftershocks continued into Monday, shaking areas as far as Kabul, over 100 miles away. Hospitals overwhelmed by the injured Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the death toll is expected to rise as many people…

Court steps in to halt government action A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Sunday issued an emergency order preventing the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan minors. The decision followed urgent filings by attorneys who argued the planned removals were illegal. Ten minors highlighted, protections extend broadly The case involves 10 unaccompanied children aged 10 to 17, who lawyers said were hours away from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan ordered a 14-day pause and instructed that the children remain in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She made clear…

Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has demanded that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. step down as health secretary, warning that his tenure is putting the American public at risk. Senator Critiques Kennedy’s Tenure In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of endangering public health and stated that he should resign immediately. He criticized the administration’s slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” arguing that Kennedy’s policies have undermined scientific guidance and harmed public health initiatives. Sanders referenced the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez, as well as the resignations of four senior CDC officials who…

Tesla’s Declining Performance Tesla’s registrations across Europe fell sharply in July, plunging 40% compared with the previous year. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the company logged 8,837 sales in the EU, the UK, and the European Free Trade Association, down from 14,769 in July 2024. Even with the refreshed Model Y, the brand is losing ground in an increasingly competitive market. BYD Expands Its Reach BYD more than tripled its registrations over the same period, climbing to 13,503 vehicles from 4,151 a year earlier. This pushed its market share up to 1.2%, surpassing Tesla’s 0.8%. Offering more…

Aircraft Delivery Brought Forward The U.S. manufacturer will hand over 25 planes to the Irish low-cost airline earlier than planned. Originally expected next spring, the 737 MAX aircraft will now be delivered in October, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said on Wednesday. He highlighted the strong quality of Boeing’s work and expressed confidence that American regulators would clear the aircraft swiftly. Setbacks for the Plane Maker Boeing has been under prolonged scrutiny due to recurring safety lapses and production flaws. The 737 MAX was involved in several deadly accidents linked to system defects, and in one incident a cabin door…

Exporters Face Major Setback The U.S. has introduced 50% tariffs on goods from India, striking industries that depend on overseas buyers, including apparel, seafood, and jewelry. The increase is expected to damage export revenues and escalate trade disputes between the two countries. Appeal for Domestic Production and Use Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded by encouraging greater reliance on Indian products. During his Independence Day speech, he called on merchants and consumers to showcase and purchase locally made goods, framing the effort as a demonstration of pride and independence. Tax Revisions Designed to Encourage Spending To counter economic pressure, the…

Looking Toward Another North Korea Summit Donald Trump has indicated his interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again, possibly before the end of the year. Speaking at the White House with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump described his previous encounters with Kim as positive and expressed hope for restarting direct negotiations, despite earlier summits failing to produce a concrete agreement on North Korea’s nuclear program. Proposal to Take Control of U.S. Military Bases Trump suggested that the United States could take full ownership of the land hosting American military installations in South Korea. He noted the…