Billionaire activist investor Bill Ackman has poured about $2 billion into Meta, making a major bet that Mark Zuckerberg’s tech giant will outpace rivals in the artificial intelligence arms race.The investment represents about 10% of Pershing Square’s portfolio — a sizable allocation for Ackman’s concentrated hedge fund, though the investment is only a small fraction of Meta’s overall market value.News of Pershing Square’s investment in Meta was reported on Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal. 4 Bill Ack ...

The Federal Trade Commission warned Apple in a fiery letter on Wednesday that it may be violating consumer protection laws by stifling right-leaning publications on its popular news app.FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson’s letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook came one day after The Post exclusively reported on a study that pointed to the Apple News app’s apparent bias against conservative media outlets. President Trump shared The Post’s report on his Truth Social account early Wednesday.   Media Research Center, a conser ...

Core Viewpoint - The FDA's refusal to review Moderna's application for its new mRNA flu vaccine has left the company's president in shock, citing confusion over the agency's decision regarding trial adequacy and control measures [1][6][7]. Group 1: FDA's Decision - The FDA stated that Moderna's application lacked an "adequate and well-controlled" trial, specifically not comparing the new vaccine to the best-available standard of care at the time of the study [2][9]. - The FDA indicated that the trial should have used a high-dose flu vaccine as a comparator, particularly for individuals over 65, as these are considered more effective for older adults [10][11]. - The FDA's letter did not express concerns about the safety or efficacy of the vaccine, but emphasized that the trial design did not meet their guidelines [6][9]. Group 2: Moderna's Response - Moderna's president expressed surprise and confusion over the FDA's decision, noting that the company had previously discussed trial designs with regulators and received written confirmation that their approach was acceptable [5][9]. - The company reportedly invested over a billion dollars in the clinical trial, which involved more than 40,000 participants and reached the pivotal Phase 3 stage [5][14]. - Moderna warned that the FDA's decision could deter future investments in new medicines and cures, suggesting a significant impact on innovation in the pharmaceutical industry [6]. Group 3: Implications and Reactions - The Health and Human Services spokesperson criticized Moderna for not following FDA guidance, stating that the trial exposed older participants to increased risks by using a substandard control [11][12]. - The recent policy changes under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have led to the termination of nearly $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine development, affecting multiple companies including Moderna [12][13]. - The decision has drawn criticism from health officials, who argue that it undermines the potential of mRNA vaccines in pandemic preparedness [13].

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis has issued a "Do Not Drive" warning for approximately 225,000 older vehicles in the US due to unrepaired defective Takata air bag inflators, emphasizing the urgency of completing repairs to protect vehicle owners and the public from serious injury or death [1][4]. Group 1: Vehicle Recall and Safety - The warning affects various older models including Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, Challenger, Chrysler Aspen and 300, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Raider from model years 2003 to 2016 [1][4]. - Stellantis has completed recall repairs on over 6.6 million vehicles, representing about 95% of those recalled more than a decade ago [5]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 28 deaths in the US linked to defective Takata air bag inflators, highlighting the severe risks associated with these inflators [6][8]. Group 2: Industry Context and Historical Data - Since 2009, hundreds of injuries have been reported due to Takata air bag inflators that can explode, causing metal shrapnel to injure or kill vehicle occupants [2]. - Over the past decade, more than 100 million vehicles with Takata airbag inflators have been recalled globally, with 67 million in the US, marking the largest recall in US history [6]. - In 2024, Honda confirmed 20 US deaths related to Takata air bag issues, attributed to propellant degradation from prolonged exposure to temperature fluctuations and humidity [8].

Core Viewpoint - Activist investor Ancora Holdings is opposing Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) proposed $72 billion sale of its movie and TV studios and HBO Max streaming service to Netflix, favoring a rival all-cash bid from Paramount Skydance valued at approximately $78 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Ancora Holdings' Position - Ancora Holdings has built a stake in WBD valued at about $200 million and is considering a proxy fight if the board does not negotiate with Paramount over its offer [3]. - Ancora has raised concerns regarding the Netflix deal, labeling it as "uncertain and inferior," and has criticized the planned Discovery Global spinoff that would burden cable-TV networks with around $17 billion in debt [5]. - Ancora has questioned CEO David Zaslav's motivations, suggesting he may favor the Netflix deal to secure an executive role with the streaming company post-transaction [4]. Group 2: Paramount's Offer - Paramount has made a cash offer of $30 per share for WBD, which includes a "ticking fee" of 25 cents per share for each quarter the deal remains unclosed after the end of 2026, potentially amounting to $650 million in cash value for every quarter [12][13]. - The revised offer also includes funding for a $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would owe Netflix if the deal collapses, as well as eliminating a potential $1.5 billion debt refinancing cost [16]. - Paramount's offer is backed by $43.6 billion in equity commitments and $54 billion in debt commitments from major financial institutions [17]. Group 3: WBD's Response - WBD has received Paramount's amended offer and stated that its board will review it, although it has consistently recommended that shareholders reject Paramount's bid in favor of the Netflix acquisition [18].

Group 1 - The labor market showed significant improvement in January, with US employers adding 130,000 jobs, far exceeding expectations of 55,000 jobs [1][3] - The unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.3% from 4.4% in the previous month, indicating a positive trend in employment [3] - January's job growth comes after 2025 marked the slowest year for job growth since 2009, excluding the pandemic year of 2020 [3] Group 2 - The upbeat jobs report may be somewhat misleading due to fewer seasonal hires by retailers during the 2025 holiday season, which could inflate the headline job figures [4] - Initial unemployment claims have remained low, but job openings fell to 6.5 million in December, the lowest since September 2020, suggesting mixed signals in the labor market [4] - Ger Doyle from ManpowerGroup noted that January provides an early indication of a labor market stabilizing after a year of adjustments [5]

Core Viewpoint - Toyota is recalling approximately 141,000 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles due to a malfunctioning rear door lock system that can lead to unexpected door openings while the vehicle is in motion [1][3]. Group 1: Recall Details - The recall affects 2023–2026 Toyota Prius models, 2023–2024 Prius Prime vehicles, and 2025–2026 Prius Plug-In Hybrid models sold in the U.S. [1][4]. - The issue arises from an electric rear door lock system that may malfunction if water enters a door switch, potentially causing a short circuit [2][3]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - If the rear door unlatches while driving, it could open and increase the risk of injury to occupants, especially rear-seat passengers [3][5]. - A warning notification may appear on the dashboard, and a buzzer may sound to alert the driver if the switch activates while the vehicle is in motion [3]. Group 3: Remedial Actions - Toyota dealers will modify the left and right rear door switch circuits to prevent activation even if shorted, and the repair will be performed at no cost to the owners [4]. - Owners of affected vehicles will be notified in late March, and they can check their vehicle's status online using their VIN or license plate information [4].

Core Viewpoint - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is under pressure to consider Paramount Skydance's revised $78 billion takeover offer, primarily due to regulatory concerns surrounding its existing deal with Netflix, rather than the attractiveness of the offer itself [1][5]. Group 1: Paramount's Offer Details - The new terms of Paramount's offer include covering a $2.8 billion breakup fee to exit the Netflix agreement and a "ticking fee" of 25 cents per share for delays in regulatory approval, paid quarterly after December 31 [2]. - The revised offer does not meet WBD CEO David Zaslav's expectations, lacking a $3 per share increase on top of the $30 per share cash bid and failing to secure a personal guarantee from Larry Ellison for the $50 billion debt associated with the deal [3][5]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - WBD's decision-making is heavily influenced by increasing antitrust scrutiny on Netflix, which is facing challenges regarding its $73 billion acquisition of WBD's Warner Bros. studio and HBO Max streaming service [5][13]. - The scrutiny includes a bipartisan Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that criticized Netflix's business practices, indicating a potential regulatory backlash against the streaming giant [9]. Group 3: Shareholder Considerations - WBD's shareholders are reportedly inclined to approve the Netflix deal, fearing a drop in stock value if the deal is rejected, as the stock could revert to around $12 [7]. - The proximity of Paramount's $30 per share bid to Netflix's $27.75 offer, combined with the value of an upcoming spinoff of WBD's cable properties, complicates the decision for shareholders [8]. Group 4: Financial Implications - If WBD were to walk away from the Netflix deal, it could result in a $5.8 billion windfall from the breakup fee, but this would also lead to a significantly lower stock price for shareholders [16].

Paramount Skydance on Tuesday sent a sweetened version of its $30 per share all-cash offer to Warner Bros. Discovery’s board as its battle to topple Netflix’s acquisition deal heats up.The revised offer includes a $0.25 per share “ticking fee” for WBD shareholders for each quarter the $78 billion transaction has not closed beyond Dec. 31, 2026, as well as an agreement to pay the $2.8 billion breakup fee to Netflix.Paramount on Tuesday sent a sweetened version of its $30 per share all-cash offer to Warner Br ...

Core Insights - Forbes initially published a profile of three female leaders at Palantir but removed it shortly after due to the company's association with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1][2] - The article highlighted the impact of women in leadership roles within Palantir across various sectors, including retail, government, and defense [2] - After the removal, Forbes indicated that additional context regarding Palantir's contracts with ICE was necessary for the story to be published [3][4] Group 1: Article Background - The profile titled "Inside Palantir's AI Braintrust: Meet The Women Transforming Retail, Government And Defense" was in development for over a month before its online release [1][9] - Following the removal, Palantir was informed that the story was considered "too positive" and would not be reposted without revisions [3][5] Group 2: Company Context - Palantir has been providing data analytics tools to ICE since 2013, which has led to public controversy and protests against the agency's immigration enforcement practices [10] - The company recently secured a $30 million contract to develop "ImmigrationOS," an AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement operations [10] - Palantir maintains that it does not own or sell personal data but instead creates software that helps organizations manage and utilize their existing data [11] Group 3: Editorial Changes - The article was later republished with added commentary on Palantir's relationship with ICE, emphasizing the company's controversial contracts and the surrounding political implications [6][5] - A statement was included in the republished article to clarify Palantir's dual reputation for technological performance and its involvement in contentious issues related to surveillance and human rights [6]