Nasal Spray Firm Challenges FTC's Authority on Health Claim Regulations
Xlear marketed its nasal spray during COVID-19 as a protective measure based on certain scientific claims. The FTC sued for unsupported health claims, but the company is now counter-suing to restrict the FTC's regulatory powers. This legal conflict highlights tensions around health claim regulations and scientific standards enforcement.
US Government Rolls Back Forest Protections, Allowing Increased Logging and Development
The USDA is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening millions of acres of national forest to logging and development, including most of Alaska's Tongass National Forest. While intended to boost timber production and wildfire management, conservationists warn it risks environmental damage and increased wildfire hazards. This decision highlights tensions between industrial interests and forest conservation amid climate change concerns.
Deal Alert: 55-inch iFFALCON QLED 4K Mural TV Now $565, Blends Seamlessly as Wall Art
Amazon Prime Day deals have started early, featuring iFFALCON’s 55-inch QLED 4K Mural TV at a reduced price of $565. This TV doubles as wall art with its slim design and art mode, offering a unique blend of aesthetic and advanced tech features like 4K, 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos support, making it a smart buy for tech enthusiasts.
Paramount Plus Rebrands Showtime Tier as Paramount Plus Premium
Paramount Plus is rebranding its "Paramount Plus with Showtime" tier to "Paramount Plus Premium," keeping the same price and Showtime content but dropping the Showtime name. This change reflects the integration of Showtime programming across plans and aims to improve branding clarity amid industry competition.
May 2025 Media Distributor Report: YouTube Solidifies 4-Month Lead
In May 2025, YouTube extended its lead among media distributors to four months. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) experienced the largest growth for the month, thanks mainly to its sports coverage on the TNT channel. This highlights the competitive dynamics within media distribution platforms during this period.
Anthropic Achieves Key AI Copyright Victory but Faces Trial Over Massive Piracy Allegations
Anthropic won a significant "fair use" case in AI copyright but faces a trial over claims of illegally using over 7 million books, risking substantial damages. This marks a pivotal moment in AI copyright law and data usage ethics.
June 16 Morning News Ratings: Gains for GMA and CBS Mornings in Key Categories
For the week of June 16, both GMA and CBS Mornings experienced gains in key morning news ratings categories, notably tightening the gap between GMA and Today among Adults aged 25-54.
Media Matters Files Lawsuit Against FTC Over Alleged Free Speech Retaliation
Media Matters has filed a lawsuit against the FTC, accusing the agency of conducting a retribution campaign aimed at limiting the organization's free speech rights. This legal action highlights concerns over governmental influence on media freedom.
Steam Deck OLED Now Back in Stock After Supply Chain Delays
Valve has resolved supply chain constraints and restocked the Steam Deck OLED handheld gaming device in the US and Canada. Available models include 512GB and 1TB versions with enhanced OLED displays and a price range of $549 to $649. The Steam Deck Docking Station is sold separately, while the upcoming Switch 2 remains intermittently available at retail stores.
FTC Approves $13.5 Billion Ad Merger with Restrictions Favoring Elon Musk's Platform X
The FTC, led by Republicans, will approve Omnicom's $13.5 billion merger with Interpublic but bans steering ads away from platforms like Elon Musk's X based on political views. The order addresses antitrust and boycott concerns after X lost advertisers over controversial content. Advertisers may still request placement preferences directly, aiming to balance competition and free business operations.
Hue Launches Larger Smart Button with Price Increase in U.S.
Hue's new smart button is bigger and more expensive in the U.S., costing $32.99. It retains the same features as its predecessor but offers a larger design and easier battery replacement. The price increase may be linked to tariffs, with Hue planning wider price hikes in the U.S. market.
New York to Build Its First New Nuclear Power Plant in Decades
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans for a new nuclear power plant, the first in decades, aiming to diversify energy sources and reduce emissions. Supported by advanced nuclear technology and partnerships with tech giants like Google and Microsoft, the project marks a revival in US nuclear energy amidst environmental and economic challenges.
Top Apple Watch Deals You Can Grab Right Now
Apple's latest wearable lineup includes the Series 10, the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, and the rugged Ultra 2. Current discounts make these models more accessible, with prices starting as low as $169 for the SE. New models offer advanced features and improved designs, catering to varying needs and budgets.
Elon Musk's Legal Team Asserts He 'Does Not Use a Computer' Amid Lawsuit
Elon Musk's lawyers have claimed in a court filing that he 'does not use a computer' amidst his ongoing lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI. This assertion is notable given Musk's previous public mentions of his laptop during the past year.
Cable News Ratings for Wednesday Evening, June 18: 'The Five' Tops the Charts
MSNBC's evening cable news lineup on June 18 attracted over a million viewers between 4 and 11 p.m. ET, with 'The Five' leading in the ratings, showcasing a competitive evening for cable news audiences.
Nintendo Switch 2 Sells Out Quickly at Best Buy Following Launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 has sold out rapidly at Best Buy shortly after its June 5 launch, becoming the fastest-selling console ever with 3.5 million units sold in four days. It offers backward compatibility with original Switch games and improved performance for some titles. The console is available as a standalone or in a bundle with Mario Kart World, providing cost savings for buyers.
Tegna Appoints Three Regional Vice Presidents to Manage Local Stations
Tegna has named three regional vice presidents to manage their local stations, with each executive assigned to a distinct geographic area. This move aims to enhance regional oversight and operational efficiency at the local level.
Exclusive: ABC News Conducts First Broadcast Interview with Mahmoud Khalil
ABC News secured an exclusive first broadcast interview with Mahmoud Khalil. Meanwhile, NBC News' Dylan Dreyer traveled over 4,000 miles to cover the renowned Royal Ascot, showcasing the dedication and reach of major news networks.
News Corp. CEO Robert Thompson Secures Five-Year Contract Extension
Robert Thompson, serving as CEO of News Corp. since 2013, has recently had his contract renewed for another five years, reinforcing his leadership at the company.
Compass Sues Zillow Over Private Listing Ban Policy
Compass has taken legal action against Zillow due to its policy prohibiting private home listings. Compass advocates for a three-phase marketing method for sellers that involves private listings, highlighting a conflict between the two companies.