Business & Technology
Japan's central bank raises interest rates to highest level since 1995
The Bank of Japan on Tuesday raised its benchmark interest rate to 1 percent, the highest since 1995, citing price pressures stemming from the US-Israel war on Iran.
Al Jazeera · 16 Jun, 11:21
US Department of Justice backs xAI in NAACP lawsuit over data center pollution
The Department of Justice, along with Mississippi, has moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the NAACP against xAI, arguing that the company's operations are essential to US military operations, including the Iran War.
Engadget · 16 Jun, 11:20
Bank of Latvia Lowers GDP Forecast; Growth This Year at 2%
The Bank of Latvia has cut its GDP growth projection for this year to 2% and lowered forecasts for subsequent years due to external shocks.
Dienas Bizness · 16 Jun, 11:20
Kazakhstan and US Companies Sign $10 Billion AI Cooperation Agreements
The government of Kazakhstan has signed $10 billion worth of cooperation agreements with US tech companies Firebird and NVIDIA in the field of artificial intelligence.
LSM · 16 Jun, 11:20
Qobuz: The Anti-Spotify Music Streamer Gains Momentum with Higher Artist Payouts
French hi-res audio platform Qobuz doubled its subscriber base in 2025 to 1.2 million, driven by backlash against Spotify and its higher per-stream payouts, while maintaining a no-ads, music-only experience.
Wired · 16 Jun, 09:21
Farm 'Pērles A.A.J.' invests over €212,000 in new feed preparation equipment
Agricultural company 'Pērles A.A.J.' has purchased a modern multifunctional machine for more than €212,000, replacing three outdated units. The investment, financed by Citadele Leasing, aims to improve feed quality, reduce losses, and promote sustainable farming.
Dienas Bizness · 16 Jun, 09:21
Paris-based Rocapine raises €11.2 million to scale wellness apps that hold instead of hook
French startup Rocapine has raised €11.2 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered wellness app portfolio, designed to support users rather than create addiction.
EU-Startups · 16 Jun, 09:20
Transit Business: Latvia's Loss, Russia's Gain
Belarusian potash fertilizer exports continue to reach global markets, but now the flow passes through Russian ports, causing significant losses to Latvia's transit sector.
BNN · 16 Jun, 08:21
Govee Smart Lighting Discounts: Save Up to 30%
Govee offers various discounts on its smart lighting products, including a $5 code for new users, education and key worker discounts of 12%, and seasonal sales with up to 50% off. WIRED highlights five top-rated products.
Wired · 16 Jun, 08:21
Sheep farmers helpless against wolf attacks; farms await compensation solution
In recent years, wolves have caused significant financial losses to Latvian sheep farmers, but state compensation is not available for these attacks because wolves are not a protected species from hunting.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 08:20
US-Iran Deal Prompts Muted Oil Price Reaction, Markets Await Formal Signing
Oil prices saw only a modest decline after the US and Iran announced a tentative agreement, as markets had already priced in expectations and the deal remains fragile, requiring several months for full implementation.
Dienas Bizness · 16 Jun, 07:20
xAI’s lawsuit against OpenAI for trade secret theft dismissed
A US federal judge on Monday dismissed with prejudice xAI’s lawsuit against OpenAI, ruling that the company failed to sufficiently allege a connection between OpenAI and a former employee’s alleged misappropriation of trade secrets.
Engadget · 16 Jun, 06:21
US stock market climbs as US-Iran deal stirs hopes for end to energy chaos
US stocks rallied after a tentative US-Iran deal raised hopes of restoring stability to energy supply chains disrupted for months in the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Jazeera · 16 Jun, 06:20
US Government Imposes Export Controls on Anthropic AI Models; Company Seeks to Reverse Decision
Anthropic received a US export control order to block access to its Mythos 5 and Fable 5 AI models by foreign nationals. The company negotiated with the Trump administration to reverse the decision, which could reshape the AI industry.
The Verge · 16 Jun, 06:20
China to launch revolutionary digital currency payment system for cross-border settlements
China is preparing to introduce a digital currency payment system that could transform cross-border transactions, reduce reliance on the US dollar, and strengthen ties with Belt and Road partners, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.
LSM · 16 Jun, 06:20
Fox acquires Roku for $22 billion to expand in smart TVs and advertising
Fox Corporation has agreed to acquire Roku for roughly $22 billion, combining its broadcast and streaming assets with Roku's platform and advertising business to become the third-largest TV distributor in the US.
Ars Technica · 16 Jun, 05:21
Dolby Cinema vs. IMAX: How to Choose Between Premium Movie Formats
IMAX and Dolby Cinema are premium cinema formats that differ in purpose: IMAX focuses on scale and spectacle, while Dolby Cinema emphasizes precise sound and vivid visuals.
Engadget · 16 Jun, 05:21
Meta launches 'AI Mode' on Facebook that pulls from public info across its platforms
Meta announced Monday a new 'AI Mode' for Facebook that lets users ask questions in plain language and get synthesized answers from public posts, including Groups and Reels. The feature raises reliability concerns as it summarizes content from everyday users rather than vetted sources.
TechCrunch AI · 16 Jun, 05:21
BMW reveals M3 forerunner – concept with four electric motors
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW presented the M Concept Neue Klasse – an electric sports concept previewing future M models with four electric motors, 800V architecture, and a design inspired by racing.
iAuto.lv · 16 Jun, 05:20
Meta Launches 'AI Mode' on Facebook, Drawing Answers from Public Posts
Meta announced new AI features for Facebook, including an AI Mode that synthesizes answers from public posts across Groups and Reels, along with photo editing tools and more.
TechCrunch · 16 Jun, 04:22
Best Early Amazon Prime Day Deals: Discounts on AirPods, Ring, and More
Amazon Prime Day kicks off June 23, but early deals are already live on popular gadgets like Apple AirPods Pro 3, Ring doorbells, and Eero routers.
The Verge · 16 Jun, 04:22
US fuel prices to take 'months' to normalise after US-Iran deal to end war
Following a preliminary deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran, oil prices have fallen, but experts warn that US consumers may wait months for significant relief at the pump due to supply chain bottlenecks and the time needed for recovery.
Al Jazeera · 16 Jun, 04:21
Anthropic and White House Talks Over Claude Fable 5 Export Controls End Without Resolution
The Trump administration and AI company Anthropic concluded talks on Monday without lifting export controls on the Claude Fable 5 model, which were imposed last week due to jailbreaking concerns, according to sources briefed on the matter.
Wired · 16 Jun, 04:21
Crude Oil Prices Drop as Markets React to U.S.-Iran Deal on Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices are falling after President Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran have agreed on a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
NPR World · 16 Jun, 03:22
Xbox Reportedly Closing or Selling Three Studios: Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games
According to reports, Xbox is preparing to shut down or sell at least three game studios – Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. Employees and leadership are seeking buyers or buyouts to avoid closure.
Engadget · 16 Jun, 03:21
Isar Aerospace's second test flight delayed again due to fisherman conflict
German space company Isar Aerospace faces repeated delays for its second Spectrum rocket test flight as tensions persist with local fishermen at the Andøya spaceport in Norway. The first test flight in March 2025 ended in failure.
Ars Technica · 16 Jun, 03:21
Sundar Pichai faces boos and walkout at Stanford graduation over Google's Israel and ICE ties
Google CEO Sundar Pichai faced a protest at Stanford University's commencement, with about 200 graduates walking out and others booing him. The protest targeted Google's contracts with the Israeli military and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
TechCrunch · 16 Jun, 03:20
Stanford students boo, walk out as Sundar Pichai speaks over Google's Israel, ICE ties
Google CEO Sundar Pichai faced a student protest at Stanford's graduation ceremony, with walkouts and boos directed at the company's contracts with the Israeli military and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
TechCrunch AI · 16 Jun, 03:20
Chinese rocket upper stage breaks apart dangerously close to Starlink constellation
The upper stage of a commercial Chinese rocket, Zhuque-2E, has fragmented in orbit, creating a debris cloud that threatens SpaceX's Starlink satellites.
Ars Technica · 16 Jun, 02:21
Māris Zanders: AI Discussions Are a Dazzling Cacophony of Opinions
Commentator Māris Zanders argues that artificial intelligence discourse lacks common ground, with participants talking past each other, much like the stalemate in climate change debates.
Delfi · 16 Jun, 02:21
Amazon’s Smart Thermostat drops to just $58 for early Prime Day
The Amazon Smart Thermostat, which learns your routines and monitors energy use, is now available for $57.99 – the best price since Black Friday.
The Verge · 16 Jun, 02:21
The Atlantic Reveals Databases of Millions of Songs Used for AI Training
The Atlantic has published four searchable databases containing millions of tracks used to train AI models, including copyrighted works by Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny.
Engadget · 16 Jun, 02:21
Xbox is shutting down Hellblade creator Ninja Theory
Xbox is closing Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series. Staff were informed on Monday but hope a buyer will be found.
The Verge · 16 Jun, 01:21
Meta CTO Admits AI Reorg Was 'Atrocious'
Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth acknowledged the company's AI division reorganization was poorly handled and promised better communication, career development, and perks to improve morale.
Wired · 16 Jun, 01:21
US Government Forces Anthropic to Take Down AI Models Under Vague Export Control
The US Commerce Department invoked an obscure export control directive to ban non-Americans from accessing Anthropic's latest AI models, citing national security. The company complied by shutting down the models, sparking criticism from experts who call the move dangerous and a worrying precedent.
TechCrunch · 16 Jun, 01:20
US Government's Anthropic Models Ban Was Never About an AI Jailbreak
The US Commerce Department forced Anthropic to pull its latest AI models offline via an export control directive, sparking criticism from security experts who call the move dangerous and retaliatory.
TechCrunch AI · 16 Jun, 01:20