Business

The Gates Foundation has initiated an independent investigation into its historical engagement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This review aims to assess past interactions and scrutinize the foundation's policies for vetting new philanthropic partnerships. The move follows reports of numerous emails between Bill Gates and Epstein, with Gates having previously apologized to staff for what he termed a 'huge mistake'.

Karex, the world's largest condom manufacturer, has indicated that ongoing disruptions to global supply chains, intensified by the Iran war, could lead to a 20-30% price increase for its products.

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a Paramount Skydance takeover deal, a significant development expected to finalize by the end of September, pending regulatory approval.

Scientific Games and Intralot are embroiled in a bitter dispute over the lucrative 10-year contract to manage Maryland's state lottery systems. The contention may necessitate judicial arbitration to resolve the increasingly muddled conflict.

IBM has agreed to pay approximately $17 million to the federal government, settling allegations of illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The Department of Justice had asserted that the technology firm made "false claims" about its hiring and employment practices in federal contracts, including identifying "diverse" candidates and developing race and sex demographic goals. IBM, however, denied discriminatory practices, emphasizing the agreement was not an admission of liability.

By Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN (CNN) — After weeks of war-driven pressure on fuel prices and supply chains, some businesses are starting to pass those higher costs...

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has surpassed $4, marking the first occurrence since 2022 and signaling potential impacts on inflation and economic growth.

The United States labor market recorded its weakest pace of worker additions in 15 years during February, as job openings declined to 6.88 million and the hires rate fell to 3.1%, the lowest level since April 2020.

A federal judge in California has indefinitely blocked the Pentagon's attempt to label AI firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, a designation that would have severed its government ties. The ruling determined these measures infringed upon the company's First Amendment and due process rights.

Tabor 100 has expanded its Car Sharing Program to serve all residents of King County, offering an affordable transportation option with two energy-efficient vehicles available for rent at a low cost.