Jonathan Stempel

Lindt & Sprüngli is facing a US federal lawsuit alleging that it misled consumers about ethical sourcing while benefiting from child labor in cocoa production in Ghana and Ivory Coast. International Rights Advocates is seeking to stop the alleged conduct but is not requesting damages. Lindt denies the claims, says it condemns child labor, and points to supplier protocols, investigations, a 2030 Sustainability Plan, a modern slavery statement, and Rainforest Alliance certification.

Warren Buffett called Bill Gates’ association with Jeffrey Epstein distasteful but said it did not end their friendship and that his past donations to the Gates Foundation were a good decision. Buffett’s latest nearly $6 billion stock donation instead went to four foundations led by his children, who will now manage his charitable wealth. He also plans to distribute his remaining Berkshire Hathaway shares by the end of 2034, citing his children’s ages and his desire to ensure they can manage the funds effectively.

Warren Buffett has redirected approximately $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to four family foundations in his latest annual charitable donations. The move follows renewed scrutiny of Bill Gates's past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, although Buffett did not give a reason and neither organization commented. Buffett has donated more than $47 billion in Berkshire stock to the Gates Foundation since 2006 and plans to distribute his remaining shares by the end of 2034.

Warren Buffett ended nearly two decades of contributions to the Gates Foundation, redirecting about $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to four family foundations. The shift follows renewed scrutiny of Bill Gates' past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, though Buffett offered no explanation for omitting the Gates Foundation. Buffett has donated over half his Berkshire holdings since 2006, with new gifts primarily supporting foundations focused on reproductive health, education, hunger, conflict mitigation, and support for marginalized groups.

A federal judge rejected Meta’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit brought by 29 state attorneys general, which accuses Facebook and Instagram of being intentionally designed to addict children and of concealing the resulting harm. The judge ruled that claims involving deception, unfair practices and violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act may proceed, and granted summary judgment to the states on Meta’s failure to meet COPPA requirements. The decision highlights factual disputes over whether the platforms are addictive and whether Meta misrepresented their design. A trial is scheduled for August 18.

A federal magistrate judge ordered Elon Musk to testify under oath in two proposed class-action lawsuits concerning his $1 million-a-day election giveaway and recommended allowing a fraud claim against Musk and America PAC. Arizona plaintiffs allege the sweepstakes was falsely advertised as random to obtain voters' personal information, while a statement from Musk's lawyer reportedly indicated that winners were selected as potential America PAC spokespeople. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman will review the recommendation and separately consider a motion to dismiss one of the lawsuits.

A federal magistrate judge ordered Elon Musk to testify under oath in proposed class-action lawsuits alleging that he and America PAC misled voters with a $1 million-a-day giveaway during the 2024 presidential campaign. The plaintiffs claim winners were advertised as being selected randomly, while evidence suggests they may instead have been chosen as potential America PAC spokespeople. Judge Susan Hightower recommended allowing a fraud claim to proceed while dismissing a breach-of-contract claim; U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman will make the final decision on those recommendations and on Musk and America PAC’s dismissal request.

Ghislaine Maxwell has filed an amended habeas corpus petition seeking to overturn her 2021 conviction and 20-year sentence for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. She argues that newly released Epstein case documents show violations of her due process rights, including improper influence by attorneys for accusers and inadequate investigation of witnesses such as Leslie Wexner. Federal prosecutors oppose the petition, calling Maxwell’s claims untimely, speculative, inaccurate, or insufficient to establish an unfair trial.

A US judge granted preliminary approval to a revised $38 billion settlement between Visa, Mastercard and more than 12 million merchants over allegations that the card networks overcharged for credit card processing. The agreement would reduce interchange fees, allow merchants greater flexibility in accepting card categories and expand surcharge options. Visa and Mastercard welcomed the decision, while the National Retail Federation, convenience-store retailers, Walmart and other objectors argued that merchants would still face excessive fees, particularly on rewards cards. The settlement follows the rejection of a $30 billion proposal in 2024, and further objections are expected before final approval.

A unanimous jury in Oakland, California, rejected Elon Musk’s claims that OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman had manipulated him into donating $38 million before shifting the company toward a for-profit model. The jury found that Musk filed the claims after the statute-of-limitations deadline. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers accepted the advisory verdict and dismissed the case, while Musk’s lawyer indicated that an appeal may be considered.

A federal jury in Oakland ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit accusing OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman of abandoning the organization’s nonprofit mission and improperly pursuing profit. The jury found that Musk waited too long to sue, and Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers accepted the verdict and dismissed his claims. Musk’s lawyer reserved the right to appeal, though the judge indicated that an appeal could face significant obstacles. The 11-day trial focused on the credibility of Musk and Altman, OpenAI’s restructuring and investment from Microsoft, and broader concerns over AI safety, commercial incentives and the technology’s effects on society.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he wants Israel to reduce its US military financial support to zero within a decade, arguing that the countries should reset their relationship rather than wait for Congress. Israel currently receives about $3.8 billion annually under a $38 billion aid commitment for 2018–2028. Netanyahu attributed declining US support for Israel partly to social-media manipulation, while polling shows unfavorable views of Israel and low confidence in him have increased. He also declined to give a timetable for Israel’s war with Iran but said weakening or toppling Iran’s regime could dismantle its support for Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, while acknowledging that regime change is not guaranteed.

Annie Altman filed an amended federal lawsuit accusing her brother, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, of sexually abusing and raping her between 1997 and 2006, beginning when she was three and he was 12. A judge dismissed her initial claims as expired but allowed her to refile under Missouri’s Childhood Sexual Abuse statute. The Altman family cites Annie’s mental health challenges, while Sam Altman describes the lawsuit as extortion.

Annie Altman filed an amended complaint in federal court after a judge dismissed her sexual assault and battery claims against her brother, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, on statute-of-limitations grounds. The judge allowed her to pursue a claim under Missouri’s Childhood Sexual Abuse statute concerning alleged abuse between 1997 and 2006. Sam Altman denies the claims, says his family has supported Annie financially, and has characterized the lawsuit as extortion while pursuing a defamation counterclaim over her social media posts.

A Manhattan federal judge dismissed Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko’s lawsuit against the WTA Tour and former chief executive Steve Simon. Tsurenko alleged that the WTA failed to ban Russian and Belarusian players who supported the war and that Simon’s comments and the tour’s policies contributed to emotional abuse, including a panic attack that caused her to withdraw from a 2023 match against Aryna Sabalenka. Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald ruled that the WTA had no demonstrated duty to protect players from emotional harm or to impose the bans sought, while noting that the organization had adopted measures including prohibiting Russian and Belarusian flags. The WTA maintained that it condemned Russia’s actions and should not punish athletes for their governments’ conduct.

New York distillery Long Island Vodka has sued Saudi-backed LIV Golf in federal court, alleging that the tour’s use of “LIV” for alcohol and apparel has infringed its trademark, caused consumer confusion, and depressed sales. The distillery is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and an injunction. LIV Golf had not responded to requests for comment, and the case follows other trademark disputes involving the tour.

A US federal judge rejected Tesla’s attempt to overturn a $243 million jury verdict stemming from a 2019 Florida crash involving a Model S operating on Autopilot. The crash killed Naibel Benavides Leon and seriously injured Dillon Angulo; jurors assigned Tesla 33% responsibility and awarded compensatory and punitive damages. Tesla argued that the driver alone was responsible and that the vehicle and system were not defective, but the court found the trial evidence supported the verdict. Tesla is expected to appeal, and the judgment could complicate the company’s efforts to build public confidence in its autonomous-driving technology ahead of a planned robotaxi rollout.

President Donald Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as a federal judge considers pausing Operation Metro Surge, a 3,000-agent immigration enforcement operation. Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul argue that the crackdown violates state sovereignty and is disproportionate, while the Trump administration calls their request absurd. The deployment follows the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by immigration agents in Minneapolis; officials say agents acted in self-defense, but verified video appears to show Pretti holding a phone rather than a gun before he was restrained and shot. Protests, business opposition and criticism from some Republicans have intensified pressure on the administration, while Senate Democrats threaten to block Homeland Security funding, raising the prospect of a partial government shutdown.

Justin Baldoni’s lawyer urged a federal judge to dismiss Blake Lively’s sexual-harassment and retaliation lawsuit, characterizing her allegations as “petty slights” that do not meet the legal threshold for workplace discrimination. Lively’s lawyer argued that Baldoni repeatedly crossed boundaries during production of It Ends with Us, including by adding sexual content and allegedly touching Lively without consent, and later participated in efforts to discredit her. Judge Lewis Liman questioned both sides about individual liability and the scope of a director’s creative authority but did not indicate when he would rule. Baldoni’s separate countersuits against Lively, Ryan Reynolds and The New York Times have already been dismissed, while Lively’s case is scheduled for trial on May 18.

The children of Jeffrey and Michelle Bauer have sued Tesla in Wisconsin, alleging that electronic door systems on their Model S failed after a November 2024 crash and trapped the couple inside the burning vehicle. The lawsuit claims Tesla knew of the danger from earlier fires and failed to adopt feasible safety measures, while also accusing the driver’s estate of negligence. Tesla had not responded to requests for comment. The case follows a separate lawsuit over a fatal Cybertruck crash and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration probe into possible Tesla door defects.

British national James Wellesley, also known as Andrew Fuller, pleaded guilty in Brooklyn to conspiring to commit wire fraud in a scheme that raised $99.4 million from investors. Wellesley and co-defendant Stephen Burton allegedly posed as executives of Bordeaux Cellars and claimed investments were backed by more than 25,000 bottles of high-value wine, although prosecutors said the company controlled as few as 217 bottles. Loan proceeds were allegedly used for personal expenses and to pay some earlier investors. Wellesley faces a recommended sentence of 10 to 12½ years and has agreed to forfeit $1 million and funds in more than two dozen bank accounts, while Burton accepted a $26 million forfeiture order.

U.S. prosecutors have filed a superseding indictment detailing allegations that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs forced employees to work long hours with little sleep and threatened physical, financial, psychological or reputational harm if they did not support his alleged sex-trafficking enterprise. Prosecutors say at least one employee was pressured into sex acts with Combs. The indictment adds no new charges, but Combs faces existing federal charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy ahead of a May 5 trial in Manhattan. Combs has pleaded not guilty and his lawyer strongly denies the allegations. He also faces dozens of related civil lawsuits and remains jailed in Brooklyn pending trial.

FIFA has settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by Relevent Sports, which accused FIFA and the United States Soccer Federation of unlawfully blocking foreign leagues from staging official matches in the United States. Under the settlement, FIFA will consider changes to its rules on matches played outside a league’s home territory, though it remains unclear whether regular-season foreign matches will ultimately be held in the US. The dispute began after plans for La Liga and Ecuadorian matches in Miami were blocked, and potential rule changes could create more competition for Major League Soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

A U.S. judge rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss or narrow E. Jean Carroll’s defamation claim, ruling that Trump’s Truth Social post denying her rape allegation was not protected by litigation privilege. The post repeated earlier statements calling Carroll’s claim a hoax and scam. Carroll’s defamation and battery claims are scheduled for trial on 25 April, with an anonymous jury approved because of concerns about publicity, harassment and retaliation. The report also notes Trump’s separate potential indictment in Manhattan over hush-money payments involving Stormy Daniels.

A federal judge dismissed the criminal case against Manhattan jail guards Tova Noel and Michael Thomas after prosecutors said they completed their six-month deferred prosecution agreements. The guards had admitted falsifying monitoring records and acknowledged falling asleep and using the internet instead of checking Jeffrey Epstein every 30 minutes before his 2019 suicide. Both cooperated with the federal investigation, while their lawyers cited poor training, staffing shortages and dysfunctional management at the now-closed jail.

A federal appeals court rejected Ghislaine Maxwell’s latest request for bail and declined to hold a hearing on her complaints about conditions at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Her lawyers allege sleep deprivation, contaminated water, sewage odors, restricted attorney access and inadequate evidence-review equipment, describing the treatment as retaliatory after Jeffrey Epstein’s death in custody. Maxwell, who has pleaded not guilty to sex-trafficking and related charges, remains detained as she awaits a Manhattan trial scheduled for November.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's effort to keep her 418-page 2016 deposition confidential, upholding Judge Loretta Preska's decision to release it along with other records from Virginia Giuffre's settled defamation lawsuit. The court also refused to alter a protective order that would have allowed Maxwell access to confidential criminal-case materials. Maxwell argued that disclosure could prejudice her upcoming trial and violate her constitutional protections, but the court found the public's right of access prevailed. She remains jailed while facing charges of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein and perjury.

A federal judge authorized government-appointed psychological and psychiatric experts to examine former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes for 14 hours, with the sessions recorded, after her lawyers indicated they might present evidence of a mental disease or defect relevant to her criminal fraud charges. Holmes and former Theranos president Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani have pleaded not guilty to allegations that they misled investors, doctors and patients about the company’s blood-testing technology. The case follows Theranos’s collapse from a company once valued at $9 billion and Holmes’s fall from Silicon Valley prominence.

Fifteen young people from Mexico's Baja California state are taking President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's government to court, demanding clearer climate regulations and public policies required under existing law and the constitution. Their case is scheduled for a September 4 hearing, shortly after the environment minister's resignation. López Obrador has not reaffirmed emissions-reduction targets set by the previous government, instead pointing to projects such as a large-scale tree-planting program. The case also highlights pressure on state oil company Pemex, identified as one of the world's largest historical emitters.

Royal Bank of Scotland agreed to pay $500 million to resolve New York State claims that it misled investors about risky residential mortgage-backed securities sold in 2006 and 2007. The settlement includes $100 million in cash for the state and $400 million in homeowner and community relief, including affordable-housing funding. RBS admitted the misconduct, which involved 44 offerings worth more than $52 billion, and said it had reserved £3.2 billion for potential U.S. and other regulatory settlements. The unresolved Justice Department issues have also hindered the UK Government’s efforts to reduce its 71% stake in the bank.

HSBC agreed to pay $101.5 million to resolve a US criminal investigation into currency-market manipulation. The settlement includes a $63.1 million fine and $38.4 million in restitution, including $8.08 million paid to client Cairn Energy, and requires HSBC to strengthen its internal controls. The bank admitted responsibility for two wire-fraud charges, while its cooperation and remediation efforts earned it a reduced fine. The case follows the conviction of former HSBC foreign-exchange trader Mark Johnson and charges against former executive Stuart Scott.

Fetch Media sued Uber in a California federal court seeking more than $19.7 million in unpaid 2017 advertising invoices. Uber had previously accused Fetch of billing for nonexistent, nonviewable or fraudulent ads, claiming that ad fraud caused at least $50 million in damages after Fetch was hired to generate legitimate clicks and app downloads. Fetch denied the allegations, called Uber a “faithless business partner,” and said it helped monitor fraud and register more than 35 million riders. Uber had dismissed its federal case and indicated it would pursue related claims in California state court.

Warren Buffett said pessimism about the United States’ long-term economic prospects is irrational and predicted that the Dow Jones Industrial Average will exceed one million within 100 years. Speaking at Forbes’ centennial event in New York, the Berkshire Hathaway chairman argued that long-term investment in America has consistently rewarded investors and that betting against the country has historically been a losing strategy. He also discussed his age and longevity statistics while appearing on a list of prominent business minds alongside figures including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Oprah Winfrey.

Disability rights groups and wheelchair users filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Uber in New York, alleging that the company violates city human rights laws because only a small fraction of its more than 58,000 vehicles are wheelchair-accessible. The plaintiffs say UberWAV offers fewer than 100 accessible vehicles, resulting in long waits or unavailable rides. Uber said its technology has expanded transportation access for people with disabilities and that it would continue seeking an affordable, reliable solution. The lawsuit follows similar cases in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Warren Buffett donated approximately $3.17 billion in Berkshire Hathaway shares to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four family charities, bringing his total contributions to those organizations since 2006 to $27.54 billion. The Gates Foundation received about $2.42 billion. Despite giving away more than 40% of his Berkshire holdings, Buffett retained roughly 17% of the company and remained the world's fourth-richest person, with the charities generally selling the shares to fund their work.

Bill Gross and Pimco reached a roughly $80–81 million settlement ending Gross's $200 million lawsuit over his 2014 departure from the asset manager. Gross alleged that Pimco executives plotted to force him out and redistribute his share of a lucrative bonus pool, while Pimco alleged abusive conduct that could have justified firing him. Both sides called the settlement amicable, and Pimco said the proceeds would be donated to charity.

Berkshire Hathaway nearly quadrupled its Apple holding to 57.4 million shares and built a roughly $9.3 billion position in the four largest US airlines during the fourth quarter of 2016. The company also disclosed new investments in Sirius XM and Monsanto, while appearing to sell stakes in Deere & Co and Wal-Mart Stores. The Apple purchase generated particular attention because of Warren Buffett’s longstanding reluctance to invest in technology, while the airline purchases indicated that he had overcome a previous aversion to the sector. Analysts viewed the transactions as a strong endorsement, contributing to gains in the affected companies’ shares.

Eastman Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States after years of declining film sales, failed efforts to shift into digital imaging and consumer and commercial printers, and severe cash pressures. The company reported roughly $5.1 billion in assets against $6.75 billion in liabilities and secured a $950 million credit line from Citigroup to continue operating. Kodak expects to sell significant assets, including some of its 1,100 digital-imaging patents, while restructuring its business and addressing substantial pension obligations affecting workers and retirees in the United States and United Kingdom. The filing marked the collapse of a once-dominant photography company whose market value had fallen from $31 billion to less than $150 million.

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss decided not to seek Supreme Court review of a ruling upholding their 2008 settlement with Facebook, bringing their long-running dispute with Mark Zuckerberg closer to an end. The twins had argued that Facebook concealed information and that the $65 million agreement was fraudulent, but a court characterized the deal as favorable. Their decision clears the way for Facebook to seek dismissal of related litigation in Boston.

LimeWire and founder Mark Gorton agreed to pay 13 record companies $105 million to settle copyright-infringement damages claims, ending nearly five years of litigation in the United States. The settlement followed a jury trial in which the music companies had sought $1.4 billion. LimeWire, founded in 2000, had reportedly attracted more than 50 million monthly users before U.S. courts shut it down in October.

Court-appointed trustee Irving Picard sued UBS for $2 billion, alleging that the Swiss bank sponsored feeder funds that directed client money to Bernard Madoff and helped give his Ponzi scheme legitimacy while protecting itself from liability. The complaint claims UBS ignored warning signs and collected at least $80 million in fees. UBS denied the allegations as unfounded and said it would defend itself.

New Orleans chef Susan Spicer has filed a federal lawsuit seeking class-action status and damages for restaurants and seafood businesses affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The complaint argues that disrupted local seafood supplies, contamination fears, higher prices, and reduced tourism and convention business have materially harmed Bayona and similar businesses. BP, Transocean, Cameron International, and a Halliburton unit are named as defendants, while BP declined to comment on the litigation.

American International Group reported a record quarterly loss of $61.7 billion and a full-year 2008 loss of $99.29 billion. The U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve approved up to $30 billion in additional capital, eased terms on existing financing and agreed to convert some debt into government equity in two insurance units. Officials said AIG’s global operations and systemic importance made failure too costly, while warning that further support might be needed. CEO Edward Liddy said restructuring could take several years, and AIG planned to spin off part of its property-casualty business as AIU Holdings.