USA: Biden signs funding bill into law, averting US government shutdown

United States President Joe Biden has signed into law a bipartisan funding bill that averts a government shutdown, days after Congress was thrown into turmoil after President-elect Donald Trump rejected an initial…

China: Hong Kong targets ‘unfair’ claw machines

It’s a frustratingly familiar experience for many a fair-goer: just as the coveted plushie makes its way towards the chute of a claw machine, the claw slackens, letting go of…

Japan: Sega considering Netflix-like game subscription service

Sega is considering launching its own Netflix-like subscription service for video games, a move which would accelerate gaming’s transition towards streaming. There are already a number of similar services on…

UK: Black cab manufacturer set to axe jobs

Up to 45 workers at a black cab manufacturer are set to lose their jobs. London Electric Vehicle Company said the move was part of plans to “drive efficiencies” across…

China: Honda and Nissan hold merger talks

Honda and Nissan are understood to have held exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers, particularly in China. The discussions are in…

Germany: Volkswagen agrees deal to avoid German plant closures

Volkswagen has reached a deal with the IG Metall trade union which will avert plant closures in Germany and avoid immediate compulsory redundancies. The two sides have, however, agreed to…

USA: Google suggests fixes to its search monopoly

Alphabet’s Google proposed new limits to revenue-sharing agreements with companies including Apple which make Google’s search engine the default on their devices and browsers. The suggestions stem from the US…

US: Authorities avoid government shutdown after bill passes

The Democratic-controlled US Senate has voted to pass a budget deal to avert what would be the first US federal government shutdown since 2019, only hours after the House of…

USA: Starbucks baristas launch strike in US, union says

More than 11,000 Starbucks baristas in the US have begun a five-day strike in a dispute over pay and working conditions. The walk outs began on Friday at stores in…

Spain: Court sentences ex-IMF chief to more than four years over corruption

A Madrid court has sentenced former International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Rodrigo Rato to more than four years in prison for tax crimes, money laundering and corruption. Judges found Rato…