Apple and Meta were both hit with massive fines on Wednesday, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, for breaching the European Union’s newly established competition regulations aimed at limiting the dominance of Big Tech.
Apple was penalized $570 million by EU antitrust authorities for preventing developers from directing users to less expensive alternatives outside its App Store.
Meanwhile, Meta faced a $230 million fine for coercing users of Facebook and Instagram into choosing between viewing ads or paying to avoid them, according to the European Commission.
These fines are the first to be issued to Big Tech giants under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, a landmark law introduced in 2022.

Adelynn Campbell’s last plane trip ended with a panic attack that she got through largely with the help of a kind flight attendant. That was last year — before 67 people died in January when an American Airlines jet collided with a helicopter over Washington, D.C., in the deadliest U.S. air disaster in almost a quarter century. Now, Campbell is even more hesitant to book a flight. “It’s definitely spiked my concern about getting on a plane and it’s making the whole situation a little more stressful than it used to be,” said Campbell, 30, who manages a coffee shop in San Diego. Being at least a little nervous about flying is understandable.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.

The White House confirmed that discussions toward a trade pact with China are moving forward, and noted a surge of interest globally, with 18 official trade offers submitted by foreign governments and over 100 countries expressing interest in forming economic partnerships with the United States.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump temporarily suspended retaliatory tariffs on goods from most foreign countries for 90 days — with China notably excluded from this moratorium. This pause is intended to provide a window for international partners to engage in talks and potentially finalize trade deals. Vice President JD Vance revealed Monday that the U.S. has outlined a trade strategy with India and is nearing an agreement with Japan as well.

JERUSALEM – Intense heat and high winds fueled devastating brush fires in central Israel on Wednesday, prompting police to evacuate r

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday slammed the Hamas terror organization for providing Israel with an “excuse” to destroy Gaza by holding on to the hostages. Speaking at a meeting of the PLO Central Council, Abbas called Hamas “sons of female dogs.” “The war must end,” he said. “There are hundreds killed every day. Why? They don’t want to release the American hostages. Sons of dogs, give the hostages back and end this story. Eliminate its [Israel’s] excuses.” It was unclear whether Abbas was referring to all the hostages or just the American hostages, of whom only one, Eden Alexander, is believed to be still alive.

DUB

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rabbi Yonah Feinstein z”l, who served Klal Yisroel for many years with dedication and distinction as the Director of Special Projects at Agudath Israel of America.
A man of quiet strength, profound humility, and unwavering commitment to the needs of the tzibbur, Rabbi Feinstein was a trusted and beloved figure whose contributions touched numerous lives.
The levayah will taking place this morning at 11 a.m. at Shomrei Hadas Chapels, located at 3803 14th Avenue in Brooklyn. The aron will then be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah at the Eretz Hachaim Cemetery in Beit Shemesh.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TERROR: Hamas released a video of hostage Omri Miran (47) on Wednesday, who was kidnapped from his home in Nahal Oz on October 7. The most recent sign of life of Miran was received through an Israeli who was returned from captivity in February.