News
US Sues Visa, Alleging Monopoly Over Debit Card Market
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Visa, accusing the financial giant of illegally maintaining its dominance in the debit card market through anti-competitive practices. The suit claims Visa punished companies seeking alternative payment networks and paid off potential competitors to preserve its hold on the market, resulting in higher fees and stifling innovation.
Visa processes over 60% of debit transactions in the U.S., generating $7 billion in fees annually. The DOJ began investigating Visa in 2021, and now alleges that the company used exclusive contracts to keep businesses tied to its network, charging higher fees to those who sought alternatives.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that Visa’s practices led to inflated prices for consumers across a wide range of goods and services, with merchants and banks passing the costs down the line.
Visa has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “meritless.” Julie Rottenberg, the company’s general counsel, stated that Visa operates in a competitive and growing debit market, and the lawsuit overlooks this reality.
The case is part of a broader push by the Biden administration to challenge monopolistic behavior in various industries. The outcome could reshape the debit card market, potentially opening more space for competition in the payment processing sector.
News
Investigation Continues as Andrew Released After Historic Royal Arrest
Search efforts and inquiries remain ongoing after Prince Andrew was released under investigation following a day spent in police custody.
More than 19 hours after he was photographed reclining in the back seat of a vehicle upon release, the King’s younger brother remains at the centre of an active inquiry. The 66-year-old spent approximately 11 hours in custody on his birthday after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The development marked the first arrest of a senior royal in modern history.
Following his release, Andrew departed Aylsham Police Station after a lengthy period that involved hours of transport and waiting.
Although no charges have been filed, Andrew has been released under investigation — meaning he is free to resume daily activities for now, but remains subject to further questioning as inquiries progress.
Authorities continue to examine matters linked to properties associated with the Duke, including locations connected to the Sandringham Estate.
According to royal correspondent Helena Wilkinson, Andrew’s legal situation remains unresolved, and he may be required to return for additional interviews as the investigation develops.
News
Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
Authorities have confirmed that Prince Andrew was arrested earlier today on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking a significant development that is now set to move through the formal legal system.
The arrest took place at a residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk at approximately 08:00 this morning. Police have since continued investigative searches at that property, as well as at his former home located within Windsor Great Park.
In recent weeks, Andrew had relocated from Windsor to establish a temporary base at Sandringham while renovation work progresses on his future long-term residence at nearby Marsh Farm.
The Sandringham Estate, originally acquired in 1862 as a private retreat for the future Edward VII when he was Albert, Prince of Wales, has long remained a cherished country residence passed from monarch to monarch. It continues to serve as a traditional gathering place for the Royal Family, particularly during the Christmas period.
It is understood Andrew has been staying at Wood Farm, a secluded house near the village of Wolferton. The residence holds personal significance, having been chosen by his father, Prince Philip, as his primary home following retirement from public duties in 2017.
Today, Sandringham has seen heightened police presence as the investigation proceeds.
Meanwhile, King Charles III continued with his scheduled public engagements in London, where he was greeted by both questions and expressions of public support upon arrival.
Maintaining continuity and stability, the King chose—like the Queen earlier—to proceed with previously planned duties. In a statement, he reaffirmed confidence in due process, noting that “the law must take its course.”
It has also been confirmed that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest, underscoring the independence of the legal process now underway.
News
Police Review Private Flights at Stansted Following Epstein File Revelations
Authorities are assessing new information concerning private jet movements at Stansted Airport after fresh scrutiny linked to the activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Essex Police confirmed it is examining details related to private flights arriving at and departing from the airport in light of disclosures emerging from the recently published Epstein files.
The review follows calls from former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who urged in the New Statesman that law enforcement should “urgently” revisit whether Epstein’s victims may have been trafficked into or out of the United Kingdom.
A previous investigation identified 87 flights connected to Epstein that either landed at or departed from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018.
Stansted Airport has maintained that private aircraft operations are conducted independently, noting that it does not oversee passenger arrangements for privately chartered flights.
The police assessment is part of broader efforts to understand any potential connections between flight activity and trafficking concerns raised in the wake of the latest disclosures.
-
News1 week agoKim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul
-
News4 days agoPolice Review Private Flights at Stansted Following Epstein File Revelations
-
Entertainment1 week agoTaylor Swift asks US government to block ‘Swift Home’ trademark
-
News1 week agoMinnesota Immigration Enforcement Surge to Wind Down as Federal Officials Cite “Great Success”
-
Entertainment4 days agoTech-Inspired Musician Look Mum No Computer to Represent UK at Eurovision
-
News1 week agoRubio warns Europe of new era in geopolitics before big Munich speech
-
News4 days agoDNA Test Yields No Match in Search for Missing Nancy Guthrie
-
News6 days agoEleven Killed in Gaza Strikes as Ceasefire Tensions Persist
