Canadian multinational e-commerce platform operator
Meta has expanded its AI agent capabilities, introducing Meta Business Agent across WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. The tools are designed for customer inquiries, product recommendations and appointment bookings, bundled within a Meta One subscription tier. The move positions Meta to monetize AI beyond advertising amid growing competition in AI agents.
A set of contemporary business stories shows founders transitioning from tech to hospitality and entrepreneurs navigating the capital’s evolving consumer scene, as new ventures search for profitability amid shifting demand. Reports detail restaurants drawing Turkish patrons during a World Cup event, a tech veteran launching halal barbecue in Dallas, and a reflective look at dining culture in major U.S. cities.
Shopify has reported strong quarterly results as AI-enabled tools drive traffic and orders to its platform, with AI search helping smaller brands compete. Revenue and GMV beat expectations, while concerns over AI-related costs and margins persist.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter in a transaction valuing the franchise at about $12.5 billion. The sale has been announced this week, requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors and is subject to due diligence and Kushners divestment of a Miami Heat stake.