In Other Brews…
The Justice Department has proposed a few potential “remedies” after Google Search was declared an illegal monopoly. The most aggressive proposal would force Google to sell its Chrome, Play, and/or Android businesses; it would be the first major corporate breakup in four decades. Google called the proposals “radical,” warning that it would stifle innovation in the AI sector.
Annual inflation hit 2.4% in September, a three-year low but still higher than expected. Grocery prices were up a modest 1.3% year-over-year, while gasoline is down 16%. So-called “core inflation” (a measure preferred by economists that excludes food and energy) remained at 3.3% thanks to rises in the cost of medical care, clothing, and airfare.
Tesla unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi last night. At an event called “We, Robot,” streamed live from a Warner Brothers studio, the Cybercab made its (quiet) debut without a steering wheel or pedals; a milestone moment for an idea Elon Musk has been teasing since 2016. Musk’s vision for ubiquitous ridehailing of driverless cars is still years away and faces significant regulatory hurdles.
The King of Clay is hanging up his racket. Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay-court tennis player ever, will retire next month after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup. Nadal won 22 Grand Slams—14 at the all-clay French Open—but his most memorable was 2008’s Wimbledon Championship over Roger Federer, considered by many as the greatest tennis match ever.
Sean "Diddy” Combs made his first court appearance in his sex-trafficking trial yesterday afternoon. The hearing established submission deadlines for lawyers’ arguments to establish boundaries for the trial (set for next spring). Combs (54) remains in custody after pleading not guilty to charges that included racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking based on allegations that go back to 2008.