Amazon Sued in Massive Monopoly Case & Victoria's Secret Fashion Hits Streaming
Sep 27, 2023
29:08
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A massive lawsuit has been filed against Amazon for being a monopoly. Donald Trump is accused of defrauding banks and insurers. New Orleans may face a drinking water emergency. The rise and fall of Victoria's Secret is discussed. Taxpayers are paying to maintain Russian billionaires' yachts. Neal quizzes Toby on Google for its 25th anniversary.
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Quick takeaways
Victoria's Secret is making efforts to become more inclusive and recognize different body types, but their recent documentary-style film has been criticized for its disorganized nature and competition from upstart brands
The Federal Trade Commission and 17 states have sued Amazon, accusing it of stifling fair competition through alleged punishment of sellers who discount prices and expensive fulfillment service requirements, although defining Amazon as a monopoly in the online retail marketplace is challenging as it competes with physical retail as well.
Deep dives
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show reimagined as a documentary
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, now called The Tour, has returned after a five-year hiatus with a feature-length documentary-style film. The show aims to showcase the company's transformation to a more inclusive brand that recognizes different body types. However, reviewers have criticized the disorganized nature of the documentary, suggesting that Victoria's Secret is still figuring out its new vision while facing competition from upstart brands.
FTC files lawsuit against Amazon for monopolistic practices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 states have sued Amazon, accusing it of acting as a monopoly and stifling fair competition. The case focuses on Amazon's alleged punishment of sellers who discount their prices too much, as well as the requirement for expensive fulfillment services to obtain the prime badge. The FTC believes it has a strong case against Amazon, but it is unclear if a full-blown breakup of the company is being pursued. Critics argue that defining Amazon as a monopoly in the online retail marketplace is challenging, as it competes with physical retail as well.
Concerns rise over saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River
Prolonged drought conditions in Louisiana have led to low water levels in the Mississippi River, making it vulnerable to saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans has declared an emergency over concerns of potential water scarcity. Already, residents in some areas have been directed to use bottled water due to saltwater infiltration. If low water levels persist, an estimated one million people in the greater New Orleans area could be affected. Efforts are underway to address the issue, including the construction of underwater barriers to prevent saltwater intrusion.
Episode 157: Neal and Toby discuss the massive lawsuit where the US government and 17 states are suing Amazon for being too large of a monopoly. Also, a judge rules that Donald Trump defrauded banks and insurers while building out his real estate empire and why New Orleans could enter a drinker water emergency. Also, the guys discuss the rise and fall of Victoria's Secret and why tax payers are shelling out thousands to maintain Russian billionaires' yachts. And finally, Neal quizzes Toby on his Google knowledge as the tech giant turns 25.