Microsoft plans to buy Activision Blizzard in an all-cash deal valued at about $75 billion, Microsoft’s largest acquisition by far. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick is expected to leave after the deal closes. The videogame maker has been roiled by claims of workplace misconduct.1008 min read
After a California lawsuit and a Wall Street Journal report, the company’s stock was falling, board members were getting anxious—and the tech giant was ready to take a gamble.7 min read
The $75 billion acquisition will have to navigate a regulatory environment that has become less friendly to deal making, especially in the tech sector.45 min read
The Wall Street giant’s compensation expenses soared 33% in 2021, contributing to a fourth-quarter earnings decline. JPMorgan and Citigroup also spent more on pay.4 min read
WSJ News Exclusive
The drugmaker said that a network of little-known drug suppliers and distributors sold illicit and potentially dangerous fake versions of its HIV medicines that ended up in pharmacies and in the hands of patients.6 min read
The drug’s main component worked in three separate laboratory studies, a potentially encouraging sign as the Omicron strain spreads.3 min read
A federal judge approved the largest-ever restructuring of U.S. municipal bonds, easing the island’s re-entry to capital markets.7 min read
Columnists
Business & Finance
Shares dropped 5%, falling below $30 for the first time in nearly two years.2 min read
WSJ News Exclusive
The warehouse club sued Alliance Data Systems, saying the card issuer isn’t moving fast enough to transfer accounts.2 min read
The unit launched “Cobra Kai,” but most shows never gained traction with viewers.2 min read
Michelle Gotthelf alleges that former editor Col Allan propositioned her for sex and created a hostile work environment.3 min read
The iPhone maker said a proposal in Congress would weaken a privacy-protection tool it rolled out last year, adding that the change could benefit “irresponsible” companies profiting from user data.3 min read
U.S.
Candidates in other competitive states begin to release information on early fundraising hauls.4 min read
World
Authorities ordered some 2,000 hamsters in Hong Kong to be killed over concerns that the animals may have transmitted Covid-19 to humans, one of the city’s latest measures to try to stamp out a fresh outbreak.3 min read
Edward Leung’s call for forceful opposition resonated with young protesters in 2019. His campaign slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” is now banned.5 min read
The attack showed how Iran’s allies in Yemen have become emboldened in striking Middle East rivals after emerging stronger from years of civil war.7 min read
North Korea’s spree of weapons launches carries strategic purpose, both in defense and diplomacy, security experts say.5 min read
WSJ News Exclusive
A new United Nations report on the forced landing by Belarus of a Ryanair passenger jet in May raises fresh questions about the veracity of statements by its government about the events, in which it arrested a wanted dissident.5 min read
Real Estate
A city entity outbid more than a dozen firms to buy 194 properties for $14.5 million, seeking to keep low- and middle-income residents in their homes and professional investors out of their neighborhoods.5 min read
Life & Work
Television Review
Stanley Tucci stars in this based-on-a-true-story tale about the legal battles over a sunken treasure.13 min read
“Jeopardy!” still hasn’t named a permanent host, but the game show is on a winning run, thanks to Amy Schneider’s winning streak, more sports-style analytics and a new executive producer rallying fans.476 min read
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