Craig Robinson, known for his role in "The Office" and a long-standing figure in comedy, announced he was quitting comedy to pursue "something bigger." However, this announcement was later revealed to be a prank designed to promote a new AT&T advertising campaign. In the commercials, Robinson reunites with his "The Office" co-stars and portrays a character starting an AI alarm clock business, highlighting small business owners. Industry sources confirm that Robinson is not actually retiring from comedy.

Merit Street Media, the cable-TV and streaming network launched by television personality Phil McGraw in April 2024, entered Chapter 11 protection on 2 July in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. Court papers list both assets and liabilities in the $100 million to $500 million range and name more than 200 creditors. Bloomberg reported that the Fort Worth-based company dismissed all but six staff members on the day of the filing.

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AT&T has launched a new security feature called Wireless Account Lock designed to protect customers from SIM swapping attacks and account takeovers. This feature allows users to lock their accounts, preventing unauthorized access by malicious actors attempting to hijack wireless accounts through SIM cloning techniques. The rollout follows similar initiatives by other carriers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and Google Fi. The Wireless Account Lock is available for free and aims to enhance customer security amid rising concerns over sophisticated digital scams involving SIM swaps, which have been used to fraudulently access accounts and make unauthorized purchases.

AT&T has introduced a new security feature called Account Lock designed to protect its wireless customers from SIM swapping attacks. This feature allows users to lock down their accounts, preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of fraud. The Account Lock is available to postpaid, prepaid, and business customers, enhancing protection across all account types. This move follows similar security measures recently implemented by other major carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon, and Google Fi. Additionally, Samsung is encouraging Galaxy users in the US and Canada to enable several security features in its One UI 7 to safeguard data against theft, with reports indicating that the upcoming One UI 8 will include a robust security alert system.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday lambasted AT&T after a network glitch delayed a conference call he was hosting for faith leaders across the country. In posts on Truth Social, Trump said the telecom giant was “totally unable to make their equipment work properly” and urged the company’s chief executive to intervene. He added that this was the second time a similar failure had occurred and apologized to the tens of thousands of religious leaders who had been asked to wait.

AT&T replied that its preliminary investigation showed the disruption stemmed from the third-party conference-call platform rather than its wireless network. The Dallas-based carrier said it was cooperating with White House officials to determine the exact cause and prevent future incidents. The company’s shares briefly trimmed intraday gains after Trump’s remarks but quickly recovered.

Trump said he may use a different service provider for future events. The dispute surfaces only weeks after the Trump Organization licensed the president’s name to launch “Trump Mobile,” a wireless service and a $499 smartphone, rekindling tensions between the president and AT&T, a company he also criticized during his first term.

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement related to two major data breaches that affected millions of its current and former customers. The settlement recently received preliminary approval from a federal judge in Texas. The total settlement amount is divided into two funds: one totaling $149 million and the other $28 million. Eligible customers impacted by these breaches may soon be able to file claims and receive payouts. Details on eligibility criteria, how to file claims, and the timeline for payments have been made available to the public. The settlement aims to compensate those whose personal information was compromised in the incidents.

AT&T has agreed to pay $177 million to resolve class-action lawsuits stemming from two data breaches that exposed the personal information and call records of millions of customers. The settlement received preliminary approval on 20 June from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

The agreement creates two compensation pools: $149 million for customers hit by a breach disclosed in 2024, and $28 million for those affected by an earlier 2019 incident. Victims who can document out-of-pocket losses may claim up to $2,500 for the 2024 breach or up to $5,000 for the 2019 breach, with remaining funds distributed among all eligible current and former subscribers after administrative and legal costs.

Read more

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement following two recent data breaches that affected millions of its current and former customers. Eligible individuals may file claims to receive compensation, with those demonstrating "fairly traceable" losses potentially receiving up to $5,000. The settlement outlines specific eligibility criteria and provides guidance on how customers can submit claims. Payment timelines and claim filing procedures have been communicated to ensure affected customers can access their share of the settlement. This resolution addresses the security lapses and unauthorized access incidents that compromised customer data at the telecom giant.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law, banning K-12 students from using cell phones and other personal communication devices such as smartwatches and tablets during the school day. The law requires all public and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas to prohibit the use of these devices during school hours, effective starting with the upcoming school year in fall 2025. School districts are tasked with developing policies over the summer to enforce the ban. The legislation aims to support productive learning environments by eliminating distractions.

Similar measures have been adopted in other states, including Virginia, where Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a law requiring students to keep phones off during class. The Texas law covers all personal electronic devices not provided by the school and applies statewide, extending restrictions that some schools, like O'Connor High School in San Antonio, had already implemented. The ban has sparked discussions among parents and educators about communication and student focus during school hours.

The United States men’s national team opened the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 5–0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, snapping a four-match losing streak. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Malik Tillman scored his first two international goals in the 16th and 41st minutes, while Patrick Agyemang added another before the break to give the Americans a 3–0 halftime lead. Two second-half strikes completed the rout and placed the U.S. on top of Group D.

Tillman carried his form into the Americans’ second group match against Haiti at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, nodding in a tenth-minute opener for his third goal of the tournament. Haiti replied nine minutes later through Louicius Don Deedson, leaving the contest level at 1–1 as play continued.

The U.S. can secure first place in Group D and an automatic quarter-final berth with at least a draw against Haiti. Tillman’s emergence provides a timely boost for a squad aiming to reclaim the regional title after falling in the 2023 semi-finals.

The Trump Organization on 16 June announced a new wireless venture, Trump Mobile, positioning it as a patriotic alternative to the major U.S. carriers. The service, marketed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., offers a $47.45-per-month “47 Plan” that includes unlimited talk, text and data, roadside assistance and tele-health benefits. Trump Mobile operates as a mobile virtual network operator using the 5G infrastructure of AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

Read more

Multiple large-scale data breaches have been reported affecting millions of individuals across various organizations. Cybersecurity researchers revealed that billions of data records belonging to millions of Chinese citizens were briefly exposed online. In South Korea, approximately 20 million customers of Yes24, a major online retailer, may have had their personal information leaked, with the company indicating it will notify affected individuals if confirmed. In the United States, hackers claim to have stolen over 44 million social security numbers from AT&T's database and 64 million records from T-Mobile. Additionally, New York University notified millions of students that their names and social security numbers were compromised in a recent cyberattack.

Nothing Technology Ltd. will make its forthcoming Phone 3 smartphone available for general sale in the United States, widening the London-based start-up’s reach into the world’s largest premium handset market. The device is set to be sold through Amazon and will offer official network support for AT&T and T-Mobile, according to company and media reports published on 12 June.

The move represents Nothing’s first flagship handset to secure broad U.S. distribution, marking a step up from the limited releases of its earlier models and underscoring the company’s ambition to compete more directly with established brands in North America.

Phone 3 is scheduled to launch in India on 1 July 2025. Leaked images indicate the handset will retain Nothing’s signature transparent rear design and may resemble the Phone 3a Pro, though pricing and full specifications have yet to be announced. Further details are expected closer to the smartphone’s market debut.

AT&T is investigating a data leak involving an archive that appeared online containing personal information and social security numbers linked to approximately 49 million phone numbers. The telecommunications company is uncertain whether this new data dump is related to a previous breach. The stolen data is believed to have been accessed by the hacker group ShinyHunters in April 2024. In a separate but related development, a massive data breach in China has compromised over 4 billion user records, exposing hundreds of millions of users' personal information. This incident is considered one of the largest data breaches affecting Chinese victims to date.

AT&T has introduced a new wireless plan specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and older, offering unlimited talk, text, and data. This 55+ Plan is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the carrier's standard offerings and aims to compete with similar senior-focused plans from T-Mobile and Verizon. The plan is available nationwide in the United States. Potential customers are advised to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand eligibility and any fine print associated with the plan.

Several U.S. cities are emerging as key hubs for soccer business ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Dallas ranks fifth, hosting nine matches at AT&T Stadium, the most of any venue, and serving as a base camp and media center site. Kansas City, ranked sixth, has invested over $620 million in soccer venues and will host six World Cup matches.

Philadelphia, seventh on the list, is hosting six matches and is supported by venues like Subaru Park and WSFS Bank Sportsplex, with sponsorship from companies such as Aramark and Fanatics. Chicago, ranked eighth, maintains deep soccer roots with teams like the Fire and Stars, new training centers, and events including the Premier League Summer Series at Soldier Field. The San Francisco Bay Area, ninth, features teams like the Earthquakes and Bay FC, six World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium, and major sponsors including Visa and EA Sports. Houston, ranked tenth, has seen its soccer fan base grow to over 3.6 million in a decade, with major venue upgrades and investments from figures like Tim Howard and James Harden. Separately, Buffalo, Washington DC, and San Diego lead U.S. markets in Premier League TV ratings for the 2024-25 season, according to NBC Sports. A discussion on the growing business of U.S. soccer ahead of the World Cup is scheduled for June 3 in New York, featuring representatives from Major League Soccer and other soccer business experts.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has faced criticism for delaying the implementation of multilingual wireless emergency alerts, an upgrade designed to enhance public safety during disasters. More than two dozen congressional Democrats have urged the FCC to complete the rollout of this bipartisan rule, emphasizing the importance of providing emergency alerts in multiple languages to save lives. Representative Nanette Barragán, along with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, and Carson City Councilmember Arleen Rojas, held a joint press conference calling for immediate FCC action. Barragán reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the FCC fulfills its promise to make wireless emergency alerts accessible to all individuals, regardless of the language they speak, highlighting the critical role of understanding these alerts in natural disasters and emergency situations.

Mexican singer Julión Álvarez was forced to cancel a sold-out concert scheduled at the AT&T Stadium in Texas after the U.S. government revoked his work visa. The cancellation affected an event with an audience of approximately 50,000 fans. Álvarez expressed frustration over the revocation, stating he was not informed of the reasons behind the decision.

The visa cancellation occurred under the Trump administration. In addition to Álvarez, other Mexican artists such as Lorenzo de Monteclaro have also faced visa issues, leading to the cancellation of their U.S. performances. Reports suggest that Álvarez's visa denial was linked to alleged ties with a drug cartel, although no official confirmation has been provided. Despite these visa challenges, events featuring "narcocorridos," a genre of music often associated with drug trafficking themes, continue to draw large crowds in U.S. border states. Separately, a major cybersecurity convention planned for San Antonio was also canceled, though no direct connection to the visa issues was indicated.

AT&T's CEO has stated that the company has no plans to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite potential pressure from the Trump administration related to its pending $5.75 billion deal. This contrasts with Verizon, which recently reduced its DEI programs and subsequently received FCC approval for its $20 billion deal within 24 hours. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also overturned a requirement for companies to submit diversity data. Additionally, AT&T indicated it will not absorb the impact of tariffs on smartphones. These developments highlight differing corporate approaches to DEI policies amid regulatory scrutiny and large telecommunications mergers.

AT&T has agreed to acquire substantially all of Lumen Technologies' mass markets fiber business for $5.75 billion. The deal, announced in May 2025, aims to accelerate high-speed fiber internet access for millions of Americans. AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that the acquisition will enable the company to double its fiber footprint. Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson also commented on the transaction. The fiber business includes operations under the CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber brands. While some reports cited the deal value as $6 billion, the officially confirmed amount is $5.75 billion.

Craig Robinson, known for his role in "The Office" and a long-standing figure in comedy, announced he was quitting comedy to pursue "something bigger." However, this announcement was later revealed to be a prank designed to promote a new AT&T advertising campaign. In the commercials, Robinson reunites with his "The Office" co-stars and portrays a character starting an AI alarm clock business, highlighting small business owners. Industry sources confirm that Robinson is not actually retiring from comedy.

Merit Street Media, the cable-TV and streaming network launched by television personality Phil McGraw in April 2024, entered Chapter 11 protection on 2 July in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. Court papers list both assets and liabilities in the $100 million to $500 million range and name more than 200 creditors. Bloomberg reported that the Fort Worth-based company dismissed all but six staff members on the day of the filing.

Read more

AT&T has launched a new security feature called Wireless Account Lock designed to protect customers from SIM swapping attacks and account takeovers. This feature allows users to lock their accounts, preventing unauthorized access by malicious actors attempting to hijack wireless accounts through SIM cloning techniques. The rollout follows similar initiatives by other carriers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and Google Fi. The Wireless Account Lock is available for free and aims to enhance customer security amid rising concerns over sophisticated digital scams involving SIM swaps, which have been used to fraudulently access accounts and make unauthorized purchases.

AT&T has introduced a new security feature called Account Lock designed to protect its wireless customers from SIM swapping attacks. This feature allows users to lock down their accounts, preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of fraud. The Account Lock is available to postpaid, prepaid, and business customers, enhancing protection across all account types. This move follows similar security measures recently implemented by other major carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon, and Google Fi. Additionally, Samsung is encouraging Galaxy users in the US and Canada to enable several security features in its One UI 7 to safeguard data against theft, with reports indicating that the upcoming One UI 8 will include a robust security alert system.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday lambasted AT&T after a network glitch delayed a conference call he was hosting for faith leaders across the country. In posts on Truth Social, Trump said the telecom giant was “totally unable to make their equipment work properly” and urged the company’s chief executive to intervene. He added that this was the second time a similar failure had occurred and apologized to the tens of thousands of religious leaders who had been asked to wait.

AT&T replied that its preliminary investigation showed the disruption stemmed from the third-party conference-call platform rather than its wireless network. The Dallas-based carrier said it was cooperating with White House officials to determine the exact cause and prevent future incidents. The company’s shares briefly trimmed intraday gains after Trump’s remarks but quickly recovered.

Trump said he may use a different service provider for future events. The dispute surfaces only weeks after the Trump Organization licensed the president’s name to launch “Trump Mobile,” a wireless service and a $499 smartphone, rekindling tensions between the president and AT&T, a company he also criticized during his first term.

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement related to two major data breaches that affected millions of its current and former customers. The settlement recently received preliminary approval from a federal judge in Texas. The total settlement amount is divided into two funds: one totaling $149 million and the other $28 million. Eligible customers impacted by these breaches may soon be able to file claims and receive payouts. Details on eligibility criteria, how to file claims, and the timeline for payments have been made available to the public. The settlement aims to compensate those whose personal information was compromised in the incidents.

AT&T has agreed to pay $177 million to resolve class-action lawsuits stemming from two data breaches that exposed the personal information and call records of millions of customers. The settlement received preliminary approval on 20 June from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

The agreement creates two compensation pools: $149 million for customers hit by a breach disclosed in 2024, and $28 million for those affected by an earlier 2019 incident. Victims who can document out-of-pocket losses may claim up to $2,500 for the 2024 breach or up to $5,000 for the 2019 breach, with remaining funds distributed among all eligible current and former subscribers after administrative and legal costs.

Read more

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement following two recent data breaches that affected millions of its current and former customers. Eligible individuals may file claims to receive compensation, with those demonstrating "fairly traceable" losses potentially receiving up to $5,000. The settlement outlines specific eligibility criteria and provides guidance on how customers can submit claims. Payment timelines and claim filing procedures have been communicated to ensure affected customers can access their share of the settlement. This resolution addresses the security lapses and unauthorized access incidents that compromised customer data at the telecom giant.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law, banning K-12 students from using cell phones and other personal communication devices such as smartwatches and tablets during the school day. The law requires all public and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas to prohibit the use of these devices during school hours, effective starting with the upcoming school year in fall 2025. School districts are tasked with developing policies over the summer to enforce the ban. The legislation aims to support productive learning environments by eliminating distractions.

Similar measures have been adopted in other states, including Virginia, where Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a law requiring students to keep phones off during class. The Texas law covers all personal electronic devices not provided by the school and applies statewide, extending restrictions that some schools, like O'Connor High School in San Antonio, had already implemented. The ban has sparked discussions among parents and educators about communication and student focus during school hours.

The United States men’s national team opened the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 5–0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, snapping a four-match losing streak. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Malik Tillman scored his first two international goals in the 16th and 41st minutes, while Patrick Agyemang added another before the break to give the Americans a 3–0 halftime lead. Two second-half strikes completed the rout and placed the U.S. on top of Group D.

Tillman carried his form into the Americans’ second group match against Haiti at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, nodding in a tenth-minute opener for his third goal of the tournament. Haiti replied nine minutes later through Louicius Don Deedson, leaving the contest level at 1–1 as play continued.

The U.S. can secure first place in Group D and an automatic quarter-final berth with at least a draw against Haiti. Tillman’s emergence provides a timely boost for a squad aiming to reclaim the regional title after falling in the 2023 semi-finals.

The Trump Organization on 16 June announced a new wireless venture, Trump Mobile, positioning it as a patriotic alternative to the major U.S. carriers. The service, marketed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., offers a $47.45-per-month “47 Plan” that includes unlimited talk, text and data, roadside assistance and tele-health benefits. Trump Mobile operates as a mobile virtual network operator using the 5G infrastructure of AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

Read more

Multiple large-scale data breaches have been reported affecting millions of individuals across various organizations. Cybersecurity researchers revealed that billions of data records belonging to millions of Chinese citizens were briefly exposed online. In South Korea, approximately 20 million customers of Yes24, a major online retailer, may have had their personal information leaked, with the company indicating it will notify affected individuals if confirmed. In the United States, hackers claim to have stolen over 44 million social security numbers from AT&T's database and 64 million records from T-Mobile. Additionally, New York University notified millions of students that their names and social security numbers were compromised in a recent cyberattack.

Nothing Technology Ltd. will make its forthcoming Phone 3 smartphone available for general sale in the United States, widening the London-based start-up’s reach into the world’s largest premium handset market. The device is set to be sold through Amazon and will offer official network support for AT&T and T-Mobile, according to company and media reports published on 12 June.

The move represents Nothing’s first flagship handset to secure broad U.S. distribution, marking a step up from the limited releases of its earlier models and underscoring the company’s ambition to compete more directly with established brands in North America.

Phone 3 is scheduled to launch in India on 1 July 2025. Leaked images indicate the handset will retain Nothing’s signature transparent rear design and may resemble the Phone 3a Pro, though pricing and full specifications have yet to be announced. Further details are expected closer to the smartphone’s market debut.

AT&T is investigating a data leak involving an archive that appeared online containing personal information and social security numbers linked to approximately 49 million phone numbers. The telecommunications company is uncertain whether this new data dump is related to a previous breach. The stolen data is believed to have been accessed by the hacker group ShinyHunters in April 2024. In a separate but related development, a massive data breach in China has compromised over 4 billion user records, exposing hundreds of millions of users' personal information. This incident is considered one of the largest data breaches affecting Chinese victims to date.

AT&T has introduced a new wireless plan specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and older, offering unlimited talk, text, and data. This 55+ Plan is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the carrier's standard offerings and aims to compete with similar senior-focused plans from T-Mobile and Verizon. The plan is available nationwide in the United States. Potential customers are advised to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand eligibility and any fine print associated with the plan.

Several U.S. cities are emerging as key hubs for soccer business ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Dallas ranks fifth, hosting nine matches at AT&T Stadium, the most of any venue, and serving as a base camp and media center site. Kansas City, ranked sixth, has invested over $620 million in soccer venues and will host six World Cup matches.

Philadelphia, seventh on the list, is hosting six matches and is supported by venues like Subaru Park and WSFS Bank Sportsplex, with sponsorship from companies such as Aramark and Fanatics. Chicago, ranked eighth, maintains deep soccer roots with teams like the Fire and Stars, new training centers, and events including the Premier League Summer Series at Soldier Field. The San Francisco Bay Area, ninth, features teams like the Earthquakes and Bay FC, six World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium, and major sponsors including Visa and EA Sports. Houston, ranked tenth, has seen its soccer fan base grow to over 3.6 million in a decade, with major venue upgrades and investments from figures like Tim Howard and James Harden. Separately, Buffalo, Washington DC, and San Diego lead U.S. markets in Premier League TV ratings for the 2024-25 season, according to NBC Sports. A discussion on the growing business of U.S. soccer ahead of the World Cup is scheduled for June 3 in New York, featuring representatives from Major League Soccer and other soccer business experts.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has faced criticism for delaying the implementation of multilingual wireless emergency alerts, an upgrade designed to enhance public safety during disasters. More than two dozen congressional Democrats have urged the FCC to complete the rollout of this bipartisan rule, emphasizing the importance of providing emergency alerts in multiple languages to save lives. Representative Nanette Barragán, along with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, and Carson City Councilmember Arleen Rojas, held a joint press conference calling for immediate FCC action. Barragán reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the FCC fulfills its promise to make wireless emergency alerts accessible to all individuals, regardless of the language they speak, highlighting the critical role of understanding these alerts in natural disasters and emergency situations.

Mexican singer Julión Álvarez was forced to cancel a sold-out concert scheduled at the AT&T Stadium in Texas after the U.S. government revoked his work visa. The cancellation affected an event with an audience of approximately 50,000 fans. Álvarez expressed frustration over the revocation, stating he was not informed of the reasons behind the decision.

The visa cancellation occurred under the Trump administration. In addition to Álvarez, other Mexican artists such as Lorenzo de Monteclaro have also faced visa issues, leading to the cancellation of their U.S. performances. Reports suggest that Álvarez's visa denial was linked to alleged ties with a drug cartel, although no official confirmation has been provided. Despite these visa challenges, events featuring "narcocorridos," a genre of music often associated with drug trafficking themes, continue to draw large crowds in U.S. border states. Separately, a major cybersecurity convention planned for San Antonio was also canceled, though no direct connection to the visa issues was indicated.

AT&T's CEO has stated that the company has no plans to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite potential pressure from the Trump administration related to its pending $5.75 billion deal. This contrasts with Verizon, which recently reduced its DEI programs and subsequently received FCC approval for its $20 billion deal within 24 hours. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also overturned a requirement for companies to submit diversity data. Additionally, AT&T indicated it will not absorb the impact of tariffs on smartphones. These developments highlight differing corporate approaches to DEI policies amid regulatory scrutiny and large telecommunications mergers.

AT&T has agreed to acquire substantially all of Lumen Technologies' mass markets fiber business for $5.75 billion. The deal, announced in May 2025, aims to accelerate high-speed fiber internet access for millions of Americans. AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that the acquisition will enable the company to double its fiber footprint. Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson also commented on the transaction. The fiber business includes operations under the CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber brands. While some reports cited the deal value as $6 billion, the officially confirmed amount is $5.75 billion.