Good morning readers. Happy Friday. Remember the weekend officially starts at 11:59 AM. It’s always been like that.

It has.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Harvey Weinstein’s charges get reversed

• Headline Hustle: Alphabet issues company’s first-ever dividend, Hondva invests $11 billion in Canada to build EV hub, Pickleball signs first international deal

• FCC votes to regulate internet service providers (ISPs)

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

MEDIA

Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes conviction overturned

When the New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein's 2020 sex crimes conviction, it sent shockwaves through the #MeToo movement. The court's 4-3 ruling determined that the use of "prior bad acts" witnesses should not have been allowed, as it served to establish Weinstein's propensity for committing crimes rather than proving his intent.

Why the conviction was overturned

Weinstein, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape, has always maintained his innocence, denying any nonconsensual sexual activity. The court's decision to overturn his conviction was based on the argument that the testimony of witnesses regarding prior uncharged acts had no material relevance to the specific crimes for which he was convicted. The court concluded that this testimony was prejudicial and compounded by the trial court's decision to allow Weinstein to be cross-examined about unrelated allegations of misconduct.

What's next for Weinstein and his accusers? The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office intends to retry the case, indicating that they remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault. Weinstein's attorney, Arthur Aidala, said that his client would be ready for a retrial, likely to begin in Manhattan with a new judge and prosecutor. Despite the conviction being overturned, Weinstein is not expected to be released from prison due to his 16-year sentence in a separate Los Angeles case.

Reactions to the decision: Reactions from survivors and their advocates have been mixed, with many expressing frustration and disappointment.

• Former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., who brought the charges against Weinstein, said he was "shocked" by the court's decision.

• Judge Madeline Singas pointed to the broader implications of the ruling, criticizing the majority for allowing "predators to escape accountability."

The use of "prior bad acts" evidence has been a key strategy in sexual assault cases, helping to shift the focus from a single accusation to a pattern of behavior.

The road ahead. Despite the setback, the fight for justice and accountability continues. With Weinstein's retrial on the horizon, survivors and their advocates are determined to keep the momentum of the #MeToo movement alive.

IN THE KNOW

Headline Hustle

💰️ Alphabet issues company’s first ever dividend. Alphabet, Google's parent company, makes its dividend debut, offering shareholders a 20-cent per share payout alongside a hefty $70 billion stock repurchase program. With $108 billion in cash and securities, Alphabet's move follows Meta's recent dividend . The announcement coincided with a 15% surge in after-hours trading, fueled by robust first-quarter earnings. The biggest winners post dividend offering might be co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, who stand to make roughly$146 million and $78 million, respectively.

🚗 Honda invests $11 billion in Canada to build EV hub. Honda Motor unveils an $11 billion investment in Ontario, Canada, to build an electric vehicle ecosystem. Set to commence operations in 2028, the initiative will include assembly and battery plants, aligning with Honda's ambition to exclusively offer electric and fuel cell vehicles by 2040. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lauds it as Canada's largest-ever automotive investment, bolstered by substantial government support.

🇮🇳 Professional pickleball signs first international deal. Pickleball makes its mark in India as the United Pickleball Association and Global Sports ink a first-of-its kind deal. The PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball are set to debut in India, amplifying the game's global reach. With an official tour stop slated for next February and plans for an Indian Open event, the partnership aims to ignite pickleball fever across the nation.

TECH

FCC reinstates net neutrality

If you're a user of the internet, you're about to be caught in the crossfire of a battle between the US government and internet service providers (ISPs). On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to restore net neutrality rules that prevent ISPs from controlling your internet speeds, blocking websites, or charging extra for faster service.

What's net neutrality and why it matters?

Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally. It prevents ISPs like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon from favoring some websites over others or creating "toll lanes" that prioritize certain content. The rules, rescinded during the Trump administration, are now back on the table, and ISPs aren't thrilled.

The 3-2 vote by the FCC redefines internet service as a Title II utility, similar to legacy telephone lines. This shift gives the FCC greater regulatory power over the broadband industry, including the authority to address issues like spam robotexts, internet outages, and digital privacy.

ISPs argue that these rules are overreach and unnecessary.

• They've pointed out that during the Trump and Biden administrations, when net neutrality wasn't in effect, they didn't manipulate internet traffic based on content.

• But consumer advocates see it differently, suggesting that without net neutrality, ISPs could wield too much power over what users can see and access online.

This isn’t going to slide without a fight. Industry giants are gearing up to meet in court, potentially setting the stage for a landmark decision on federal oversight. Meanwhile, the FCC makes its stance clear: internet for all, like a utility, should be open and equal.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• Alphabet jumps 14%, Microsoft sees 5% jump and Snap climbs 26% in after-hours trading after strong earnings reports from the tech companies.

• Ford's electric vehicle unit reported a loss of $1.3 billion in the first quarter, amounting to $132,000 per vehicle sold. That’s a loss on every electric vehicle it sold.

• A federal judge upheld the verdict and award in E. Jean Carroll's defamation case against former President Donald Trump, denying Trump's motion for a new trial.

• Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods, will compete in an 18-hole local qualifier in Port St. Lucie, Florida, aiming for a spot at the 124th US Open.

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