Tax prep companies duel, Spirit merger axed

Intuit sues H&R Block: In a lawsuit filed Monday, Intuit alleges that competitor H&R Block makes use of “false and misleading promoting” to attain a aggressive edge on Intuit’s TurboTax. The lawsuit elements to inaccurate worth and product variations displayed on H&R Block’s website that counsel its suppliers are very like nevertheless cheaper than these of TurboTax. The case comes as every companies are investing in AI decisions, whereas the IRS’s new Direct File program, if confirmed worthwhile all through its pilot this yr, may pose massive rivals for every companies. Full story.

Apple may rapidly lose out on App Retailer earnings: Justices rejected Apple’s Supreme Courtroom attraction after lower courts dominated that the tech massive’s App Retailer violates unfair rivals authorized pointers in California. Rejecting the plea lifted a keep on a court docket docket order that will let app builders insert hyperlinks to totally different charge decisions inside iPhone apps—making it less complicated for builders to bypass Apple’s 15% to 30% commissions. The order might worth Apple billions in earnings. Full story.

Drizly to shut down: Three years after shopping for Drizly for $1.1 billion, Uber is shutting down the alcohol provide service. Uber representatives say the shutdown, which might happen by the highest of March, will allow the company to focus further intently on Uber Eats and make its app a one-stop-shop for meals, groceries, and alcohol. Full story.

JetBlue-Spirit acquisition blocked: In a selection launched Tuesday, a federal select blocked a $3.8 billion merger of JetBlue Airways and funds airline Spirit Airways, which could have created the fifth-largest U.S. airline. The select acknowledged the acquisition would hike costs for purchasers reliant on Spirit’s low fares. Full story.

Dangerously chilly local weather: Winter storms and low temperatures led to canceled programs, closed federal workplaces, disrupted air journey, and postponed NFL playoff video video games in some cities throughout the Rockies, Good Plains, and Midwest areas on Tuesday. The extreme local weather set a report for the coldest Iowa caucus, held Monday night. Full story.