Judge Rejects Monopoly AccusationsA US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust law when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The decision delivers a setback to the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020 and claimed the deals helped the company dominate social media. Judge James Boasberg wrote that the agency failed to prove its case and concluded that Meta does not hold monopoly power. Meta welcomed the ruling and said it operates in a highly competitive sector. Leaders Describe Rapid Industry ShiftsIn April, Boasberg led a bench trial that included…
Author: Grace Johnson
Pichai warns every firm faces exposureSundar Pichai cautions that no company will escape the effects if the AI surge weakens. He told a major British news outlet that today’s explosive AI investment marks an “extraordinary moment”, yet also reveals clear “irrationality”. He noted rising concern in Silicon Valley as valuations climb and spending accelerates at record speed. Pichai said his company can endure a slowdown, but he stressed shared vulnerability. “I think no company is going to be immune, including us,” he said. Interview highlights growing strain in the AI racePichai discussed soaring energy demand, delayed climate goals, UK expansion,…
Five Native American tribes in California have joined forces to create an intertribal commission to co-manage approximately 624,000 acres of sacred land. This initiative represents a significant step toward tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation. The land holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the tribes, containing sacred sites, ancestral burial grounds, and areas vital to traditional practices. By forming the commission, the tribes aim to protect these landscapes from development and environmental threats. The commission will oversee land management decisions collectively. Each tribe has an equal voice in planning, conservation, and cultural activities. This model allows the tribes to maintain…
Trump Switches Course on DisclosureDonald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files. He states on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans show willingness to break ranks. The House will vote this week on a bill that forces the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump must approve the release if both chambers pass it. Support Broadens Across Party LinesDemocrats and several Republicans continue to back the bill. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts…
Rising Costs Push White House to Shift Course President Donald Trump removes tariffs from a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order that lifts duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move follows deep frustration over rising supermarket prices. Trump had dismissed affordability concerns despite recent Republican setbacks. The exemption list features avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US growers cannot supply these foods in needed quantities. Trump Defends His Broader Trade Strategy Trump claims his tariffs never caused higher prices for consumers. He argues his critics exaggerate affordability issues. He says the levies protect US interests…
Federal agencies have begun resuming normal operations after the historic 43-day government shutdown. Furloughed employees are returning to work, and public services are restarting across the country. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are among the institutions reopening in a phased approach. Staff are gradually welcoming visitors while ensuring safety and proper staffing levels. This reopening marks a return to routine for millions of Americans who rely on government services. Many federal workers are receiving back pay for the time they were furloughed. Employees expressed relief at returning to work, as the shutdown had caused financial stress for thousands of…
Court Approves Multibillion-Dollar DealA bankruptcy judge approved a $7.4bn settlement on Friday, requiring Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to pay for their role in the US opioid crisis. The decision ends a long legal struggle to hold the OxyContin-maker and its owners responsible. It also releases long-delayed funds intended to help people battling addiction. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after thousands of lawsuits accused the firm of driving the opioid epidemic. Revised Plan Increases Total PaymentThe new agreement adds more than $1bn to a previous deal rejected by the Supreme Court last year. Purdue board chairman Steve Miller…
Apology Triggers Political FalloutThe national broadcaster apologises to US President Donald Trump after Panorama producers stitched together sections of his 6 January 2021 speech. The edit falsely implied Trump directly encouraged violent action. The 2024 programme will no longer air. Trump’s lawyers threaten a $1bn lawsuit and demand a retraction, an apology, and compensation. The scandal leads to the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness on Sunday. The broadcaster seeks comment from the White House. Second Edited Clip RevealedThe apology comes hours after the Daily Telegraph exposes another edited clip from a 2022 Newsnight episode.…
President Donald Trump has approved a short-term spending bill that ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. He signed the measure just hours after the House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 on Wednesday night. The Senate had narrowly passed the same bill two days earlier after intense debate. In the Oval Office, Trump said the government would “resume normal operations” after “people were hurt so badly” during the 43-day closure. Since October, many federal agencies had suspended operations. About 1.4 million federal employees were either on unpaid leave or working without pay. Food assistance programs froze, and nationwide…
US President Donald Trump says he has a “duty” to sue a British broadcaster for editing part of his 6 January 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary. Speaking to Fox News, he claimed the edit “butchered” his words and “misled” the public. This is his first public statement since his lawyers warned of a $1 billion lawsuit unless the organisation retracts the programme, apologises, and compensates him. Trump says public was deceived In an interview on The Ingraham Angle, Trump confirmed he plans to pursue legal action. “Well, I guess I have to,” he said. “They deceived the public, and…