Author: Grace Johnson

Judge Dismisses Monopoly ClaimsA US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp more than ten years ago. The decision delivers a major setback to the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020, claiming the acquisitions allowed the company to 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, emphasizing it competes in a fast-moving and highly competitive market. Executives Highlight Intense CompetitionIn April, Judge Boasberg presided over a long…

Pichai says no company will remain untouchedSundar Pichai warns that every company will feel the consequences if the AI surge slows. He told a major British news outlet that today’s surge in AI investment marks an “extraordinary moment” but also shows signs of “irrationality.” He noted growing concern in Silicon Valley as valuations soar and companies pour huge sums into AI technology. Pichai said Google can weather a slowdown but remains exposed. “I think no company is going to be immune, including us,” he said. Insights from Google headquartersPichai discussed soaring energy demand, delayed climate goals, UK investment, model accuracy,…

Trump Reverses Course on Epstein DocumentsDonald Trump now urges House Republicans to support releasing the Epstein files. On Truth Social, he writes that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans indicate they may break ranks. The House plans to vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to make the documents public. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump would need to sign the measure if both chambers approve it. Bipartisan Support Continues to GrowDemocrats and several Republicans back the legislation. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that…

Rising Grocery Prices Trigger Action President Donald Trump cancels tariffs on a broad range of imported foods. He signs an order removing duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The decision follows growing frustration over soaring grocery bills. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite recent Republican setbacks. The updated exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these items in sufficient quantities. Trump Defends His Trade Strategy Trump insists his tariffs never increased consumer prices. He claims critics exaggerate affordability concerns for political reasons. He says the levies reduce the US trade deficit and…

Judge Brings Long Legal Battle to a CloseA 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 ruling ends years of litigation to hold the OxyContin-maker and its owners accountable. It also releases long-delayed funds to help people struggling with addiction. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after thousands of lawsuits accused the company of fueling the opioid epidemic. Settlement Exceeds Earlier ProposalThe new agreement increases payments by over $1bn compared with a previous settlement rejected by the Supreme Court last year. Purdue…

Apology Sparks Major ControversyThe national broadcaster apologises to US President Donald Trump after Panorama producers stitched together sections of his 6 January 2021 speech. The edit falsely suggested 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 Misleading Clip Comes to LightThe apology follows hours after the Daily Telegraph exposes another edited clip from a 2022…

President Donald Trump has approved a temporary 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. Two days earlier, the Senate narrowly passed the same bill following 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 air…

The U.S. housing market is showing signs of improvement for both buyers and sellers. Recent trends indicate that easing mortgage rates and growing inventory are creating more balanced conditions. Analysts say that as borrowing costs decline, buyers gain better access to homes, while more available listings provide greater choice. This combination helps address the supply-demand imbalance that has challenged the market in recent years. For homeowners looking to sell, the current shift is encouraging. While prices remain competitive, increased buyer interest can lead to faster sales and potentially better offers. Sellers may find opportunities to reach serious buyers who were…

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” viewers. 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 speech was manipulated In an interview on The Ingraham Angle, Trump said he intends to pursue legal action. “Well, I guess I have to,” he said. “They deceived the public, and they…

The United States Senate has passed a major funding bill that could end the nation’s longest government shutdown within days. The measure cleared the chamber late on Monday with a 60-40 vote, supported by nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats. The agreement funds federal operations through the end of January. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which must approve it before President Donald Trump can sign it into law. Trump said earlier on Monday that he was ready to support the legislation. The breakthrough followed weekend negotiations aimed at reopening government agencies and returning employees to work.…