Author: Grace Johnson
Grace Johnson
Grace Johnson is a freelance journalist from the USA with over 15 years of experience reporting on Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Communication and Journalism from the University of Miami. Throughout her career, she has contributed to major outlets including The Miami Herald, CNN, and USA Today. Known for her clear and engaging reporting, Grace delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
Court 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 is a major setback for the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020, arguing the acquisitions 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, stressing that it operates in a highly competitive and fast-changing market. Executives Point to Fierce CompetitionIn April, Judge Boasberg presided over a…
Pichai says no company can escape the falloutSundar Pichai warns that every company will feel the effects if the AI boom slows. He told a major British news outlet that today’s AI investment surge marks an “extraordinary moment” but also shows signs of “irrationality.” He pointed to growing concern in Silicon Valley as valuations climb and companies pour massive sums into AI technology. Pichai said Google can withstand a slowdown but remains exposed. “I think no company is going to be immune, including us,” he said. Insights from Google headquartersPichai discussed rising energy needs, delayed climate targets, UK investment, model…
Trump Shifts Stance on Epstein FilesDonald Trump now calls on House Republicans to support making the Epstein files public. He writes on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans signal they may break ranks. The House plans a vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to release the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate’s position remains uncertain. Trump would need to sign the measure if both chambers approve it. Bipartisan Momentum BuildsDemocrats and several Republicans back the bill. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts up to…
Falling mortgage rates are giving many homebuyers a small but welcome break after months of high borrowing costs. The average rate for a 30-year fixed home loan has moved down and now sits near 6.29 percent. This shift may look small, but it can help many people who plan to buy a home soon. Lower rates make monthly payments easier to handle and help more buyers qualify for a loan. Many people who stepped back from the market due to high costs now feel a bit more hope. For buyers who have been watching rates climb for more than a…
Rising Prices Force Policy Shift President Donald Trump removes tariffs on a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order lifting duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move comes as grocery bills continue to rise, drawing public frustration. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite recent Republican setbacks. The exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials note that US producers cannot supply these goods in sufficient quantities. Trump Stands by Trade Measures Trump insists his tariffs never pushed consumer prices higher. He claims critics exaggerate affordability concerns for political effect. He says the levies protect national…
Judge Closes Years-Long Legal FightA 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 aimed at holding the OxyContin-maker and its owners accountable. It also releases long-delayed funds for people struggling with addiction. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after thousands of lawsuits accused the company of fueling the opioid epidemic. Settlement Exceeds Previous OfferThe new deal adds more than $1bn to a previous settlement rejected by the Supreme Court last year. Purdue board chairman Steve Miller said…
Apology Sparks Political OutcryThe national broadcaster apologises to US President Donald Trump after Panorama producers merged sections of his 6 January 2021 speech. The edit falsely suggested Trump directly encouraged violent action. The 2024 programme will not air again. 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 RevealedThe apology follows hours after the Daily Telegraph exposes another edited clip from a 2022 Newsnight episode. In…
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 legislation two days earlier 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…
U.S. mortgage rates saw a modest decline this week, giving a small boost to home-buying sentiment. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.29%, down slightly from the previous week. Even this minor decrease is seen as a positive signal for potential buyers. Lower borrowing costs make homeownership more accessible and may encourage those on the fence to enter the market. Experts note that rate stability combined with small declines can influence buyer confidence. First-time homebuyers and current homeowners considering refinancing may find the timing advantageous. The current rate trend also helps maintain demand in local housing markets. In areas with strong…
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 marks his first public comment since his lawyers warned of a $1 billion lawsuit unless the organisation retracts the programme, apologises, and pays damages. Trump says speech was distorted 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…
