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US Judge Rules Google’s Online Search Monopoly Illegal

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US Judge Rules Google's Online Search Monopoly Illegal

In a landmark decision, a US judge has ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain its monopoly on online search and related advertising, dealing a significant blow to Alphabet, Google’s parent company. This decision could have far-reaching implications for how major technology companies conduct business.

The lawsuit, filed by the US Department of Justice in 2020, focused on Google’s control of approximately 90% of the online search market. It is part of a broader effort by US antitrust authorities to enhance competition in the tech industry through several lawsuits against big tech companies.

This case poses a potential existential threat to Google and Alphabet due to their dominance in the search and online advertising sectors. The penalties Google and Alphabet will face are yet to be determined, with fines or other remedies to be decided in a future hearing. The government has requested “structural relief,” which could theoretically involve breaking up the company.

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US District Judge Amit Mehta noted in his 277-page opinion that Google paid billions to ensure its search engine remained the default on smartphones and browsers. “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly,” Judge Mehta stated.

In response, Alphabet announced its plans to appeal the ruling. “This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed to make it easily available,” the company said in a statement.

Federal antitrust regulators have also filed lawsuits against other Big Tech companies, including Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook), Amazon, and Apple, accusing them of maintaining unlawful monopolies.

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The ruling follows a 10-week trial in Washington, DC, where prosecutors accused Google of spending billions annually to secure its position as the default search engine across platforms, such as Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla. The US government alleged that Google typically pays over $10 billion annually for this privilege, which provides access to user data critical for sustaining its market dominance.

Google’s defense argued that users are drawn to their search engine because of its usefulness and that Google invests in improving it for consumers. “Google is winning because it’s better,” said Google’s lawyer John Schmidtlein during closing arguments. He also contended that Google faces significant competition from other search engines like Microsoft’s Bing and specialized sites and apps used for specific searches, such as restaurants and flights.

In his ruling, Judge Mehta concluded that being the default search engine is “extremely valuable real estate” for Google.

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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel

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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel

More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.

The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.

Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.

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Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.

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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’

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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: 'Don't Go Sightseeing'

Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.

While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.

President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.

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Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.

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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake

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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake

At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.

In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.

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He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.

The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.

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