Author: Grace Johnson

Zelensky Uses Careful and Restrained LanguageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky avoids criticising the US draft peace plan, even though it mirrors several Russian demands. The White House denies claims that Ukraine was excluded from the drafting process. Zelensky says in his nightly address that Ukraine wants peace and will follow calm and disciplined diplomacy. He emphasises that Ukraine remains ready for honest and efficient talks. Kyiv Alarmed by Risky Proposed ConcessionsKyiv fears proposals that include handing over the entire Donbas region. The draft also calls for a smaller Ukrainian army and bans foreign troops inside the country. Ukraine has rejected these…

Trump signs law demanding quick disclosure of files Donald Trump says he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold details that harm active investigations or violate personal privacy. With Trump’s backing, the bill passes both chambers with overwhelming support. Trump shifts his stance after strong pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had earlier dismissed the plan as a partisan distraction before reversing course. He now argues the files may reveal information about Democratic figures and…

Court Rejects Antitrust ClaimsA US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The decision represents a setback for the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020 and argued the company used these purchases to dominate social media. Judge James Boasberg wrote that the agency failed to prove its claims and concluded that Meta does not hold monopoly power. Meta welcomed the ruling and said it competes in a crowded and fast-changing market. Executives Highlight Intense CompetitionIn April, Judge Boasberg oversaw a lengthy bench…

Pichai warns that no company can avoid the effectsSundar Pichai says every company will feel the strain if the AI surge slows sharply. He told a major British news outlet that today’s wave of AI investment marks an “extraordinary moment” but also shows signs of “irrationality”. He pointed to rising concern in Silicon Valley as valuations climb fast and firms inject huge sums into expanding AI technology. Pichai said his company can withstand a downturn but still faces exposure. “I think no company is going to be immune, including us,” he said. Interview highlights growing pressures on the sectorPichai discussed…

Trump Breaks From His Earlier StanceDonald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files. He writes on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His shift comes as many Republicans indicate they may join Democrats on the vote. The House plans to vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains unclear. Trump must approve the measure if both chambers pass it. Support for the Bill Expands Across PartiesDemocrats and several Republicans back the proposal.…

Rising Grocery Costs Prompt Swift Action President Donald Trump rolls back tariffs on a broad mix of food imports. He signs an order that removes duties on products such as coffee, bananas and beef. The move follows public frustration over steadily rising grocery bills. Trump dismissed affordability concerns before Republicans struggled in recent elections. The revised exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these goods in sufficient quantity. Trump Defends His Trade Record Trump insists his tariffs never pushed consumer prices higher. He argues Democrats amplify affordability fears for political advantage. He says…

Judge Concludes Lengthy Court BattleA bankruptcy judge approved a $7.4bn settlement on Friday that obliges Purdue Pharma and its billionaire owners to pay for their role in the US opioid crisis. The ruling ends a prolonged legal battle aimed at holding the OxyContin-maker and the Sackler family accountable. It also releases long-delayed funds for people struggling with addiction. Purdue sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 after thousands of lawsuits accused the company of fuelling the opioid epidemic. New Deal Tops Earlier Settlement ProposalThe agreement adds more than $1bn to an earlier deal rejected by the Supreme Court last year. Steve Miller,…

Apology Sparks Major ControversyThe national broadcaster apologises to US President Donald Trump after Panorama editors stitched together parts 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 prompts the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness on Sunday. The broadcaster seeks comment from the White House. Second Controversial Clip EmergesThe apology follows hours after the Daily Telegraph exposes another edited clip from a 2022 Newsnight broadcast. In…

President Donald Trump has approved a temporary spending bill that ends the longest government shutdown in US history. He signed the measure just hours after the House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 in favor on Wednesday night. The Senate had narrowly passed the same bill two days earlier following heated 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 public services had been frozen. Around 1.4 million federal employees were either placed on unpaid leave or forced to work without pay. Food…

US President Donald Trump says he feels a “duty” to sue a British broadcaster for altering a section of his 6 January 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary. Speaking to Fox News, he said the edit “butchered” his words and “misled” viewers. This is his first public comment since his lawyers threatened to seek $1 billion unless the organisation retracts the documentary, apologises, and pays damages. 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 they…