Newsletter Feb 27, 2024

Quick Six

SCOTUS weighs rights of First Amendment and social media
The Supreme Court delved into the heart of two consequential cases originating from Florida and Texas on Monday, igniting a fervent debate surrounding the regulation of social media giants and the boundaries of free speech. The crux of the matter lies in the interpretation of the First Amendment and whether social media platforms should be considered neutral conduits for speech or as publishers with editorial discretion. Supporters argue that these laws are needed to prevent suppression of certain voices, while opponents contend that they infringe upon platforms' rights.
SEE THE IMPACT OF SCOTUS DECISION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FTC sues to block Kroger's $24.6B bid to buy Albertson's
US antitrust officials filed a lawsuit Monday to block Kroger's proposed $24.6 billion takeover of Albertsons on Monday, saying the supermarket acquisition would harm consumers. Arguing the deal would lead to "higher prices for groceries and other essential household items for millions of Americans," the FTC announced that it would seek a preliminary injunction blocking the transaction.
THE DETAILS OF THE DEAL TO MERGE GROCERY TITANS

New home sales pick up slightly as median prices increase
Sales of new homes in the US picked up less than anticipated in January, while the median price also climbed, according to data released on Monday. The market for new properties has been bolstered by a lack of supply in the existing homes market, with homeowners discouraged from putting their houses up for sale given that they had earlier locked in lower mortgage rates.
SEE THE LATEST FIGURES FROM NEW HOME SALES DATA

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Markets

DJIA	39,069.23	-0.16%
S&P 500	5,069.53	-0.38%
Nasdaq Composite	15,976.25	-0.13%
Japan: Nikkei 225	39,233.71	0.35%
UK: FTSE 100	7,684.30	-0.29%
Crude Oil Futures	77.59	0.01%
Gold Futures	2,040.70	0.09%
Yen	150.70	0.00%
Euro	1.08	-0.05%
* As of market close

Navalny deal was in works before his death

Allies of late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny said Monday that a deal to free him as part of a prisoner swap had nearly been reached when he died in prison. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic died on Feb. 16 in an Arctic prison after spending more than three years behind bars, prompting condemnation from his supporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin "was offered to exchange FSB officer and killer Vadim Krasikov, who is serving time for murder in Berlin, for two American citizens and Alexei Navalny," ally Maria Pevchikh said of the incident.

WHY NAVALNY'S DEATH MAY BE A SIGN OF PUTIN'S WEAKNESS

Trump, sons appeal $464M civil judgment

Former President Donald Trump, along with his adult sons and two former Trump Organization executives, has launched an appeal against the staggering $464 million judgment handed down in the civil fraud case by the New York Attorney General. The Trump family's legal team submitted the notice of appeal on Monday, right after Judge Arthur Engoron officially stamped the judgment. The appeal contests not only the hefty monetary judgment but also seeks relief from bans preventing the Trumps from holding positions as officers in New York corporations.

HOW TRUMP'S LEGAL TEAMS ARE PLAYING BEAT THE CLOCK

Biden, Trump to battle at Mexican border

Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to visit the Texas-Mexico border this Thursday, highlighting the ongoing immigration challenges facing the nation. The visits come after talks in Congress on a deal to tackle illegal migration fell apart. Biden is going to Brownsville, a hotspot for border crossings, while Trump plans to be in Eagle Pass, placing himself in the state-federal battle over the border.

SEE WHICH ONE SCORES HIGHER IN BORDER SECURITY POLL

Extra point

On this date in 1922, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution. What did the amendment protect?

Monday's answer: On Feb. 26, 1616, Galileo was called to Bellarmine's residence and ordered to abandon his heliocentric beliefs or face death.

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