The Southwestern U.S. is preparing for another week of scorching temperatures, with an excessive heat warning extended through the weekend for Arizona's most populated area, as well as parts of Nevada and New Mexico. The Phoenix area is on track to tie or break a record set in 1974 for the most consecutive days with temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperatures are even affecting the mornings, with historic records being tied. Federal agents along the U.S.-Mexico border reported that extreme heat over the weekend led to 45 people needing rescue and 10 fatalities.|||||Phoenix's heat wave marches on Rain or not, the Valley's persistent extreme heat shows no signs of cooling off. Monday marked the 11th day in a row with temperatures at or above 110 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The record for 110-degree days in Phoenix is 18, set in 1974. High temperatures are expected to continue to rise, reaching 117 degrees over the weekend. Arizona's monsoon season officially started on June 15, but there has been no significant rainfall in the Phoenix area since March 22. Experts say extreme heat can have a significant impact on both the mind and body, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is important to stay hydrated, seek shade, and take frequent breaks in cool places to avoid these health risks.

Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding in western New England and parts of New York State, leading to evacuations and rescues. In Vermont, around 20 people have been rescued by boat and another two dozen have been evacuated from their homes. Tragically, one woman in her 30s died in the flooding in New York's Hudson Valley. The damage to roads and bridges in the affected areas has made it challenging for search-and-rescue teams to reach residents and assess the situation. Meteorologists predict that more rain is on the way, increasing the risk of further flooding.

The severity of the floods in Vermont has not been seen since 2011's Hurricane Irene, according to Governor Phil Scott. Some areas have been left inaccessible due to flooding, and rescue teams are working to regain access and perform welfare checks. The National Weather Service has issued a high-risk warning for excessive rainfall in Vermont, highlighting the potential for catastrophic flooding. The situation is reminiscent of Hurricane Irene, which brought destructive flooding to the state in 2011. The flooding has also affected parts of New York, New Hampshire, and Maine, with over 4 million people under flood alerts in the region.

Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump have requested a federal judge to delay his criminal trial until after the next presidential election. Trump and his co-defendant, personal aide Walt Nauta, face charges related to the mishandling of classified documents found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort last year. Trump's defense team argues that beginning the trial within six months of the indictment would be unreasonable and result in a miscarriage of justice. They also point out that Trump is running for president and needs sufficient time and energy to campaign until the election on November 5, 2024. Additionally, Nauta's role requires him to accompany Trump during his campaign trips.

However, special counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing the case, opposes the delay and argues that it is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Smith urged the federal judge to reject Nauta's request to delay a hearing scheduled for Friday. He argued that Nauta's attorneys failed to provide a valid reason why Nauta cannot be represented by his local Florida attorney at the hearing. Smith also stated that Nauta's defense team has not completed the necessary security clearances.

The trial timeline is still to be determined, but the special counsel had previously hoped to put Trump on trial in mid-December. It remains to be seen if the former president and Nauta will object to that proposed timeframe.

The Seattle Mariners have three players participating in the MLB All-Star Game - pitchers George Kirby and Luis Castillo, and outfielder Julio Rodriguez. The All-Star festivities are taking place at T-Mobile Park, the home stadium of the Mariners. Manager Scott Servais is also part of the AL coaching staff for the game.

Servais expressed his pride, stating, "It's something that we should all be proud of here in Seattle, and we've got a great venue for it. I'm sure it'll be a great show."

George Kirby, in his second MLB season, shared his excitement about representing Seattle and learning from other players at the All-Star Game. Julio Rodriguez, who is participating in his second All-Star Game, is also taking part in the Home Run Derby.

The players also answered some fun questions during media day, such as whether cream cheese belongs on a hot dog. The common response was, "Is that a thing here?"

The players are looking forward to the All-Star experience and enjoying the support of fans in Seattle.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will not challenge an appellate court's ruling allowing the release of former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten. Van Houten, now 73, is serving a potential life prison sentence for her involvement in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca more than 50 years ago. In a split ruling in May, a state appeals court panel reinstated a grant of parole for Van Houten, overturning an earlier decision by Newsom to block her release. The panel cited Van Houten's extraordinary rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, support from family and friends, and favorable institutional reports. Despite the governor's disappointment with the decision, his office stated that further appeals are unlikely to succeed. It is not yet clear when Van Houten will be released from prison, but her attorney has said that she could be freed in about two weeks. After her release, Van Houten will spend approximately a year in a halfway house to learn basic life skills.

Results from a recent opinion poll reveal that the trust levels in Mark Rutte's liberal-globalist cabinet have hit a record low in the Netherlands. The survey, conducted by the news outlet EenVandaag, found that only 17% of Dutch citizens expressed confidence in Prime Minister Rutte's cabinet. This continues a trend in which the ruling coalition has failed to gain more than 20% of the population's trust this year.

Dutch MP Simone Kerseboom (FvD), reacting to the poll results, argued that the government is losing its grip on the people. Kerseboom stated, "The facade is crumbling and the majority of people in the Netherlands are no longer fooled by the mainstream press, which continues to serve as an extension of our government." She cited various crises, such as the child allowance affair, the nitrogen crisis, the climate policy crisis, the immigration crisis, and the housing crisis, as contributing factors to the declining trust in the government.

With such low trust levels, MP Kerseboom called for Mark Rutte's government to step down, stating that it is no longer representative of the Dutch population. These results pose a significant challenge for the current ruling coalition as they struggle to regain the trust and support of the Dutch people.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have filed a request to indefinitely postpone his trial on charges of illegally retaining classified documents after he left office. The request argues that the trial should not proceed until all "substantive motions" in the case have been resolved. If granted, this could potentially delay the trial until the final stages of the 2024 presidential campaign or even past the election. The timing of the trial is crucial, as Trump is accused of illegally holding onto 31 classified documents and obstructing the government's attempts to reclaim them.

If the trial is pushed back until after the election and Trump wins, he could potentially pardon himself or have the matter dismissed entirely. Trump's lawyers have framed their request as a plea for cautious deliberation and as a way to safeguard democracy.

Special Counsel Jack Smith is urging the federal judge, Aileen Cannon, to reject the request for delay. Smith argues that an indefinite continuance is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. He also states that Trump aide Walt Nauta, who is also implicated in the case, should be represented by his Florida attorney at the hearing. The judge will ultimately decide whether to grant the postponement or proceed with the trial as scheduled.

The NATO summit in Lithuania is fast approaching, and there are several important questions that need to be addressed. Can Germany endure another winter with limited oil supplies from Russia? Can France refocus on international issues after weeks of civil unrest? What impact will the collapse of the Dutch government have on Europe's migration policies? Can the British economy recover from the effects of Brexit and provide support to Ukraine? These questions highlight the challenges Europe is facing as the summit approaches.

While President Biden has stated that now is not the time for Ukraine to join NATO, the topic of Russia remains a key concern for all NATO allies. The meeting is taking place amidst political uncertainty in Moscow. President Biden is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the summit, demonstrating unity in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The alliance is discussing a potential pathway for Ukraine to join NATO and considering additional military assistance for Ukraine's counteroffensive.

Though there may not be unanimity within NATO on Ukraine's immediate membership, there is a clear agreement on the threat posed by Russia. NATO allies are seeking a compromise that sends a signal of support to Ukraine while addressing concerns of making promises that would make membership automatic. President Zelensky has expressed frustration with the lack of clarity and security guarantees for Ukraine.

As the NATO summit approaches, the fate of Europe and the ongoing conflict with Russia remain crucial issues. The summit will provide an opportunity for leaders to address these questions and work towards a unified response.

The selection of the Fulton County grand jury in Georgia is expected to determine whether former President Donald Trump and his allies will face indictment for their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The investigation, led by District Attorney Fani Willis, was launched in early 2021 after Trump's attempts to pressure Georgia officials to change the election results. A special grand jury previously heard from 75 witnesses and issued a redacted report with charging recommendations. Now, two new panels will be selected, with one expected to handle the Trump probe. The grand jurors will be responsible for deciding whether to bring formal charges against Trump and other figures. The indictment could potentially be obtained between July 31 and August 18, according to Willis. The burden of proof for a grand jury to indict is lower than for a trial jury to convict or acquit. If Trump is charged, it will be his third indictment, following charges in Manhattan for falsifying business records. The grand jury's decisions are anticipated to be made in August, and the case has drawn significant attention due to its political implications.

A volcano near Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, has erupted for the third time in two years. This latest eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula follows a week of intense earthquake activity in the area. While local media footage showed a massive cloud of smoke and a substantial flow of lava, officials from the country's meteorological office have described the eruption as "small" and state that there is no immediate danger to people in the region or flights from the city. The volcano is located in a volcanic and seismic hotspot, and prior to these three eruptions, it had been inactive for over 6,000 years. At the moment, no ash has been emitted, and there have been no disruptions reported at the country's main airport. Experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office will continue to monitor the eruption and assess its development over the coming hours and days.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is in Russia, raising questions about the recent deal that supposedly ended Prigozhin's uprising against the Kremlin. The whereabouts of Prigozhin could not be independently verified, but Russian media have reported sightings of him at his offices in St. Petersburg. The deal allowed Prigozhin to move to Belarus in exchange for ending the rebellion and promising amnesty for him and his troops. However, if Prigozhin is indeed in Russia, it suggests that the threat posed by him may not have been fully eliminated. It also raises concerns about the loyalty of the troops who fought alongside him. President Putin has said that the Wagner troops can join the Russian military, retire from service, or move to Belarus. The details of the agreement brokered by Lukashenko remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether Prigozhin's presence in Russia violates the deal. The Kremlin has refused to comment on his whereabouts, stating that it does not have the means to track his movements.

Omaha, Nebraska - A fast-moving storm has left behind a trail of damage in the Omaha area. As of now, there are currently 9 flight delays at Eppley Airfield, and passengers are advised to check the website for any further delays. Over 30,000 customers are without power, with Mid-American Energy reporting 6,200 customers affected in the storm-hit area. Reports indicate numerous trees have been uprooted, causing roadblocks and power outages throughout the neighborhood.

One local resident, Waverle Monroe, reported a large branch blocking the road at Lake and 58th. Another branch on Northwest Radio is obstructing one lane of traffic due to a downed power line. Police presence has been reported at the scene. Authorities are urging caution for drivers in the affected areas and advising them to slow down and prepare for potential roadblocks.

The storm is expected to pass quickly, but the aftermath will require repairs and restoration efforts. Residents are advised to stay updated on local news and follow safety precautions until the storm damage is cleared.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama faced criticism for his comments on white nationalism during an interview on CNN. Tuberville described the racism of white nationalists as a matter of "opinion" and referred to them as "Americans." When asked about his opinion on white nationalists, Tuberville stated that if people consider them racist, he agrees with that. However, he also suggested that the term white nationalist includes people with "a few probably different beliefs" and that it is "just the name that it's been given."

This is not the first time Tuberville has faced backlash for his remarks on white nationalists. In a previous interview, he referred to them as "Americans" and claimed that the Democrats were attacking the military by removing white extremists and nationalists.

During the CNN interview, Tuberville reiterated that he rejects racism but pushed back against the definition of white nationalists as racists. He accused Democrats of using the term for political purposes, arguing that it is "ruining this country."

Tuberville's comments have sparked controversy and raised concerns about his understanding of white nationalism and its implications. Critics argue that his view minimizes the racist and extremist ideology associated with white nationalism. As a senator, Tuberville's remarks have significant implications for public discourse and policy decisions regarding racial equality and national security.

It remains to be seen how Tuberville's comments on white nationalism will impact his political career and public perception.

The parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia since late March, revealed in an interview that President Biden promised to do everything possible to bring their son home. In an appearance on "Good Morning America," Ella Milman, Gershkovich's mother, said that Biden spoke to them as a parent and understands their pain. She expressed trust in the United States government's efforts to secure Evan's release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also met with Gershkovich's parents and promised to work tirelessly to bring him back home. The White House confirmed that discussions about a potential prisoner swap have taken place, but no clear resolution has been reached. Gershkovich has been held on espionage charges and has pleaded not guilty. He faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years if convicted. Friday marked his 100th day in Russian custody.

A federal judge in San Francisco has ruled against the US Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) motion to block Microsoft's acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard. The $69 billion deal could go forward as a result. The FTC had sought a preliminary injunction to halt the merger, citing concerns over competition in the gaming market.

The judge's decision has stirred hopes for Microsoft's acquisition, but there are still obstacles to overcome. The FTC can appeal the decision to a federal appellate court, and the companies must resolve opposition from the Competition and Markets Authority in the United Kingdom. The UK regulator has already blocked the deal due to concerns of stifling competition in online game streaming.

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard expressed their satisfaction with the ruling. Microsoft stated that they are committed to addressing regulatory concerns, while Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick emphasized the potential for increased competition as a result of the merger.

The decision represents a setback for the FTC's push to more aggressively monitor tech mergers. The agency has sued several major tech companies but has had limited success thus far.

The timeline for the completion of the deal remains uncertain, pending any further legal actions and negotiations with UK regulators.

In the ongoing legal battle over Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, one question keeps arising: will Xbox make Call of Duty exclusive? Despite arguments from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it seems that Xbox has consistently stated its lack of interest in exclusivity.

According to Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley's recent ruling in the FTC v. Microsoft trial, Xbox's stance on Call of Duty has remained unchanged even in internal documents. The judge stated that there were no internal documents contradicting Xbox's public commitment to make Call of Duty available on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

This consistency aligns with previous statements made by Xbox representatives, including Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, who testified under oath that Call of Duty would not be taken away from PlayStation.

Surprisingly, in nearly one million pieces of internal documentation submitted to the court, there was no evidence of Xbox executives discussing exclusive plans for Call of Duty. This lack of evidence explains why Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan confidently stated that Call of Duty will continue to be available on PlayStation for years to come.

With this ruling in mind, it seems unlikely that Xbox will make Call of Duty exclusive in the future. The Activision Blizzard merger can proceed as scheduled, and gamers can expect the popular franchise to continue being available on multiple platforms.

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Did PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan Misrepresent Publishers' Views on Game Pass?

PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan's recent statement about publishers' disdain for Xbox Game Pass has raised eyebrows. However, the claim appears to be verifiably false, as many publishers have embraced the service.

Ryan stated in a deposition during the FTC trial that "all publishers" unanimously dislike Game Pass as it is "value destructive." This sweeping statement does not align with the reality of publishers' actions.

Publishers such as Ubisoft, WB, and even EA - which includes its own EA Play service - have made their games available on Game Pass. These publishers have willingly entered into agreements with Microsoft, indicating a level of interest and willingness to embrace the service.

While it is possible that some publishers may have reservations about Game Pass, Ryan's claim of a unanimous dislike seems exaggerated. Take-Two and Activision may be more resistant to the service, but they do not represent the entire industry.

Ryan's statement raises questions about the accuracy of his claims and the motivations behind them. As Game Pass continues to grow and gain popularity, it is clear that many publishers see value in participating, contradicting Ryan's assertion of unanimous dislike.

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FTC Documents Reveal Financial Benefits of Activision Games on Xbox Game Pass

Documents filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the ongoing case against Microsoft and Activision have revealed that both companies have acknowledged the "large financial benefits" of bringing Activision content to Xbox Game Pass.

The FTC's findings of fact document states that Activision recognized significant financial gains from making its content available on cloud gaming services. Additionally, the document suggests that Microsoft and Activision could achieve the same results through a contract, indicating a potential willingness from Activision to make its content available on subscription services, including day-and-date releases.

However, it is noted that Activision has been resistant to subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass, particularly due to potential cannibalization effects that could impact full game sales. Activision has preferred to bring Call of Duty games to Sony's PlayStation Plus Essential subscription, which rotates games on a monthly basis.

The revelation of the financial benefits associated with Game Pass raises questions as to why Activision has not signed a deal to bring its games to the service. While the answer lies in redacted text, it appears that Activision has been cautious about the impact on their sales and has instead sought agreements with PlayStation.

Overall, these documents shed light on the financial considerations and complexities surrounding subscription services like Xbox Game Pass in the gaming industry.

Blizzard President, Mike Ybarra, has put an end to the speculation, stating that Diablo 4 will not be launching on Game Pass. The rumor started when a banner featuring the game on a Brazilian payment app suggested it could be played through Xbox Game Pass. However, Ybarra confirmed that this is not happening.

While this latest announcement confirms that Diablo 4 will not be joining Game Pass anytime soon, it does not rule out the possibility in the future. If Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard goes through, it is possible that a range of Blizzard games, including the first three Diablo games, could become available on the service.

Leaders at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania are celebrating a major win as Turkey agrees to Sweden's bid to join the alliance. This decision comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had blocked Sweden's accession bid for more than a year. The announcement, which came just hours after President Joe Biden landed in Vilnius, marks a stunning about-face for Erdogan. The move provides leaders with a significant show of force going into the summit and reinforces the unity among alliance members in the face of Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

However, it should be noted that Sweden will not join the alliance immediately. The approval of their membership requires a parliamentary procedure in Turkey and Hungary dropping their objections, which is expected to happen now that Erdogan is on board. Biden has called for "swift ratification" following the agreement.

In addition to Sweden's bid, leaders will also discuss Ukraine's potential pathway to joining NATO and the possibility of additional security assistance. President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the summit and hold an in-person meeting with Biden to address these matters. The war in Ukraine and Russia's invasion are top agenda items for NATO leaders.

Overall, Turkey's agreement to allow Sweden to join NATO marks a significant development in the alliance's efforts to counter Russian aggression and maintain unity among its members.

After months of hesitation, Turkey has finally agreed to forward Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to its parliament, potentially clearing the way for Sweden to become the 32nd member of the military alliance. Sweden and Finland had both applied for NATO membership last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While Finland's membership was approved in April, Turkey and Hungary had yet to give the green light to Sweden's bid. Turkey had insisted on certain concessions from Sweden, claiming that the country had not done enough to combat the activities of Kurdish groups within its borders. However, Sweden amended its constitution and expanded its counter-terrorism cooperation against the PKK, a Kurdish militant organization. In addition, Sweden agreed to resume arms exports to Turkey and to work closely with the Turkish government on security and counter-terrorism. Now that Turkey has approved Sweden's bid, it will be submitted to the national assembly for ratification. Hungary has also indicated its intention to ratify Sweden's inclusion in NATO.

The head of a US think tank, Gal Luft, has been charged with acting as a Chinese agent and attempting to broker the sale of weapons and Iranian oil. Federal prosecutors allege that Luft recruited and paid an unnamed ex-US official to publicly support certain Chinese policies. The 57-year-old is also accused of attempting to broker arms sales involving customers in China, Libya, the UAE, and Kenya. Luft, who is considered a fugitive, allegedly failed to register as a foreign agent in 2016 while working to advance Chinese interests in the US. He is the co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, which focuses on energy and US security. Prosecutors also claim that he attempted to sell arms without a US permit, including anti-tank launchers, grenade launchers, and mortar rounds to Libya, as well as aerial bombs and rockets to the UAE and "strike" drones to Kenya. They also accuse Luft of trying to bypass US sanctions on Iranian oil by falsely claiming the oil was Brazilian. Luft was arrested in Cyprus on US charges on February 17 this year but fled after being released on bail pending extradition.

Source: BBC News (source article not available)

The Kansas City Chiefs have been known for their explosive offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. While their success is evident throughout the entire season, it seems that the Chiefs truly shine in the second half of the year.

In the past three seasons, the Chiefs have consistently performed well in the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. They have won five consecutive games to close out the regular seasons in 2020 and 2021, and they won nine out of their last 10 games in 2021. These strong finishes have propelled the Chiefs to playoff success, including a Super Bowl win in 2020.

The team's success in the second half of the season can be attributed to their ability to learn from their defeats. After losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in the regular season last year, the Chiefs made adjustments and went on to beat them three times, including in the AFC Championship Game. This resilience and adaptability have helped them become one of the top teams in the league.

One key factor in the Chiefs' success is their red-zone play. In 2022, they had the top offense in the league, averaging 29.2 points and 413.6 yards per game. Their ability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns was a significant reason for their success. Mahomes and Kelce were particularly dominant in the red zone, with Mahomes leading the league in red-zone passing and Kelce leading in red-zone receiving.

Overall, the Chiefs' performance in the second half of the season has solidified them as one of the top teams in the NFL. Their ability to learn from their defeats, coupled with their strong red-zone play, has made them a force to be reckoned with in the later part of the year.

The clock is ticking for the Kansas City Chiefs as they try to secure a contract extension with defensive tackle Chris Jones before training camp starts. Jones, who was a holdout during the team's mandatory minicamp, is seeking a multiyear commitment from the Chiefs. He is currently in the final year of a four-year extension worth $80 million that he signed in July 2020.

According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, the Chiefs would like to give Jones a long-term extension and they remain optimistic that a deal will be reached before training camp. An extension would not only secure Jones' future with the team but also provide the Chiefs with salary cap space to make additional signings during the 2023 NFL season. Recent reports suggest that the Chiefs could use that freed up cap space to potentially pursue wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

However, there is one potential obstacle to the extension talks. New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams has yet to sign a contract extension, and if he signs before Jones, it could complicate the negotiations depending on the numbers involved. Jones may be waiting for Williams' deal to serve as a baseline for his own contract.

With just over 10 days until veterans report to training camp, time is running out for the Chiefs and Jones to reach an agreement. The clock is ticking, and the Chiefs will have to act quickly to secure Jones' long-term future with the team.

A private commercial helicopter crashed near Mount Everest in Nepal, killing all six people on board, including five members of a Mexican family and the Nepali pilot. The Manang Air chopper took off from Surke Airport in Solukhumbu district and lost contact at an altitude above 12,000 feet. The crash occurred in the Lamjura area of Likhupike Rural Municipality in the remote Solukhumbu district. The passengers were returning to Kathmandu after enjoying a mountain flight.

According to TIA spokesperson Tkeknath Sitaula, all six bodies have been recovered at the crash site. The identities of the deceased have been established as Captain Chet Bahadur Gurung, the Nepali pilot, and the five Mexican nationals: Sifuentes G. Fernando, Sifuentes Rincon Ismail, Sifuentes Gongalez Abril, Gongalez Olacio Luz, and Sifuentes G. Maria Jese.

Authorities believe that the crash was caused by bad weather conditions. Nepal's tourist and mountaineering season ended in May, and flights to the mountains are less common during this time due to poor visibility and fickle weather. A search and rescue operation was conducted by local police and soldiers, as much of the mountainous area is only accessible on foot with no roads. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

In a major victory for Microsoft, a federal judge has ruled against the Federal Trade Commission's attempt to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The ruling paves the way for the $69 billion deal to go through before the July 18 deadline. The decision by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley comes after a five-day hearing in the Northern District Court of California, during which high-ranking industry figures testified.

The FTC had argued that the acquisition would harm consumers and lead to less competition in the console gaming market. However, Judge Corley found that the FTC had not provided enough evidence to prove its claim. She stated that the merger would actually provide more consumer access to Activision content, including popular franchises like Call of Duty.

Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, expressed gratitude to the court for the decision, stating that the evidence showed the deal would be beneficial for the gaming industry. The company emphasized that the FTC's concerns about console switching, multi-game subscription services, and cloud technology were not reflective of the realities of the gaming market.

While this ruling is a significant step forward for Microsoft, the deal still faces opposition from the Competition and Markets Authority in the United Kingdom. The FTC also has the option to file an appeal of the decision to a federal appellate court. However, Microsoft remains optimistic and ready to work with regulators to address any remaining concerns so that the merger can be finalized.

Nearly 900 workers at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry, England, are planning to go on strike during Prime Day. The strike will occur on July 11-13, with workers walking out for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening each day. The strike is organized by the GMB union, which is demanding a starting pay of at least £15 ($19.20) per hour for Amazon employees. Currently, starting pay ranges between £11 ($14.08) and £12 ($15.36) per hour, depending on the location. The Coventry warehouse has been at the center of labor disputes as workers push for higher wages and better benefits.

The GMB union also demands formal union recognition for employees at the facility. This strike comes after a previous strike at the Coventry warehouse in January, where 300 out of 1,400 workers participated. Amazon claims that the Coventry site does not directly serve customer orders, so shoppers will not be affected by the strike.

As Amazon prepares for Prime Day, the strike raises questions about the impact on sales. However, the Coventry warehouse's limited role in customer orders may minimize the disruption caused by the strike. Amazon is expected to generate approximately £5.5 billion ($7 billion) in revenue from Prime Day, a 12% increase compared to last year.