Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

The agreement allowed Johnson &amp; Johnson to resolve litigation over its role in the epidemic which has killed more than half a million people since 1999, according to a statement from New York attorney general Letitia James. The agreement was announced on Saturday (US time).

For its part, in a separate statement J&amp;J said the settlement allowed it to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday, and said the group had "made the business decision in 2020 to discontinue all of its prescription pain medications in the United States."

The settlement "is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company," it said, noting that other nationwide legal proceedings are underway, including a trial in California.

The prosecutor's statement said the company would spread the payments over nine years.

J&amp;J could also pay an additional $30 million in the first year if the state enacts new legislation creating an opioid settlement fund.&nbsp;

"The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on countless communities across New York state and the rest of the nation, leaving millions still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids," James said in the statement.&nbsp;

"Johnson &amp; Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they're committing to leaving the opioid business -- not only in New York, but across the entire country," she added.&nbsp;

That includes both manufacturing and selling opioids, James' statement said. Johnson &amp; Johnson stressed it had made the decision before the settlement was reached.&nbsp;

The $230 million will be aimed at prevention, treatment and education efforts on the dangers of the substances in New York state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US. The agreement allowed Johnson & Johnson to resolve litigation over its role in the epidemic which has killed more than half a million people since 1999, according to a statement from New York attorney general Letitia James. The agreement was announced on Saturday (US time). For its part, in a separate statement J&J said the settlement allowed it to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday, and said the group had "made the business decision in 2020 to discontinue all of its prescription pain medications in the United States." The settlement "is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company," it said, noting that other nationwide legal proceedings are underway, including a trial in California. The prosecutor's statement said the company would spread the payments over nine years. J&J could also pay an additional $30 million in the first year if the state enacts new legislation creating an opioid settlement fund. "The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on countless communities across New York state and the rest of the nation, leaving millions still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids," James said in the statement. "Johnson & Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they're committing to leaving the opioid business -- not only in New York, but across the entire country," she added. That includes both manufacturing and selling opioids, James' statement said. Johnson & Johnson stressed it had made the decision before the settlement was reached. The $230 million will be aimed at prevention, treatment and education efforts on the dangers of the substances in New York state. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J to stop selling opioids in US, reaches USD 230 mn settlement

The Taliban is gaining ground across key districts in Afghanistan while the US is moving ahead with the pullback of the military forces from Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan drawdown: Challenges ahead of Afghan government

IN PICS | Thousands turn out for Pride marches all across the globe

IN PICS | US celebrates Derek Chauvin verdict and justice to George Floyd

Vice President Kamala Harris visited a border patrol facility near the US-Mexico border on Friday and urged a focus on children and practical solutions to migration, in a trip meant to blunt Republican criticism of White House immigration policies. 
 
The visit, her first since becoming vice president five months ago, came amid a rise in migrants caught crossing the border, which has sparked outrage from Republicans, who favour the stricter immigration policies implemented by former President Donald Trump. 
 
President Joe Biden, a Democrat, tasked Harris with spearheading his administration's handling of the broader issue of people fleeing Central American countries for the United States. She visited Guatemala and Mexico earlier this month. 
 
"This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We're talking about children, we're talking about families, we're talking about suffering. And our approach has to be thoughtful and effective," Harris said at the conclusion of her short trip. 
 
US&nbsp;authorities have made more than one million arrests of migrants at the US-Mexico border so far in fiscal year 2021, according to preliminary figures. 
 
Republicans have criticised Biden for rolling back restrictive Trump-era immigration policies even as arrests of migrants at the US-Mexico border have reached 20-year highs in recent months. They have also criticised Harris for not visiting the border sooner. 
 
Harris was accompanied in El Paso by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin and Democratic Representative from Texas Veronica Escobar, who called the El Paso area the new "Ellis Island," a reference to the famed area in New York Harbour that processed millions of immigrants as they entered the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Immigration, and particularly the arrival of asylum seekers at the US&nbsp;southern border, has been a hot-button issue for decades. Multiple attempts to reform US&nbsp;laws and create a pathway to citizenship for the millions of immigrants living in the country illegally have failed in Congress. 
 
Democrats and activists have pressed Biden to further scale back enforcement and ensure humane treatment of migrant children and families arriving at the border.

During the trip, Harris also met with advocates, who urged her administration to end a Trump-era policy that allows US&nbsp;authorities to rapidly expel migrants to Mexico or their home countries, according to one of the participants, Fernando Garcia, the executive director at the El Paso-based Border Network for Human Rights. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Vice President Kamala Harris visited a border patrol facility near the US-Mexico border on Friday and urged a focus on children and practical solutions to migration, in a trip meant to blunt Republican criticism of White House immigration policies.

Vice President Kamala Harris visited a border patrol facility near the US-Mexico border on Friday and urged a focus on children and practical solutions to migration, in a trip meant to blunt Republican criticism of White House immigration policies. The visit, her first since becoming vice president five months ago, came amid a rise in migrants caught crossing the border, which has sparked outrage from Republicans, who favour the stricter immigration policies implemented by former President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, tasked Harris with spearheading his administration's handling of the broader issue of people fleeing Central American countries for the United States. She visited Guatemala and Mexico earlier this month. "This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We're talking about children, we're talking about families, we're talking about suffering. And our approach has to be thoughtful and effective," Harris said at the conclusion of her short trip. US authorities have made more than one million arrests of migrants at the US-Mexico border so far in fiscal year 2021, according to preliminary figures. Republicans have criticised Biden for rolling back restrictive Trump-era immigration policies even as arrests of migrants at the US-Mexico border have reached 20-year highs in recent months. They have also criticised Harris for not visiting the border sooner. Harris was accompanied in El Paso by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin and Democratic Representative from Texas Veronica Escobar, who called the El Paso area the new "Ellis Island," a reference to the famed area in New York Harbour that processed millions of immigrants as they entered the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Immigration, and particularly the arrival of asylum seekers at the US southern border, has been a hot-button issue for decades. Multiple attempts to reform US laws and create a pathway to citizenship for the millions of immigrants living in the country illegally have failed in Congress. Democrats and activists have pressed Biden to further scale back enforcement and ensure humane treatment of migrant children and families arriving at the border. During the trip, Harris also met with advocates, who urged her administration to end a Trump-era policy that allows US authorities to rapidly expel migrants to Mexico or their home countries, according to one of the participants, Fernando Garcia, the executive director at the El Paso-based Border Network for Human Rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Drop politics to fix immigration, Harris says at US-Mexico border

US President Joe Biden on Friday designated the&nbsp;Pulse&nbsp;gay&nbsp;nightclub&nbsp;in Orlando, Florida, a national memorial, to honor the 49 people killed in a 2016 mass shooting.

"We'll never fully recover, but we'll remember," Biden said as he signed legislation establishing Florida's National&nbsp;Pulse&nbsp;Memorial, joined by survivors of the shooting and lawmakers who worked on the measure.

"May ... no president ever have to sign another monument like this."

A gunman stormed the popular venue, opening fire with an AR-15-style assault rifle and pistol in one of the most lethal modern mass shootings in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chauvin-gets-22-12-years-in-prison-for-george-floyds-death-394037">Also Read |&nbsp;Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death</a>

Biden, in a shift from his Republican predecessor, has sought to emphasize equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, officially recognizing Pride Month with a June 1 proclamation and nominating LGBTQ officials to top U.S. government posts, among other actions.

The Democratic president has also pressed for full rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, including passage of the Equality Act in Congress, noting that protections are lacking in many U.S. states.

"Our presence this afternoon makes a very strong statement: Pride is back at the White House," Biden said, after being introduced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is openly gay, and a young transgender man, Ashton Mota.

After signing the legislation, Biden noted that half of U.S. states do not have specific protections for LGBTQ+ Americans and their families. "We must protect the gains we've made," he said.

In Florida, authorities branded the 2016 shooting an act of Islamist extremism by a 29-year-old U.S. citizen of Afghan descent. But civil rights activists said the massacre was also a hate crime targeting gay men and Latinos frequenting the club.

The new Orlando site will join other memorials including the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco and New York City's Stonewall Inn, a national monument commemorating what is seen as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement following riots after police raided the gay bar in 1969.

Biden has sought to reverse course from former President Donald Trump, who did not officially recognize Pride month.

He has ordered federal agencies to protect LGBTQ people under federal anti-discrimination laws. He also reversed a Trump-era ban on transgender people openly serving in the U.S. military and on flying rainbow Pride flags at U.S. embassies.

US President Joe Biden on Friday designated the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, a national memorial, to honor the 49 people killed in a 2016 mass shooting.

US President Joe Biden on Friday designated the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, a national memorial, to honor the 49 people killed in a 2016 mass shooting. "We'll never fully recover, but we'll remember," Biden said as he signed legislation establishing Florida's National Pulse Memorial, joined by survivors of the shooting and lawmakers who worked on the measure. "May ... no president ever have to sign another monument like this." A gunman stormed the popular venue, opening fire with an AR-15-style assault rifle and pistol in one of the most lethal modern mass shootings in the United States. Also Read | Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death Biden, in a shift from his Republican predecessor, has sought to emphasize equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, officially recognizing Pride Month with a June 1 proclamation and nominating LGBTQ officials to top U.S. government posts, among other actions. The Democratic president has also pressed for full rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, including passage of the Equality Act in Congress, noting that protections are lacking in many U.S. states. "Our presence this afternoon makes a very strong statement: Pride is back at the White House," Biden said, after being introduced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is openly gay, and a young transgender man, Ashton Mota. After signing the legislation, Biden noted that half of U.S. states do not have specific protections for LGBTQ+ Americans and their families. "We must protect the gains we've made," he said. In Florida, authorities branded the 2016 shooting an act of Islamist extremism by a 29-year-old U.S. citizen of Afghan descent. But civil rights activists said the massacre was also a hate crime targeting gay men and Latinos frequenting the club. The new Orlando site will join other memorials including the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco and New York City's Stonewall Inn, a national monument commemorating what is seen as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement following riots after police raided the gay bar in 1969. Biden has sought to reverse course from former President Donald Trump, who did not officially recognize Pride month. He has ordered federal agencies to protect LGBTQ people under federal anti-discrimination laws. He also reversed a Trump-era ban on transgender people openly serving in the U.S. military and on flying rainbow Pride flags at U.S. embassies.

'Pride is back at the White House,' Biden says, signing Pulse nightclub bill

The US Justice Department announced Friday it was suing the state of&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;over new election laws it charged would discriminate against African Americans.

The laws were passed in March by the Republican-dominated state legislature after Democrat Joe Biden stunned Republican incumbent Donald Trump by capturing&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;in the November 2020 presidential election, helped in part by a strong turnout of Black voters.

The Justice Department charged that the new laws were passed with discriminatory intent with little study or debate, and would make voting harder in largely Black precincts compared to predominantly white areas.

"The rights of all citizens to vote are the central pillars of our democracy," said Attorney General Merrick Garland.

"Our complaint alleges that recent changes to&nbsp;Georgia's election laws were enacted with the purpose of denying or abridging the right of Black Georgians to vote on account of their race or color," Garland said.

US Justice Department challenges Georgia voting rules

He said the department was studying new voting legislation in other states and would also sue if constitutional violations were seen.

"We will not hesitate to act," he said.

Collision course&nbsp;

The eruption of the coronavirus pandemic in the middle of an election year saw many states expand early voting and voting by mail, making it easier for the public to obtain and deliver ballots.

While that benefitted both parties, some Republicans including Trump believe it was to their disadvantage, and have pushed for tighter restrictions on how, when and where Americans can vote.

Trump continues to allege vote fraud in&nbsp;Georgia, but despite reviews, investigations and recounts, no significant fraud or irregularity has been uncovered.

The decision to sue in federal court put the Justice Department on a collision course with several Republican-led states attempting to enact new voting laws in the wake of last year's election.

Voting practices in the United States are mostly governed by individual states, as long as they respect constitutional equal rights principles.

If the department wins, the laws are judged illegal -- but the states can appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Biden administration failed in an effort to pass legislation in Congress to protect voting rights and expand ballot access, as Republicans in the narrowly split Senate united to keep the bill from moving forward.

Garland also announced that the Justice Department is ordering federal prosecutors around the country to prosecute cases of threats against voting officials and poll volunteers, amid a "dramatic increase" in such incidents.

Republicans accused Democrats of using the lawsuit to pursue their own power.

"Joe Biden is now weaponizing the Justice Department to attack election integrity," said Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in a statement.

Trump meanwhile repeated his unproven claims of ballot fraud.

"It should be the other way around!" Trump said in a statement

"The people of&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;should sue the State, and their elected officials, for running a corrupt and rigged 2020 presidential election."

The US Justice Department announced Friday it was suing the state of Georgia over new election laws it charged would discriminate against African Americans. The laws were passed in March by the Republican-dominated state legislature after Democrat Joe Biden stunned Republican incumbent Donald Trump by capturing Georgia in the November 2020 presidential election, helped in part by a strong turnout of Black voters.

The US Justice Department announced Friday it was suing the state of Georgia over new election laws it charged would discriminate against African Americans. The laws were passed in March by the Republican-dominated state legislature after Democrat Joe Biden stunned Republican incumbent Donald Trump by capturing Georgia in the November 2020 presidential election, helped in part by a strong turnout of Black voters. The Justice Department charged that the new laws were passed with discriminatory intent with little study or debate, and would make voting harder in largely Black precincts compared to predominantly white areas. "The rights of all citizens to vote are the central pillars of our democracy," said Attorney General Merrick Garland. "Our complaint alleges that recent changes to Georgia's election laws were enacted with the purpose of denying or abridging the right of Black Georgians to vote on account of their race or color," Garland said. US Justice Department challenges Georgia voting rules He said the department was studying new voting legislation in other states and would also sue if constitutional violations were seen. "We will not hesitate to act," he said. Collision course The eruption of the coronavirus pandemic in the middle of an election year saw many states expand early voting and voting by mail, making it easier for the public to obtain and deliver ballots. While that benefitted both parties, some Republicans including Trump believe it was to their disadvantage, and have pushed for tighter restrictions on how, when and where Americans can vote. Trump continues to allege vote fraud in Georgia, but despite reviews, investigations and recounts, no significant fraud or irregularity has been uncovered. The decision to sue in federal court put the Justice Department on a collision course with several Republican-led states attempting to enact new voting laws in the wake of last year's election. Voting practices in the United States are mostly governed by individual states, as long as they respect constitutional equal rights principles. If the department wins, the laws are judged illegal -- but the states can appeal all the way to the Supreme Court. Earlier this week, the Biden administration failed in an effort to pass legislation in Congress to protect voting rights and expand ballot access, as Republicans in the narrowly split Senate united to keep the bill from moving forward. Garland also announced that the Justice Department is ordering federal prosecutors around the country to prosecute cases of threats against voting officials and poll volunteers, amid a "dramatic increase" in such incidents. Republicans accused Democrats of using the lawsuit to pursue their own power. "Joe Biden is now weaponizing the Justice Department to attack election integrity," said Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in a statement. Trump meanwhile repeated his unproven claims of ballot fraud. "It should be the other way around!" Trump said in a statement "The people of Georgia should sue the State, and their elected officials, for running a corrupt and rigged 2020 presidential election."

US Justice Department challenges Georgia voting rules

The US government was unable to determine if more than 140 unidentified flying objects were atmospheric events or extraterrestrial in origin, claims a new report released by the nation’s top intelligence official.

The US government was unable to determine if more than 140 unidentified flying objects were atmospheric events or extraterrestrial in origin, claims a new report released by the nation’s top intelligence official. As per the report, there has been no evidence that the objects, which have been deemed as 'unidentified aerial phenomena' were in any way related to aliens. The report claimed, "Some UAP appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the wind, manoeuvre abruptly, or move at considerable speed, without discernible means of propulsion". It further added, "In a small number of cases, military aircraft systems processed radio frequency (RF) energy associated with UAP sightings". Observers have reported unusual movements and “flight characteristics” in 18 different incidents. The task force will now require to focus on 'additional analysis' on that small number of cases, the report claims. The report also talks about how there is public speculation about what information the government chose not to reveal. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson claimed that he had seen the report. He was quoted by The Washington Post saying that, "The hair stood up on the back of my neck,” he said in an interview. He also spoke with some of the pilots involved in the incidents it documented. “They know they saw something". Also Read | Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death He also said that he had asked NASA's scientists to study the incidents that the report addressed and their potential explanations. NASA has a small office that works on searching for extraterrestrial life. In a statement, Sen. Mark R. Warner, who is also the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said, "Since then, the frequency of these incidents only appears to be increasing. The United States must be able to understand and mitigate threats to our pilots, whether they’re from drones or weather balloons or adversary intelligence capabilities. Today’s rather inconclusive report only marks the beginning of efforts to understand and illuminate what is causing these risks to aviation in many areas around the country and the world". The report highlights five categories of potential explanations for the object. The first is junk man-made objects cluttering the air, such as balloons or even plastic bags, that are mistaken for the craft. The second is the air itself. The third explanation is that the objects are some kind of craft designed by the US government or an American corporation. However, this explanation seemed unlikely. The fourth explanation deems the object to come from a foreign adversary. However, the task force said it lacked the data to indicate that the UAPs “are part of a foreign collection program or indicative of a major technological advancement by a potential adversary". Lastly, the fifth explanation states, “Other".

US unable to explain more than 140 unidentified flying objects

Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani faces the cold reality of the end of US military presence in Afghanistan Friday when he meets with President Joe Biden in the White House.

With his government under increasing threat from an emboldened Taliban insurgency, Ghani will be hoping for a significant commitment of US aid for his government, which will be without the on-the-ground support of US forces for the first time in nearly two decades.

But any hopes for a delay in America's exit from its longest war are likely to be snuffed.

Biden has ordered the departure of all US forces from Afghanistan by this year's 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks that triggered the invasion, saying he believes that no more can be achieved.

The final pullout, announced in April, has moved fast and some speculate the exit of some 2,500 US troops and 16,000 civilian contractors could be mostly completed in July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deaths-outnumber-births-in-britain-for-the-first-time-since-1976-393790">Also Read |&nbsp;Deaths outnumber births in Britain for the first time since 1976</a>

"This visit is first about our ongoing commitment and support to the Afghan people and to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday.

"The president will emphasize the need for unity, cohesion, and for the Afghan government to focus on key challenges Afghanistan faces."

Deep uncertainty as Taliban gain&nbsp;

Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who is in charge of stalled negotiations with the Taliban on a power-sharing deal, arrived in Washington on Thursday as the rebels continued to gain ground in the country, both physically and propaganda-wise.

The looming US exit has left the country in a deep state of uncertainty, with many worried about the return to power of extremists who applied a brutal version of Islam to the population when they ruled from 1996-2001.

The Wall Street Journal reported that a new US intelligence report assesses that the Taliban could possibly capture Kabul within six months -- though other experts downplay that scenario, at least in the short-term.

Still, the situation is being compared to the US withdrawal from Vietnam in 1973.&nbsp;

Two years later, the South Vietnamese government that Washington had backed and then abandoned fell to North Vietnamese troops.

Enduring commitment

Still apparently hoping to slow the US pullout, Ghani and Abdullah met Thursday with members of Congress, many of whom criticize Biden's decision to leave -- even though the withdrawal actually began under his predecessor Donald Trump last year.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell urged Biden to delay the withdrawal after talks with the Afghan leaders.

"President Biden's decision to withdraw US forces leaves our Afghan partners alone to confront threats that his own top advisors acknowledge are&nbsp;grave&nbsp;and growing worse," McConnell said.

On Friday, Ghani and Abdullah will meet with Biden in the White House and, separately, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon.

"One of the things that we will certainly be talking with President Ghani about tomorrow is what the enduring commitment of the United States to his government is going to look like," said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

Biden is expected to reaffirm billions of dollars in US aid for the country, and possibly make arrangements for US civilian contractors -- essential to keep the Afghan air force flying -- to remain there.

The United States will also provide three million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine to Afghanistan to be shipped as soon as next week, according to Jean-Pierre.

Andrew Watkins, an Afghanistan expert at the International Crisis Group, said Ghani wants to show he has US support as the country's leader.

"Ghani doesn't have a lot of domestic legitimacy. His legitimacy comes maybe more than from any other source or any other factor from international recognition and support," Watkins said.

The US side, meanwhile, is likely to pressure Ghani and Abdullah to strike a power-sharing deal with the Taliban sooner rather than later.

"We believe that a negotiated political settlement is the best way to end the conflict," Jean-Pierre told journalists.&nbsp;

Possibly underscoring how uncomfortable the situation is for both sides, no press conference was planned.

Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani faces the cold reality of the end of US military presence in Afghanistan Friday when he meets with President Joe Biden in the White House.

Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani faces the cold reality of the end of US military presence in Afghanistan Friday when he meets with President Joe Biden in the White House. With his government under increasing threat from an emboldened Taliban insurgency, Ghani will be hoping for a significant commitment of US aid for his government, which will be without the on-the-ground support of US forces for the first time in nearly two decades. But any hopes for a delay in America's exit from its longest war are likely to be snuffed. Biden has ordered the departure of all US forces from Afghanistan by this year's 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks that triggered the invasion, saying he believes that no more can be achieved. The final pullout, announced in April, has moved fast and some speculate the exit of some 2,500 US troops and 16,000 civilian contractors could be mostly completed in July. Also Read | Deaths outnumber births in Britain for the first time since 1976 "This visit is first about our ongoing commitment and support to the Afghan people and to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. "The president will emphasize the need for unity, cohesion, and for the Afghan government to focus on key challenges Afghanistan faces." Deep uncertainty as Taliban gain Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who is in charge of stalled negotiations with the Taliban on a power-sharing deal, arrived in Washington on Thursday as the rebels continued to gain ground in the country, both physically and propaganda-wise. The looming US exit has left the country in a deep state of uncertainty, with many worried about the return to power of extremists who applied a brutal version of Islam to the population when they ruled from 1996-2001. The Wall Street Journal reported that a new US intelligence report assesses that the Taliban could possibly capture Kabul within six months -- though other experts downplay that scenario, at least in the short-term. Still, the situation is being compared to the US withdrawal from Vietnam in 1973. Two years later, the South Vietnamese government that Washington had backed and then abandoned fell to North Vietnamese troops. Enduring commitment Still apparently hoping to slow the US pullout, Ghani and Abdullah met Thursday with members of Congress, many of whom criticize Biden's decision to leave -- even though the withdrawal actually began under his predecessor Donald Trump last year. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell urged Biden to delay the withdrawal after talks with the Afghan leaders. "President Biden's decision to withdraw US forces leaves our Afghan partners alone to confront threats that his own top advisors acknowledge are grave and growing worse," McConnell said. On Friday, Ghani and Abdullah will meet with Biden in the White House and, separately, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. "One of the things that we will certainly be talking with President Ghani about tomorrow is what the enduring commitment of the United States to his government is going to look like," said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Biden is expected to reaffirm billions of dollars in US aid for the country, and possibly make arrangements for US civilian contractors -- essential to keep the Afghan air force flying -- to remain there. The United States will also provide three million doses of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine to Afghanistan to be shipped as soon as next week, according to Jean-Pierre. Andrew Watkins, an Afghanistan expert at the International Crisis Group, said Ghani wants to show he has US support as the country's leader. "Ghani doesn't have a lot of domestic legitimacy. His legitimacy comes maybe more than from any other source or any other factor from international recognition and support," Watkins said. The US side, meanwhile, is likely to pressure Ghani and Abdullah to strike a power-sharing deal with the Taliban sooner rather than later. "We believe that a negotiated political settlement is the best way to end the conflict," Jean-Pierre told journalists. Possibly underscoring how uncomfortable the situation is for both sides, no press conference was planned.

Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani  to meet Joe Biden as US troop exit looms

Tensions are escalating between the United States and Iran yet again. US hacked Iranian news websites as nuclear talks are set to resume between the two countries. On The West Asia Post tonight, Ghadi Francis talks about what a new presidency could mean for US-Iran relations. Also on the show, a look at what it is like being queer in West Asia. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post: What will Ebrahim Raisi mean for US?

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani met US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of meeting President Joe Biden. Biden’s first meeting as president with Ghani will focus on Washington’s support for Afghanistan after troops withdrawal.

Afghan President Ghani met US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

US intelligence has said that the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul will fall to the resurgent Taliban group within six months of the departure of US and international troops, ahead of a White House meeting between President Joe Biden and top Afghan leaders Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah.

US Intel: Kabul could fall in 6 months after troops pullout | WION VOA Co-Production

US President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators announced that they’d reached a framework $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal. Senators agreed on a $973 billion package over five years with $559 billion in new funding.

Joe Biden agrees to $1.2 trillion infra deal with bipartisan backing

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the US-Mexico border on Friday as the Biden administration faces intense scrutiny over its handling of an immigration surge.

US Vice President to visit US-Mexico border under immigration scrutiny

According to reports, the Biden administration is preparing to relocate thousands of Afghan coalition aides to third nations to keep them safe from the Taliban while they wait for the US to approve visas for them and their families.

US to relocate Afghan coalition aides as they fear reprisal from Taliban

Joe Biden will be meeting Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in Washington on Friday(25 June) amid an ongoing US military withdrawal and Taliban resurgence.

Afghan President to meet Joe Biden amid rise in Taliban attacks

US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that a deal has been reached with a&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;group of senators to rebuild the nation's&nbsp;infrastructure, likely unlocking the most funding for roads, bridges, ports and broadband in decades.

The lawmakers have "come together and forged an agreement that will create millions of American jobs, and modernize our American&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;to compete with the rest of the world and own the 21st century," Biden said at the White House.

The president sat down with the senators earlier in the day to cap weeks of tense negotiations on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and Republicans have squared off over the size and scope of the funding.

But Biden hailed the breakthrough as a shining example of how Washington can reach consensus on major investments when both parties work together -- essentially a validation of his call for bipartisanship on the most necessary aspects of governing.

He described the deal as "breaking the ice that too often has kept us frozen in place and prevented us from solving the real problem facing the American people."

The deal came together late Wednesday, with the senators agreeing on a $973 billion package over five years, with some $559 billion in new funding.

Biden stressed that the massive&nbsp;plan&nbsp;-- which includes the largest-ever investment in US bridges and public transport -- met his requirement of not raising taxes on anyone making under $400,000 per year.

"We're going to do it all without raising a cent" in new taxes, he said.&nbsp;

Instead, the&nbsp;plan&nbsp;is to boost enforcement of existing tax law to recover underreported taxes from wealthier Americans.&nbsp;

"No one got everything they wanted in this package. We all gave some to get some because what we did was put first the needs of our country," said Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a centrist Democrat from Arizona.

"This does represent a&nbsp;historic investment in our country's&nbsp;infrastructure."

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy agreed, calling the bill "great progress."

"A&nbsp;bridge&nbsp;is coming near you. Not right away, not tomorrow, not next year," he said. "But we've begun the process."

'Tandem' bills&nbsp;

But negotiations on&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;are not over; selling the&nbsp;plan&nbsp;to Congress is just beginning.

Biden has proposed some $2 trillion in&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;spending over eight years, including funding for some of his priorities like climate change mitigation, child care, schools and social services.

Republicans firmly opposed any inclusion of such projects in the deal, saying only traditional&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;like roads, airports or broadband internet should be included.

But Democratic leaders are insisting that the "human&nbsp;infrastructure" projects be funded in a second track known as budget reconciliation, which can pass the 100-member Senate with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes necessary to advance major legislation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-is-infecting-vaccinated-people-says-israel-393811">Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel</a>

"We will not take up a bill in the House until the Senate passes a&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;bill and a reconciliation bill," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned earlier Thursday.

That statement drew applause from progressive Democrats, including congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the first votes on the&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;bill should be held in July.

He also said that while he was "encouraged" by the progress of the&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;group, he -- like Pelosi -- insists on two bills operating in tandem.

"If the Senate is going to move forward with a&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;bill, we must also move forward on a budget resolution as well," he said.

Biden expressed support for that very&nbsp;plan, saying he will work to ensure that "both move through the legislative process promptly, and in tandem," and that if they both do not reach his desk, he will not sign either of them into law.

The president acknowledged he had no guarantee that the plans had enough votes to cross the finish line, but said that his several decades in Washington have given him "a pretty good read" of Congress.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that a deal has been reached with a bipartisan group of senators to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, likely unlocking the most funding for roads, bridges, ports and broadband in decades.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that a deal has been reached with a bipartisan group of senators to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, likely unlocking the most funding for roads, bridges, ports and broadband in decades. The lawmakers have "come together and forged an agreement that will create millions of American jobs, and modernize our American infrastructure to compete with the rest of the world and own the 21st century," Biden said at the White House. The president sat down with the senators earlier in the day to cap weeks of tense negotiations on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and Republicans have squared off over the size and scope of the funding. But Biden hailed the breakthrough as a shining example of how Washington can reach consensus on major investments when both parties work together -- essentially a validation of his call for bipartisanship on the most necessary aspects of governing. He described the deal as "breaking the ice that too often has kept us frozen in place and prevented us from solving the real problem facing the American people." The deal came together late Wednesday, with the senators agreeing on a $973 billion package over five years, with some $559 billion in new funding. Biden stressed that the massive plan -- which includes the largest-ever investment in US bridges and public transport -- met his requirement of not raising taxes on anyone making under $400,000 per year. "We're going to do it all without raising a cent" in new taxes, he said. Instead, the plan is to boost enforcement of existing tax law to recover underreported taxes from wealthier Americans. "No one got everything they wanted in this package. We all gave some to get some because what we did was put first the needs of our country," said Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a centrist Democrat from Arizona. "This does represent a historic investment in our country's infrastructure." Republican Senator Bill Cassidy agreed, calling the bill "great progress." "A bridge is coming near you. Not right away, not tomorrow, not next year," he said. "But we've begun the process." 'Tandem' bills But negotiations on infrastructure are not over; selling the plan to Congress is just beginning. Biden has proposed some $2 trillion in infrastructure spending over eight years, including funding for some of his priorities like climate change mitigation, child care, schools and social services. Republicans firmly opposed any inclusion of such projects in the deal, saying only traditional infrastructure like roads, airports or broadband internet should be included. But Democratic leaders are insisting that the "human infrastructure" projects be funded in a second track known as budget reconciliation, which can pass the 100-member Senate with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes necessary to advance major legislation. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel "We will not take up a bill in the House until the Senate passes a bipartisan bill and a reconciliation bill," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned earlier Thursday. That statement drew applause from progressive Democrats, including congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the first votes on the bipartisan bill should be held in July. He also said that while he was "encouraged" by the progress of the bipartisan group, he -- like Pelosi -- insists on two bills operating in tandem. "If the Senate is going to move forward with a bipartisan infrastructure bill, we must also move forward on a budget resolution as well," he said. Biden expressed support for that very plan, saying he will work to ensure that "both move through the legislative process promptly, and in tandem," and that if they both do not reach his desk, he will not sign either of them into law. The president acknowledged he had no guarantee that the plans had enough votes to cross the finish line, but said that his several decades in Washington have given him "a pretty good read" of Congress.

White House, lawmakers strike deal on infrastructure

Google is having a terrible week. India has launched an anti-trust probe on its dominance of the 'Smart-TV' market. US attorney-generals are filing a lawsuit on mismanagement of 'Play Store'. EU is probing its violation of 'Online Adtech'. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Google is facing Anti-trust lawsuits globally

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.&nbsp;

"Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties".&nbsp;

Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries."

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva.

In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer".

Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats.

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks.

In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic.

(With agency inputs)

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions. "Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties". Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries." Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva. In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer". Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks. In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic. (With agency inputs)

US envoy to Russia returns to Moscow

The statement by Ri Son Gwon came a day after the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a message saying that US expectations of talks would “plunge them into a greater disappointment”.

North Korea rejects any talks with US

The United States has said that it will not change its Afghanistan withdrawal timeline even as violence rises in the country. The announcement came two days before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will hold talks with Joe Biden.

US: No change in troops withdrawal timeline from Afghanistan

US Vice President&nbsp;Kamala&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;on Friday will visit the country's border with Mexico, the White House announced, as the Biden administration faces intense scrutiny over its handling of an immigration surge.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants, many fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, have attempted to cross into the United States in recent months, prompting scathing criticism from Republicans that President Joe Biden's more humane approach to immigration was provoking rather than preventing a crisis.

Harris&nbsp;senior advisor Symone Sanders said Wednesday that the vice president will visit the border city of El Paso, Texas, and will be accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Biden tasked&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;earlier this year with overseeing efforts to address what the administration describes as root causes of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/john-mcafee-antivirus-software-creator-turned-fugitive-dies-by-hanging-in-spanish-jail-393513">Also Read |&nbsp;John McAfee, antivirus software creator turned fugitive, dies by hanging in Spanish jail</a>

The vice president travelled to Guatemala and Mexico in early June to address the issue but caught flak from critics for comments that appeared to downplay the border crisis.&nbsp;

She was also criticized for not stopping at the border for a firsthand look at the situation during her international mission.

Harris&nbsp;continues to address the root causes of illegal immigration "and work in coordination to get the situation under control," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

"This trip to the border on Friday will be a part of this effort."

The White House did not provide details on&nbsp;Harris's border plans, saying specifics would be forthcoming.

The vice president's trip will come a few days before Donald Trump visits the border, on June 30, in a bid to contrast his tough stance on immigration with successor Biden's more humane approach.&nbsp;

"After months of ignoring the crisis at the Southern Border, it is great that we got&nbsp;Kamala&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;to finally go and see the tremendous destruction and death that they've created -- a direct result of Biden ending my very tough but fair Border policies," the former president said in a statement.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday will visit the country's border with Mexico, the White House announced, as the Biden administration faces intense scrutiny over its handling of an immigration surge.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday will visit the country's border with Mexico, the White House announced, as the Biden administration faces intense scrutiny over its handling of an immigration surge. Hundreds of thousands of migrants, many fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, have attempted to cross into the United States in recent months, prompting scathing criticism from Republicans that President Joe Biden's more humane approach to immigration was provoking rather than preventing a crisis. Harris senior advisor Symone Sanders said Wednesday that the vice president will visit the border city of El Paso, Texas, and will be accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Biden tasked Harris earlier this year with overseeing efforts to address what the administration describes as root causes of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Also Read | John McAfee, antivirus software creator turned fugitive, dies by hanging in Spanish jail The vice president travelled to Guatemala and Mexico in early June to address the issue but caught flak from critics for comments that appeared to downplay the border crisis. She was also criticized for not stopping at the border for a firsthand look at the situation during her international mission. Harris continues to address the root causes of illegal immigration "and work in coordination to get the situation under control," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. "This trip to the border on Friday will be a part of this effort." The White House did not provide details on Harris's border plans, saying specifics would be forthcoming. The vice president's trip will come a few days before Donald Trump visits the border, on June 30, in a bid to contrast his tough stance on immigration with successor Biden's more humane approach. "After months of ignoring the crisis at the Southern Border, it is great that we got Kamala Harris to finally go and see the tremendous destruction and death that they've created -- a direct result of Biden ending my very tough but fair Border policies," the former president said in a statement.

Kamala Harris to visit US-Mexico border, after scrutiny over administration's record on immigration

China condemned the United States on Wednesday as the region's greatest security "risk creator" after a US&nbsp;warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China.

The US&nbsp;Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday in accordance with international law.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US&nbsp;commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said their forces monitored the vessel throughout its passage and warned it.

"The US&nbsp;side is intentionally playing the same old tricks and creating trouble and disrupting things in the Taiwan Strait," it said.

This "fully shows that the United States is the greatest creator of risks for regional security, and we are resolutely opposed to this".

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the ship had sailed in a northerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal".

The same ship transited the strait a month ago, prompting China to accuse&nbsp;the United States of threatening peace and stability.

The latest mission comes around a week after Taiwan said 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the largest reported incursion to date.

That incident followed the Group of Seven leaders issuing a joint statement scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as "slander".

The US&nbsp;Navy has been conducting such operations in the Taiwan Strait every month or so.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with democratic Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms.

Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan's air defence zone.

China condemned the United States on Wednesday as the region's greatest security "risk creator" after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China.

China condemned the United States on Wednesday as the region's greatest security "risk creator" after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China. The US Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday in accordance with international law. "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said their forces monitored the vessel throughout its passage and warned it. "The US side is intentionally playing the same old tricks and creating trouble and disrupting things in the Taiwan Strait," it said. This "fully shows that the United States is the greatest creator of risks for regional security, and we are resolutely opposed to this". Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the ship had sailed in a northerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal". The same ship transited the strait a month ago, prompting China to accuse the United States of threatening peace and stability. The latest mission comes around a week after Taiwan said 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the largest reported incursion to date. That incident followed the Group of Seven leaders issuing a joint statement scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as "slander". The US Navy has been conducting such operations in the Taiwan Strait every month or so. The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with democratic Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms. Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan's air defence zone.

China condemns latest US warship transit of Taiwan Strait

A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, a report said citing sources familiar with the matter.

The anticipated lawsuit follows complaints from app developers about Google's management of its Play Store for Android devices, according to a source. The lawsuit has been in the works since last year and has already been delayed, but seems close again, the sources said as per Reuters report. 
 
The investigation by the state attorneys general is being led by Utah, Tennessee, North Carolina and New York. It is unclear how many states will participate. 
 
Two sources said the case is likely to be filed in federal court in Northern California, where related cases are being heard. These include a lawsuit that video game maker Epic Games Inc filed against Google last year, accusing it of having anticompetitive app store rules. It is expected to go to trial in 2022. 
 
There also are two proposed class-action lawsuits over the Play store before the same judge. If the states want to participate in depositions and other pre-trial activities, they would have to file fairly soon, one source said. 
 
Apple Inc and Epic are awaiting the verdict in a similar California lawsuit after a trial that ended last month. 
 
A Google spokesperson defended their app store as open. 
 
"Android is the only major operating system that allows people to download apps from multiple app stores. In fact, most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preinstalled. They can also install additional app stores or apps directly from their browser if they choose," the spokesperson said. 
 
Google was originally seen as more open in how it ran its app store than Apple but has tightened rules recently and increased enforcement of those rules. 
 
The lawsuit is expected to focus on Google's requirement that some apps use the company's payment tools to sell subscriptions and content and pay Google as much as 30% of sales, according to two sources. 
 
App makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder app, have long accused both Google, as well as Apple, of being anti-competitive in demanding mandatory revenue sharing. 
 
This latest lawsuit is being planned at a time of unusually vigorous debate over whether federal antitrust enforcement is too lax. Many people, including Senator Amy Klobuchar who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel, have pressed for tougher enforcement. 
 
Google already faces a federal lawsuit brought by the Justice Department last year and related antitrust cases brought by two separate groups of attorneys general. One is led by Texas and focused on advertising while the other targets Google's alleged efforts to extend its dominance in search to newer markets, like voice assistants. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, a report said citing sources familiar with the matter.

A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, a report said citing sources familiar with the matter. The anticipated lawsuit follows complaints from app developers about Google's management of its Play Store for Android devices, according to a source. The lawsuit has been in the works since last year and has already been delayed, but seems close again, the sources said as per Reuters report. The investigation by the state attorneys general is being led by Utah, Tennessee, North Carolina and New York. It is unclear how many states will participate. Two sources said the case is likely to be filed in federal court in Northern California, where related cases are being heard. These include a lawsuit that video game maker Epic Games Inc filed against Google last year, accusing it of having anticompetitive app store rules. It is expected to go to trial in 2022. There also are two proposed class-action lawsuits over the Play store before the same judge. If the states want to participate in depositions and other pre-trial activities, they would have to file fairly soon, one source said. Apple Inc and Epic are awaiting the verdict in a similar California lawsuit after a trial that ended last month. A Google spokesperson defended their app store as open. "Android is the only major operating system that allows people to download apps from multiple app stores. In fact, most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preinstalled. They can also install additional app stores or apps directly from their browser if they choose," the spokesperson said. Google was originally seen as more open in how it ran its app store than Apple but has tightened rules recently and increased enforcement of those rules. The lawsuit is expected to focus on Google's requirement that some apps use the company's payment tools to sell subscriptions and content and pay Google as much as 30% of sales, according to two sources. App makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder app, have long accused both Google, as well as Apple, of being anti-competitive in demanding mandatory revenue sharing. This latest lawsuit is being planned at a time of unusually vigorous debate over whether federal antitrust enforcement is too lax. Many people, including Senator Amy Klobuchar who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel, have pressed for tougher enforcement. Google already faces a federal lawsuit brought by the Justice Department last year and related antitrust cases brought by two separate groups of attorneys general. One is led by Texas and focused on advertising while the other targets Google's alleged efforts to extend its dominance in search to newer markets, like voice assistants. (With inputs from agencies)

Google likely to soon face antitrust claims over Play store from US states: Report

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1