Google is facing off with the Justice Department.

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Google is facing off with the Justice Department.

Why?

To defend itself after the DOJ accused Google of manipulating and dominating the online search and digital ad market. Today marks the beginning of their 10-week trial in Washington, DC. It's the biggest tech monopoly trial since the DOJ sued Microsoft in the late '90s (and won). Critics say Google's role as the internet’s gatekeeper is bad for users — leaving them stuck with a search engine that is self-promotional (see: promoting Google Reviews over Yelp), filled with ads, and less innovative than it would otherwise have to be. Google says consumers prefer them because they’re the best. Now, both will have to Google their best legal arguments and present their cases.

And what’s at stake here?

The future of Alphabet. Google might be forced to close up its deals with smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung that have made Google the default search engine. It could be forced to break up into different parts — leaving space for other tech companies to grab a slice of the Silicon Valley cake. The trial also serves as a chance for the government to open up the market to a new generation of businesses...like it did 20 years ago, right when Google got its start. 

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Google has secured 90% of the search engine market in the US. Now, Google is finding itself in a similar position as Microsoft in the ‘90s — when the DOJ’s antitrust case created a pathway for today’s tech giants, including Google, to succeed.

Who was rescued…

An American in Turkey. Yesterday, emergency workers pulled 40-year-old American researcher Mark Dickey out of a cave in southern Turkey. Dickey — who was part of a 14-member caving expedition — was trapped for 12 days after falling ill with stomach bleeding more than 3,000 feet below the surface. More than 180 rescuers from all over the world worked for over a week to try to get him out. Medical teams also helped send him food, water, and medicine while he remained stuck. Now, Dickey was hoisted to safety and taken to a medical tent for evaluation. Dickey thanked the Turkish gov and said “it is amazing to be above ground again.” 

Who’s not taking one for the team…

Drew Barrymore. The talk show host and actress is under fire for resuming her daytime talk show without its writers amid the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Over the weekend, Barrymore announced “The Drew Barrymore Show” would come back on CBS after it wrapped in April. It's a different tune from May when Barrymore stepped away from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards to support the strikers. Now, she’s facing criticism from actors, writers, and the union. WGA said that the show is covered by the union and that “any writing on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ is in violation of WGA strike rules.” On Sunday Barrymore said, “I own this choice.” But as the strikes go on, other talk shows are also turning the lights back on.

What’s got people rolling up their sleeves…

COVID vaccines. Yesterday, the FDA approved updated vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna. Next up: The CDC is expected to give the final go-ahead today. The new version is expected to hit doctor's offices and pharmacies later this week.

What’s saying ‘I don’t think you‘re ready for this jelly’...

J.M. Smucker and Hostess Brands. Yesterday, the jelly giant announced that it’s buying the Twinkies owner for $5.6 billion. In the takeover, Smucker will be taking on Hostess’ $900 million debt. Nothing like a deal sweetener. The purchase is one of the latest agreements that food companies are chewing on in order to offset losses from inflation.

What’s saying ‘honey, I’m Home’...

The House, back from recess. On its to-do list: not shutting down the country and potentially indicting Hunter Biden.

Who’s swapping cameras for the stage…

Rachel McAdams.

What’s getting another refresh…

The iPhone.

Where women are making history...

Tonight's MTV Video Music Awards.