In the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google, the Justice Department has concluded its closing arguments. Accusing the tech giant of illegally abusing its monopoly power, the government alleges that Google paid billions to companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla to ensure its position as the default search engine on their devices. This practice, they argue, has pushed competitors out of the market and resulted in a lower-quality experience for consumers.

Google, on the other hand, maintains that its status as the most popular search engine is a result of its superior performance, not its business dealings. The company denies any wrongdoing and stands by its claim that its success is due to the quality of its product.

The outcome of this lawsuit is significant for both Google and the broader tech industry. If found guilty, Google could face hefty fines and potential changes to its business practices. Additionally, a ruling against the tech giant may have far-reaching implications in terms of how other major tech companies conduct their operations.

As the closing arguments came to a close, the courtroom awaits the decision from the presiding judge. It remains to be seen how the evidence presented by both sides will impact the case's outcome. The ruling could set a precedent for future antitrust cases and potentially reshape the landscape of the technology sector.

In other news, NPR's Steve Inskeep, the host of Morning Edition, is celebrating 20 years in the host chair. Joined by Renee Montagne, who co-hosted the show with him from 2004 to 2016, Steve reflects on his career and shares archival clips from his most iconic stories and interviews.

Congratulations to Steve Inskeep on this milestone achievement. Listeners can tune in to hear his reflections and revisit some of the memorable moments from his two-decade-long career.