Students are to find a current event essay to discuss (summarize and analyze) a current political news story that covers a topic that we have studied in the course. The current event assignment and have a minimum of three sources (your textbook must be one source, a current news story must be a second, and the third source is of your choosing).

The current event paper should have the following elements:

• Provide a thorough, but brief, summary of a current political issue. The issue must be a topic that we studied within this course (the textbook must be one source used in the paper to discuss an understanding of the topic), reported in a reputable news source (students can use the Media Bias Report to determine the reliability and partisan bias of some media sources), and reported within the time frame of the course.An understanding of the issue may be developed by reading additional articles or information on the topic (which should be appropriately cited and sourced as additional resources in the paper).
• Present an analysis (your perspective) on the political issue. Think critically about the topic and clearly express your thoughts about it in writing. When writing your analysis, consider the eight standards for critical thinking (Paul and Elder, 2103): clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, and fairness. When thinking about how your presented your analysis in the paper, ask yourself questions, such as:
  • Did I verify/validate the accuracy of my statements?
  • Did I convey how/why the information is relevant?
  • Did my conclusion address the complexities of the issue?
  • does my conclusions follow from the data and/or statements I have provided?

This exercise is to show that you understand a particular topic of study within the course, and are able to critically explain and analyze the topic in the context of current events (current news stories related to the topic). Your submission should be written as an essay: the first paragraph should include the purpose of the essay (this is the thesis); subsequent paragraphs should provide information and develop your arguments (providing clarity and support for your argument), and the final paragraph should provide your concluding thoughts (which should logically stem from the information and arguments you developed in the essay).Formatting requirements:

• Information from resources must be cited in the essay
• Works cited page must be included at the end of the essay (to include the textbook, news story, and any other resources used in the paper

Kyrel Wilson GOVT2305 Dr. Cook In a major victory for Microsoft, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley declined to block its $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sought to stop the deal, citing potential harm to competition, but the judge ruled that the regulators failed to demonstrate significant harm. Microsoft's lawyers had an advantage during the court hearing, and both companies assured that Activision's game Call of Duty would remain available on various platforms. The ruling is seen as a setback for the FTC's scrutiny of the tech industry. However, the deal still faces opposition from the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority and Canadian regulators. Some advocates for tougher antitrust enforcement are calling for the FTC to pursue an emergency stay due to a perceived conflict of interest involving the judge's son, who works for Microsoft. The political issue in question revolves around the proposed $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. The issue is complex and touches upon several important aspects, including antitrust regulations, competition in the technology industry, and the potential implications for consumers, workers, and other market players. Antitrust Regulations and Competition: The primary concern raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is whether the merger would significantly lessen competition in the video game industry, particularly in the markets for video game consoles, monthly game subscriptions, and cloud-based gaming. Antitrust regulations exist to prevent monopolistic behavior and ensure fair competition in the marketplace. If one company gains excessive market power, it could stifle innovation and harm consumers by limiting choices and potentially raising prices. Tech Industry Scrutiny: The ruling reflects a broader context of increased scrutiny of the technology industry, where several major companies have faced antitrust investigations and accusations of monopolistic practices. This case becomes a focal point in the ongoing debate over the market dominance of tech giants and the need for stricter antitrust enforcement to prevent any abuse of power. Consumer Impact: The potential merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard could have a significant impact on consumers. If the deal results in fewer choices for gamers, fewer platforms to access popular games like Call of Duty, or any other anticompetitive behavior, it could harm consumer interests and limit their options when it comes to gaming experiences. On the other hand, proponents of the merger argue that it could lead to better services, innovation, and investment in the gaming industry, benefiting consumers in the long run. Workers' Rights: Mergers of this magnitude often raise concerns about the impact on employees. Critics worry that consolidation could lead to job losses, reductions in wages, or changes in working conditions. Proponents of the merger, including the CEOs of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, have pledged to protect workers' interests and ensure a smooth transition. Political Influence and Judicial Ethics: Some advocates have raised concerns about a perceived conflict of interest due to Judge Corley's son working for Microsoft. While Judge Corley disclosed this relationship, it may still raise questions about the impartiality of the decision and could impact public trust in the judicial system. International Implications: The ruling's impact extends beyond U.S. borders, as it has already faced approvals from other countries and the European Union. However, opposition from the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority and Canadian regulators indicates that global regulatory bodies are also closely monitoring the deal for its potential impact on competition in their respective markets. In conclusion, the political issue surrounding Microsoft's proposed takeover of Activision Blizzard is a multi-faceted and contentious topic. It involves balancing the need for healthy competition and consumer protection against the potential benefits and drawbacks of corporate consolidation. As the case continues to unfold, it will likely remain at the center of discussions about antitrust regulations and the role of major tech companies in shaping various industries, including gaming. O'brien, Matt. "Microsoft Can Move Ahead with Record $69 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Judge Rules." AP News, 11 July 2023, apnews.com/article/microsoft-activision- xbox-playstation-call-of-duty-2322c62e67ebc1316b3ce043e66cff62