Big Tech faces big scrutiny, Sears is back in one piece, and more top news

The news professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments.

The U.S. government is readying investigations into some of the country’s largest tech companies: The Federal Trade Commission received jurisdiction over antitrust complaints against Facebook, while the Justice Department will handle oversight of Google, and also secured the right to investigate Apple, according to Reuters, citing anonymous people. Following years of a “laissez-faire attitude” from the government, the idea “of prolonged scrutiny [has] rattled investors,” said The Wall Street Journal; both Facebook and Alphabet shares closed down Monday. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Former Sears Holdings CEO Eddie Lampert says he will buy the rest of Sears Hometown and Outlets, reuniting it seven years later with Sears and Kmart. Lampert’s Transform Holdco will purchase the remaining 42% of the company, which counts over 600 stores and posted sales of $1.4 billion last year. The announcement follows reports that Lampert recently tried to "get out" of paying the $43 million owed in severance to former employees. ? Here’s what people are saying.

The House approved a $19.1 billion disaster aid package to provide relief funds to disaster-hit communities. The bill passed 354-58 despite objections from Republicans, and will now head to President Trump for final sign-off. The package provides federal aid for those affected by a range of natural disasters, including farmers struggling after Hurricane Michael, California’s wildfire victims, and communities in Midwestern states recovering from floods. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Data from 11.9 million Quest Diagnostics patients may have been compromised after a breach hit its billing company’s web-payment system. While laboratory results weren’t affected by the breach — which occurred between August 2018 and March 2019 — people’s credit card numbers, bank account information, medical information and other personal details may have been stolen. The laboratory giant has suspended collections from the billing company. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Americans are living alone more than ever before, and consumer-products companies are taking notice — catering to single-person households rather than focusing on family-oriented products as they have for decades, says The Wall Street Journal. Appliance makers are offering smaller refrigerators and ovens, while food companies are putting smaller serving options on grocery store shelves. Market researchers have found the single-person demographic is usually more affluent and urban. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Lastly: Jay-Z has been named the world’s first billionaire rapper. Forbes estimates the rapper’s wealth now "conservatively totals" $1 billion, including assets such as his $310 million ownership of Armand de Brignac champagne, property in New York and Los Angeles, and a $70 million stake in Uber. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: “If you’re one day enrobed in corporate power,” use it to make change, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie told Yale University’s 2019 graduating class.

“Hire women as executives and not just in human relations. Change corporate culture. Have an on-site day-care. Make paid family leave standard and ordinary.”

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