USA: Trump Presidency, a disaster, while Republicans are asleep behind the wheel - FBI verdict only deepens Washington's nightmare - by Stephen Collinson

This long national nightmare may never be over.

The sour legacy of the 2016 election is further tightening its grip on Washington after the release of a critical report on the FBI's conduct while investigating scandals linked to the vote. And a new legal front is opening with stunning allegations about the Trump family's behavior during the campaign
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It all made for another surreal day in the nation's capital Thursday that deepened cavernous divides, dealt a fresh battering to the nation's bedrock legal institutions and further undermined the notion that a shared objective truth underwrites American political life.

The publication of the Justice Department's inspector general's report also offered an unsettling preview of how the political power centers are likely to splinter along partisan lines when Robert Mueller eventually reveals the results of the Russia investigation.

Note EU-Digest: an unending number of Trump disasters is taking the US off in the deep end, while the political establishment is doing next to nothing to prevent it. Is this the birth of a new "Banana Republic" ? 

Read more: FBI verdict only deepens Washington's nightmare

EU Inquiry Into Apple, Streaming Music Finds No Misconduct - by Dawn Chmielew

The European Commission failed to find evidence of collusion among the major music labels and Apple to quash free music streaming services such as those offered by Spotify, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter.

Investigators examined whether the labels conspired with one another or with Apple on Apple’s new streaming music service in a way that would hurt rivals. The probe failed to turn up any illegal activity, though the EU will continue to monitor the market, sources said.

Separately, the EU has asked Spotify and other music streaming services for information pertaining to Apple’s mobile App Store, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Regulators are seeking information on the restrictions Apple places on apps offered through the store.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission similarly is exploring whether Apple’s treatment of rival streaming music apps in the App Store violate antitrust laws.

Ahead of Apple Music’s launch on June 30, European regulators investigated whether the iPhone and iPad maker had colluded with the major labels to lock out rivals. The EU sent questionnaires to the major label.

Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group — seeking details about their licensing discussions with Apple.

Read more: EU Inquiry Into Apple, Streaming Music Finds No Misconduct | Re/code