WS #5867

The data dump reveals several high-significance developments. First, the DOJ has closed its criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, removing a key political risk for the central bank and potentially easing pressure on Powell's policy decisions. This is corroborated by multiple sources (jetstream.bsky, GDELT). Second, iHeartMedia shares were halted on an upside circuit breaker after surging 14.46% on news of merger talks with Sirius XM, indicating significant M&A activity in the media sector. Third, Google is investing up to $40 billion in Anthropic, with Amazon also committing $5 billion, signaling massive capital flows into AI infrastructure. Fourth, the EU is banning spot imports of Russian LNG starting Saturday, which could tighten global gas supply amid the Iran crisis. Fifth, Meta is laying off 8,000 employees (10% of workforce) and Microsoft is offering early retirement to 7% of US staff, both citing AI investment costs. The Iran/Hormuz situation remains a key risk, with diplomatic efforts ongoing but no breakthrough. The DOJ closing the Powell probe is a counter-signal to the bearish narrative of political interference at the Fed.