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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Justice Department Hangs Up on AT&T T-Mobile Merger

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Friday, September 2, 2011   

NEW YORK - Consumer groups are hailing the decision by the Justice Department to block the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile on antitrust grounds.

The suit filed Wednesday aims to stop the $39 billion deal combining the second- and fourth-largest wireless carriers. The new entity would have leapfrogged over No. 1 Verizon Wireless, creating what critics called a virtual duopoly, with Sprint Nextel a distant third.

Parul Desai, policy counsel for Consumers Union, calls it a bold move.

"We're happy that the Department of Justice recognized that this would lead to less competition, less choice, ultimately higher prices for consumers. And I think this is a great day and a great win for consumers all across the country."

AT&T said it would "vigorously contest" the matter in court. The company had said Tuesday it would bring some overseas call centers back to the United States to create 5,000 jobs to help counter criticism the merger is a job-killer.

Desai says workers should be among those cheering for the Justice Department.

"I just think that, based on the facts, it's clear that this would have been a bad transaction across the board for workers and consumers, and we're glad that the DOJ stuck to the facts and found that this was a bad deal for Americans all across the country."

Amalia Deloney, grassroots policy director for the Center for Media Justice, says her group has been working hard at building a grassroots movement against the merger, and she feels it's paid off.

"It once again demonstrates to average, everyday people that things like job loss, innovation, creativity, price control and the ability to stay in contact with friends and family are actually things that people all across the country care about, and together we can make a difference."

AT&T said it was surprised and disappointed by the Justice Department's action.



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