What Google, Microsoft, and Amazon did this week in the race to be everyone’s favorite virtual assistant

Germany could fine Facebook €500,000 for each fake news post. The country of Germany isn't confident Facebook can self-regulate its fake news problem.

China Agrees to Return Seized Drone, Ending Standoff, Pentagon Says Saturday, Pentagon said that Beijing had agreed to return an underwater drone seized by China in international waters, an indication that the two countries were moving to resolve an unusual incident that risked sharpening tensions in the run-up to the inauguration of President-elect Donald J.

After a failed attempt to buy Sky in 2010, Fox moved again to acquire 61% of the company through a $14.6 billion deal. The deal, however, faced opposition over concerns of potential over-concentration of power since Rupert Murdoch also owns stakes in other firms in the U.K.

Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts is set to star in the TV adaptation of the novel "Today Will Be Different." This marks her first lead role in the small screen after taking on numerous memorable roles in movies.

Pope Francis may be spending his 80th birthday just as a normal working day, but people worldwide have taken their time to extend their greetings to the Pope. Reaching the age of 80, the Pope has the option to retire already. However, considering his plans to visit different countries in the coming years, he does not seem to have retirement in immediate sight.

First Lady Michelle Obama reflected on the past eight years of being in the White House in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that will air on Monday. She also shared her views of America as her husband is set to step down soon.

Yahoo is under renewed scrutiny after its second disclosure of breach within this year. The major hacking incidents the company has been involved in puts a risk on its deal with Verizon. Although Verizon has not confirmed any plans of ditching the purchase, reports indicated that the company is demanding for better deal terms for the acquisition.

Russia and Japan agree to set up $1 billion investment fund. The countries of Japan and Russia will create a $1 billion fund to invest in joint energy and infrastructure projects over the next five years, the leaders of the two countries said in Tokyo Friday at the end of meetings that looked cozy but fell well short of Japanese expectations.

Bill Gates, Others Launch Clean Energy Fund. Bill Gates, Microsoft Corp. co-founder said Monday that he and other business leaders are launching a $1 billion clean-technology fund that will start investing next year in companies developing low-cost, low-carbon technologies.