US Domestic News Roundup: Drug Price Hikes and Legal Battles

This summary highlights key U.S. news including drug price hikes by pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. Coast Guard's search for survivors after military strikes on suspected drug vessels, and Jack Smith's testimony on Donald Trump's acknowledgment of losing the 2020 election. Other topics cover legal encounters involving Meta Platforms and significant developments in New York politics.

In a significant U.S. news roundup, pharmaceutical giants are set to increase prices on 350 branded medications, despite pressure from former President Trump to implement cuts, as revealed by a report from healthcare firm 3 Axis Advisors. Major drugs, including those for COVID and cancer, are affected.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has launched a search for survivors following a military strike on suspected drug trafficking boats in the Pacific, marking the latest in a series of over 30 strikes initiated by the Trump administration to combat drug operations.

In other headlines, Jack Smith, formerly a DOJ special counsel, testified that Donald Trump privately acknowledged losing the 2020 presidential election, a revelation amid political tensions. Legal cases also spotlight developments such as the U.S. Virgin Islands' lawsuit against Meta, accusing the tech giant of profiting from scam advertisements.

(With inputs from agencies.)