AT&T, Time Warner gets the go-ahead, Americans are feeling good about the economy, and more top news

The news professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments.

The U.S. lost its appeal of a decision allowing AT&T to buy Time Warner. The ruling opens the way for the telecom giant to complete its $85 billion takeover of the media conglomerate. The Trump administration had argued that the merger should be stopped over antitrust concerns, and while the Justice Department has the option to appeal the ruling, it confirmed that it will not do so. • Here’s what people are saying.

Consumer confidence in the U.S. has rebounded to its highest level in 18 years, following an end to the longest-ever government shutdown. Yet the Conference Board index — which represents Americans’ views on present market conditions — also showed that buying plans for appliances, cars and homes declined, with home prices in 20 cities appreciating at the slowest pace in four years in December. • Here’s what people are saying.

Oregon plans to become the first state to set statewide limits on rent increases. As rising rent and stagnant wages have triggered a housing emergency, a new measure will limit most rent rises there to 7% per year on top of a measure of inflation. Cities like New York and San Francisco already have rent control policies, but economists typically argue such policies can exacerbate housing issues by shrinking the housing supply. • Here’s what people are saying.

While Fiat-Chrysler prepares to hire 6,500 employees in Michigan, it will cut almost 1,400 jobs in Illinois, said the carmaker. Fiat-Chrysler plans to spend $4.5 billion to expand its Jeep production — converting a Detroit complex into a final assembly plant and boosting output at five other facilities. • Here’s what people are saying.

Walmart has changed its job description for greeters, and people with disabilities feel targeted by the move, says NPR. The newly expanded position of “customer host” requires people to be able to stand, climb a ladder, collect carts, clean up spills and lift 25 pounds, disqualifying many Walmart greeters with physical disabilities. The retail giant is already facing a lawsuit and several federal complaints filed by people who have lost their jobs over the changes. • Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: Transparent dialogue is crucial when it comes to tackling mental health in the workplace, says Allianz Australia’s Helen Silver.

“We need to train managers so that they can have really open dialogue...they don't feel uncomfortable and employees don't feel uncomfortable having a discussion about it.”

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