Google, Amazon ask to shield sales in Apple ebook trial; judge says issues have "shifted"

Apple and the Justice Department will make closing arguments on Thursday in a closely-watched trial over whether the retail giant brokered an illegal conspiracy with publishers to fix the price of ebooks.

The case has provided more drama than expected, with nostalgic discussions of Steve Jobs and a concession on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote that the issues have “somewhat shifted” during the trial and that “things change.” Cote had earlier raised eyebrows during a pre-trial hearing when she said her “tentative view” was…