A petition demanding the suspension or reduction of congressional salaries during the government shutdown has gained significant traction, with over 97,000 signatures. The petition argues that lawmakers should not receive pay or benefits while the government is closed, proposing a daily salary reduction. This movement arises due to the fact that while essential workers are working without pay, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries. Several members of Congress from both parties have also supported similar measures, although the likelihood of these changes succeeding is slim.
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The European Union imposed a €2.95 billion antitrust fine on Google for favoring its own advertising services, alleging the company distorted competition in the EU. The EU Commission accused Google of abusing its dominant position in ad tech, harming publishers, advertisers, and consumers. Brussels ordered Google to end its “self-preferencing practices” and will impose remedies if a viable plan is not presented within 60 days. Google, which has vowed to appeal the decision, has faced multiple fines from the EU for antitrust violations in recent years.
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A federal judge has ruled that Elon Musk must face a lawsuit alleging he defrauded voters in a petition drive tied to his political action committee, America PAC. The lawsuit claims Musk enticed voters with the promise of a $1 million giveaway in exchange for signing a petition, requiring them to provide personal information. The judge found the plaintiff plausibly alleged she relied on statements suggesting the giveaway was a random lottery, despite Musk’s arguments that recipients were “selected to earn” the money. This legal action marks the first over the America PAC sweepstakes, which offered $1 million daily until November 5, 2024, and was filed on election day.
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In a significant reversal, Donald Trump rescinded a 2021 executive order issued by President Biden, which aimed to promote competition across various sectors of the US economy. This decision was welcomed by the Justice Department, which is now pursuing an “America first antitrust” approach that prioritizes free markets. Biden’s original order sought to combat anti-competitive practices and corporate abuses, including those related to excessive fees and mergers, with a focus on areas like labor and healthcare. The revoked initiative had previously been popular with Americans and had been implemented to counteract patterns of corporate abuses.
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More than 230,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship. This significant public outcry stems from Musk’s controversial statements and actions, perceived as undermining Canadian sovereignty and national interests.
Musk’s declaration that “Canada is not a real country,” while simultaneously holding a Canadian passport, has fueled considerable anger and disbelief. This apparent contradiction, coupled with his prominent role in the second Trump administration, is a key driver of the petition’s widespread support.
The petition highlights Musk’s involvement in the U.S. DOGE Service, which has undertaken significant government job cuts. Further fueling the discontent, his outspoken support for President Trump’s proposal to annex Canada as the 51st U.S.… Continue reading
NDP MP Charlie Angus is sponsoring an e-petition demanding the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship, citing Musk’s perceived interference in Canadian politics through his support of the Conservative Party and criticism of Prime Minister Trudeau. The petition alleges Musk’s actions are detrimental to Canada’s national interests, particularly given his advisory role to the US administration. Having garnered over 76,000 signatures by Sunday morning, the petition will be presented to the House of Commons upon its resumption. While the petition doesn’t legally obligate the government to act, it aims to raise public awareness and pressure for action.
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Alibaba’s recent announcement of a new AI model claiming superiority over DeepSeek is causing quite a stir. The sheer speed at which these models are being released and the competitive pricing strategies being employed highlight a rapidly evolving landscape. It seems the initial hype surrounding high-priced, US-developed AI programs is now facing a significant challenge.
This wave of new AI models, some reportedly developed at astonishingly low costs, suggests a potential overvaluation of earlier AI technologies. The rapid emergence of competitors, driving down prices and forcing innovation, hints at a market correction. The implication is clear: the initial pricing structures for leading AI models may have been inflated, reflecting a period of less intense competition.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood