'President Musk' begins exerting 'influence' in Washington politics
Swinney and Brown at memorial service for ‘giant of a man’ Alex Salmond
Elon Musk has hit back at the Sydney Morning Herald after the masthead wildly predicted the billionaire would quit Tesla in 2025. SMH published an opinion piece by technology editor David Swan on Sunday evening which shared a series of predictions for tech in the new year. One of the predictions centred on Musk and whether his busy list of commitments would force him to part ways with Tesla as he focuses on a new role in 2025 as the joint lead of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration. "To be juggling leadership roles at X, Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, the Boring Company and Neuralink was already unsustainable," the SMH op-ed read. "Musk has already found himself at loggerheads with MAGA diehards like Steve Bannon over immigration issues, and the inauguration is still weeks away. He’s also been at loggerheads with the justice system, after a US judge blocked Musk’s $US56 billion ($90 billion) pay package from Tesla. "After constant controversies and distractions, it will all come to a head in 2025, and Musk will be forced to hand over the reins at Tesla, a company many mistakenly think he founded." The 53-year-old hit back with a tongue-in-cheek reply on X, after a Musk supporter shared the article's headline with a quote from the prediction. "I predict that the Sydney Morning Herald will continue to lose readership in 2025 for relentlessly lying to their audience and boring them to death," he said. Social media influencer and journalist at The Post Millennial Andy Ngo, also chimed in on the thread, saying the SMH had previously published lies about him after it claimed he had been banned from X before being reinstated. "The Sydney Morning Herald published these lies. I was never banned on this platform, even under the worst times from the prior regime," he said. Musk's comments come after the SMH was forced to issue an apology for falsely identifying South Australian barrister Ian Roberts as one of the two men who died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Friday. NSW Police confirmed two men, aged 55 and 65, had died but neither was publicly identified initially. Authorities confirmed the 65-year-old was aboard the Bowline and was a native of South Australia in a press conference on Friday morning. Hours later, the SMH published an article identifying the man as Mr Roberts, the skipper and owner of the Bowline. However, that article was taken down within an hour after it emerged the Adelaide-based barrister was in fact alive and well. The paper subsequently issued a public apology to the 65-year-old after the error was identified. "The Sydney Morning Herald incorrectly named Adelaide barrister Ian Roberts as one of the victims in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race," the SMH said in a statement. "This was incorrect. We apologise to Mr Roberts and his family." Nick Smith, 55, and Roy Quaden, 65, were later identified as the men to have died. The Sydney Morning Herald’s circulation has been steadily declining for several years, losing more than a million readers since 2022 across digital and print. In May, the paper bragged about having 7.3 million readers across all platforms, but that figure was down 1.1 million from its 2022 results.Dennis Pappas Champions Nature in Cities: The Vital Role of Landscape ArchitectureTesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) Trading Down 1.6% – Here’s What Happened
SEANN Walsh lashed out at his Weakest Link co-stars and declared he was 'unfollowing them' after a disaster on the show. The comedian took part in a 'Party Special' of the BBC quiz but was left fuming after being voted off prematurely by his fellow celebrities. Seann had been the strongest link during the first round of the game but was voted out by his competitors after the second round. He was picked to leave by fellow competitors Babatunde Aléshé, Scarlett Moffatt and Richie Anderson . Even host Romesh Ranganathan said: "This is, for so many reasons, unbelievable. It was an incredible decision." Waving his finger in the air, Sean told the celebrities: "I'm unfollowing all of you!" Although Seann had answered one of his questions correctly, he had struggled with his second. Romesh had asked: "In politics , which motoring manoeuvre that refers to the driver of a vehicle changing direction is a term used for an abrupt reversal of policy?" Seann asked him to repeat the question, before hesitating and wrongly answering: "Indication." The correct answer was "U-turn". Richie used the error as his reasoning for voting Seann out. "I think it was the time you took with the... I mean, you could have done a U-turn in that time!" he quipped. As the celebrities gasped, Seann hit back: "Very good." Looking annoyed, Seann told Romesh he had been "daydreaming" when he was asked the question. The actual weakest link for the second round was Ibiza Weekender and Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts. David had been asked: "In fashion, the logo of which sportswear brand is officially known as a 'swoosh'?" He wrongly answered "Adidas". The correct answer is "Nike". "I didn't know what a swoosh was. If you'd have said tick, I would have said Nike," David claimed to Romesh. Speaking to the camera after he was dismissed from the stage, Seann blasted David's 'swoosh' answer. He said: "I didn't feel I was the weakest link in the round. "I love David, but 'swoosh'? I would have got 'swoosh'. If you just make the noise it does the tick! Swoosh! Adidas?!" Unlike in many other countries, such as the US, HMRC allows cash prizes from competitions and the National Lottery to be tax-free. However, in order for the money to be seen as from a 'competition', there has to be a skill-based element, such as a quiz question, or the option of free entry. This is why some competitions ask incredibly simple questions that even a five-year-old could answer, as they are trying to get around the requirement to offer a free entry option. Former Gogglebox star Scarlett and radio and TV star Richie made it to the final round of The Weakest Link on Saturday night. Scarlett ended up winning the show following a sudden death round. She had been asked: "Which Prime Minister of the 21st Century has a surname that is an anagram of the word 'romance'?" Scarlett looked stumped before guessing: "David Cameron?" She was stunned to be told it was the correct answer, meaning she had won £7,650 for her chosen charity, The Samaritans. Scarlett is an ambassador for the organisation.Former Ohio State Player Doesn't Hold Back on Ryan Day After Michigan Loss
The property booking company said it had introduced measures which use machine learning to identify and block potentially higher-risk bookings of entire homes from being made. The technology looks at signals such as the length of the trip, type of listing, distance from a guest’s location and when the reservation is being made to help determine whether it could be a higher risk. If flagged as high risk, guests are either blocked from booking, or redirected to alternative accommodations on the platform. The company started using the restrictions in 2020, and says that since then it has seen a significant drop in the rate of parties reported to the firm. Airbnb said that last year alone nearly 74,000 people were blocked from making a booking, including around 7,800 in the UK. This included around 2,900 bookings in London and 470 in Manchester. Amanda Cupples, Airbnb general manager for the UK and northern Europe, said: “While issues are rare, we want to do our part to help reduce the risk of unauthorised and disruptive parties. “Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defences allow guests, hosts and neighbours to celebrate the holiday with added reassurance.” The firm said the measures would be in effect in the run-up to and over New Year in countries and regions around the world, with restrictions in place on one to three-night reservations. In addition, guests who make reservations will be required to confirm that they understand unauthorised and disruptive parties are not allowed on Airbnb, and face suspension from the platform if this policy is found to have been breached. Get all the latest news from around the country Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the countryLorenz scores 20, Wofford downs Kentucky Christian 100-55
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in Saturday on the immigration issue that has been roiling some of his highest-profile supporters online, telling The New York Post that he has “always been in favor” of H-1B visas. It is not exactly true: Trump has waffled on his support for the H-1B program over the years, going so far as to suspend it late in his first term while his administration planned harsh new restrictions for workers seeking the visas. Denial rates also soared during Trump’s first term , while they plummeted after President Joe Biden took office. The program is designed as a pathway for highly skilled foreigners to legally work in the United States, often in fields related to science and technology. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” Trump told the Post. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B,” he added. “I have used it many times. It’s a great program.” His support comes as his billionaire ally Elon Musk has been going to bat for H-1Bs on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which he owns. To many people, the H-1B program represents American meritocracy, helping the U.S. reward the best and brightest workers of any background. Some entrepreneurs see it as key to staffing their businesses. Anti-immigration hardliners, though, consider the program to be harmful to native-born American workers, and some want to abolish it completely. Trump’s hardline anti-immigration rhetoric helped power him to a second term in office — but there appears to be growing disagreement within his base over which groups of people should be excluded. “America rose to greatness over the past 150 years because it was a meritocracy more than anywhere else on Earth,” Musk wrote Friday. “I will fight to my last drop of blood to ensure that it remains that land of freedom and opportunity.” At another point , Musk said “those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists” were “contemptible fools” who should be “removed ... root and stem,” even though Musk himself been accused of fueling racist rhetoric . Vivek Ramaswamy, who will work with Musk on a commission to cut down government spending the duo considers wasteful, also voiced support for H-1Bs, although in a way that rankled some of his fellow conservatives . “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long,” Ramaswamy wrote on X, arguing that the U.S. needed to import highly skilled foreign workers because of a supposed flaw in American work culture. Fueling the backlash to H-1Bs on X this week was right-wing extremist Laura Loomer, who has been alleging Musk is not a true member of the “Make America Great Again” movement. Loomer accused Musk of “censoring” her and stepping on her right to free speech by revoking her blue verification check, claiming it vanished even though she paid for it. Online Debate Over Foreign Workers In Tech Shows Cracks In Trump World Colorado Man Accused Of Attacking Reporter, Saying 'This Is Trump's America Now' Trump Appears To Share Social Media Post That Was Intended To Be A DM To Elon MuskAs the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, Qualcomm QCOM has emerged as a compelling prospect for investors. While Nvidia and Broadcom often steal the spotlight, Qualcomm is quietly positioning itself for a remarkable transformation. Investment Opportunities Despite being overshadowed by industry giants, Qualcomm is making strategic moves to expand its influence. Analysts have noted the company’s strong focus on Edge AI and the PC market as a catalyst for future growth. The tech firm, a cornerstone in telecommunications since 1985, is known for its significant role in powering almost every smartphone worldwide with its advanced chips. Venturing Beyond Smartphones With the advent of 5G technology, Qualcomm is diversifying its portfolio. This shift includes targeting high-growth segments like IoT devices, connected vehicles, and industrial equipment—a strategy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional smartphone markets. Qualcomm’s innovative developments in AI-enabled chipsets and automotive technology fortify its position as a leader in next-gen connectivity solutions. Financial Highlights Despite underperformance in recent semiconductor index returns, Qualcomm remains attractive with solid dividend growth. It recently outperformed earnings expectations, reporting a $2.92 billion net income with rising revenues across various segments, such as automotive and IoT. The company’s future signaling a promising outlook and its stock market valuation presents a bargain opportunity for long-term investors. Qualcomm’s ongoing legal battle with Arm Holdings over its Nuvia acquisition introduces uncertainty but hasn’t dampened analyst enthusiasm, with many maintaining a positive outlook on the stock’s potential. The company’s advances in AI markets suggest it could emerge as a top contender come 2025. Qualcomm’s Strategic Maneuvers: Could It Be the Semiconductor Sector’s Dark Horse? As the dynamics of the semiconductor industry shift, Qualcomm emerges not just as a steadfast player but as a potential game-changer. Rivaled by high-profile companies like Nvidia and Broadcom, Qualcomm is strategically laying groundwork for a unique transformation that might catch investors and competitors off guard. Innovations and Features Qualcomm’s focus on Edge AI and its push into the PC market signals a strategic pivot towards sectors that promise exponential growth. This shift is underpinned by the company’s development of AI-enhanced chipsets, designed to improve data processing at the network’s edge rather than in centralized cloud servers, promoting quicker response times and enhanced data privacy. Furthermore, Qualcomm is pioneering advancements in automotive technology. Through its Snapdragon Digital Chassis, the company is positioning itself as a frontrunner in connected vehicle technologies. These innovations enable seamless connectivity, infotainment experiences, and advanced telematics, reinforcing its leadership in next-generation automotive solutions. Diversification Strategy With the rollout of 5G, Qualcomm is strategically diversifying beyond traditional smartphone technologies. The company is setting its sights on high-growth sectors such as the Internet of Things (IoT), connected vehicles, and industrial equipment. This diversification is a calculated move to mitigate risks associated with its traditional markets and to tap into evolving digital ecosystems. Financial Strengths and Market Analysis Qualcomm’s financial performance paints a robust picture with significant dividend growth and strong earnings results. Notably, while it has occasionally underperformed against semiconductor index benchmarks, its ability to exceed earnings expectations underscores resilience and strategic foresight. This is further amplified by a recent report of $2.92 billion in net income, bolstered by growth in automotive and IoT revenue streams. Despite the legal challenges posed by Arm Holdings over its acquisition of Nuvia, analysts remain optimistic about Qualcomm’s long-term potential. They predict that the company’s aggressive push into AI markets could see it rise as a formidable contender by 2025. Pros and Cons of Investing in Qualcomm Pros: – Strong position in 5G technology and next-gen connectivity solutions. – Significant investments in AI and expanded market reach across PCs and automotive sectors. – Solid financial performance with attractive dividend yields. Cons: – Legal uncertainties regarding intellectual property rights and acquisitions. – Competition from industry giants like Nvidia and Broadcom. – Potential volatility in semiconductor markets impacting revenues. Future Predictions Looking ahead, Qualcomm’s trajectory seems promising if current strategies unfold as planned. The company’s innovative thrust in AI and IoT combined with a robust financial outlook paints a picture of growth and potential market triumphs. It remains essential for investors to watch Qualcomm’s legal proceedings and competitive landscape closely. For more insights on Qualcomm, visit their official website .
Former prime minister Gordon Brown and Scottish First Minister John Swinney were among those who remembered a “giant of a man” during a memorial service for Alex Salmond. Tributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.