Telegram said in a previous statement posted on Musk's social media platform X that it abides by EU laws, and that Durov has "nothing to hide."

The Russian-born billionaire left Russia in 2014, according to Telegram's website, and is also a citizen of the United Arab Emirates.

In March, Musk announced xAI merged with X in a deal that values the AI company at $80 billion and the social media company at $33 billion. The company's Grok chatbot was under fire earlier this month after it began responding to user queries with unrelated comments about the controversial topic of "white genocide" in South Africa.

"We have a world-class team, deep partnerships, leading technology, and a bold vision for the future, and I'm honored to step in and lead Instacart's next chapter," he said.

Profits for the year were impacted by a £29 million fine by the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority over failings related to Starling's financial crime prevention systems.

Starling also flagged an issue with the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) that was designed to provide firms with access to cash during the coronavirus pandemic.

Starling was one of several banks that were approved to lend cash to firms during the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020. The scheme provided a 100% guarantee to lenders, making the government responsible for covering the full outstanding loan amount if a borrower defaulted.

ASML is one of the most important companies in the semiconductor supply chain. It designs tools, known as extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines, that are purchased by manufacturers like TSMC and are required to make the world's most advanced chips.

The company recently started shipping the next generation of these machines, known as high numerical aperture, or High NA.

The S&P 500 posted 18 new 52-week highs and no new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 38 new highs and 31 new lows.

With his proposals, Trump had offered Putin a relatively easy off-ramp from his apparent suicidal mission.

But the Russian leader doesn't want a deal.

A Russian-American businessman told me recently Putin cannot end the war because his whole economy is now based on war.

Russia has mobilized an army of 1.5 million men, has a military budget equal to all European countries combined, and has a massive armament program underway making everything from drones to tanks to artillery shells — you name it.

"It is absolutely imperative for Russia to continue to rely on the military industry, because it [has] become the driver of economic growth," Alexander Kolyandr, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, recently said.

"For a while, it will be next to impossible for Russia to reduce military spending."

"The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realized," he said. "I thought there were problems, but it sure is an uphill battle trying to improve things in DC, to say the least.”

Musk announced in late April he was stepping back from government to run his companies again.

He said in May that he did not achieve all his goals with DOGE even though tens of thousands of people were removed from government payrolls and several government departments were gutted or shut down altogether.

Musk told The Post he would keep working with DOGE but focus on upgrading federal government computer systems rather than firing more people.

The lawmaker said he was requesting all documents and communications from O'Connell's office related to:

A city directive requiring Nashville employees and first responders to report all communication with federal immigration authorities directly to the mayor.
Any internal discussions or documents concerning ICE enforcement actions in Nashville or Davidson County.
All correspondence involving city employees and affiliated non-governmental organizations regarding the arrest or detention of criminal illegal aliens within Nashville or the county.

"Fidel? Charlie here," he said, "You remember that bill I introduced back in 1973 to ease trade restrictions with Cuba? I talked to the president today and he's going to make it happen. I told you it would work but you just had to be patient!"

Rangel never had any trouble being reelected and served 46 years as the congressman from Harlem. The only true contest he had with the polls was in his initial election in 1970 when he narrowly unseated another genuine legend of Harlem: Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

"Republicans need to open their eyes: Our voters support social insurance programs," Hawley wrote. "More than that, our voters depend on those programs."

Following the passage of the budget reconciliation bill in the House, Hawley said Republicans "ought to just do what the president says" and focus on cutting "waste, fraud, and abuse" instead of Medicaid.

Hawley told reporters he raised the issue with Trump, who reiterated his desire that Congress leave Medicaid alone.

"His exact words were 'Don't touch it, Josh.' I said 'Hey, we're on the same page,'" Hawley said, according to The Hill.

He also expressed concern about the impact the Medicaid provisions contained in the House bill would have on rural hospitals, especially the freeze on provider taxes.

He plans to announce his proposal during a campaign rally, with several unions that are endorsing his candidacy, including the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union. Most of the city's major unions have endorsed the former governor.

Cuomo said his proposal is "an aggressive, progressive action that will help hourly workers and stimulate the economy."

His plan would need approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers, who raised the minimum wage to $16.50 in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island this year. Minimum wage in the rest of the state is now $15.50 and is expected to rise based on inflation.

Norquist refused to budge, arguing that such a maneuver would prove a politically disastrous "attack on the small-business community," the Post reported.

"We showed how weak and nonexistent this quote-unquote 'movement' for higher taxes is within the Republican Party," Norquist said. "The House and the Senate have been in lockstep: This is not happening, period. But I'm glad we had this movement because it allowed us to expose this little cancer cell in the party pushing the idea."

Critics of the House legislation say it disproportionately benefits taxpayers at the top of the income distribution, though most of the bill's more than $2.5 trillion price tag comes from measures that primarily benefit middle-class taxpayers, the Post reported.

The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that people earning between $30,000 and $80,000 would pay around 15% less in taxes in 2027.

Part 1/9:

The Robo Taxi Showdown: Tesla, Whimo, and Uber

As we step into June, the stakes are high for Tesla investors amidst heightened competition in the autonomous vehicle landscape. With Whimo's co-CEO Teetra Maakana sharing insights into the complexities of the upcoming robo taxi wars, discussions abound regarding the future of Tesla and its rivals.

Whimo's Milestone and Vision

Whimo recently celebrated a remarkable achievement: 10 million driverless paid rides. This landmark highlights their competitive edge as they gear up to face Tesla in the burgeoning robo taxi sector. The question remains—how long will it take Tesla to catch up with Whimo’s existing fleet of 1,500 robo taxis, especially with companies like Uber also in the mix?

Part 2/9:

In the pursuit of understanding these dynamics better, Hans Nelson joins to delve into the intricacies of the market. Both parties recognize the swift rise of Whimo as both an operator and a competitor, especially in cities like Austin, where 20% of Uber rides were generated by Whimo’s fleet as of late March. However, the focus is now on Tesla’s expected roll-out of its own robo taxi service.

Diverging Perspectives on Competition

The narrative surrounding the autonomous vehicle landscape is complex and often polarized. Some analysts dismiss Tesla, predicting that in three months after launching, competitors will match their capabilities. This assertion stems from an assumption that autonomous driving technology will become a mere commodity.

Part 3/9:

However, conversations pivot toward the realization that developing effective self-driving technology is not that simple. It involves a myriad of factors including neural networks, massive computational resources, and extensive data acquisition—elements that Tesla has been strategically investing in. Tesla's approach emphasizes the constructive scale of data and AI training, positioning them ahead in the race for advanced automation.

Whimo's Competitive Limits

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Despite Whimo's strides, questions linger about their growth trajectory. Their fleet of just 1,500 vehicles raises inquiries about the scalability of their vision. If they are truly as successful as claimed, why hasn't their inventory expanded more rapidly? With partnerships in place yet only incremental growth in vehicle numbers, the viability of Whimo’s model becomes doubtful. The complexities of supply chains further complicate matters, indicating potential strains on Whimo’s operational capabilities.

Part 5/9:

In contrast, Tesla operates on a broader scale with production capacity that could easily dwarf Whimo's current figures once their autonomous systems are developed and deployed. If Tesla succeeds in launching their ride-hailing service within the next few months, they could quickly outpace Whimo's milestone figures based on sheer volume.

Safety and Technology in Autonomous Driving

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A pivotal discussion surrounds the contrasting visions of autonomy between Tesla and Whimo, particularly regarding safety. Whimo’s philosophy positions their vehicles as more advanced than human drivers; however, many experts question whether this translates to actual safety benefits. Tesla advocates for a human-like approach to driving, emphasizing the evolutionary aspect of development over a more complex sensor-based system.

This discourse reflects the overarching sentiment that while multiple sensors could enhance safety, there’s no guarantee that this complexity will yield better performance than Tesla’s approach, which puts software and simplicity at the forefront.

Regulatory Hurdles and Media Narrative

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As both Tesla and Whimo navigate their strategies, regulatory environments present another point of contention. Whimo’s co-CEO expressed optimism regarding federal regulations, yet the broader conversation reflects a sense of skepticism. The media narrative often amplifies skepticism surrounding Tesla’s ventures, especially regarding the roll-out of their paid service.

Potential operational challenges exist which could incite public concern and media scrutiny. Questions arise over Tesla's approached logistics and how they’ll manage public perceptions as they embark on this new chapter in autonomous transport.

Future Predictions and Market Dynamics

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Looking forward, the timeline for rolls and expansions is crucial. Some predict a slow introduction of Tesla’s robo taxi services, suggesting only gradual increases in the fleet of autonomous vehicles. However, should Tesla effectively mobilize its widespread infrastructure as planned, they could assert a significant advantage in the capacity to transport passengers once fully operational.

In juxtaposition, Whimo’s growth remains constrained, and questions about their economic viability linger. Ultimately, it will hinge on who can effectively navigate the multifaceted challenges of market scale, safety, and consumer demand.

Conclusion: The Coming Competition

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As June approaches, the competitive landscape for Tesla, Whimo, and Uber becomes increasingly complicated. The conversation will undoubtedly evolve as developments unfold in real-time. With the stark contrast in ambitions and operational capabilities, it remains to be seen whether Tesla can deliver on its promises and effectively reshape the narrative of autonomous transport.

Despite the challenges, stakeholders in the industry should prepare for a highly dynamic environment where innovation and consumer expectations are in constant flux. The next few months will be pivotal as these titans of industry engage head-on, setting the stage for the future of mobility.

xAI and Telegram did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Telegram passed 1 billion monthly users in 2025, and the company is set to raise at least $1.5 billion in a bond issue on Wednesday, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The messaging platform is popular in countries like Russia and Ukraine, where it is used by government officials and the military.

Durov is facing an investigation in France, where he is a citizen, for allegedly allowing criminal activity including drug trafficking, fraud and child pornography on Telegram. Following his arrest in August, Durov has been barred from leaving France without authorization.

Joby makes electric vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts (eVTOL) which take off and land like helicopters. Developers say the technology can be used to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

United Airlines has partnered with competitor Archer Aviation to launch an airport air taxi service.

Toyota invested $394 million in Joby in 2020.

OpenAI announced this month that it had recruited Simo to lead its applications team, reporting directly to CEO Sam Altman. At the time, Altman said in a post that Simo would "focus on enabling our 'traditional' company functions to scale as we enter a next phase of growth."

She joined the artificial intelligence startup's board last year.

Simo helped take the grocery delivery company public in 2023, after it ballooned in popularity as consumers sheltered at home during the depths of the pandemic.

At the time, Instacart was the first major venture-backed tech IPO since the end of 2021. She also made CNBC's 2024 Changemakers list.

Semiconductor stocks have been volatile since last year due to tightening U.S. chip export restrictions to China and U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on the sector since he took office. ASML and other European semiconductor firms have felt the heat.

"All the equipment manufacturers in the space have come down because they are concentrating all the fears around … the U.S. restrictions to China," Stephane Houri, head of equity research at ODDO BHF, told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition" on Wednesday.

Houri also said tariff discussions and debate over whether companies are over-investing in artificial intelligence, bringing up questions over whether "demand is not at

Part 1/6:

The Rapid Rise of AI in Healthcare: A Personal Anecdote

In today's evolving healthcare landscape, few technologies are developing as swiftly as artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Sil Dand, a medical doctor, recently shared a compelling personal story that underscores the potential of AI in the medical field—a story that serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope.

A Close Call

Dr. Dand recounts a troubling experience involving a close relative overseas, a young woman who developed unusual lesions on her legs. Concerned about her health, she reached out to Dr. Dand. However, given the geographical distance, he was unable to assist her immediately. Fortunately, the relative took an unconventional route; she sought help from an AI program.

The Power of AI Diagnosis

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What happened next bewildered Dr. Dand. The AI successfully provided a list of differential diagnoses that closely mirrored what he would have suggested as a medical professional. The young woman described the lesions as resembling bruises—echymoses—without any traumatic cause. Rather than panic, she opted for a rational approach, guided by the AI's analysis.

A Proactive Approach to Health

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In alignment with her proactive attitude, the relative requested the AI program to suggest appropriate blood tests. Being distrustful of conventional medical practices and aware of the potential barriers to obtaining timely in-person care, she took matters into her own hands. In countries like the USA and the UK, individuals can often order lab tests directly from labs without needing to engage a doctor, and she seized this opportunity.

The Results: A Successful Outcome

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When the blood test results arrived a few days later, the outcome was reassuring: everything was normal. Meanwhile, the lesions began to heal on their own. While acknowledging the unpredictability of medical issues and that not all patients should follow in her footsteps, Dr. Dand reflected on the impressive capabilities of AI.

The Implications for the Medical Profession

Dr. Dand notes that this incident raises significant questions about the future of medicine. Artificial intelligence, still in its infancy, is continually evolving, and its impact on the healthcare sector could be profound. He asserts that many healthcare professionals remain woefully unaware of the impending disruption that AI may bring.

A Call for Reflection

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While he does not claim that doctors will become obsolete, Dr. Dand emphasizes that the healthcare landscape is entering a "brave new era." Empowering patients to take control of their health may ultimately lead to a major transformation in how healthcare is delivered. In light of this change, he believes the current medical system, often criticized for its alignment with big business and insurance companies, requires a serious overhaul.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

Looking ahead, Dr. Dand envisions a world where AI could assume an even bigger role, potentially assisting in addressing more urgent medical issues. He encourages healthcare professionals to adapt and recognize that their expertise will increasingly coexist with AI technologies.

Conclusion: Embracing Change

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Dr. Dand's story serves not only as a case study but also as a harbinger of what lies ahead. He urges patients and doctors alike to remain open-minded about the potential of AI. As technology continues to advance, it may offer solutions that empower individuals while simultaneously challenging the traditional paradigms of healthcare.

In closing, Dr. Dand invites viewers to share their thoughts on AI and its place in healthcare. Whether apprehensive or enthusiastic about these technological advances, the reality is that AI is here to stay, poised to reshape patient care and doctor's roles in the not-so-distant future.

Biden's policy directed retirement plans to exercise "extreme care" before adding cryptocurrency to investment menus, and President Donald Trump's Labor Department argues the language deviated from the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and marked a departure from the department's historically neutral, principled-based approach to fiduciary investment decisions.

"By rescinding the 2022 guidance, the department reaffirms its neutral stance, neither endorsing, nor disapproving of, plan fiduciaries who conclude that the inclusion of cryptocurrency in a plan's investment menu is appropriate," the department wrote in the announcement that comes amid the Bitcoin conference this week in Las Vegas.