Here's How to Get Student Loan Help Despite Service Disruption Amid the US Government Shutdown

The largest federal workers' union is calling on Congress to put an end to the ongoing four-week government shutdown, highlighting the severe economic repercussions and the plight of unpaid staff. This situation is critical as it not only affects the livelihoods of 800,000 workers but also poses a risk to the broader economy. The union's demand underscores the urgency for legislative action to prevent further damage and restore normalcy.

An investigation reveals that the US government has not only permitted but also facilitated the sale of technology used for surveillance in China by American companies across five administrations, both Republican and Democratic. This raises significant concerns about the implications for privacy and human rights, as these technologies could be used to monitor and control citizens in China. The findings highlight a troubling intersection of corporate interests and government policy, prompting questions about accountability and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies.

Vinod Khosla has proposed an innovative idea where the US government could take a 10% stake in all public companies to help distribute the wealth generated by artificial general intelligence (AGI). This approach aims to address potential economic disparities that may arise from advancements in AI technology, ensuring that the benefits are shared more broadly across society. Khosla's vision highlights the importance of adapting our economic structures to the changes brought about by AI, making it a significant topic for discussion as we navigate the future of work and wealth.

Roku has reported a strong performance in its Q3 earnings, achieving a net income of $24.8 million compared to a net loss of $35.8 million from the previous year. This positive turnaround is complemented by a 14% increase in revenue, reaching $1.21 billion, and a 12% rise in total streaming hours. This news is significant as it highlights Roku's recovery and growth in the competitive streaming market, indicating a potential resurgence in user engagement and financial stability.

Intel is reportedly in early discussions to acquire the AI chip startup SambaNova, which was valued at $5 billion in 2021. This potential acquisition could indicate Intel's strategic move to enhance its position in the AI chip market, especially as competition intensifies. While the deal is still in its early stages and may value SambaNova below its previous valuation, it highlights the growing interest in AI technologies and the importance of innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Amazon has reported a significant increase in its Q3 ad revenue, rising 24% year-over-year to $17.7 billion, surpassing estimates of $17.3 billion. Additionally, subscription services revenue grew by 11% year-over-year, reaching $12.6 billion. This growth highlights Amazon's strong position in the advertising market and its ability to attract more subscribers, which is crucial for its overall business strategy and future profitability.

Affinity has made a significant comeback as a versatile all-in-one app for illustration, photo editing, and layout design. This is exciting news for creatives looking for a comprehensive tool that combines multiple functionalities in one platform, making their workflow more efficient and streamlined. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Affinity is set to empower artists and designers to bring their visions to life.

The introduction of a lightweight Playwright dependency analyzer is a game-changer for developers dealing with extensive end-to-end test suites. By automatically skipping tests that rely on a failing component, like the LoginPage, it significantly reduces the noise in test reports and helps teams quickly identify the root cause of issues. This innovation not only streamlines the testing process but also enhances overall productivity, making it easier for developers to maintain high-quality code.

Apple has reported a remarkable 8% increase in Q4 revenue year-over-year, reaching $102.47 billion, surpassing estimates. The company's net income soared by 86% to $27.5 billion, showcasing its strong financial health. Additionally, Apple anticipates a 6% revenue growth for fiscal year 2025, projected at $416.16 billion. This performance highlights Apple's resilience and ability to thrive in a competitive market, making it a significant player in the tech industry.