Adroit Affaires Inc.

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Napster, once infamous for music piracy before evolving into a subscription-based service, has been sold to Infinite Reality for $207 million. The tech startup announced the acquisition on Tuesday, outlining ambitious plans to transform the streaming service into a social music hub where artists can engage with fans and create new revenue streams. Napster CEO Jon Vlassopulos highlighted the need for innovation, stating, “The internet has evolved from desktop to mobile, from mobile to social, and now we are entering the immersive era. Yet, music streaming has remained largely the same. It’s time to reimagine what’s possible.” As part of its vision for Napster, Infinite Reality intends to develop virtual 3D environments where fans can attend concerts and interact with musicians in immersive digital spaces. The company also plans to equip artists and labels with tools to sell both digital and physical merchandise directly through the platform. Additionally, Napster will provide enhanced analytics to help artists gain deeper insights into user behavior. “We can think of no better use case for our technology than putting it in the hands of music artists who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Infinite Reality’s Chief Business Officer, Amish Shah. Napster was originally founded in 1999 by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker, quickly becoming the first major peer-to-peer file-sharing service. However, its rapid rise was met with legal challenges from the recording industry and Metallica, leading to its shutdown in the early 2000s. The brand was later acquired by Rhapsody in 2011 and rebranded as a legal music streaming service. Now, under Infinite Reality, Napster is set for yet another transformation. With a focus on blending music and technology in new ways, the company aims to redefine how artists and fans interact, potentially reshaping the future of music streaming in an increasingly digital and immersive world. https://lnkd.in/gjcjFUKp https://lnkd.in/gE_Vn5mD https://lnkd.in/dfRD35a

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The Department of the Air Force has awarded the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform, marking a major step in air superiority. Boeing will develop the F-47, the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft. A newly released rendering showcases the F-47’s advanced design and next-generation capabilities. This aircraft will introduce cutting-edge technologies to maintain U.S. dominance in any conflict. Trump Unveils the F-47 Fighter President Donald J. Trump announced the contract at the White House, stating, “Under my direction, the Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter. Nothing else comes close.” The decision follows a rigorous selection process, reaffirming the NGAD Platform as the most capable, cost-effective solution to counter evolving threats. “This jet is unmatched in speed, maneuverability, payload, and stealth,” Trump added. “America’s enemies will never see it coming.” Development Strategy and Military Impact The Air Force conducted a program review in May 2024, refining critical technologies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized, “The F-47 sends a clear message: America’s air power remains unrivaled.” Hegseth called the aircraft a “historic investment in the military and industrial base” that will “revive the warrior ethos in our armed forces.” Unmatched Capabilities and Future Integration As the NGAD Family of Systems’ centerpiece, the F-47 features next-generation stealth, sensor fusion, and long-range strike capabilities. Designed for adaptability, it will integrate with emerging technologies, ensuring dominance in contested environments. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin stated, “With the F-47, we are delivering more lethality and modernized capability.” Over five years, experimental aircraft developed with DARPA have refined stealth, range, and autonomous systems for the F-47. Trump said, “These magnificent planes will be in the air during my administration. We’re making sure America continues to dominate the skies.” Path to Deployment The contract funds the EMD phase, including testing and producing test aircraft. Future basing decisions and program elements will be determined as the F-47 moves toward operational deployment. “Air dominance must be earned daily,” Allvin concluded. “With the F-47, we will uphold that promise.” https://lnkd.in/gjcjFUKp https://lnkd.in/gE_Vn5mD https://lnkd.in/dfRD35a

President Trump’s executive order to cut federal spending has already led to nearly 30,000 federal employees being laid off or fired. However, thousands have since been reinstated and placed on leave, leaving uncertainty about the long-term impact. Here are four key ways this policy shift could impact your finances. 1. Rising Consumer Costs Government agencies do more than regulate industries—they help keep them running efficiently. Cuts to federal departments could slow operations and disrupt supply chains. Wayne Winegarden, an economist at the Pacific Research Institute, warns that layoffs at agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could delay drug approvals, potentially driving up healthcare costs. Similarly, reductions in tourism-related agencies, such as the National Park Service, could negatively affect businesses that depend on visitors, including hotels and restaurants. These financial strains may lead to job losses and price hikes for consumers. “To prepare, it’s important not to overextend financially, given the volatility,” Winegarden advised. 2. Job Cuts and Economic Instability Federal job losses don’t just affect government workers—they can trigger a domino effect in the private sector. Many businesses rely on government contracts, and spending reductions could lead to additional layoffs. Winegarden notes that laid-off federal employees may experience severance delays, increasing financial hardship. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding government jobs adds to economic anxiety. Aaron Razon, a personal finance expert at Coupon Snake, warns that spending reductions could harm everyday Americans by reducing employment opportunities. 3. Shrinking Social Safety Nets Over 99 million Americans rely on government assistance, according to federal data. Spending cuts could impact Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, and unemployment benefits. Razon warns that these cuts could make it harder for individuals to afford necessities, particularly in industries such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. “This doesn’t just threaten individuals—it can have widespread effects on employment and the economy,” he said. 4. Higher Borrowing Costs Spending cuts could create market instability, making borrowing more expensive. Mortgages, credit cards, and loan interest rates may rise. Winegarden explains that the unpredictable actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have increased financial uncertainty. The mass firing and rehiring of employees could undermine confidence in economic stability. How to Prepare for Financial Impacts Experts recommend: • Creating a budget to manage expenses. • Building an emergency fund. • Paying off high-interest debt. • Diversifying income sources. https://lnkd.in/gjcjFUKp https://lnkd.in/gE_Vn5mD https://lnkd.in/dfRD35a

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Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy took center stage in a courtroom battle Friday as Dominion Voting Systems pushed its defamation lawsuit against the conservative network. Dominion, which previously secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News, argues Newsmax knowingly aired false election fraud claims after the 2020 election to boost ratings. At the hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, Dominion’s attorneys presented emails, texts, and sworn testimony to show Ruddy’s direct involvement in Newsmax’s coverage. Evidence revealed private skepticism from executives regarding guests like Trump attorney Sidney Powell, yet the network continued to promote their claims. Ruddy himself once remarked that Powell “needs to check into a hospital,” yet Newsmax repeatedly featured her and other election conspiracy proponents, such as commentator Dick Morris and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Internal communications highlighted executives’ concerns about the network’s coverage. Newsmax executive Gary Kanofsky warned that amplifying election fraud claims without proper scrutiny was “terrible journalism.” Host Bob Sellers questioned, “How long are we going to have to play along with election fraud?” Yet, Dominion attorneys argued, the network continued pushing the false narrative. Outside the courtroom, Ruddy defended Newsmax’s reporting, stating that coverage was “balanced” and that only a small portion of segments are being scrutinized. “Even though I had personal doubts, I felt like, let’s get both sides,” he said. Newsmax attorneys countered that show hosts, not executives, were responsible for statements made on-air and that opinion-based content falls under First Amendment protections. They also argued that Dominion sued the wrong company, stating that Newsmax Broadcasting LLC, not its parent company Newsmax Media Inc., aired the contested segments. The court will decide whether the case proceeds to trial, with a jury trial set for next month. Meanwhile, Newsmax, which recently settled a similar defamation case with Smartmatic for $40 million, faces potential damages of up to $1.6 billion. Judge Eric M. Davis is expected to rule soon. His past ruling in the Fox News case declared that claims of Dominion’s involvement in election fraud were “CRYSTAL clear” false. As Newsmax prepares to go public, the outcome of this lawsuit could have major financial implications for the network. https://lnkd.in/gjcjFUKp https://lnkd.in/gE_Vn5mD https://lnkd.in/dfRD35a