Why Elon Musk is targeting a free tax-filing software package

Musk plans cost-cutting – and Americans will end up footing the bill; the business of immigration surveillance; and a fond farewell to Skype

Hello, and welcome back. In this week’s Techscape: the cost of Elon Musk’s cost-cutting, the emotional shutdown of Skype, and a new documentary on immigration and surveillance.

Donald Trump’s administration could rack up a “monumental” bill and is breaking the law by firing government workers on spurious grounds, according to a top labor lawyer.

Officials have cited “poor performance” when terminating thousands of federal workers. In many cases it’s not true, according to employees embroiled in the blitz, many of whom are now seeking legal advice.

‘I’m selling the Nazi mobile’: Tesla owners offload cars after Elon Musk’s fascist-style salutes

Trump cabinet flunkies hail wannabe Caesar and Elon, his oligarch pal

Topics

Elon Musk’s DOGE Removes Employees That Created Free Tax-Filing Site

Elon Musk and DOGE deem their jobs as “non critical.”
Inc. - 3d
Email shows that Musk ally is moving to close office behind free tax filing program at IRS

Program is apparently being closed according to email from former Tesla engineer installed in GSA. An Elon Musk ally installed in the US government said in a late night email going into Saturday ...
The Guardian - 3d
Elon Musk Is the World’s Richest Man. Why Is He Sleeping on an Office Floor?

For today’s entrepreneurs, work isn’t merely a way to get things done; it’s also a “superpower” that confers the right to impose their vision on the world.
The New York Times - 5d
Don't wait to file your taxes this season, experts say. Here's why

Nearly one-third of Americans procrastinate filing their taxes. But here's why you shouldn't wait this season, experts say.
CNBC - Feb. 21
Federal workers free to ignore Elon Musk email ultimatum, US personnel office says – as it happened

This blog is now closed. Here’s our latest politics story . Here’s a little more on Dan Bongino , the Maga podcaster Donald Trump has named as deputy director of the FBI and who will oversee ...
The Guardian - Feb. 25
What Elon Musk Got Wrong About Why Federal Retirement Is Still Managed out of a Limestone Mine

The massive underground facility, which has been used to store archives since the 1960s, remains a crucial but convoluted hub for US government records.
Wired - Feb. 22
Elon Musk is a proven danger to good science, but the Royal Society won’t say so. That’s why I resigned | Kit Yates

It is vital to act, and I urge colleagues to do so. How can we stand by and laud this man while he undermines scientific integrity?. Fellows of the Royal Society met yesterday to discuss, as they ...
The Guardian - 8h
Elon Musk Zeroes In on the I.R.S.

The tech mogul’s cost-cutting initiative is seeking sensitive taxpayer data, drawing concerns about privacy, potential political retribution and more.
The New York Times - Feb. 18
Antivirus software company ordered to pay customer $16.5M: How to file a claim

Millions of American consumers who bought antivirus software from Avast may be eligible to receive a portion of a $16.5 million settlement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Monday.
The Hill - Feb. 25

More from The Guardian

Zelenskyy says he will work under Trump’s leadership as he proposes Ukraine peace plan

Ukrainian president signals willingness to sign US minerals deal as he attempts to rebuild ties after Oval Office clash. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a possible peace plan to end the war in ...
The Guardian - 3h
Arab leaders endorse $53bn plan to rebuild Gaza as alternative to Trump idea

Proposal focuses on emergency relief and long-term economic development under Palestinian Authority administration. Arab leaders have endorsed a $53bn (£42bn) plan to rebuild Gaza under the future ...
The Guardian - 50m
Trump to defend trade war in Congress speech as commerce chief says he will meet Canada and China halfway – live

Top Trump adviser says president will defend his trade war while Howard Lutnick, his commerce secretary, says he will find middle ground. US consumers warned to brace for higher prices China ...
The Guardian - 39m
Martin Ødegaard double leads Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven

Arsenal had struggled for goals, three blanks in their previous four matches; out of the Carabao Cup, their Premier League title challenge grievously undermined. It was just too hard without all of ...
The Guardian - 1h
RFK Jr sparks alarm after backing vitamins to treat measles amid outbreak

Health experts wary as US health secretary fails to endorse effective vaccines and instead calls them a ‘personal choice’. Robert F Kennedy Jr , the US health secretary, has caused alarm among ...
The Guardian - 5h

More in World

Trump’s Tariffs Sets Off Day of Anger, Retaliation and Market Unease

Global markets fell after steep U.S. tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico went into effect, and as the possible ramifications of a global trade war set in.
The New York Times - 4m
U.S. Embassies Halt Air Quality Monitoring Abroad

Since 2008, embassies and other diplomatic posts had been publishing data about local air quality. In many countries, it was the only reliable source of such information.
The New York Times - 29m
Phil Mickelson rips Couples for ‘jerk move’ comments about Koepka and LIV

Couples suggested Koepka may return to PGA Tour Mickelson offers fierce riposte on social media Phil Mickelson has opened a war of words with a fellow Masters champion, accusing Fred Couples of ...
The Guardian - 31m
Trump to defend trade war in Congress speech as commerce chief says he will meet Canada and China halfway – live

Top Trump adviser says president will defend his trade war while Howard Lutnick, his commerce secretary, says he will find middle ground. US consumers warned to brace for higher prices China ...
The Guardian - 39m
Wednesday Briefing: Canada and China Strike Back at Tariffs

Plus, a top architecture award for Liu Jiakun.
The New York Times - 41m