Monday mini report 10.26.26: Starlink, Microsoft buyouts and a firing ruling
Starlink disruption and recovery
Elon Musk offered his first explanation on Saturday for disruptions to Ukraine’s military satellite system. In a post on X, he said Ukraine had breached Starlink’s service terms by using it for offensive drone strikes intended to kill people.
Ukraine’s defense minister said the military’s Starlink system was functioning normally again Saturday morning. The update raised hopes that the 10-day interruption of the country’s satellite internet service was ending.
Protests spread across France
Demonstrations over rising living costs and widening inequality turned violent for a second weekend in a row. Protests took place in several major cities, including Paris. France’s Interior Ministry said 410,000 people joined the demonstrations.
Minnesota evidence and Microsoft buyouts
Microsoft said Monday it would offer voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 workers in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. The offer covers certain employees at experience level 70 or below, as the company seeks to balance spending on AI infrastructure with capital efficiency and reshape its workforce.
Audi executive draws criticism
Audi chief Gernot Doellner faced heavy criticism Monday for appearing with U.S. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Georgia. The head of Germany’s top union said the appearance violated the automaker’s company guidelines.
Key points
- Musk said Ukraine breached Starlink’s terms, while Ukraine’s defense minister reported its military system was working normally again.
- France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 410,000 people protested over living costs and inequality.
- A federal judge found Maureen Comey was unlawfully fired and entitled to back pay.
- Microsoft announced voluntary buyouts for about 60,000 workers across four countries.