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EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORGOn this day: January 1January 1: Public Domain Day; Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Roman Rite Catholicism)Lachlan Macquarie1725 J.S. Bach led the first performance of his chorale cantata Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, which features trumpet fanfares at the start and end.1801 Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi discovered the dwarf planet Ceres, naming it after the Roman goddess of agriculture and of motherly love.1810 Lachlan Macquarie (pictured) became Governor of New South Wales, eventually playing a major role in the shaping of the social, economic and architectural development of the colony in Australia.1960 Three men are killed and two wounded in a mass shooting at a public house in Sheffield, England.1994 The revolutionary leftist Zapatista Army of National Liberation initiated twelve days of armed conflict in the Mexican state of Chiapas.Betsy Ross (b.1752)Alfred Ely Beach (d.1896)Gary Johnson (b.1953)Lhasa de Sela (d.2010)More anniversaries: December 31January 1January 2ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views
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VENTUREBEAT.COMGamesBeat writer Rachel Kasers Top 5 Games of 2024GamesBeat news writer Rachel Kaser lists the games of 2024 that she most enjoyed and which she found to be the best experiences.Read More0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views
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FUTURISM.COMMother of OpenAI Whistleblower Alleges He Was Murdered, Says There Were Signs of Struggle"Private autopsy doesnt confirm cause of death stated by police."Probe the ProbeThe family of Suchir Balaji, the 26-year-old OpenAI whistleblower who was found dead just a month after his New York Times expos was published, is claiming that the young man was murdered.An account that appears to belong to Balaji's mother Poornima Ramarao shortened to "Rao" online said in a post on X-formerly-Twitter that a private investigator's probe has led the family to believe that the young whistleblower did not commit suicide as officials allege."We hired private investigator and did second autopsy to throw light on cause of death," Ramarao tweeted. "Private autopsy doesnt confirm cause of death stated by police.""Suchirs apartment was ransacked," she continued, adding that there was some "sign of struggle in the bathroom and looks like some one hit him in bathroom based on blood spots."The account, which has shared photos of Balaji that hadn't previously been seen in the press and a GoFundMe for the private investigation efforts, went on to suggest that the city of San Francisco is covering up a "cold blooded" murder.After calling for an FBI investigation, the Rao account then tagged Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom and actually got a response from Musk himself."This doesn't seem like a suicide," the X owner and OpenAI cofounder wrote.Pressing MatterIn the wake of Balaji's death, Ramarao has spoken out online and in the press about her son and her suspicions though for the most part, her missives have not made waves stateside.Earlier in December,Business Insider published an interview with the grieving mother, who described her son's precocious interest in math and artificial intelligence, his disillusionment and ultimate exit from OpenAI, and the debacle she endured when trying to get answers about his death.According to Ramarao, Balaji had been on vacation with friends to celebrate his 26th birthday just before being found dead in his apartment. She claims she was the one to call the police when she hadn't heard from him upon his return from his trip, and that she waited outside the apartment for hours only to learn of Balaji's death when a medical examiner's van arrived on the scene with a stretcher."They didn't give the news to me," Ramarao told BI. "I'm still sitting there thinking, 'My son is traveling. He's gone somewhere.' It's such a pathetic moment."On X, Ramarao also claims that she was interviewed by ABC News on December 27, but that it "has not been aired.""We wonder why American TV media is not picking up," she tweeted, "despite... it being international sensation?"It's worth noting that Ramarao is not pointing fingers at OpenAI or any other organization or individual. Instead, she seems simply to want justice for her son a just cause, if there ever was one.Share This Article0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views
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WWW.CNET.COMStart Your New Year Off Right With Up to $700 Off Roborock Robot VacuumsIt's nearly 2025 -- why are we still vacuuming our own floors? Ignoring the lack of wonderful utopia we should all be living in, we should at least be able to put our feet up while something else vacuums for us. Well, if you're looking for a really good robot vacuum, then this massive Roborock sale, which knocks up to $700 off a huge range of devices, is a must. Act fast though, because the deals all end on Jan. 5. See at RoborockThe deals are plentiful and include some of the highest-end models around, like the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It normally sells for around $1,600, but you'll pay just $900 if you take advantage of this deal. It sports lidar navigation and multilevel mapping as well as the option to configure no-go zones and more. It'll even empty itself as well.Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If you're not keen on that one and want some more options, well good news, because this sale has them in spades:Still not sure that you see the right vacuum for you? Make sure to check out our collection of the best robot vacuum deals before you place an order.Why this sale mattersA good robot vacuum costs a lot of money, which means that they're often out of reach for a lot of people. These sorts of sales, where a lot of items get big discounts, help open up high-quality devices to more people, and we love that. More shopping deals from CNET CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.CNET.COMNest Sparrow Hybrid Review 2024: Universal Comfort for Couples8.8 /10 SCORE Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Back sleeper Combo sleeper Side sleeper Stomach sleeper Score Breakdown Performance 8.0 /10 Policies 9 /10 Durability 8.5 /10 Features 8.5 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Multiple firmness options Accommodating pillow top feel Replaceable comfort foam Split firmness in king sizes Cons A bit expensive Medium model can feel a bit too soft for some Table of Contents Nest Bedding have rebranded its flagship Alexander Signature mattress as the Sparrow Hybrid. While the naming has changed, there's been no change in quality and comfort. You still get the same couple-friendly split firmness design. Plus, its fluffy pillow-top feel means nearly everyone who tries it finds it comfortable. If you've got your eyes on a new mattress, here's everything to know about this option.First impressions of the Nest Sparrow Hybrid mattressI have a pretty long history with this particular mattress. When I first started testing mattresses back in 2018, the original Nest Alexander Hybrid was one of the first beds I ever unboxed, and my first impression was that it was the most comfortable bed I had ever tried, and at the time, it probably was.After the team and I tested it out and reviewed it I was able to take it home and replace my old, worn-out mattress I had used for well over a decade and my sleep quality improved drastically. I eventually replaced the mattress with a Purple after moving apartments, and then a few years later Nest updated the mattress and rebranded it to the Sparrow Hybrid. Dillon Lopez/CNETWhen we received the new Sparrow Hybrid, it was nearly identical to the old model, with one notable exception, which I will cover later in this review. It is just as comfortable and just as accommodating and my opinion on it remains very positive after the rebrand.Video: Nest Sparrow Hybrid mattress reviewWatch me review the Nest Sparrow Hybrid mattress in this video. Is the Nest Sparrow Hybrid mattress right for you?For anyone looking for a mattress that you are almost guaranteed to find comfortable, I think the Sparrow Hybrid is a great choice. I also think this is one of the best mattresses available online for couples because it has a feature I don't see with other brands. When checking out (in king or California king sizes), you can actually choose a split firmness, and that split happens internally. Many couples who have vastly different preferences on firmness wind up getting two twin XL mattresses and fitting them on a king-size frame. This is a fine solution, but there winds up with a gap between the beds, which isn't ideal, or you can get an adjustable air chamber mattress like Sleep Number or the Saatva Solaire.With the Sparrow, you can have one side be firm and one side be medium or soft or any combination of the three without a gap, which makes this bed an excellent choice for couples.Nest Sparrow Hybrid firmness and feelSparrow Hybrid feelThe feel of the Nest Sparrow Hybrid is one that I would describe as almost universally comfortable. I can't say that every single person will find this bed comfy because everyone is different with different preferences, but I have a difficult time imagining a person who disagrees that this bed is comfortable. Owen Poole/CNETIt has a responsive, fluffy pillow top feel that is simultaneously supportive and plush, especially in the medium and plush models. I think it is similar to what you might find at a nice hotel, and I would describe it as very accommodating. Some sleepers are looking for a more specific type of feel, like dense, sink-in memory foam or responsive latex, but if you aren't married to a specific type of mattress feel, I think you'll really enjoy the feel of the Sparrow. I slept on this mattress at home for a long time and never had any issues with the comfort.Sparrow Hybrid firmnessThe firmness of the Sparrow Hybrid will depend on which model you choose when you are checking out online. It comes in a plush, a medium and a firm model and the models are appropriately named. The plush model is medium-soft on our firmness scale and will be ideal for strict side sleepers looking for maximum pressure relief.The medium model we found to actually be slightly softer than a medium and not significantly firmer than the plush model, which means it will still be a great option for side sleepers but will be more appropriate for some combination sleepers. Owen Poole/CNETThe firm model is the only option I would recommend for back and stomach sleepers because it is around a medium-firm.One novel feature on the Sparrow Hybrid that I mentioned earlier is with the king sizes, you can get a split firmness internally, so if you are sharing this mattress and one of you wants a plush mattress and one of you wants a firmer bed, you can do that with a single mattress. Usually, the solution to that problem is to get two twin XL mattresses or get a mattress with adjustable firmness like Sleep Number or the Saatva Solaire.Nest Sparrow Hybrid constructionThe Sparrow mattress is a hybrid, which means its primary support layer is pocketed coils. Hybrid beds tend to be more durable and supportive over the lifespan of a mattress, especially for heavier individuals and coils provide more bounce and airflow as well. There are plenty of sleepers who prefer foam mattresses because they are lighter, easier to move and provide better motion isolation and all-foam beds from Nest are the Finch and the Quail.Above the six-inch-thick layer of edge-reinforced pocketed coils, there is a thin layer of high-density transition foam. Above the transition foam is a three-inch-thick layer of "Energex" foam which is a responsive, neutral foam that most sleepers find comfortable. The final layer is a two-inch-thick quilted cover that is filled with memory foam. Dillon Lopez/CNETOne might think that with memory foam at the topmost layer, the Sparrow Hybrid would have more of a memory foam feel, but thanks to the coils and another responsive foam layer the construction adds up to the accommodating, responsive pillow-top feel that is incredibly comfortable.Nest Sparrow Hybrid performanceEdge supportThe edge support of a mattress refers to how well the perimeter of the bed holds up under pressure. If a mattress has poor edge support, if you end up sleeping near the perimeter it can feel like you are going to roll off the mattress.The perimeter coils on the Nest Sparrow Hybrid are reinforced with a thick gauge coil, and in our testing, we found the edge support to be very good. I also slept on this mattress for over a year and never had an issue with the edge support, which only makes this mattress more compelling for couples. Owen Poole/CNETMotion isolationMotion isolation is another factor important for couples because a bed with poor motion isolation can wake you up if your partner tosses and turns throughout the night.In our testing of the Nest Sparrow, we found the motion isolation to be pretty average. The coils and responsive foams make this bed not perform as well as beds like Tempur-Pedic, and if you are a light sleeper, you might wake up more often on this mattress than others, but I don't see it being a dealbreaker.Temperature regulationThere are no construction elements of the Nest Sparrow Hybrid that are active cooling, despite what the brand says online. Having slept on this bed for a long time I did find that I slept kinda warm some nights in the summer when I didn't want to run the air conditioning, but for the majority of the time I had no temperature issues and would describe it as temperature neutral.Nest Sparrow Hybrid Pricing undefined Size Measurements (inches)PriceTwin 38x75$1,226Twin XL 38x80$1,332Split CK 1-side 36x84$1,332Full 54x75$1,759Queen 60x80$2,132King 76x80$2,452Cal king 72x84$2,452 Having watched mattress prices for over six years now I would say the Nest Sparrow Hybrid is reasonably priced, after a discount. Even before the discount this mattress is competitively priced when compared to other pillow top hybrid beds we regard highly like the Winkbed and the Saatva Classic. Dillon Lopez/CNETMake sure to look at our mattress deals page to see the latest deals on Nest Bedding or any other bed you might be interested in.Nest Bedding mattress policiesFree shippingLike most online mattresses, this will ship right to your door at no extra cost inside of a large box (as long as you live in the contiguous United States). If you live in Canada, you can still get it shipped to you, but there will be an additional cost involved depending on where you live.Unboxing a mattress usually only takes a few minutes, and we recommend unboxing it with a friend to make the process go more smoothly.I have unboxed many beds by myself, and while it's doable, it is much more difficult.365-night trialAll Nest Bedding mattresses come with an extra-long trial period of 365 nights in comparison to the usual standard of 100 nights. So you have quite a while to really test it out and see if you like it.Keep in mind that it can take a month or longer for your body to adjust to a new mattress, no matter how well-suited it is to your sleeping preferences. The trial period begins the day the mattress is delivered, not when you actually start sleeping on it.Return policyAfter the first 30 nights if you are having issues with the Nest Sparrow Hybrid you can contact Nest and get a new comfort layer to soften or firm up the mattress. If even after swapping the comfort foam the mattress still isn't working for you within the trial period you can return it and get a refund. This refund as of writing should be free but that may change in the future. Most brands that have return fees charge only $99.WarrantyAll Nest mattresses are backed by a Lifetime warranty, which is above and beyond the usual online mattress standard of ten years.Like pretty much any warranty that lasts longer than 10 years, this warranty is tiered and offers more protection in the first 10 years in comparison to the years after but Nest has an additional policy with that mattress that will help extend the life of the mattress.Lifetime renewal exchange programThe Nest Sparrow Hybrid, Owl Hybrid, Finch Natural and Starling Contour mattresses all have a design where the top comfort layer of foam is easily removable and replaceable. With the Lifetime Renewal Exchange Program, if your Nest mattress starts to get too soft or the foam starts to degrade, you can get a new layer of foam sent to you for free to help extend the life of the bed. Dillon Lopez/CNETI think this is a really nice feature, and more brands should offer a similar replacement scheme. We have seen similar construction styles from Leesa and Helix that would allow for a similar program, but we haven't seen any other brand offer it yet.How does the Nest Sparrow Hybrid compare to similar mattresses?Nest Sparrow Hybrid vs. Winkbed The Winkbed mattress is one of our favorite pillow-top beds and shares a lot of characteristics with the Sparrow Hybrid. It also comes in three different firmness options and has a comfy, responsive pillow-top feel. It also uses reinforced coils along the perimeter of the mattress to improve the edge support like the Sparrow.The Sparrow comes with the Lifetime Renewal Exchange Program and internal split firmness, but the Winkbed is also slightly more affordable and has an option designed for heavier people that is more supportive and durable.Nest Sparrow Hybrid vs. Nolah Evolution 15" Hybrid The Nolah Evolution Hybrid is another very high-quality, comfortable pillow top mattress with hotel-style comfort. Like the Sparrow, it also comes in three different firmness options and has excellent edge support, although the Nolah Evolution also has zoned support in the center third of the mattress that provides a bit more support for your lumbar area.The Nolah Evolution is slightly more affordable than the Sparrow Hybrid but also doesn't come with specific features like the internal split firmness option and the Lifetime Renewal Exchange Program.Final thoughts on the Nest Sparrow Hybrid mattressI think the Nest Sparrow Hybrid is an excellent mattress for anyone seeking an accommodating, supremely comfortable bed with the ability to pick and choose your firmness profile. I think it is a great choice for single people, but it is an even better choice for couples in my opinion.Because it has such a universally comfortable feel, it should be very easy for two people to agree on the feel and because of the internal split firmness and excellent edge support, it is an even more compelling option for co-sleeping. Couples looking for a new mattress should definitely strongly consider the Nest Sparrow Hybrid.0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.CNET.COMRestless Nights? Grounding Sheets Might Improve Your SleepGrounding sheets are piquing curiosity and reportedly helping people catch more Zzz, too. The claim is that grounding sheets that connect to an electrical outlet or directly to the ground outside connect the sleeper to the Earth's electrical energy. The theory is that this connection can bring health improvements, such as better sleep, lower pain, reduced stress, improved healing and more.The positive effects of grounding on inflammation, immune response, wound healing and disease prevention and treatment have been studied for years. Does this new earthing sheet TikTok trend have any merit?What are grounding sheets? Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Grounding sheets may be a TikTok trend, but the concept is not new. They are the latest in a line of conductive grounding systems, joining grounding socks, shoes, patches and rods. These conductive systems are created for people who can't or choose not to be outdoors barefoot but still desire the benefits of grounding.How do grounding sheets work?The sheets look very similar to regular bed sheets, except they're woven with a conductive material like carbon or silver and then connected to a power outlet or directly onto the ground outside.When sleeping on earthing sheets, your body is said to reconnect with the Earth's electrical energy by absorbing its negatively charged electrons. This helps balance out the positively charged electrons that build up in the human body, and this homeostasis is responsible for a variety of health benefits, according to proponents.Popular grounding sheet brandsLean on popular brands with a solid reputation and good reviews. Here are some popular brands: The science behind groundingGrounding, or earthing, is the concept that humans have gradually become disconnected from the Earth's surface electrons and that reconnection with these electrons offers positive health results. Grounding occurs when you walk barefoot outside or connect to a conductive system (like grounding sheets) that serves the same purpose.Research supports the grounding hypothesis that earthing is akin to other basic physiological needs like food, water, air and movement. Other studies on earthing mats (a close cousin of earthing sheets) reveal anxiety reduction and improved stress responses. Halfpoint/Getty ImagesPotential health benefits of grounding sheetsThe health benefits of using grounding sheets mirror the health benefits of using direct (barefoot-to-earth) grounding or other conductive systems. Benefits will also vary based on how much time you spend grounding daily.Improved sleep qualityCortisol is an important hormone produced by your body to regulate stress response, blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation and sleep. Too much cortisol can degrade your ability to sleep and the quality of sleep you get.Studies show that grounding while sleeping reduces cortisol levels, and the result is often better sleep.Reduction in inflammation and painGrounding seems to have beneficial physiological changes. The electron transfers that occur during grounding are the basis for anti-inflammatory activity, according to a study on grounding's impact on inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Asimilar study revealed that the occasional "recharging" with the Earth's surface is optimally effective against chronic inflammation.Stress reduction and relaxationAlthough studies on grounding's effect on stress are limited, some research has shown that grounding positively impacts stress and anxiety. One study using grounding mats (similar to grounding sheets) concluded that grounding sets "the biological clocks for the hormones that regulate stress responses."Enhanced mood and mental well-beingOne study on grounding observed 40 adults who were either given a grounded pillow or a non-grounded pillow. Although the study agrees that more extensive studies should be conducted on the topic, the results were clear. Pleasant and positive moods were improved among those with the grounded pillow compared to those with the non-grounded pillow.Improved chronic conditionsWith all the other benefits grounding brings to the human body, you may be wondering if it can improve chronic illness. While experts agree grounding does not replace proper medical care, they also agree that grounding can counteract some chronic illness like auto-immune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, neurodegenerative and respiratory conditions.Things to consider before using grounding sheetsHere are some risks to consider before you make your earthing bed tonight:Since grounding sheets require an electrical connection, be sure to check outlets with a grounding device before use to avoid electrical shock.If you have chronic conditions or take prescription medications, check with your medical doctor before you start grounding.How to use grounding sheetsWhen you get your grounding sheets, the first thing to do is test the ground on your electrical outlet. Many grounding sheet sets come with a tester. If your outlet tests well, you're ready to put the sheets on the bed like any other sheets. Run the cable somewhere safe where you or others won't trip over it, then plug it in.The idea is that with as much skin-to-sheet contact as possible, you'll gain the most benefit from your ground sheets. If you want to wear pajamas, avoid synthetic materials that would impede the electrical connection.Choosing the right grounding sheetsSince grounding sheets are part of a trend, beware of fake or subpar products that may be floating around the internet. Here are some tips for selecting the best grounding sheets for your needs:Watch out for non-conductive materials and unusually inexpensive price tags compared to competitors.If you value easy maintenance and machine washability, make sure the sheets you're buying are machine washable.Make sure you order the proper size sheet for your bed. Grounding sheets should be the same size as any other sheet you'd use on your bed.Most grounding sheets are cotton, silk or polyester. Polyester is said to be superior for electrical resistance, but you should select the fabric you like sleeping on most.Look for low opposition electrical resistance, which indicates better grounding.0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views
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WWW.THEWRAP.COMAmericans spent 23% less on streaming services in 2024, study findsIn 2024, the average American grew tired of dedicating so much of their budget to streaming, according to one survey. The average U.S. citizen spent $42.38 on streaming services each month which comes out to $508.56 over the course of a full year according to a December report from Reviews, an internet, streaming, and mobile-focused research organization. That represents a 23% decline from last year, when Reviews found the average American spent $55.o4 each month on services like Netflix, Disney+, and Max. Reviews 2024 report is based on a survey of 1,000 Americans. Whats behind the big drop in streaming spending? One reason, according to the report, is that 27.8% of Americans are experiencing streaming fatigue, which Reviews defines as that exact feeling of being overwhelmed with the increasing number of streaming apps. The report did not say how many of those SVOD-weary citizens ultimately ditched a subscription or two based on their fatigue. Another potential reason Americans spent less on streaming this year is because many of them are spending more on cable and satellite. The average American spent $89.29 per month or more than $1,000 per year on cable/satellite in 2024, up 11% from last year. Nearly 55% of Americans have a cable or satellite subscription, according to Reviews; it is not much of a stretch to believe many of them dropped a streaming service to offset rising TV costs. A few other takeaways from the report, which you can also see in the graphic above: The average American has two streaming services and watches nearly four hours of content each day. And 26.53% of Americans share at least one streaming subscription with their friends or extended family. The decline in streaming spending comes as ad-supported streaming hit a record high in 2024. A record 43% of streaming subscriptions were ad-supported by the end of Q3, according to Antenna, a market research firm. And between July and September, 56% of new streaming subscriptions were ad-supported indicating Americans are opting for the cheaper option, even if they have to sit through a few commercials.0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views
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TECHCRUNCH.COMJudge allows Californias ban on addictive feeds for minors to go into effectIn BriefPosted:4:07 PM PST December 31, 2024Image Credits:Bryce Durbin / TechCrunchJudge allows Californias ban on addictive feeds for minors to go into effectLate Tuesday evening, a federal judge blocked tech lobbying group NetChoices challenge to Californias recently enacted law, SB 976, which prohibits companies from serving addictive feeds to minors. The effect of this decision is that beginning Wednesday, companies will be prohibited from serving an addictive feed to a California-based user they know to be a minor, except with explicit parental consent. SB 976 defines an addictive feed as an algorithm that selects and recommends content for users based on their behavior, and not their explicit preferences.From January 2027 onward, companies will be required to use age assurance techniques, like age estimation models, to determine whether a user is a minor and adjust their feed accordingly.In November, NetChoice, whose members include Meta, Google, and X, sued to enjoin SB 976 in its entirety, arguing the law violated the First Amendment. The judge denied the motion for an injunction, but did block other elements of the law, including a restriction on nighttime notifications for minors.New York passed similar legislation in June.Topics0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views
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TECHCRUNCH.COMElon Musks pro-Trump critics claim theyre being censored on XIn BriefPosted:2:28 PM PST December 31, 2024Image Credits:Bryce Durbin / TechCrunchElon Musks pro-Trump critics claim theyre being censored on XConservatives critical of Elon Musk are accusing the platform he owns of censoring them, CNN reports.Political activist Laura Loomer sparked an online debate within the Right about work visas known as H-1Bs, which Musk supports. Loomer now claims her account has been unverified and demonetized, accusing Musk of being a free speech fraud.Meanwhile, another conservative activist, Charles C. Johnson, claims X banned his account because he embarrassed Musk by writing about his fathers alleged involvement with an emerald mine, something Musk has long denied. (Neither this nor Loomers accusations have been substantiated.)Elon has long publicly supported free speech, posting that its the bedrock of democracy. But Musk has also been accused of silencing people on the platform, notably in 2022 when X temporarily suspended journalists covering the suspension of an account tracking his jet.X didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.Topics0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views