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Elon Musk turned heads Friday when he suggested that the federal government paying citizens a “universal high income” is the best way to combat AI-related job losses.

“Universal HIGH INCOME via checks issued by the Federal government is the best way to deal with unemployment caused by AI,” Musk said in a post on his own X platform shortly after midnight Friday morning.

The proposal, which is still pinned to the top of his X account, rebuffed the idea that such payments would be inflationary.

“AI/robotics will produce goods & services far in excess of the increase in the money supply, so there will not be inflation,” he wrote.

ANDREW YANG WILL GIVE AWAY $1K PER MONTH TO 20 AMERICANS TO PROMOTE UBI

CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, South African-Canadian-US businessman Elon Musk speaks during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Jan. 22, 2026. (Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images)

Many economists, however, disagreed.

“He is so wrong on this,” wrote Sanjeev Sanyal, the former top economic advisor to India’s Minister of Finance.

“AI will certainly cause dislocation, but like all technology it will also create new jobs and opportunities in the medium term. AI and robots will also not produce goods and services in excess of money or demand that there will be no inflation,” he wrote on X.

“Elon Musk’s universal high income will bankrupt any government that attempts it,” he concluded.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

HE INVISIBLE LAYOFF: AI IS QUIETLY LOCKING AMERICANS OUT OF THE JOB MARKET, CEO WARNS

Another skeptic, Pratyush Rai, the co-founder and CEO of Merlin AI, concurred.

“The basic math on UHI (Universal High Income) doesn’t add up. If everyone gets a high income check, everyone’s competing for the same houses, land, schools, lifestyle,” he posted on X.

Some, however, are more hopeful that the plan could have merit.

Former Democratic presidential hopeful Andrew Yang chimed in with tepid support. Yang, who popularized a similar idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) during his 2020 campaign, tweeted: “It’s clear that AI will wind up funding universal income. Let’s make that happen ASAP.”

Andrew Yang participates in the “From Government to Corporations: The Urgent Need for AAPI Leadership” panel during the TAAF Heritage Month Summit at The Glasshouse on May 5, 2023, in New York City. (JP Yim/Getty Images for The Asian American Foundation)

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Universal high income (UHI) is a significant leap from Yang’s UBI. While UBI serves to support a person’s basic needs while continuing to work, many who promote UHI preach a departure from the need to work entirely.

With exactly 54 days remaining until the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City, soccer fans worldwide are counting down to “D-Day” — the historic kickoff of the largest tournament ever staged, as betting markets continue to crown Spain the frontrunner to claim glory in the expanded 48-team event.

The term “D-Day” has taken on new meaning in the soccer community, signaling the decisive launch of the World Cup on Thursday, June 11, when host Mexico faces South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. From that moment, 104 matches will unfold across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, culminating in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Current countdown clocks show 54 days left as of Saturday, April 18, with the tournament just under two months away. That tight window leaves national teams scrambling to finalize squads, integrate club stars returning from European seasons and fine-tune tactics in a series of high-stakes friendlies scheduled for May and early June.

Spain leads the pack as the betting favorite at roughly +450 odds, reflecting their dominant run since winning Euro 2024. La Roja’s youthful squad, featuring breakout star Lamine Yamal, midfield maestro Rodri and a fluid possession style, has impressed analysts with its balance of creativity and defensive solidity. Many experts believe this generation is poised to deliver Spain’s second World Cup title.

Close behind sits France at around +550. The reigning FIFA No. 1-ranked side boasts an embarrassment of riches, headlined by Kylian Mbappé in his prime. Despite a pragmatic approach under coach Didier Deschamps, France’s star power and proven record of reaching recent World Cup finals make them perennial contenders. Depth across the pitch gives Les Bleus the tools to overcome any obstacle in the grueling knockout stages.

England follows at approximately +650, carrying renewed hope under new manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions possess one of their most talented rosters in decades, packed with Premier League standouts. Ending 60 years of hurt since their lone 1966 triumph remains the ultimate prize, and many believe this squad has the maturity to go all the way.

Reigning champions Argentina sit at +850. Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, could feature in what might be his final World Cup. The Albiceleste have successfully transitioned around younger talents like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, maintaining their Copa América edge while blending experience with vitality.

Brazil, also priced near +850, hopes new coach Carlo Ancelotti can harness the explosive potential of attackers such as Vinícius Júnior. The five-time winners have shown flashes of brilliance but need consistency to reclaim their status as favorites.

Other teams in the conversation include Portugal at +1100, Germany at +1400 and the Netherlands. Dark horses such as Colombia, Morocco and even Norway — powered by Erling Haaland — could spring surprises in the expanded format.

The 48-team structure introduces 12 groups of four, with the top two from each advancing alongside the eight best third-place teams, creating a 32-team knockout phase. This setup increases the number of matches and the potential for Cinderella stories, while also testing squad depth amid long travel distances and varying North American climates — from desert heat in western venues to cooler evenings in Canada.

Host nations will lean on home advantage. The United States, priced around +6500 in some markets, benefits from passionate domestic support and familiarity with stadiums. Mexico opens the tournament and traditionally performs strongly on home soil, while Canada aims to make an impact in front of its own fans despite longer odds.

Qualification concluded dramatically in March, with notable absentees including four-time champions Italy, who failed to reach the finals for a third consecutive cycle. The expanded field has welcomed fresh faces and revived rivalries, heightening anticipation as the 54-day countdown ticks down.

Injuries and form will dominate headlines in the coming weeks. Key players recovering from club campaigns must peak at the right moment, while coaches finalize 26-man squads amid intense competition for places. Friendly matches will serve as dress rehearsals, offering clues about tactical setups and team chemistry.

Tactical evolution continues to favor high-intensity pressing, rapid transitions and excellence on set pieces. Teams with technically proficient defenders comfortable building from the back hold an edge, as does squad rotation to manage fixture congestion and travel fatigue.

Off-field preparations are advancing rapidly. Organizers have highlighted sustainability initiatives, enhanced fan experiences and improved infrastructure linking venues. Record crowds and a global television audience in the billions are expected, amplifying the tournament’s cultural and economic footprint across the three host countries.

For neutral fans, the 2026 edition promises compelling matchups between established powers and emerging nations from Asia, Africa and CONCACAF. The expanded format gives more teams a realistic path to the later stages, potentially producing memorable underdog runs.

As the 54 days to D-Day dwindle, questions loom large. Can Spain translate current supremacy into silverware? Will France’s generational talent finally secure another star? Might Messi script a fairytale farewell with Argentina, or could Brazil rediscover its magic under Ancelotti?

England’s talented squad, Germany’s rebuilding project and the hosts’ home-soil boost add further layers of intrigue. No outcome is guaranteed in a tournament where a single moment — a brilliant goal, a heroic save or a controversial decision — can alter destinies.

The road from June 11 at Estadio Azteca to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium will test endurance, skill and nerve like never before. With 54 days left, teams are sharpening their preparations, fans are booking travel and the soccer world is buzzing with excitement.

Whatever unfolds, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to deliver unforgettable drama, uniting millions across continents in celebration of the beautiful game. The countdown continues — only 54 days remain until D-Day dawns in Mexico City and soccer’s greatest stage lights up North America.

A Kansas-based restaurant group with several steak and seafood locations in Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, Nebraska and Iowa, has filed for bankruptcy.

801 Restaurant Group LLC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization last Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Kansas, the company confirmed to Fox Business.

The business owns several companies that operate restaurants as 801 Chophouse, 801 Fish and 801 Local.

RISING FUEL COSTS THREATEN SPIRIT AIRLINES’ BANKRUPTCY EXIT PLAN: REPORTS

“The companies that own and operate the restaurants are not in bankruptcy, and there are no plans or need for them to file bankruptcy,” 810 Restaurant Group said in a press release. 

“The individual restaurant companies operating successfully are not impacted by the 801 Restaurant Group’s Chapter 11 filing.”

An 801 Chophouse in Kansas City, Mo.  (Google Maps / Google Maps)

The company added that it became necessary to restructure because of guarantees it made to other companies it owns, including 801 Fish in downtown Denver and 801 On Nicollet in Minneapolis, which have both closed.

“The purpose of the Chapter 11 is to restructure these and other obligations for which 801 Restaurant Group has liability,” the release said.

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An 801 Chophouse in Omaha (Google Maps / Google Maps)

The court filing shows liabilities totaling roughly $18.7 million, according to documents obtained by Fox Business.

The company said the filing is “not expected to have any impact on the remaining locations,” which will operate normally during their restructuring.

An 801 Chophouse in Minneapolis (Google Maps / Google Maps)

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The restaurants that remain open include 801 Chophouses in Denver, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Leawood, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Tysons Corner in the Washington, D.C., area, and 801 Fish in St. Louis.

The Des Moines restaurant was the original 801 Chophouse location, which opened in 1993.

The parent company behind well-known shopping channels QVC and HSN has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  

QVC Group, which filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, announced the filing in a press release Thursday, saying the company will undergo a restructuring support agreement (RSA) to reduce its debt from $6.6 billion to $1.3 billion.

The goal of the RSA is to emerge from bankruptcy within 90 days. 

“The company has ample liquidity to support the business and, importantly, the terms of the RSA provide for vendors, suppliers and all other general unsecured creditors of the filing entities to be paid in full for all goods and services,” the press release says.

STEAK AND SEAFOOD CHAIN 801 RESTAURANT GROUP FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AFTER CLOSING DENVER, MINNEAPOLIS SPOTS

The QVC logo displayed on a smartphone (Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

During this time, QVC Group plans for all of its businesses to operate as normal with no planned layoffs or furloughs as it continues to evaluate its finances.

Both QVC, which stands for Quality, Value and Convenience, and HSN, the Home Shopping Network, have been late-night staples on cable television, although with the popularity of shopping through social media and other technology, the company has acknowledged needing to change its business model.

David Rawlinson, president and CEO of QVC Group, said in the press release he is confident in the company’s ability to recover from the current setback based on the progress it has seen so far.

SPIRIT AIRLINES REACHES DEAL TO EXIT BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS BY EARLY SUMMER

The QVC shopping channel was founded in 1986 and broadcasts to more than 350 million households in seven countries. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

“QVC Group is uniquely positioned to compete and win in live social shopping, and we are seeing early momentum in our WIN Growth Strategy,” he said. 

“Over the past year, we have become a top seller on TikTok Shop U.S. while expanding our business on streaming and other platforms. We have consolidated our HSN and QVC operations, struck new deals with critical social and media partners and rebalanced sourcing to account for the changing tariff environment.

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“With the support of our lenders and a more appropriate capital structure, we believe we can deliver on our WIN Growth Strategy,” Rawlinson added.

Billionaire John Malone bought QVC in 2003 for $7.9 billion. The brand later acquired HSN in 2017 for $2.1 billion.

Tesla Inc. shares surged more than 4.6% Friday, climbing to $407.02 midday as investors bet on accelerating progress in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving technology and upcoming product catalysts, even after the electric vehicle maker posted weaker-than-expected first-quarter deliveries.

The stock jumped $18.12, or 4.66%, by late morning trading on the Nasdaq, outpacing the broader market and reversing some of the recent pressure from soft vehicle sales numbers. Volume remained elevated as traders reacted to positive comments from CEO Elon Musk on AI chip advancements and software updates rolling out to the fleet.

Tesla, the world’s most valuable automaker by market capitalization, has seen its shares swing wildly in 2026 amid a shift in narrative from pure electric vehicle growth toward AI, robotics and robotaxi ambitions. At current levels, the company’s market value hovers near $1.5 trillion despite challenges in its core auto business.

The rally comes days after Musk highlighted progress on the company’s next-generation AI5 chip and new software updates that promise improved Full Self-Driving capabilities. Shares had already climbed nearly 8% earlier in the week on similar optimism around autonomy and hardware upgrades.

In early April, Tesla reported first-quarter vehicle deliveries of 358,023, missing Wall Street expectations of roughly 365,000 to 370,000 units. Production reached 408,386 vehicles, creating a gap of more than 50,000 unsold units and signaling inventory buildup amid softening demand and fading U.S. tax incentives.

Model 3 and Model Y accounted for the bulk of output and deliveries, while “other models” including Cybertruck delivered 16,130 units. Energy storage deployments hit 8.8 gigawatt-hours, down from prior year levels but still a bright spot in the company’s diversification efforts.

Full first-quarter financial results are scheduled for release after the market closes on April 22. Analysts will scrutinize margins, which have faced pressure from price cuts, competition from cheaper Chinese EVs and higher inventory levels.

Despite the delivery miss, many investors are looking past near-term automotive headwinds toward Tesla’s long-term vision. Musk has repeatedly described 2026 as a pivotal year for unsupervised Full Self-Driving, Cybercab robotaxi production and Optimus humanoid robot development.

Cybercab production is slated to begin this month at Gigafactory Texas, according to earlier statements, though timelines have slipped in the past. The dedicated two-seater autonomous vehicle without steering wheel or pedals is central to Tesla’s plan to launch a ride-hailing network that could generate high-margin recurring revenue.

Musk has also teased an updated Roadster unveiling in April, potentially adding excitement around high-performance vehicles. Meanwhile, software version 14.3 and beyond continue to push the boundaries of Tesla’s neural net-based autonomy, with owners reporting faster reaction times and smoother performance.

Analysts remain divided. UBS recently upgraded Tesla to Neutral from Sell, citing more reasonable valuations and leadership in “physical AI.” Other firms maintain Hold ratings with price targets clustered around $380 to $400, though bullish voices like Wedbush have far higher targets emphasizing robotaxi potential.

The stock has traded in a wide 52-week range between roughly $223 and $499. Year-to-date performance has been volatile, with shares recovering from earlier 2026 lows but still sensitive to macro factors, interest rates and execution risks.

Tesla’s pivot toward AI and robotics has redefined its valuation. Traditional auto metrics show slowing growth — full-year 2025 revenue declined slightly — yet the market prices in future dominance in autonomy and energy. Gross margins on the automotive side have stabilized around 17% excluding regulatory credits, helped by Cybertruck scaling.

Energy storage remains a growth engine, though quarterly deployments fluctuated. Tesla continues to expand its Megapack business and virtual power plant initiatives, positioning it as a key player in grid stabilization.

International markets present both opportunity and challenge. Competition in China remains intense, while Europe and other regions grapple with varying EV adoption rates and policy shifts. Recent software updates and over-the-air improvements help differentiate Tesla’s fleet globally.

Optimism around Optimus, the humanoid robot project, has grown. Musk envisions millions of units performing factory and household tasks, potentially creating another massive revenue stream. Early prototypes have demonstrated basic capabilities, but commercialization remains years away.

Regulatory hurdles for Full Self-Driving and robotaxis loom large. Approval processes vary by jurisdiction, with California and other states closely watching safety data. Any delays or setbacks could pressure the stock, as much of the current premium relies on timely autonomy milestones.

Broader market context also influences Tesla. As a high-beta growth name, it moves sharply with shifts in technology sentiment, AI enthusiasm and Federal Reserve policy signals. Friday’s gain aligned with strength in other tech names amid ongoing rotation.

Retail investors continue to play a major role in Tesla’s trading activity. The stock ranks among the most discussed on social platforms, with sentiment often swinging on Musk’s posts or product teases.

Looking ahead, the April 22 earnings call will offer fresh guidance on production ramps, margin trajectories and autonomy timelines. Investors will listen closely for updates on Cybercab volume targets, FSD adoption rates and any hints about a more affordable next-generation vehicle.

Tesla operates Gigafactories in the U.S., China, Germany and plans further expansion. The company employs tens of thousands and has delivered millions of vehicles since going public.

Challenges persist. A class-action lawsuit related to past statements and recent incidents, including a reported fire at a Tesla service center, highlight ongoing reputational and operational risks.

Still, for believers in Musk’s vision, Tesla represents more than cars — it is an AI, robotics and energy platform with transformative potential. Friday’s surge suggests Wall Street is once again willing to price in that ambitious future, at least in the short term.

As trading continues toward the earnings release, all eyes remain on whether Tesla can convert hype around chips, software and robotaxis into tangible progress that justifies its premium valuation.