Reading Time : 2 minutesStarting October 2025, the US imposes a $250 Visa Integrity Fee on non-immigrant visas to curb overstays. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries are exempt, but others face higher costs for tourism, study, or work.
Reading Time : 3 minutesThe EU is likely to shelve its digital tax due to US resistance and implementation challenges. The focus shifts to the OECD’s global tax reform, aiming for fairer rules for tech giants. This pragmatic move avoids trade disputes but delays immediate action, leaving debates on innovation and tax fairness unresolved as international cooperation takes center stage
Reading Time : 2 minutes The Pentagon just awarded $200 million contracts to OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI. The goal is to integrate advanced AI into defense and government operations. This move underscores the US military’s determination to stay ahead in the AI race, particularly against China. The initiative also introduces Musk’s “Grok for Government” AI tools.
Reading Time : 2 minutesApple is reportedly eyeing the US broadcasting rights for Formula 1, seeking to capitalize on the sport’s soaring popularity and its own successful F1 movie. With ESPN’s contract expiring, this move could significantly boost Apple TV+’s live sports offerings, attracting a massive new subscriber base as the bidding war for the lucrative rights intensifies.
Reading Time : 2 minutesPresident Trump claims a deal to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations to American ownership is near, with talks possibly starting soon. Despite China’s vague response, the deal aligns with U.S. laws limiting ByteDance’s stake. Tensions from recent tariffs and extended deadlines highlight the ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes affecting TikTok’s future.
Reading Time : 2 minutesElon Musk’s xAI secured a massive $10 billion funding round, significantly boosting its competitive stance in the AI sector. This capital, split between debt and equity, will fuel the expansion of its AI infrastructure, including the Grok platform and a colossal Memphis supercomputer with 1 million Nvidia GPUs. This highlights the escalating “AI arms race” and xAI’s aggressive push to lead the next generation of artificial intelligence.
Reading Time : 2 minutesTexas Instruments is launching a $60 billion U.S. chipmaking expansion, creating seven fabs across Texas and Utah. This historic investment will boost domestic manufacturing, generate tens of thousands of jobs, and reinforce supply chains critical to tech, automotive, and defense sectors.
Reading Time : 2 minutesMasayoshi Son aims to build a $1 trillion AI manufacturing hub in Arizona, partnering with TSMC and the U.S. government. This bold plan seeks to boost high-tech production and create thousands of jobs, reinforcing America’s position in the global AI race. While ambitious, the project faces challenges around funding and execution.
Reading Time : 2 minutesTaiwan has added Huawei and SMIC to its export control list, tightening restrictions on the transfer of high-tech semiconductor equipment and know-how. The move aims to block Chinese access to sensitive technologies and aligns with U.S. policies. It’s part of Taiwan’s broader effort to protect national security and secure its leadership in chip production.
Reading Time : 2 minutesPresident Trump’s doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% has drawn sharp criticism from the EU, risking trade talks and raising costs globally. While aiming to boost U.S. steel production, the move complicates relations with allies like the UK and threatens retaliatory actions. Negotiations remain tense as both sides seek a way forward.
Reading Time : 2 minutes China’s chip industry is pushing ahead fast despite U.S. sanctions. Hygon is set to unveil a powerful processor, while merging with Sugon to boost local tech capabilities. This marks a clear step toward reducing foreign tech reliance and securing a strong place in the global semiconductor arena.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to Aa1 due to rising debt and interest burdens. It’s a historic shift with global impact, sparking market jitters and political pushback.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Trump signed an executive order to create a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, pushing to make the country the global crypto leader. The move sparks heated debate, with supporters hailing innovation and critics warning of volatility and state-backed speculation.
Reading Time : 2 minutes A temporary reduction in US-China tariffs has been agreed upon, easing economic tensions. But both sides remain cautious, aware that the deeper political rift hasn’t healed. Xi Jinping warns against bullying, while Washington keeps its guard up.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Miami’s newest skyscraper in Brickell is a sustainability trailblazer, producing 175 MWh of clean energy annually through 500 solar-integrated windows. This innovative design reduces carbon emissions by thousands of tons while powering the building entirely with renewable energy, setting a new standard for eco-friendly urban architecture.
