News – Page 71

RTO Mandates and Policy Shifts Widen Gender Pay Gap and Black Unemployment, Reports Show

New analyses indicate return-to-office requirements and shifting federal policies are having disproportionate effects on women and Black employees. The gender pay gap has widened to its lowest point since 2016, while Black unemployment has surged to 7.5%.

Workplace Policies Reverse Equity Gains

Recent workplace and policy trends are disproportionately impacting women and Black employees, according to multiple reports analyzing employment data. The convergence of stricter return-to-office mandates and shifting federal policies appears to be reversing decades of progress on workplace equity, with sources indicating these changes are affecting gender and racial disparities in employment and compensation.

by Tyler Brooks P.EOctober 15, 2025

Assistive Technology Gaming Hardware

Intel’s Crescent Island Xe3P GPU Targets AI Inference with 160GB LPDDR5x Memory

Intel has revealed its Crescent Island data center GPU featuring the new Xe3P architecture and up to 160GB LPDDR5x memory. The processor is specifically designed for AI inference workloads with improved power efficiency. Samples are expected to ship in late 2026 ahead of full launch in 2027.

Intel Announces Xe3P Architecture for Data Center AI Workloads

Intel has unveiled significant details about its upcoming data center GPU codenamed Crescent Island, featuring the company’s new Xe3P architecture, according to reports from the OCP Global Summit. The announcement represents a strategic shift in Intel’s approach to data center acceleration, with the company positioning the technology specifically for AI inference workloads rather than full-scale training operations.

by Ethan Reynolds PhDOctober 15, 2025

Government Policy

Government Shutdown Enters Day 15: Economic Impact, Political Blame Game Intensifies

The federal government shutdown has entered its 15th day with analysts warning of $15 billion daily economic impacts. Political leaders continue trading accusations as 750,000 federal workers face furloughs and critical services experience disruptions.

Government Shutdown Economic Impact and Political Fallout

The federal government shutdown has entered its 15th day, with economic analysts warning the stalemate could cost $15 billion daily according to reports from financial experts. The political impasse shows no signs of resolution as both parties continue trading accusations over responsibility for the funding lapse that has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted numerous government services.

by Megan CarterOctober 15, 2025

Emigration and Immigration Policy

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Reshapes Tech Hiring, Strains Startups

The Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee is creating immediate hiring disruptions for startups and small businesses while pushing companies to develop domestic talent pipelines. Venture capitalists are reportedly negotiating for startup exemptions as skilled workers shift toward large companies that can afford the new costs.

Immediate Impact on Tech Hiring and Talent Pipelines

Nearly a month after the implementation of a surprise executive order from President Donald Trump requiring $100,000 payments for new H-1B visa recipients, the policy is reportedly disrupting high-tech talent pipelines across the United States. According to reports from recruiters and entrepreneurs, the restrictions are already slowing hiring and shrinking the talent pool for small businesses and venture-backed startups.

by Tyler Brooks P.EOctober 15, 2025

Arts and Entertainment Policy

Newsom Vetoes Child AI Safety Bill Amid Industry Pressure, Signs Other Regulations

Governor Gavin Newsom has rejected legislation that would have required AI companies to prove their chatbots could safely protect minors from harmful content. The decision comes as California simultaneously enforces other AI safety regulations through different legislation.

Landmark Child Protection Bill Vetoed

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 1064, legislation that would have mandated AI chatbot companies prove their products could reliably prevent minors from accessing inappropriate or dangerous content. According to reports, the bill would have been the first regulation of its kind in the nation, requiring companies to implement guardrails against adult roleplay and conversations about self-harm and suicide before allowing minor access.

by Megan CarterOctober 15, 2025

International Business and Trade Policy

US Warns of Global Economic Decoupling Over China’s Rare Earth Export Controls

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that China’s sweeping new export controls on rare earth elements could force global economic decoupling. The measures, scheduled for December implementation, have drawn sharp criticism from US officials who describe them as “economic coercion” affecting global supply chains.

US Officials Issue Stern Warning Over China’s Export Controls

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has delivered a stark warning to Beijing, stating that new export controls on rare earths and critical minerals could force the US and other nations to “decouple” from China, according to reports from a Wednesday news conference. Bessent, speaking alongside US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, emphasized that while the world prefers “de-risking” rather than complete decoupling, China’s actions are pushing global economies in that direction.

by Tyler Brooks P.EOctober 15, 2025

Climate Control Environment

UN Warns of ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Climate Era as CO2 Levels Spike at Record Rate

The United Nations weather agency has declared the world is entering an “extremely dangerous” climate era after carbon dioxide levels recorded their largest annual spike in human history. According to the World Meteorological Organization’s latest bulletin, CO2 growth rates have now tripled since the 1960s, reaching concentrations not seen in at least 800,000 years.

Unprecedented CO2 Surge Signals Climate Emergency

The United Nations weather agency has warned that the world is entering an “extremely dangerous” climate era after carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere jumped by the highest amount on record last year. According to reports from the World Meteorological Organization, the increase in the global average concentration of CO2 from 2023 to 2024 represented the highest annual level since measurements began in 1957.

by Megan CarterOctober 15, 2025

Business Personal Finance

Goldman Sachs Makes Historic $665M Bet on Venture Capital Secondaries Market

In an unprecedented move for Wall Street banking, Goldman Sachs is acquiring Industry Ventures in a deal valued at $665 million with additional performance incentives. The acquisition represents a strategic bet on the rapidly growing secondary market for private company shares, according to industry analysts and financial reports.

Goldman Sachs Makes Unprecedented Move Into Venture Capital

Goldman Sachs has announced plans to acquire venture capital firm Industry Ventures in a landmark deal that signals major financial institutions’ increasing interest in private markets, according to reports from Fortune. The acquisition, valued at $665 million in cash and equity with an additional performance-based $300 million through 2030, represents one of the rare instances of a venture capital firm being acquired by a major financial institution.

by Megan CarterOctober 15, 2025