Americans are keeping their jobs at remarkable rates, with new unemployment claims dropping to just 197,000 last week, the lowest figure since mid-July and a clear sign that working families continue to find stability even as the nation navigates conflict abroad.
The rise of AI-powered cheats and deepfake scammers is pushing companies to abandon virtual hiring practices and return to traditional face-to-face interviews. With remote work and online interviews becoming common in recent years, many employers are now reversing course due to growing concerns over fraud and deception.
Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding President Lyndon B. Johnson's Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action in federal government contracting. The new policy eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in the federal workforce and contracting, shifting the focus to a merit-based system. The administration noted this change as a commitment to rewarding individual skills, performance, and hard work over identity-based hiring quotas.
The State Department implemented a "One Flag Policy," preventing U.S. outposts from flying any flag other than the U.S. flag, according to an order obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. federal employees working in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) offices will be placed on paid leave by this evening.
On his second day in office, President Donald Trump addressed the H-1B visa program, acknowledging both sides of the contentious debate while emphasizing the need for "competent people" to contribute to the U.S. workforce. Speaking at a White House press event with CEOs Larry Ellison (Oracle), Masayoshi Son (Softbank), and Sam Altman (OpenAI), Trump described the importance of skilled immigration for economic growth while refraining from endorsing an expansion or reduction of the program.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed an executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within state government. This move aligns state operations with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Washington State Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) has introduced a bill that would allocate state funds to provide unemployment benefits to illegal immigrants, despite the state's $10-17 billion budget deficit. The proposed legislation, SB 5023, aims to create a separate program for workers ineligible for federal unemployment insurance due to their immigration status.
The election of Donald Trump to a second presidential term is fueling a wave of economic optimism, with business confidence reaching its highest level in 18 months. S&P Global’s latest data reveals accelerated growth across the services sector, underscoring the positive impact of Trump’s anticipated pro-business policies.
