U.S. News & World Report Releases the Best Jobs of 2025 in the U.S.
This year, U.S. News & World Report, a globally authoritative ranking and consumer consulting institution, announced the best jobs of 2025.
Microsoft Discontinues Movie and TV Show Purchases/Rentals on Xbox and Microsoft Store
Microsoft has recently halted the rental and purchase of movies and TV shows through Xbox consoles and the Microsoft Store on Windows PCs, according to the company’s newly updated support page and multiple news reports.
Microsoft, US National Lab to Use AI to Speed Up Nuclear Power Plant Approvals
Microsoft and the U.S. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) announced a partnership on July 16 to use AI in new nuclear plant licensing, aiming to drastically shorten the process. The move responds to Trump’s executive order to cut nuclear licensing to 18 months, addressing growing energy demands from AI data centers.
U.S. Plans to Ban Chinese Tech in Submarine Cables
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans on July 16 to introduce new rules, fully prohibiting any submarine communication cables containing Chinese technology or equipment from connecting to U.S. networks.
Intel Drops Out of Top 10 Semiconductor Companies, Faces $16.6B Quarterly Loss
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan publicly acknowledged in a recent internal meeting that the company has fallen out of the global top 10 semiconductor firms due to years of strategic missteps, revealing a staggering $16.6 billion loss in Q3 2024 . This marks the worst quarterly performance in Intel’s 57-year history, driven by $15.9 billion in accelerated depreciation costs tied to underperforming Intel 7 manufacturing assets and Mobileye’s goodwill impairment . To reverse its fortunes, the board approved a new strategy centered on edge AI and agent AI, coupled with global layoffs and business restructuri
U.S. Launches National Security Probe into Drone, Polysilicon Imports
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on July 14 that the Trump administration has initiated an investigation into imports of drones and polysilicon—a semiconductor material—to assess their impact on U.S. national security. The Section 232 probe, which began quietly on July 1 without public disclosure, could pave the way for higher tariffs on these imports.
Malaysia Imposes Controls on AI Chip Exports
Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry announced on July 14 that all U.S.-made high-end AI chips must now secure a "strategic goods trade license" and notify authorities 30 days in advance for export, transshipment, or transit through the country. Individuals or firms evading controls face severe legal penalties. Malaysia also stated it is considering adding U.S. high-end AI chips to its strategic goods list.
EU May Withdraw Digital Tax Plan, Easing Pressure on U.S. Tech Giants
Foreign media reported on July 15 that the European Commission has formally withdrawn its plan to impose a digital tax on major tech companies during the latest budget negotiations. The decision is seen as a key compromise in EU-U.S. trade talks, temporarily relieving U.S. tech giants like Apple and Meta from heavy tax pressures, while the EU paves the way for broader trade agreements by adjusting its fiscal strategy.
