AI News

Vermont businesses are experiencing a surprising tourism drought as Canadian visitors vanish from border towns this summer, with Quebec license plates disappearing from mountain trails and stores sitting unusually empty. Data reveals a staggering 39% drop in border crossings from Canada to Vermont, while Canadian spending in the US has plunged nearly 8% amid ongoing trade tensions. From renamed streets in Burlington to heartfelt „Dear Canada” campaigns, American communities are launching creative efforts to woo back their northern neighbors and prevent lasting economic damage to small businesses.

Wall Street’s crypto embrace intensifies as Intercontinental Exchange nears a $2 billion stake in prediction platform Polymarket, signaling major institutional validation for digital asset markets. This landmark investment coincides with record-breaking equity performances as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq surge on AI-driven rallies and banking consolidation. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s multibillion-dollar chip partnership with AMD accelerates the artificial intelligence arms race, while a prolonged government shutdown fuels economic uncertainty and gold’s push toward $4,000. Tesla’s affordable vehicle tease and emerging market rallies complete a transformative landscape where technological disruption and policy challenges reshape global financial trajectories.

In a dramatic cabinet shake-up, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has ousted Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and four other ministers following deadly nationwide protests over economic inequality and controversial parliamentary perks. The reshuffle comes after weeks of unrest triggered by lawmakers receiving lavish housing allowances while citizens grapple with financial hardships. New Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa takes office pledging to accelerate economic growth through strategic fiscal measures. This political upheaval highlights the intense public pressure on Prabowo’s administration after protests left multiple casualties and exposed deep societal divisions.

Looking for a business credit card with no annual fee and interest-free financing? The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers a practical 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles, making it ideal for managing cash flow or funding large expenses. While it lacks rewards and welcome bonuses, its focus on interest savings and spend management tools benefits growing businesses. This card is best suited for owners prioritizing financial flexibility over earning perks on their spending.

From tennis prodigy to investment banker, Vitoria Okuyama achieved global rankings and Wall Street success only to face burnout in both careers, ultimately finding clarity through ayahuasca retreats and embracing a new path focused on personal fulfillment over relentless ambition. The former world No. 118 junior player and Citi analyst shares how hitting her limits in elite sports and finance taught her to prioritize mental health and walk away from high-pressure environments. Her journey from competing at the US Open to leaving banking after nine months reveals the hidden costs of pushing beyond sustainable boundaries in pursuit of external validation. Now working part-time in startups, Okuyama’s story offers a powerful lesson in recognizing burnout symptoms early and the transformative power of stepping off conventional career tracks to rediscover what truly matters.

New Yorkers are being forced to foot the bill for a controversial new pipeline, with a new independent analysis revealing the project’s costs are 17% higher than utility estimates. Despite claims of increased gas supply and job creation, critics argue the financial burden falls on residents already struggling with soaring utility bills. The fast-tracked federal approval process sidelines state oversight, leaving customers to face additional monthly charges amid pending rate hikes.

Samsung’s September security patch is now rolling out for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 in South Korea, introducing Google Finance integration for the Now Bar and new widget support in Samsung DeX. This update also addresses two critical vulnerabilities in Android Systems and Qualcomm components, enhancing device security. Expect the patch to expand to more regions throughout the week, bringing these features and fixes to a broader audience of Samsung foldable users.

Europe faces a „hybrid war” with Russia, warns Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen, as Ukraine stands as the continent’s critical first line of defense. President Zelenskyy is rallying nearly 50 European leaders in Copenhagen for increased military and financial aid amid shifting U.S. priorities. The urgent appeal comes as EU members debate using frozen Russian assets to secure a massive €140 billion loan for Kyiv’s war efforts. Heightened security measures are in place following recent drone incidents, underscoring Europe’s escalating tensions with Russia.

AI will boost junior bankers’ careers and bank productivity, says ex-Citi executive Sopnendu Mohanty. He compares AI’s impact to smartphones, enabling bankers to engage more clients effectively. This tech shift promises better customer loyalty and higher efficiency for new hires. Finance leaders agree AI enhances work quality rather than threatening jobs.

Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, *The Chronology of Water*, has been acquired by BFI Distribution for UK and Ireland release after its acclaimed Cannes premiere. The film, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, stars Imogen Poots in a revelatory performance and explores themes of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery. Following sold-out screenings at the BFI Film Festival, the movie continues its global festival tour with multiple international distribution deals secured. Stewart and BFI executives praise the film’s bold direction and emotional intensity, anticipating strong audience engagement.