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Maria, a cleaning worker in Florida, lost her job after Trump terminated Biden’s humanitarian parole program. This crackdown on immigration is not only affecting low-wage laborers like Maria, but also skilled foreigners who contribute to the economy. The loss of foreign workers is projected to slow down job growth and economic growth, creating labor shortages and potential price increases.

The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, including raids at workplaces and increased detention of immigrants, is causing disruptions in various industries, from healthcare to agriculture. Farming communities are feeling the impact of labor shortages, while skilled foreign workers are reconsidering their future in the United States due to the raised visa fees. This crackdown sends a clear message to immigrants: “You are not welcome here.” The long-term consequences of Trump’s immigration policies could have far-reaching effects on innovation, productivity, and the overall economy.

In a time where the value of a college degree is being questioned more than ever, colleges are under pressure to prove their worth to students. With rising tuition costs, student loans, and a competitive job market, the idea of return on investment (ROI) has become a key factor in decision-making for many prospective students. Public confidence in higher education has seen a decline, leading to a new focus on the financial benefits that colleges can deliver.

While research still shows that a bachelor’s degree pays off in the long run, there is growing recognition that not all degrees lead to high-earning jobs. States like Colorado and Texas are factoring in ROI when allocating funds to colleges, reflecting the shift in the education landscape. Colleges are now focusing on not only lowering tuition costs but also ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills needed by employers, bridging the gap between education and the job market. With transparency and data becoming more important, colleges are facing the challenge of providing students and their families with the information they need to make informed decisions about their future.

Nestlé, the Swiss food giant known for brands like Nescafé and KitKats, announced plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs globally over the next two years. This move comes as part of the company’s efforts to boost financial performance and raise targeted cost cuts to $3.76 billion by the end of next year. The company is facing challenges such as rising commodity costs, U.S. imposed tariffs, and supply chain disruptions due to inclement weather in cocoa-producing regions.

In response to these challenges, Nestlé is restructuring its workforce by cutting 12,000 white-collar positions and 4,000 jobs in manufacturing and supply chain. The company’s new CEO, Philipp Navratil, emphasized the need for Nestlé to adapt to a changing world and drive faster changes within the organization. The announcement of job cuts led to an 8% increase in Nestlé’s stock price on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

In a time of economic uncertainty and hiring slowdowns, many workers may feel hesitant to ask for a raise. However, career experts suggest that it is still appropriate to advocate for fair compensation, especially if you have taken on more responsibilities or are paid significantly less than your peers. Timing is crucial, and it may be the right moment to request a pay adjustment if your current financial situation is impacting your job performance or if you have been excelling in your role.

Researching current salaries, discussing compensation with coworkers, and compiling a “brag sheet” of your accomplishments are all strategies that can help make your case for a raise. While there is no guarantee of success, having the conversation with your manager can set the stage for future negotiations, even if your request is initially denied. Remember, advocating for yourself is an important part of career advancement, and it’s better to know where you stand than to wait indefinitely for the perfect moment to ask for what you’re worth.

The European Commission imposed fines totaling over 157 million euros on luxury fashion houses Gucci, Chloé, and Loewe for engaging in anti-competitive practices that restricted independent retailers’ ability to set prices for their goods. This decision was made following a 2023 investigation which revealed that the companies’ fixing of resale prices breached the bloc’s competition rules and harmed consumers. Gucci’s owner, Kering, acknowledged the past commercial practices and cooperated with the investigation, resulting in a reduced fine of nearly 120 million euros. Chloé, owned by the Richemont group, also saw its fine reduced by 15% to nearly 20 million euros, while LVMH-owned Loewe had its fine halved to 18 million euros for cooperating with authorities. The commission stated that the practices adopted by these luxury brands limited the ability of independent retailers to set their own prices for high-end apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories, ultimately reducing competition in the market.

A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s administration from firing workers during the government shutdown. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston expressed concerns that the layoffs appeared to be politically motivated and were being carried out without proper consideration. The judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the job cuts, stating that they were likely illegal and excessive.

The American Federation of Government Employees and other federal labor unions had requested the court to intervene, arguing that the firings were an abuse of power meant to punish workers and pressure Congress. As the shutdown entered its third week, Democratic lawmakers continued to demand concessions on healthcare funding before negotiating with Republicans. The administration, however, maintained its stance, cutting jobs in health and education while continuing military payments and immigration enforcement.

Google revealed its plans to invest $15 billion in India over the next five years to establish its first artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam. This hub will feature gigawatt-scale data center operations, energy infrastructure, an expanded fiber-optic network, and a new international subsea gateway. The investment highlights India’s importance as a key technology and talent base in the global AI competition, bringing in high-value infrastructure and foreign investment that can boost the country’s digital transformation ambitions.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the ambitious plans with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized that the investment aligns with India’s vision of becoming a developed country and democratizing technology. The initiative is set to pioneer a generational shift in AI capability, creating economic and societal opportunities for both India and the United States. Business conglomerate Adani Group has also partnered with Google for developing the AI hub, showcasing the collaborative effort to drive AI innovation and growth across the country.