As Americans lose faith in higher education, Gen Z turns to skills and blue-collar jobs

The White House has announced that a deal regarding TikTok's ownership could be finalized in South Korea, potentially resolving months of uncertainty about the app's future in the U.S. This development is significant as it indicates progress in negotiations between the Trump administration and China, which could allow TikTok to continue operating in the American market, alleviating concerns for its millions of users.

The recent deregulation efforts by the Trump administration are raising concerns about the potential for increased risks in the private credit market. Experts warn that these looser rules could lead to a surge in predatory lending practices, likening the situation to a breeding ground for 'cockroaches'—unethical lenders that thrive in a lax regulatory environment. This matters because it could jeopardize financial stability for many borrowers, making it crucial for policymakers to consider the long-term implications of such deregulation.

Several states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for suspending food benefits during the government shutdown. This decision has left many vulnerable families without essential support, highlighting the critical role these benefits play in ensuring food security. The lawsuit aims to restore these benefits, emphasizing the importance of government assistance during tough economic times.

A federal judge has taken a significant step by indefinitely barring the Trump administration from firing federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown. This decision builds on a previous temporary restraining order that was set to expire soon, ensuring job security for federal workers amidst the uncertainty. This ruling is crucial as it protects employees from potential job losses during a time when many are already facing challenges due to the shutdown.

Substrate, a $1 billion startup backed by prominent investors like Founders Fund and General Catalyst, is making waves in the tech world by aiming to restore the US's leadership in chipmaking. With innovative technology that claims to rival industry giant ASML, Substrate's efforts could significantly impact the semiconductor landscape. The company's CEO, James Proud, has even engaged with members of the Trump administration to discuss their ambitious plans. This initiative is crucial as it addresses the growing need for domestic chip production in a competitive global market.

The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant distress for 1.3 million active-duty service members who may miss their paychecks. This situation is compounded by the Trump administration's announcement that funding for a crucial food assistance program, which supports 42 million Americans, will expire soon. This matters because it highlights the broader impact of political stalemates on everyday citizens, particularly those serving in the military and families relying on food aid.

The Trump administration has announced its support for a plan to construct new Westinghouse nuclear reactors, a move that could significantly boost the U.S. energy sector. While details are sparse, this initiative follows the recent success of similar reactors at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia. This development is important as it signals a renewed commitment to nuclear energy, which could play a crucial role in meeting future energy demands and reducing carbon emissions.

As Gen Z navigates a challenging job market, particularly in white-collar sectors, there's a notable surge in applications to law and business schools, with law school applications rising by 33% compared to last year. This trend highlights a proactive approach among young people to enhance their qualifications and adapt to the evolving job landscape influenced by AI. It reflects their determination to secure stable futures in a rapidly changing economy.

Investors should keep an eye on a specific price point that could indicate the next opportunity to buy gold and silver. Understanding these price signals is crucial for making informed investment decisions in precious metals, especially in a fluctuating market.

Honda has announced temporary production reductions and stoppages at its North American factories due to a semiconductor shortage. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in the automotive industry, where supply chain disruptions are affecting production capabilities. As automakers struggle to secure essential components, it raises concerns about the potential impact on vehicle availability and sales in the market.

Gold prices have rebounded, settling 0.4% higher at $3983.70, breaking a three-session losing streak. This positive shift is significant as it indicates renewed investor confidence in gold, while silver also saw a rise of 1.3%, marking its second consecutive day of gains. Such trends in precious metals can reflect broader economic sentiments and influence investment strategies.

Jay Goldberg, a senior analyst at Seaport Global Securities, stands out as the only analyst with a sell rating on Nvidia Corp, despite the overwhelming support from 80 other analysts and the hype surrounding the stock. He highlights potential risks for the company, emphasizing that even with backing from figures like President Donald Trump, things could take a turn for the worse. This perspective is crucial as it challenges the prevailing optimism and urges investors to consider the underlying risks.

Burford Capital Ltd. experienced a significant drop in its share price, falling as much as 15% during trading in New York. This decline comes amid a hearing regarding Argentina's appeal of a substantial $16 billion judgment that Burford backed. The outcome of this case is crucial not only for Burford's financial health but also for the broader implications it may have on international litigation funding and Argentina's economic situation.

A significant global outage affecting Microsoft 365 and Azure has caused disruptions at major sites like Heathrow and NatWest, reminiscent of a recent incident with Amazon. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities in cloud computing services and the ripple effects they can have on critical infrastructure and businesses, raising concerns about reliability and contingency planning.