Tech giant Meta on Monday announced that it’s launching a new academy for workers to receive training in a skilled trade at no cost with a job guaranteed for all graduates.

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram is creating the America’s Workforce Academy (AWA) with an initial investment of $115 million in the program’s first year. It will start with pilot locations in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana and Texas this year.

Graduates of the program will receive a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credential as well as an America’s Workforce Certificate – both of which are designed to travel with the worker across employers and industry sectors.

“The AI revolution is bringing change but also historic opportunities. Skilled workers electrified rural America one pole at a time. They manned the factories that built the arsenal that won World War II. Now a new generation will pour the foundations and lay the fiber that secures American strength in this new age,” said Dina Powell McCormick, Meta president and vice-chairman.

META LAYS OFF NEARLY 1,400 WASHINGTON EMPLOYEES IN LATEST TECH WORKFORCE CUT

Meta said in its announcement that this initiative is the largest private-sector commitment to the skilled trades with a job guarantee in U.S. history. The move comes amid a shortage of workers in the skilled trades that is being exacerbated by the rapid buildout of infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

Rachel Peterson, vice president of data centers at Meta, said: “The AI infrastructure we’re building today requires an incredible workforce to make it a reality.” 

“America’s Workforce Academy is our commitment to building that workforce with the same ambition and long-term thinking we bring to the technology itself. America needs hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople — electricians, mechanics, fiber technicians and more — and this program creates clear, accessible pathways into those careers,” Peterson added.

ZUCKERBERG SAYS META LAYOFFS TIED TO AI SPENDING, WON’T RULE OUT FUTURE CUTS

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
META	META PLATFORMS INC.	585.39	-7.61	-1.28%

Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, said that the new initiative will help encourage more Americans to pursue careers in the skilled trades while also revolutionizing the way those workers are trained.

“Closing America’s skills gap requires us to not only make a more persuasive case for the skilled trades in general, it requires us to completely rethink the way we train the next generation of skilled workers. America’s Workforce Academy does both,” he explained. 

“Workers are actually paid to learn. There is zero cost to them, no college debt and a fast certification, with a guaranteed job on the other end. This is an important step in the right direction, and one that I hope other companies will be inspired to take,” Rowe added.

META SHIFTS 7,000 WORKERS INTO AI ROLES AS LAYOFFS, MANAGER CUTS LOOM

Meta is partnering with the National Urban League, the Associated Builders and Contractors and CBRE in the initiative. 

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Several community partners around the country include the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, STRIVE, Boone County Economic Development Corporation in Indiana, the Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce in Louisiana, Workforce Solutions Borderplex in Texas, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Thai consumer protection authorities are increasing scrutiny of ride-hailing platforms after a widely reported assault incident. This move aims to enhance passenger safety and ensure compliance with regulations. The heightened oversight includes monitoring driver backgrounds and improving the overall safety standards of these services to protect users and maintain trust in the ride-hailing industry.

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In response to growing concerns over ride hailing safety, authorities are implementing stricter regulations. Recent incidents have prompted a closer look at driver vetting processes and vehicle standards. The move aims to enhance passenger security and ensure that drivers meet stringent safety criteria. By requiring comprehensive background checks and regular vehicle inspections, regulators hope to address the gaps that have previously led to compromised safety.

Moreover, ride hailing companies will now be obligated to install advanced technology in their vehicles to monitor driving behavior. This includes GPS tracking and real-time alerts for potentially dangerous maneuvers. Authorities believe that this approach will not only deter reckless driving but also provide a safeguard for both passengers and drivers during rides.

Passengers have generally welcomed these changes, viewing them as necessary steps towards safer travel. Critics, however, argue that increased regulation could lead to higher costs and reduced availability of services. Despite this, the impending regulations reflect a growing consensus that passenger safety must take precedence. By striking a balance between accessibility and security, authorities hope to create a safer environment for all users of the ride hailing industry.

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NEW YORK — Nvidia Corp. shares rose 1.58% to $208.35 in morning trading on Monday, extending recent gains as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence infrastructure remained robust amid strong demand for the company’s GPUs and accelerated computing platforms.

The advance added roughly $3.25 per share and reflected broad participation from both institutional and retail investors. Trading volume was elevated as the stock continued to draw attention in a market increasingly focused on AI-related growth themes. Nvidia’s performance has been a key driver of technology sector momentum throughout 2026, with the company maintaining its position as the leading supplier of accelerators for data center AI workloads.

Nvidia has reported exceptional results in recent quarters, with revenue and earnings significantly exceeding expectations. The company’s data center segment, powered by the Hopper and Blackwell architectures, has seen explosive growth as hyperscalers and enterprises expand AI training and inference capabilities. Management has highlighted strong demand across multiple verticals, including cloud computing, automotive and professional visualization.

Analysts maintain overwhelmingly bullish ratings on Nvidia. Consensus price targets suggest substantial upside potential, with many highlighting the company’s dominant market share in AI accelerators and its expanding software ecosystem. The stock’s premium valuation reflects high expectations for sustained growth as the global AI buildout accelerates.

The bullish case centers on structural tailwinds. Global spending on AI infrastructure continues to surge, with Nvidia’s CUDA platform and full-stack offerings providing a significant competitive moat. The company’s ability to deliver cutting-edge performance while scaling production has been a key factor in its success. Partnerships with major cloud providers and enterprise customers further solidify its position at the center of the AI revolution.

Risks for potential buyers include elevated valuations that leave limited margin for error, potential moderation in hyperscaler spending and increasing competition from both established semiconductor players and new entrants. Geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains and export restrictions also remain important considerations.

For sellers or those on the sidelines, the stock’s remarkable run raises questions about near-term sustainability. While fundamentals appear exceptionally strong, high multiples mean any disappointment in growth trajectory or margins could trigger sharp corrections. Near-term volatility tied to macroeconomic factors and quarterly earnings warrants caution for shorter-term traders.

Investment decisions in 2026 should factor time horizon and risk tolerance. Long-term investors bullish on AI adoption may favor accumulation on dips, viewing Nvidia as a core technology holding with durable advantages. Growth-oriented portfolios benefit from its exposure to the most transformative technology trend of the decade.

Broader market context supports a constructive view. Technology spending remains robust, particularly in AI infrastructure. Nvidia’s performance has been a primary driver of major indices, with its influence extending beyond semiconductors to the wider technology ecosystem.

Analyst sentiment remains strongly positive, with frequent upward revisions to price targets and earnings estimates. Institutional ownership is high, reflecting confidence among professional investors. The company’s ability to deliver consistent growth and maintain technological leadership will be closely watched.

Diversification remains important for any exposure to Nvidia. While the company’s quality and growth prospects are compelling, concentration risk in technology and semiconductors warrants balancing with other sectors. Pairing it with more defensive holdings or international exposure can help manage volatility.

As the year progresses, key catalysts include quarterly results, product launches and updates on AI adoption rates. Nvidia’s execution on next-generation platforms and ability to scale production will be critical factors.

The company continues investing heavily in research and development, new manufacturing capacity and ecosystem development. Its focus on software, systems and full-stack solutions differentiates it from pure hardware competitors and creates stickiness with customers.

For retail investors, Nvidia offers an accessible way to participate in the AI megatrend. Its consumer-facing products like GeForce GPUs and professional solutions provide tangible relevance, while data center dominance drives the majority of revenue and profit growth.

Monday’s trading added to positive momentum but also highlighted the stock’s sensitivity to sentiment shifts. The 1.58% gain fits within normal daily movements for a company of Nvidia’s size and influence.

As one of the world’s most valuable companies, Nvidia plays a central role in shaping the AI future. Its chips power much of the world’s most advanced computing, influencing industries from healthcare to autonomous transportation.

Investors evaluating Nvidia should conduct thorough due diligence, consider individual risk tolerance and maintain a long-term perspective. The company’s track record of innovation and value creation through technological shifts supports optimism for continued success in the AI era.

Overall, Nvidia remains a high-quality growth story with exceptional momentum. While risks around valuation and competition persist, its technological leadership, ecosystem strength and massive addressable market make it a compelling consideration for investors seeking exposure to the defining technology trend of this decade.

NEW YORK — US Bank’s online banking platform experienced widespread disruptions on Monday, leaving hundreds of customers unable to access accounts, make transfers or view balances, according to multiple outage tracking services and user reports.

The outage, first widely noted around midday, affected login attempts, mobile app functionality and ATM services for many users across the United States. The @status_is_down account on X reported that “US Bank’s online banking is reportedly down for hundreds of users right now,” prompting numerous confirmations from frustrated customers who shared similar experiences.

DownDetector and other monitoring sites showed a sharp spike in reports, with the majority citing problems logging in, error messages claiming no account existed despite valid credentials, and complete service unavailability. Some users reported being able to log in intermittently only to encounter blank dashboards or transaction failures.

Customer complaints highlighted the inconvenience during a busy workday. Many described being locked out of essential services, including bill payments, transfers and balance checks. ATM issues were also reported, compounding difficulties for those needing immediate cash access.

US Bank has not yet issued an official statement on the cause or expected resolution time. In past outages, the bank has typically communicated through its website, social media channels or in-app notifications once the issue is identified. Customers are advised to check the bank’s official status page or social accounts for updates as the situation develops.

This marks another instance of major financial institution service disruptions in 2026. Banking apps and online platforms have faced increased scrutiny as customers rely more heavily on digital services for everyday transactions. Outages like Monday’s can cause significant inconvenience and, in some cases, financial impacts for users who miss time-sensitive payments or transfers.

The timing coincided with typical midday banking activity, amplifying frustration among customers who expected reliable access during business hours. Social media platforms filled with reports from affected users, many expressing annoyance at the lack of immediate communication from the bank.

Financial institutions invest heavily in infrastructure redundancy and cybersecurity to prevent such incidents, but occasional outages still occur due to high traffic, software updates, or technical glitches. US Bank, one of the largest banks in the United States, serves millions of customers and maintains a reputation for generally reliable digital services, making Monday’s widespread disruption notable.

For customers impacted, recommended steps include trying alternative access methods such as the mobile app versus website, clearing cache and cookies, or using different devices. In cases of prolonged outage, contacting customer service via phone may provide more direct assistance, though call volumes are often elevated during such events.

The incident highlights the growing dependence on digital banking and the importance of backup access methods. Many financial experts recommend maintaining multiple banking relationships or having contingency plans for temporary service interruptions, particularly for time-sensitive transactions.

US Bank customers have historically received timely resolutions when outages occur, with service typically restored within hours. However, the lack of immediate communication has drawn criticism from some users who felt left in the dark about the scope and expected duration of the problem.

Broader context includes increasing regulatory focus on financial institutions’ digital resilience and customer communication during service disruptions. Outages can trigger scrutiny from regulators and consumer protection agencies, particularly when they affect large numbers of customers or last for extended periods.

Monday’s disruption serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in highly digital financial systems. While technology has dramatically improved convenience and access to banking services, it also introduces new points of failure that can impact daily life for millions.

Affected customers are encouraged to document any financial impacts, such as late fees or missed opportunities resulting from the outage, in case compensation or adjustments become available. US Bank has occasionally offered goodwill gestures or fee waivers following significant service interruptions.

As the situation develops, users should continue monitoring official channels for updates. Alternative banking methods, such as visiting physical branches or using debit cards for in-person transactions, may provide temporary relief for those with urgent needs.

The outage also sparked conversations about banking redundancy and the importance of having emergency cash or secondary accounts. Financial advisors often recommend maintaining access to multiple financial institutions to mitigate risks from single-point failures in digital services.

US Bank, like other major institutions, continues investing in cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization and customer support enhancements to minimize future disruptions. Monday’s event may prompt internal reviews to strengthen resilience and communication protocols.

For now, customers are urged to remain patient while technical teams work toward full restoration. The bank’s long history of serving customers suggests a swift resolution is likely, though no specific timeline has been provided.

The incident adds to a growing list of financial services outages in 2026, underscoring the challenges of maintaining 24/7 digital availability at massive scale. As banking becomes increasingly digital, reliability and transparent communication during incidents remain critical for maintaining customer trust.

Users experiencing issues are encouraged to try accessing services periodically, as partial restorations often occur before full recovery is announced. In the meantime, documenting experiences and impacts can help if formal complaints or compensation requests become necessary.

Monday’s outage serves as a practical reminder for all digital banking customers to maintain awareness of backup options and to avoid relying solely on online platforms for time-sensitive financial matters. As the situation evolves, updates from US Bank and user reports will provide further clarity on the scope and resolution of the disruption.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is reviewing the framework for variable net worth requirements for stockbrokers to ensure that capital requirements are aligned with their operational scale and risk, Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said on Monday.

Currently, variable net worth is linked to 10% of the average daily client cash balance retained by brokers. In April, the regulator proposed a more comprehensive, risk-based approach.

It had then said variable net worth would be computed as an aggregate of two key components: a portion linked to client funds and another tied to the size of the client base.

Sebi also plans to improve price discovery during the listing process through the pre-open call auction mechanism for initial public offerings and relisted securities. The proposed changes are aimed at ensuring “more stable and efficient market openings”, Pandey said at an event. India witnessed 366 IPOs in FY26, raising about ₹1.9 lakh crore, while total equity fundraising had crossed ₹4.5 lakh crore.

Last month, the regulator suggested changes to the pre-open call auction process, including a new methodology for determining base prices for re-listed stocks and a more dynamic mechanism for widening price bands. Sebi is also working on easing compliance requirements for research analysts, including rationalising requirements such as call recording obligations in institutional interactions, Pandey said.

For the mutual fund industry, Pandey said Sebi is proposing a more practical framework for the use of intraday borrowing – not just as a contingency tool, but as an efficient mechanism for managing temporary liquidity mismatches.
On the debt side, the Sebi chief said a working group is sorting out operational details to introduce a market-making framework to improve liquidity in the corporate bond market. “Additionally, Sebi and the Reserve Bank of India are working together to introduce derivatives on corporate bond indices,” he said.

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ET Intelligence Group: South Korea has slipped below India in the global market cap tally, hit by a sharp decline in stocks of chip makers, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. At $4.5 trillion, South Korea’s market cap has lost nearly 10% in a matter of a week.

India’s market cap, on the other hand, has remained more or less unaffected at $4.84 trillion during the period. With this, India has regained the sixth spot on the global market cap tally after ceding it earlier to South Korea last week.

Samsung and SK Hynix have lost 18% and 19% respectively, from record highs hit on June 02 amid a sharp drop in shares of technology companies working in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Though Indian information technology (IT) stocks, too, showed weakness, their decline was relatively moderate, with the BSE IT index losing 7.5% during the period.

Last Friday, stocks of global companies involved in the AI field faced heavy selling, triggered by a lacklustre guidance from Broadcom — a fabless designer of microchips used in data centres and industrial markets. Despite reporting a strong quarterly performance, the company did not revise the full-year sales outlook, thereby disappointing investors. This also drove a major selling spree across AI-related stocks. The tech-heavy Nasdaq lost over 4% on Friday.

On Monday, the South Korean equity benchmark KOSPI lost 8.3% in a single day, led by a 10% drop in Samsung and nearly 8% fall in SK Hynix. The weakness in the Indian benchmarks was measured; the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 closed the day 1% lower, while the BSE IT index lost 1.3% from the previous close.