Breaking
Principle Isa Promise
Author

admin

Browsing
Investing

Crypto Market Update: Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries Jump to US$117 Billion

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (October 15) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$112,274, a 1.2 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$110,392, and its highest was US$112,241.

Bitcoin price performance, October 15, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Analysts maintain that market resilience and institutional demand persist despite the largest liquidation event in the cryptocurrency’s history last week. In his weekly commentary, Bitwise Asset Management’s Matt Hougan notes that while panic is often signaled by a flood of investor communications, this time “it was crickets.”

He observed, “professional investors largely ignored the news,” despite media and social media buzz.

Hougan added that the market may remain jittery in the near term as liquidity providers typically pull back after major volatility, which can cause exaggerated price moves.

However, he expressed confidence that “over time, the market will catch its breath and renew its attention on crypto’s fundamentals,” leading him to believe “the bull market will continue apace.”

While fundamentals and ongoing institutional demand sustain optimism, the market stands at a critical point where a near-term correction remains a real possibility before the bull market can continue.

Technical analysts warn of downside risks, with a rising wedge pattern and a key support level at US$102,000. A breakdown could trigger a 34 percent correction to US$74,000.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,983.03, a 3 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3,944.17, and its highest was US$4,096.90. Analysts are bullish on Ether, with some projecting a potential rally to US$5,200, citing the Ethereum Foundation’s new privacy initiative as a critical catalyst.

The “Privacy Cluster,” a 47 person research and engineering team, aims to embed protocol-level privacy features, including private payments, decentralized identity and zero-knowledge infrastructure, directly into Ethereum’s architecture.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$194.76, a decrease of 2.4 percent over the last 24 hours and its lowest valuation of the day. Its highest was US$204.32.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.41, a decrease of 2.9 percent over the last 24 hours to its lowest valuation of the day. Its highest was US$2.50.

Crypto derivatives and market indicators

Bitcoin derivatives metrics indicate a cautious and consolidating market.

Liquidations have totaled approximately US$10.4 million in the last four hours, with long positions making up a slight majority, signaling continued risk aversion among traders. Ether liquidations showed a divergent pattern, totaling US$20.67 million, the overwhelming majority of which were long positions.

Futures open interest for Bitcoin has decreased by 0.09 percent to US$72.62 billion, and Ether futures open interest moved by +0.95 percent to US$46.64 billion, reflecting market consolidation and repositioning.

The perpetual funding rate for Bitcoin and Ether was 0.003, indicating a neutral to slightly bullish market sentiment.

Bitcoin’s RSI stood at 39.63, indicating that it is in a bearish or neutral momentum phase but not yet deeply oversold.

Fear and Greed Index snapshot

CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index has dipped back into fear territory after shifting in between neutral for the past few weeks. The index currently stands around 37.

CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin price and Bitcoin volume.

Chart via CoinMarketCap.

Today’s crypto news to know

OwlTing announces Nasdaq listing

Taiwanese fintech company OwlTing has received approval to list directly on the Nasdaq Global Market.

Operating under its parent entity, OBOOK Holdings, OwlTing will trade under the ticker symbol ‘OWLS,’ and will mark its first trading day on the Nasdaq by ringing the opening bell on Thursday (October 16).

This direct listing approach allows OwlTing to avoid issuing new shares, thereby preventing dilution of existing shareholders’ equity and signaling steadfast confidence in its valuation and growth strategy.

Founded by Darren Wang, OwlTing launched its flagship product, OwlPay, in 2023. OwlPay enables businesses globally to transact using stablecoins such as USDC or traditional fiat currencies. The company aims to leverage its Nasdaq listing to expand its global footprint while emphasizing financial transparency and regulatory compliance.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to add US$14 billion in government-held Bitcoin

The US government is preparing to retain approximately 127,271 BTC, valued at US$14.2 billion, as part of the country’s newly established Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

These assets were confiscated in a joint US-UK crypto fraud case tied to Chen Zhi of the Cambodia-based Prince Group.

Instead of selling the Bitcoin, authorities plan to hold it long term, with Executive Order 2025 mandating that crypto forfeited in criminal or civil cases be allocated to the reserve rather than auctioned. The coins are expected to complement ongoing institutional accumulation and exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows, potentially strengthening broader market stability. Analysts note this move may bolster Bitcoin’s perception as a viable state-held asset.

Corporate Bitcoin holdings surge to US$117 billion

Bitwise data indicates public companies significantly increased their Bitcoin exposure in the third quarter of the year, with the total holdings of corporate treasuries reaching US$117 billion.

In total, 172 firms now hold more than 1.02 million BTC, up nearly 40 percent from the prior quarter.

Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) remains the largest holder with 640,031 BTC, while newer entrants like Metaplanet (TSE:3350,OTCQX:MTPLF) have more than doubled their positions. Analysts say the trend reflects a strategic pivot, with firms treating Bitcoin as both a hedge and a long-term treasury reserve.

Public companies led the accumulation, adding roughly 193,000 BTC, far outpacing private firms and ETFs.

BLESS token sees major price surge

The Bless token (BLESS) reached an all-time high of US$0.1652 on Wednesday, representing an increase of over 230 percent in 24 hours and about 390 percent from its earlier lower price of US$0.0234.

The surge was accompanied by an increase in trading volume, with 24 hour volume soaring to approximately US$101 million, bringing the market capitalization to over US$200 million. The rally has been attributed to several catalysts, including Binance Alpha listing speculation, the project roadmap featuring GPU-ready nodes and fiat on-ramps.

NYC launches nation’s first municipal crypto office

New York City Mayor Eric Adams established an Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, appointing Moises Rendon as executive director. Adams, an early Bitcoin and Ether recipient of his mayoral salary, emphasized the potential for digital assets to expand opportunities for underbanked communities. The office aims to promote responsible innovation, coordinate municipal policy and position NYC as a global crypto hub.

Erebor receives US regulatory approval

Erebor, a financial services company backed by Peter Thiel, has received preliminary US regulatory approval to launch, potentially filling the void left by Silicon Valley Bank’s 2023 collapse.

While a banking charter has been secured, several compliance and security hurdles remain before operations can begin, a process that could take months. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency confirmed the approval, with Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould stating that ‘permissible digital asset activities … have a place in the federal banking system if conducted in a safe and sound manner.’

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Investing

McEwen to Acquire Canadian Gold in All-share Deal

McEwen (TSX:MUX,NYSE:MUX) has agreed to acquire Canadian Gold (TSXV:CGC,OTCQB:STRRF) in an all-share transaction that values Canadian Gold at a 96.7 percent premium over its pre-announcement trading price.

The deal, announced on Tuesday (October 14) and finalized under a definitive arrangement agreement signed on October 10, will see McEwen acquire Canadian Gold through a statutory plan of arrangement.

Once completed, Canadian Gold will become a wholly owned subsidiary of McEwen, strengthening the miner’s Canadian project portfolio with a high-grade, former-producing mine in Manitoba.

Under the terms of the agreement, Canadian Gold shareholders will receive 0.0225 McEwen shares for each Canadian Gold share held. Upon completion, existing McEwen shareholders will own approximately 92 percent of the combined company, while Canadian Gold shareholders will hold about 8 percent.

McEwen will continue to trade under its existing ticker symbol, “MUX,” on both the NYSE and TSX.

Canadian Gold’s flagship asset is the Tartan Lake gold mine project, located near Flin Flon, Manitoba. The property is a past-producing, high-grade gold mine with established infrastructure and strong exploration potential.

The site is situated near an experienced mining workforce and requires no construction of a new camp, a logistical advantage that McEwen says aligns with its existing operational model.

The acquisition offers benefits for both sets of shareholders, according to the companies. For Canadian Gold investors, the transaction will provide access to McEwen’s diversified operations, technical expertise and the liquidity of a dual-listed stock. For McEwen shareholders, the deal adds another advanced-stage Canadian project with geological similarities to the company’s Fox complex in Ontario, bolstering its exploration and production pipeline.

“The Tartan Mine has significant potential and complements our development strategy,” Chairman and Chief Owner Rob McEwen said in a press release, noting possible synergies with Fox. The boards of both companies unanimously approved the deal following recommendations from independent special committees.

In compliance with NYSE rules, Rob McEwen will not receive newly issued McEwen shares representing over 1 percent of the company’s current shares without prior shareholder approval, which will be sought at the next annual meeting.

Should approval not be obtained, McEwen will pay cash in lieu of excess shares.

The deal includes customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals and a C$2.195 million break fee payable to McEwen if Canadian Gold accepts a superior proposal. A detailed information circular outlining the terms of the proposed transaction will be mailed to Canadian Gold shareholders ahead of a December special meeting.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Investing

Troy Minerals Updates on Channel Sampling at Table Mountain High-Purity Silica Project, British Columbia, Canada

Troy Minerals Inc. (‘Troy’ or the ‘Company’) (CSE:TROY)(OTCQB:TROYF)(FSE:VJ3) is pleased to provide an update on exploration progress at its 100%-owned Table Mountain Silica Project (‘Table Mountain’ or the ‘Project’), located near Golden, British Columbia (Figure 1).

Channel Sampling Overview and Update

Among other exploration work, the 2025 program focused on systematic channel sampling across the main quartzite resource zone, where recent geological prospecting identified new exposures of Mount Wilson Formation quartzite.

A total of 47 samples were collected, primarily along two main channel lines at 1-metre intervals (truncated at outcrop edges) covering an area of approximately 2,500 square metres. Channels were oriented perpendicular to bedding to approximate true widths of the silica zones. Sampling locations were positioned to complement the 2024 and 2025 UAV LiDAR surveys and to guide upcoming resource definition and drilling planned for the 2026 field season. Figure 2 below illustrates the sample locations within the mapped quartzite unit.

All samples have been submitted to ALS Geochemistry in Kamloops for analysis. Analytical results for the samples are anticipated in the coming weeks.

‘The samples collected this season are designed to tie directly into the upcoming drill program,’ said Yannis Tsitos, President of Troy Minerals. ‘They expand coverage across the established resource area, providing the data we need to refine near-future drilling and metallurgical test work.’

In addition, UAV LiDAR survey data collected in September 2025 is currently being processed and will be used to finalize drill pad and access engineering, as applicable.

About the Table Mountain Project

The Table Mountain Silica Project is located approximately 4 kilometres east of Golden, B.C., Canada, with excellent year-round road access and proximity to the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Golden rail yard. The property covers roughly 2,526 hectares, encompassing up to 11 kilometres of regionally mapped strike length of the Mount Wilson Formation quartzite, with widths ranging from 300 to 1,400 metres at surface. Table Mountain is strategically situated near two established high-purity silica operations – the Moberly Silica Mine and the Sinova Quartz Quarry – both of which demonstrate silica purity greater than 99.6% SiO₂.(1)(2)* This advantageous location highlights the project’s potential to become a significant source of high-purity silica in a region known for hosting premium-quality silica deposits.

* Cautionary Note: The QP has been unable to verify the information and that the information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure.

References

    Qualified Person

    Technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Case Lewis, P.Geo., a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and a director of the property vendor.

    About Troy Minerals

    Troy Minerals is a Canadian based publicly listed mining company focused on building shareholder value through acquisition, exploration, and development of strategically located ‘critical’ mineral assets. Troy is aggressively advancing its projects within the silica (silicon), scandium, vanadium, and rare earths industries within regions that exhibit high and growing demand for such commodities, in both North America and Central-East Asia. The Company’s primary objective is the near-term prospect of production with a vision of becoming a cash-flowing mining company to deliver tangible monetary value to shareholders, state, and local communities.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

    Rana Vig | President and Director Telephone: 604-218-4766
    Email: rana@ranavig.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Troy Resources Inc. (the ‘Company’) expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of commodity prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

    The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    Source

    Click here to connect with Troy Minerals Inc. (CSE:TROY)(OTCQB:TROYF)(FSE:VJ3) to receive an Investor Presentation

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Keep Reading
    Politics

    Hawley pushes ban on Obamacare coverage for gender transitions, abortion amid shutdown: ‘No more loopholes’

    Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is introducing legislation this week that would fully ban coverage of abortion and gender transition care for minors within the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Fox News Digital has learned.

    While existing law prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions under the Hyde Amendment, many plans on the ACA exchanges still offer abortion coverage via various state-level loopholes and separate bill schemes. Hawley’s legislation would expressly state that no ACA healthcare plan can cover an abortion procedure, except in cases of rape, incest or a threat to the life of the mother.

    The legislation would similarly ban plans from offering coverage for gender transition care for minors, both in the form of drugs or procedures.

    ‘It’s time to ban abortion and gender transitions for minors on the healthcare exchanges,’ Hawley said in a statement to Fox News Digital. ‘No more loopholes.’

    The legislative push comes as the Senate is already set to be focused on the ACA in the coming weeks, with a deadline for extending Obamacare subsidies looming with the Nov. 1 open enrollment date.

    Democrats are already raising their voices about pushing through an extension, but Senate Republicans have said they’re open to negotiating a deal on the subsidies — with reforms — only after the government reopens.

    Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his fellow Democrats have blocked Republican attempts to end the government shutdown eight times since Oct. 1. Schumer argues Republicans must come to the table with concessions, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., says the opposition’s demands are unreasonable.

    ‘Democrats like to whine that Republicans aren’t negotiating, but negotiation, Mr. President, is what you do when each side has a list of demands and you need to meet in the middle,’ Thune said on the Senate floor Tuesday. ‘Republicans, as I and a lot of other people pointed out, haven’t put forward any demands. Only Democrats have made demands. And by the way, very expensive demands.’

    Republicans say Democrats are demanding that the Senate undo a total of $1.5 trillion in spending cuts from the ‘big, beautiful bill’ and claw back funding for NPR and PBS to give, in part, to illegal immigrants.

    If the shutdown extends past the Nov. 1 deadline, those one ACA coverage plans could see their premiums skyrocket. It would also make this year’s shutdown the longest in American history, eclipsing the previous record set under former President Bill Clinton between late 1995 and early 1996. That shutdown lasted 21 days and was over a budget dispute between Clinton and then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

    Fox News’ Alex Miller contributed to this report

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Keep Reading
    Investing

    Apple Vision Pro upgraded with the powerful M5 chip and comfortable Dual Knit Band

    The latest version improves performance, display rendering, battery life, and comfort, while offering innovative features with visionOS 26 and all-new spatial apps and Apple Immersive content

    Apple® today introduced Apple Vision Pro with the powerful M5 chip that delivers a leap forward in performance, improved display rendering, faster AI-powered workflows, and extended battery life. The upgraded Vision Pro also comes with the soft, cushioned Dual Knit Band to help users achieve an even more comfortable fit, and visionOS® 26, which unlocks innovative spatial experiences, including widgets, new Personas, an interactive Jupiter Environment, and new Apple Intelligence features with support for additional languages. 1 There are over 1 million apps and thousands of games on the App Store®, hundreds of 3D movies on the Apple TV® app, and all-new series and films in Apple Immersive with a selection of live NBA games coming soon. Vision Pro with M5 and the Dual Knit Band is now available to pre-order on apple.com . Customers can book a demo at Apple Store® locations today and it will be available nationwide beginning Wednesday, October 22.

    This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251014954151/en/

    The upgraded Apple Vision Pro features the powerful M5 chip, the comfortable Dual Knit Band, innovative features with visionOS 26, and all-new spatial apps and Apple Immersive content.

    ‘With the breakthrough performance of M5, the latest Apple Vision Pro delivers faster performance, sharper details throughout the system, and even more battery life, setting a new standard for what’s possible in spatial computing,’ said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. ‘Paired with the comfortable Dual Knit Band, innovative features in visionOS 26, and all-new Apple Immersive experiences spanning adventure, documentary, music, and sports, spatial computing is even more capable, entertaining, and magical with the new Vision Pro.’

    A Leap Forward in Performance with M5

    M5 provides an even faster, smoother, and more responsive experience for Apple Vision Pro users, while introducing new opportunities for developers to create more advanced spatial and immersive experiences. Built using third-generation 3-nanometer technology, M5 on Vision Pro features an advanced 10-core CPU that delivers higher multithreaded performance, resulting in faster experiences throughout the system, including faster load times for apps and widgets and more responsive web browsing. The next-generation 10-core GPU architecture brings support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, enabling developers to add remarkable detail to lighting, shadows, and reflections in games like Control.

    With M5, Apple Vision Pro renders 10 percent more pixels on the custom micro-OLED displays compared to the previous generation, resulting in a sharper image with crisper text and more detailed visuals. Vision Pro can also increase the refresh rate up to 120Hz for reduced motion blur when users look at their physical surroundings, and an even smoother experience when using Mac Virtual Display. Vision Pro with M5 works alongside the purpose-built R1 chip, which processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, and streams new images to the displays within 12 milliseconds to create a real-time view of the world. The high-performance battery now supports up to two and a half hours of general use, and up to three hours of video playback, all on a single charge. 2 And it’s easy to use Vision Pro for longer periods at home, at an office, or while commuting by connecting the battery to power.

    The 16-core Neural Engine makes AI-powered features run up to 50 percent faster for system experiences — like capturing a Persona or transforming photos into spatial scenes — and up to 2x faster for third-party apps compared to the previous generation. 3 With M5, developers such as JigSpace are pioneering new use cases for enterprises that combine spatial computing with on-device AI. Using Apple’s Foundation Models framework, the new JigSpace app for Vision Pro taps into the on-device model at the core of Apple Intelligence to make complex information easier to understand. Users can parse through complex datasets with natural language and learn about sophisticated objects, like wind turbines, using interactive 3D models.

    The New Dual Knit Band Offers a More Comfortable Fit

    The Dual Knit Band delivers an even more comfortable fit for users. It features upper and lower straps that are 3D-knitted as a single piece to create a unique dual-rib structure that provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch. The lower strap features flexible fabric ribs embedded with tungsten inserts that provide a counterweight for additional comfort, balance, and stability. And the intuitive dual-function Fit Dial allows users to make fine-tuned adjustments to achieve their ideal fit. The new Dual Knit Band comes in small, medium, and large sizes; is available to purchase separately; and is compatible with the previous-generation Apple Vision Pro. Customers can easily find the size that is right for them using the Apple Store app for iPhone ®.

    Powerful Spatial Experiences with visionOS 26

    visionOS 26 brings a set of powerful spatial experiences to Apple Vision Pro. Widgets seamlessly integrate into a user’s space and reappear every time they put Vision Pro on, making it easy to check the time or weather, play music or podcasts, decorate their space with photos, or access ChatGPT. Striking enhancements to Persona make communicating in apps like FaceTime® feel even more natural and familiar. Spatial scenes, which use generative AI to add lifelike depth to photos, make memories come to life. Users can play back 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view video from popular action cameras, so they can enjoy their footage the way it was meant to be seen, and creators can publish videos in these formats to apps like Safari® and Vimeo. With iPadOS® 26.1, available later this fall, the Apple Vision Pro app comes to iPad®, offering users another great way to discover new content, queue apps and games to download, find tips, and quickly access information about their Vision Pro.

    New Apps, Content, and Games to Explore

    There are over 1 million apps available for Apple Vision Pro, including more than 3,000 apps built for visionOS. Users can design their dream home with HomeByMe and Lowe’s Style Studio, outfit their closet with Balenciaga, and browse stunning artwork with Christie’s Select and Art Authority Museum. They can explore extraordinary locations around the world with Epic Earth and Explore POV, transform their physical space into a planetarium with Space Vision, or travel back in time with D-Day: The Camera Soldier.

    Apple Vision Pro remains the ultimate entertainment device. With the new Vision Pro, users can experience concerts like never before with Amplium; tune into their favorite teams with apps from major sports leagues; or enjoy a personal theater with apps from popular streaming services on a screen that appears up to 100 feet wide. Apple Immersive continues to redefine what is possible in storytelling, and Vision Pro users can enjoy new series and films on the Apple TV app. Later this season, users in the Lakers’ broadcast territory will be able to watch select live games in Apple Immersive, and new titles from the Audi F1 Project, the BBC, HYBE, and Red Bull will launch in Apple Immersive in the coming months. 4 The Apple TV app is also home to one of the largest digital collections of 3D movies available, featuring recent blockbusters like Superman , Jurassic World Rebirth , How to Train Your Dragon , and Wicked .

    Gaming on Apple Vision Pro is next level with its ultra-high-resolution displays, advanced Spatial Audio system, low latency, and responsive controls across a variety of input methods, including popular game controllers like Sony DualSense, which now supports multidevice pairing. Players will be able to enjoy iPad games like Where Winds Meet, POOLS, and Sniper Elite 4, fun spatial games like Porta Nubi and Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss , and the latest titles on consoles and PCs with apps like Portal and Steam Link. And with support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, players get a new class of immersive games with high-performance motion tracking in six degrees of freedom, finger touch detection, and vibration support. Elu Legend, Pickle Pro, Ping Pong Club, and Spatial Rifts are some of the first games available with support for the PlayStation VR2 controller.

    Enhanced Capabilities for Pro Users and Enterprises

    With Apple Vision Pro, users can supercharge their workflows and discover new ways to realize their creative visions. Artists can design new works using apps like Crayon and Da Vinci Eye. Photographers can edit images with color accuracy from any location and in any lighting condition using Pixelmator on MacBook Pro® with Mac Virtual Display. Filmmakers can scout locations from anywhere by viewing spatial media — including panoramas and spatial videos shot on iPhone — on a large wraparound display. And pro users can assemble and rehearse their presentations while in a seat-for-seat replica of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park using Keynote®. With Logitech Muse — a digital pencil built for Vision Pro — users can create and collaborate with a new level of precision. Apps like Crayon, doppl by Interaptix, Sketch Pro, and Spatial Analogue are adding support for Muse over the coming weeks.

    Businesses around the world are harnessing the power of spatial computing on Apple Vision Pro every day to invent new solutions and streamline operations across design, education, healthcare, sales, and more. CAE, the multinational technology company that specializes in simulation and instruction solutions, uses Vision Pro to help pilots complete training activities outside of specialized centers, featuring true-to-life flight deck environments and scenarios. At Porsche, drivers can visualize and personalize new vehicles in select showrooms before taking delivery. And by seamlessly blending digital content with the physical world, Visage provides high-quality, three-dimensional medical imaging, helping hospitals like UC San Diego Health improve patient care.

    Apple Vision Pro and the Environment

    Apple 2030 is the company’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of this decade by reducing product emissions from their three biggest sources: materials, electricity, and transportation. Apple Vision Pro is made with 100 percent recycled aluminum in the frame and battery enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Vision Pro is designed to last and meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and can be easily recycled.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Dual Knit Band is available to purchase separately for $99 (U.S.).
    • For users who require vision correction, ZEISS Optical Inserts — Readers will be available for $99 (U.S.), and ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription will be available for $149 (U.S.). 5

    Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    Footnotes

    1 Image Playground is available in English (Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, UK, U.S.), French (Canada, France), German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish (Mexico, Spain) when Apple Intelligence is enabled. Feature availability varies by region.
    2 Testing conducted by Apple in August and September 2025 using preproduction Apple Vision Pro (M5) units and software. Testing consisted of full battery discharge while performing each of the following tasks: video playback, internet browsing, spatial video capture, and FaceTime. Video playback tested in conjunction with an Environment, using 2D movie content purchased from the Apple TV app. Internet browsing tested using 20 popular websites. FaceTime tested between two Apple Vision Pro units with Personas enabled. Tested with Wi‑Fi associated to a network. Battery life depends on device settings, usage, network, environmental conditions, and many other factors. Battery tests are conducted using specific Apple Vision Pro units; actual results may vary.
    3 Testing conducted by Apple in September 2025 using preproduction Apple Vision Pro (M5) and production Apple Vision Pro (M2) units. Up to 2x faster performance results were achieved when tested with prerelease Draw Things v1.20250820.0 on Apple Vision Pro (M5), v1.20250903.0 on Apple Vision Pro (M2), and a 768×768 text-to-image generation with step-distilled Qwen Image model at 6-bit quantization in two steps. When tested with Photos app by creating spatial scenes from photos, performance results were up to 1.5x faster. Performance tests are conducted using specific Apple Vision Pro units and reflect the approximate performance of Apple Vision Pro.
    4 Additional information about titles from the Audi F1 Project, the BBC, HYBE, and Red Bull will be provided by these creators closer to their availability.
    5 A valid prescription is required. Not all prescriptions are supported. Vision correction accessories are sold separately. ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription are only available to purchase online.

    NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom ( www.apple.com/newsroom ), or email Apple’s Media Helpline at media.help@apple.com .

    © 2025 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Vision Pro, visionOS, Apple Intelligence, Image Playground, App Store, Apple TV, Apple Immersive, Apple Store, Mac Virtual Display, iPhone, FaceTime, Safari, iPadOS, iPad, MacBook Pro, Keynote, Genmoji, AppleCare, AppleCare+, and AppleCare One are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251014954151/en/

    Zach Kahn
    Apple
    zkahn@apple.com

    Andrea Schubert
    Apple
    a_schubert@apple.com

    News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Keep Reading
    Investing

    Apple introduces the powerful new iPad Pro with the M5 chip

    The new iPad Pro features the next generation of Apple silicon, with a big leap in AI performance, faster storage, and the game-changing capabilities of iPadOS 26

    Apple® today introduced the new iPad Pro® featuring the incredibly powerful M5 chip. M5 unlocks the most advanced iPad® experience ever, packing an incredible amount of power and AI performance into the ultraportable design of iPad Pro. Featuring a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, M5 delivers a big boost in performance for iPad Pro users, whether they’re working on cutting-edge projects or tapping into AI for productivity. The new iPad Pro delivers up to 3.5x the AI performance than iPad Pro with M4 1 and up to 5.6x faster than iPad Pro with M1. 2 N1, the new Apple-designed wireless networking chip, enables the latest generation of wireless technologies with support for Wi-Fi 7 on iPad Pro. The C1X modem comes to cellular models of iPad Pro, delivering up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance than its predecessor with even greater efficiency, allowing users to do more on the go. Available in space black and silver, iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, and features the Ultra Retina XDR® display for an unparalleled viewing experience. The game-changing features of iPadOS® 26 supercharge iPad Pro and help users handle demanding creative and professional tasks with ease. With staggering performance gains and breakthrough improvements over M1 models, there has never been a better time to upgrade. The new iPad Pro is available to pre-order starting today, and will be available in stores beginning Wednesday, October 22.

    This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251014592319/en/

    With the M5 chip, the new iPad Pro delivers a huge boost in performance and takes the next big leap in AI for iPad.

    ‘Powered by the next generation of Apple silicon, the new iPad Pro delivers our most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet,’ said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. ‘iPad Pro with M5 unlocks endless possibilities for creativity and productivity — with a huge leap in AI performance and a big boost in graphics, superfast wireless connectivity, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, it pushes the boundaries of what iPad can do yet again.’

    M5: The Next Big Leap in AI for iPad

    Apple silicon continues to set iPad apart with industry-leading performance, advanced technologies, power efficiency, and AI capabilities. With the M5 chip powering iPad Pro, AI on iPad takes its next big leap, with a more advanced GPU and CPU, and a faster Neural Engine. The 10-core GPU introduces a new architecture with a Neural Accelerator in each core, resulting in a massive boost in GPU performance for AI workloads. M5 delivers AI performance that’s up to 3.5x faster compared to M4, 1 and up to 5.6x faster than iPad Pro with M1. 2 The new iPad Pro is designed for AI and accelerates a wide variety of workloads, such as on-device diffusion-based image generation in apps like Draw Things, and AI video masking in apps like DaVinci Resolve. And the faster 16-core Neural Engine delivers the most energy-efficient performance for on-device AI, perfect for apps that use the Foundation Models framework and for Apple Intelligence features like creating in Image Playground. 3

    Next-Level Performance with M5

    The M5 chip brings next-level performance, with a significant boost to graphics performance and a faster CPU. Incorporating a third-generation ray-tracing engine enabling more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows — M5 is ideal for visually intensive applications and gaming — iPad Pro has up to 1.5x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing than the previous-generation iPad Pro, 1 and up to a whopping 6.7x faster rendering performance than iPad Pro with M1. 2 M5 has up to a 10-core CPU, with four performance cores and six efficiency cores, and is the world’s fastest CPU core. The faster CPU is perfect for a range of users, including graphic designers working with complex vector graphics in apps like Adobe Illustrator, architects who routinely multitask across apps like SketchUp and Morpholio Trace, and business users who need to quickly launch and access large files across multiple apps.

    iPad Pro with M5 delivers:

    • Up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing in Octane X when compared to iPad Pro with M1, 2 and up to 1.5x faster than iPad Pro with M4. 1
    • Up to 6x faster video transcode performance in Final Cut Pro® for iPad when compared to iPad Pro with M1, 2 and up to 1.2x faster than iPad Pro with M4. 1
    • Up to 4x faster AI image generation performance in Draw Things for iPad when compared to iPad Pro with M1, 2 and up to 2x faster than iPad Pro with M4. 1
    • Up to 3.7x faster AI video upscaling performance in DaVinci Resolve for iPad when compared to iPad Pro with M1, 2 and up to 2.3x faster than iPad Pro with M4. 1

    Faster Memory Bandwidth and Storage for More Seamless Multitasking

    iPad Pro brings new enhancements to accelerate overall speed and responsiveness, including an increase in unified memory bandwidth, faster storage read and write speeds, more starting unified memory, and fast charge support. With over 150GB/s of unified memory bandwidth — a nearly 30 percent increase compared to the previous generation — the new iPad Pro helps users multitask across more apps, process AI models faster, play demanding games, and more. The new iPad Pro offers up to 2x faster storage read and write speeds, and the 256GB and 512GB models start with 12GB of unified memory — 50 percent more than before, bringing even more value. And with the new windowing system in iPadOS 26, iPad Pro users will experience more seamless multitasking, enhancing even the most complex workflows. Additionally, iPad Pro supports fast charge — enabling up to a 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes 4 with an optional high-wattage USB-C power adapter like Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. 5

    The C1X and N1 Chips Come to iPad

    Cellular models of iPad Pro feature C1X, a cellular modem designed by Apple that brings users up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance, and for active cellular users, up to 30 percent less power usage than iPad Pro with M4. Cellular models of iPad Pro allow users to enjoy GPS and location capabilities, so they can navigate with even more confidence. Users can also enjoy 5G cellular support, so they can stay connected for work or leisure all around the world. And with eSIM, users can quickly and securely add a new plan, connect and transfer existing cellular plans digitally, and stay in touch with family and friends regardless of Wi-Fi availability — perfect for users working on the go, like frequent business travelers or architects out in the field.

    The new iPad Pro also features N1, a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. N1 brings better performance when connected to 5GHz networks, and improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop®.

    An Unrivaled Design and Display

    iPad Pro offers users the ultimate level of portability in a stunningly thin and light design. Available in space black and silver, the 11-inch model is just 5.3 mm thin, and the 13-inch model is even thinner at a striking 5.1 mm. The Ultra Retina XDR display — the world’s most advanced display — features groundbreaking tandem OLED technology that delivers extreme brightness, incredibly precise contrast, and technologies like ProMotion® and True Tone®. iPad Pro supports 1000 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content, and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR. And for users who work with high-end, color-managed workflows or in challenging lighting conditions, iPad Pro offers a nano-texture display glass option for reduced glare that is precisely etched at a nanometer scale, maintaining image quality and contrast while scattering ambient light.

    The new iPad Pro adds the ability to drive external displays at up to 120Hz — ideal for creative workflows like video editing as well as gaming. And for users with a 120Hz external display, iPad Pro also brings new support for Adaptive Sync, which provides the lowest possible latency in external display performance, resulting in smoother motion and fewer perceived glitches, useful for low-latency use cases like gaming.

    iPadOS 26 Supercharges the iPad Experience

    iPadOS 26 introduces a new design and powerful features that help users handle demanding creative and professional tasks with ease, and push the capabilities and versatility of iPad even further.

    • The beautiful new design is crafted with Liquid Glass , a translucent new material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, while reacting to users’ input and dynamically transforming to bring greater focus to the content they care about most.
    • An entirely new, powerful, and intuitive windowing system helps users control, organize, and switch between apps, all while maintaining the simplicity of iPad. And with a new menu bar , users can access the commands available in an app with a simple swipe down from the top of the display, or by moving their cursor to the top.
    • iPadOS 26 introduces new ways to manage, access, and organize files with a supercharged Files app featuring an updated List view and new folder customization options. With folders in the Dock , users can conveniently access downloads, documents, and more from anywhere. Additionally, users can set a default app for opening specific files or file types.

    Advanced Accessories for iPad Pro

    Accessories extend the versatility of iPad Pro, opening up even more possibilities for creativity and productivity. Apple Pencil Pro® and Apple Pencil (USB-C) offer users two incredible options for illustrating, note-taking, annotating, and more. The thin and light Magic Keyboard® for iPad Pro provides the most advanced experience with a floating design, function row, and gorgeous aluminum palm rest. iPad Pro is also compatible with the Smart Folio® for iPad Pro, which attaches magnetically and supports multiple viewing angles.

    iPad Pro and the Environment

    Apple 2030 is the company’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of this decade by reducing product emissions from their three biggest sources: materials, electricity, and transportation. The new iPad Pro is made with 30 percent recycled content by weight, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. It is manufactured with 55 percent renewable electricity, like wind and solar, across the supply chain. iPad Pro is also designed to last and offers industry-leading software support while meeting Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and can be easily recycled.

    Pricing and Availability

    • The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro with M5 will be available in silver and space black finishes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.
    • With education savings, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $899 (U.S.), and the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,199 (U.S.).
    • The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is available in black and white finishes. The 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $299 (U.S.), and the new 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $349 (U.S.). With education savings, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $279 (U.S.), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $329 (U.S.).
    • The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air with M3 is now available in black, and is compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air. The 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $269 (U.S.), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $319 (U.S.). With education savings, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $249 (U.S.), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $299 (U.S.).

    Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    Footnotes

    1 Results are compared to iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) units with 10-core CPU and 16GB of unified memory.
    2 Results are compared to iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) units with 8-core CPU and 16GB of unified memory.
    3 Genmoji and Image Playground are available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, and Japanese.
    4 Testing was conducted by Apple in August and September 2025. See apple.com/ipad-pro for more information.
    5 The 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max is available in Canada, China mainland, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, the Philippines, and the U.S.
    6 Apple Intelligence is available in beta with support for these languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see support.apple.com/en-us/121115 .
    7 Live Translation in Messages supports English (U.S., UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (simplified). Live Translation in Phone and FaceTime is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German (Germany), Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain) when Apple Intelligence is enabled, on a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Later this year, Live Translation in Phone and FaceTime will add language support for Chinese (Mandarin, simplified), Chinese (Mandarin, traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.

    NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom ( www.apple.com/newsroom ), or email Apple’s Media Helpline at media.help@apple.com .

    © 2025 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad Pro, iPad, Ultra Retina XDR, iPadOS, Apple Intelligence, Image Playground, Final Cut Pro, AirDrop, ProMotion, True Tone, Apple Pencil, FaceTime, Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, Smart Folio, Apple Store, AppleCare, AppleCare+, AppleCare One, Apple Card, and Cash Back are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251014592319/en/

    Tara Courtney
    Apple
    tcourtney@apple.com

    Skylar Eisenhart
    Apple
    s_eisenhart@apple.com

    News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Keep Reading
    Politics

    Israel to deploy first combat-ready laser weapon system for operational air defense

    Israel is preparing to deploy one of the world’s first combat-ready laser air-defense system, marking a historic shift in how nations defend against rockets, drones and missiles — and a sign that Jerusalem is intent on staying one step ahead of its adversaries even as active fighting subsides.

    In an interview with Fox News Digital at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, D.C., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems CEO Yoav Turgeman confirmed that the company has completed acceptance testing of its Iron Beam laser interceptor and is now delivering the system to the Israeli Air Force for operational use.

    ‘We have demonstrated the first production-line system. It was very successful,’ Turgeman said. ‘We are delivering the system to the Air Force, which will use it operationally.’

    The Iron Beam represents a breakthrough in directed-energy technology — capable of destroying incoming rockets, drones and mortars with a beam of light that can strike targets moving as fast as the speed of sound and at a fraction of the cost of conventional interceptors.

    ‘The interception cost is just a few dollars,’ Turgeman explained. ‘There’s no interceptor debris, so the collateral damage is much smaller. It enables us to reduce the cost of interception and enhance the performance of our system.’

    The Iron Beam’s rollout makes Israel the first nation to field a high-power laser interceptor integrated into a national air-defense network — a milestone that could redefine missile defense for decades to come.

    Rafael designed it as part of Israel’s layered air-defense architecture, which also includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.

    The laser will handle short-range threats such as rockets, small drones, and mortar rounds, freeing up Iron Dome’s more expensive missile interceptors for higher-value targets.

    ‘Each layer complements the other,’ Turgeman said. ‘The system decides what is the optimized solution.’

    Turgeman said Rafael will partner with Lockheed Martin to produce Iron Beam components and indicated the technology could be integrated into the U.S.’s Golden Dome plans.

    ‘We are looking forward to start the production stage,’ he told Fox News. ‘Lockheed Martin will take part in a significant part of the production. We were able to meet our schedule on time, even though we had a war.’

    Modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, the U.S. is currently developing plans for its own homeland missile defense shield.

    ‘We would love to see [Iron Dome] as part of that solution,’ he said. ‘We have Iron Dome, the Stunner interceptor, and the laser — all could help protect the U.S.’

    The new technology comes amid relative calm in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have maintained a cease-fire in Gaza, and Iran has not launched attacks since June’s 12-day war.

    Still, Israel isn’t taking any chances: Turgeman said Rafael has doubled its research and development investment to ensure Israel maintains its technological edge.

    ‘If there will be another war, it will be the surprise,’ he said. ‘The idea is to deter the enemy from attacking Israel — that is the safest way to prevent war.’

    At AUSA, Rafael also unveiled a new L-Spike loitering weapon, a drone-like missile capable of reaching a target rapidly and then circling overhead until a strike is authorized.

    Turgeman said it’s designed for ‘time-critical targets’ and built to resist electronic warfare interference.

    ‘Even though the system has its own brain and can identify the target, the operator must approve the attack,’ he said. ‘One operator can run four systems — but the final decision is human.’

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Keep Reading
    Politics

    Shutdown faces taxpayer reckoning as lawmaker works to expose ‘true cost of Democrats’ political stunt’

    Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst introduced a bill Wednesday that would require federal agencies to submit detailed reports outlining the true full costs of a government shutdown, including back pay for furloughed employees. 

    ‘Schumer’s Shutdown shenanigans have already wasted $4.4 billion paying 750,000 ‘non-essential’ federal employees not to work for more than two weeks,’ Ernst told Fox News Digital. 

    ‘My Non-Essential Workers Transparency Actwill expose thelost productivity and true cost of Democrats’ political stunt,’ she said. ‘It will also help expose which parts of the bloated bureaucracy are truly ‘non-essential’ and should be put on the chopping block to increase efficiency in Washington for taxpayers.’

    Ernst’s bill would require federal agencies to submit reports to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs within 30 days of a shutdown’s end, detailing each agency’s total number of employees when the shutdown began, total salary spending during the previous fiscal year, the number of furloughed workers, how much those employees would have earned during the shutdown, and the number and pay of those who continued working.

    The U.S. government has been in the midst of an ongoing shutdown since Oct. 1, when Senate lawmakers failed to pass funding legislation for 2026. An estimated 750,000 federal employees were furloughed and will be compensated with back pay once the shutdown ends, as stipulated in a 2019 law. 

    As the shutdown loomed at the end of September, Ernst published Congressional Budget Office data showing the shutdown is expected to cost taxpayers $400 million a day, with the Iowa senator railing against the hefty price tag ‘to pay 750,000 non-essential bureaucrats NOT to work.’

    The estimated cost of back pay has reached roughly $4.4 billion as of Wednesday, according to estimates cited by Ernst.

    ‘Using information from the agencies’ contingency plans and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), CBO estimates that under a lapse in discretionary funding for fiscal year 2026 about 750,000 employees could be furloughed each day; the total daily cost of their compensation would be roughly $400 million,’ a letter to Ernst from the Congressional Budget Office stated in September. 

    The Trump administration and Republicans have since pinned blame for the shutdown on Democrats, claiming they sought taxpayer-funded medical benefits for illegal immigrants. Democrats have denied they want to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants and instead have blamed Republicans for the shutdown.

    ‘They say that undocumented people are going to get these credits,’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said earlier in October. ‘That is absolutely false. That is one of the big lies that they tell.’ 

    White House spokesman Kush Desai slammed Democrats as ‘not serious people’ when asked about the Congressional Budget Office data earlier in October. 

    ‘Democrats are burning $400 million a day to pay federal workers not to work because they want to spend $200 billion on free health care for illegal aliens,’ he told Fox News Digital. ‘These are not serious people.’

    President Donald Trump warned the administration could make ‘irreversible’ changes to the federal workforce in the lead-up to the shutdown, most notably through a new wave of fresh layoffs. The president repeatedly said that he and his allies did not want the government to shut down, but that it opened the door for some ‘good’ that could come from it as he looks to further slim down the size of the government and make it more efficient.  

    The White House announced on Friday that reduction in force notices, better known as RIFs, had been issued across agencies. 

    ‘The RIFs have begun,’ White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought wrote on X Friday. 

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Keep Reading
    Politics

    Charlie Kirk’s legacy guiding ‘unhappy’ generation toward faith, family and fulfillment endures after death

    Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s death has not dimmed his legacy of encouraging an increasingly ‘unhappy’ generation to seek meaning and purpose through faith and family, young Americans told Fox News Digital.

    ‘I think we live in a world where people are more unhappy than ever,’ Georgetown University student Elizabeth Oliver said. ‘Depression rates and suicide are so high, and people are longing for true happiness. Charlie always talked about how ‘desires of the flesh’ aren’t fulfilling or making people happy. Instead of pursuing those things, we should turn ourselves toward higher purposes like family, marriage and God, because those are what truly fulfill people’s lives.’

    ‘I actually think most people are searching for something,’ she said. ‘I think that searching should be directed toward God. But I think most people recognize nowadays that what the Left has to offer is not going to lead to a fulfilling life.’

    Americans’ happiness has taken a nosedive in recent years, with the U.S. falling eight spots in the 2024 World Happiness Report, which ranks countries’ life satisfaction, due to American young adults reporting they are not satisfied compared to their parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Americans older than the age of 60 ranked number 10 for overall happiness, according to the study, while young adults under the age of 30 ranked 62nd internationally for happiness, CNBC reported in 2024. 

    Suicide and depression rates have meanwhile skyrocketed in recent years, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that one-in-five high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023, with suicide jumping by 62% among young adults when comparing 2007 data to 2021 data. 

    Amid the increasing rates of unhappiness among youths, Kirk landed under the national spotlight as a youth, himself, rallying his peers to embrace conservative and Christian values to find peace. 

    ‘Marriage isn’t just a life milestone- it’s a calling. God didn’t say ‘wait until you feel ready.’ He said ‘it is not good for man to be alone.’ Get married young. Be fruitful and multiply,’ Kirk posted to Facebook just months before his death. 

    His comments were even praised by Trump, who celebrated his message to young adults to get married. 

    ‘We have so many bad philosophies, ideologies, politics,’ Trump said on Fox News following Kirk’s death. ‘His was basically just good. He talked about family, he talked about getting married, ‘go get married. It sounds old-fashioned when you think about it, but he’s right.’ 

    Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, the first stop on TPUSA’s planned ‘American Comeback Tour.’ 

    After news of Kirk’s killing spread across the country and world, some college students are choosing to carry on his legacy by echoing the values he championed and encouraging political debate among Gen Z peers.

    Oliver is one of those Gen Zers, a college senior and president of the university’s Right to Life group,a pro-life advocacy group. She told Fox News Digital that she believes open dialogue can help renew focus on Christian conservative values.

    Kirk ‘dedicated his life to talking with other people respectfully and listening to them,’ she said. ‘We desperately need more of that dialogue now, more than ever. In a world that has abandoned God and moral values, we have even abandoned the basic respect for other human beings and we need to reclaim it.’

    Kirk often spoke of marriage, children and the importance of family — with his widow continuing the promotion of those values from the stage of his memorial service in Arizona in September.

    ‘We have an uplifting message for America, one that is hopeful, one of family formation, one off church attendance going up one of business ownership of entrepreneurship,’ Kirk said on ‘The Will Cain Show’ on May 2.

    ‘Trump voters, young men, they want family, children, and legacy,’ Kirk added on the Ingraham Angle Sept. 8, only two days before he was killed. ‘Young women who voted for Kamala Harris, they want careerism, consumerism, and loneliness. That is a dramatic divide that is going to play out in our politics for the years to come.’

    Americans’ pessimism toward the institution of marriage and family, however, currently outweighs their optimism, according to a September 2023 Pew Research Center report called, ‘Public Has Mixed Views on the Modern American Family.’ 

    ‘Americans most often point to job satisfaction and close friends, rather than being married or having children, when asked what contributes to a fulfilling life,’ the report found. ‘Some 71% say having a job or career they enjoy is extremely or very important for people to live a fulfilling life, and 61% say the same about having close friends. Only about a quarter say having children (26%) or being married (23%) is equally important.’

    However, young adults are picking up the mantle of Kirk’s promotion of traditional values as support for TPUSA continues to grow following his death. 

    Since Kirk’s assassination, Boston University College Republicans Vice President Philip Wohltorf, who also works as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts State Senate, said his group has seen a drastic increase in attendance. Democratic groups on campus, however, have not been open to debating, he said, allowing anti-conservative sentiment to spread across the student body. 

    ‘We were thinking, well, the left is open-minded and tolerant, they want to talk,’ he said. ‘Unfortunately, they don’t, and it doesn’t really help. I think it would be great on campus if we would have a civil, calm, challenging debate. It would show the student body that people can disagree with one another but still shake hands and be friends afterward.’

    He said, ‘America was founded on the principle of freedom of speech and dialogue, and nobody did it better than Charlie Kirk,’ as the cultural divide continues to widen.

    In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Boston University College Democrats said the group sent a ‘polite decline’ to a debate request, explaining that it is ‘very difficult to make debates worthwhile.’

    ‘We feel it is very difficult to make debates worthwhile for participants and viewers, so we decline them with everyone, not just Republicans,’ the group said. ‘Freedom of speech is something we value greatly but we believe that open bipartisan collaboration is the path forward at this time.’

    The group condemned all political violence, adding, ‘Charlie Kirk should not have died. We believe everyone should be able to share their ideas and beliefs without fear.’

    TPUSA exploded with new interest after Kirk’s memorial service, receiving more than 120,000 campus chapter requests, according to the organization. 

    Prior to the memorial service, TPUSA had around 60,000 requests, Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’ recently said. TPUSA operates 900 official college chapters and approximately 1,200 high school chapters across the country. 

    Wohltorf said more young people are standing by their values, pointing to faith and family as the most important priorities to many in his generation.

    ‘I like the saying that people were now posting in the past two weeks talking about how one Charlie Kirk is gone but one hundred thousand new Charlie Kirks were just created,’ Wohltorf said. ‘The majority of the conservative movement feels obligated to continue Charlie Kirk’s legacy and to continue to preach those family values, faith, and Christianity … I think that the majority conservative movement is even more likely to fight now and to speak out,’ Wohltorf said.

    Oliver and Wohltorf believe these values will continue to be upheld for years to come after this political turning point. They say they’re inspired by Kirk’s legacy to share their beliefs and not be afraid.

    ‘I think the majority is trying to continue his legacy, feeling obligated to fight, feeling obligated to foster dialogue, debate, and challenge one another with ideas,’ Wohltorf said.

    ‘Ultimately, Charlie said he wants to be remembered for his courage, for his faith, and I think that message is resounding very strongly with my generation,’ Oliver said.

    Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, Tuesday at the White House.

    Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Keep Reading
    Politics

    Trump hammers rise in left-wing political violence in Charlie Kirk remarks: ‘Devil’s ideology’

    President Donald Trump decried left-wing violence on Tuesday while speaking at the ceremony to posthumously honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    ‘We’ve watched legions of far-left radicals resort to desperate acts of violence and terror because they know that their ideas and arguments are persuading no one. They know that they’re failing. They have the Devil’s ideology,’ he asserted.

    Trump also sounded off regarding the political firestorm surrounding Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones. At the center of the controversy are Jones’ texts, which envisioned the murder of a rival, have overshadowed the state’s top-of-the-ticket race as Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger descended on Jones’ backyard in Hampton Roads, Virginia, for their gubernatorial bout Thursday. 

    Earle-Sears — who also represented nearby Virginia Beach, Virginia, in the state legislature two decades ago — and Spanberger met at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, Thursday for their one-and-only debate appearance. 

    Kirk, 31, was assassinated last month while holding an event at Utah Valley University.

    The ceremony was held on the day that would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

    The president described Kirk as a ‘true American hero.’

    Fox News Digital’s Charlie Creitz contributed to this report.

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Keep Reading