Major US technology companies are increasingly turning to the H-1B visa programme to recruit skilled foreign professionals as they accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and related digital infrastructure. New data show that a large share of visa petitions filed by leading firms are tied directly to AI-driven roles, underscoring how access to global talent has become central to their long-term strategy. An analysis of labour condition applications indicates that more than

Speculation about fresh job cuts at Microsoft sparked widespread debate online after reports claimed the technology giant was preparing for another major round of layoffs in January 2026. According to the report, as many as 22,000 roles could be at risk, triggering concern across social media platforms and technology forums. The rumours gained momentum quickly, particularly because Microsoft has carried out significant restructuring in the recent past. However, the company has now firmly deni

Success stories in technology are often presented as clean narratives of vision, speed and inevitable triumph. An idea is born, a product is launched, and adoption follows. For students and young entrepreneurs trying to understand how innovation truly unfolds, these stories can feel motivating yet incomplete. The more useful insights frequently emerge not from success, but from missteps that expose the limits of confidence, timing and execution. That perspective was at the center of

Silicon Valley’s commercial real estate sector is experiencing a period of striking contrasts, according to the latest quarterly analysis from Joint Venture Silicon Valley. The region continues to see both strong demand for leased space and a notable slowdown in new development, creating a complex environment for investors, developers, and employers. Between January and September 2025, developers added approximately 5.6 million square feet of new office and industrial space across

Nvidia made history on Wednesday by becoming the first publicly traded company to achieve a market capitalization of $5 trillion, marking a defining moment in the global technology and artificial intelligence landscape. The milestone underscores the company’s rapid evolution from a graphics chip producer into the backbone of the worldwide AI revolution, firmly establishing its leadership in a sector reshaping economies and industries. The Santa Clara, California-based firm’s sto

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a significant package of new laws crafted by Silicon Valley legislators, focusing on improving transparency in law enforcement, strengthening labor rights, and increasing wildfire resilience across the state. The legislative actions, finalized earlier this month, mark another step in the state’s ongoing efforts to modernize government accountability and strengthen protections for both workers and communities. Most of the new laws will take effect on

More than a century after its discovery transformed the study of ancient Egypt, the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun is facing its most serious threat yet. Archaeologists and geological experts have issued urgent warnings that the 3,300-year-old burial site in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings is showing signs of severe structural instability. The tomb, officially catalogued as KV62, was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922 and remains one of the most celebrated finds in

A former Santa Clara County correctional officer who now serves as president of the NAACP San Jose/Silicon Valley branch is suing the county and its officials after a personnel board upheld findings that he engaged in sexual harassment and intimidation of a female co-worker. Sean Allen, who was fired from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in 2023 following a lengthy investigation, claims he was the victim of bias and retaliation and is seeking to overturn the decision that ended his l

The San Jose metropolitan area has topped a national ranking — but for reasons that signal growing trouble for California’s housing market. According to a recent HomeAbroad report analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region recorded the steepest drop in residential construction permits among the country’s 100 largest metro areas, with a staggering 68% decline over five years. In July 2020, the region issued 1,949 building permits. By July 2025,

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed support for reforms to the H-1B visa programme in the United States but warned that the proposed $100,000 application fee could have serious consequences for innovation and access to global talent. Speaking in a recent discussion, he said the idea of tightening the system to prevent misuse was good in principle but added that such a steep financial barrier could transform the American dream into a privilege for the few. The proposed increase in H-

A new housing project in Cupertino could soon reshape a familiar corner of the city by replacing the long-standing Bandley Center with a residential community. San Ramon-based SummerHill Homes has submitted a preliminary application for the development of 27 townhomes on a 1.55-acre site located at 10268 Bandley Drive. The three-story townhomes would bring a mix of modern residences to Cupertino, with plans including five moderately affordable units and 59 parking spaces. Most of the parking wou

​Starting September 2, 2025, significant changes to United States visa policy will take effect, impacting thousands of H-1B and other nonimmigrant visa holders across the country. The U.S. State Department has announced that its long-standing Interview Waiver Program, which allowed many visa holders to renew without attending an in-person interview, will be largely discontinued. This shift means that most applicants, including those on H-1B visas, will now be

Santa Clara County officials are preparing to propose a sales tax increase to voters in an effort to safeguard the county’s public hospital system from severe federal revenue losses. The Board of Supervisors is expected to convene a special meeting around August 7 to decide whether to place the measure on the November 4 ballot. The proposed five-eighths cent sales tax would raise the current rate from 9.125% and is seen as a crucial step to help offset billions in anticipated funding cu

  Santa Clara County is grappling with a severe housing shortage as the number of homeless individuals continues to rise faster than the construction of new shelters and affordable homes. Recent data reveals that there are 10,711 homeless people in the county but only 3,454 beds across 38 temporary shelters and programs. This means that for every three unhoused individuals, only one bed is available, underscoring the urgent need for expanded housing solutions. The c

The tech industry is buzzing with innovation, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) is at the forefront of this transformation. In the USA, young Indian entrepreneurs are leading the way, launching successful AI startups that are shaping the future of technology. With a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, these young adults are making waves in the AI ecosystem. Why AI? Why Now? AI is everywhere, from healthcare to finance, and its

US President Donald Trump has sent a strong message to tech giants like Google and Microsoft, demanding they stop hiring workers overseas, particularly in countries like India. During an AI summit in Washington, Trump emphasized that American companies should focus on creating jobs at home instead of outsourcing to countries like China and India. The president criticized the tech industry's "globalist mindset," which he believes has ignored the i

Apple has made headlines with its latest real estate investment spree, spending over half a billion dollars in just one week. The tech giant finalized two major property purchases in Silicon Valley, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. On June 24, Apple closed a deal to acquire the 220,000-square-foot Cupertino Gateway complex for $166.9 million. Located on North Tantau Avenue in Cupe

A growing controversy is unfolding in Silicon Valley involving Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer who has allegedly held multiple full-time jobs at different startups without informing any of his employers. The case has sent shockwaves across the startup ecosystem, especially among early-stage founders who believed they had hired a promising and committed candidate. Now, they are left grappling with what they see as deception, resume fabrication, and a major breach of trust in the age

The Tri-Valley area has plenty to offer this July 4th, 2025, with a variety of celebrations, fireworks shows, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back picnic, a lively festival, or a spectacular fireworks display, there’s something for everyone in and around San Ramon. Below are the top events and celebrations you won't want to miss this Independence Day weekend.

A high-profile project to create a new public art landmark in downtown San Jose has officially been canceled as the nonprofit behind the initiative repositions its focus toward a broader and more community-centric redesign of Plaza de Cesar Chavez. After several years of planning and fundraising, the once-anticipated “Breeze of Innovation” sculpture will no longer be pursued. The nonprofit, which raised over $3.3 million in its quest to realize the ambitious project, n