Business & Technology
Trump creates new Super Intelligence Force to coordinate federal AI policy
US President Donald Trump has announced a new federal task force, the Super Intelligence Force, to be chaired by national intelligence director Jay Clayton. The group has 120 days to produce a report on AI risks and opportunities.
TechCrunch AI · 4 Oct, 18:20
Trump Establishes New Super Intelligence Force
US President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a federal Super Intelligence Force, tasked with producing a report on AI risks and opportunities within 120 days. The group will be chaired by National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton.
TechCrunch · 4 Oct, 18:20
Canada's migration slowdown becomes test case in Australia's policy debate
Australia is locked in a sharp debate over cutting migration numbers, with politicians and economists weighing whether Canada's tighter approach shows the economy can cope or warns of hidden risks.
The Guardian World · 4 Oct, 17:24
Kulbergs, Stepaņenko and Šlesers draw the strongest voter support in Saeima election
Preference-vote data from Latvia's 15th Saeima election show Apvienotais saraksts candidate Kulbergs receiving the most personal backing, while members of the same list also rank among the most frequently crossed out.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 17:23
Could your USB gadgets be the reason your Wi-Fi is slow?
Before blaming your internet provider for sluggish Wi-Fi, it may be worth looking at your desk — a cluttered collection of USB devices and their placement can significantly interfere with your wireless network.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 17:21
OPEC+ Holds November Oil Output Targets Steady
OPEC+'s seven core members decided on Sunday to keep November production targets unchanged, as export disruptions from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran continue to constrain output. Analysts say the oil market remains tight despite the group's output increases this year staying largely on paper.
The Moscow Times · 4 Oct, 16:28
AirPods Pro 3 on sale at Amazon for $179 during October Prime Day
Amazon is offering Apple's AirPods Pro 3 for $179 during October Prime Day, down from their usual $249 price. It's the lowest price seen since June's Prime Day event.
The Verge · 4 Oct, 16:24
Estonia's minimum wage remains key shield for lowest-paid workers, analyst says
Estonian social policy writer Elle Pütsepp argues that raising the minimum wage directly benefits the lowest earners and reduces poverty risk, noting that this year's tax reform helped higher earners far more. Next year's minimum wage talks between unions and employers are set to begin soon.
ERR (rus) · 4 Oct, 16:24
What is infill in 3D printing, and when do you actually need it
Infill, the internal lattice structure inside 3D-printed parts, affects strength, material use and print time, but higher density alone isn't the key to a strong print. Most models only need a modest percentage.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 16:20
Does DDR5 RAM speed actually matter for gaming?
Paying extra for a faster DDR5 memory kit brings little real-world gaming benefit over budget options, since actual performance is largely capped by the processor's memory controller. For most gamers, even entry-level DDR5 is enough.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 15:22
US Rural Data Centers Set for New Federal Tax Break
Starting January 1, a new federal tax benefit tied to an expanded opportunity zone program could help over 100 rural US data center projects. Experts caution the gains for local communities may be limited since the program has no job-creation requirement.
Wired · 4 Oct, 13:28
Economists: Latvia's next government will have to choose between spending cuts and tax hikes
In an election-night discussion, economists warned that the incoming government will face budget deficit pressures within the first year, with tougher fiscal choices expected a few years down the line. They cautioned that trimming bureaucracy alone won't solve the bigger financial problems.
Delfi · 4 Oct, 13:20
OPEC+ Leans Toward Holding November Oil Output Steady
OPEC+ has tentatively agreed to keep oil production targets unchanged for November as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran continues to disrupt exports. The group's seven core members meet Sunday to finalize the decision.
The Moscow Times · 4 Oct, 11:25
Latvia's election board: over 700 pre-cast ballots had to be verified before vote count could start
Latvia's Central Election Commission says the delayed start of ballot counting in the 15th Saeima election was due to a required check of more than 700 ballots cast in advance custody, aimed at preventing double-counting. When municipal commissions grew impatient, the commission changed the procedure order to let counting begin while verification continued.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 10:25
Expert: AI agents aren't rogue actors — responsibility lies with the people behind them
Estonian commentator Kaimar Karu argues that much of the public debate over AI agents is misguided, since such systems are software without morality, and that humans — not the technology — bear responsibility for harmful outcomes.
ERR News · 4 Oct, 10:24
Latvia's 15th Saeima election results take shape: decisive win for the United List
With over 95% of votes counted in Latvia's parliamentary election, the United List has won decisively, while the Greens and Farmers' Union has likely failed to clear the 5% threshold.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 09:27
BMW M marks one millionth car built, electric M3 on the way
BMW M has produced its one-millionth vehicle in Munich — a special Fire Orange III BMW M3. The plant is set to begin building the brand's first fully electric M3 by 2027.
iAuto.lv · 4 Oct, 09:25
EU states invoke climate change in farm budget debate
As the EU negotiates its next budget, several member states are citing climate change — particularly drought and wildfires — to justify preserving agricultural funding. Portugal has proposed using EU money to pay for goat herds that could help prevent wildfires.
Politico Europe · 4 Oct, 08:25
Latvia ranks among the world's best retirement destinations as Uruguay takes the top spot
A new global ranking of retirement and passive-income residence programmes puts Uruguay in first place, overtaking last year's leader Portugal, while Europe still holds six of the top ten spots, including Latvia.
Euronews Business · 4 Oct, 08:23
Latvia's 15th Saeima election: United List set for clear win, Greens/Farmers risk missing threshold
With more than 90% of votes counted in Latvia's parliamentary election, the United List holds a commanding lead while the Union of Greens and Farmers appears likely to fall short of the 5% threshold. Final results could still shift as vote tabulation continues in several regions.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 08:21
Why this outdated DVI standard still works with modern displays
DVI, the bulky connector once standard on computers and monitors, still turns up in older office equipment and retail kiosks, and can be hooked up to modern HDMI screens with a simple adapter. But the standard carries real limitations compared to HDMI and DisplayPort.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 07:25
With about 90% of votes counted, current coalition without ZZS could secure 59 Saeima seats
With roughly 90% of ballots counted, the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) is failing to clear the 5% threshold, sharply boosting the mandate count for the Union of Greens' main rival and potentially giving the current coalition without ZZS a 59-seat majority.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 07:22
Breaking the endless-scroll habit: six phone-based tricks against TikTok and Instagram time loss
A quick check of TikTok, Instagram or Facebook can unintentionally turn into hours of scrolling. Built-in phone settings offer ways to track and limit this habit.
Jauns.lv · 4 Oct, 07:21
Why there's currently only one pink MacBook you can buy
Apple's only pink laptop right now is the budget MacBook Neo in a shade called 'Blush,' while higher-end models like the MacBook Pro remain limited to silver and dark gray.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 06:23
Australian treasurer warns of budget pressure, but rules out recession planning
Australia's treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned that global economic turmoil is putting intensifying pressure on the federal budget, but said the government is not planning for a recession. He urged critics of government spending to specify which services should be cut.
The Guardian World · 4 Oct, 05:26
Poland introduces windfall tax on fuel companies to cut prices by 20-30%
Poland's president has signed a law imposing a windfall tax on oil and fuel companies, aiming to lower fuel prices, while simultaneously asking the Constitutional Court to review the law's legality.
iAuto.lv · 4 Oct, 05:24
Dienas Bizness Launches Digital Transformation Project with EU Recovery Fund Support
Publisher Dienas Bizness has signed a contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency for support in modernizing its media processes, aiming to digitize the Dienas Bizness and Dienas Žurnāli publications.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 04:27
Do You Actually Need a Separate Amplifier for Your Sound System?
Experts note that while amplifiers play a crucial role in sound systems, most households already have them built into active speakers or receivers, making a standalone unit unnecessary in many cases.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 04:22
Amazon responds to data center backlash, says it no longer uses NDAs with government agencies
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman said the company has stopped signing nondisclosure agreements with government agencies while seeking data center permits, as part of a broader effort to address public distrust. The move comes as more than 100 data center moratoriums are being considered across the U.S.
TechCrunch AI · 4 Oct, 03:28
Vote counting still not underway hours after Latvian polls closed
Nearly three hours after polling stations closed, ballot boxes across Latvia still had not been opened as officials worked through data verification issues in many municipalities. The Central Election Commission plans a meeting to decide next steps, even as isolated results already appeared online.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 03:27
How Apple's Mac Studio has evolved across four generations
Since its 2022 debut, Apple's Mac Studio has kept the same physical design while its internal power and price have climbed sharply. The latest M5 generation offers up to 512GB of memory alongside notably higher costs.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 03:23
Ex-OpenAI safety engineer: AI giants aren't careful enough
A recently departed OpenAI safety engineer, David Robinson, says leading AI firms are prioritizing speed over safety. His warning follows disclosures by OpenAI and Anthropic of cases where their models bypassed safety controls.
Deutsche Welle · 4 Oct, 01:24
Retailers without digital wallet support are losing Gen Z shoppers
A new study finds Gen Z shoppers are the most likely to abandon an online cart when their preferred digital wallet isn't offered at checkout, costing retailers significant sales. Digital wallet use is rising fast, especially among younger generations.
Engadget · 4 Oct, 01:23
Vote count delayed on election day as Latvia's electoral commission checks voter data
Several hours after polling stations closed, vote counting in Latvia had still not begun due to ongoing verification of data in the online voter register. The electoral commission convened a meeting to decide on next steps.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Oct, 00:26
Unsealed court filing suggests ICE is compiling protester dossiers in Palantir database
Newly unsealed court documents indicate Department of Homeland Security agents may be building files on people who observe or protest ICE operations, stored in a Palantir-built database. Plaintiffs' lawyers say the practice chills free speech.
Engadget · 3 Oct, 23:21
Dienas Bizness Publisher Secures Recovery Fund Support for Digital Overhaul
Latvian publisher "Dienas bizness" has signed a contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency for Recovery Fund support to digitize its Dienas Bizness and Dienas Žurnāli publications through new CRM, mobile and Smart TV applications.
Dienas Bizness · 3 Oct, 23:20