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On September 25, 2025, Starbucks announced layoffs of approximately 900 staff and the closure of about 1% of its North American stores, including its flagship Seattle roastery. CEO Brian Niccol aims to restore the coffeehouse experience amid six quarters of declining US sales. The cuts mainly affect support and corporate roles, while the company plans to invest in store improvements and technology.
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Goldman Sachs plans role reductions amid AI-driven overhaul, while Sea doubles down on AI to boost growth. Both companies see AI as a key driver for future expansion, despite potential workforce disruptions. Starbucks CEO warns of regulatory lag in AI development. These moves highlight AI's growing influence across sectors.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing advancements and strategic shifts in AI development, corporate adoption, and regulation. From AI-driven coding experiments to China’s regional AI cooperation, and corporate hiring strategies, the stories reflect a rapidly changing landscape with significant implications for industry and policy as of October 17, 2025.
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Cursor and Gamma exemplify new hiring strategies in AI, focusing on unconventional recruitment and lean operations. Cursor employs aggressive, global recruiting and practical assessments, while Gamma raises significant funding with a small team. ElevenLabs emphasizes European talent and remote work, challenging traditional hiring norms.
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As of November 21, 2025, over 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 95 stores in 65 U.S. cities are striking over stalled contract negotiations. The strike began last week on Starbucks' key sales event, Red Cup Day, demanding better pay, staffing, and resolution of unfair labor practice charges. Starbucks reports minimal disruption and record sales, while New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly supports the strike.
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Thousands of Starbucks workers across the US are striking for better wages and working conditions, with protests ongoing in over 120 stores and 85 cities. The strike, now the longest in the company's history, follows a series of legal settlements and ongoing contract disputes.