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Now back to the headlines:
Inside the deal to save TikTok 📝
Why it matters: The proposed deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. is structured as a lease of its algorithm, not an outright sale.
This arrangement is designed to satisfy a 2024 law demanding American control while allowing its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to continue operating the app in other countries.
Zoom in: How it works ⚙️
ByteDance will create a duplicate copy of the TikTok algorithm and lease it to a new joint venture.
That new entity will be controlled by a U.S. investor group led by Andreessen Horowitz, Silver Lake, and Oracle, per Axios.
Oracle’s role is to verify the algorithm's retraining and safeguard U.S. user data.
The White House says the Chinese government approved these terms during a meeting last week in Madrid.
"Michael Dell is involved. I hate to tell you this, but a man named 'Lachlan' is involved. Do you know who Lachlan is? That's a very unusual name Lachlan Murdoch.... And Rupert is probably going to be in the group."
President Trump is expected to approve the proposed deal via an executive order later this week.
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📺 Kimmel's Quick Return
Disney is bringing Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show back to the airwaves less than a week after an "indefinite" suspension over remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Why it matters: The rapid reversal showcases the intense tightrope walk for media giants balancing pressure from powerful political figures, backlash from Hollywood, and the value of their own star talent.
Driving the News:
The Comment: In a monologue last Monday, Kimmel accused Trump supporters of trying to "win political points" from the Kirk shooting.
The Suspension: Disney's ABC network pulled the show to "avoid further inflaming a tense situation", calling Kimmel's monologue "ill-timed and thus insensitive".
The decision to halt the show was made by Disney CEO Bob Iger and television executive Dana Walden.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
The Backlash: The move sparked immediate pushback, with protesters picketing ABC studios and celebrities including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep criticizing the decision. The screenwriters' guild labeled the suspension "corporate cowardice".
The Return: After "thoughtful conversations" with Kimmel, Disney announced on Monday the show would return on Tuesday.
H-1B Sticker Shock 🇺🇸
A new $100,000 H-1B visa fee is set to take effect, but after initial confusion, officials clarified it will not apply to current visa holders.
Why it matters: The policy pits Trump's goal of an American-first workforce against the tech and manufacturing sectors that say they rely on foreign talent to fill critical jobs, potentially stunting the administration's own economic ambitions.
Driving the news: An executive order on the new fee caused initial panic, with some lawyers believing it would apply immediately to existing visa holders who were abroad.
Official Clarification: A White House official and a USCIS memo later confirmed the fee only applies to new applicants in the next lottery cycle.
The bottom line for current holders: The new rule does not apply to those with currently approved petitions or those who already have valid H-1B visas.
Meanwhile, China's Global Talent Grab 🌏
In a direct play for global talent, Beijing is launching a new visa category aimed at young science and tech professionals, just as the U.S. tightens its own rules.
Why it matters: The move signals a clear strategy to attract the world's best and brightest, potentially redirecting the flow of skilled workers who might otherwise look to the U.S.
Driving the news: China announced it is adding a 'K visa' to its list of ordinary visa types
The target: The visa is specifically available for eligible young science and technology professionals.
The context: This comes as the Trump administration has introduced a new $100,000 visa fee, causing "panic and confusion".
The authority: China's Premier Li Qiang signed a decree to put the new visa into effect.
The Big Picture: Compared with the existing 12 ordinary visa types in China, K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of the number of permitted entries, validity period and duration of stay.
The bottom line: As one door closes, another opens. China is positioning itself as a more welcoming destination for high-skilled individuals in the competitive science and technology sectors.