Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Wed, Sep 23, 2026, 12:40 AM EDT

Tech

  • Discord's implementation of age verification is proceeding despite significant community objections.

  • TechCrunch Founder Summit will feature discussions on fundraising, hiring, and AI, with a focus on insights for founders.

  • Snorkel AI has achieved a $3.5 billion valuation, indicating a surge in demand for AI training data solutions.

  • Qualcomm has unveiled new smartphone chips designed to enhance AI capabilities directly on devices.

  • Reports suggest Apple is developing a fitness tracker that could compete with existing devices like Whoop.

Money

  • Global leaders convene at the UN, grappling with a failing institution and pressing geopolitical issues, including Trump's confrontational stance on Iran and calls for aid.

  • Developments in the money industry include central banks' varying interest rate decisions, with the Bank of Japan raising rates while the Bank of England holds steady, impacting investor flows.

  • Artificial intelligence continues to dominate financial discussions, with tech giants and regulators seeking guardrails, while concerns about AI's potential misuse and the need for industry supervision grow.

  • The cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant activity, with Bitcoin ETFs seeing substantial inflows, various platforms exploring tokenized assets, and regulatory debates surrounding crypto legislation like the stalled Clarity Act.

  • Shipping and energy markets are under pressure, with oil prices fluctuating due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and discussions around energy infrastructure investments.

Power

  • Global energy markets are facing volatility, with copper nearing record highs due to falling Chinese inventories, while fuel crises loom, potentially extending through 2027.

  • The U.S. is grappling with internal political and legal challenges, including election integrity concerns, Supreme Court cases, and debates over immigration policy, alongside efforts to boost domestic drone production.

  • International relations are tense, marked by ongoing discussions between the US and China on AI and trade, heightened scrutiny of India's ties with Russia, and geopolitical maneuvering in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

  • The power industry is exploring innovative solutions amidst global instability, with AI advancements being a key focus, though concerns about its politicization and rapid development persist.

  • Natural disasters and climate change impacts are becoming more pronounced, with California declaring a state of emergency due to El NiƱo and other regions facing typhoons and wildfires, necessitating infrastructure resilience.