This week’s business news: Wells Fargo hires robots, Trump scares off students, and Duolingo cashes in

If this week had a mood, it would be “change is coming—ready or not.”

Across industries, big players made moves they hope will future-proof their businesses, while others scrambled to adapt to new realities. Tech leaders leaned into bold experiments, retailers weighed expansion against contraction, and the markets reacted with their usual mix of enthusiasm and side-eye.

Policy shifts sent ripple effects through sectors that depend on global talent and international travel. In the corporate world, some companies are making high-stakes bets on emerging technologies, while others are dealing with leadership shake-ups, financial pressures, or both.

And in between the serious boardroom decisions and billion-dollar strategies, there were moments that reminded us how unpredictable—and occasionally absurd—the business landscape can be.

Wells Fargo goes all in on AI with Google Cloud

Wells Fargo is rolling out Google’s Agentspace AI across its workforce—from branch tellers to top executives. The bank says the tech will help speed up workflows, automate routine tasks, and deliver sharper insights, all while staying within strict compliance and ethical guidelines.

Trump crackdown pushes international students toward the U.K. and Asia

Stricter U.S. visa policies and heightened scrutiny are driving prospective students to universities in Britain, Hong Kong, and beyond, potentially costing the U.S. billions in tuition and local spending.

Crypto exchange Bullish preps IPO despite steep losses

Bullish plans to raise up to $629 million in its NYSE debut. Backed by BlackRock and ARK, the listing tests whether investor enthusiasm for crypto can outpace concerns about a $348 million quarterly loss.

T.J. Maxx is opening 6 new stores this month

The off-price retailer is expanding in Virginia, Connecticut, North Dakota, Utah, and Washington, D.C., even as tariffs loom over the retail sector. The news comes a little over a year after CEO Ernie Herrman announced the company’s goal of adding 1,300 stores to its global portfolio of locations during a quarterly earnings call.

At Home to close more stores amid bankruptcy

The home furnishings chain announced this week that it will shutter six additional locations, on top of 26 announced earlier, as it works to manage $2 billion in debt under Chapter 11 protection.

U.S. to require $15,000 visa bond for some travelers

A one-year pilot program will mandate refundable bonds for visitors from countries with high overstay rates or limited vetting processes. On Tuesday, a notice from the State Department said travelers from Malawi and Zambia would be required to post the bonds. Other countries could be added to the list in the future.

Claire’s files for second bankruptcy, eyes store closures

Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a second time this week. The teen and tween retailer has identified 18 stores for likely closure, with more than 1,300 at risk unless a buyer emerges.

Eli Lilly outpaces Novo Nordisk in weight-loss market—but stock dips

Mounjaro and Zepbound sales are surging, yet investors were underwhelmed by trial data for Lilly’s oral GLP-1 pill.

Hulu brand to fold into Disney+ in 2025

Say goodbye to Hulu. Disney announced this week that it will merge Hulu content into its flagship streaming app, streamlining offerings ahead of its ESPN streaming launch.

Duolingo’s “AI first” gamble pays off

Despite backlash over replacing contractors with AI, the language-learning platform posted an 84% profit growth and a 24% stock surge.

Trump calls for Intel CEO’s resignation over China ties

President Trump criticized Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s past investments in Chinese chip companies, intensifying political scrutiny of Intel’s leadership.