GameStop ($GME) shares surged 7.7% on October 27, 2025, closing around $23 after hitting intraday highs near $25.28, driven by a viral social media exchange with the White House.

It started when Microsoft announced a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved titled Halo: Campaign Evolved for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC in 2026—breaking decades of Xbox exclusivity.

GameStop’s official X account (@GameStop) posted a mock “presidential statement” on October 25, declaring itself the “Neutral Entity” ending the “console wars,” urging fans to “cease hostilities” and enjoy multiplatform gaming.

The White House’s Rapid Response 47 account (@RapidResponse47) amplified it on October 26, joking it was Trump’s “NUMBER 9” war ended. The official @WhiteHouse account then reposted on October 27 with an AI-generated image of President Trump as Master Chief saluting a flawed, 40-star American flag, captioned “Power to the Players”—GameStop’s slogan.

GameStop replied with more memes, including Trump and Master Chief shaking hands. The posts exploded (e.g., White House: 149K likes, 38M+ views), reigniting GME’s meme-stock hype amid its pivot to collectibles (Q2 profit: $168.6M) and $8.7B cash pile.

No formal policy “announcement”—just playful engagement that fueled retail frenzy. Halo: Combat Evolved’s iconic campaign, rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5 for a 2026 release on Xbox Series X|S, PC Steam, Xbox app, and PlayStation 5—the first Halo on PlayStation—with day-one Xbox Game Pass support, full crossplay, cross-progression, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Visuals & Audio: High-definition 4K visuals with rebuilt environments, alien architecture, and vistas evoking the original’s grandeur. Updated cinematics using new motion-capture animations, based on original storyboards for fidelity.

Remastered soundtrack recreating Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s score, plus new sound effects and re-recorded dialogue by the original cast (e.g., Steve Downes as Master Chief, Jen Taylor as Cortana).

Refined controls with sprint (toggleable for classic feel), improved aiming (e.g., ADS on weapons like Assault Rifle and Needler, similar to Halo 5/Infinite), and enhanced precision combat.

All 10 original levels rebuilt with refined designs, better wayfinding/navigation, improved pacing/enemy variety (e.g., overhauled “The Library” Flood encounters and environmental storytelling).

Expanded arsenal: 9 new weapons from later games (Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, Needle Rifle, Fuel Rod Cannon, Sentinel Beam). Vehicles: Hijack enemy rides (Elites can hijack back), pilot Covenant Wraith tanks, 4-Spartan Warthog seating (Warthog less indestructible).

Updated Flood with Halo 3 pure forms. New Content3 prequel missions: Set before Halo: CE, starring Master Chief and Sgt. Avery Johnson with new characters, environments, enemies, and gameplay.

Most Skulls ever in a Halo campaign (e.g., weapon randomizer, Grunt Birthday Party), plus “Campaign Remix” to replay missions with modifiers for randomized elements. Solo, 2-player split-screen co-op (consoles only), or 4-player online co-op.

No competitive multiplayer (focus on campaign; use MCC/Infinite for that). The remake preserves the original story while addressing 25 years of feedback for a “timeless yet brand new” experience.

Halo: Campaign Evolved’s three prequel missions form a brand-new story arc set before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, starring Master Chief and Sgt. Avery Johnson—marking the first new single-player Halo content in years.

Takes place prior to the Pillar of Autumn’s crash on Installation 04, potentially drawing from The Fall of Reach novel (e.g., events during Reach’s fall or Chief’s escape), bridging gaps in Chief and Johnson’s alliance.

Emphasizes Chief-Johnson interactions, with Johnson as a key ally likely NPC, but co-op speculation exists. Introduces “new characters, enemies, environments, and dangers” to deepen lore without altering the core campaign.

Available from launch not confirmed as unlockable post-campaign; playable solo or in co-op. Exclusive mechanics/enemies not in the original 10 levels; leverages remake upgrades like sprint (toggleable), ADS aiming, vehicle hijacking/piloting (e.g., Wraith), expanded arsenal (Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, etc.), and UE5 visuals.

Co-op Integration supports 2-player split-screen (consoles) or 4-player online with crossplay/progression—ideal for Johnson-focused squad play. Compatible with “Campaign Remix” mode and the most Skulls ever (e.g., weapon randomizer, Grunt Birthday Party).

Names, specific locations, and detailed gameplay remain under wraps—Halo Studios has teased “more info very soon,” with fans speculating Reach-based levels such as space combat, ground defense.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic leader and vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s second term, has publicly confirmed he’s seriously considering a run for the White House in 2028.

In a CBS Sunday Morning interview aired on October 26, 2025, Newsom stated he’d “be lying” if he claimed he wasn’t thinking about it, but emphasized he’d decide after the 2026 midterm elections. This marks his most direct acknowledgment yet, shifting from years of denials where he described his interest as “sub-zero.”

His term ends in January 2027 due to term limits, freeing him up for a national bid. Newsom’s comments come amid heightened speculation fueled by his high-profile clashes with Trump, including challenges to federal military deployments in Los Angeles and pushes to redraw California’s congressional maps to counter Republican efforts in states like Texas.

He’s positioned himself as a “resistance” figure, mocking Trump’s social media style and warning of threats to election integrity—tying into his support for Proposition 50, a ballot measure aimed at safeguarding voting rights. A recent CBS poll showed strong backing: 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters want him to run.

Trump’s 2024 victory over Kamala Harris has left Democrats scrambling for a post-Biden/Harris leader. Newsom, who was a key Biden surrogate in 2024, has surged in visibility by leading Democratic responses to Trump’s agenda on immigration, climate, and redistricting.

Earlier in 2025, Newsom visited South Carolina the potential first Democratic primary state and met with influential figures like Rep. Jim Clyburn, signaling early groundwork. He’s also addressed misconceptions about his “silver spoon” background, emphasizing his single-mother upbringing to broaden appeal.

The field is wide open, with no clear frontrunner. Newsom’s combative style contrasts with more moderate Democrats, but he faces hurdles like perceptions of California as a “failed state” due to homelessness, crime, and high costs—issues Trump allies like JD Vance a likely 2028 GOP contender could weaponize.

A Crowded Democratic PrimaryNewsom isn’t alone in eyeing 2028. Here’s a snapshot of potential rivals based on recent polling and betting markets (e.g., Polymarket odds as of October 2025).

Polymarket aggregated polls from CBS, NYT, and WSJ. Newsom leads early hypotheticals, but a Harris-Newsom showdown could dominate headlines, given their shared California roots. On X, reactions are polarized but intense: Enthusiastic Democrats see him as the “people’s president” who “gets things done,” with posts like “Gavin Newsom 2028? YES” gaining thousands of likes. Parody accounts and fans flood timelines with “Make America California!” memes.

Conservatives mock him as a “Botox-stiffened” “wanna-be” whose state is a “landfill’s asshole,” predicting a rout by Vance. One viral thread called his Trump obsession “creepy” and his run “doomed.”

Prediction markets give only a 6% chance he’ll announce by December 31, 2025, reflecting caution. Broader discourse ties his bid to Democratic urgency, with some urging figures like Obama to re-enter the fray.

Newsom’s net worth ~$30 million from wine and hospitality ventures and family (wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom and four kids) are under new scrutiny, potentially humanizing him but also inviting attacks on “privilege.”

Newsom plans to focus on 2026 midterms, aiming to flip House seats and bolster Democratic turnout. If Republicans hold or expand their narrow majority, it could turbocharge his “meets the moment” narrative. A formal announcement might not come until mid-2027, but his CBS pivot has launched the unofficial campaign.

In a fractured party, Newsom’s blend of charisma, combativeness, and caution positions him as a top contender—but success hinges on proving he can win beyond the coasts. As he put it: “Who the hell knows?” For now, the speculation is louder than ever.

Tesla’s board of directors has issued a stark warning to shareholders, cautioning that CEO Elon Musk could walk away from the company if they fail to approve his proposed $1 trillion compensation plan.

In a letter sent to shareholders on Monday, Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm said the electric carmaker was at a “critical inflection point” and that rejecting the package would jeopardize Tesla’s leadership in artificial intelligence and robotics.

“The fundamental question for shareholders at this year’s Annual Meeting is simple: Do you want to retain Elon as Tesla’s CEO and motivate him to drive Tesla to become the leading provider of autonomous solutions and the most valuable company in the world?” Denholm wrote.

The proposed compensation package, which will be voted on at Tesla’s annual meeting next week, was reintroduced last month after a Delaware judge struck down Musk’s previous record-setting pay deal earlier this year.

Under the new plan, Musk could earn up to $1 trillion over the next decade if he meets a series of steep performance targets. These include boosting Tesla’s market capitalization to $8.5 trillion by 2035 and shipping 1 million Optimus humanoid robots, part of the company’s ambitious push into AI-powered manufacturing and robotics.

If approved, the deal would nearly double Musk’s ownership stake in Tesla from about 13% to nearly 29%, solidifying his control over the company’s direction.

Pushback From Proxy Firms

The plan has drawn sharp criticism from two major proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, which urged shareholders to vote against it, arguing that the payout is excessive and poorly aligned with shareholder interests.

Musk, in response, blasted the firms during Tesla’s latest earnings call, calling them “corporate terrorists.” He warned that their influence could derail Tesla’s long-term vision.

“I just don’t feel comfortable building a robot army here and then being ousted because of some asinine recommendations from ISS and Glass Lewis,” Musk said.

Denholm defended the plan as necessary to retain Musk, who she described as the “driving force” behind Tesla’s innovation in electric vehicles, energy storage, and AI-driven automation.

“Musk may give up his executive position if Tesla fails to adequately compensate him,” Denholm wrote, warning that his departure could cause the company to “lose value as a transformative force.”

She added, “While there may be nothing wrong with being just another car company, our Board believes that Tesla can be more, that our shareholders deserve more, and that Elon is the right leader to help us achieve our full potential.”

In an interview with CNBC on Monday, Denholm clarified that Musk’s main concern is not personal wealth but ensuring he retains “enough influence over the vote at Tesla in the future so that bad things can’t happen with the AI.”

What’s at Stake?

The company’s stock has been volatile in recent months amid concerns over slowing demand for EVs and intensifying competition from Chinese automakers. At the same time, Musk has been shifting Tesla’s focus from cars to robotics and AI infrastructure — a transition that could redefine the company’s business model over the next decade.

Analysts say that if the pay package fails and Musk follows through on his threat to reduce his involvement, investor confidence could take a severe hit. The billionaire also runs SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), Neuralink, and xAI — ventures that could easily absorb more of his attention if his commitment to Tesla wanes.

Tesla’s board is framing the upcoming shareholder vote as a referendum not just on Musk’s pay, but on the company’s entire strategic direction. Many believed that Tesla’s future — whether it remains a car company or becomes the world’s leading AI and robotics platform — depends on keeping Elon engaged.

The shareholder vote will take place next week, marking one of the most consequential moments for Tesla since its founding.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon says the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the firm will not reduce the need for employees but rather change the kind of talent the bank seeks.

Speaking to Axios ahead of the company’s 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, DC, Solomon said the technology would enhance productivity and create more opportunities for skilled professionals.

“We need more high-value people,” Solomon said. “We can afford more high-value people to expand our footprint and continue to grow and broaden our business.”

According to Solomon, AI will transform how analysts, associates, and investment bankers perform their duties, helping “productive people become even more productive.” He added that rather than shrinking its workforce, Goldman Sachs expects to grow its headcount over the next decade as the technology reshapes operations.

The bank is already implementing an AI-driven internal restructuring under its OneGS 3.0 initiative. In a memo to employees earlier this month, Goldman said it would introduce a “limited reduction in roles” as part of the transition, while also placing temporary limits on headcount growth through the end of the year.

A Goldman Sachs spokesperson told Business Insider that the firm still expects to end the year with a net increase in staff, noting that its global workforce expanded by 5% to around 48,000 employees in the third quarter.

Solomon explained that while AI will make some positions redundant, particularly in repetitive or back-office tasks, it will also allow the bank to expand into higher-value areas such as client engagement, strategic advisory, and software development.

“There are obviously things where we’re going to have a lot fewer people — but I’d love to have the capacity to go get more people to spend time with clients,” he said at a recent conference, emphasizing that automation will enable more human focus on relationship-building and innovation.

Investing in the AI Future

Goldman Sachs has spent $6 billion on technology this year, according to Solomon, who described the bank as evolving into “a much bigger enterprise.” The firm currently employs around 12,000 technologists, many of whom are working on integrating AI into functions such as risk management, compliance, trading, and software engineering.

Solomon said he expects AI to have the most immediate and visible impact in software development, where automation and large language models are already accelerating code writing and testing.

Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box last week, Solomon cautioned that the speed of AI adoption could introduce “volatility” across some job functions.

“The mix of engineers with this technology will again shift and change,” he said, adding that adaptability and technical fluency will become key traits for success in the firm’s next growth phase.

AI’s Expanding Role on Wall Street

Goldman Sachs is among several major Wall Street institutions aggressively deploying AI tools to streamline operations and enhance profitability. Banks, hedge funds, and asset managers are racing to incorporate machine learning into trading algorithms, market analytics, and customer relations, seeing the technology as central to future competitiveness.

Within the firm, executives view AI not as a cost-cutting measure but as a productivity multiplier that could help Goldman broaden its reach across global markets.

Solomon’s comments reinforce his broader message that AI will redefine, not replace, human capital at Goldman Sachs. He seems to believe that AI doesn’t mean fewer people, but rather means better people — people who can use these tools to drive growth.

As the bank heads into 2026, its challenge will be to balance short-term efficiency gains from automation with long-term investment in skilled personnel, a shift that could determine whether Goldman’s AI transformation strengthens its global dominance or simply reshuffles its workforce.