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The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday that it will move out of its longtime headquarters in Washington, D.C., downsizing to a smaller building.
The agency will relocate to a smaller federal office one block away, a move that underscores how much the department has shrunk under the Trump administration’s push to dismantle it.
The LBJ building, which sits at 400 Maryland Avenue SW, is now approximately 70% vacant following a reduction in force that cut nearly half of the department’s workforce.
The move is targeted for August 2026.
Under the plan, the Education Department will relocate to 500 D Street SW, a federal building roughly a block from its current home. The smaller footprint is expected to save taxpayers approximately $4.8 million annually in lower rent and operating expenses.
The Department of Energy, meanwhile, will leave its aging James V. Forrestal building and take over the LBJ headquarters. Officials say the Forrestal building requires an estimated $350 million in deferred maintenance. This is money the government can avoid spending by moving Energy into the LBJ facility.
“Relocating to the LBJ building will deliver significant taxpayer savings and will ensure the Energy Department continues to deliver on its mission,” said Energy Secretary Wright in a statement.
GSA Administrator Forst framed the deal as a model for smarter federal real estate management. “This is the government working smarter for the American people,” he said, adding that the move strengthens the government’s overall real estate portfolio.
The headquarters move comes one year after President Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to wind down the Department of Education and shift its functions back to the states. Since that order, the administration has carried out a reduction in force affecting nearly 50% of the department’s employees, consolidated satellite offices in the D.C. metro area, and transferred oversight of several programs to other agencies.
The result: a headquarters building that the administration says is roughly 70% unused.
The department said there is no immediate impact on remaining staff. Employees will receive updates from their managers about the logistics of the move in the coming weeks. The relocation will be phased to prevent interruptions to ongoing work, including management of federal student aid and grant programs.
Officials stressed that no federal services will be disrupted during the transition.
For borrowers and families who interact with the Education Department (primarily through federal student loans and Pell Grants) the move itself should not affect day-to-day service.
However, the broader downsizing effort has raised questions about whether a leaner agency can maintain the same level of borrower support and oversight of loan servicers.
Don’t Miss These Other Stories:
Editor: Colin Graves
The post Dept. of Education To Downsize Headquarters And Move Buildings appeared first on The College Investor.
Scientists at the University of Kentucky have found a way to turn bourbon distillery waste into high-performance supercapacitors. Here’s how this breakthrough could revolutionize EV batteries and the energy grid.
Rove offers great earning rates for hotel stays usually. But you can also find even better rate through its shopping portal. These offerings may vary by account, but here are some that I see in mine:
In order to find these offers, you need to go to the Shopping tab, click Show All, and then scroll down to see all offers available.
If you don’t have a Rove account yet, you can also take advantage of an easy and best ever signup bonus. Just sign up for Rove by the end of the month using our referral and get 1,5000 instantly.
You can transfer Rove Miles to the following partner programs:
| Partner | Transfer Ratio |
|---|---|
| Aeromexico Rewards | 1 : 1 |
| Accor Live Limitless | 1.5 : 1 |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | 1 : 1 |
| Air India Maharaja Club | 1 : 1 |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 1 : 1 |
| Etihad Guest | 1 : 1 |
| Finnair Plus | 1 : 1 |
| Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club | 1 : 1 |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Club | 1 : 1 |
| Miles & More | 1 : 1 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 1 : 1 |
| Scandinavian Airlines SAS EuroBonus | 1 : 1 |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 1 : 1 |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 1 : 1 |
| Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles | 1 : 1 |
He could not speak. He could not move. Yet he was able to communicate.
I don’t know if you’ve been in the loop, but AI opened the way to real “Telepathy”. And that is beyond exciting!
In a recent breakthrough, a patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis used a brain implant from Neuralink to generate speech using only his thoughts. According to reporting from MobiHealthNews, the system allowed him to translate neural signals into text and voice, effectively restoring his ability to communicate despite advanced paralysis.
For decades, this kind of outcome belonged to science fiction. The idea that someone could “speak” without using their body was often described as telepathy. Today, it is becoming a clinical reality.
Let’s talk more about it and what that means for medicine, physicians, and patients.
Neuralink is developing a brain-computer interface (BCI), a device implanted into the brain that can detect neural activity and convert it into digital output. Electrodes placed in specific regions of the brain capture electrical signals, which are then interpreted using machine learning models. Without AI, these signals would remain too complex and noisy to translate.
With it, they can be converted into meaningful actions such as moving a cursor, typing, or generating speech.
This is what makes Neuralink different from earlier assistive technologies. It does not rely on residual physical movement, such as eye tracking or muscle control. Instead, it reads intent directly from the brain. Early clinical updates and demonstrations have shown patients using Neuralink implants to control computers and perform digital tasks through thought alone, marking a significant step forward in brain-computer interface research.
One of the most immediate and impactful applications of Neuralink is in restoring communication. Patients with conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis often retain full cognitive function while losing the ability to speak or move. Traditional assistive technologies, such as eye-tracking systems, can be slow and mentally exhausting, limiting both speed and depth of communication.
Neuralink changes that dynamic by allowing communication to occur directly from neural signals. In the reported ALS case, the patient was able to generate speech more fluidly, significantly reducing the friction involved in expressing thoughts. This aligns with broader research in brain-computer interfaces, where studies published in journals like Nature have demonstrated the ability to decode neural activity into words and sentences with increasing accuracy.
For physicians, this represents more than convenience. It has the potential to improve clinical interactions, allowing patients to describe symptoms more precisely, participate more actively in decision-making, and maintain a stronger sense of identity and connection. For the average person, it reframes what loss of speech may mean in the future. Communication may no longer be permanently tied to physical ability.
Beyond communication, Neuralink is also focused on restoring functional independence. Patients with paralysis have already demonstrated the ability to control digital interfaces, including moving cursors and interacting with software, using only their thoughts. Neuralink has publicly shown early users playing simple computer games and navigating interfaces without any physical input, indicating that the system can translate intention into action in real time.
This capability builds on decades of neuroscience research but represents a meaningful leap in usability. Earlier brain-computer interfaces required bulky equipment and highly controlled environments. Neuralink’s implantable design allows for more continuous and practical use.
For patients, this opens the door to regaining aspects of independence that were previously lost. Being able to control a computer, communicate quickly, or interact with digital systems can significantly improve quality of life. For physicians, this introduces a new category of intervention, one that does not directly treat the underlying disease but instead bypasses its functional limitations.
In everyday terms, this signals a broader shift. Technology is no longer just something we use externally. It is beginning to integrate with human capability in a way that reduces the impact of physical constraints.
The long-term implications of Neuralink extend beyond medicine. At its core, the technology represents a new interface between humans and machines. Instead of interacting through keyboards, screens, or voice commands, users may eventually interact with technology directly through neural activity.
This concept is already being explored in research settings. Brain-computer interface studies have shown that neural signals can be decoded not only for movement and speech but also for more complex intentions. While current clinical applications remain focused on severe neurological conditions, the underlying technology suggests a future where communication with machines becomes faster and more seamless.
For physicians, this raises important questions about how technology will shape patient care, cognition, and even human behavior. The boundary between therapeutic use and enhancement may become less distinct over time. For the average person, it suggests a future where interacting with devices may feel less like using a tool and more like extending one’s own capabilities.
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Neuralink is still in its early stages, and there are legitimate concerns around safety, ethics, and long-term outcomes. Regulatory oversight, clinical validation, and real-world data will ultimately determine how widely this technology can be adopted.
However, the direction is as clear as day.
We are entering a phase where communication can be restored without speech, where interaction with technology does not require physical movement, and where some of the most limiting aspects of neurological disease may be partially bypassed rather than simply managed.
This would have been unthinkable many years ago.
For physicians, this is not about replacing clinical care. It is about expanding what is possible for patients who were previously limited by the tools available to them. And for patients, it represents something more… the ability to reconnect with the world, express themselves, and regain a sense of control.
The most important takeaway is not the technology itself. It is the shift it represents. Medicine is moving from adaptation to capability. AI is advancing so fast, and it’s the center of all of it.
For the first time, that shift is becoming visible in real patients, in real time. We’re witnessing it all happen.
But what do you think? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Download The Physician’s Starter Guide to AI – a free, easy-to-digest resource that walks you through smart ways to integrate tools like ChatGPT into your professional and personal life. Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, this guide will save you time, stress, and maybe even a little sanity.
Want more tips to sharpen your AI skills? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and practical advice. You’ll also get access to our free AI resource page, packed with AI tools and tutorials to help you have more in life outside of medicine. Let’s make life easier, one prompt at a time. Make it happen!
Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have had a rough go in 2026. The sector was likely due for a break after dominating the markets since 2023, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t compelling investment opportunities.
The reality is that the market may be tired of AI, but the growth will likely continue at its current pace (and maybe even greater) for some time, probably through 2030. This momentum means that once investors get used to all of this AI spending, some of the biggest names in the space could be ready to rocket higher.
One of the biggest bargains in the market right now is Microsoft (MSFT 1.40%). Microsoft is a huge player in AI, but its software is also a critical part in the day-to-day operations of countless businesses around the globe. Microsoft is a stalwart that isn’t going anywhere, but its stock has been slammed in recent weeks. I think investors should start pounding the table on this stock, as it has seldom been this cheap over the past decade.
Image source: Getty Images.
The words “Microsoft” and “bargain” rarely end up in the same sentence, but I think investors are free to start using that terminology. While Microsoft has traded at a premium to the market over a long time frame, it has earned that through consistent execution and market-beating growth.
Today’s Change
(-1.40%) $-5.18
Current Price
$365.86
Market Cap
$2.8T
Day’s Range
$365.19 – $374.69
52wk Range
$344.79 – $555.45
Volume
1.8M
Avg Vol
35M
Gross Margin
68.59%
Dividend Yield
0.94%
Nothing has changed on the execution side, and Microsoft is still the industry standard when it comes to how a business should operate. Microsoft posted 17% revenue growth in its most recent quarter, demonstrating that the business is still delivering strong results. On the more AI-focused side of Microsoft’s business, it delivered strong growth as well. Its cloud document segment, Azure, captures the majority of this revenue, as it’s a place where AI developers can build and train AI models for use. This segment saw 39% revenue growth, showcasing why Microsoft needs to spend billions of dollars to continue expanding its AI footprint.
None of the investment theses has changed over the past few months, yet its stock price has. After the latest bit of sell-offs, Microsoft is nearing a decade-low valuation.
MSFT Operating PE Ratio data by YCharts
I’m using the operating price-to-earnings ratio because it removes one-time accounting effects and investment gains (which Microsoft has a ton of, thanks to its OpenAI investment). Anytime you can snag shares at this low of a price tag has been a genius buying opportunity, and I think right now is no different.
From a more traditional valuation standpoint, Microsoft trades for 22.9 times trailing earnings. Considering the broader market, as measured by the S&P 500 (^GSPC 1.74%), trades for 23.8 times trailing earnings, I think it’s safe to say that Microsoft is an absolute bargain at these levels.
As a result, I think investors should scoop up Microsoft’s shares before they rebound, as this is a rare opportunity.
Cryptocurrency just became further entrenched in the mortgage world thanks to a new partnership between Better and Coinbase.
The two companies have collectively launched a “token-backed mortgage” that adheres to the standards of Fannie Mae.
That means it’s a conforming mortgage that enjoys favorable underwriting guidelines and lower mortgage rates versus typical token-backed loans.
Borrowers will be able to pledge their Bitcoin (BTC) or USDC as collateral to fund their cash down payment, without liquidation.
And all Coinbase One members are eligible for a rebate worth 1% of the loan amount, capped at $10,000 to cover closing costs.
There has been a push for a while now to allow crypto in the mortgage world.
A handful of lenders have already started offering crypto mortgages, including Figure, Newrez, Milo, and Moon Mortgage.
But this latest offering involves two very big names in the business, Better Mortgage (NASDAQ: BETR) and Coinbase, which is a household leader in the crypto world.
Together, they are offering so-called “token-backed mortgages,” which allow the use of cryptocurrency while also adhering to the underwriting guidelines of Fannie Mae, an industry first.
This gives them conforming loan status, the most common type of mortgage on the market.
As such, they are more liquid and easily saleable to investors of mortgage-backed securities (MBS).
Being more liquid means mortgage rates can be lower, all else equal.
This contrasts some other crypto mortgages that allow for virtual currency usage, but might come with steeper costs.
Better says unlike traditional securities-backed loans used for down payment, mortgage borrowers will be able to pledge specific quantities and/or certain types of tokens, rather than their entire account value.
This is facilitated via Coinbase Custody, whereby the customer can pledge Bitcoin or USDC as collateral to fund their down payment in lieu of cash.
They say additional digital assets will be eligible over time, including tokenized equities, fixed income, and other tokenized real estate assets.
Instead of having to bring cash to the closing table, you pledge Bitcoin or USDC and receive two loans.
The first is a conforming mortgage backed by Fannie Mae, and the second mortgage is for the down payment, secured by the crypto that you pledge.
Eligible tokens are valued at 40% of market value for BTC and 80% for USDC, meaning $100,000 in BTC would give you $40,000 in down payment funds (or $80k for USDC).
The down payment loan (second mortgage) carries the same interest rate and repayment term as the token-backed first mortgage.
Here’s an example of a $400,000 home purchase with a 20% down payment (helpful to secure a lower interest rate and avoid PMI).
That would normally require an $80,000 down payment, but using a crypto pledge, you can only come out of pocket $40,000.
The other $40,000 comes via the pledge, requiring $100,000 in Bitcoin to get the loan.
As noted, you do pay interest on the loan and it’s the same interest rate as the first mortgage, which generally speaking is fairly attractive because second mortgages are typically priced a lot higher.
However, the pledge isn’t released until your mortgage is fully repaid or refinanced.
Both loans are originated by Better Mortgage, and until the loan is repaid, Better Mortgage retains custody of your crypto in its custodial account on the Coinbase platform.
A minimum 680 FICO is required, 15-year and 30-year fixed mortgage options are available, and any property type allowed by Fannie Mae works, including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses.
There are no margin calls or top-ups associated with the pledge, and if BTC drops in value, the mortgage terms remain unchanged and no additional collateral is required by the borrower.
They say “market movements alone never trigger liquidation,” and that collateral is only at risk in the event of a 60-day loan delinquency, which they claim is similar to a conforming mortgage.
In addition, Better says those pledging USDC can “earns rewards that can help offset mortgage payments,” effectively reducing their mortgage interest rate in the process.
To sweeten the deal, Better is also offering a rebate (lender credit) worth 1% of the mortgage loan amount to cover closing costs and fees.
It is capped at $10,000, meaning a borrower who takes out a $1 million mortgage would get $10,000 to use toward things like a loan origination fee, title insurance, or even a rate buydown.
Collectively, this means someone taking out a Better + Coinbase mortgage might be able to get approved more easily while not settling for a higher interest rate in return.
Nor will they potentially trigger a taxable event by selling their assets, an issue that has prevented some crypto holders from buying a home.
Interested borrowers can visit the Better website to register for early access to this new product.
As always, take the time to compare rates/fees and the total cost to other banks and lenders to ensure you don’t miss out on a superior deal, even after factoring in any special promos.
Before creating this site, I worked as an account executive for a wholesale mortgage lender in Los Angeles. My hands-on experience in the early 2000s inspired me to begin writing about mortgages 19 years ago to help prospective (and existing) home buyers better navigate the home loan process. Follow me on X for hot takes.
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Ankur Warikoo is an internet entrepreneur and India’s leading career mentor, reaching:
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Featured in Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40 List for India, Forbes Top 100 Digital Creators list, and LinkedIn India’s Top Voices, he brings real-world insights from his MBA at Indian School of Business, his time as CEO of Groupon India and nearbuy.com, and his journey of building multiple successful ventures.
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In this upcoming episode of Conversations with Frank Fabozzi, CFA, Mark Anson, CFA, they discuss how institutional investors are positioning portfolios in a less-synchronized global economy.
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What if play isn’t a distraction from meaningful work, but the very thing that makes it better? In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch sits down with entrepreneur and Refinery29 co-founder Piera Gelardi to explore how a playful mindset can unlock creativity, strengthen relationships, and drive innovation in business and life.
Drawing from her new book The Playful Way, Gelardi explains why play is not something we earn after work, but a powerful tool that enhances how we work. From neuroscience insights to real-world business applications, this conversation reframes play as a strategic advantage rather than a frivolous activity.
Piera Gelardi is an entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Refinery29, a global media company focused on modern women’s lives across fashion, wellness, and culture. She helped grow the company from a small startup into a global brand with over $100M in revenue and 500+ employees. Gelardi is also the author of The Playful Way, where she explores how play can transform creativity, leadership, and resilience.
“Play is not the opposite of seriousness. It is what makes seriousness bearable.”
“When we think of something as an experiment, it stops feeling so high stakes, and that is when creativity opens up.”
“Playfulness creates the most innovative ideas, the best relationships, and the resilience to work through problems.”
