ResidentialBusiness

OCMBC launched its new wholesale lender, GIANT Lending, amid a poaching controversy with the naming rights to its old DBA, Jet Advantage. View the full article

Chinese parent company set for greater financial upsides than US shareholders following Washington-Beijing dealView the full article

Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s national carrier, has announced plans to add 225 Boeing aircraft to its fleet. In an a declaration to the Istanbul Stock Exchange on Friday, the airline said it has decided to purchase 75 Boeing B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft and has completed negotiations with Boeing to acquire 150 737-8/10MAX models. The announcement was made a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald The President in Washington. Turkish Airlines will place 50 confirmed and 25 optional orders for the B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2034. The B787-9 and B787-10 are advanced, fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft designed for international travel, the airline said in a statement. The company is in negotiations with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace for the procurement of engines, spare parts and maintenance services for the aircraft, the statement said. Separately, Turkish Airlines said it has finalized negotiations with Boeing for 150 737-8/10MAX aircraft, with 100 confirmed and 50 optional, and will proceed with the order once talks with engine supplier CFM International are successfully concluded. Turkish Airlines operates one of the world’s largest flight networks. On Thursday, The President signaled the U.S. may soon lift its hold on the sale of advanced fighter jets to Turkey, a NATO ally. During The President’s first term, the U.S. removed Turkey from its flagship F-35 fighter jet program in 2019 following Ankara’s purchase of a Russian-made air defense system. —Associated Press View the full article

President warns his administration will go after ‘corrupt, radical-left Democrats’View the full article

Drugmakers have reason to take a tough stance against British negotiatorsView the full article

A federal judge on Thursday approved a $1.5 billion settlement between artificial intelligence company Anthropic and authors who allege nearly half a million books had been illegally pirated to train chatbots. U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued the preliminary approval in San Francisco federal court Thursday after the two sides worked to address his concerns about the settlement, which will pay authors and publishers about $3,000 for each of the books covered by the agreement. It does not apply to future works. “This is a fair settlement,” Alsup said, though he added that distributing it to all parties will be “complicated.” About 465,000 books are on the list of works pirated by Anthropic, according to Justin Nelson, an attorney for the authors. “We have some of the best lawyers in America in this courtroom and if anyone can do it, you can,” Alsup said. The Association of American Publishers called the settlement a “major step in the right direction in holding AI developers accountable for reckless and unabashed infringement.” “Anthropic is hardly a special case when it comes to infringement. Every other major AI developer has trained their models on the backs of authors and publishers, and many have sourced those works from the most notorious infringing sites in the world,” said Maria A. Pallante, president and CEO of the publisher group. San Francisco-based Anthropic said it is pleased with the preliminary approval. “The decision will allow us to focus on developing safe AI systems that help people and organizations extend their capabilities, advance scientific discovery, and solve complex problems. As we’ve consistently maintained, the court’s landmark June ruling that AI training constitutes transformative fair use remains intact. This settlement simply resolves narrow claims about how certain materials were obtained,” said Aparna Sridhar, deputy general counsel at Anthropic. The Authors Guild, meanwhile, said the settlement “marks a milestone in authors’ fights against AI companies’ theft of their works. It sends a clear signal to AI companies that infringement of authors’ rights comes at a steep price and will undoubtedly push AI companies towards acquiring the books they want legally, through licensing.” A Monday filing sought to convince the judge that the parties have set up a system designed to get out robust notice to all authors and publishers covered by the agreement, ensuring they get their cut of the pot if they want to sign off on the settlement or opt out to protect their legal rights moving forward. They also tried to assure him that the author and publishers group that cobbled the deal together are not doing any “back room” dealings that would hurt lesser-known authors. Alsup’s main concern centered on how the claims process will be handled in an effort to ensure everyone eligible knows about it so the authors don’t “get the shaft.” He had set a September 22 deadline for submitting a claims form for him to review before Thursday’s hearing to review the settlement again. The judge had raised worries about two big groups connected to the case — the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers — working “behind the scenes” in ways that could pressure some authors to accept the settlement without fully understanding it. Attorneys for the authors said in Monday’s filing they believe the settlement will result in a high claims rate, respects existing contracts and is “consistent with due process” and the court’s guidance. Alsup had dealt the case a mixed ruling in June, finding that training AI chatbots on copyrighted books wasn’t illegal but that Anthropic wrongfully acquired millions of books through pirate websites to help improve its Claude chatbot. Bestselling thriller novelist Andrea Bartz, who sued Anthropic with two other authors last year, said in a court declaration ahead of the hearing that she strongly supports the settlement and will work to explain its significance to fellow writers. “Together, authors and publishers are sending a message to AI companies: You are not above the law, and our intellectual property isn’t yours for the taking,” she wrote. Alsup also said in the courtroom Thursday that he plans to step down from the bench by the end of the year. President Bill Clinton nominated him for the federal bench in 1999. — AP Technology Writer Matt O’Brien contributed to this story from Providence, Rhode Island. —Barbara Ortutay, AP Technology Writer View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken a significant step to bolster American manufacturing by awarding $1.1 million in grants aimed at supporting small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. These funds will help three organizations provide vital training and technical assistance tailored specifically for small manufacturing entities, a sector identified as crucial for economic recovery and national security. As SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler noted, “The SBA is focused on delivering for America’s manufacturers – the majority of whom are small businesses – by offering the capital and resources they need to rebuild America’s industrial strength.” The grants are part of a broader effort to ensure small businesses can thrive, especially amidst current economic challenges. Small business owners in the manufacturing sector stand to benefit from these programs in various ways, especially through access to free courses, hands-on training, and one-on-one consulting. The E2G Program provides targeted assistance to help manufacturers improve growth strategies, operational efficiency, hiring practices, and overall competitiveness. Here’s a closer look at the grant recipients and their initiatives: The Ohio State University (OSU) will focus on central Ohio’s manufacturing industry, offering specialized training for roles such as assemblers, inspectors, and machinists. The Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence at OSU aims to promote essential skills through courses on manual machining, 3D printing, welding, and more. Their comprehensive offerings are structured around four key areas: foundational manufacturing skills, digital and advanced manufacturing, business readiness, and emerging technology integration. A second grantee, the Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA), will spearhead the Bluefield BUILD initiative in West Virginia. This program is strategic in alleviating the skills gap by fostering partnerships between small manufacturers and educational institutions. By aligning training efforts with actual business needs, BEDA aims to streamline workforce development and maximize job readiness. The program includes a range of activities, such as operator training for specific manufacturing equipment and soft skills development for job seekers. Lastly, the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) has plans for outreach throughout Tennessee, especially targeting rural and economically distressed areas. By focusing on workforce training and process improvement, UT CIS will provide services directly at manufacturers’ facilities, ensuring that small businesses facing workforce shortages can access the help they need. The implications of these initiatives are vast. Small manufacturing businesses will gain access to specialized and localized training, enhancing their ability to modernize and compete in a challenging market. Such resources can be instrumental in not only filling current job openings but also in preparing for future advancements in technology and operational processes. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges that may arise in utilizing these resources effectively. For instance, businesses must ensure they can allocate time for training amidst daily operations. Additionally, the varying scopes of the grant recipients mean that not all small manufacturers will have the same level of access to resources, which could potentially create disparities in training opportunities across different regions. Participation in these programs is designed to be straightforward, but small business owners may need to invest time in understanding how to engage effectively and take full advantage of what’s available. Networking with grant providers and joining local business groups could be crucial in navigating this landscape. For small manufacturers looking for comprehensive solutions to strengthen their operations while investing in their workforce, these initiatives present powerful opportunities. The grants serve as a reminder that federal programs can and do respond to the pressing needs of the manufacturing sector. For additional details about the initiatives and to explore the full potential of Empower to Grow, visit the SBA’s original announcement at SBA.gov. Accessing this supportive framework can open doors for numerous small businesses seeking to enhance their capabilities and strengthen their position in the market. Image via Envato This article, "SBA Grants $1.1 Million to Boost Training for Small Manufacturers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken a significant step to bolster American manufacturing by awarding $1.1 million in grants aimed at supporting small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. These funds will help three organizations provide vital training and technical assistance tailored specifically for small manufacturing entities, a sector identified as crucial for economic recovery and national security. As SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler noted, “The SBA is focused on delivering for America’s manufacturers – the majority of whom are small businesses – by offering the capital and resources they need to rebuild America’s industrial strength.” The grants are part of a broader effort to ensure small businesses can thrive, especially amidst current economic challenges. Small business owners in the manufacturing sector stand to benefit from these programs in various ways, especially through access to free courses, hands-on training, and one-on-one consulting. The E2G Program provides targeted assistance to help manufacturers improve growth strategies, operational efficiency, hiring practices, and overall competitiveness. Here’s a closer look at the grant recipients and their initiatives: The Ohio State University (OSU) will focus on central Ohio’s manufacturing industry, offering specialized training for roles such as assemblers, inspectors, and machinists. The Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence at OSU aims to promote essential skills through courses on manual machining, 3D printing, welding, and more. Their comprehensive offerings are structured around four key areas: foundational manufacturing skills, digital and advanced manufacturing, business readiness, and emerging technology integration. A second grantee, the Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA), will spearhead the Bluefield BUILD initiative in West Virginia. This program is strategic in alleviating the skills gap by fostering partnerships between small manufacturers and educational institutions. By aligning training efforts with actual business needs, BEDA aims to streamline workforce development and maximize job readiness. The program includes a range of activities, such as operator training for specific manufacturing equipment and soft skills development for job seekers. Lastly, the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) has plans for outreach throughout Tennessee, especially targeting rural and economically distressed areas. By focusing on workforce training and process improvement, UT CIS will provide services directly at manufacturers’ facilities, ensuring that small businesses facing workforce shortages can access the help they need. The implications of these initiatives are vast. Small manufacturing businesses will gain access to specialized and localized training, enhancing their ability to modernize and compete in a challenging market. Such resources can be instrumental in not only filling current job openings but also in preparing for future advancements in technology and operational processes. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges that may arise in utilizing these resources effectively. For instance, businesses must ensure they can allocate time for training amidst daily operations. Additionally, the varying scopes of the grant recipients mean that not all small manufacturers will have the same level of access to resources, which could potentially create disparities in training opportunities across different regions. Participation in these programs is designed to be straightforward, but small business owners may need to invest time in understanding how to engage effectively and take full advantage of what’s available. Networking with grant providers and joining local business groups could be crucial in navigating this landscape. For small manufacturers looking for comprehensive solutions to strengthen their operations while investing in their workforce, these initiatives present powerful opportunities. The grants serve as a reminder that federal programs can and do respond to the pressing needs of the manufacturing sector. For additional details about the initiatives and to explore the full potential of Empower to Grow, visit the SBA’s original announcement at SBA.gov. Accessing this supportive framework can open doors for numerous small businesses seeking to enhance their capabilities and strengthen their position in the market. Image via Envato This article, "SBA Grants $1.1 Million to Boost Training for Small Manufacturers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The fate of Starmer’s government rests on the economy — but an obsessive pursuit of financial prudence could undermine itView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. If you’re in the market for a solid mid-range model that vacuums, mops, and has plenty of hands-free cleaning features, the Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 is a great option, and it’s currently 46% off on Amazon, marking its lowest price ever according to price tracking tools. Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 $379.99 at Amazon $699.99 Save $320.00 Get Deal Get Deal $379.99 at Amazon $699.99 Save $320.00 The Omni C20 has an auto-empty dustbin, and while the mop heads are not washed with hot water, they are automatically cleaned and dried with room-temperature air. This makes the cleaning process low-maintenance, but it does take a bit longer than heated drying systems. It features dual rotating mop pads with 180 rotations per minute and 6N of pressure, while the vacuum function delivers 7,000Pa suction with both a rolling brush and a side brush that better pick up debris, fur, and crumbs. While 7,000Pa performs well for everyday use, it may not pick up embedded dirt and debris on carpeting as effectively, sometimes requiring multiple passes. Still, it’s considered one of the best robot mops of 2025, according to PCMag. It only supports 2.4 GHz wifi, and while battery life is advertised at around 132 minutes on a single charge, it receives mixed reviews on Amazon. Some users say it needs more frequent charging compared to brands like Dreame, and also takes longer to recharge (around three hours). However, unlike Dreame and some other competitors, the C20’s slim height of 3.35 inches allows it to fit under low-profile furniture and get into tight spaces, so you don’t have to struggle to manually reach tough spots like under beds and couches. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a sub-$400 robot vacuum that also mops, your home has mostly hard floors with low clutter, and you’re seeking the convenience of automation over top-tier performance and AI features, the Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 is a solid option. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.99 (List Price $39.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

President Donald The President said Thursday that he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1. The posts on his social media site showed that The President’s devotion to tariffs did not end with the trade frameworks and import taxes that were launched in August, a reflection of the president’s confidence that taxes will help to reduce the government’s budget deficit while increasing domestic manufacturing. While The President did not provide a legal justification for the tariffs, he appeared to stretch the bounds of his role as commander-in-chief by stating on Truth Social that the taxes on imported kitchen cabinets and sofas were needed “for National Security and other reasons.” Under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the administration launched a Section 232 investigation in April about the impacts on national security from pharmaceutical drug and truck imports. The Commerce Department launched a 232 investigation into timber and lumber in March, though it’s unclear whether the furniture tariffs stem from that. The tariffs are another dose of uncertainty for the U.S. economy with a solid stock market but a weakening outlook for jobs and elevated inflation. These new taxes on imports could pass through to consumers in the form of higher prices and dampen hiring, a process that economic data suggests is already underway. “We have begun to see goods prices showing through into higher inflation,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned in a recent news conference, adding that higher costs for goods account for “most” or potentially “all” of the increase in inflation levels this year. The president has pressured Powell to resign, arguing that the Fed should cut its benchmark interest rates more aggressively because inflation is no longer a concern. Fed officials have stayed cautious on rate cuts because of the uncertainty created by tariffs. The President said on Truth Social that the pharmaceutical tariffs would not apply to companies that are building manufacturing plants in the United States, which he defined as either “breaking ground” or being “under construction.” It was unclear how the tariffs would apply to companies that already have factories in the U.S. In 2024, America imported nearly $233 billion in pharmaceutical and medicinal products, according to the Census Bureau. The prospect of prices doubling for some medicines could send shock waves to voters as health care expenses, as well as the costs of Medicare and Medicaid, potentially increase. The pharmaceutical drug announcement was shocking as The President has previously suggested that tariffs would be phased in over time so that companies had time to build factories and relocate production. On CNBC in August, The President said he would start by charging a “small tariff” on pharmaceuticals and raise the rate over a year or more to 150% and even 250%. According to the White House, the threat of tariffs earlier this year contributed to many major pharmaceutical companies, including Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Roche, Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly, among others, to announce investments in U.S. production. Pascal Chan, vice president for strategic policy and supply chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, warned that the tariffs could harm Americans’ health with “immediate price hikes, strained insurance systems, hospital shortages, and the real risk of patients rationing or foregoing essential medicines.” The new tariffs on cabinetry could further increase the costs for homebuilders at a time when many people seeking to buy a house feel priced out by the mix of housing shortages and high mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors on Thursday said there were signs of price pressures easing as sales listings increased 11.7% in August from a year ago, but the median price for an existing home was $422,600. The President said that foreign-made heavy trucks and parts are hurting domestic producers that need to be defended. “Large Truck Company Manufacturers, such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, will be protected from the onslaught of outside interruptions,” The President posted. The President has long maintained that tariffs are the key to forcing companies to invest more in domestic factories. He has dismissed fears that importers would simply pass along much of the cost of the taxes to consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices. His broader country-by-country tariffs relied on declaring an economic emergency based on a 1977 law, a drastic tax hike that two federal courts said exceeded The President’s authority as president. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case in November. The president continues to claim that inflation is no longer a challenge for the U.S. economy, despite evidence to the contrary. The consumer price index has increased 2.9% over the past 12 months, up from an annual pace of 2.3% in April, when The President first launched a sweeping set of import taxes. Nor is there evidence that the tariffs are creating factory jobs or more construction of manufacturing facilities. Since April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that manufacturers cut 42,000 jobs and builders have downsized by 8,000. “There’s no inflation,” The President told reporters Thursday. “We’re having unbelievable success.” Still, The President also acknowledged that his tariffs against China had hurt American farmers, who lost out on sales of soybeans. The president separately promised on Thursday to divert tariff revenues to the farmers hurt by the conflict, just as he did during his first term in 2018 and 2019 when his tariffs led to retaliation against the agricultural sector. —Josh Boak, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. With this live blog, you can keep up with the best deals the Lifehacker team finds every day, all in one place. Bookmark this page to keep an eye on what we're finding. As always, we use price-tracking tools to suss out the deals that are actually worth paying attention to, not just hype designed to instill a false sense of urgency. View the full article

This week, President Donald The President and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his secretary of health and human services, suggested a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The claim, which has been widely debunked by experts and is not backed by medical science, became instant social media fodder. The President and Kennedy’s announcement included a graphic featuring the words “Autism Announcement,” splashed across a blue background. It quickly became repurposed as a meme by many in the Autism community. “How it feels telling the group chat I don’t want to eat at the restaurant they planned because I don’t like the texture of the food they serve,” one X user posted. “When I’m on a date and they ask me about my hobbies,” another wrote. Summing up the week’s online discourse, one put: “The Tylenol memes have been incredible. What a gift The President gave us.” In his address, The President suggested that pregnant people in America should instead “tough it out” rather than resort to taking the common pain reliever. Unsurprisingly, many pregnant people did not welcome his unsolicited advice and instead responded to his comments by filming themselves popping pills in defiance. “I have a list of things I would be worried about if I were pregnant now in the US but taking Tylenol for my fever wouldn’t be one of them,” reads the caption to one video. “Dear RFK…. kindly go away. Sincerely, a 36-week pregnant person with terrible hip pain,” reads another. To avoid stoking the moral panic that’s since circulated online, it’s worth mentioning many of the videos don’t even show pregnant women taking the drug; if they do, they are taking the recommended dosage. Most have since been taken down, likely due to backlash. Many conservatives failed to see the funny side. “Democrats are now chugging bottles of Tylenol on TikTok,” Calley Means, Kennedy’s health adviser and a key figure in the MAHA movement, claimed in an X post viewed over five million times. “If The President said that oxygen was good, I am convinced there are people out there who would suffocate themselves,” Riley Gaines, the conservative activist known for campaigning against trans women in college sports, said in a video. While the reactions and memes are fun, the problem of health misinformation being peddled across social media is a growing problem. As Forbes reported this week, citing data from the platform analytics company Zelf, TikTok videos about acetaminophen, vaccines, and autism received more than 100 million views in the 48 hours following The President’s announcement. The four most popular of those videos picked up more than 33 million cumulative views. None of the videos included the crucial context that medical science does not support The President’s allegations. As one X user joked, “I’d like to congratulate Tylenol on their upcoming multimillion-dollar lawsuit settlement.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. When a home security camera drops to half its price, it usually means you’re giving up something in return. With the Blink Mini 2, that’s not the case. It’s currently $19.99 on Amazon, down from $39.99, which is the lowest price it’s ever been, according to price trackers. Blink Mini 2 $19.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $19.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $20.00 For a camera that can be used indoors or outdoors (with a $9.99 weather-resistant power adapter, sold separately or bundled), that’s compelling. The Mini 2 is tiny (just two inches square) but packs a 143-degree field of view, more than the first-gen model’s 110 degrees. During the day, the 1080p video looks crisp and colorful. At night, it offers both black-and-white infrared and color vision thanks to a built-in LED spotlight. The color mode isn’t perfect (hues aren’t as vibrant as daylight footage), but it gives more detail than plain grayscale. Blink leaned into small upgrades with the Mini 2 that make a noticeable difference. The custom-built chip inside allows features such as smart notifications and person detection, so the camera can tell whether it spotted a person, package, or pet. The catch is you’ll need a subscription for that. The Blink Basic Plan runs $3.99 per month per camera ($39.99 annually) and gives you 60 days of video history, smart alerts, activity zones, and extended live streams. The Plus Plan, at $11.99 monthly ($119.99 annually), covers unlimited cameras. Without a plan, you’re limited to live viewing, unless you pick up a Sync Module 2 ($49.99) and an SD card for local storage. The Blink Mini 2 also fits neatly into smart homes, at least if you use Alexa. It supports voice commands and IFTTT integrations, but not Google Home or Apple HomeKit. That could be a deal breaker if you’re invested in those platforms. Setup is straightforward through the Blink’s companion app, and you can adjust everything from motion sensitivity to light brightness within the settings. Performance is solid for the price, but reviews note black-and-white night footage isn’t as sharp as competing budget cameras like the TP-Link Tapo C120 or Eufy Indoor Cam. Still, for $19.99, you’re getting flexible placement, decent video quality, and features that usually live behind higher price tags. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.99 (List Price $39.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is rejecting Democratic demands on health care as unserious but says a government shutdown is still “avoidable” despite sharp divisions ahead of Wednesday’s funding deadline. “I’m a big believer that there’s always a way out,” the South Dakota Republican said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. “And I think there are off-ramps here, but I don’t think that the negotiating position, at least at the moment, that the Democrats are trying to exert here is going to get you there.” Thune said Democrats are going to have to “dial back” their demands, which include immediately extending health insurance subsidies and reversing the health care policies in the massive tax bill that Republicans passed over the summer. Absent that, Thune said, “we’re probably plunging forward toward the shutdown.” It’s just the latest standoff in Washington over government funding, stretching back through several administrations. President Donald The President was the driving force behind the longest shutdown ever during his first term, as he sought money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. This time it is Democrats who are making demands as they face intense pressure from their core supporters to stand up to the Republican president and his policies. Democrats have shown little signs of relenting, just before spending runs out Wednesday. Their position remained the same even after the White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday released a memo that said agencies should consider a “reduction in force” for many federal programs if the government closes — meaning thousands of federal workers could be permanently laid off. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the OMB memo was simply an “attempt at intimidation” and predicted the “unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back.” Thune stopped short of criticizing the White House threat of mass layoffs, saying the situation remains “a hypothetical.” Still, he said no one should be surprised by the memo as “everyone knows Russ Vought,” the head of the Office of Management and Budget, and his longtime advocacy for slashing government. “But it’s all avoidable,” Thune said. “And so if they don’t want to go down that path, there’s a way to avoid going down that path.” One way to avoid a shutdown, Thune said, would be for enough Democrats to vote with Republicans for a stripped-down “clean” bill to keep the government open for the next seven weeks while negotiations on spending continue. That’s how Republicans avoided a shutdown in March, when Schumer and several other Democrats decided at the last minute to vote with Republicans — to great political cost when Schumer’s party then revolted. A seven-week funding bill has already passed the House. “What would eight Democrats be willing to support?” Thune asked. “In terms of a path forward, or at least understanding what that path forward looks like.” Republicans in the 100-member Senate need at least seven Democrats to vote with them to get the 60 votes necessary for a short-term funding package, and they may lose up to two of their own — Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky both opposed it in preliminary votes last week. A competing bill from Democrats also fell well short of 60 votes. Thune suggested some individual bipartisan bills to fund parts of the government for the next year could be part of a compromise, “but that requires cooperation from both sides,” he said. Democrats say they are frustrated that Thune hasn’t approached them to negotiate — and that The President abruptly canceled a meeting with Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York that had been scheduled for this week. The President wrote on social media, “I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.” Thune said he “did have a conversation with the president” and offered his opinion on the meeting, which he declined to disclose. “But I think the president speaks for himself, and I think he came to the conclusion that that meeting would not be productive,” Thune said. Still, he says he thinks The President could be open to a negotiation on the expanded health care subsidies that expire at the end of the year if Democrats weren’t threatening a shutdown. Many people who receive the subsidies through the marketplaces set up by the Affordable Care Act are expected to see a sharp rise in premiums if Congress doesn’t extend them. Some Republicans have agreed with Democrats that keeping the subsidies is necessary, but Thune says “reform is going to have to be a big part of it.” Democrats are likely to oppose such changes. By Monday, when the Senate returns to session, lawmakers will have just over 24 hours to avoid federal closures. Thune said he intends to bring up the bills that were rejected last week. “They’ll get multiple chances to vote,” he said, before a government shutdown begins at midnight Wednesday. He said he hopes “cooler heads will prevail.” “I don’t think shutdowns benefit anybody, least of all the American people,” Thune said. —Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press View the full article

The last thing you want when dealing with a hot oven is any added burn risk. But some owners of Oster’s countertop ovens have experienced just that. Oster’s parent company, Sunbeam Products, is recalling over a million units of Oster French Door Countertop Ovens due to its doors unexpectedly closing. The company has received 95 reports of this occurring, leading to burn injuries, two of which were second-degree burns. Where and when was the product sold? According to a notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall includes about 1,290,000 units in the United States and another approximately 104,195 units in Canada. In the U.S., the ovens were sold nationwide in stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, and Walmart. The products were sold from August 2015 to July 2025 for $140 to $250. They were also available online through Amazon.com and Overstock.com during this time. Four model numbers are included in the recall: TSSTTVFDXL TSSTTVFDDG TSSTTVFDMAF TSSTTVFDDAF The model number is available on the original packaging or on the back of the oven. How dangerous is this product? According to a separate recall notice posted to the Oster website, 95 injuries have been reported. Of those, 93 were minor burns that required no medical treatment and were “consistent with first-degree burns, such as sunburn or friction-related irritation.” The remaining two were second-degree burns that resulted in the victims seeking treatment. Oster says it has received no reports of hospitalizations as a result of using the ovens. What should I do if I have this product? First, stop using it. If your Oster French Door Countertop Oven is part of the recall, then you can contact Sunbeam Products to receive a free repair kit. You can reach the company through one of three options: A toll free call to 800-334-0759 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. On Oster’s recall page. On Oster’s website by clicking the recall banner at the top of the homepage. It will bring you to the recall page. The repair kit is made up of a clip-on device that “provides additional holding force to help keep the doors in the open position when reaching in the oven.” It also has repair instructions and QR code that leads to an installation video. No tools should be necessary to attach the clip-on device. View the full article

The meteoric rise in artificial intelligence and its usage in nearly every facet of our daily life is leaving a profound mark on the job market. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than 76,000 jobs were lost to automation, as AI-powered analytics platforms replaced junior data analysts. Nearly 40% of employers expect to cut staff in areas where AI can handle tasks, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. Now, with the rise of generative AI’s successor, agentic AI, many in the tech industry fear that AI will soon claim coding and tech jobs. After all, if AI-powered coding assistants can write, debug, and refactor code in seconds, what use is there for human developers? But leaders inside OpenAI see the moment in almost opposite terms. Thibault Sottiaux, engineering lead for Codex at OpenAI, argues that coding isn’t dying—it’s evolving. Rather than rendering developers obsolete, he believes AI is transforming coding by amplifying human strengths in creativity, reasoning, and problem-solving. “If you look at today’s AI tools, it’s clear they’re far from perfect. There’s still so much capacity in the world to absorb better, more powerful, and more delightful software,” Sottiaux says. These coding tools, he says, are radically reshaping the learning curve for young coders. “I see new graduates on my team picking up programming at a speed I haven’t witnessed before.” Developers are spending less time on line-by-line debugging, freeing them up to what should be built, how systems should be structured, and what kind of impact software can have in the world. OpenAI predicts that human roles will increasingly shift toward oversight and orchestration, with AI serving as both collaborator and accelerator: handling background work, surfacing errors early, and enabling engineers to explore ideas faster. OpenAI recently introduced an upgraded version of Codex, a specialized model designed for the long, messy work of coding and software development. Now powered by GPT-5, Codex can adapt its reasoning effort based on task complexity. It can breeze through a simple bug fix in seconds, or run for more than seven hours to reengineer an entire subsystem. “That balance between being fast on simple tasks and going deep on harder problems is a distinctive trait of GPT-5-Codex,” Sottiaux added. “The quality of its code reviews and its ability to think dynamically over longer periods are key differentiators. GPT-5-Codex also pushes further on code quality overall.” Now available in the Codex Responses API, and for use through Codex in various environments, including IDE extensions, terminal, web, and GitHub integrations, it can review an entire codebase, execute unit tests, validate dependencies, and even catch subtle vulnerabilities before they become production headaches. “Codex was built to work alongside developers, and humans still stay in control,” Sottiaux explains. “For newcomers, it’s a collaborator that can help explore languages like Rust, navigate codebases, and grasp core concepts much faster. For senior developers, it provides leverage at a higher level. By setting the right context, guardrails, and structure, they can take on more ambitious problems and ultimately achieve more impact than before.” OpenAI isn’t the only big player arguing that AI isn’t the IT job killer many feared. According to Google’s latest DORA: State of AI-assisted Software Development report, 90% of tech professionals now use AI in their workflows, highlighting a 14% jump from last year, for coding, testing, and security reviews. Likewise, Udemy, one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, reports that the rise of AI integrations within enterprises has sparked a surge in enrollment for AI-related courses. “Every minute, five to eight people sign up for a generative AI class on our platform,” Hugo Sarrazin, CEO of Udemy, tells Fast Company. “Designing code requires critical thinking, which is fundamentally a human trait. Of course, AI will generate a lot more software, but you still need analysis, judgment, and testing. That’s why it’s so important to teach the foundations of coding and development, whether or not someone ends up relying heavily on AI.” Coding as a foundation Skeptics often warn that due to AI-driven automation, coding roles will disappear,leaving fewer opportunities for junior developers to gain experience. That’s not how OpenAI sees it. “Some will use AI to go deep, building technical expertise at an accelerated pace,” Sottiaux says. “At OpenAI, more of the effort is shifting into code review and planning, while much of the coding itself is automated. Software engineering is about making an impact, and this shift allows us to create more in the same amount of time.” He added that coding literacy remains vital for training the next generation of engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs and stressed that the shift to AI-augmented development is a natural progression. In practice, many of OpenAI’s customers are actively deploying Codex in production. Popular language-learning app Duolingo, for example, uses it to review back-end Python code for the platform. In benchmark tests, the company found that Codex’s upgraded version was the only system able to catch subtle backward-compatibility issues and consistently flagged bugs that other automated reviewers overlooked. On a major software engineering test called SWE-bench Verified, GPT-5 Codex beat its predecessor by a wide margin. It solved more than half of the code-fixing challenges it was given, compared with about one-third for the earlier GPT 4.5 integrated model. For simple bugs, Codex used far fewer resources, cutting the workload by 94%. And when faced with tougher problems, it didn’t just work faster; it applied roughly twice the level of reasoning to reach a solution. Likewise, companies including Gap Inc., Vanta, and Virgin Atlantic are also using Codex for specific applications. “During planning and development, the Extension can be tuned to the right level of reasoning (the ability to solve problems), and its ability to utilize Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows the right tools to be called directly from engineers’ IDEs,” Richard Masters, VP Data & AI at Virgin Atlantic, said in a statement. Surviving the AI era The shifts suggest that coding is becoming just one part of a much larger transformation, as AI tools weave themselves into both work and daily life. Jan Chorowski, CTO at Pathway and a former deep learning researcher at Google who worked alongside Geoff Hinton at Google Brain, says coding is one of the few areas where AI is already delivering on its promise. While workflows are undeniably shifting as teams look to maximize productivity—“Who looks up Stack Overflow by hand these days?” he notes. Chorowski says that while AI enables a deep understanding of coding, from low-level machine tasks to grasping entire problem domains, it often falls short on the basic nuances that human developers handle instinctively. “The key differentiation we have today, as humans, is the ability to come up with new ideas that are well-grounded in a specific context. For developing software, the required context is particularly broad,” he explained. “AI lacks such contextualized judgement. Changing this is the challenge for the next decade. An important question is if AI tools will reach the deep understanding to be able to innovate and go beyond the capabilities of current Codex models.” OpenAI maintains that coding holds a unique place: it cultivates reasoning, the very skill on which AI itself depends. If that vision proves true, the story of coding will not be one of extinction but of expansion—into a future where software is crafted through the partnership of human creativity and machine intelligence. “There’s never been a better time to learn, especially for students and recent graduates,” says Sottiaux. “I’d recommend picking a coding agent and starting a couple of projects. You can even use ChatGPT to generate creative ideas for what to build. Then start learning, engage with curiosity, and treat the agent as a true collaborator.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Maybe you tend to study the old-school way: sit down, break out a highlighter and pen combo, memorize your notes, and pray you retain it all until test time. There are certainly benefits to handwriting and highlighting your notes, but there are also some great apps out there that can help you study more effectively. Yes, your tech devices can certainly be a distraction, but why not let them help you instead? If you need to schedule your studying: My Study Life Credit: My Study Life My Study Life promises you’ll “never forget a class or assignment again” and offers schedulers, task to-do lists, and reminders to that end, plus a number of other features, like a focus timer that lets you tap into the productivity-enhancing power of the Pomodoro method. The app is available on iOS, Android, and your desktop browser so you can use it no matter where you are. The scheduler even works if you have your classes on alternating weeks. The free version of My Study Life works perfectly fine if all you need is the scheduling, but for $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year (after a free one-week trial), you can access additional features like grade tracking, widgets, and dark mode. Read my full review here. If you study best with flashcards: Quizlet Credit: Quizlet If you’re only using Quizlet for low-key cheating on your homework (and yes, your teacher probably already knows), you’re not maximizing its potential. Quizlet is a study tool that has been around a long time and works on iOS, Android, and your desktop browser. It helps you make flashcards and practice tests, plus offers games and various ways to study and review your materials. You can make your materials public to help other people in similar classes and, in turn, can search their public materials for ones that will help you, too—which is how most people come to be familiar with it, as students have uploaded thousands of quizzes over the years. Your flashcard sets and quizzes are customizable, so you can add notes, images, or audio if you need to. Flashcards are, indisputably, one of the best ways to learn, so let this app make it easier for you. It’s free to use, but if you upgrade ($7.99/month), you also get access to different question types and practice tests. Read my full review here. If you need to take notes on lectures: Otter Credit: Otter Otter, which has a pretty extensive free version, is a dictation program that takes notes for you. Commonly used by journalists or people who need to transcribe interviews, it’s also great for students whose professors give long lectures full of important info. I've used it in both scenarios for years. Once you assign a name to a certain speaker, the software will always recognize their voice going forward. You can highlight passages, edit the text in the event the software gets something wrong, and share transcripts with anyone, even if they don’t use Otter. With the free version, you can link it up with Zoom or Google Meet, too, so it’s helpful for online classes, and you can get 300 monthly transcription minutes (with 30 minutes per session) before having to upgrade to Pro for $8.33 per month. A recent update has added a "summary" feature that gives you a brief overview of main topics, which can help you more easily focus on what to study when you're reviewing the lecture later. If you take lots of notes: Notion Credit: Notion In an older version of this post, I declared Evernote the best note-taking and -organizing app, but then I tested and reviewed Notion, which I ultimately concluded is better in a head-to-head battle. Available on iOS, Android, and your web browser, Notion is an all-in-one app that can give you an assist wherever you are. It keeps notes, ideas, schedules, and more all in one place—and it's free. Its most useful feature is its pre-made templates, which can help you in school and beyond. You can choose between templates for life, work, or school, then browse ones called things like, "project roadmap," "finance tracker," and "assignment tracker with automations." On top of that, it organizes notes into notebooks and folders, making it ideal for jotting down key information in class. To create mind maps: Xmind Credit: Xmind A mind map is a hierarchical diagram that connects related concepts and makes it clear how they all tie into one another. You can use them for productivity, but they're also useful as study tools, especially if you like to visualize how materials and ideas fit together or are outlining a study plan using the chunking method. You can make them by hand on paper, but that's tedious. I recommend an app, instead. Specifically, I recommend Xmind, which speeds up the process of creating visual notes by giving you the tools to input arrows to branch off your main idea into related tasks and concepts. It comes pre-loaded with plenty of templates, so if graphic design isn't your passion, that's not a problem. A lot of its basic features are free, but you'll pay between $10 or $15 a month if you want more colors or the ability to add equations, links, tasks, and attachments to maps. Finally, I appreciate that it can be used via browser or app, making it easy to type into and rearrange your map. Read my full review here. My favorite: NotebookLM Credit: Google Finally, I can't review digital studying tools without mentioning Google's NotebookLM, a free AI resource that only pulls from materials you provide. I use it all the time. You create notebooks by uploading PDFs, URLs, or blocks of text, then use it like you would any chatbot, asking questions which the AI answers by reviewing the content you provided. Its answers contain links to the exact sections it found them in, so you can ask things like, "What does the author say about the history of the region?" Then, you'll get a summary, plus the link to where that information came from, so you can read it yourself. It makes sorting through a hefty amount of readings a cakewalk. It can also create a fake "podcast" for you to listen to. In those, two voices discuss the content of your notebook conversationally, just like real podcast hosts would. If you are an auditory learner, this is a game changer. Recent updates have enabled features that create quizzes and flashcards, too. It's available on iOS and Android, as well as your web browser. Read my full review here. View the full article

President Donald The President signed an executive order on Thursday declaring that his plan to sell Chinese-owned TikTok’s U.S. operations to U.S. and global investors will address the national security requirements in a 2024 law. The new U.S. company will be valued at around $14 billion, Vice President JD Vance said, putting a price tag on the popular short video app far below some analyst estimates. The President on Thursday delayed until January 20 enforcement of the law that bans the app unless its Chinese owners sell it amid efforts to extract TikTok’s U.S. assets from the global platform, line up American and other investors, and win approval from the Chinese government. The publication of the executive order shows The President is making progress on the sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets, but numerous details need to be fleshed out, including how the U.S. entity would use TikTok’s most important asset, its recommendation algorithm. “There was some resistance on the Chinese side, but the fundamental thing that we wanted to accomplish is that we wanted to keep TikTok operating, but we also wanted to make sure that we protected Americans’ data privacy as required by law,” Vance told reporters at an Oval Office briefing. The President’s order says the algorithm will be retrained and monitored by the U.S. company’s security partners, and operation of the algorithm will be under the control of the new joint venture. The President said Chinese President Xi Jinping had indicated approval of the plans. “I spoke with President Xi,” The President said. “We had a good talk, I told him what we were doing and he said go ahead with it.” China’s foreign ministry on Friday reiterated that the government “respects the will of enterprises and welcomes them to conduct business negotiations on the basis of market rules to reach solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and achieve a balance of interests.” “We hope the U.S. will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies investing in the United States,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a press conference, without giving further details of the deal. TikTok did not immediately comment on The President’s action. The President has credited TikTok, which has 170 million U.S. users, with helping him win reelection last year. The President has 15 million followers on his personal TikTok account. The White House also launched an official TikTok account last month. “This is going to be American-operated all the way,” The President said. He said that Michael Dell, the founder, chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies; Rupert Murdoch, the chairman emeritus of Fox News owner Fox Corp and newspaper publisher News Corp, and “probably four or five absolutely world-class investors” would be part of the deal. The White House did not discuss how it came up with the $14 billion valuation. TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, currently values itself at more than $330 billion, according to its new employee share buyback plan. TikTok contributes a small percentage of the company’s total revenue. According to Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, TikTok was estimated to be worth $30 billion to $40 billion without the algorithm as of April 2025. Alan Rozenshtein, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, said the executive order left unanswered questions, including whether ByteDance would still control the algorithm. “The problem is that the president has certified the deal, but he has not provided a lot of information on the algorithm,” he said. Chinese media on Friday also painted a different picture of the TikTok agreement, suggesting ByteDance would continue to play a major or operational role. ByteDance will set up a new U.S. company as part of the restructuring of TikTok’s U.S. operations, Chinese media outlet LatePost reported, citing sources. The new company to be set up by ByteDance will be responsible for e-commerce, branding operations and interconnection with international operations, the report said. The report also said the joint venture, as described by the White House and valued at $14 billion, would be responsible for U.S. digital security, safeguarding content and software as well as related local businesses. Another Chinese financial magazine, Caixin, also reported, citing people close to the deal, that ByteDance planned to set up a TikTok U.S. entity that will receive some revenue from the new TikTok joint venture. Both reports were taken down from their respective websites later on Friday. The White House and ByteDance did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ORACLE AND OTHERS TO OWN TIKTOK IN THE U.S. A group of three investors, including Oracle and private-equity firm Silver Lake, will take a roughly 50% stake in TikTok U.S., two sources familiar with the deal said on Thursday. A group of existing shareholders in ByteDance will hold a roughly 30% stake, one of the sources said. Among ByteDance’s current investors are Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic and KKR. Given intense investor interest in TikTok, the 50% stake may still shift, the source noted. Oracle and Silver Lake did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CNBC reported earlier, citing sources, that Abu Dhabi-based MGX, Oracle and Silver Lake are poised to be the main investors in TikTok U.S. with a combined 45% ownership. MGX did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the CNBC report. Republican House of Representatives lawmakers said they wanted to see more details of the deal to ensure it represented a clean break with China. “As the details are finalized, we must ensure this deal protects American users from the influence and surveillance of CCP-aligned groups,” said U.S. Representatives Brett Guthrie, Gus Bilirakis and Richard Hudson. The agreement on TikTok’s U.S. operations includes the appointment by ByteDance of one of seven board members for the new entity, with Americans holding the other six seats, a senior White House official said on Saturday. ByteDance would hold less than 20% in TikTok U.S. to comply with requirements set out in the 2024 law that ordered it shut down by January 2025 if ByteDance did not sell its U.S. assets. Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom and Brenda Goh —Jeff Mason, Dawn Chmielewski and David Shepardson, Reuters View the full article

Electoral Commission says it has found ‘no evidence of any other potential offences’View the full article

Fans of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will be disappointed to learn that the beloved restaurant and pub chain has abruptly closed all of its locations across multiple states. Here’s why and what you need to know about Iron Hill Brewery’s closure. What’s happened? Yesterday (Thursday, September 25), Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant made several announcements. Effective immediately, it was closing the doors to all its locations, the company revealed. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant was founded nearly 30 years ago. Its first location opened in Newark, Delaware, in 1996. Since then, it had expanded to multiple states along the country’s eastern coast, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and South Carolina. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, Iron Hill Brewery had 19 locations as of the end of 2024. That same year, the company’s sales increased by 4% to $104.1 million. Yet the modest sales growth apparently wasn’t enough to keep Iron Hill Brewery going. Last week, the company announced it was closing three of its locations, including its original Newark location. At the time, an Iron Hill Brewery spokesperson told NRN that the three closures were “part of the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt to a changing business landscape while focusing on strengthening its long-term growth and success.” But just a week later, Iron Hill shocked customers and employees by announcing that its remaining 16 locations would be closing as well. Iron Hill Brewery notifies employees of bankruptcy via email On September 25, Iron Hill Brewery sent an email to employees notifying them that the business would be closing all locations for good. In the email, which was obtained by the website Breweries in PA and also shared on social media forums like Reddit, Iron Hill’s leadership said, “It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the closure of all our restaurant locations effective immediately.” The email went on to explain that it had made the “difficult decision to file for bankruptcy.” It cited “ongoing financial challenges” as the reason for its decision. The company went on to explain that it had been trying to secure new funding to keep the chain going, but presumably, that funding was not achieved. The same day of the email to employees, Iron Hill posted a brief notice on its website, letting customers know of the developments. USA Today reports that this same notice was posted to the doors of some of the shuttered Iron Hill restaurants. “After many wonderful years serving our communities, all Iron Hill locations have closed,” the notice read in part. “It has been our pleasure to serve you, and we are deeply grateful for your support, friendship, and loyalty over the years.” The notice ends by noting that the company “sincerely hope[s] to return in the future.” Full list of closed Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant locations With the three closures on September 18, and the additional 16 closures on September 25, Iron Hill Brewery has now closed all of its 19 locations. Here is the list of those locations: Delaware Newark Rehoboth Beach Wilmington Georgia Atlanta New Jersey Maple Shade Voorhees Pennsylvania Chestnut Hill Exton Hershey Huntingdon Valley Lancaster Lehigh Valley Media Newtown North Wales Philadelphia West Chester South Carolina Columbia Greenville A busy time for restaurant bankruptcies Unfortunately, Iron Hill Brewery isn’t the only restaurant chain that has announced bankruptcy recently. Since 2024, several established chains have announced bankruptcy plans, including Buca di Beppo, Hooters, Red Lobster, Roti, BurgerFi, and Tijuana Flats. Many of these bankruptcies have resulted in store closures. While each company will have different factors influencing its decision to file for bankruptcy, many restaurant chains have been experiencing similar problems in recent years, which often contribute to their bankruptcy. These problems include higher costs, inflationary pressures that lead diners to cut back on their discretionary spending, and foot traffic that has yet to recover to its pre-pandemic norms. View the full article

WhatsApp is stepping up its game in cross-language communication with the launch of a new message translation feature designed to enhance user connectivity. With over 3 billion users globally, the messaging platform is taking strides to simplify communication in a multicultural landscape—a significant boon for small business owners navigating the complexities of serving diverse clientele. Imagine chatting with an international customer or partner without the fear of miscommunication. With WhatsApp’s latest update, users can now translate messages within the app, creating smoother and more efficient interactions that bridge language barriers. This feature allows small businesses to expand their reach—targeting potential clients in markets they’ve previously found challenging to engage with due to language differences. To use the feature, small business owners can simply long-press a message in a chat and select “Translate.” Users have the option to choose their target language, facilitating real-time communication that can be saved for future reference. Notably, this functionality extends to 1:1 chats, group discussions, and Channel updates, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively. For Android users, there’s even more flexibility. They can enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread, meaning all incoming messages will be translated automatically. This capability is particularly useful for busy entrepreneurs who juggle multiple conversations, ensuring no message is lost in translation. In a world where privacy is paramount, WhatsApp has designed this translation feature with user security in mind. All translations take place directly on users’ devices, meaning that WhatsApp itself does not have visibility into translations, further solidifying user trust. Currently, the feature is gradually rolling out to both Android and iPhone users, initially offering translations in select languages. Android users can look forward to functionality in six languages—English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic—while iPhone users benefit from translations in over 19 languages. This broad language support opens avenues for business owners looking to connect with clients from varied linguistic backgrounds. Quotes from WhatsApp highlight the intent behind this new offering: “We hope this feature helps break down language barriers and allows users to connect more deeply.” For small businesses striving to establish a foothold in different markets, this enhancement could serve as a crucial tool. However, it’s essential for small business owners to consider potential challenges that accompany this new utility. While the convenience of instant translations is attractive, users should also be aware of the nuances that come with language translation. Automated translations may not always convey the intended tone or context, potentially leading to misunderstandings. Proper training on how to use the feature effectively and awareness of its limitations will be vital for maximizing its potential. Additionally, as the feature rolls out, users might face temporary hiccups in functionality or limited language options. Keeping an eye on updates from WhatsApp will be crucial in ensuring the best possible experience. In summary, WhatsApp’s introduction of message translations signifies a significant advancement for small businesses looking to deepen their communication and broaden their markets. By taking advantage of this tool, business owners can enhance customer engagement, improve team collaboration, and ultimately drive growth in an increasingly global economy. For further details on this new feature, visit the WhatsApp press release. Image via WhatsApp This article, "WhatsApp Introduces In-App Message Translation to Foster Global Communication" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

WhatsApp is stepping up its game in cross-language communication with the launch of a new message translation feature designed to enhance user connectivity. With over 3 billion users globally, the messaging platform is taking strides to simplify communication in a multicultural landscape—a significant boon for small business owners navigating the complexities of serving diverse clientele. Imagine chatting with an international customer or partner without the fear of miscommunication. With WhatsApp’s latest update, users can now translate messages within the app, creating smoother and more efficient interactions that bridge language barriers. This feature allows small businesses to expand their reach—targeting potential clients in markets they’ve previously found challenging to engage with due to language differences. To use the feature, small business owners can simply long-press a message in a chat and select “Translate.” Users have the option to choose their target language, facilitating real-time communication that can be saved for future reference. Notably, this functionality extends to 1:1 chats, group discussions, and Channel updates, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively. For Android users, there’s even more flexibility. They can enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread, meaning all incoming messages will be translated automatically. This capability is particularly useful for busy entrepreneurs who juggle multiple conversations, ensuring no message is lost in translation. In a world where privacy is paramount, WhatsApp has designed this translation feature with user security in mind. All translations take place directly on users’ devices, meaning that WhatsApp itself does not have visibility into translations, further solidifying user trust. Currently, the feature is gradually rolling out to both Android and iPhone users, initially offering translations in select languages. Android users can look forward to functionality in six languages—English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic—while iPhone users benefit from translations in over 19 languages. This broad language support opens avenues for business owners looking to connect with clients from varied linguistic backgrounds. Quotes from WhatsApp highlight the intent behind this new offering: “We hope this feature helps break down language barriers and allows users to connect more deeply.” For small businesses striving to establish a foothold in different markets, this enhancement could serve as a crucial tool. However, it’s essential for small business owners to consider potential challenges that accompany this new utility. While the convenience of instant translations is attractive, users should also be aware of the nuances that come with language translation. Automated translations may not always convey the intended tone or context, potentially leading to misunderstandings. Proper training on how to use the feature effectively and awareness of its limitations will be vital for maximizing its potential. Additionally, as the feature rolls out, users might face temporary hiccups in functionality or limited language options. Keeping an eye on updates from WhatsApp will be crucial in ensuring the best possible experience. In summary, WhatsApp’s introduction of message translations signifies a significant advancement for small businesses looking to deepen their communication and broaden their markets. By taking advantage of this tool, business owners can enhance customer engagement, improve team collaboration, and ultimately drive growth in an increasingly global economy. For further details on this new feature, visit the WhatsApp press release. Image via WhatsApp This article, "WhatsApp Introduces In-App Message Translation to Foster Global Communication" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Studying can be as easy as sitting down and reading a chapter, but it shouldn't be. I do hate to break that to you, though I'm actually doing you a favor. Just absorbing huge blocks of content isn't necessarily helpful for remembering any of it. Before you do the work of studying, you have to get organized by sorting the content you need to absorb. Even organizing it, especially using the "chunking" method, will help you start to grasp and retain the materials, so by the time you're going through them, you'll be in a perfect position to lodge all that information in your memory. Chunking is a psychological trick that experts swear by. Here's how to master it for yourself. What is chunking?Here’s what the American Psychological Association says: Chunking is “the process by which the mind divides large pieces of information into smaller units (chunks) that are easier to retain in short-term memory. As a result of this recoding, one item in memory (e.g., a keyword or key idea) can stand for multiple other items (e.g., a short list of associated points).” Basically, your short-term memory has a specific capacity for how many units it can store and that capacity is pretty low, ranging from five to nine—but the units themselves can be as complex as you want. The APA says “the exact number of chunks remembered depends on the size of each chunk or the subunits contained within each chunk.” Each chunk is a collection of pieces of related information, like words, numbers, or phrases. The key here is they have to be related to each other, but not very related to the other chunks. Chunking is all about grouping related pieces of information so you can stay in that five-to-nine units frame. You probably already use chunking in your real life to remember things. Think of your phone number. You likely already sort it into your area code, those first three digits, and the final four digits. Remembering a string of 10 numbers is hard; remembering three “chunks” of smaller digits is less difficult. So how do you study in chunks?Look at the things you have to memorize and start grouping them loosely into categories based on how they’re related. This doesn’t have to be about content, either. If you have to memorize 20 words or concepts, you don’t have to group them by their meaning; you can group them by whether they sound similar, start with the same letter, or whatever you want. If you've ever used a mnemonic device to remember something like, say, the order of the planets, you've already made a "chunk" to study before. You can create your chunks with something as simple as a pencil and paper, listing the words or concepts together and skipping a few spaces between units. From here, you can make flashcard sets of each chunk or use the first letter of each phrase to create a mnemonic device. Try an acrostic, a phrase where the first letter of each word corresponds with the first letter of one of the things you need to remember. If you think better in terms of numbers, try grouping your words or concepts by how many letters are in them. The pencil-and-paper technique is helpful for entrenching words in your memory, since you retain things you write down a little better than those you type, but it's not that convenient or functional otherwise. I recommend using apps and digital programs to make this easier. For instance, use a mind-mapping app to sort out your chunks and make them easy to visualize. I always find that even seeing words grouped together and organized can help me remember them and the ways they relate to each other better. Xmind is my favorite app for this, but you can also use something like Canva, which I have absolutely done in a pinch. Next, you can even use an app to create your flashcards. Flashcards are one of the best and most time-tested methods for studying, but it's wildly unrealistic for you to carry a bunch of notecards around. These are my five favorite flashcard apps, which will enable you to keep all your study materials accessible on your phone wherever you are. I recommend making a new deck for every chunk you create so you can keep your groups separate in your mind. Once you've grasped all the content of your various chunks, try mixing some of the decks together and reviewing them in bigger batches. Known as interleaving, this technique will gradually help you make connections between different concepts, enhancing not only your recall of them, but your actual understanding. Just don't forget to start out by studying each set—or chunk—individually. Even though this doesn’t break down the amount of content, having them in groups with similar characteristics will help you remember it all together, and you’ll be surprised how much of the real material you retain. View the full article

The show-stealing star on the ‘privileges of living in fiction’, why character acting is a misnomer — and how Tom Holland is keeping him relevantView the full article