ResidentialBusiness

Weak demand at auction of three-year government debt heightens investors’ angstView the full article

Bills and bonds and Treasury basis trades, oh my!View the full article

Vacating the judgment would set a dangerous precedent for new administrations to roll back unfavorable rulings, the National Fair Housing Alliance argued. View the full article

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported a decline in its Small Business Optimism Index for March 2025, dropping 3.3 points to 97.4. This places the index below the 51-year average of 98, as small business owners across the country express concern over ongoing policy shifts and economic conditions. “The implementation of new policy priorities has heightened the level of uncertainty among small business owners over the past few months,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Small business owners have scaled back expectations on sales growth as they better understand how these rearrangements might impact them.” The NFIB Uncertainty Index also fell eight points from February’s near-record high, landing at 96. Taxes and Labor Quality Top Business Concerns Eighteen percent of small business owners identified taxes as their single most important problem in March, a two-point increase from February and the highest percentage since November 2021. Labor quality remains the top concern, cited by 19% of owners, unchanged from the previous month. Other top concerns included inflation and labor costs. Sixteen percent of owners cited inflation as their primary problem, while 11% pointed to labor costs—down one point from February. Expectations and Hiring Trends Weaken The share of owners expecting better business conditions dropped sharply, falling 16 points to a net negative 21% (seasonally adjusted). This marks the third straight month of declining expectations and represents the largest single-month drop since December 2020. A net 3% of owners expect higher real sales volumes, down 11 points from February, while a net negative 11% reported higher nominal sales over the past three months—the best reading since March 2024. Hiring trends also reflect these cautious expectations. Forty percent of owners reported job openings they couldn’t fill, up two points from February. Of the 53% attempting to hire in March, 87% said they found few or no qualified applicants. Plans to create new jobs over the next three months fell to a net 12%, down three points. Profit and Pricing Pressures Persist The net percentage of owners raising average selling prices fell by six points to 26% (seasonally adjusted), marking the largest monthly decline since December 2022. Still, 30% plan to increase prices in the coming months—the highest reading since March 2024. Profit trends remain weak, with a net negative 28% reporting positive profit trends, four points worse than February. Among those with lower profits, 35% cited weaker sales, 18% seasonal changes, 11% material costs, and 8% labor costs. Higher profits were attributed to stronger sales (55%), seasonal factors (16%), and increased selling prices (11%). Capital Spending and Credit Conditions Fifty-nine percent of small business owners reported capital outlays in the past six months. Of those, 43% purchased new equipment, 27% bought vehicles, and 16% upgraded facilities. Thirteen percent spent on new fixtures or furniture, and 5% acquired new buildings or land. Planned capital spending is up slightly, with 21% expecting to make outlays in the next six months, a two-point increase from February. Access to credit appears to be tightening. A net 6% of owners reported their last loan was harder to obtain, up four points from February—the largest jump since September 2023. Twenty-eight percent reported borrowing regularly, and 4% said they paid a higher rate on their most recent loan. Expansion Sentiment Softens Only 9% of small business owners said it is a good time to expand, down three points from the previous month. When assessing the overall health of their business, 11% rated it “excellent,” 53% “good,” 31% “fair,” and 4% “poor.” This article, "Small Business Optimism Drops Below Historical Average Amid Policy Uncertainty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported a decline in its Small Business Optimism Index for March 2025, dropping 3.3 points to 97.4. This places the index below the 51-year average of 98, as small business owners across the country express concern over ongoing policy shifts and economic conditions. “The implementation of new policy priorities has heightened the level of uncertainty among small business owners over the past few months,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Small business owners have scaled back expectations on sales growth as they better understand how these rearrangements might impact them.” The NFIB Uncertainty Index also fell eight points from February’s near-record high, landing at 96. Taxes and Labor Quality Top Business Concerns Eighteen percent of small business owners identified taxes as their single most important problem in March, a two-point increase from February and the highest percentage since November 2021. Labor quality remains the top concern, cited by 19% of owners, unchanged from the previous month. Other top concerns included inflation and labor costs. Sixteen percent of owners cited inflation as their primary problem, while 11% pointed to labor costs—down one point from February. Expectations and Hiring Trends Weaken The share of owners expecting better business conditions dropped sharply, falling 16 points to a net negative 21% (seasonally adjusted). This marks the third straight month of declining expectations and represents the largest single-month drop since December 2020. A net 3% of owners expect higher real sales volumes, down 11 points from February, while a net negative 11% reported higher nominal sales over the past three months—the best reading since March 2024. Hiring trends also reflect these cautious expectations. Forty percent of owners reported job openings they couldn’t fill, up two points from February. Of the 53% attempting to hire in March, 87% said they found few or no qualified applicants. Plans to create new jobs over the next three months fell to a net 12%, down three points. Profit and Pricing Pressures Persist The net percentage of owners raising average selling prices fell by six points to 26% (seasonally adjusted), marking the largest monthly decline since December 2022. Still, 30% plan to increase prices in the coming months—the highest reading since March 2024. Profit trends remain weak, with a net negative 28% reporting positive profit trends, four points worse than February. Among those with lower profits, 35% cited weaker sales, 18% seasonal changes, 11% material costs, and 8% labor costs. Higher profits were attributed to stronger sales (55%), seasonal factors (16%), and increased selling prices (11%). Capital Spending and Credit Conditions Fifty-nine percent of small business owners reported capital outlays in the past six months. Of those, 43% purchased new equipment, 27% bought vehicles, and 16% upgraded facilities. Thirteen percent spent on new fixtures or furniture, and 5% acquired new buildings or land. Planned capital spending is up slightly, with 21% expecting to make outlays in the next six months, a two-point increase from February. Access to credit appears to be tightening. A net 6% of owners reported their last loan was harder to obtain, up four points from February—the largest jump since September 2023. Twenty-eight percent reported borrowing regularly, and 4% said they paid a higher rate on their most recent loan. Expansion Sentiment Softens Only 9% of small business owners said it is a good time to expand, down three points from the previous month. When assessing the overall health of their business, 11% rated it “excellent,” 53% “good,” 31% “fair,” and 4% “poor.” This article, "Small Business Optimism Drops Below Historical Average Amid Policy Uncertainty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, climate change is projected to cause the extinction of over a third of the species of plants and animals in the world in 25 years. But scientists at genetics laboratory Colossal Biosciences are claiming that they may have a solution—one that has now resulted in the birth of the first dire wolves in over 10,000 years. Colossal’s website proclaims the lab to be the world’s only company working on “de-extinction,” which it defines as “the process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species by resurrecting its lost lineage of core genes; engineering natural resistances; and enhancing adaptability that will allow it to thrive in today’s environment of climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference.” Breakthroughs have seemed promising so far. In March, it introduced the world to the first ever woolly mice, a stepping stone to the larger goal of eventually bringing back the woolly mammoth. Now, Colossal has announced that it’s brought back the dire wolf. Male dire wolf pups Romulus and Remus were born six months ago and were followed by female pup Khaleesi three months later. A statement from Colossal CEO Ben Lamm explained that scientists at Colossal began the process of reconstructing the species by analyzing the “DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull.” Comparing the dire wolf DNA to the DNA of its cousin, the grey wolf, the scientists pinpointed 20 differences in 14 genes that caused what they determined to be the most distinguishing features. And by manipulating DNA in the nuclei of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from grey wolves using CRISPR technology, they could cause the pups to express traits such as a white coat or a larger and stronger body, or change the sound of their howl. The scientists then extracted the edited nuclei and inserted them into denucleated grey wolf egg cells. Those egg cells were then placed in the wombs of a couple of dogs, eventually leading to the births of Romulus, Remus, and later, Khaleesi. At six months old, Romulus and Remus are already four feet long and 80 lbs and have the potential to reach six feet long and 150 lbs. That is around 50 lbs heavier than the average male grey wolf. All three pups are a bright, snowy white. But while the pups certainly look the part, many are skeptical about whether the dire wolf has actually been resurrected. A research paper on the lineage of dire wolves published in the leading science journal Nature states that “dire wolves were a highly divergent lineage that split from living canids around 5.7 million years ago.” In other words, the last common ancestor between grey wolves and dire wolves lived around 5.7 million years ago. To put that in context, humans were thought to have evolved only around 315,000 years ago. In fact, the researchers found that grey wolves were more genetically similar to African wild dogs than they were to dire wolves. The paper mentions that one hypothesis for why the two species seem to have similar features is not based on actual genetic similarity, but convergent evolution, a process where species that are not closely related to each other evolve similar traits to respond to similar ecological pressures. This is the same reason why sharks, a type of fish, and dolphins, which are mammals, evolved to have similar body shapes. Beth Shapiro, chief scientific officer at Colossal, said in an interview with NewScientist that grey wolves and dire wolves share 99.5% of their DNA. However, in the context of the grey wolf genome having over 2.4 billion base pairs, that 0.5% difference actually suggests a difference of over 12 million base pairs. Can Colossal really argue, then, that it brought back the dire wolf species with only 20 modifications? In fact, Shapiro argued, how we define species is quite arbitrary. “Species concepts are human classification systems, and everybody can disagree and everyone can be right . . . We are using the morphological species concept and saying, ‘if they look like this animal, then they are the animal.'” View the full article

Wholesale firm Ardri's acquisition of The Lending Shop comes after the company installed a mortgage industry veteran as its new president earlier this year. View the full article

Key Takeaways Enhanced Convenience: Apple Pay streamlines the checkout process on Etsy, allowing users to complete transactions quickly with just a tap, minimizing cart abandonment rates. Increased Security: With advanced encryption and tokenization, Apple Pay ensures customers’ sensitive information remains protected during transactions, fostering trust in Etsy shops. Broader Customer Base: By accepting Apple Pay, Etsy sellers can attract a wider audience, particularly those who prefer mobile wallet payments, leading to potentially higher sales conversions. Easy Setup: Sellers can easily activate Apple Pay for their shops through the Shop Manager, providing customers with a modern and efficient payment option without complex configurations. Improved Customer Loyalty: A seamless and secure shopping experience encourages repeat purchases, helping sellers build long-term relationships with their customers. Etsy is transforming the way you shop online, and with the introduction of Apple Pay for the web, it’s making your purchasing experience smoother than ever. Imagine effortlessly completing your transactions with just a tap on your device. This integration not only enhances convenience but also boosts security, ensuring your sensitive information stays protected. As a seller or buyer on Etsy, understanding how to leverage Apple Pay can elevate your shopping experience. You’ll find it easier to support your favorite artisans while enjoying a seamless checkout process. Dive into the world of Etsy and discover how Apple Pay can simplify your online shopping adventures. Overview of Etsy Apple Pay for the Web Etsy’s integration of Apple Pay for web transactions significantly enhances the shopping experience for both small businesses and customers. You can offer your customers a seamless checkout process that prioritizes security and convenience. Apple Pay allows buyers to make purchases with just a tap, reducing cart abandonment rates. For your retail business, accepting Apple Pay opens access to a broader customer base, including those who prefer mobile wallets. Implementing this payment option can lead to higher sales conversions, as customers value quick and secure transactions. Utilizing Apple Pay also builds trust, as it provides additional layers of security with each transaction. Small businesses on Etsy gain the advantage of competing with larger retailers by adopting modern payment technologies. Integrating Apple Pay not only improves customer satisfaction but also reflects your commitment to providing a contemporary shopping experience. Benefits of Using Apple Pay on Etsy Utilizing Apple Pay on Etsy provides significant advantages for small business owners and their customers. This payment option enhances the shopping experience while addressing the needs of both parties effectively. Convenience and Speed Convenience defines online shopping, and Apple Pay delivers just that. You can complete transactions quickly using your Apple device without manually entering payment information. This speed lowers the chances of cart abandonment, leading to higher conversion rates for your retail business. Buyers appreciate a streamlined checkout process, which promotes repeat purchases and builds customer loyalty. Security Features Security remains a top concern for online shoppers. Apple Pay prioritizes this aspect with advanced encryption and tokenization methods. You can reassure your customers that their payment information stays secure during transactions. This commitment to security fosters trust in your retail business, encouraging more consumers to complete their purchases confidently. By providing a safe checkout experience, you position your Etsy shop as a reliable option for customers. How to Set Up Apple Pay on Etsy Setting up Apple Pay on Etsy enhances your online shop’s convenience and security. By integrating this payment option, you improve the shopping experience for your customers, which is essential for small businesses in a competitive retail environment. Requirements for Users To use Apple Pay on Etsy, ensure your customers possess the following: Compatible Device: Customers need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that supports Apple Pay. Updated Software: Devices must run the latest version of iOS or macOS. Apple Pay Setup: Customers should set up Apple Pay in their device settings, linking it to a valid payment method. Etsy Account: A registered Etsy account is necessary for completing purchases using Apple Pay. Steps to Enable Apple Pay Follow these steps to enable Apple Pay on your Etsy shop: Access Your Shop Manager: Log in to your Etsy account and navigate to the Shop Manager. Go to Payment Settings: Click on “Finances” and select “Payment Settings” from the dropdown menu. Enable Apple Pay: Locate the Apple Pay option and toggle it to “On.” This allows customers to choose Apple Pay at checkout. Save Changes: Confirm your selections and save the changes to activate Apple Pay. By implementing these steps, you streamline the checkout process, making it easier for customers to complete their purchases—ultimately benefiting your small business. Shopping Experience with Etsy Apple Pay Etsy’s integration of Apple Pay streamlines the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers. This payment method simplifies transactions, making it easier for small businesses to cater to their customers. User Interface and Navigation You’ll notice that Apple Pay offers an intuitive user interface. The checkout process becomes straightforward, requiring minimal clicks to finalize purchases. Customers select Apple Pay at checkout, authenticate their identity with Face ID or Touch ID, and confirm the payment. This seamless navigation minimizes friction, encouraging customers to complete their transactions without delays. For small business owners, a smooth user experience translates to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Comparison with Other Payment Methods Apple Pay stands out compared to traditional payment methods. Unlike credit cards that require manual entry of details, Apple Pay leverages stored payment information, speeding up the checkout process. This efficiency is critical for small businesses aiming to reduce cart abandonment rates. In contrast, while PayPal offers similar functionality, Apple Pay integrates directly into the checkout page, providing a more cohesive shopping experience. You’ll find that by implementing Apple Pay, your retail business can keep pace with customer expectations for convenience and security, ultimately fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. Conclusion Embracing Apple Pay on Etsy transforms your shopping experience into one that’s faster and more secure. By simplifying the checkout process you not only enhance convenience but also build trust with your customers. This integration empowers small businesses like yours to compete effectively in the marketplace. With a seamless interface and advanced security features Apple Pay encourages more purchases and fosters customer loyalty. As you set up this payment option in your shop you’re taking a significant step toward modernizing your business. Ultimately adopting Apple Pay can lead to increased sales and a satisfied customer base ready to support your unique offerings. Frequently Asked Questions What is Apple Pay on Etsy? Apple Pay is a payment method available on Etsy that allows customers to securely make online purchases using their Apple devices. It streamlines the checkout process by enabling quick transactions without the need for manual entry of payment information. How does Apple Pay benefit buyers on Etsy? Apple Pay enhances the shopping experience for buyers by providing a fast, convenient, and secure checkout option. It simplifies payments, reduces cart abandonment rates, and encourages repeat purchases, making the overall experience smoother. How does Apple Pay benefit sellers on Etsy? For sellers, integrating Apple Pay can lead to higher sales conversions and a broader customer base. It builds trust through enhanced security measures and allows small businesses to compete effectively with larger retailers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK0snvNhUHQ How do I set up Apple Pay on my Etsy shop? To enable Apple Pay, log in to your Etsy Shop Manager, go to Payment Settings, toggle the Apple Pay option to “On,” and save your changes. Ensure you meet the necessary requirements for a smooth setup. What are the security features of Apple Pay? Apple Pay uses advanced encryption and tokenization to protect users’ payment information. This robust security approach reassures customers that their data is safe, fostering trust in purchases made on Etsy. How does Apple Pay compare to traditional payment methods? Apple Pay offers a more efficient and faster checkout process than traditional methods like PayPal. It reduces cart abandonment rates and provides a seamless experience, aligning with modern customer expectations for convenience and security. Image Via Envato: Pressmaster, LesiaScotch, Daria_Nipot, ederpaisan This article, "Enhance Your Etsy Shop with Apple Pay for the Web: A Guide to Seamless Transactions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Enhanced Convenience: Apple Pay streamlines the checkout process on Etsy, allowing users to complete transactions quickly with just a tap, minimizing cart abandonment rates. Increased Security: With advanced encryption and tokenization, Apple Pay ensures customers’ sensitive information remains protected during transactions, fostering trust in Etsy shops. Broader Customer Base: By accepting Apple Pay, Etsy sellers can attract a wider audience, particularly those who prefer mobile wallet payments, leading to potentially higher sales conversions. Easy Setup: Sellers can easily activate Apple Pay for their shops through the Shop Manager, providing customers with a modern and efficient payment option without complex configurations. Improved Customer Loyalty: A seamless and secure shopping experience encourages repeat purchases, helping sellers build long-term relationships with their customers. Etsy is transforming the way you shop online, and with the introduction of Apple Pay for the web, it’s making your purchasing experience smoother than ever. Imagine effortlessly completing your transactions with just a tap on your device. This integration not only enhances convenience but also boosts security, ensuring your sensitive information stays protected. As a seller or buyer on Etsy, understanding how to leverage Apple Pay can elevate your shopping experience. You’ll find it easier to support your favorite artisans while enjoying a seamless checkout process. Dive into the world of Etsy and discover how Apple Pay can simplify your online shopping adventures. Overview of Etsy Apple Pay for the Web Etsy’s integration of Apple Pay for web transactions significantly enhances the shopping experience for both small businesses and customers. You can offer your customers a seamless checkout process that prioritizes security and convenience. Apple Pay allows buyers to make purchases with just a tap, reducing cart abandonment rates. For your retail business, accepting Apple Pay opens access to a broader customer base, including those who prefer mobile wallets. Implementing this payment option can lead to higher sales conversions, as customers value quick and secure transactions. Utilizing Apple Pay also builds trust, as it provides additional layers of security with each transaction. Small businesses on Etsy gain the advantage of competing with larger retailers by adopting modern payment technologies. Integrating Apple Pay not only improves customer satisfaction but also reflects your commitment to providing a contemporary shopping experience. Benefits of Using Apple Pay on Etsy Utilizing Apple Pay on Etsy provides significant advantages for small business owners and their customers. This payment option enhances the shopping experience while addressing the needs of both parties effectively. Convenience and Speed Convenience defines online shopping, and Apple Pay delivers just that. You can complete transactions quickly using your Apple device without manually entering payment information. This speed lowers the chances of cart abandonment, leading to higher conversion rates for your retail business. Buyers appreciate a streamlined checkout process, which promotes repeat purchases and builds customer loyalty. Security Features Security remains a top concern for online shoppers. Apple Pay prioritizes this aspect with advanced encryption and tokenization methods. You can reassure your customers that their payment information stays secure during transactions. This commitment to security fosters trust in your retail business, encouraging more consumers to complete their purchases confidently. By providing a safe checkout experience, you position your Etsy shop as a reliable option for customers. How to Set Up Apple Pay on Etsy Setting up Apple Pay on Etsy enhances your online shop’s convenience and security. By integrating this payment option, you improve the shopping experience for your customers, which is essential for small businesses in a competitive retail environment. Requirements for Users To use Apple Pay on Etsy, ensure your customers possess the following: Compatible Device: Customers need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that supports Apple Pay. Updated Software: Devices must run the latest version of iOS or macOS. Apple Pay Setup: Customers should set up Apple Pay in their device settings, linking it to a valid payment method. Etsy Account: A registered Etsy account is necessary for completing purchases using Apple Pay. Steps to Enable Apple Pay Follow these steps to enable Apple Pay on your Etsy shop: Access Your Shop Manager: Log in to your Etsy account and navigate to the Shop Manager. Go to Payment Settings: Click on “Finances” and select “Payment Settings” from the dropdown menu. Enable Apple Pay: Locate the Apple Pay option and toggle it to “On.” This allows customers to choose Apple Pay at checkout. Save Changes: Confirm your selections and save the changes to activate Apple Pay. By implementing these steps, you streamline the checkout process, making it easier for customers to complete their purchases—ultimately benefiting your small business. Shopping Experience with Etsy Apple Pay Etsy’s integration of Apple Pay streamlines the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers. This payment method simplifies transactions, making it easier for small businesses to cater to their customers. User Interface and Navigation You’ll notice that Apple Pay offers an intuitive user interface. The checkout process becomes straightforward, requiring minimal clicks to finalize purchases. Customers select Apple Pay at checkout, authenticate their identity with Face ID or Touch ID, and confirm the payment. This seamless navigation minimizes friction, encouraging customers to complete their transactions without delays. For small business owners, a smooth user experience translates to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Comparison with Other Payment Methods Apple Pay stands out compared to traditional payment methods. Unlike credit cards that require manual entry of details, Apple Pay leverages stored payment information, speeding up the checkout process. This efficiency is critical for small businesses aiming to reduce cart abandonment rates. In contrast, while PayPal offers similar functionality, Apple Pay integrates directly into the checkout page, providing a more cohesive shopping experience. You’ll find that by implementing Apple Pay, your retail business can keep pace with customer expectations for convenience and security, ultimately fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. Conclusion Embracing Apple Pay on Etsy transforms your shopping experience into one that’s faster and more secure. By simplifying the checkout process you not only enhance convenience but also build trust with your customers. This integration empowers small businesses like yours to compete effectively in the marketplace. With a seamless interface and advanced security features Apple Pay encourages more purchases and fosters customer loyalty. As you set up this payment option in your shop you’re taking a significant step toward modernizing your business. Ultimately adopting Apple Pay can lead to increased sales and a satisfied customer base ready to support your unique offerings. Frequently Asked Questions What is Apple Pay on Etsy? Apple Pay is a payment method available on Etsy that allows customers to securely make online purchases using their Apple devices. It streamlines the checkout process by enabling quick transactions without the need for manual entry of payment information. How does Apple Pay benefit buyers on Etsy? Apple Pay enhances the shopping experience for buyers by providing a fast, convenient, and secure checkout option. It simplifies payments, reduces cart abandonment rates, and encourages repeat purchases, making the overall experience smoother. How does Apple Pay benefit sellers on Etsy? For sellers, integrating Apple Pay can lead to higher sales conversions and a broader customer base. It builds trust through enhanced security measures and allows small businesses to compete effectively with larger retailers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK0snvNhUHQ How do I set up Apple Pay on my Etsy shop? To enable Apple Pay, log in to your Etsy Shop Manager, go to Payment Settings, toggle the Apple Pay option to “On,” and save your changes. Ensure you meet the necessary requirements for a smooth setup. What are the security features of Apple Pay? Apple Pay uses advanced encryption and tokenization to protect users’ payment information. This robust security approach reassures customers that their data is safe, fostering trust in purchases made on Etsy. How does Apple Pay compare to traditional payment methods? Apple Pay offers a more efficient and faster checkout process than traditional methods like PayPal. It reduces cart abandonment rates and provides a seamless experience, aligning with modern customer expectations for convenience and security. Image Via Envato: Pressmaster, LesiaScotch, Daria_Nipot, ederpaisan This article, "Enhance Your Etsy Shop with Apple Pay for the Web: A Guide to Seamless Transactions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has reportedly signed a deal with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) to start flying deportation flights from Arizona this May, a move the company’s CEO has acknowledged is controversial, according to the Associated Press. Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said, “we realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic,” but the airline’s flights would be part of a “long-term charter program” to support the DHS’ deportation plans, which would help with expansion and protect jobs. Meanwhile, some upset customers are taking to social media in protest. On Bluesky, one user posted, “Nope. They fly a route I take and it’s closer to home but I’ll travel further and fly American.” Many others used the hashtag “#BoycottAveloAirlines to register their dismay. Fast Company has reached out to Avelo Airlines for comment on the backlash. In addition, more than 4,000 people have signed a Change.org petition to boycott the budget airline until it halts plans to carry out deportation flights. Avelo said it will use three Boeing 737-800 planes out of Mesa Gateway Airport, near Phoenix for those flights. The online Change.org boycott petition was created by New Haven Immigrants Coalition, which is located in the same town as Avelo’s main East Coast airport hub, Tweed New Haven Airport. The AP reported that the city’s Democratic Mayor Justin Elicker has also called Levy and urged him to reconsider the flights. View the full article

Google has released its April 2025 Android Security Bulletin, which includes patches for 62 vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. Two of the fixes address critical zero-day flaws that may have been exploited in "limited, targeted" attacks, according to Google. Zero-days are security vulnerabilities that are exploited before the software developer can identify the flaw and issue a patch. The security update for April includes fixes for a range of issues, many of which elevation of privilege flaws, as well as vulnerabilities with Qualcomm, MediaTek, Arm, and Imagination Technologies components. Two serious exploitsOne of the zero-day exploits (labeled CVE-2024-53197) is an elevation of privilege flaw in the Linux kernel's USB-audio driver for ALSA Devices. According to Bleeping Computer, this vulnerability was identified by Amnesty International's Security Lab in 2024 as part of a chain—along with one flaw fixed in February and another in March—used by Serbian police to target activists. The other zero-day (labeled CVE-2024-53150) is an information disclosure vulnerability in the Android kernel that permits local attackers to gain access to data without the device user's input. If you're an Android user, you should be sure your device is up to date with this latest patch. How to update your AndroidGoogle issues patches for both its Pixel phones and the core Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code and gives manufacturers of other devices—like Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia—advance notice so they can push updates around the same time. If you have an Android, you should get a notification to install an update when one is available. You can also go to About phone or About tablet > Android version to ensure your device is up to date and check your update status (under System > Software update or System update). If a patch is required, follow the prompts to download and install updates. Any device running Android 10 or later may receive both security updates and Google Play system updates. This round of patches applies to AOSP versions 13, 14, and 15 and is split into two parts, the most recent of which is dated 2025-04-05. View the full article

Computer-driven asset manager’s institutional equity strategy down 8% in AprilView the full article

Deregulation at the federal and state levels could open the door to a potential boom in housing supply, HUD Secretary Scott Turner said Tuesday. View the full article

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott said Jonathan McKernan's final confirmation vote to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is "imminent." View the full article

Social media can be a fantastic way to connect with friends and family, but it can also be dangerous—especially for kids and young adults. While modern social media platforms like Facebook have been around for over 20 years, figuring out how to make these apps and sites safe for minors is still an ongoing challenge. For all its faults, Meta is making some efforts in this space. Last year, the company announced Teen Accounts for Instagram. All accounts for users under the age of 18 automatically shifted to this new format, which included a number of protections not found on typical Instagram accounts. For example, Teen Accounts are private by default, so new followers need to be accepted one by one. Non-followers cannot see their posts, send DMs, or tag or mention them in posts. There are also a number of content filters associated with Teen Accounts, as the app blocks violent content as well as posts promoting cosmetic procedures. In addition, Teen Accounts receive reminders to quit Instagram after 60 minutes of screen time, and a built-in sleep mode activates between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. to mute alerts and send auto-replies to any incoming DMs. While 16- and 17-year-old users can adjust these settings if they wish, users under 16 cannot do so without their parent's permission. Meta seems satisfied with the results, so it's not a surprise that the company is both expanding Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger, as well as adding to the number of protections built into these accounts. Teen Accounts on Facebook and MessengerMeta announced these Teen Account changes in a Tuesday blog post. In addition to Instagram, Teen Accounts are rolling out to Facebook and Messenger users in the United States, UK, Australia, and Canada, with more regions planned in the near future. As with Instagram Teen Accounts, accounts for users under the age of 18 will automatically transition to Teen Accounts. Before that transition happens, users will see an alert at the top of their apps informing them of the settings Meta plans to change. Credit: Meta What's new with Teen AccountsTeen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger are getting the same protections that Instagram Teen Accounts have had since last year. However, Meta is rolling out new restrictions for Teen Accounts on Instagram specifically. That includes a ban on live broadcasting for users under 16. If these users want to go live on Instagram, they'll need their parents' permission to enable the setting. In addition, these users will require their parents' OK to turn off a feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity in DMs. Credit: Meta I imagine the vast majority of parents are going to want to keep these settings disabled on their teens' Instagram accounts. Meta does, too: The company says that 97% of users aged 13-15 keep these default protections enabled. How to manage your teen's Meta accountsAs previously mentioned, Teen Accounts are automatic. If your teen has an account with Instagram, Facebook, or Messenger, their account will switch to a Teen Account without you needing to do anything. If your teen is 16 or older, they will have the option to adjust these settings on their own. However, teens under 16 not only need your permission to change settings, they first need to set up parental supervision to give you the option to adjust these settings in the first place. Otherwise, they're stuck with Teen Accounts restrictions until they turn 16. To do this in Instagram, open the app, open your profile, tap the hamburger menu in the top right, the choose Family Center. Tap Invite your teen, then choose your child from the list of users. Tap Invite to send the invitation. You'll find a similar invite link setting in Messenger and Facebook: Open the app, head to Menu > Settings (Settings & privacy on Facebook) > Family Center, then share the invite link that the app generates for you. Once set up, you should be able to manage your teen's permissions from this Family Center chat. That includes options like who can DM them, who can mention or tag them, what content they can see and unblur, sleep mode settings and time limit options. However, this isn't a "big brother" situation: Meta says you cannot see your teen's search history or DMs, make posts on their behalf, or reset their password. They retain a significant amount of personal privacy here: You simply control the aforementioned permissions. When your teen does try to change a restricted setting, the app will let them know they need your permission to do so. View the full article

The IRS tends to be something of a stickler when it comes to filing tax returns and paying taxes on time. And that time is ticking—there are only a few days left before the official April 15 deadline. If you think filing is a headache, just wait until you're dealing with penalties and interest. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming tax deadlines help you file on time in 2025. Key tax deadline informationThe standard tax filing deadline for most individual taxpayers is typically April 15. However, if you requested an extension earlier this year, your final deadline to file your 2024 tax return is October 15, 2025. You can request an extension by April 15 with the IRS here. This six-month extension gives you additional time to complete your return, but remember: An extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you owe taxes and don't pay by the April deadline, you'll start accruing penalties and interest. Last-minute filing optionsIf you're approaching the April deadline, you have several filing options: E-file through the IRS Free File program. With Free File, you complete your tax return using guided software via a partner site, which then e-files it with the IRS. Available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024. Use commercial tax preparation software. I used H&R Block this year and was done within an hour. Check out my guide here to choose between other popular TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA. Hire a tax professional. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or Enrolled Agents can help with complex returns. Here's how to make sure your preparer knows what they're doing. File by mail. Though not recommended due to processing delays, you can still file a paper return (postmarked by April 15—or Oct. 15 if you secured that extension). What happens if you miss the October deadline, tooIf you're reading this in October, you might be in a tough spot. Missing the extended deadline can result in: Failure-to-file penalty. This amount is typically 5% of unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to 25%. Continued interest. You'll also end up owing interest on any unpaid tax liability, which compounds daily. Loss of refund. If you don't file, you won't get that refund. Keep in mind that if you do eventually file and are owed a refund, you generally have three years to claim it before it expires. If you can't meet the Oct. 15 deadline, your options are limited. The IRS generally doesn't grant additional extensions beyond Oct. 15 except in pretty specific circumstances: Those living outside the United States may qualify for an additional extension. Military personnel in combat zones receive automatic extensions. Those affected by federally declared disasters may receive additional time. Tips for last-minute filersThe most important piece of advice here: File even if you can't pay. Filing on time avoids the failure-to-file penalty, which is typically higher than the failure-to-pay penalty. So start to gather all necessary documents, like W-2s, 1099s, and receipts for deductions and credits. You can also look into requesting a payment plan; for anyone who can't pay in full, the IRS offers installment agreements. Looking ahead: Tax planning for 2025Avoid the current headache that brought you to this article and start using a spreadsheet to track all your tax-related information throughout the year. I've created a basic template to get you started here. The purpose is to create a handy archive of all your tax records in one spot, making it much easier to file on time next year. Remember, filing your taxes is a legal obligation. Even if you can't pay what you owe, filing your return on time helps minimize penalties and keeps you in compliance with tax laws. And finally, for specific advice regarding your tax situation, you really should consult with a qualified tax professional. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Speaking to ResiClub in December, Jay Bray, CEO of mortgage servicer Mr. Cooper, told me that real estate would see a lot of mergers and acquisitions in 2025—and that Mr. Cooper was out shopping—as the industry continues to “grind” through the prolonged housing activity slump that started back in summer 2022. “You’ve seen consolidation already. If you think about this industry going forward, you’re going to need a balanced business model. You’re going to need the capability to invest in technology, to use everybody’s favorite two initials: AI,” Bray said in December. “That requires scale, that requires capital, that requires a healthy balance sheet. So I think as long as we’re in this kind of grind it out origination market, I don’t see any reason you will not see more consolidation happen. The stronger players will continue to get stronger, to some degree, and continue to look for opportunities to consolidate.” Bray added that: “We are in the stronger category . . . We’ve probably done more acquisitions than anybody in the industry, by far, and so, yeah, we’re still in the market for that… We will be active and looking for opportunities.” Bray was right that a big deal loomed—only the hunter became the hunted. On March 31, mortgage lending giant Rocket Companies (owner of Rocket Mortgage, formerly known as Quicken Loans) announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Mr. Cooper for $9.4 billion. Rocket Companies claims that, combined, it will service more than $2.1 trillion in loan volume, including one in six mortgages in America. Varun Krishna “Servicing is a critical pillar of homeownership alongside home search and mortgage origination,” said Varun Krishna, CEO of Rocket Companies, in the press release announcing the deal. “With the right data and AI infrastructure we will deliver the right products at the right time. That’s how we build lifelong relationships, by proactively unlocking benefits and meeting needs before they arise. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Cooper’s nearly 7 million clients.” This deal came just three weeks after Rocket Companies announced on March 10th that it struck an agreement to buy Redfin in a $1.75 billion deal. What’s going on? Rocket Companies is strategically positioning itself as a giant force in residential real estate, aiming to create a one-stop shop for homebuyers by merging Redfin’s customer funnel and Mr. Cooper’s mortgage servicing with its existing mortgage lending business. “It’s becoming increasingly clear that Zillow’s true competition isn’t CoStar—it’s Rocket,” Amanda Orson, CEO of real estate marketplace Galleon, tells ResiClub. “Everyone’s been watching CoStar’s $1 billion ad blitz with Homes.com, but their residential play is burning cash with no meaningful traction. Meanwhile, Rocket is executing something far more ambitious—and more dangerous: They’re buying the full residential real estate stack.” Redfin handles front-of-house customer acquisition, and Rocket does mortgage origination and lending, where it’s already the dominant direct-to-consumer player. Finally, Mr. Cooper has a $2.1 trillion mortgage servicing portfolio and 4.6 million customers. Says Orson: “This is vertical integration on an entirely new scale.” Orson adds that there are two major forces at play right now in the real estate industry: changes in the commission structure and a new administration that appears more friendly to mergers and acquisitions. “The real estate transaction itself is undergoing tectonic change,” says Orson. “[The National Association of Realtors] settlement is just the start. We’re watching the unbundling of a 112-year-old commission structure. A wave of agentless transactions is coming—and Rocket is positioning to serve them end-to-end.” Zillow’s current model relies heavily on agent commissions ($1.2 billion of its $1.9 billion in revenue), says Orson: “They’ve started to pivot into mortgage origination and full-stack products, but the scale Rocket already commands in direct-to-consumer lending puts them in a league of their own.” Plus, the new administration is a tailwind for M&A, she adds. “Rocket is taking advantage of this moment with bold moves, consolidating distribution, infrastructure, and recurring revenue,” says Orson. “Both Zillow and Rocket are chasing verticalization, but Rocket is further along—and playing to win. They now control the entire journey: from lead to loan to lifetime servicing. Zillow still has front-of-funnel traffic, for now—but Rocket has monetization.” Orson says that CoStar—the commercial real estate giant that owns Homes.com and was trying to compete with Zillow—is the biggest loser in all of this. “Their residential push isn’t sticky, isn’t scaled, and at $1 billion [per] year in ad spend is starting to look like a costly distraction.” View the full article

Clare Lombardelli says import taxes will ‘depress activity’ but impact on inflation is less clearView the full article

While property taxes vary widely across the United States (Essex County, New Jersey has some of the highest on average, at $13,145; while West Virginia has some of the lowest—just $989), if you own a house, you’re paying some kind of property taxes—and if you renovate that house, your property taxes will probably go up. That happens because significant improvements to your home will increase its value, and your property's value is what your property taxes are based on. It can take some time for your local tax assessor to catch up with your renovations, but at some point your property will be reassessed and your taxes increased accordingly, so it's best to be prepared to take the hit. Part of that preparation means knowing the sorts of renovation projects that will have the biggest impact on your tax bill. Tax rates and assessment procedures vary widely from place to place, so it’s impossible to say exactly how much impact a particular project will have on your particular tax bill—but these seven renovations are likely to hike your property taxes the most. Building an additionGenerally speaking, anything that increases your home's livable space will increase your property taxes. Property taxes are usually assessed through potential sales value, replacement cost, or estimated rental value (sometimes all three), so having more living space obviously boosts every aspect of your home’s value. This includes other renovations that add livable space without requiring new construction, like converting a garage into a bedroom or office, or subdividing a bedroom into two (a house with three bedrooms, however small, is often considered more valuable than one with two). And certain kinds of outbuildings, like a shed in your backyard, might increase your tax bill too—especially if they are built on a foundation and connected to water, electric, and sewer lines. Adding a bathroomLike bedrooms, more bathrooms generally mean your house is worth more, so adding one to your home will probably increase your tax bill. Just upgrading your existing bathrooms can also trigger a property tax increase, as many tax assessments rely on the number of fixtures in the bath to assess general value—thus, a two-piece half bath is valued less than a five-piece en suite. Turning that simple three-piece into a lavish spa bathroom might cost you at tax time, even though you didn’t actually add a new bathroom. Installing an in-ground poolEven though pools are kind of controversial in terms of home value—they can even lower your potential sale price because they’re expensive to maintain, and not everyone is a fan of pools—they will still increase your property value because a) they’re clearly an improvement, in the sense that they add something to your property that wasn’t there before (and they typically do add some value) and b) they’re considered “real property” instead of personal property (and luxuries, to boot) because they’re attached to the home. (An above-ground pool would probably be considered personal property, and have no impact on your property taxes). Adding a patio or deckAdding a patio or deck to your outdoor space obviously improves that space, making it more pleasant and useful. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee a property tax bump—different tax codes will have different guidelines regarding outdoor spaces, and the size and scope of your deck or patio area (as well as the materials you use) will be factor as well. But in general, if your new outdoor space can be expected to raise the sale value of your home, it will also raise your property taxes. Finishing your basementIf your current tax assessment is based on a house with a damp, dingy basement filled with cobwebs and exposed plumbing, it shouldn’t be a shock that transforming that space into a cozy entertainment area or guest suite will increase your property taxes. Since a finished basement generally offers a 70% ROI in terms of home value, if your basement costs the average of $32,000 to finish, your home should increase in value by about $22,400, and your taxes will definitely increase accordingly. General land improvementsA key concept in property taxes is “improvement.” Every house once started off as an empty plot of land. Someone came along and improved it by clearing the plot, running sewer, water, and power lines, pouring a foundation, and building a house there. All those improvements made the land more valuable, and that process continues when you renovate or add onto the property. That doesn’t only mean additions and renovations to the house itself, however—you can also improve the land in various ways: Adding fencing to a yard Paving a dirt or gravel driveway Adding drainage or irrigation systems Landscaping and hardscaping Adding outdoor lighting Regrading Installing sidewalks All of these projects improve the property, add value, and could trigger significant property tax hikes. Adding a fireplaceAdding a fireplace to your home makes it a cozier, warmer place—and also a more valuable one. Fireplaces are generally considered luxuries (unless your home relies on one for heat), which is one reason homes with fireplaces sell for about 13% more than comparable homes. As a result, you can expect that extra value to be reflected in your home’s next tax assessment. Call before you renovate If you’re considering any sort of renovation, addition, or other improvement to your home, it can be very difficult to determine how—or when—it will impact your property taxes. And one rule is likely to hold true: If you pull permits for the project (and you definitely should pull permits for any job for which local building codes require you to), eventually your local tax office will become aware of your projects and move to reassess your home’s value for tax purposes. The easiest way to get some idea of what the tax impact will be is to call your local assessor’s office and ask, before you start any work. They probably won’t be able to give you a precise number, but they can tell you if you can expect your project to raise your tax bill, and possibly give you a general idea of what the increase could look like. 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. Google has been making these Nest thermostats ever since Google acquired Nest back in 2014, but for the first time, Apple or Alexa users can now add the thermostat to their Home app. I still use my first generation Google Nest at home and love the user experience. If you're looking for the latest iteration, the fourth-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat came out in the summer of 2024, and it's down to a record low price of $219.99 (originally $279.99) according to price-tracking tools. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen, 2024), Polished Silver $219.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $219.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $60.00 Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen, 2024), Polished Gold $218.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $61.00 Get Deal Get Deal $218.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $61.00 Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen, 2024), Polished Obsidian $219.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $219.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $60.00 SEE 0 MORE The Google Nest Learning Thermostat comes with a Second Generation Google Nest Temperature Sensor ($40 value) in the box, which you can put anywhere in your house so that the thermostat can detect that specific location's temperature and adjust accordingly. You can also move it around so that the temperature can follow you around the house. Of course, you can create schedules around the sensors (you can get multiple ones if you wish). Another of the new features is an AI feature that takes into account the outside temperature to adjust the temperature indoors, as well as learning what temperatures you like so it can anticipate your actions. For example, if there's a heatwave coming, it'll cool the house a little bit more than usual, based on your past behaviors. It can also detect if there's an abnormality with your HVAC system, like an efficiency issue, and send you a warning—which, as all homeowners know, can be a lifesaver if it saves you from having to do an expensive HVAC repair. This is also the first generation to have full Matter support, giving you access to the Home app (in other words, it can work with Siri or Alexa). You can learn more in PCMag's "excellent" review. View the full article

Bill Pulte, making the announcement as chairman of Fannie Mae, did not provide additional details following earlier rumors of larger layoffs. View the full article

Refinancings, particularly the cash-out version, helped to drive mortgage product availability and rate lock activity during March, separate reports found. View the full article

Forced to choose between the US and China, the likes of Vietnam may opt for BeijingView the full article

Understanding intelligence and creating intelligent machines are grand scientific challenges of our times. The ability to learn from experience is a cornerstone of intelligence for machines and living beings alike. In a remarkably prescient 1948 report, Alan Turing—the father of modern computer science—proposed the construction of machines that display intelligent behavior. He also discussed the “education” of such machines “by means of rewards and punishments.” Turing’s ideas ultimately led to the development of reinforcement learning, a branch of artificial intelligence. Reinforcement learning designs intelligent agents by training them to maximize rewards as they interact with their environment. As a machine learning researcher, I find it fitting that reinforcement learning pioneers Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton were awarded the 2024 ACM Turing Award. What is reinforcement learning? Animal trainers know that animal behavior can be influenced by rewarding desirable behaviors. A dog trainer gives the dog a treat when it does a trick correctly. This reinforces the behavior, and the dog is more likely to do the trick correctly the next time. Reinforcement learning borrowed this insight from animal psychology. But reinforcement learning is about training computational agents, not animals. The agent can be a software agent like a chess-playing program. But the agent can also be an embodied entity like a robot learning to do household chores. Similarly, the environment of an agent can be virtual, like the chessboard or the designed world in a video game. But it can also be a house where a robot is working. Just like animals, an agent can perceive aspects of its environment and take actions. A chess-playing agent can access the chessboard configuration and make moves. A robot can sense its surroundings with cameras and microphones. It can use its motors to move about in the physical world. Agents also have goals that their human designers program into them. A chess-playing agent’s goal is to win the game. A robot’s goal might be to assist its human owner with household chores. The reinforcement learning problem in AI is how to design agents that achieve their goals by perceiving and acting in their environments. Reinforcement learning makes a bold claim: All goals can be achieved by designing a numerical signal, called the reward, and having the agent maximize the total sum of rewards it receives. Researchers do not know if this claim is actually true, because of the wide variety of possible goals. Therefore, it is often referred to as the reward hypothesis. Sometimes it is easy to pick a reward signal corresponding to a goal. For a chess-playing agent, the reward can be +1 for a win, 0 for a draw, and -1 for a loss. It is less clear how to design a reward signal for a helpful household robotic assistant. Nevertheless, the list of applications where reinforcement learning researchers have been able to design good reward signals is growing. A big success of reinforcement learning was in the board game Go. Researchers thought that Go was much harder than chess for machines to master. The company DeepMind, now Google DeepMind, used reinforcement learning to create AlphaGo. AlphaGo defeated top Go player Lee Sedol in a five-match game in 2016. A more recent example is the use of reinforcement learning to make chatbots such as ChatGPT more helpful. Reinforcement learning is also being used to improve the reasoning capabilities of chatbots. Reinforcement learning’s origins However, none of these successes could have been foreseen in the 1980s. That is when Barto and his then-PhD student Sutton proposed reinforcement learning as a general problem-solving framework. They drew inspiration not only from animal psychology but also from the field of control theory, the use of feedback to influence a system’s behavior, and optimization, a branch of mathematics that studies how to select the best choice among a range of available options. They provided the research community with mathematical foundations that have stood the test of time. They also created algorithms that have now become standard tools in the field. It is a rare advantage for a field when pioneers take the time to write a textbook. Shining examples like The Nature of the Chemical Bond by Linus Pauling and The Art of Computer Programming by Donald E. Knuth are memorable because they are few and far between. Sutton and Barto’s Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction was first published in 1998. A second edition came out in 2018. Their book has influenced a generation of researchers and has been cited more than 75,000 times. Reinforcement learning has also had an unexpected impact on neuroscience. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a key role in reward-driven behaviors in humans and animals. Researchers have used specific algorithms developed in reinforcement learning to explain experimental findings in people and animals’ dopamine system. Barto and Sutton’s foundational work, vision and advocacy have helped reinforcement learning grow. Their work has inspired a large body of research, made an impact on real-world applications, and attracted huge investments by tech companies. Reinforcement learning researchers, I’m sure, will continue to see further ahead by standing on their shoulders. Ambuj Tewari is a professor of statistics at the University of Michigan. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

If your iPhone is running iOS 18.4, you might have noticed some significant new features, like AI-powered Priority Notifications and seven brand-new emojis. However, one change in particular might be a bit controversial: Safari's Search feature now shows a list of your most recent searches every time you search for something new. Useful? Maybe. Privacy-compromising? Definitely. Don't be alarmed: If you're not a fan of Safari's new "Recent Searches" screen, you can turn off this feature entirely, or clear all recent results quite quickly. How the new Safari Search screen worksWhen you open a new tab and tap "Search or enter website" in iOS 18.4, you'll see a new screen showing all your recent search results, as you can see below. Left: Safari Search feature without Recent Results | Right: With Recent Results. Credit: Khamosh Pathak There are many reasons to disable this feature. You might not want to be reminded of what you searched yesterday, or you might not want anyone else using the device to see your recent search history. Apple chose to enable this by default, not as an opt-in setting. But the good thing is that whenever Apple adds a new feature like this, an additional toggle switch often appears somewhere in Settings, so you can return to how things used to be. How to clear search results from Recent Searches in SafariIf you like this feature, but want to eliminate your search results every now and then, that's an easy fix. While there's no option to remove search results individually, you can clear all the recent searches with a tap. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Open the Search screen, tap the Clear All button up top, and watch as all your queries disappear instantly. As you search more, they will start to fill up again. How to turn off recent search results in SafariIt's not just that this feature is a privacy nightmare. It also takes up the whole screen, and you can't see the Start page when it's in use. Even if you feel you have nothing to hide, the feature hides Safari from you. To turn off this feature, open the Settings app and go to Apps > Safari. Now, scroll down and turn off the Show Recent Searches feature. When you return to the Search menu, you won't see your latest search results anymore. Credit: Khamosh Pathak View the full article