Everything posted by ResidentialBusiness
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British Steel’s Chinese owner rejects UK government subsidy offer
Moves triggers fears over future job losses at company’s flagship Scunthorpe siteView the full article
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FHFA ends Fannie Mae's foreclosed home repair program
The Federal Housing Finance Agency found the practice aimed at selling more real-estate owned homes to occupants had downsides, according to a recent order. View the full article
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This Popular Ring Doorbell Is Nearly Half Off Right Now
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. I feel better about my life since having installed this Ring doorbell. So far, the motion-detecting feature hasn't captured anything more interesting than the occasional neighborhood cat walking by, but I like seeing Mr. Nibbles making his rounds. Plus, I'll know about the early morning FBI raid before they start yelling "come out with your hands up." Amazon Ring Doorbell $99.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Seriously though, it's excellent for checking whether packages have been delivered and being able to see who has shown up at your door before you actually open it. If you are frequently visited by salespeople who want to replace your windows or talk about energy costs, it's much easier to say "I'm kind of busy right now, sorry" through an intercom than face-to-face. It's a legitimately good deal too. During the ongoing Amazon Big Spring Sale, the price on this version of Ring's second generation doorbell is the lowest it's ever been—$54.99, almost half off the list price of $99.99. Along with offering head-to-toe video, this Ring Doorbell is easy to install, easy to charge through USB-C, features both live view and two-way talk, and works with Amazon Alexa devices like the Echo Dot and Echo Show, so you can monitor your front stoop hands-free. If you want to be super slick, you can even charge it with a little solar panel, also on sale. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article
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How these March Madness coaches are keeping fashion in the game
Notre Dame’s Niele Ivey is doing it the way she learned how to coach, pacing the sideline in stylish attire in a time when most coaches favor far more casual attire. “When I first got into coaching, I learned under a Hall of Fame coach,” Ivey said. “Being coached under Coach (Muffet) McGraw, her whole staff dressed up. Coaching with her we dressed up. That’s kind of the fabric of Notre Dame, and what I’m used to style-wise.” As the NCAA Tournament heats up, the styles of Ivey, LSU’s Kim Mulkey, Alabama’s Nate Oats and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley stand out in a sea of coaches in team polo shirts and quarter-zip pullovers. There are a handful of coaches on the men’s side who evoke memories of a time when John Wooden, John Thompson and Denny Crum roamed the sidelines immaculately dressed. Oats, who routinely reminds fans of former Crimson Tide coach Wimp Sanderson with his colorful tailored sports coats, will stand out on the men’s side in the Sweet 16. Fans saw two other throwbacks — Texas A&M’s Buzz Williams and Rick Pitino of St. John’s — before the Aggies and the Red Storm were eliminated in the second round last weekend. “I don’t fish, I don’t golf, I don’t hunt, I don’t do all the things that you’re supposed to do as a hobby,” Williams recently said when asked about his dapper attire. “That’s just always been my hobby.” Most coaches moved to casual sideline attire during the COVID-19 pandemic and many simply never went back to dressing up for games. Count Auburn coach Bruce Pearl among those who have completely abandoned sideline suits after wearing them for years. Some think that not dressing up on the sideline is disrespectful to the game. But for Pearl it’s simply a matter of comfort. “Think about what a suit is,” he said. “You put on a 100% cotton shirt and you button it all the way at the top, OK? And then what you do is you put a tie on and then you bring it all the way up and then you choke yourself with it, then you throw a coat on it. And then you go out there and you coach and you just sweat through it.” Ivey and Pitino just believe in ‘dressing up’ Like Williams, Pitino always dresses up for games and has been doing it throughout a career that’s spanned decades. His duds have inspired others to follow in his footsteps, notably former assistants UCLA coach Mick Cronin and Kevin Willard, the Maryland coach. And though the 72-year-old Pitino loves his suits and will never change his sideline attire, he won’t stand for anybody who criticizes the casual coaching look. “It’s my preference to just dress up rather than dress down,” Pitino said. “My son ( newly named Xavier coach Richard Pitino ), who is the closest person to me in coaching, he wears a quarter-zip and he looks great. He’s more comfortable doing that, and I’ve just been doing it for so many years — 50 years — that I believe in dressing up.” The elder Pitino made headlines for his attire when he suited up in an all-white Armani ensemble for St. John’s whiteout at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 16. His players raved about the suit after the 79-73 win and Jimmy Fallon wore an identical one alongside Pitino during a skit that opened “The Tonight Show” earlier this month. Pitino said his stark white suits are one small way he connects with fans. “The white suits started at Kentucky, and I did it just to join in with the fans, join in with the student body, just as a fun thing,” he said. “They’re all different suits, different outfits throughout the years and I’m just having fun with everybody. It’s a fun thing. Everybody laughs about it. Everybody has fun.” Ivey noted that fashion has taken on a life of its own the last couple of years. “You get a chance to really showcase your personality,” the coach of the Irish said. “For me, I like to look nice. I feel the way you look, you play good, feel good, and also just bringing power and elegance to the sideline.” Houston’s Sampson was once chided for wearing sweatpants Kelvin Sampson, the 69-year-old Houston coach, wore suits on the sideline for decades before the pandemic. Though he’d be in a full suit at tipoff, he’d famously rip off his tie before the first TV timeout in almost every game while coaching at Oklahoma and Indiana. Though casual wear is the norm for college coaches these days, Sampson admits he might have taken it a bit too far. He said that Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd, a quarter-zip-wearer himself, once chided him for wearing sweatpants on the sideline. “I really hadn’t noticed that I was wearing sweatpants,” Sampson said. “So, I went to more of … I guess athletic slacks, whatever they call it golf pants, whatever. So, people get on me for the way I look on the sidelines sometimes, but I don’t really care.” On the women’s side some of the male coaches have adopted a more casual look since the pandemic. But the style of many of the female coaches has become part of the game narrative, led by Ivey, Staley and Mulkey. Staley has become a style icon in the last few years as her team has won two of the last three national titles. The former standout player was photographed on the front row at the Gucci show sitting alongside NFL star Stefon Diggs at Milan Fashion Week last year. “I dress for comfort. Anything I wear I’m comfortable, like I could probably have on the entire day,” Staley said. “So it’s more geared to comfort. I’m so glad I don’t have to wear heels anymore.” Staley doesn’t know what people will see her don next. “I will try on an outfit. If it’s really nice, I might save it for a later round,” she said. “Sometimes I haven’t been able to wear them because we don’t advance. But I have quite a few just ideas. I can’t wait until the season is over because I can clean my closet. It’s not in a good position right now.” Mulkey’s outfits becoming must-see TV Many fans can’t wait to see what bold, unpredictable outfit Mulkey will be wearing when she walks out of the LSU locker room. That includes Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico, who has found herself in the fan fashion zone when coaching against Mulkey. “We’ve had to play against each other a lot. I always wonder when we’re playing against her, ‘What’s the wear going to be?’ I know it’s something that people think about,” Barnes Arico said. “But for me, I try to do it a little bit for our players. Even in the locker room just now, C’mon, coach, put the hat on. They want to get a selfie. It’s fun. I think it’s good to have some fun with it. “But I’m not Kim Mulkey. I’m the other Kim,” Barnes Arico said with a laugh. Ivey is also one of one, and she takes pride in continuing the Notre Dame fashion tradition. “I feel very confident in the choices that I choose as far as clothing, fashion,” Ivey said. “It’s fun, but also I feel powerful. It’s just something that has been a fabric of myself being a part of this program for a long time.” ___ This story has been corrected throughout to show Alabama’s coach is named Nate Oats. —Kristie Rieken, AP sports writer AP Writers Pete Iacobelli and Curt Rallo contributed to this report. View the full article
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The Best Deals on Fitness Equipment in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is a good excuse to pick up some fitness equipment. Read on for the best deals I've seen so far, including on NordicTrack treadmills, folding WalkingPads, and even the infamous Assault Bike. Plus, Peloton's original and upgraded bikes are available at a great price, and Powerblocks are on a rare sale. The best deals on exercise bikesPeloton’s original Bike is on sale for $1,195, or $250 off the regular price. This is a great price, as our own Meredith Dietz points out here. (Check that link for a breakdown of what the Bike really costs to own, and what else you get with your subscription.) Peloton’s Bike+, with a swiveling screen, auto-resistance, and nicer tech inside the screen, is $2,145, or $350 off. Read more about the differences between the Bike and Bike+ here. For a budget option, this YOSUDA spin bike, normally $249, is now $199. The Assault AirBike Elite, your old nemesis from Crossfit class, is $799, down from $1,400—a steal at nearly half off. ASSAULTFITNESS Assault AirBike Elite, Grey $799.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,499.00 Save $700.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,499.00 Save $700.00 The best deals on adjustable dumbbellsAdjustable dumbbells are a great way to fit a wide variety of hand weights into a small home gym. The nicer brands tend to be expensive, and it’s a rare find to encounter them on a good sale—as far as I can tell, Powerblocks haven’t been on sale at all since Black Friday. (I’ve written before about best adjustable dumbbell sets, if you’d like to check out the pros and cons of different brands.) Powerblock Elite EXP sets are on sale, with the 1-50 pound Stage 1 going for $299 (down from $359). The Stage 2 expansion set that brings them up to 70 pounds is on sale too, for $143 (down from $199). Powerblock’s Sport 24 dumbbells, a lighter set that goes from 3 to 24 pounds, are $169 today, down from $199. The Powerblock Pro 100, a single dumbbell that goes up to 100 pounds, is $464 today, down from a regular price of $549. CAP Barbell’s 55-pound adjustable dumbbells are $239 for a pair today, down from $299 regular price. Powerblock Elite EXP Dumbbell Pair $299.98 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $299.98 at Amazon The best deals on treadmills and walking padsNordicTrack’s T series 6.5S treadmill is $669 today, down from $799. The NordicTrack T series 10 treadmill, a beefier model that supports speeds up to 12 mph, is $999, down from $1,299. WalkingPad’s Z1 folding walking pad is $279 today, instead of the normal $399. It’s meant for walking (hence the name) and supports speeds up to 4 mph. WalkingPad’s R2 folding treadmill can handle walking and jogging, with a top speed of 7.5 mph. It still folds in half for storage, and also has a handrail. It’s $699 today, normally $899. WALKINGPAD R2 Treadmill Running and Walking Folding Treadmill Manual Automatic Modes Foldable Walking Pad Non-Slip Smart LCD Display Fitness Equipment 0.5-7.5MPH (Black) $699.00 at Amazon $899.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.00 at Amazon $899.00 Save $200.00 The best deals on home gym basics and weightsCAP barbell weight plates, sized to fit a standard 2” Olympic barbell, are about $1/pound today, which is a great price for basic weights. We’re talking $45.99 for a single 45-pound plate, $26.99 for a 25-pounder, and $40.99 for a set of four 10-pound plates. If you like vinyl-coated kettlebells, some weights are available at a good price today—like this 35-pound bell for $35.69, normally $54.06. A set of four Vergali fabric booty bands (light, medium, strong, and “heroic”) is $18.99, down from a regular price of $29.99. Booty bands aren’t key to building a booty (sorry, influencers), but they can be great for warmups and accessory work. This TRX suspension trainer kit is $139, down from $179. You can use a suspension trainer in the gym or in a variety of out-of-the-way places (staircases, doorframes) to do tons of great exercises. This bomb-style landmine attachment offers a simple way to use a barbell in a landmine setup by just sticking the end of the bar in the corner of a wall or the corner of a squat rack. It’s not a hinged attachment, just a protector for the end of the bar that keeps it from ripping up your flooring. You could cut open a tennis ball, but this is a bit neater, and probably more durable. It’s $28.70 today, down from $35.88. View the full article
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The UK chancellor’s fiscal holding operation
The government needs to make bold choices ahead of the autumn BudgetView the full article
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These 4 simple changes can make your home feel more joyful
For some people, home evokes feelings of joy and comfort. However, according to Ikea’s new Life at Home Report, one in three people struggle to find the joy in their living spaces. The latest report explores why this is—and how, in a world of uncertainty and constant change, small, simple adjustments can help bring more joy into everyday life. Insights gathered from more than 38,000 people across 39 countries show that, while many find it difficult to experience consistent enjoyment in their spaces, joy is often found in life’s smaller moments—through self-expression, cozy comforts, and playful touches. [Image: Ikea] The report highlights four key ingredients for joy at home: feeling good, having fun, building vibes, and making connections. The findings suggest that creating a joyful space doesn’t require drastic changes. Often, it’s the small things—such as expressing personal style through décor, prioritizing well-being, or simply having fun—that can make a difference. “It’s not about a total home makeover. It’s about making small, meaningful changes that can really lift your everyday life,” says Maria Jonsson, Global Insight Leader for the Ikea Life At Home Report. [Image: Ikea] Get organized The report found that one in three people say a tidy space boosts their overall well-being. When a space is clean and organized, a person’s mind tends to feel clearer, Jonsson explains. It’s not about perfection but creating a space that supports everyday well-being. Sleep was highlighted as the number-one activity for nurturing both physical and mental well-being at home. To improve sleep quality, Jonsson noted that it often comes down to getting the basics right—a comfortable mattress, a cool, quiet room, and minimizing light and noise. Additionally, building a bedtime routine, such as limiting screen time before bed or maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can enhance sleep hygiene at home. [Image: Ikea] Create a space for fun The report shows that 66% of people with homes that foster play consider their home their favorite place to be. Spaces that promote playfulness and creativity not only feel safer but also contribute to better mental well-being, with 42% of respondents reporting this benefit compared to the 38% global average. “That might mean setting up a small, dedicated space for the things you love—like a craft area, a reading corner, or a spot to do puzzles or play music. It doesn’t have to be big—just purposeful,” Jonsson says. Creating distinct spaces at home for different activities—and involving everyone in the design or decoration process—can help establish mental boundaries for starting new tasks, making the experience more enjoyable. By intentionally designing a home that encourages fun, it becomes easier to prioritize and make time for it, Jonsson emphasized. [Image: Ikea] Create a vibe Feeling a sense of belonging is essential to truly enjoying a home, the report found. Often, it’s the small, personal touches that make a space feel authentic—whether it’s a cherished object, a meaningful habit, or living in alignment with certain values and purpose. Enjoyment at home is experienced by 57% of people who feel a stronger sense of belonging when they can express their identity there. Homeownership is also linked to greater joy, with 55% of homeowners reporting joy compared to 47% of renters. However, according to the report, renter-friendly solutions trending on social media include peel-and-stick wallpaper, stick-on laminate flooring, temporary stained-glass-effect windows, and swapping out light fixtures or using budget-friendly uplights. Also trending in home design are dopamine decor, which involves designing spaces with colors, textures, patterns, and nostalgic elements, and biophilic design, which focuses on incorporating natural materials and elements to foster a calming atmosphere. [Image: Ikea] Foster connections The report found that gathering over food is a cherished activity for many. Those who see eating as a social experience are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and enjoyment at home. “Creating more moments to eat together is a brilliant way to boost belonging and joy,” Jonsson says. “And globally, sitting down to a home-cooked meal ranks as one of the top five sources of joy.” Additionally, people who find joy in laughing with others are more satisfied with their life at home (68% compared to the 61% global average). Designing spaces that foster conversation, connection, and shared experiences can significantly enhance how people feel in their homes. “Personalization doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated—it’s about surrounding yourself with things that tell your story. Whether that’s family photos, art you’ve made, or souvenirs from travels, these details help your home feel like you,” Jonsson says. View the full article
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The Entire Samsung Galaxy S25 Line Is Discounted During Amazon's Big Spring Sale
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you've got an Android phone, there's a good chance it's either one of Google's Pixels or Samsung's Galaxies. Luckily, both the entire Pixel 9 lineup and every Samsung Galaxy S25 are discounted for Amazon's Big Spring Sale event. While Pixels are most well known for their exclusive software features and a unique camera bar, Samsung is instead a great choice for anyone prioritizing camera fidelity or raw performance. Samsung Galaxy S25 $699.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $799.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $799.99 Save $100.00 Samsung Galaxy S25+ $867.00 at Amazon $999.99 Save $132.99 Get Deal Get Deal $867.00 at Amazon $999.99 Save $132.99 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra $1,099.99 at Best Buy $1,299.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,099.99 at Best Buy $1,299.99 Save $200.00 SEE 0 MORE Starting with the Samsung Galaxy S25, this phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a custom version of Qualcomm's reliable mobile chips. It's also got three rear lenses, including a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 6.2-inch and 120Hz OLED display. Memory is a generous 12GB, while storage options start at 128GB. If 6.2-inches isn't quite big enough for you, there's also the Galaxy S25+, which shares most of the base model's specs, but bumps up the screen size to 6.7-inches and the starting storage to 256GB. As a plus, it's also got a bigger battery (at 4900mAh vs. 4000mAH), which helps make use of its extra size. Finally, there's the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is where that camera pedigree really shows, with the wide-angle lens now being a whopping 200MP, while the Ultra Wide lens jumps from 12MP to 50MP. It also gets an additional, 50MP telephoto lens. But cameras aside, there's also now a 5000mAH battery, the screen is even bigger at 6.9-inches, and there's a titanium frame, as well as an included stylus. About the only thing that doesn't get a bump here is performance—the chip and memory loadouts are the same, although you can chalk that up less to the Ultra being underpowered and the base model being fairly generous on the internals. Depending on your needs, any of these phones could be a great choice for you, and while Pixel does have its unique Google software, Samsung isn't slacking there, with One UI 7 coming with a number of exclusive media and notifications features. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article
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Should Brits brace for tax rises in October’s Budget?
No tax changes in the Spring Statement, but if the search for growth proves fruitless they’ll soon be back on the agendaView the full article
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FDA warns of possible plastic in recalled Coca-Cola cans
More than 10,000 cans of Original Coca-Cola distributed in two states have been voluntarily recalled. Manufacturer Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling initiated the recall on March 6 after reports of foreign plastic found inside cans. On March 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated the recall as Class II, per the FDA enforcement report. According to the FDA’s recall classification page, a Class II recall means “a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” The report indicated that 864 12-count packs of the product distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin are included in the recall. The products have a single-can UPC of 0 49000-00634 6 and 12-pack UPC of 0 49000-02890 4. The recall number is F-0664-2025. A spokesperson with Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling confirmed the recall to ABC News. “The cases are being withdrawn because they did not meet our high-quality standards,” the spokesperson said. “We are taking this voluntary action because nothing is more important to us than providing high-quality products to the people who drink our beverages.” The latest recall is definitely not the first recall over foreign plastic or other foreign materials being found inside of a product’s packaging lately. Last month, Trader Joe’s issued a recall of its Frozen Acai Bowls over plastic contamination, and just last week, Nestlé USA recalled a number of Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine meals over wood-like foreign material in the meals. If it seems like recalls have been happening more frequently lately, there’s truth to that suspicion. A February 2025 report, published by the Public Interest Research Group, a nonprofit consumer protection group, found that last year, there were about 300 food recalls which led to nearly 1,400 illnesses and 19 deaths. “Nearly 1,400 people became ill from food they ate in 2024 – 98% of them from just 13 outbreaks, a stunning fact that shows the consequences of companies producing or selling contaminated food,” the report explained. Stunningly, the number of hospitalizations and deaths in 2024 were about twice that of the previous year. According to that report, the most concerning contaminants were Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli. View the full article
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These Tech Products Are More Than Half Off During Amazon's Big Spring Sale
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is in full swing, and we've done some work to weed out the duds and highlight the best deals available—it may not be Prime Day, but the sale still has deals worth checking out. As Lifehacker's deals writer, I use price tracking tools to vet deals and will keep rounding up the best tech ones I find throughout the sale. Here are the best deals I've found so far: Ergonomic Ear Hook, Balanced Sound, IPX7 Waterproof, 42H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.3, App Control. AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones $49.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $129.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Get Deal $49.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $129.99 Save $80.00 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime, Hi-Res Sound. Anker Space A40 Earbuds $49.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $49.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $50.00 IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof with 25 Hour-Battery and Retractable Handle Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series Speaker $144.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $349.99 Save $205.04 Get Deal Get Deal $144.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $349.99 Save $205.04 15W Ultra-Fast MagSafe Wireless Charger for iPhone 15/14/13, 8-in-1 Power Strip with 3 AC and 4 USB. Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station $49.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $49.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $50.00 1800W (Peak 2400W) Solar Generator, Full Charge in 58 Min, 1056wh LiFePO4 Battery for Home Backup. Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $449.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $550.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $550.00 Solar Security Camera, Wireless Security Camera Outdoor, 2K Resolution, Continuous Power. eufy Security SoloCam S220 $64.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $129.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Get Deal $64.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $129.99 Save $65.00 Smart Scale for Body Weight with Wi-Fi Bluetooth, 16 Measurements Body Composition Scale with bmi. eufy Digital Bathroom Scale P2 Pro $39.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $79.99 Save $40.01 Get Deal Get Deal $39.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $79.99 Save $40.01 Self-Emptying, 5500 Pa Max Suction, DuoRoller Brush, Hands-Free Cleaning for up to 7 Weeks. Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $299.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $699.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $699.99 Save $400.00 50ft with 30 Triple-LED Lights, Smart RGBWW Christmas Lights, Daily and Holiday, IP67 Waterproof. eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22 $99.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.99 Save $100.00 SEE 6 MORE AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones $49.99 (originally $129.99). I've been using these open-ear headphones around the house and occasionally on runs for over a year. They're easy to use, sound great for the price and being open-ear headphones, and come with a companion app that makes the experience better with EQ and other features. Anker Space A40 Earbuds $49.99 (originally $99.99). The A40 have the same companion app as the AeroFit and are a great value for budget ANC earbuds that you can read more about here. Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series Speaker $142.95 (originally $349.99). The SRS-XG300 is a solid portable speaker with loud and heavy bass, and like any outdoor speaker, it can handle the elements well. Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station $49.99 (originally $99.99). I'm a fan of charging stations because they satisfy both my need for organization and practicality. This one from Anker has MagGo for wireless iPhone charging, three outlets, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a magnetic pad. Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $449 (originally $999). It's hard to predict when you'll need a portable power generator—and when you need one, you usually really need one. This model is from a trusted brand and has a solar generator to make it fully off-grid. At 55% off, it's a great deal. Eufy Security SoloCam S220 $64.99 (originally $129.99). I love Eufy cameras because they're subscription-free. The SoloCam S220 also has a solar panel to make it self-sustainable, meaning you can easily install it somewhere with direct sunlight and let it do its thing. Eufy Digital Bathroom Scale P2 Pro $37.98 (originally $79.99) with code P2PROUSA at checkout. You can buy digital smart scales that read your body fat percentage from any no-brand company for cheap, but why not get it from a trusted brand also for cheap, after a 50% discount? Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $299.99 (originally $699.99). Roborock has a lot of deals on robot vacuums right now, but if you're looking for a good one with must-have features at a price point under $300, the Q5 Pro+ is it. Eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22 $99.99 (originally $199.99). I love outdoor lights and have more than I probably should. These ones from Eufy work on a reliable app and have a wide range of color temperatures (1500K to 9000K). Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article
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Top EU official expects Trump tariff of about 20%
Maroš Šefčovič shared assessment after meetings in Washington this weekView the full article
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Lower sues rival over LO poaching dispute
The mortgage lender claims its Georgetown, Texas operations, where Thrive Mortgage was previously headquartered, has been "gutted." View the full article
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Coca-Cola brings back ‘Share a Coke’ for Gen Z
For the first time in over a decade, Coca-Cola is relaunching its iconic “Share a Coke” campaign. This time around, it’s targeting Gen Z. When “Share a Coke” first debuted in Australia in 2011, replacing the “Coca-Cola” logo on Coke bottles with 150 of the most popular names in the region, it sold 250 million named bottles and cans in a nation of just under 23 million people. The idea was so successful that, over time, Coca-Cola replicated it in 70 different countries. And this April 1, a new version of “Share a Coke” is rolling out globally. The bones of the concept are the same as when it debuted more than a decade ago: In each local market, a range of the most popular regional names has been selected and printed onto Coke bottles and cans. This time, though, the campaign is including an expanded range of names, launching on a broader scale, and adding a few digital touches to attract a younger generation. The company is positioning this relaunch as a campaign with “unprecedented personalization” for Gen Z, but it’s a tough sell in an era when AI has made personalized marketing a much more achievable reality. Instead, it’s more like a nostalgic re-run with a couple modern tweaks—and it might not be enough to impress a new, digitally native generation. [Image: Coca-Cola] Coca-Cola’s plan to recruit young consumers According to the industry research firm IBIS, American consumption of soft drinks has been on a steady decline since 1999. That year, the average American would’ve consumed 49.7 gallons of soda, compared to 42.2 gallons today. But while the category as a whole might be losing steam, Coca-Cola remains profitable: Net revenues were up 3% to $47.1 billion in 2024, and the company’s shares have gone up by about 14% in the past year. For Gen Z, there are a few factors that influence soda consumption. To start, many younger consumers are increasingly interested in wellness, and therefore are choosing “functional beverages” like prebiotic drinks or lower sugar options. But soda isn’t a lost cause, either: As many younger consumers opt to drink less or stay sober entirely, they’re turning to other kinds of drinks at the bar, including plain old soda. Trends like the rise of dirty soda also signal that Gen Z still enjoys a sugary drink here and there. Islam Eldessouky, Coca-Cola’s global vice president of creative strategy and content, says the company’s idea to bring “Share a Coke” back actually came up while discussing new ways to “recruit as many Gen Zers into the franchise as we can” (a mission that the company has already pursued with new flavor launches like Spiced and Orange Cream). “One key data point that came up is that 72% of Gen Zers are really aspiring to make real connections,” Eldessouky says. “While we were contemplating different ideas of bringing this aspect of connection to the brand, somebody said, ‘Share a Coke was built on that.’” Originally, he explains, “Share a Coke” was about creating organic connections, like finding a bottle with a friend’s name on it and sharing it with them. In 2011—an era when “the whole notion of personalization was very basic and very primitive,” he says—discovering a Coke with your name on it felt especially exciting. To reinvent the concept in 2025 for a digitally native generation, though, the Coca-Cola team felt they’d have to do something bigger. [Image: Coca-Cola] A more digital ‘Share a Coke’ There are a few ways that Coca-Cola is seeking to make this new campaign feel more weighty. The scale is literally larger. This campaign is launching globally in 120 different markets over the course of the coming year, starting in North America, Latin America, and Asia South Pacific. The actual number of names used is greater as well, though the specific statistics vary by market. This version of the campaign will also include two new digital elements: “Memory Maker,” which lets users scan a QR code on their bottle to upload photos and videos to something like a Coke-powered group chat, and a new customization platform which lets fans order a Coke bottle online with a custom name or word (though, Eldessouky assures me, the platform won’t allow users to enter anything obscene or inflammatory). In addition, Coca-Cola is partnering with McDonald’s on an exclusive “Share a Coke” meal bundle, which will be available in the fast food chain’s restaurants. Coca-Cola says the goal of the ”Share a Meal,” as the company calls its, is to incentivize friend groups to connect in person rather than online. Part of the strategy of this partnership, Eldessouky says, is to provide Gen Z consumers with an accessible, inexpensive “third place.” “The third place is something that Gen Z is really craving, because it’s a very connected generation digitally, but they desire much more connection in real life than other generations,” Eldessouky says. “We’re trying to give [Gen Z] a lot of opportunities where they can actually go and find these third places to connect.” But the ‘Share a Coke’ concept doesn’t need add-ons As a member of the campaign’s target demographic myself, I think the customization platform is a nice add-on that might allow those whose names are less common to still participate in the campaign. But the other elements fall flat. The “Memory Maker” feature, for one, doesn’t exactly feel like the “unprecedented personalization” Coke hopes it will be. Today, given the advent of targeted marketing and AI tools, personalized campaigns just feel a lot less novel. Coca-Cola itself, for example, used AI in 2024 to make a holiday ad that was customized across 12 different U.S. geographies. Frankly, it’s tough to imagine many young people going through the effort of scanning a QR code in the first place, let alone using it to message friends. And a Coke and McDonald’s collaboration makes intuitive sense—but I’m not totally convinced by the idea that it’ll make McDonald’s a novel “third space” for Gen Zers who aren’t already hanging out there. All in all, the new “Share a Coke” campaign doesn’t look very different from its 2011 iteration, and that’s fine. I just wish Coke had just gone full-on millennial nostalgia with the marketing (see this extremely 2010s ad, for example) rather than making a play at Gen Z that feels tired at best. View the full article
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Brazil’s Bolsonaro to stand trial over alleged coup plot
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Mortgage lenders see inventory, buyer interest returning
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Signal fiasco should remind us that complacency invites catastrophe
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What's New on Paramount+ With Showtime in April 2025
Paramount+ is light on original content in April, though there are a handful of titles for viewers looking for music and sports. Following the music features that debuted in March, Paramount+ will debut An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile (April 6), a primetime concert special—filmed on March 26 at London's Palladium Theatre—with live performances from both artists. There's also the premiere of the two-part documentary The Carters: Hurts to Love You (April 15), which gives an intimate look at the family of pop stars Nick and Aaron Carter through the eyes of their sister Angel. Paramount+ is exclusively streaming matches from the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals, and Paramount+ With Showtime subscribers can also watch the third and final rounds of The Masters (April 12–13) and coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Final four (April 6). Here’s everything else coming to the service in April, including a host of horror films. Note that titles with an asterisk are exclusive to Paramount+ With Showtime; everything else is also available to subscribers on the ad-supported plan. Those with two asterisks are available to Paramount+ With Showtime users streaming live on CBS and to all subscribers the following day. Paramount+ Originals and premieres coming in April 2025Available April 1The Last Stop in Yuma County* Before Dawn* Available April 6An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, special** Available April 15The Carters: Hurts to Love You, documentary premiere Available April 21The Return* TV shows coming to Paramount+ in April 2025Available April 9Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out (season 21) Available April 16Inside the Factory (season 8) Available April 23The Challenge (season 40) Available April 30Blaze and the Monster Machines: Super Wheels special How Did They Build That? (season 2 and 3) Movies coming to Paramount+ in April 2025Available April 1Along Came a Spider April Fool’s Day Arrival Braveheart Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’ Clear and Present Danger Clerks Cop Land Deep Impact Dope Empire Records Escape from Alcatraz Faster Flags of Our Fathers Four Brothers Fresh (1994) Gangs of New York Girl, Interrupted Hard Eight Hardball Harriet the Spy Head of State Her Hot Rod I See You Kaboom* Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events Malcolm X Marvelous and the Black Hole* Moneyball Nacho Libre Noah Paranormal Activity Patriot Games Point Break (1991) Regarding Henry Rings (2017) Rounders S.W.A.T. (2003) Sabrina (1954) Scary Movie Seven Psychopaths Shaolin Soccer Sherlock Gnomes Sidewalks of New York Smoke Signals Soapdish Space Jam (1996) Sucker Punch Sunset Boulevard Team America: World Police Terminator 2: Judgement Day Terminator Genisys The Bye Bye Man* The Caddy (1953) The Collector* The Core The Courier* The Gambler The Gift The Girl on the Train* The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo The Guilt Trip The Lookout The Ring The Ring Two The Running Man The Saint The Score The Sons of Katie Elder The Spiderwick Chronicles The Truman Show The Tuxedo The Uninvited (2009) Three Days of the Condor Twisted Uncommon Valor Underclassman Undisputed Unforgiven Up in Smoke Young Sherlock Holmes Available April 7London Town* Available April 14Boogie Woogie* Certain Women* View the full article
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Reeves confirms extra £2.2bn in UK military funding next year
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Non-recourse loans and SDIRAs: Key insights for mortgage pros
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‘Not quite enough’ may prove to be Labour’s epitaph
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The Best (and Newest) MacBook Air Is Already on Sale
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. It's rare to see a deal on a premier Apple device so soon after release, but that's exactly what's going on with the M4 MacBook Air right now. Announced just a few weeks ago, it's now $50 off (or $60 off if you go for an upgrade) as part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale event. While not the biggest discount in the world, that's a pretty quick turnaround on our favorite MacBook Air right now. Apple M4 MacBook Air $949.00 at Best Buy $999.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $949.00 at Best Buy $999.00 Save $50.00 What makes the M4 MacBook Air specifically so attractive? Well, aside from being the most recent model, it features the same processor as current base-level MacBook Pros, albeit with slightly fewer GPU cores unless you shell out a little bit more. Luckily, both GPU core loadouts are on sale here—simply choose the model with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage for the upgrade. But regardless of what you choose, this is a significant power bump over the MacBook Airs of the past, which had fallen into using last-gen chips until now. All of this comes with pretty good value, too. Even without a sale, the M4 MacBook Air is the first in a while to offer the most recent available chip at an entry-level price point, replacing the M2 MacBook Air in the sub-$1,000 arena. That's a two-generation upgrade at no extra cost. Really, unless you want a beefy M4 Pro or M4 Max chip, there's little reason to shell out for an MacBook Pro right now, since the M4 Air can easily keep up with the current entry-level Pro model. The only caveat is that this sale only applies to the 13-inch version of the Air; the 15-inch version is still full price. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article
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Reeves’ repair job avoids tax rises — for now
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Everything We Know About Apple’s WWDC 2025
Apple has officially announced the date for its annual Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC), where it announces the latest and greatest software updates for many of its platforms, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This year, the event kicks off on June 9th with the public keynote, followed by a developers conference that will run until June 13. This is shaping up to be a big event for Apple, with sweeping changes in the iPhone user experience, including redesigned icons, menus, and apps. And we might even see a hardware announcement (but likely not any new MacBooks, as we just got an M4 MacBook Air). Updates to all major Apple operating systemsAs this is a developer conference, we can expect to see updates announced for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and even the Vision Pro's visionOS. These will almost certainly include new features and functionality, although at time of writing, there aren't any concrete details about new features. However, one thing that has been confirmed by multiple reputed leakers is a visual overhaul of the Apple interface that spans the iPhone, iPad, and the Mac. iOS 19 and the new "glassy" interfaceThe big focus this year is on the iPhone interface. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that a "dramatic software overhaul" is coming to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and now we might have an idea of what that will look like. That's because sometimes reliable leaker Jon Prosser reportedly gotten an early look at the iOS 19 redesign, and managed to recreate some of what he saw. He refers to it as a "glassy" interface, calling it "more rounded aesthetic and glossy, almost glassy styling" with the interface's edges popping up from the screen. The key example of this being a new keyboard design that makes it look like it's floating on top of the screen. The new look, according to Prosser, will be seen across the whole OS, from notifications to popups. The overall design will be similar to the newly released Apple Invites app. Gurman, on the other hand, believes that the redesign will be much bigger, with new round home screen icons and redesigned elements leading to a fresh look for all built-in Apple apps. The artwork for WWDC 2025 lends some credence to these rumors. The "25" in the image is heavily inspired by the visionOS interface, with glass-like elements. macOS won't be left behindFrom what we know so far, macOS 16 will also get the same overhauled look, or at least some version of it. This will lead to more visual consistency between the Mac and iPhone. According to Mark Gurman, macOS will feature more of a translucent look, similar to visionOS and what's coming to iOS 19. This will extend to apps, menus, and system features like popups as well. A wild Mac Pro may appearThe Mac Pro is the last Mac to not be updated with the M3 or M4 generation, currently boasting the M2 Ultra chip.The Mac Pro is rumored to be updated with a new M3 Extreme chip that would surpass the M3 Ultra chip found in the latest Mac Studio refresh. The rumors, once again reported on by Gurman, say that the Mac Pro is supposed to be updated sometime in the first half of the year, and it's possible that Apple will at least unveil it at WWDC. The WWDC keynote usually does not feature any hardware announcements, but it does make exceptions from time to time. View the full article