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Data fuels fears that the economy is losing momentum as tariffs loomView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Apple has been top dog in the premium tablet space for years, and the iPad Pro with an M4 chip released last year solidified their dominance. If you've been waiting for a discount on the best-performing tablet you can get, take your pick from the available options: You can get the 11-inch wifi version for $849 (originally $999) or the cellular version for $1,049 (originally $1,999) after getting an extra $50 off at checkout. The 13-inch wifi version is $1,099 (originally $1,299) and the cellular version is $1,299 (originally $1,499). These deals bring all versions down to the lowest prices these iPad models have been since their release, according to price-tracking tools. Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4, Wifi) $899.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $999.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $999.00 Save $100.00 Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4, Wifi + Cellular) $1,099.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,199.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,099.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,199.00 Save $100.00 Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4, Wifi) $1,099.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,299.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,099.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,299.00 Save $200.00 Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4, Wifi + Cellular) $1,299.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,499.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,299.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,499.00 Save $200.00 SEE 1 MORE The M4 is about 1.5 times faster than the M2, the chip used in the previous generation of iPads. That's a big difference for anyone looking to use their iPad for more than just navigating the web and streaming media apps. The 11-inch screen is an OLED display with a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, making it ideal for creators who need to see accurate colors for pictures or videos. The processing power can easily handle heavy-duty apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, or Photoshop. A 120Hz refresh rate also means games will look smooth. As far as battery life, you can expect about 10 hours depending on your use, and a charge that takes about two hours to get to full. Keep in mind Apple switched to USB-C charging, and this iPad does not support wireless charging. If you don't get the cellular version, you'll be limited to wifi signal. You can get the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard if you want to complete the set, but of course, they're not necessary. If you're not going to be doing heavy work, the iPad Air will do just fine. But if you're looking for the best tablet to perform professional tasks, the iPad Pro M4 is at a great price right now. View the full article

Its Arc Home lending business made money in December and January as the company leans more into home equity originations, which helped financial performance. View the full article

Prime minister draws praise from Conservatives for his diplomatic efforts View the full article

The companies did not disclose a purchase price, nor how many of the Houston-based Nations Reliable Lending employees would join the Ohio firm. View the full article

UK’s biggest defence contractor becomes latest FTSE 100 company to propose bigger rewards for top executivesView the full article

We're now starting to see some rudimentary AI agents appear: tools that can not only write code and solve math problems, but also perform actions on your behalf. And Opera has announced the first AI agent for its browser, the aptly named Browser Operator. The idea is that Browser Operator can take care of some tedious online tasks for you, saving you time and clicks. It could arrange your next grocery order, for example, or check out hotel prices in a place you're thinking of visiting. "For more than 30 years, the browser gave you access to the web, but it has never been able to get stuff done for you," says Opera's Krystian Kolondra. "Now it can." Right now the feature is in what's being labeled as a "preview" release. Opera states that none of your personal or sensitive data is sent back to the web while the AI agent is working, and says users remain in full control of the process while it's happening—you wouldn't want an order full of the wrong groceries, after all. As is the norm with the latest wave of modern AI tools, you talk to Browser Operator using natural language: "I want to get plane tickets from New York to San Francisco at the cheapest time in August," for example. The bot then figures out what the necessary online actions are, and carries them out. If any kind of user action is required, like entering payment information or login details, Browser Operator pauses so you can take over. You can also pause the tool manually whenever you like, just in case it's booking you a hotel in the wrong city or ordering clothes that aren't your style. The feature is coming soon The Browser Operator feature doesn't seem to be live at the time of writing, but when it's available, you'll be able to launch it from the browser's Command Line interface or via the sidebar (where Aria, Opera's integrated AI, can also be found). Opera says the feature will roll out "in the near future" as part of an AI-related feature drop. The idea seems like an appealing one, in principle: Online tasks like shopping around for the best prices on gadgets or booking hotel rooms for a vacation can be tedious and take up a lot of time. If an AI bot was able to do all of the grunt work with human supervision, that would be genuinely useful. That said, it all has to work. These tasks might be time-consuming and dull, but they're jobs that also need to be done right. If Browser Operator can't follow instructions properly or keeps on making mistakes, then Opera users are going to go back to relying on their own clicking and scrolling. As I'm not able to access the feature yet, I'm relying on Opera's demo video for ideas about what it can do. The interface looks to be straightforward and intuitive, sitting to the side of the browser or just above the webpages the AI agent is working on. The example of booking tickets for a soccer match seems the most useful: You can tell the AI when you want to go, where you want to sit, how much you want to pay, and which ticket types to look for. Assuming Browser Operator understands what you mean and can navigate the necessary websites well enough, that's a lot of time saved. This new AI agent inside Opera also explains what it's doing as it goes, so you can see what it's trying to do and how successfully it's managing to carry out your instructions. It looks as though you're going to be able to jump in and interfere if Browser Operator is about to do something it shouldn't. Opera isn't the only company working on agentic AI. Last month ChatGPT introduced its own Operator tool, which can carry out tasks on the web: Like Opera Browser Operator, it's in preview' at the moment, and it's also only available to users paying for the $200-a-month Pro plan. View the full article

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., the Committee on Financial Services' ranking member and other members of her party plan to confront HUD Secretary Scott Turner. View the full article

Start-up raises $3.5bn from Silicon Valley venture firms in race against OpenAI and DeepSeekView the full article

At last night’s Academy Awards, the standout star proved to be the indie film Anora, which raked in a whopping five awards on a budget of only $6 million. When director Sean Baker took the stage to accept his Oscar for best director, he used the moment to issue a call to action: a plea to the industry to reinvest in movie theaters. “Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience,” Baker told the crowd. “We can laugh together, cry together, scream in fright together, perhaps sit in devastated silence together. [. . .] It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home. And right now, the theatergoing experience is under threat.” Baker went on to cite the pandemic-era closures of “nearly 1,000 screens” as a point of concern for filmmakers. His speech reflected a mounting anxiety about America’s shifting movie-viewing landscape, which, five years out from the start of the pandemic, has been majorly altered by the growing convenience of streaming services and shortening attention spans. And, based on this year’s box office numbers, it’s unclear when—and if—the threat to movie theaters will pass. Box office earnings stagnate in 2024 When the pandemic shuttered movie theaters across the country, fears about the imminent “death of the movie theater” became ubiquitous. Since then, theaters have somewhat clawed their way back from pandemic-era lows and the wide-reaching impact of 2023’s SAG-AFTRA strikes, but they have yet to recover their pre-pandemic stability—and it’s seeming increasingly unlikely that they ever will. In 2023, box office earnings reached around $9 billion, their highest peak since the pandemic, but still roughly $2 billion short of pre-pandemic earnings. And, according to data from the global media analytics company Comscore, revenues dropped 3.3% in 2024, down to $8.7 billion. That’s in spite of a fairly strong streak of blockbusters this summer, when films like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Despicable Me 4 helped lure audiences into theaters. In fact, 2024 was the first post-pandemic year when overall revenues didn’t improve upon the last. Meanwhile, across the country, many small theaters continue to close as they struggle to regain former audiences. Streaming and social media appease shorter attention spans Now that the dust has mostly settled from the pandemic, there’s a pretty clear common denominator for Americans’ new movie-watching habits: The age of streaming services. Despite major theater companies’ best efforts to reel customers back in (including with gonzo marketing schemes like elaborate popcorn buckets), plenty of viewers have been won over by the increasing affordability of high-tech home theater systems and access to their most anticipated titles on streaming, all from the comfort of their own couch. Studios are well aware of these trends, and have adjusted their release strategies accordingly. Big players like Universal and Warner Bros. are in an ongoing process of experimenting with shorter theater-to-digital turnarounds, essentially treating the opening weekend as a kind of IPO to gauge whether a quick pivot to premium streaming could save a property’s lackluster box office numbers. Last June, Universal pulled its action flick The Fall Guy from theaters after just 17 days due to below-expected earnings, opting to offer the film on streaming instead. This strategy proved highly successful for the studio’s R-rated film The Northman, which flopped in theaters but became a major success on streaming. More recently, the Amazon Studios Christmas film Red One struggled at the box office but hit the top spot on Prime Video when it came to streaming. Streaming also allows studios to account for shortening audience attention spans. According to a 2022 study from Morning Consult, younger Americans are showing a preference for shorter forms of entertainment, as platforms like TikTok and Instagram popularize short-form content. In response, streaming services like Hulu and Netflix have started experimenting with recutting old movies into bite-size episodes to capture Gen Z viewers. At last night’s Academy Awards, host Conan O’Brien succinctly summed up this current state of movie-watching, jokingly referring to the Oscars as the “long-form content awards.” View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. When assessing home price momentum, it’s important to monitor active listings and months of supply. If active listings start to rapidly increase as homes remain on the market for longer periods, it may indicate pricing softness or weakness. Conversely, a rapid decline in active listings could suggest a market that is heating up. Generally speaking, local housing markets where active inventory has returned to pre-pandemic levels have experienced softer home price growth (or outright price declines) over the past 30 months. Conversely, local housing markets where active inventory remains far below pre-pandemic levels have, generally speaking, experienced stronger home price growth over the past 30 months. How does inventory look in 2025? It looks like—assuming nothing dramatic changes—most states will see rising active housing inventory this year. National active listings are on the rise (up 27.6% between February 2024 and February 2025). This indicates that homebuyers have gained some leverage in many parts of the country over the past year. Some sellers markets have turned into balanced markets, and more balanced markets have turned into buyers markets. Nationally, we’re still below pre-pandemic 2019 inventory levels (23.1% below February 2019) and some resale markets, in particular big chunks of Midwest and Northeast, still remain tight. Here are the recent historic totals for inventory/active listings in February, according to Realtor.com: February 2017: 1,151,120 February 2018: 1,045,153 February 2019: 1,102,660 February 2020: 928,343 February 2021: 464,919 (overheating during the pandemic housing boom) February 2022: 346,511 (overheating during the pandemic housing boom) February 2023: 579,264 (mortgage rate shock) February 2024: 664,716 February 2025: 847,825 The map below shows the year-over-year percentage change in active housing inventory by state. While active housing inventory is rising in most markets on a year-over-year basis, some markets still remain tight. As ResiClub has been documenting, both active resale and new homes for sale remain the most limited across huge swaths of the Midwest and Northeast. That’s likely where home sellers will have more power this spring. In contrast, active housing inventory for sale has neared or surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels in many parts of the Gulf region, including metro area housing markets such as Punta Gorda and Austin. These areas saw major price surges during the pandemic housing boom, with home prices getting stretched compared to local incomes. As pandemic-driven migration slowed and mortgage rates rose, markets like Tampa and Austin faced challenges, relying on local income levels to support frothy home prices. This softening trend is further compounded by an abundance of new home supply in the Sun Belt. Builders are often willing to lower prices or offer affordability incentives to maintain sales, which also has a cooling effect on the resale market. Some buyers, who would have previously considered existing homes, are now opting for new homes with more favorable deals. At the end of February 2025, just four states are above pre-pandemic 2019 active inventory levels: Colorado, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. The District of Columbia is also above pre-pandemic 2019 inventory levels. Big picture: Over the past few years we’ve observed a softening across many housing markets as strained affordability tempers the fervor of a market that was unsustainably hot during the Pandemic Housing Boom. While home prices are falling in some areas around the Gulf, most regional housing markets are still seeing positive year-over-year home price growth. The big question going forward is whether active inventory and months of supply will continue to rise and cause more housing markets to see price softening. Below is another version of the table above—but this one includes every month since January 2017. If you’d like to closer examine the monthly state inventory figures, use the interactive chart below. (Choose the state you'd like to look at from the drop-down menu.) And to better understand ongoing softness and weakness across Florida, read this ResiClub article. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. On average, the number of years people hold onto their cars has been creeping up for about a decade—it's up to about 14 years these days. Aside from improved reliability, given that new cars average $49,740, and used cars cost more than $26,000, it's not hard to figure out why. If your car still runs well and reliably gets you where you need to go, that’s all that really matters. That said, you probably don't want your car to look it's age. Time takes a toll on every vehicle, from sun damage to chips and scratches in the paint, and eventually even a car that’s been maintained to perfection will start to show its years. If you want to make your car look as good as it still runs without investing in a full detailing, there are a few tricks you can try it in an afternoon, without spending a lot of money. Try a clay bar polishStep one is, of course, to give your car a thorough washing. But once the car is clean and dry, you can use a clay bar treatment to remove the stuff you can’t get off with a simple wash. Clay bars remove all the tiny bits of grit, sticky bits of tar, and other contaminants that make paint look dull. (For some extra oomph, follow up with another wash and then polish your car using a high-quality polish (either by hand or using a power tool). Remove scratches with a power toolA scratched-up finish adds years to any car, but scratches can also allow moisture to infiltrate under the topcoat, encouraging rust and other visual damage. Repairing those visible scratches is the logical next step. For relatively shallow scratches, you can use a scratch removing product like this one. Just apply some of the product to the provided pad, slip the pad into your power drill, and run the pad over the scratch a few times. Once you wipe away the excess, the scratch should be gone (if you don’t have a drill or don’t want to use one, there are other products rely on muscle power alone). Deeper scratches require a lot more effort—including sanding, filling, and repainting—and may be better left to a detail shop, unless you don't care about imperfect results. Restore plastic trim with a heat gunYour car's plastic exterior trim can start to show wear after years of exposure to the sun and harsh weather. Unless you restore the plastic, of course. There are two ways to accomplish this: Use a heat gun. You can use a heat gun to heat the plastic, and watch as it darkens and shines up like magic. This works because the heat brings the remaining oils in the plastic to the surface. There are two downsides to this approach, however: It’s easy to overdo it and actually melt the plastic, and it will only work a few times before your plastic has been bled dry and can never be restored again. Buy a product intended for the purpose. If you're wary of taking a heat gun to your ride, there are store bought options for car trim restoration. Something like Wipe New is easy to use—you just wipe it on—and can last a few weeks to a few months. They can be applied repeatedly to keep your trim looking newer. Use a power scrubber on your rimsCleaning and polishing your tires and rims will also help your car to look new(er). A spray-on cleaner applied with a power scrubber can bring your rims back to life with a little elbow grease. A tire coating like this one can also put some shine back into your tires. Polish your headlights with toothpasteFinally, one spot older cars always suffer is the headlights, which can become cloudy and faded over time. You could rip them out and replace them, of course, but cleaning them up is a lot cheaper and works surprisingly well. You can DIY this in a variety of ways by scrubbing your headlights with toothpaste, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, even sandpaper. Or you could make your life a little easier by using a bespoke product to brings those headlights back to life without any extra steps or mess. Doing these things on a regular basis will not only keep your car looking good, it will protect it from further damage and help its exterior last as long as you need it to—which hopefully won’t be another 14 years. View the full article

Wix has announced a new native integration with Printful, a leading print-on-demand company, to provide Wix users with direct access to Printful’s fulfillment services. This integration allows merchants, self-creators, and agencies using Wix to create and sell custom-branded merchandise without leaving the Wix platform. According to Wix, this new feature offers users a streamlined and cost-effective solution for launching their own product lines. “This integration gives our users a new opportunity to create high-quality products and merchandise customized to their brand, whether they are a yoga studio owner, a chef, or a dog trainer,” said Jill Sherman, Head of Suppliers Hub at Wix. “Together, we’re providing our users a unique and seamless solution that embraces creativity and brand identity while eliminating fulfillment hassles and overhead costs. This empowers users to focus on the growth of their business and maximize their brand footprint all from the Wix platform.” With the integration, Wix users can customize merchandise with their own graphics, artwork, and branding. The print-on-demand industry is projected to reach $45.6 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3%, according to the announcement. Wix states that this solution enables small businesses to enter a competitive market without the typical barriers associated with traditional product manufacturing and inventory management. Printful’s fulfillment services allow businesses to produce and distribute custom products without upfront inventory costs. “Partnering with Wix is a natural fit for us, as we’re both dedicated to supporting e-commerce business owners and brand builders who are crafting exceptional shopping experiences,” said Chris Victory, Head of Partnerships at Printful. “We’ve always been committed to helping anyone, anywhere create, design and deliver high-quality, unique products that resonate with their audience. By integrating seamlessly with Wix, we’re making it even easier for entrepreneurs to provide delightful experiences for their customers, directly within the platform where they already create and drive their brand experiences. We’re excited to see the amazing designs and products that the Wix community of sellers will create next.” Sustainable and Efficient Fulfillment The integration also prioritizes sustainability and cost efficiency. Orders are fulfilled individually, reducing excess production and eliminating the need for warehousing. Printful utilizes a network of local fulfillment centers to ensure faster delivery and lower shipping costs. By leveraging on-demand production, businesses can operate more sustainably while offering personalized products that enhance customer engagement. According to the announcement, this operational model also minimizes the carbon footprint by reducing overproduction and unnecessary storage requirements. Currently, the integration is available in English, with plans for expansion into additional languages in the near future. Image: Wix This article, "Wix Launches Native Print-on-Demand Integration with Printful" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wix has announced a new native integration with Printful, a leading print-on-demand company, to provide Wix users with direct access to Printful’s fulfillment services. This integration allows merchants, self-creators, and agencies using Wix to create and sell custom-branded merchandise without leaving the Wix platform. According to Wix, this new feature offers users a streamlined and cost-effective solution for launching their own product lines. “This integration gives our users a new opportunity to create high-quality products and merchandise customized to their brand, whether they are a yoga studio owner, a chef, or a dog trainer,” said Jill Sherman, Head of Suppliers Hub at Wix. “Together, we’re providing our users a unique and seamless solution that embraces creativity and brand identity while eliminating fulfillment hassles and overhead costs. This empowers users to focus on the growth of their business and maximize their brand footprint all from the Wix platform.” With the integration, Wix users can customize merchandise with their own graphics, artwork, and branding. The print-on-demand industry is projected to reach $45.6 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3%, according to the announcement. Wix states that this solution enables small businesses to enter a competitive market without the typical barriers associated with traditional product manufacturing and inventory management. Printful’s fulfillment services allow businesses to produce and distribute custom products without upfront inventory costs. “Partnering with Wix is a natural fit for us, as we’re both dedicated to supporting e-commerce business owners and brand builders who are crafting exceptional shopping experiences,” said Chris Victory, Head of Partnerships at Printful. “We’ve always been committed to helping anyone, anywhere create, design and deliver high-quality, unique products that resonate with their audience. By integrating seamlessly with Wix, we’re making it even easier for entrepreneurs to provide delightful experiences for their customers, directly within the platform where they already create and drive their brand experiences. We’re excited to see the amazing designs and products that the Wix community of sellers will create next.” Sustainable and Efficient Fulfillment The integration also prioritizes sustainability and cost efficiency. Orders are fulfilled individually, reducing excess production and eliminating the need for warehousing. Printful utilizes a network of local fulfillment centers to ensure faster delivery and lower shipping costs. By leveraging on-demand production, businesses can operate more sustainably while offering personalized products that enhance customer engagement. According to the announcement, this operational model also minimizes the carbon footprint by reducing overproduction and unnecessary storage requirements. Currently, the integration is available in English, with plans for expansion into additional languages in the near future. Image: Wix This article, "Wix Launches Native Print-on-Demand Integration with Printful" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Oil services and engineering company holds debt discussions in parallel to exploring takeover by Dubai-based SidaraView the full article

Sometimes you need a day off. Sometimes you don’t need a day off, but you take one anyway. If you have any anxieties about what exercise means to you, you may spiral into worry or guilt: Am I a slacker? Am I losing all my gains? And if rest days are so important, why do I feel guilty every time I take one? You probably know the answers to these questions, which all boil down to: A day off doesn’t define who you are. But feelings of rest day guilt are pretty common, and I’ve felt them myself. So here's a pep talk to help you understand these contradictory feelings, and some options for what to do when you feel this way. Tell yourself these things: Know that one day doesn’t matterBeing strong or fit or getting in shape is a years-long goal, if not a lifelong one. Five years from now, will you look back on this one particular day with regret? You probably won’t even remember it happened. Tomorrow is a new day, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ve ruined your whole week or your whole training program. Either skip the day or make it up tomorrow, whichever will make the path easier for you going forward. Rest is usefulA well-designed program will usually have at least one rest day each week; some programs might even have three or four. All are perfectly valid ways to work out. So if you took three rest days this week rather than two, it’s not like all your hard work went to waste. Your body will put that rest to good use, anyway. Some people will say a certain number of rest days per week are necessary; I don’t know that that’s actually true as long as your fatigue is well managed. But regardless of whether you need a day off, your body can still use one for extra recovery. You’ll feel fresher the day you come back. You may feel better if you do something A rest day doesn't have to be 100% sedentary. Resting too much can backfire. Let's say you need to take a day off from running—cool, great, you're taking care of yourself. But then you may be missing out on the mental health benefits of exercise, and now you're sitting around being grumpy. Go for a walk to get those benefits, or do another low-key activity you enjoy, like yoga or stretching. You feel guilty because you care It's worth taking a minute to unpack those guilty feelings. Often, we feel guilty about taking a day off because we have a plan in our mind (say, we envision ourselves working out every day) and we see that we're falling short. Having a plan, and being able to compare our actions to our plan, are both good things! We may just need to recalibrate a bit. So when you feel guilty, think about your plan. Maybe your plan can allow some extra rest days, which means you're not off-target at all. Or maybe your plan is unrealistic, and you've been putting inappropriate expectations on yourself. Check whether your benchmarks (or SMART goals) actually match up appropriately with your big-picture dream goals. Focus on consistencyA big part of the reason one day doesn’t matter is that, in the long run, what does matter is consistency. If you’ve been hitting all your workouts for weeks on end, and this week you have to miss one, you are still the kind of person who usually hits all their workouts. Maybe you’re afraid that this one day off is going to send you down a slippery slope, and you’ll end up taking more days off. Well, that’s within your power! Decide how and when you’ll get back on that horse. Plan out your schedule for tomorrow, or for next week, and make sure you’ll be able to make those next sessions. Problem-solve for next timeWhy did you take this rest day, anyway? If you were feeling worn down, maybe you need a more balanced exercise program that doesn’t leave you feeling that way. Or if you dread a certain workout, maybe that’s a sign that you need to change something—either the workout, or your mindset. If you always skip workouts with box jumps, for example, there are ways to get over that fear. Just a time management issue? Try some of these tips for getting in regular exercise even when your schedule is already packed. Consider your overall planOr maybe you’re feeling guilty because you’ve missed a lot of days. That’s a sign that you may be on a path that’s unsustainable. Are you so stressed out from work that you don’t feel motivated to work out? Maybe you need more than a day’s break from working out to see if that relieves some of the extra pressure. Or maybe you need to lift before work instead of after, to see if that gives you enough of a mood boost to get you through a stressful day. Or maybe you just have to solve the larger problem in your life. (Talk to your boss about your workload? Start looking for a new job?) Bottom line, if you feel guilty about missing one day because to you it’s a symbol of other things going on in your life, zoom out and see what you can do about fixing those other things. View the full article

Hollywood is waking up to the power of influencers. That starts with MrBeast. Amazon’s Beast Games cost hundreds of millions to produce. Some of that came from the streamer, but much of it came from the pockets of MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson. On the Diary of a CEO podcast, he estimated “tens of millions” in losses from the show, admitting that he was an “idiot” for spending so much. But it was all for one goal: To knock down the Hollywood door so other creators could score their own production deals. But MrBeast misunderstands the power balance. In the attention economy, influencers have the eyeballs right now. Amazon’s acquisition of Beast Games was massively successful; the show garnered 50 million viewers in just 25 days, Amazon’s second largest series debut in 2024. Did MrBeast get any new fans? Likely not, given how critically panned the show was. MrBeast got fleeced by Amazon, and is setting up more creators to do the same. The streamer gets the viewers, while the influencers are left in the red. Who has the power: MrBeast or Amazon? MrBeast dug into his own pockets to produce Beast Games. His deal with Amazon was reportedly worth around $100 million. But, on Diary of a CEO, he acknowledged that spending for the show went far beyond that—and the excess came from his own funds. Even just the first two episode’s sets cost around $15 and $14 million, respectively. “I would have more money if I didn’t film it,” he said. A deal between Amazon and MrBeast has the promise of being mutually beneficial. Amazon gets the eyeballs of every 10-year-old munching on their Feastables. MrBeast gets some cash to produce the show, plus the possibility to expand beyond his cloistered YouTube presence. But MrBeast seems to have faltered on both of these gains. Spending “tens of millions” out of pocket, the Amazon investment didn’t save him from going into the red. (Plus, he’s likely racking up legal fees after contestants sued him and Amazon for sexual harassment and “chronic mistreatment.”) In terms of audience expansion, the results look dismal, too. Reviews panned Beast Games, calling it an “undignified spectacle” and “surprisingly dull.” His follower count has grown modestly throughout the show’s release, but there was no noticeable spike. It’s hard to imagine anyone watching Beast Games that wasn’t already watching his YouTube content. For Amazon, amassing 50 million viewers in 25 days is a feat. The only show to grow quicker on the streamer in 2024 was Fallout, and that had the benefit of video game IP. But, for MrBeast, 50 million viewers is chump change. His videos frequently reach that threshold within days, if not hours. Ultimately, Amazon needed MrBeast more than MrBeast needed Amazon. While the shine of a streamer is enticing, it didn’t benefit his business. The failures of influencers in Hollywood “Creators don’t have a good rep when it comes to doing stuff on streaming platforms,” MrBeast explained on e Diary of a CEO. His goal was to break down barriers, to open up these Hollywood studios to online celebrities. Per his account, it worked: He could think of two creators who had shows lined up based on Beast Games’s success. But there’s a reason why influencer shows don’t work. They sever the stars from the form they’re famous for. TikTok’s Hype House could film themselves dancing for hours and hours, but failed when it came to reality television. The Netflix show was repeatedly called depressing by critics, and some cast members say the show fabricated storylines. James Charles is best when he’s reviewing makeup; hosting a reality competition show, he flails. Still, these shows do well. Over a year after its release, Hype House was still gaining hundreds of thousands of eyes, per Netflix’s 2023 data dump. He’s All That, the ill-fated remake starring TikToker Addison Rae, soared even higher, catching 15 million viewers two years after release. That’s because these creators have name brand. The streamers rake in all those rabid fans, while the influencer’s brand is diluted. Hollywood is alluring. Everyone wants to be on TV. But, for these online superstars, they seem to give more than they get. View the full article

Creating and sticking to a cleaning schedule is difficult, but only because life is difficult. Finding time to clean can feel impossible sometimes, especially when you've had a stressful day at work, with your family, or just in general. But what if you could harness that negative energy and turn it into cleaning power? That's the idea behind TikTok's "angry cleaning" trend—also known as "rage cleaning"—and if you're as grumpy as I am, you mind find it helps you get your home a lot cleaner. What is TikTok's rage cleaning trend about?I see the terms "angry cleaning" and "rage cleaning" all over TikTok, but quickly realized they describe something I already do: When I'm annoyed or upset, I start to clean—usually something that requires a little oomph, like scrubbing or vacuuming. It turns out I'm not alone. There are a few benefits at work here. Pouring your negative energy into cleaning can distract you from whatever is annoying you, providing a menial task you can accomplish without a lot of active thinking. It lets you physically work out your negativity, especially if you're really putting some muscle into whatever you're doing (cleaning the oven is a good option here). It also gives you a positive end result that can lift your spirits and make you feel motivated: After cleaning for a while, your head will feel clearer and you'll have a cleaner home to show for it. How to incorporate angry cleaning into your routineI'll stop short of recommending that you wait to clean until you're upset; you should still try to follow a cleaning schedule and stay consistent with your efforts to tidy up. Additionally, I don't recommend intentionally pissing yourself off so you can work up the motivation to scrub all those dirty pans. When the opportunity to rage clean arises naturally, however, it pays to find the right outlet. Choose an arduous task like cleaning the bathroom grout so you can really put your back into it and physically work out your anger. It needn't be something truly strenuous. For instance, I like folding laundry when I'm mad because I get to slap the folded garments down on the pile with a bang. Whatever works! This isn't really the time for something that takes brainpower, like decluttering. Angry cleaning is most effective when you can focus on feelings over thoughts, so stick to mopping the floor extra hard. I'm generally a proponent of cleaning your home in small bursts, so tap into that thinking to bust through one annoying, laborious cleaning task while you're good and pissed. I'm not saying rage cleaning will fix whatever is bothering you, but it can help you let off some steam and will allow you to think a little more clearly afterward—and in a neater space to boot. Challenge yourself to work quietly on one task, see it through with no distractions, and reevaluate how you feel afterward. Think about what's bothering you, or just focus on cleaning, but don't take any steps to address what's wrong until you've finished your project and given yourself a little time alone and a bonus jolt of accomplishment. Your problems, and your to-do list, might both feel a bit more manageable afterward. What to keep in mind when rage cleaningI'll add a few more notes here, as someone who's now watched what feels like a million of these TikTok videos and who also does enjoy cleaning up when negative emotions are afoot. First, don't just channel your rage into cleaning to make it more effective, but make sure you're also using that time to yourself to calm down the anger. That looks different for everyone, sure, but on TikTok, you'll see examples of people lighting candles or putting on some music they enjoy. Ideally, by the end of an angry cleaning session, you'll feel better—which will help you address the cause of your annoyance more effectively, too. Second, if you're feeling mad all the time, it's really not good, whether you're able to turn that into productive rage cleaning or not. Obviously, it's more important to deal with the root cause of your problems than constantly use them to clean. Just wanted to put that out there. In the meantime, though, make sure you're taking note of when you're feeling the inspiration to angry clean. If, say, you hang up every phone call with your mom in a bad mood or consistently get frustrated after a weekly meeting at work, reorient your cleaning schedule to make sure you're harnessing that energy. If one of the parents at your kid's 6 p.m., Tuesday dance class enrages you, 8 p.m. on Tuesday sounds like a great time to give the kitchen its weekly cleaning, right? Let it work for you, not against you, and your home and emotions will thank you. View the full article

Finding fulfilling and motivating work is a challenge for many people, but it can be especially difficult for those just starting their careers. And as Generation Z professionals—those born between 1997 and 2012—increasingly seek personalized career paths, managers are tasked with helping employees find meaning in their roles while also meeting organizational goals. Some managers may view Gen Z’s desire for meaningful work as a form of entitlement, but dismissing it can be costly. Research shows that employees who find their work meaningful experience greater job satisfaction, which directly boosts productivity. Meanwhile, ignoring this need can lead to higher employee turnover and “quiet quitting.” In short, helping younger employees find meaning on the job isn’t just good for them—it’s a smart business strategy. As business professors who study meaningful work, we wanted to understand how managers can help younger staff thrive. So one of us—Kelly Kennedy—conducted a research study at Baylor University in which she interviewed a range of Gen Z professionals. Then, together with leadership consultant Shanna Hocking, we analyzed the results to identify three crucial factors that can help managers unlock meaning for early-career professionals. These are self-knowledge, adding value, and relationships. By addressing these areas, managers can foster a supportive environment where Gen Z professionals thrive. The 3 keys to meaningful work Self-knowledge is about understanding who you are and what you value, and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Research shows self-awareness can be a powerful tool for creating a productive and engaged workforce. To help Gen Z employees develop self-knowledge, encourage them to reflect on what energizes and interests them. To get the ball rolling, you can ask them to think about their college experiences, internships, and important personal milestones. These reflections can help them uncover patterns in what they enjoy and what drives their motivation. Additionally, many Gen Z professionals seek roles that align with their values. It’s common for them to focus on developing a sense of purpose that extends beyond a specific job title. For example, one young employee we interviewed, who works in fashion merchandising, told us, “I will make things beautiful and that will be my life.” This is a flexible sense of purpose—one that isn’t tied to any particular job, but rather to a bigger vision of impact. A smart manager will connect day-to-day tasks to employees’ larger goals, helping them see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture. Adding value at work comes down to two key things: feeling recognized and knowing one’s contributions make a difference. Our study found that adding value and feeling valued play a crucial role in shaping workplace meaning. For example, when asked what makes work meaningful, a Gen Z worker said, “being part of a team where you are able to contribute and directly see the impact of your work, regardless of the level you are at.” So, how do you make Gen Z employees feel recognized? It can be as simple as giving praise or as big as offering a raise. But for many young professionals, meaningful work goes beyond just perks—it’s about feeling like their efforts contribute to a larger goal and make a positive impact on society. Finally, how people get work done in the office is often tied to the relationships they have. Previous research has shown that Gen Z professionals are more likely to thrive in work environments that prioritize diversity and inclusion and encourage positive relationships between colleagues. Our conversations with Gen Z workers backed that up: They told us they valued quality relationships, collaboration, and support from managers and colleagues. Managers can foster this type of environment by encouraging team members to meaningfully connect. As a Gen Z private equity analyst shared with us, “When you work such long hours, it’s nice knowing there’s others in the trenches with you.” Building strong relationships with direct reports is also important. Gen Z professionals value being mentored by their managers and receiving regular feedback and honest communication. Research has shown connection at work is powerful for creating a meaningful environment of trust for employees of all ages. We also found that Gen Z appreciates being able to take risks—and potentially fail—in a safe space. That’s why mentorship programs can be impactful; they help young professionals develop skills, build confidence, and find meaning in their work by providing a safe space for learning and growth. 3 questions to unlock the power of meaningful work Reflection and coaching are powerful tools that help early career employees develop self-awareness, add value, and build strong relationships. This work may seem daunting at first, but it’s easy to incorporate into the regular conversations you’re already having as a manager. To bring out the best in your Gen Z employees, start by asking three simple questions during your next one-on-one meeting. 1. When have you felt most energized at work? Asking this question can help early career employees gain a deeper understanding of what motivates them. By identifying key moments, both you and the employee can gain valuable insight into their priorities and interests. Pay close attention to the specific aspects of their work that spark enthusiasm, and observe nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions—they can reveal just as much as words about what truly excites them. Make it a dialogue by sharing what you’ve noticed about the employee’s interests and discussing ways to tap into their motivations. Then, encourage the employee to find tasks and projects that align with their interests and bring them to the next one-on-one to discuss. From there, when assigning new tasks, be sure to highlight how the work connects to the employee’s interests and the organization’s larger goals. 2. Where do you feel you contribute the most? This question helps early career employees recognize their strengths, allowing them to contribute more effectively and feel like a valued part of the team. As they respond, look for recurring themes in how they approach their work and the quality of their output. Help employees see the bigger picture by connecting their efforts to departmental objectives and the company’s overall mission. Highlight how their skills and contributions make a difference—not just in their own work but in supporting their colleagues and driving team success. And be on the lookout for opportunities to genuinely acknowledge their contributions in real time, as well as during performance reviews. 3. Whom in the company do you want to learn from or work more closely with? Bringing up an employee’s work relationships in a one-on-one meeting might seem unconventional, but it’s a valuable opportunity to guide them in building strong partnerships. Plus, showing genuine interest in their connections reinforces your own relationship with them. As you discuss their workplace interactions, pay attention to whom they mention and why. Their responses can offer valuable insights into their career aspirations, potential collaboration opportunities and the relationships they find most meaningful. Also, remember: You don’t have to have all the answers. If a Gen Z employee comes to you with a question, use it as a chance to connect them with other team members or subject-matter experts. Encouraging them to seek out knowledge from others not only strengthens their network but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. As Gen Z professionals seek more personalized and fulfilling career paths, managers play a critical role in supporting them. Helping early career team members reach their professional goals will, in turn, help organizations reach their own goals. So if you’re a manager, asking these three simple questions during one-on-one meetings can lead to happier, more motivated workers and a more productive and stable organization. Kelly Kennedy, Ed.D. is a director of transformative learning at the University of Connecticut. Cathleen Swody, Ph.D. is a managing partner at Foster Talent Consulting, University of Connecticut. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. There’s a difference between cleaning and decluttering. If you have too much stuff (clutter), you’ll have a much harder time sweeping, dusting, sanitizing, and actually cleaning, plus your house will never look clean. But decluttering is harder than cleaning, by far. It’s overwhelming, even, which is why clutter can get out of hand, making cleaning a nearly impossible task. That’s also why we’re always on the hunt for new ways to declutter: Surely, someone out there has cracked the code, right? As it turns out, organizer Kayleen Kelly may have. Her method, Core 4, is wildly popular on TikTok and could be the one that works for you. (Check out all these other pro decluttering methods, too, for more inspiration.) What is Core 4?Kelly’s Core 4 cleaning method is a big hit on CleanTok, with one analysis I was sent by Upmove showing videos on the technique have amassed over 23 million views. Here’s the video that launched it all: When decluttering, Kelly suggests moving through each room in four stages: Clear out, categorize, cut out, and contain. How to use Core 4 to declutterIf you want to try Core 4 on your own, Kelly advises starting with small areas to avoid getting overwhelmed. Instead of trying to do each stage through your entire home at once, do all four stages in one room, then repeat that process in each room. If a single room has a ton of stuff in it, you can divvy that up even more, focusing first on a closet or the counter space, for example. Clear outStart the first phase, which is clear out, by just removing everything and putting it in a pile. Throw out trash if you see it, but focus on getting your cupboards, table space, and other storage areas completely clear, so they can be filled in a more organized way later. CategorizeNext, categorize. You’ll need sorting bins for this (more on that later), so designate a bin for each different category of stuff you’re moving through, like your clothes, a family member’s clothes, makeup, knick-knacks, pet products, etc. Start sorting your pile by putting every item into its associated bin. Cut outThe third phase is "cut out." This one is difficult because you’ll be tasked with going through each bin and determining what can be thrown away or donated. This is a good time to practice putting your clutter in “purgatory”—moving things you’re unsure about getting rid of to a special bin that you’ll hide away somewhere, like an attic, for a month to determine if you can live without it. Otherwise, be decisive and do your best to shrink the amount of stuff in each bin. Here's a list of questions I recommend asking yourself as you declutter so you can focus on making objective, reasonable choices. ContainFinally, contain. Reassess your bin situation. If you threw out a bunch of old kitchen tools, you might be able to put the remaining ones in a smaller container, for instance. The bins are key here—you’ll be using them for storage and organizing going forward, not just for sorting and decluttering when you’re working through the steps. What to keep in mind while utilizing Core 4Core 4 relies on principles you'll also find echoed throughout the wider landscape of organizing and decluttering techniques. Specifically, it works well because it falls back on the principles that make up the Organizational Triangle, namely, that similar items should be stored together and everything you own must have a designated space. The containers are crucial because they keep everything categorized and stored together, but also because they give you a sense of volume. If all of your skincare products are stored in a bin, for instance, you'll notice if you run out of space to add more, which can signal to you that you need to declutter and pare down your collection. If they're scattered all over your bathroom and vanity, you'll have a much tougher time noticing you have too much. While the containers are important and valuable, they also pose a bit of a problem: With everything boxed up and hidden away, the containers themselves can become cluttered. You'll still need to repeat the Core 4 technique periodically over time, focusing on that "clear out" step and dumping the bins, so you don't end up with a bunch of smaller, invisible messes inside your cabinets and closets. Another approach you can use is the "out in the open" method, which is pretty similar, but involves dumping every item in every closet or cupboard in a room right into the center of the space, then going through it. The scale at which you tackle the "clear out" stage as you continue to employ Core 4 is really up to you, but I recommend moving in smaller chunks to avoid getting overwhelmed. What bins you'll needIt might seem counterintuitive to buy more stuff to declutter, but to use this method, you really do need the bins. They make sorting easy, plus give you a place to store the things you decide to keep, helping you stay organized so you don’t have to keep repeating the Core 4 all the time. Here are a few bin options to consider: Classic storage binsIf you’re focusing on pure functionality, nothing is better for this job than clear, plastic containers with lids. They nest and stack, so whether they’re empty or full, storing them is easy and intuitive. Try the IRIS bins from Amazon, which come in a six-pack of 53-quart bins ($69.99) for larger items or categories and a 20-pack of 5.9-quart bins ($28.99) for smaller needs. IRIS USA 6-quart clear storage boxes, 20 pack $28.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $28.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Decorative storage binsIf you live in a small space where the bins are more likely to be visible or you just prioritize aesthetics, you'll want more decorative bins. Your best bet is to buy sets of matching boxes, like this small and large box set on Wayfair for $58.99, which comes in a bunch of colors and designs. Collapsible fabric boxes, like this set of three from Amazon ($29.95) are good options, too, since they can be folded up when not in use and fit well onto shelving units. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. A crevice garden is an exceptional way to deal with one of the hardest terrains to grow a garden. But more than that, crevice gardens can create architectural interest and structure, while growing a drought-tolerant garden that can be full of native plants. You can even create a crevice garden in a place that didn’t previously have rocky terrain, if you like the look of them. With climate change bringing hotter summers, a garden that is drought tolerant while also improving the soil and providing food for pollinators is a win all around. Since these gardens are so low maintenance, they’re perfect for people who want a dramatic, natural garden without a lot of upkeep. Crevices provide the perfect growing conditionsIf you have a patio, driveway or bricked walkway, you know that plants love to grow in the nooks and crannies, whether you want them to or not. There’s good reason these plants grow in the tiny spaces—the surrounding matter, whether that’s rock, brick, or pavement, provide almost perfect germination conditions. They keep the seeds dark, warm, and moist in the soil, shaded from the sun. The roots are protected, and hard surfaces almost always trap heat, offering the plant what it needs to survive. With a crevice garden, you embrace this idea, and either create or adapt rocky spaces. If you have a rock wall, adding plants between the rocks creates a symbiotic relationship: The roots help the wall maintain stability, holding soil and rocks in place, even in storms; the rocks provide drainage, insulation, and minerals that leach into the soil, providing nutrients for the plants. The rocks also act as protection. How to start planting in your rock wallIf you have an existing rock wall or outcropping of rocks, you just need to check the conditions to get started on your crevice garden. You'll need enough soil between the rocks to anchor your plants. Use a cup or scoop to pour garden soil into the crevices, only enough so the seedings you place there will touch soil. Once you ensure that your rock wall has enough soil between the rocks, tuck small plants into the crevices. When you pull these plants out of the plastic containers they come in, be sure to free up and spread out the roots, so they’ll begin rooting into the soil once planted. While they’re establishing themselves, ensure the wall gets watered only enough to keep the plants alive. Don’t baby these plants—overwatering will stop the roots from seeking water deep within the soil. Water the plants once after planting, and then watch for signs of plant stress such as wilting before watering again. Remember, water flows down, so if you’re watering a rock wall, don’t overdo it: Water well at the top of the wall and then allow gravity to move the water down to lower plants. There are different variations on crevice gardensA new generation of landscapers is using the notion of a rock wall to landscape entire flat yards. Washington State University recently demonstrated this, laying stone slabs parallel to one another, creating gorgeous diagonal lines between which to plant. Plantings are made in small groupings, two or three together. You don’t need to design your entire yard around the crevice concept: A small outcropping of large rocks creates vertical interest in a large yard. Consider a long, low rock wall to define a change of elevation in your yard, or to shield a sitting area from the wind. Once you have rocks or slabs in place, the instructions are the same as for a rock wall. Make sure there's some dirt or soil for the plants to grab onto in the crevices between rocks, or add enough soil to do so. Plant small, drought tolerant plants in the crevices and encourage root growth by watering minimally. Resources to start your own crevice gardenIf you’re interested in starting a crevice garden, consider the book “The Crevice Garden: How to make the perfect home for plants from rocky places,” which is full of suggestions for plants and layouts of crevice gardens. The best way to start is to visit a local nursery that specializes in natives; explain your project and find out what plants are recommended for your zone. This is the perfect time of year, as nurseries are beginning to stock for the spring and summer. This early in the season, you also have time to grow your own seedlings from seed. Seeing what is available will help you envision the colors, shapes and textures your garden can embody. From sedums that will tolerate a Northeast winter to caper berry plants that would thrive in a high desert, your crevice garden has to be suited to the local weather. If you’re interested in building a crevice garden from scratch, consider working with a landscape designer. If you want to go it on your own, seek out a local rock yard. These businesses have different rocks, soils, and sands are separated out, and you can walk or drive around and look at each. You’ll purchase the material by the ton, not pound, and can usually opt to pick it up yourself or have it delivered. Someone will walk with you through the yard and show you options. You can be as organic or rigid in your design as you'd like, by just placing a few rocks close together or by laying out an entire yard's worth of stone in distinctive planes. The formula remains the same: Identify the spaces between the rocks (the crevices), ensure there's enough soil to plant into, and then place drought-tolerant plants in those spaces. View the full article

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has launched a sale of its Hong Kong shares to raise up to $5.2 billion via an accelerated book-building, according to a deal term sheet seen by Reuters on Monday. The company has set a price range of HK$333-HK$345 per share for the offering, representing an up to 8.4% discount compared to the stock’s market closing price of HK$363.60 on Monday. The offering is expected to be priced on Monday, the term sheet said. BYD did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment. The company plans to use the proceeds to invest in research and development, expand overseas businesses, supplement working capital, and for general purposes. The deal adds to a sharp pickup this year in share offering momentum in Hong Kong, the preferred destination for Chinese companies looking to raise offshore capital, as investors bet on a possible recovery in China’s economic growth. Shares of China’s largest bubble tea and drinks chain, Mixue Group, jumped more than 47% in their debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Monday, with new listings in the city recording their strongest start to a year since 2021. The stellar start reinforces hopes for a strong year in new equity issuances by Chinese companies in Hong Kong, as Beijing steps up support for its private enterprises to revive a slowing economy amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The fundraising comes amid a hectic pace of hiring and expanding to other markets for BYD. BYD plans to hire 20,000 employees in Zhengzhou in the first quarter as it boosts production capacity, government-run Henan Daily reported last month. The company also aims to complete its $1 billion plant in Indonesia at the end of 2025, the head of its local unit said in January. BYD, which overshot its global sales target to more than 4 million units sold last year, opened its first EV plant in Southeast Asia in Thailand in 2024, worth $490 million and which has a production capacity of 150,000 units per year. —Scott Murdoch, Reuters View the full article

Catherine Bashiama runs her fingers along the branches of the coffee tree she’s raised from a seedling, searching anxiously for its first fruit buds since she planted it three years ago. When she grasps the small cherries, Bashiama beams. The farmer had never grown coffee in her village in western South Sudan, but now hopes a rare, climate-resistant species will help pull her family from poverty. “I want to send my children to school so they can be the future generation,” said Bashiama, a mother of 12. Discovered more than a century ago in South Sudan, excelsa coffee is exciting cash-strapped locals and drawing interest from the international community amid a global coffee crisis caused mainly by climate change. As leading coffee-producing countries struggle to grow crops in drier, less reliable weather, prices have soared to the highest in decades and the industry is scrambling for solutions. Experts say estimates from drought-stricken Brazil, the world’s top coffee grower, are that this year’s harvest could be down by some 12%. “What history shows us is that sometimes the world doesn’t give you a choice, and right now there are many coffee farmers suffering from climate change that are facing this predicament,” said Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. Excelsa could play a key role in adapting. Native to South Sudan and a handful of other African countries, including Congo, Central African Republic and Uganda, excelsa is also farmed in India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The tree’s deep roots, thick leathery leaves and big trunk allow it to thrive in extreme conditions such as drought and heat where other coffees cannot. It’s also resistant to many common coffee pests and diseases. Yet it comprises less than 1% of the global market, well behind the arabica and robusta species that are the most consumed coffees in the world. Experts say excelsa will have to be shown to be practical at a much larger scale to bridge the gap in the market caused by climate change. Coffee’s history in South Sudan Unlike neighboring Ethiopia or Uganda, oil-rich South Sudan has never been known as a coffee-producing nation. Its British colonizers grew robusta and arabica, but much of that stopped during decades of conflict that forced people from their homes and made it hard to farm. Coffee trees require regular care such as pruning and weeding and take at least three years to yield fruit. During a visit earlier this month to Nzara County in Western Equatoria state — regarded as the country’s breadbasket — residents reminisced to Associated Press reporters about their parents and grandparents growing coffee, yet much of the younger generation hadn’t done it themselves. Many were familiar with excelsa, but didn’t realize how unique it was, or what it was called, referring to it as the big tree, typically taller than the arabica and robusta species that are usually pruned to be bush- or hedge-like. The excelsa trees can reach 15 meters (about 49 feet) in height, but may also be pruned much shorter for ease of harvesting. Coffee made from excelsa tastes sweet — unlike robusta — with notes of chocolate, dark fruits and hazelnut. It’s more similar to arabica, but generally less bitter and may have less body. “There’s so little known about this coffee, that we feel at the forefront to trying to unravel it and we’re learning every day,” said Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak, a sustainable agro-forestry company that’s been operating in the country for more than a decade. The company’s been doing trials on excelsa for years. Initial results are promising, with the trees able to withstand heat much better than other species, the company said. It’s also working with communities to revive the coffee industry and scale up production. Three years ago it gave seedlings and training to about 1,500 farmers, including Bashiama, to help them grow the coffee. The farmers can sell back to the company for processing and export. Many of the trees started producing for the first time this year, and Paterson said he hopes to export the first batch of some 7 tons to specialty shops in Europe. By 2027, the coffee could inject some $2 million into the economy, with big buyers such as Nespresso expressing interest. But production needs to triple for it to be worthwhile for large buyers to invest, he said. Challenges of growing an industry amid South Sudan’s instability That could be challenging in South Sudan, where lack of infrastructure and insecurity make it hard to get the coffee out. One truck of 30 tons of coffee has to travel some 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) to reach the port in Kenya to be shipped. The cost for the first leg of that trip, through Uganda, is more than $7,500, which is up to five times the cost in neighboring countries. It’s also hard to attract investors. Despite a peace deal in 2018 that ended a five-year civil war, pockets of fighting persist. Tensions in Western Equatoria are especially high after the president removed the governor in February, sparking anger among his supporters. When AP reporters visited Nzara, the main road to town was cut off one day because of gunshots and people were fleeing their villages, fearful of further violence. The government says companies can operate safely, but warned them to focus on business. “If I’m a businessman, dealing with my business, let me not mix with politics. Once you start mixing your business with politics, definitely you will end up in chaos,” said Alison Barnaba, the state’s minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment. Barnaba said there are plans to rehabilitate old coffee plantations and build an agriculture school, but details are murky, including where the money will come from. South Sudan hasn’t paid its civil servants in more than a year, and a rupture of a crucial oil pipeline through neighboring Sudan has tanked oil revenue. Growing the coffee isn’t always easy, either. Farmers have to contend with fires that spread quickly in the dry season and decimate their crops. Hunters use fires to scare and kill animals and residents use it to clear land for cultivation. But the fires can get out of control and there are few measures in place to hold people accountable, say residents. Coffee as a way out of poverty Still, for locals, the coffee represents a chance at a better future. Bashiama said she started planting coffee after her husband was injured and unable to help cultivate enough of the maize and ground nuts that the family had lived on. Since his accident she hasn’t been able to send her children to school or buy enough food, she said. Another farmer, 37-year-old Taban John, wants to use his coffee earnings to buy a bicycle so he can more easily sell his other crops, ground nuts and cassava, and other goods in town. He also wants to be able to afford school uniforms for his children. Excelsa is an opportunity for the community to become more financially independent, say community leaders. People rely on the government or foreign aid, but when that doesn’t come through they’re not able to take care of their families, they say. But for coffee to thrive in South Sudan, locals say there needs to be a long-term mentality, and that requires stability. Elia Box lost half of his coffee crop to fire in early February. He plans to replace it, but was dispirited at the work it will require and the lack of law and order to hold people accountable. “People aren’t thinking long-term like coffee crops, during war,” he said. “Coffee needs peace.” The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. It receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Sam Mednick, Associated Press View the full article

If you're trying to get your finances back on track—and who isn't?—you're sure to see "no-buy months" and "low-buy years" all across social media. No-buy challenges ask participants to eliminate all non-essential purchases for a set period. While the concept seems straightforward, these challenges often fail because they don't address the psychological aspects of spending or provide realistic frameworks for long-term financial habits. I've written before that sticking to a budget can feel a lot like sticking to a diet. A strict approach is not only too difficult to maintain, but it can backfire. The all-or-nothing mentality is frustrating and demoralizing, and you might wind up abandoning your financial goals. And like trying to cut out all carbs on a random Tuesday, it's sure to lead to some sort of binge. The solution? Some sort of moderation. Let's take a look at several alternative saving strategies that offer more sustainable paths to financial wellness without requiring complete, all-or-nothing spending freezes. Use "cash stuffing" to curb your spendingThis method involves dividing physical cash into different envelopes or containers for specific spending categories. Common categories for cash stuffing include groceries, entertainment, restaurants, gas, rent, etc. The key here is you can only spend money in a certain category from its designated envelope. Once the envelope is empty, that’s that for the month. Cash stuffing works because it forces you to be more intentional (deciding how much money gets allocated into your envelopes) and more disciplined (you can’t put more money into the envelope once it runs out). I also love how it eliminates the abstract nature of transactions. It's always helpful to see immediate visual feedback on your remaining budget. Use category-specific spending challengesInstead of cutting all discretionary spending, focus on reducing expenditures in one problematic area, such as dining out or clothing purchases. How to implement: Identify your highest unnecessary spending category. Set a specific, reasonable reduction goal (like cutting restaurant visits in half). Track your progress without eliminating the category entirely. Get mindful with "slow shopping"This approach emphasizes thoughtful consumption rather than impulsive buying or complete abstinence. Key principles: Implement a mandatory waiting period (24-72 hours) before making non-essential purchases. Research alternatives, compare prices, and consider second-hand options. Ask yourself meaningful questions about each potential purchase's value and necessity. Create your own values-based budgetRather than focusing on restriction, the values-based budget aligns spending with your personal values and priorities. Some steps to follow: Identify what truly matters most to you (family experiences, health, education, etc.). Allocate more resources to high-value categories. Naturally reduce spending in areas that don't align with your core values. The bottom lineThe most effective saving strategy is one you can maintain consistently. Experiment with different approaches to discover which creates sustainable financial habits without triggering feelings of deprivation or eventual spending rebounds. Remember that financial wellness isn't about never spending money—it's about spending intentionally on what truly matters while building security for the future. View the full article

The closing days of February were not good ones for job security in the tech industry. Over the month’s final week, major industry players, including HP, Grubhub, and Autodesk announced plans to reduce their workforce, while another startup seems to be shutting down entirely. Here’s what you need to know about the latest round of tech layoffs. HP to cut up to 2,000 workers Without a doubt, the largest number of job cuts over the last week of February was announced by computer maker HP. In a Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), dated February 27, HP revealed it will eliminate between 1,000 and 2,000 of its workers. The layoffs were authorized via an amendment to the company’s restructuring plan, which aims to see the company cut costs. “HP expects incremental gross workforce reductions of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 employees in connection with the amendment,” the company said in the filing. However, HP did not state which departments or jobs were most at risk. “The changes to the workforce will vary by country, based on local legal requirements and consultations with employee works councils and other employee representatives, as appropriate.” HP employed roughly 58,000 people in 2024, according to Statista. Grubhub to lay off 500 workers Food delivery company Grubhub announced on Friday that it would lay off about 500 people, Reuters reported. The cuts come after food delivery startup Winder bought Grubhub in November 2024. Grubhub reportedly employed about 2,200 people before the layoffs, which means the cuts will see over 20% of its staff let go. Autodesk to eliminate 1,350 employees Design software giant Autodesk, meanwhile, has announced it will lay off 1,350 workers. That equated to about 9% of its total workforce. In a memo to Autodesk employees, CEO Andrew Anagnost said the layoffs were driven by several factors, including the company reshaping its Go-to-Market (GTM) organization and its acceleration of investments in artificial intelligence. To the latter point, Anagnost said, “Our investments in cloud, platform, and AI are ahead of our peers and enable Autodesk to provide more valuable and connected solutions that support a much broader customer and developer ecosystem. To maintain and extend this leadership, we are shifting resources across our GTM, Platform, Industry, and Corporate functions to accelerate investments in these strategic priorities.” Ibotta to eliminate 8% of its employees The mobile cash rewards company Ibotta announced on Friday that it would be laying off approximately 8% of its workers, reports the Colorado Sun. That equates to about 70 jobs lost out of the 858 employees the company had in September 2024. A company spokesperson said the layoffs were “part of a strategic realignment based on our business priorities.” HerMD to lay off all workers Finally, women’s health startup HerMD has announced it will lay off all employees and shut down the company. Business Journals outlet Cincy Inno reports that industry challenges were a factor in HerMD closing its doors. In an email cited by the outlet, HerMD said, “This decision was not made lightly, but it became necessary because of the ongoing challenges in health care that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the quality care we provide and that we know our patients truly deserve.” Tech layoffs now top 18,000 in 2025 With the addition of the tech layoffs above, jobs lost in the tech industry so far in 2025 have now totaled 18,397 across 75 companies, according to tech layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. That compares to the 152,472 tech employees laid off at 549 tech companies in 2024, and the 264,220 tech employees laid off at 1,193 tech companies in 2023. View the full article