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The results are in. McDonald’s latest earnings report sheds light on the growing divide among U.S. consumers—as the wealthiest Americans continue to spend and eat out—while lower income families are making less trips to the Golden Arches as they battle the rising cost of living, skyrocketing food prices, grocery inflation, and stagnate wages. A look at McDonald’s third quarter earnings, released Tuesday after the closing bell, shows the fast food giant’s U.S. same-store sales increasing 2.5%, over the same period last year, (up 3.6% globally,)—but missing analyst expectations with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) coming in at $3.22, ten cents under expectations of $3.32, on $7.1 billion in revenue. Shares in McDonald’s (MCD) were up nearly 3% in afternoon trading on Wednesday, at the time of this writing. Dig deeper and the numbers show the growing economic disparity among Americans customers. “We continue to see a bifurcated consumer base with [quick-service restaurant] traffic from lower-income consumers declining nearly double digits in the third quarter, a trend that’s persisted for nearly two years,” Kempczinski said during Wednesday’s earnings call. “In contrast, QSR traffic growth among higher-income consumers remains strong, increasing nearly double digits in the quarter.” In an effort to deliver sustainable growth in this “challenging environment,” Kempczinski said “the company would be delivering everyday value and affordability, menu innovation, and compelling marketing that continue to bring customers through [the] doors.” To that end, Kempczinski said on the earnings call McDonald’s has been bringing back extra value meals; with a $5 Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles meal, and an $8 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal, in November. Last month, McDonald reintroduced Monopoly in the U.S., for the first time in nearly a decade, with a focus on digital engagement. View the full article

Key Supreme Court conservatives seemed skeptical Wednesday that President Donald The President has the power to unilaterally impose far-reaching tariffs, potentially putting at risk a key part of his agenda in the biggest legal test yet of his unprecedented presidency. The Republican administration is trying to defend the tariffs central to The President’s economic agenda after lower courts ruled the emergency law he invoked doesn’t give him near-limitless power to set and change duties on imports. The Constitution says Congress has the power to levy tariffs. But the The President administration argues that in emergency situations the president can regulate importation — and that includes tariffs. Justice Amy Coney Barrett grilled the government on that point. “Has there ever been another instance in which a statute has used that language to confer the power?” she asked. Justice Neil Gorsuch also questioned whether The President’s position would hand too much congressional power to the president. “Is the constitutional assignment of the taxing power to Congress, the power to reach into the pockets of the American people, just different?” he asked. “And it’s been different since the founding?” Questions from Chief Justice John Roberts also suggested he might not be convinced. With the court’s three liberal-leaning justices seeming deeply dubious, the tariffs challengers could win by swaying two conservatives. A decision in the case could take weeks or months. The President has called the case one of the most important in the country’s history and said a ruling against him would be catastrophic for the economy. The challengers argue the 1977 emergency powers law The President used doesn’t even mention tariffs, and no president before has used it to impose them. A collection of small businesses say the uncertainty is driving them to the brink of bankruptcy. The case centers on two sets of tariffs. The first came in February on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico after The President declared a national emergency over drug trafficking. The second involves the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs on most countries that The President announced in April. Multiple lawsuits have been filed over the tariffs, and the court will hear suits filed by Democratic-leaning states and small businesses focused on everything from plumbing supplies to women’s cycling apparel. Lower courts have struck down the bulk of The President’s tariffs as an illegal use of emergency power, but the nation’s highest court may see it differently. The President helped shape the conservative majority court, naming three of the nine justices in his first term. The justices have so far been reluctant to check his extraordinary flex of executive power, handing him a series of wins on the court’s emergency docket. Still, those have been short-term orders — little of The President’s wide-ranging conservative agenda has been fully argued before the nation’s highest court. That means the outcome could set the tone for wider legal pushback against his policies. The justices have been skeptical of executive power claims before, such as when then-President Joe Biden tried to forgive $400 billion in student loans under a different law dealing with national emergencies. The Supreme Court found the law didn’t clearly give him the power to enact a program with such a big economic impact, a legal principle known as the major questions doctrine. The challengers say The President’s tariffs should get the same treatment, since they’ll have a much greater economic effect, raising some $3 trillion over the next decade. The government, on the other hand, says the tariffs are different because they’re a major part of his approach to foreign affairs, an area where the courts should not be second-guessing the president. The challengers are also trying to channel the conservative justices’ skepticism about whether the Constitution allows other parts of the government to use powers reserved for Congress, a concept known as the nondelegation doctrine. The President’s interpretation of the law could mean anyone who can “regulate” can also impose taxes, they say. The Justice Department counters that legal principle is for governmental agencies, not for the president. If he eventually loses at the high court, The President could impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act. The aftermath of a ruling against him also could be complicated, if the government must issue refunds for the tariffs that had collected $195 billion in revenue as of September. The The President administration did win over four appeals court judges who found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, gives the president authority to regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations. In recent decades, Congress has ceded some tariff authority to the president, and The President has made the most of the power vacuum. —Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press View the full article

Finally—two years after its release, and one year-long beta later—the PlayStation Plus handheld can finally officially play games without needing to connect to a PS5 console first. The portable machine is not strictly playing them all by itself, and you do need a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to do it, but the latest system update brings the PlayStation Portal a lot closer to being a true PSP successor. The news came earlier today via the official PlayStation blog, where Sony announced that cloud streaming for the PS Portal will soon officially go live for everyone with a compatible subscription, a little less than a year after the company started testing it with an optional beta. That means that the device can finally live untethered from a console, without any additional setup. It's a breath of fresh air for the Portal, which, when it launched back in 2023, garnered negative reviews for its limited power and portability. While previous Sony handhelds like the PSP and PS Vita were able to play games on their own, disconnected from the internet, at launch the PS Portal could only play games by remotely connecting to a PS5—something gamers could already do on other devices like mobile phones. That severely limited the device's usefulness, essentially turning it into an accessory rather than its own console. After today's update, it still needs an internet connection, but the handheld is a lot more useful as a standalone experience. How to cloud game on the PlayStation Portal Credit: Sony Starting at 6 p.m. PT today, Nov. 5, Sony will start pushing the update live. Once it hits your device, you should see a new UI that, if you weren't in the beta already, will add the option to select a cloud icon to the device's top-left corner. Click through, and as long as you have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, you'll be taken to a brand new menu (new even to beta users) that shows all cloud-compatible games, either from games you own or from the PlayStation Plus library. Choose one, and you'll connect directly to Sony's servers, where you can start playing without getting your home console involved. It's not a perfect solution, but Sony advertises it as a way to play its games "even when your PS5 console back home is powered off or is in use by another account." Personally, I'd also like to point out that you could now technically buy a Portal and not get a PS5, instead playing only through the cloud rather than using a console and remote play. At $200, the Portal is less than half the cost of a PS5, so it would save you a decent amount of upfront cost. Still not a perfect handheld solutionThat said, there are still drawbacks. While a cloud connection frees you from having to connect to a PS5 for remote play, it still won't allow you to play in areas without reliable high-speed internet, like on an airplane. It also risks introducing input lag into your gameplay, which means it's not a great choice for competitive titles. Visuals also might appear compressed, depending on your internet speed, and only certain titles are available via the cloud (although hundreds of games are already compatible). The biggest caveat, though, is the required PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. That'll run you $18/month. It's up to you whether that's worth it over connecting to a console via remote play. On the plus side, Sony promises that it has improved support for public wifi on the Portal, which should make for a smoother experience when playing in a coffee shop or at a hotel. Cloud gaming also now comes with access to features that weren't available during the beta, like in-game purchases, multiplayer invites, and new accessibility options like a screen reader. Outside of cloud gaming, the new update also adds 3D audio support to the PS Portal as a whole, so long as you're using wired headphones or Sony's own Pulse earbuds or headset. It's definitely still a stopgap when compared to an entirely standalone device that can play its own games instead of streaming them (like the Nintendo Switch 2), but if you're a Sony gamer who misses being able to play on the go, the PS Portal should now be able to bring back some of those fond PSP memories—as long as you're in a spot with good wifi. View the full article

On November 3, Vogue announced that it’s folding the sister publication Teen Vogue into Vogue.com. Now, the internet is mourning the loss of a rare publication that “took young people seriously.” The news came in the form of an article posted to Vogue’s business vertical. Per the post, the transition is “part of a broader push to expand the Vogue ecosystem.” The article goes on to explain that Teen Vogue “will remain a distinct editorial property, with its own identity and mission,” and that the publication will “focus its content on career development, cultural leadership and other issues that matter most to young people.” Further, it notes that Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Versha Sharma will be leaving the company, while Vogue’s head of editorial content, Chloe Malle, will step in to oversee the sister publication. In the wake of Vogue’s announcement, Condé Nast laid off several of Teen Vogue‘s staffers, reportedly including a majority of its BIPOC and trans employees. Now, Teen Vogue’s former editors and writers, and many of its current fans, are taking to the internet to mourn the loss and criticize the magazine giant that owns it. Here’s what to know: What happened to Teen Vogue? While Vogue is framing the absorption of Teen Vogue as a way to provide “a more unified reader experience,” members of Condé United, a union that represents workers across Condé Nast’s magazine brands, call the move “clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most.” In a post to X, the union said that “Management plans to lay off six of our members, most of whom are BIPOC or trans, including Teen Vogue’s Politics Editor,” adding that “Teen Vogue now has no writers or editors explicitly covering politics.” In a statement to Fast Company, a Condé Nast spokesperson said, “Teen Vogue has faced ongoing challenges around scale and audience reach for some time. Rather than continuing to operate independently with limited reach, bringing Teen Vogue under the Vogue umbrella allows it to tap into a larger audience, stronger distribution, and more resources.” Neither Vogue nor Condé Nast directly responded to questions about whether the layoffs primarily impacted BIPOC and trans staffers and how many employees were let go in total. Teen Vogue’s robust political reporting previously earned the publication several major awards, including the April Sidney Award for social justice coverage in 2018 and the Roosevelt Institute’s Freedom of Speech Medal in 2025. In a statement published on November 3, the Roosevelt Institute called Vogue’s decision to incorporate Teen Vogue “evidence that corporate concentration eliminates innovative ideas and silences voices with less power.” Fans react to the news Fans of Teen Vogue—which was first published in 2003—are taking to the internet in droves to express their sadness that one of the only major publications geared toward teens (and primarily teen girls) will no longer maintain an independent presence. “Teen Vogue took young people seriously. It’s impossible to overstate how important, how rare, and how profoundly needed that is,” one tweet from writer Rainesford Stauffer reads. “[Depressed] at the teen vogue news,” wrote another X user, adding “there’s going to be nothing left for youth/teens to reach for when they are curious about news and issues, whether it’s about fashion or politics or pop culture.” Readers are most concerned by the apparent gutting of Teen Vogue staffers who focused on identity and politics coverage, especially during a moment when conservative messaging has become more common in media and concepts like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are under attack. In one TikTok explainer with more than 12,000 likes, creator @nya.etienne describes the overhaul as “an intentional silencing of underrepresented voices.” “[They] laid off the majority of their BIPOC and trans staff, and this should be a huge concern for everybody that cares about free press in media,” she says in the video. “Teen Vogue is a magazine that taught a generation of us how to think critically.” Former staffers take to social media Teen Vogue’s former writers, editors, and staffers are also taking to social media to express alarm at the sudden change. Aiyana Ishmael, the publication’s former style editor, shared on Bluesky that she has been laid off—adding that, in the wake of the layoffs, there are no Black staffers remaining at the publication. “At [the Teen Vogue Summit], I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation,” she wrote. “Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.” Teen Vogue’s most recent politics editor, Lex McMenamin, was also laid off this week: “certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue,” they wrote on Bluesky on November 3. In a lengthy blog written for the publication TPM, Allegra Kirkland, who served as Teen Vogue’s politics director for six years until June 2025, condemned Condé Nast’s decision. She told Fast Company that the publication served as a place for young people—especially young women and LGBTQ people—to put themselves “on the frontlines of the fight against The Presidentism,” advocating for issues “from the atrocious war on Gaza to book bans and gun violence in schools.” Now, she says, that platform is gone. “The mainstream media too often disregards young people’s opinions, or condescends to them in their coverage,” Kirkland says. “They’re smeared as woke scolds, checked-out TikTok addicts, or kids who are too naive to have fully-formed opinions about politics.” She noted mainstream journalism’s tendency to write about certain topics from the outside, citing “feature-length articles” about transgender youth that did not include a single quoted source from within the community itself. “Teen Vogue’s coverage tried to provide a counter to that—to let young people speak for themselves,” she says. Kirkland points to Teen Vogue’s coverage of gender-affirming care for trans youth, workers’ rights, and organizing safely under the The President administration as just a few ways that the publication served crucial information to its readers. Her former colleagues are now pushing Condé Nast to preserve Teen Vogue’s archives so that those resources aren’t lost. The magazine’s print edition folded in 2017, with the New York Times reporting 80 job cuts at the time. To help former Teen Vogue staffers in the wake of the news, McMenamin has organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe dedicated to covering “rent and utilities, medical bills, car payments, relocation expenses, major purchases like personal computers in order to work, and other necessities” for impacted employees. “Condé Nast killed a beloved publication that meant so much to generations of young writers and readers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds,” Kirkland says. “They did so during an oppressive, authoritarian presidential administration that is trampling on the rights of those young people and on the First Amendment. It’s a damn shame.” View the full article

Democrats dominated the first major Election Day since President Donald The President returned to the White House. And while a debate about the future of the Democratic Party may have only just begun, there are signs that the economy — specifically, The President’s inability to deliver the economic turnaround he promised last fall — may be a real problem for The President’s GOP heading into next year’s higher-stakes midterm elections. “Happy Anniversary! On this day, November 5th, one year ago, we had one of the Greatest Presidential Victories in History — Such an Honor to represent our Country. Our Economy is BOOMING, and Costs are coming way down. Affordability is our goal. Love to the American People!” The President posted to social media Wednesday. Democratic candidates who won Tuesday in the New Jersey and Virginia governor’s races, and the New York City mayor’s contest, focused their campaigns on the public’s cost-of-living concerns. The Latest: Conservative Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of The President’s sweeping unilateral tariffs Arguments at the Supreme Court have concluded for the day as the justices consider President The President’s sweeping unilateral tariffs in a trillion-dollar test of executive power. Conservative justices seemed skeptical of The President’s tariffs, potentially putting at risk a key part of his agenda in the biggest legal test yet of his unprecedented presidency. Challengers say The President is illegally using an emergency law to claim nearly limitless tariff power and American small businesses are paying the price. The President’s administration says the law gives the president the power to regulate importation, including tariffs. The Republican president has said a ruling against him in the case before the court Wednesday would be catastrophic for the economy. U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla takes a pass on 2026 race for California governor U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla is staying put. The California Democrat who flirted with running for governor in 2026 announced Tuesday he plans to remain in the Senate. “I choose to stay in this fight,” Padilla told reporters on Capitol Hill in disclosing his decision. “The Constitution is worth fighting for, our fundamental rights are worth fighting for.” Fellow Democrats had been urging Padilla, first appointed to the Senate by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, to consider entering a race that lacks a clear leader or star and was left wide open after former Vice President Kamala Harris announced her decision not to run. Newsom’s final term runs through January 2027. His party is favored to hold the seat in the heavily Democratic state. Did Sliwa spoil the race for Cuomo in NYC? Not so fast. Many have declared Republican Curtis Sliwa the spoiler in the three-way race between him, Democrat Zohran Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo. But AP Voter Poll data suggests that it’s unlikely that Sliwa’s presence in the race changed the outcome. When asked how they would vote if only Mamdani and Cuomo were in the race, about half of Sliwa’s supporters said they would have voted for Cuomo. In the hypothetical question, about 4 in 10 Sliwa supporters said they wouldn’t have voted. The remainder either would have moved to Mamdani, or didn’t know what they would do. The data indicates that even half of Sliwa’s voters on Tuesday would not have been enough to make up the significant lead that Mamdani won by. With slightly more than 90% of the estimated vote counted, the AP Decision Desk found Mamdani won with 50.4% of the vote, while Cuomo gathered 41.6% percent of the vote. Sliwa, for his part, won 7.1% percent of the vote. Those figures could change as late-arriving mail ballots are added. Fetterman pours cold water on impact of Democrat’s election wins Asked about his thoughts on Democrats’ resounding victories in Tuesday’s election, Pennsylvania’s Democratic senator said he didn’t think they meant much, saying Democrats were heavy favorites in both New Jersey and Virginia, as was a ballot measure in California. “I wasn’t surprised by any of these things,” said Sen. John Fetterman. Whether the results will have an impact on the shutdown, Fetterman said he didn’t think Democrats should be treating the shutdown “like it’s some kind of a political game.” “If people think that we should keep it closed because of the elections that we already knew we were going to win, it’s like then that seems like it’s a game,” he added. Democrats expand majorities Democrats expanded their majorities Tuesday in both the New Jersey Assembly and Virginia House and broke a Republican supermajority in the Mississippi Senate. Democrats flipped control of two Mississippi Senate districts that had been redrawn under court order to increase Black voter representation. The reshaped districts played a significant role in Democrats’ victories, said Heather Williams, president of the national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. “When there are representative maps — and there is a process that actually gives voters a choice of who their elected officials are — we can connect with voters and win,” said Williams, adding: “Mississippi was a prime example of that.” But the future of such districts could be in doubt. That’s because the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a legal challenge to the section of the federal Voting Rights Act allowing such court intervention. The President’s Oval Office redecoration may reach the exterior, too Reporters waiting near the South Lawn for the president to leave on a trip to Florida noticed what appeared to be a mock-up of a sign that says, “The Oval Office.” The flowery, gold lettering appeared to be written on some type of temporary paper that was put up on the wall near the door where reporters enter for The President’s appearances in the Oval with foreign leaders, Cabinet members or other guests. The White House had no comment on the sign. ▶Read more about White House redecorations Administration revokes temporary protected status for South Sudanese living in U.S. The Department of Homeland Security is revoking protections that shielded some South Sudanese living in the United Status from deportation, saying it is now safe for them to return to their chaotic East African nation. The order, which will take effect in early January, affects the small number of South Sudanese who have temporary protected status, which allows people already in the U.S. to stay and work legally if their homelands are deemed unsafe. But the news comes amid fears that the 2018 peace agreement ending that nation’s civil war is collapsing, with growing hunger, violence and kidnappings, including of aid workers, and weeks after an international ceasefire monitor warned that all sides in the conflict were recruiting new fighters. The announcement, which was released for public review Wednesday in the Federal Register, will be formally published Thursday. It will take effect 60 days later. The DHS statement acknowledged South Sudan is dealing with “violence linked to border disputes, cross-border violence, cyclical and retaliatory attacks, and ethnic polarization,” but notes that “return to full-scale civil war, to-date, has been avoided.” Democrat who vanished at sea loses race in NYC suburbs Petros Krommidas lost to incumbent Nassau County Legislator Patrick Mullaney in his bid for a seat in the Nassau County Legislature on Long Island, according to the county’s unofficial election results. With all precincts reporting, Krommidas captured about 40% of votes cast in the race while Mullaney, a Republican, garnered about 55%. Krommidas disappeared after a night swim off Long Beach in the spring. A state judge ruled that his name had to remain on the ballot after local Republicans challenged Democrats’ attempt to field a replacement. Republicans will sue over California ballot measure The California Republican Party says Proposition 50 violates the 14th and 15th Amendments. The ballot measure created a new congressional map with the goal of giving Democrats five more of the state’s 52 congressional seats. It easily passed. The party announced plans to file a federal lawsuit on Wednesday. It’s being filed by The Dhillon Law Group, the California-based firm started by Harmeet Dhillon, who now works for the U.S. Department of Justice. A state assemblyman and 18 voters are also plaintiffs. Scientists perform last rites for ‘dearly departed’ datasets under The President While some people last Friday dressed in Halloween costumes or handed out candy to trick-or-treaters, a group of U.S. data scientists published a list of datasets that have been axed, altered or had topics scrubbed since The President returned to the White House. The timing of the release of the “Dearly Departed Datasets” with “All Hallows’ Eve” may have been cheeky, but the purpose was serious: to put a spotlight on attacks by the The President administration on federal datasets that don’t align with its priorities, including data dealing with gender identity; diversity, equity and inclusion; and climate change. Officials at the Federation of American Scientists and other data scientists who compiled the list divided the datasets into those that had been killed off, had variables deleted, had tools removed making public access more difficult and had found a second life outside the federal government. ▶ Read more about efforts to preserve federal data Mamdani celebrated as one of their own in India and Uganda Indians lit up social media on Wednesday to celebrate Zohran Mamdani’s election win as New York City mayor after he thanked his Indian-born parents, quoted a historic speech by India’s first prime minister and turned the victory rally into a Bollywood-style street party. “We are proud of him. He has done a great job,” Mamdani’s maternal uncle Vikram Nair told The Associated Press. Meanwhile in Uganda, where Mamdani was born, the opposition leader in the Ugandan Parliament sees his victory as an inspiring political shift. “It’s a big encouragement even to us here in Uganda that it’s possible,” said Joel Ssenyonyi, who represents an area of the Ugandan capital of Kampala. Uganda has had the same president for nearly four decades, Yoweri Museveni, despite attempts by multiple opposition leaders to defeat him in elections. ▶ Read more about how Ugandans and Indians are celebrating Mamdani’s victory. Mamdani’s school on southern tip of Africa says congratulations Mamdani attended St George’s Grammar School in Cape Town for around three years in the mid-1990s, from the age of five. He and his family lived in South Africa after leaving his country of birth, Uganda, and before emigrating to the United States. Mamdani’s father, a political theorist, worked as an academic at the University of Cape Town. “We trust that he will continue to uphold the principles embodied in our school motto, Virtute et Valore — the courage to do what is right,” Mamdani’s former school said in a statement sent to the AP. The grammar school also released a photo of Mamdani at 6 or 7 years old. Judge in Comey case scolds prosecutors as he orders them to produce records from probe A federal judge on Wednesday ordered prosecutors in the criminal case of former FBI Director James Comey to produce a trove of materials from the investigation, saying he’s concerned the Justice Department’s position has to been to “indict first and investigate later.” Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick instructed prosecutors to produce by the end of Thursday grand jury materials as well as other evidence that investigators seized. Comey’s attorneys said they were at a disadvantage because they had not been able to review materials that were gathered years ago. Comey is charged with lying to Congress in 2020 in a case filed days after The President appeared to urge his attorney general to prosecute the former FBI director and other perceived political enemies. He has pleaded not guilty. Grassroots groups urge Democrats to hold firm after election wins Progressive organizations are using Tuesday’s election victories to warn Democrats against cutting a deal with Republicans to end the government shutdown. “Moderate Senate Democrats who are looking for an offramp right now are completely missing the moment,” said Katie Bethell, political director of MoveOn. “Voters have sent a resounding message: We want leaders who fight for us, and we want solutions that make life more affordable.” ▶ Read more about congressional developments involving the government shutdown The President now says ‘affordability’ is GOP’s goal The President sent the social media post as Air Force One was about to take off for Miami, where he’s addressing business leaders in the afternoon. Wednesday marked one year since his reelection. “Happy Anniversary! On this day, November 5th, one year ago, we had one of the Greatest Presidential Victories in History — Such an Honor to represent our Country. Our Economy is BOOMING, and Costs are coming way down. Affordability is our goal. Love to the American People!” he wrote. Democratic candidates who won Tuesday in the New Jersey and Virginia governor’s races, and the New York City mayor’s contest, focused their campaigns on the public’s cost-of-living concerns. Democratic leaders demand The President meet to end shutdown Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said it’s time for The President to meet with them as well as GOP congressional leaders to negotiate an end the shutdown and address the health care issue. “Democrats stand ready to meet with you face to face, anytime and anyplace,” the Democratic leaders wrote. The President has so far refused to engage in talks until the Democrats vote to reopen the government. North Carolina’s largest city reelects mayor after fallout over train stabbing Voters in Charlotte, North Carolina, have given Democrat Vi Lyles a fifth term as mayor. Lyles won comfortably Tuesday to remain the city’s top leader 2 1/2 months after the death of a young Ukrainian woman on a commuter train. The stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska sparked outrage from The President and other Republicans, who sought to pin blame for violent crime and pretrial release decisions on Democrats in general, and Lyles in particular. Lyles defeated Republican candidate Terrie Donovan, who had made crime her top issue even before the August stabbing. Charlotte hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 2007. The suspect in Zarutska’s stabbing had been arrested more than a dozen times. The GOP-controlled state legislature tightened suspect release rules in September, and Lycles has promoted additional safety measures on Charlotte’s light rail. The President may become the face of economic discontent The President just got a serious warning from voters that he’s out of touch with their fears about a deteriorating U.S. economy. Democrats were able to run up the score in key races across the country on Tuesday by harnessing some of the same populist fervor that helped get The President reelected a year ago — but also by focusing on the kitchen table issues the Republican had vowed to fix. Now, as the incumbent, fears about the economy have made The President the face of much of the public’s discontent. Voters in the Virginia and New Jersey governor races, the New York City mayoral contest and the California ballot proposition each ranked economic concerns as a top issue. Democrats swept all those, and it was difficult to point to any major race, anywhere, where Republicans had a key victory. ▶ Read more about how Americans have soured on The President’s management of the economy Mamdani to The President: ‘You will have to get through all of us’ Mamdani wasted little time as New York City’s mayor-elect before making clear that he’ll be standing up to the president of the United States, who had threatened not only to defund the city if he won, but also to arrest and deport him. “Donald The President, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up,” he said at his victory party. “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald The President how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.” “New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” said Mamdani, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Uganda. “So hear me, President The President, when I say this: To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” The President seemed to be watching: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!” he posted on social media as Mamdani spoke. Speaker Mike Johnson calls longest shutdown a ‘sad landmark’ The Republican speaker insisted he’s willing to talk to Democrats about their demands for health care funds, but blames them for the record-breaking shutdown, now in its 36th day. Johnson was speaking with GOP lawmakers on the steps outside the Capitol, where he has kept the House closed to regular business, sending lawmakers home in September. Netanyahu officials criticize New York City’s mayor-elect Israel’s hardline National Security Minister Itamir Ben-Gvir said Mamdani’s election is an “everlasting disgrace — how antisemitism triumphed over common sense.” He called Mamdani “a Hamas supporter, a hater of Israel and an avowed antisemite.” Mamdani has said Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide, a claim denied by Israel. During the campaign, he also denounced “atrocities” committed by Hamas in its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which he called a “horrific war crime.” While supportive of Palestinian rights, he denies being antisemitic and reached out to Jews during his campaign. Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli posted on X encouraging Jews of New York to emigrate to Israel, writing that the city “would never be the same again.” His feed on the social media site Wednesday was a stream of anti-Mamdani graphics, including a photo of the Twin towers being engulfed in flames with the caption “New York already forgot,” a meme criticized as Islamophobic. Mamdani says he’s willing to work with The President but will put New York residents first When asked Wednesday about their combative relationship during the mayoral campaign, Mamdani said he has repeatedly expressed a willingness to help the president fulfill some of the promises The President made during his 2024 presidential campaign. “I have said time and again that I will work with the president if he wants to work together to deliver on his campaign promises of cheaper groceries or a lower cost of living. But for too long what New Yorkers have seen is a mayor who has been willing to work with the president at the expense of those New Yorkers,” Mamdani said on New York’s NY1 news channel. “And I want to make it very clear that if the president looks to come after the people of this city, then I will be there standing up for them every step of the way.” View the full article

Google's NotebookLM, by far my favorite AI tool, rolled out two new features this week. The app that can turn your notes into a podcast can now generate an educational video based on your study materials. It can also create a report or document from suggested, pre-made templates. How the new NotebookLM tools workIf you're unfamiliar, NotebookLM is a large language model akin to the better-known chatbot ChatGPT, but instead of pulling information from all over the internet (with all the risks of inaccuracy that creates), it relies only on material you input directly. You can upload PDFs, links, YouTube videos, plain text, and more, then ask the chatbot questions and it will answer based only on what you've given it, even providing links to where it finds the answers in the source material. As noted, it can also generate AI podcasts, which feature two voices discussing your materials, as well as flashcards, mind maps, or practice quizzes. Video and report generation are the latest additions to NotebookLM's toolset. You can try them out by locating the appropriate tile along the right side of the screen within your NotebookLM notebook. (Though the app is, frankly, underwhelming, so I recommend always using a desktop computer or mobile browser instead.) How video generation worksThe educational videos are excellent for students or anyone trying to learn something new. I generated one based on the materials I've been using within NotebookLM to study for an upcoming certification exam, and though it definitely took over the promised five minutes to create, it came out surprisingly good: Content from my study guides and materials is included, with key information highlighted visually and with further explanation from a voiceover. How to generate reports with NotebookLMThe reports are a little more complex. When I pressed Report, I got options like, "Anatomy Explainer" and "Business Development Plan" as suggested choices based on my material. "Briefing," "Study Guide," and "Blog Post" are standard suggestions that are always available. I asked a friend who also uses NotebookLM to study for school, and their suggested formats for their Management Concepts class materials were "Strategic Analysis" and "Leadership Profile." So it seems that based on what your materials include, the software will create outlines in downloadable document format. I selected "Anatomy Explainer" and, after waiting a few minutes, got a detailed study doc divided into sections like "The Command Center: Your Nervous System" and "The Framework: Your Skeletal System." It was outlined clearly, like a study guide with more explanation and context. Why I love these new featuresI am a major proponent of using NotebookLM for studying, particularly, because it's such an easy way to organize your materials and make sure that your work aligns with what your teacher is looking for. Plus, unlike ChatGPT, you can't exactly use it to do all the work for you; instead, it shows you where it got the information (from materials you provided), enabling you to study more efficiently. The videos and reports are another way to do that, so whether you study best by listing to audio, watching videos, mind-mapping, drilling flashcards, or reading summaries, it's an ideal choice. You can even ask the chatbot followup questions on anything you don't grasp. The reports, especially, have implications for other kinds of work, beyond studying. I use NotebookLM to help me organize my files and materials for my job all the time, so the ability to create a briefing doc or business plan is an added bonus that could be helpful to people in a variety of fields. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. It's not Black Friday yet, but OLED TVs are already dropping to new record-low prices. Last week, the LG G5 OLED TV dropped to its lowest price, and now, Samsung's OLED S95F TV has followed suit. You can get the 65-inch for $2,297.99 (originally $2,997.99), the lowest price, according to price-tracking tools. The 55-, 77-, and 83-inch models also have good discounts right now. 55" Samsung OLED S95F 4K Glare Free Smart TV (2025 Model) $1,897.99 at Amazon $2,197.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,897.99 at Amazon $2,197.99 Save $300.00 Samsung 65-Inch S95F OLED TV $2,297.99 at Amazon $2,997.99 Save $700.00 Get Deal Get Deal $2,297.99 at Amazon $2,997.99 Save $700.00 77" Samsung OLED S95F 4K Glare Free Smart TV (2025 Model) $3,497.99 at Amazon $4,297.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal Get Deal $3,497.99 at Amazon $4,297.99 Save $800.00 83" Samsung OLED S95F 4K Glare Free Smart TV (2025 Model) $4,997.99 at Amazon $5,997.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Get Deal $4,997.99 at Amazon $5,997.99 Save $1,000.00 SEE 1 MORE As you probably already know, OLED TVs offer the best colors and contrast ratio that money can buy. Of course, you'll have to pay up to experience the best (but you can still shop for budget options). Two of the biggest downsides of OLED TVs, though, are that they can suffer from the notorious burn-in effect and that they don't get as bright as QLED or LED TVs, so they're better suited for dimmer or theater rooms. But that seems to be turning a corner in 2025, at least for brightness. The S95F can reach 1,364 nits, which is not the brightest OLED, but it's much better than most. Where it shines is with reflections. Its matte coating makes it the least reflective OLED TV, and combined with its brightness, it makes for a great daytime OLED TV. The HDR highlights make this a great TV for shows and TVs with compatible with HDR10 and HDR10+. Gaming is also smooth with its low input lag of 4.8 ms at 4K resolution and 60 Hz and high refresh rate of 120 Hz (supports up to 160 Hz). PCMag praised the S95F's advanced speaker system in their "excellent" review—just be aware that there is no Dolby Vision for movies. If you care about brightness and Dolby Vision, go with the LG G5; but if you prefer the matte anti-reflective display and care about quality audio, the S95F is the better choice. View the full article

Many big companies have cited AI as a reason for recent layoffs. But the new technology transforming the workforce may create some new jobs, too. AI startups are racing to hire a certain kind of software engineer who works with both customer teams and product engineering teams: Candidates are expected to have tech skills, but also, understand the business model so they can help customize customers’ AI models for their companies’ specific needs. The emerging role is called a forward-deployed engineer (FDE), and according to the Financial Times, job postings for the position are absolutely skyrocketing, increasing more than 800% from the start of 2025 through September. The origins of the role come from data software company Palantir, which pioneered the job in the early 2010s. Today, the company says FDEs make up about half of their workforce. Nic Prettejohn, head of AI in the U.K. at Palantir, said, per the Financial Times, described the job as “product discovery from the inside.” The specific tasks an FDE is responsible for may vary from company to company, but the job certainly seems to encompass a lot. According to Planitir, “FDEs responsibilities look similar to those of a startup CTO: you’ll work in small teams and own end-to-end execution of high-stakes projects.” Likewise, a job ad for an FDE at the financial tech company Ramp says the role includes working with “sales and go-to-market teams to close exciting deals, activate customers, and expand the value Ramp provides over time.” While many worry that AI will take their jobs, some say that AI also has the power to create jobs, too, and maybe even, at a greater rate. And as AI companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and others, recruit FDEs, perhaps both arguments have weight, especially because it’s not just FDE job postings that are rising. According to the 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, while AI could displace around nine million jobs over the next five years, it could also create 11 million new jobs. Some of the roles could be things like AI trainers, AI auditors, AI translators, and more. Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer, spoke to the undeniable rise in new AI jobs, telling the New York Times, “‘Head of AI.’ jobs are up, I think, three times in the last five years,” he said. “AI engineers are the fastest growing role in the U.S., followed by AI consultants.” Other experts agree that new jobs can help to bridge the gap between the ever-growing ways that AI technology is being used, and what human beings still need from other humans, working to integrate the technology into real life. Tech innovator Pramod Pallath Vasudevan articulated the point in a post on social media about the surge in FDE hiring, writing, “AI isn’t taking engineers away from the real world. It’s bringing them closer to it.” Vasudevan added, “AI isn’t replacing us. It’s redeploying us—to the front lines of progress.” View the full article

Chancellor acknowledges lenders already pay high levels of tax by international standards View the full article

Case could determine the future of the US president’s global trade agendaView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re looking for a new QLED TV for everyday gaming and watching TV shows and movies, the 2025 Samsung 50” QN90F Neo QLED TV is a smart option, offering high-end picture performance for an LED TV. Right now, it’s $997.99 (originally $1,397.99) on Amazon, marking a 25% discount and its lowest price ever, according to price tracking tools. Samsung 50-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90F Series $997.99 at Amazon $1,397.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $997.99 at Amazon $1,397.99 Save $400.00 The QN90F uses Mini-LED backlight technology, which delivers impressive high peak brightness. This translates into excellent visibility in bright rooms, and even when facing glare and reflections, thanks to its Glare-Free screen treatment. Its NQ4 AI Gen2 processor analyzes scenes to boost brightness and upscale content to 4K. According to this PCMag review, it delivers high contrast, deep blacks, and almost no light bloom (its peak brightness even surpasses most OLED TVs). While it doesn’t have Dolby Vision, the TV includes a Dolby Atmos speaker system, offering fuller sound than the stereo speakers found on many other TVs. PCMag also considers it a solid choice for gamers: The TV has four HDMI ports and two USB ports; while it has a 120Hz native refresh rate, it can support a VRR of up to 165 Hz refresh rate and features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The Tizen OS OS platform is powerful and supports most streaming apps, though some users note that menu navigation can feel a bit clunky, and input settings can be hard to access. Ultimately, if you want a feature-packed, visually capable QLED TV that performs well in bright rooms, the Samsung 50” QN90F Neo QLED TV is a compelling choice. It can’t quite match the infinite blacks of an OLED, but at 25% off and at a sub $1,000 price point, it offers strong value for its class. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $299.99 (List Price $599.00) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $199.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) — $749.00 (List Price $999.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Introducing Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Mini-LED Series, QLED 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, 144hz gaming mode, Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa, 2024 release — $699.99 (List Price $819.99) Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) - Security Camera with 2K Video and Gemini, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Works with Google Home - 2025 Model - Snow — $74.99 (List Price $99.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $328.00 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Fortnite maker Epic Games and Google just agreed on a “comprehensive settlement” that could be the final chapter in Epic’s long battle over app store rules. In a joint filing in a San Francisco federal court, both companies proposed a resolution to Epic’s antitrust lawsuit against Google, which the game publisher filed in 2020 along with a parallel lawsuit against Apple. In a post on X, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney called the proposed settlement “awesome” and expressed hope that the courts would agree. “It genuinely doubles down on Android’s original vision as an open platform to streamline competing store installs globally, reduce service fees for developers on Google Play, and enable third-party in-app and web payments,” Sweeney said. “This is a comprehensive solution, which stands in contrast to Apple’s model of blocking all competing stores and leaving payments as the only vector for competition.” In the settlement, Google agrees to cap app store fees at 9% to 20%, depending on the transaction. Currently, Google takes a 15% cut of the first $1 million in developer revenue and 30% of anything above that threshold. Beyond lowering fees, Google also said it would allow alternate app stores to be offered officially in the next major Android update. All of the proposed changes would go into effect globally—not just in the U.S.—and remain in place through 2032. The surprise settlement follows some resounding losses for Google. Late last year, a judge sided with Epic on many of the game publisher’s demands and ordered Google to open its app marketplace to competing third-party app stores in the U.S. for three years, a decision that stood to completely remake Android’s app ecosystem. Prior to the settlement, it looked like Google’s last hope was a Hail Mary asking the Supreme Court to take on the case—a long shot given that the court previously shrugged off Epic’s parallel case against Apple. Epic’s epic battle In 2020, Epic kicked off a flashy campaign to rally people against mobile software’s gatekeepers by breaking the rules of both Google and Apple’s app stores intentionally, getting Fortnite kicked off of phones and tablets in the process. In lawsuits against both companies, Epic argued that Google and Apple violated antitrust laws by forcing users to pay for apps and in-app purchases through their app marketplaces while taking a slice of every transaction. While Epic’s case against Apple is now mostly resolved without too much disruption to Apple’s business, the iPhone maker did land itself in hot water earlier this year when a federal judge determined that it violated the terms of a court order forcing it to give developers more freedom to accept payments. Epic’s case against Google took a different path. After years of back-and-forth in court, Epic landed a major win over the summer when a federal appeals court upheld a jury verdict that deemed Google Play, Android’s app store, to be a monopoly. In other recent cases, courts determined that Google was operating a monopoly in its digital ads and search engine businesses. “Together with Epic Games, we have filed a proposed set of changes to Android and Google Play that focus on expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees, and encouraging more competition, all while keeping users safe,” Sameer Samat, Android ecosystem president at Google, wrote on X. He added that the company would discuss the settlement with a judge on Thursday. View the full article

Elon Musk turned off many potential buyers of his Tesla cars and sent sales plunging with his foray into politics. But the stock has soared anyway and now he wants the company to pay him more — a lot more. Shareholders gathering Thursday for Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, will decide in a proxy vote whether to grant Musk, the company’s CEO and already the richest person in the world, enough stock to potentially make him history’s first trillionaire. It’s a vote that has sparked heated debate on both sides of the issue, even drawing the pope’s comments on it as an example of income inequality. Several pension funds have come out against the package, arguing that the board of directors is too beholden to Musk, his behavior too reckless lately, and the riches offered too much. Supporters say Musk is a genius who is the only person capable of ushering in a Tesla-dominated future in which hundreds of thousands of self-driving Tesla cars — many without steering wheels — will ferry people and humanoid Tesla robots will march around factories and homes, picking up boxes and watering plants. The pay is necessary to incentivize him, they say, and keep him focused. Musk has threatened to walk away from the company if he doesn’t get what he wants and has blasted some of the package’s critics as “corporate terrorists.” What is up for a vote To get his Tesla shares, Musk has to secure approval from a majority of the company’s voting shareholders. Improving the odds, Musk gets to vote his own shares, worth 15% of the company. Shareholders first heard about the pay package in September when the board of directors proposed it in a detailed filing to federal securities regulators. The document, running 200 pages, also contains other proposals up for a vote at the meeting, including whether to allow Tesla to invest in another Musk company, xAI, and who should serve on the board in the future. How Musk can get $1 trillion Musk won’t get necessarily get all of that money, or even a cent of it, if the package is approved. He first has to meet several operational and financial targets. To get the full pay, for instance, he has to deliver to the car market 20 million Teslas over 10 years, more than double the number he has churned out over the past dozen years. He also has to massively increase the market value of the company and its operating profits and deliver one million robots, from zero today. If he falls short of the biggest goals, though, the package could still hand him plenty of money. Musk will get $50 billion in additional Tesla shares, for example, if he increases the company’s market value by 80%, something he did just this past year, as well as doubling vehicle sales and tripling operating earnings — or hitting any other two of a dozen operational targets. Musk vs. Rockefeller Musk is already the richest man in the world with a net worth of $493 billion, according to Forbes magazine, and well ahead of some of the wealthiest of years past. The steel giant, Andrew Carnegie, was once worth an inflation-adjusted $300 billion, according to the Carnegie Corp., well below Musk’s wealth. Musk is still trailing John D. Rockefeller, but he’s closing in fast. The railroad titan hit peak inflation-adjusted wealth of $630 billion in 1913, according to Guinness World Records. For his part, Musk says it’s not really about the money but about getting a higher Tesla stake — it will double to nearly 30% — so he can control the company. He says that’s a pressing concern given Tesla’s future “robot army,” a reference to the company’s Optimus humanoid workers that he doesn’t trust anyone else to control. Split among shareholders Many investors have come out in support of the package, including Baron Capital Management, whose founder called Musk indispensable to the company. “Without his relentless drive and uncompromising standards,” wrote founder Ron Baron, “there would be no Tesla.” Critics include the biggest in the U.S. public pension fund, Calpers, and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest. They argue the pay is excessive, with the Norway fund expressing concern that the board that designed it, which includes Musk’s brother, is not independent enough. That echoes a decision from a Delaware court nearly two years ago that blasted the process for approving a previous Musk pay package as “deeply flawed” given his “extensive ties” to directors. Even the Vatican has weighed in, decrying the wealth gap in the world and blasting the trillion dollar offer in particular. “If that is the only thing that has value anymore,” said Pope Leo XIV, “then we’re in big trouble.” Musk’s record at Tesla is mixed Judging from the stock price alone, Musk has been spectacularly successful. The company is now worth nearly $1.5 trillion. But a lot that runup reflects big bets by investors that Musk will be able deliver things that are difficult to pull off, and the way Musk has run the company recently doesn’t inspire confidence. He has broken numerous promises, and his tendency to say whatever is on his mind has sabotaged the company. Just this year, for instance, he vowed to deliver driverless taxis in several cities, secure regulatory approval in Europe for his self-driving software, and push sales up 20% or 30%. Instead, his driverless robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco have human safety monitors inside. Europeans still haven’t approved his software. And Tesla sales continue to plunge, with new figures out Monday showing a stunning 50% drop last month in Germany alone. That said, Musk has pulled off the impossible before. His company, a half dozen years ago, was widely feared to be near bankruptcy because he wasn’t making enough cars, but then he succeeded, and the stock soared. “He frequently teeters on the edge of disaster,” said Tesla owner and money manager Nancy Tengler, “and then pulls back just in the nick of time.” —Bernard Condon, AP business writer View the full article

At its first investor day in a decade and a half, the nation's second-largest bank pegged its guidance for return on tangible common equity at a slightly higher level than what it reported last quarter. Not all investors were impressed. View the full article

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. So it’s time for business owners to give thanks for their customers, clients, team members, partners, and anyone else who made an impact on operations this year. In preparation for the holiday, you may want to compose a quick message to people who have impacted your business in the past year, giving thanks and wishing them a happy holiday. Thanksgiving Messages for Businesses If you’re not sure where to start when crafting this message, here are some examples of different Thanksgiving messages for businesses to consider. Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving gift? Check out: Thanksgiving Gifts for Clients, Co-workers, Employees, and Your Boss Share a Simple Thanks Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. So in any message, it’s important to say thank you in some way, whether you’re speaking to customers or those involved with the behind-the-scenes of your business. Share your appreciation in a quick social media post, an email or even a photo or video post. Use these examples below. Just remember to swap in your business name over the placeholder. Examples Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at [Business Name]! We’re grateful for your support! Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for being part of our [Business Name] family! This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for our loyal customers! You make [Business Name] what it is! Grateful hearts and full plates! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! At [Business Name], we count our blessings every day! Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving! Thank you for supporting small businesses like [Business Name]! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food! From [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude! We’re thankful for amazing customers like you! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! We appreciate your support and wish you a day full of joy! Love, [Business Name]! Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of blessings and joy! Thank you for being with us at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we’re giving thanks for YOU! Enjoy the holiday from all of us at [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Your support means the world to us at [Business Name]! Feeling grateful for our amazing customers! Thank you for choosing [Business Name]! Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and delicious food! From [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is all about gratitude! We appreciate your business at [Business Name]! Cheers to a Thanksgiving filled with good food and great company! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! Thankful for the chance to serve you! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Love, [Business Name]! May your Thanksgiving be as wonderful as our customers! Thank you for being part of [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for your support and wish you a joyful holiday! This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for all of you! Enjoy your day from [Business Name]! Celebrating gratitude this Thanksgiving! Thank you for supporting [Business Name]! May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and great memories! From [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Your support makes [Business Name] thrive! Thank you! We’re counting our blessings this Thanksgiving, and you’re one of them! Love, [Business Name]! Wishing you a harvest of blessings this Thanksgiving! Thank you for being with [Business Name]! Offer a Longer, Heartfelt Message Longer messages are perfect for businesses that have small teams or work closely with clients. It gives you the opportunity to share a few different sentiments and really drive your point home. It also allows you to personalize the messaging a bit. You can use these examples as a starting point and then add some more personal details to make your message stand out for clients or team members. Share these messages in a blog post, email newsletter or even a handwritten letter. You could also create a video of you speaking the message directly to customers. Examples Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! This time of year, we reflect on all that we are grateful for. Our loyal customers make our journey worthwhile, and we are truly thankful for your support. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food! Enjoy this special day with your loved ones. Gratitude in Every Bite at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the importance of community. Thank you for choosing us and for allowing us to be part of your celebrations. We hope your holiday table is filled with joy and amazing dishes. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thanksgiving Wishes from [Business Name]! As we gather around the table this season, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support. We couldn’t have come this far without you! Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, cherished moments, and great food! Celebrating Gratitude at [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, and we want to take a moment to thank our incredible customers. Your support has been the foundation of our success. We hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends! Thankful for You at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to acknowledge the amazing community that surrounds us. We are so grateful for each of you and for the trust you place in us. May your Thanksgiving be overflowing with love, gratitude, and delicious food shared with those you cherish! A Grateful Heart at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the blessings of the past year. Our customers inspire us every day, and we are thankful for your support. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with happiness, delicious meals, and joyful gatherings with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from Your Friends at [Business Name]! We are so thankful for your continued support and loyalty. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, happiness, and delicious treats! Gratitude and Thanks from [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the community that has helped us grow. Your support means everything to us! We hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful food shared with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing You a Joyous Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! This time of year brings a chance to reflect on what we are thankful for. We are grateful for our wonderful customers who inspire us daily. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and memorable moments with those you cherish! Thanksgiving Reflections from [Business Name]! As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to you, our valued customers. Your support has made a significant impact on our journey, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday filled with good food and great company! Grateful for Our Community at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your support has been invaluable to us, and we are proud to serve such an amazing community. May your holiday be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food shared with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at [Business Name]! We are so thankful for each and every one of you. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with happiness, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Celebrating Gratitude at [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings we’ve received. We are incredibly grateful for our loyal customers and the community that supports us. May your holiday be filled with joy, delicious food, and cherished moments with family! Thankful for You! A Thanksgiving Message from [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the wonderful community that surrounds us. Your support has been a blessing, and we are truly grateful. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and great food! A Heartfelt Thank You from [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. We appreciate your trust in us and hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious meals shared with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving! Warm Wishes from [Business Name] This Thanksgiving! As we reflect on the past year, we are thankful for the community we serve. Your support has made our journey possible, and we are deeply grateful. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, happiness, and memorable moments! Gratitude and Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! This season, we celebrate the amazing customers who make our business thrive. Thank you for being part of our journey! May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food shared with those you hold dear! Happy Thanksgiving from Your Friends at [Business Name]! We are grateful for your continued support and loyalty. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, happiness, and delicious treats! A Grateful Heart at [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are thankful for each of you. Your support means everything to us, and we wish you a wonderful holiday filled with happiness, good food, and joyful gatherings! Thanksgiving Reflections from [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to you, our valued customers. Your support has made a significant impact on our journey, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday filled with good food and great company! Thankful for Our Community at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your support has been invaluable to us, and we are proud to serve such an amazing community. May your holiday be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food shared with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at [Business Name]! We are so thankful for each and every one of you. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with happiness, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Celebrating Gratitude at [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings we’ve received. We are incredibly grateful for our loyal customers and the community that supports us. May your holiday be filled with joy, delicious food, and cherished moments with family! Thankful for You! A Thanksgiving Message from [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the wonderful community that surrounds us. Your support has been a blessing, and we are truly grateful. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and great food! A Heartfelt Thank You from [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. We appreciate your trust in us and hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious meals shared with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving! Wish Everyone a Happy Holiday Sometimes, a simple “Happy Thanksgiving” goes a long way. You might consider adding this type of greeting to a festive image or at the end of a video. You can share this type of post on social media or even turn it into an actual card. It could also make for a perfect visual for blog posts or email newsletters that feature longer messages as well. You could also share text-only messages on Twitter or other short-form platforms. Examples Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! We’re thankful for YOU! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Gratitude and good vibes from [Business Name]! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving! Thank you for supporting [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers to a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thankful for our amazing customers! Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you love and laughter this Thanksgiving! Grateful hearts at [Business Name]! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the holiday with loved ones! We appreciate you! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sending Thanksgiving blessings your way! Thank you for being part of the [Business Name] family! May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy! Wishing you a harvest of happiness this Thanksgiving! Grateful for your support! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! Cheers to family, friends, and great food! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is better with you! Have a lovely holiday! We’re thankful for you! Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast! Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with love! Wishing you a day of gratitude and joy! Thankful for your support at [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s to a festive and joyful Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the best this Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy every moment! Thanksgiving Messages to Employees As a small business owner, you are surely thankful for the hard work and dedication of your employees. They may already know this but on Thanksgiving, it’s great to remind them and let them know you’re thinking of them, too. Here are some great examples and inspirations for messages you, as a small business owner, can send to your employees on Thanksgiving: Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful to have you on our team at [Business Name]! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter! Thank you for all your hard work! This Thanksgiving, I want you to know how much I appreciate you! Enjoy the holiday! Happy Thanksgiving to a fantastic team member! Your dedication makes [Business Name] shine! Grateful for your hard work and commitment! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for being such an important part of [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate everything you do for our team! Enjoy the holiday! Thank you for your hard work and dedication! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of blessings and joy! You make [Business Name] a better place! Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for your contributions to our team! Enjoy the festivities! Gratitude fills the air this Thanksgiving! Thank you for being a valuable part of [Business Name]! Wishing you a day of relaxation and joy! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving to an amazing employee! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! I appreciate your efforts and dedication! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving! Thank you for all you do at [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with happiness and good food! Grateful for your teamwork and spirit! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Thank you for being such a crucial part of [Business Name]! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter! Enjoy your time off! Grateful for your contributions! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thank you for your hard work and commitment! Enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving break! Wishing you a day full of happiness and gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate everything you do for our team! Thank you for your dedication and hard work! Have a joyful Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Messages from Employees to a Boss Need to let your boss know you’re thankful on this holiday? We’ve got you covered, too. Try out some of these Thanksgiving messages or let them inspire you to write your own: Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful for your leadership and support! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter! Thank you for being such a great boss! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate everything you do for our team! Thank you for your guidance and support! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Grateful to work under your leadership! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of happiness and good food! Thank you for your mentorship! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate your hard work and dedication to our team! Thank you for being an inspiring leader! Enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving break! Wishing you a day of relaxation and joy! Thank you for your support! Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful to have such a supportive boss! Grateful for your leadership and encouragement! Enjoy your holiday! Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth and happiness! Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being an amazing boss! Have a joyful Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate your hard work and dedication to our success! Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for your mentorship! Thank you for your guidance and support! Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Grateful to work under such a great leader! Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of blessings and joy! Thank you for your encouragement! Thank you for being an incredible boss! Have a fabulous Thanksgiving! Wishing you a day of gratitude and relaxation! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Your leadership makes a difference every day! Grateful for your support and encouragement! Enjoy the holiday! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love! Thank you for everything! Happy Thanksgiving! Your guidance is truly appreciated! Thank you for your hard work and dedication! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! The Power of Gratitude in Business Thanksgiving is not just a time to enjoy a hearty meal and spend quality time with loved ones; it also holds significant value in the business world. Embracing the spirit of gratitude can have a profound impact on a business’s success and overall well-being. Here’s why incorporating gratitude into business practices is essential: Building Stronger Relationships: Expressing genuine thanks to customers, clients, and team members fosters a sense of connection and appreciation. It strengthens the bond between the business and its stakeholders, leading to increased loyalty and trust. Enhancing Company Culture: Cultivating a culture of gratitude within the organization encourages team members to feel valued and recognized for their contributions. This, in turn, boosts employee morale and engagement, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Generating Positive Word-of-Mouth: Happy and appreciated customers are more likely to share positive experiences with others, leading to valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Satisfied employees may also speak positively about the company, attracting top talent. Creating a Positive Reputation: Businesses that prioritize gratitude and appreciation tend to be perceived positively by their customers, employees, and partners. This positive reputation can lead to increased brand loyalty and goodwill. Strengthening Business Resilience: In times of challenges or crises, businesses with a culture of gratitude often rally together and support one another. A strong sense of unity can help the business navigate through difficult times more effectively. Enhancing Customer Experience: When customers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to return and continue doing business with the company. This can lead to long-term customer relationships and increased customer lifetime value. Inspiring Innovation and Creativity: A culture of gratitude encourages open communication and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. This environment can spark innovation and creativity as team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Fostering a Positive Work Environment: Grateful leaders and managers create a positive work environment where team members feel motivated and valued. This positivity can lead to reduced workplace stress and improved well-being. Empowering Leadership: Leaders who express gratitude and appreciation earn the respect and loyalty of their team members. This respect strengthens their ability to lead effectively and inspire others. Encouraging Continuous Improvement: Expressing gratitude to team members for their efforts and achievements encourages a growth mindset. Team members are more likely to embrace challenges and seek opportunities for improvement. By incorporating gratitude into the fabric of their business, small business owners can create a thriving and harmonious environment that benefits all stakeholders. This Thanksgiving, let us celebrate the power of gratitude and make it a year-round practice to foster a positive and impactful business journey. Benefits of Gratitude in BusinessDescription Building Stronger RelationshipsExpressing genuine thanks to customers, clients, and team members fosters a sense of connection and appreciation. Enhancing Company CultureCultivating a culture of gratitude encourages team members to feel valued and recognized, leading to higher morale and engagement. Generating Positive Word-of-MouthHappy customers are more likely to share positive experiences, leading to valuable word-of-mouth referrals and positive reputation. Creating a Positive ReputationPrioritizing gratitude is perceived positively by customers, employees, and partners, fostering brand loyalty and goodwill. Strengthening Business ResilienceA culture of gratitude fosters unity, helping businesses navigate challenges and crises with support from a cohesive team. Enhancing Customer ExperienceCustomer appreciation leads to increased loyalty, resulting in long-term customer relationships and higher customer lifetime value. Inspiring Innovation and CreativityGratitude encourages open communication and idea-sharing, sparking innovation and creativity among team members. Fostering a Positive Work EnvironmentGrateful leaders create a motivating work environment, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being among team members. Empowering LeadershipLeaders who express gratitude earn respect and loyalty, empowering them to lead effectively and inspire their teams. Encouraging Continuous ImprovementAcknowledging efforts and achievements fosters a growth mindset, encouraging team members to embrace challenges and seek improvement. Conclusion: Embrace the Spirit of Thanksgiving As Thanksgiving approaches, small business owners have a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to those who have made a significant impact on their journey throughout the year. Thanksgiving messages for businesses offer a chance to foster a deeper connection with clients, customers, team members, partners, and everyone else who contributed to the success and growth of the business. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in conveying genuine appreciation to customers and clients. Acknowledging their patronage and support in a quick social media post, an email, or a photo or video post can create a heartwarming bond and strengthen the relationship between the business and its valued stakeholders. These expressions of gratitude remind customers that they are an essential part of the business’s success story. For businesses with close-knit teams or clients, heartfelt and longer messages allow for a more personal touch. Adding specific details and sentiments can make these messages stand out, reinforcing the warmth and sincerity behind the expression of thanks. Whether shared through a blog post, email newsletter, handwritten letter, or personalized video, these messages create a sense of belonging and appreciation for the recipients. Additionally, a simple “Happy Thanksgiving” greeting can be a warm and festive gesture. Adding it to a visual image or video enhances the impact of the message, making it shareable across various platforms. This type of greeting, combined with longer messages, fosters an environment of joy, love, and gratitude during the holiday season. In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a time for businesses to embrace the spirit of giving thanks and spreading gratitude. Taking the opportunity to express appreciation through thoughtful messages brings immeasurable benefits, from strengthening customer loyalty to uplifting team morale. By sharing gratitude, small business owners can create a sense of togetherness and foster meaningful connections with those who have contributed to their journey. Let the true essence of Thanksgiving shine through these messages, making this holiday season a time of joy, reflection, and heartfelt appreciation for all. Photo via Shutterstock This article, "Fantastic Thanksgiving Messages for Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. So it’s time for business owners to give thanks for their customers, clients, team members, partners, and anyone else who made an impact on operations this year. In preparation for the holiday, you may want to compose a quick message to people who have impacted your business in the past year, giving thanks and wishing them a happy holiday. Thanksgiving Messages for Businesses If you’re not sure where to start when crafting this message, here are some examples of different Thanksgiving messages for businesses to consider. Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving gift? Check out: Thanksgiving Gifts for Clients, Co-workers, Employees, and Your Boss Share a Simple Thanks Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. So in any message, it’s important to say thank you in some way, whether you’re speaking to customers or those involved with the behind-the-scenes of your business. Share your appreciation in a quick social media post, an email or even a photo or video post. Use these examples below. Just remember to swap in your business name over the placeholder. Examples Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at [Business Name]! We’re grateful for your support! Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for being part of our [Business Name] family! This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for our loyal customers! You make [Business Name] what it is! Grateful hearts and full plates! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! At [Business Name], we count our blessings every day! Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving! Thank you for supporting small businesses like [Business Name]! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food! From [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude! We’re thankful for amazing customers like you! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! We appreciate your support and wish you a day full of joy! Love, [Business Name]! Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of blessings and joy! Thank you for being with us at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we’re giving thanks for YOU! Enjoy the holiday from all of us at [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Your support means the world to us at [Business Name]! Feeling grateful for our amazing customers! Thank you for choosing [Business Name]! Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and delicious food! From [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is all about gratitude! We appreciate your business at [Business Name]! Cheers to a Thanksgiving filled with good food and great company! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! Thankful for the chance to serve you! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Love, [Business Name]! May your Thanksgiving be as wonderful as our customers! Thank you for being part of [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for your support and wish you a joyful holiday! This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for all of you! Enjoy your day from [Business Name]! Celebrating gratitude this Thanksgiving! Thank you for supporting [Business Name]! May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and great memories! From [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Your support makes [Business Name] thrive! Thank you! We’re counting our blessings this Thanksgiving, and you’re one of them! Love, [Business Name]! Wishing you a harvest of blessings this Thanksgiving! Thank you for being with [Business Name]! Offer a Longer, Heartfelt Message Longer messages are perfect for businesses that have small teams or work closely with clients. It gives you the opportunity to share a few different sentiments and really drive your point home. It also allows you to personalize the messaging a bit. You can use these examples as a starting point and then add some more personal details to make your message stand out for clients or team members. Share these messages in a blog post, email newsletter or even a handwritten letter. You could also create a video of you speaking the message directly to customers. Examples Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! This time of year, we reflect on all that we are grateful for. Our loyal customers make our journey worthwhile, and we are truly thankful for your support. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food! Enjoy this special day with your loved ones. Gratitude in Every Bite at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the importance of community. Thank you for choosing us and for allowing us to be part of your celebrations. We hope your holiday table is filled with joy and amazing dishes. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thanksgiving Wishes from [Business Name]! As we gather around the table this season, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support. We couldn’t have come this far without you! Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, cherished moments, and great food! Celebrating Gratitude at [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, and we want to take a moment to thank our incredible customers. Your support has been the foundation of our success. We hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends! Thankful for You at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to acknowledge the amazing community that surrounds us. We are so grateful for each of you and for the trust you place in us. May your Thanksgiving be overflowing with love, gratitude, and delicious food shared with those you cherish! A Grateful Heart at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the blessings of the past year. Our customers inspire us every day, and we are thankful for your support. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with happiness, delicious meals, and joyful gatherings with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from Your Friends at [Business Name]! We are so thankful for your continued support and loyalty. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, happiness, and delicious treats! Gratitude and Thanks from [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the community that has helped us grow. Your support means everything to us! We hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful food shared with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing You a Joyous Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! This time of year brings a chance to reflect on what we are thankful for. We are grateful for our wonderful customers who inspire us daily. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and memorable moments with those you cherish! Thanksgiving Reflections from [Business Name]! As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to you, our valued customers. Your support has made a significant impact on our journey, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday filled with good food and great company! Grateful for Our Community at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your support has been invaluable to us, and we are proud to serve such an amazing community. May your holiday be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food shared with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at [Business Name]! We are so thankful for each and every one of you. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with happiness, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Celebrating Gratitude at [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings we’ve received. We are incredibly grateful for our loyal customers and the community that supports us. May your holiday be filled with joy, delicious food, and cherished moments with family! Thankful for You! A Thanksgiving Message from [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the wonderful community that surrounds us. Your support has been a blessing, and we are truly grateful. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and great food! A Heartfelt Thank You from [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. We appreciate your trust in us and hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious meals shared with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving! Warm Wishes from [Business Name] This Thanksgiving! As we reflect on the past year, we are thankful for the community we serve. Your support has made our journey possible, and we are deeply grateful. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, happiness, and memorable moments! Gratitude and Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! This season, we celebrate the amazing customers who make our business thrive. Thank you for being part of our journey! May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food shared with those you hold dear! Happy Thanksgiving from Your Friends at [Business Name]! We are grateful for your continued support and loyalty. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of warmth, happiness, and delicious treats! A Grateful Heart at [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are thankful for each of you. Your support means everything to us, and we wish you a wonderful holiday filled with happiness, good food, and joyful gatherings! Thanksgiving Reflections from [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to you, our valued customers. Your support has made a significant impact on our journey, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday filled with good food and great company! Thankful for Our Community at [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your support has been invaluable to us, and we are proud to serve such an amazing community. May your holiday be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food shared with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at [Business Name]! We are so thankful for each and every one of you. This holiday season, may you find joy in every moment spent with loved ones. We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with happiness, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Celebrating Gratitude at [Business Name]! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings we’ve received. We are incredibly grateful for our loyal customers and the community that supports us. May your holiday be filled with joy, delicious food, and cherished moments with family! Thankful for You! A Thanksgiving Message from [Business Name]! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the wonderful community that surrounds us. Your support has been a blessing, and we are truly grateful. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and great food! A Heartfelt Thank You from [Business Name]! This Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. We appreciate your trust in us and hope your holiday is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious meals shared with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving! Wish Everyone a Happy Holiday Sometimes, a simple “Happy Thanksgiving” goes a long way. You might consider adding this type of greeting to a festive image or at the end of a video. You can share this type of post on social media or even turn it into an actual card. It could also make for a perfect visual for blog posts or email newsletters that feature longer messages as well. You could also share text-only messages on Twitter or other short-form platforms. Examples Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! We’re thankful for YOU! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Gratitude and good vibes from [Business Name]! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving! Thank you for supporting [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers to a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thankful for our amazing customers! Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you love and laughter this Thanksgiving! Grateful hearts at [Business Name]! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the holiday with loved ones! We appreciate you! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sending Thanksgiving blessings your way! Thank you for being part of the [Business Name] family! May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy! Wishing you a harvest of happiness this Thanksgiving! Grateful for your support! Happy Thanksgiving from [Business Name]! Cheers to family, friends, and great food! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is better with you! Have a lovely holiday! We’re thankful for you! Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast! Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with love! Wishing you a day of gratitude and joy! Thankful for your support at [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s to a festive and joyful Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the best this Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy every moment! Thanksgiving Messages to Employees As a small business owner, you are surely thankful for the hard work and dedication of your employees. They may already know this but on Thanksgiving, it’s great to remind them and let them know you’re thinking of them, too. Here are some great examples and inspirations for messages you, as a small business owner, can send to your employees on Thanksgiving: Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful to have you on our team at [Business Name]! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter! Thank you for all your hard work! This Thanksgiving, I want you to know how much I appreciate you! Enjoy the holiday! Happy Thanksgiving to a fantastic team member! Your dedication makes [Business Name] shine! Grateful for your hard work and commitment! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for being such an important part of [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate everything you do for our team! Enjoy the holiday! Thank you for your hard work and dedication! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of blessings and joy! You make [Business Name] a better place! Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for your contributions to our team! Enjoy the festivities! Gratitude fills the air this Thanksgiving! Thank you for being a valuable part of [Business Name]! Wishing you a day of relaxation and joy! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving to an amazing employee! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! I appreciate your efforts and dedication! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving! Thank you for all you do at [Business Name]! Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with happiness and good food! Grateful for your teamwork and spirit! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Thank you for being such a crucial part of [Business Name]! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter! Enjoy your time off! Grateful for your contributions! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thank you for your hard work and commitment! Enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving break! Wishing you a day full of happiness and gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate everything you do for our team! Thank you for your dedication and hard work! Have a joyful Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Messages from Employees to a Boss Need to let your boss know you’re thankful on this holiday? We’ve got you covered, too. Try out some of these Thanksgiving messages or let them inspire you to write your own: Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful for your leadership and support! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter! Thank you for being such a great boss! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate everything you do for our team! Thank you for your guidance and support! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Grateful to work under your leadership! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of happiness and good food! Thank you for your mentorship! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate your hard work and dedication to our team! Thank you for being an inspiring leader! Enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving break! Wishing you a day of relaxation and joy! Thank you for your support! Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful to have such a supportive boss! Grateful for your leadership and encouragement! Enjoy your holiday! Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth and happiness! Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being an amazing boss! Have a joyful Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate your hard work and dedication to our success! Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for your mentorship! Thank you for your guidance and support! Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Grateful to work under such a great leader! Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of blessings and joy! Thank you for your encouragement! Thank you for being an incredible boss! Have a fabulous Thanksgiving! Wishing you a day of gratitude and relaxation! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Your leadership makes a difference every day! Grateful for your support and encouragement! Enjoy the holiday! Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love! Thank you for everything! Happy Thanksgiving! Your guidance is truly appreciated! Thank you for your hard work and dedication! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! The Power of Gratitude in Business Thanksgiving is not just a time to enjoy a hearty meal and spend quality time with loved ones; it also holds significant value in the business world. Embracing the spirit of gratitude can have a profound impact on a business’s success and overall well-being. Here’s why incorporating gratitude into business practices is essential: Building Stronger Relationships: Expressing genuine thanks to customers, clients, and team members fosters a sense of connection and appreciation. It strengthens the bond between the business and its stakeholders, leading to increased loyalty and trust. Enhancing Company Culture: Cultivating a culture of gratitude within the organization encourages team members to feel valued and recognized for their contributions. This, in turn, boosts employee morale and engagement, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Generating Positive Word-of-Mouth: Happy and appreciated customers are more likely to share positive experiences with others, leading to valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Satisfied employees may also speak positively about the company, attracting top talent. Creating a Positive Reputation: Businesses that prioritize gratitude and appreciation tend to be perceived positively by their customers, employees, and partners. This positive reputation can lead to increased brand loyalty and goodwill. Strengthening Business Resilience: In times of challenges or crises, businesses with a culture of gratitude often rally together and support one another. A strong sense of unity can help the business navigate through difficult times more effectively. Enhancing Customer Experience: When customers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to return and continue doing business with the company. This can lead to long-term customer relationships and increased customer lifetime value. Inspiring Innovation and Creativity: A culture of gratitude encourages open communication and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. This environment can spark innovation and creativity as team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Fostering a Positive Work Environment: Grateful leaders and managers create a positive work environment where team members feel motivated and valued. This positivity can lead to reduced workplace stress and improved well-being. Empowering Leadership: Leaders who express gratitude and appreciation earn the respect and loyalty of their team members. This respect strengthens their ability to lead effectively and inspire others. Encouraging Continuous Improvement: Expressing gratitude to team members for their efforts and achievements encourages a growth mindset. Team members are more likely to embrace challenges and seek opportunities for improvement. By incorporating gratitude into the fabric of their business, small business owners can create a thriving and harmonious environment that benefits all stakeholders. This Thanksgiving, let us celebrate the power of gratitude and make it a year-round practice to foster a positive and impactful business journey. Benefits of Gratitude in BusinessDescription Building Stronger RelationshipsExpressing genuine thanks to customers, clients, and team members fosters a sense of connection and appreciation. Enhancing Company CultureCultivating a culture of gratitude encourages team members to feel valued and recognized, leading to higher morale and engagement. Generating Positive Word-of-MouthHappy customers are more likely to share positive experiences, leading to valuable word-of-mouth referrals and positive reputation. Creating a Positive ReputationPrioritizing gratitude is perceived positively by customers, employees, and partners, fostering brand loyalty and goodwill. Strengthening Business ResilienceA culture of gratitude fosters unity, helping businesses navigate challenges and crises with support from a cohesive team. Enhancing Customer ExperienceCustomer appreciation leads to increased loyalty, resulting in long-term customer relationships and higher customer lifetime value. Inspiring Innovation and CreativityGratitude encourages open communication and idea-sharing, sparking innovation and creativity among team members. Fostering a Positive Work EnvironmentGrateful leaders create a motivating work environment, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being among team members. Empowering LeadershipLeaders who express gratitude earn respect and loyalty, empowering them to lead effectively and inspire their teams. Encouraging Continuous ImprovementAcknowledging efforts and achievements fosters a growth mindset, encouraging team members to embrace challenges and seek improvement. Conclusion: Embrace the Spirit of Thanksgiving As Thanksgiving approaches, small business owners have a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to those who have made a significant impact on their journey throughout the year. Thanksgiving messages for businesses offer a chance to foster a deeper connection with clients, customers, team members, partners, and everyone else who contributed to the success and growth of the business. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in conveying genuine appreciation to customers and clients. Acknowledging their patronage and support in a quick social media post, an email, or a photo or video post can create a heartwarming bond and strengthen the relationship between the business and its valued stakeholders. These expressions of gratitude remind customers that they are an essential part of the business’s success story. For businesses with close-knit teams or clients, heartfelt and longer messages allow for a more personal touch. Adding specific details and sentiments can make these messages stand out, reinforcing the warmth and sincerity behind the expression of thanks. Whether shared through a blog post, email newsletter, handwritten letter, or personalized video, these messages create a sense of belonging and appreciation for the recipients. Additionally, a simple “Happy Thanksgiving” greeting can be a warm and festive gesture. Adding it to a visual image or video enhances the impact of the message, making it shareable across various platforms. This type of greeting, combined with longer messages, fosters an environment of joy, love, and gratitude during the holiday season. In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a time for businesses to embrace the spirit of giving thanks and spreading gratitude. Taking the opportunity to express appreciation through thoughtful messages brings immeasurable benefits, from strengthening customer loyalty to uplifting team morale. By sharing gratitude, small business owners can create a sense of togetherness and foster meaningful connections with those who have contributed to their journey. Let the true essence of Thanksgiving shine through these messages, making this holiday season a time of joy, reflection, and heartfelt appreciation for all. Photo via Shutterstock This article, "Fantastic Thanksgiving Messages for Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Monday, November 3, saw nearly 5,000 flights delayed in the U.S. The weekend prior saw more than 10,000. Cancellations are stacking up as well. As the length of this most recent government shutdown sets new records, those headaches at the airport aren’t expected to ease. They are, in fact, likely to get worse. And while that’s scary news for anyone who might be planning to head home for Thanksgiving, there’s a chance it could be what gets the government back to work. Republicans and Democrats are still at odds, and neither is showing any sign of backing down. Even the brief cessation of SNAP benefits (and the lawsuits that followed) hasn’t brought about a détente. But airlines are key to the financial health of the country—and air traffic controllers have been the key factor in ending a shutdown in the past. Major airlines are already applying pressure. Delta, United, American, and Southwest have all called on Congress to pass a stopgap funding bill that would allow the government to reopen, citing risks to aviation safety. The airline industry lobby typically carries significant weight in Washington, as it represents 10 million jobs. It’s also a critical part of the tourism and cargo transport industries, in addition to general business. Last year, companies spent $1.47 trillion on business travel worldwide. The delays and cancellations have been increasing for the past few weeks, as staffing shortages become more common. Air traffic controllers have been working without pay for over a month, and as a result, some have begun to call in sick. That’s reminiscent of the government shutdown of 2019. And it was those shortages that were largely credited for breaking the logjam in Congress. On January 25, 2019, the 35th day of that shutdown, 10 air traffic controllers—six from northern Virginia and four from Florida—stayed home. That wasn’t a huge number in the grand scheme of things, but with just those 10 absences, delays stacked up at several hubs and shut down travel temporarily at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The shutdown was settled before the end of the day. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has said it does not “endorse, support or condone” any coordinated activity by members that would impact the capacity and safety of air traffic control systems (i.e., no organized sick-outs), but it has urged the government to end the shutdown and pay its workers as soon as possible to ensure the skies are safe. “For this nation’s air traffic controllers, missing just one paycheck can be a significant hardship, as it is for all working Americans. Asking them to go without a full month’s pay or more is simply not sustainable,” said NATCA president Nick Daniels in a statement. “These professionals are required to oversee the movement of the nation’s passengers and cargo while many are working 10-hour days and six-day workweeks due to the ongoing staffing shortage, all without pay. This situation creates substantial distractions for individuals who are already engaged in extremely stressful work.” This comes on top of an existing shortage of air traffic control workers. There is, of course, no guarantee that delays and cancellations will force Democrats and Republicans to reopen the government this time around. Both sides are playing an ongoing game of chicken, which reached new heights Tuesday when U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that “some” airspaces in the U.S. might need to be closed if the shutdown continues. He also warned that should air traffic controllers miss another full paycheck, it would result in “mass flight delays and mass cancellations” around the country. That came a day after he told CNBC that if he thought travel was to become too risky in his department’s opinion, he would “shut the whole airspace down. We won’t let people travel.” The last time that occurred was following the September 11 terror attacks in 2001. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Your house is supposed to be your refuge from the weather, a place where you can feel comfortable no matter how frigid it gets outside. But with rising utility costs, keeping your house warm can be more of a challenge than it used to be—and even if you’re proactive about defending against the cold, your home can still take a wintry beating. Now’s the time to take action. Home maintenance products designed to defend your home against freezing temperatures, blowing snow, and freezing damage will not only make your home more comfortable, but also hardened against winter damage. The basicsThere are a few simple purchases you shouldn't skip this year—even if the Farmer's Almanac is predicting a moderate season. Space heaters. No matter how much effort you put into it, your house (or specific areas of it) may still be chillier than you want. A solid space heater or two will serve you well. Caulk. Re-caulking windows and doors will help keep out drafts and protect your home from water and ice damage. You can even use a caulk with a built-in trigger so you don’t need a caulking gun. Weather stripping. Some foam weather stripping tape around windows and doors can go a long way toward blocking drafts. You could also apply some classic plastic window insulation kits to particularly drafty spots. Draft blockers. Placing a few draft blockers under doors can help keep cold air out and warm air in. Under Door Draft Stopper and Blocker $46.90 at Amazon Learn More Learn More $46.90 at Amazon Power snow shovelIf you live in an area where it snows, you know you’ve got some shoveling in your future. In this day and age, however, doing that shoveling manually is just a way to destroy your back and ruin your day. A cordless power shovel will make clearing those steps, sidewalks, and driveways a lot easier, and get you inside for cocoa a lot faster. Thermal curtainsIf you’ve taken the basic steps to stop drafts from coming into the house but you’re still feeling the chill near your windows, thermal curtains will add a layer of insulation to hold back that cold air. Bonus: They’ll do similar work in the summer, helping your home to stay cool. NICETOWN Bedroom Blackout Draperies Panels, Three Pass Microfiber Noise Reducing Thermal Insulated Solid Ring Top Window Curtains (Two Panels, 42 x 72 Inch, Gray) $21.63 at Amazon $25.45 Save $3.82 Learn More Learn More $21.63 at Amazon $25.45 Save $3.82 Pipe temperature monitorsFrozen pipes are a nightmare. Leaving a strategically chosen faucet to drip during cold snaps can help prevent your pipes from bursting, but it won’t actually stop them from freezing. You need two things: Pipe insulation tape (or foam covers, though the tape is more flexible and easier to adapt), and pipe temperature monitors like this one, or this one. The insulation can help keep your pipes warm, and the monitors will give you some warning if things are headed toward a freezing disaster. If you want to be really proactive about frozen pipes, you could also invest in pipe heat cables, which will keep your pipes at a steady temperature and make freezing pretty much impossible as long as you have power. Garage door insulation kitYour garage door is just slightly better than having a huge, garage-sized open space on your house. If you want to have a warmer home overall, sealing up that drafty garage door with an insulation kit is a good start. It’s relatively easy to apply, and will make a difference in terms of drafts and heat transfer without compromising your door’s operation. Bonus: It also works to reduce sound transfer, making your garage a little quieter. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Kit Adhesive Pads Included, 8 Bubble Insulation Panels, Silver $82.00 at Walmart $69.95 Save 0.00 Learn More Learn More $82.00 at Walmart $69.95 Save 0.00 Roof heat cables and rakesYour roof is (hopefully) built to handle snow loads, but that doesn’t mean having several feet of heavy snow sitting on it for weeks or months is a good idea. You can shovel your roof if you’re careful, but a good roof rake is a safer and easier option. You can also invest in some roof heat cables—these can prevent ice dams, which occur when your home’s interior heat melts roof snow, which then re-freezes at the edges, causing leaks and expensive damage. Faucet coversAll the pipe insulation in the world won’t help if you have exterior spigots or faucets on your house. These fixtures can freeze, too, and cause damage to both the exterior and interior of your home. To prevent that, pick up a few inexpensive faucet covers and pop them on every exterior fixture you have. View the full article

Ambassador Warren Stephens says he is urgently raising the issue because ‘decisions are being made that are irreversible’View the full article

Google's AI Mode has new agentic capabilities for booking event tickets and beauty and wellness appointments, so AI will do most of the work to find and curate the best options based on your inputs. Google first launched agentic capabilities for AI Mode in August: The initial feature could help locate restaurant reservations based on inputs like party size, location, cuisine, and preferred dates and times. For example, you can enter "find me a table for 8 people next Saturday for a birthday dinner ... thinking outdoor rustic garden vibes with live music" and AI Mode will return suggestions with links to book. While they won't actually finalize the reservation for you, Google's AI agents can present you with real-time availability using live web browsing as well as integrations with OpenTable, Resy, Tock, Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, and Booksy. Google Flights also has an AI tool called Flight Deals, which can suggest itineraries based on a general search query (or simply your current location) and then connect you to the main Google Flights interface with links for booking. Use AI Mode to book tickets and appointmentsAs with restaurant reservations, AI Mode can conduct searches for tickets to events, such as concerts, as well as wellness appointments like haircuts and massages. Enter parameters like performer name or preferred service and pricing, and the AI agent will return recommendations with instructions on how to finalize your booking. For example, I used queries like "I'd like to get a massage in the next two weeks with someone specializing in sports massage. Prefer availability on Fridays or in the evenings." and "Find me tickets for the upcoming Nate Bargatze show in Utah. Prefer mid-range pricing." AI Mode compiled ticket options broken down by show date and ticket price and provide links to the booking platforms (like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats) with the cheapest tickets for each event. Again, the agent can't actually complete the transaction, but it can get you all the way to that final step. According to Google's Search Labs page, these agentic features are available to U.S. users ages 18 and over who are signed into their personal Google Account. You must have Web & App Activity turned on and enable Agentic capabilites in AI Mode. View the full article

On the same day Shein opened its first store in Paris, the French government said Wednesday it will suspend Shein’s website over its alleged online sale of childlike “sex dolls” online until it complies with French law, according to the Associated Press. Fast Company has reached out to Shein for comment. A spokesperson for the company told Reuters it was working with authorities; and it has banned sex dolls on its site. A French consumer watchdog discovered the dolls and weapons on the site over the weekend, per Reuters. (Under French law, the government can order businesses to remove illegal content from their websites, such as child pornography within 24 hours, and block access to those sites, AP reported.) This is the online Chinese retailer’s first brick-and-mortar store in Paris, which is located on the sixth floor of the iconic BHV department store in the heart of the city. Shein sells heavily discounted, ultra “fast-fashion” and has drawn protests and boycotts from French shop owners and consumers, who decry the environmental impact that comes from making large amounts of cheap products, as well as the working conditions at its factories. Police stood guard outside BHV on Tuesday, and again on Wednesday, bracing for the store’s opening, after several weeks of intermittent strikes, protests and boycotts; including by activists stood topless outside BHV on Monday, while several French fashion brands said they were pulling out, according to CNN. Meanwhile, Disneyland Paris cancelled its holiday window display and pop-up store in BHV Marais, Agence France-Presse reported. “Conditions are no longer exist to calmly hold Christmas events,” Shein told AFP. Shein said it plans to open five other store locations in France in: Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges, AFP reported. View the full article

What makes the situation alarming is the government attack on the fair lending enforcement infrastructure, said Lisa Rice of the National Fair Housing Alliance. View the full article

Republican governor says party suffered a ‘butt-whipping’ as voters delivered a rebuke to the president’s agendaView the full article

Porte Neue is the typeface of effortless sophistication, and that’s why the ‘Fast Company’ design team chose it for the latest issue View the full article

At my local Blink Fitness—which is now a PureGym—I recently worked in sets with another woman on the assisted pull-up machine. For me, the vibe was utter relief. No one was being rude about sharing equipment, it didn't feel remotely competitive, and there was a safety and solidarity in being the only two women in that quadrant of the gym at that moment. For a brief window, the gym felt like a space for both catharsis and camaraderie. Unfortunately, this moment only made me realize how rare this sort of shared gym culture has become. Truthfully, I don't know if gym culture was ever for me. The stereotype is it's all bros, right? I'm no Joey Swoll, self-described "CEO of gym positivity," one of those influencer types with a manic positivity that's either repellent or inspiring, depending on who you ask. As a casual gym-goer and as a woman, I've always felt the need to strike the perfect balance between exuding confidence and staying somewhat invisible. That's not exactly a recipe for community. So I could say a lot about what this piece is not about. It's not about "being a woman" and dodging sexual harassment. It's not about class studios, either, which have their own worlds and Pilates-based politics. My focus today is on something simpler and broader: the quiet disappearance of gym culture, and what's been lost as solo at-home workouts become increasingly high-tech and accessible. My job has deepened this strange distance. I spend my days testing the latest smart rowing machines, adjustable dumbbells, and stair steppers—equipment so sophisticated and convenient that the question isn't whether you can replicate a gym experience at home, but why you'd bother leaving at all. I've cycled through enough gear to outfit a small fitness studio, each piece promising to deliver professional results without the commute, the membership fees, or the potential for uncomfortable interactions. And it works. The technology is legitimately impressive. But something has been lost in this seamless transition to convenience. I write this now with a bit of a naive, romanticized gaze, wondering what life could've been like for me if I were a big, friendly man in the idealized gym culture of yore. From this vantage point, what is this ideal gym culture that I'm even imagining? And is it worth mourning something that may have never truly existed for everyone? The quiet disappearance of shared gym cultureAs smart home fitness tech increases, we're trading community for convenience, and we might not get it back. Echo Wang, a certified yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Kawa, says, "the gym used to be a social anchor. People went not just to work out, but to belong." Now that home fitness equipment has made working out at home simple, that gym atmosphere is fading. Wang says that watching someone push themselves hard beside you provided extra motivation—it was infectious. Those conversations between sets kept people engaged, while exercising alone at home makes it simpler to skip workouts and lose momentum. Even those who still attend gyms exist in isolated worlds, noise-canceling headphones blocking out the sounds of clanking weights and ambient energy that once made gyms feel alive. Eye contact has disappeared, small talk has vanished—only repetitions and personal playlists remain. "Convenience gets you going," Wang says, "but being part of something keeps you coming back." Dr. Jesse Shaw, associate professor of sports medicine at University of Western States, says he built his training philosophy around competitive energy. From his military days through his current work in collegiate athletics, he's pursued being the biggest and fastest person in the gym—and when he wasn't, that drove him to train harder. He sees how home technology can fill this gap, pointing to how Peloton created a community and culture around their equipment that mimics this motivational aspect. But Shaw has also witnessed troubling changes. He's observed an unfortunate shift for dedicated gym-goers who want to focus on serious training without being filmed or waiting for someone to complete their "workout" content creation. As I recently covered, posting workouts online has become less about documenting personal progress and more about performing fitness for an audience—a shift that fundamentally changes the gym environment itself. The era of classic "meat heads"—big, burly people moving serious weight—has largely disappeared. Shaw also notes the changing group dynamics: During his military service, he was comfortable training alone and would simply ask someone nearby for a spot when needed. Now, he sees most people arrive in groups and tend to avoid lifting heavy weight efficiently. Shaw believes the at-home workout convenience that emerged from social and medical necessity remains a valuable exercise option. However, he's witnessed numerous gym closures due to weak attendance and poor recovery of membership numbers. Technology has altered both the pace and focus of current gym-goers, creating a need to document and share workouts online to feel a sense of accomplishment. Some home technologies, like Peloton, depend heavily on social features, building a culture and shared drive to improve and compete on leaderboards. The type of gym you go to mattersCost and type play a huge role in gym dynamics. My colleague Lindsey Ellefson shared how when she taught spin at the NYU community gym, which is free for students, she found the environment to be talkative, friendly, and wildly collegiate. But where she works now, a "luxury gym," feels much more insular and everyone is kind of closed off. In the same vein, I spoke with a friend who has a gym in his apartment building, who told me how interacting with people you know are your neighbors can feel safer and easier compared to walking up to total strangers at a bigger establishment. For Kris Herbert, founder and owner of The Gym Venice, the cultural deterioration goes deeper. He's particularly concerned about low-cost, high-volume "value" gyms, where minimal financial and personal investment leads to vanishing individual responsibility. This lack of ownership creates spaces that are frequently dirty, disorganized, and dangerous. These gyms are places people use, rather than belong to. Herbert has tracked a clear cultural transformation: People once trained together, spotted each other, and conversed between sets—now most members train in isolation, earbuds inserted, eyes averted. There was a time when entering the gym felt like walking into "Cheers," where everyone knew your name. That community feeling has been largely replaced by convenience. Part of this shift stems from accessibility: Today, you can find answers to virtually any training question online without human interaction. While access to credible information can accelerate progress, it can't replicate the accountability, camaraderie, and shared energy of training with others. Herbert emphasizes that the social dimension of training is one of the most undervalued performance enhancers available. When you work out alongside others who notice your effort, encourage your development, and hold you accountable, you naturally push harder, maintain better consistency, and enjoy the experience more. That sense of belonging fuels not only better gym results but also enhanced mood, confidence, and overall mental health. How we can rebuild gym cultureTo rebuild this culture, Herbert suggests starting small. Introduce yourself to regulars, offer to spot someone, ask a question, acknowledge someone's consistency. These simple interactions remind us that fitness encompasses social, emotional, and deeply human elements beyond the physical. The gym should be somewhere people not only grow stronger but also belong. Smart fitness technology has made training more accessible—you can follow programs, track metrics, and receive feedback from your living room. But while this convenience eliminates friction, it also eliminates connection. The human elements of training—the cues, corrections, and shared energy—truly drive long-term progress and fulfillment. Smart technology might make working out easier, but it will never replace the power of human connection. I still test equipment at home. I still appreciate the convenience of rolling out of bed and onto a rowing machine without navigating complicated social dynamics or waiting for equipment. But I've started going back to the gym twice a week, trying to figure out what this whole gym culture thing could mean for someone like me. Maybe that ideal gym culture I'm imagining—the one where people belonged, where community thrived—was always more accessible to some than others. Maybe it was never perfect. But hey, even an imperfect community beats isolation. And maybe, if we're intentional about it, we can build something better than what came before—one shared set on the assisted pull-up machine at a time. View the full article