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Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman issued a housing market warning during a speech at the Kentucky Bankers Association Annual Convention in Asheville, North Carolina on September 23. Bowman noted that housing activity has slowed significantly, with declines in single-family construction and sales coinciding with rising inventories and falling house prices in many markets. “Declines in housing activity, including single-family home construction and sales, have been accompanied by higher inventories of homes for sale and falling house prices, suggesting that housing demand has also weakened,” Bowman said. “Elevated mortgage rates may be exerting a more persistent drag as income growth expectations have declined while house prices remain high relative to rents.” The result has been persistently low housing affordability—a factor that has kept existing home sales depressed since 2023, stuck near levels last seen in the early 2010s in the aftermath of the financial crisis. “Given very low housing affordability, existing home sales have remained depressed since 2023, and at levels only comparable with the early 2010s following the financial crisis. I am concerned that, in the current environment, declines in house prices could accelerate, posing downside risks to housing valuations, construction, and inflation,” Bowman cautioned. Her comments underscore growing unease within the Fed about the housing sector’s trajectory. While the central bank has held interest rates at elevated levels to bring inflation back toward its 2% target, the cost of borrowing has cooled housing demand more deeply than some policymakers expected. If Bowman is right and a sharper decline in home prices materializes, it could ripple across the economy, weakening household balance sheets and slowing residential construction—a sector that has historically helped pull the broader economy out of downturns. Her remarks suggest that policymakers are increasingly weighing how housing stress could complicate the Fed’s path forward on rates, particularly if falling home values begin to weigh more heavily on consumer spending and confidence. What’s happening to house prices right now? According to ResiClub’s analysis of the Zillow Home Value Index, U.S. home prices are down -0.01% year-over-year between August 2024 and August 2025. That rate has decelerated—back in August 2024, the year-over-year national home price growth rate was +2.5%. As ResiClub has documented, this year we’ve been amid a widespread softening. “Widespread softening” here doesn’t mean home prices are falling in every market—they aren’t. Rather, it means home price growth has decelerated across most markets, and more markets are seeing home price declines compared to a year ago. On a regional and local level, home price shifts vary significantly right now. Some regional housing markets in states such as Texas, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, and Louisiana, where inventory has risen above pre-pandemic 2019 levels, are experiencing mild home price corrections. Meanwhile, tight-ish inventory markets in some pockets of the Northeast and Midwest remain resilient-ish, with home prices pushing up a little this spring. View the full article

Defiant Israeli PM addressed mostly empty seats as he reiterated demands for Hamas to disarm and release hostagesView the full article

Europe aims for interlinked defences after spate of Russian airspace violationsView the full article

Precision agriculture uses tools and technologies such as GPS and sensors to monitor, measure, and respond to changes within a farm field in real time. This includes using artificial intelligence technologies for tasks such as helping farmers apply pesticides only where and when they are needed. However, precision agriculture has not been widely implemented in many rural areas of the United States. We study smart communities, environmental health sciences, and health policy and community health, and we participated in a research project on AI and pesticide use in a rural Georgia agricultural community. Our team, led by Georgia Southern University and the City of Millen, with support from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, local high schools and agriculture technology company FarmSense, is piloting AI-powered sensors to help cotton farmers optimize pesticide use. Georgia is one of the top cotton-producing states in the U.S., with cotton contributing nearly US$1 billion to the state’s economy in 2024. But only 13% of Georgia farmers use precision agriculture practices. Public-private-academic partnership Innovation drives economic growth, but access to it often stops at major city limits. Smaller and rural communities are frequently left out, lacking the funding, partnerships and technical resources that fuel progress elsewhere. At the same time, 75% of generative AI’s projected economic impact is concentrated in customer operations, marketing, software engineering and research and development, according to a 2023 McKinsey report. In contrast, applications of AI that improve infrastructure, food systems, safety and health remain underexplored. Yet smaller and rural communities are rich in potential—home to anchor institutions like small businesses, civic groups and schools that are deeply invested in their communities. And that potential could be tapped to develop AI applications that fall outside of traditional corporate domains. The Partnership for Innovation, a coalition of people and organizations from academia, government and industry, helps bridge that gap. Since its launch almost five years ago, the Partnership for Innovation has supported 220 projects across Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas and Alabama, partnering with more than 300 communities on challenges from energy poverty to river safety. One Partnership for Innovation program provides seed funding and technical support for community research teams. This support enables local problem-solving that strengthens both research scholarship and community outcomes. The program has recently focused on the role of civic artificial intelligence – AI that supports communities and local governments. Our project on cotton field pesticide use is part of this program. Cotton pests and pesticides Our project in Jenkins County, Georgia, is testing that potential. Jenkins County, with a population of around 8,700, is among the top 25 cotton-growing counties in the state. In 2024, approximately 1.1 million acres of land in Georgia were planted with cotton, and based on the 2022 agricultural county profiles census, Jenkins County ranked 173rd out of the 765 counties producing cotton in the United States. The state benefits from fertile soils, a subtropical-to-temperate climate, and abundant natural resources, all of which support a thriving agricultural industry. But these same conditions also foster pests and diseases. Farmers in Jenkins County, like many farmers, face numerous insect infestations, including stink bugs, cotton bollworms, corn earworms, tarnished plant bugs and aphids. Farmers make heavy use of pesticides. Without precise data on the bugs, farmers end up using more pesticides than they likely need, risking residents’ health and adding costs. While there are some existing tools for integrated pest management, such as the Georgia Cotton Insect Advisor app, they are not widely adopted and are limited to certain bugs. Other methods, such as traditional manual scouting and using sticky traps, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly in the hot summer climate. Our research team set out to combine AI-based early pest detection methods with existing integrated pest management practices and the insect advisor app. The goal was to significantly improve pest detection, decrease pesticide exposure levels and reduce insecticide use on cotton farms in Jenkins County. The work compares different insect monitoring methods and assesses pesticide levels in both the fields and nearby semi-urban areas. We selected eight large cotton fields operated by local farmers in Millen, four active and four control sites, to collect environmental samples before farmers began planting cotton and applying pesticides. The team was aided by a new AI-based insect monitoring system called the FlightSensor by FarmSense. The system uses a machine learning algorithm that was trained to recognize the unique wingbeats of each pest insect species. The specialized trap is equipped with infrared optical sensors that project an invisible infrared light beam – called a light curtain – across the entrance of a triangular tunnel. A sensor monitors the light curtain and uses the machine learning algorithm to identify each pest species as insects fly into the trap. FlightSensor provides information on the prevalence of targeted insects, giving farmers an alternative to traditional manual insect scouting. The information enables the farmers to adjust their pesticide-spraying frequency to match the need. What we’ve learned Here are three things we have learned so far: 1. Predictive pest control potential – AI tools can help farmers pinpoint exactly where pest outbreaks are likely—before they happen. That means they can treat only the areas that need it, saving time, labor and pesticide costs. It’s a shift from blanket spraying to precision farming – and it’s a skill farmers can use season after season. 2. Stronger decision-making for farmers – The preliminary results indicate that the proposed sensors can effectively monitor insect populations specific to cotton farms. Even after the sensors are gone, farmers who used them get better at spotting pests. That’s because the AI dashboards and mobile apps help them see how pest populations grow over time and respond to different field conditions. Researchers also have the ability to access this data remotely through satellite-based monitoring platforms on their computers, further enhancing the collaboration and learning. 3. Building local agtech talent – Training students and farmers on AI pest detection is doing more than protecting cotton crops. It’s building digital literacy, opening doors to agtech careers and preparing communities for future innovation. The same tools could help local governments manage mosquitoes and ticks and open up more agtech innovations. Blueprint for rural innovation By using AI to detect pests early and reduce pesticide use, the project aims to lower harmful residues in local soil and air while supporting more sustainable farming. This pilot project could be a blueprint for how rural communities use AI generally to boost agriculture, reduce public health risks, and build local expertise. Just as important, this work encourages more civic AI applications – grounded in real community needs – that others can adopt and adapt elsewhere. AI and innovation do not need to be urban or corporate to have a significant effect, nor do you need advanced technology degrees to be innovative. With the right partnerships, small towns, too, can harness innovations for economic and community growth. Debra Lam is a founding director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation and the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Institute of Technology. Atin Adhikari is a professor of biostatistics, epidemiology & environmental health sciences at Georgia Southern University. James E. Thomas is a senior lecturer in health policy & community health at Georgia Southern University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

PayPal is taking a notable step forward in the realm of consumer financing with its recent partnership with Blue Owl Capital, a move that could significantly benefit small business owners across the United States. Announced on September 24, 2025, this two-year agreement empowers Blue Owl-managed funds to purchase approximately $7 billion of PayPal’s “Pay in 4” buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans. This collaboration aims to enhance the flexibility and accessibility of payment options for consumers, ultimately impacting small businesses positively. One of the major advantages of this partnership is the ability for small businesses to leverage PayPal’s BNPL solutions without a heavy technology uplift. The “Pay in 4” program allows consumers to divide eligible purchases into four interest-free payments over six weeks, making larger-ticket items more attainable. According to PayPal’s data, when consumers choose BNPL at checkout, they tend to spend significantly more—over 80% more, to be precise—than they would through traditional payment methods. This feature enables small retailers to boost sales and encourages impulse purchases, which can be particularly advantageous in competitive markets. Jamie Miller, PayPal’s Chief Financial & Operating Officer, emphasized the strategic nature of this partnership, stating, “This transaction reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation. Partnering with Blue Owl helps support the growth of our Pay Later portfolio and gives us greater ability to invest in our strategic initiatives and innovation.” This underscores PayPal’s commitment to expanding its services while providing valuable tools to its merchant partners. For small business owners, the integration of BNPL options means that they can offer customers more adaptability in payments, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Simplified integration into existing PayPal systems means that merchants can implement these features quickly, allowing them to focus on growth. In fact, PayPal processed over $33 billion in BNPL payment volume globally in 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year, showcasing how rapidly this trend is evolving. However, while the advantages are considerable, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges associated with implementing and managing BNPL solutions. One challenge may be the need for effective customer education. As consumers become more accustomed to payment flexibility, ensuring that they understand how these options work will be crucial. Additionally, it’s important for merchants to carefully manage their cash flow; even interest-free payment plans can affect a business’s financial operations if not monitored closely. Another point to consider is the competitive landscape of BNPL offerings. While PayPal is a well-established player, the growing array of BNPL options from other providers means that small businesses must also consider how these offerings stack up against one another in terms of costs, features, and customer experience. Ivan Zinn, Head of Alternative Credit at Blue Owl, highlighted this partnership by saying, “PayPal’s scale and deep relationships with its consumers allows it to make informed decisions when extending credit through Pay in 4.” As the BNPL market continues to expand, it’s essential for small business owners to evaluate how they incorporate these financing solutions within their overall sales strategy. Properly leveraging these payment options can lead to enhanced customer engagement and increased sales volume, but business owners must also strategize around potential risks and ensure that they are prepared for the evolving needs of their customers. The PayPal-Blue Owl partnership is poised to change the way consumers engage with payment options, providing small businesses the tools they need to stay competitive in a dynamic marketplace. For further details about this partnership and its implications, you can refer to the original post on PayPal’s newsroom here. This article, "PayPal and Blue Owl Announce $7 Billion Buy Now, Pay Later Partnership" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

PayPal is taking a notable step forward in the realm of consumer financing with its recent partnership with Blue Owl Capital, a move that could significantly benefit small business owners across the United States. Announced on September 24, 2025, this two-year agreement empowers Blue Owl-managed funds to purchase approximately $7 billion of PayPal’s “Pay in 4” buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans. This collaboration aims to enhance the flexibility and accessibility of payment options for consumers, ultimately impacting small businesses positively. One of the major advantages of this partnership is the ability for small businesses to leverage PayPal’s BNPL solutions without a heavy technology uplift. The “Pay in 4” program allows consumers to divide eligible purchases into four interest-free payments over six weeks, making larger-ticket items more attainable. According to PayPal’s data, when consumers choose BNPL at checkout, they tend to spend significantly more—over 80% more, to be precise—than they would through traditional payment methods. This feature enables small retailers to boost sales and encourages impulse purchases, which can be particularly advantageous in competitive markets. Jamie Miller, PayPal’s Chief Financial & Operating Officer, emphasized the strategic nature of this partnership, stating, “This transaction reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation. Partnering with Blue Owl helps support the growth of our Pay Later portfolio and gives us greater ability to invest in our strategic initiatives and innovation.” This underscores PayPal’s commitment to expanding its services while providing valuable tools to its merchant partners. For small business owners, the integration of BNPL options means that they can offer customers more adaptability in payments, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Simplified integration into existing PayPal systems means that merchants can implement these features quickly, allowing them to focus on growth. In fact, PayPal processed over $33 billion in BNPL payment volume globally in 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year, showcasing how rapidly this trend is evolving. However, while the advantages are considerable, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges associated with implementing and managing BNPL solutions. One challenge may be the need for effective customer education. As consumers become more accustomed to payment flexibility, ensuring that they understand how these options work will be crucial. Additionally, it’s important for merchants to carefully manage their cash flow; even interest-free payment plans can affect a business’s financial operations if not monitored closely. Another point to consider is the competitive landscape of BNPL offerings. While PayPal is a well-established player, the growing array of BNPL options from other providers means that small businesses must also consider how these offerings stack up against one another in terms of costs, features, and customer experience. Ivan Zinn, Head of Alternative Credit at Blue Owl, highlighted this partnership by saying, “PayPal’s scale and deep relationships with its consumers allows it to make informed decisions when extending credit through Pay in 4.” As the BNPL market continues to expand, it’s essential for small business owners to evaluate how they incorporate these financing solutions within their overall sales strategy. Properly leveraging these payment options can lead to enhanced customer engagement and increased sales volume, but business owners must also strategize around potential risks and ensure that they are prepared for the evolving needs of their customers. The PayPal-Blue Owl partnership is poised to change the way consumers engage with payment options, providing small businesses the tools they need to stay competitive in a dynamic marketplace. For further details about this partnership and its implications, you can refer to the original post on PayPal’s newsroom here. This article, "PayPal and Blue Owl Announce $7 Billion Buy Now, Pay Later Partnership" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

There’s no doubt we are witnessing a quiet shift in labor: artificial intelligence is no longer confined to experimental labs or consumer chatbots, it is now eroding the foundation of human labor in ways that are less visible, but potentially more consequential, than the headlines about “AI assistants” or “superintelligence.” Last week, Google abruptly terminated 200 AI contractors, many of them involved in annotation and evaluation work. Officially, the company described this as part of a ramp-down, but workers pointed mainly to low pay and job insecurity. What matters is that the roles being cut are precisely those that ensure human oversight of AI systems: the raters, annotators, and evaluators who form the invisible scaffolding of “smart” or “intelligent” products. In parallel, at an Axios event, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that AI is on track to displace many white-collar jobs within five years. Not decades. Not in some speculative future. Within the next cycle of corporate planning, the world of professional work, from law, finance, consulting, or even management, may look very different. From invisible work to invisible loss For years, the human labor that powers AI has been hidden behind the curtain: underpaid annotators in developing countries, moderators exposed to traumatic content, contractors who quietly clean and structure data so models can be trained. These jobs were rarely acknowledged, let alone respected. Now they are being erased altogether, as companies shift from human-in-the-loop to automation-in-the-loop. The question is not only about employment. It is about what disappears when we remove human judgment from the system. Annotators catch ambiguities, flag dangerous edge cases, and apply moral reasoning that models cannot replicate. Raters provide cultural and linguistic nuance. When those roles are automated away, the systems may still function — but blind spots deepen, errors multiply, and biases are amplified. Efficiency rises, but resilience declines. White-collar work on the clock Amodei’s warning points to a broader reality: AI is moving up the value chain: it is no longer confined to support tasks, it is encroaching on analysis, writing, design, and even decision-making. The professional classes that once considered themselves insulated from automation are now squarely in the crosshairs. If blue-collar workers were the first wave of technological displacement in the 20th century, white-collar workers may be the second in the 21st. The rhetoric from tech leaders often frames this as an opportunity: liberation from drudgery, new roles created, productivity unleashed. But the record of previous technological shifts is sobering. Yes, new roles emerge, but not necessarily for the same people, in the same places, or at the same wages. The painful transition costs are borne not by shareholders but by workers. Regulation in fragments Governments are beginning to notice. Italy has just introduced an AI legislative package that tries to target harmful deepfakes, set workplace standards, and enhance child protections. It is among the first attempts to go beyond reactive guardrails and impose preemptive controls on how AI can be used. Whether this becomes a model for others remains uncertain. Spain, by contrast, is coming up with a mixed model: on one hand, it has enacted laws requiring labeling of all AI-generated content with heavy fines and formed the AESIA (Spanish AI Supervisory Agency) to oversee compliance; on the other, it is also heavily subsidizing AI development and innovation. The tension is real: measures meant to protect truth and transparency may impose burdens on small startups; enforcement capacity is far from guaranteed; and legislative clarity lags behind technological change. The Spanish case exemplifies a border zone: regulation and innovation both encouraged, but not always reconciled. The irony is that regulation is moving fastest on visible harms that generate social alarm such as deepfakes, disinformation, and child safety, while the invisible erosion of labor goes largely unaddressed. It is easier to ban a fake video than to confront a business model that treats human judgment as a disposable cost. Efficiency is not ethics This moment forces a deeper question: just because AI can replace a human role, does it mean it should? Not every gain in efficiency is a gain in ethics. Removing moderators may cut costs, but at what price to safety? Automating evaluation may accelerate deployment, but at what risk of error? Displacing white-collar workers could improve the margin, but the costs to social stability are pretty clear. Are we all now behaving like Meta, “moving fast and breaking things,” focusing on profitability without paying attention to other potential consequences? We should all exert some caution from a future in which AI not only mediates our information but also dictates our labor markets, silently restructuring what it means to be useful. Companies should not outsource that responsibility to regulators. They must recognize that the invisible revolution they are driving has significant human consequences, and those consequences will eventually come back to shape their own legitimacy. The real invisible hand The “invisible hand” in today’s AI economy is not Adam Smith’s market. It is the invisible labor that has powered machine learning, and the invisible losses that come when that labor is discarded. The layoffs at Google and the warnings from Anthropic are signals, not outliers. We are watching the early stages of a transformation that could redefine not just how we work, but what kinds of work society still values. If companies want AI to be sustainable, they need to treat human judgment not as a temporary scaffold to be eliminated, but as a core component of systems that aspire to interact with the world. Without that, we risk building an economy where jobs are interchangeable, oversight is optional, and the human cost of efficiency is hidden until it is too late. View the full article

NBCUniversal may soon be pulling its programming from Google’s YouTube TV. The news comes as a dispute between the companies over carriage fees and terms is ramping up. NBC began warning customers on Thursday evening that its programming would leave the streaming platform if the companies don’t reach an agreement by Sept. 30, the date its contract is set to renew. If a blackout were to occur, popular programs such as Sunday Night Football, The Voice, NBA games, and the Oct. 4 premiere of Saturday Night Live, wouldn’t be viewable on the platform. However, a separate spat between YouTube TV and TelevisaUnivision comes at the same time, as both companies’ contracts are set for renewal on Sept. 30. If both networks pulled their programming, two major hispanic networks, Univision and NBCU-owned Telemundo, would no longer be accessible on the platform. TelevisaUnivision alleged that YouTube TV was being discriminatory in an open letter published on Sept. 24. “YouTube TV will force millions of Hispanic viewers to pay an 18% premium – a “Hispanic tax” – to maintain access to trusted Spanish-language news, sports, and entertainment,” it said. NBC issued its own statement on the dispute. “Google, with its $3 trillion market cap, already controls what Americans see online through search and ads—now it wants to control what we watch,” NBC said, per Axios. “YouTube TV has refused the best rates and terms in the market, demanding preferential treatment and seeking an unfair advantage over competitors to dominate the video marketplace—all under the false pretense of fighting for the consumer.” NBCUniversal has never before pulled its programming from a streaming platform. YouTube says it’s committed to negotiating with the network, but the price is too high. “NBCUniversal is asking us to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for our subscribers,” it said in a Sept. 25 statement. The company announced it would reimburse customers $10 if the blackout occurs for an extended time. While the dispute could have big implications, it seems to mark a growing trend, as digital live TV providers, like YouTube TV which has more than 10 million subscribers, continue to grow. And it’s not the first time YouTube TV has dug its heels in. In August, the company said it would drop Fox Corp. channels if an agreement wasn’t reached ahead of football season. The companies reached an agreement days later. “We have reached a short-term extension with Fox to prevent disruption to YouTube TV subscribers as we continue to work on a new agreement,” YouTube TV said in an Aug. 25 blog post. “We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress.” View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Earlier this month, we saw a new running world record—more specifically, running backwards. In heels. Christian Roberto López Rodríguez claimed the fastest 100m backwards in high heels with an impressive time of 16.55 seconds. I may not be setting that sort of record, but I do see running backwards crop up time and time again as a trendy idea for the average runner. Sometimes called "reverse running," it's exactly what it sounds like: runners literally turning around and jogging backwards. But does running backwards genuinely help improve forward running performance, or is it simply another fitness fad destined to fade? Does running backwards actually help?From a physiological perspective, backwards running fundamentally alters how your body moves and which muscles bear the workload. Physiotherapist Alex Lee explains the dramatic shift that occurs when you reverse direction: "Your quadriceps do the majority of the job of slowing your body down. Your hamstrings work differently too because they aren't pushing you forwards. This variation alleviates stress from the knee joint, specifically the ACL." He further explains how running backwards also causes your ankles to "move with greater dorsiflexion," which trains balance and body awareness, known as proprioception. As any runner can attest, going easy on the knees is a major draw. Lee notes additional advantages when he trains athletes, explaining how he incorporates running backwards to "shield their knees, develop leg strength, and enhance coordination." Supplemental, not essentialWhile the biomechanical benefits are real, running coach Will Baldwin offers a more measured approach to backwards running's place in training programs. "I think the biggest benefit from running backwards is it helps you engage some of your posterior chain and muscles that aren't typically recruited in forward running, like your glutes, some hamstring, and it helps with your pushback a little bit," Baldwin explains. However, he's quick to temper expectations about performance gains: "I don't think it makes runners faster. It's probably a good supplemental tool. I don't even think it's a necessity in training, but it definitely can wake some muscles up and can be a fun, different type of coordination skill to work on that's still similar to running." Baldwin's perspective highlights a crucial consideration in training philosophy—the principle of specificity. "The law of specificity applies here. If we want to get better at a skill, we need to practice that skill in the specific way we want to compete. We've got to be careful with how much time we waste, especially for busy people. That could be time better spent doing core work or some specific strength training." For most recreational runners juggling work, family, and training, Baldwin suggests backwards running falls into the "nice to have" rather than "must have" category: "You'd really have to be someone with a lot of extra time to experiment and play around with things like this." Getting started safelyRunning backwards is awkward at best, and genuinely risky at worst. You could fall, and it's easy to twist an ankle or pull something because you can't see where you're landing. If you'd like to experiment with backwards running, start conservatively. Baldwin suggests beginning with walking: "If someone wanted to try it, I'd start with walking backwards. Especially uphill, on a treadmill or outside, it can really engage, work, and stretch certain muscles. It can be a fun skill to play with, but I'd definitely start with walking before running backwards." This gradual approach allows your body to adapt to the different movement patterns while minimizing injury risk. Treadmills provide an ideal controlled environment for initial backwards movement practice, eliminating the hazard of unseen obstacles. The bigger concerns, according to Baldwin, relate to training efficiency: "Wasted time and lack of specificity are probably the bigger ones, but again, not major." For time-strapped runners, the opportunity cost of backwards running sessions might outweigh the supplemental benefits. The bottom lineBackwards running offers legitimate benefits—improved proprioception, reduced knee stress, enhanced muscle activation patterns, and increased coordination. However, for the average recreational runner seeking to improve their forward running times, backwards running is more of a fun bonus activity, rather than a true game-changer. The time investment might be better allocated to proven training methods like tempo runs, interval training, strength work, or simply building up more forward-running mileage. Backwards running sits comfortably in the category of "helpful but not essential" training methods. It's not the revolutionary breakthrough some social media posts might suggest, but it's also not entirely without merit. Like many fitness trends, the truth lies somewhere between. So, for runners with specific needs—such as rehabilitation from knee injuries, athletes requiring enhanced proprioception, or those simply seeking variety in their training routine—backwards running can serve a valuable purpose. For everyone else, it remains an interesting option worth considering if time and safety conditions permit, but not a priority that should displace more fundamental aspects of training. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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