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Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeff Schmid said that the central bank should continue its focus on curbing inflation, as the job market is "largely in balance." View the full article

The push by some The President officials to bring charges against James had stalled as former U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert determined their wasn't enough evidence. View the full article

The real estate agent's guilty plea is the first under the law passed last summer, following thousands of deed theft complaints in the past ten years alone. View the full article

Agreement includes largest ever penalty issued for breach of regulator’s rulesView the full article

Plans to toughen measures against irregular migrants come despite concerns over civil liberties View the full article

European automakers will save around 500-600 million euros ($585-700 million) a month dating back to Aug. 1 after the The President administration implemented the U.S. end of its trade deal with the European Union, the EU’s top trade negotiator said Thursday. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said that the deal establishing a 15% tariff on most EU goods took effect with publication in the U.S. Federal Register instructing customs officials what to charge. That would reduce the tariff from a painfully high 27.5% rate set earlier by The President. The reduction eases a major burden on EU automakers and is a chief selling point for the deal as presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal is retroactive to Aug. 1 so “what we expect now is that the tariffs will be returned to the automakers as of the first of August, which is something like 500, 600 million euros per month,” Sefcovic said ahead of a meeting with Southeast Asian trade ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 15% tariff is still much higher than tariffs from before The President took office, which averaged in the single digits, and the trade deal has been criticized by business associations and some members of the European Parliament. Sefcovic said most member states supported the deal and that after detailed exchanges and presentations on the details he expected lawmakers would support it as well. He said it was “the best deal available” after difficult talks with The President administration officials. “Any other alternative would be much worse,” he said. The President threatened even higher rates during the talks. —Associated Press 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. This fall's Amazon Prime Day—known as "Prime Big Deal Days"—is taking place from Tuesday, Oct. 7 to Wednesday, Oct. 8. Lifehacker's Prime Day expert Daniel Oropeza explains all the details you need to know about the event. As you're scouring for the best deals, one payment option you'll want to reconsider is "buy now, pay later" financing. Last year Apple discontinued its own take on “buy now, pay later” (BNPL), called "Apple Pay Later." The service may no longer be available in name, but BNPL purchases are readily available when you check out with Apple Pay. So, what exactly has changed about paying with installments via Apple Pay, and what sets it apart from other BNPL programs—for better or for worse? What is “buy now, pay later?”A “buy now, pay later” service is exactly what it sounds like: You can make a purchase immediately, and then pay for it through a series of installments over time. Although BNPL has some perks for breaking up a major expense, there are risks involved. Even if these loans have little to no interest, you are still taking on debt. And while BNPL plans don’t directly impact users’ credit scores at the moment, that's set to change. Coming this fall, FICO says it will start including BNPL payment histories in how it calculates credit scores. If you're at risk of not getting your BNPL payments in according to schedule, you'll be putting your credit score at risk, too. Any personal finance writer with a semblance of a conscience will advise against making a habit of using these services. They can be helpful if you really need to finance something big, but whenever possible, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses. How can you pay with installments using Apple Pay?The official "Apple Pay Later" is no more, but Apple Pay still includes BNPL options. Major BNPL providers like Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna have partnered with Apple to offer their services directly through Apple Pay. How to set up BNPL with Apple PayThe setup process varies slightly depending on your BNPL provider: For Klarna: Download the Klarna app and create an account. Complete the verification process. In the Klarna app, look for the option to add to Apple Wallet. Follow the prompts to add your Klarna card to Apple Pay. For Affirm: Create an Affirm account through their app or website. Get pre-qualified for spending limits, up to $30,000. Add the Affirm virtual card to your Apple Wallet. Use it like any other payment method in Apple Pay. For Afterpay: Download the Afterpay app and set up your account. Link a debit or credit card for your installment payments. Afterpay should pop up directly at checkout when using Apple Pay. When you make a purchase using BNPL through Apple Pay, the total amount is automatically divided into your installment plan. Your first installment is typically charged immediately, while the BNPL company pays the merchant the full amount. All your subsequent installments are automatically charged to your linked payment method according to schedule. The risks of BNPL programsNaturally, Apple users may be drawn to the convenience of a BNPL options during Apple Pay checkout. However, that convenience might just be the biggest risk. They can make it all too easy to spend more than you can actually afford. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a report that shows BNPL users were more likely to have higher credit card debt, delinquencies on other credit products, and lower credit scores than non-users. The bottom lineIf you are going to use any BNPL service, keep these tips in mind: Think about your current and future budget. When a bigger payment gets broken down into smaller installments, you might find yourself overspending in the long run because it "feels" like you can afford it. Stay on top of how much you’re actually spending, and how it will impact your overall budget going forward. Stick to the essentials. BNPL should really only be used on completely necessary purchases that you can’t afford upfront, but can afford in six weeks. Keep an eye on your account balance. Klarna, Affirm, or an BNPL service are not credit cards. Even if Apple doesn’t charge fees for missed payments, your bank will still charge you overdraft fees. Plus, if you default on a BNPL loan, you’re at risk of damaging your credit score. The most important thing is that you know what you're doing. Before you pay for anything in installments, be thoughtful about why you’re taking on this debt in the first place. View the full article

The Barclays Center is taking its dressing rooms for touring artists to the next level, and they looked to local inspiration to decorate them. The Brooklyn venue, which hosts concerts and is home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and WNBA’s New York Liberty, has upgraded six dressing rooms that now resemble Brooklyn brownstone apartments, complete with moody tones, soft-glow lighting, and high-end fixtures and finishes. The makeover is part of Barclays Center parent company BSE Global’s $100 million, five-year upgrade of the venue that’s still set to include improvements like a new fan zone and a new premium membership club. Laurie Jacoby, BSE Global’s chief entertainment officer, tells Fast Company the plan for the renovations is “to elevate the guest experience at every level, whether you’re a fan attending a concert or game, or an artist bringing your talent to our stage.” It’s especially important for artists, she says. “For touring artists, a dressing room is often their only connection to the city they’re performing in,” Jacoby says. “That’s why we designed our dressing rooms to capture the essence of a Brooklyn brownstone, featuring paneled walls, herringbone floors, warm lighting, and elegant finishes that create a cozy, residential atmosphere—a true home away from home right inside the arena.” BSE Global designed the dressing rooms in partnership with the Brooklyn Home Company, a real estate development and design firm that typically works on condos, townhomes, and vacation homes. The team designed each room to pay homage different Brooklyn neighborhoods around the stadium. Park Slope was inspired by diners and wine bars, Brooklyn Heights by red brick, Prospect by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and Boerum Hill by the oxidization of copper. There’s also a classic brownstone-inspired room for Clinton Hill, and a green room with plants to represent Fort Greene. Construction began following the end of the 2024–25 NBA season, and the dressing rooms can seat up to 56 people. BSE Global wants the new Barclays Center to do more than impress rock bands, rappers, DJs, and pop stars. The team also hopes the elevated space will lead to elevated performances. “Our hope is that these new spaces provide comfort and hospitality for artists spending long hours on the road,” Jacoby says. “We know that when performers feel at home and relaxed, they deliver their best performances—which is ultimately a benefit to both fans and the overall experience.” Among the first artists who’ll use the new dressing rooms are Reneé Rapp, who’s bringing her Bite Me Tour to Brooklyn next month, and Tame Impala, who’s playing four nights there. View the full article

The top Senate Democrat pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for more details about the The President administration's efforts to take the mortgage giants public. View the full article

FHFA's announcement has investors increasingly concerned about the Bozeman, Montana-based FICO losing both pricing power and a competitive edge. View the full article

Lenders recognize the value of regular review of the tech stack, but their approach needs to involve year-round check-ins and conversations with vendors. View the full article

The US innovation model may be universally admired but its foundations are being underminedView the full article

Contract closings fell 0.2% last month to an annualized rate of 4 million, according to National Association of Realtors figures released Thursday. 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. If you’re in the market for a speaker that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality for durability (and also doubles as a power bank), a new JBL Charge 6 is currently 30% off on Woot for a limited time, dropping the price from $200 to $140. Woot only ships to the 48 contiguous states in the U.S., and Amazon members get free shipping, while non-members pay an extra $6. If your speaker isn’t exactly what you expected, all products come with Woot’s 90-day warranty program. JBL Charge 6 $139.95 at Woot! $199.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.95 at Woot! $199.95 Save $60.00 The Charge 6, made more portable with a removable handle strap, is also waterproof and dust-resistant. It has an IP68 rating, meaning you can submerge it in up to 1.5 meters of water for around 30 minutes without risking damage. It also features enhanced drop protection and bumpers compared to earlier versions of the Charge, but new updates mean that it is slightly heavier (three lbs compared to 2.1 lbs). Amazon reviewers and professional testers alike were impressed by this compact speaker’s strong sound, with this PCMag review calling it “surprisingly punchy.” This performance is bolstered by customizable EQ and a new seven-band equalizer feature in the app that lets you further fine-tune output. Users can also pair multiple Charge 6 speakers to enable Auracast for more immersive sound. Like most JBL devices, the battery life is long-lasting, providing up to 24 hours with standard use. You can squeeze an extra four hours of juice out of it with the “Playtime Boost” mode, but as the PCMag review notes, it sacrifices some bass as a result. If you need to charge smartphones or tablets, the speaker’s 34-watt-hour battery also works as a convenient power bank, though it doesn’t come with an included USB cable or charging brick. If you’re looking for a small speaker that can last a full day, be used as a power bank, and deliver well-balanced sound with considerable volume, the JBL Charge 6 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 — $29.00 (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) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Group details $865mn restructuring programme and outlook reflecting sluggish corporate demand for consulting projectsView the full article

The crash of a small plane in southwestern Brazil killed four people including Chinese landscape architect and urban planner Yu Kongjian, Brazilian authorities said Wednesday. The accident happened late Tuesday during a landing attempt at a large farm about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the municipality of Aquidauana in Mato Grosso do Sul state, firefighters said. Yu, who was known for promoting ecologically sound development, was traveling with two Brazilian documentary makers, Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz and Rubens Crispim Jr., who were making a film about the Pantanal wetlands. All three were killed along with pilot Marcelo Pereira de Barros, authorities said. Yu was know for developing the concept of “sponge cities,” with infrastructure that can absorb rainwater to mitigate flood risks and improve the urban climate. “In times of climate change,” Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wrote on social media, “Yu became a global reference with his sponge cities, which unite quality of life and environmental protection.” Yu argued that by creating large spaces to hold water in city centers, such as parks and ponds, extreme rainfall can be absorbed, helping prevent floods. The idea is widely cited in Chinese urban planning, and in recent years Yu worked on projects in other countries including Saudi Arabia and Thailand. He was known for his “notable contributions to sustainable urbanism, the preservation of biodiversity, and the protection of the planet,” Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said on X, adding that Yu’s legacy will continue to inspire those dedicated to ecological cause. Yu founded the College of Architecture and Landscape at Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious universities. The university did not respond a request for comment. The military fire department in Aquidauana was called at around 8:10 p.m. local time on Tuesday to respond to a plane crash, firefighters said. A search and rescue operation lasted approximately nine hours. Yu and the filmmakers were part of a team producing a documentary about the world’s largest tropical wetlands. The Pantanal, fed by tributaries of the Paraguay River and mostly located in Brazil, is a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination for tourists to see jaguars, macaws, caimans, capybaras and migratory birds in the wild. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2022, Yu criticized much of Asia’s modern infrastructure for being built on ideas imported from Europe, which he said are ill-fitted to the monsoon climate that prevails over much of the continent. Fu Ting contributed to this report from Washington D.C. and Mauricio Savarese from Sao Paulo. —Eléonore Hughes, Associated Press View the full article

Small businesses are no longer just adapting to technology; they are leveraging it to drive growth and innovation. In a compelling presentation during Zoomtopia, Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the small business landscape. “AI has had a net-positive impact on revenue for 93% of small businesses surveyed,” she reported, noting that 82% of respondents also saw cost reductions due to AI integration. This data points to a significant trend: small businesses are not just surviving; they are thriving by harnessing advanced technologies. The recent remarks from Brown set the stage for deeper discussions on AI’s role in business operations at Zoom’s annual event. As small business owners look for ways to maximize their resources and enhance productivity, these insights carry weight. AI is evolving from being merely a tool to becoming a pivotal partner that drives efficiency and improved outcomes. One major initiative announced at the event was the Zoom Solopreneur 50, introduced by Kim Storin, Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer. This program aims to recognize and celebrate high-growth businesses run by solo founders who are capitalizing on AI and innovation to propel their businesses. Storin remarked on the potential of solopreneurs, indicating that “in the next few years, we’ll see the first solopreneur unicorn company.” This ambitious outlook highlights the growing acknowledgment of solo entrepreneurs as valuable contributors to the economy, particularly in an increasingly digital world. For small business owners, the implications of embracing AI are substantial. Whether it’s automating routine tasks, analyzing consumer behavior, or enhancing customer interactions, AI can serve as an extra set of hands that enhances operational efficiency. AI tools can streamline customer service processes, provide personalized marketing solutions, and even support decision-making by offering data insights that small business owners might not access otherwise. However, small business owners should also be aware of the potential challenges that come with this technological shift. One significant concern is the cost of implementing AI solutions. While 82% of businesses reported cost reductions post-AI adoption, the initial investment may be a barrier for some. It is crucial for owners to carefully evaluate the long-term ROI against immediate expenditures. Furthermore, as Brown’s statistics suggest, although a vast majority of small businesses have seen positive impacts from AI, the success of technology adoption often hinges on understanding how to integrate these tools effectively into existing workflows. Small businesses may require additional training or support to help staff adapt to these systems, which can create an additional line item in budgets. In addition, the rapid pace of technological advancement poses another challenge. It can be overwhelming for small business owners to stay updated on the latest AI tools and trends. Companies must strategically choose which technologies align most closely with their specific needs and capabilities. As this landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of solopreneurs and the focus on AI-driven business models signal a shift in how we view entrepreneurship. Those leading single-person enterprises are proving that innovation can flourish outside traditional business structures. Business owners who harness this momentum and emphasize a strategic adoption of AI will better position themselves to thrive in a competitive market. As AI becomes more integrated into the everyday functions of small businesses, owners should closely consider both the opportunities and challenges presented. The transition to a more AI-driven approach will require careful planning, investment, and ongoing education, but the potential rewards stand to benefit the future of small business significantly. For further insights on these topics, detailed findings from Zoomtopia can be accessed at Zoom’s official blog. Image via Envato This article, "AI Drives Revenue Growth for 93% of Small Businesses, Zoom Announces Initiative" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small businesses are no longer just adapting to technology; they are leveraging it to drive growth and innovation. In a compelling presentation during Zoomtopia, Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the small business landscape. “AI has had a net-positive impact on revenue for 93% of small businesses surveyed,” she reported, noting that 82% of respondents also saw cost reductions due to AI integration. This data points to a significant trend: small businesses are not just surviving; they are thriving by harnessing advanced technologies. The recent remarks from Brown set the stage for deeper discussions on AI’s role in business operations at Zoom’s annual event. As small business owners look for ways to maximize their resources and enhance productivity, these insights carry weight. AI is evolving from being merely a tool to becoming a pivotal partner that drives efficiency and improved outcomes. One major initiative announced at the event was the Zoom Solopreneur 50, introduced by Kim Storin, Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer. This program aims to recognize and celebrate high-growth businesses run by solo founders who are capitalizing on AI and innovation to propel their businesses. Storin remarked on the potential of solopreneurs, indicating that “in the next few years, we’ll see the first solopreneur unicorn company.” This ambitious outlook highlights the growing acknowledgment of solo entrepreneurs as valuable contributors to the economy, particularly in an increasingly digital world. For small business owners, the implications of embracing AI are substantial. Whether it’s automating routine tasks, analyzing consumer behavior, or enhancing customer interactions, AI can serve as an extra set of hands that enhances operational efficiency. AI tools can streamline customer service processes, provide personalized marketing solutions, and even support decision-making by offering data insights that small business owners might not access otherwise. However, small business owners should also be aware of the potential challenges that come with this technological shift. One significant concern is the cost of implementing AI solutions. While 82% of businesses reported cost reductions post-AI adoption, the initial investment may be a barrier for some. It is crucial for owners to carefully evaluate the long-term ROI against immediate expenditures. Furthermore, as Brown’s statistics suggest, although a vast majority of small businesses have seen positive impacts from AI, the success of technology adoption often hinges on understanding how to integrate these tools effectively into existing workflows. Small businesses may require additional training or support to help staff adapt to these systems, which can create an additional line item in budgets. In addition, the rapid pace of technological advancement poses another challenge. It can be overwhelming for small business owners to stay updated on the latest AI tools and trends. Companies must strategically choose which technologies align most closely with their specific needs and capabilities. As this landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of solopreneurs and the focus on AI-driven business models signal a shift in how we view entrepreneurship. Those leading single-person enterprises are proving that innovation can flourish outside traditional business structures. Business owners who harness this momentum and emphasize a strategic adoption of AI will better position themselves to thrive in a competitive market. As AI becomes more integrated into the everyday functions of small businesses, owners should closely consider both the opportunities and challenges presented. The transition to a more AI-driven approach will require careful planning, investment, and ongoing education, but the potential rewards stand to benefit the future of small business significantly. For further insights on these topics, detailed findings from Zoomtopia can be accessed at Zoom’s official blog. Image via Envato This article, "AI Drives Revenue Growth for 93% of Small Businesses, Zoom Announces Initiative" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. Australian indie game studio Team Cherry released Hollow Knight: Silksong on Sept. 4, and within three weeks, the combat/platformer climbed up Steam's most played chart, made Xbox's most played list, and gained legions of fans on Switch and PlayStation consoles. So a lot of people are playing it. If you're one of them, and you've uncovered every secret in Pharloom (or you just need a break), here are 10 more games you might like. They're (roughly) all in the metroidvania family of games, so they feature 2D platforming, exploration of interconnected worlds, and unlockable upgrades that both open new-areas and add skills. But those seemingly narrow genre conventions can contain everything from the lighthearted comedy of Guacamelee! to the grim, dark world of Blasphemous 2. Hollow Knight (2017) If you went out of order and played the sequel first, you can still go back and check out the first game. Made by the same studio as Silksong, Hollow Knight offers a similar mix of platforming, combat, and exploration in the same universe as Silksong. If you're into story, the lore revealed in Hollow Knight will almost definitely give context to everything in Silksong. Added bonus: while Hollow Knight is not an easy game by any definition, it has a more gentle learning curve than its sequel. Hollow Knight is available on PC, Mac, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox systems. Super Metroid (1994) The metroidvania sub-genre is half-named for the Metroid series, so you gotta check out the blueprint. All of the Metroid games have their merit, but, in my opinion, the first entry in the series that totally gelled is 1994's Super Metroid, an all-time classic originally released for the Super Nintendo. The controls can take a little getting used to for modern gamers, but Metroid invented the "exploration+combat+platforming" genre vibe, and it's still a top-notch gaming experience, even for people who weren't born when the original came out. Super Metroid is playable on every Nintendo system, from the Super Nintendo to the Switch 2. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (2001) The "vania" part of the metroidvania genre refers to the Castlevania series, so video game archeologists who like Silksong would be doing themselves a huge favor by checking out some Castlevania. But be judicious in your choices: some games in the series are amazing and some are...less so. You could make a case for many other Castlevania games, but Circle of the Moon is my pick if you like Silksong. It's extremely challenging, features beautiful graphics (for 2001) and tons of secrets to uncover through open-world platforming, just like Hollow Knight: Silksong. Circle of the Moon was re-released as part of the Castlevania Advance Collection (that also includes Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Castlevania: Dracula X) for Switch, PlayStation, Windows, and Xbox systems. Animal Well (2024) Enough moldy oldies! If your favorite parts of Silksong are the beautiful graphics, sweeping soundtrack, exploration, and deep lore, but you're not so hot on the combat and punishing platforming, check out Animal Well, a metroidvania game that's heavier on puzzles than fast reflexes. Animal Well is the kind of game you get deeply addicted to. It lures you in with beautiful visuals and a lighthearted vibe, but you'll soon find yourself awake at three in the morning, trying to uncover every last secret this work-of-video-game-art is hiding. Animal Well is available for Windows, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems. Cuphead (2017) Okay, Cuphead isn't really a metroidvania game, but I'm including it here for people who crave the difficult platforming and punishing boss battles of Silksong, but don't really care for the exploration. This universally beloved game features a vibe based on cartoons from the 1920s and 30s, and presents players with some of the hardest boss battles in video game history. Like Silksong, Cuphead looks so stylish you might not expect the difficulty, but downing bosses is crazy hard, though it rarely feels frustrating because it's so satisfying. Cuphead is playable on PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) Both Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, are excellent follow-ups to Hollow Knight: Silksong. They look beautiful and offer the joy of exploration, combat using a myriad of constantly unlocking new powers, deep and engaging lore, and an extremely smooth progression from powerless nooblet to God-tier combatant. You can play Ori and the Blind Forest on Switch, PC, and Xbox systems. Cave Story (2004) Back in 2004, Cave Story was envisioned as a throwback to the golden age of Nintendo platformers of the 1980s. The ensuing 20 years of gaming added an extra layer of nostalgia, but Cave Story totally works, no matter what era you play it in. Level design has rarely been done better, the story starts simple but moves in surprising directions, and the pixel art style still looks retro-fresh. The gameplay is more linear than the Hollow Knight games, but it still offers a world of hidden secrets to uncover, addictive platforming, and creative boss battles. You can play Cave Story on PC, Mac, and Switch. Islets (2022) If you've just finished Silksong, your cramped-up hands could probably use a break. A bit of an undiscovered gem, Islets is an indie metrovania game with a cozy vibe courtesy of graphics that look hand-drawn, smooth-as-butter gameplay, an intriguing story, and memorable, hilarious characters. Many of the elements are shared across games, but Islets differs from Silksong in terms of mood and difficulty. Where Silksong is heavy on dark mystery, Islets is more charming, funny, and hopeful. It's also a lot more forgiving if you have slower reflexes. You can play Islets on PC, Switch, and Xbox systems. Guacamelee! (2013) Speaking of giving yourself a break, Guacamelee! is 180-degree tonal change Hollow Knight: Silksong. Inspired by Mexican folklore, Guacamelee! casts the player as a luchador saving a colorful world through beating up tons of bad guys. It nearly totally lacks the broody energy of Hollow Knight: Silksong, but the 2D platforming, skill-based progression, and exploration of interconnected world will be familiar. You can play Guacamelee! on PC, Mac, Xbox, Playstation, and Switch systems. Blasphemous 2 (2023) If you want a game that's darker than Hollow Knight: Silksong, Blasphemous 2 might be the download for you. Its Spanish Gothic visuals are a far cry from the colorful world of Hollow Knight, and its dark, religious tone and brutally visceral combat provides a nice contrast to Silksong's cute vibe. Looks and tone-wise, Blasphemous 2 sits squarely on the "Castlevania" side of metroidvanias, but maybe the darkest of its many secrets is that it's not as punishingly difficult as the Hollow Knight games. You can play Blasphemous 2 on PC, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox consoles. View the full article

Did you buy a new pink dress to watch the Barbie movie, only to never wear it again? An Oura ring because your favorite TikTok influencer had it? A new pair of baggy jeans because ’90s fashion is making a comeback? Niche trends fueled by social media can influence your shopping decisions. Participating often brings some happiness and a sense of community, but the problem comes when you do it so often that you’re not using your money to achieve your financial goals, or worse, you get into debt, said Erika Rasure, chief financial wellness advisor for Beyond Finance, a financial services company. Whether it’s coastal grandma or clean girl aesthetic, microtrends can take a significant toll on already-strained budgets as prices rise and Gen Z struggles to pay off debt. If you find yourself overspending to participate in microtrends, here are some expert recommendations: Pause before purchasing Before you click “buy” on TikTok Shop, it’s best if you take some time to reflect, said Jennifer Seitz, head of education for Greenlight, a financial literacy app for families. Pausing before a purchase can help you discern if the item is something you really want or a fleeting craving. “Think if you want to put it in a schedule pause, whether it’s 24 hours or even a couple of days if it’s a larger expense,” Seitz said. Participating in personal challenges can be a good way to get in the habit of making purchases more deliberate. Back in 2022, Alyssa Barber participated in the no-buy year challenge, where she pledged to stop buying non-essential items for a year. Barber shares sustainable practices with over 370,000 followers on TikTok, where one of her recurrent themes is how to stop impulse buying. Barber said the challenge gave her perspective on how much she was spending on things she didn’t need. Since then, she has changed her spending habits, focusing mainly on experiences. Know your spending values Taking a value-based spending approach can help you decide if you should participate in a trend you see online, Rasure said. If, for example, you want to build an emergency fund, having this goal in mind while shopping can help avoid unnecessary spending. Quynh Van, a 27-year-old UX designer from Minneapolis, was surprised by the number of ads on TikTok when she created an account after a four-year break from social media. And while being influenced by the ads is inevitable, she believes overspending comes in part from users not having defined goals. “When you don’t know who you are or what you like, you’re so driven by over-consumerism and lifestyle creep because you don’t have your values in order,” Van said. Rasure recommends using your financial values as a guiding principle for your spending decisions. If you’re not sure of your values, allocate some time to map them out according to your life goals. Create barriers to spending If a purchase is one click away, it can make it easier to spend large amounts of money. If you consciously make it a little harder to pay for an item, you can spend more mindfully, Seitz said. “Just that action of needing to input your payment information rather than just that simple click can help you give to really stop and think about purchases before moving ahead with them,” she added. To add barriers, you can remove your credit card details from your computer browser or social media and disable Apple Pay on your phone. Think of it as an act of self-care Finances are closely tied to emotions, and often, they evoke negative feelings such as shame or guilt. However, reframing them as an act of self-care can help you spend mindfully, Rasure said. “It can help you create boundaries around what you value spending money on, helps you choose intentionally and it feels more like freedom instead of restriction,” she said. Your spending habits in the present can help your future financial situation. This mindset can inspire you when you’re tempted to overspend on the newest trending electronic or fashion item. Engage with trends with moderation It can be OK to engage with trends if they bring you positive feelings, Rasure said. Van decided to participate in the matcha trend, but with moderation. For Barber, physical media, such as old records, DVDs, and cassettes, is on her list of non-negotiable expenses, as she loves collecting these items. “Trends and engaging them, engaging in them really should spark that happiness or contentment, not the debt that can go with them,” Rasure said. The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Adriana Morga, Associated Press View the full article

Remember when former Try Guy Ned Fulmer was caught in a public cheating scandal that broke the internet? He’s back, this time with a new podcast called Rock Bottom with Ned Fulmer. Or as one commenter called it: “One of the most painful watches in YouTube history.” The podcast is meant to explore, “people’s lowest, most embarrassing, and challenging moments.” Fulmer’s first guest: his wife, Ariel. The first question many have asked is why would they do this? “Was this a humiliation ritual for him?” one TikTok user asked. According to Ariel, it was mostly for their children, aged 7 and 5, who they are currently coparenting, and as a way to move on and put the past in the past by bringing it all up again. In case you were living under a rock in 2022 and have no idea what a “Try Guy” is or what happened, let us catch you up to speed. The Try Guys were four former BuzzFeed employees, Keith Habersberger, Ned Fulmer, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang, who made content based around the simple premise of trying various things. In late 2022, their YouTube channel had close to 8 million subscribers, with their empire extending to TV shows, books, and podcasts. In 2022, it all came crashing down after internet sleuths uncovered Fulmer’s extramarital affair with a Try Guys producer. The scandal broke the internet and Fulmer was fired from the group after an internal investigation. Fast forward three years and on the debut episode of his new podcast (because there aren’t enough men with podcasts), Ned and Ariel reconstructed the timeline of the scandal and shared that they are no longer together romantically, much to the internet’s delight and relief. Ariel also revealed, for the first time, that she found out about her husband’s affair from a fan’s message. When asked if she’s forgiven Ned, Ariel responded, “Absolutely not. How can you forgive somebody for lying to you, for cheating on you? No.” Neither has the internet, it seems. “Him calling it ‘the scandal’ and her calling it ‘your affair’ is all we needed to know,” one person commented beneath the YouTube video, which currently has more than 100,000 dislikes compared to just over 7,000 likes. “I can’t believe he’s really interviewing her about him traumatizing her,” another wrote. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ariel revealed the podcast episode was, in fact, her idea. Some have speculated Ariel predicted exactly how badly Ned would come across and that was part of her motivation to do the episode in the first place. “I love that she lets silence hang in the air after he says something horrible or stupid and just fully lets him feel uncomfortable,” one commented. Another added: “Oh to be a fly on the wall in the Try Guys office today.” View the full article

Chancellor calls on Europe to unlock €140bn loan and ‘massively raise the costs’ of Kremlin aggressionView the full article

We need the mobilisation of resources on a scale that will secure Kyiv’s military resilienceView 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. A good outdoor floodlight camera is supposed to do two things: light your property and capture footage you can actually use. The Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera covers both at a fair price. It’s currently marked down to $99.99 on Amazon (regularly $149.99), and price trackers confirm this is the lowest it’s ever been. Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera $99.99 at Amazon $149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon $149.99 Save $50.00 What you get is a sturdy, weather-resistant housing with two dimmable LED lamps that pump out 2,000 lumens of brightness. The light alone makes it useful for backyards, driveways, or any dark spots around your home. Below the lamps, the built-in camera records sharp 2K video with a wide 160-degree field of view, so you’re not stuck with grainy or narrow footage. Once you start using it, the camera’s mix of features becomes more obvious. The floodlights double as a trigger for color night vision, though there’s also infrared for black-and-white capture. Reviews note that daytime video looks crisp, with strong color detail, and night recordings, especially in black and white, maintain good contrast. The setup also packs features like two-way audio, an 80dB siren, and support for Alexa, Google, and IFTTT integrations, so it can slot into most smart home setups. That said, the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera does not support Apple HomeKit, which could be a limitation if you’re deep into that ecosystem. The bigger drawback is that while motion triggers recording, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription to actually save and review those clips. Without it, you’re limited to live viewing. With it, you unlock a 60-day video history, smart alerts that can tell whether a person, car, or package is detected, and activity zones to cut down on false alarms. The plan starts at $7.99 per month for one camera, but goes up from there if you want more coverage or monitoring. Installation is another thing to keep in mind. This isn’t a battery-powered unit you can slap onto a wall with adhesive: It’s a wired floodlight that requires hooking into your home’s electrical system. Arlo’s app does include a QR code with step-by-step instructions, and some reviewers say it took them fewer than 10 minutes with the right mount. Still, if you’re not confident about cutting power and connecting wires, it’s safer to hire someone. If you’re comfortable with that and fine with paying for a subscription, this deal is pretty compelling for an outdoor home security camera with a floodlight. 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 — $29.00 (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) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Starbucks will end the year with fewer stores and fewer employees. But the brand maintains that it’s all part of a greater turnaround still in the mix. Today, the company announced that its North American store locations will be reduced by 1% for fiscal 2025—landing the coffee chain at 18,300 stores total. And it will be eliminating 900 jobs outside of its coffee houses (in other words, corporate and other functions). The company claims it will attempt to place affected baristas into new stores, but Starbucks says, “For those we can’t immediately place, we’re focused on partner care including comprehensive severance packages. We also hope to welcome many of these partners back to Starbucks in the future as new coffeehouses open and the number of partners in each location grows.” CEO Brian Niccol has been at the helm for a year now, where he’s been unable to break a six-quarter streak of same-store sales declines. He’s promised a Back to Starbucks turnaround centered on better store design, operations, and customer experience. But as he faces the scrutiny of an impatient Wall Street, the former Chipotle chief appears to be reallocating spending to drive the company’s growth while offsetting overhead. Closures today; growth tomorrow A closer examination of the details around this restructuring spot a somewhat finer narrative than sheer cost-cutting—and Starbucks insists that Niccol’s aggressive growth plan, in which he’ll add to store count in 2026 and imagines reaching 100,000 stores globally one day, is still intact. Speaking just last week at the Fast Company Innovation Festival, he promised to add “hundreds of thousands” of seats back to Starbucks stores. The company will have actually closed hundreds of stores over the course of 2025, but it’s been opening enough new stores to offset the figure significantly for this final announced tally. In a public letter published to the Starbucks website on Thursday, Niccol argues that it’s the sort of fine tuning required to improve the brand. “Our goal is for every coffeehouse to deliver a warm and welcoming space with a great atmosphere and a seat for every occasion,” he wrote. “During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed.” When asked if store closures were disproportionately focused on union locations, Starbucks told Fast Company that union represented status was not a factor in the decision. In any case, the larger restructuring does support Niccol’s greater thesis—that in offering higher touchpoint service, it will continue to raise the bar of expectations from its stores and employees. As Niccol mentioned during Q3 earnings, “We plan to complete an evaluation of our North American portfolio by the end of this fiscal year to ensure we have the right coffeehouses in the right locations to drive profitability and deliver the Starbucks experience.” So now that this is done . . . can we finally get back to Starbucks? View the full article