DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Daylight-saving time is literally killing us — it's time to end this switch
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Hilary Brueck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Phones and other devices will automatically tick forward one hour, and we'll lose an hour of sleep. But every year on the Monday after the switch, hospitals report a 24% spike in heart-attack visits around the US. "That's how fragile and susceptible your body is to even just one hour of lost sleep," sleep expert Matthew Walker, author of "How We Sleep," previously told Insider. iStock; InsiderThe reason that springing the clocks forward can kill us comes down to interrupted sleep schedules. Walker said daylight-saving time, or DST, is a kind of "global experiment" we perform twice a year.

☆ An Arizona homeowner who made $12,000 a month renting out her house reveals why she quit Airbnb and relies on Vrbo instead
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

An Arizona homeowner who listed her home on Airbnb for three years is leaving the platform. The Arizona homeowner joins other short-term-rental owners and managers who have expressed dissatisfaction with Airbnb as a booking platform. The Arizona homeowner said the specter of a slowdown also played a part in her decision to leave the platform. The Arizona homeowner said she believes seven days' notice is too little to adequately re-book the property. It puts a lot of pressure on hosts, the Arizona homeowner said.

☆ Former HR exec: I left my job making $165k per year to earn $15 an hour as a gardener. Here are the three reasons why.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Jantsch, 30, is a "Former Head of People turned gardener," according to her LinkedIn profile. She told followers she previously made $165,000 per year in HR, but now makes $15 per hour at a plant nursery. She listed three key reasons for the switch and invited followers along via Instagram on her journey to become a gardener in Boise, Idaho. And, Jantsch justifies her $15 per hour pay at the nursery as an investment to learn from the best in the field. "I've been feeling so restless and unsure with my tech career, and your journey is really motivating to see," one commenter wrote.

☆ I make up to $9,500 a month renting out my home while my family lives in a trailer in the driveway. Here's how I set up my Airbnb and VRBO business.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Perri Ormont Blumberg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Alexi McKinley rents out her home and lives in a trailer in her driveway for a few weeks every month. Her family makes up to $9,500 a month from vacation-rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Now we spend around two weeks every month living in our trailer so we can rent out our house on Airbnb and VRBO. We just pack what we want depending on how long the Airbnb guests are staying. The living space in the trailer.

☆ Idaho lawmakers are seriously considering absorbing Oregon's conservative rural counties if they can secede from the blue state
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The Greater Idaho movement seeks to redraw state boundaries so rural Oregon can join Idaho. Moving the state boundary would require the approval of Oregon, Idaho, and the US Congress. Matt McCaw, a spokeperson for the group behind the Greater Idaho movement, told Insider they were confident the bill would pass Idaho's Senate in the coming weeks as well. McCaw said the Greater Idaho proposal would be a solution to the "longstanding problem" of the urban-rural divide. Proponents of Greater Idaho have said their plan is a way to avoid conflict, but it's unclear the impact moving the border would actually have.

☆ Abortion could be a general election trap as Republicans battle for the GOP presidential nomination, with polling for the party's position in the basement
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Anti-abortion views could be a major boost in the nomination fightMajorities of most religious groups favor abortions being legal in most or all cases. Only four major religious groups had a majority of followers that did not favor abortion legality. Politico reported that Trump's team thinks it has a way to emphasize Trump's role in the historic decision without getting bogged down by unpopular abortion views. PRRI's polling found that 66% of Ohioans, 64% of Floridians, and 54% of Nebraskans favor making abortion legal in most or all cases. The nation has slowly moved toward supporting making abortion legal in some or most cases.

☆ Here are the US cities where home prices are actually falling
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

San Jose, California, was the most expensive place to purchase a home in the United States in the fourth quarter. Prices for San Francisco homes are already down 21% in the fourth quarter from the peak median price of $1,550,000 in the second quarter. Among the most expensive cities that saw prices falling are Anaheim, California, with the median price of $1,132,000, down 1.6% from a year ago; Los Angeles, with the median price of $829,100, down 1.3%; and Boulder, Colorado, with the median price of $759,500, down 2.0%. Other places with falling prices saw the big price increases during the frenzied home buying market of the past few years. Instead, prices for single-family homes climbed in nearly 90% of metro areas tracked by NAR in the fourth quarter: 166 markets out of 186 saw prices still going up.

☆ American Crouser breaks shot put world record
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Feb 18 (Reuters) - Double Olympic champion Ryan Crouser broke his own shot put world record when he threw for 23.38 metres while competing during an indoor event in Pocatello, Idaho, on Saturday, according to World Athletics. The 30-year-old American's effort in the first round of competition at the Simplot Games beat both the outdoor record of 23.37m he set in 2021 at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene and the indoor mark of 22.82m he achieved earlier that year. The reigning world champion has now surpassed the 23m mark in seven competitions during his career, a barrier that only three other athletes have ever bettered, according to a report on the World Athletics website. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Sam Altman is tech’s next household name — if we survive the killer robots
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( David Ingram | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, walks from lunch during the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 6, 2022, in Sun Valley, Idaho. Sam Altman may be tech's next household name, but many Americans probably haven't heard of him. To anyone outside San Francisco, Altman would probably seem like just another young tech CEO. That worldview flared up into controversy in 2017 when Altman wrote a blog post criticizing political correctness, saying tech entrepreneurs were leaving San Francisco over it. "I realized I felt more comfortable discussing controversial ideas in Beijing than in San Francisco," he wrote.

☆ Retailers Hope to Bargain for Lower Ocean-Freight Rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Paul Berger | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

Richard Galanti, chief financial officer of Costco Wholesale Corp. , said lower freight rates should lead to price cuts at the members-only retailer, which imports more than 200,000 containers a year from Asia. An International Monetary Fund study found that when ocean-freight rates double it causes inflation to rise by 0.7 percentage point. Jonathan Ostry, a Georgetown University professor and a co-author of the study, said cutting shipping rates in half should reduce inflation by the same amount. In the ocean-shipping spot market, where importers book containers without a contract, rates have dropped to $1,000 on some trans-Pacific routes. But they say lower ocean shipping expenses will help in steadying prices.

☆ IRS says many 2022 special state payments are not subject to federal tax
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —The Internal Revenue Service has good news for millions of taxpayers in 17 states who received a one-time special state payment last year to offset inflation and other negative economic impacts: Those payments won’t be subject to federal income tax. Prior to the conclusion of its review of state special payments, the agency had suggested recipients hold off on filing their 2022 returns until it made its determination. The IRS decision regarding the federal taxability of special state payments for residents of other states is a little more nuanced. On your 2021 federal tax return, you either claimed the standard deduction, or you itemized. So the amounts that potentially are subject to federal income tax may not be large.

☆ Do you owe federal taxes on relief checks? Not if you live in these 16 states
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

You probably don't need to pay federal taxes if you received state-issued inflation or tax surplus rebates this year, the Internal Revenue Service has concluded. On Friday, the IRS provided guidance that confirms most filers won't have to pay federal taxes, although there are some exceptions. For five other states it's a bit more nuanced — but again, the majority of filers in these states likely won't need to pay federal taxes on their rebates. In Alaska, tax filers won't pay federal taxes on 2022's extra energy-relief payment. If a filer's SALT deduction is larger than it would normally be because of a state's rebate, federal taxes would have to be paid on the difference created by the state's rebate.

☆ Here’s when you should expect to receive your tax refund in 2023, according to the IRS
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( Jasmin Suknanan | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

While we have yet to see how the average refund size Americans receive in 2023 will compare to last year's refunds, here's what you need to know about how long you might have to wait for your refund check. Jan. 23, 2023 marked the beginning of tax season as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting and processing 2022 tax returns. Last year, Americans received an average refund of $3,253 for their 2021 tax returns, NBC News reported. This year, though, the IRS is urging caution to any taxpayer who received from their state last year any special inflation-related tax relief or payments. You also have the option to receive live assistance or have a tax professional file your taxes on your behalf, which can decrease the likelihood of a mistake delaying your refund.

☆ A veteran real-estate investor who owns over 1,250 units across the country explains why 'more millionaires are made in downturns' like the upcoming housing correction — and shares 4 strategies invest
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( Lisa Kailai Han | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Veteran real estate investor Dave Allred has ownership in over 1,250 units across the country. Allred believes the upcoming housing downturn will provide significant opportunities for investors. Today, the 42-year-old Allred has built a real estate empire that spans several states, including Utah, where he currently resides with his family. Besides migratory patterns, Allred also believes that the political landscape of a state can particularly affect a real estate investor's success. According to Allred, investors also shouldn't let trepidation weigh them down this year.

☆ The inside story of how Microsoft caught up with Google on AI, and the unlikely executive who made it happen
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Ashley Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

With OpenAI technology, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is challenging Google's online search monopoly. "Who'd have thought, even just a few months ago, that Google would be on their back foot," said Soma Somasegar, a former Microsoft executive. Google was also busy incorporating machine-learning and other AI technology into popular products such as Google Photos, Google Translate, and its search engine. Microsoft's new Bing search engine uses a newer version of GPT-3 to answer complex questions. Microsoft's positive feedback loopThe OpenAI deal laid the foundation for Microsoft to catch Google in the AI race.

☆ IRS: Residents of more than a dozen states do not need to report 'special payments' for welfare, disaster relief on their federal return
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS on Friday issued federal tax guidance for millions of Americans who received state rebates or payments in 2022. The announcement came about a week after the agency had urged those taxpayers to hold off on filing while it determined if the funds are taxable on federal returns. "The IRS has determined that in the interest of sound tax administration and other factors, taxpayers in many states will not need to report these payments on their 2022 tax returns," the agency said in a statement. The agency said taxpayers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island won't need to report these payments on their federal tax returns. Taxpayers in Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Virginia may also skip federal tax reporting for some payments.

☆ PayPal CEO Dan Schulman to leave at end of 2023, company begins search for successor
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Jonathan Vanian | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Dan Schulman, CEO of Paypal, attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, July 10, 2019. PayPal said on Thursday that CEO and president Dan Schulman will retire and leave the company at the end 2023. Schulman, who became PayPal CEO after the split from eBay in 2015, notified the company of his decision to retire at the end of December. He will remain a member of PayPal's board of directors, which is hiring a search firm to find a successor. PayPal shares jumped by about 130% since the 2015 spinoff.

☆ Why the IRS says to hold off filing your tax return if you received a relief check in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The agency is clarifying whether these special state tax rebates should be taxed federally, an IRS spokesperson tells CNBC Make It. The IRS recommends that tax filers who qualified for relief checks wait until "additional guidance is available or consult with a reputable tax professional." The IRS also recommended that those who have already filed a 2022 tax return not file an amendment. Each state relief program is run differently, too, which adds to the confusion. However, the site also says that the "department cannot comment on any federal tax consequences of the rebates and relief payments."

☆ 10 smart real-estate investing strategies to follow now as nationwide home prices begin falling, according to a housing industry guru and investor
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Lisa Kailai Han | William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

BiggerPockets' Dave Meyer predicts a year ripe with uncertainty for the real estate sector. Real estate investor and expert Dave Meyer has good news: national home prices are due for a decline in 2023. But alongside the coming correction, Meyer warned investors that the real estate sector will also include its fair share of obstacles and volatility this year. What's more, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to real estate investing, since housing markets are highly diverged between regions. Homebuyers need to stay calmIn addition to those three pieces of advice, Meyer shared seven more real estate investing strategies to consider this year in his 2023 real estate market outlook report.

One of the really interesting questions here – this will be fascinating – the core of linear TV is sports rights. When you look at the size and scope of the linear TV business, it's huge. Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty ImagesByron Allen, Entertainment Studios founder and CEO: I think linear TV will exist for a very, very long time. Simmons: I believe Apple, out of nowhere, will start making their own awesome televisions that have Apple TV embedded in them. We are witnessing early stages of this dynamic with deals like "NFL Sunday Ticket" on YouTube and the MLS deal with Apple TV.

☆ IRS suggests waiting to file your taxes if you got a special payment from your state in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Millions of taxpayers in other states got different types of special payments from their state governments as well — such as income or property tax rebates. In the meantime, the agency advises filers who received special state payments to hold off on filing their returns until guidance is issued. “The best course of action is to wait for additional clarification on state payments rather than calling the IRS,” the agency said. Keep in mind, each state issued special payments for different reasons (e.g., inflation relief, surplus revenue rebates, disaster relief, etc.). So the amounts that potentially are subject to federal income tax may not be large,

☆ Activision Blizzard pays SEC $35 million to settle probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Rohan Goswami | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, attends the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 8, 2022, in Sun Valley, Idaho. "Mr. Kotick would not have been informed of every report of misconduct at every Activision Blizzard company, nor would he reasonably be expected to have been updated on all personnel issues," an Activision Blizzard spokesperson said at the time. The SEC filing claimed Activision Blizzard required "a significant number" of departing employees who signed separation agreements to tell Activision Blizzard if regulators tried to contact them, or even if those employees wished to make a complaint of their own. "As the order recognizes, we have enhanced our disclosure processes with regard to workplace reporting and updated our separation contract language," an Activision Blizzard spokesperson said on Friday. 2022 for $18 million over related claims of retaliation in connection with sexual harassment claims.

☆ Amazon Cited by Labor Department for Hazards at Three Additional Warehouses
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Sebastian Herrera | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Amazon distribution facility in Aurora, Colo., was among the workplaces cited for safety violations. Federal labor authorities have cited Amazon.com Inc. for safety violations at three of its warehouses, adding to previous citations the company has faced in a broad review of its workplace practices. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday it issued citations to Amazon following inspections at facilities in Aurora, Colo., Nampa, Idaho, and Castleton, N.Y. The citations follow three recent citations by the department at different Amazon sites in Florida, Illinois and New York for similar safety issues.

☆ Amazon cited by Labor Department for second time in a month over warehouse injuries
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Annie Palmer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Federal safety inspectors on Wednesday issued citations against Amazon at three of its warehouses for putting workers at risk of serious injury, the second such penalty in a month. The move comes after OSHA last month cited Amazon for failing to keep workers safe at three other facilities. "Amazon's operating methods are creating hazardous work conditions and processes, leading to serious worker injuries," said Doug Parker, assistant secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, in a statement. Amazon also faces a separate investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office's civil division that centers around worker safety hazards at the e-retailer's facilities nationwide. As part of the probe, investigators are also looking into whether Amazon has accurately reported worker injuries and if it misrepresented those injuries to lenders to obtain credit.

☆ ChatGPT maker OpenAI comes up with a way to check if text was written by a human
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Jordan Novet | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, walks from lunch during the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 6, 2022, in Sun Valley, Idaho. Artificial intelligence research startup OpenAI on Tuesday introduced a tool that's designed to figure out if text is human-generated or written by a computer. The release comes two months after OpenAI captured the public's attention when it introduced ChatGPT, a chatbot that generates text that might seem to have been written by a person in response to a person's prompt. "In our evaluations on a 'challenge set' of English texts, our classifier correctly identifies 26% of AI-written text (true positives) as 'likely AI-written,' while incorrectly labeling human-written text as AI-written 9% of the time (false positives)," the OpenAI employees wrote. The new version is more prepared to handle text from recent AI systems, the employees wrote.

Search resuls for: ", Idaho"

25 mentions found