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☆ 36% of Americans think real estate is the best long-term investment. Here's the easiest way to get started
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Some Americans believe that real estate is the best long-term investment. If you're among them, real estate investment trusts, or REITs, might be the easiest way to tap the market. About 36% of surveyed Americans ranked real estate as the top long-term investment, more than cited stocks or mutual funds (22%), gold (18%), and savings accounts or certificates of deposits (13%), according to a recent survey by Gallup, a global analytics and advisory firm. A REIT is a publicly traded company that invests in different types of income-producing residential or commercial real estate. In many cases, you can buy shares of publicly traded REITs like you would a stock, or shares of a REIT mutual fund or exchange-traded fund.

Persons: Stacy Francis, Francis Organizations: Gallup, Finance, Francis Financial, CNBC Financial Locations: New York City

☆ Sam Altman's high school English teacher hoped he wouldn't go into technology
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Sam Altman's high school teacher described him as a renaissance teen, a Bloomberg report said. But the teacher, Andy Abbott, hoped Altman would avoid a tech career. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Altman was "so creative," his high school English teacher, Andy Abbott, told Bloomberg in a piece published Thursday. Describing him as "truly exceptional," Abbot said he'd hoped Altman would end up as an author or "something like that."

Persons: Sam Altman's, Andy Abbott, Altman, —, Sam Altman, they'd, Abbot, he'd Organizations: Bloomberg, Service, Business

☆ U.S. Adds Tariffs to Shield Struggling Solar Industry
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Ana Swanson | Alan Rappeport | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Tariffs aimed at protecting America’s solar industry from foreign competition snapped back into place on Thursday, ending a two-year pause that President Biden approved as part of his effort to jump-start solar adoption in the U.S. The tariffs, which will apply to certain solar products made by Chinese companies in Southeast Asia, kicked in at a moment of growing global concern about a surge of cheap Chinese solar products that are undercutting U.S. and European manufacturers. The Biden administration has been trying to build up America’s solar industry by offering tax credits, and companies have announced more than 30 new U.S. manufacturing investments in the past year. But U.S. solar companies say they are still struggling to survive as competitors in China and Southeast Asia flood the global market with solar panels that are being sold at prices far below what American firms need to charge to stay in business. That has forced President Biden to make an uncomfortable choice: Continue welcoming inexpensive imports that are helping the United States transition away from fossil fuels, or block them to protect new U.S. solar factories that are benefiting from taxpayer money.

Persons: Biden Organizations: U.S Locations: Southeast Asia, U.S, China, United States

☆ Three big questions about Biden’s new border plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Catherine E. Shoichet | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —With an election looming, President Biden’s new executive action on the border aims to send a loud and clear message about his approach to immigration. The president’s proclamation, announced Tuesday, still allows for the normal flow of commerce and legal immigration across the border. But it bars migrants who cross the border illegally from seeking asylum once a daily threshold is met. Border authorities encountered around 3,500 migrants crossing the border unlawfully on Monday, according to a Homeland Security official, above the threshold needed for the executive action to take effect. And immigrant rights advocates warn that closing the border to asylum seekers will endanger vulnerable people and ultimately make the border less safe.

Persons: Biden’s, Biden, that’s, It’s, Joe Biden, Al Drago, we’ve, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, haven’t, “, Claudia Sheinbaum’s, she’s, she’ll, Lopez Obrador, they’d, Trump, CNN’s Rosa Flores, Priscilla Alvarez, Donald Judd, Ana Melgar, Karol Suarez Organizations: CNN, Homeland Security, Border, Congress, Bloomberg, Getty, Biden, Civil Liberties Union, ACLU Locations: Mexico, America, Caribbean

☆ Elon Musk may build a multibillion-dollar supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Elon Musk's xAI may build the world's largest supercomputer in Memphis, pending approval. The Musk-founded AI business is working with Memphis to make the Tennessee city the lead location of the world's largest supercomputer, referred to as the Gigafactory of Compute, according to a statement from the Greater Memphis Chamber on Wednesday. The multibillion-dollar supercomputer would reportedly be powered by Nvidia's H100 GPUs, some of the most sought-after chips that power AI. The project could create hundreds of jobs, according to a report from the Memphis Business Journal. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Elon Musk's, Musk, —, Elon Organizations: Service, xAI's, Greater, Greater Memphis Chamber, Memphis Business, Business Locations: Memphis, Tennessee, Greater Memphis

☆ Ex-OpenAI employee speaks out about why he was fired: 'I ruffled some feathers'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewA former OpenAI researcher opened up about how he "ruffled some feathers" by writing and sharing some documents related to safety at the company, and was eventually fired. Leopold Aschenbrenner, who graduated from Columbia University at 19, according to his LinkedIn, worked on OpenAI's superalignment team before he was reportedly "fired for leaking" in April. The AI researcher previously shared the memo with others at OpenAI, "who mostly said it was helpful," he added. Related storiesHR later gave him a warning about the memo, Aschenbrenner said, telling him that it was "racist" and "unconstructive" to worry about China Communist Party espionage. He said he wrote the document a couple of months after the superalignment team was announced, which referenced a four-year planning horizon.

Persons: —, Leopold Aschenbrenner, OpenAI's, podcaster Dwarkesh Patel, Aschenbrenner, OpenAI, Sam, Sam Altman Organizations: Service, Columbia University, Business, China Communist Party Locations: OpenAI

☆ Biden announces executive action on immigration
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Elise Hammond | Michelle Shen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

As the politics and legality of the Biden administration's new executive action to ban asylum seekers who cross the US-Mexico border illegally continue to play out, migrants are battling deadly, triple-digit heat as they attempt to cross into the US near El Paso, Texas. USBP warned that people crossing should consider the risks involved due to extreme heat and triple-digit temperatures. BP agents work tirelessly to save lives, but the safest option is not to attempt the crossing,” USBP said. “A heat advisory has been issued for portions of El Paso, Dona Ana, and Hudspeth counties for Wednesday and Thursday. !,” the NWS El Paso office said in a forecast message.

Persons: Tragically, ” USBP, USBP, Dona Ana, Taylor Ward Organizations: Biden, US Border Patrol, El Paso Sector, Facebook, National Weather Service, NWS El, CNN Locations: Mexico, El Paso , Texas, El Paso, NWS El Paso

☆ Investor home purchases jump for the first time in two years. Here's what that means for buyers
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

watch nowWhat an investor home purchase meansIn this context, investors are defined as any institution or business that purchases residential real estate, according to Redfin. Investor share refers to the portion of homes purchased by investors over a certain period, said Chen Zhao, senior economist at Redfin. Part of the recent increase in real estate investor activity is due to seasonality, as more homes are typically sold during the spring, Walsh said. Sales began to decline as mortgage rates climbed, as higher interest rates affect both typical homebuyers and investors, he said. What investor interest means for buyers and rentersIf you're a consumer buying on the market, you are competing against investors on top of other typical homebuyers, Zhao explained.

Persons: Chen Zhao, Zhao, Matthew Walsh, there's, aren't, Moody's, Redfin's Zhao, Walsh, Sales Organizations: Investor, Parcl Labs, Moody's, Investors, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Emails show Elon Musk diverted a $500 million shipment of Nvidia chips intended for Tesla to X instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Elon Musk redirected $500 million in AI processors from Tesla to X, CNBC reported. AdvertisementElon Musk diverted $500 million worth of AI processors meant for the carmaker, according to correspondence from Nvidia employees obtained by CNBC. Instead, he sent them to his social media platform X, the report, which was published Tuesday, said. "Elon prioritizing X H100 GPU cluster deployment at X versus Tesla by redirecting 12k of shipped H100 GPUs originally slated for Tesla to X instead," an Nvidia memo from December said, according to the report. "In exchange, original X orders of 12k H100 slated for Jan and June to be redirected to Tesla."

Persons: Elon, —, Tesla Organizations: CNBC, Service, Nvidia, Tesla, Business

Just ask content creator Megan Boni, who posted a clip from her account @girl_on_couch on April 30 hashing out a new song. The lyrics are simply: "I'm looking for a man in finance, trust fund, 6'5", blue eyes…" Her 20-second video has more than 38 million views and counting. According to "Fair Play" author Eve Rodsky, "You can joke about things if they don't feel serious to you, but it's sort of like joking about reproductive rights." "It comes back to not understanding our history," Rodsky said. "There are a lot of single women who are looking but not finding what they want," Lewis added.

Persons: Megan Boni, Boni, Eve Rodsky, Rodsky, ’ Taylor, TikTok, We've, Casey Lewis, Lewis Organizations: bros, CNBC, Finance

☆ Why you should be excited about getting an AI clone, according to Zoom's CEO
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Zoom CEO Eric Yuan wants to leverage AI for "digital twins" that can attend meetings. Yuan said AI avatars can eventually handle everyday tasks, shortening workweeks to three or four days. The CEO predicted the tech will cut down on 90% of work, but won't replace in-person interactions. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementZoom's CEO Eric Yuan is ready for a world where your AI clone handles your busy work — and he painted a picture of a life that sounds pretty relaxing.

Persons: Eric Yuan, Yuan, — Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Ippei Mizuhara pleads guilty to fraud; MLB clears Shohei Ohtani after probe
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Alex Andrejev | Dennis Lin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementShortly after Mizuhara entered his plea Tuesday, MLB said it cleared Ohtani and closed its investigation into the matter. Ohtani accused Mizuhara of “massive theft,” alleging that Mizuhara had taken the money without his knowledge. Mizuhara had worked for Ohtani since the player’s arrival in the United States in 2018, when Ohtani hired Mizuhara as his de facto manager and interpreter, according to court documents. The investigation unearthed no evidence that Ohtani teamed with Mizuhara to place bets, nor that Mizuhara had placed any bets on baseball, prosecutors said. Mizuhara pleaded not guilty to bank and tax fraud charges on May 14, a formality ahead of the plea deal negotiated with federal prosecutors, Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael Freedman, said.

Persons: — Ippei, Shohei, Mizuhara, ”, “, Mathew Bowyer, Ohtani, Martin Estrada, Michael Freedman, Frederic J . Brown Organizations: SANTA ANA, Calif, MLB, Los Angeles Dodgers, DOJ, Dodgers, Ohtani, Nippon, Ham Fighters, NPB Locations: SANTA, Japan, U.S, Ohtani, United States

☆ Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter pleads guilty to gambling-related theft charges
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( David K. Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani, leaves federal court in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 14, 2024. The former translator for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani pleaded guilty on Tuesday to federal charges stemming from his multi-million-dollar thefts from the baseball icon. But federal prosecutors have made it clear that they purely view Ohtani as a victim of Mizuhara, who took advantage of the trust the player had in him. His first six seasons in North America were spent with the nearby Los Angeles Angels. The two-way star Ohtani is still recovering from an elbow injury that's keeping him off the mound in 2024 and limiting his action to the batter's box.

Persons: Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei, Shohei Ohtani, John Holcomb, Mizuhara, Ohtani, Babe Ruth, — Linda Takahashi Organizations: Los Angeles Dodgers, U.S, MLB, Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Santa Ana, North America

☆ Why this AI researcher thinks there's a 99.9% chance AI wipes us out
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

For example, a recent study conducted with 2,700 AI researchers indicated there's only a 5% chance that AI will lead to human extinction. The AI researcher teaches computer science at the University of Louisville and just came out with a book called "AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable." Yampolskiy said he finds that unlikely since no AI model has been completely safe from people attempting to get the AI to do something it wasn't designed to do. AdvertisementGoogle AI Overviews, based on Google's Gemini AI model, is the latest product rollout that didn't stick the landing. The CEO of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, Sam Altman, has suggested a "regulatory sandbox" where people experiment with AI and regulate it based on what "went really wrong" and what went "really right."

Persons: —, Lex Fridman, Fridman, Roman Yampolskiy, Yampolskiy, they've, Biden, Sam Altman, Altman, there'll, ChatGPT, Elon Musk, Eric Schmidt, Schmidt Organizations: Service, Business, University of Louisville, Google Locations: Africa

☆ Google leak reveals a list of past privacy mishaps, from recording children's voices to exposing user addresses in Waze, according to new report
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewA leaked copy of an internal Google database revealed thousands of privacy-related incidents from 2013 to 2018, according to a report from 404 Media published Monday. The leaked information, sent to 404 Media by an anonymous tipster, reveals flagged instances where Google's privacy guardrails may have failed. Another situation involved Google's Street View saving license plates due to an algorithm that detected text in images, according to the 404 Media report citing the leaked information. Few of the documented incidents were publicly reported, according to 404 Media. Google told Business Insider it implemented hundreds of new and additional protections over the last six years to ensure user security and privacy.

Persons: —, they're Organizations: Service, Media, Business, Google

☆ Most AI researchers say the chance it will wipe out humanity is pretty low. But this AI researcher pegs it at 99.9%
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

☆ Athletic Brewing CEO explains why he feels the term 'sober' is outdated
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Related storiesThe term "sober" is defined as abstaining from drinking or drugs, according to Merriam-Webster, but there are several variations in the way it's used today. AdvertisementOthers more recently use the term "sober curious" to refer to an exploratory period where they cut down or abstain from drinking alcohol. By 2021, beverage analysts told Business Insider that they expected the non-alcoholic beverage market to expand, and it has. The ongoing trend is about being more mindful and moderating drinking more than anything else, an Athletic Brewing Company spokesperson told Business Insider.

Persons: —, Shufelt, hasn't, Logan Bartlett, Webster, Bartlett, Gen Organizations: Service, Athletic Brewing, Business, Merriam, Cali, Athletic Brewing Company, University of Michigan

☆ I tracked all the ads I received in a day — here's what I saw
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

When my editor asked me to track all the ads I saw in a day, I wasn't sure how it would go. To personalize Google ads, for example, you can go to "My Ad Center" and opt to turn personalized ads on or off in the top-right corner. If you turn them on, Google will use the information it collects about you to give you more personalized ads. I decided to keep personalized ads off for Google because that's how I usually have it. I also found some of the TikTok ads interesting or helpful.

Persons: —, Elon Musk's X, Instagram, I'm, Ana Altchek, I've Organizations: Service, Business, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Urban Outfitters, Netflix, Amazon, Spotify

☆ Hurricane season will bring 4 to 7 major storms, NOAA predicts. How to prevent catastrophic damage to your home
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

With scientists predicting yet another active year for storms, making your home hurricane resistant has become a more valuable precaution. "Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail," he said. A separate forecast from hurricane researchers at Colorado State University predicts an "extremely active" hurricane season in 2024 due to record-warm tropical and eastern subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures. If installing new hurricane windows isn't in the budget, shutters are lower-cost options to protect windows and other openings, said Chapman-Henderson. Talk to your insurer about possible discounts Strengthening your home against disasters may help lower your insurance cost.

Persons: Irma, Warren Faidley, Alicia Silverstone, Erik A, Hooks, Phil Klotzbach, Klotzbach, Jeff Ostrowski, Leslie Chapman, Henderson, Jennifer Languell, Chapman, Kin, Melissa Cohn, William Raveis, Bankrate's Ostrowski, Ostrowski, Loretta Worters, Worters, Languell Organizations: Getty, Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, Finance, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hurricanes, Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric, Fluid Dynamics, Climate, Energy Solutions, Swiss, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Federal Alliance, Safe, Safe Homes, Department of Energy, Trifecta, William Raveis Mortgage, Insurance, Institute, Homeowners Locations: Miami , Florida, U.S, windstorms, Florida, In Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, dsireusa.org

☆ Cybertruck owner says he's stuck with a vehicle that's too big for his parking spot, and Tesla won't let him return or resell it
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Last week, he posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he wants to return it, but Tesla isn't willing to buy it back or let him resell it. Tesla has refused my request to sell my recently purchased Cybertruck. The manager cited the Motor Vehicle Order Agreement with Tesla's "no resellers" policy for the Cybertruck. The manager at Tesla's Salt Lake City dealership did not respond to BI's request for comment ahead of publication. Raddon told BI that he's a rule-follower and he doesn't plan to go against Tesla's verdict on the matter or hire a lawyer to dispute the decision.

Persons: —, Blaine Raddon, Raddon, Tesla, — Blaine Raddon, Blaine Raddon Raddon, Tesla's, he's Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Bali —, Salt Lake City, Tesla's Salt Lake City

☆ Catastrophic Floods in Brazil Set Off Another Crisis: Homeless Pets
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Ana Ionova | Jorge C. Carrasco | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When the two puppies arrived at a makeshift shelter in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, their rail-thin legs buckled from exhaustion. They had treaded water for hours, fighting to survive as floods submerged the city, turning streets into rivers. “We tried to get them to walk, but they couldn’t,” said Dr. Daniel Guimarães Gerardi, a veterinarian volunteering at the shelter. When awake, they wobbled around the shelter on unsteady legs, tails wagging and ears pinned back tightly. “We hope that, if they have caregivers, they will be found,” Dr. Guimarães said.

Persons: ”, Daniel Guimarães Gerardi, Guimarães Locations: Porto Alegre

☆ OpenAI board members brush off warning from ex-directors and defend Sam Altman as 'highly forthcoming'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThis has been the week of dueling op-eds from former and current OpenAI board members. Current OpenAI board members Bret Taylor and Larry Summers issued a response to AI safety concerns on Thursday, stating that "the board is taking commensurate steps to ensure safety and security." In the last six months, the two current board members said they had found Altman "highly forthcoming on all relevant issues and consistently collegial with his management team." She also said that the old OpenAI board found out about ChatGPT's release on Twitter. OpenAI dissolved the superalignment safety team before later announcing the formation of a new safety committee.

Persons: —, Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, Helen Toner, Tasha McCauley, Sam Altman, Taylor, Summers, Altman, OpenAI, WilmerHale, Toner, Openai, he's, Jan Leike, Ilya Sutskever, Gretchen Krueger, Leike, Krueger Organizations: Service, Business, Twitter, World, Summit

☆ Congestion Pricing’s Latest Challenger: New York City Truckers
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Stefanos Chen | Ana Ley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

With a month left before drivers start being charged to enter Midtown and downtown Manhattan under New York City’s congestion pricing plan, a new group of challengers is joining a crowded field of critics: truckers. “It’s simply the way that trucks are being targeted.” The suit was filed in federal court in Manhattan. The congestion pricing plan, scheduled to start June 30, will charge fees to most vehicles entering Manhattan on or below 60th Street. Passenger vehicles entering the zone will be charged up to $15 once a day, with some exceptions. Commercial trucks will be charged $24 or $36 per entry, depending on the size of the vehicle and the time of day.

Persons: “, Kendra Hems, “ It’s Organizations: Trucking Association of New Locations: Midtown, Manhattan, New York, Trucking Association of New York

☆ 5 fast-acting anti-aging skincare products celebrities use to look young
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Julia Pugachevsky | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Cynthia Franco is an esthetician with celebrity clients like Barry Keoghan and Queen Latifah. She said having an effective skincare routine is more important than getting in-office treatments. She shared her favorite anti-aging products, from a vitamin C serum to a retinol alternative. Cynthia Franco is one of them: an LA-based esthetician who specializes in anti-aging skincare, Franco has worked with clients like Barry Keoghan, Queen Latifah, Ana de Armas, and Cara Delevingne. But while her clients see her for in-office procedures and facials, Franco said the most effective anti-aging skincare comes from following a consistent routine at home.

Persons: Cynthia Franco, Barry Keoghan, Queen Latifah, —, skincare, Franco, Ana de Armas, Cara Delevingne Organizations: Service

☆ 37% of Americans paid a late fee in the last 12 months, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

If you paid late once and there's a high chance you will pay late again in the near future because of a financial issue, let the lender know, said Schulz. "It's one thing to go to the lender every other month and say, 'Hey, I was late with this, can you waive that?' If you made a one-time mistake, you can reach out to your lender and ask to have that late payment scrubbed from your credit report, experts say. "Your credit report is just a collection of a bunch of data points representing how good you are paying debts back," Schulz said. If lenders begin to "cherry pick" what goes on in the report, the data becomes unreliable, and it doesn't help lenders make decisions.

Persons: it's, Greg McBride, Schulz, McBride, " Schulz

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