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☆ Mark Cuban: Don't quit your job to start a business without doing this No. 1 thing first
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Tom Huddleston Jr. | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Quitting your job to start a business can be both tempting and extremely risky. Make sure you have a safety net before taking the leap, says billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. Don't just leave [your job] unless you know what the hell you're doing," Cuban told Wired last month in a video Q&A. "We hear all of these stories about all of these people who quit their jobs, started a company and made all of this money," Cuban said. "What you don't hear are the stories of the people who quit their jobs, started a company and failed miserably, and are now working at a job they hate."

Persons: Mark Cuban, — Organizations: Wired, Samsung, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: America

☆ Hamas battles Israeli forces in north Gaza, amid hopes of hostage deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A view of debris of destroyed buildings after Israeli army's airstrike at Nuseirat Refugee Camp as Israel's attacks continue on its 42nd day in Gaza Strip on November 17, 2023. Hamas gunmen battled Israeli forces trying to push into Gaza's largest refugee camp on Sunday and at least 11 Palestinians were killed by an Israeli air strike on a house, medics said, as hopes rose of a deal to free some hostages from the enclave. Reuters reported on Nov. 15 that Qatari mediators had been seeking a deal between Israel and Hamas to exchange 50 hostages in return for a three-day ceasefire, citing an official briefed on the talks. At the time, the official said general outlines had been agreed but Israel was still negotiating details. The civilian death toll in Gaza was "staggering and unacceptable," U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday, again appealing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, United States Michael Herzog, Israel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, General Antonio Guterres Organizations: The Washington Post, Post, Israeli, Reuters, Sunday, Qatari, Hamas, Israel Locations: Gaza, The, Israel, United States, Doha, States

☆ Here’s how AI can — and can’t — help you look for a job
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Job seekers using free AI programs like ChatGPT are asking the programs to tailor their resumes to a specific employer and job description, write cover letters, create writing samples and provide answers on job applications, according to Gartner, a research and consulting firm. Job candidates also can use it to help prepare for interview questions, should they get to that stage. “Use AI as a tool, but don’t use it as your only tool. “AI may not be as good in highlighting transferrable skills or telling the narrative of why you want to change careers. The best and most common way people find their next job is through their network,” Haller said.

Persons: ”, Darci Smith, David Timis, ” Smith, Smith, Jamie Kohn, ” Kohn, you’re, You’re, Stacie Haller, Haller, “, Kohn, It’s, ” Haller Organizations: New, New York CNN, Gartner, CNN, Roklyn Consulting, Google Locations: New York, Timis

The request for documents and communications was made Thursday by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, now controlled by DeSantis appointees. The district wants all Disney communications about DeSantis, as well as communications dealing with laws passed by the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature that switched control of the district from Disney supporters to the governors’ appointees and nullified deals the company made with the Disney-controlled district before the state takeover. Before control of the district changed hands from Disney allies to DeSantis appointees, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney shifting control over design and construction at Disney World to the company. The new DeSantis appointees claimed the “eleventh-hour deals” neutered their powers, and the district sued the company in state court to have the contracts voided. Political Cartoons View All 1253 ImagesDisney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable.

Persons: Ron DeSantis ’, “, ”, DeSantis, Mike Schneider Organizations: —, — Florida Gov, Disney, Walt Disney World, Central, Republican, Florida Legislature, The Central, Improvement Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, — Florida, Central Florida, Florida, The Central Florida, Tallahassee

☆ Opinion | Israelis Were Shattered on Oct. 7. Can They Recover?
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Bret Stephens | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

Israelis spent 18 years watching Hamas turn to its military advantage every Israeli concession — including free electricity, cash transfers of Qatari funds, work permits for Gazans, thousands of truckloads of humanitarian goods. But while Israelis are still processing the horror from the south, the threat of war looms on every side. Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, has even suggested effectively banning the Palestinian olive harvest, ostensibly for security reasons. In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with whom Israel had been engaged in a careful rapprochement, has reverted to Islamist form. To many Israelis, there’s a distinct echo of what happened at German universities beginning about a century ago.

Persons: Will, won’t, Camp Iftach, Bezalel Smotrich, Vladimir Putin, Netanyahu, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Israel, ”, It’s, ” Einat Wilf Organizations: West Bank, Palestinian Authority, Super, Harvard, Labor Party Locations: Israel, Gaza, Metula, Lebanon, Jenin, Nablus, Iran, China, Turkey, ”, West, Berlin, Sydney, Australia

If you're investing your first $1,000 for maximum growth, try putting your cash in a Roth IRA. Financial planners also recommend choosing index funds or dividend growth stocks. Here's some advice from financial advisors on the four best ways to invest your first $1,000. Go with dividend growth stocksKeep an eye out for dividend growth stocks, which are stocks that are paying dividends and have been growing those dividends for a significant number of years in the past. According to Jonathan P. Bednar, II, a financial planner, dividend growth stocks are a smart way to make money now or use those dividends to reinvest.

Persons: —, I'm, Kenny Senour, Senour, Roth, Read, Jonathan P, Tony Grenier, Grenier Organizations: IRA, Financial, Service, Invest

Featured Investing App Robinhood Investing Start investing On Robinhood's website Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Account Minimum $0 ($1 for fractional shares; $2,000 for margin trading Fees 0% ($5/month for Robinhood Gold) Pros Check mark icon A check mark. Goal-based planning, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving, and socially responsible investing availableCheck mark icon A check mark. Streetbeat offers a list of stock picks based on investment data it has analyzedCheck mark icon A check mark. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees) Pros Check mark icon A check mark.

Persons: It's, Apex Crypto, It’s, Tessa Campbell, Read Organizations: Forbes, Robinhood, CFP, Invest, Trade, Ideas, Finance, New, Apex, M1 Finance

You shouldn't expect high-yield savings account interest rates to drop anytime soon. High-yield savings accounts are a great choiceDespite the fact that APYs will likely fall eventually, high-yield savings accounts can still be a really good place to put your money. "By its nature a high-yield savings account will still provide more interest than an ordinary savings account at a major bank," Herzog says. In fact, now may be the time to take advantage and put funds into a high-yield savings account if you haven't already. "If we see more talk of interest rates slowly declining, I think there will be more interest in longer-term securities or options to lock in those interest rates," Valega says.

Persons: —, you'll, we're, Andrew Herzog, Herzog, Catherine Valega, It's, Valega, it's Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Fed, Green Bee

☆ Undercover founder Jun Takahashi apologizes to PETA for using live butterflies in ‘terrarium’ dresses
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Manav Tanneeru | Christy Choi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Following criticism from animal rights group PETA for using live butterflies in dresses, the founder of Japanese brand Undercover has apologized and promised to never feature living animals in his designs. “I regret that I trapped butterflies that could fly freely in the sky,” said Jun Takahashi in a letter to PETA, which he shared with CNN on Tuesday. Undercover’s “terrarium” dresses, which contained flowers and live butterflies, were a moment of ethereal beauty during the label’s Spring-Summer 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week in September, but the gowns sparked concern among animal rights activists over the insects’ welfare. The otherworldly "terrarium" dresses, filled with flowers and butterflies, were part of the finale at Undercover's runway show in September. The animal rights organization also has campaigns targeting what it calls “systemic cruelty” in the leather, mohair, wool, cashmere, down and fur trades.

Persons: ”, Jun Takahashi, Undercover’s, Takahashi, “, Victor VIRGILE, didn’t, Barneys Organizations: CNN, PETA, Paris Fashion, American Butterfly Association Locations: ”, York

☆ Why 3 ex-Discord staffers are building a new app aimed at IRL experiences for couples and friends
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Sydney Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"During the pandemic, I realized how I was taking IRL experiences for granted and working remotely, spending less time with friends, I just felt extremely isolated," Loar said. "It was really centered around helping you and your friends make IRL plans to build stronger relationships." Now, Whatever's team is pivoting its focus to couples and how best to use technology to help couples plan dates and spend meaningful time together. "Couples will be able to bookmark plans from the discovery feed and turn them directly into date plans," Loar added. Whatever is focusing on helping couples plan dates.

Persons: Mallory, Loar, Vivek Murthy, Kevin Wilson, Zack Zapasnik, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Matthew Prince, it's Organizations: Twitch, Facebook

☆ The US Army needs tanks to win a war in the Pacific, but it knows the Abrams isn't the right tank for the job
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But it also knows that rivals are building weapons that are potent against the aging Abrams tank. The Army's main battle tank, the M1 Abrams, now faces two main problems. End of the Abrams eraA US Abrams tank that Iraqi officials said was destroyed in fighting south of Baghdad in April 2003. Threats to the Abrams tank's battlefield dominance, according to the Army Science Board. The Army Science BoardThe Army Science Board assessed various alternatives.

Persons: Abrams, —, China —, Eddie McCrossan, M1A1 Abrams, Scott Nelson, Charles Flynn, Bradley, KARIM SAHIB, Michael Peck Organizations: US Army, Service, Army, Pacific, Rivals, M1 Abrams, Army Science Board, ., Logistics, US Defense Department, Eddie McCrossan Tanks, Nazi, US Army Pacific, Board, for Army, sustainment, China, Abrams, Getty, The Army, Booker, Defense, Foreign Policy, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Europe, Asia, Russia, China, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Britain, America, Russo, Ukraine, East Asia, Japan, Malay, Korean, Vietnam, Kuwaiti, Fulda, East, West Germany, Baghdad, AFP, Pacific, Forbes

☆ Austin is abolishing parking requirements to bring down runaway home prices and rents
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Austin, Texas is officially getting rid of its minimum parking requirements. The move is expected to decrease home prices and rents, as construction costs fall. Austin, Texas is getting rid of requirements that new construction — from single-family homes to shopping malls — build parking spots. Housing advocates, urban planners, and environmental activists have long pushed to end parking requirements, as they elevate construction costs, inflate rents and home prices, and waste valuable space. AdvertisementAdvertisementA few large cities across the country, including Portland, Minneapolis, and San Jose, have already gotten rid of parking minimums.

Persons: —, Eric Adams, There's, Robert Garcia, Garcia Organizations: Service, City Council, Housing, Rutgers Center, Real, New York City, California Democrat Locations: Austin , Texas, Austin, New Jersey, Portland , Minneapolis, San Jose, New York, New York City, California

☆ Urban golf courses are making housing more expensive and parks harder to access — and taxpayers are footing the bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Many states subsidize golf courses with low property taxes, so non-golfers are footing the bill. David Madison/Getty ImagesUrban golf courses also cost taxpayers — even those who don't play — a lot of money. Proponents of retrofitting courses note that reducing the number of golf courses would help boost revenue for courses that do survive. "But then on the flip side, we have these public golf courses that are just these almost vacuous spaces that are quite underutilized." He noted that projects that just involve turning golf courses into parks are often most palatable to neighbors.

Persons: —, they'd, Franciscans who'd, Zach Klein, VDERHLrowD, David Madison, it's, Malcolm Gladwell, Scottie Scheffler, Richard Heathcote, Mitchell Reardon, htpq6Uqx8q — Cork Gaines, Ray Delahanty, Jennifer Keesmaat, Keesmaat, Don, RENE JOHNSTON, Charlie McCabe, he's, Former California Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, McCabe, Reardon Organizations: Urban, Service, Franciscans, Olympic, Getty, Los Angeles Country Club, United, 123rd U.S, YouTube, Center, City, Trust, Public, Denver, Council, Democrat Locations: Presidio, U.S, San Francisco , California, California, San Francisco's, Golden, Beverly Hills, United States, Los Angeles , California, Cities, Florida, Toronto, haven't, Don Valley, Toronto , Ontario, New Orleans, Former California, Los Angeles County

☆ Five Takeaways From a Times Investigation of Artillery Blast Exposure
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( Dave Philipps | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When American military planners launched a ground offensive against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in 2016, they knew that the American public was weary of long wars in the Middle East, and that the operation would have to make do with very few Americans troops on the ground. So they relied on a strategy that had not been used much in decades: intensive bombardment by heavy artillery. Military guidelines said that firing all those high-powered artillery rounds was safe for the gun crews. But an investigation by The New York Times, including interviews with more than 40 gun-crew veterans and their families, found that the troops came home plagued by insomnia, confusion, memory loss, panic attacks, depression and, in some cases, hallucinations, among other symptoms. And because the military thought the blast waves were safe, it repeatedly failed to recognize what was happening to the troops.

Organizations: Islamic, The New York Times Locations: Islamic State, Iraq, Syria

☆ Turning a tiny fraction of America's dead strip malls into housing could create 700,000 new apartments
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Old or vacant strip malls offer a promising opportunity to create much-needed new housing. A new report found that converting 10% of strip malls into housing could create 700,000 new homes. Urban planners and developers across the country are pushing a fix for both: converting strip malls into housing. But when it comes to strip mall conversions, finding the right property to redevelop is the bigger challenge. And older strip malls are often costlier to maintain than to tear down and redevelop.

Persons: —, Ahmad Abu, Khalaf, It's Organizations: Service, Enterprise Community Partners, International Council of Shopping Centers, Sears Locations: Ahmad, Cities, Abu, Santa Ana , California, Irondequoit , New York

The Biden Administration proposes a crackdown on "junk fees" in retirement savings plans. However, high expense ratios in your account may be cutting into your future retirement savings. But there are still some preventive steps you can take to minimize any potential "junk fees" in your retirement savings plan. 4 ways to lower 'junk fees' in your retirement planThe Biden Administration wants to crack down on "junk fees" in 401(k)s and other investment accounts. Until then, here are four steps you can take to lower fees in your retirement savings plan.

Persons: Biden, —, Charles Schwab, Robinhood, Judy Diamond's, Roth, it's, Teresa Bailey, Chloe Wohlforth Organizations: Service, US Department of Labor, Biden Administration, Employers, Mutual, Roth IRA, Waddell & Associates, Robinhood, Department of Labor, CFP, Angeles Wealth Management

☆ 60% of Americans feel behind on emergency savings—a 'sunny day' fund can help, says CFP
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

More than 4 in 5 say they did not increase emergency savings this year, according to a recent survey from Bankrate, and 60% say they feel behind when it comes to saving for a rainy day. That's why, in addition to your traditional emergency fund, some financial pros recommend building a so-called sunny day fund of money you can spend guilt-free or put toward exciting opportunities. What's more, consider the sorts of expenses your emergency fund could potentially cover to give yourself some piece of mind. "Another would be cash to cover living expenses during the disability waiting period, or elimination period." How a 'sunny day' fund can help you reach your goals

Persons: Spenser Liszt, Andy Baxley, Liszt Organizations: Motif, Planning Locations: Bankrate

☆ Best 6-Month CD Rates for November 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Martha C. White | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Rates for short-term investments, including CDs, savings accounts and more, have grown steadily more generous in recent months with the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates to fight inflation. Best six-month CD ratesfor NovemberThe market for six-month CDs is large and, as a result, quite competitive. Our six-month CD rate picks reflect the best available on DepositAccounts, com, which tracks roughly 275,000 rates at more than 11,000 banks and credit unions. For instance, you could start out with a six-month CD, along with a one-year CD. When the six-month CD matures, you would then roll over that balance into a new one-year CD.

Persons: Martha C, Haviland, ”, Ken Tumin Organizations: Federal Reserve, Deposit Insurance Corp, Federal, FDIC, National Credit Union Administration

☆ China rate scare reminds watchdogs of hidden risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Chan Ka Sing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Overnight borrowing rates for some Chinese financial institutions spiked to 50% on Tuesday, according to official interbank data, far in excess of the average rate of roughly 3.6%. In 2012, a national audit confirmed that local governments had amassed up to 10 trillion yuan in debts. Those have since swelled to 92 trillion yuan, per Reuters. The latest liquidity squeeze is a reminder that short-term dangers will complicate any attempts at more drastic surgery on China’s financial system. CONTEXT NEWSOvernight borrowing costs for some Chinese financial institutions jumped to as high as 50% on Oct. 31.

Persons: Xi Jinping’s, Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Peter Thal Larsen, Thomas Shum Organizations: Reuters, Traders, People’s Bank of, Financial Work, Central Financial Work Conference, Xinhua News Agency, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, People’s Bank of China, Beijing

☆ Best 5-Year CD Rates for October 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Martha C. White | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +8 min

Best 5-year CD rates for NovemberA five-year CD is one of the more common CD terms available. Interest rates on 5-year CDs have not climbed as sharply this year as rates for CDs with shorter terms. Our CD rate picks reflect the best available five-year CD rates we found on DepositAccounts, com, which tracks roughly 275,000 rates at more than 11,000 banks and credit unions. You expect interest rates to fallThe current interest rate environment is great for savers, but if the U.S. economy slows, the Federal Reserve policy makers are likely to cut interest rates in order to stimulate the additional growth. These accounts’ interest rates are variable, so if prevailing interest rates decline, banks will cut their rates and you will earn less money.

Persons: Martha C, —, ”, Ken Tumin, Dillon Haviland Organizations: Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, Federal Reserve, TBH Advisors, FDIC, National Credit Union Administration Locations: U.S, Nashville, Tenn

☆ The warped financial logic fueling America’s ‘doom loop’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Adam Rogers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Well, when a landlord doesn't lower the rent to get a new retail tenant, it's because that landlord can't. They're free to renegotiate or refinance the terms of mortgages, given the extraordinary downturn facing retail storefronts. And the future will be full of even higher vacancy rates, higher interest rates, and lower rents. Retail rents have flattened, she says, but the construction of retail space has not. Still, from an urban-planning standpoint, the way we finance retail space makes no sense.

Persons: You've, apocalypses, that's, It's, David Greensfelder, Greensfelder, Banks, what's, —, Larisa Ortiz, Ortiz, Justin Sullivan, Lorenzo Perez, I've, Rachel Meltzer, Kazuko Morgan, Perez, Culdesac, Something's, Meltzer, Adam Rogers Organizations: McKinsey & Company, Verizon, Republics, Harvard Locations: America, Urban, Manhattan, San Francisco, Market, vaya, What's, Phoenix, That's, LA, New York, Wakefield, Tempe , Arizona

☆ Wars Push Up Demand for Weapons, Sparking Fears of Shortages
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Daniel Michaels | Doug Cameron | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

An Israeli soldier adjusts the tip to an artillery shell near the border with Lebanon. Photo: Jalaa Marey/Agence France-Presse/Getty ImagesARLANDASTAD, Sweden—Western defense officials worry that with Israel going to war as the West battles Russia by proxy in Ukraine, there won’t be enough artillery shells and other weapons to keep both allies in the fight. The issue is concerning NATO planners even though Israel isn’t a member of the alliance and few European countries supply it with military equipment.

Persons: Jalaa, Israel, Israel isn’t Organizations: Agence France, NATO Locations: Israeli, Lebanon, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine

Pence, who was Indiana governor and a US congressman before becoming vice president, announced his campaign in early June. Pence’s role as vice president was ceremonial in overseeing the process, but Trump and his supporters still felt Pence could intervene. While stumping for president, Pence was sometimes thanked for his service in the administration, his devotion to his Christian faith or for his actions on January 6. But the admiration for the former vice president did not translate to support in the polls. He previously shot down the idea of being a vice presidential nominee again, saying that running twice for the position was enough.

Persons: Mike Pence, “, ”, ” Pence, Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, Pence, Trump . Trump, Trump, – Organizations: CNN, Republican Jewish, Republican, Capitol, Republican Party, GOP, Trump ., Indiana, Trump, Social Security, Ukraine, Republican National Committee Locations: Las Vegas, Iowa, Indiana, Russia, Trump, United States

☆ A 27-year-old real-estate investor making up to $15,000 a month in revenue explains how to snag a multi-unit rental property below $200,000
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Laila Maidan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A sweet spotBerman said his bank preapproved him for a $275,000 mortgage, so he had a budget to stay within. He reviewed active property listings on Apartments.com and Zillow to see the rental rates and what was successfully rented in the previous 30 days. That's less than half the amount and a much more manageable payment, Berman noted. On the pricier property, your overall interest payments amount to about $538,000 versus $250,000 on the cheaper property. You end up with a larger mortgage payment, he said.

Persons: Cody Berman, Berman, Price, It's Locations: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode, Windham County , Connecticut

☆ 100 Israeli warplanes bomb 150 'underground targets' in the hunt for Hamas tunnels in Gaza dubbed the 'metro'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Nathan Rennolds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Israel Defense Forces said fighter jets hit some 150 "underground targets" in Gaza. The IDF hit Hamas targets with the heaviest bombardment of the conflict so far. AdvertisementAdvertisementOne hundred Israeli fighter jets hit 150 "underground" Hamas targets in Gaza as part of the heaviest bombing raid of the conflict so far on Saturday. The airstrikes targeted Hamas tunnel networks and underground combat areas, the Israel Defense Forces said in an announcement reported by outlets including The Guardian. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Hamas tunnel system, known has been dubbed the "metro" by Israeli military planners, per The Guardian.

Persons: —, Jonathan Conricus, Khan, Conricus Organizations: Israel Defense Forces, Service, Guardian, Hamas, Reuters Locations: Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Israel

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