DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ ‘ManhattAnt’: What to know about the invasive ant that’s ‘taken over’ NYC
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Taylor Nicioli | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Researchers first spotted the insect, dubbed the “ManhattAnt,” while doing a survey on ants in New York City in 2011. By comparing the New York ants with the European ones, Seifert was able to confirm the ant’s identity. Because the nests work together instead of against one another, they can spread faster and easily dominate an area by outcompeting native species, he added. “One of the things we know about a lot of invasive ant species is they displace the native species, and the native species that they’re displacing usually have very specialized roles in the ecosystem, so you’re sort of disrupting that ecosystem when these species get introduced,” Moreau said. Time will tell whether the ant has become more than just a nuisance and is disrupting the ecosystem, Penick said.

Persons: North America —, ”, Clint Penick, Samantha Kennett, Becca Senft, Penick, Corrie Moreau, Moreau, Bernhard Seifert, Seifert, Kennett, ” Moreau Organizations: CNN, New Yorkers, Auburn University, Apple, Cornell University, Clemson University Locations: North America, Manhattan, European, Europe, New York City, Alabama, Long, New Jersey, Maine, Georgia, New York, Germany, York, South Carolina

☆ I toured 3 one-bedroom apartments in Portland, Maine. It made me want to give up my NYC apartment.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Erin Mcdowell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I recently visited Portland, Maine, for the first time and toured three luxury apartment buildings. I toured one-bedroom apartments at The Armature, The Casco, and Nightingale apartment complexes. The apartments had luxury amenities that made me want to leave my home in New York City. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

Persons: —, Carrie Bradshaw's, I've Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Portland , Maine, Casco, New York City, York City, Brooklyn , New York, New York

Olivia Ott / NBC NewsHow we tested Windmill and July’s air conditionersTwo of my colleagues and I tested Windmill and July’s ACs for at least five weeks in our New York City apartments. July sent me its small 6K BTU air conditioner, which I put in my bedroom. My LG air conditioner was so loud that I felt like I couldn’t hear myself think. JulyEven after over a month, I’m still shocked when I walk into my bedroom and barely notice my air conditioner. For this article, I tested July’s air conditioner for over a month, and two members of NBC Select’s staff tested Windmill’s air conditioner for over a month.

Persons: you’ll, Zoe Malin, Nikki Brown, Olivia Ott, Bianca Alvarez, you’re, I’ve, ”, Brown, Alvarez, I’d, she’s, “, it’s, Windmill’s, I’m, Both Alvarez, hasn’t, —, TikTok Organizations: NASA, NBC, British, Units, National Council, Aging, Alexa, July’s, ACs, Windmill, AC, July’s AC, LG, Amazon Alexa, decibel, Facebook, Twitter Locations: New York City, BTUs, Taskrabbit, NYC, France

☆ A US construction boom is sending rents lower — but there's a narrow window to score a deal, Redfin says
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Apartment rents declined for all bedroom counts for the first time since June 2020, Redfin said. But building is slowing and property managers will eventually start raising rents again, it said. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementRunaway rent hikes have subsided in the US as the post-pandemic construction overload has offered a much needed supply of apartments. According to Redfin, asking rents fell year-over-year for all apartment sizes last month, a trend last achieved in June 2020.

Persons: Redfin, — Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Apartments, hockey rinks and Amazon warehouses: Macy's closures will set off a wave of change at shopping malls
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Shoppers walk through the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, a shopping mall in Arlington, Virginia, February 2, 2024. As of early May, the company had 503 Macy's stores, including a small number of other concepts outside of malls. There were 352 shopping malls classified as Class A and B at the end of 2016, according to company reports, S&P Capital IQ and Coresight Research. That decline is sharper among Class C and D shopping malls, which fell from 684 malls in 2016 to 287 in 2022, according to the companies' research. At some distressed malls, Macy's may be the last anchor that remains.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Macy's, Tony Spring, Chris Wimmer, Saul Loeb, Taylor, Anand Kumar, Kumar, Naveen Jaggi Organizations: Fitch, Shoppers, Fashion Centre, Pentagon, Afp, Getty, JCPenney, Coresight, Nordstrom, Belk, Foods, Brookfield Properties Grocery Locations: San Leandro , California, Arlington , Virginia, U.S, JLL, San Francisco

☆ How My Beloved Bologna Turned Into a Tourist Inferno - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Ilaria Maria Sala | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

A little more than 10 years ago, Bologna, my Italian hometown, was not really considered a big tourist destination. Budget airlines, short-term rentals and social media changed everything. These days Bologna is on its way to becoming a full-blown, must-avoid-the-main-roads kind of tourist city. But one result has been very particular to Bologna: the consumption of mind-numbing, heart-stopping amounts of mortadella. When I asked the shop assistant how ancient they were, she replied that they had been open for three months.

Persons: tagliatelle —, ” Organizations: Budget, Covid Locations: Bologna, Europe, Downtown

☆ They moved from the US to Italy to save their marriage. Here’s how that worked out
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Silvia Marchetti | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Christina Sobolev, pictured, and her husband Pete bought and renovated a home in Santa Domenica Talao, Italy back in 2009. Chris Sobolev“A little over 15 years ago, Pete and I made the decision to purchase a property in Italy,” Christina Sobolev tells CNN. They then moved to Santa Domenica Talao, a village they’d first visited in 2009, and spent three to four years renovating the two-bedroom home. “Santa Domenica was initially a town with many abandoned houses falling into disrepair. “Once we had Santa Domenica Talao up and rolling, real estate agents in the area contacted us and wanted to work with us.

Persons: Christina, Pete Sobolev, who’ve, Pete, they're, Sobolev, Christina Sobolev, “, Santa Domenica, ”, Chris Sobolev, they’ve, Domenica, Casa, They’ve, ‘, what’s Organizations: CNN, Vita, Super, European Union Locations: San Jose , California, Santa Domenica, Scalea, Calabria, Italian, Italy, California, Santa, ”, Puglia, Tuscany, Latvian, Latvia, Aieta

☆ A boomer who moved from Minnesota to Mexico said his cost of living dropped by 50% — but transplants need to respect the culture
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Eleven years ago, Mark LeGeros made a big change: The now-65-year-old moved from Minneapolis to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There are still adjustments moving abroad, and hopeful movers need to know that. Living abroad brings its own challenges, along with rewards. "But just always have a support group that are dealing with living abroad because you need that adjustment group to help you put things into perspective." "But if you want the adventure of living abroad and learning a new culture, being curious, that kind of thing, that's when you probably should really consider living abroad."

Persons: Mark LeGeros, it's, that's, I'm, LeGeros, He's Organizations: Service Locations: Minneapolis, Puerto Vallarta , Mexico, Mexico, United States

☆ Decline in Veterans’ Homelessness Spurs Hopes for a Broader Solution
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Jason Deparle | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

After two years in the Air Force and decades on Skid Row, Steve Allen was spending his senior years living in his car. Home for Babs Ludikhuize, an Air Force veteran recovering from domestic violence, was in psychiatric care. Now all three have comfortable apartments with subsidized rents, and they embody what many analysts call the greatest success in homelessness policy — the decline in homeless veterans. Progress in the veterans program has slowed as rising rents displace more tenants and make it harder to help them regain housing. But while homelessness among veterans rose last year, the increase was smaller than other groups faced.

Persons: Steve Allen, John Sullivan, “ Patton, ”, Babs Ludikhuize Organizations: Air Force, Army, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Housing, Urban

According to experts, while it can be costly, new windows can provide significant benefits like lower outside noise and better energy efficiency for the entire home. Wood windows have a traditional look that can be styled with just about any color. “You just need to keep them clean.”The only minor difference between vinyl and wood windows regarding maintenance is sealing and painting. Alexander says that if you have wood windows, they should be sealed or painted if they are exposed to rain or snow. According to experts, a window’s insulating value is called its U-factor, and lower numbers have the best insulation for energy efficiency.

Persons: you’ve, you'll, Wood, casement, ”, Nicholas Alexander, Alexander, isn’t, it’s, “, Casement, Olivia Ott, It’s, Mark Soto, Mark, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Alexander Development Group, Casement, Lowes, Energy Star, Energy, U.S . Environmental Protection Agency, Facebook, Twitter Locations: HOA, Milwaukee , Wisconsin, DIYers

☆ I live in Boston and New York City. Supercommuting is hard, but I'm unwilling to sacrifice my personal or professional life.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay has been adapted from a conversation with Sophie Rae, a 27-year-old graphic designer and artist, who lives in both Boston and New York City. AdvertisementSophie Rae lives in Boston and New York City. Sophie RaeI was like, "OK, this could be a really good excuse to have that New York moment in my life, in my career." My boyfriend lives in Boston, and his whole family lives in the surrounding area. He was with me when I got the job offer, and he was the first one to say, "OK, you've got to say yes.

Persons: —, Sophie Rae, I've, It's, They're, it's, you've, he's, You'll Organizations: Service, Business, Amtrak, Netflix Locations: Boston, New York City, New York, York, Massachusetts

☆ Assigned desks are now a work perk — and Gen Zers are making themselves right at home
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewWhen Maïa Maury, 25, started a new job in the US, she was happy to find that it came with her own assigned desk. AdvertisementWhile an assigned desk used to be a given in an office, the pandemic ushered in an era of hot desking and working from home. Now, cubicles and assigned office desks are more of a novelty, meaning those lucky few who get one are sometimes keen to make the most of it. AdvertisementAnother Gen Zer, Zernab Saeed, wanted to make the most of having a personal office desk in her first job out of college. Many companies are still shifting toward reducing office space, leaving fewer opportunities for people to enjoy having their own desks.

Persons: —, Maïa Maury, who'd, hoover, Maury, Zernab Saeed, Zernab, Zernab Saeed Saeed, she's, there's, Caitlin Turner, HOK, Turner, Gen Zers, Gen, it's, Leonora Georgeoglou Organizations: Service, Business Locations: French

☆ I clean and declutter other people's homes. Here are 5 tips you can use while decluttering your own spaces.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( Sonia Weiser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

For the past decade, I've been helping New Yorkers from all income brackets and in every borough organize their spaces. Get rid of all the packagingOh my god, the sheer volume of appliance and electronic packaging and manuals I've seen. Instead, use your precious closet space to store items that look good on you now. If you change sizes, you can get new clothes, either from a store or from people in your community. Closet space is a precious commodity.

Persons: I've, You'll, you'll, pare, it's Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Judge puts liens on Rudy Giuliani's apartments while dismissing his bankruptcy case
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A judge imposed liens on Rudy Giuliani's apartments while dismissing his bankruptcy case. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementThe judge overseeing Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy formally dismissed the case Friday — but put a lien on the former mayor's properties to make sure he pays all his legal bills. US Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane already said in July that he would dismiss the case, expressing frustration in a "lack of financial transparency" on Giuliani's behalf.

Persons: Rudy Giuliani's, —, Sean Lane Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Florida, Manhattan

☆ I used to spend over $1,000 on birthday parties for my kids. Now I let them organize their parties with a budget of $150 and it's more fun.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Jess Decourcy Hinds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewWhen my older daughter turned 10, we held her birthday party at an arts and crafts center in the mall. Kid-led birthday parties allow kids to practice practical skills every step of the way, taking work off the parents' plates. There are different expectations with park parties because people can bring potluck dishes. My kids decorated the gift bags for the park party — a wonderful rainy Sunday afternoon activity. The bunny paper crafts, purchased online for $10, kept the kids just as busy as the mall art center projects.

Persons: —, goody Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I spent 2 months renovating my van for $12,500. Here are 10 of my biggest regrets.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Abigail Robertson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewWhen 2020 hit with all of its uncertainties, I knew there was no better time to start van life. I wanted to hit the road as soon as possible while keeping costs low, so I went with a smaller van. Next time, I'm investing in a van with 4-wheel driveI'm always hesitant to off-road in my van. AdvertisementSpreading out the build would've given me more rest days — I took exactly two days off — and peace of mind. Now, I see a van build as an ongoing expense, like rent, that I'm always saving for and investing in rather than a one-time purchase.

Persons: —, I've, I'd, Abigail Robertson, I'm Organizations: Service, Ford Transit Connect, Business, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit Locations: Ohio, California

☆ Trump Cites Opportunity Zones as a Triumph. Their Success Is Middling.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Lydia Depillis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“This was one of Birmingham’s white-whale buildings,” Mr. Flachsbart said of a former Red Cross office that had been renovated into 192 rental residences. (“One of the greatest programs ever for Black workers and Black entrepreneurs,” he called the incentive in an appearance this week at a National Association of Black Journalists conference.) But the relatively low-income areas covered by the incentive, known as opportunity zones, didn’t benefit equally. On Mr. Flachsbart’s tour of new projects in downtown Birmingham, the stops dry up in the historically African American northwest quadrant. There, developable lots and vacant buildings haven’t received as much of the capital flowing toward the buzzier parts of downtown.

Persons: Alex Flachsbart, Mr, Flachsbart, Donald J, Trump, ”, haven’t Organizations: Red, Democrats, National Association of Black Journalists Locations: Alabama, Birmingham

Jade Gao | Afp | Getty ImagesBEIJING — China is not planning additional stimulus for the second half of the year, according to officials from the economic planning agency and finance ministry. Those official figures have raised concerns about whether China can achieve its full-year target of around 5% growth. China will put "promoting consumption in a more prominent role," Yuan Da, deputy secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission, told reporters Thursday in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. He reiterated that authorities would work for the "healthy" development of real estate and ensuring the delivery of pre-sold apartments. For example, Lu'an City in Anhui province announced Thursday it was issuing 1.5 million yuan in coupons for discounts on eating out at restaurants, 3 million yuan for buying home goods and 3 million yuan for car purchases.

Persons: Jade Gao, Zhao Chenxin, Lin Zechang, Zhao, Yuan Da, Yuan Organizations: Central Business District, Afp, Getty, National Development, Reform Commission, CNBC, Ministry of Finance Locations: Beijing, BEIJING, China, Lu'an City, Anhui

☆ At Home With - Kecia Lewis
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Joanne Kaufman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“It had to feel peaceful, because I have to be able to pray,” said Ms. Lewis, 59, a native New Yorker now based in Atlanta. “I have stayed in places where it was not peaceful, and I have moved out. On one visit, she stayed at an Airbnb in New Jersey, and then an Airbnb in Queens. “But once we knew we were going to Broadway, I wanted to find something in the city,” Ms. Lewis said. Not too close to Midtown, but not so far as to make for a burdensome commute to the stage door.

Persons: ”, Kecia Lewis, Miss Liza Jane, Lewis, “, Ms Organizations: Broadway Locations: Manhattan, New Yorker, Atlanta, “ Chicago, New Jersey, Queens, Midtown

☆ Rent is falling fastest in these 20 cities, thanks to surging apartment supply
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Median one-bedroom apartment prices rose at the fastest rate in 12 months in July, according to a new report from real-estate site Zumper. 20 cities where rent is receding fastestApartment dwellers looking for lower rent should start their search in the South. Five of the 20 US real-estate markets where one-bedroom apartment prices fell by at least 5% in July were in Texas, and 11 others were in the South or Southwest regions. AdvertisementBelow are the 20 US markets where rent for a one-bedroom apartment fell at least 5% from July 2023, according to Zumper. Each is also listed along with its year-over-year and month-over-month rent changes, median rent price, and national rent ranking among the nation's 100 biggest markets.

Persons: —, Anthemos Georgiades Organizations: Service, Business, Lone Star Locations: Texas, South

☆ I work on the world's largest residential yacht that's like the Four Seasons on steroids. Some guests have lived on it for over 20 years.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Claire Turrell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

There are 165 apartments on the ship, and we have an average of 200 residents on board. I was previously the general manager for the Intercontinental in Vienna, and before that, I worked for the Four Seasons. The World superyacht in Madagascar The WorldAs it's not a cruise ship, we don't have a captain's table or welcome drinks. We have had politicians and TV stars on board in the past, but we don't divulge any of the ship's residents. The pool deck for The World residents The WorldI'm a great believer that service should be felt but not seen.

Persons: —, Thomas Legner, We've, It's, it's, we've, Rembrandt Organizations: Service, Business, Intercontinental, Exclusive Resorts, Staff, Michelin Locations: Vienna, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Wadi Rum, Jordan, Fremantle, Australia

☆ Here's how much athletes at the Paris Olympics earn for winning medals
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Olympic and Paralympic medals are shown during the unveiling of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Medals on February 1, 2024 in Paris, France. Pascal Le Segretain | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesThe Paris 2024 Olympics is well underway, with dozens of medals already handed out. Vivian Kong won Hong Kong's first medal at the Paris Games, topping the podium in the women's epee individual event. Vaughn Ridley | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesOther governments dangling six-figure cash rewards for their gold medalists include Israel, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Indonesia. Gold medalists receive 20,000 euros ($22,000).

Persons: Pascal Le Segretain, Hong, Administration Chan Kwok, ki, Vivian Kong, Hong Kong's, Cheung Ka, Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, Joseph, Michael Phelps, Vaughn Ridley, Man Wai Vivian Kong Organizations: Paris, Paralympic, Getty, International Olympic, CNBC, Olympic, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Administration, HK, Paris Games, Singapore, United, Rio, Tokyo Games, Germany's Sports Aid Foundation, Indian Olympic Association, Team Hong Kong, Olympic Games, Grand Palais Locations: Paris, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, United States, Israel, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Grand

☆ I grew up poor and now make 5 times what my parents did. I help pay their bills without sacrificing my own money goals.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Viviana Vazquez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Seeing my parents struggle took a toll on meI remember my dad borrowing money from loved ones or banks to cover the rent. AdvertisementI had already been helping my family with money for groceries and small bills, but now I wanted to contribute more financially. Establishing boundaries was a big part of my financial journeyMy parents and I haven't always been on the same page regarding money. I didn't do so either time because it didn't align with my financial goals, and my parents weren't very happy with me. For now, I'm focused on sharing my wealth with the people who deserve to enjoy it most: my loving parents.

Persons: —, Viviana, Viviana Vazquez, it's, Xavi, babysat, we'd, didn't, Viviana Vazquez I'm, I've, she'd, there's, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Scholastic, CUNY City College Locations: Mexico, New York, Brooklyn, Baruch

Hopscotching around the East Coast on credit card rewardsMy oldest daughter shares my passion for all things related to aviation and space, and she would love to have a career in the aerospace industry. We easily earn these points from personal cards like our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and business cards like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Also, I hold a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, which I earned from signing up for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. I use the World Of Hyatt credit card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card to earn points, but it's also a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards. Continuing to the northeastWe arrived late at night and stayed at Hyatt Place by the Washington DC National Mall, again with World of Hyatt points.

Persons: —, It's, it's, Chase, Riddle, Johns Organizations: Service, Business, Embry, Riddle Aeronautical University, Southwest, Chase, Chase Sapphire, Southwest Airlines, Hyatt House, Orlando Airport, Hyatt, Hyatt Business, Card, Reagan National Airport, Washington DC National, U.S . Naval Academy, Naval Academy, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics, University of Delaware, Hyatt Place Locations: Denver, East, Daytona Beach , Florida, Daytona, Orlando, Florida, Washington, Annapolis , Maryland, Baltimore, Newark , Delaware, New York City, La Guardia

☆ How certification fights are already cropping up in battleground states
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Sara Murray | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The dustup in Fulton County is just one example of the election certification fights already cropping up in battleground states, from Georgia to Michigan to Nevada this year. Certification fights also popped up in 2022 and in 2020, though certification ultimately moved ahead in each of those instances. “They don’t like me.”But by early 2024, she was being sworn in to serve on her local election board. “The other issues that are going on or have gone in Fulton County I think are irrelevant.”Representatives for Fulton County declined to comment. The State Election Board is also considering changes that could allow board members to conduct inquiries and demand documents before certification.

Persons: Julie Adams, Adams, ”, Stephanie Jackson Ali, Mike Berry, “ Miss Adams, ” Berry, ” Adams, they’re, they’ve, “, you’re, Cleta Mitchell, Mitchell, “ She’s, ” Mitchell, Steve Bannon’s, Matt Rourke, —, Berry, –, Miss Adams, stokes, Megan Bellamy, Nadine Williams, Adams pored, CNN’s Kimberly Berryman Organizations: CNN, Fulton County, Registration, New, New Georgia Project, Washoe, Trump, Policy, Republican Party, Republican, Pennsylvania, Conference, ”, South East, South East Georgia Republican Assembly Locations: Georgia, Fulton, Fulton County, Michigan, Nevada, New Georgia, Washoe County’s, Delta County , Michigan, “, Camp Hill, Pa, Fulton County’s, Savannah, South East Georgia

Search resuls for: "Apartments"

25 mentions found