Business

Walmart advises customers to throw away the recalled chicken broth.

2025-03-31 05:38:21

Business

Accelerating Startup Success: Harnessing the Strength of Strategic Alliances

2025-03-18 14:00:12

Business

McDonald’s Shutting Down Certain Spinoff Locations; Discover What They’re Launching in Their Place

2025-03-21 17:09:20

Business

The USDA's Unexpected Revelation: The Potential Effects of Crop Decreases on Grain Prices

2025-03-29 07:46:03

Business

Kohl's is set to close 27 locations in 15 different states - here’s the complete list of stores that will be shutting down.

2025-03-27 09:41:36

Business

The State of Texas is on the verge of driving many businesses to closure.

2025-04-02 04:47:14

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Business

Auto dealership set to take over long-abandoned supermarket location in Staten Island.

2025-03-15 15:34:51

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Island Auto Group has announced that construction will soon commence on a new Toyota sales and service center, which will take the place of the old ShopRite store situated at the intersection of Locust Avenue in New Dorp. Below is an illustration of the upcoming project. (Image provided by Toyota Motors) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A significant section of long-unused commercial property on Hylan Boulevard is set to be revitalized, evolving into one of the largest auto dealerships in New York City. Island Auto Group has announced that construction will commence shortly on a 50,000-square-foot Toyota sales and service facility, which will take the place of the former ShopRite store at the intersection of Locust Avenue in New Dorp. Marcello Sciarrino, co-owner of Island Auto Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This initiative is thrilling for us, not just because we are constructing the largest sales and service facility for Toyota in the NYC metropolitan area… [but also because] it sets off a chain of other developments for our organization.” He further mentioned, “We are planning to relocate and refurbish several of our nine dealerships on Staten Island to enhance our service to the community.” Island Auto Group is recognized as one of the largest multi-franchise sales and service entities in the Northeast. Situated at 2424 Hylan Blvd., the upcoming dealership will boast more than 40 service bays for new vehicles and will offer a selection of both new and pre-owned cars. Sciarrino expects that it will generate between 60 to 70 new job opportunities and is set to launch in the spring of 2026. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Situated at 2424 Hylan Blvd., the recently opened dealership will offer more than 40 service bays for new vehicles and will provide a selection of both new and pre-owned cars. (Image provided by Toyota Motors) “We take great pride in that,” he added. “I believe this is a positive development for the Staten Island community.” The new site replaces the former ShopRite, which shuttered in 2020 when the supermarket relocated less than a half mile away to The Boulevard shopping center. Sciarrino mentioned that he has been collaborating with Kimco Realty, the landlord of the site located in Long Island, for several years to secure the property. To obtain the necessary approvals for conducting sales and service operations at the location, he had to submit rezoning applications to the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). He expressed confidence that the outcome of these efforts will lead to a well-maintained and serene facility that will be appreciated by the surrounding community. “According to Sciarrino, ShopRite operated around the clock, seven days a week, catering to approximately 1,500 customers each day. He noted that the new plan will result in a significantly lower density of activity. Additionally, we are committed to enhancing the aesthetics of the area by incorporating plenty of greenery, including plants and shrubs, along with soft LED lighting.” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The newly opened Toyota sales and service center will feature parking space for more than 400 vehicles. (Image provided by Toyota Motors) According to Sciarrino, the new construction marks the initial phase of a minor transformation for Island Auto Group. "Sciarrino announced, 'We are expanding our Jeep service department to a new, dedicated service center, increasing our service area from 5,000 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet. This expansion will enable us to add an additional 15 service bays.' He also mentioned that we will be moving our Subaru and Hyundai showroom and sales operations to Hylan Boulevard." In total, the automotive group is introducing more than 60 service bays for all its brands, creating larger waiting areas and enhancing onsite parking facilities. “As a proud resident of Staten Island, I feel deeply connected to this community,” Sciarrino stated in closing. “We are thrilled to be growing our business in this way, providing our neighbors with additional sales and service opportunities.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Business

Frustrated employees at JPMorgan Chase are contemplating unionization following the company's decision to eliminate remote work options.

2025-03-27 00:47:35

JPMorgan implemented the policy adjustment after nearly 50% of its employees had already resumed working in the office on a full-time basis. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor (Getty Images) JPMorgan Chase’s announcement that all employees will be required to work from the office five days a week starting in March has predictably sent many workers into a tailspin — and they’re reportedly devising ways to fight back. On Friday, the company announced to its approximately 300,000 employees that it would be discontinuing remote work. While just over half of the workforce had already transitioned to full-time office roles, those still following hybrid schedules did not receive the news with enthusiasm. According to the Wall Street Journal, JPMorgan Chase (JPM+1.00% ) had to disable comments on an intranet webpage after it was flooded with aggrieved comments about the new policy. Many employees said the new policy would put a strain on their finances, particularly around child care and commuting costs. Others said it would disrupt their work-life balance. On LinkedIn (MSFT-1.07% ) , one employee posted publicly about the decision. “I’ve always taken pride in how our firm leads the way in benefits and culture. Yet, I struggle to see how this move will strengthen our organization or positively impact our people,” the worker wrote, according to Barron’s. “While I have little confidence that me raising concerns will reverse the decision, as a senior leader with a decade of service to the firm, I feel responsible to voice my perspective and stand with others who share these views.” In the memo regarding the new policy, the company stated, “We recognize that many of you favor a hybrid work arrangement and we acknowledge that this decision may not align with everyone’s preferences.” "We believe that this is the perfect moment to reinforce our commitment to a full-time in-office model. We see it as the most effective way to manage the company," it added. Some employees were so perturbed by the new policy that they are considering forming a union, like a small group of Well Fargo (WFC+0.19% ) employees did, Barron’s reported. Barron’s said that many staffers filled out a Google (GOOGL-1.37% ) Form expressing interest in forming a union, which would be a rare move for the financial sector where organized labor has a minuscule presence.

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Business

Sleep Number ClimateCool与Climate360:哪款智能冷却床垫更适合您?

2025-03-13 17:12:32

While both mattresses boast smart cooling technology, what are the differences in price, design, and features? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Sleep Number ClimateCool smart mattress Type: Smart foam mattressFirmness option: AdjustableHeight: 13"Sizes: 7Sleep trial: 100 nightsWarranty: 15 yearsPrice (on sale): from $4,598.40 at Sleep Number View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Sleep Number Climate360 intelligent mattress Type: Smart foam mattressFirmness option: AdjustableHeight: 12"Sizes: 7Sleep trial: 100 nightsWarranty: 15 yearsPrice (on sale): from $8,748 at Sleep Number Both Sleep Number's ClimateCool and Climate360 smart beds feature advanced cooling technology, personalized comfort options, and detailed sleep tracking capabilities. However, which one is the most suitable for your specific sleep requirements and financial considerations? Sleep Number is the brand behind some of the best mattresses for smart sleep tracking and adjustable firmness. But they prioritize personalized temperature control in the ClimateCool and Climate360, making them great choices for hot sleepers wanting to level up their sleep quality and learn more about their sleep health. In this mattress face-off, we'll compare these two Sleep Number cooling smart beds in terms of price, design, comfort and temperature regulation to help you decide which one to buy in this month's mattress sales. Sleep Number ClimateCool vs Climate360: Price & Trial Both of these top-end smart mattresses have high price tags There is a better discount on the ClimateCool right now Both are complete with a 100-night trial and 15-year warranty While Sleep Number is recognized for its exceptional value in smart beds, the ClimateCool and Climate360 models stand out as the priciest options from the brand. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for a queen size ClimateCool is set at $5,748, whereas the Climate360 commands a hefty price of $10,248. While both these smart mattresses are more expensive than most other smart bed systems, it is important to note that they are complete mattresses. Whereas other smart beds, like the Eight Sleep pods and Tempur-Pedic's smart bed bases, require you to purchase a mattress separately, amounting cost. The latest Sleep Number sale offers greater discounts on the ClimateCool mattress compared to the Climate360. Shoppers can enjoy a 20% discount on all sizes of the ClimateCool during Sleep Number's New Year promotion, making the queen size available for $4,598.40. On the other hand, the Climate360 sees a price drop of $1,500, bringing its queen size down to $8,748. While there is a significant price difference of $4,149.60 between the two models, the Climate360 includes a smart adjustable bed base, enhanced cooling capabilities, comprehensive bed heating, and a foot warming feature. Since both smart mattresses belong to the same brand, they offer a 100-night trial and a 15-year warranty. However, Sleep Number's delivery options are not as accommodating as those of some other brands. If you choose premium delivery and setup, it will cost an additional $249. Sleep Number ClimateCool smart mattress: was from $5,748 $4,598.40 at Sleep NumberWhile this mattress may not be the most affordable option, it provides excellent value when stacked against other smart bed systems. Take the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra, for instance; it falls within a similar price range, but you'll need to purchase a separate mattress. Sleep Number is currently offering a New Year sale that gives a 20% discount on the ClimateCool, resulting in savings of up to $2,049.60. This brings the price of a queen size down to $4,598.40 (originally $5,748), complete with an integrated base. Sleep Number Climate360 intelligent mattress: was from $10,248 $8,748 at Sleep NumberIt's undeniable that this is a significant investment, even with Sleep Number's impressive discount. Currently, you can enjoy a savings of $1,500 on the Climate360 across all sizes. This means a queen size bed is now priced at $8,748, down from $10,248. The price also includes a smart adjustable bed base, which lets you elevate both the head and foot of your bed for maximum comfort. Sleep Number ClimateCool vs Climate360: Materials & Design The Climate360 is 13" tall, whereas the ClimateCool is 12" Both mattresses are built with foam, ceramic gel and breathable materials Both are integrated with sleep tracking sensors and adjustable air chambers Sleep Number offers two innovative foam mattresses: the ClimateCool and the Climate360. Both models feature a blend of foam, ceramic gel, air chambers, and breathable materials, designed to provide an optimal cool sleeping experience. The Climate360 is constructed with seven layers, reaching a thickness of 13 inches, whereas the ClimateCool consists of five layers and measures 12 inches in thickness. These layers adapt to your body's contours and provide supportive cushioning. However, rather than having a fixed level of firmness or sensation, you can customize the feel on each side of the bed for both the ClimateCool and Climate360 models. This versatility makes the design appropriate for a variety of body types and sleeping styles. Both mattresses feature advanced cooling technology, utilizing a dynamic airflow system that pulls heat away from the body instead of blowing cool air like some rival products. As a result, the ClimateCool can lower the temperature by 11 degrees in just 5 minutes. The Climate360 includes a unique warming capability, allowing you to cool one side of the bed while simultaneously heating the other. This feature surpasses the ClimateCool, making it ideal for couples who have varying temperature preferences. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Sleep Number) Additionally, the air chambers in each mattress will adjust to your movements during the night, automatically realigning both the bed and your body to guarantee that you remain supported and comfortable at all times. Earning their titles as some of the best smart beds out there, each mattress is laced with sleep tracking sensors. These sensors use AI and sleep science to record and analyse your biometrics overnight. You can access this data via the Sleep Number App where you will find nightly sleep reports and advice on how you can better understand and improve your sleep. In addition to featuring an adjustable bed base and a warming function, the two climate-control mattresses share a similar construction. Sleep Number ClimateCool vs Climate360: Comfort & Support Both feature Sleep Number's signature adjustable firmness Dual comfort control makes these smart beds good for disagreeing couples You can elevate the head and foot of the best with the Climate360 While these are foam mattresses, they are not like the options you'll find in our best memory foam mattress guide. Yes, the supportive layers of foam conform to your body for enhanced pressure relief, but as smart mattresses, you can adjust the feel of these Sleep Number beds. The customizable firmness option enables you to modify the air chambers in the mattresses, letting you choose your preferred level of cushioning. This feature caters to your individual sleep habits and body shape, making it a significant advantage that you can tailor the comfort level on each side of the bed. This is particularly beneficial for couples with varying preferences, potentially preventing a sleep divorce. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Sleep Number) This system is designed to be adaptive in both the ClimateCool and Climate360 modes, ensuring that it adjusts to your movements during the night to maintain your comfort and help you achieve restful sleep. The Climate360 comes with an adjustable base that allows you to raise both the head and foot of the bed, enabling you to achieve a Zero Gravity sleep position that alleviates pressure on your joints and muscles. This makes the Climate360 a top mattress for back pain and an especially worthy investment for anyone afflicted by night sweats and muscle pain, which are two of the main sleep afflictions. There is the option to add an adjustable base when you purchase the ClimateCool, but it'll add a significant $1,500 to the MSRP. Sleep Number ClimateCool与Climate360:温度调节比较 Both come with top-end active cooling technology The ClimateCool can cool up to 15 degrees The Climate360 can warm as well as cool the sleeper At the core of both these smart mattresses is Sleep Number's SmartTemp Program, developed in partnership wit the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. This dynamic airflow system pulls heat away from the body and works in conjunction with a breathable cover and ceramic gel cooling layers, making them some of the best cooling mattresses on the market. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Sleep Number) What's more, each mattress has dual automatic and manual control, meaning you can adjust the temperature on each side of the bed independently. The mattress then tracks your body temperature throughout the night, adjusting accordingly to keep you at the optimal sleep temperature. Sleepers can adjust the surface temperature of the ClimateCool to be up to 15 degress cooler on either side of the bed. This steps up with the Climate360 as you can cool or warm the bed surface by up to 15 degrees. Sleep Number ClimateCool与Climate360:您应该选择哪个? Consider purchasing the ClimateCool if... ✅You're on a tighter budget: You can currently get the ClimateCool for almost half the price of the Climate360. ✅You sleep hot: If you experience night sweats, the last thing you want is a bed 30 degrees warmer than room temperature. Hence, you won't need the additional warming feature that comes with the Climate360. ✅You're not bothered by adjustable positioning: You pay a premium for head and foot elevation with the Climate360, whereas the ClimateCool is still complete with adjustable firmness so you can customize the feel of your bed, but you'll just be laying on a flat surface. Consider purchasing the Climate360 if... ✅You sleep cool: The Climate360 allows you to heat or cool your bed up to 15 degrees, whereas the ClimateCool only cools. ✅You like falling asleep to white noise: The Climate360 has a soft white noise feature to help you drift off. ✅You suffer with back pain: The Zero Gravity positioning offered by the adjustable smart bed base included with the Climate360 enables you to eliminate pressure building up in your back muscles while you sleep.

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Business

Map: Check out the locations where Kohl's and Macy's will be shutting down multiple stores in the upcoming weeks.

2025-04-06 17:46:48

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Two of America's largest department stores announced plans in the past week to shutter locations across the country. The result for consumers: Some communities will be losing both Kohl's and Macy's stores in the coming weeks. Kohl's and Macy's said in their respective Jan. 9 releases that they singled out underperforming stores. For Denver residents that means three fewer department stores: two Macy's and one Kohl's store. In California, San Diego and Sacramento will lose a store from each chain. Kohl's has announced its intention to shut down 27 of its over 1,150 stores by April. Meanwhile, Macy's revealed plans to close 66 locations as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which aims to restore the company to a path of sustainable and profitable sales growth, contributing to a total of 150 closures. States with the highest number of combined closures for Macy's and Kohl's stores. USA TODAY has compiled a list of nearly 100 locations where Kohl's and Macy's have announced store closures, highlighting the impact on local communities as these department stores shut their doors. Locations of Kohl's and Macy's stores that are set to close. Which Kohl's and Macy's locations are set to close? The Kohl's locations mentioned below are projected to shut down by April 2025. Macy's has indicated that most of its store closures will occur in the same timeframe. Click on a state name to view detailed cities and addresses: Kohl's retail location shutting down in Alabama. Spanish Fort: 21000 Town Center Ave. Macy's is shutting down its store in Arizona. Mesa: 6535 E Southern Ave. Kohl's is set to close its store in Arkansas. Little Rock West: 13909 Chenal Pkwy. Kohl's and Macy's have announced the closure of several locations in California. Kohl's – Balboa (San Diego): 5505 Balboa Ave. Macy's – Citrus Heights: 6000 Sunrise Mal Macy's – Chula Vista: 2015 Birch Rd Ste 2 Kohl's – Encinitas: 134 N El Camino Real Kohl's – Fremont: 43782 Christy St. Macy's – Los Angeles: 750 W 7th St. Macy's – Corte Madera: 1400 Redwood Hwy Kohl's – Mountain View: 350 Showers Dr. Kohl's – Napa: 1116 1st St. Macy's – Newark: 200 Newpark Mall Kohl's – Pleasanton: 4525 Rosewood Dr. Kohl's – Point West (Sacramento): 1896 Arden Way Macy's – Sacramento: 414 K St Macy's – San Diego: 1555 Camino De La Reina Macy's – San Mateo: 2838 South El Camino Real Kohl's – San Rafael: 5010 Northgate Dr. Kohl's – San Luis Obispo: 205 Madonna Rd. Kohl's – Westchester: 8739 S Sepulveda Blvd. Macy's – Westminster: 300 Westminster Mall Kohl's and Macy's have announced the closure of several stores in Colorado. Kohl's – Arapahoe Crossing (Aurora): 6584 S Parker Rd. Macy's – Centennial: 6797 South Vine Street Macy's – Denver: 8298 E Northfield Blvd Macy's is reducing its footprint in Florida by closing several stores across the state. Altamonte Springs: 820 W Town Pkwy Boca Raton: 9339 Glades Road Boynton Beach: 801 N Congress Ave Ste 100 Fort Lauderdale: 4501 North Federal Highway Miami: 13251 South Dixie Highway Pembroke Pines: 13640 Pines Blvd Sarasota: 3501 S Tamiami Trail Ste 600 Tampa: 298 Westshore Plz Kohl's and Macy's are set to close several locations in Georgia. Kohl's – Duluth: 2050 W Liddell Rd. Macy's – Duluth: 3360 Venture Parkway and 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd Ste 2318 Macy's – Suwanee: 3630 Peachtree Parkway Kohl's and Macy's are set to close their locations in Idaho. Kohl's – Boise: 400 N Milwaukee St. Macy's – Coeur D'alene: 200 W Hanley Ave Ste 200-4 Kohl's and Macy's are set to close several locations in Illinois. Kohl's – Plainfield: 11860 S Route 59 Macy's – Springfield: 104 White Oaks Mall Kohl's – Spring Hill (West Dundee): 3000 Spring Hill Ring Rd. Macy's is set to close its store in Louisiana. Lafayette: 5733 Johnston St Ste 2098 Kohl's and Macy's have announced plans to close several locations in Massachusetts. Kohl's – Stoughton: 501 Technology Center Dr. Macy's – Kingston: 101 Kingston Collection Way Ste 1 Macy's to close several locations in Maryland. Baltimore: 6901 Security Blvd Ste 871 Bel Air: 600 Baltimore Pike Macy's is closing several locations in Michigan. Flint: 4600 Miller Rd Sterling Heights: 14200 Lakeside Cir Traverse City: 3400 S Airport Rd W Troy: 500 W 14 Mile Rd Macy's to Close Several Locations in Minnesota Burnsville: 14251 Burnhaven Dr Maplewood: 3001 White Bear Ave N Ste 2035 Macy's is set to close several stores in Missouri. Kansas City: 400 NW Barry Rd Ste 150 St. Louis: 10 S County Center Way Kohl's and Macy's have announced the closure of several locations in New Jersey. Kohl's – East Windsor: 72 Princeton Hightstown Rd. Macy's – West Orange: 459 Prospect Avenue Macy's store closures in New York Bronx: 404 East Fordham Rd Brooklyn: 422 Fulton St Brooklyn: 2027 Emmons Avenue Elmhurst: 88-01 Queens Blvd Huntington: 834 Walt Whitman Road Massapequa: 400 Sunrise Mall New Hyde Park: 1550 Union Turnpike Rochester: 397 Greece Ridge Center Staten Island: 98 Richmond Hill Road Kohl's and Macy's have announced the closure of several locations in Ohio. Kohl's – Blue Ash: 4150 Hunt Rd. Macy's – Beavercreek: 2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd Spc 2 Kohl's – Forest Park (Cincinnati): 100 Cincinnati Mills Dr. Macy's – Toledo: 5001 Monroe St Ste D100 Kohl's and Macy's are set to close several locations in Oregon. Kohl's – Portland Gateway: 10010 NE Halsey St. Macy's – Salem: 400 High St NE Kohl's and Macy's are set to close several locations in Pennsylvania. Kohl's – Pottstown: 351 W Schuylkill Rd. Macy's – Altoona: 5580 Goods Ln Ste 2178 Macy's – Exton: 245 Exton Square Mall Macy's – Philadelphia: 1300 Market St Macy's – Wilkes Barre: 59 Wyoming Valley Mall Macy's is shutting down its store in Tennessee. Store closures for Kohl's and Macy's in Texas. Macy's – Fairview: 201 Stacy Rd Macy's – Flower Mound: 6101 Long Prairie Rd Ste 500 Macy's – Fort Worth: 1751 River Run #101 Macy's – Houston: 100 Almeda Mall Kohl's – North Dallas: 18224 Preston Rd. Macy's – Plano: 6209 W Park Blvd Macy's – Southlake: 321 State St Kohl's is set to close its location in Utah. Riverton: 13319 S 3600 W Ste 13 Kohl's and Macy's are set to close several locations in Virginia. Macy's – Colonial Heights: 170 Southpark Cir Kohl's – Herndon: 2100 Centreville Rd. Kohl's – Williamsburg: 100 Gristmill Plz Macy's to shut down locations in Washington state. Puyallup: 3500 S Meridian Ste 985 Redmond: 15340 N.E. 24th Street Silverdale: 10315 Silverdale Way NW

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Business

Reasons Behind WD-40's 6% Stock Decline Post-Earnings Report

2025-03-10 22:10:50

WD-40 (WDFC -6.75%) stock fell 6.3% through 11:30 a.m. ET Monday despite the company beating forecasts in its fiscal Q1 2025 earnings report, released after close of trading last Friday. Analysts had predicted that WD-40 would report earnings of just $1.26 per share in the first quarter, but the actual earnings came in at $1.39 per share, marking a notable "surprise" performance. WD-40 Company has released its earnings report for the first quarter, showcasing its financial performance and key metrics for the period. The report details revenue figures, net income, and any notable changes compared to previous quarters. Additionally, insights into market trends and strategic initiatives may be included, providing a comprehensive overview of the company's current standing and future outlook. For the quarter, sales reached $153.5 million, reflecting an improvement of approximately 9% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, WD-40 increased its gross profit margin by a full percentage point, bringing it to 54.8%. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased at a rate higher than sales, climbing by 14%, while advertising and sales promotion costs surged by 20%. As a result, this trend offset the gains in gross margins, leading to earnings per share rising nearly in line with sales growth, which was up by 9%. Is it time to sell WD-40 stock? Why are investors dissatisfied with WD-40 at the moment? It seems that the concern is less about the actual performance in Q1 and more related to the guidance provided for the remainder of fiscal 2025. "As I look around the world," says WD-40 CEO Steve Brass, "all I see is opportunity." Yet for 2025, WD-40 sees sales growing only between 6% and 11%. Taken at the midpoint, this is a forecast for sales growth slower in the rest of 2025 than in Q1. Similarly, management's forecast for a gross profit margin between 54% and 55% implies a slight decline from Q1's 54.8%. And management also says that it will earn only between $5.20 and $5.45 per share this year. At the halfway mark, the figure falls short of the $5.36 that Wall Street anticipated, showing only a roughly 2% increase compared to WD-40's earnings in fiscal 2024. Is 2% annual earnings growth enough to justify WD-40's stock price, which is currently a steep 46 times trailing earnings? I'd argue it is not. And today, it seems most investors agree with me and are selling WD-40 stock.

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Dynaudio's inaugural soundbar offers a unique design and audio experience that stands apart from any other product available today.

2025-03-26 15:46:38

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends View pictures in App save up to 80% data. One of the best things about CES is seeing and hearing products that are still months or even years away from launch. This year, at CES 2025, I had a chance to listen to Dynaudio’s first soundbar, the Symphony Opus One. You can’t buy one yet, but the company expects the price to be around $20,000 when it’s ready — possibly later in 2025, but more likely in 2026. That's quite a hefty price. However, similar to many other legendary audio products hailing from Dynaudio's home country of Denmark, you're investing as much in the design as you are in the sound quality. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends The huge, 73-inch-wide, 1,500-watt speaker looks more like an air register from a super yacht than a soundbar, thanks to the aluminum chassis, fabric panels, and a series of 72 oscillating wooden fins that make up its front face. Perhaps not coincidentally, they remind me of the vertical wooden slats used by the legendary Danish design team at Bang & Olufsen on its Beolab 8, Beolab 28, and Beosound Theatre. They’re individually carved from a species of Japanese oak. Unlike B&O’s fins, though — which supposedly play a role in directing sound — Dynaudio’s slats are mostly cosmetic. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends Rather than concealing the Opus One's impressive 24-driver setup behind a fabric grille like most speaker manufacturers, Dynaudio has chosen to incorporate louvered fins into the design. These fins remain closed when the soundbar is powered off and rotate 45 degrees to reveal the drivers when in operation. At the time of its release, consumers can expect to see two primary fin designs along with various fabric color options. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends The Opus One comes with a sleek, baton-like aluminum remote control that feels surprisingly substantial in your hand, reminiscent of a lightsaber handle. Its design features a large volume dial that turns with a satisfying resistance typical of premium amplifiers. If you're someone who can't resist gripping the remote while enjoying your favorite shows, this one is sure to keep your attention. To access this content, please make sure that Javascript is enabled in your browser settings. The marble pedestal featured in the accompanying images isn't part of the Opus One package, but according to Dynaudio, it will be available as an optional accessory. The Symphony Opus One is currently in the process of refining its platform (the company has yet to finalize the range of inputs or the integration of streaming music services, for example), but Dynaudio was assured enough about the sound quality to showcase the speaker to attendees at CES. Our demo included a section of Lady Gaga’s Close To You, and a scene from Mission: Impossible – Fallout — the one where Tom Cruise commandeers a helicopter and then struggles to keep it from becoming part of the landscape. What I experienced was an impressive, accurate, full-range audio that offers exceptional clarity for both music and dialogue, along with a robust cinematic low-end impact. Like any soundbar, a dedicated subwoofer is necessary if you're aiming to rattle the very structure of your home, but the Symphony Opus One excels at enveloping you in its captivating and immersive audio experience, featuring reflected height channel effects and surround sound enhancements. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends The demo also included something I’ve never heard before — on any home theater soundbar. Dynaudio calls it “deep dive” mode, and it can direct sound toward the listener’s position such that they’d swear they’re listening to a private set of 5.1-channel speakers, floating around their head at a distance of a few feet. The feature was demo’d via Lavern’s Hold Me, and it was nothing short of amazing. The effect is achieved through beamforming methods that utilize the multiple tweeters and mid-bass drivers in the Opus One, along with a standard HRTF profile. HRTF, or head-related transfer function, refers to a calculation that estimates how the shape and position of your head influence the timing of sounds reaching each ear. Normally, HRTFs are used when companies want to reproduce spatial audio via headphones: It’s the best way we have of simulating a full complement of home theater speakers from a two-channel left/right set of headphones. We have an in-depth look at the art and science of binaural rendering if you’re curious about how it works. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends So the use of HRTFs in a speaker — even one with the considerable surround sound chops of the Symphony Opus One — is unusual. Unusual, but not unique. Audioscenic’s Amphi Hi-D technology (which I also heard while at CES) produces a very similar effect through products like the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro and Dell Plus 32 4K QD-OLED monitor. The difference is that those are near-field speaker arrays designed to work over distances measured in inches. In my demo, the Opus One did it at a distance of 8-10 feet. Even more impressive was the level of control. I sat in the middle of three seats in the first of two rows. Behind me was a second row of two seats. As the demo progressed, the Opus One selectively targeted each seat with a deep dive soundscape. People in non-targeted seats could still hear the audio, but only the person in the deep dive seat got the magical, immersive experience. Each location needs to be calibrated using the remote, and a spokesperson told me that these “positions” may be stored for later recall. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends Currently, the deep dive feature feels more like a show-off than a necessity, as it can only focus on a single listening spot at any given moment. It seems that Dynaudio is still exploring the various possibilities. Additionally, during the brief 15- to 20-second deep dive sample, I was too caught up in my initial excitement to fully process it. Would I prefer to experience an entire film in this manner rather than the traditional surround sound? I'm uncertain. Nonetheless, it was an amazing experience to hear. Dynaudio claims that the impressive 73-inch width of the Symphony Opus One contributes significantly to its ability to cater to various listening positions through its deep-dive mode. However, I can easily envision the brand offering a more affordable, narrower variant that focuses on a single, centered deep-dive spot. Defending the price of the Symphony Opus One based solely on my observations and experiences at CES is a challenge. However, let's set aside the financial aspect for the time being. What truly excites me is the emergence of a fresh contender in the soundbar market, particularly one with a prestigious hi-fi background like Dynaudio. It's even more thrilling to witness this brand experimenting with innovative concepts such as deep dive. Determining if the end result justifies the investment is a question for the future, but I sincerely hope we can find an answer sooner rather than later.

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Business

JBS and the Labor Department Reach $4 Million Settlement to Tackle Child Labor Issues — Latest News

2025-04-02 12:32:50

The Labor Department has struck a deal with JBS, requiring the meatpacking company to pay $4 million and take steps to resolve its violations of child labor regulations. JBS USA Food, a branch of the Brazilian meatpacking company, announced on Monday that it will allocate $4 million to support individuals and communities impacted by illegal child labor practices across the country, according to the Labor Department. As part of the agreement, JBS is committed to holding its supply chain, as well as third-party contractors and service providers, accountable for any instances of illegal child labor. Additionally, the company plans to launch a focused advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of unlawful child labor practices, as reported by the agency. JBS, while acknowledging no responsibility under the terms of the agreement, stated that it entered into the arrangement partly to establish a benchmark for third-party contractors in adhering to labor and employment regulations. "A representative from the company stated, 'We have made the decision to manage all sanitation services internally, discontinuing our partnerships with external sanitation providers. We are confident that the funds specified in the agreement will offer essential resources and support for youth in need, reflecting our strong stance against child labor.'" In the future, the company plans to introduce further modifications, such as appointing a specialist in child labor compliance, establishing a hotline for anonymous reporting of compliance issues, and mandating nationwide training on the prevention of unlawful child labor for all third-party sanitation workers at JBS facilities, as well as for all JBS employees in meat-packing operations, according to the Labor Department. "Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman stated, 'JBS is addressing the issue of children engaging in hazardous work at its facilities by introducing practical and enforceable measures. This positions the company as a leader in the market, committed to preventing unlawful youth employment.'" Write to Connor Hart at [email protected] (END) Dow Jones News Services January 13, 2025, at 18:19 Eastern Time (23:19 Greenwich Mean Time) Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Business

IRS Unveils $1,400 Payments: Find Out If You Qualify Now

2025-03-10 12:27:16

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Currently, there has been no official announcement from former President Donald Trump or his administration about a second round of direct deposit payments scheduled for January 2025. Although speculation about potential financial relief initiatives persists, no definitive plans have been revealed. The IRS has announced that it will be distributing $1,400 payments to qualifying taxpayers who were unable to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021. These payments will be issued automatically and are expected to be delivered by the end of January 2025. What Are These IRS Payments All About? The $1,400 payments being distributed at this time are not fresh stimulus checks; rather, they are connected to earlier financial assistance initiatives. The IRS is sending out these payments to taxpayers who failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax filings. Requirements for Eligibility Include: Missed Recovery Rebate Credit: Taxpayers who did not apply for this credit in 2021. Income Thresholds: Payments are based on income limits similar to those of previous relief programs. Filing Requirements: If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, you have until April 15, 2025, to do so and claim this credit. No New Stimulus Payments – Here’s What We’ve Learned As discussions about potential further financial assistance remain prevalent on the internet, the Trump administration has yet to provide any official updates regarding new direct deposit payments. It is crucial to differentiate between false information and genuine communications from the government or the IRS. The ongoing distribution of $1,400 payments is part of previous relief measures rather than a fresh program. The IRS has made it clear that these payments will be issued automatically, meaning eligible individuals do not need to take any additional steps. Essential Insights No New Stimulus Checks: Despite online chatter, the Trump administration has not announced any new financial relief for January 2025. IRS Automatic Payments: Eligible taxpayers who missed the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will receive $1,400 automatically by the end of January 2025. Stay Informed: Always rely on official sources, such as the IRS website, to confirm information about financial relief programs. Concluding Reflections Although it's natural to wish for additional financial support, the recent IRS payments are not new stimulus checks; they are a continuation of efforts to make sure that qualified individuals get the money they are entitled to. To steer clear of misinformation, keep an eye on official communications and refer to reliable sources for the latest updates. If you qualify, your $1,400 payment should be en route to you!

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