Both corporate and store employees will lose their jobs.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Bed Bath & Beyond is in the process of nixing 2,800 jobs.
The layoffs will affect corporate and store employees alike, according to a statement from the struggling retailer published Tuesday.
In the statement, CEO Mark Tritton said that while "saying goodbye to colleagues and friends is incredibly difficult," the company needed to "rebuild the foundation of our business."
Bed Bath & Beyond is cutting 2,800 jobs from its corporate headquarters and store locations.
The "workforce reduction" is effective immediately, according to a statement published on the struggling retailer's website on Tuesday.
"This action is designed to further reduce layers at the corporate level, significantly reposition field operations to better serve customers in a digital-first shopping environment, as well as realign technology, supply chain and merchandising teams to support strategic growth initiatives," the statement said.
A company spokesperson told Business Insider, "these actions are the next steps in our restructuring plan that is expected to further support investment in strategic growth plans, and provide additional financial flexibility."
Bed Bath & Beyond estimates that while it will need to spend $25 million in severance and related costs due to the restructuring, the job cuts will save the company an annual sum of $150 million, at the very least.
"Saying goodbye to colleagues and friends is incredibly difficult, but this component of our comprehensive restructuring program is critical to rebuild the foundation of our business, construct a modern, balanced and durable business model, and meet the structural shift in customer shopping and service preferences that we have seen accelerate as a result of COVID-19," CEO Mark Tritton said in the statement.
According to the company's annual filing, Bed Bath & Beyond had a workforce of around 55,000 full-time and part-time employees as of February 29. The retailer furloughed the majority of its store workers and a number of corporate employees as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Bed Bath & Beyond temporarily closed its entire fleet of stores on March 23, eventually reporting a net loss of $302.29 million in its fiscal first quarter of 2020 – ending on May 30 –with a 49% drop in sales.
In July, the company announced that it would shutter 200 "redundant" stores and "leverage significant lease expirations" in an effort to cut costs. Bed Bath & Beyond also owns retail chains Buy Buy Baby and Cost Plus Inc., but executives said the mass shuttering of locations would mostly impact its namesake stores.
Are you a Bed Bath & Beyond employee? Email tips to acain@businessinsider.com.
Billionaire investor Sam Zell told CNBC there will be "significant opportunities" to invest in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of next year.
Zell said there will soon be a "clearing process" where he will be able to identify potential investments.
The distressed-asset investor called the retail industry a "falling knife" and said he wouldn't buy a retail portfolio just yet.
Billionaire investor Sam Zell told CNBC on Wednesday that he expects there to be "significant" investment opportunities in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of next year.
The pandemic has led to low transaction levels, but as activity picks up it will be easier to identify potential investments, the investor famous for buying distressed assets said.
"We are for sure active although it's really too early for what I would call the normal clearing process, and that clearing process usually leads to opportunities," Zell said.
The founder of Equity Group Investments said that the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down and deferred decision making, and that "everybody is still a little bit shaken."
One industry containing this uncertainty is retail. Zell said he used to be one of the largest retail owners in the US, but called the industry a "falling knife" that hasn't reached its bottom yet. The industry hasn't fully felt the impacts of ecommerce yet, and Zell is hesitant to invest in it right away.
When CNBC asked him if he has considered the trade that retail debt will go into default, he said: "I don't think in terms of trades, I think in terms of would I buy a retail portfolio today? Maybe not today, but maybe tomorrow."
A remote stretch of Interstate 40 in rural North Carolina became a runway on Saturday evening when a light aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on the busy highway while dodging passing cars, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.
Motorists had their eyes on the skies when what appeared to be a World War II-era Aeronca Chief piston aircraft steadily dropped, briefly swayed from side to side, and eventually touched down on the four-lane roadway. Local law enforcement officials reported numerous 911 calls were placed by witnesses on the ground claiming to have heard the aircraft experiencing engine issues just before the daring landing.
Dashboard camera video from a car below the aircraft, posted by the Charlotte Observer, recorded the final stages of landing. Traveling just slightly faster than the cars, the aircraft came into view and within seconds had its two main wheels on the pavement.
The Aeronca Chief's tail-wheel configuration – where the nose is held in the air after landing until the rear wheel can rest on the surface – complicated the landing and the plane hit the side rail.
No injuries were reported, however, and the pilot walked out of the damaged aircraft unscathed.
Why landing on a highway is the last resort
Though the preference is always an airport, low-flying general aviation aircraft don't always have enough time or altitude available to glide to the nearest runway during an engine failure. Pilots often have to make do with the nearest usable flat surface when catastrophe strikes.
From the first days of training, pilots learn to be on the constant lookout for a suitable landing spot, whether a field or a busy highway. "Pilots are constantly simulating emergency scenarios," Andrew Treulich, an FAA-certified flight instructor, told Business Insider. "We train students for engine failures in multiple different phases of flight because it most often happens when you least expect it."
Landing on a highway – while still dangerous given the hazards such as moving cars, signage, and overhead power wires – can often be preferable to landing in a field.
"A grass field is not guaranteed to be smooth and could contain ditches and other hazards that can cause damage to the aircraft or injury to the pilot," Treulich said.
As long as the emergency situation warrants the highway landing, no laws are broken as the pilot is trying to protect life and property, according to Treulich, though care still needs to be taken to avoid injuring those on the ground below. General aviation aircraft are typically traveling at speeds similar to cars on an interstate and by flying low before landing, they can signal to drivers that they'd better clear a path.
It's always a last resort in case of an engine failure – as pilots will attempt to restart the engine while navigating the emergency descent – but pilots are trained and ready to execute the scenario at a moment's notice. Engine issues or failure can occur in any stage of flight, including in the seconds after the aircraft leaves the ground.
Air traffic control is often the last to know an emergency is occurring in general aviation aircraft flown by one pilot, as the priority is finding a place to land and configuring the aircraft to get the best ratio of speed and altitude loss. Pilots are taught to aviate, then navigate, then communicate. And once on the ground, they can figure out how to get their aircraft back to the airport.
President Donald Trump speaks as White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (R) listens prior to Trump's Marine One departure from the South Lawn of the White House July 29, 2020 in Washington DC, for a campaign trip to Texas.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the White House was prepared to take additional executive action to keep airlines from furloughing thousands of workers in early October.
"So hopefully we can help out the airlines and keep some of those employees from being furloughed," Meadows said in a Politico Live interview on Wednesday.
It remained unclear what authority the administration could draw from as well as what the funding mechanism would be.
Airlines received $50 billion in bailout funds under an economic relief package in March, but they've exhausted the money amid a steep fall in travel.
A top Trump administration official said on Wednesday the White House was prepared to take additional executive actions to keep airlines from furloughing employees.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said in a Politico Live interview the option was on the table if lawmakers don't design and pass another economic relief package.
"We've got four executive actions that actually the president took, we're going to take a few others," Meadows said. "Because if Congress is not going to work, this president is going to get to work and solve some problems. So hopefully we can help out the airlines and keep some of those employees from being furloughed."
Meadows' comments come a day after American Airlines announced it would furlough 19,000 workers on October 1 unless the federal government provided significantly more relief funds. Delta also said 1,900 pilots would be furloughed absent additional aid.
It's not immediately clear what authority the White House could draw from to target federal aid to a specific industry, nor where federal funding would come from. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, wrote on Twitter that Congress needed to step in with additional legislation, and executive orders wouldn't provide enough aid to shore up battered airlines.
Under the CARES Act in March, airlines received $50 billion in bailout funds. Half of the aid was conditioned on keeping workers employed through Sept. 30. But the ongoing pandemic has decimated the industry, prompting a steep fall in airline travel and revenues.
Negotiations over another stimulus package between the White House and top congressional Democrats collapsed earlier this month amid fierce disagreements over the amount of federal spending needed to keep the economy afloat.
It led President Donald Trump to sign executive actions to bolster aid to the unemployed as well as enact a payroll-tax holiday. However, the orders have yielded limited relief.
States are slowly implementing a $300 boost in unemployment benefits. Many businesses are also signaling they would keep withholding payroll taxes from workers.
Great speakers can make listening to music far more enjoyable — and speakers have been getting a whole lot better over the past few years. These days, even relatively inexpensive speakers can deliver well-rounded bass response, a well-tuned mid-range, and plenty of clarity and detail in the high end.
Of course, if you're in the market for a new speaker or speakers, you'll want to think about exactly what kind of speaker best matches your needs. There are a number of different types of speakers, and they can all serve drastically different purposes.
If you want something to take to the beach or use on the go, then a portable Bluetooth speaker is probably your best option. If you're looking to enhance your TV-viewing experience, then home theater speakers or a soundbar will do the job. If you want to bring a digital assistant into your home, then consider a smart speaker. If you just want speakers around the house to listen to music on, then perhaps it's worth considering bookshelf speakers. And, last but not least, if you want a more immersive computing experience, then consider buying a pair of computer speakers.
It's also a good idea to take the brand into consideration when purchasing speakers. Depending on the type of speaker you end up buying, you'll want to seek out different brands. For example, if you're buying a smart speaker, then it's definitely worth looking at options from companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple. Vizio and Samsung, meanwhile, are both safe bets for soundbars. If you're setting up a surround sound system, then brands like Klipsch and Focal will be a better fit for your needs.
Last but not least, you'll want to think about your budget — and your budget might again depend on the type of speakers you're looking for. You can get decent Bluetooth and smart speakers for under $150 – but that probably won't be enough if you're looking for a soundbar or multiple home theater speakers.
Thankfully, you may be able to stay on budget and save some cash thanks to these awesome deals. After combing through the web, we've rounded up the best speaker deals out there for a variety of needs.
Prices and links are current as of 8/26/2020. Added Amazon Echo Plus, Google Home Mini, Sony SRS-XB33, JBL 2.0 soundbar, LG SL4Y soundbar, Samsung T450, and Klipsch R620F. Removed deals that are no longer active. Updated by Steven Cohen.
Best Bluetooth speaker deals
Amazon
Portable Bluetooth speakers make it easy to take your music on the road with you. Many of them are water-resistant, meaning you can use them near the pool or at the beach, and while they're usually not as great-sounding as more expensive home theater speakers or soundbars, they'll definitely get the party started at your next BBQ.
When it comes to Bluetooth speaker deals available right now, the Sony SRS-XB33 is a current highlight. This model is $30 off and it offers an IP67 waterproof and rustproof design, along with up to 24 hours of battery life.
If you're looking to enhance the sound quality in your living room without going all out for a full-sized surround sound system, then it's worth considering a soundbar. Soundbars range in price and audio quality, but the best of them allow for full-bodied audio in a relatively compact package. Some models even include wireless subwoofers and separate satellite speakers for more immersive performance.
The best soundbar deal available right now is for the Samsung HW-Q70T. This model is currently available for $102 off its original price and uses acoustic beam technology to provide Dolby Atmos support.
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple's Siri have gotten a whole lot smarter over the past few years, and they can now help you with a huge range of tasks, including controlling smart home devices, finding out information from the web, and more. There are often deals on smart speakers too – so you might be able to pick one up at a super low price.
The best smart speaker deal you can snag right now is for the Amazon Echo Plus, which is $50 off its original price. With the current discount, the Echo Plus costs the same as the standard Echo speaker. The Plus model is nearly identical to the standard model, but adds a built-in smart home hub and temperature sensor.
Soundbars are great, but if you truly want the most immersive movie-watching or gaming experience, it's worth looking into home theater speakers. Home theater speakers can be set up as a simple pair of stereo speakers next to your TV, or a full surround sound system. It should be noted, however, that home theater speakers typically require a separate AV receiver for power and processing, which can make purchasing a full system very pricey.
Thankfully, there are some great deals on home theater speakers available right now, including Klikpsch's Reference Series subwoofer, which is $129 off its regular price.
Want to avoid having to use headphones all the time when you're at your computer? A great pair of computer speakers can make for a better PC gaming experience, or simply make listening to music and podcasts more enjoyable. Sometimes, computer speakers even come with a small subwoofer to help enhance bass performance.
The best deal on computer speakers right now is for the Klipsch R-51PM, which are $159 off right now at Amazon. The stereo speaker pair includes support for wired connections and Bluetooth, offering a powerful desktop audio solution. Thanks to their impressive audio playback and connectivity options, the Klipsch R-51PM are our current pick for the best computer speakers.
A yurt is a traditional dwelling that originated among the nomadic cultures of Central Asia, designed to be easily transportable with expanding circular frames that give them their shape.
With the rise of glamping as a travel trend, the yurt has grown in popularity across the US for those seeking accommodations that embrace the outdoors.
We rounded up the top-rated yurt rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo, ranging in price from $86 and $255 to start, with availability to book in the coming weeks and months.
With more Americans looking to vacation close to home, it seems like camping has never been more popular. Not only is it easy to heed social distancing guidelines in the great outdoors, but some of America's best tourism assets are found within its stunning state and national parks. However, that doesn't mean everyone is down for "real" camping and sleeping on the ground (if you are though, be sure to pack these essentials).
For those seeking a bit more comfort, glamping resorts are similarly ensconced in nature, while offering luxuries like air-conditioning and electricity. Many feature tents that are known as yurts, which are defined by their canvas walls and circular shape, due to the wooden latticework that creates the structure.
This type of dwelling hails from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia and is traditionally built to be deconstructed and reassembled. However, in the US, yurts tend to be more permanent with fixtures like running water, dry wall, or a kitchen. Some yurts are so tricked out, they're almost like standalone cabins.
Such versatility also means they're no longer limited to the confines of glamping resorts. Many yurt rentals are listed on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo, where they boast large private plots of land, whimsical design, and desirable amenities.
To narrow the field, we rounded up highly-rated yurt rentals in remote areas across the US from off-the-grid tents to lavish two-bedroom abodes.
Bear in mind that a yurt is still an enclosed space and you should take care to only travel with guests in your social bubble during the pandemic. Although the walls are typically made of waterproof canvas, ideal for falling asleep to the sounds of nature, the material isn't as "breathable" as one might imagine, says Dr. Thomas A. Russo, a professor of infectious disease at the University of Buffalo.
"You would like one that has optimal ventilation, but if you're within your social bubble, the ventilation probably isn't an issue. Where it becomes an issue is if you're interacting with people outside of your social bubble and if it's poorly ventilated. That's problematic. I would still wear a mask in that situation," he told us.
As such, it's important to remember that without a vaccine, there is no guarantee of safety and it's pertinent to follow guidelines from the CDC and WHO such as wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing. You'll also want to check state and local guidelines and quarantine mandates, especially if you are traveling to or from a hotspot state.
We selected the best yurt rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo based on the following criteria:
The yurts are standalone, private accommodations with minimal interaction with owners or other guests, in line with COVID-19 precautions.
Each property is priced between $86 and $255 per night to start, with availability in the coming weeks and months, at the time of publishing.
All are top-rated listings and have an average rating of 4.7 or higher.
Each yurt rental has a variety of exceptional amenities, outstanding scenery, or both.
Looking for more vacation rentals in nature? Click below to jump directly to related coverage.
Atop a hill, this large yurt — 24 feet in diameter — overlooks the Chama River Valley and is filled with rustic and intricately-carved wooden furniture that gives this place a lot of character.
From the bold studwork on the bed frame's baseboard to the unique texture of the coffee table, and the Central Asian-inspired tapestries hanging on the walls, the interior design is far from cookie-cutter.
Totally secluded and located behind the host's home, this stay is all about enjoying the serenity of the desert. There's a Queen-sized bed, plus a day bed and trundle, offering a bit more space for a family. Settle on the couch and around the wood stove in winter, or use one of the provided space heaters if you'd rather not stoke a fire all night. The kitchen and bathroom are located in a separate, but private building, which is not shared by the host. On the deck outside, you'll find additional seating and space for your morning yoga routine.
With just a few sporadic days still available for September, you'll have to wait until mid-October to book this yurt over the weekend.
Rating: 4.8
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.
For an authentic yurt experience, this off-the-grid yurt in Colorado is about as real as it gets. There's no plumbing, except for an outhouse, and no power, except for a portable charger, so you can totally remove yourself in this serene landscape, while watching the sunset over the silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. Better yet, admire it while swaying within the colorful hammock perched on an adjacent deck.
The home is also within walking distance of a private lake and the hosts are happy to lend you their kayaks and paddleboards. Inside, you'll find a Queen-sized bed, dining table for two, couch, and a kitchenette, plus thoughtful touches like locally crafted and organic toiletries.
There are still many days, but no weekends, in September. October and November are wide open.
Rating: 4.9
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.
With sunset views of a quiet bay, this large listing makes smart use of its 525 square feet with a large futon, wood stove dining area, and kitchen on one side, and bedroom and bathroom shower on the other.
Outside, enjoy spreading out on a huge lawn, or dip into the hot tub or humble beachfront (all beaches in Oregon are public) that attracts local heron and egrets. The furniture inside is very woodsy with an oak table and a Queen-sized alder wood bed that's situated right beneath the skylight to savor the stars before falling asleep.
This yurt is located on the Oregon Coast near attractions like the Cape Mears Loop, the Tillamook Air Museum, and miles of sandy beaches. It's also dog-friendly with a weight limit of 25 pounds, and if you have your own boat, you can even dock it right on the beach.
This yurt is booked up until late October, but there are still a handful of weekends available in November, and December is wide open.
Rating: 4.8
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The host provides a contactless check-in experience, disinfects high-touch surfaces, and washes all towels and bedding in hot water.
In rural Montana, escape into the wilderness to this luxury two-bedroom yurt located on a private farm near Flathead Lake.
The 855 square-foot interiors are fully-furnished with a full stainless steel kitchen (including a dishwasher), a dining room that can seat six, and a washer and dryer. The decor is contemporary but rustic with leather couches that nicely contrast against distressed wood end tables and other character-filled pieces. The bathroom is particularly nice with a double vanity and modern shower with stone flooring.
Outside, the deck has a picnic table for dining and a high-end kamado-style ceramic grill for smoking and grilling. With panoramic views, this elevated yurt also overlooks a landscape of sprawling flower fields and snow capped mountains in the distance.
This home requires a minimum stay of two nights and is fully booked until November.
Rating: 5
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The host provides contactless check-in in addition to disinfecting high-touch surfaces and washing all linens.
Yurt in the trees in Dripping Springs, Texas, $156
Sitting amid an oak tree canopy, this contemporary and well-designed yurt on Wanderin' Star Farms makes a gorgeous first impression with cedar-framed french doors, a fluffy white Queen-sized bed, and an array of fabrics, patterns, and textures that compliment the geometry of the intricate ceiling and latticework.
This yurt is also adults-only, built for two and ideal for a couple's getaway. A small dining table, coffee bar, and bathroom with a large tub and handheld showerhead round out the on-site offerings, made more comfortable by amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, heating, microwave, and a fridge.
Truthfully, you'll probably want to spend the majority of your time on the porch, which feels nestled among the treetops, or exploring the neighboring farm and creek.
There are few days left to book this yurt in October, but availability opens up more widely in November and December.
Rating: 4.9
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is. The host also specifies that linens are washed between stays and all surfaces are disinfected.
Blue Ridge Mountain yurt with hot tub in Afton, Virginia, $157
Down the road from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Entrance, this large, secluded yurt counts 720 square feet and is fully-equipped with heating, air conditioning, and a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a dishwasher. However, the showstopper is certainly the 400-square-foot deck with a hot tub framed by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Inside impresses as well, with a glass dining table and clawfoot tub that sits beautifully on checkered tiling in the bathroom. A Queen-size bed is tucked away upstairs in the loft, which not only allows for more space downstairs, but adds to the overall cozy treehouse ambiance.
The location is also prime for social distancing with access to a private pond for fishing, swimming, or paddle boating.
This yurt is booked through the fall, with dates opening up starting in December.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.
Rising moon yurt with vineyard views in Sebastopol, California, $175
Overlooking the vineyards and redwood trees of Sonoma County, California, this yurt is located on a wine country back road not far from Sebastopol. It sits on the property of a family homestead, surrounded by nature, and includes modern conveniences like complimentary organic and locally-roasted coffee.
The yurt is huge — 30 feet in diameter — and equipped with a Tuft & Needle Queen-sized canopy bed, air-conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and a full kitchen with an island, gas stove, coffee grinder, coffee maker, and a french press.
The sleekly-dressed yurt's central ceiling dome remains closed and floods the space in sunlight during the day, while revealing the starry night sky in later hours. Board games, cards, books, a turntable with records, and yoga mats are provided, while the private bathhouse is located on an adjacent deck with has an outdoor tub for indulging in an open-air soak. From there, you'll enjoy sweeping views of one of Kendall Jackson's Pinot Noir vineyards.
Availability is currently quite limited, but check back often as that is subject to change.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost with excellent reviews.
These perched yurts at Utah's East Zion Resort overlook the jaw-dropping countryside and not-to-be-missed Zion National Park is only a 20-minute drive away.
Inside, you'll find a Queen-sized bed, couch, and a kitchenette with a microwave, cooktop, mini fridge, and a stooled dining bar below a flat screen TV. These yurts are brand new and air-conditioned with rustic-inspired decor and wood furnishings that feel like an extension of the world outside. A wall fully separates the bathroom, which provides more privacy than some of the other yurts on this list. There is also a small deck and patio area with a fire pit, as well as a gas grill.
Availability: With just a few days left to book this yurt in September and October, availability does not open up more widely until November, when you can still book it for a long week or weekend.
Rating: 5
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: The host will disinfect high-touch surfaces and wash all linens between guest stays. The resort's shared amenities like the pool and hot tub may not be available.
In its own piece of the woods, and just a short stroll from a private lake, this deluxe yurt comes with air-conditioning, electricity, and a water cooler. Inside, a family of four can sleep comfortably with one Queen-sized bed and a set of bunk beds. There is also a small dining table and faux-fireplace to add an extra touch of homeyness.
Outside, a large deck provides another dining area alongside a well-kept and sizeable yard with a hammock, as well as a fire pit surrounded by chairs.
Staying here comes with access to a private dock on the lake, and the owners supply a canoe, fishing rods, and bait, too.
There are still a few days available for the last days of summer and early September, but if you want to book this yurt for a weekend, you'll have to look at dates in October.
Rating: 4.8
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: The host provides contactless check-in in addition to disinfecting high touch surfaces and washing all linens between guest stays.
Half-an-hour west of Asheville, with views of the Pigeon River on the Wildcat Ridge Peony Farm, this yurt feels like a glam apartment with drywall dividing the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. So much added wallspace means the hosts have thoughtfully hung tasteful art and decor in addition to inviting furniture. The home is air-conditioned, but there's also a ceiling fan, and the kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, oven, coffeemaker, microwave, and toaster, and the living room has an electric fireplace and flat-screen TV.
An expansive wraparound deck with dining area, barbecue grill, and fire pit, draw the attention outside as well.
There's still time to book this yurt in late September or October, and the second half of November is completely open.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedure: This listing specifies a minimum one-day vacancy between guests, enhanced cleaning practice including the disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, and the washing of all towels and bedding.
This week: Peter Thiel's grudge match with Silicon Valley and the tech industry's civil war
Thiel stole the show at the Republican National Convention. Note the banner: "Make America One Again."
REUTERS/Rick Wilking
It often feels like we're living in a multi-screen world these days with big political scandals, pandemics, and natural disasters all happening at the same time and competing for our limited attention.
Now, this surfeit of simultaneous major news is trickling into the tech industry. The past week has provided a dizzying dose of developments in the world of tech — and as you can see, things are getting more contentious.
Elon Musk's Neuralink, which is developing chips that go into people's brains, is scheduled to give the first live demo of a working device on Friday. At least, that's what Musk tweeted. Your guess is as good as anyone's about what he has in store for us. Will this live demo involve a chip implanted in a chimp? A human, or, perhaps more accurately, a cyborg?
If you find yourself in Singapore in the future, you'll want to check out Apple's wild-looking new retail store. It's round, it's big, and it floats. Apple hasn't given an opening date yet, other than "coming soon," but based on recent pictures, it looks like it should be opening soon — coronavirus permitting, of course.
"We're not in a good M&A environment, I just don't see it. Things always are changing but I think this isn't part of our plan right now, we don't see that."
US Rep. Ilhan Omar poses for a photo with fellow panelists at a town hall meeting on gender pay gap and equity on April 24, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Stephen Maturen / Stringer/Getty Images
This year's Women's Equality Day is on August 26, to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment ensuring women the right to vote throughout the United States, though women of color wouldn't fully secure that right until decades later.
Even though a lot of progress has been made, the gender wage gap persists.
The median full-time, year-round female worker made just 81.6 cents for every dollar her male counterpart made in 2018.
That gap in pay varies widely based on location, race, and several other factors.
Women's Equality Day, August 26, is a day that celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave (some) women the right to vote. Black women and women of color wouldn't get that right until the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
And while women have gained important political power, there is still much work to be done to reach equality, especially when it comes to financial power.
One of the most glaring issues is the gender wage gap, the difference in earnings between men and women. The gap is especially prevalent during the economic struggles caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
According to the National Women's Law Center as reported by Fortune, working women are especially affected by the coronavirus as they make up a large percentage of the labor force in industries that are seeing large numbers of layoffs. "Women hold 70% of restaurant server positions, generally earning 79% of what men do," Fortune wrote.
Over half a century after the US passed the Equal Pay Act, American women still face a substantial gender wage gap across the spectrum.
In 2018, a woman working full time earned 81.6 cents for every dollar a man working full time earned on average. Additionally, women's median annual earnings were $9,766 less than men's, according to the most recent available data from the US Census Bureau.
The Fortune article also noted that many women on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak, such as nurses helping treat patients with the coronavirus or store workers keeping groceries and goods stocked, make less than men in the same occupation on average.
While progress has been made toward pay parity between the sexes, the Institute for Women's Policy Research estimates that it will not be reached until 2059.
The seven charts below illustrate the significant pay discrepancies between men and women based on race, age, geographical location, and more.
The gender wage gap varies widely depending on the state
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
According to data from the US Census Bureau, the average gender pay gap in the United States in 2018 was around 18.9%, meaning that a woman working a full-time, year-round job earns 81.1% as much as her male counterpart earns.
The pay gap varies, however, by state.
In Wyoming, for instance, the gender pay gap is 30.9%, the biggest wage gap in the nation. Louisiana is followed closely behind at 30.8%. In 30 states, the gender pay gap is larger than the national average.
California had the smallest pay gap in 2018 at 12.2%, with full-time, year-round women over 16 making a median salary of $49,177, while men made $56,023.
Major cities show an even bigger discrepancy
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
Around the US, salaries in large cities show an even greater range of pay discrepancy between men and women.
A 2019 report from the American Association of University Women, a nonprofit that advocates for gender equality, examined how much women earn compare to men in 25 major metro areas using 2018 US Census data from the American Community Survey and Current Population Survey.
Out of the 25 cities, the narrowest gender wage gap overall is in Los Angeles, where women make approximately 91% of the median salary for men. Seattle had the widest wage gap: Women earn around 78% of what men make in the city.
Overall, black and Hispanic women face the biggest pay gap when compared to white men
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
Black and Hispanic women are most affected by the wage gap, especially when compared to white men, who make up the largest demographic segment of the workforce.
We looked at the wage gap for different racial and ethnic groups using median earnings data for full-time, year-round workers from the US Census Bureau's 2018 1-year American Community Survey.
Asian women face the smallest wage gap — they earn 97% of what white men earn, resulting in a pay gap of just 3%. White women earn 80% of what white men do, while black women earn 66% and Hispanic women earn 58%, a pay gap of 42%.
When compared to black men, black women earn 89.4%, and Hispanic women make 84.8% of what Hispanic men do.
The larger disparity between white men's and women of color's earnings could be attributed to the fact that "women of color suffer both because of their gender and their race," according to an April 2016 report released by the Senate Joint Economic Committee's Democratic Staff.
Another way of looking at that gap for women of different racial and ethnic groups is to consider when "equal pay day" for each group falls.
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
The above calendar graphic shows how many days into the next year a woman has to work in order to earn what a white man would have earned in the previous year using estimates from the American Association of University Women.
Equal pay day for all women falls this year on March 31. Equal pay day falls much later in the year for some racial and ethnic groups.
For example, a typical full-time, year-round employed black female worker starting on January 1, 2019, would have finally earned on August 13, 2020, what a similarly employed white male worker would have made over the course of 2019 alone.
It takes full-time, year-round employed Asian women the shortest time to make what a white man would have made the year before. It would take an Asian female worker 42 days into 2020, or until February 11, to earn what a white man earned the year before.
Women with children gain no salary boost, while men with children are rewarded
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
In 2015, women with children were earning roughly the same as women without children, $727 and $726 respectively. However, working fathers with children earned about $141 more than a men without children.
That gap has slowly been closing since then, as 2018 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that women with children now make slightly more than women without kids under 18 at home.
Men with children see an earnings boost, and the difference between their weekly take-home pay was on average $179 higher than their counterparts without kids in 2018.
For working women, the difference in earnings between women with and without children is minimal. Working mothers only made $15 compared to other working women in 2018.
While this disparity can be attributed to differences in careers and work hours between men and women who have children and those who do not, a 2016 report released by the Senate Joint Economic Committee Democratic Staff says that there is also a difference in how working mothers and fathers are perceived by management.
According to the report, some employers may view motherhood as a "signal of lower levels of commitment and professional competence." Working fathers, on the other hand, may be viewed as having "increased work commitment and stability."
Women's earnings are lower than men's over the course of a lifetime
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
The gender pay gap exists for workers across a lifetime.
Using Census data from the Minnesota Population Center's IPUMS program, we found that the median full-time, year-round male worker earns more than his female counterpart at every year of age.
The gap is narrower for younger workers, with the median 25-year-old woman earning about 94.3% of the median 25-year-old man. Meanwhile, the median 50-year-old woman earns just 77.4% of her 50-year-old male counterpart.
Women over the age of 75 are almost twice as likely to live in poverty, according to the Senate report.
Many women that age didn't work when they were younger, so they have fewer sources of retirement income than men their age.
In 1950, about 34% of American women were in the labor force, compared to 86% of men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By 1980, the numbers were 52% and 77% respectively — and the numbers have largely plateaued since then. In 2018, about 57% of women are part of the workforce, compared to 69% of men, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Read more about earnings over a lifetime by gender here.
The number of women promoted to the highest levels within companies reveals unconscious biases
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider
Very few women are CEOs of major corporations, or in the C-level suite of executives running corporate America.
Data from a study put together by McKinsey & Co. and Lean In show how men are promoted up, while women fall by the wayside.
They surveyed 329 companies employing more than 13 million people, and found only one in five C-level executives were women.
Women of color are furthermore underrepresented at the executive level, making up only 1 in 25 C-level executives.
Since 2015, there's been an increase in the share of women in the C-Suite, while women in lower-level management roles have seen a smaller increase since that year.
The latest McKinsey report suggested that more women are working in senior positions, but it is still hard for women to move up from entry-level jobs into higher roles. "For every 100 men promoted and hired to manager, only 72 women are promoted and hired," the report said, which affects the number of women being promoted to higher positions in the corporate pipeline.
However, women consistently ask for promotions and raises more. One of the reasons for the disparity between women asking for promotions and actually getting them was because when women negotiate, people like them less for it, according to a previous McKinsey study covered by Business Insider found.
According to Lean In, women who negotiate are more likely than men who negotiate to receive feedback that they are "intimidating," "too aggressive," or "bossy."
Another recent poll by American Express and The New York Women's Foundation found that less than one-third of women were comfortable with calling themselves ambitious. According to psychologists interviewed by Business Insider, the reasoning behind this is that the word could be seen as aggressive.
Harvard Business Review found in their research that women ask for raises just as much as men but men are more "successful" with their requests, with a success rate of 15% for women and 20% for men.
Read more about the share of women in corporate positions here.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk projected a more than 50% increase in battery density over the next few years.
Mike Blake/Reuters
Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggested major developments coming to the company's battery technology over the next few years in a Monday tweet.
Musk hinted that Tesla will be able to mass produce batteries with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg in the next three to four years — a more than 50% jump in capacity, as compared with the batteries Tesla currently uses for its Model 3.
Last year, Musk said that for battery-powered flight to become as viable as traditional kerosene-powered jets, batteries need to achieve an energy density of at least 400 Wh/kg.
Analysts expect Tesla to announce advances in battery and powertrain technology at the company's Battery Day, set to take place on September 22.
With the company's hotly anticipated Battery Day just around the corner, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at major developments coming to his company's battery technology over the next few years.
In a Monday tweet, Musk suggested that within three to four years Tesla could mass produce a battery with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg. That would represent a more than 50% increase in capacity over the batteries currently powering Tesla's Model 3, which researchers estimate have a density of 260 Wh/kg, per Reuters.
In the tweet, which was in response to a thread speculating about the future of electric airplanes, Musk also mentioned that the batteries would have a "high cycle life," meaning that the cells could be charged and discharged many times over without affecting performance, a necessity for electric vehicles.
Last year, Musk said that for battery-powered flight to become as viable as traditional kerosene-powered jets, batteries need to achieve an energy density of at least 400 Wh/kg. At the time, he predicted that may happen in five years.
Musk has a history of being outspoken about the potential of electric aircraft becoming more common in everyday life, and has previously detailed ideas for a more advanced electric jet that could take off without a runway. But in a September 2018 interview with comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan, Musk said that he didn't find the pursuit of a Tesla electric aircraft to be "necessary right now," instead stating that he wanted to dial in on preserving energy.
"Electric cars are important," Musk said in the interview. "Solar energy is important. Stationary storage of energy is important. These things are much more important than creating electric supersonic VTOL [vertical take-off and landing]."
Musk's latest comments on battery developments comes as anticipation builds for Tesla's Battery Day presentation, which is set for September 22, the same day as its annual shareholder meeting. Musk hasn't said much about what to expect, but analysts predict that the company will announce new battery- and powertrain-related developments.
"In our opinion this battery technology will be very advanced, potentially last for decades, withstand all types of weather/terrain, and be another major milestone for the Tesla ecosystem," Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush, told clients on Sunday, adding that, "In theory this battery will support an electric vehicle for 1 million miles and be a major step forward when competing vs. traditional gasoline powered automotive competitors."
Elon Musk is also scheduled to show off new technology from another of his companies, the AI-brain chip startup Neuralink, on Friday, August 28 at 3 PM Pacific Time. Musk has promised a live tech demo of a "working device."
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Advancing their anti-Christian, anti-conservative, anti-Donald Trump narrative was all that mattered." — Kentucky high school student Nicholas Sandmann, in an RNC speech attacking the media for its coverage of his 2019 encounter with a Native American protester on the National Mall.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The RNC continues Wednesday with VP Pence's acceptance speech at Ft. McHenry. Tuesday night featured endless Hatch Act violations, Trump's naturalization and pardoning stunts, a well received Melania Trump speech, and Republicans referring to the pandemic in the past tense on a day more than 1,000 Americans were killed by COVID.
At least two people were killed in Kenosha, Wisc. unrest. Hundreds have taken to the streets to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Protesters have burned businesses, and a confrontation between demonstrators and armed counterprotesters turned violent, with two dead and one injured.
VIEWS OF THE DAY
President Donald Trump speaks at the first day of the Republican National Convention on August 24, 2020, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
The boundless vanity of Trump's convention — and what it misses about the presidency.
During the 2016 Republican convention, nominee Donald Trump looked at America and famously declared, "I alone can fix it."
Narcissists are wonderfully predictable, so it is no wonder that the theme of the 2020 RNC is also, "I alone can fix it." Every speaker personalizes their praise of Trump. It is Trump who sped up FDA regulators, saving me from cancer. It is Trump who protects my streets when Black Marxists march on it. It is Trump who lowered my taxes.
The convention stunts reinforce this Trump fetishism. Former hostages have been enlisted to slavishly thank the president for rescuing them (as if rescuing Americans isn't the job of any president.) A reformed bank robber was pulled on to national TV to be pardoned by Trump, as though the great accomplishment there was Trump pardoning him, not John Ponder doing so much to help others. Trump orchestrated a White House naturalization ceremony for immigrants, as though his personal benediction was allowing them to become American, not their own persistence.
God knows there was plenty of Reagan-worship and Obama-mania. But Trump has taken presidential vanity to a horrid extreme. He has made the Republican Party a projection of himself, and centralized all attention.
What's so screwy about this politics-as-idolatry is that it's antithetical to how we all know the world works. To hear RNC speakers tell it, any good thing that happened in the past four years happened because Trump personally did it. Yet you only need to spend about 15 minutes in any job to realize that everyone is replaceable. (As Charles de Gaulle, a fine narcissist himself, put it: "The cemeteries are filled with indispensable men.")
This is especially true in any large institution, where the grand armature of tradition, bureaucracy, and systems allow stuff to get done, regardless of who is at the top of the org chart. Trump didn't rescue those hostages: A vast government apparatus, experts in the defense and state departments, connections built for decades between governments — that's what rescued the hostages.
Consider Trump's two signature accomplishments as president: the confirmation of hundreds of judges and the tax cut. The judges got through because a well-funded, well-organized conservative network has been training and grooming and making lists of judicial candidates for decades; and because a massive concerted effort has been made to solidify the Republican majority in the Senate. Trump signed the papers, but decades of work and institutional planning made it possible.
Similarly, the tax cut was not the product of Trump's genius, but of the maneuvering and planning of hundreds of lobbyists and Republican interest groups that had been waiting for a window with full Republican control of Congress and the White House.
If anything, the occasions when Trump has been most personally involved have been most disastrous for the party and the country. The COVID response would have been much better left in the hands of experts and bureaucrats. His personalized diplomacy with thuggish dictators has emboldened Russian President Putin and allowed Turkish President Erdogan to crush our longtime Kurdish allies.
The truth is that any person thrust into the job of president would likely do it fine — better than Trump in some ways, worse in others, but on balance, fine. Structures exist to enable to anyone to do the job. And any Republican would have gotten the same judges through and the same tax cuts passed.
He is not special, and don't let the RNC worship convince you otherwise. — DP
Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf conducts a naturalization ceremony at the White House during the RNC.
CBS News
Trump's RNC naturalization ceremony was a disgusting troll
He came onto the political scene in 2015 making the supposedly violent scourge of illegal immigration his campaign's bête noire.
Five years later he staged a naturalization ceremony featuring five new Americans of color in the White House.
One of them was a man originally from Ghana, which is among the African countries Trump referred to as a "shithole." He said this in a meeting with senators, and juxtaposed such immigrants with ones he'd prefer to have coming to America, from places like Norway.
The whole ceremony — which may have been an illegal use of a public building to stage political campaign stunt — was classic Trump. It was a flagrant troll job, a sick joke, and it used innocent people as pawns in an attempt to demonstrate his false benevolence.
It's hardly surprising, but Trump's earlier posture about "illegals" was a mere smokescreen for an overt hostility to all immigration.
The US under Trump has admitted the fewest refugees since such data has been recorded — just 18,000 last year. And Trump instituted onerous roadblocks for legal immigration including travel and asylum bans, rejecting immigration paperwork for minor clerical mistakes, and denying Green Cards to legal immigrants who've ever used a public welfare benefit.
Trump's naturalization stunt wasn't for his base, it was a bird-flip to his staunch detractors. It was the RNC version of his infamous 2016 tweet where he celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a photo of him hovering over a taco bowl from his Trump Grill — which Vanity Fair called possibly the worst restaurant in America. — Anthony Fisher
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and Jerry Falwell (R), President of Liberty University, pose for photos with members of gospel choir Lu Praise during a commencement at Liberty University May 13, 2017 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
It's important to talk about how the Evangelicals got here
Evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. has stepped down from his lucrative post as head of Liberty University after reports that he was involved in a sexual relationship with his wife and a business partner, Giancarlo Granda, who the couple met when Granda was working as a pool attendant at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel.
As a parting gift Liberty gave Falwell a golden parachute a Wall Street banker wouldn't shake a stick at. Falwell also quoted Martin Luther King Jr. as he exited.
Last night at the RNC, one of Billy Graham's granddaughters, Cissie Graham Lynch, called Donald Trump — a man who used the Bible and an empty church as photo props after having federal police attack peaceful protesters — as a "fierce advocate" for people of faith.
As the good book says in Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Am I right?
The hypocrisy of these people — leaders of the church — is not lost on all Evangelicals. Another one of Graham's granddaughters, Jerushah Duford, wrote an essay excoriating Trump after his church stunt saying that she feels "homeless" since the church's embrace of such a man.
Unfortunately for Duford, the Evangelical movement's political activity is rooted in the kind of hypocrisy Duford disdains — in the most anti-democratic, illiberal elements of American society. The way the story of their political awakening is told, the Evangelical political movement started with Roe vs. Wade. But that isn't true. Evangelical interest in abortion didn't begin until about half a decade after Roe vs. Wade was decided in 1973. In 1971, 1974, and 1976 the Southern Baptist Convention passed resolutions affirming that abortion should be legal.
What galvanized Evangelicals was not abortion, but segregation and tax avoidance. It wasn't Roe vs. Wade, it was lesser known Green vs. Connally. After schools started to integrate in the late 1960s and early 1970s, many white Evangelicals started sending their kids to tax-exempt private religious schools. A group of black families in Holmes County, Mississippi thought that tax exempt status was unfair and sued to have it removed. They took it all the way up to the Supreme Court, and they won.
The loss of segregated private schools galvanized Christians leaders like Jerry Falwell Sr., who eventually started the political organization The Moral Majority in 1979. He did so with the help of a conservative activist named Paul Weyrich. Weyrich was trying to expand the GOP base, and he linked Evangelicals up with anti-abortion advocates who, slowly throughout the 1970s, convinced Evangelicals to join them on the abortion issue.
But again, abortion isn't what got us here. It was racism and taxes. So it makes sense when you hear Graham's granddaughter, Cissie Graham Lynch, at the RNC saying:
"The Biden-Harris vision for America leaves no room for people of faith. Whether you're a baker, a florist, or a football coach, they will force the choice between being obedient to God, or to Caesar...because the radical Left's god is government power."
The story of Evangelical political activity is one of a Church in conflict with the teachings of its Messiah, Jesus Christ. He told his followers to pay taxes as the Romans instructed, to obey the rules of the emperor — "To render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." In the 1970s Evangelicals decided they had a problem with that, and now we're here. — Linette Lopez
A "complete petering out" of economic growth. Former Fed chief Yellen says the loss of relief checks and extra unemployment benefits is catastrophic, and the economy needs more than $1 trillion in stimulus to avoid a longer recession.
A worker wearing a mask cleans the backboard following an NBA basketball game between the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020.
Ashley Landis/AP
The NBA has since July been making use of technology as part of its health and safety measures, which have been successful so far: there have been zero COVID-19 cases among players since the season restarted in late July.
One optional tool the NBA is using is the Oura smart ring, a wearable device that can measure skin temperature and heart rate, among other metrics.
About 25% of the NBA bubble has been using the health-tracking Oura ring, a spokesperson told Business Insider.
Oura is one of several technologies being deployed. Players also use bluetooth thermometers, pulse oximeters, and smart wristbands to log their movements and vitals.
Partnerships like Oura's with the NBA are raising new questions about the potential of wearable devices in tracking and preventing the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
The health andsafety protocols that the NBA has implemented since its season restarted in late July include many of the measures you may expect, such as regular testing, frequent disinfecting of basketballs and courts, and limitations on who players can come into contact with.
But the NBA has also been making use of high-tech gadgets like smart thermometers and connected pulse oximeters to monitor players' and staff health. as USA Today first reported in mid-July.
It appears to be working. The NBA announced on August 19 that none of its 341 players had tested positive for COVID-19 for the fifth week in a row. The NBA's "bubble" at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has been without a coronavirus case since games started in late July.
That might change. The league will start to allow some guests into the complex on August 31, according to a memo sent to teams and obtained by ESPN earlier this month. The potential strain on the bubble means players, coaches, and staff will be relying even more heavily on their strict protocol — and those high-tech gadgets.
Among the most interesting of those gadgets is a $300 smart ring called Oura that's capable of measuring body pulse, activity, heart rate, and skin temperature. About 25% of players, coaches, and staff have been using the ring on a daily basis as they sequester in the NBA's bubble, spokesperson Joanna Shapiro told Business Insider. This number has not been reported previously.
The Oura smart ring is a little bulkier than the average ring, but is lightweight.
Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
The ring is optional and not a mandatory part of the NBA's 113-page safety protocol, which required players to undergo quarantine upon arrival and implements a tiered system that governs how and when players can come into contact with others inside the bubble, among other measures, according to The Washington Post. It was previously reported that the NBA had ordered 2,000 of Oura's smart rings.
Oura is also just one of several technologies being used by the NBA in its health and safety plan. Players log their symptoms in the NBA's MyHealth app, record their temperature in the app after taking it with a Kinsa Bluetooth thermometer, and measure their oxygen levels with a smart pulse oximeter made by a company called Masimo, according to USA Today.
The NBA and health officials have access to a database that tracks these data points logged by NBA players, coaches, and staff members, the report says, and players wear Disney Magic bands on their wrists. These bracelets are typically used to allow guests to sign into attractions and unlock their hotel rooms, but the NBA is using them to manage everyone's whereabouts by having those in the bubble use it to check in to various points around campus, like COVID-19 testing sites and practice facilities.
The fact that Oura is optional has made it impossible to attribute the health of players and staff to usage of the ring, and difficult to tell just how widely the gadget is being used inside the bubble until now. Still, Oura's partnership with the NBA and WNBA, as well as its usage in COVID-19 research projects, has raised new questions about the potential of wearable devices to quickly identify illness.
Fitbit devices, for example, are being used in a study from Scripps Research Translational Institute. The Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab is also looking at how fitness trackers made by Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, and Garmin in addition to Oura can be used to track diseases like COVID-19.
Oura is a lightweight metallic ring clad in sensors that enable the ring to measure metrics like your heart rate, skin temperature, and respiratory rate as well as your activity. It certainly feels a bit bulkier than your average piece of jewelry, but once you get used to it the ring is barely noticeable.
The ring first gained attention for its sleep tracking capabilities, as it can measure the duration of your sleep, various stages of sleep, and how restful your sleep was among other metrics. It's been worn by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Prince Harry.
Sensors line the inside of the ring.
Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
Oura says on its website that the ring should be considered a supplement to testing and other safety protocols rather than a standalone tool. Harpreet Rai, CEO of Oura, sees the ring as being an additional tool that can be useful for helping companies prioritize testing among employees.
"Everyone's trying to figure out how to become a pro at operating in a pandemic," Rai said in an interview with Business Insider. "And I think what we've just found is being able to help those organizations prioritize those individuals who may need help most is really helping them."
One way Oura does this is by calculating a risk score, Rai said. This assesses four metrics: changes in temperature, changes in respiratory rate, changes in heart rate, and heart rate variability versus a user's baseline.
The idea is to eventually make it so that worksite administrators can look at a dashboard of employee data and immediately see which workers might be at risk and in need of testing. Employees would have to consent to having their data shared.
Oura has been in the spotlight since the early days of the pandemic for research investigating whether the rings could be used to detect COVID-19 symptoms early. The company distributed 2,000 rings to staff at UCSF Medical Center and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in March as part of an effort to help frontline health workers spot symptoms ahead of time.
It's also worked with the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and WVU Medicine on a digital platform it claims can predict symptoms related to COVID-19 up to three days in advance.
Still, some experts have expressed skepticism about the ring's effectiveness in detecting COVID-19 symptoms, mostly because there's little data available, CNN reported.
Oura isn't a medical device, but Rai said he hopes the ring can provide more insight for signaling when it might be time to go to the doctor. The studies and research are intended to be a step in the direction of being able to provide tools that can help users seek medical attention more proactively, rather than waiting for something to go wrong.
"Here's an early warning sign that something may be off, but go seek the proper medical assistance to help you confirm this," Rai said, citing an example of how the ring's data should be interpreted. "And I think that is really what's going to change the healthcare industry."
Four overnight camps in Maine implemented a multi-layered strategy to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and, in doing so, successfully avoided secondary transmission, according to a report out today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The four camps hosted a combined total of 1,022 kids and staffers from across the US and abroad.
Two staff members and one camper at three different camps tested positive for COVID-19, though they showed no symptoms, after arriving at camp. They were quickly isolated and their contacts were quarantined, resulting in no spread to other camp members.
A recent outbreak at a camp in Georgia demonstrated how just one case can spread rapidly without proper containment, as 260 campers and counselors tested positive after one staffer came down with the virus.
While the campers in Georgia were not required to wear masks, campers and counselors in Maine were masked when participating in activities outside of their assigned cohorts, which ranged from five to 44 people depending on the camp.
Employing a multilayered strategy allowed the camps to mitigate the spread of coronavirus
Laura Blaisdell, lead author of the report and a camp mom herself, said there's not one gold-standard strategy that is 100% effective at preventing the spread of coronavirus. She said this intervention was successful because it combined multiple strategies including early identification and isolation, quarantining, cohorting, masking, and physical distancing.
"It's like a piece of Swiss cheese. Every layer has a limitation, and it's the putting of the layers on top of each other that allows us to cover up those holes," Blaisdell said.
The camps employed a multilayered plan for COVID-19 prevention.
CDC.gov
Camp attendees were instructed to quarantine at home with their family units for 10-14 days before arrival, then quarantined with their cohorts for 14 days after arrival.
The camps required attendees to show negative coronavirus test results from 5-7 days before arrival, with four attendees delaying their arrival because they tested positive. At one camp, 15 campers were isolated while they waited to learn their test results.
Campers and staffers were tested again a week after arrival, which yielded positive results for three attendees. The positive individuals were isolated until they tested negative, and their cohorts quarantined for 14 days. The camps also implemented daily temperature checks and questioning about COVID-19 symptoms.
The cohort system limited indoor interactions that could lead to transmission
By assigning campers and counselors to small, stable cohorts, the camps cut down on scenarios that could spread the virus and set clear expectations for mask-wearing.
"Those cohorts acted essentially and functionally as family units," Blaisdell said. The groups initially quarantined together, and campers were allowed to not wear a mask while within their cohort.
The cohorts dined together, bunked together, and used the same bathrooms. The camps limited mixed-cohort indoor activities where the virus might spread, and encouraged sports that allowed physical distance between cohorts, according to the CDC report.
Blaisdell said the camps were able to create a "culture of compliance" around mask-wearing within the larger camp community, and they didn't have any issues with people not wearing masks.
"As a public health trained physician, I'm thrilled about the results because we entered into the summer with a small degree of trepidation and a large degree of uncertainty," Blaisdell said. "As a camp mom, I'm equally grateful because my sons were able to play and to connect with friends and to enjoy being outdoors after having a tough spring."
A 1900 cartoon depicts the US Capitol as the "Standard Oil Refinery" and John D. Rockefeller, Standard Oil president, looming over government officials.
Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Antitrust laws were created to keep the big conglomerates, or trusts, that were forming across oil, railroad, steel, and other sectors in the late 1800s and early 1900s from growing too large and powerful.
Now, regulators coming after 21st-century big tech.
Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook remain under the microscope in a congressional investigation into online market competition.
The ongoing investigation could eventually lead to more specific legislation designed to keep tech companies from growing too big and mighty — just like how three original antitrust laws began reining in oil and railroad companies over 100 years ago.
The CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook were grilled in front of Congress on July 29 over whether they violate antitrust regulations.
The law term "antitrust" has a long history in the United States, and the hearing was part of a probe into online market competition. Lawmakers will attempt to determine if antitrust regulations can be applied to four large tech companies that dominate the industry.
But let's back up a bit: What does "antitrust" mean?
Around the turn of the 20th century, "trust" was used as a term to describe a new type of large corporation, as American business titans in the steel, oil, railroad, and banking industries began to form larger conglomerates. For example, the railroad sector needed corralling as hundreds of smaller railroad operators were acquired and clumped together into mega-companies. Another example was Standard Oil, a major oil monopoly, or trust, run by John D. Rockefeller starting in the late 1800s and into the 20th-century.
And so regulators sought to establish laws to keep big businesses across every sector from growing too large and powerful and to maintain a healthy amount of competition in the market.
Trust: This term refers to the big businesses (in this case, in railroad, oil, and steel) that began to form and encroach on smaller competitors in the US
Antitrust: The term that was given to the "trust-busting" set of laws that were created to counteract that encroachment and stem the corporations' growth in size and power
An editorial cartoon, published around 1900, depicting Standard Oil president John D. Rockefeller as the "King of the World".
Getty Images
There are three core federal US antitrust laws you should care about: the Sherman Act of 1890, the Clayton Act of 1914, and the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914. The last would lead to the creation of the Federal Trade Commission, which is the main government entity tasked with enforcing antitrust laws today.
Sherman Act of 1890: This is the backbone of American antitrust policy. It allows the federal government to take companies to court that it believes are participating in anticompetitive practices and abusing their monopoly power.
Clayton Act of 1914: This act was passed to fill in the gaps left by the Sherman Act. It prohibits certain business practices that can weaken economic competition, like anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions or price-fixing.
Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914: Similar to the Clayton Act, this one was passed to further round out antitrust legislation and banned more competitive practices that were deemed unfair or deceptive, such as those that violate consumer protection laws.
How have these laws been used to rein in US businesses in the past?
The Sherman Act was used to break up Standard Oil, which was found to have lowered their prices specifically to drive their competitors out of business, in the early 1900s. The trust was divided into dozens of companies, including what are now ExxonMobil and Chevron.
Then-Microsoft CEO Bill Gates during a hearing in 1998.
Douglas Graham/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images
In 1969, the US Justice Department filed a lawsuit against IBM, the New York-based tech firm whose computer market dominance put it on the government's radar. However, the case was thrown out.
In 1982, the US under President Reagan used the Sherman Act to divide phone service goliath AT&T, or "Ma Bell," into eight different companies, or "Baby Bells."
And in the late 1990s, Microsoft was hit with an antitrust lawsuit as Internet Explorer began to dominate the internet browser market by bundling its browser with Windows software, making it difficult for Windows users to install and run competing browsers. A federal judge ruled that the company was indeed in violation, and the company settled in 2001, but it was a pivotal moment for the tech industry as its players began to realize they may have to eventually reckon with oversight from Uncle Sam.
Why is it bad if companies break antitrust laws?
The main reason, economists say, is that healthy competition is key to a steady, thriving economy, one in which small business owners and consumers benefit. If big businesses squash out smaller competitors, and the market is instead ruled by a small number of monopolies, that could result in a shaky economy. Consolidating economic power into a handful of companies could also be dangerous to the nation's democracy, as Wired notes.
So what's the parallel between tech companies and the big businesses around the turn of the 20th century?
Google, Amazon, Apple, and Facebook — the world's most powerful tech companies — are being investigated over business practices designed to step on smaller competitors and maintain their dominant position in the marketplace. They're all being investigated over antitrust violations, but they're not necessarily being probed for the same thing:
Google: Lawmakers questioned CEO Sundar Pichai regarding the company's iron grip on the advertising and search market and how it has affected other online businesses.
Amazon: The Seattle-based firm is being probed over whether it promotes its own brands ahead of third-party sellers on its online marketplace.
Apple: CEO Tim Cook fielded questions regarding claims that the company gives its own apps special treatment over third parties in its App Store.
Facebook: The social media giant is in the spotlight for the acquisitions it has made in recent years of would-be competitors, like WhatsApp and Instagram.
How can antitrust laws be used on Big Tech?
These laws were intentionally created in broad terms in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Retrofitting the century-old laws — or creating new ones — to accommodate 21st-century companies offering products that are at the forefront of tech innovation wouldn't be an easy task. But some government officials, like Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim, have said the laws are well-equipped as they are to apply to Big Tech. It just comes down to lawmakers enforcing them.
Take the example of a search engine like Google dominating. When Standard Oil controlled the marketplace, consumers had only one option for where to buy. Google, meanwhile, wins because consumers mainly choose to use Google. Consumers aren't being harmed – but other companies that want to compete against Google (or Apple or Facebook or Amazon) arguably are.
The task now in front of Congress is determining how to interpret that consumer welfare argument in its enforcement of antitrust laws in the tech industry.
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing with Google CEO Sundar Pichai testifying, policy attorney Ian Madrigal is also Monopoly Man who photo bombs high profile congressional hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Tuesday December 11, 2018.
Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images
So then what's going to happen?
As a direct result of the July 29 hearing, almost nothing. It wasn't a trial, and no one was found guilty. The hearing was instead an opportunity for lawmakers to question the tech executives and gather evidence about their business practices by listening to their testimonies. The lawmakers involved in the hearing sit on the House Judiciary's antitrust subcommittee, a group that has already been conducting a yearlong investigation into how companies operate in the digital marketplace. The subcommittee members have been speaking with smaller competitors, who have alleged that tech's biggest firms engage in anticompetitive business practices.
The leaders of the "big four" tech companies attempted to make their case as to why they aren't infringing on the competition. Their answers helped inform the subcommittee's ongoing investigation, which could eventually lead to more specific legislation designed to keep tech companies from growing too large and powerful — just like how the three original antitrust laws began reining in big oil and big railroad over 100 years ago.
People use a newly approved saliva-based coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test at a testing site in Edison, New Jersey
Reuters
Fluidigm, a small-cap diagnostics company, surged as much as 42% on Wednesday after the FDA granted its COVID-19 saliva test emergency authorization.
Fluidigm's COVID-19 saliva test allows patients to avoid the more invasive nasal swab that has primarily been used to detect COVID-19 in a patient.
According to Fluidigm, its saliva-based COVID-19 test "demonstrated 100 percent agreement" between the saliva results from the assay and the results from paired nasal swab samples tested with authorized assays.
Andrew Left of Citron Research tweeted that Fluidigm will "change COVID-19 testing forever," adding that its stock is poised to surge 314% from its Tuesday close to $35.
Fluidigm might be the company to finally offer an alternative to the painful nasal swabs used to test patients for COVID-19.
On Wednesday, the California-based small-cap diagnostics company received FDA emergency authorization for its COVID-19 saliva test.
The company demonstrated that 100% of its saliva-based tests matched the results of nasal swabs in a clinical study, according to a press release.
Fluidigm said the saliva test for COVID-19 will be available for immediate shipment, and each diagnostic system used to analyze samples will have a capacity of up to 6,000 tests per day.
The arrival of a new COVID-19 test that is minimally invasive and produces rapid test results has the potential to change the dynamic of the testing landscape in the US, which has been bogged down by delayed test results and unwillingness of some to get tested due to the invasive nature of the nasal swab.
One hedge fund manager that sees potential in Fluidigm is Andrew Left of Citron Research.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Left said he thinks Fluidigm could surge 314% from Tuesday's close to $35 due to the FDA's emergency authorization decision.
"Company [Fluidigm] will change COVID-19 testing forever as their saliva-based test Demonstrated 100 Percent Agreement with Nasopharyngeal Assays," Left said, adding that Fluidigm has a "real product and management" team.
Shares of Fluidigm surged as much as 42% to $12.45 in Wednesday trades.
People gather at the entrance for the New York State Department of Labor offices on March 20, which closed to the public due to the coronavirus outbreak in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
In just 22 weeks, more than 57 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance — that's more than the number of claims filed during the Great Recession.
The travel and hospitality industries have taken a significant hit. In addition to major airlines, businesses such as ride-share company Uber and hotel giants Hilton and Marriott have announced furloughs.
Here's a roundup of the major companies who have announced downsizing their workforce due to the coronavirus thus far.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Salesforce started to lay off 1,000 of 54,000 employees on August 26, according to the Wall Street Journal. The news comes one day after the company posted record sales. In March, CEO Marc Benioff pledged a 90-day freeze on layoffs.
Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO & cofounder.
On August 25, American Airlines, which previously announced cutting 20% of the company's workforce, said that it would cut 19,000 employees in October when federal aid ends.
Employees watch as American Airlines Flight 903 prepares for take off from Miami in 2016.
Delta Airlines plans to furlough 1,941 pilots in October following the expiration of federal aid, the company said on August 24.
FILE PHOTO: Delta Air Lines passenger planes parked in Birmingham
In April, Boeing committed to cutting its massive staff by 10%. In an August 17 memo, Boeing told employees it was starting a second round of buyout offers that would extend beyond the original expected numbers.
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner being constructed at Boeing's Everett, Washington plant.
WarnerMedia started layoffs on August 10. The first round of cuts are expected to impact 600 employees, mostly at Warner Bros. The cuts include top executives.
The Warner Bros. film studio lot in Burbank, California.
NBCUniversal started layoffs on August 4, impacting its broadcast networks, movie studio, and theme parks. The company is expected to cut less than 10% of its 35,000-person workforce.
The NBC Universal logo on one of the company's Los Angeles buildings.
In a July 30 internal memo, United Airlines said it would furlough a third of its pilots — 3,900 people. The airline previously announced on July 8 that it would issue layoff and furlough notices to 36,000 employees, including 2,250 pilots and 15,000 flight attendants.
A United Airlines check-in counter in Atlanta.
David Goldman/AP Photo
Previously, in a leaked May 4 memo, United Airlines said it expects to lay off at least 30% or some 3,400 employees on its administrative staff.
Spirit Airlines is preparing to furlough 20-30% of its workforce, according to a July 28 internal memo. Those at risk include pilots and flight attendants.
L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, said it would lay off 15% of its workforce on July 28. The job cuts impact 850 people at the company's Columbus, Ohio, headquarters.
A shot from the Victoria's Secret annual fashion show.
Creative Artists Agency, a major Los Angeles talent firm, announced layoffs on July 28. It will layoff 90 agents and furlough 275 assistants — or nearly 20% of its workforce.
The CAA headquarters in Los Angeles, California.
Oilfield services company Schlumberger said it is cutting roughly 21,000 jobs on July 24. It also reported second-quarter losses of $3.4 billion.
A Schlumberger building in Houston, Texas.
Daimler, the company that owns Mercedes-Benz, may cut 30% of its global workforce, Manager Magazine reported on July 22.
A logo of a car at the Mercedes Benz automobile assembly plant.
Tailored Brands, the parent company behind Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, said it expects to layoff 20% of its workforce and shutter 500 stores on July 21.
A Men's Wearhouse storefront.
LinkedIn said it would cut 960 jobs, or 6% of its global workforce, on July 21. The cuts will impact hiring and sales positions.
LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky.
Instead of involuntary layoffs, Southwest Airlines offered extended leave and exit packages. As of July 20, 28% of its workforce — mostly pilots and flight attendants — have accepted such deals.
On July 15, American Airlines said that it will soon layoff 25,000 workers, including 9,950 flight attendants and 2,500 pilots. The cuts represent almost 20% of the company.
An American Airlines flight taking off.
Department store JC Penney announced that it would shutter 152 stores and lay off 1,000 jobs in corporate and field management on July 15. The company filed for bankruptcy in May and furloughed thousands in April.
The clearance section in a JC Penney store.
PVH Corp, the company that owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger among other brands, announced that it is shuttering 162 stores and cutting 450 jobs, or 12% of its workforce, on July 14.
A Calvin Klein advertisement.
Walgreens said it plans to cut 4,000 jobs on July 9, after reporting a $1.7 billion loss in the third quarter.
A shuttered Walgreens location in New York City.
While Macy's furloughed the majority of its workforce in March, it announced it would lay off about 3,900 corporate workers on June 25.
A Macy's storefront in a Seattle mall in July 2019.
HSBC, Europe's biggest bank, announced plans to cut 35,000 jobs — or 15% of its global workforce — across the US and Europe on June 17.
A woman walks past an HSBC bank amid the coronavirus pandemic in Paris, France on May 11, 2020.
On June 16, a union representing AT&T employees said the wireless carrier will lay off 3,400 and shut down more than 250 stores.
People walk past the AT&T store in New York's Times Square, June 17, 2015.
Hilton Hotels announced it is laying off 2,100 corporate employees on June 16, amounting to 22% of its corporate workforce.
The Hilton Hotel in Batumi, Georgia in 2016.
Chevron, the second-largest oil producer in the US, announced that it will cut 10% to 15% of its 45,000 global workforce on May 27.
A Chevron gas station sign is shown at one of their retain gas stations in Cardiff, California.
Boeing said it would lay off nearly 7,000 employees on May 27. The company initially announced that it would cut about 10% of its workforce on April 29. The company had 143,000 workers at the beginning of the year.
Workers enter the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington on April 21, 2020, as commercial airplane production resumes following a suspension of operations in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
IBM will eliminate "several thousand jobs" as of May 22, mainly in the company's technology-services division. Cuts come a month after new CEO Arvind Krishna withdrew IBM's financial outlook amid economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna.
Weeks after ride-hailing giant Uber announced it is cutting 3,700 jobs (14% of its workforce), CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced on May 18 that he will cut 3,000 additional jobs and close 45 offices.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
Airbnb announced it is laying off about 25% of its workforce, or 1,900 employees, on May 5. Its severance package includes several months' pay, a year of healthcare, and support finding a new job.
A woman talks on the phone at the Airbnb office headquarters in San Francisco.
Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic announced it would cut 3,150 jobs on May 5, in addition to retiring its iconic Boeing 747-700 planes a year early.
Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-700.
Ride-hailing company Lyft is laying off 982 employees and furloughing another 288, accounting for 17% of the company's workforce. The company made the announcement on April 29 and added that other cost-cutting measures include pay cuts for executive leadership.
A Lyft ride-share car waits at a stoplight in Sacramento, California in July 2019.
On April 28, online travel company TripAdvisor announced it was laying off more than 900 of its employees, amounting to a quarter of its workforce.
A TripAdvisor sign on a storefront, a ubiquitous site at tourist spots around the world.
Hertz said it plans to lay off 10,000 employees on April 20. The car rental company previously employed 38,000 people.
A sign displaying the Hertz logo.
On April 12, a union representing workers at Walt Disney World said the company will be furloughing 43,000 employees starting April 19. The amusement parks have been closed since March 16 and 200 essential workers will continue maintaining them.
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in January 2020.
On April 7, Tesla sent an email to employees saying it will furlough all nonessential workers until at least May 4, and reduce all employees' pay by at least 10%. These cost-cutting measures are expected to start April 13.
Tesla's factory in Fremont, California.
JCPenney has already started furloughing workers and confirmed it would continue to furlough a "significant portion" of its 85,000 employees as of April 5.
The exterior of a JCPenney store.
The Wing, a buzzy Instagram-ready women's coworking company, is laying off nearly all of its hourly employees and half of its corporate staff as of April 3, according to Vice. The company confirmed the layoffs but did not elaborate on numbers. Its founders are foregoing their salaries.
The Wing's Dumbo location in Brooklyn, New York.
ClassPass, the billion-dollar fitness platform, furloughed or laid off over half of its 700 employees on April 2 — 22% were laid off and 31% were furloughed.
ClassPass CEO Fritz Lanman.
On April 2, airplane manufacturer Boeing announced that it would offer a voluntary layoff plan to employees to cut costs. Those opting into the layoff plan will leave with a pay and benefits package, but the company offered no details about compensation.
A Boeing employee works on a 747-8 Intercontinental airplane at the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington.
Famed auction house Sotheby's is furloughing 200 people — or 12% of its workforce —as of April 1, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Sotheby's employees carry a painting by Roy Lichtenstein called 'Two Paintings with Dado, 1983' during a press view at the auction rooms in London.
Sephora laid off over 3,000 employees across the US via conference call on March 31. "It is our sincerest hope that we are able to bring these employees back on staff in the near future," Sephora said in a statement.
A Sephora store in New York City's Times Square.
Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette informed his staff via email that the company would be furloughing most of its 125,000 employees on March 30. The company only plans to have work for "the minimum number of employees necessary to maintain basic business operations" across Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury, Gennette wrote. He will stop receiving his salary, along with the rest of the board of directors.
A Macy's store in New York City.
Bird, the buzzy electric scooter company, laid off 30% of its staff via a Zoom call on March 27. The call lasted only around 2 minutes.
A Bird electric scooter.
Everlane, the clothing retailer focused on ethical sourcing, laid off over 200 employees and furloughed 68 others on March 27. CEO Michael Preysman will reduce his salary to zero.
A pair of Everlane jeans.
ZipRecruiter laid off 443 employees and furloughed dozens more on March 27, days after CEO Ian Siegel said the billion-dollar online job-hub company was safe.
Ian Siegel founded ZipRecruiter in 2010 and serves as the company's CEO.
Sonder, a billion-dollar apartment-rental startup billed as a hospitality industry disruptor, laid off or furloughed 400 people — one third of its workforce — on March 24, according to The Information.
A Sonder apartment in New York City.
GE announced that it will be reducing approximately 10% of its aviation unit's workforce, amounting to about 2,500 employees, on March 23. It also announced a three month furlough impacting 50% of its maintenance and repair employees. GE CEO Larry Culp will forgo his salary for the rest of the year, while GE Aviation CEO David Joyce will give up half of his salary.
The logo of General Electric is shown at its subsidiary company GE Aviation in Santa Ana, California on April 13, 2016.
According to the Washington Post, at least 200 workers across President Trump's hotels in Washington DC, New York City, and Las Vegas were laid off as of March 20. Other Trump properties, like Palm Beach's Mar-a-Lago, have temporarily closed.
A police boat patrols in front of U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 17, 2019.
Air Canada announced it is set to lay off more than 5,100, or 50%, of its flight crew on March 19. Renee Smith-Valade, the airline's vice president, called the decision "difficult but necessary" in a statement.
An Air Canada aircraft.
Cirque du Soleil announced it is laying off 95% of its 4,679 person staff on March 19, a week after canceling all its upcoming performances. The circus producer kept 259 staffers to plan and sell tickets for future tours.
Artists perform during a dress rehearsal for Quidam, a show by Cirque du Soleil, at the Royal Albert Hall in London January 4, 2014.
New York's Metropolitan Opera is the largest performing arts organization in the US by budget. On March 19, the Met laid off all of its union employees for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak. The Met also announced the cancellation of all performances through the end of the 2019-2020 season, which was set to end May 9.
The Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center at dusk.
Famous restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, which owns beloved NYC staples like Gramercy Tavern, laid off 2,000 employees, or 80% of its workforce, on March 18.
Danny Meyer opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, in 1985 at age 27, and went on to found Shake Shack, which is not currently part of the USHG portfolio.
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, which owns over 50 hotels in the US including the W in Los Angeles, laid off 50% of its 8,000 employees on March 17. CEO Jon Bortz also told the Los Angeles Times that the company may need to lay off an additional 2,000 employees by the end of the month.
The W Hollywood.
Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Third Street Media Group
Marriott International, the world's largest hotel company, said it has started to furlough what could amount to tens of thousands of employees on March 17. Furloughs, as opposed to layoffs, occur when employees are required to take an unpaid leave of absence. Arne Sorenson, the president and CEO, announced that his own salary will be suspended for the rest of the year and senior executives' salaries will be reduced by 50%.
Arne Sorenson at a meeting with President Donald Trump discussing the economic response to the coronavirus outbreak on March 17, 2020.
Norwegian Airlines announced the temporary layoff of 90% of its workforce on March 16, amounting to 7,300 employees. The airline also canceled 85% of its flights.
Norwegian aircrafts.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced that it would temporarily lay off 10,000 employees — 90% of its staff — on March 15. SAS also halted the majority of its flights and is operating with limited service.
An SAS airbus.
The paper sheets are easy to fold up and put in your pocket before heading out on a walk with your dog.
I've found one sheet is enough to pick up the waste from both of my dogs on a single walk.
It takes a few days to get used to the paper, but they're worth it if you're looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
My two hounds enjoy their walks, and we go on about three a day. I always clean up their waste and then dispose of it in the garbage bin in our garage. After a week, the trash gets hauled away and I feel good that the waste wasn't left on my neighbor's lawn or my own.
Yet I use plastic bags to pick up their waste. According to a waste calculator from Doody Calls, my two dogs produce 8 pounds of waste each week. What's more alarming than that is that's 416 pounds of waste each year. I don't want to think about the number of plastic bags that I use in a week.
Recently, though, I found Pooch Paper, an eco-friendly paper alternative to plastic poop bags, and the company sent me some to test for this review. You can purchase Pooch Paper as a one-month supply (50 sheets) or in bulk (4,000 sheets).
Each Pooch Paper sheet is made of recycled non-chlorine-bleached paper and measures 12 inches by 12 inches. The sheets are manufactured using renewable energy and are 100 percent biodegradable and compostable.
"Our paper is made with recycled, unbleached, uncoated softwood pulp using a machine-finished, sustainable manufacturing process," said Tracy Rosensteel, the founder of Pooch Paper. She explained that the unbleached fiber produces a higher pulping yield, which in turn lessens the overall environmental footprint.
Sustainability is the company's top priority. Its goal is to reduce our plastic footprint and its destructive impact on our environment. Plastics are toxic to most species and can result in the creation of dangerous greenhouse gasses when disposed of in a landfill.
A sheet of Pooch Paper is easy to use. A single sheet holds the waste produced by both of my dogs on a single walk. The texture of the paper took a few days to get used to, but the grease-resistant coating made from corn helps get the waste up into the sheet in just one try.
The instructions say to twist the corners around the waste to contain it before you toss it into the garbage bin. Twisting the corners take a little practice and how much waste is in the center of the sheet will determine how much paper is left to twist.
Ideally, after you've picked up waste, there will be a space at the top to twist together either the edges or the four corners. The sheet will stay closed, but you do have to carry the used paper with one hand unless you have a carrying pouch attached to your waistband. I highly recommend having a pouch for used sheets. If you do have to carry it with your hands, it's not inconvenient when on a short walk.
The used waste sheets can go directly into the garbage bin. The FTC's Green Guide explains that all earth-friendly products must completely break down and return to nature within a reasonably short period of time. I now toss the paper sheets into the garbage can without any guilt.
I attach the 3-inch-by-3-inch zippered Pooch Pouch (temporarily sold out) to my leash, and it fits about 10 sheets and my house key. You can also attach the pouch to your wrist or belt loop. It is not only practical but also really cute.
The cons
If the waste I'm picking up isn't solid and firm, it's a little messy to get it into the Pooch Paper and twist the corners without a lot of fuss.
The paper could also be a bit challenging if you have a large breed dog. When I'm dealing with a large amount of waste, it can be difficult to pick up all of it. My recommendation is to use two sheets, and you'll definitely want to have a pouch to put your sheets into after they're full.
The bottom line
Pooch Paper is the best eco-friendly option I've found for cleaning up after my dogs on walks. After I pick up the waste, it easily fits in a waist pouch, and one sheet is typically enough for both of my dogs. While they aren't as easy to use as plastic bags, their reduced carbon footprint make them a worthy alternative.
Pros: Manufactured using renewable energy, biodegradable alternative to plastic poop bags, easy to pick up firm waste, one-step process to twist shut
Cons: Can be difficult to clean up loose or large amount of waste, requires a separate pouch to carry used sheets on longer walks
Teenagers drive the least safe vehicles despite being the riskiest drivers on the road, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Teens tend to drive older and smaller vehicles, which have higher fatality rates than their newer, larger counterparts.
Nearly two-thirds of teens killed behind the wheel from 2013 to 2017 were driving cars six to 15 years old, the study found.
With little experience in the driver's seat, it's not particularly surprising that teens make up the riskiest driving demographic — they crash four times more often than adult drivers relative to how many miles they drive, despite spending less time on the road.
And teens' well-being behind the wheel isn't helped by the fact that they often aren't driving the safest vehicles, a new study suggests.
The study, compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, concluded that teenagers tend to drive older, smaller vehicles, which are more likely to be involved in a fatal incident than their larger, newer counterparts.
More than 25% of teens killed behind the wheel between 2013 and 2017 were driving small, mini, or micro cars, while close to two-thirds were driving vehicles six to 15 years old, the study found. On the other hand, less than 4% of 15-to-17-year-old drivers killed during that period were in a vehicle less than three years old.
"It's understandable that parents don't want to shell out big bucks for their teen's first car, and they probably don't realize how much safer a newer, larger vehicle is," Rebecca Weast, the IIHS researcher who authored the study, said in a statement. "Small vehicles don't protect as well in a crash, and older vehicles are less likely to be equipped with essential safety equipment."
Small vehicles, even relatively new ones, have much higher driver-fatality rates than larger ones, another recent IIHS study found. Their lower mass makes them fare badly in collisions with large vehicles, and their shorter front ends provide less driver protection.
IIHS safety ratings for small vehicles may also be inflated because the organization's crash tests evaluate how well a vehicle fares in a collision with a stationary object, which in turn means crashing a car against its own weight. That means a Honda Civic is rated for how it'll fare against another car of its size and weight, not a large SUV or pickup. Newer cars also include advanced safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control.
To help teens and parents choose safer vehicles, the IIHS partnered with Consumer Reports to develop a list of the safest and most affordable cars for teens. Check out the list here.
Brian Snyder/Reuters; Douglas Elliman; Ruobing Su/Business Insider
Reebok founder Paul Fireman just sold his Boston mansion for $23 million — roughly a quarter of its original asking price, Douglas Elliman confirmed to Business Insider.
Fireman first put the home on the market for $90 million in 2016, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The eight-bedroom home, which sits in the affluent Boston suburb of Brookline, was one of the most expensive listings in the Boston area.
Reebok founder Paul Fireman just sold his seven-acre estate in a ritzy Boston suburb for $23 million — about a quarter of its original asking price, according to listing brokerage Douglas Elliman.
Fireman first put the home on the market for $90 million in 2016. After several price cuts, it was most recently listed at $33 million.
Fireman said he and his wife "built Woodland Manor as the house of [their] dreams," choosing Brookline for its proximity to Boston and large lot size, according to Douglas Elliman.
George and Manny Sarkis of Douglas Elliman held the listing for the home, which was built in 1999.
Take a look inside the nearly 27,000-square-foot home.
Paul Fireman is the founder and former CEO and chairman of Reebok, the footwear and apparel company.
Paul Fireman, left
Fireman said he and his wife "built Woodland Manor as the house of [their] dreams," choosing Brookline for its proximity to Boston and large lot size, according to Douglas Elliman.
Less than a mile down the road from Fireman's estate is Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's home, which got a price cut last year and is now asking $33.9 million.
Maggie Zepeda, center, dances as she watches a concert at the Full Throttle Saloon during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 9, 2020. While the rally usually attracts around 500,000 people, officials estimate that more than 250,000 people may still show up to this year's festival despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Coronavirus cases linked to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota have now been identified in eight states.
Nearly 500,000 people attended this year's festival despite warnings about the pandemic, the state said.
Before the event kicked off, experts warned about the potential of a super-spreader event.
And in crowded bars and packed concerts during the 10-day rally, there were few masks in sight, according to photos and videos.
Cases stemming from the 460,000-person event, which kicked off on August 7, have now been spotted in eight states: Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Washington. That's in addition to the cases spotted in South Dakota, where new cases spiked to 251 on August 22 and the 7-day average of new cases continues to climb. Altogether, the cases total more than 100, according to an Associated Press analysis.
Ahead of the rally, as city officials said there was no way to stop people from coming even if the rally had been cancelled in an official capacity, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem welcomed the event with open arms. She's also voiced doubt about the CDC guidelines detailing the effectiveness of masks.
Once the revelers arrived, photos showed few masks and crowded bars, even despite warning signs throughout the area. On stage at a packed concert, Smash Mouth's lead singer mocked the pandemic: "We're being human once again. F--- that COVID s—," he said on video.
"I sat at a bar elbow-to-elbow with guys. No one was wearing masks," one attendee from Arizona, Stephen Sample, told the Associated Press.
The United States is slowly stemming the spread of the virus, with the 7-day average of new cases falling to 42,078 from above 66,000 in July.
