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The three-headed problem that's throwing the US economy into chaos
Business Insider· 2025-09-25 08:08
There's a rule of thumb in apartment hunting: People want something affordable, spacious, and convenient, but in the end, they can only get two of the three. Big and cheap? Prepare for a long commute. Less expensive and downtown? Enjoy your shoebox. Spacious and well-located? Get ready to shell out big bucks. It's a classic "trilemma," or an impossible triangle: No matter how you, well, triangulate it, one priority has to go if the other two remain.President Donald Trump — and the American people along with ...
Disney investors demand internal records on Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, say the board may have breached duties
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 23:50
Jimmy Kimmel's return to ABC may have pleased his fans, but it did not entirely pacify Disney shareholders. On Wednesday, a coalition of Disney shareholders sent a letter to the company demanding internal records, from emails to meeting schedules, related to its brief suspension of the late-night host. Disney is the parent company of ABC, where Kimmel's show is aired.Lawyers representing the American Federation of Teachers and Reporters Without Borders asked Disney to disclose how the suspension decision w ...
OpenAI's Sam Altman and the father of quantum computing just agreed on a Turing Test 2.0
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 23:02
Core Insights - The discussion between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and physicist David Deutsch centered around defining true intelligence in AI, with a new benchmark proposed: the ability of AI to crack quantum gravity and explain its reasoning [1][10]. Group 1: AI and Intelligence - Altman and Deutsch engaged in a dialogue about the nature of intelligence, with Deutsch emphasizing that genuine intelligence involves creating knowledge rather than merely processing information [4][5]. - Deutsch acknowledged that while ChatGPT can engage in conversation, it does not qualify as AGI, as it lacks the ability to create knowledge [4][9]. - The conversation highlighted a distinction between large language models and true intelligence, with Deutsch asserting that real intelligence requires problem-solving and innovation [5][9]. Group 2: The Role of Intuition - Deutsch praised Altman for his intuition and decision-making in bringing ChatGPT to life, suggesting that such intuition cannot currently be programmed into machines [9]. - Altman proposed a hypothetical scenario where an AI could understand and explain quantum gravity, which Deutsch agreed would be a significant indicator of true intelligence [10].
Jimmy Kimmel's comeback show reached 6.26 million viewers, Disney says
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 22:50
Jimmy Kimmel's return to late-night reached 6.2 million viewers on broadcast, despite not reaching nearly a quarter of ABC affiliates, according to a statement from Disney. Disney cited Nielsen Preliminary Fast National Live+Same Day Program Ratings for Tuesday.Tuesday's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" was the host's first show after being temporarily suspended following his controversial remarks about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In the second quarter of this year, Kimmel's show had ...
Nexstar says it's 'engaged in productive discussions' with Disney but won't show Jimmy Kimmel yet
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 19:08
Core Viewpoint - Nexstar Media Group will continue to preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" despite ongoing discussions with Disney, focusing on community interests and reflecting diverse perspectives [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Nexstar Media Group, a major owner of local TV stations, has decided not to air Kimmel's show, marking it as the first major station group to take this action [2]. - Sinclair Broadcasting Group, the largest owner of ABC stations, also declined to air Kimmel's return, with uncertain plans for future broadcasts [4]. - If Sinclair continues to refuse airing Kimmel, approximately 25% of ABC stations will not broadcast the show, leading viewers to rely on Disney's streaming services for access [8]. Group 2: Industry Context - Nexstar's decision is under scrutiny due to its pending $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which requires FCC approval [2]. - Kimmel's return was influenced by significant pressure, including calls to cancel Disney+ subscriptions and public support from Hollywood actors and congressional Democrats [9].
Honda ends production of its Acura EV in the US, citing 'market conditions'
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 18:20
Core Viewpoint - Honda is retracting its plans for the Acura ZDX electric vehicle due to unfavorable market conditions, indicating a broader trend among automakers to reassess their electric vehicle strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Honda's Decision - Honda is ceasing production of the Acura ZDX electric crossover in the U.S., which was produced by General Motors in Tennessee, confirming the vehicle's limited market presence in North America [1]. - The decision aims to align Honda's product portfolio with customer needs and market conditions, with plans to introduce the all-electric Acura RSX in 2026 and hybrid-electric models currently in development [2]. Group 2: Market Performance - Since its launch in May 2024, Honda has sold over 19,000 ZDXs in North America, but the company has announced a 30% cut in EV investment through the 2031 fiscal year due to a slowdown in EV market expansion [3]. - EV sales in North America have only increased by 5% in the first four months of the year, contrasting sharply with 25% growth in Europe and 35% in China, highlighting a significant regional disparity in EV adoption [3]. Group 3: Industry Trends - Other automakers are also scaling back their electric vehicle plans, with Hertz pausing a purchase of 65,000 EVs and Ford canceling plans for electric three-row SUVs while still pursuing an EV truck [5]. - Bentley's recent decision to continue investing in combustion engines, despite earlier commitments to electric vehicles by 2035, reflects a dip in demand for luxury electric vehicles [6].
Costco is getting a traffic boost from opening early for executive members
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 15:06
Core Insights - Costco's decision to extend shopping hours for executive members is proving to be beneficial, as foot traffic data indicates an increase in shopper visits and frequency [1][3] - The adjustment has led to a shift in foot traffic patterns, with more shoppers visiting during the 9 a.m. hour, suggesting a positive reception of the new schedule [2][3] - Shorter shopping trips are being reported, with visits decreasing from an hour to 30-45 minutes, which is expected to drive additional visits and enhance overall shopping experience [4] Financial Impact - Costco's fiscal year ended on August 31, and the upcoming fourth-quarter results will provide insights into the financial effects of the extended hours, with analysts anticipating a positive contribution to sales growth [3][14] - The extended hours are expected to be "accretive" to the company's already strong sales performance this year [3] Customer Behavior - The extended hours have resulted in a more balanced flow of foot traffic, improving the shopping experience for all customers, regardless of membership tier [3] - There is a noted increase in younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are starting families, contributing to a slight decrease in average income among Costco's customer base [12] Membership Dynamics - The potential for new shoppers to become long-term members is significant, especially with the upgrade from Gold Star to Executive membership, which doubles fee revenue from those members [13] - The upcoming earnings call may provide further insights into the growth of Costco's membership tiers [14] Operational Strategies - Costco is testing various strategies to manage increasing store traffic, with extended hours being one of the most visible initiatives [5] - A new "scan and go" approach is being trialed, allowing store workers to scan items in customers' carts to streamline the checkout process [6]
Jimmy Kimmel's return represents a big, final test for Disney's Bob Iger before he heads for the exits
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 13:56
Core Viewpoint - The return of Jimmy Kimmel's show after suspension has significant implications for Disney CEO Bob Iger's legacy, as it places him at the center of a cultural conflict involving celebrities and political figures [2][5]. Group 1: Impact on Disney and Bob Iger's Legacy - Bob Iger's handling of the Kimmel situation could define his legacy after nearly two decades at Disney [4][5]. - The controversy has polarized opinions, with Kimmel's supporters upset about his suspension and detractors unhappy about his reinstatement [6]. - Iger's previous stance emphasized that Disney was focused on entertainment rather than political agendas, which contrasts with the current situation [9]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics and Challenges - The local TV station owners Nexstar and Sinclair, which refuse to air Kimmel's show, control approximately 25% of ABC stations, highlighting tensions between Disney and local broadcasters [8]. - The support of celebrities for Kimmel is crucial for Disney, as losing this backing could hinder the company's ability to produce content [7]. - Iger faces additional challenges, including the need to identify a successor before his planned departure in 2026, which may be complicated by the ongoing Kimmel situation [10]. Group 3: Financial Considerations - Disney announced plans to increase the monthly price of some Disney+ subscriptions by $2 to $3, a move that may resonate with consumers amid the ongoing controversies [11].
Klarna chairman sent a stark post-IPO message to CEO: 'We're 10 years behind Revolut'
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 13:24
Core Insights - Klarna recently celebrated its $15 billion IPO, but the chairman highlighted that the company is significantly lagging behind its competitor, Revolut, by 10 years [1][3]. Company Overview - Klarna, a Swedish fintech, has approximately 111 million users and primarily generates revenue through merchant-funded zero-percent interest financing [9]. - The company is currently limited to payments and short-term lending, although it has initiated a US debit card pilot to expand into traditional banking and work towards its "super app" ambitions [8]. Competitor Analysis - Revolut, founded in 2015, has over 52 million customers and has evolved from a prepaid foreign exchange card to a comprehensive financial platform, aiming to become a full-service global bank [4]. - The stark comparison made by Klarna's chairman indicates a need for Klarna to accelerate its growth and diversification to compete effectively with Revolut [3]. Recent Developments - Klarna went public on the New York Stock Exchange, raising approximately $1.37 billion, which has contributed to its valuation of $15 billion [10]. - The CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, engaged employees with a unique performance at the company's conference, emphasizing the importance of celebrating milestones while acknowledging the competitive landscape [2].
Trump is railing against Jimmy Kimmel ahead of the comedian's return to late-night
Business Insider· 2025-09-24 03:36
Group 1 - President Trump criticized ABC for reinstating Jimmy Kimmel's show, expressing disbelief that the network had reversed its earlier decision to cancel it [1][4] - The suspension of Kimmel's show was prompted by comments he made regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which drew criticism from various political figures and Hollywood [2][5][10] - Disney faced backlash from both Hollywood and Washington after suspending Kimmel's show, leading to an open letter of support for Kimmel signed by over 400 artists [10][11] Group 2 - The Walt Disney Company stated that the suspension was a decision made to avoid inflaming a tense situation in the country, citing the ill-timed nature of Kimmel's comments [5][10] - Following discussions with Kimmel, Disney decided to bring the show back, indicating a shift in their approach after facing significant criticism [10] - The controversy also involved FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who warned Disney about the implications of Kimmel's comments, leading to further political discourse surrounding the situation [11][12]