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Senate Parliamentarian Strikes Down One of Tillis’s Proposals in ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ After He Announces Retirement | The Gateway Pundit


The Senate Parliamentarian struck down one of Senator Thom Tillis’s proposals in the Big Beautiful Bill after he announced he will not be seeking reelection.

“The Senate parliamentarian ruled a new tax on the litigation finance industry in GOP’s reconciliation bill does not comply w/ Byrd Rule, per 2 sources,” Punchbowl News reported.

Politico reported:

The Senate Parliamentarian advised lawmakers that a new tax on those who fund litigation for financial gain, included in the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill,” would not comply with strict Senate rules that govern what can be included in the legislation and still let it pass by a simple majority.

The provision would tax the financial rewards that third parties receive from funding litigation and would have taken 31.8 percent of “qualified litigation proceeds” in a given year.

The decision from Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, first reported by POLITICO, suggests that Republicans will move to strip it from their legislative text. The issue has been championed by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who announced his retirement on Sunday after voting not to proceed with the megabill.

Tillis on Sunday announced he will not seek reelection after President Trump went scorched earth on him for voting against the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’

On Saturday evening Tillis voted ‘no’ to advance President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ He said he will also vote no on the final passage.

President Trump went off on Tillis and threatened to help oust him from office.

Tillis caved THE NIGHT Trump scorched him.

Senator Tillis called President Trump and Majority Leader Thune on Saturday night and informed them he wouldn’t be running for reelection.




This story originally appeared on TheGateWayPundit

New No. 1 Flyweight contender Joshua Van wasn’t surprised he beat Brandon Royval on short notice: ‘I don’t fight like these guys’

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight Joshua Van secured a title shot by defeating No. 1 ranked Flyweight Brandon Royval on short notice via unanimous decision at UFC 317 last weekend (Sat., June 28, 2028) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to securing a shot at champion Alexandre Pantoja later this year, Van claimed a Fight of the Night bonus for a bout widely regarded as the year’s best. The Royval-Van clash made UFC history as the first fight where both competitors landed over 200 significant strikes.

But even though it was a huge step up in competition (I picked him to lose), Van wasn’t surprised when he won, as he knew he would.

“Me and my team always know what we can do,” Van told reporters during his post-fight interview. “Nothing surprised me. I knew I was always going to be here at the No. 1 spot. Remember I brought my name [plate]? Now, it’s No. 1: Joshua Van.”

As the new No. 1 flyweight contender, “The Fearless” will challenge one of the division’s greatest champions, Pantoja. Though Van may face a grappling disadvantage against “The Cannibal,” he remains confident.

“You know my takedown defense is on point, too. He’s never fought Joshua Van. Soon, we’re going to find out,” Van said. “We’ll see if it lasts five rounds. I’m Joshua Van. I don’t fight like these guys. It’s going to be a whole different fight.”

Van, 23, can become the second youngest UFC champion in promotional history with a win.


For complete UFC 317 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.



This story originally appeared on MMA Mania

3 things to avoid doing if you think your dog has heatstroke

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As we get further into summer, a vet has issued crucial advice on what steps not to take if you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, a condition that becomes a serious risk in warmer weather.

With daily walks being a routine for many dog parents, the RSPCA warns that heatstroke can occur when dogs overheat and can’t cool down by panting, a situation which could potentially be life-threatening.

In case of heatstroke, signs to watch for include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, unco-ordination, collapse, or vomiting.

On social media, Cat, a UK-based vet, who frequently shares her expertise online, has posted an enlightening TikTok video pinpointing what to avoid doing if you think your dog has heat stroke.

And she warned not to believe a common myth.

1. Don’t squirt lemon juice in a dog’s mouth

She cautioned pet owners against squirting lemon juice into their dog’s mouth, commenting on the bizarre nature of this misconception saying: “It’s amazing that you even have to say that and goodness knows where this ridiculous myth came from and unfortunately, it seems to be really common in forums for like the flat face breed particularly, who are most vulnerable to heat stroke and who least are going to benefit from having lemon juice squirted into their mouth at the point where they’re already struggling to breathe.”

Cat has debunked the harmful myth that lemon juice can help dogs with heatstroke, urging owners to “completely ignore” such dangerous advice. Bluebell Pet Care has warned against the summer circulation of misguided tips like ‘give a dog lemon juice if they’re overheating, it clears the airway and breaks down mucus’.

On its website, Bluebell Pet Care states: “There’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that lemon juice helps dogs recover from heat stroke.” The site details the potential harm citrus juice can cause, highlighting: “In fact, citrus juice can irritate a dog’s stomach and mouth, especially when they’re already in distress.”

It also clarifies that lemon juice is not effective at reducing a dog’s body temperature, hydrating them, or reversing overheating effects. The pet care resource further warns about the risks of giving lemon juice to a dog when it is weak, disoriented or even unconscious due to dangers of choking or aspiration, which only adds to the crisis.

2. Don’t be scared to get a dog wet with cold water

Emphasising effective cooling methods, Cat advised: “Number two – do not be afraid to get them wet, really wet, soaked to the skin wet with water that can be as cold as you like.” She shared how immediate wetting of dogs showing signs of heatstroke before reaching the vet improves their survival chances, as many often completely en route.

The RSPCA’s online guidance for emergency first aid for dogs advises submerging or covering the dog in water that is cooler than its body temperature, but cautions against pouring water over the dog’s head or face, ensuring these areas remain above water. Another piece of advice from the animal welfare charity is to “continue pouring cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not so much that they start shivering.”

3. Don’t rush home if your dog struggles on a walk

Cat’s final piece of advice is if you notice your dog panting excessively during a walk, don’t immediately head home. Instead, find a shady spot and let your pet cool down.

For small dog owners who drive, the vet suggests carrying your pet back to the car. Once at the car, “open the doors and windows, get the air con on and cool that car down before you get in it to drive home.”

She emphasised that this is especially crucial if you plan to put your dog in the boot, which can “get incredibly hot under the glass.”



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

EU Tax Refunds: Save Money on Shopping in Europe

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As the cost of everything continues to rise, many travellers are looking for ways to reduce costs on their trips. While earning and redeeming points is one of the best ways to minimize costs, there are other useful methods to be aware of, too.

Many countries offer a rebate on taxes paid for goods and services, whereby tourists can be refunded some of the taxes paid during their trip. Each program has a number of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and people who make large purchases tend to benefit most.

In this post, let’s have a look at the European Union’s tax refund program, which is known as the VAT refund. Specifically, we’ll look at what a VAT refund is, eligibility criteria, and how to submit claims to get back some of your money on your next trip to Europe.

What Is a VAT Refund?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is similar to the sales tax that you’d find when shopping in North America. It’s a tax added onto purchased goods and services, and is used instead of sales tax in many parts of the world, including in the European Union.

While VAT is similar to sales tax, the amounts tend to be significantly higher in the EU, with the standard VAT ranging from a low 17% in Luxembourg to a high of 27% in Hungary.

Although these are the standard VAT rates, some items may have a lower VAT rate, as countries can choose to offer a reduced VAT rate on certain items.

Paprika with a wooden spoon
The standard VAT rate is 27% in Hungary

In general, European countries offer tax refunds to encourage tourists to visit and spend money, thus helping to boost their economy.

In the European Union, exports are exempt from VAT. Purchases by foreigners in the EU are considered to be exports, as long as you’re actually taking the items outside of the EU.

It’s important to know that unlike sticker prices in North America, which typically exclude sales tax, European prices include VAT. So, while the VAT may be 17–27%, you won’t receive a refund of 17–27% of the total purchase, but rather on the base amount before the tax is applied.

For example, if you buy a VAT refund-eligible item for $1,000 in Hungary, with 27% VAT already factored in, you’ll actually be paying $787.40 before tax. Thus, you’re eligible to receive a VAT refund of $212.60, which is 27% of the base price of $787.40.

As you can see, depending on the amount of your purchase and the EU country in which your purchase was made, it can absolutely be worth your time and effort to complete the VAT refund process, especially if you’ve made any larger purchases on your trip. 

Finger point at a mapFinger point at a map
VAT refunds encourage tourists to spend money on their holidays

Who and What Is Eligible for a VAT Refund?

Most importantly, you’re only eligible for a VAT refund as a non-EU resident visiting the EU for less than six months.

To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must:

  • Be a visitor in the EU
  • Reside in a country outside the EU
  • Spend over a specific threshold for VAT-eligible items

There are further requirements to be aware of, which differ from country to country.

Not all purchases are eligible for a VAT refund. The EU VAT refund is intended to refund VAT on items that are not consumed while in the EU, and that can be carried in personal luggage.

This means that larger items, such as cars and yachts, are excluded. Similarly, purchases that are consumed or used while travelling, such as food and hotel stays, are also excluded from VAT refund eligibility.

Fancy car in front of European buildingsFancy car in front of European buildings
Not all goods and services are eligible for VAT refunds

Note that there are specific business-related scenarios where a VAT refund may still be applicable to VAT on purchases that are otherwise ineligible, which is beyond the scope of this article.

The product(s) purchased must meet a minimum spending threshold in order to be eligible for a VAT refund. To further complicate matters, the minimum amount is different in each country.

For example, the minimum amount eligible for VAT refunds in Germany is only €25, while in France it’s much higher at €175.

Note that this minimum amount is per transaction at a single retailer. If you have multiple items that are each below the threshold, you’ll want to pay for them all together at one store, as you won’t be able to combine purchases made across different retailers for VAT refund eligibility.

You must pay for the item in full. The refund comes later on in the process, and you won’t receive an immediate refund on the purchase price.

The traveller applying for the VAT refund must be there in person. While someone else can pay on your behalf, you’ll have to physically be present while making the original purchase to prove your eligibility with your passport.

Canadian passports with boarding passesCanadian passports with boarding passes
Bring your passport when shopping to prove you’re eligible for a VAT refund

Importantly, the VAT-refundable item must leave the EU with you by the end of the third month after it was bought. For example, if you made a purchase from an applicable VAT-free shop on June 5, it would have to leave the European Union no later than September 30 of the same year.

Technically, the items must also be in brand-new condition, with price tags attached, when you depart from the EU. In practice, I’ve found that this requirement can be a little flexible, though it’s best to respect it whenever you can. 

Keep in mind that while you may satisfy all of the above conditions, not all shops offer VAT refunds. You’ll want to make sure ahead of time before making a large purchase, either by contacting the specific retailer ahead of time, or by asking someone while you’re in the store.

Many shops will have a sticker displayed stating that it’s a tax-free or VAT-refund eligible store.

Shop Tax Free stickerShop Tax Free sticker

While this guide is specific to countries in the EU, note that other countries may offer their own version of the VAT refund. Be sure to look into such programs before heading out on your next trip.

For example, some, but not all, European countries take part in the VAT refund program. Switzerland has its own VAT refund program, while the UK ended theirs on January 1, 2021.

When you’re making purchases outside of Canada, most credit cards levy a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%, which could further eat into any savings you get from VAT refunds.

Our top pick for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card, which is a card that we recommend to every Canadian traveller.

How to Claim a VAT Refund in the European Union

If you meet all of the above requirements, there are still some steps you must follow to receive your VAT refund. Generally speaking, preparing for a VAT refund can be broken down into four steps:

  1. Show your passport or other documentation proving that you reside outside the EU at check-out.
  2. Fill out a refund form that the eligible retailer will have on hand, and ensure that the retailer also fills out their section.
  3. Receive an invoice or receipt for the purchase(s), and keep it with you until you are ready to leave the EU.
  4. Bring the goods purchased, refund form, and receipt/invoice with you to customs officers at the last EU country you leave from. You’ll need to have the customs officers stamp your refund form as proof of export.

Once you’ve completed these steps, the last hurdle to getting a VAT refund is to bring everything to a separate kiosk at the departure point, if one is available. The most common services are Global Blue and Planet, whose stickers you’ll also see in shops who offer VAT refund-eligible shopping.

Global Blue kiosksGlobal Blue kiosks
Get your VAT refund at Global Blue or Planet kiosks

At the kiosk, you’ll be refunded immediately if you have all of the eligible documents, either in cash or issued to a credit card number that you provide to the kiosk agent. 

If there isn’t an available service at your point of departure, you’ll have to mail your stamped refund form to a specific address that will be provided to you in the shop. After that, you’ll receive the refund either directly to your credit card or by a cheque in the mail.

In recent years, many VAT refund operators have introduced digital options, such as smartphone apps or airport self-service kiosks. Services like Global Blue’s app allow you to scan your stamped forms and receive refunds faster without having to line up at a physical kiosk. However, you may still be required to show the purchased goods to customs officers if requested.

Other Things to Know About VAT Refunds

No matter which EU countries you bought your VAT refund-eligible items from, you’ll get the refund form(s) stamped at the place of departure from the EU.

Suppose you bought a custom outfit in Italy, football cleats in Germany, and then designer shoes in France. Before flying home from Paris, you should have three separate refund forms that will all need to be stamped by a customs officer at the Paris airport.

If you’re leaving the EU by plane, you’ll want to make sure to allow for extra time at the airport, as sometimes the VAT refund lines can be quite long.

Some airports have introduced self-service VAT refund kiosks, but even with these, you should plan for potential delays in case your documents are flagged for manual inspection.

And if you’re departing the EU by train, you should consult the national authorities or refund company on what is required for your specific train route. You may have to get off the train at the last stop in order to get your refund form stamped.

Some retailers may issue a refund on site for a fee

Keep in mind that VAT refund companies such as Global Blue or Planet deduct handling and currency conversion fees from your refund. Factor this into your expectations when calculating your potential savings.

Despite saving money through the VAT refund, you’ll still be responsible for declaring all goods and services brought back into your home country. Depending on the value and type of item you’re bringing back, you may have to pay additional duties and/or taxes on the imported goods.

There’s another way of VAT-free shopping without having to go through this whole process. You can always have items shipped directly from the store to your home country, if the store offers that service.

Going this route will also spare you from paying the VAT; however, you’ll most likely pay a lot more for shipping, as well as any customs and handling fees, that may not make it worth the effort.

Additionally, many European retailers offer online shopping with direct shipping to non-EU countries, where VAT is automatically deducted at checkout. This can be a convenient way to shop tax-free without completing VAT refund paperwork, though shipping costs and import duties may apply.

Conclusion

Whether you’re buying designer goods or you’re just looking to pick up some souvenirs on your next trip to Europe, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of the European Union’s VAT refund program.

Be sure to check the minimum spending thresholds in each country you plan to visit, and then make sure your purchases are eligible.

Since there are many steps involved, claiming VAT refunds may be only be worthwhile if there are larger purchases involved. It’s not often that your final transaction on a trip results in a hefty refund, but it’s a nice way to finish up an international adventure.



This story originally appeared on princeoftravel

Mark Zuckerberg Reveals Meta Superintelligence Labs

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, 41, is reshaping the company’s AI efforts to focus on superintelligence, or AI that surpasses human intelligence.

In a memo to employees on Monday, released in full by CNBC, Zuckerberg announced that a new group called Meta Superintelligence Labs, or MSL, will house Meta’s AI initiatives going forward. Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old former CEO of AI training data startup Scale AI, will lead the group and assume the newly created role of Meta’s Chief AI Officer (Meta has a separate Chief AI Scientist, Yann LeCun).

Related: ‘I’ll Fight to Keep Every One of You’: OpenAI Responds to Meta Poaching Talent, Says It Is ‘Recalibrating’ Pay

In the memo, Zuckerberg called Wang the “most impressive founder of his generation” and said that former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman would “partner” with Wang to lead the MSL team. The new unit will encompass Meta’s existing teams that focus on developing AI models and AI products. It will also include Meta’s fundamental AI research (FAIR) team.

“As the pace of AI progress accelerates, developing superintelligence is coming into sight,” Zuckerberg wrote in the memo. “I believe this will be the beginning of a new era for humanity, and I am fully committed to doing what it takes for Meta to lead the way.”

Meta previously announced a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI earlier this month in exchange for a 49% stake and fresh talent from the startup, including Wang.

Alexandr Wang. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Zuckerberg also wrote that Meta would bring on 11 new hires for MSL, including researchers from competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. The new team includes former Google DeepMind researchers Jack Rae and Pei Sun, OpenAI researchers Trapit Bansal and Hongyu Ren, and Anthropic software engineer Joel Pobar.

In the memo, Zuckerberg said that Meta’s vision for AI was “personal superintelligence for everyone” and that the company was going to start working on its next generation of AI models to debut “in the next year or so.”

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Meta has a broad reach: Zuckerberg disclosed in May that the company’s AI is used by more than one billion monthly active users across its apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The company is also investing heavily in AI, with plans to spend $60 billion to $65 billion this year alone on AI infrastructure.

Related: Meta Takes on ChatGPT By Releasing a Standalone AI App: ‘A Long Journey’

Meta also isn’t afraid to spend heavily on AI talent. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated earlier this month that Meta was offering “$100 million signing bonuses” and “more than that” in compensation to many OpenAI researchers in an effort to poach talent.

Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, refuted the claims last week in a leaked all-hands meeting, saying that Altman was “being dishonest” about the signing bonuses and compensation.

“Look, you guys, the market’s hot,” Bosworth said at the meeting. “It’s not that hot.”

Meta is the sixth most valuable company in the world, at press time, with a market cap of over $1.8 trillion.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, 41, is reshaping the company’s AI efforts to focus on superintelligence, or AI that surpasses human intelligence.

In a memo to employees on Monday, released in full by CNBC, Zuckerberg announced that a new group called Meta Superintelligence Labs, or MSL, will house Meta’s AI initiatives going forward. Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old former CEO of AI training data startup Scale AI, will lead the group and assume the newly created role of Meta’s Chief AI Officer (Meta has a separate Chief AI Scientist, Yann LeCun).

Related: ‘I’ll Fight to Keep Every One of You’: OpenAI Responds to Meta Poaching Talent, Says It Is ‘Recalibrating’ Pay

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



This story originally appeared on Entrepreneur

LA-Based Producer & Media Entrepreneur Jonathan Skogmo Is Making Waves in the Travel Sector – Hollywood Life


Image Credit: Hideaway Beverly Hills

The $11 trillion global travel industry is booming but the way it’s marketed hasn’t kept up. For decades, guidebooks and magazines have dominated the space, offering curated experiences through a narrow, outdated lens. For a new generation of travelers—especially millennials and Gen Z—those voices no longer resonate. At least that’s according to LA-based producer, investor, and entrepreneur Jonathan Skogmo, who is best known as the Founder of Jukin Media, the LA-based online video startup that Skogmo built up and then sold for a reported nine-figure sum to the parent company of Reader’s Digest.

Following the successful exit, Skogmo began work on a new company that he says addresses a massive problem for the industry: lack of fresh, authoritative voices to inspire and educate travelers.

“The same travel guidebooks, publishers, and travel magazines that dominated before I was born are still the dominant voices and they’re not engaging millennial and gen-Z travelers,” said Skogmo.

This wouldn’t be the first time Skogmo sought to disrupt a segment of the media landscape. His initial foray into the digital realm began with a straightforward yet revolutionary concept which included curating, licensing, and monetizing user-generated viral videos. Enter Junkin Media. Jon started Junkin Media in 2010 at a time when the internet was awash with uncredited content with a mission to champion for rights holders, providing a crucial framework for intellectual property protection in digital media and online.

The problem he solved was simple but powerful: people were sharing engaging videos, but had no way to protect or profit from them. Skogmo built the infrastructure to change that with a rights-clearing and monetization machine that not only empowered creators but transformed how the industry viewed digital content.

“Jukin was ahead of its time and we saw value in user generated content before the rest of the industry caught on,” said Skogmo. “Back then, viral videos were dismissed as noise, but we believed they were the rawest, most authentic form of storytelling. I look back on those years with a lot of pride. We built something that not only created a new market but also helped everyday people turn their moments into meaningful media. That mission still inspires everything I do today.”

Now, Skogmo is channeling his passion for authentic storytelling into a new venture that brings his career full circle in many ways. Alongside his brother Mike Skogmo and longtime collaborator Anton Reut, both former C-level executives at Jukin Media, he co-founded LOST iN, a travel media company that captures the soul of cities through the eyes of locals, artists, and cultural tastemakers. Known for its beautifully designed city guides, LOST iN curates under-the-radar experiences that speak to the next generation of travelers, rather than tourists, and takes on a hybrid model to blend print editorial curation with the immediacy of social-first storytelling.

“As we looked at the next chapter of our career post-Jukin, we wanted to develop a company that was as new and exciting as our previous venture,” said Skogmo. “LOST iN is the culmination of our shared passion and expertise of disrupting industries and building community through social-first video content. And the launch acquisition of leading global media company Lost iN allows us the ability to build on a brand across content, commerce, and community worldwide.”

Drawing from his deep experience in digital media, Skogmo is now focused on expanding LOST iN’s reach across social platforms and into real-life experiences, with live events that bring its growing community together offline.

Today, Skogmo remains a prominent investor in the digital media and creator economy, a testament to his continued belief in the power of independent creators and the evolving media landscape. He’s also diversified his entrepreneurial interests, owning and investing in several popular restaurants across the city, further embedding himself in the vibrant fabric of the Los Angeles business scene. Beyond licensing, Skogmo’s creative drive also led to the production of numerous television and digital shows, further cementing his influence across various media platforms.

“Whether it was giving viral video creators a voice with Jukin or now spotlighting local tastemakers through LOST iN, my passion has always been about championing the people who make culture happen,” said Skogmo. “With LOST iN, we’re celebrating the artists, entrepreneurs, and creators who give each city its soul and building a platform that reflects the same entrepreneurial spirit that fueled my first venture. It’s a full-circle moment, but with even bigger ambitions.”

From viral videos to curated city guides, his career has been defined by a singular vision: empowering creators, spotting what’s next, and turning emerging trends into lasting impact. As Lost iN sets out to redefine how we experience travel, Skogmo once again proves he’s not just ahead of the curve – he’s helping shape it.



This story originally appeared on Hollywoodlife

EasyJet flight from Manchester forced to divert mid-air | UK | News

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A flight operated by easyJet from Manchester was forced to divert back to the airport on the evening of Monday, June 30.

The EZY2159 flight, which was bound for Izmir, took off from Manchester Airport at approximately 5 pm and flew east over Sheffield and Norfolk before suddenly changing course and returning to the airport.

The aircraft turned back over the North Sea and landed safely in Manchester at about 5:50 pm, roughly an hour after takeoff.

The airline subsequently confirmed that the diversion was caused by a ‘passenger welfare issue’, describing the disruption as ‘out of our control’ and an ‘extraordinary circumstance’.

According to an update on easyJet’s website, the flight was grounded overnight, with arrangements being made for an alternative service to operate on the morning of Tuesday, July 1, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Further information regarding the nature of the onboard incident has not been disclosed.

In an update at 9 pm, the airline stated: “We’re sorry that your flight has been delayed overnight. This is due to a passenger welfare issue.

“We are working hard to arrange your new flight for tomorrow. Once again, we’re very sorry for the disruption to your travel plans.”

A request for comment has been made to easyJet.



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

OpenAI to review compensation after Meta poaches several researchers – Computerworld



Following reports that Meta had hired away prominent researchers from OpenAI — in some cases offering $100 million — the company is now saying it will review compensation.

According to Wired, OpenAI’s management reportedly told employees they will not stand by and watch this happen. In a Slack message to staff, OpenAI’s chief scientist, Mark Chen, reportedly wrote: “I feel a strong, instinctive feeling right now, as if someone has broken into our home and stolen something”.

Chen said he, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and others in the company’s leadership are working “around the clock to talk to those who have received offers,” as well as “adjusting compensation and exploring creative ways to recognize and reward top talent.”



This story originally appeared on Computerworld

If you’re using Microsoft Authenticator to store your passwords, don’t

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Microsoft Authenticator is sunsetting its ability to store your passwords. This month, the service stopped allowing users to add or import new passwords. Beginning in July 2025, users will no longer be able to use autofill with Authenticator, and in August 2025, passwords will no longer be available at all. Payment information stored in Authenticator will be deleted after July, and after the following month, all unsaved generated passwords will be deleted. Passkeys will still be supported in Authenticator.

People who want to stay within the Microsoft ecosystem do have the option to use access their saved passwords when using the Edge browser. But if you’re not interested in Edge, that means Authenticator users may want to peruse their options for a different password manager. Fortunately, there are several excellent choices for that aren’t tied to a particular hardware provider.



This story originally appeared on Engadget

Trump Looming For BBB As Mike Johnson Begs Senate GOP To Change The Bill

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There has been a tug-of-war going on between House and Senate Republicans over how to handle the bill to extend Trump’s tax cuts for the rich. Senate Republicans wanted to divide the priorities into multiple bills. Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump won out and forced one bill on the Senate.

The Senate got hold of the House-passed bill and rewrote huge chunks of it.

The biggest change was that Senate Republicans made the Medicaid cuts even more extreme.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) basically quit the Senate over the Medicaid changes, and even though the Senate is likely to pass something today or tomorrow, that doesn’t mean that there is smooth sailing and blue skies ahead.

In fact, the opposite seems to be true.

Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News posted on X:

NEW — JOHNSON just now “I have prevailed upon my Senate colleagues to please, please, please, put it as close to the house product as possible, I been, very consistent from the very beginning.” JOHNSON is still seeking changes in the senate bill to bring it closer to the House.

The Senate bill is on the floor. Senate folks are saying that they aren’t changing the bill appreciably. Johnson is still seeking major changes hours ahead of final passage.

There is just so much skepticism in the House Republican Conference right now that the chamber can pass the reconciliation bill this week. I’m not saying they won’t. But mods, conservatives, leadership, etc. Everyone thinks this is going to be extraordinarily difficult.

The House bill passed only by a single vote, so if one of the dozen moderates decides to abandon it, the bill sinks. What House Republicans have finally learned is that one person defecting from Trump will be targeted, but a group of defectors gives them strength in numbers.



This story originally appeared on Politicususa