Snabbit has scaled rapidly, crossing one million jobs in March, amid growing investor interest.

Russell Contreras / Axios: How the Vatican is moving faster than most legacy institutions to shape AI rules and guardrails, with an AI framework, banning use of AI to write homilies, more  —  The Vatican is racing to build digital defenses for the artificial intelligence era — and quietly positioning itself as a global referee of what's real.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Sam Altman apologized to a community in Canada after a mass shooting by a banned ChatGPT user. The OpenAI CEO said he is "deeply sorry" his company didn't alert police to the shooter's activity. He promised to "help ensure something like this never happens again." OpenAI boss Sam Altman has apologized to a Canadian community for failing to alert authorities about a banned ChatGPT account linked to a teenager who went on to commit a mass shooting. Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the attack in January, killed eight people and injured dozens of others in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. OpenAI said it banned 18-year-old Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account because of problematic usage, but did not refer the matter to police because it did not meet its threshold of a credible or imminent plan for serious physical harm to others. Altman said he was "deeply sorry," in a letter "to the community of Tumbler Ridge," which was published in full by a local news website. "The pain your community has endured is unimaginable. I have been thinking of you often over the past few months," Altman wrote. "When I spoke with Mayor Krakowka and Premier Eby about this tragedy, they conveyed the anger, sadness, and concern being felt across Tumbler Ridge," he continued. "We agreed a public apology was necessary, but that time was also needed to respect the community as you grieved. I share this letter with the understanding that everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time." Altman wrote that he could not imagine "anything worse" than losing a child. "My heart remains with the victims, their families, all members of the community, and the province of British Columbia." He wrote that going forward, his company would work with all levels of government to ensure "something like this" never happens again. ChatGPT's famously sycophantic personality has led some users down dark paths, leading OpenAI to revise how the chatbot behaves when asked about sensitive subjects like depression. OpenAI is facing an ongoing lawsuit filed by the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine. The suit alleges ChatGPT "actively helped" Raine explore suicide methods over several months before he died. OpenAI previously told Business Insider that it was saddened by Raine's death and that ChatGPT includes safeguards. OpenAI said last year that it was working with mental health professionals to improve how ChatGPT responds to users who show signs of psychosis or mania, self-harm or suicide, or emotional attachment to the chatbot. Read the original article on Business Insider

The author realized her daughter was listening when she criticized her body in a changing room. Courtesy of the author I caught myself criticizing my body in front of my 18-month-old daughter. Seeing her watch me made me rethink how I speak to myself I now try to model self-acceptance, so she learns to do the same A spring doesn't go by that I don't think about a pivotal moment I had in a Macy's dressing room. I'd ventured to the mall with my then 18-month-old daughter, desperate for a new swimsuit before pool season began. I maneuvered the stroller, piled high with promise, into the family dressing stall, my daughter's little head peeking out from a sea of nylon and hangers. The fluorescents were predictably stark as I began to disrobe and jimmy myself into the first option. Looking up at my reflection, I visibly shuddered at what I saw staring back — an involuntary reflex, followed by an audible groan. Then the negative self-talk started. My daughter was watching me Oh. My. God. Look at that cellulite! Are you kidding me?? I do CrossFit, for God's sake. That is just not OK. Shock, then disgust, gave way to a cacophony of muttered insults and curses. I'd transformed into a lunchroom mean girl, hurling insults at that horrible excuse for a human being in the mirror. You should not be wearing a bathing suit AT ALL. Those legs. How can you show those legs? Just then, my eye drifted beyond the horror show unfolding in front of me. I caught my little girl's eye in the mirror and realized she was watching me. Taking me in. Taking all of this in. Oh, no, I thought. I'm saying these things out loud. It was under my breath, yes, but loud enough to be heard. And even if I wasn't, I knew my body language was speaking volumes. Self-loathing. Shame. And there's my beautiful, blank-slate angel, drinking in every moment. I wasn't being kind to myself I suddenly surged with anger. This was not what I wanted to model for my daughter. As a feminist, I'd always believed I had a responsibility to be kind, generous, and encouraging to other women. Yet there I was, treating myself worse than I'd treat any stranger on the street. The author changed how she talks to herself. Courtesy of the author I wouldn't perpetuate this. If my child hadn't been there in the room with me, I might have missed the moment entirely — because until then, I hadn't even been aware of this toxic inner dialogue. I wanted so much more for my baby girl, who would one day stand in front of a mirror as she shopped. I wanted her to feel proud of what she saw, not become her own worst enemy, measuring herself against an impossible beauty standard that doesn't even exist in real life. She did not deserve to learn this kind of shame. At that moment, I decided to consciously press "pause" on my thoughts and think this through. I began coaching myself up. I changed the tone I imagined someone else, someone stronger and bolder and more evolved than me, standing there. I imagined this woman's self-acceptance, self-approval, self-love, as she gazed back at herself with pride. Courtesy of the author "Damn, I look good!" I said to myself. The voice was quiet. I wasn't quite sure I believed it, but I continued. "I'm burning up the place!" I whispered, this time with more conviction. Right there, standing in that small, windowless room in a leopard-print bathing suit, I practiced seeing myself with new eyes. I intentionally reprogrammed my negative self-talk. I befriended myself. A smile started to curve at the edges of my lips as I continued gazing in the mirror, if not in full belief, then at least with amusement. This was kind of fun. I could do this. And then something strange happened. Suddenly, I wasn't totally hating what I saw in the mirror. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't too bad either. I imagined I was a good friend trying on this bathing suit. How would I react to her? I wouldn't focus on any one aspect of her body, I'd take in the whole package. I'd admire her sense of style. I'd notice if the color was eye-catching. I'd make sure it was a good fit. I actually liked what I saw So, I stopped zeroing in on the jiggly skin and dimples, and finally saw the full me: shiny dark hair, wise golden eyes, a sturdy frame housed in a spunky, modestly sexy one-piece. I stopped obsessing over all the things I disliked and allowed myself to see the big picture. Just then, I caught my daughter's eye in the mirror again. She was still watching me. She beamed at me proudly. The author doesn't want to bully herself in front of her daughter again. Courtesy of the author From that day forward, I pledged never again to bully myself in front of my daughter. I don't always get it right on the first try. I could have a wonderful time out with my family, only to later scroll through the photos on my phone and feel that familiar gut-punch when I spot an unflattering shot. The difference is, I notice it now. And as soon as I do, I deliberately choose to redirect it. I challenge myself to find three nice things to say. Kind things. True things. Things I would say to a friend. Because the way I speak to myself will one day become the voice my daughter hears in her own head. And I want that voice to be as strong and empowered as the woman I see in the mirror now. Read the original article on Business Insider

Trump’s economic crackdown on China’s US interests is creating opportunities for a Utah-based intelligence firm

Nicholas Sparks has written 24 novels. Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images Nicholas Sparks is, without a doubt, the king of romance novels. Sparks has released 24 books, and 11 have been adapted into movies. "The Notebook," "Dear John," and "A Walk To Remember" are among his best. Any romance reader knows Nicholas Sparks isn't just an author — he's practically a genre of his own: the kind that promises sweeping love stories, emotional gut-punches, and at least one moment that will have you staring at the page in disbelief. The American writer has spent decades dominating bestseller lists with stories that blend heartfelt devotion with inevitable heartbreak. From "The Notebook" to "A Walk to Remember," his books have become cultural staples, many of which have made the jump from page to screen with massive success. But are they all unforgettable masterpieces? Not exactly. Here are five of the best Nicholas Sparks novels and five you can skip. First: his must-read books. 5. 'The Longest Ride' "The Longest Ride." Grand Central Publishing A Nicholas Sparks must-read is "The Longest Ride," which follows two interconnected love stories: Ira Levinson, an elderly man reflecting on his lifelong love for his late wife, Ruth, and Sophia Danko, a college student who falls for Luke Collins, a professional bull rider. As Sophia and Luke navigate their own relationship and the obstacles in their path, Ira's memories unfold alongside theirs, revealing parallels between the two couples. The New York Times bestseller, released in 2013, deftly weaves these two love stories together, creating a feeling that is deeply personal. The contrast between Ira and Ruth's enduring, decadeslong relationship and Sophia and Luke's more immediate, uncertain romance adds emotional depth and complexity. The book shows how love can evolve over time through loss and amid difficult choices. There's also something moving about how art, memory, and sacrifice tie everything together, giving the novel a more reflective, lasting impact. If you love the book as I do, the movie — released in 2015 and starring Clint Eastwood and Britt Robertson — is equally good. "The Longest Ride" had a modest box-office performance, grossing about $63 million worldwide against a $34 million budget, making it a mild financial success but not a major hit, according to Box Office Mojo. Plus, who doesn't want to stare at Scott Eastwood in a cowboy hat? 4. 'The Last Song' "The Last Song." Grand Central Publishing "The Last Song" is another Nicholas Sparks classic that balances romance with a deeper, more emotional story about family, forgiveness, and growing up. The New York Times bestseller, released in 2009, follows Ronnie Miller, a rebellious teenager sent to spend the summer with her estranged father in a small beach town. Initially resistant, Ronnie slowly begins to reconnect with him through their shared love of music while also forming a relationship with a local boy, Will. As the summer unfolds, secrets are revealed, and relationships deepen, leading Ronnie to confront difficult truths about love, family, and loss. Ronnie's journey feels especially real — she's not instantly likable, but watching her slowly open up, reconnect with her father, and find love makes the story more meaningful. It's not just about the relationship; it's about healing and second chances, giving it a different kind of emotional weight than a typical romance. The mix of love, music, and loss made it a story that really stayed with me. The movie, released in 2010, stands out because it brings the story's emotion to life, with Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. Their on-screen chemistry feels genuine, especially given their real-life relationship that followed (but eventually ended). "The Last Song" was a box-office success, earning about $89 million worldwide against a $20 million budget, driven largely by strong domestic performance, per Box Office Mojo data. 3. 'Dear John' "Dear John." Grand Central Publishing "Dear John" is another of my favorites by Sparks because it captures that specific kind of love that feels intense, real, and a little bit out of reach. The New York Times bestseller was released in 2006. The story follows John Tyree, a soldier on leave, who falls in love with Savannah Curtis, a college student, during a brief summer together. As John returns to the Army, the two maintain their relationship through letters, navigating the challenges of distance and changing life circumstances. Over time, their love is tested by duty, personal growth, and unexpected choices, turning their story into a bittersweet exploration of what it means to love someone even when life pulls you in different directions. This feels like a realistic story: John and Savannah's relationship is affected by distance, timing, and real-life responsibilities. There's something especially emotional about the way their connection unfolds through letters, giving their love story a sense of intimacy and longing. It's not a perfect or easy romance, and that's part of why it resonates — it shows how love can be powerful even when it doesn't work out the way you hope. The "Dear John" movie keeps the book's emotional heart, while making the romance feel more like Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried brought the characters to life. Seeing their story play out in the 2010 film adds another layer to the longing and heartbreak, making the film hit just as hard as the novel. The "Dear John" movie earned about $115 million worldwide against a $25 million budget, per Box Office Mojo, driven by a strong opening weekend despite mixed reviews. 2. 'A Walk To Remember' "A Walk to Remember." Grand Central Publishing "A Walk to Remember" is another Sparks staple, released in 1999. It tells a simple, heartfelt story that somehow hits incredibly hard. The New York Times bestseller follows Landon Carter, a popular but aimless high school senior, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he's forced to participate in a school play and ends up spending time with Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, deeply religious daughter of the town's minister. As their relationship grows, Landon begins to see the world and himself differently through Jamie's kindness, faith, and unwavering sense of purpose. What starts as an unlikely connection develops into a profound love story, ultimately revealing deeper truths about compassion, sacrifice, and the lasting impact one person can have on another. It doesn't rely on grand twists — it's the emotional buildup and inevitability of the ending that really stayed with me. It's one of those books that feels tender and honest, and it lingers long after you finish. Not only is the book one to remember, but so is the film, which was released in 2002. Mandy Moore and Shane West bring Jamie and Landon to life in a way that highlights their growth and chemistry, making their relationship feel authentic. These roles couldn't have been cast better. According to Box Office Mojo, "A Walk to Remember" earned about $47.5 million worldwide against a $11.8 million budget. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, I'd highly recommend it. Don't forget the tissues. 1. 'The Notebook' "The Notebook." Grand Central Publishing "The Notebook" is, hands down, my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. Who doesn't love Noah and Allie's love story? "The Notebook" was released in 1996. The two young lovers from very different backgrounds fall deeply in love one summer in North Carolina. When life pulls them apart, years pass, and they build separate lives, but their connection never fully fades. The New York Times bestseller is framed by an older Noah reading their story to Allie in a nursing home, a level of devotion hard to top, turning the novel into something not just about falling in love, but about choosing it again and again. The love between Noah and Allie feels both idealized and grounded, spanning years, obstacles, and, ultimately, memory loss, making it more powerful than a typical love story. I really admired Noah's strength and patience. The movie adaptation of "The Notebook" is one of those rare cases where the film is just as good as the book. It captures the same sweeping romance and emotional depth, while adding a layer of intensity through Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams' unforgettable chemistry. Iconic moments like the rain-soaked reunion bring the story to life in a way that feels just as powerful as it does on the page. The movie, which earned about $118 million worldwide against a $29 million budget, doesn't just complement the novel — it stands right alongside it. Here's the first book you can skip: 'Nights in Rodanthe.' "Nights in Rodanthe." Grand Central Publishing In my opinion, "Nights in Rodanthe" is worth skipping because it feels less emotionally developed than Sparks's stronger novels. I know some Sparks fans love this one, but "Nights in Rodanthe" didn't fully hold my attention. The New York Times bestseller felt a bit thin, with a romance that unfolds too quickly to feel deeply immersive or memorable. The book "Nights in Rodanthe " was published in 2002, and a film adaptation was released in 2008, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Adrienne and Paul's relationship never quite reaches the emotional depth of Sparks' more layered love stories, which made it harder for me to fully invest in their connection. While the novel includes his signature themes of longing and heartbreak, I think it ultimately lacks the lasting impact that defines his best work. 'Dreamland' "Dreamland." Random House "Dreamland," one of Sparks' more recent novels and a New York Times bestseller released in 2022, follows two intertwining storylines — a man navigating a complicated relationship and a single father trying to protect his young son — as it explores themes of love, risk, and second chances. To me, "Dreamland" felt more scattered than cohesive, juggling multiple storylines without fully developing any of them. While it touches on heavier themes, the emotional payoff didn't land as well for me as in Sparks' best novels, which made it hard for me to stay invested. Compared to his more focused, deeply romantic stories, this one feels less memorable and a bit uneven overall. 'The Wish' "The Wish." Grand Central Publishing "The Wish," which came out in 2021, follows Maggie Dawes, a successful photographer, as she reflects on a life-changing teenage romance and the choices that shaped her future, moving between her past and present to explore love, loss, and second chances. Yes, the New York Times bestseller has the elements of romance and reflection you'd expect, but the story can feel predictable, and the emotional moments didn't hit me as hard as in his stronger novels. In my opinion, compared to his best work, it lacks that lasting impact that really stays with you. 'Counting Miracles' "Counting Miracles." Random House The next Nicholas Sparks book I'd skip is one of his newer books that came out in 2024, "Counting Miracles." The New York Times bestseller follows a group of characters whose lives intersect as they grapple with love, loss, and the idea of fate, ultimately exploring how small, unexpected moments can shape a life. I felt like "Counting Miracles" tried a little too hard to be emotional, without the depth that makes Sparks' best books stand out. Rather than being moving and uplifting, the story and characters felt pretty predictable, which made it harder for me to stay interested or really connect with it. It just wasn't my favorite, to be honest. 'The Return' "The Return." Grand Central Publishing My final skip goes to "The Return," released in 2020. The book follows Trevor Benson, a wounded Army doctor who returns home to North Carolina after his grandfather's death. While adjusting to a quieter life, he becomes involved with a local sheriff's deputy, Natalie, and forms an unexpected bond with a young girl named Callie, who may hold answers about his grandfather's past. As Trevor navigates love and unanswered questions, the story explores themes of healing, trust, and second chances. The New York Times bestseller feels less emotionally gripping and more predictable than Nicholas Sparks' strongest novels. While it has all the familiar elements — romance, mystery, and personal growth — it doesn't quite come together in a way that feels fresh or especially memorable, which made it hard for me to stay fully invested. Ultimately, this story didn't give me the chills like "The Notebook" or "A Walk To Remember" did. Read the original article on Business Insider

The discovery of a bizarre golden object two miles under Alaskan waters flummoxed scientists, but a new study pins down the true nature of the “orb.”

We have the document clusters, and it’s time to unlock their true potential! Let’s explore how to extract meaningful information from the actionable clusters. The post The Essential Guide to Effectively Summarizing Massive Documents, Part 2 appeared first on Towards Data Science.

It's tradition to travel somewhere with my 75-year-old mother-in-law and wife every December. Over time, we've figured out how to plan trips we all love. Ash Jurberg Every December, I travel with my mother-in-law and wife. This year, we took a trip to Charleston. Encouraging my mother-in-law to help plan led us to experiences we wouldn't have found on our own. We built the days around what she could handle and took turns picking activities and restaurants. My wife, Cece, moved from Texas to Australia 12 years ago, but we still head back to the US every Christmas. While we're home, the two of us take a trip with her mother, Liz. Liz's partner, Pete, doesn't like to travel, so this annual December trip is her primary holiday. In the past, we've headed to Nashville, Seattle, and Washington DC. At the end of last year, we spent four days in Charleston and had a wonderful trip. We picked activities at Liz's pace and took turns choosing experiences My mother-in-law came up with a few activities and eateries she wanted to see in Charleston before the trip even began. Ash Jurberg Over the years, we've learned that Liz enjoys a trip more when she can help shape it rather than just show up for it. So before heading to Charleston, I had a visitor's brochure mailed to her in Texas. The day it arrived, she called with a list of things she had already researched and wanted to try, including a Gullah Geechee tour to learn about the history and culture of the descendants of enslaved Africans who settled along the Carolina coast. Bus and walking tours were available, and we chose the bus even though I would've preferred the latter. It was important for us to consider what would be most sustainable for my 75-year-old mother-in-law when booking activities. Riding the bus meant Liz could arrive at lunch with energy instead of blisters. Throughout the trip, we also took turns selecting activities so no one felt left out. My choice was a cocktail-making class, which is also indoors and offers plenty of seating. The three of us had a blast making drinks. Ash Jurberg Liz drinks a little but would never have thought to book a class like this herself, which is another perk of taking turns: You get to try things you never thought you would. The class ended up being just the three of us at a bar with a 25-year-old instructor. We learned how the Old Fashioned got its name, what makes a good bartender, and that Liz pours generously. Her first attempt overflowed. My mother-in-law can have a heavy pour, turns out. Ash Jurberg By the third round, Liz was jiggling the shaker like a professional and informing us she was keeping up with "the young kids." The instructor even invited her behind the bar. She posed for the camera, and we sent the video straight to Pete. He replied: "Oh boy. She's really loving this." Liz also chose for us to visit the Charleston City Market, a stretch of local vendors and artists that has been running for centuries. My mother-in-law enjoyed the Charleston City Market more than I did. Ash Jurberg We'd planned to stop for an hour and stayed for over two as Liz watched sweetgrass baskets being woven, bought Christmas ornaments, and talked to every artisan who'd stand still long enough. I walked ahead and checked my watch several times, but tried to stay patient. Liz had taken a whole cocktail-making class she'd never have picked herself, so two hours at the market felt fair. Each of us got to choose a meal, too My mother-in-law takes barbecue seriously. Ash Jurberg Over our four days, we each picked a meal to share. Liz chose Lewis BBQ, partly because it's run by a fellow Texan, which she felt was a good sign. She takes barbecue seriously, and the brisket was the real test. Her wide post-bite smile told me the barbecue had passed. I took us to Southern restaurant Poogan's Porch one night so we could order shrimp and grits, something I'd never tried. The offerings at Callie's Hot Little Biscuits seemed massive. Ash Jurberg Cece chose to get breakfast on our last morning at Callie's Hot Little Biscuits. We ordered a range of sweet and savory bites, and Cece and I managed to take down one biscuit each. Liz had two and a half and immediately bought a box to take home. In the end, a few things made the trip work The three of us had a good time. Ash Jurberg Encouraging my mother-in-law to plan from Texas meant she arrived at our destination already invested with ideas we'd never have found on our own. Picking activities at a pace that suited everyone, like the Gullah Geechee bus tour and the cocktail-making class, meant no one was worn out by dinner — and taking turns meant nobody got dragged through someone else's idea of fun for too long. At the end of the trip, Liz flew home to San Antonio with biscuits, cocktail recipes, and Christmas ornaments. Her partner said she looked like she was having the time of her life in the photos and videos we sent, though the cocktails are still a work in progress. We've already begun planning this December's trip, so I should probably send a new brochure to Liz soon. Read the original article on Business Insider

Bloomberg: Analysis: Taiwan's stock market value has surpassed the UK's at ~$4.3T, with South Korea close behind, driven by massive gains in TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix  —  The artificial intelligence boom has triggered a seismic reshuffling of global equity markets, with Taiwan and South Korea muscling past European nations one by one.

The author and her partner lived in a camper van for years. Courtesy of Jayme Serbell My husband and I spent nearly three years traveling the country in a camper van. I got pregnant earlier than expected, forcing us to make a decision quickly. Letting go of vanlife helped us realize what we actually wanted in our next chapter. I sat in the bathroom staring at the blue cross sign on the pregnancy test, as expletives leaked out of my mouth in a whisper. Disbelief sat around me like the 4 a.m. dew outside our window. We always wanted kids. Traveling in a camper van was our "last hurrah" before pivoting toward parenthood. But that wasn't supposed to happen yet. The shock bubbled away, and excitement found home in my body. I smiled and covered my hand over my mouth. We don't always get to choose our own timelines. I rushed to my husband, John, to wake him up. This was our one last adventure before having kids My husband and I were both busy with the 9-5-and-working-odd-jobs hustle. We lived in a large house that we would someday fill with kids. There was a whole world we wanted to see before we tied ourselves down with the responsibility of child rearing. We chose to say goodbye to the life we were told to settle for in pursuit of a life we wanted to celebrate. Partially on a whim, mostly on adrenaline, we sold most of our belongings and built a 1996 Chevy Express conversion van into a tiny house. We wanted to explore the country coast to coast before we took on the role of parents. We also wanted to see what our options were for where we would settle down. Do we want to raise kids in a city? In the middle of nowhere? East coast? West coast? Mountain town? Rural Midwest? We buckled ourselves into our van with our pups and hit the road to rediscover ourselves without the chains of our previous life and to find where we'd like to replace our anchor. The author and her partner settled down in a house in New Mexico. Courtesy of Jayme Serbell From April 2017 to April 2019, we discovered the magnificent, hidden corners of almost every state. We camped in humid Florida, snowy Vermont, busy California, and sleepy Wyoming. Every pocket we investigated had something remarkable that ignited our excitement and something tricky that made us second-guess a home there. Each area brought us one step closer to our end goal. Everything shifted overnight In March 2019, we were back in St. Louis to visit our family. My period had been irregular ever since I had experimented with hormonal birth control, so we could never quite pin down my cycle. We were planning our next departure, and I took a pregnancy test to prove I was not pregnant, for our own peace of mind. This wasn't the timeline we had planned, but one thing living in a van had taught us was to find comfort in the unexpected. Flexibility is one of your greatest tools when you travel full-time. You never know what obstacles are going to throw you off course. Giddy with excitement, John chose to scrap our plans we had laid out for the rest of the year. We now needed to make our most important decision. Where do we want to have this baby? Life made us decide which path we wanted to take next Throughout our travels, we found ourselves returning to New Mexico. The warm sun, the dry air, the beautiful winters, and the towering mountains all took our breath away. It was diverse, eclectic, artistic, and inspiring. We joked it was like Colorado, but without any of the people. We both felt the call and picked up the phone. Shortly after the positive pregnancy test, we lost the baby. Grief filled the van as we stared at the fork in the road. We had to decide what we wanted now. Do we want to keep traveling? Or do we want to stay on this new path? The contemplation was minimal. The excitement and the loss had shown us what we wanted. We were ready to grow our family. Trading in four wheels for four walls We spent that summer exploring various properties. There was an unexpected grief in the search for a new residence. The van was our home. The road, our driveway. The wild, our backyard. Our identity was tied to the title "vanlifers", which meant we were constantly moving and on the go. But now we were settling down and growing roots. We outgrew our lifestyle quicker than we had planned, but we unlocked a new and exciting chapter when we bought an off-grid home on 40 acres. We weren't pumping the brakes on an adventurous life. We were just shifting gears. Read the original article on Business Insider

<blockquote cite="https://twitter.com/romainhuet/status/2047955381578838357"><p>Since GPT-5.4, we’ve unified Codex and the main model into a single system, so there’s no separate coding line anymore.</p> <p>GPT-5.5 takes this further, with strong gains in agentic coding, computer use, and any task on a computer.</p></blockquote> <p class="cite">&mdash; <a href="https://twitter.com/romainhuet/status/2047955381578838357">Romain Huet</a>, confirming OpenAI won't release a GPT-5.5-Codex model</p> <p>Tags: <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/generative-ai">generative-ai</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/gpt">gpt</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/openai">openai</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/ai">ai</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/llms">llms</a></p>

Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI Americans aren't flocking to Florida like they used to. BI spoke with three former Floridians about why they say the state has lost some of its appeal. Affordability is a common issue among relocaters, particularly with the state's higher home prices. Kimberly Jones was born and raised in Florida and expected to live in South Florida for the rest of her life. But after COVID, Florida no longer felt the same. An influx of out-of-staters strained the infrastructure in Jones' area of South Florida, where new construction, crowded grocery stores, and traffic-jammed commutes became the norm. The flood of newcomers also drove up housing costs, making it harder for longtime residents to afford the place they've always called home. In 2021, Jones and her husband packed their bags and moved to North Carolina. They're not the only ones who have fallen out of love with Florida. While people are still moving to the state, net domestic migration — or the number of people moving into the state from elsewhere in the country minus those moving out to other parts of the US — has steadily cooled in recent years. There are a few reasons behind Florida's slowing numbers and waning appeal. For some, the state's tax benefits may no longer outweigh its rising cost of living. That was certainly the case for Jones. "Our reasons for moving were multifaceted," Jones, 60, told Business Insider. "A major factor was affordability — the cost of living in Florida had gotten out of control. Prices increased for everything — homeowners' and auto insurance, and even for everyday expenses like groceries and eating out. Those costs felt particularly high in South Florida compared with other parts of the state." Kimberly Jones and her husband. Courtesy of Kimberly Jones The Joneses found a more affordable, more relaxing life in North Carolina Jones and her husband settled in a small rural town about an hour from Charlotte. They now live in a custom-built lakefront home on 1.5 acres — the kind of property Jones said she couldn't have afforded in Florida. Indeed, Florida's home prices have continued to climb in recent years. Data from Redfin shows that the median home sale price in Florida increased by 19% between March 2021 and March 2026, reaching $417,000. With the state's overall cost of living rising, many people — especially young adults, like Jones' son — are finding it difficult to become homeowners. "My daughter managed to buy a condo a few years ago, when prices were lower, and interest rates were still low," Jones said. "But my son has little chance of buying anytime soon; he'll be renting for the near future, like most of his friends — most of my friends talk about the same thing with their kids." Jones and her husband at a concert in North Carolina. Courtesy of Kimebrly Jones Besides more affordable housing, Jones and her husband are also enjoying lower home insurance costs, as well as cheaper groceries and restaurant prices in North Carolina. But perhaps the biggest benefit of all is that the lower cost of living has allowed Jones to cut back on work. "My husband retired a few years ago, and I was able to transition to remote work," Jones said. "We love [North Carolina's] slower pace of life and the fact that people are very nice up here. My quality of life — my stress level, everything — has improved tremendously just from being out of what felt like a rat race." Natalie Alatriste left Florida in search of a more like-minded community Natalie Alatriste is also a native Floridian. She remembers a time when her hometown of Miami felt sleepier, and neighborhoods like Little Havana were still under the radar. Today, she said, the city feels transformed. "There's a pre-COVID Miami and a post-COVID Miami, and the post-COVID version is completely different," Alatriste, 35, told Business Insider. "The cost of living has gone up, and so many people have moved in that traffic is always heavy." But it was not just Miami's growth that pushed her to reconsider her future in the state. Alatriste said Florida's shifting political landscape was also a factor in her decision. "In 2024, I seriously started thinking about leaving not just Miami, but Florida entirely," she said. "The state's politics became a turning point for me. During the presidential election, everything I voted for — the amendments, the candidates, all of it — went in the opposite direction." Alatriste, her partner, and dog. Courtesy of Natalie Alatriste In 2025, Alatriste moved to Shirlington, a neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia, that's roughly a 20-minute drive from Washington, D.C. She and her partner rent a three-bedroom, three-story townhouse that's about 2,500 square feet, and pay roughly $4,350 a month. It's still expensive, but Alatriste said sharing the cost with a partner makes it easier to handle, and overall, Virginia feels more affordable. "My quality of life feels much better in Virginia. I don't feel like I'm wasting so much time or spending so much money just to live," she said. "I also have greater peace of mind and can breathe easier because I'm part of a community that feels more aligned with my values." Karen Meadows wanted a more active retirement Florida is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country. It offers plenty of obvious draws, including no state income tax, warm weather, and an abundance of retirement communities. But for some retirees, like Karen Meadows, life spent at the beach or by the pool isn't enough. "Many people move to Florida to retire because it's quiet and has a slower pace of life," Meadows, 62, told Business Insider. "But for me, I wanted to move somewhere with more energy." In 2024, Meadows and her husband moved to New York City. "It's funny because the first thing everybody says about our move is, 'Oh my God, you did the opposite,'" Meadows added, "and they're right." Karen Meadows and her husband, James. Courtesy of Karen Meadows Meadows sold her home in Panama City Beach and now lives in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in Brooklyn. Though New York still feels intimidating at times, being closer to her kids and living in a vibrant city has made the move worth it. Beyond training for marathons — including the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon, both of which she has run several times — she volunteers with North Brooklyn Angels and the food rescue organization City Harvest. She has also joined the North Brooklyn Runners Club and started a book club. "I know I probably could have moved somewhere more laid-back, warmer, and with lower taxes, but I love New York," Meadows said. "I'm almost 63, and I feel better and more alive than ever. Life feels freer, I'm more engaged, and there's still so much to explore." Are you a former Floridian? We want to hear from you. Email the reporter, Alcynna Lloyd, at alloyd@businessinsider.com to share your story. Read the original article on Business Insider

"It wasn't a big deal. It just coincided with the fact that Moon was farther away from the Earth."

Courtesy of Vivienne Zhao, Duncan Forgan and Andre Neveling. "H ow long have you been living in Singapore?" It's a question taxi drivers have been asking me since I arrived from New York nearly 20 years ago. In the beginning, the answer was small, just a year, then two. My husband and I had come with a two-year plan. Freshly married, we told ourselves it was an exciting chapter in our new life together. We left boxes in the basement of my sister's Brooklyn apartment, assuming we'd be back for them soon. But as the number crept past that deadline — five years, then 10 — those boxes slowly made their way over. These days, it's not just taxi drivers asking how long we plan to stay. My mom comments on how far away we live, now that it includes her two grandchildren. My in-laws gently remind us of the advantages of being closer. Everyone seems to assume there's a logical next stop, a final destination that will eventually make sense of everything. But somewhere along the way, Singapore stopped feeling like a chapter and started feeling like muscle memory. I've lost my tolerance for cold weather after years in the tropics. Back in New York, walking into someone's apartment without taking off my shoes feels strange. Still, there are reminders that my life is split across borders. As an American, I file US taxes every year — the US is one of the few countries that require it of citizens abroad — a constant reminder that I'm living between places. My two kids look genuinely confused when someone asks them, "Where are you from?" As more families build lives abroad, we're not the only ones being asked that question. In 2024, about 3.3 million Americans were living overseas — a 15% increase since 2010 — according to a Federal Voting Assistance Program estimate that pieces together tax records, Social Security data, and foreign census figures. Because Americans don't have to register when they move abroad, there's no official count. In this series, you'll hear from others who have made homes overseas, at different ages, for different reasons, and at different stages of staying, all answering the same question in their own way: Where is home, really? Read the original article on Business Insider

The author is a recent college graduate who can't find a job. Courtesy of Dove Williams I've been searching for my first full-time role since I graduated last May to no luck. I've had to rely on my parents to stay in New York City, which has made me feel guilty. Despite the countless rejections, I'm not letting it stop me from enjoying life. Last May, I graduated with my bachelor's degree from The New School, a relatively large private institution in New York City. I knew competition postgrad would be competitive, but I did not anticipate a grim job market and AI takeovers. As a Dean's List student with a 3.9 GPA and multiple extracurriculars under my belt, I figured I'd be a top candidate for my first entry-level job. Boy, was I wrong. Moving to New York City was my dream for as long as I can remember I figured graduating would mean freedom from the confines of a classroom. But when I followed my dream to New York City, that freedom was paralyzing. I quickly learned that I still had a ways to go before I could start living my life. I found myself stuck behind a counter working my part-time job as a barista and questioning everything from why I went to college to why I feel so passionate about staying in one of the most expensive places on earth. Additionally, I felt guilty for relying on my parents to pay my rent and help keep me here away from my home state of North Carolina. I felt like an idiot for leaving my family, even though I always knew I was meant for more than what my hometown could offer, and yet the city remains financially challenging for someone like me with student loans and only a part-time job. Thankfully, I have a cushion should I need it, but I expected to be financially independent by now. Navigating a competitive market Since graduation, I have applied to roughly 200 positions, ranging from internships to entry-level to contract and temp roles. And while that number doesn't seem like much compared to the other grads who've sent out 500+ applications, I like to think I'm playing the market strategically by applying to roles where I'm a decent fit. I'm also attempting to set up informational interviews. However, regardless of my strategy, I keep getting ghosted and rejected by automated no-reply emails months after applying. When I discovered that I wasn't the only one struggling, it began to make sense. However, after dealing with COVID interruptions in high school, worker strikes in college, and mental health struggles surrounding personal issues, I was burned out. The author relies on her parents for financial support. Courtesy of Dove Williams As a result, I had forgotten why I went to school in the first place. As I began applying, I found myself flexible to take just about anything and started to lose myself in the process. Seven months into underemployment, I got laid off from the café, but thankfully found another part-time job with a friend's help. A month later, in January, I got my first interview for a job in my field. Followed up three weeks later, only to be told they were still in the first round and haven't heard back since. A month after that, I hired a career coach to help me navigate the market. She rewrote my résumé, reviewed my LinkedIn profile and portfolio, provided industry insights, and redefined my career path. I then got another interview, this time for an internship. I haven't heard back from that either. What frustrates me the most is the silence. Anxiously waiting to know whether or not I got the job, or at least an interview, is soul-sucking. It makes me doubt myself and my skills. It makes me feel like a failure. Learning to overcome what you can't control New York is already an incredibly lonely place, and lately it's been a lot lonelier when I've been confined to a room applying to jobs away from home. At only 23, I feel like I failed despite working my ass off in high school and in college, only to get "Unfortunately, we have decided not to proceed with your candidacy at this time, but we appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to the application process." I have no idea what's next for me or when I'll get a full-time job, but one thing I've learned about being underemployed is you've got to make the most out of it because life is unpredictable, and you shouldn't let it slip away because things are uncertain or stagnant. And if you need help from your parents, whether it's a roof over your head or an allowance, there's no shame in that. This is an extremely unprecedented and scary time for everyone. Even if you're not job hunting, we could all use a little support. Read the original article on Business Insider

Slack messages, interviews with current and former works paint picture of company in turmoil.

The exterior of a Gap store in New Jersey. Amanda Krause/Business Insider Gap launched a collaboration clothing line with Victoria Beckham on Friday. The line includes basic T-shirts, a trench coat, denim jeans, a bomber jacket, and more. The pieces are chic and high-quality, but there were some sizing issues. I arrived early at my local Gap expecting a crowd for the Victoria Beckham collaboration. Instead, I found mall walkers — and later, clothes that were as cute as they were hard to wear. It wasn't until nearly 10 a.m. at my New Jersey mall that five shoppers (myself included) formed a makeshift line and gazed through the store's windows for an early look. "They don't have everything in stock," I heard a few say. Still, these fashion fans were ready. T-shirts, trench coats, and denim jeans were quickly pulled off racks once we got inside. After snagging a few to try on myself, I was left feeling equally impressed and disappointed. Everything was cute, but nothing fit on me. The Victoria Beckham collection displayed in the window of a Gap store. Amanda Krause/Business Insider Victoria Beckham makes her mark on Gap The former Spice Girl might be known for her high-fashion style and namesake designer brand, but she still embraces casual apparel brands. Speaking with Vogue, she said Gap felt "distinctly American, fresh, and unlike anything else available at the time" after discovering it in the early 90s. So a collaboration with Gap — a brand that's recently partnered with trendy designers like Dôen and Sandy Liang — made sense. Beckham's line features jackets, branded sweatshirts, cargo pants, dresses, and more, with prices ranging from $34 to $328 per item. The store I visited had about a third of the collection in stock. Among the missing items were the capris, pleated shorts, a denim shirt, and a tan minidress. Clothes from the Victoria Beckham line on display at Gap. Amanda Krause/Business Insider High quality, chic designs, and frustrating sizing There wasn't time to be choosy. Customers were calm, but grabbed multiple sizes of the same garments so they could try different fits. I wear a medium in most things, but that size seemed to disappear the fastest. I was mostly left to choose between extra small and extra large clothes by the time I got through the crowd. The $38 branded T-shirts, available in gray and white, were among the most popular items at the store I visited. Initially, there was only an extra large left, which had too much fabric at the sleeves and back for me. An employee later handed me a medium that another shopper had put back. Unfortunately, that one was too tight for my liking. I've been on the hunt for the perfect white T-shirt, so this was disappointing. I loved the boxy cut and its thick fabric. I probably would have bought one if the store had my size. I had similar issues with the $158 bomber jacket and $98 maxi dress. I loved the fresh styles of both pieces, but I couldn't make either work in the available sizes. I tried two sizes of the Gap x Victoria Beckham white T-shirt. Amanda Krause/Business Insider I also tried three pairs of pants: $128 cargo pants, $118 denim jeans, and $118 white jeans. Though they all fit my waist nicely, they were far too long for my 5'2 frame. I was upset, but not surprised. I usually have to buy short-cut jeans online. Still, shorter options aren't available with this line. Then I heard other shoppers struggling with sizing in the dressing room next to mine. "This is hideous," one woman said about a dress. "I'm 5'10 and I'm drowning in it." Others seemed torn on which size coats and T-shirts they should choose. Again, this was unfortunate. I would have loved to buy the blue jeans I tried on. They were the ideal wash and cut I'm looking for, and they felt expensive — not overly stretchy or tight. I tried on three pairs of pants, all of which were too long for me. Amanda Krause/Business Insider Now, I don't know how to feel about the Victoria Beckham x Gap collection. On one hand, I'm impressed. Every piece I tried felt heavy and high quality. They truly looked and felt like elevated Gap pieces, embellished with Beckham's stylish flair. I just can't look past the sizing. I couldn't justify a $34 T-shirt that didn't fit perfectly, and I wouldn't want to spend extra money to get any of the pants tailored. So while I applaud her designs, I'm not sure I'm the target body type for this line. Beckham seems to have designed her Gap collection with taller people in mind. As I prepared to leave the store empty-handed, I saw excited customers checking out at the registers with arms full of Victoria Beckham pieces. Many seemed particularly excited about buying the $168 parka, which is sold out online. Business Insider reached out to Gap on the line's sizing, but didn't hear back. Read the original article on Business Insider

Joi-Marie McKenzie This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. What I learned from Take Your Kids to Work Day The fourth Thursday of April means two things: You'll see a lot more kids during your work commute, and the office may be a bit more chaotic with the sound of young laughter, and yes, even some cries. Take Your Kid to Work Day was an eventful one at Business Insider. Dozens of our colleagues' children descended into our newsroom's auditorium for bingo, a scavenger hunt, an animation demonstration to see how cartoons are made — courtesy of our amazing video team — and of course, pizza. As a first-time mom of two boys (smile), it also taught me three lessons: My workday is optimized for efficiency, but on TYKTWD, it was replaced with a slower pace that children naturally bring. It allowed me to be more present and engaged with my coworkers. It also reminded me of the value of flexibility. My daily caramel macchiato run turned into grabbing hot chocolate for my boys. After one promptly spilled (a small tragedy indeed), the day was still amazing. It's proof that drinks can spill, meetings can get canceled, but nothing broke. The day also made me grateful, again, for the work I get to do — telling meaningful stories for our readers. My boys marveled at FiDi's skyscrapers, a dinosaur-shaped building, and even my office's elevators that I typically ignore. In the end, presence did what productivity couldn't. Read the original article on Business Insider

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