Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a direct warning targeting major U.S. technology companies operating in the Middle East, signaling a potential escalation in geopolitical tensions that could extend into corporate and digital infrastructure. In a statement released on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Guard declared that at least 18 international companies would be considered “legitimate targets” following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. The

Apple has emerged as the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer in 2025, overtaking long-time rival Samsung in global shipments, according to the latest industry analysis. The milestone marks a significant shift in the global smartphone market, ending a 14-year period during which Samsung consistently held the top position in worldwide shipments. Industry data shows that Apple recorded the highest year-on-year growth among the top five smartphone brands, capturing a 20 percent sh

A large new T.J. Maxx store is set to open in one of Chicago’s most active retail districts, further strengthening Lincoln Park’s position as a major shopping destination. The off-price retailer will occupy a prominent 26,000-square-foot space at 939 W. North Avenue, located at the southeast corner of North Avenue and Sheffield Avenue, according to a recent announcement from the development team behind the project. The store will serve as a key anchor tenant within a renovated c

As the calendar turns to a new year, New Year’s Day remains a federal holiday across the United States, bringing widespread closures for government offices, schools, banks and financial markets. At the same time, many major retailers and grocery chains plan to welcome customers on January 1, 2026, often with adjusted hours and post-holiday discounts aimed at clearing older inventory. Shoppers and consumers are encouraged to confirm local schedules in advance, as operating hours can vary by

As Christmas Day approaches, shoppers across central Ohio are adjusting their plans as many retailers prepare to close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday, prompting widespread schedule changes as businesses balance customer demand with time off for employees to spend with family and friends. For consumers making last-minute purchases or gathering ingredients for holiday meals, knowing store hours ahead of

Apple is still more than a year away from unveiling the iPhone 18 series, but early leaks and supply-chain reports are already offering a clearer picture of what to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in 2026. While Apple is also rumoured to be working on its first foldable iPhone around the same time, the Pro models are expected to remain the company’s flagship crowd-pullers. Instead of a minor refresh, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to deliver meaningful improvements acro

As Thanksgiving Day 2025 arrives, many households will spend the holiday preparing meals, hosting gatherings, and enjoying time with family. Yet it is also a day when some people inevitably need to make a last-minute run for ingredients, or choose to stop by a store or café during their celebrations. Holiday schedules vary widely across the country, and several major grocery chains and retailers have updated their hours in anticipation of the seasonal rush. With Thanksgiving 2025 expected to

Apple is on track to ship more smartphones than Samsung in 2025, marking the first time in fourteen years that the U.S. technology company is expected to lead the global smartphone rankings. The projection comes from Counterpoint Research, which reported that Apple could finalize the year with roughly 243 million iPhone shipments, surpassing Samsung’s estimated 235 million units. This shift is significant in a highly competitive smartphone market where leadership has historically alternated

Apple is reportedly planning a major shift in its product lineup for 2026 by releasing only three iPhone models the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max while skipping the iPhone Air 2. According to reports, Apple has paused development of the Air 2 due to weak sales and low market interest in its predecessor. The iPhone Air, designed as a lighter and more affordable variant, failed to capture consumer attention, prompting Apple to streamline its lineup. This marks a significant

WASHINGTON — Carter’s, one of the most recognizable baby and children’s clothing retailers in the United States, has announced plans to close 150 stores and reduce its workforce by 15% as rising tariffs continue to pressure company finances. The Atlanta-based company outlined its restructuring strategy in its latest earnings report released Monday, citing significant cost increases tied to ongoing trade policies. The retailer said higher tariffs have had a substantial impact o

Livermore residents woke up to surprising news this week as three Starbucks stores closed their doors permanently, part of a larger nationwide move by the coffee giant. The Starbucks locations at 223 S. Vasco Road, 2550 Las Positas Road, and 4521 Livermore Outlets Drive all shut down Sunday. Customers searching the official Starbucks locator now find them marked as closed indefinitely, signaling that these locations will no longer serve the community.

Intel Corp. is reportedly in preliminary talks with Apple Inc. over a potential investment, according to Bloomberg. The chipmaker, which has struggled in recent years against rivals AMD and Nvidia, is seeking new partnerships to strengthen its global position. While the discussions are still in early stages and no agreement is confirmed, the possibility of Apple joining Intel’s revival plan has already stirred investor interest.

The Diwali season is one of the busiest times of the year for Apple in India, and 2025 is no exception. With the launch of the iPhone 17 series creating a frenzy across major cities, Apple has rolled out attractive festive offers that include instant cashback, no-cost EMIs, and deals across iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watch devices. Buyers in India can now take advantage of discounts that make premium Apple devices more accessible just in time for the

Oakland police are investigating a deadly shooting that left two people dead and at least four others injured following a violent exchange of gunfire during a robbery attempt Wednesday evening. According to officials, the incident began just before 7:45 p.m. when multiple armed suspects entered a business on the 7100 block of International Boulevard. The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in chaos, injuries, and fatalities. The Oakland Police Department reported that its Com

The upcoming state visit of US President Donald Trump to Britain is set to draw not only political attention but also significant interest from the technology sector. Some of the most influential figures in global technology are expected to accompany him, fueling speculation that new corporate partnerships could be announced during the visit. Among those traveling with Trump are Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, and Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI. Tim Cook, the head of A

After six years of serving customers in Cranford, Witch Baby has officially closed the doors of its Eastman Street brick-and-mortar store. The closure, which came just before the busy holiday shopping season, reflects the mounting challenges faced by small businesses in New Jersey and beyond. Owners cited rising electricity costs and tariffs as the key reasons for the difficult decision, underscoring the financial pressures that continue to weigh heavily on independent retailers. Wi

Labor Day 2025 is just around the corner, and while it’s a time to relax and enjoy the last days of summer, it’s also essential to plan ahead for the holiday’s impact on business hours and services. Unlike some federal holidays, Labor Day sees most stores remaining open, but with altered hours, and various services will be closed or operating on a limited schedule. Here's a comprehensive overview of what’s open and closed this year on

Apple has taken a major step in reshaping its audio strategy by joining forces with TuneIn, a leading digital radio platform, to make its curated radio stations available to a much larger audience. This move marks the first time Apple’s in-house radio channels will be distributed outside its dedicated app, enabling users across various devices including smart speakers, headphones, and even cars to tune in directly through TuneIn’s global platform.

American billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc. and artificial intelligence company OpenAI in a federal court in Texas, alleging that the two technology giants have illegally conspired to maintain monopolies in the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence. According to Musk, their actions have prevented fair competition, harmed innovation, and specifically suppressed his own ventures, X and xAI, from competing on equ

AI-powered video generation is transforming how creators, marketers, and businesses produce content. Among the most talked-about tools right now are Higgsfield AI, Sora, and Runway. Each platform offers unique features, pricing models, and creative possibilities, but choosing the right one depends on your needs and goals. Let’s compare these three popular tools to help you decide which video generator comes out on top. Higgsfield AI: Mobile-First Creativity