Agribusiness giant Cargill is laying off thousands of its employees.Cargill confirmed this week that it would be reducing its global workforce by about 5%. In a statement sent to The Associated Press on Tuesday, the food production company said that the cuts were part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Cargills impact, which includes realigning resources.Minnesota-based Cargill did not immediately provide further specifics around the layoffs. But a 2024 annual report from the company noted that it had more than 160,000 employees worldwide, meaning the latest job cuts would be set to impact around 8,000 workers.As a privately-held company, Cargill doesnt regularly publish its finances publicly. A 2024 report from the company, however, notes that it operates in 70 countries and sells to 125 markets raking in some $160 billion in annual revenue. Thats down from $177 billion in revenues seen the year prior.This weeks layoff announcement arrives while much of the agricultural industry continues to face dropping prices for the commodities they trade, with the costs of anything from wheat to vegetable oil coming down from record surges seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts such as Russias war in Ukraine. While sticker prices for consumers are still higher than they were just several years ago, that shift has added pressures on food giants like Cargill.As the world around us changes, we are committed to transforming even faster to deliver for our customers and fulfil our purpose of nourishing the world, Cargill stated Tuesday. The company added that its workforce reductions are a result of a difficult decision (that) was not made lightly.According to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg, which first reported on Cargills layoffs Monday, Chief Executive Officer Brian Sikes told employees that the majority of these reductions will take place this year. Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the outlet also reported that the job cuts wont impact Cargills executive team, but a number of other senior leaders will be included.Despite recent revenue declines, Forbes again named Cargill the largest private company in the U.S. this year marking the fourth consecutive year the company has held this title, and 37th time overall since Forbes began its rankings in 1985.

President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp., and hes pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker.Trump had vowed early in the presidential campaign that he would instantaneously block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday night.I am totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company and will use tax incentives and tariffs to make U.S. Steel Strong and Great Again, and it will happen FAST! he wrote.As President, he continued, I will block this deal from happening. Buyer Beware!!!President Joe Biden, like Trump, also opposes Nippon Steels purchase of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. Bidens White House in September said that it had yet to see a report from the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which was reviewing the transaction for national security concerns. The committee, which is chaired by the treasury secretary and includes other Cabinet members, can recommend that the president block a transaction, and federal law gives the president that power.Ahead of the November election, the proposed merger carried political importance in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state that Trump eventually won. Biden publicly sided with the United Steelworkers, the labor union, in seeking to reject the deal.When he announced his opposition in a March statement, Biden said: U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.Nippon Steel has said it is the only company that can make the necessary investment in U.S. Steels factories and strengthen the American steel industry. Both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel on Tuesday released statements in support of the acquisition.This transaction should be approved on its merits. The benefits are overwhelmingly clear. Our communities, customers, investors, and employees strongly support this transaction, and we will continue to advocate for them and adherence to the rule of law, U.S. Steel said.The deal follows a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel, including U.S. Steel. U.S. Steels shareholders have approved the deal, but the United Steelworkers oppose it.In a statement Tuesday, the union said the deal carries serious long-term implications for U.S. economic and national security.Its clear that President Trump understands the vital role a strong domestic steel industry plays in our national security, as well as the importance of the jobs and communities the industry supports, the union said.The deal has drawn bipartisan opposition in the U.S. Senate, including from the incoming vice president, Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, although the federal governments objections to the deal have drawn criticism that the opposition is political.Some U.S. Steel workers would prefer Nippon Steel acquire the company, given that it appears to have a better financial balance sheet than another potential buyer, Cleveland-Cliffs.U.S. Steel provided a very, very good life for our families for a lot of years, said Jack Maskil, a vice president at the Steelworkers local branch in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. And we feel that with the Nippon deal that a lot more families for futures to come will be able to share the same.West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly said he met with Nippon Steel executives and found himself satisfied by their commitments. Located southeast of Pittsburgh, West Mifflin is home to U.S. Steels Mon Valley WorksIrvin Plant.Theres no question in my mind that its the best deal moving forward, Kelly said at a panel hosted on Tuesday by the conservative think tank Hudson Institute, where Maskil was also speaking.Trumps statement came two weeks after Nippon Steels vice chairman, Takahiro Mori, visited Pittsburgh and Washington to meet with lawmakers, local officials and workers in an ongoing persuasion campaign.That campaign has included Nippon Steels promises to boost its capital commitments beyond the original deal and, more recently, a pledge that it wont import steel slabs that would compete with U.S. Steels blast furnaces.As part of its proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel also pledged to invest at least $1.4 billion in USW-represented facilities, not to conduct layoffs or plant closings during the term of the basic labor agreement, and to protect the best interests of U.S. Steel in trade matters.Marc Levy and Josh Boak, Associated Press

Toronto-based designer Nicole Nomsa Moyo has unveiled a series of interactive sculptures that resemble oversized bracelets, necklaces and earrings informed by the jewellery of southern Africa's Ndebele tribe as part of Miami art week 2024.The Pearl Jam installation is spread throughout the central Palm Court in the Miami Design District and in front of the Design Miami tent in Miami Beach and marks the tenth edition of the Annual Design Commission, which was previously awarded to designer Lara Bohinc and Chilean studioGT2P.Nicole Nomsa Moyo has created a large-scale installation in the Miami Design District for the city's art and design weekThe installation consists of large aluminium "beads" and other jewellery pieces distributed across the grounds of the plaza and over 1,000 beaded "earrings" that hang in the trees above, handcrafted by women artisans of the Ndebele tribe.According to Moyo, who was born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, the installation pays homage to her culture, as well as to the concept of womanhood.It pays homage to the colours, patterns and jewellery of the Ndebele tribe of southern Africa"The jewellery piece was really about thinking about my culture as a prized possession and about being a woman something that you wear proudly," Moyo told Dezeen."Traditionally, we express ourselves through our clothing and our necklaces. We haven't been able to do it at such a large scale, where anyone from any culture can interact with it, which is great."Read: Lara Bohinc uses colour-coated cork for bulbous outdoor furniture in MiamiMade largely of aluminium and covered in a range of patterns, the ground-level pieces are meant to be interacted with by passersby, from toddlers to adults, as the pieces range in height from 15 centimetres to two metres tall.They are covered in patterns of primary colours, motifs informed by houses of the Ndebele tribe.It is made of oversized pieces of jewellry including bracelets, necklaces and earrings"It's very tribal," Moyo said. "Traditionally, women were the ones who were the architects. They would be the ones that would paint our homes in very bright, vibrant colors. It was a sign of culture, of wealth, of community.""It's the colours that I love, that feel warm, that feel inviting, that also enhance the art pieces."Interactive elements sit in a plaza, while over 1,000 beaded "earrings" were hung among the treesMoyo worked with an industrial fabricator to create the majority of the pieces and hand-painted a large semi-circle bracelet that sits in front of the Fly's Eye Dome designed by Buckminster Fuller.For the spheres or "pearls" that hang among the trees, she worked with over 50 women to create the pieces, which also feature geometric patterns in a variety of primary and vibrant colours."Those were done by artisans in southern Africa, mainly women, who this is their livelihood," Moyo said. "The pearls in the tree are also unique because it's a different hand that would make them.""The constant is the colours, but there was also a lot of flexibility in the process."The beaded spheres were created by artisans of the Ndebele tribeMoyo estimates over 100,000 beads were used to create the pieces.The designer notes that the installation allows the public to engage with African art, versus the more commonplace American or European art found in the public realm.The installation's bright colours were informed by houses painted largely by women of the tribe"You see American art or European art in different countries, but you don't get to engage with African art like this," Moyo said. "So this is very humbling, but also very monumental.""I hope this is a sign of more opportunities for people to express African culture in the public realm."Pearl Jam is among several large-scale installations and exhibitions on show during Miami art week 2024; we rounded up eight must-see installations here, while last year, design fair Alcova presented its first US edition in the city.The photography is by Kris TamburelloMiami art week takes place from 2 to 8 December in Miami, US. See Dezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The post Nicole Nomsa Moyo creates "monumental and humbling" installation for Miami Design District appeared first on Dezeen.

The latest edition of our Dezeen Debate newsletter features the winner of this year's RIBA International Prize. Subscribe to Dezeen Debate now.A social housing project in Barcelona, designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes, has been awarded this year's RIBA International Prize.The announcement sparked debate among readers, with one saying it "demonstrates an extraordinarily thoughtful solution to multifamily housing". Another argued that it "only won the award solely because of its social housing".Audi ditches four-ring logo for Chinese electric car rangeOther stories in this week's newsletter that fired up the comments section included Audi's visual identity for its new Chinese EV brand, a mobile child's bedroom made of construction waste by Spanish studio Takk and a pair of Christmas trees made from timber furniture components by Kengo Kuma.Dezeen DebateDezeen Debate is sent every Tuesday and features a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Debate or subscribe here.You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Agenda is sent every Tuesday containing a selection of the most important news highlights from the week, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.The post Dezeen Debate features "extraordinarily thoughtful solution to multifamily housing" appeared first on Dezeen.

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has branched out from making smartphones into home appliances and even EVs. The company clearly has no problem thinking outside of the box. Which explains this Top Air Vent Pro, their alternative take on the air conditioner:The first thing that will be strange to Western consumers is that, unlike a window air conditioner or a mini-split, it does not draw air from outside the dwelling. It actually sucks it in from the bottom. It's intended to be mounted near the ceiling, and blows cool air along it. Because cold air sinks, the thinking is that this cools the entire room off effectively, without the inhabitants feeling a draft. (Cultural note: In China, it's popularly believed that drafts, particularly on one's neck, makes people sick.)When the seasons change and it's time for heat, the unit's deflector blasts hot air straight down along the wall. The idea is that the heat would then travel along the floor and dissipate upwards. I'd want to read some user reviews to see how well this arrangement works, but the unit is Asian-market-only.

Neutral density (ND) filters are used by photographers to stop down the amount of light entering the camera lens. The filter is actually two layers that are polarized; rotate the outermost one, and the admitted light is reduced or increased.A startup called Lombell figured it would be a good idea to put this arrangement into a pair of sunglasses:While I can appreciate that this must've sounded like a cool idea, wouldn't the UX suffer, since each lens needs to be adjusted independently? I've never tried these, but unless your eye can easily detect between F-stops, I'd guess you have to take the glasses off as you dialed them to ensure symmetry. If this is you, these are $90.

The Bunkie Cabin was introduced around ten years ago, and it definitely captured many hearts. The cabin was quaint, compact, and wholly adorable. Ten years later, the Bunkie Co. has expanded its offerings, providing us with a wholesome range of tiny homes and simple plug-and-play cabins that dont require any permits. One of their larger homes is the Premier, and it has a cozy house with a faux-chimney design.Designer: The Bunkie Co.The Premier is one of their popular models, and it features clean lines, a wide-open floor plan, and an enchanting faux chimney. Owners can customize the home as they please, creating a safe sanctuary that feels wholly their own. It features exterior dimensions of 12-6W x 8-6D x 11-6H, hence boasting a form that is small and portable, making it an ideal fit to take out to the woods for a weekend. Since the Bunkie doesnt need a permit, moving the tiny home around isnt an issue. It makes living on the go much easier and efficiemore nt.The Premier is a premium home, and it starts at around USD 54,900. It is equipped with unique space-saving designs like a Murphy bed, built-in shelving, and other nifty features. The home is built in Canada using precision-engineered materials, showcasing premium quality. The house can only sleep two people, so it isnt the biggest home on the market and not the most suitable option for large families. It does seem like a good fit for couples and solo residents.The Premier is equipped with a double glass wall in the front and back with a door holder and standard awning. There is also an option for a front door screen, rear door with holder, rear door screen, and rear awning. The home is integrated with R22 insulated walls and floor with 6mil poly barrier and R22 rigid insulation in the roof.The post This No-Permit Tiny Home Is The Quaint Cabin In The Woods You Need first appeared on Yanko Design.

Were living in a world where pets are more than companions, theyre cherished family members. In this age, the spaces we share with them deserve thoughtful care. G:RE, a brand devoted to enhancing the bond between people and their furry friends, has introduced a groundbreaking product that combines form, function, and a touch of natures beauty. Obile a handy vacuum cleaner that isnt just a tool but a lifestyle upgrade for pet-loving households.Designer:Focus studio,KSID, andTaeyeon KimG:RE was born from a simple but powerful question: how can we create a life for pets and their humans that feels as natural as it is nurturing? As pets claim an even deeper place in our hearts and homes, G:RE envisions a world where products blend seamlessly with our lives while keeping our spaces comfortable, clean, and inspired by nature. With Obile, G:RE delivers on this promise by addressing one of the most practical challenges of pet ownership: maintaining a clean home without sacrificing style or convenience.Cleaning isnt exactly fun, but what if your cleaning tool could feel like a piece of art infused with the warmth of the sun? Thats the magic of Obile. Designed with an elegant tilt reminiscent of sunlight streaming through a window, Obile isnt just functional, its poetry in motion. The vacuums oblique design symbolizes the suns comforting rays, bringing warmth to its surroundings. Its natural hues, carefully chosen to mimic the golden tones of sunlight, make it an interior piece as much as a cleaning device. Whether its propped in its cradle or busy cleaning fur-lined corners, Obile feels like an extension of your home rather than an intrusive gadget.Pets bring love, joy, and of course fur. Obile is here to handle the mess without breaking a sweat, ensuring your space stays fresh for both you and your furry friends. Equipped with two nozzles a basic nozzle and a fur brush nozzle. Obile tackles pet hair and dirt with ease. From carpets to cozy corners, its a cleaning powerhouse. The nozzles tuck neatly into a hidden drawer in the cradle, keeping everything tidy and within reach. Thanks to a wireless charging cradle powered by a USB-C connection, Obile is always ready for action. Its sleek design ensures it blends effortlessly into your decor, even when not in use.Through countless prototypes and full-size mock-ups, G:RE fine-tuned every detail, from the ergonomics of the handle to the seamless usability of its design. The result? A vacuum that feels like it was made just for you. Obile represents the harmony between functionality and design, a product that feels like a warm embrace for you and your pets.By bridging the gap between nature-inspired aesthetics and modern convenience, G:RE has created something truly special. So, why settle for the ordinary when you can embrace the extraordinary? With Obile, cleanliness becomes effortless, and your home transforms into a sanctuary where pets and people live in perfect harmony. Because at the end of the day, life is better when its sharedand clean.The post This Compact Vacuum Cleaner Keeps The Homes Of Pet Owners Clean With Ease first appeared on Yanko Design.

If you love both the contemporary and traditional stylesyou dont have to choose one! The Grata Villaa project by Loak Designs and Habiba Yassershows us how the modern design style beautifully marries with vintage elements. So, you get the best of both worlds. In this project, herringbone floors whisper old-world sophistication while neutral tones soothe the soul. Indeed, every corner of Grata Villa invites you to linger a little longer. And this tour of the space will show you why.The living room in this design project layers neutralsbut with plenty of textures. The fringed ottomans add a vintage charm to the space while the wooden built-in shelves not only add functionality but also contribute to the overall warm feeling of the space. We especially love the subtle patterns added through the soft furnishings.The dining area and kitchen both exemplify a modern style with a vintage twist. The curved wooden frames of the dining chairs make for a timeless addition. The kitchen sticks to a simple vibe with modern wooden cabinetry and beige backsplash.Moving towards the staircase, we see a small table and decorative seating. Upstairs is another living area with low-profile seating and boasting outdoor views.The bedrooms in this villa are a world apart. Each room sticks to a neutral (read: wooden) palette, but makes sure to maintain visual interest. This is done either with statement patterns or textures on the wall. There are also cozy seating areas next to the windows, plus sleek workstations.In the first bathroom, we see a classic vintage vibe with some hints of the modern style. Classic patterns and green panels dominate the space, while the vessel sink adds to the rustic vibe. The mirror is strategically placed to reflect a gallery wall.In the second bathroom, we see more of a modern touch with marble accents and a slat-like feature wall. The wall-mounted toilet is sleek and space-savvy.Last but definitely not the least is the outdoor space. This features cozy seating with a wooden frame, cushions, and a throw blanket. Theres also a small console nearby to hold your coffee.

Almost my entire eight hours with Two Point Museum were spent decorating, and I had a blast doing it.Designing dream exhibitions, and I guess making money and pleasing guests along the way.