How does it just keep getting worse?Fuelling the FireInstead of mourning the devastating destruction and death that's befallen the city of Los Angeles due to raging wildfires this week, Elon Musk has taken to his far-right hate speech incubator X to blame the fires on wait for it diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.In other words, Musk is using unabashedly racist lies to pin the climate change-fueled disaster on minorities."They prioritized DEI over saving lives and homes," Musk tweeted. He was responding to a post by the anti-LGBTQ+ hate account Libs of TikTok, which claimed that the LA Fire Department ensured its employees were "racially diverse enough" something that was then contorted into racistvitriol in Musk's twisted mind.It's an appalling and unsurprising development, highlighting Musk's well-documented descent into sociopathic and extremist thinking, inspired by the right-wing cadre he's surrounded himself with on his social media platform.Racist AnticsWe won't waste our time to tell you how incredibly bigoted and misled Musk's claim is. As Jezebel points out, severe budget cuts have led to a terrifying shortage of firefighters in LA, motivated by diverting funds to the police department. Worse yet, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has forced imprisoned prisonersto battle the blazes for as little as $5.80 per day an atrocious glimpse of a climate change-fueled dystopia in which there are countless reasonable things to blame besides mild diversity efforts.Other users on Musk's X spread fear-mongering claims about "looters in LA" in the aftermath of the devastating fire, accompanied by AI-generated slop.It's far from the first time Musk has spewed racist lies to rail against DEI practices. Last year, civil rights groups were horrified after he endorsed a tweet suggesting Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have lower IQs and shouldn't become pilots.Musk has also baselessly claimed that "DEI is just another word for racism."In short, blaming the devastating wildfires, which have taken the lives of at least ten people, on racially diverse hiring practices is only the latest sign that Musk has completely lost the plot.And considering Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also announced new measures to increase hate speech on Facebook, we should expect more hurtful conspiracy theories to run rampant on social media.Share This Article

And Zuckerberg personally approved the piracy, according to these documents.Free LoadersNewly unredacted court documents allege that Meta, formerly Facebook, knowingly used pirated books obtained from the online archive Library Genesis to train its AI models, Wired reports.Submitted in an ongoing lawsuit filed against the platform by a group of authors including Ta-Nehisi Coates and comedian Sarah Silverman, the documents were finally released in full after a judge shot down Meta's attempts to keep portions of them sealed.The judge argued, perWired, that Meta fought for the redactions merely to "avoid negative publicity," citing a damning internal quote from one of its employees."If there is media coverage suggesting we have used a dataset we know to be pirated, such as LibGen, this may undermine our negotiating position with regulators on these issues," the employee wrote.Lie-braryLibrary Genesis, or LibGen, is a "shadow library" that provides free access to millions of books, academic articles, and magazines.That a multibillion-dollar corporation like Meta would tap into its store of pirated content is the latest sign of the impunity that tech companies have operated with to train their large language models, vacuuming up copyrighted content en masse with seemingly no regard for the law or even the decency, as one of the world's most valuable companies, to buy a single copy of each volume it was using to power its AI.Meta and other AI leaders argue that using books and other data scraped from the web constitutes "fair use," but it will ultimately be up to legal battles like this one to determine if that is the case.Fair use or not, some of the exchanges exposed in the newly unredacted documents suggest that Meta employees knew that what they were doing was legally and ethically dicey.With a grinning emoji, one engineer wrote: "Torrenting from a [Meta-owned] corporate laptop doesn't feel right," as quoted by Wired.And it goes all the way to the top. A cited memo allegedly shows that after employee discussions about using LibGen were escalated to "MZ" Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg the AI team was "approved to use" material from the database.High SeasThe plaintiffs argue that this shatters any plausibility that Meta may try to maintain."Meta has treated the so-called 'public availability' of shadow datasets as a get-out-of-jail-free card, notwithstanding that internal Meta records show every relevant decision-maker at Meta, up to and including its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, knew LibGen was 'a dataset we know to be pirated,'" they wrote in the most recent motion.Moreover, the authors point to testimony from a Meta corporative representative as an admission that the company also helped disseminate thepirated books by "seeding" their corresponding torrents, or uploading portions of the material so that other users could download them.More on AI: Facebook Caught Hosting AI-Powered HitlerShare This Article

Time zones: GMT (UTC +0), CET (UTC +1), EET (UTC +2)As a Support Engineer at Quaderno, you'll work on solving technical issues reported by our customers, as well as developing tools for increasing efficiency in the resolution of errors. Your work will impact the stability and quality of our web applications as well as our customers happiness. You would be a vital link between the Customer Success and Engineering teams, working closely with both.Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:Troubleshooting support tickets through analysis of logs, databases, and code.Explaining technical concepts in a clear, didactic way to non-technical users.Escalating complex cases to the engineering team and providing them with detailed context, possible origins, and options for resolution.Designing and developing internal tools that facilitate our daily work.Continually analyzing common problems and patterns to see where process improvements can be made.Indicators that this could be a good role for you:You have solid knowledge of Ruby on Rails and SQL databases.You have 2+ years of experience in a similar role, supporting and troubleshooting web applications, systems and software in general.You can break down complex technical problems and transform them into easy-to-understand explanations for customers.You demonstrate a customer-centric approach and thrive in a support environment.You feel that our values resonate with yours, and you see how they can act as guidance for your day-to-day work.You're able to work autonomously and stay self-motivated. Previous experience working in a remote team is a bonus.You are fluent in written and spoken English.Bonus points: you ideally have experience in fintech, taxes or payment processing.Bonus points: you ideally have experience with PHP and/or WordPress plugins. Related Jobs See more Back-End Programming jobs

Grok, the AI-powered assistant that debuted on the social platform X, is now available as a standalone app.Elon Musk's startup xAI has launched Grok 2, the second iteration of its AI model, as a dedicated iOS app, allowing users to access its features without needing an X subscription.Users can log in using their email address, Apple account or other supported platforms. The app provides tools for answering questions and generating images, while also offering a tiered subscription plan for advanced features.This release is xAI's first significant step away from its exclusive partnership with X (formerly Twitter), marking a bigger push to compete more directly with AI rivals, from Google Gemini to Meta AI and Claude.ai. By far the most popular is OpenAI's ChatGPT, which in November saw its number of visitors double, to 3.9 billion, according to Similarweb.The app has drawn attention for its conversational, humorous tone. According to its App Store description, Grok also prioritizes privacy, in an effort to manage user data interactions securely.Launched in November 2023, Grok was integrated into X and made available to paying subscribers. In December 2024, a free version became available with limited usage, such as 10 daily inquiries.X CEO Musk has positioned the assistant as a direct rival to prominent chatbots but with a distinct personality. At launch, he posted on X that Grok would be "funny" and "politically neutral."

Two years ago, at the United Nations COP27 climate conference in Egypt, UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres warned that global leaders needed toaddress greenhouse gas emissions to keep air temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels by the year 2100.It's only the start of 2025, and we've already crossed that threshold.According to climate scientists at the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, global temperatures reached the highest levels on record in 2024, rising 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and making the year the hottest since recordkeeping began in 1850. That's a 2.88 degrees Fahrenheit rise globally.According to a Copernicus report released Friday, the global average temperature for the year was 15.10 degrees Celsius (59.18 degrees Fahrenheit). "This is equivalent to 1.6 degrees Celsius above an estimate of the 1850-1900 temperature designated to be the pre-industrial level," the report says.The annual report came out the same week that Los Angeles residents faced catastrophic wildfires that leveled more than 9,000 buildings and killed at least 10 people. Globally, the climate crisis has intensified the severity and frequency of natural disasters, including drought, hurricanes and flooding.Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which contributed to the report, noted that the temperature rise is a significant contributor to global climate-related disasters."These high global temperatures, coupled with record global atmospheric water vapour levels in 2024, meant unprecedented heatwaves and heavy rainfall events, causing misery for millions of people," Burgess said in a statement.Other highlights from the report:For the period of 2015 to 2024, every year was one of the 10 warmest years on record, according to Copernicus. On July 22, 2024, the daily global average temperature broke a record, reaching 17.16 degrees Celsius, or 62.89 degrees Fahrenheit. All continental regions except Antarctica and Australasia had their warmest-ever years.Scientists have attributed this type of climate change to human causes, particularly carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Increasedhome energy use and the massive amounts of energy that AI technology requireshaven't made the task of reducing reliance on fossil fuels any easier.

It might be too cold outside to golf now, but Apple Arcade subscribers can tee off from iconic PGA Tour courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links on Feb. 6.Apple Arcade is filled with familiar and classic games, alongside exclusive titles, that you can play for $7 per month (7, AU$10). You can find many of these games in the App Store, but they have paywalls and ads that might hinder your gaming experience. Using an Apple Arcade subscription, you can play each game without paywalls and ads, a feature usually denoted by "Plus" in the game's name.Here are all the games Apple is adding to its game service in February. You can also check out the games Apple recently added to the service, including the original Final Fantasy.PGA Tour Pro GolfDeveloper: HypGames Inc. AppleThis is Apple Arcade's first officially licensed PGA Tour game, and it offers a golf experience for fans of the sport and newcomers alike. You can play at legendary real-world courses, like the Links at Spanish Bay, upgrade your clubs and equipment to give yourself an edge and face off against others in head-to-head mode. Or you can just take in the scenery and imagine it's spring despite it being winter.Doodle Jump 2 PlusDeveloper: Lima Sky AppleCute characters, silly monsters and fun challenges await you in this sequel to the popular platforming game. You'll traverse a sleepy world full of sheep, a disco planet where the monsters boogie all night long and more wacky environments as you strive to become the new Doodle Jump King.My Dear Farm PlusDeveloper: HyperBeard Inc. AppleTending a farm doesn't have to be a chore in this cozy farm-sim adventure. Grow your crops, decorate your farm, customize your character and sell your wares at the market to the local townsfolk. And if you just want to relax with your pet on the farm and enjoy the fruits -- and vegetables -- of your labor, you can do that, too! You can access these games in Apple Arcade on Feb. 6, but there are plenty of other games to play on the service now for $7 per month or $50 annually. You can also try Apple Arcade for free for one month with your first sign-up, or you can get a three-month free trial when you buy a new Apple device. To access Apple Arcade, open the App Store on your iOS or iPadOS device and tap the joystick in the menu bar. Watch this: What to Expect From Apple in 2025 04:23

January 10, 20255 min readTrumps Erroneous Claims about the Los Angeles Fire Response, DebunkedPresident-elect Trump has incorrectly blamed California water management for the destruction from the recent fires in the Los Angeles areaBy Camille von Kaenel & E&E News Firefighters battle the Eaton Fire in strong winds as many homes burn on January 7, 2025 in Pasadena, California. A powerful Santa Ana wind event dramatically raised the danger of wind-driven wildfires. David McNew/Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | As historic fires rip through the Los Angeles area, President-elect Donald Trump is demanding Gov. Gavin Newsom open up the water main and allow beautiful, clean, freshwater to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA!At first glance, it seems to make sense. Why wouldnt the leader of a state whose northern regions are currently enjoying above-average winter precipitation redirect water south to quench the burning metropolis as its fire hydrants run dry?To start, there isnt some central spigot nestled in the Sierra foothills that Newsom can just use a giant wrench to turn on. Then theres the fact that firefighters were more hamstrung by the raging Santa Ana winds than empty hydrants due to a lack of water from Northern California.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Read on for a detailed explanation from our resident California water expert of the states complex water system and a brief history of Trumps fixation with the issue.Whats up with the water restoration declaration?On Wednesday, Trump posted on Truth Social: Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way.Newsoms communications director shot back: There is no such document as the water restoration declaration that is pure fiction.Is it? Not quite. Trump was referring to a real document, even if he used an unknown name for it that left even the most astute California water officials scratching their heads. Karoline Leavitt, the president-elects press secretary, explained the reference by pointing to a five-year-old legal showdown between Newsom and Trump over how to manage the state and federal systems of pumps, reservoirs and canals that move water around California.In short, the two disagree about how much water should be pumped out of the states main rivers, which combine in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, to the much drier farms of the Central Valley and cities of Southern California and how much water should be kept in the ecosystem to keep declining fish populations alive, including the Delta smelt, a frequent Trump target. Their separate plans for the pumps make only marginal differences in actual water deliveries but have taken on a political life of their own.The conflict peaked in 2020, when Trump unveiled the record of decision cementing his version of the rules at a rally in the Central Valley only to be sued by Newsom, citing harm to the environmentThat was the last significant water policy decision made during his first term in which both President Trump and Gov. Newsom took a personal interest, said Tom Birmingham, the former general manager of Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural irrigation district in the country that sided with Trump in that battle.Is there a water main in Northern California?No. Newsom would be hard-pressed, as Trump suggested on Truth Social on Thursday, to immediately go to Northern California and open up the water main, and let the water flow into his dry, starving burning State, instead of having it go out into the Pacific Ocean.However, Southern Californias cities do depend on snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to the world-famous Yosemite National Park, and the Delta pumps for about 30 percent of their water supplies. Another 20 percent comes from the Colorado River, and 50 percent originates from local supplies, like groundwater and recycling.A lot of water in California does flow into the Pacific much of it is reserved for environmental uses, which keeps rivers flowing so theyre fresh enough to provide tap water to cities and keep endangered fish populations alive. Overall, water use in California breaks down roughly to 10 percent for communities, 40 percent for agriculture and 50 percent for the environment, according to the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of Californias analysis of state data.Whats the origin story of Trumps obsession with California water?This isnt the first time Trump has used H2O as a cudgel against Newsom. Hes also threatened to withhold disaster aid unless Newsom goes his way on water, saying at a Southern California campaign stop last year that if the governor doesnt sign those papers, we wont give him money to put out all his fires. (Those papers presumably refer to the aforementioned water restoration declaration).The president-elects interest in the Golden States water dilemma likely dates back to a 2016 tour of the agriculturally rich Central Valley with former Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, who was one of Trumps earliest supporters.Trumps frequent references to the fight show the California water issue has a very special place in his heart, in his head, said Johnny Amaral, the chief operating officer for the Friant Water Authority, which serves Central Valley farmers, and Nunes former chief of staff.He talks frequently about the visit he made to the Central Valley in 2016 before the election where Devin was taking him around and showing him farmland, Amaral added. It warms our heart a little bit that he still talks about a 30-minute or hour drive around the east side.Nunes was trying to impress upon Trump that farmers in the Central Valley, a region that trends conservative, need more water from the state and federal water pumps in the north. He was clearly persuasive.But hows this related to the LA fires?Its not. Much of Southern California is in a drought right now, according to federal statistics, because of a dry start to Californias typically wet winter. But its not hugely lacking in imported water from Northern California, which, in contrast, has had relatively average precipitation so far. Levels at reservoirs across the state, including Southern Californias largest reservoir, Diamond Valley Lake, are currently at or above historic levels.LAs fire hydrants ran dry Tuesday night because there was tremendous demand, Janisse Quiones, chief executive and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said Wednesday. Water pressure fell as a result: Supplies at the citys three million-gallon water tanks that feed Pacific Palisades tapped out by 3 a.m. after firefighters started battling the blaze Tuesday, and backup water had to be trucked into the area.How are Democratic leaders responding?At a White House briefing Thursday, President Joe Biden offered an explanation for dry hydrants. He said power was cut to local water pumps to avoid utility lines causing more conflagrations. Fire officials are now bringing in generators for the pumps, Biden said.On CNN on Wednesday night, Newsom accused Trump of playing politics and trying to divide the country over the tragic fires. Also on Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blamed the water shortages on the unprecedented scope of the disaster, which is slated to be the costliest in U.S. history.Debra Kahn and Julia Marsh contributed to this report.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

Switch 2 reportedly getting Halo and another big Xbox game, with Microsoft set to be a "very big supporter"FF7 Remake, Rebirth said to be coming too.Image credit: Microsoft News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 10, 2025 While the gaming world waits for Nintendo to finally reveal Switch 2, the rumours continue to swirl. And a reliable leaker has now claimed Microsoft will be a "very big supporter" of the console, bringing two major Xbox series to Switch 2 this year, including Halo.That's according to podcaster NateTheHate (thanks VGC), who notably broke the news Microsoft was planning to make some of its first-party titles multiplatform early last year. That, of course, proved to be true; Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Pentiment are now available on PS5, with the latter two also on Switch.NateTheHate now reports Microsoft's multiplatform strategy will expand to Switch 2, and that the company will be a "very big supporter", releasing two Xbox titles on the platform - Flight Simulator and Halo: The Masterchief Collection - in 2025. It's also claimed both will launch for PS5, joining the other Xbox first-party games - namely Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Outer Worlds 2 - already confirmed for Sony's machine.Everything we learned this week about Switch 2.Watch on YouTubeNateTheHate adds Microsoft will additionally be "porting and patching [its] current Switch line-up" for Switch 2, introducing the likes of 4K support, and that he "wouldn't be surprised if Sea of Thieves, maybe Hi-fi Rush, also find their way over." Last year, it was claimed Hi-Fi Rush would skip the current version of Switch in favour of Switch 2, although that was before Microsoft's closure of developer Tango Gameworks and its subsquent purchase by Krafton.As for other, non-Microsoft Switch 2 releases, NateTheHate says Square Enix is bringing Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth to Nintendo's machine as well as Xbox Series X/S, with Remake reportedly arriving this year and Rebirth in 2026. That's not especially surprising to hear, of course, given Square Enix last year confirmed it was "aggressively pursuing" a new multiplatform strategy amid reports that Rebirth underperformed on PlayStation 5.Obviously, before all this can happen, Nintendo needs to formally unveil Switch 2 - although by the time it finally does so, there might not be a whole lot left we don't already know. Numerous Switch 2 reports and leaks have surfaced in recent weeks, purportedly showing off everything from the machine's form factor to its logo. And while Nintendo did briefly break its silence earlier today amid the swirl of reports, all we know for certain is that Switch 2 will be officially unveiled before 31st March, when the company's current financial year comes to a close.

Backyard spaces are where some of lifes best moments unfoldfrom morning coffee rituals to dinner parties that stretch into the nightand the best Amazon outdoor furniture will help you experience all of this and then some.Whether you're transforming a compact balcony into a cozy retreat or converting a sprawling deck into a stylish entertaining hub, the right patio furniture sets the tone. Fortunately, Amazon offers a wealth of options that combine style, functionality, and convenienceall delivered right to your door. While finding pieces that are stylish, comfortable, and weather-proof can feel like a treasure hunt among Amazon's vast library of wicker and wood, weve done the digging for you. What makes these choices shine isnt just their aesthetics or practicalityits the enthusiastic endorsements of real-life users whove road-tested them in backyards, balconies, and porches across the country.From plush sectional sofas to dining sets that encourage alfresco feasts, these picks promise to elevate your outdoor living experience. For more on how we selected these, pop down to read more on the curation process.Our Top Picks for the Best Amazon Outdoor Furniture:Best Rocking Chairs on Amazon: Devoko Three Piece Rocking Bistro Set, $130Best Adirondack Chair on Amazon: Polywood Modern Adirondack ChairBest Loungers on Amazon: Best Choice Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge ChairBest Dining Chairs on Amazon: Best Choice Stackable Outdoor Wicker Dining ChairsBest Wicker Furniture Set on Amazon: Christopher Knight Home Burchett Outdoor Four Piece Chat SetBest Bistro Set on Amazon: Christopher Knight Home Colmar Outdoor Iron Bistro SetBest Sofa Patio Furniture Set on Amazon: Christopher Knight Home Caroline Outdoor Acacia Sofa SetBest Patio Dining Table on Amazon: Walker Edison Maui Modern Acacia Wood Patio Dining TableBest Patio Umbrella on Amazon: Funsite Store 7.5 Foot Patio Umbrella with FringeBest Adirondack Chair on Amazon: Polywood Modern Adirondack ChairPolywood Modern Adirondack ChairSpecsDimensions: 32" long x 29.25" wide x 34" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: OneFive-star reviews: 800When it comes to Adirondack chairs, this Polywood one takes the timeless, easy-lounging silhouette and gives it a sleek, contemporary twist. Crafted from genuine lumbera recycled plastic material thats weather-proof and virtually maintenance-freethis chair is built to withstand anything Mother Nature throws its way. Rain, snow, or blazing sun? No problem. Shoppers love the wide armrests, which double as a perfect perch for drinks or books, and the fact that they come in a variety of vibrant, fade-resistant colors to match any outdoor aesthetic.Best Loungers on Amazon: Best Choice Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge ChairBest Choice Products Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge ChairSpecsDimensions: 79" long x 26" wide x 22.538" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: OneFive-star reviews: 700+For those who take lounging seriously, this lounger is a no-brainer. What makes it a standout is its adjustability. With four reclining positions, it caters to whatever mood strikeswhether youre soaking up the sun or sneaking in an afternoon nap. Another big win? Portability. The lightweight frame and built-in wheels make moving these loungers a breeze, whether youre chasing the shade or setting up by the pool. We also love the pull-out side table, which is a perfect companion for everything from bevvies to books.Best Rocking Chairs on Amazon: Devoko Three Piece Rocking Bistro SetDevoko 3-Piece Rocking Bistro SetSpecsDimensions: Rocking Chair: 28.5" long x 23" wide x 36" tall; Table: 17" long x 17" wide x 19" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: ThreeFive-star reviews: 4,000+If youre dreaming of a porch moment straight out of a Southern novel but also want something modern, the Devoko Three Piece Rocking Bistro Set delivers in spades. This stylish duo of rocking chairs, paired with a compact glass-top table, is an Amazon crowd-pleaser for its blend of comfort, durability, and charm. The cushions on these rockers are fade-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making this set as practical as it is stylish. Assembly is straightforward (a rarity in the world of outdoor furniture), and the sturdy steel frame earns high marks for stability, even with regular use. One recurring highlight in reviews? The value. Customers are impressed that this set offers comfort and durability at a price point that wont make you wince.Best Dining Chairs on Amazon: Best Choice Stackable Outdoor Wicker Dining ChairsBest Choice Products Stackable Outdoor Wicker Dining Chairs (Set of 2)SpecsDimensions: 24" long x 22.5" wide x 33" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: TwoFive-star reviews: 300+Whether youre hosting a garden party or a casual barbecue, these chairs add a touch of effortless style to any table setting. Crafted with a rust-resistant steel frame and all-weather faux wicker, this patio chair set is built to thrive outdoors, rain or shine. Theyre also stackable, so they can be tucked away easily when theyre not in use. Shoppers call out the supportive backrests and generously wide seats too.Best Wicker Furniture Set on Amazon: Christopher Knight Home Burchett Outdoor SetChristopher Knight Home Burchett Outdoor 4-Piece Chat SetSpecsDimensions: Chair: 27.5" long x 29.5" wide x 35.4" tall; Loveseat: 52" long x 29" wide x 35.4" tall; Coffee Table: 42" long x 22" wide x 12" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: FourFive-star reviews: 70+With its inviting aesthetic and practical design, this setincluding a loveseat, two chairs, and a matching coffee tablecreates a laid-back vibe thats perfect for everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails. Reviewers rave about the thick cushions, which provide sink-in comfort while staying resilient against wear and tear. The neutral tones of the set make it easy to pair with a variety of outdoor decor styles, from boho to coastal to modern.Best Bistro Set on Amazon: Christopher Knight Home Colmar Outdoor Iron Bistro SetChristopher Knight Home Colmar Outdoor Iron Bistro SetSpecsDimensions: Chair: 21.25" long x 20.5" wide x 29.5" tall; Table: 24" long x 24" wide x 29.25" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: ThreeFive-star reviews: 90+This table set transforms even the tiniest balcony or garden corner into a charming European caf. The two lightweight chairs and petite round table are perfectly sized for intimate morning coffee dates or a quiet glass of wine at sunset, plus offer back support and arm rests. Reviewers say assembly is quick and easya major plus for those who value style without the fuss. They also noted how effortlessly this set blends into any outdoor aesthetic, whether paired with colorful cushions or left bare for a minimalist look.Best Sofa Patio Furniture Set on Amazon: Christopher Knight Home Caroline Outdoor Acacia Sofa SetChristopher Knight Home Carolina Outdoor Acacia Sofa SetSpecsDimensions: Sofa: 55" long x 24" wide x 33" tall; Chair: 23" long x 25" wide x 34" tall; Table: 39" long x 23" wide x 17.5" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: FourFive-star reviews: 300+As you can tell from how many times its featured here, Christopher Knight Home has a knack for gorgeous, budget-friendly designs. And this four-piece setcomplete with a loveseat, two armchairs, and a coffee tabledelivers that Goldilocks balance of relaxed elegance and durability. The plush cushions invite you to sink in and stay a while. And lets not overlook the coffee table, a stylish and functional centerpiece thatll happily hold everything from cocktails to snacks.Best Outdoor Sectional Set on Amazon: Lausaint Home Sectional SofaLausaint Home 6-Piece Outdoor Sectional SofaSpecsAssembly required?: YesPieces: Six or eightFive-star reviews: 100+For those who love to entertainor just stretch out luxuriously under the sunthis Rattaner set is the ultimate centerpiece for your outdoor living space. The comfy, modular sectional sofa can be arranged in multiple configurations and you can easily adapt the pieces to suit any gathering. Shoppers rave about the thick, high-density cushions to the sofa, which are not only comfortable but also waterproof and easy to cleana game-changer for keeping your set fresh from season to season.Best Patio Dining Table on Amazon: Walker Edison Maui Modern Acacia Wood Patio Dining TableWalker Edison Acacia Wood Patio Dining TableSpecsDimensions: 79" long x 35" wide x 30" tallAssembly required?: YesPieces: OneFive-star reviews: 200+Crafted from solid acacia wood, known for its natural beauty and weather-resistant properties, this outdoor dining table is both durable and stylish. Its warm, natural finish would pair beautifully with a variety of chair styles and outdoor decor. The real star here, however, is its extendable feature: The built-in butterfly leaf allows the table to expand with ease, comfortably seating up to eight guests when fully extended. Amazon shoppers noted how sturdy and durable this table is (though they also said it was a bit of a challenge to assemble and does require a little TLC, like regular wood oiling).Best Patio Umbrella on Amazon: Funsite Store 7.5 Foot Patio Umbrella with FringeFunsite Patio Beach Umbrella with FringeSpecsDimensions: 78" tall and a 96" diameterAssembly required?: YesPieces: OneFive-star reviews:This cheerful, blue-and-white striped patio umbrella with a macrame-like fringe is both decorative and protective. It has a push-button tilt design, allowing you to stay tucked in the shade all day, and the polyester fabric is UPF 50+. Stick it in your poolside patio table or toss it in the car (it comes with a carrying bag and weighs about six pounds) to bring along on a beach day.How We Chose These Patio Furniture PiecesSelecting the best outdoor furniture on Amazon is no small task. We began by identifying key categories that reflect the diverse needs of outdoor spaces, from cozy balconies to sprawling backyards. Then we scoured Amazons vast offerings, narrowing our focus to bestsellers and highly rated items with a strong track record of customer satisfaction.To ensure our picks met the highest standards, we delved deep into reviews, prioritizing products praised for durability, comfort, and design. Real customer insights played a significant role, as they provided valuable feedback on how these items perform in day-to-day useeverything from ease of assembly to weather resistance. We also considered factors like material quality, versatility, and style, ensuring each piece offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

In the midst of the wildfires raging through Los Angeles area, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have opened their Southern California dwelling to loved ones who have been forced to evacuate, People reports. The couples Montecito pad is about 90 miles north of LA and outside of current evacuation zones. As of publication time, more than 9,000 buildings and 36,000 acres have been ravaged by the flames. More than 180,000 people are under evacuation orders. At least 10 have died.On Thursday, the couple shared a statement about the disaster via their official website, sussex.com. The message includes a list of resources for aiding the affected community. If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do, it reads. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating. The American Red Cross, the LA Fire Department Foundation, Animal Wellness Foundation, and more organizations are named among the entities readers can support.Join NowNew Year's Sale: Become an AD PRO member for only $20 $12 per monthArrowAccording to People, the Duke and Duchesss Archewell Foundation is also looking for volunteer opportunities to assist with mental health recovery for those needing immediate help and will facilitate long-term recovery efforts. Details of that endeavor are unclear at this time, but donations to the foundation are also going towards relief efforts, the outlet reports. The pair has reportedly donated essential supplies and is working with Archewell Foundation partner chef Jos Andrs World Central Kitchen, which is currently organizing to provide meals to those affected by the fires.Shop Open DoorAs chef Joshua Weissman welcomes AD into his Austin home in the latest episode of Open Door, he jokes that he doesnt actually live in a kitchen.Markle and Prince Harry live in a $14.7 million mansion in the celebrity-favored SoCal enclave. The nearly 19,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style manse has nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms.