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US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump administration over $100,000 H-1B visa fee

Trump
Trump signed an executive order adding the $100,000 fee to H-1B visas.
  • The US Chamber of Commerce sued Trump over a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
  • The fee was introduced by Trump via an executive order last month.
  • The lawsuit argues that the fee is “unlawful” and would hurt American businesses.

The United States Chamber of Commerce sued the Trump administration on Thursday over the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.

The lawsuit said the fee, which President Donald Trump put in place with an executive order last month, was “unlawful” and that it would harm American businesses.

“The United States is unique in its ability to attract the brightest talent from across the globe. For more than 70 years, what is now known as the H-1B visa program has enabled the United States to harness this magnetic draw,” the lawsuit said, adding that as a result of the new fee businesses would have to “dramatically increase their labor costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily available.”

It also argues that the executive order is unlawful because it “blatantly contravenes the fees Congress has set for the H-1B program.”

The lawsuit pits the business association against Trump, who has fashioned himself as a pro-business president.

The White House and the Chamber of Commerce did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

This story is breaking. Check back for updates.

Read the original article on Business Insider

My husband has tricks that save us $300 or more a month on groceries, from signing up for memberships to stocking up on non-perishables

Baby in cart
The author’s husband has five tricks to save money for shopping groceries.
  • My husband loves a good deal and is always looking for ways we can save money.
  • In 2025, he has saved us about $300 a month with his wild habits.
  • He tracks the prices of items we regularly purchase at five stores and optimizes cash back from credit cards.

“Pears were on sale today, Mom! And we got your favorite protein bars!” my daughter exclaimed one morning after grocery shopping with her dad.

My husband is obsessed with grocery shopping deals, from watching prices across five different stores to finding the best credit cards with cash back on groceries. Sometimes I get annoyed at how much time and energy he spends grocery shopping, but then I look at the receipts and see how much he saves.

Over the past year, he’s saved us over $300 a month on his wild (but sometimes fun) habits.

He follows prices and products at 5 stores

Joe’s typical grocery route looks like this: Stops at Aldi for 12 containers of Greek yogurt, runs to Meijer (a Midwest chain) to get protein powder because it’s buy one, get one half off, then pulls into Costco for protein bars and peanut butter.

He looks across ads, sales, and coupon programs to find the best prices on items our family regularly eats — and specialty items that are nice to have (but usually out of our budget).

Full shopping cart
Some of the author’s favorite things to get at Aldi.

He also knows what products we all like better than other brands, like Aldi’s string cheese and fish sticks, so he watches for when the price drops, then stocks up. We even bought a second fridge to store dairy products and drinks. We use the extra freezer space to stockpile bacon and ground beef when they go on sale.

By spending time comparing prices and products, Joe has developed an intimate knowledge of where to shop for certain items, saving us a significant amount of money every month.

He uses credit cards that offer cash back on groceries

In his spare time, Joe researches the best credit cards for our family, including the ones that offer the most cash back on groceries.

His favorite is the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card that offers 6% back on supermarket purchases for the first $6,000 spent. He also uses the Citi Custom Cash Card to get 5% back on our biggest spend category (which is always groceries). Plus, our local credit union card gives us 2% back at wholesale places like Costco.

Together, his credit cards earn us over $650 cash back every year on groceries alone.

He times purchases with sales and seasonal items

About once a month, a package of raspberries goes on sale for $0.99 at Meijer. When that happens, Joe buys at least six, because he knows I love them. But if grapes are the sale fruit, that’s what we have that week. We explain to the kids that we can’t always get the item we want, because it’s not on sale, and we can wait until it is.

Meijer receipt
The author’s husband shops at five different stores to save money.

Joe has learned that sales often follow a cadence based on seasonality and the store (such as protein powder deals once a month). Right now, apples are a great price in Michigan, so we buy several bags at a time and store them in a cool place.

He signs up for each membership

Most grocery stores offer memberships or loyalty programs, often at no cost. It takes a few minutes to sign up, but it offers lower prices and exclusive deals.

He says that signing up only takes up a little time but always pays off.

He even paid more for us to have the Costco Executive Membership, because it gives us 2% back. He calculated that we would save about $20 a month, which would more than offset the extra $65 cost a year.

He stocks up on non-perishables

Sometimes I get frustrated when the pantry is overstocked with sale-priced olive oil, crackers, and diced tomatoes. But on the other hand, I often have what I need to make a soup or put out a spread for guests.

Plus, I know everything he buys is a good deal, which makes the overcrowding more tolerable.

He teaches the kids how to save and budget

My oldest two boys enjoy the challenge and game of shopping deals with Dad. Joe takes the kids along on his grocery goose chases, filling them in on what they’ll need from each store and why. It’s often a fun Thursday night or Saturday morning excursion.

Baby on shopping cart
The author’s husband brings their kids on his shopping trips.

“Oh man, the Goldfish aren’t on sale, we’ll have to wait for next week,” our 6-year-old said on a recent trip.

The kids are learning from dad how to be smart with their money: waiting to buy something until it’s on sale, being selective and patient, and knowing how to make the most of their money.

For helping dad shop and save, they always get to pick out a treat that’s just for them. The Pringles and popsicles make everyone happy — just the cherry on top of a very low receipt.

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United just took subtle shots at its rivals Delta and American

The United Next cabin with a flight attendant in the aisle serving drinks.
The “United Next” cabin on a Boeing 737 Max 8 in full view.
  • United Airlines just took a subtle jab at its two biggest rivals as it aims to position itself as premium.
  • It promised to have uncrowded lounges and touted how many planes now have seatback entertainment.
  • Delta has struggled with long lines at its Sky Clubs. And American eschews seatback entertainment.

United Airlines just threw a subtle jab at its two biggest rivals.

The carrier on Thursday said it was focused on a host of “premium” moves, including making sure its airport lounges don’t get “overcrowded” — an obvious swipe at Delta Air Lines, which continues to face long lines outside some of its popular Sky Clubs.

But it didn’t stop there. It tweaked American Airlines, too.

United, during its Thursday earnings call with investors, touted its growing number of seatback screens, saying that these are installed on more than 146,000 seats across 765 airplanes.

It’s a not-so-subtle reminder that American stubbornly refuses to install seatback screens on most of its domestic fleet.

“These screens define a premium airline in the US,” said United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella. “Our signature interior conversion is now at 64% and an investment of over $1.6 billion.”

American Airlines tablet holder
American Airlines has a tablet holder on its seatbacks instead of a screen.

The comments came after a choppy year for airlines, with President Donald Trump’s positions on tariffs and other controversial issues said to be putting a damper on demand for some international flying.

United’s SVP of global network planning and alliances, Patrick Quayle, told the media in October that the airline has seen some decline in foreign points of sale. Still, he said, transatlantic demand remains strong overall, with more than 80% of its seats purchased by people in the US.

United jabbed at perceived shortcomings at Delta and American

United is trying to position itself as the more premium option among the Big 3, emphasizing comfort and exclusivity as the airlines compete for high-paying premium and business travelers.

United said its premium cabin revenue rose about 6% year-over-year in the third quarter, though that was less than Delta’s 9%.

Meanwhile, Delta has acknowledged the record crowds at its more than 50 Sky Clubs worldwide and has made changes, though some have annoyed customers.

Delta skyclub lounge with a crowd of people.
Customers have complained about Delta’s crowded Sky Clubs, but the airline has been working to address the issue.

In 2023, it raised annual lounge pass prices by $150, increased guest fees, and restricted access for basic economy passengers unless they had the right credit card.

Hoping to split the crowds between the two upscale products, Delta is also rolling out a new tier of exclusivity: “Delta One” lounges, which are more high-end than its Sky Clubs. As of 2025, there are only four locations: New York-JFK, Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Responding to a request for comment from Business Insider, a Delta spokesperson said: “We are always evaluating our policies and strategy to ensure the best possible Club experience. We continue to track impact of previous policy changes and strive to ensure an unparalleled Club experience for our valued members.”

Meanwhile, American has stayed steadfast in its mostly anti-seatback entertainment stance. (It has in-flight entertainment on large planes that fly overseas, and on certain transcontinental flights.) But on most of its domestic workhorse fleet, it’s instead installed tablet holders so passengers can stream entertainment on their own devices. This saves money on weight and fuel.

Some people — including this reporter — prefer it this way.

“Over 90% of our customers already fly with their own devices — ones they upgrade, know, and prefer,” an American spokesperson told Business Insider. “As such, American is focused on investing in fast connections and free entertainment, enjoyed on the devices our customers choose.”

The spokesperson added that all AAdvantage loyalty members will get free WiFi starting next year.

It’s earnings time for airlines

On Thursday, United’s stock was down more than 7% after it posted better-than-expected earnings figures, but revenue numbers that fell short of what analysts had expected.

Still, its stock is up more than 34% over the past year.

Delta, which also reported earnings last week, is up around 6.5% over the past year. American, which is set to report earnings next week, is down nearly 8.6%.

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Smucker sues Trader Joe’s over Uncrustables dupes, calling its crustless PB&J sandwiches a ‘copycat’

A basket of Uncrustables at the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series in Pennsylvania.
A basket of Uncrustables at the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series in Pennsylvania.
  • Smucker’s is going after Trader Joe’s in court over what it calls an Uncrustables “copycat.”
  • A lawsuit accuses Trader Joe’s of using protected design elements, such as a crimped edge and a specific shade of blue.
  • Smucker’s says Uncrustables is nearly a $1 billion brand favored by grade schoolers and NFL players.

This week’s hot new legal drama can be found in the frozen foods aisle.

Packaged foods giant JM Smucker filed a lawsuit Monday with the US District Court of Northern Ohio alleging that grocery chain Trader Joe’s has unfairly infringed on its rights with a crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Trader Joe’s “launched an obvious copycat” of Smucker’s Uncrustables, Smucker lawyers say in the filings. They highlight the similarities between the two products’ crimped edges and a specific shade of blue in the packaging that Smucker has trademarked in relation to these snacks.

Both products are circular ravioli-style sandwiches that are individually wrapped and frozen. Their design allows them to thaw for eating a few hours after being pulled from the freezer.

“Our focus is solely on protecting the unique trademarked design that represents the high quality associated with the Uncrustables brand and preventing consumer confusion caused by imitation,” a Smucker’s spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider.

Trader Joe’s did not respond to a request for comment.

In its filing, Smucker says Uncrustables has grown to become a nearly $1 billion brand, with more than 1.5 billion sandwiches made a year across three US facilities.

In addition to its favored status among grade schoolers, the brand is heavily consumed by players in the National Football League.

A key element of the Smucker suit is the apparent confusion among consumers and on social media about the origin of the Trader Joe’s dupes.

“They’re probably made in the same factory as actual Uncrustables,” one TikToker said in a video reviewing the Trader Joe’s product, which was cited in the lawsuit.

Tina Floyd, who was general manager of consumer foods for Smucker in 2020, told Business Insider at the time that the company spent a lot of time refining the Uncrustable recipe into something that could be mass-produced and frozen without the quality suffering.

“Retailers thought we were crazy. It took a lot of time to make sure product quality was sustainable,” she said.

In its lawsuit, Smucker is demanding that Trader Joe’s ship all of its crustless sandwiches and marketing materials to its facilities for disposal, as well as “account for and pay over” all profits the grocery chain has earned from the sale of the products.

Read the original article on Business Insider

This hidden collection of lakeside villages an hour from Lake Como has all of the charm and none of the crowds

Lake Lugano
Lugano is renowned for its waterfront position and a mild, sunny climate akin to the Mediterranean.
  • While Lake Como draws the crowds, Lake Lugano remains a quieter, lesser-known destination.
  • Visitors can enjoy art, hiking, local cuisine, and scenic villages around the tranquil lake.
  • This article is part of “Undiscovered Europe,” a series exploring overlooked travel gems.

Every year, around 1.4 million visitors flock to Lake Como‘s decadently glamorous and increasingly crowded shores.

But just under 40 kilometers west, a tucked-away jewel nestled along Switzerland’s southernmost edge remains largely undetected.

Set under gently swaying palms and the magnificent gaze of the Alps, Lake Lugano is a glacial lake within Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking canton — a subdivision similar to a US state — of Ticino. Life unfolds quietly, with atmospheric cobbled streets and a waterfront promenade blissfully free of tourist throngs.

“Lake Lugano is perfect for travelers who want something different,” Walter Di Liberto, a Switzerland-based guide with Intrepid Travel told Business Insider. “The water is of a deep blue as it comes straight from the glaciers and the mountains surrounding. The scenery is soft and romantic. The lake is calm and the hills are green. You see flowers everywhere, and the sunsets are golden and beautiful.”

Scherrer Park
Scherrer Park

And yet, it’s still largely overlooked.

“Lugano often gets overshadowed by nearby Lake Como or Lake Maggiore,” said Jacqué Gabellone, the director of product and operations for Tenon Tours, a boutique tour company specializing in tailor-made European travel. “Many international visitors head to Como because of its celebrity status, so Lugano remains quieter and feels more authentic.”

Gabellone, who previously lived in Switzerland and frequented Lake Lugano often, told Business Insider, “Lugano is where Swiss precision meets Italian flair. You get palm-lined promenades, piazzas filled with cafés, and dramatic alpine scenery. It’s ideal for those who want both culture and nature without the heavy crowds.”

Sun-drenched culture, breathtaking scenery, and tranquil villages

Lake Lugano, Switzerland
Lake Lugano, Switzerland

Straddling the Swiss-Italian border, Lake Lugano reflects the spirit of both nations with a relaxed approach to daily life that’s effortlessly unhurried.

“It’s a place that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment. You can hear people speak Italian, eat Swiss chocolate, and see art from both cultures,” Di Liberto said.

Lugano is the largest city in the lakefront region of Lake Lugano, renowned for its waterfront position and a mild, sunny climate akin to the Mediterranean, just in an alpine province. “In Switzerland, we call Ticino, ‘Sonnenstube der Schweiz’ — Sunroom of Switzerland,” Di Liberto said.

In summer, hikers trace cliffside trails and boats skim the lake’s surface while Lugano proper hums with music festivals and open-air markets. In colder months, locals stave off winter’s chill in cozy cafés, small shops, and cooking classes.

Lake Lugano
Around 62,000 people live in Lugano.

“Most visitors come to relax, enjoy nature, and eat tasty food,” Di Liberto said. “It’s a good place for couples, families, and older travelers.”

Of course, the lake is Lugano’s main stage, around which villages like Gandria, Morcote, and Bré cling to dramatic hillsides. While quaint and picturesque, the towns see even fewer tourists.

To reach them, Gabellone said, “Travelers should take the local ferries instead of private transfers whenever possible. It’s the best way to see the villages along the lake at a relaxed pace.”

Morcote
Morcote

7 Things to do in Lake Lugano

  1. Admire art in Lugano. Lugano is home to small art museums, including the Museum of Art of Italian Switzerland.
  2. Ride a cable car to savor views. Monte San Salvatore is a mountain that rises high above Lake Lugano. “You can take a funicular to the top and see the whole lake,” Di Liberto said. “There are stunning views from the rooftop of the church at the summit.”
  3. Take a hike. Di Liberto said Monte Generoso offers various hiking trails with stunning views of the Swiss Alps and Italian plains. “The restaurant at the summit has local cuisine with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Italian plains.”
  4. Wander through gardens. According to Di Liberto, Lake Lugano is filled with beautiful parks like Parco Ciano, which is located by the water with old trees and colorful flowers, while the summit of Monte Generoso has botanical gardens, playgrounds, and scenic walking paths. He also recommends Parco San Grato. “It’s a picturesque alpine green space with an extensive collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, and conifers to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains.”
  5. Sip local wines and sample specialties. Gabellone recommends “A wine tasting of Ticino’s merlot wines with an evening stroll along the lakeside promenade,” and a meal at “Grotto Morchino for rustic Ticinese cuisine in a charming stone grotto.” Di Liberto’s favorite restaurant is Grotto dei Pescatori Caprino, which is by the lake and reachable only by boat.
  6. Book a historic hotel. Most of Lake Lugano is steeped in history, especially Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola. Gabellone said the hotel is a five-star resort set in a 19th-century villa with lush gardens right on the lake.
  7. Explore surrounding villages. Both experts agree that visitors should travel to the small villages surrounding Lugano.”Mont Bré is reachable through a spectacular funicular ride above Lake Lugano, and its charming medieval town is rich in art and architectural gems,” Di Liberto said.

Gabellone also recommends a cruise to Gandria, “a fishing village only accessible by boat or walking path.” While there, walk along Sentiero dell’olivo, or Olive Grove Trail, a scenic hiking path along Lake Lugano, connecting Gandria and Castagnola. Di Liberto said visitors can check out spectacular views of the lake and learn about olive oil production from informative signs throughout the village.

Sentiero dell'olivo, castagnola, lugano, lake lugano, olive trail.
Sentiero dell’olivo

Di Liberto also suggests Morcote. “It’s quiet with old houses and a beautiful church on the hill,” he said. “Parco Scherrer is like a secret garden. Locanda Gandriese has delicious food with stunning views of Lake Lugano.”

For now, Lake Lugano remains under the radar to most travelers, even those who are well-informed. They unknowingly skip over it, seeking out better-known locales that are just as magnificent but suffer from an over-saturation of tourist activity.

“Wherever you go, just remember to slow down,” Di Liberto said. “Ticino is not about big sights, but small moments — a coffee by the lake, a walk in the hills, a chat with a local. That’s what makes it unforgettable.”

Read the original article on Business Insider

I made Ina Garten’s 5-cheese penne pasta, and it was the comfort dish of my dreams

Ina Garten's penne pasta
Ina Garten’s five-cheese penne pasta is super comforting.
  • When I found out Ina Garten had a penne pasta with five different cheeses, I knew I had to try it. 
  • The dish combines Gorgonzola, fontina, mozzarella, Romano, and ricotta. 
  • Garten’s pasta is rich without being too heavy, making it perfect for fall and winter nights.

As temperatures start to dip and we settle back into our favorite sweaters, it’s time to whip up some comforting dinners

And no chef soothes me more than Ina Garten and her delicious pasta recipes

So, when I discovered that the “Barefoot Contessa” star has a penne with five different cheeses, I knew I had to try it. 

Ina Garten’s penne pasta requires five different cheeses.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

To whip up her five-cheese penne, you’ll need: 

  • 1/2 cup freshly-grated pecorino Romano 
  • 1/2 cup shredded Italian fontina 
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Italian Gorgonzola 
  • 1/4 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese

I must admit that I purchased Romano cheese instead of pecorino Romano, which I couldn’t find in my local supermarket’s small fromagerie, no matter how hard I tried.

I did a quick Google search — “Is pecorino the same as Romano?” — and was convinced that they were basically identical. I later learned that the Romano I had purchased was actually made with cow’s milk, while pecorino Romano is always made with sheep’s milk.

But alas, they’re both still in the same family and known for their sharp flavors, so I think the cheese gods will forgive me on this one. 

Garten’s five-cheese penne also requires four additional ingredients.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

On top of all that cheese, you’ll need: 

  • 1 pound penne rigate pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes in thick tomato puree
  • 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
I preheated my oven to 500°F and started grating and measuring my cheeses.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

This is the only part of Garten’s recipe that actually requires a little work.

I hadn’t bought pre-shredded fontina or pre-crumbled Gorgonzola, so I decided to just grate them as well. And let me tell you, it was definitely an arm workout.

Next time, I’ll likely just finely chop the fontina instead, as its creamy texture made it a tad trickier to work with the grater. 

I couldn’t help but admire all the beautiful cheeses in my mixing bowl.
Ina Garten penne pasta

From the creamy ricotta to the sharp Romano, I was excited to see how these different flavors and textures would blend together. 

After I finally stopped staring at my cheese, I added the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

I also chopped up some basil to throw on top.

And just before I mixed everything together, I started cooking my pasta.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

Per Garten’s recipe, you’re not actually supposed to fully cook the pasta. You just need to parboil the penne for four minutes in a pot of salted water. 

After I dumped my pound of pasta into the pot, I set a timer and went back to my bowl of cheese. 

As I mixed the cheesy sauce, I watched as it turned into a surprising shade of millennial pink.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

Who knew Garten’s pasta would be so on-trend? The color was actually quite pretty, and not at all what I had expected. 

After draining my noodles, I put them back into the same pot and added my cheesy pink mixture.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

Garten recommends dividing your pasta into “shallow ceramic gratin dishes,” but I realized this dish could easily turn into a one-pot recipe, and who doesn’t love dealing with fewer dishes?

So I tossed the penne with the mixture, ensuring all the noodles were submerged in the vibrant pink pool of cheese.  

And just before popping my pasta in the oven, I added some butter.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

As much as I love Garten, I have to admit that I went against her recipe on this last step. The “Barefoot Contessa” star recommends using half a stick (four tablespoons) of unsalted butter to dot your penne pasta with, which, to be honest, sounded very overwhelming. 

My friend Molly, who is far more experienced in the kitchen than I am, confirmed that half a stick of butter would be too much — especially paired with all that cheese.

So, I decided to reduce the recipe to just one tablespoon, using a knife to shave off small knobs of butter that I sprinkled directly on top of the pot.

It took less than 20 minutes to bake the pasta.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

Garten’s recipe recommends cooking the pasta until it’s “bubbly and brown” on top, which she estimates will take around 7 to 10 minutes.

As I waited for the pasta to cook, the delicious smell of cheese filled the kitchen completely. And, as the minutes ticked by, I could hear the penne start to bubble.

Of course, every oven is different. Overall, it took my pasta about 17 minutes to bake in total. I waited until I could see that the penne in the center of my pan was turning brown before I took it out, ensuring it had cooked through.

The pasta came out looking glorious.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

The millennial pink turned into a beautiful, almost golden color, and there appeared to be an even crust on the top of the pasta. 

The chunks of mozzarella that had floated to the top made the dish look even more inviting.

And it tasted so good, we went back for seconds.
Ina Garten penne dish

As much as I love very saucy pastas, I did wonder if five different cheeses — plus plenty of butter and cream — would be too much. I worried that the dish might taste more like cheese with a side of pasta, rather than the other way around, but my fears were unfounded.

Garten’s penne manages to be rich and soothing, without feeling too heavy on the stomach. 

“All that cheese,” my friend Molly happily exclaimed as she took her first few bites. “It tastes like a warm blanket.” 

Molly recommended sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top to cut the richness of the pasta, which turned out to be a great addition.

“But the cheese isn’t overwhelming,” added my friend Joe, who was also on taste-test duty. 

And personally, I loved the texture contrast between the crusty pieces and the gooey cheeses, which had sunk inside the penne and would burst with every bite.

Garten’s five-cheese penne is a must-have dish for the fall and winter seasons.
Ina Garten's penne pasta

Garten’s five-cheese penne has the power of a warm blanket, roaring fireplace, and mug of hot cocoa — all wrapped up in one cheesy bowl. 

Read the original article on Business Insider