New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push to tax luxury second homes is drawing reactions from some of the country’s wealthiest business leaders, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos saying Wednesday that the New York City mayor’s pied-à-terre tax proposal is “fine” while rejecting broader “tax-the-rich” arguments.

Speaking during CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Bezos weighed in on Mamdani’s proposal to raise taxes on second homes worth more than $5 million — a plan backed by Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as part of a broader affordability push.

“I think that the pied-à-terre tax is a fine thing for New York to do,” Bezos said.

But Bezos pushed back on Mamdani’s recent tactic of publicly targeting wealthy business figures, including Citadel CEO Ken Griffin.

NYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI SAYS HE’S TRIED TO MEET WITH BILLIONAIRE CEO AFTER ‘TAX THE RICH’ VIDEO BACKLASH

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (right) weighed in Wednesday on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed tax on secondary homes. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

“This is an annual fee on luxury properties …. like for this penthouse, which hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin bought for $238 million,” Mamdani said in a recent social media video outside Griffin’s Manhattan residence.

“Ken Griffin isn’t a villain. He hasn’t hurt anybody; he’s not hurting New York. In fact, quite the opposite,” Bezos said Wednesday.

The exchange marks the latest sign that Mamdani’s tax proposals targeting wealthy business leaders are becoming a broader national political flashpoint, drawing attention from Wall Street executives, billionaires and President Donald Trump.

Bezos also used the interview to argue that lower-income Americans should pay no federal income taxes, saying the current tax structure unfairly burdens struggling workers while generating relatively little government revenue.

MAMDANI TAX BREAK PROPOSAL SPARKS FEARS AS BUSINESS LEADERS WARN OF ‘FRAGILE’ NYC ECONOMY

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his team reached out to Citadel CEO Ken Griffin following criticism over a viral tax proposal video. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“When people are starting out, and they’re struggling, stop taxing them. We don’t need it. We live in the wealthiest country in the world,” Bezos said.

“We shouldn’t be asking this nurse in Queens to send money to Washington,” Bezos added. “They should be sending her an apology. It really makes no sense.”

The billionaire said the top 1% of taxpayers currently pay roughly 40% of federal income taxes while the bottom half contribute about 3%, citing figures consistent with Tax Foundation and IRS analysis.

Still, Bezos argued that simply raising taxes on billionaires would not materially improve conditions for working-class Americans.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos claims the top 1% of taxpayers currently pay roughly 40% of federal income taxes while the bottom half contribute about 3%. (Remo Casilli/Reuters, File / Reuters)

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“You could double the taxes I pay, and it’s not going to help that teacher in Queens. I promise you,” Bezos said.

A representative for Bezos did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on Wednesday defended his company’s decision to back a Melania Trump documentary, saying he had no involvement in the deal and rejecting claims it was intended to curry favor with President Donald Trump.

Speaking with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, the tech billionaire dismissed reports suggesting he personally pushed Amazon to acquire the film.

“The ‘Melania’ thing is a falsehood that will not die,” Bezos said. “I see it reported all the time that somehow I was involved in this … It’s not true. We have denied it. Melania’s office has denied it. It’s not true.”

Even so, Bezos said the “Melania” documentary appeared to have been a smart investment.

“It appears it was a good business decision. You know, it did very well in theaters, it’s done very well on streaming. People are very curious about Melania,” Bezos said. “Even though I had nothing to do with it, it appeared that the Amazon team made a very wise business decision.”

BILLIONAIRES AND BUSINESSES FUEL GROWING EXODUS FROM BLUE STATES

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is pictured during the America Business Forum in Miami, Fla.  (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

Bezos added that Amazon routinely makes major decisions without his direct input, citing the company’s successful adaptation of “Project Hail Mary” as another example.

“I also had nothing to do with ‘Project Hail Mary,’ which I regret because it’s an incredible success. I wish I had greenlit that, but I didn’t,” Bezos told CNBC. “… Amazon’s a big company, it makes a lot of decisions, but no, this idea that somehow that is a way of buying influence is just not correct.”

JEFF BEZOS AND LAUREN SÁNCHEZ ENJOY ROMANTIC DINNER DATE AT UPSCALE MIAMI BEACH RESTAURANT

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend Amazon MGM’s “Melania” world premiere at The Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

The “Melania” documentary follows 20 days in Melania Trump’s life just ahead of President Donald Trump‘s second term in office.

Amazon MGM Studios reportedly spent $40 million to acquire “Melania,” which debuted in theaters nationwide in February. The film earned $16.6 million at the global box office, according to The Hill.

In March, Democratic lawmakers — including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Reps. Hank Johnson, Dan Goldman and Ben Ray Luján — sent a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy questioning the reportedly “extraordinary” price tag and raising concerns the investment could resemble a pay-to-play arrangement with the Trump administration, the outlet reported.

BLUE ORIGIN EYES LANDMARK LAUNCH AS WHEELCHAIR USER JOINS NEW SHEPARD CREW

Amazon’s founder defended the company’s decision to back Melania Trump’s documentary. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Bezos also addressed criticism surrounding his influence over The Washington Post.

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“By the way, the same thing at The Post, I want the opinion section right to stand for free markets, kind of what I’ve been talking to you about today, free markets and individual personal liberties,” Bezos said. “I think that those are [the] founding pillars of America. It’s one of the reasons that America has been so successful.”

Amazon and Bezos could not immediately be reached for comment. 

Finding a reliable office suite that does not drain your budget can be a challenge. Many professionals and students look for online tools only to end up on sketchy download pages that bundle unwanted software.

If you need a fast and lightweight toolkit that handles text documents, large data grids, and slide presentations, this guide will show you how to get a clean setup safely.

You can build a great digital workspace without paying a massive yearly subscription. Let us explore how to install the suite from a secure origin so you can work with complete peace of mind.

Why a Secure Office Suite Matters for Modern Professionals

Security is the most critical factor when you add any new application to your computer. When you work with sensitive professional files, customer data, or financial spreadsheets, a single bad download can expose your entire network to significant risks. Using a verified and safe office suite download protects your operating system from background vulnerabilities.

The Hidden Risks of Unofficial Software Downloads

Many third-party software hubs bundle extra programs inside their installation files. When you click a random download button, you might accidentally install browser extensions, tracking scripts, or adware that slows down your system. Even worse, modified installation files can contain hidden malicious payloads that give unauthorized users access to your personal files. Checking for a verified digital signature on the setup file before running it is the easiest way to avoid these risks.

Shifting to a Secure, Free Productivity Solution

You do not have to accept security risks just to get a free office alternative. Choosing a trusted, well-established brand gives you access to a modern workplace setup without any hidden financial traps. By installing a legitimate freeware productivity app directly from the official source, you get the latest security updates, clean code, and full support for your daily workflow.

Why Choose This Modern Office Suite? Core Benefits and Value

This platform has grown into a premier Microsoft Office alternative because it focuses on user comfort and raw speed. It offers a complete set of office applications that look and feel familiar, so you will not have to spend days learning where the buttons are.

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The suite offers complete file format compatibility with standard industry extensions. You can open, edit, and save files directly as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx without losing your original layouts. This means you can collaborate easily with colleagues who use different programs, and your fonts, margins, and tables will stay exactly as you intended.

Built-In AI Capabilities for Streamlined Workflows

The latest software version includes helpful WPS AI features that simplify everyday writing and editing. The built-in writing assistant can help you brainstorm outlines, rephrase sentences, or summarize incredibly long text files in seconds. These tools help you work smarter, save time, and speed up your daily output.

Lightweight Architecture for Fast Performance

Unlike heavier software bundles that consume massive amounts of system memory, this program features very low system resource usage. It loads quickly on older laptops and budget desktops alike. The compressed installer files download in minutes, allowing you to stay highly productive even on machines with minimal RAM.

How to Secure a 100% Safe wps office free download

Getting your software setup should be simple and risk-free. Following the proper steps ensures you get the clean, original package direct from the creators. To explore the platform or check out regional features, you can always visit the official wps官网 portal.

Step 1: Navigating to the Verified Official Platforms

Always skip unofficial forum links and file-sharing sites. Going straight to the official domain is the only guaranteed way to get a true malware-free download. Legitimate platforms utilize secure connection protocols to protect your data while you download the software installer.

Step 2: Selecting the Correct Desktop Installer

Once you are on the main site, the system will look at your computer and recommend the perfect edition for you. For standard computers, pick the stable 64-bit desktop architecture option to ensure the best performance. This ensures you get a solid package built specifically for your version of Windows.

Step 3: Verifying File Integrity Before Running Setup

Before you double-click your newly downloaded package, take a second to look at the file size. A legitimate secure client installation file usually sits right between 200MB and 300MB. If the file you downloaded is only a few megabytes, it might just be a dangerous downloader stub from an untrusted site, so delete it and grab the official one.

Step-by-Step Desktop Installation and Setup Walkthrough

Setting up the desktop application is an easy process that takes less than five minutes. If you want to grab the desktop installer directly, click over to the official wps下载 page to get the official package.

Running the Installer and Managing System Permissions

Find the downloaded file in your folder and double-click to start. Your computer will open a User Account Control (UAC) prompt to ask for your permission. This is a standard security step for any modern software installation, so click “Yes” to let the official setup wizard start unpacking the files.

Configuring Custom Settings for an Optimized Workspace

Before clicking the main install button, check the box to accept the end-user license agreement (EULA). You can also click the advanced settings link if you want to choose a specific folder path or create a quick icon on your screen. When you are ready, click “Install Now” to enjoy a completely bloatware-free installation.

Deep Dive into the Essential Productivity Tools

This all-in-one document suite gives you all the essential office tools inside a single, clean window interface. It uses convenient ribbon-style navigation tabs so you can jump between different open documents without cluttering your desktop taskbar.

Advanced Document Processing and Layout Styling

The word processor gives you everything you need to build clean, professional documents. It features a deep document template library with pre-made layouts for resumes, invoices, and business reports. The smart formatting tools make it easy to apply consistent fonts, alignments, and spacings across long articles.

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The data tool handles big accounting sheets and complex charts with ease. It features an advanced calculations engine that fully supports complicated mathematical formulas and pivot table structures. You can easily sort through thousands of rows of data, highlight key patterns with custom formatting, and build visual graphs to show off your results.

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The slideshow tool lets you build stunning decks for school or corporate presentations. You can use beautiful visual transitions, insert high-quality vector shapes, and organize your ideas across clean slide layouts. The automated tool handles the alignment for you, so your slides always look professional.

Comprehensive PDF Management, Editing, and Conversions

One of the biggest advantages here is the built-in WPS PDF editor. You do not need to download extra third-party software to change text inside a PDF document. You can easily add notes, split long documents into smaller files, protect them with passwords, and use optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text from scanned images.

Frequently Asked Questions About Secure Productivity Software

Is the core desktop version completely free to use permanently?

Yes, the core office tools are free to use for as long as you want. You can write documents, build spreadsheets, and design presentations without any mandatory fees or hidden subscription renewals.

Does the software function normally without an internet connection?

Yes, this is an offline office suite that runs directly on your computer hardware. You do not need an active internet connection to open, edit, or save your local documents.

Can the desktop suite be safely installed on multiple devices?

Yes, you can install the program on your laptop, home desktop, and mobile devices. You can also sign up for the optional WPS Cloud service if you want to keep your documents safely backed up and synced across all your screens automatically.

Conclusion

Upgrading your digital workflow does not require buying expensive software licenses. By choosing a reliable and safe ecosystem, you get a powerful, secure workspace that handles all your daily tasks seamlessly. When you are ready to begin, make sure to use the official wps官网下载 portal to ensure a completely clean and secure setup for your computer.

NEW YORK — T1 Energy Inc. shares jumped 1.78 dollars, or 25.94 percent, to $8.67 in morning trading on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as investors reacted to a major hedge fund’s disclosure of a large new position in the solar manufacturing company.

The surge followed a 13F filing showing Situational Awareness LP acquired 10 million shares of T1 Energy during the first quarter of 2026. The disclosure, combined with ongoing positive sentiment around the company’s Q1 results, drove strong buying interest and elevated trading volume.

T1 Energy, a U.S.-based solar cell and module manufacturer, reported record quarterly results for the period ended March 31, 2026. The company achieved net income from continuing operations of $3.9 million and record Adjusted EBITDA of $9.1 million, marking a significant improvement from prior periods.

Management highlighted higher-than-forecasted production and sales at its G1_Dallas facility, favorable contract mix shifts, and lower third-party fees as key drivers of the profitability. The company maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance of 3.1 GW to 4.2 GW.

Construction on the 2.1 GW Phase 1 of its flagship G2_Austin solar cell factory is progressing on schedule. T1 expects to begin erecting structural steel in late May 2026, with initial cell production targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.

In April 2026, T1 completed an upsized public offering of $160 million in 4.00% convertible senior notes due 2031, generating net proceeds of $174.7 million. These funds support remaining capital needs for G2_Austin Phase 1, with the company pursuing additional debt financing.

T1 Energy focuses on domestic solar manufacturing to meet growing U.S. demand for renewable energy components. Its facilities emphasize high-efficiency cells and modules, positioning the company in the expanding AI-driven data center power and utility-scale solar markets.

The company reported Q1 net sales of approximately $177.6 million to $755 million across various reports, reflecting strong execution at its operational Dallas facility. Analysts noted improving margins and operational efficiency as production ramps.

The stock has shown significant volatility in 2026, with sharp moves tied to production updates, financing announcements and institutional interest. The Situational Awareness stake disclosure added fresh momentum, drawing attention from retail and momentum traders.

T1 Energy operates in a competitive but supportive policy environment for U.S. solar manufacturing. The company benefits from domestic content incentives and Section 45X tax credits, subject to ongoing compliance measures.

Analysts maintain a generally positive outlook. Consensus ratings lean toward Strong Buy, with average price targets around $7.90, though recent trading has exceeded some earlier forecasts amid positive developments.

The broader renewable energy sector has seen renewed interest due to AI energy demand and policy support. T1 Energy’s focus on U.S.-made solar cells aligns with supply chain security priorities and domestic manufacturing goals.

Trading volume on May 20 significantly exceeded recent averages as the stock broke higher. The move reflected both institutional position disclosure and retail enthusiasm typical of high-momentum small-cap names.

T1 Energy continues advancing its growth strategy centered on expanding U.S. production capacity. Successful ramp of G2_Austin is viewed as a critical milestone for scaling operations and improving financial performance in 2027 and beyond.

The company faces industry challenges including commodity price fluctuations, competition from Asian manufacturers and policy uncertainties. Management has emphasized execution on construction timelines and cost control to navigate these factors.

As of mid-morning May 20, shares maintained strong gains. Market participants watched for follow-through momentum or potential profit-taking as the session progressed. The stock’s 52-week performance has been marked by substantial upside amid solar sector tailwinds.

T1 Energy will hold its next earnings call in early June or August for Q2 results. Investors will look for updates on G2_Austin construction progress, production guidance and financing developments.

The company’s market capitalization has grown significantly with recent share price appreciation. Strong institutional interest, as evidenced by the new hedge fund position, supports confidence in its long-term domestic solar manufacturing thesis.

T1 Energy remains focused on delivering shareholder value through operational excellence and strategic capacity expansion. The combination of record Q1 results and new institutional ownership fueled the sharp move on May 20.

The firm has been in talks with suppliers

Low cost holidays and air travel firm Jet2 says it plans to operate its summer flights as normal, following talks with its fuel suppliers.

The Leeds Bradford Airport-based operator issued an update in which it reiterated it would not make fuel surcharges for passengers. Bosses say they have recently spoken to fuel suppliers who have reported increased production and additional imports from areas unaffected by the Middle East.

Jet2 also said holidaymakers will benefit from swift refunds should their flights or trips be cancelled. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “We are in regular dialogue with our fuel suppliers, and the current picture is one of increased production and imports, meaning we continue to look ahead with confidence. We have already been very clear about our plans to operate our schedule as normal this summer, and our message to holidaymakers is that summer is on.”

He added: “This confidence, on top of the incredible value that our award-winning holidays offer right now, means it is a fantastic time to get that well-deserved holiday locked in, and we know that many people are taking advantage of that right now. Everything is geared up and ready for a busy summer and we look forward to welcoming everybody onboard and creating fantastic memories with Jet2.”

The update came as the Government relaxed sanctions on Russian crude oil, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries, amid surging costs. A trade licence, which came into effect on Wednesday, permits the imports “indefinitely”.

The sanctions carve-out will be periodically reviewed as fuel prices rise due to conflict in the Middle East and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Government had previously announced the UK would block Russian oil refined in other countries in a bid to “further restrict the flow of funds to the Kremlin”.

Earlier this week, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said European airlines were sourcing their jet fuel from alternative countries to overcome the supply shock.

He said: “The conflict in the Middle East has created economic uncertainty and we still don’t know when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Despite this, Europe remains relatively well supplied with jet-fuel, with significant volumes sourced from west Africa, the Americas and Norway.”

Bridging digital visibility and in-store performance across multi-site retail estates is one of the central challenges facing UK retailers seeking sustainable growth.

With footfall and shopper traffic declining (down 2.9% year-on-year in December), a critical challenge for multi-site operators is how to accurately measure and optimise digital performance at the level of an individual store, rather than just the brand as a whole.

With a retail portfolio of 77 stores nationwide, itsu, like other UK market leaders, has turned to external experts to address that question. Founded by Julian Metcalfe, itsu has built a reputation and a market-leading business on a simple belief: that people deserve convenient food that’s also high-quality and nutritious. Backing its ambition to help the UK “eat beautiful”, itsu shared plans to expand its restaurant and retail estate, targeting approximately 100 new outlets following investment by Bridgepoint Capital in 2021.

To support its commercial ambitions, itsu has appointed London-based retail growth specialist and digital marketing agency Serendipity. The partnership is designed to reach more customers through search-based discovery, while holding itsu’s long-standing position against fried-by-default convenience food; a stance the brand has built on since the late 1990s.

Across a complex physical retail estate where commercial outcomes vary by location, footfall, and live trading conditions, no amount of category-level visibility will move the needle on its own. Instead, this data-led, performance-driven digital strategy will focus on strengthening brand presence, driving retail and online sales, and creating clearer connections between digital engagement and real-world commercial performance.

The work spans SEO, content, paid media and advanced measurement, beginning with foundational technical SEO audits and the development of a content and search strategy to surface where visibility can be improved. From there, Serendipity will use itsu’s search infrastructure – keyword authority, audience data and content positioning – as the upstream signal, applying store-level measurement to convert that signal into till receipts.

Launching the work as a test-and-learn programme across local search, paid and organic channels, Serendipity will establish performance benchmarks across the full estate and build a data driven approach to identify growth opportunities and align with location specific user demand. Supporting this analysis is a measurement framework designed to clearly link online activity to real in-store behaviour at each site, rather than at brand level. The result will be a clearer view of how customers move between digital, physical retail and grocery channels. For itsu, that means a measurable line from digital spend back to commercial outcomes.

Rukshan Warnacula, founder of Serendipity, said: “At a time when eating well and sustainably matters more than ever for our communities and our planet, itsu continues to lead the way with Asian-inspired, healthier menus that support health and wellbeing. We’re proud to play a part in connecting people with food that is fresh, convenient and healthy.”

The methodology is built on a longer track record. Serendipity has worked with itsu’s grocery business for five years, a partnership that has delivered 60% UK gyoza category visibility, more than 900 top-three keyword positions across core category terms, and 23% of gyoza-related AI responses now referencing the itsu brand. The agency’s case study on the itsu grocery partnership lays out the category-level mechanics.

Rukshan Warnacula added: “Using our data-driven approach at a store level, this framework will equip itsu with insights into both store performance and growth opportunities across all locations.”

The appointment builds on Serendipity’s existing five-year partnership with itsu’s grocery business. The retail growth specialist has delivered 60% UK gyoza category visibility and more than 900 top-three keyword positions across core category terms for the brand.

NEW YORK — Arm Holdings plc shares jumped 34.31 dollars, or 15.38 percent, to $257.46 in morning trading on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, extending a strong year-to-date rally driven by artificial intelligence and data center growth.

The British chip designer’s stock broke to new all-time highs above $250 after closing the previous session at $223.15. The move built on an April breakout and reflected continued investor enthusiasm for Arm’s expanding role in AI infrastructure.

Arm has gained more than 100 percent year-to-date in 2026, significantly outperforming many peers in the semiconductor sector. The rally has been fueled by strong royalty growth, demand for its architecture in data centers, and the company’s strategic shift toward selling its own chips.

In March 2026, Arm unveiled its first in-house AI chip, the AGI CPU, marking a major pivot after 35 years of primarily licensing designs. The company projected the new chip could generate $15 billion in annual revenue by 2031, driving significant share price gains at the time.

Arm reported robust fiscal fourth-quarter results in early May 2026, with revenue of $1.49 billion, up 20 percent from the prior year. The company highlighted strong demand for its data center solutions and maintained optimistic guidance amid the AI boom.

CEO Rene Haas has emphasized Arm’s growing presence in high-performance computing. The company’s architecture powers a wide range of devices, from smartphones to servers, with increasing adoption in AI accelerators and custom silicon for hyperscalers.

Analysts have responded with multiple price target increases. Recent upgrades include targets as high as $300, citing Arm’s potential in the data center and AI-driven CPU renaissance. Bernstein initiated coverage with an Outperform rating in mid-May.

Arm’s partnership ecosystem includes major technology firms. Its designs are foundational to chips from companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia and AMD. The company benefits from royalty-based revenue that scales with chip shipments.

The stock’s performance reflects broader AI infrastructure spending. Demand for energy-efficient computing has accelerated Arm’s role in servers and custom silicon for cloud providers and hyperscale data centers.

Trading volume on May 20 was elevated as the stock broke technical resistance levels. Chart analysts noted bullish patterns, including a multi-year base breakout and relative strength compared with the broader semiconductor index.

Arm faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Reports in May indicated the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is examining the company’s licensing practices, though no formal action has been confirmed.

SoftBank Group owns a majority stake in Arm. The Japanese conglomerate has supported the company’s growth strategy while monetizing portions of its holding through public markets.

Arm Holdings maintains a strong balance sheet and high gross margins, reported near 94 percent in recent quarters. The company continues investing in research and development for next-generation architectures.

The semiconductor industry has seen mixed results in 2026, but Arm has stood out due to its licensing model and exposure to multiple high-growth segments, including automotive, consumer electronics and infrastructure.

Investors monitor upcoming catalysts, including further AI-related announcements and quarterly results. Arm’s next earnings are expected to provide additional insight into royalty trends and data center momentum.

The stock’s valuation remains elevated compared with historical levels, with forward price-to-earnings multiples reflecting high growth expectations. Analysts balance this with Arm’s market position in the expanding AI ecosystem.

Arm continues expanding its partner network and ecosystem support. Developer events and collaborations with companies like Nvidia highlight its role in accelerated computing.

As of mid-morning May 20, shares maintained strong gains with active trading. The session contributed to Arm’s position as one of the top-performing large-cap technology stocks in 2026.

The company’s Cambridge, England headquarters oversees global operations. Arm employs thousands and licenses its intellectual property to more than 500 companies worldwide.

Market participants expect continued volatility as Arm navigates growth opportunities and competitive dynamics in the semiconductor industry. The stock’s performance remains closely tied to AI spending trends and technology adoption cycles.