menu_open Columnists
Michael Grothaus

Michael Grothaus

Fast Company

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

TSA is bringing back a part of air travel that disappeared after 9/11

A new program lets some people without plane tickets pass through airport security to greet or see off loved ones at the gate.

yesterday 0

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

What to expect at Apple’s iPhone 18 launch event on Wednesday

The iPhone has undergone only two major design changes in its nearly 20-year history. We could be about to witness the third—and most radical. Get...

saturday 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Frozen blueberry recall expands to product sold at Walmart as E. coli hospitalizations rise

The CDC has been investigating an outbreak of E. coli since May. Here’s the latest frozen blueberry product to be added to a list of recalls.

04.09.2026 1

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Oura IPO: Smart ring maker is planning a Nasdaq stock listing. See what’s in the SEC filing

The hardware and health-tracking company, founded in Finland but based in San Francisco, has dominated the ring category of wearables.

04.09.2026 2

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

GoPro stock surges again on merger and AI pivot news: What the heck is happening with GPRO?

Following a major stake from a famous YouTube star, the action camera company will now join with another company and focus on AI solutions.

03.09.2026 1

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

What happened to Costco Next? Customers stunned as access to curated marketplace is abruptly lost

The platform, which let Costco customers buy discounted items from third-party suppliers, appears to have vanished with little explanation.

02.09.2026 2

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Tim Cook invokes Steve Jobs in his last message to Apple employees—just like he did when he became CEO

The outgoing chief executive bookended a memo he wrote 15 years ago with a nod to the ongoing legacy of his famous predecessor.

01.09.2026 5

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

GoPro stock soars after YouTube star Markiplier becomes large shareholder: How high will GPRO go?

Shares of the struggling camera maker have not seen levels this high since early January. Here’s what happening.

01.09.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

When do the fall leaves change color? This interactive map shows a full-bloom timeline for autumn foliage

It’s hard to believe, but fall is just about here. An annual map from Explore Fall lets you know when to expect autumn’s natural beauty to peak in...

31.08.2026 4

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

What’s the difference between proprietary, open weight, and open source AI?

AI isn’t all created equal. Here’s how to know if proprietary, open-weight, or open source is right for you.

29.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Nationwide recall expands to 3.6 million grill brushes after consumers swallowed metal bristles

Individuals sought medical care to remove the sharp pieces from their throat or digestive tract. The brushes had been sold for nearly 17 years.

28.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Nepal floods: 6 ways to help victims of the glacial collapse that left hundreds dead or missing

Search-and-rescue efforts led by China and Nepal have begun, with many NGOs on the ground to mobilize shelters, provide medical care, and deliver...

28.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Nvidia stock price jumps on stunning growth forecast as Hugging Face acquisition rumors swell

All eyes are on the AI chip company this morning after it handily beat Wall Street’s earnings expectations. Here’s what’s happening.

27.08.2026 6

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Apple just unexpectedly released a new M6 Mac mini—and raised prices again

The mini, which has been popular with users who run agentic AI on their devices, gets a new version ahead of Apple’s iPhone event next month.

25.08.2026 9

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

4 people hospitalized as dual outbreak of E. Coli and Salmonella linked to sprouts spreads to 15 states: See map

Days after a recall of numerous alfalfa sprouts products, the CDC posted an update revealing dozens of illnesses, with Michigan and Wisconsin hit...

25.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Tech layoffs August 2026 update: Apple, TikTok, LinkedIn, Netflix join the list of companies slashing jobs

High-profile tech employers continue to cut workers this summer, with totals for 2026 already surpassing all of 2025. Here’s the latest.

24.08.2026 30

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Apple and Amazon users: Beware this new ‘unauthorized charge’ scam

Bad actors are harnessing good design to trick Apple and Amazon users into handing over sensitive data.

22.08.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Walmart will let customers use Apple Pay after holding out for more than a decade. Why it finally caved

For years, the retail giant would not support tap-to-pay—also including Google Pay—until now. Here’s what you need to know.

21.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Crypto stocks head for their second day of gains as Bitcoin and other tokens rise: Will the rally keep going?

Companies including Coinbase Global, Circle Internet Group, and even mining firms like MARA have been riding a wave of fresh market enthusiasm.

21.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are suddenly soaring to fresh highs: Why are crypto prices up today?

Major cryptocurrencies have generally had a lackluster 2026 so far, but tokens turned decidedly positive this week on two pieces of news.

20.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Target just received nearly $1 billion in tariff refunds: Will it reimburse customers directly?

The retail giant has joined a growing list of companies that have been refunded after the Supreme Court ruled Trump’s sweeping tariffs illegal. What...

19.08.2026 7

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

State Farm is sending customers a share of $5 billion. Are you getting a check?

The insurance giant is beginning its largest-ever dividend payout to auto customers this month. How much you get depends on several factors.

18.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Meta stock sinks as landmark social media addiction trial gets underway. What’s at stake for the tech giant?

Already the worst performing stock in the Mag 7 over the last 12 months, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram is facing serious legal...

18.08.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

A popular ice cream brand sold at Walmart and Kroger files for bankruptcy after ‘trade dress’ lawsuit

Rebel Creamery has produced keto-friendly ice cream for almost a decade, but a judge recently ruled that its packaging is too similar to Van...

17.08.2026 9

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

As weather gets harder to predict, which iPhone weather app is best?

Weather apps from Apple, CNN, the Weather Channel, and Yahoo all have their advantages. Here’s how to know which is right for you.

15.08.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

What is Wildberries? ‘Russia’s Amazon’ in the spotlight as Ukraine targets e-commerce giant’s warehouses

The online retail platform has been in the news recently for no reason that a company wants to be. Here’s everything to know.

14.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Reddit is joining the S&P 500. Here’s why that matters, and why the stock price is surging on the news

The social media company will soon become part of one of the most closely watched stock indices. It’s more than just a nice gesture.

14.08.2026 9

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Whole Foods recalls 43 products as jalapeño-linked Salmonella sicknesses pile up in 27 states: See the full list

While the grocery giant reports no illnesses to date, it is recalling a range of salsas, guacamole dips, and condiments in the wake of an ongoing...

13.08.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Total solar eclipse live stream today: Here’s where you can see the 2026 eclipse in person and online

Depending on your location, you may not get a great view of the August 12 solar eclipse in the United States, but you can catch the astronomical event...

12.08.2026 40

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Beyond Meat shares collapse to all-time lows as the embattled company announces a reverse stock split

It’s news no investor wants to hear.

11.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

How to help Colombia earthquake victims: 4 things you can do right now

With at least 111 people confirmed dead, relief groups are already on the ground to assist in what’s being called the country’s worst quake of the...

11.08.2026 9

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Jalapeño salmonella recall: See an updated list of impacted retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, and more

Food company Taylor Farms is once again recalling some of its products, this time in response to an ongoing salmonella outbreak. Here’s what to know.

10.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Why can’t your email be as secure as your texts?

End-to-end encrypting your email is complicated, but not impossible. You’ll want to ditch the big platforms for these alternatives.

08.08.2026 30

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Don’t eat this pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart. It could make you very sick

According to a notice posted by the FDA, a product sold under Walmart’s Bettergoods private label is being recalled. Here’s what to know.

07.08.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Tech layoffs August update: Google, TikTok, Etsy, Zillow slash hundreds of roles as job losses pile up in 2026

As the trend of mass layoff rounds continues in the technology sector, some executives are now going out of their way to say AI is not the cause.

07.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Dozens hospitalized as dual Salmonella outbreaks spread to more than 30 states. Avoid these products

More than 400 people have been sickened, with many requiring hospital care, in separate outbreaks involving eggs and jalapeño peppers.

06.08.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Salad and Go closing all locations today: Cyclospora outbreak proves to be final nail for embattled chain

According to its Chapter 11 filing, the company had struggled financially ever since its private equity investors sought an aggressive expansion.

05.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

SpaceX reports its first financials as a public company today: Here are 4 key details to watch out for

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Elon Musk’s rocket and AI company as investors await its earnings results and guidance after the closing bell.

04.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Is drinking water safe? What to know about the water systems cyberattacks targeting multiple states

Attacks against water facilities are now known to have occurred in at least seven states, according to the FBI. Here’s the latest.

04.08.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Tick, tock: It’s time for Apple to improve the iPhone Clock app

Apple’s Clock app, which hundreds of millions of iPhone users around the world rely on, has some issues. Now’s the time to fix them.

01.08.2026 30

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Blueberry recall expands to more products sold at Publix as E. coli outbreak hospitalizes 4 people

The supermarket chain has initiated a new recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries as a CDC outbreak investigation continues. Here’s the latest.

31.07.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Apple stock price falls: 3 reasons why AAPL shares are down after a record-breaking quarter

The iPhone maker easily beat Wall Street’s expectations on most metrics when it reported earnings yesterday. What gives?

31.07.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Microsoft stock soars as Meta sinks: Why the two AI giants are heading in opposite directions today

Two of the biggest so-called AI hyperscalers reported earnings after the bell on Wednesday. Their share prices this morning tell very different...

30.07.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

12,000 pounds of bacon recalled as USDA slaps product with dreaded ‘Class 1’ designation. Is that serious?

The label is reserved for products that may cause ‘adverse health consequences or death,’ but so far there have been no reports of actual issues.

29.07.2026 8

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Visa layoffs: Thousands of jobs slashed at the payments giant as CEO memo points toward AI acceleration

The cuts come as the company faces an ever-changing payments landscape, increasingly disrupted by smaller, nimbler fintech startups.

28.07.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Chip stocks down: Micron, Sandisk, Intel shares get hammered as AI uncertainty infects global markets

U.S. chipmakers and memory storage companies are seeing another major selloff after stock prices plunged for their Asia-based counterparts.

28.07.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Petsense is closing stores: List of doomed locations grows as pet supplies retailer faces shifting habits

Parent company Tractor Supply expects to shutter about 75 stores, more than a third of its entire fleet. Here’s what to know.

27.07.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

How to make Google Maps and Apple Maps show you the actual fastest route, every time

These apps are great with directions but don’t always show you the fastest route. Here’s how to fix that.

25.07.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Subway hit with another franchisee bankruptcy in just 2 months

A North Dakota operator with multiple Subway restaurants has filed for bankruptcy, raising questions about what happens to its locations next.

24.07.2026 10

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus

Elon Musk’s companies are having a bad week on the markets: Why SpaceX and Tesla stock prices are down

Investors seem to have grown more worried about spending on AI, robotics, and other ambitions that might not pay off.

24.07.2026 20

Fast Company

Michael Grothaus