• The app Clapper has surged in downloads amid a potential TikTok ban in the US.
• Clapper is a social-video app founded in 2020 and based in Texas.
• It offers an ad-free experience and monetization for creators.

Clapper, an upstart video and livestreaming app, has soared to third place in the free iPhone app download charts. The surge comes as TikTok awaits a decision from the Supreme Court about whether it will face a ban in the US.

Clapper was founded in 2020 when the first Trump administration initially floated the possibility of a TikTok ban. Bita Motiie, Clapper's head of operations, told BI that since then, Clapper has seen spikes in user growth any time the topic has been in the news.

"We've seen skyrocketing numbers of users joining us recently due to the fact that people are actively now looking for an alternative," Motiie said.

The top trending topic on Clapper on Wednesday was #TikTokRefugees.

A similar dynamic seems to have pushed the TikTok-like app Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, to No. 1 on the free iPhone apps leaderboard.

The US Congress passed a divest-or-ban law last year that will force TikTok to stop operating in the US if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, doesn't sell the app. TikTok told the Supreme Court that the app would "go dark" in the US on Sunday if the divestment deadline isn't extended. A Supreme Court decision on TikTok's future is expected this week and legal experts told BI they thought the justices would uphold the law.

"A lot of our focus right now is helping all these TikTok users join our platform and learn about the differences," Motiie said.

Clapper shares much of the same vertical video functionality as TikTok but differs in a few key ways. It's only available to users 17 or older and doesn't carry ads.

"People are being bombarded with ads 24/7 through their phones, and we want to provide a safe haven where creators can focus on that genuine connection with others," Motiie said.

Creators can earn money on Clapper by receiving gifts from other users in livestreams, group chats, and direct messages. Creators can also sell subscriptions to their content or items on Clapper Shop. Clapper takes a 30% commission from these earnings.

Clapper's content can appear rougher around the edges than some other social-media platforms. On opening the app in the UK on Wednesday morning, BI was served a video of a man seemingly getting a horrific eye injury after being hit in the face, a woman almost being gored by a bull, and sexually suggestive "thirst traps."

Users can turn off "not safe for work" content. The app also forbids sexually explicit content or nudity.

Motiie said Clapper was focused on hiring three to four additional community managers and utilizing AI moderation tools. Clapper is a small business at present, with around 20 staff based in Dallas, Texas.

A Clapper spokesperson said the company hadn't taken on any outside funding since 2023, when it raised $3 million in seed financing. The spokesperson said the company is profitable and that it is not currently seeking further investment.

Industry insiders say Clapper needs to move quickly to seize the moment

Asti Wagner, CEO of Invyted, an app that connects brands with influencers, said Clapper would need to move quickly to appeal to creators and refine its marketing to ensure its overnight popularity translates into lasting business success.

"TikTok was lucky in that it massively boomed in lockdown when everyone was on their phones," Wagner told BI.

"The 'no ads' thing is really interesting, but I don't know how long that will last," Wagner said. Social platforms, in general, tend to derive most of their revenue from ads.

Motiie said it was very unlikely Clapper would introduce ads over the next couple of years. However, that doesn't mean brands can't collaborate with Clapper creators, she added. Clapper is also encouraging brands to set up their own profiles on the app.

Gigi Robinson, a creator with more than 150,000 followers on TikTok, joined Clapper in 2020.

She's only posted four videos and grown her audience there to around 1,000 followers. However, Robinson said that in light of TikTok's precarious position, she's considering posting more content on Clapper and has been in touch with the company's partnership team to get her profile verified.

Whatever TikTok's ultimate fate is, Robinson said the potential of the app going dark has highlighted that creators shouldn't be over-reliant on any single platform for their audience and earnings.

"A majority of creators are scrambling right now," Robinson told BI. "That's going to be the lasting impact."

The US Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, accusing the carrier of selling flights with unrealistic schedules that operated chronically late.

According to the DOT, Southwest Airlines caused 90% of the delays on flights between Chicago Midway and Oakland, California, and between Baltimore and Cleveland, Ohio, during a five-month period in 2022.

The agency also announced a $650,000 fine to be paid by Frontier Airlines for similarly behind-schedule operations. Earlier this month, JetBlue was hit with a $2 million fine for chronic delays.

DOT did not immediately respond to questions about why Southwest was sued while the other airlines were fined.

In a statement, a Southwest spokesperson said the airline is "disappointed that the DOT chose to file a lawsuit over two flights that occurred more than two years ago. Any claim that these two flights represent an unrealistic schedule is simply not credible when compared with our performance over the past 15 years."

The spokesperson added that Southwest has operated more than 20 million flights without other infractions since the DOT's chronically delayed flight policy was enacted in 2009.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

President-elect Trump's pick to lead the Energy Department Chris Wright walked a fine line Wednesday as he called climate change "a real and global phenomenon" but remained skeptical during his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing.

Why it matters: Wright, the CEO of fracking company Liberty Energy, looked to temper his tone but stood by prior statements criticizing "climate zealots" and calling climate change not a pressing concern.

Driving the news: In his opening statement, Wright outlined three goals in front of the Energy and Natural Resource Committee if confirmed as energy secretary.

• He emphasized the importance of domestic energy production and the need to "lead the world in innovation and technology." And he called the resiliency of the nation's electrical grid "the most urgent energy issue today."
• In addition, he acknowledged that the combustion of hydrocarbons is contributing to climate change.

The intrigue: Colorado's U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat on the committee, introduced Wright, a longtime acquaintance, and announced his support for Trump's nomination.

• Hickenlooper called him a "scientist who is open to discussion," praising Wright's care for energy poverty issues and backing of a variety of energy technologies.
• A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, said the senator has not decided how he will vote on Wright's confirmation.

The big picture: Democrats, who consider it an existential threat, sharply criticized Wright on climate change while Republicans touted his support for nuclear energy and the oil and gas industry.

Zoom in: The tensest moment came when U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) pressed Wright on his prior comments about wildfires and climate change in the shadow of the deadly fires in southern California.

• Padilla quoted a prior Wright social media post saying: "the hype over wildfires is just hype to justify more improvement from bad government policies."

Wright said he stood by his comments but expressed sorrow about the devastation left by the Los Angeles area fires.

• "Tell that to the families of the more than dozen lost in these fires and counting," Padilla said in return.

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• As an interior decorator, there are quite a few items I'd skip when designing the bedroom.
• I think vibrant colors and busy patterns can disrupt valuable wind-down time before bed.
• Personally, I think too many mirrors can be distracting to a bedroom's overall design.

Polyester sheets may be cheaper than other fabrics but I still wouldn't buy them.

My go-to fabric for sheets will always be 100% cotton, followed by pricier linen and silk. But I always avoid polyester when it comes to bedding.

Polyester is made from plastic fibers and isn't as breathable as natural materials, making it unideal for temperature control. It can trap moisture and create static cling, which can disrupt comfortable sleep.

Unlike a cotton sheet, which will soften over time, polyester materials may show wear and tear more quickly with regular washes.

Busy patterns and vibrant colors may disrupt your wind-down time before bed.

I love to decorate with bright colors and bold patterns but I use them sparingly in a bedroom. A high-saturation color palette or a busy pattern can strain the eyes and energize the mind, making it more difficult to relax. 

Instead, I strike a balance between busy and bland by adding contrast with light shades, dark muted colors, and lots of varying textures to create visual interest and a relaxing environment.

For example, color enthusiasts could pair off-white wall paint with dark-navy velvet curtains. If you're a pattern lover, opt for the kinds that appear in textures, like in handwoven throw pillows.

Leave the wicker furniture at the beach house.

The natural-fiber furniture trend recirculates every couple of years. Though it looks cute amongst eclectic bohemian decor, I recommend leaving it out of the bedroom.

The distinct woven texture can add dimension but its numerous crevasses collect dust and add to your cleaning routine.

If you're OK with periodically vacuuming your headboard and really want to incorporate wicker furniture, go for a modern weave style. And unless you're decorating an actual beach house, I recommend using one or two accessories of rattan decor rather than an entire bedroom set.

Highly reflective finishes may be elegant but they don't make for a cozy feel.

High-gloss or polished finishes are great for elevating an atmosphere but I avoid using highly reflective items in the bedroom.

Polished marble tabletops, high-gloss painted walls, and chrome hardware can make the overall space feel less cozy, as they're visually harsh and tangibly cold. Keep those materials for spaces like the living room or office.

Instead, opt for brushed metal, warm wooden furniture, and nonreflective textiles and wall coverings. I even suggest matte paint finishes to absorb as much ambient light as possible.

Open closets and storage solutions can quickly turn into clutter.

Open-storage solutions have become more popular but the bedroom is one area where I wouldn't recommend having items out on display.

Creating a visually relaxing zone to wind down in can be challenging enough without having to worry about your sweaters being neatly lined up.

I prefer wardrobe solutions with solid doors and drawers so that your bedroom can feel streamlined and neat once all your items are put away. The less visual clutter, the better.

Avoiding mirrors in the bedroom is more than just superstition.

I think too many mirrors, especially across from or in view of the bed, can disrupt a good night's sleep. Some consider it bad luck, and in the practice of Feng Shui, it's believed that a mirror will reflect the energy of a room and potentially amplify negative energy.

I use mirrors sparingly so I don't catch any movement in them when it's time to unwind at night.

If you choose to incorporate a mirror into your space, try placing it thoughtfully to reflect light and give the illusion of more space without showing the bed. 

Nightstands without storage are a missed opportunity.

Though minimalistic nightstands create a light, airy look in pictures, the inconvenience of not having a bedside storage solution will get old fast. As clutter piles up along the tabletops, your space will turn from chic to stressful with nowhere to hide your unmentionables.

I always choose a nightstand with at least one fully concealed drawer. Having some open shelving for a book or two might add a nice touch but be mindful, as this can also create clutter.

For an extra touch of luxury, opt for nightstands with built-in charging stations so that you can tuck away your devices at night and avoid any lingering blue light.

Hardwood, poured-concrete, and tiled floors should never be left bare in the bedroom.

Hardwood floors might be popular, but I'd consider installing wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom. Carpet dampens sound, adds insulation to a space, and is luxuriously cozy to walk on barefoot.

That being said, permanent carpeting can be divisive among homeowners and renters and tends to show wear and tear more quickly than hardwood flooring.

If wall-to-wall carpeting isn't for you, opt for the perfect balance by incorporating large area rugs into your bedroom. As a low-traffic area, the bedroom can be an excellent place for a high-pile, plush, or even shag carpet.

Overhead lighting can overpower the bedroom.

Recessed lighting and large chandeliers will create a lot of light but might not fit the relaxing vibe of the bedroom. When creating a lighting design for the bedroom, I like to avoid overhead bulbs and focus on variety.

Incorporating built-in sconces and connecting bedside lamps or lighting accents to a wall switch are great ways to bring soft light into your bedroom.

If you love the look of a statement chandelier, incorporate a dimmer or smart-bulb setup to control your lighting.

Retire the matchy-matchy comforter and pillow trend.

Oftentimes, a comforter will come with two pillow shams or a collection of matching throw pillows to create a completed set. Though it may look coordinated, it doesn't give off the elevated look of a designer bedroom.

Instead, try coordinating stand-alone shams and throw pillows with the color palette of your comforter or bedroom.

Create variation by using solid sheets, textured throw pillows, and fabric patterns that go well together but don't make an exact match. This technique will enhance the bed as the focal point of the room, and you'll get to choose more comfortable pillow fabrics.

This story was originally published on August 10, 2023, and most recently updated on January 15, 2025.

• Erosion has come for yet another home on the billionaire hot spot island of Nantucket.
• A house last purchased in July was demolished on Tuesday.
• Buying on certain parts of the wealthy island has become a gamble as weather patterns intensify.

Just over six months after businessman Don Vaccaro signed the paperwork on his new property on Nantucket's coast, the beach house is no longer.

On Tuesday, the three-bedroom home was demolished after being condemned by the town after the coast eroded to within five feet of the structure, according to a filing by the town's conservation commission. Just last year, the property was valued at nearly $2 million by the town's assessor. Vaccaro spent only $200,000 on it.

The home's final demise was a surprise, Mike Melvin, the general manager at Holdgate Partners, which oversaw the demolition, told Business Insider. Just last year, his firm had updated the house when its septic tank fell into the ocean.

"It was a little bit surprising to see how fast things have eroded out there," he said.

Melvin blames storms this winter with strong southeast winds that chipped away at the island's southern shore.

"They'd be better with a nor'easter, to be honest," Melvin added.

By the end of the week, what remains of 28 Sheep Pond Road will either be turned into gravel or packed up and sent to a contractor to handle the disposal off-island. Melvin worries other homes in the area might still be at risk as the year goes on.

"It could be just one bad storm" that takes out other properties, Melvin said.

Buying a home on certain parts of Nantucket, an island off Cape Cod's coast known for attracting the ultrawealthy like billionaires Eric Schmidt and Steve Schwarzman, is a gamble. In recent years, erosion has led to the demolition of a handful of properties, many once valued at multiple millions of dollars. Other residents have spent seven figures to move their homes away from threatened bluffs.

Vaccaro, who did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, was well aware of the risk. He told the local newspaper, the Nantucket Current, that he lost more than $400,000 on the ordeal.

"The house may not last more than six months," Vaccaro told the Current when he purchased the home in July. "Inevitably, the ocean will win. The house is only temporary, everything in life is temporary."

Over the next 50 years, sea level rise, coastal flooding, and erosion are estimated to cause over $3.4 billion in cumulative damages to Nantucket, according to the island's 2021 Coastal Resilience Plan.

While there have been a number of firesales on particularly vulnerable properties, the island's larger real estate market has remained healthy. In 2024, the number of single-family homes sold on the island increased 11% year over year, according to data from local firm Fisher Real Estate. Since 2020, the number of homes sold on Nantucket for more than $10 million has increased 50% and the median home sale price reached an all-time high of $3.7 million.

"The concentration of wealth is quite stunning on Nantucket, and it keeps escalating," Bruce Percelay, a real estate developer and the publisher of the island's N Magazine, who has been vacationing on Nantucket for nearly all of his life, told BI last year. "To use a well-worn phrase, come hell or high water, people are still buying multimillion-dollar homes on Nantucket."

• Apple CEO Tim Cook said he plans to retire eventually but wants to keep working beyond traditional retirement age.
• Cook, 64, has led Apple since 2011. He said he strongly values intellectual stimulation and work.
• Cook has said he wants his successor at Apple to be an internal hire.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said he plans to retire eventually but doesn't think he'll stop working anytime soon.

Cook, who has led the tech giant since the death of founder and former CEO Steve Jobs in 2011, said in the "Table Manners" podcast with UK singer-songwriter Jessie Ware that he still wants the stimulation of work.

In the podcast, Ware's mother, Lennie Ware, asked Cook if he thought he would ever retire. Cook, 64, replied, "sure, but not the traditional definition of it."

He went on to say that he doesn't see himself "being at home doing nothing and not intellectually stimulated." Cook said he thinks he will always be "thinking about how tomorrow can be better than today."

"I think I'll always be wired in that way and want to work," Cook said. "I mean, I was working when I was 11 or 12."

Cook shared earlier in the podcast that he got his first job on a paper route at around 11 or 12 years old before graduating to "flipping burgers" at a local restaurant by the age of 14 or 15.

"My upbringing — a lot of it — was centered on work and the belief that hard work was essential for everybody, regardless of your age," Cook said.

Last month, Cook said in a Wired Q&A that he gets questions about his retirement from the CEO position "now more than I used to."

Apple has not made any statements about Cook's retirement. A Bloomberg report in May described company insiders as saying Cook's retirement was most likely at least three years away.

Apple did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider for this story.

The Bloomberg report listed several top executives' names as potential successors for Cook. John Ternus, a senior vice president of hardware engineering, and Jeff Williams, the company's chief operating officer, were thought to be frontrunners for the position.

Cook has also said he wants his successor to be an internal hire.

"I really want the person to come from within Apple," Cook told the pop star Dua Lipa on an episode of her podcast in November 2023.

Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) show that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is considering proposals to expand its immigration detention capacity in at least eight states.

Why it matters: The proposals going back to September show that the Biden administration was preparing for its own expanded detention of immigrants while Democrats attacked President-elect Trump for his mass deportation plan.

The big picture: The plans could give Trump a head start to launch the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history once he takes office since detention is the most costly and labor-intensive piece of deportation.

Zoom in: The ACLU said Wednesday that documents obtained through an open records request show proposals sought expansion of detention capacity in Michigan, California, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington state.

• They reveal that private prison corporations — and other companies that provide services to build temporary facilities, monitor compliance and staff facilities — submitted proposals for expanded immigration detention in response to ICE's contract requests.
• Documents show GEO Group, Inc., CoreCivic, Management and Training Corporation (MTC) and Target Hospitality, which provides temporary tent facilities, submitted proposals.

Zoom out: The proposals mentioned the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan, which is owned and operated by the GEO Group, Inc.

• Also cited was the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo, Texas, owned and operated by the GEO Group, Inc.
• Carrizo Springs, a tent facility previously used to detain immigrant minors in Carrizo Springs, Texas, owned by Target Hospitality, was also mentioned.

An ICE spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email from Axios.

What they're saying: "These records only further confirm ICE's work to expand immigration detention across the country," Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's National Prison Project, said in a statement.

• Cho said this includes in facilities "with clear records of abuse" and in areas where immigration detention has not previously existed.
• "Expansion of detention will only enable ICE to enact President-elect Donald Trump's plans for mass deportation."

Between the lines: The documents show that the Biden administration, just like the Obama administration, was involved in outlining its own stepped-up deportation plan while attacking Republicans for suggesting the same.

• Immigrant rights groups have criticized Trump's mass deportation plan and said it would strike fear in communities across the country.
• But many of the same groups have been reluctant to attack President Biden or Vice President Harris.
• Harris said she supported a bipartisan crackdown on immigration and border security, drawing criticism from smaller grassroots immigrant advocacy groups.

State of play: U.S. immigration courts are on pace to decide record numbers of deportation cases — and order the most removals in five years — under Biden's push to fast-track asylum decisions.

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported more than 271,000 people last fiscal year — the most in nearly a decade, according to an annual report released last month.

The intrigue: The discovery comes just weeks after the ACLU received its first and second tranche of FOIA documents revealing that ICE is considering expanding detention facilities in several states.

By the numbers: ICE currently only has around 38,000 people in detention — prioritizing noncitizens the border patrol arrested at the Southwest Border and noncitizens with criminal histories, according to ICE's annual report.

• To hold more people from a raid surge would require a mass building project of "soft detention" centers, or temporary ad hoc facilities, to house people.

What we're watching: The Trump administration can act on the proposals from the Biden administration and seek more.

"Food Wars" hosts Harry Kersh and Joe Avella travel across New Orleans to find the best seafood boil in the city. They'll be visiting three locations in one day to see what the city has to offer. This is "Food Tours."