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The hit open source autonomous AI agent OpenClaw may have just gotten mogged by Anthropic. Today, Anthropic announced Claude Code Channels, a way to hook up its own powerful Claude Code AI agentic harness to a human user’s Discord or Telegram messaging applications, letting them message Claude Code directly whenever they want while on the go and instruct it to write code for them. Official documentation is here.This isn’t just a new UI; it is a fundamental shift in how developers interact with AI agents, moving from a synchronous “ask-and-wait” model to an asynchronous, autonomous partnership. Previously, Claude Code users were stuck interacting with the agentic harness on the Claude desktop application, terminal or supported developer environment, and Claude mobile app through a somewhat flaky (in my experience) interconnection setting called Remote Control.Now, Anthropic is offering some of the same core functionality as OpenClaw that drove its rapid adoption among software developers and vibe coders following its release in November 2025 by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger (who, ironically, originally called his project “Clawd” in honor of Anthropic’s own AI model Claude which powered it initially, until Anthropic sent him a cease-and-desist for potential trademark violations. Steinberger was since hired by Anthropic’s rival OpenAI.)Central to OpenClaw’s appeal was its capability of allowing users to have a persistent, personal AI worker that they can message 24/7, whenever they feel like, over common messaging apps such as iMessage, Slack, Telegram, WhatsApp and Discord, and have their AI message them back — not just to chat with, but to perform real work for them on its own, from writing, sending and organizing email and files to creating whole applications, applying for jobs on the user’s behalf, to managing complete ongoing social marketing campaigns. When the AI finishes a task, it can immediately alert the human user over their preferred messaging platform.But OpenClaw also came with a high degree of security risk (since it could be given access to a user’s hard drive and file system, or other personal information, and run amok) and difficulty for non-technical users, inspiring a wave of offshoots promising greater ease and security, including NanoClaw, KiloClaw and Nvidia’s recently announced NemoClaw.By giving Claude Code this same basic functionality — the ability for users to message it from popular third-party apps Discord and Telegram, and have it message them back when it finishes a task — Anthropic has effectively countered OpenClaw’s appeal and offered something it does not: the Anthropic brand name with its commitment to AI security and safety, and ease of use right out of the box for less technically inclined users. Technology: The Bridge of the Model Context ProtocolAt the heart of this update is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) open source standard that Anthropic introduced back in 2024. Think of MCP as a universal USB-C port for AI: it provides a standardized way for an AI model to connect to external data and tools. In the new “Channels” architecture, an MCP server acts as a two-way bridge.When a developer starts a Claude Code session with the –channels flag, they aren’t just opening a chat; they are spinning up a polling service. Using the Bun runtime—known for its extreme speed in executing JavaScript—Claude Code monitors specific plugins (currently Telegram and Discord). When a message arrives, it is injected directly into the active session as a event. Claude can then use its internal tools to execute code, run tests, or fix bugs, and reply back to the external platform using a specialized reply tool.The technical achievement here is persistence. Unlike a standard web-chat that times out, a Claude Code session can now run in a background terminal or a persistent server (like a VPS), waiting for a “ping” to spring into action.How to set up Claude Code Connectors on Telegram and DiscordSetting up these native connectors requires Claude Code v2.1.80 or later and the Bun runtime installed on your desktop PC or Mac. Follow the instructions here or below.1. Setting up TelegramCreate your Bot: Open BotFather in Telegram and use the /newbot command to generate a unique bot and access token.Install the Plugin: Inside your Claude Code terminal, run: /plugin install telegram@claude-plugins-officialConfigure the Token: Run /telegram:configure to save your credentials.Restart with Channels: Exit Claude and restart using the channel flag: claude –channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-officialPair your Account: DM your new bot on Telegram to receive a pairing code, then enter it in your terminal: /telegram:access pair 2. Setting up DiscordCreate an Application: Go to the Discord Developer Portal, create a “New Application,” and reset the bot token to copy it.Enable Intents: In the Bot settings, you must enable Message Content Intent under “Privileged Gateway Intents.”Install and Configure: In Claude Code, run /plugin install discord@claude-plugins-official followed by /discord:configure .Launch and Pair: Restart with claude –channels plugin:discord@claude-plugins-official. DM your bot on Discord and use the /discord:access pair command to finish the link.Product: From Desktop to “Everywhere”The immediate practical impact is the democratization of mobile AI coding. Previously, if a developer wanted to check a build status or run a quick fix while away from their desk, they had to rely on complex self-hosted setups like OpenClaw.With Channels, the setup is native. A developer can create a Telegram bot via BotFather, link it to Claude Code with a /telegram:configure command, and “pair” their account with a security code. Once configured, the phone becomes a remote control for the development environment.The product also introduces a “Fakechat” demo—a local-only chat UI that allows developers to test the “push” logic on their own machine before connecting to external servers. This reflects Anthropic’s cautious, “research preview” approach, ensuring developers understand the flow of events before exposing their terminal to the internet.Licensing: Proprietary Power on Open StandardsThe licensing implications of this release highlight a growing trend in the AI industry: proprietary engines running on open tracks. Claude Code remains a proprietary product tied to Anthropic’s commercial subscriptions (Pro, Max, and Enterprise). However, by building on the open-source Model Context Protocol, Anthropic is encouraging a developer ecosystem to build the “connectors” that make their model more useful.While the core Claude “brain” is closed, the plugins for Telegram and Discord are being hosted on GitHub under official Anthropic repositories, likely allowing for community contributions or forks. This strategy allows Anthropic to maintain the security and quality of the model while benefiting from the rapid innovation of the open-source community—a direct challenge to the “free” but often fragmented nature of purely open-source agent frameworks.And because it’s built on MCP, the community can now build “Connectors” for Slack or WhatsApp themselves, rather than waiting for Anthropic to ship them.Community Reactions: ‘The OpenClaw Killer’The response from users, especially AI observers on X, was swift and definitive. The sentiment was best captured by Ejaaz (@cryptopunk7213), who noted that Anthropic’s speed of shipping—incorporating texting, thousands of MCP skills, and autonomous bug-fixing in just four weeks—was “fucking crazy.”For many, this update renders local-first agent frameworks obsolete. BentoBoi (@BentoBoiNFT) observed, “Claude just killed OpenClaw with this update. You no longer need to buy a Mac Mini. I say this as someone who owns a one lol,” referring to the common practice of developers buying dedicated hardware to run open-source agents like OpenClaw 24/7. By moving this persistence into the Claude Code environment, Anthropic has simplified the “hardware tax” for autonomy.AI YouTuber Matthew Berman summarized the shift succinctly: “They’ve BUILT OpenClaw.” The consensus among early adopters is that Anthropic has successfully internalized the most desirable features of the open-source movement—multi-channel support and long-term memory—while maintaining the reliability of a tier-one AI provider.While Anthropic’s Claude has long been a favorite for its reasoning, it remained a “brain in a jar”—a stateless entity that waited for a user to type before it could think. Meanwhile, open-source projects like OpenClaw thrived by offering “always-on” persistence, allowing developers to message their AI from Telegram or Discord to trigger complex workflows.Now, with Anthropic closing the gap, it’s up to the users to choose which approach is best for them.

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TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealOne of my favorite things to do when the seasons change is to swap out old bedding for new. I love jewel tones, so I dress both my master bedroom bed and my guest room bed in forest green and eggplant purple when it gets chilly. But as soon as warmer weather makes its appearance, I find myself in the mood for light, airy colors. If you do, too, Macy’s sale on the Ienjoy Home Ultra 3-Piece Duvet Set might be perfect for you.This beautiful set comes with a duvet and two matching shams (unless you opt for the twin size, which just comes with one). Made of soft microfiber with a zipper closure, this set makes it easy to change out your bedding anytime you’re in the mood.Ienjoy Home Ultra 3-Piece Duvet Set, $37 (was $110) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

Shop at Macy’sWhy do shoppers love it?This set has that Regency look that makes it feel like something you’d see in the bedroom of one of the ladies of Bridgerton. The white pattern features delicate damask scallops on a soft pink background. Its microfiber fabric is a soft, durable material that’s sturdier than natural fibers and is naturally stain-resistant thanks to its tight weave. It holds onto dye better than cotton, so this set won’t lose that vivid color.One thing to be aware of with microfiber is that it naturally traps heat, so it’s not an ideal pick for hot sleepers. On the other hand, it acts as a natural barrier against pet dander and pollen, so if you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies, it’s a perfect match for your needs. While the damask pattern does come in two colors, pink and gray, this duvet is available in other patterns, too. You can choose from florals, stripes, and even a polka-dot pattern for the same price.Since this is a duvet cover, you will need an insert, as this set does not come with one. Once you put it inside, you can use the corner ties to hold the insert in place so it doesn’t move around. It closes with a zipper, which I personally find much easier to use than the button closures many duvets have. Care is also easy, as it’s wrinkle-resistant and safe for machine-washing as long as you stick with cold water and tumble dry on low.Details to knowColors: Light gray and Romantic Damask Pink are available in this print.Material: Microfiber.Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king. Related: Walmart is a selling a 4-piece queen sheet set for only $48 right nowThis duvet set is well reviewed with more than 1,300 five-star ratings. Shoppers say they love the softness of the fabric and the convenience of the corner ties and zip closure. “I’m overall pleased with this duvet set. It washed well and looks and feels great,” one shopper wrote. “The quality is excellent for the price. I especially appreciate the zipper enclosures.”A second shopper wrote, “This duvet set is a perfect room makeover for spring. The colors are lovely, and not overly bright. The fabric is soft and washes easily. The weight of the cover adds warmth but doesn’t make it too heavy.”Shop more deals Kaycie Gray Star 3-Piece Duvet Set, $34 (was $100) at Macy’sElla Jayne Microfiber 3-Piece Duvet Set, $27 (was $80) at Macy’sSplendid Kona Seersucker 4-Piece Comforter Set, $18 (was $120) at Macy’sBrighten up your bedroom with the Ienjoy Home Ultra 3-Piece Duvet Set from Macy’s for only $37. Just be warned, it may make you want to spend more time in bed.

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It’s not exactly a secret that a core part of Costco’s business model is treating members well and making them feel valued.”The most important item we sell is the membership card,” Costco CEO Ron Vachris told Fortune magazine in 2024.Costco also recognizes that if it wants to retain members, it needs to keep investing in ways to improve the customer experience. Many people are cutting back on spending in the wake of persistently elevated living costs. For some, a Costco membership isn’t a given — it’s a luxury. “We continue to invest in building a larger pipeline of new warehouses, remodeling our existing warehouses to drive continued growth in high-volume buildings, expanding our depot network to support operations, and enhancing the member digital experience,” CFO Gary Millerchip told investors during the company’s most recent earnings call. And there’s another investment Costco is making that could make shopping there better. Costco invests in higher employee wagesCostco has always prided itself on treating its workers well. The company is known to have a competitive starting wage, and upward mobility within the company is common.In fact, Costco’s current CEO Ron Vachris began his career as a forklift driver. Now, he’s running the company.Related: Costco proves it’s winning the price war”We feel good that we will continue to reinvest,” Vachris said during Costco’s most recent earnings call. “That is what we do, both in employees and in pricing and in the business overall.”Last year, Costco shared plans to increase pay for most of its hourly U.S. store workers to more than $30 per hour, Reuters reported. And it seems the company is making good on that promise.In a recent Reddit thread, Costco employees shared what their hourly pay looks like. And the numbers were impressive.”I make 32.90 an hour while cashiering, and 33.90 an hour while driving a forklift in the morning,” said one employee.Another Redditor said they’re now making more than $40 per hour.But it’s not just that Costco pays a generous wage. As another Reddit user said, “I work 4-9 a.m. 5 days a week, and get great benefits for the family.”

Costco prides itself on treating its workers well.Shutterstock

Costco’s employee benefitsIn addition to competitive wages, Costco employees enjoy perks including the following.Health insurance, including dental and visionA 401(k) planLife insuranceShort- and long-term disability insurancePaid sick and vacation timeEmployee assistance programsEmployee stock options
Source: Costco
Costco’s approach to fair wages is great for membersClearly, Costco’s higher wages are a positive thing for the workers the company employs. But it’s not just Costco employees who benefit from competitive pay and incentives. Members get to benefit, too.When workers are treated well, they tend to treat customers well. Not only that, but a more stable workforce can lead to a better customer experience. Longer-term Costco employees know the stores inside and out and are equipped to clearly explain store policies. More Retail:Costco sees major shift in member behaviorRetail chain shuts all locations as legal changes hit industryCostco makes major investment in online shopping for membersT-Mobile launches free offer for customers after major lossLet’s remember that consumers these days have lots of choices when it comes to shopping for groceries and essentials. Discount grocers such as Aldi could seriously undercut Costco even when accounting for the savings that come with buying in bulk. And you don’t need a membership to shop at Aldi.But the value of a Costco membership isn’t just access to low prices. Rather, it’s about enjoying a consistently positive in-store experience — one that’s powered by satisfied employees who can focus on doing their jobs with less financial stress because they’re actually paid fairly.Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.Related: Sam’s Club fixes problem that’s a major pain point at Costco

Warren Buffett may be best known for his investing success, but his diet has also made headlines for years. He’s known to, like many people, drink Coca-Cola, eat McDonald’s and enjoy ice cream.
Those inexpensive foods may not be what you’d expect from one of the richest people in the world. But the legendary investor is famously frugal, and his spending habits provide three lessons for people who are working toward long-term financial goals.

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1. Buy based on value, not trends
Buffett’s diet includes cheap and simple staples — and the same goes for much of his investing strategy. He’s long been known to recommend low-cost index funds for most investors, and to warn investors against chasing exciting, speculative trends in the market.
You can apply this grocery (and investing) lesson to all spending categories. Instead of chasing flashy cars and expensive brands, sticking to simple, time-tested products pays off. But also, you shouldn’t buy cheap items that have no value. When shopping, consider which items will add value to your life and are durable, and go with those.
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2. Prioritize consistency over convenience
Buffett chooses what he likes and sticks with it. “If I eat 2,700 calories a day, a quarter of that is Coca-Cola. I do it every day,” the investor told Fortune in 2015.
While we’re certainly not advising you to do the same, his love for the soda does point to a lesson you can take for your finances: If you find a product or strategy that works for you, don’t constantly be tempted to change it up. It takes time and effort to make each decision. If you browse too many products, you might fill your shopping cart with unnecessary items. Knowing how you will spend your money and going into a grocery store with a shopping list can help keep your expenses under control.
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3. Spend on what makes you happy
Buffett lives frugally. He still resides in the home in Omaha, Nebraska he bought in the 1950s, and has often advised people to live below their means. But he’ll still spend on what makes him happy, like junk food (he told CNBC he’d give up a year of his life to eat how he wants).
You can apply this lesson by listing what makes you happy and cutting items from your spending that don’t fit into that category. Frugality doesn’t come down to how much money you have. As Buffett illustrates, some of the wealthiest people are careful about how they spend, not buying expensive homes and cars just because they can.
A small move like cutting an unnecessary subscription if it doesn’t bring you happiness means you’ll have more money to put into your savings and investments.
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