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China is moving to strengthen its alliances with other countries as a counterweight to President Donald The President’s trade war, presenting a united front with Latin American leaders a day after China and the U.S. agreed to a 90-day truce in their tariffs stalemate. China’s leaders have positioned the world’s second-largest economy as a reliable trade and development partner, in contrast to the uncertainty and instability from The President’s tariff hikes and other policies. On Monday, Beijing and Washington announced their breakthrough on tariffs after weekend talks in Geneva, Switzerland, where they agreed to cut sky-high import duties on both sides for 90 days to allow for negotiations. Still, Beijing’s ire over the trade war remains apparent. Speaking to officials from China and Latin America on Tuesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s stance that nobody wins a trade war and that “bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation.” Having moved to defuse antagonisms with the U.S., Xi said China stands ready to “join hands” with Latin countries “in the face of seething undercurrents of pure political and bloc confrontation and the surging tide of unilateralism and protectionism.” “There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars,” Xi said, reiterating a phrase China has used repeatedly when referring to The President’s policies. When The President began raising tariffs on Chinese products during his first term in office, China retaliated by diversifying its purchases of key farm products, such as soybeans and beef, away from U.S. suppliers. Brazil and other Latin American countries have benefited from that strategy. Also Tuesday, the head of the World Trade Organization appealed to Japan to fight disruptions to world commerce from The President’s fast-changing tariffs and other policies. “Trade is facing very challenging times right now and it is quite difficult,” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the Geneva-based WTO, told Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba while on a visit to Tokyo. Japan, as “a champion of the multilateral trading system” must help maintain, strengthen and reform the WTO, the Japanese Foreign Ministry cited her as saying. Japan is among many countries yet to reach a deal with the The President administration on hikes to U.S. tariffs, including those on autos, steel and aluminum. The WTO played a pivotal role in past decades as the U.S. and other major economies crusaded for the more open markets that facilitated the growth of global supply chains, many of which are anchored in China. By dismantling many protectionist barriers to trade, it has aided the ascent of Japan and China, and many other countries, as export manufacturing hubs. Since taking office for a second time, The President has prioritized higher tariffs to try to reduce U.S. imports and compel companies to locate factories in the United States, doubling down on a trade war that he launched during his first term. The realities of The President’s global trade offensive overshadowed an initial burst of optimism over the China-U.S. deal among investors, as rallies in stocks and oil prices faded on Tuesday. Speaking to the China-CELAC, or Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Forum, Xi, the Chinese leader, announced plans to build closer ties with Latin America through political, economic, academic and security exchanges. He promised to boost imports from the region, to encourage Chinese companies to increase their investments, and said Beijing plans to expand cooperation in clean energy, 5G telecommunications and artificial intelligence. He also announced a new 66 billion yuan ($9.2 billion) credit line to support Latin American and Caribbean financing. China’s trade with the region has been growing rapidly, exceeding $500 billion for the first time last year, as it imported more farm products such as soybeans and beef, energy resources such as crude oil, iron ore, and critical minerals. Beijing’s investments in the region through Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, have included installing 5G networks and building ports and hydropower plants. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Monday that his country would formally join the BRI—in a vote of confidence after several Chinese projects in Latin America hit snags in recent months. In other pledges, Beijing plans to invite 300 members from Latin American political parties to China annually for the next three years and facilitate 3,500 government scholarships and various other types of exchanges. Five Latin American countries will receive visa exemptions for travel to China, with more to follow, Xi said. It was not immediately clear which countries would become visa exempt. Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo. —Simina Mistreanu, Associated Press View the full article

Square, the popular business technology platform known for its Point of Sale (POS) systems, has launched a new device designed to allow sellers to ring up various kinds of purchases and perform other tasks without carrying around the extra weight of bulkier hardware. The Square Handheld, with a screen that is slightly bigger than a cellphone, is less than an inch thick, thin enough to fit in your back pocket. Handheld card readers currently on the market are bulkier, requiring sellers to use lanyards or handstraps to carry them around. The Square Handheld frees up hands for a more seamless integration into the user’s workflows. The device supports a full range of payment options, includes a camera and barcode scanner, and is designed to last. The device is IP54-rated, meaning it can handle water splashes and dust. Users can further protect the device by purchasing a case, offered on the Square online shop and developed in partnership with Belkin. At a product event in New York City last week, businesses that have already trialed the Square Handheld discussed both the device’s functionality and the connection to customers that the device helps facilitate. Staff at Cisco Brewers, originally established in Nantucket, Massachusetts, use the Square Handheld’s barcode scanner to verify customers’ IDs. Other restaurant owners say the device makes placing orders easier. “It’s tremendously helpful to place orders instantly at each table instead of waiting at a counter and entering multiple tables’ orders at once,” said Trevor Ledergerber, owner of La Mediterranee, in Berkeley, California, via a press release. Sellers also say they appreciate the connection it creates between businesses and clientele. Maricia Du Plessis, owner of Polly’s Cafe in Brooklyn, says that the device operates as a conversation starter as well as being convenient. “It helps to be able to be superclose to our customers—quite literally—and connect more deeply with them and really understand who they are and what drives their behavior and how we can observe them over time,” Du Plessis said. The device is supported by Square’s Point of Sale app, which features seven different modes of functionality, including Bar mode, Quick Service mode, and Retail mode, with the option to expand and customize features as a business grows. The Square Handheld includes customer profiles that businesses have already made with Square, and according to a press release, it can fit into any in-store workflow and is especially suited to restaurants and retailers. “Square Handheld fuses Square’s industry-leading design with powerful commerce software to deliver a dynamic device that empowers sellers to keep pace with the breakneck speed of modern business,” said Thomas Templeton, head of hardware for Block, Square’s owner, in a press release. The device is currently available for $399 on Square’s online store, with the accompanying Belkin SheerForce cases available for $39. View the full article

Letterboxd is the social media app of choice for many movie fans out there—and for good reason. The service has long been a platform for rating movies, sharing and viewing recommendations, and organizing your watch lists. Now, however, the company is gearing up for a new business model: on-demand video streaming. Letterboxd announced the news at the Cannes film festival on Tuesday. While the company's reveal is lacking many details, we do have some idea of what to expect. The new streaming service will be called the Letterboxd Video Store, and will host "shelves" of select titles. These movies are curated by Letterboxd, and are quite specific. According to the company, Letterboxd Video Store customers can expect to find movies in the film festival circuit, lesser-known movies, and films from around the world, as well as titles from new filmmakers. Letterboxd is making a point to offer movies that don't have a wide distribution yet, which means the service might offer a way for people to see a movie they otherwise never would have. You'll be able to rent these movies on-demand, similar to other services like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play, or during specified windows of time. As of yet, however, there is no release date or specific timeline for the feature. Letterboxd says that details on which movies they'll release, which regions they will support, and launch dates will be announced in "the coming months." Hopefully, those months come sooner rather than later. This sounds like a great feature, and a complement to other non-traditional streaming services like Mubi. In the meantime, if you're looking for ways to get more out of your Letterboxd experience, Lifehacker contributor Eric Ravenscraft recently offered five tips to make the most of the app—especially if you're willing to pay for Letterboxd's premium subscription tiers. View the full article

In recent years, Khan Academy founder Sal Khan has been most visible promoting the organization’s AI learning assistant, Khanmigo. But a second nonprofit he founded, called Schoolhouse, focuses on connecting students with their peers for human-centered educational interactions. Since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schoolhouse has connected students with trained and certified volunteer tutors, often around their own age, who help them understand a variety of academic subjects. Now, through a pilot with the College Board, these tutors also help students prepare for the SATs. “It was a very utopian idea that frankly a lot of people were very skeptical of—that you could attract volunteers, and vet them, and train them, and give high-quality tutoring at scale for free to other folks,” says Khan, who is also CEO of Schoolhouse. “But we built that first prototype, summer of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, and it worked.” As of Tuesday, Schoolhouse is publicly launching a new program called Dialogues, which connects students aged 14 to 18 via Zoom to respectfully discuss a variety of often-controversial cultural and political topics. Developed with experts in civil discourse, the program offers students discussion guides on subjects like immigration, gun control, climate change, universal basic income, and artificial intelligence. Ultimately, though, it relies on students to engage respectfully and learn from one another. “It’s not a debate,” Khan says. “You don’t have to convince the other person, but you do want to be able to give your point of view in a thoughtful way, and you want to be able to listen and be able to understand the other side’s point of view.” During sessions, students are identified only by their first names and last initials. While video is optional, Schoolhouse reports that about 75% of students in the pilot opted to keep their cameras on. After each conversation, students complete surveys reflecting on their experiences. Dialogues offer not only insights into differing perspectives but also teach students how to maintain respectful, productive conversations. “I often end up being the one who sort of leads the question, as in answers first,” says Claire, a participant in the program. (Schoolhouse requested that Fast Company only identify student participants by their first names, in keeping with Dialogues’ privacy practices.) “And I’ve learned how to do that in a way where I’m not running over the other people—where we really share our own different thoughts, and we dig a little bit deeper.” More than 600 students have participated in the pilot phase, holding over 2,000 Dialogue sessions. Participants can also start Dialogues clubs through Schoolhouse to help organize sessions. “It’s our dream that one day, Dialogue Clubs will be just as common as Debate Clubs,” Khan wrote in a blog post. Students can also receive official portfolios from Schoolhouse documenting their participation and peer feedback. By connecting students across geographic regions, Dialogues expose them to viewpoints and ideas they may not encounter in their everyday lives. “In my daily life, I really thought I met a lot of different people, and I was kind of tapped in with a bunch of different areas of the community,” says David, a participant. “But once you go into Dialogues, you realize that there’s a lot more breadth to the world around you.” Zoom offers a more intimate, one-on-one setting than typical internet message boards—without the cost and complexity of travel. “We had two American students talking to two Chinese students in China about free speech,” Khan says. “I don’t know how you pull that off in person without some super-expensive exchange program.” Several colleges—including the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, MIT, Vanderbilt University, Columbia University, Colby College, Northwestern University, and Washington University in St. Louis—have said they will officially consider Dialogues portfolios as part of admissions applications. Students who volunteer to tutor through Schoolhouse can also build similar portfolios. Khan says his team has, with student permission, shared transcripts and recordings of Dialogues with school officials to help them understand the program, and the response has been positive. “Their consensus is, this is incredible,” he says. “Like, these are kids that we would want to accept.” View the full article

A new paid internship program, set to begin this summer, will allow select college students to work on the reconstruction of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed last year. The program, which was announced Monday, is the result of a partnership between The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Interns will be hired as temporary state employees and get hands-on experience in areas like project management, environmental and construction management, as well as community outreach activities for the historic project. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. “The goal of the internship program is to strengthen collaboration skills among interns, foster community engagement, and help students build professional networks that will serve them well in their future careers,” Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Paul J. Wiedefeld said in the announcement. The unique internship opportunity is fairly selective. More than 80 students from the University of Maryland College Park, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Johns Hopkins University applied for the inaugural session. Only 10 were selected. Those interns will work alongside engineers and other experts involved in the construction from June through August 2025. As the Key Bridge project develops, the MDTA and MHEC plan to continue bringing on more students to participate. Per the announcement, the internship program will run until construction is complete. The Maryland Department of Transportation, says the bridge could take four years to rebuild, and cost up to $1.9 billion. Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024 after a cargo ship lost power and slammed into the structure. Six construction workers, who were making repairs on the bridge at the time, died in the incident. The bridge, which took five years to build, opened in 1977. Around 34,000 vehicles crossed it every day in the years leading up to its collapse. The new bridge will be taller than the original, to accommodate larger ships, and will have other structural improvements. The cable-stay design was released to the public in February. “Maryland’s first cable-stayed bridge will rise, not just replacing what we lost, but revealing what we have found—strength and unity—in this state,” Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said of the new design at the time. “We stand here today united stronger than ever before, ready to rebuild, ready to show the nation what Maryland is made of. . . . This bridge will stand as a beacon of perseverance.” View the full article

Inflation data helps Wall Street benchmark rebound from 15 per cent fall sparked by Donald The President’s tariffsView the full article

We now seem unable to turn the surplus in some countries into productive investment elsewhereView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The Peloton functional threshold power test (known most often as the FTP test) is a brutal 20-minute slog that is, well, uncomfortable to do. It's also important, especially if you want to start taking Power Zone classes on your Bike or Bike+. At the end of this miserable little ride, ideally, you'll feel accomplished. You'll also have some data about your general fitness level. Even though it's not fun—unless you are one of those people who finds a lot of fulfillment in hard work and/or suffering—it is useful, which is why I want to encourage you to finally do it if you never have or redo it if it's been a while. What is the FTP test for? The purpose of the much-feared FTP test is to gauge your general fitness level by figuring out a benchmark for your spinning sessions and customize what the company calls "power zones." Peloton will set power zones from one to seven for you if you choose to engage in those types of classes. (Read more about this specific class type here.) Even if you're not going to do Power Zone classes, knowing your functional threshold power and tracking it by repeating the test every four to six weeks can help you get a broader sense of how well you're doing with your training. During the test, you ride as hard as you can for 20 minutes. That's really it. Your FTP, as the instructor will explain to you, is 95% of your average power during that test—it's meant to represent what your average output would be if you were to actually go as hard as possible over the course of an hour. Honestly, be grateful it's not an hour. How to access the FTP test (and what to expect)It's actually a little tricky to find this devil. First, I found "Discover Your Power Zones" under the Programs tab on my bike's touchscreen, but once I had enrolled in a Power Zone course, it didn't even start with the test. That was to come after a few workouts—in that course, anyway—and the workouts only unlock week by week. I didn't want to wait weeks, so I tried a different method. I just navigated to Classes, then filtered search results to "Power Zone" and "Length: 20 minutes." A number of FTP tests came up. Really, these are just 20-minute rides in the standard class format. There is an instructor, a playlist, and an on-screen display letting you know your cadence and resistance. If you've taken a single class on a Peloton bike, it will be familiar to you. If you have not taken a class on the Peloton bike, please do that a few times first so you know how the machine works. There's also a meter across the bottom of the screen letting you know which power zone you're in at a given time, but if it's your first time taking the test, it's going to be more of an estimate of what the zones should be, since it hasn't really been customized to you and your fitness level yet. Let me explain a little more. The zones range between one and seven, with one being easiest and seven being hardest, and represent your output, which is a number that combines your resistance (how hard it is to pedal) with your cadence (how fast your legs are moving). If your resistance is up and you're pedaling fast, you'll scoot yourself into a higher zone. This is especially relevant when taking a Power Zone class after completing your FTP test, since the zones will be automatically calibrated to your own fitness level. That is to say, your "zone four"—when you're huffing and puffing but still able to operate just fine—might be a different output number from someone else's. Some unfortunate news: No matter which instructor you choose for your FTP test, they'll always encourage you to start in zone four and move up from there over the course of 20 minutes. This is why a warmup before the test is crucial, but we'll get to that. My first FTP experienceFirst of all, I want it on the record that this is a decently difficult endeavor. I am saying that as someone who teaches at least three cycling classes per week, has done so for four years, lifts about four times per week, and also rides the Peloton bike for at least 15 minutes every day (but usually more). I am not an exercise novice. Still, my first FTP test kicked my ass. After finding it among my filtered class search results, I approached my FTP test, led by Olivia Amato, with a very foolish mindset of, "How hard can it be?" It can be hard. You start in zone four and are instructed to increase your resistance periodically, moving through the zones at a rate of about one every five minutes until you're in zone seven, pushing as hard as you can. The FTP test I chose stuck with a cadence around 90, though I've checked out a few others using my Peloton app and noticed they vary. Christine D'Ercole's FTP test, for instance, starts at a cadence of about 80. Each class has user-generated difficulty ratings, so check those if you're unsure which instructor to choose. Denis Morton's FTP test scores a whopping 9.8 out of 10 on the difficulty scale while Amato's has a 9.2 and D'Ercole's has a 9.3. Keep in mind that you don't have to stay at the cadence they're suggesting. This is a test of your abilities, so perform to your abilities only. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Over the 20 minutes, Amato said a lot of encouraging things. A few selections: "Today is one of those days where we get to work hard, where we get to show up for ourselves, so do it with everything that you have, everything that you are. That's what you deserve to give yourself." "Celebrate the fact that we get to do this together, that you're capable, that you're here, that you're alive, that we're breathing, that we're moving, that we get to work hard. Celebrate the fact that you showed up today." "I want you to really start to step into your potential. We already know it's there so let's start to bring it to life." It went on like this for the full 20 minutes. Amato, for sure, is good at her job because by the end of this test I was not interested in continuing, but her peppy little encouragements did make me (begrudgingly) keep at it. Of note, participants are encouraged not to come out of the saddle unless they really need a break. I challenged myself to not lower my resistance even once, but only raise it every few minutes, so that was really tough. In the end, my highest output over the course of 20 minutes was 394 watts. My best cadence was 124 rpm. Per my Apple Watch, my average heart rate was 144 bpm. Even if I didn't get a bunch of data out of this that enables me to track my progress—which I certainly love to do—this was a damn fine workout. You want me to reveal my ultimate FTP score, I know. I am not doing that. First of all, I'm not doing that because I scored lower than I expected to. (I partially attribute that to hubris and partially attribute that to first-time confusion and poor preparation. I'll get to my prep tips in a minute.) But also because, for as structured as this test is, it's also very subjective and is not a decisive or thorough overview of your health and fitness. This score is just one benchmark. It can be affected by so many things, from your age and experience level to how nutritious your breakfast was and how much sleep you got the night before. Don't take your score as anything more than a benchmark upon which you can build some training plans. Don't compare your score to mine (not that I'm allowing it) or to the hundreds of Peloton users who post theirs on Reddit. Only compare your score to the next score you get, and even then, do it with some grace for yourself. Like your weight or BMI, this is just a number in a big sea of numbers that, all together, still don't paint the full picture of your health and wellness, let alone do that individually. Preparing for your FTP testTo prepare for my FTP test—which I decided to do on the same day I even made up my mind to do it at all, which was my first mistake—I put on my all-time favorite workout set and drank a protein-powder smoothie while I relaxed for exactly 30 minutes, then drank some pre-workout mixed into a bottle of water and did a 15-minute warmup while I waited for it to kick in. That's about it! A few critical errors were made by me right off the bat: I slept badly the previous night and woke up before the sun to... lift and teach a spin class. My breakfast was a granola bar I found in my bag on the way to the gym and, by the time I started my FTP test, I had already banged out 90 minutes of strenuous exercise earlier in the day. The good news is that if I can do it in unideal circumstances, we can all do it in great ones. Here's what you should do: Because this is designed to be a test of your optimal output, do it on an optimal day! There's no rush. Sometimes, I like to hop on my bike on a day I'm feeling down because it perks me up, but this is not the time for an FTP test. Instead, pick a day when you're feeling good. Be well rested. Don't over-exert yourself beforehand and make sure you get sufficient sleep the night before. Eat something nutritious. It doesn't have to be right before you hop on the bike (and, for what it's worth, I'm not a big believer in eating too soon before cardio), but you should have some fuel in the tank to perform well. Hydrate before and during. It sounds obvious, but it's key. I don't love water so I find ways to trick myself into hydration. Right now, I'm obsessed with my Owala water bottle because it's comfy in the hand and easy to grab from the cup holder, plus the unique sipper-and-straw combo makes it easy to swig from even if I'm riding hard. I also keep some SaltStick FastChews—chewable electrolyte tablets—with me when I'm spinning because they're easier to gobble up and taste better than plain water. Whatever works for you and motivates you to stay hydrated, take advantage of it for this. Do a warmup. There are FTP-focused warmups available on Peloton. You'll see them when you filter your classes by "Power Zone" but before you filter for 20-minute rides, as they are either 10 or 15 minutes long. These are meant to ease you into the right physical and mental space since, again, the test starts in zone four. Do whatever self-talk you have to. I'm not a flowery person. I don't like inane platitudes and I never say corny motivational stuff when I'm teaching a class. We are trying to burn some calories and strengthen our cardiovascular systems here, not find nirvana or whatever. That said, this is the moment for some peppy self-motivation. Remind yourself, first of all, that you can do it, that you know you can do it, and that when, 16 minutes in, you want to stop, there's no reason you should. Have a little plan in place for what, precisely, you're going to say to yourself when you want to slow down or give up. Remember this isn't that serious. This is not the end-all, be-all final word on your overall health. I actually really like what D'Ercole said in Peloton's blog post about the FTP test: "Riders should not be afraid of the FTP test because it is not a judgment on one's fitness. It is simply about taking a moment to recognize where one is at that moment in time, on that particular day. Over time and retakes, it may go up and it may go down, either incrementally or dramatically. It is not a linear process. It is not a scale. It is not a compass. Understanding these things will help remove the fear from the experience." And don't forget you can take it again. In fact, I'm going to again today. I'm interested in seeing if there's any notable difference in my score when I better prepare. It's just as instructive for me to understand how—or if—my body and capacity change in the span of 24 hours as it is to finish up a tough ride and be shown an FTP score. Try taking the test at a few different points. Try different times of day or after eating certain things. At the completion of an FTP test, you're given the option to keep your score as your benchmark for Power Zone classes, but you don't have to, so you might as well play around and see what you can discover. View the full article

Some important news for million of 23andMe customers, past and present: the genetic testing company notified customers on Sunday, they now have until July 14 to file potential claims as the company navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to according to TechCrunch. The DNA testing firm, which filed for bankruptcy in March, along with 11 of its subsidiaries, must pay customers as part of its bankruptcy restructuring process. FastCompany has reached out to 23andMe for comment. 23andme, which provided DNA analysis to offer insights into ancestry, health traits, and genetic risks filed for Chapter 11 after it rejected acquisition offers and its market value plummeted in the wake of a massive data breach in 2023. That breach impacted nearly 7 million users by exposing their names, birth years, relationship labels, percentages of DNA shared with relatives, ancestry reports, and self-reported locations, according to TechCrunch. Multiple class action lawsuits followed, as did mass layoffs, staff in-fighting, while its market value plunged from its 2021 peak at $6 billion. How can I file a 23andMe claim? There are three ways 23andme customers can file a claim. If you were a 23andme customer between May 1 and October 1 2023 can file what is known as a Cyber Security Incident Claim if you were also notified by 23andMe that your personal information was compromised in a data breach that was discovered and disclosed by 23andMe in October 2023. Alternatively, customers who suffered financial or other damages due to that 2023 breach can submit a claim as part of the bankruptcy case. Finally, customers who have grievances about the DNA test results or the company’s telehealth services, that don’t directly pertain to the breach, can submit a claim using the General Bar Date Package. If you have more questions about 23andme’s Chapter 11 filing, data privacy, or the deadline to file a proof of claim, view 23andme’s customer support page. View the full article

Government has already cut $2.2bn in funding to university and US president threatened to scrap its tax-exempt statusView the full article

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is likely to scratch and rework its open banking rule, at a time when the agency's fate is in doubt. View the full article

As the Class of 2025 graduates into an uncertain and fast-changing working world, they face a crucial question: What does it mean to be successful? Is it better to take a job that pays more, or one that’s more prestigious? Should you prioritize advancement, relationship building, community impact or even the opportunity to live somewhere new? Sorting through these questions can feel overwhelming. I am a business school professor who spends a lot of time mentoring students and alumni in Generation Z — those born between 1997 and 2012. As part of this effort, I’ve surveyed about 300 former undergraduate students and spoken at length with about 50 of them. Through these conversations, I’ve watched them wrestle with the classic conflicts of young adulthood — such as having to balance external rewards like money against internal motivations like wanting to be of service. I recently revisited their stories and reflections, and I compiled the most enduring insights to offer to the next generation of graduates. Here’s their collective advice to the Class of 2025: 1. Define what matters most to you Success starts with self-reflection. It means setting aside society’s noise and defining your own values. When people are driven by internal rewards like curiosity, purpose or pleasure in an activity itself — rather than outside benefits such as money — psychologists say they have “intrinsic motivation.” Research shows that people driven by intrinsic motivation tend to display higher levels of performance, persistence and satisfaction. Harvard Business School professor Teresa Amabile’s componential theory further suggests that creativity flourishes when people’s skills align with their strongest intrinsic interests. The alternative is to “get caught up in society’s expectations of success,” as one consulting alum put it. She described struggling to choose between a job offer at a Fortune 500 company or one at a lesser-known independent firm. In the end, she chose to go with the smaller business. It was, she stressed, “the right choice for me.” This is crucial advice: Make yourself proud, not others. One related principle I share with students is the “Tell your story” rule. If a job doesn’t allow you to tell your story – in other words, if it doesn’t mirror your vision, values, talents and goals – keep looking for a new role. 2. Strive for balance, not burnout A fulfilling life includes time for relationships, health and rest. While many young professionals feel endless pressure to hustle, the most fulfilled alumni I spoke with learned to take steps to protect their personal well-being. For example, a banking alum told me that business once dominated his thoughts “24/7.” He continued, “I’m happier now that I make more time for a social life and paying attention to all my relationships – professional, personal, community, and let’s not forget myself.” And remember that balance and motivations can change throughout your life. As one alum explained: “Your goals change and therefore your definition of success changes. I think some of the most successful people are always adapting what success means to them – chasing success even if they are already successful.” 3. Be kind, serve others and maximize your ‘happy circle’ “Some people believe to have a positive change in the world you must be a CEO or have a ton of money,” another alum told me. “But spreading happiness or joy can happen at any moment, has no cost, and the results are priceless.” Many alumni told me that success isn’t just a matter of personal achievement – it’s about giving back to society. That could be through acts of kindness, creativity, innovation, or other ways of improving people’s lives. A retail alum shared advice from her father: “When your circle is happy, you are going to be happy,” she said. “It’s sort of an upward spiral.” Your “happy circle” doesn’t need to consist of people you know. An alum who went into the pharmaceutical industry said his work’s true reward was measured in “tens of thousands if not millions of people” in better health thanks to his efforts. In fact, your happy circle doesn’t even need to be exclusively human. An alum who works in ranching said he valued the well-being of animals – and their riders – more than money or praise. 4. Be a good long-term steward of your values Success isn’t just about today — it’s what you stand for. Several alumni spoke passionately about stewardship: the act of preserving and passing on values, relationships and traditions. This mindset extended beyond family to employees, customers and communities. As one alum who majored in economics put it, success is “leaving a mark on the world and creating a legacy that extends beyond one’s quest for monetary gain.” One alum defined success as creating happiness and stability not just for herself, but for her loved ones. Another, who works in hospitality, said he had a duty to further his employees’ ambitions and help them grow and develop – creating a legacy that will outlast any title or paycheck. In an analysis by the organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, Gen Z employees were found to be more prone to burnout when their employers lacked clear values. These findings reinforce what my students already know: Alignment between your values and your work is key to success. Final words for the Class of 2025 To the latest crop of grads, I offer this advice: Wherever life takes you next — a family business or corporate office, Wall Street or Silicon Valley, or somewhere you can’t even imagine now — remember that your career will be long and full of ups and downs. You’ll make tough choices. You’ll face pressures. But if you stay grounded, invest in your well-being, celebrate your happy circle and honor your values, you’ll look back one day and see not just a job well done, but a life well lived. Bon voyage! Patrick Abouchalache is a lecturer in strategy and innovation at Boston University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. When I bought my first robot vacuum, I thought my floors would thereafter be effortlessly spotless—endlessly patrolled by a 24/7 custodian, with absolutely no work required on my part. Today, there are never less than three robot vacuum cleaners installed in my small home at any given time. And yet I am definitely not doing nothing to keep my floors clean. While I’m certainly doing less daily upkeep, I would not say my floors are spotless, nor that I have been alleviated of all floor-related housework. Here’s what I wish I’d known about what robot vacuums can and can't do, and how much human effort they require. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,799.98 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $1,799.98 at Amazon Narwal Freo Z Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,499.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $1,499.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg 3i S10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,399.99 at Amazon $1,899.99 Save $500.00 Shop Now Shop Now $1,399.99 at Amazon $1,899.99 Save $500.00 Saros 10 Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,599.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $1,599.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Saros 10R Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,618.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $1,618.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Narwal S20 Stick Mop $499.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $499.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg SEE 3 MORE You'll have to rearrange your furniture The Freo Z navigating around an air purifier on the floor Credit: Amanda Blum When you hire someone to clean your home, you typically don’t move furniture around yourself to make their job easier,. For your robot vacuum, you might have to. While these robots have gotten much better at navigation, the less there is on the floor, the easier it will be for them to clean. Each table leg, chair and floor lamp is another obstacle to be worked around, and it’s worth knowing that most robots can’t get as close to table legs and floor lamps as you would be able to with a stick vacuum. Nor can they move a piece of furniture aside to get under it. As such, you will have to make some changes to your floor plan if you want to make the most of your new robot friend. More important than furniture relocation is the trend of having less on the floor, generally. If you like to let a laundry pile accumulate, have potted plants or a stack of books, you’ll end up relocating those items to give your robot better access. Corded items are particularly tricky, so the less cords on the floor, the better. Over time, I’ve learned to suspend the cords from the wall, and keep them wound as much as possible so nothing trails on the floor. I was recently quite impressed with the Roborock 10R, which relied solely on AI assisted cameras. The navigation skills of the robot were great, allowing it to venture into tight and low spaces that other robots hadn't. Robot vacuums can't clean near their docks the robot can't navigate around the Eureka tower, so debris accumulates around it Credit: Amanda Blum It's an unsurprising fact that robot vacuums can only clean where they can reach. Where they can’t reach, you’ll still see dirt and debris. All robot cleaners have a dock of some sort, and many now come with self emptying towers, which usually work exceptionally well at emptying the robots of dirt so you don’t have to do it manually. Given all of this automation, it's a bit ironic that the dirtiest place in your home might well be right around the tower or dock itself. As these towers are usually tucked into a corner or small space, detritus can easily accumulate around them, but the robot can’t move around the tower to clean it up. As the robot returns to the dock, it sweeps dirt with it, and it all eventually winds up at the foot of the tower. This Roomba can't navigate into the small space underneath this plant stand, so instead it just kicks debris into the space. Credit: Amanda Blum Only the latest robots (like the 3i S10 Ultra) are at all good at cleaning around the base of pieces of furniture and thresholds between rooms. With most robots, you'll usually still find a band of dust and grime against the wall and around any items that the robot can’t easily clean. And then there are all the spaces too narrow or too low for the robot to slide into. While a few robots, like the Narwal Freo Z, have a fluffy pad that’ll occasionally rub against the base board to dust it, they don't do any real cleaning, so you’ll need to clean your baseboards manually, too. Again, you can rearrange your space to allow the robot more autonomy by making sure any spaces you want to be cleaned allow clearance of at least 1.5 times the width of the robot, and enough vertical height that the robot can reach it. This is always going to be a bit of a losing game, however, which is why I still have a stick vacuum I use to quickly suck up debris from narrow spots the robot can’t reach, the corners and edges that the robot can get close enough to, and against the wall and thresholds. Robots are best at vacuuming up only certain types of debrisThe same way you might organize before a visit from a cleaning professional, you’ll find yourself pre-sweeping for your robot. While robots are reliable at getting up dust and small detritus like rice or cereal, they’re not great at large debris, which means anything larger than a standard dice cube. Pieces of mulch, pet toy fluff, kitchen scraps, bobby pins, and pocket change will all get caught in a robot's rollers and need to be fished out. Pre-sweeping is a way to avoid that annoying task by getting up larger items of debris and leaving the rest for the bot. (But once again allow me to praise the 3i S10 Ultra, which has excelled at vacuuming up larger debris than any other robot vacuum I'd ever tested.) Even if your robot vacuum has a mop, you'll need to mop manually This Roborock is starting to get up the muddy pawprints, but it takes many passes Credit: Amanda Blum Most robot vacuums are now combo vacuums and mops.Some models are great at mopping—sometimes even better than they are at vacuuming. The docking tower empties the mop of dirty water, fills it with clean water, and sanitizes everything afterward. With the combined functions of vacuuming and mopping your floors will surely be clean, right? Not necessarily. Robot mops are great at cleaning up surface spills. What they’re less good at is scrubbing away stains and compound floor messes like mud or spilled food. While most robots can mostly get muddy paw prints up after a number of passes, doing so requires a lot of water, battery life, and time, and I’ve yet to find a single robot mop that is good at getting grime out of tile or wood floors. The robot simply can’t put enough pressure on the mop to really scrub the floor. For these reasons, you’ll need to keep an old-fashioned mop around, and you should expect to have to give the floor a good, hardy mop every few days and use real elbow grease to get out grime. Once the floor is clean, repeated patrols by the robot mop can help stave off new grime deposits, but they’re inevitable, so don’t assume your mopping days are over. If mopping is your priority, I recommend highly Roborock models that have a singular vibrating mop pad, versus twin spinning mops. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra remains one of my top recommendations. Robot vacuums are slowWith most robot vacuums working with voice assistants like Google, Alexa, or Apple, its well within the realm of possibility to simply ask the robot to “clean up around the high chair” after dinner (presuming you’ve set up a zone around the high chair, and it is always in the same approximate spot). If you’ve got such a routine set up, the robot will begin whatever pre-deployment practices it has, whether that’s filling the water resivior or orienting or cleaning the mop head, and eventually will amble over to the intended spot and proceed to take its time cleaning. Though still not particularly fast in getting to the spot you pin, Roborock's Pin and Go feature allows you to quickly place a pin on your floor map and the robot will proceed immediately to that spot to clean. This feature is available on all premium Roborock models, including the latest Saros 10 and 10R. Roborock lets you put a pin on the map for the robot to proceed to Credit: Amanda Blum If you’ve got the time to spare, great. But if your kid spills a cup of orange juice on the floor, you might not be willing to wait the five to 10 minutes it will take the robot to get to the spot in question and start cleaning when you could grab a mop or towel and be done in under a minute. For that reason, I'm still happy to have a Narwal S20, a newer model stick mop I can quickly grab, mop as needed, and then put back on the dock, all without having to get my hands dirty. Robot vacuums occasionally require human interventionRobot vacuums can range wildly in price (from $200 to $2,500) and quality, and they are getting more intelligent and feature-rich all the time. Robots that have AI on board can actually learn about your home and get better at cleaning it over time. Despite all of that, however, your robot will need your intervention more than you’d like. Depending on how good a model you own, you will likely need to routinely unclog the rollers (the most common robot vacuum maintenance task). Your robot will also get stuck—sometimes because there is a new obstacle for it to navigate around, like a waylaid toy or sock, or a loose cord under the couch the robot gets stuck on it. Sometimes, it will simply gets lost. The bottom line is, even the best robots can’t be left on their own for weeks at a time. Most will require a human around eventually to get them back to the dock, clear the rollers, unclog it any clogs in the mopping system, and/or change the water in the dock. If all of this hasn't scared you away from getting one, your goal should be to choose a robot that matches your home and needs, and that enough features that you won't be following it around every day, making sure it does its job. View the full article

Commitments come as Donald The President begins first leg of three-nation tour of oil-rich GulfView the full article

Following its initial reveal early last month, Nintendo has been drip-feeding announcements about the Switch 2, and two announcements recently posted to the Nintendo Today app are especially exciting. The company revealed that your Switch 2 will have a feature that can limit charging speeds once it hits around 90%, in order to reduce battery degradation. But perhaps more exciting, especially for parents or kids with nosy siblings, is that you'll be able to use a PIN to lock your Nintendo Switch 2. Set charging limits on Nintendo Switch 2 Credit: Nintendo In a feature similar to the 80% charge limit on iPhones, Nintendo Switch 2 will optionally let you stop charging the device once the battery reaches around a 90% charge. This could help reduce battery degradation on your Switch 2, which could stave off repairs in the future. That said, the settings page mentions that your Switch 2 may still occasionally charge to 100% to ensure accurate display of the console's battery level. Once you have your Switch 2, you can enable this feature by going to Settings > System > Stop Charging Around 90%. This is a great feature when you consider that many people will near permanently leave their Switch 2 in docked mode. Lock your Switch 2 with a PIN Credit: Nintendo Got someone in your house that you don't trust with your console? The good old PIN lock is finally coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. The default screen lock on the original Nintendo Switch would require you to press a button thrice to unlock the console, which wasn't great for security. With the Switch 2, you can lock the console with a PIN, which is better for those who want to stop people from using their console without permission. To enable a screen lock on your Switch 2, go to Settings > System > System Lock and enable the feature. This means that you'll have to enter a PIN every single time you wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode. Such is the price of improved security. Personally, the slight inconvenience is worth it for me, and I'm sure any parents with kids who are always trying to sneak in extra screen time would agree. View the full article

Five American small businesses will ask a U.S. court on Tuesday to halt President Donald The President’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, arguing the president overstepped his authority by declaring a national emergency to impose across-the-board taxes on imports from nations that sell more to the U.S. than they buy. Tuesday’s hearing before a panel of three judges at the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade will be the first major legal test of The President’s tariffs. The lawsuit was filed by the nonpartisan Liberty Justice Center on behalf of five small U.S. businesses that import goods from countries targeted by the tariffs. The companies, which range from a New York wine and spirits importer to a Virginia-based maker of educational kits and musical instruments, say the steep “Liberation Day” tariffs that The President imposed on April 2 are illegal and will hurt their ability to do business. Small businesses are being harmed by the threat of increased costs, as well as “minute by minute changes” that prevent them from planning ahead, said Jeffrey Schwab, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. “Our clients have no certainty on what the tariffs are going to be at any point, and that’s exactly the problem,” Schwab said. “One person shouldn’t have unilateral authority to impose tariffs on every country at any rate, at any time that he wants.” The Liberty Justice Center’s lawsuit is one of seven court challenges to The President’s tariff policies, and it is the first to seek a ruling that would stop the tariffs from moving forward. The Court of International Trade previously rejected the small businesses’ request to temporarily pause the tariffs while their lawsuit went forward, but then quickly scheduled Tuesday’s court hearing to decide whether to rule against the tariffs or impose a longer-term pause. The President imposed the new tariffs on April 2, saying the U.S. trade deficit was a “national emergency” that justified a 10% across-the-board tariff on all imports, with higher tariff rates for countries with which the U.S. has the largest trade deficits, particularly China. Many of those country-specific tariffs were paused a week later, and on Monday the The President administration said it was also temporarily slashing the steepest China tariffs while working on a longer-term trade deal with Beijing. Both countries agreed over the weekend to cut tariffs on each other for at least 90 days. The President’s on-and-off-again tariffs have shocked U.S. markets, but he has justified them as a way to restore America’s manufacturing capability. The president’s executive order announcing the tariffs invoked laws including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives presidents special powers to combat unusual or extraordinary threats to the U.S. The Liberty Justice Center said the law does not give the president the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs “on any country he chooses at any rate he chooses.” The law is meant to address “unusual and extraordinary” threats, and the U.S.’ decades-long practice of buying more goods than it exports does not qualify as an emergency that would trigger IEEPA, according to the lawsuit. The U.S. Department of Justice has argued that IEEPA gives presidents broad authority to regulate imports in response to a national emergency. It has said that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit should be thrown out, because they have not been harmed by tariffs they have not yet paid, and because only Congress, and not private businesses, can challenge a national emergency declared by the President under IEEPA. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. —Dietrich Knauth, Reuters View the full article

US tariff uncertainty prompts luxury-car maker to hold back on giving profitability forecastView the full article

Agricultural sectors are ‘front of the line’ in ongoing trade talks, says The President’s agriculture secretaryView the full article

A few weeks ago, I posted a story about the proliferation of AI-created fake news videos about Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Because I am fair (and balanced!), this week I'm looking at the AI distortion of a hero from the left: Dallas-based congressperson Jasmine Crockett. The real Crockett is sharp, confrontational, and isn't afraid to curse people out. AI-Jasmine Crockett is a folk hero who spends her life STUNNING, DESTROYING, and OBLITERATING various talk show hosts, actors, and political opponents. She took on Bill Maher, humiliated Seth Meyers, made Ellen DeGeneres regret insulting her, and still had time to have a judge arrested. On YouTube. The real Jasmine Crockett is a political figure, but I don't think these fakes are propaganda exactly. They aren't political misinformation in the way we usually understand it. No one is trying to convince anyone to vote a certain way or write a letter to Congress. It's stranger than that. It's a flood of algorithm-driven cultural wish fulfillment in which computers make videos to satisfy some deeply rooted, tribal emotional need. I'd like to think most people recognize that these videos are fake (they're not faked very well) but there wouldn't be so many of them if they didn't work. Jasmine Crockett STUNS Jimmy Kimmell—and Bill Maher, Seth Meyer, Ellen Degeneres, and everyone else The video below describes an imaginary confrontation between talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and Jasmine Crockett. For comparison, here's what really happened when Crockett was a guest on Kimmel's show: As you can see, at no point was Kimmell STUNNED or HUMILIATED, and Crockett did not refer to the host as a "f*cking weasel" even once. ("F*cking weasel" is the go-to thumbnail insult on these videos, for some reason.) The real video has been viewed 3.1 million times in 10 months. The fake has a view count of more than 600k in three weeks, but that's not a fair number, because there are dozens, maybe hundreds, of AI-created videos entitled "Jasmine Crockett Stuns Jimmy Kimmel on Live TV with a Savage Comeback—Audience Left in Shock!" on YouTube and other video sites. Some have 100k views, some have less than a thousand views, so there may be as many people watching the fake appearance as the real one. If the idea was to influence American politics, to "own conservatives," or something, Jimmy Kimmel is a strange choice for Crockett's opposition. He's not a conservative. But the politics only function as bait to be clicked, and Jimmy and Jasmine are emotional buzzers, not people. Viewers have strong feelings about them, so a video with Crockett and Kimmel in conflict hits recommendation pay dirt. Developing videos titles for this breed of AI slop is like political Mad Libs, but it's an easy-to-understand formula: The subject is a controversial media figure, the predicate is a verb that could describe both physical violence or rhetoric, and the object is a media figure. Close it off with a button and you got a YouTube AI political video. The result are titles like these (that I made up): Matt Gaetz CRUSHES Rachel Maddow Live on MSNBC—She's Going Off the Air! AOC BALL-KICKS Tucker Carlson onto his fainting couch—That's gotta HURT! RFK Jr. MELANCHOLIES Brian Kilmeade With a Haunting Stare—Audience SHOCKED! Angela Davis FLAME THROWS Dick Cavett's Sitting Room Liberalism Into an Afro-Futurist Death Spiral: "YOU GOT DIALECTICALLY DESTROYED!" (That last one probably wouldn't get many hits, but the thumbnail would look like this): Credit: Stephen Johnson/Sora The point is: AI slop-makers will have anyone fight anyone, regardless of political affiliation. Crockett has STUNNED Seth Meyer, Stephen Colbert, Tucker Carlson, Bill Maher, and Jon Stewart. But so, roughly, has Caroline Leavitt. For some reason, so has Denzel Washington. You might be wondering who would be DESTROYED if the queens of AI slop, Karoline Leavitt and Jasmine Crockett, were to face off, maybe to debate why they both have two Ts at the end of their name when so many names go without any Ts at all. The answer: Karoline Leavitt would ERUPT, but Jasmine Crockett would be STUNNED. The videos themselves are secondary to their titles, and they're all terrible. They're uniformly slow-paced (longer videos lead to longer engagement time, a key YouTube metric) and the content is strangely tame, given the titles. Just a droning AI voice telling a boring story for half an hour over a single still frame of the video's subjects. It's only interesting when the AI screws up and gives someone extra fingers or mistakes Bill Maher for Chuck Schumer. Regardless of the low quality, sometimes one of these AI-developed videos hits the the YouTube recommendation sweet spot and gets some traffic. There's no honor among thieves on social media, so many, many channels that produce this shit (Valorium Story, Gentry Stories, Battle Arena, etc., etc.) swarm like flies to rip off any mildly "sticky" title, and post roughly the same content, generally with diminishing returns in terms of views. It's ridiculously easy and inexpensive to set up an automated content farm. Whether you'd make back the $100 a month or so in software subscriptions you'd need to create these videos is an open question, but I guess people have to hope. What are viewers getting out of these videos?Although these videos almost always have a quick disclaimer screen explaining that they're fake or "parody," judging by the comments, people are taking them seriously. "This young lady's education as a lawyer was not in vain!!! She's amazing!!!" one reads. "Those who voted for Ms. Crockett did so with unwavering confidence in her, and she delivers making us proud that she will challenge injustice without pause!" reads another. But are the comments fake, too? Is this just AI commenting on videos made by AI, the Dead Internet Theory coming true in real time? Man, I don't even know. It's easier to make fake comments on YouTube than it is to fake a whole video, but I still assume that, at the end of the conveyor belt, there are actual viewers slumped over their phones, thinking (or doing whatever passes for "thinking" these days) about Jasmine Crockett. Something is shaping this narrative, and it feels depressingly human. You can't blame computers for videos like "Jasmine Crockett LOSES IT As Elon Musk Confronts Her to Her FACE!" That's on us, baby. We want to watch endless videos of our perceived tribal enemies being HUMILIATED, DESTROYED, STUNNED, and FORCE-CHOKED, maybe because we like carnage, or maybe because we want to feel like we belong to something, that somewhere, Justice is jumping off the top rope, ready to SUPLEX, STUN, and OBLITERATE the people who annoy us. And if we can't find enough of the real thing to get that little jolt of spite-flavored dopamine, we'll make computers fake it for us. View the full article

UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty is stepping down for personal reasons and the nation’s largest health insurer suspended its full-year financial outlook due to higher-than-expected medical costs. Chairman Stephen Hemsley will become CEO, effective immediately, the Minnesota company said. Hemsley was UnitedHealth Group CEO from 2006 to 2017. He will remain chairman of the company’s board. Witty will serve as a senior adviser to Hemsley. “Leading the people of UnitedHealth Group has been a tremendous honor as they work every day to improve the health system, and they will continue to inspire me,” Witty said. Witty joined the company in 2018 after serving about nine years as CEO of the British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline. He was named UnitedHealth’s CEO in February 2021, replacing Dave Wichmann. UnitedHealth became one of the nation’s largest companies under Witty’s leadership. Total revenue topped $400 billion last year, a 55% increase from the $257 billion UnitedHealth brought in the year before Witty became CEO. Shares of UnitedHealth rocketed higher under Witty, up 60.5% since he took the company’s top job. Yet in the past five months, that stock performance reversed sharply, coinciding with the fatal shooting of company executive Brian Thompson in front of a New York City hotel late last year. The company has wrestled with the media attention focused on Luigi Mangione, who was indicted last month on a federal murder charge in the killing of Thompson. The case has captured the American imagination, setting off a cascade of resentment and online vitriol toward U.S. health insurers while rattling corporate executives concerned about security. UnitedHealth cut its 2025 forecast last month following its first quarterly earnings miss in more than a decade. Shares of UnitedHealth, which have plummeted 38% since the deadly Dec. 4 ambush of Thompson in midtown Manhattan, fell 9% before the opening bell on Tuesday. UnitedHealth said Tuesday that it suspended its 2025 outlook as medical costs of many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries new to UnitedHealthcare were higher than expected. “To all stakeholders, including employees and shareholders, I’m deeply disappointed in and apologize for the performance setbacks we have encountered from both external and internal challenges,” Hemsley said during a conference call. “Many of the issues standing in the way of achieving our goals as well as our opportunities are largely within our control. I am optimistic about our future as these issues are within our capacity to resolve. We will approach them with humility, rigor and urgency.” More than 50 million people have health insurance under UnitedHealth Group Inc. It also has a large pharmacy benefit manager that runs prescription drug coverage and a growing Optum segment that delivers care and provides technical support. UnitedHealthcare is the nation’s largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, with more than 8 million customers. Those are privately run versions of the federal government coverage program mostly for people ages 65 and older. AP Health Writer Tom Murphy contributed to this report. —Michelle Chapman, AP Business Writer View the full article

Labour critics express concern about ‘chasing the tail of the right’ after migration announcementView the full article

In a draft version of the tax bill released on Monday, House Republicans highlighted the president's populist priorities in a package that would enact those cuts through 2028. View the full article

Key Takeaways Diverse Opportunities: The agricultural sector presents numerous business ideas, such as organic farming, aquaponics, and value-added products, catering to a growing market for sustainable and locally sourced goods.Focus on Sustainability: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop eco-friendly practices and products, aligning their ventures with the increasing consumer preference for health-conscious and environmentally-friendly options.Importance of Market Research: Conducting thorough market research is vital to understand consumer demands, identify market gaps, and refine business ideas, ensuring alignment with current trends in agriculture.Business Planning and Funding: Developing a solid business plan and exploring various funding options are essential steps for starting and sustaining an agricultural venture, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and opportunities.Adapting to Challenges: Being aware of challenges such as climate impact, market fluctuations, and regulatory compliance allows agricultural businesses to implement strategies that enhance resilience and maintain profitability. In today’s fast-paced world, the agricultural sector offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With a growing demand for sustainable and locally sourced products, now’s the perfect time to dive into innovative agricultural business ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, there’s a niche waiting for you. From organic farming to aquaponics, the possibilities are endless. You can tap into the rising interest in health-conscious eating and eco-friendly practices. By exploring these ideas, you can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create a profitable venture that aligns with your passions. Let’s explore some exciting agricultural business ideas that could pave the way for your success. Overview of Agricultural Business Ideas Exploring agricultural business ideas offers numerous avenues for small business entrepreneurs. With a focus on sustainability and local sourcing, you can tap into the growing market demand for healthy and eco-friendly products. Here are several viable options: Organic Farming Organic farming caters to the health-conscious consumer. You can grow fruits and vegetables without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This business idea aligns with increasing demand and can yield high profit margins. Aquaponics Aquaponics combines fish farming and plant cultivation. It maximizes space and resources, appealing to urban markets. This innovative approach represents a sustainable method of food production. Farmers’ Markets Setting up a stall at local farmers’ markets fosters direct connections with customers. You can sell organic produce, homemade goods, or artisanal products, thus building a brand and gaining loyal clientele. Agricultural Technology Offering tech solutions for farming, such as precision agriculture tools, can attract venture capital. Researching market needs helps you design products that enhance efficiency and yield. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Implementing a CSA model allows consumers to buy shares of your harvest. This approach builds community engagement and guarantees upfront funding for your startup. Value-Added Products Creating value-added items like jams, sauces, or dried fruits increases your sales potential. You can focus on branding and marketing to differentiate your products. Conducting thorough market research helps identify your target audience and informs your business model. Working on a solid business plan, securing funding, and understanding the legal structure—whether an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation—essentially sets your foundation. Networking with agricultural experts and utilizing business incubators might also enhance your startup’s growth strategy. Consider digital marketing strategies, including SEO and social media, to reach a broader customer base. Proper accounting practices and knowledge of taxes will ensure your agricultural venture remains financially viable. Each of these agricultural business ideas provides an opportunity for innovation, sustainability, and profitability. Types of Agricultural Business Ideas Explore various agricultural business ideas that cater to the evolving market. These ideas present opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter a profitable sector aligned with sustainability and community needs. Crop Farming Opportunities Organic Farming: Engage in organic farming by growing crops without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This method meets the rising demand for healthy produce among consumers seeking eco-friendly options. Ensure compliance with certification regulations to enhance marketability. Vertical Farming: Consider vertical farming that uses stacked structures to maximize space in urban areas. By reducing transportation costs, you deliver fresh produce directly to consumers, enhancing freshness and flavor. Hydroponic Farming: Implement hydroponic farming techniques that utilize nutrient-rich water solutions. This method promotes efficient water use and delivers high-quality yields faster than traditional farming methods. Dual Crop Farming: Explore dual crop farming through mixed cropping or intercropping methods. This strategy maximizes yield and mitigates risks related to adverse conditions, helping to stabilize your business income. Livestock Farming Ventures Free-Range Poultry: Consider raising free-range poultry for higher demand in ethically sourced meat and eggs. This approach appeals to health-conscious consumers and can enhance your brand through sustainable practices. Aquaculture: Engage in aquaculture by cultivating fish and other aquatic organisms. This venture contributes to food security while offering sustainable options for protein sourcing. Dairy Farming: Explore dairy farming opportunities by producing milk, cheese, or yogurt. By investing in quality breeding and technology, you can develop a strong product line to cater to consumer preferences. Beekeeping: Consider beekeeping as a sustainable business idea, producing honey and other bee-derived products. This venture supports pollination efforts while providing unique value to your offerings. Agribusiness Technology Innovations Precision Agriculture: Implement precision agriculture technology that utilizes data analytics to optimize farming practices. This innovation enhances resource efficiency, reducing costs and increasing profit margins. Agricultural Apps: Develop agricultural apps that provide farmers with tools for farm management, market research, and customer engagement. These solutions help streamline operations and improve customer acquisition strategies. E-commerce Solutions: Set up an e-commerce platform to market products directly to consumers. Use digital marketing techniques, including SEO and social media, to reach a broader target audience and enhance sales. Farm Management Software: Invest in farm management software to track expenses, manage finances, and plan growth strategies. These tools offer crucial insights for decision-making and boost overall business efficiency. Align your business idea with the current trends in the agricultural sector. Conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan to navigate funding options and business registration. Starting Your Agricultural Business Starting an agricultural business involves several strategic steps to ensure success. Each step focuses on foundational elements that will shape your venture. Conducting Market Research Conducting thorough market research helps you identify consumer preferences and market gaps. Explore trends in sustainable and locally sourced products. Analyze your target audience’s demands and buying behaviors. Use surveys, focus groups, and existing market reports to gather data. Understanding your competition and their offerings can refine your business idea and strengthen your market position. Developing a Business Plan Developing a solid business plan outlines your vision, goals, and strategies. Include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Specify your business model, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Address potential challenges and risks while detailing your growth strategy. This plan serves not only as a roadmap for your business but also as a vital tool in attracting funding and partnerships. Securing Funding and Resources Securing funding and resources fuels your startup’s growth. Explore various funding options, including angel investors, business grants, and crowdfunding. Consider bootstrapping or seeking venture capital for larger aspirations. Ensure you understand the financial aspects, such as cash flow, budget management, and profit margins. Proper financial planning sets the stage for your startup’s sustainability. Research local agricultural grants and programs that support new businesses in your sector. Challenges in Agricultural Business Every agricultural business faces challenges that can impact your operations, profitability, and growth potential. Weather and Climate Impacts Weather unpredictability and climate change significantly influence agricultural outcomes. Droughts, floods, and pests can damage crops, leading to financial losses. Implementing adaptive strategies, such as diversifying crops and utilizing irrigation systems, can mitigate some risks. Employing technologies like precision farming can enhance resilience in production. Market Fluctuations Market fluctuations affect pricing and demand for agricultural products. Prices can vary due to seasonal changes or supply chain disruptions. Conducting thorough market research helps you stay informed about trends and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly. Establishing a solid business plan that accounts for potential market shifts can guide your financial decisions and planning. Regulatory Compliance Complying with local, state, and federal regulations is essential for your agricultural business. Understanding permits, licenses, and labeling requirements associated with food safety is necessary. Seeking legal advice early ensures you establish the appropriate legal structure—whether as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Compliance helps you avoid fines and maintain your business’s integrity while protecting your intellectual property, like trademarks, or patents related to your unique products. Conclusion Exploring agricultural business ideas can be both fulfilling and profitable. By tapping into the growing demand for sustainable practices and local products, you can create a venture that resonates with today’s consumers. Whether you choose organic farming or innovative technologies, the possibilities are vast. Remember to conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan to guide your efforts. Embrace the challenges that come with this industry, and stay adaptable to changes. With determination and the right strategies, you can build a successful agricultural business that contributes positively to your community and the environment. Your journey in agriculture could be the key to a healthier planet and a thriving enterprise. Frequently Asked Questions What are some innovative agricultural business ideas? Innovative agricultural business ideas include organic farming, aquaponics, vertical farming, and eco-friendly livestock options like free-range poultry. Creating value-added products, utilizing agricultural technology, and engaging in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) are also great ways to tap into the market for sustainable products. Why is now a good time to start an agricultural business? The rising demand for sustainable and locally sourced products makes now an ideal time to start an agricultural business. Consumers are increasingly looking for health-conscious options, which allows entrepreneurs to create profitable ventures that also contribute to environmental sustainability. How do I conduct market research for an agricultural business? To conduct market research, analyze consumer preferences, identify market gaps, and study competitors. Use surveys, focus groups, and online tools to gather data. Understanding local demand and trends will help you tailor your business idea effectively. What should I include in my agricultural business plan? Your agricultural business plan should include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategies, operational plans, and financial projections. A solid business plan sets a clear direction and helps secure funding while outlining your goals. How can I secure funding for my agricultural venture? Funding options for agricultural businesses include angel investors, business grants, and crowdfunding platforms. You can also explore loans from banks or agricultural development organizations. A well-prepared business plan will help attract potential investors. What challenges might I face in the agricultural business? Challenges in agriculture include weather unpredictability, climate change, market fluctuations, and regulatory compliance. Implementing adaptive strategies such as crop diversification and keeping up with legal requirements can help mitigate these risks. How can technology improve my agricultural business? Technology can enhance agricultural efficiency through precision farming, farm management software, and e-commerce solutions. These innovations help streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve productivity, ultimately leading to higher profitability. What are Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models connect consumers directly with farmers. Members subscribe to receive regular deliveries of fresh produce, fostering local community engagement while providing farmers with stable cash flow and reduced market risks. How do I market my agricultural products effectively? Effective marketing strategies include utilizing digital marketing techniques, social media platforms, and participating in local farmers’ markets. Building customer relationships and showcasing your sustainable practices can also attract health-conscious consumers. What role does networking play in starting an agricultural business? Networking with agricultural experts, local farmers, and business incubators can provide valuable insights, resources, and support for your agricultural business. Collaborating with others in the industry enhances growth strategies and opens new opportunities. Image Via Envato This article, "Innovative Agricultural Business Ideas for Sustainable Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Diverse Opportunities: The agricultural sector presents numerous business ideas, such as organic farming, aquaponics, and value-added products, catering to a growing market for sustainable and locally sourced goods.Focus on Sustainability: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop eco-friendly practices and products, aligning their ventures with the increasing consumer preference for health-conscious and environmentally-friendly options.Importance of Market Research: Conducting thorough market research is vital to understand consumer demands, identify market gaps, and refine business ideas, ensuring alignment with current trends in agriculture.Business Planning and Funding: Developing a solid business plan and exploring various funding options are essential steps for starting and sustaining an agricultural venture, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and opportunities.Adapting to Challenges: Being aware of challenges such as climate impact, market fluctuations, and regulatory compliance allows agricultural businesses to implement strategies that enhance resilience and maintain profitability. In today’s fast-paced world, the agricultural sector offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With a growing demand for sustainable and locally sourced products, now’s the perfect time to dive into innovative agricultural business ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, there’s a niche waiting for you. From organic farming to aquaponics, the possibilities are endless. You can tap into the rising interest in health-conscious eating and eco-friendly practices. By exploring these ideas, you can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create a profitable venture that aligns with your passions. Let’s explore some exciting agricultural business ideas that could pave the way for your success. Overview of Agricultural Business Ideas Exploring agricultural business ideas offers numerous avenues for small business entrepreneurs. With a focus on sustainability and local sourcing, you can tap into the growing market demand for healthy and eco-friendly products. Here are several viable options: Organic Farming Organic farming caters to the health-conscious consumer. You can grow fruits and vegetables without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This business idea aligns with increasing demand and can yield high profit margins. Aquaponics Aquaponics combines fish farming and plant cultivation. It maximizes space and resources, appealing to urban markets. This innovative approach represents a sustainable method of food production. Farmers’ Markets Setting up a stall at local farmers’ markets fosters direct connections with customers. You can sell organic produce, homemade goods, or artisanal products, thus building a brand and gaining loyal clientele. Agricultural Technology Offering tech solutions for farming, such as precision agriculture tools, can attract venture capital. Researching market needs helps you design products that enhance efficiency and yield. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Implementing a CSA model allows consumers to buy shares of your harvest. This approach builds community engagement and guarantees upfront funding for your startup. Value-Added Products Creating value-added items like jams, sauces, or dried fruits increases your sales potential. You can focus on branding and marketing to differentiate your products. Conducting thorough market research helps identify your target audience and informs your business model. Working on a solid business plan, securing funding, and understanding the legal structure—whether an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation—essentially sets your foundation. Networking with agricultural experts and utilizing business incubators might also enhance your startup’s growth strategy. Consider digital marketing strategies, including SEO and social media, to reach a broader customer base. Proper accounting practices and knowledge of taxes will ensure your agricultural venture remains financially viable. Each of these agricultural business ideas provides an opportunity for innovation, sustainability, and profitability. Types of Agricultural Business Ideas Explore various agricultural business ideas that cater to the evolving market. These ideas present opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter a profitable sector aligned with sustainability and community needs. Crop Farming Opportunities Organic Farming: Engage in organic farming by growing crops without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This method meets the rising demand for healthy produce among consumers seeking eco-friendly options. Ensure compliance with certification regulations to enhance marketability. Vertical Farming: Consider vertical farming that uses stacked structures to maximize space in urban areas. By reducing transportation costs, you deliver fresh produce directly to consumers, enhancing freshness and flavor. Hydroponic Farming: Implement hydroponic farming techniques that utilize nutrient-rich water solutions. This method promotes efficient water use and delivers high-quality yields faster than traditional farming methods. Dual Crop Farming: Explore dual crop farming through mixed cropping or intercropping methods. This strategy maximizes yield and mitigates risks related to adverse conditions, helping to stabilize your business income. Livestock Farming Ventures Free-Range Poultry: Consider raising free-range poultry for higher demand in ethically sourced meat and eggs. This approach appeals to health-conscious consumers and can enhance your brand through sustainable practices. Aquaculture: Engage in aquaculture by cultivating fish and other aquatic organisms. This venture contributes to food security while offering sustainable options for protein sourcing. Dairy Farming: Explore dairy farming opportunities by producing milk, cheese, or yogurt. By investing in quality breeding and technology, you can develop a strong product line to cater to consumer preferences. Beekeeping: Consider beekeeping as a sustainable business idea, producing honey and other bee-derived products. This venture supports pollination efforts while providing unique value to your offerings. Agribusiness Technology Innovations Precision Agriculture: Implement precision agriculture technology that utilizes data analytics to optimize farming practices. This innovation enhances resource efficiency, reducing costs and increasing profit margins. Agricultural Apps: Develop agricultural apps that provide farmers with tools for farm management, market research, and customer engagement. These solutions help streamline operations and improve customer acquisition strategies. E-commerce Solutions: Set up an e-commerce platform to market products directly to consumers. Use digital marketing techniques, including SEO and social media, to reach a broader target audience and enhance sales. Farm Management Software: Invest in farm management software to track expenses, manage finances, and plan growth strategies. These tools offer crucial insights for decision-making and boost overall business efficiency. Align your business idea with the current trends in the agricultural sector. Conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan to navigate funding options and business registration. Starting Your Agricultural Business Starting an agricultural business involves several strategic steps to ensure success. Each step focuses on foundational elements that will shape your venture. Conducting Market Research Conducting thorough market research helps you identify consumer preferences and market gaps. Explore trends in sustainable and locally sourced products. Analyze your target audience’s demands and buying behaviors. Use surveys, focus groups, and existing market reports to gather data. Understanding your competition and their offerings can refine your business idea and strengthen your market position. Developing a Business Plan Developing a solid business plan outlines your vision, goals, and strategies. Include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Specify your business model, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Address potential challenges and risks while detailing your growth strategy. This plan serves not only as a roadmap for your business but also as a vital tool in attracting funding and partnerships. Securing Funding and Resources Securing funding and resources fuels your startup’s growth. Explore various funding options, including angel investors, business grants, and crowdfunding. Consider bootstrapping or seeking venture capital for larger aspirations. Ensure you understand the financial aspects, such as cash flow, budget management, and profit margins. Proper financial planning sets the stage for your startup’s sustainability. Research local agricultural grants and programs that support new businesses in your sector. Challenges in Agricultural Business Every agricultural business faces challenges that can impact your operations, profitability, and growth potential. Weather and Climate Impacts Weather unpredictability and climate change significantly influence agricultural outcomes. Droughts, floods, and pests can damage crops, leading to financial losses. Implementing adaptive strategies, such as diversifying crops and utilizing irrigation systems, can mitigate some risks. Employing technologies like precision farming can enhance resilience in production. Market Fluctuations Market fluctuations affect pricing and demand for agricultural products. Prices can vary due to seasonal changes or supply chain disruptions. Conducting thorough market research helps you stay informed about trends and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly. Establishing a solid business plan that accounts for potential market shifts can guide your financial decisions and planning. Regulatory Compliance Complying with local, state, and federal regulations is essential for your agricultural business. Understanding permits, licenses, and labeling requirements associated with food safety is necessary. Seeking legal advice early ensures you establish the appropriate legal structure—whether as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Compliance helps you avoid fines and maintain your business’s integrity while protecting your intellectual property, like trademarks, or patents related to your unique products. Conclusion Exploring agricultural business ideas can be both fulfilling and profitable. By tapping into the growing demand for sustainable practices and local products, you can create a venture that resonates with today’s consumers. Whether you choose organic farming or innovative technologies, the possibilities are vast. Remember to conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan to guide your efforts. Embrace the challenges that come with this industry, and stay adaptable to changes. With determination and the right strategies, you can build a successful agricultural business that contributes positively to your community and the environment. Your journey in agriculture could be the key to a healthier planet and a thriving enterprise. Frequently Asked Questions What are some innovative agricultural business ideas? Innovative agricultural business ideas include organic farming, aquaponics, vertical farming, and eco-friendly livestock options like free-range poultry. Creating value-added products, utilizing agricultural technology, and engaging in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) are also great ways to tap into the market for sustainable products. Why is now a good time to start an agricultural business? The rising demand for sustainable and locally sourced products makes now an ideal time to start an agricultural business. Consumers are increasingly looking for health-conscious options, which allows entrepreneurs to create profitable ventures that also contribute to environmental sustainability. How do I conduct market research for an agricultural business? To conduct market research, analyze consumer preferences, identify market gaps, and study competitors. Use surveys, focus groups, and online tools to gather data. Understanding local demand and trends will help you tailor your business idea effectively. What should I include in my agricultural business plan? Your agricultural business plan should include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategies, operational plans, and financial projections. A solid business plan sets a clear direction and helps secure funding while outlining your goals. How can I secure funding for my agricultural venture? Funding options for agricultural businesses include angel investors, business grants, and crowdfunding platforms. You can also explore loans from banks or agricultural development organizations. A well-prepared business plan will help attract potential investors. What challenges might I face in the agricultural business? Challenges in agriculture include weather unpredictability, climate change, market fluctuations, and regulatory compliance. Implementing adaptive strategies such as crop diversification and keeping up with legal requirements can help mitigate these risks. How can technology improve my agricultural business? Technology can enhance agricultural efficiency through precision farming, farm management software, and e-commerce solutions. These innovations help streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve productivity, ultimately leading to higher profitability. What are Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models connect consumers directly with farmers. Members subscribe to receive regular deliveries of fresh produce, fostering local community engagement while providing farmers with stable cash flow and reduced market risks. How do I market my agricultural products effectively? Effective marketing strategies include utilizing digital marketing techniques, social media platforms, and participating in local farmers’ markets. Building customer relationships and showcasing your sustainable practices can also attract health-conscious consumers. What role does networking play in starting an agricultural business? Networking with agricultural experts, local farmers, and business incubators can provide valuable insights, resources, and support for your agricultural business. Collaborating with others in the industry enhances growth strategies and opens new opportunities. Image Via Envato This article, "Innovative Agricultural Business Ideas for Sustainable Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are now going for $199.99 (down from $249.99), which is helpful, because they’re not exactly a budget pick. SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $189.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $269.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Get Deal $189.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $269.99 Save $80.00 Available in either white or silver, they’ve got a bold new look with angular stems and built-in LEDs that you can customize to blink, fade, or stay lit—more than just a style choice, they double as status indicators. Inside, they house a 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6.1mm planar driver, which work together to deliver full-bodied audio from bass to treble across a wide frequency range (20Hz to 40kHz). That said, reviewers like PCMag have noted that enabling active noise cancellation can slightly muffle the higher-end clarity, so you may want to play with the EQ if you're picky about audio sharpness. They support Bluetooth 5.4 and handle the usual AAC and SBC codecs, but the real bonus—for Samsung users at least—is support for the brand's proprietary Seamless Codec, which allows for 24-bit/96kHz playback. That’s not something you’ll get if you’re using a non-Samsung device, though, since that codec doesn’t work outside the ecosystem. And with no LDAC support in sight, high-res fans using other Android phones might feel a little boxed in. Still, the IP57 rating is solid for daily use—it’ll hold up against dust, sweat, and the occasional dunk in water. If you’re using a Galaxy phone, they’ll pair instantly through the Galaxy Wear app when you open the case. That unlocks all the smart features—noise control modes like ANC, Ambient, and Adaptive Sound, plus a nine-band EQ and even an Adaptive Equalizer that tweaks sound based on ear fit. The app also gives you access to Interpreter mode and Listening mode, which use AI for real-time translation. Non-Samsung Android users still get the Wear app via Google Play, though with fewer perks. iPhone users, on the other hand, don’t get access to any of these app features at all. Without the app, these basically turn into standard Bluetooth buds. View the full article