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President’s envoy says Moscow and Kyiv have ‘narrowed’ their differences on a potential ceasefireView the full article

Order to slash funding to pro-democracy broadcasters part of efforts to radically reduce government servicesView the full article

Washington’s continued engagement with Belfast is fundamental to the region’s stability and prosperityView the full article

At RescueTime, our small but mighty team represents more than a handful of US states. Georgia. New York. Illinois. Kentucky. Texas. Washington. North Carolina. Tennessee. We work across 3 different time zones and a spread of nearly 3,000 miles. At this point, an expanded team is the norm, not the exception. More than 80% of The post Screen sharing that matters: 9 ways shared team dashboards enhance team collaboration appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

Tariffs, market volatility and political uncertainty threaten to undermine key driver of growth in world’s largest economyView the full article

Watchdog will begin assessing tech group’s compliance with new obligations under Online Safety Act View the full article

Capitalising on the G7 nation’s vast geography could spark an economic boomView the full article

New defence minister calls for closer links to Nato and EU neighboursView the full article

While we’d like to think the secret to a fast promotion is all about doing a good job, your relationship with your boss can make or break your career. Understanding how to handle a narcissistic boss or one who plays favorites can save your job. And perfecting the art of managing up can be the key to thriving and growing your career. Often this boils down to knowing how to communicate effectively with your boss. Here are three tips to keep in mind: Understand your boss’s communication style Ever had a frustrating conversation where it seems like your boss is brushing off all your ideas? It might not be you, or even your ideas. It might be the way you’re communicating, Fast Company contributor Melody Wilding explained in her new book Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. “The good news,” she wrote, “is that these disconnects usually aren’t about your competency or the quality of your ideas—they’re about different styles.” Research has found that there are two dimensions that shape our communication and work styles: dominance and sociability. Dominance is how much control someone needs; sociability is how much someone prioritizes relationships and emotional connection. Understanding where your boss falls on these two dimensions and adjusting your style accordingly can help you communicate more effectively. Know how to speak up when your workload is too heavy Being a star employee comes with perks that can include more job security. However, being a star can also mean being your boss’s go-to person—and, if you’re not careful, that can mean work overload, increasing your risk of burnout. Fast Company contributor Kim Meninger recommends pushing back if you have too much work because overextending yourself doesn’t just hurt you: It hurts your company. Instead of continuing to accept more work, Meniger recommends being clear with your boss about your tasks as well as reviewing the tradeoffs of each task. “When responding to your manager’s requests, adopt a consulting mindset,” Meninger suggests. “Leverage your expertise to tell your manager what you think is realistic. Remember that you are the expert in your job.” Have a strategy for delivering bad news Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, and sooner or later you’ll find yourself in a situation where you have to give your boss bad news or have an uncomfortable conversation with them. In this situation, Fast Company contributor Art Markman says that it’s essential to first give your boss a heads-up, own your part in the problem, avoid assigning blame, and make space to listen to your boss’s feedback. “Resist the urge to get defensive,” he says. “For one thing, your boss may very well be giving you good advice in that moment.” View the full article

US pair set to return home on Wednesday after Boeing Starliner problems meant eight-day mission lasted nine monthsView the full article

When we think of climate change, we may consider extreme weather events – record-breaking heatwaves, heavy downpours and devastating floods. But have you considered that these changes could also increase your risk of exposure to certain viruses? We now live in world where extreme weather events are common. With the increasing frequency of prolonged rainstorms and heatwaves, climate change may raise the likelihood of being exposed to sewage-associated viruses in rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Intense rainstorms can also result in rainwater overloading urban sewer systems. As a result, raw untreated sewage is released into rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Newly published research I have collaborated on shows that sewage-associated viruses can persist for days in certain weather conditions, raising health risks for people exposed to untreated outfall. Raw sewage contains human urine and excrement, and carries with it a rich load of dead cells, food waste, pharmaceuticals, bacteria and viruses. Although most viruses shed by humans are relatively harmless, people infected with disease-causing viruses – such as enterovirus and norovirus – can shed billions of viral particles each time they go to the toilet. Even after the disease symptoms have passed, people can still shed the viruses in large amounts when they use the lavatory. These are then released into the sewer system, flowing through the network until they reach the sewage treatment plant. Typical wastewater treatment practices used in the UK are more than 99% effective at removing viruses. But despite this efficiency, treated wastewater discharged into the environment still poses some risk. Consequently, every day of the year, our rivers, lakes and seas receive potentially harmful viruses. However, the release of raw untreated sewage represents a much more severe risk. Health risks from extreme weather While the UK is prolonged periods of rain, climate projections also predict more heatwaves like those in 2022, where temperatures reached record highs. It’s important for scientists to understand how these extreme weather events will influence the sewage-associated viruses discharged into the environment. We already know that recreational water users are exposed to harmful pathogens as a direct result of sewage discharge and agricultural runoff entering bodies of water. What remains unclear is how weather conditions affect a virus’s ability to infect people – and whether climate change could make these risks worse. Understanding this is crucial to tackling the growing health challenges posed by extreme weather and sewage contamination. To explore these questions, scientists need reliable ways to detect potentially infectious viruses in the environment. This isn’t easy. Environmental samples often contain contaminants including various chemicals and bacteria, which can interfere with standard laboratory testing methods. These challenges make it difficult to accurately assess the presence and potential risk of harmful viruses in water sources. To address these challenges, my colleagues and I developed methods that filter out viruses too damaged to cause infection. This approach ensured our data focused solely on the potentially infectious viruses in each sample. Our methods also allowed us to identify multiple types of virus simultaneously, making the process more efficient and comprehensive. We conducted a series of experiments to investigate how climate change affects sewage-associated viruses, and the risks they pose to human health. These experiments were designed to simulate both short-term weather events, such as storms, and long-term changes including rising temperatures. We introduced sewage-associated viruses, such as adenovirus and norovirus, into samples of river, estuary and seawater, and tracked how they degraded over two weeks. In one experiment, we exposed the samples to different temperatures, while in another, we simulated sunlight exposure. At various intervals, we measured the levels of intact, potentially infectious viruses to monitor their decline. From this data, we calculated “T90 decay rates”, which is the time it takes for viral loads to drop by 90%. These rates were measured separately for viruses still capable of causing infections, and for those in all stages of decay. Interestingly, we found that the type of water – river, estuarine or sea – had little effect on how long viruses remained infectious or detectable in our analyses. Enteric viruses – those that cause stomach upsets – stayed infectious in seawater for up to three days at temperatures as high as 30C. At cooler temperatures, they lasted even longer, persisting for up to a week. When exposed to sunlight, viruses in water survived less than 24 hours on a sunny day. But on cloudy days, they remained viable for around 2.5 days. These findings demonstrate the significant health risks posed by sewage-associated viruses in wastewater. Advice To reduce the risk of infection, our research suggests people should avoid recreational activities in waters affected by sewage discharge for at least 2.5 days during cloudy weather, and at least 24 hours after sunny days. And climate change could worsen the problem: some summers may see an increase in sewage contamination, especially following heavy rain after droughts. This issue isn’t limited to the UK, of course. Many countries continue to release untreated or partially treated sewage into natural waters, making it a global health concern. Our research highlights the urgent need for better sewage treatment practices worldwide. It also demonstrates the need for governments and health agencies to develop targeted risk management strategies which address the growing threats posed by climate change. Jessica Kevill is a post-doctoral research associate at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Prince Mohammed creates unit to combat prostitution and begging after years of loosening hardline social restrictionsView the full article

Brussels sought visit to mark 50 years of ties, but move adds to scepticism about warm words from BeijingView the full article

Factors behind sharp rise in incapacity and disability benefits are complex and at times counterintuitiveView the full article

It’s a lot harder than it should be despite decades of corporate effortView the full article

A new study from American Express reveals that the majority of businesses are looking to improve their payments processes in 2025, with automation emerging as a key focus. The Amex Trendex: B2B Payments Edition survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. business decision-makers, highlights the role of streamlined payments in business growth, supplier relationships, and operational efficiency. Key Findings According to the study, 91% of business decision-makers recognize that “easy, streamlined and secure payments drive business growth.” However, despite this acknowledgment, only 17% of businesses surveyed have fully automated their payments processes, while 15% have not automated any payments at all. Late or slow payments have also had a tangible impact on business relationships, with 26% of respondents citing payment delays as a reason they have stopped working with a buyer or supplier. Additionally, four in five business leaders (82%) indicated that a single fraud incident could significantly impact trust in their business relationships. The Benefits of Payments Automation Automation in payments processing offers businesses multiple advantages, including enhanced cash flow visibility, more secure transactions, and increased operational efficiency. “Payments optimization is not always appreciated for its positive impact on relationships between buyers and suppliers and overall business success,” said Widad Chaoui, Senior Vice President, Corporate and B2B Solutions Product Management, Global Commercial Services, at American Express. “Automated payment methods like virtual cards or digital push payments drive more cash flow visibility, more secure transactions, and better relationships. They also give businesses greater working capital flexibility, enabling them to invest in moving their business forward.” Business leaders recognize these advantages, with 29% of survey respondents stating they would “sleep better at night” if they did not have to worry about payment accuracy and timeliness. However, perceived barriers continue to prevent many companies from fully embracing automation. Challenges to Automation Adoption Despite its benefits, the survey found that concerns around cost (45%), lack of perceived benefit (28%), and security risks (26%) are among the main reasons businesses have yet to implement full payments automation. “Often, it can feel like a daunting task for business leaders to change their payment processes from manual to automated, even if the current manual approach presents challenges, is insufficient, and poses risks,” said R.J. Ancona, Vice President and General Manager, B2B Product, Partnerships and Client Management, Merchant Services at American Express. “But the reality is that the time and cost associated with automation can be easier to implement than expected, and can benefit businesses in both the short and long run.” Automation as a Growth Strategy The study found that 95% of business decision-makers believe “easy, streamlined, and secure payments create happy customers.” In 2025, 43% of those planning to change their payments processes cite business growth as their primary motivation. American Express identifies several key automated solutions that businesses can adopt to improve their payments processes: Automated AP (Accounts Payable) and AR (Accounts Receivable) software solutions – Reduce errors, save time and money, and enhance cash flow efficiency. Straight-through processing for static and virtual cards – Fully electronic processing without manual steps. EIPP (Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment) – Streamlined electronic invoicing and payment acceptance. Digital Push Payments – Transactions initiated by the payer for greater control over payment timing and destination. As businesses look to improve efficiency and strengthen relationships with suppliers and buyers, automation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping payments strategies. The survey suggests that while challenges remain, the shift toward automated payments could drive significant benefits for businesses in the coming year. The Amex Trendex B2B Payments Edition survey was conducted online by Opinium Research on behalf of American Express between December 9, 2024, and January 2, 2025. The survey included 1,000 business decision-makers across various industries, selected based on their responsibility for financial services, accounting, banking, or business credit facilities within their organizations. Image: American Express This article, "American Express Study Finds Businesses Prioritizing Payments Automation in 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A new study from American Express reveals that the majority of businesses are looking to improve their payments processes in 2025, with automation emerging as a key focus. The Amex Trendex: B2B Payments Edition survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. business decision-makers, highlights the role of streamlined payments in business growth, supplier relationships, and operational efficiency. Key Findings According to the study, 91% of business decision-makers recognize that “easy, streamlined and secure payments drive business growth.” However, despite this acknowledgment, only 17% of businesses surveyed have fully automated their payments processes, while 15% have not automated any payments at all. Late or slow payments have also had a tangible impact on business relationships, with 26% of respondents citing payment delays as a reason they have stopped working with a buyer or supplier. Additionally, four in five business leaders (82%) indicated that a single fraud incident could significantly impact trust in their business relationships. The Benefits of Payments Automation Automation in payments processing offers businesses multiple advantages, including enhanced cash flow visibility, more secure transactions, and increased operational efficiency. “Payments optimization is not always appreciated for its positive impact on relationships between buyers and suppliers and overall business success,” said Widad Chaoui, Senior Vice President, Corporate and B2B Solutions Product Management, Global Commercial Services, at American Express. “Automated payment methods like virtual cards or digital push payments drive more cash flow visibility, more secure transactions, and better relationships. They also give businesses greater working capital flexibility, enabling them to invest in moving their business forward.” Business leaders recognize these advantages, with 29% of survey respondents stating they would “sleep better at night” if they did not have to worry about payment accuracy and timeliness. However, perceived barriers continue to prevent many companies from fully embracing automation. Challenges to Automation Adoption Despite its benefits, the survey found that concerns around cost (45%), lack of perceived benefit (28%), and security risks (26%) are among the main reasons businesses have yet to implement full payments automation. “Often, it can feel like a daunting task for business leaders to change their payment processes from manual to automated, even if the current manual approach presents challenges, is insufficient, and poses risks,” said R.J. Ancona, Vice President and General Manager, B2B Product, Partnerships and Client Management, Merchant Services at American Express. “But the reality is that the time and cost associated with automation can be easier to implement than expected, and can benefit businesses in both the short and long run.” Automation as a Growth Strategy The study found that 95% of business decision-makers believe “easy, streamlined, and secure payments create happy customers.” In 2025, 43% of those planning to change their payments processes cite business growth as their primary motivation. American Express identifies several key automated solutions that businesses can adopt to improve their payments processes: Automated AP (Accounts Payable) and AR (Accounts Receivable) software solutions – Reduce errors, save time and money, and enhance cash flow efficiency. Straight-through processing for static and virtual cards – Fully electronic processing without manual steps. EIPP (Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment) – Streamlined electronic invoicing and payment acceptance. Digital Push Payments – Transactions initiated by the payer for greater control over payment timing and destination. As businesses look to improve efficiency and strengthen relationships with suppliers and buyers, automation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping payments strategies. The survey suggests that while challenges remain, the shift toward automated payments could drive significant benefits for businesses in the coming year. The Amex Trendex B2B Payments Edition survey was conducted online by Opinium Research on behalf of American Express between December 9, 2024, and January 2, 2025. The survey included 1,000 business decision-makers across various industries, selected based on their responsibility for financial services, accounting, banking, or business credit facilities within their organizations. Image: American Express This article, "American Express Study Finds Businesses Prioritizing Payments Automation in 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Package aims to cut benefits bill by up to £5bn a year and includes measure to encourage return to workView the full article

Critics say rarely used authority could expand power to detain and expel people without due processView the full article

The skies over London could soon get a lot more exciting. Joby Aviation, the California-based electric air taxi company, announced an exclusive partnership with Virgin Atlantic on Saturday that it says will pave the way to launching its vehicles across the United Kingdom. The partnership will see Joby’s services integrated into Virgin’s app and website, and connect passengers at Heathrow and Manchester airports. Passengers will be able to reserve a seat on a Joby air taxi using Virgin’s app, the companies say. The announcement did not say when service is expected to begin. “We are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flights to airports and cities throughout the United Kingdom,” said Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, in a statement. “Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering, and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the U.K. and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.” [Photo courtesy of Joby Aviation] Up in the air Joby’s air taxis, which have been shown off during exhibition flights in New York and other cities, are catching a lot of lift recently, with the company having inked deals with Uber, Delta Air Lines, and Toyota, along with raising hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. While waiting for the green light to start operating in full in the United States and the U.K., Joby is expected to start carrying passengers in the UAE as early as this year. Joby’s aircraft, known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, can carry four passengers plus a pilot, and travel at up to 200 miles per hour. That means rapid transit around the U.K. with absolutely no emissions. While there is plenty of electricity in the air about these types of vehicles, they remain part of a speculative industry with regulatory hurdles and a ways to go before their path to the skies become clear. Joby Aviation stock (NYSE: Joby) has reflected this cycle of hype versus uncertainty over the last few months, rising significantly in the weeks following the 2024 presidential election only to fall again this year. Shares are down 22% since the beginning of January. Still, the company’s string of recent deals suggests it could very well defy gravity soon enough. “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers is unparalleled and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the U.K.,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO. “Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic customers to get to the airport and move between U.K. towns and cities.” View the full article

Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell and award-winning creator Kenya Barris sat down with Fast Company’s KC Ifeanyi at the FC Grill at SXSW. The trio discussed The Unusual Suspects, Gladwell and Barris’s latest podcast series, as well as their business partnership and creative process. Stay tuned for key takeaways from their conversation and why The Unusual Suspects is a must-listen. https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unusual-Suspects-with-Kenya-Barris-and-Malcolm-Gladwell-Audiobook/B0DNLMFCX7 View the full article

US president warns Tehran against supporting militant group which has disrupted shipping in the Red SeaView the full article

Zendesk has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Local Measure, a provider of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and advanced voice solutions. The acquisition, expected to close in May 2025, aims to enhance Zendesk’s AI-powered voice capabilities and deepen its integration with Amazon Connect, Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) cloud contact center solution. Strengthening AI Voice and Enterprise CX According to Zendesk, this acquisition is part of its broader strategy to expand into larger and more complex service environments. “Voice is one of the most personal and powerful ways businesses connect with their customers and employees, and managing it at scale requires a solution that is both intelligent and adaptable,” said Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk. “By acquiring Local Measure, we are fast-tracking our ability to deliver a fully integrated, AI-powered voice solution that combines the strength of Zendesk’s platform with the flexibility, security, and scalability of Amazon Connect. This move positions Zendesk to lead in the next generation of AI-powered service.” Local Measure’s technology is designed for high-volume service environments and includes features such as AI-powered automation, sophisticated call routing, and real-time service insights. The integration of these capabilities is expected to improve customer service efficiency by unifying inbound service and outbound sales and marketing efforts. Expanding Partnership with AWS Zendesk stated that the acquisition will reinforce its partnership with AWS, leveraging Local Measure’s existing integration with Amazon Connect. “At AWS, we are focused on helping customers solve complex challenges at scale, and Amazon Connect is a critical part of that because it brings enterprise-ready capabilities that are global and AI native,” said Colleen Aubrey, senior vice president of AWS. “We are excited to work with Zendesk and Local Measure to unlock new opportunities for organizations to benefit from Amazon Connect helping them improve customer experience and operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently.” A New Era in Cloud Contact Centers Jonathan Barouch, CEO of Local Measure, emphasized that the acquisition will streamline operations for Zendesk users. “We’ve worked closely with Zendesk as a strategic partner, and this next step means faster deployment, lower complexity, and cloud-native innovation making Zendesk a fresh alternative to legacy Contact Center providers,” Barouch stated. The proposed acquisition is set to proceed under a scheme of arrangement under Australian law. Closing remains subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approval from Local Measure and regulatory and Australian Court approvals. This article, "Zendesk to Acquire Local Measure, Expanding AI-Powered Voice Capabilities" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Zendesk has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Local Measure, a provider of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and advanced voice solutions. The acquisition, expected to close in May 2025, aims to enhance Zendesk’s AI-powered voice capabilities and deepen its integration with Amazon Connect, Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) cloud contact center solution. Strengthening AI Voice and Enterprise CX According to Zendesk, this acquisition is part of its broader strategy to expand into larger and more complex service environments. “Voice is one of the most personal and powerful ways businesses connect with their customers and employees, and managing it at scale requires a solution that is both intelligent and adaptable,” said Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk. “By acquiring Local Measure, we are fast-tracking our ability to deliver a fully integrated, AI-powered voice solution that combines the strength of Zendesk’s platform with the flexibility, security, and scalability of Amazon Connect. This move positions Zendesk to lead in the next generation of AI-powered service.” Local Measure’s technology is designed for high-volume service environments and includes features such as AI-powered automation, sophisticated call routing, and real-time service insights. The integration of these capabilities is expected to improve customer service efficiency by unifying inbound service and outbound sales and marketing efforts. Expanding Partnership with AWS Zendesk stated that the acquisition will reinforce its partnership with AWS, leveraging Local Measure’s existing integration with Amazon Connect. “At AWS, we are focused on helping customers solve complex challenges at scale, and Amazon Connect is a critical part of that because it brings enterprise-ready capabilities that are global and AI native,” said Colleen Aubrey, senior vice president of AWS. “We are excited to work with Zendesk and Local Measure to unlock new opportunities for organizations to benefit from Amazon Connect helping them improve customer experience and operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently.” A New Era in Cloud Contact Centers Jonathan Barouch, CEO of Local Measure, emphasized that the acquisition will streamline operations for Zendesk users. “We’ve worked closely with Zendesk as a strategic partner, and this next step means faster deployment, lower complexity, and cloud-native innovation making Zendesk a fresh alternative to legacy Contact Center providers,” Barouch stated. The proposed acquisition is set to proceed under a scheme of arrangement under Australian law. Closing remains subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approval from Local Measure and regulatory and Australian Court approvals. This article, "Zendesk to Acquire Local Measure, Expanding AI-Powered Voice Capabilities" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Around 25 countries attended Saturday’s online meeting which came two weeks after London summitView the full article