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Move follows The President’s criticism of Starmer for supposedly wanting to join Iran war after it had already been ‘won’View the full article

Iran war expected to derail rate-cut plans as policymakers learn lessons from inflation caused by Ukraine invasionView the full article

Finance ministers pledge ‘necessary measures’ to tackle surging crude prices but stop short of immediate dealView the full article

The list of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus store locations set to close continues to grow. On March 6, 2026, parent company Saks Global announced it would close 15 additional retail locations. This is part of a broader restructuring plan following the luxury retailer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January. Here’s what you need to know: What’s happening? According to a court document filed last Friday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, Saks Global will close an additional 15 store locations. The Saks Fifth Avenue on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is included on the list. Most of the locations are Saks Fifth Avenue stores. The court document notes that closing sales will begin at each of the affected locations on March 13, 2026. A news release from Saks Global discussed the additional store closures and included a statement from CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck. “This strategic optimization is part of our ongoing transformation and rooted in our long-term view of our business,” the statement read. “Our go-forward store portfolio will comprise the best performing and most desirable locations in markets with the highest concentration of luxury customers, enabling us to deepen loyalty and drive sustainable growth.” Last month, the luxury retailer announced nine store closures across its portfolio. That list included one Neiman Marcus store and eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Which stores are set to close? Twelve Saks Fifth Avenue and three Neiman Marcus stores will close. The closures will impact locations in 12 states. The following Saks Fifth Avenue store locations will be closing: 26100 Cedar Road, Beachwood, OH 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 700 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 3200 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 230 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, NY 73555 El Paseo Drive, Palm Desert, CA 7700 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 7400 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 650, San Antonio, TX 120 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 100 Plaza Frontenac Street, St. Louis, MO 2051 International Drive, McLean, VA The following Neiman Marcus store locations will be closing: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Moana, Honolulu, HI 6550 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canyon Park, CA 125 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY Which stores will remain open? Saks Global released a separate list of store locations that will remain open amid the bankruptcy restructuring. Thirteen Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 32 Neiman Marcus stores will remain in operation. This includes its flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York City. 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. Charging multiple Apple devices often turns into a mess of cables. An iPhone charger here, an Apple Watch puck there, and another cable for AirPods. A single charging station like the Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Pad helps simplify things. It’s currently $39.99 at Woot, down from its original $149.99 price. The same charger is selling for about $100.58 on Amazon, and price trackers show it rarely dipping below $75.99. Shipping is free for Amazon Prime members—everyone else pays a $6 fee. Woot says the deal will stay live for 23 days or until it sells out, whichever happens first. Belkin MagSafe Charging Pad $39.99 at Woot $149.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Get Deal $39.99 at Woot $149.99 Save $110.00 The appeal here is convenience: Instead of plugging in three separate chargers every night, this pad lets you place all your devices in one spot. It can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time, which is helpful if you use Apple gear daily and want a simple bedside setup. The phone section uses MagSafe magnets, so compatible iPhones snap into place without much effort. Charging speeds reach up to 15W for iPhone 12 models and newer, which is Apple’s standard for fast wireless charging. The Apple Watch section also supports fast charging for newer models like the Series 9, so a quick top-up in the morning can add a useful amount of battery. AirPods with a wireless charging case sit on the third section of the pad. This charger is clearly built with Apple devices in mind, so it doesn’t make much sense if you use Android phones or non-MagSafe accessories. You also need an iPhone 12 or newer to get the magnetic alignment and full 15W charging speeds. Older iPhones will still charge, but without the magnetic guidance. At $39.99, it costs less than many single-device MagSafe chargers. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB + $100 Amazon Gift Card (Black) — $899.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

After losing an hour of shut-eye, thanks to daylight savings time, sleep is one many people’s minds today. The day after we “spring forward,” people are significantly more tired—and cranky—due to that lost hour of sleep, which disrupts our natural circadian rhythm, increasing the risks of car accidents, strokes and even heart attacks, according to John Hopkins’s Bloomberg School of Health. In honor of Sleep Awareness Week—that elusive thing many Americans just don’t get enough of—we though we would introduce you to the Dutch method for getting a good night’s rest. In the U.S., “sleep hygiene” a popular way to clean up your sleep routine, is a hack that comes with all kinds of accoutrements. Black-out curtains? Check. White noise machine? Check. Eye mask? Check, and make it satin, please. What is the Dutch method? However, if all that sounds a bit much, consider the Dutch method, which favors a simple, no nonsense approach—like (as some may argue) the Dutch themselves—so simple, it doesn’t require anything, even, curtains. The “Dutch method,” which is popular even in big cities like Amsterdam, involves sleeping with your curtains wide open, to help the body wake with the sun’s natural light. It’s a way to reset your own body’s clock instead of relying solely on an alarm. A recent study confirmed this science-based hack, and found morning sunlight does indeed set our biological clocks, governing when we sleep and wake, and getting that light before 10:00 a.m. actually improves sleep quality.) Is this the same as the Scandanvian method? No. Unlike the Dutch method, the “Scandinavian sleep method“—which is also currently having its 15 minutes of fame on social media—focuses on sleep temperature, an important factor in getting a good night’s sleep, not light, and is a game-changer for couples who share a bed. Why? It advocates each person should have their own separate blanket—one for each person. Intrigued? Take a look at this TikTok to see how it works on. And, yes, unlike their American counterparts, its common for Scandinavians to sleep this way. View the full article

Tit-for-tat strikes have hit critical desalination plants in Bahrain and Iran View the full article

Sales management training programs are vital for enhancing the skills of sales leaders. They provide fundamental techniques for effective communication, behavior-based coaching, and strategic management. By participating, you can learn to forecast sales accurately and nurture a culture of continuous improvement within your team. These programs cater to various learning preferences, ensuring accessibility for all. Comprehending the specific benefits and topics covered can help you choose the right program for your professional growth. What key factors should you consider when selecting a training program? Key Takeaways Specialized sales management training enhances team performance and drives sustainable behavior change to exceed sales quotas. Effective coaching techniques improve sales strategies and team morale, crucial for long-term sales success. Virtual instructor-led training offers flexible options, accommodating diverse learning styles and maintaining participant engagement. Continuous training contributes to sustained performance gains and cultivates a proactive sales culture within teams. Courses led by industry experts focus on real-world applications, integrating theory with practical exercises for effective learning. Program Benefits When you participate in a sales management training program, you can greatly improve your team’s performance and effectiveness. These programs focus on behavior-based performance management systems that lead to more accurate sales forecasts and maximize team potential. By engaging in specialized sales management training, you’ll refine your coaching techniques, which greatly boosts your team’s overall performance. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager provide a structured framework for recruiting top talent, ensuring you select the best candidates. Flexible delivery options, such as virtual instructor-led training, keep you engaged and improve learning retention. Industry recognition and positive testimonials highlight how sales leadership training can drive sustainable behavior change, helping your team consistently meet and exceed sales quotas. Topics Covered In this training program, you’ll explore the characteristics that define high-performing sales managers, giving you insights into effective leadership. You’ll furthermore learn how to apply proven coaching techniques that can improve your interactions with sales teams. Together, these topics aim to equip you with the skills needed to drive success in your sales management role. High-Performing Sales Managers High-performing sales managers play a vital role in driving sales success, as they effectively coach and support their teams to achieve better results. These managers are often pivotal for transforming middle performers into top achievers, greatly impacting overall sales performance. Nevertheless, a notable 73% of sales managers lack adequate training for effective coaching. This gap highlights the importance of specialized sales management training courses and sales leadership training programs that focus on critical skills. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager help develop competencies in coaching, managing performance, and pipeline management. Furthermore, flexible training formats, such as virtual instructor-led sessions, guarantee that these managers can apply learned skills effectively, leading to improved results and augmented team potential. Effective Coaching Techniques Effective coaching techniques are crucial for sales managers aiming to improve their team’s performance and drive better results. In sales management training programs, you’ll learn to develop customized approaches that address the unique strengths and weaknesses of individual team members. Research shows that behavior-based coaching can boost closing rates, yielding a 19% improvement in overall sales performance. The High-Impact Sales Manager Program emphasizes actionable strategies that help sales reps navigate challenges during nurturing a culture of continuous learning. Engaging techniques like role-playing scenarios and regular pipeline reviews maintain accountability and guarantee consistent results. Who Should Enroll If you’re an emerging sales leader or a mid-career professional looking to sharpen your strategic skills in sales management, this program is designed for you. It likewise caters to decision-makers from non-sales departments who want to gain a deeper comprehension of effective sales practices. Emerging Sales Leaders Emerging sales leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of sales organizations, and enrolling in targeted training programs can provide the strategic insights necessary for success. These individuals, often mid-career professionals, should consider sales leadership training courses to improve their skills in effective communication, coaching, and training techniques. By participating in sales management courses, you’ll develop high-performing management skills that prepare you for future managerial roles in both B2B and B2C environments. The programs focus on addressing urgent sales management issues and promoting collaboration between sales and non-sales departments. Highly interactive learning formats guarantee practical applications of knowledge, making these courses ideal for anyone looking to advance their career in sales leadership. Non-Sales Decision Makers Sales management training programs offer valuable insights for non-sales decision makers, particularly those in marketing and operations roles, as they seek to improve cross-departmental collaboration. By enrolling in sales management courses online or participating in sales leadership development programs, you can gain a deeper comprehension of effective sales strategies. This knowledge boosts your ability to communicate and align with sales teams, which is crucial for achieving organizational goals. Furthermore, grasping sales management techniques empowers you to contribute to revenue growth initiatives and make informed decisions that positively impact sales outcomes. In the end, these training programs equip you with insights into customer relationships and sales dynamics, nurturing a culture of collaboration and shared objectives across departments. Instructors Instructors play a vital role in shaping the learning experience within sales management training programs, bringing extensive expertise from both sales management and business development. Their background guarantees that you receive relevant and practical insights. Courses are often led by industry experts like John Westman and Michael McCarthy. They emphasize real-world applications of sales management concepts. Instructors integrate theory with practical exercises to improve learning effectiveness. Many programs feature interactive formats, such as role plays and group discussions. Their qualifications establish credibility and trust, as they’re recognized leaders in the field. These aspects are essential for anyone participating in ama sales training or sales leadership courses, providing a valuable educational experience. Certificates of Leadership Excellence The Certificates of Leadership Excellence program offers a structured pathway for individuals seeking to improve their business acumen and leadership skills. This program focuses on augmenting your sales management capabilities and provides an opportunity to earn recognized certification. Through practical applications and real-world experiences, you’ll challenge your current thinking and expand your leadership skills. Key Features Benefits Flexible Course Dates Accommodates busy professionals Emphasis on Coaching Enhances team performance Focus on Communication Improves interactions within teams Real-World Applications Applies learning directly to work Certification Opportunity Boosts credibility in sales roles Enrolling in this sales leadership program can profoundly impact your career prospects and effectiveness in sales management. Sales Management Solutions Effective sales management solutions are crucial for improving team performance and achieving business goals. By investing in sales manager training classes, you can equip your team with the tools necessary for success. These solutions focus on strategic sales management, providing a framework for effective coaching and performance oversight. Address urgent sales management issues. Increase overall sales performance by up to 19%. Utilize behavior-based performance systems for accurate forecasting. Improve team motivation and engagement. Offer flexible training formats, including virtual and blended learning. Implementing these solutions not only bridges the training gap—where only 27% of sales managers currently receive sufficient coaching—but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately driving business growth. Achieve Sales Success With the Right Training Program Achieving sales success hinges on the right training program, especially considering that 73% of sales managers lack the skills needed for effective coaching. Investing in executive sales courses or pursuing sales manager certification can greatly improve your team’s performance. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager not just teach crucial skills like sales coaching but also equip managers to implement behavior-based performance systems. These specialized training methods lead to a 19% improvement in sales performance, translating to increased company revenue. Engaging formats such as virtual instructor-led sessions keep participants motivated and guarantee better retention of skills. Frequently Asked Questions What Training Does a Sales Manager Need? As a sales manager, you need training focused on effective coaching, performance management, and communication skills. You’ll benefit from comprehending how to analyze sales data and implement systematic hiring processes to build strong teams. Training should additionally cover conflict resolution, time management, and continuous improvement strategies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcD2t9qt-fM Learning to motivate your team and set clear sales goals is vital for enhancing overall performance and achieving top-line results in your organization. Which Certification Is Best for a Sales Manager? Choosing the best certification for a sales manager depends on your specific needs and goals. Certifications like the Challenger Sales Training emphasize innovative sales strategies. Consider your current role, desired skills, and the training format that suits you best. Programs usually offer practical applications, enhancing your ability to implement learned strategies effectively in your team. What Are the 7 Basic Managerial Functions of a Sales Manager? The seven basic managerial functions of a sales manager include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, reporting, and budgeting. You’ll plan sales strategies and set targets. Organizing involves aligning resources to meet those targets. Staffing guarantees you recruit the right talent. Directing focuses on leading your team, whereas controlling monitors performance against goals. Reporting provides insights into sales performance, and budgeting allocates resources effectively to maximize profitability and growth. What Is the Best Course for a Sales Manager? The best course for a sales manager focuses on crucial skills like coaching, performance management, and effective communication. Look for programs that offer interactive elements, such as role plays and group discussions, to improve learning. Furthermore, courses that provide real-world applications and insights from experienced instructors can greatly enhance your management abilities. Prioritize programs that emphasize ongoing development to guarantee you stay updated on industry practices and strategies for team success. Conclusion In summary, investing in one of the 7 crucial sales management training programs can greatly improve your leadership skills and team performance. By mastering key topics such as behavior-based coaching and effective communication, you’ll be better equipped to drive revenue growth. These programs cater to various learning preferences and guarantee you can implement sustainable strategies in your organization. Enrolling in these courses eventually positions you and your team for long-term success in the competitive sales environment. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Sales Management Training Programs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Sales management training programs are vital for enhancing the skills of sales leaders. They provide fundamental techniques for effective communication, behavior-based coaching, and strategic management. By participating, you can learn to forecast sales accurately and nurture a culture of continuous improvement within your team. These programs cater to various learning preferences, ensuring accessibility for all. Comprehending the specific benefits and topics covered can help you choose the right program for your professional growth. What key factors should you consider when selecting a training program? Key Takeaways Specialized sales management training enhances team performance and drives sustainable behavior change to exceed sales quotas. Effective coaching techniques improve sales strategies and team morale, crucial for long-term sales success. Virtual instructor-led training offers flexible options, accommodating diverse learning styles and maintaining participant engagement. Continuous training contributes to sustained performance gains and cultivates a proactive sales culture within teams. Courses led by industry experts focus on real-world applications, integrating theory with practical exercises for effective learning. Program Benefits When you participate in a sales management training program, you can greatly improve your team’s performance and effectiveness. These programs focus on behavior-based performance management systems that lead to more accurate sales forecasts and maximize team potential. By engaging in specialized sales management training, you’ll refine your coaching techniques, which greatly boosts your team’s overall performance. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager provide a structured framework for recruiting top talent, ensuring you select the best candidates. Flexible delivery options, such as virtual instructor-led training, keep you engaged and improve learning retention. Industry recognition and positive testimonials highlight how sales leadership training can drive sustainable behavior change, helping your team consistently meet and exceed sales quotas. Topics Covered In this training program, you’ll explore the characteristics that define high-performing sales managers, giving you insights into effective leadership. You’ll furthermore learn how to apply proven coaching techniques that can improve your interactions with sales teams. Together, these topics aim to equip you with the skills needed to drive success in your sales management role. High-Performing Sales Managers High-performing sales managers play a vital role in driving sales success, as they effectively coach and support their teams to achieve better results. These managers are often pivotal for transforming middle performers into top achievers, greatly impacting overall sales performance. Nevertheless, a notable 73% of sales managers lack adequate training for effective coaching. This gap highlights the importance of specialized sales management training courses and sales leadership training programs that focus on critical skills. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager help develop competencies in coaching, managing performance, and pipeline management. Furthermore, flexible training formats, such as virtual instructor-led sessions, guarantee that these managers can apply learned skills effectively, leading to improved results and augmented team potential. Effective Coaching Techniques Effective coaching techniques are crucial for sales managers aiming to improve their team’s performance and drive better results. In sales management training programs, you’ll learn to develop customized approaches that address the unique strengths and weaknesses of individual team members. Research shows that behavior-based coaching can boost closing rates, yielding a 19% improvement in overall sales performance. The High-Impact Sales Manager Program emphasizes actionable strategies that help sales reps navigate challenges during nurturing a culture of continuous learning. Engaging techniques like role-playing scenarios and regular pipeline reviews maintain accountability and guarantee consistent results. Who Should Enroll If you’re an emerging sales leader or a mid-career professional looking to sharpen your strategic skills in sales management, this program is designed for you. It likewise caters to decision-makers from non-sales departments who want to gain a deeper comprehension of effective sales practices. Emerging Sales Leaders Emerging sales leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of sales organizations, and enrolling in targeted training programs can provide the strategic insights necessary for success. These individuals, often mid-career professionals, should consider sales leadership training courses to improve their skills in effective communication, coaching, and training techniques. By participating in sales management courses, you’ll develop high-performing management skills that prepare you for future managerial roles in both B2B and B2C environments. The programs focus on addressing urgent sales management issues and promoting collaboration between sales and non-sales departments. Highly interactive learning formats guarantee practical applications of knowledge, making these courses ideal for anyone looking to advance their career in sales leadership. Non-Sales Decision Makers Sales management training programs offer valuable insights for non-sales decision makers, particularly those in marketing and operations roles, as they seek to improve cross-departmental collaboration. By enrolling in sales management courses online or participating in sales leadership development programs, you can gain a deeper comprehension of effective sales strategies. This knowledge boosts your ability to communicate and align with sales teams, which is crucial for achieving organizational goals. Furthermore, grasping sales management techniques empowers you to contribute to revenue growth initiatives and make informed decisions that positively impact sales outcomes. In the end, these training programs equip you with insights into customer relationships and sales dynamics, nurturing a culture of collaboration and shared objectives across departments. Instructors Instructors play a vital role in shaping the learning experience within sales management training programs, bringing extensive expertise from both sales management and business development. Their background guarantees that you receive relevant and practical insights. Courses are often led by industry experts like John Westman and Michael McCarthy. They emphasize real-world applications of sales management concepts. Instructors integrate theory with practical exercises to improve learning effectiveness. Many programs feature interactive formats, such as role plays and group discussions. Their qualifications establish credibility and trust, as they’re recognized leaders in the field. These aspects are essential for anyone participating in ama sales training or sales leadership courses, providing a valuable educational experience. Certificates of Leadership Excellence The Certificates of Leadership Excellence program offers a structured pathway for individuals seeking to improve their business acumen and leadership skills. This program focuses on augmenting your sales management capabilities and provides an opportunity to earn recognized certification. Through practical applications and real-world experiences, you’ll challenge your current thinking and expand your leadership skills. Key Features Benefits Flexible Course Dates Accommodates busy professionals Emphasis on Coaching Enhances team performance Focus on Communication Improves interactions within teams Real-World Applications Applies learning directly to work Certification Opportunity Boosts credibility in sales roles Enrolling in this sales leadership program can profoundly impact your career prospects and effectiveness in sales management. Sales Management Solutions Effective sales management solutions are crucial for improving team performance and achieving business goals. By investing in sales manager training classes, you can equip your team with the tools necessary for success. These solutions focus on strategic sales management, providing a framework for effective coaching and performance oversight. Address urgent sales management issues. Increase overall sales performance by up to 19%. Utilize behavior-based performance systems for accurate forecasting. Improve team motivation and engagement. Offer flexible training formats, including virtual and blended learning. Implementing these solutions not only bridges the training gap—where only 27% of sales managers currently receive sufficient coaching—but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately driving business growth. Achieve Sales Success With the Right Training Program Achieving sales success hinges on the right training program, especially considering that 73% of sales managers lack the skills needed for effective coaching. Investing in executive sales courses or pursuing sales manager certification can greatly improve your team’s performance. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager not just teach crucial skills like sales coaching but also equip managers to implement behavior-based performance systems. These specialized training methods lead to a 19% improvement in sales performance, translating to increased company revenue. Engaging formats such as virtual instructor-led sessions keep participants motivated and guarantee better retention of skills. Frequently Asked Questions What Training Does a Sales Manager Need? As a sales manager, you need training focused on effective coaching, performance management, and communication skills. You’ll benefit from comprehending how to analyze sales data and implement systematic hiring processes to build strong teams. Training should additionally cover conflict resolution, time management, and continuous improvement strategies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcD2t9qt-fM Learning to motivate your team and set clear sales goals is vital for enhancing overall performance and achieving top-line results in your organization. Which Certification Is Best for a Sales Manager? Choosing the best certification for a sales manager depends on your specific needs and goals. Certifications like the Challenger Sales Training emphasize innovative sales strategies. Consider your current role, desired skills, and the training format that suits you best. Programs usually offer practical applications, enhancing your ability to implement learned strategies effectively in your team. What Are the 7 Basic Managerial Functions of a Sales Manager? The seven basic managerial functions of a sales manager include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, reporting, and budgeting. You’ll plan sales strategies and set targets. Organizing involves aligning resources to meet those targets. Staffing guarantees you recruit the right talent. Directing focuses on leading your team, whereas controlling monitors performance against goals. Reporting provides insights into sales performance, and budgeting allocates resources effectively to maximize profitability and growth. What Is the Best Course for a Sales Manager? The best course for a sales manager focuses on crucial skills like coaching, performance management, and effective communication. Look for programs that offer interactive elements, such as role plays and group discussions, to improve learning. Furthermore, courses that provide real-world applications and insights from experienced instructors can greatly enhance your management abilities. Prioritize programs that emphasize ongoing development to guarantee you stay updated on industry practices and strategies for team success. Conclusion In summary, investing in one of the 7 crucial sales management training programs can greatly improve your leadership skills and team performance. By mastering key topics such as behavior-based coaching and effective communication, you’ll be better equipped to drive revenue growth. These programs cater to various learning preferences and guarantee you can implement sustainable strategies in your organization. Enrolling in these courses eventually positions you and your team for long-term success in the competitive sales environment. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Sales Management Training Programs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The dark web has a sinister and foreboding name for a reason. This is a place where all manner of illegal and underhand activity takes place, as well as somewhere internet users can free themselves from government censorship and draconian surveillance. Getting on the dark web isn't particularly difficult, but it's not somewhere you should head without doing your research first. If you visit an unfamiliar location in real life, you'll want to make sure you know how to stay safe and make the most of your trip, and it's the same with the dark web. As such, follow these hacks and tips to maximize your chances of staying safe and getting the most out of what the dark web has to offer. Use IP Leak to make sure your IP address stays hiddenAs with the general web, using a VPN with the dark web isn't essential, but is recommended. However, you should also check for IP leaks before you start doing any dark web browsing, even with a VPN up and running. In simple terms, an IP leak is where your actual internet location is revealed to the sites you're connecting to—something you want to avoid on the dark web. This might be caused by a rogue website script or browser extension, for example. It's easy to do: Just head to IP Leak and check the IP address that's being reported isn't actually where you are. As an added bonus, the site checks for leaks through the WebRTC and DNS protocols, which can also reveal your location in a more roundabout way. Avoid leaving fingerprints by resizing your browser windowTor and a VPN of your choice can hide a lot about your identity, but you're still vulnerable to fingerprinting when you're on the dark web. That's where information being reported by your computer—such as the operating system, the system time, and even the fonts you have installed—is used to recognize you as an individual. Another key piece of information used in fingerprinting is the size of your monitor display: If your browser window fills your screen, a bad actor can infer what monitor or device you may be using. Tor does use some tricks to try and obfuscate this, but you can help by not maximizing your browser window (and perhaps randomly resizing it from time to time). An identity reset in Tor. Credit: Lifehacker Use "New Identity" to hide who you are onlineTor includes a feature that isn't immediately obvious, but which can help you switch identities in a couple of clicks. It's like disappearing into a rest room and then remerging with a different disguise—disconnecting you from whatever you were doing through the browser before. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then pick New identity. All currently open tabs will be closed, and the browser restarts. You'll be rerouted through different Tor circuits to get back online, and all previous browsing data and cookies will be wiped away. Use Dangerzone to securely open files on the dark webGenerally speaking, you don't really want to be downloading anything from the dark web, if you can help it: The dark web waters are swimming with malware, scams, and otherwise unwholesome material. However, there may be times when you need to open a document given to you by a trusted contact. Anything you do need to open should be opened through Dangerzone. It basically puts a security sandbox around PDFs, images, and office documents, and strips out any kind of malicious or tracking data embedded in the file. You're then left with a sanitized file that's passed security clearance and can be opened as normal. Add a bridge for extra securityFor ease of use, you can have Tor connect to the web through a path of its choice, concealing your identity and location through a series of recognized nodes. If you want to take this a step further, you can add a bridge into the connection chain as well. Standard Tor nodes (or relays) still report an IP address, though it won't be your actual one. Bridges don't share IP addresses at all, which makes it even harder for someone else to track who you are and what you're doing. They're particularly useful in countries where known Tor relays might be blocked by the authorities. In the Tor browser, click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then Settings > Connection to configure a bridge. Use Request bridges to ask for a bridge link from the official Tor bot, or use the web or Telegram links to find one. Setting a pluggable transport. Credit: Lifehacker Use pluggable transports to hide from your internet provider Pluggable transports are a specific type of Tor bridge: As well as additional IP address cloaking and anti-censorship measures, pluggable transports hide the fact that you're actually using Tor from your internet provider as well. They're often used as a next-level step wherever the Tor network has been banned. To configure a pluggable transport bridge inside Tor, click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then pick Settings > Connection. Click Select a built-in bridge to choose from one of the available pluggable transports, which each come with a description of how they work. Kill your other tasks and apps before surfing the dark webIf you're accessing the dark web through Tor, shut down everything else on your system: Clear out all the apps that are in memory, even if they're only running in the background (Task Manager on Windows and Activity Monitor on macOS can help with this). Not only can running apps help to identify your system for fingerprinting (see the window resizing tip above), they can also make you more vulnerable to malicious websites and malware you might come across on the dark web. The more programs you've got running besides Tor, the bigger the target area for bad actors. Use tools to create a "dark web persona" All of the security and anonymity measures that go into Tor and VPNs are compromised to an extent if you then log into your regular accounts (like Amazon and Instagram) while you're also browsing the dark web. It makes it more likely that your credentials will be stolen, and that you can be identified as an individual user. Some dark web users set down rules for a whole new internet persona to make it harder to reveal their real identities. This might involve going online at different times, using different devices, and maybe even different wifi networks. Any overlap with your "regular" internet use puts you at more risk. This extends to email addresses and login names too: Use different ones on the dark web to the ones that you normally use. You can get burner email addresses from plenty of providers, including DuckDuckGo and Apple. Ramping up browser security. Credit: Lifehacker Use Tor's "Safest" mode to restrict what websites can doThe Tor browser includes a "maximum security" level that shuts down a lot of website activity like scripts and media playback. It's not on by default, and it can affect the functionality of sites (they'll typically look a lot more barebones), but if you want to stay as safe as possible then it's available as an option. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines), then Settings > Privacy & Security and Change under Security. Select Safest to put Tor into maximum security mode, then click Save and restart. Connect through Tails OS for an extra security layerAccess the dark web through Tor on Windows or macOS, and you're well protected from harm. Access it through the portable, Linux-based operating system Tails, and that protection goes up another level. Tails runs from either a USB stick or through a virtual machine, which means any malware that does sneak through your defenses can't reach your main operating system and everything on it. (Everything on the OS runs through the Tor platform, not just the browser.) You will need to set aside some time for this, but it's worth the additional effort if you want to stay as safe as possible. Tails offers a full guide explaining how to get started. View the full article

A fascinating paradox about expertise is that we use our experiences from the past to prepare ourselves for the future. We do that in several ways—some of which are more backward-looking and others of which prepare you for the future. The most obvious of the backward-looking strategies is habits. When you develop a habit, you are associating a specific environment with a particular behavior. When you engage in a habit, you are basically letting your past actions dictate what you do in the moment. And that isn’t a bad thing. Many aspects of the world are pretty stable, and you should continue to do what has worked for you in the past when nothing in the world has changed substantially. An extension of habits is that there are many settings in which we exploit our past preferences to drive future actions. If you have lived in a town for a long time, then you probably have some favorite restaurants. Every time you return to a frequent haunt, you are exploiting your past knowledge. Again, you’re allowing the past to dictate what you do now. And if you like that restaurant, you’re probably serving yourself well. Many new restaurants you might try can be disappointing. But, the world of work changes. You can’t rely just on your habits and your preferences for what has worked in the past. Technology changes. Laws change. Competitors are constantly trying to find ways to cut into any advantages you have. So, how can you overcome your tendency to allow the past to rule the future? Think about what can go wrong We often don’t consider the costs of continuing to do the same thing. Indeed, our habitual responses often happen quickly and unconsciously. So, we are already responding to the present based on the past before we have even thought about it. So, take some time to think about what happens if you continue to approach your career in the way you always have. Are there other people who will advance into positions you would prefer to have? Are there opportunities that you have missed because you keep doing the same thing? Are there factors like technology that may make aspects of your job obsolete? Because doing the same things you always have feels comfortable, you often focus on the benefits of the status quo. It takes effort to explore what can go wrong. At the corporate level, Kodak was famously the developer of digital imaging technology, but didn’t pursue it as a business. Their focus on the status quo led the company to avoid diving into the technology that ultimately upended film-based photography as the standard. Similarly, you should be thinking about the ways that your own tendency to continue doing things you have done in the past may lead you to miss out on new opportunities. Keep learning One of the best ways to ensure that you stay focused on new opportunities is to continue learning new things. Not only should you hone skills that are relevant to the job you have now, you should learn more broadly. That includes job skills that aren’t obviously related to your current position, but also things that don’t seem obviously job-related at all. Everything you learn leads you to see the world differently. When you learn a new fact or a new skill, it changes what you notice. New facts can cause you to interpret things in the world in a new way. Skills may enable you to notice details that were invisible until your new skill made them relevant. When you start to view the world differently, your habits and prior preferences begin to seem inadequate as responses. Your new learning naturally makes you dissatisfied with the way you have done things in the past. That opens you up to new potential career paths and to the need to adapt to changes in the world. Force yourself to explore Doing something different in your work life requires some effort. Exploiting your habits and your prior preferences is often the path of least resistance. Doing something consistent with what you have done previously is low-effort and leads to relatively predictable outcomes. Exploring new options involves more effort and also more uncertainty. But, you need to force yourself to engage in that exploration. Volunteer for new projects at work. Take a shot at some new responsibilities. Find ways to be part of discussions that are not typically required of your role. Not every exploratory venture at work will be a great success. You may not be ready for a project you’d like to help with. A new venture at work might turn out to be a dud. But, the openness to go beyond your normal work routine means you’ll also be more likely to see upcoming trends than you would if you continue focusing on the tried-and-true. Those efforts to break out of your rut will pay their dividends in the long-run. View the full article

The next wave of AI will be defined by agentic systems that can take actions: query databases, navigate portals, retrieve records, and increasingly interact with public digital infrastructure at scale. That shift is already showing up as traffic hitting government sites and services is becoming machine traffic. Some of it is benign (search and discovery). Some of it is ambiguous (scraping and automated browsing). And some of it could become actively harmful if agents can reserve scarce services, submit fraudulent requests, or generate volume that overwhelms public systems. The problem is that the government’s current interfaces were not designed for agent-to-government interactions, and the default state of the world has become improvisation: agents “figure it out” by scraping pages and guessing based on previous learning.. This is where Boston’s work becomes instructive. Rather than treating agents as something to block wholesale, or something to embrace without guardrails, Boston is experimenting with a middle path: build a governed, secure, and reliable layer that mediates how AI agent systems interact with government resources. Santi Garces In a recent interview, Boston’s CIO, Santi Garces, described why the city is investing in the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as that layer; why they’re starting with open data as a low-risk proving ground; how they’re improving reliability by pushing computation into the data portal itself; and what it would take for MCP-like infrastructure to become replicable digital public infrastructure that other cities can deploy. Can you explain MCP, and why city governments should care? MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, and it’s relatively recent. Anthropic, the company behind Claude, launched MCP servers about a year ago. Why it matters is that it provides a way for large language models to interface with the kinds of resources we have in government. Concretely, it’s a way to connect LLMs to APIs and other programmatic systems, for example, allowing an AI assistant to retrieve transit updates or submit a service request through official city systems. We think it will be a new layer that serves as an intermediary between the government’s digital infrastructure and these models. This is exciting for Boston because the world is moving fast, and we’re already seeing websites and services being activated or consumed by agents. MCP servers can serve as a layer through which the government can add governance and control. Mechanically, an MCP server creates a set of tools. You describe, in plain language, when a tool should be used. Then you define what inputs need to be extracted from a natural-language request and how that translates into deterministic programmatic access to a resource. LLMs can be random; MCP is part of the pathway to make certain interactions more reliable and secure. The dream is that cities invest in this infrastructure and point to different models to interact with a city’s MCP layer, ensuring it’s reliable, secure, and provides a better experience for people using agentic systems to interact with the government. A lot has to be true for that future, but we’re very excited about it. What normally breaks when people rely on “just the chatbot” and prompting, what problem is MCP solving? Take our first MCP server: open data. If you ask Claude or ChatGPT or Gemini something like, “How many restaurants are there in Boston,” those models will answer using either (1) their training data, which is probably out of date, or (2) they’ll make something up. The risk of inaccuracy or hallucination is high. It might do better if it can browse the web, but then you’re relying on it to find the right source, and we know a lot of information online is outdated or inaccurate. It might pull from an old report or an article from five years ago. What we’ve been able to do with Open Context, our first MCP instance tied to Boston’s open data portal, is create a direct link between the portal and these AI tools. MCP servers are interoperable, so it doesn’t matter which AI tool you’re using. If you ask an AI tool connected to this MCP server, “How many restaurants are there in Boston given the open data portal,” it automatically searches Boston’s portal, finds the right dataset, and generates a SQL query against that dataset. It queries live data reliably and returns an answer grounded in the city’s actual data infrastructure. We spend a lot of money and time building data infrastructure that many people don’t use because it’s inconvenient. Most people don’t know SQL, and even knowing which dataset is right is hard. These tools bridge that gap, getting you to the right answer while avoiding many of the pitfalls in AI tools today. How did you make this more trustworthy and what did the development process look like? We started in the fall of 2025 with students from Northeastern’s AI for Impact program at the Burnes Center. We’ve been rolling out a tool to Boston city employees called AI Launchpad, which provides access to LLMs, but we wanted it to be more useful. We looked at how employees use AI tools, drawing on our experience and survey data. Data analysis is a common use case. But to analyze, people have to download data, paste it into a context, and go through a lot of steps. So our starting motivation was: how do we make those workflows easier, more convenient, and more reliable? Around that time, I was at an AI retreat in Boston and spoke with Romesh Raskar at MIT about what the agentic web will look like and the need to build an open version of it. That weekend turned into action quickly. Saturday at the retreat, then Sunday speaking at MIT, challenging people to build better agentic experiences for Boston. Then, on Monday, we said, let’s try to build an MCP server and connect it to AI Launchpad. Because we had brilliant students, by October, we had a prototype that connected to the open data portal. Since November and December, we’ve been iterating to make it more reliable. It did a good job finding datasets, but it wasn’t as strong at analyzing large datasets—good for small samples, less good at scale. One innovation was to push more computation into the open data portal itself. Most data portals can run queries. So we’re using the portal to do more of the analytical work, which improves reliability and also makes the overall interaction more efficient and cost-effective. You’ve also talked about this as a replicable layer of digital public infrastructure. What else do cities need to be able to implement this? This is why we’re excited. With emerging technology, it’s possible we’ll be using a different acronym in six months, but right now, MCP looks like a real path to solve this. We think MCP is a component of digital public infrastructure and should be tied to digital public infrastructure (DPI). The agentic web is only helpful if it creates reliable, secure intermediation that serves real human beings. AI could help if someone is busy, doesn’t speak English, or has a disability. There are many reasons this could matter for access. But without the right infrastructure, the experience becomes less reliable. The MCP pattern is appealing because it lets you leverage existing DPI components—identity, API exposures, payment APIs—by creating a middle layer between what an AI system “sees” and the underlying infrastructure the government already has, in a way that can be made more reliable. We’re starting with open data because it’s low risk and already public. But it could evolve to intermediation around service requests and other interactions. We believe the government should have the capability to build and steward this. But we can also imagine vendors incorporating this type of interface into the products they sell to governments. Let’s talk about security. What threats feel most realistic with agent systems, and how does MCP help? One concern is that our APIs are not always well secured. There are agentic browsers and tools that make it easy to automate interactions. And we’re seeing more and more traffic to boston.gov that isn’t from people, it’s from AI systems scraping and “deep searching.” It’s not hard to imagine AI tools also requesting services. A major risk is when an AI tool makes requests that aren’t tied to a real human need. You could have fraudulent requests or actors generating scarcity by consuming limited government resources and potentially reselling access, similar to ticket scalpers at concerts. Another risk is that without a controlled layer, it’s harder to secure and monitor the traffic between AI systems and government systems. What excites us about MCP servers is that this middleware could make it easier to block unauthorized inbound agentic requests with cybersecurity tools, while still enabling legitimate uses. The idea is: people who need services use an authorized channel that the government controls, can associate with identity, and can monitor and secure end-to-end. Without that middleware, government faces an uncomfortable choice: block agentic interaction entirely, or leave it open in the wild. MCP offers a middle ground: governance for agentic interactions. Are there things you’re intentionally not exposing MCP to right now? We’re starting with open data. Our AI policies in Boston, rolled out a couple of months ago, state that we’re not using AI to process information that could affect people’s lives, property, or civil liberties because of reliability issues and intrinsic, complex biases. So, for now, those are categories we avoid. It’s not just “a human in the loop.” We know AI intermediation can create adverse effects that are hard to detect and remediate. At the same time, we work closely with the disability community and with people who face language access issues. Government is hard to access for people who need it most. And those are often the same people least likely to have private access to LLMs, paid subscriptions, reliable internet, and personal devices. If you had a magic wand, what’s the biggest blocker you’d remove? There are technical gaps because MCP is new. Early on, MCP servers didn’t support some authentication pieces natively; we had to add frameworks to secure them. The ecosystem is changing fast. But the biggest thing is discoverability and ease of use. We need to get to a point where using MCP infrastructure is as easy as pointing an LLM to a URL. With websites, you type the name or use search. We need that for MCP: trivial discovery, trivial access, effectively zero barrier to entry. We’ve made it easier, but there’s still too much technical legwork. For another city that wants to move in this direction, what’s the action they should take now? Good metadata management is essential. LLMs consume data, but they don’t understand what it is without good descriptions and context. So it starts with good data governance. We intend to share this work. We’re proud of it, and it’s thanks to collaboration with the GovLab and the Burnes Center that we’ve been able to move quickly. We intend to make Open Context an open-source project so others can replicate it. The MCP server itself doesn’t cost a lot to run. Our goal is to make it as simple as deploying a package into whatever public cloud a city uses. The rest of the puzzle, how this ties into broader services, is something every city will have to solve, and we’re solving it in Boston, too. But importantly, data becomes useful only when people use it. Data quality improved when we started publishing open data. We think governance and quality will improve further when more people use open data. And we’re hoping GenAI makes it easier for people to use open data, so we can solve problems collectively. — A version of this interview was originally published at Reboot Democracy. View the full article

Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late supreme leader, has been named as the Islamic Republic’s next ruler, authorities announced Monday, as Tehran widened its attacks across the Mideast to strike oil and water facilities crucial to its desert sheikdoms. With Iran’s theocracy under assault by the U.S. and Israel for more than a week, the country’s Assembly of Experts chose as the next supreme leader a secretive, 56-year-old cleric who maintains close ties to the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The Guard has been firing missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf Arab states since the younger Khamenei’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed Feb. 28 during the war’s opening salvo. The war has shaken global energy markets, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel and leading to tighter supplies of natural gas after Qatar turned off its production. The younger Khamenei, who had not been seen or heard from publicly since the war started, had long been considered a contender for the post. That was even before the Israeli strike killed his father, and despite never being elected or appointed to a government position. There appeared to be some dissension over his selection. Political figures within Iran criticized the idea of handing over the supreme leader’s title based on heredity and thereby creating a clerical version of the rule of the shah, who was toppled during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But top clerics in the Assembly of Experts likely wanted Khamenei to prosecute the war. Khamenei, who is believed to hold views that are even more hard-line than his late father, now will be in charge of Iran’s armed forces and any decision regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. While the country’s key nuclear sites are in tatters after the United States bombed them during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, there’s still highly enriched uranium in Iran that’s a technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Khamenei could choose to do what his father never did — pursue the bomb. Israel has already described him as a potential target, while U.S. President Donald The President criticized the idea of Khamenei taking power. “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” The President has said. “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The President told ABC News on Sunday he wants a say in who comes to power once the war is over; a new leader “is not going to last long” without his approval. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a statement expressing support, as did the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani, speaking to Iranian state television, praised the Assembly of Experts for “courageously” convening even as airstrikes continued in Tehran. He said the younger Khamenei had been trained by his father and “can handle this situation.” Regional anger grows and oil rises above $100 a barrel Oil depots in Tehran smoldered following overnight Israeli strikes. In a sign of rising regional anger, the Arab League chief lashed out at Iran for its “reckless policy” of attacking neighbors, including ones that host U.S. forces. The U.S. military said a service member died of injuries from an Iranian attack on troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1. Seven U.S. soldiers have now been killed. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said Monday it intercepted a drone attacking the country’s massive Shaybah oil field. The kingdom followed the alleged drone attack with sharper warnings to Iran that it would be the “biggest loser” if it continued to attack Arab states. It dismissed comments by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday that Iran had halted its attacks on Gulf Arab states. “The kingdom affirms that the Iranian side has not implemented this statement in practice, neither during the Iranian president’s speech nor afterward,” Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Iran has continued its aggression based on flimsy pretexts devoid of any factual basis.” It added the Iranian attacks mean “further escalation which will have grave impact on the relations, currently and in the future.” Two U.S. officials say the State Department will order nonessential personnel and families of all staff to leave Saudi Arabia as Iran escalates its attacks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement. Eight other U.S. diplomatic missions have ordered all but key staff to leave: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 397 in Lebanon and at least 11 in Israel, according to officials. Israel reported its first soldier deaths Sunday, saying two were killed in southern Lebanon, where its military is fighting Hezbollah. Desalination and oil facilities attacked Bahrain accused Iran of indiscriminately attacking civilian targets and damaging one of its desalination plants, though its electricity and water authority said supplies remained online. Desalination plants supply water to millions of residents in the region and thousands of stranded travelers, raising new fears of catastrophic risks in parched desert nations. The strike came after Iran claimed a U.S. airstrike damaged a desalination plant there. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strike on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz had cut into the water supply to 30 villages. He warned that in doing so “the U.S. set this precedent, not Iran.” In response, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said that “U.S. forces do not target civilians – period.” The Iranian Red Crescent Society warned Tehran residents to take precautions against toxic air pollution and the risk of acid rain from the oil depot attack. It also said about 10,000 civilian structures across the country had been damaged, including homes, schools and almost three dozen health facilities. Lebanon says a half-million people displaced Lebanon said over a half-million people have been displaced in the week of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The actual number is likely higher. Lebanon’s count of 517,000 refers to those who registered on the government’s online portal. Israel over the past week has called on residents in dozens of villages across southern Lebanon and the entirety of Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate. In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm. Israel’s renewed offensive began last week after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel during the Iran war’s opening days. Associated Press journalists Melanie Lidman, Matthew Lee, Christopher Weber, and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting. —Jon Gambrell, Sam Metz, Kareem Chehayeb and Samy Magdy, Associated Press View the full article

Any avid reader undoubtedly recognizes him: the sleek, inquisitive bird frozen inside an orange oval that’s become Penguin Random House’s distinctive logo. With its new brand refresh, Penguin Random House UK is setting that iconic penguin free. The brand just unveiled a delightful series of hand-drawn illustrations, named the “Playful Penguins,” which show the penguin jumping, strutting, dancing, and doing a whole lot of reading. The illustrations will show up everywhere across the Penguin Random House’s global markets, from seasonal campaigns to social initiatives and point-of-sale displays—and they’re designed to bring some added joy and movement to the brand as it approaches its centennial. In the years following Random House and Penguin Books’ 2013 merger, the massive publishing house has focused on streamlining representations of the penguin to one core logo—the bird inside its lozenge—in order to maintain a consistent masterbrand. According to Derek Man, Penguin Random House UK’s design director, the company had an opportunity to “test and stretch” its brand for its 90th anniversary last year. At the time, his team uncovered a “rich collection of expressive illustrated penguins from our Bristol archive,” which they wove through the anniversary campaign. The public showed a major affinity for the bird, demonstrating to Man’s team that it was time to give the penguin an even bigger role in the brand. While, crucially, the iconic penguin inside his lozenge will remain the company’s core mark, Man says the Playful Penguins will help “answer the brand’s needs in 2026 and beyond” by setting clear guidelines for other ways that the penguin is permitted to trot, slide, and dance across the page. How the Penguin Random House bird became an iconThe origins of the Penguin Books penguin is something of a brand legend. It traces back to 1935, when Allen Lane, the founder of the publishing house, apparently received a piece of advice from his secretary that “Penguin” would be a good name to encapsulate a “dignified” yet “flippant” brand attitude. Soon after, Lane sent the 21-year-old illustrator Edward Young to the London Zoo, where, according to the oft-repeated tale, he apparently spent all day sketching penguins in action. His initial drawings are loose and playful, capturing a mischievous energy that suggests a creature constantly in motion. One of the first teaser ads for Penguin Books shows a series of six penguins scampering down a white page, accompanied by the text, “The penguins are coming. If you want to know what this is all about, turn over quickly to the next page.” In the decades since Young’s initial sketches, the penguin has been shaped by the hands of multiple other creatives. In 1937, the logo was updated to a version with the penguin dancing and looking to the right, rather than the left. In 1939, it was tweaked to a more serious-looking bird. Arguably the most influential version of the bird came courtesy of graphic designer and typographer Jan Tschichold in 1946, whose penguin features thicker black lines and wings tucked demurely at its sides. When the design agency Pentagram was asked to update the logo in 2003—the iteration that Penguin Random House still uses today—Tschichold’s gold standard served as the basis of its design, which is just a bit slimmer with a jauntily upturned beak. After the 90th celebrations, Man says “it became very clear” that there was a need to create something that could continue the spirit of these archival illustrations, yet that was fit for contemporary use. To achieve that, he took the London-based illustrator Matt Blease on a trip back through these archives for inspiration. ‘I became part penguin for this project’For Blease, trawling through Penguin Random House’s archival assets was only the beginning. In fact, he says, he “became part penguin” for the project. “I spent hours watching footage of how penguins walk, twist, turn, and slide,” Blease says. “I absorbed as much as I could and then let it flow out onto my sketchbook as loosely as possible. It’s always a bit of a brain dump at the brainstorming stage. You’re sketching faster than ever, trying to keep up with your brain. It becomes all-encompassing, totally locked into the act of drawing. It’s a beautiful moment when you look up and actually see the work en masse.” Throughout this creative exercise, Blease was working with one key parameter: The penguins needed to look like Penguin Random House’s iconic logo (who, he says, is internally named “Alan”), but they couldn’t be the exact same bird. Instead, he imagined them as “part of the same family,” sketching out penguins that might reasonably be “guests at Alan’s wedding.” Man says this approach allowed Penguin Random House to “channel that sense of play in a controlled and cohesive way,” ensuring that the Playful Penguins could frolic without disrupting Alan’s status as the brand’s most recognizable asset. “Importantly, these illustrations have been carefully crafted to be visually distinct from the logo through differences in form and texture,” Man explains. “This clear distinction allows our iconic lozenge Penguin to remain untouched—continuing to stand proudly as one of our strongest and most recognizable brand assets, while providing teams with a flexible, engaging set of assets designed for creative use.” Blease’s illustrations bring a warm, analogue feel to Penguin Random House’s brand that reflect the publisher’s visual past while setting it up for its next chapter. View the full article

Creating a corporation involves several vital steps that guarantee legal compliance and effective governance. First, you need to choose a unique name and file the Articles of Incorporation with your state. Then, you’ll appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws to outline operations. Don’t forget to hold an initial board meeting to adopt these bylaws. Each step is critical for laying a solid foundation, so let’s explore these processes in detail. Key Takeaways Choose a unique name for your corporation, ensuring it complies with California regulations and includes a corporate designator. File the Articles of Incorporation, providing necessary details and paying applicable state filing fees. Appoint directors to oversee management, and document their appointments for compliance and transparency. Draft and adopt bylaws outlining governance structure, meeting procedures, and voting protocols. Identify and obtain necessary licenses, permits, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to ensure legal operation. Choose a Name for Your Corporation When you’re ready to create a corporation, how do you choose the right name? Start by ensuring it complies with California corporation formation regulations. Your corporation’s name must include a corporate designator like “Corp,” “Inc,” or “Ltd.” Next, check if your chosen name is already in use; it can’t be identical or too similar to an existing corporation’s name. Furthermore, avoid words suggesting government affiliation or restricted activities, as these might violate state laws. Conduct a trademark search to confirm your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks, which could lead to legal issues. Finally, verify its legality and availability with the Secretary of State’s office before proceeding with your registration. File Articles of Incorporation Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in establishing your corporation, as this legal document officially creates your business entity. In New York, you’ll need to prepare the articles, also referred to as the certificate of incorporation, which must include critical details like your corporation’s name, principal office address, registered agent’s name and address, the number of authorized shares, and the incorporator’s information. Each state has its own filing fees, ranging typically from $50 to several hundred dollars. Many states, including New York, allow you to file articles of incorporation online, speeding up the process. Once submitted, the state reviews your articles, and if approved, you’ll receive your certificate of incorporation NY, confirming your corporation’s legal standing. Appoint Corporate Directors When you appoint corporate directors, you’re selecting individuals responsible for overseeing your corporation’s management and making key policy decisions. Most states require at least one director, but some may need more, depending on your corporation’s structure. It’s essential to follow state laws regarding qualifications and to document these appointments properly for compliance and transparency. Responsibilities of Directors Corporate directors play an important role in steering the organization in the direction of success by making significant policy and financial decisions. They guarantee the corporation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Directors are responsible for electing corporate officers who handle daily operations and implement the board’s strategic decisions. Maintaining accurate corporate records is critical, including documenting meeting minutes to reflect governance activities. For example, directors must be familiar with the California Limited Liability Company operating agreement and the articles of incorporation for a New York corporation, as these documents outline key operational guidelines. Number of Required Directors Comprehending the number of required directors is vital when establishing a corporation, as it directly affects governance and decision-making. Most states require at least one director, but if your corporation has multiple shareholders, you might need a minimum of three directors. Directors oversee corporate governance and guarantee compliance with regulations, so selecting the right individuals is critical. In a single-member corporation, you can serve as the only director, simplifying your s corp operating agreement. Keep in mind that states have specific age and residency requirements for directors, often mandating a minimum age of 18. Always consult your state’s regulations to confirm the exact requirements for directors before finalizing your inc filing, securing your corporation’s legal compliance from the start. Draft the Bylaws When you draft the bylaws, you’re setting up the vital governance structure for your corporation. This includes outlining meeting procedures, voting protocols, and the process for amending the bylaws as needed. It’s imperative to guarantee these documents comply with state laws and are regularly reviewed to reflect your corporation’s evolving needs. Governance Structure Outline Establishing a well-defined governance structure is crucial for the effective operation of a corporation, so drafting bylaws becomes a necessary step in this process. These bylaws outline the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, detailing how many directors are needed, their term lengths, and the processes for their election or removal. It’s important to include rules for board meetings, including quorum requirements and notice periods for transparency. You’ll likewise want to specify how the bylaws can be amended during guaranteeing compliance with state laws, similar to an California operating agreement in California or a California agreement. Consulting with a legal professional during drafting these bylaws can help tailor them to your corporation’s unique needs and guarantee legality. Meeting Procedures and Protocols To guarantee smooth operations within a corporation, it’s vital to clearly outline meeting procedures and protocols in your bylaws. Your corporate bylaws should specify how often meetings occur, how much notice is required, and the quorum needed for decision-making. Furthermore, you must record minutes from all meetings to maintain transparency and legal compliance. Bylaws must also detail voting procedures for directors and shareholders, including methods like in-person or electronic voting, along with the majority thresholds for decisions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGQqcg0EpEY It’s important to include rules regarding appointing and removing directors and officers to guarantee accountability. When drafting your small business corporation form, keep in mind that these bylaws can be amended but typically require a specific process to involve stakeholders. Amendment and Review Process Amending and reviewing your corporate bylaws is crucial for maintaining an effective governance structure, especially as your business evolves. Your bylaws define the rules guiding your corporation, and they need to adapt to changes, like an s corporation conversion to LLC. To guarantee your bylaws remain relevant, consider these key aspects: Directors: Determine the number of directors, their qualifications, and election procedures. Amendments: Clearly define the process for making changes, including notice and voting requirements. Review: Store your bylaws with corporate records and schedule regular reviews to stay compliant with state laws. Hold a First Meeting of the Board of Directors Once you’ve filed your articles of incorporation, it’s time to hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors, which plays a crucial role in establishing your corporation. This meeting typically occurs after you receive your certificate of corporation NY, marking your new york corporate registration. During this initial gathering, you’ll adopt corporate bylaws and appoint corporate officers. It’s also vital to set the corporation’s fiscal year and document all decisions accurately in the meeting minutes, as these serve as a formal record. Most states require compliance with the bylaws for procedures and voting, so make sure you’re familiar with these guidelines. Finally, consider discussing the potential election of S corporation status to understand its tax implications. Issue Corporate Stock Issuing corporate stock is a critical step in establishing your corporation’s ownership structure and facilitating investment. You’ll need to determine the number of shares to issue according to your articles of incorporation and state regulations. This formalizes ownership interests and allows shareholders to invest in your company. Provide stock certificates or electronic records to shareholders. Maintain accurate records of stock issuance, including details of each transaction. Guarantee compliance with securities laws, especially if you plan to register stock offerings with the SEC. As you navigate this process, keep in mind that comprehending how to file an LLC in California and completing California LLC registration can help you establish a solid foundation for your corporation. Obtain Licenses and Permits How can you guarantee your corporation operates legally and efficiently? Start by identifying and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local authorities. These requirements vary by industry and location. Common licenses include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a seller’s permit for retail businesses, and zoning permits from local planning boards. If you’re wondering how to form an LLC in California or how to register LLC in California, be sure to check the specific licensing needs for your industry, especially if you’re in healthcare or legal services. Additionally, keep in mind that some licenses need periodic renewal, so keep track of expiration dates to avoid disruptions in your operations. The SBA offers resources to assist you in this process. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Steps to Start a Corporation? To start a corporation, first choose a unique name that meets state regulations and includes a corporate designator like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Next, file articles of incorporation, including crucial details such as your registered agent and office address. Appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws for governance. Hold an initial meeting to adopt these bylaws and appoint officers. Finally, secure any necessary licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Can I Start a Corporation by Myself? Yes, you can start a corporation by yourself as a single-member entity. You’ll need to file articles of incorporation with your state’s corporate office, designating yourself as the incorporator and possibly the sole director. It’s important to follow corporate formalities, such as adopting bylaws and holding initial meetings. Even though you’ll typically be the sole shareholder, you can issue stock. Consulting a business attorney can help guarantee you comply with state regulations during this process. Is It Better to LLC or Incorporate? Choosing between an LLC and a corporation depends on your business goals. An LLC offers simplicity, pass-through taxation, and fewer compliance requirements, making it ideal for smaller operations. Conversely, incorporating allows for stock issuance and potential access to larger investments, but it comes with double taxation and more regulatory formalities. If you plan to grow considerably and seek outside funding, a corporation might be better, whereas an LLC suits simpler, smaller ventures. What Is the First Step for a Corporation? The first step for a corporation is selecting a unique business name that meets state regulations. You need to include a corporate designator, like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Confirm your name isn’t already in use or infringing on trademarks. Conducting a trademark search is essential to avoid legal issues. Furthermore, verify your name with the state’s Secretary of State office to guarantee compliance with naming rules before moving on to the next incorporation steps. Conclusion Creating a corporation is a structured process that involves several important steps. By choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, appointing directors, and drafting bylaws, you establish a solid foundation for your business. Holding an initial board meeting, issuing stock, and obtaining the required licenses guarantee legal compliance and operational readiness. Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the intricacies of incorporation and set your corporation up for future success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Create a Corporation – Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating a corporation involves several vital steps that guarantee legal compliance and effective governance. First, you need to choose a unique name and file the Articles of Incorporation with your state. Then, you’ll appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws to outline operations. Don’t forget to hold an initial board meeting to adopt these bylaws. Each step is critical for laying a solid foundation, so let’s explore these processes in detail. Key Takeaways Choose a unique name for your corporation, ensuring it complies with California regulations and includes a corporate designator. File the Articles of Incorporation, providing necessary details and paying applicable state filing fees. Appoint directors to oversee management, and document their appointments for compliance and transparency. Draft and adopt bylaws outlining governance structure, meeting procedures, and voting protocols. Identify and obtain necessary licenses, permits, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to ensure legal operation. Choose a Name for Your Corporation When you’re ready to create a corporation, how do you choose the right name? Start by ensuring it complies with California corporation formation regulations. Your corporation’s name must include a corporate designator like “Corp,” “Inc,” or “Ltd.” Next, check if your chosen name is already in use; it can’t be identical or too similar to an existing corporation’s name. Furthermore, avoid words suggesting government affiliation or restricted activities, as these might violate state laws. Conduct a trademark search to confirm your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks, which could lead to legal issues. Finally, verify its legality and availability with the Secretary of State’s office before proceeding with your registration. File Articles of Incorporation Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in establishing your corporation, as this legal document officially creates your business entity. In New York, you’ll need to prepare the articles, also referred to as the certificate of incorporation, which must include critical details like your corporation’s name, principal office address, registered agent’s name and address, the number of authorized shares, and the incorporator’s information. Each state has its own filing fees, ranging typically from $50 to several hundred dollars. Many states, including New York, allow you to file articles of incorporation online, speeding up the process. Once submitted, the state reviews your articles, and if approved, you’ll receive your certificate of incorporation NY, confirming your corporation’s legal standing. Appoint Corporate Directors When you appoint corporate directors, you’re selecting individuals responsible for overseeing your corporation’s management and making key policy decisions. Most states require at least one director, but some may need more, depending on your corporation’s structure. It’s essential to follow state laws regarding qualifications and to document these appointments properly for compliance and transparency. Responsibilities of Directors Corporate directors play an important role in steering the organization in the direction of success by making significant policy and financial decisions. They guarantee the corporation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Directors are responsible for electing corporate officers who handle daily operations and implement the board’s strategic decisions. Maintaining accurate corporate records is critical, including documenting meeting minutes to reflect governance activities. For example, directors must be familiar with the California Limited Liability Company operating agreement and the articles of incorporation for a New York corporation, as these documents outline key operational guidelines. Number of Required Directors Comprehending the number of required directors is vital when establishing a corporation, as it directly affects governance and decision-making. Most states require at least one director, but if your corporation has multiple shareholders, you might need a minimum of three directors. Directors oversee corporate governance and guarantee compliance with regulations, so selecting the right individuals is critical. In a single-member corporation, you can serve as the only director, simplifying your s corp operating agreement. Keep in mind that states have specific age and residency requirements for directors, often mandating a minimum age of 18. Always consult your state’s regulations to confirm the exact requirements for directors before finalizing your inc filing, securing your corporation’s legal compliance from the start. Draft the Bylaws When you draft the bylaws, you’re setting up the vital governance structure for your corporation. This includes outlining meeting procedures, voting protocols, and the process for amending the bylaws as needed. It’s imperative to guarantee these documents comply with state laws and are regularly reviewed to reflect your corporation’s evolving needs. Governance Structure Outline Establishing a well-defined governance structure is crucial for the effective operation of a corporation, so drafting bylaws becomes a necessary step in this process. These bylaws outline the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, detailing how many directors are needed, their term lengths, and the processes for their election or removal. It’s important to include rules for board meetings, including quorum requirements and notice periods for transparency. You’ll likewise want to specify how the bylaws can be amended during guaranteeing compliance with state laws, similar to an California operating agreement in California or a California agreement. Consulting with a legal professional during drafting these bylaws can help tailor them to your corporation’s unique needs and guarantee legality. Meeting Procedures and Protocols To guarantee smooth operations within a corporation, it’s vital to clearly outline meeting procedures and protocols in your bylaws. Your corporate bylaws should specify how often meetings occur, how much notice is required, and the quorum needed for decision-making. Furthermore, you must record minutes from all meetings to maintain transparency and legal compliance. Bylaws must also detail voting procedures for directors and shareholders, including methods like in-person or electronic voting, along with the majority thresholds for decisions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGQqcg0EpEY It’s important to include rules regarding appointing and removing directors and officers to guarantee accountability. When drafting your small business corporation form, keep in mind that these bylaws can be amended but typically require a specific process to involve stakeholders. Amendment and Review Process Amending and reviewing your corporate bylaws is crucial for maintaining an effective governance structure, especially as your business evolves. Your bylaws define the rules guiding your corporation, and they need to adapt to changes, like an s corporation conversion to LLC. To guarantee your bylaws remain relevant, consider these key aspects: Directors: Determine the number of directors, their qualifications, and election procedures. Amendments: Clearly define the process for making changes, including notice and voting requirements. Review: Store your bylaws with corporate records and schedule regular reviews to stay compliant with state laws. Hold a First Meeting of the Board of Directors Once you’ve filed your articles of incorporation, it’s time to hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors, which plays a crucial role in establishing your corporation. This meeting typically occurs after you receive your certificate of corporation NY, marking your new york corporate registration. During this initial gathering, you’ll adopt corporate bylaws and appoint corporate officers. It’s also vital to set the corporation’s fiscal year and document all decisions accurately in the meeting minutes, as these serve as a formal record. Most states require compliance with the bylaws for procedures and voting, so make sure you’re familiar with these guidelines. Finally, consider discussing the potential election of S corporation status to understand its tax implications. Issue Corporate Stock Issuing corporate stock is a critical step in establishing your corporation’s ownership structure and facilitating investment. You’ll need to determine the number of shares to issue according to your articles of incorporation and state regulations. This formalizes ownership interests and allows shareholders to invest in your company. Provide stock certificates or electronic records to shareholders. Maintain accurate records of stock issuance, including details of each transaction. Guarantee compliance with securities laws, especially if you plan to register stock offerings with the SEC. As you navigate this process, keep in mind that comprehending how to file an LLC in California and completing California LLC registration can help you establish a solid foundation for your corporation. Obtain Licenses and Permits How can you guarantee your corporation operates legally and efficiently? Start by identifying and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local authorities. These requirements vary by industry and location. Common licenses include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a seller’s permit for retail businesses, and zoning permits from local planning boards. If you’re wondering how to form an LLC in California or how to register LLC in California, be sure to check the specific licensing needs for your industry, especially if you’re in healthcare or legal services. Additionally, keep in mind that some licenses need periodic renewal, so keep track of expiration dates to avoid disruptions in your operations. The SBA offers resources to assist you in this process. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Steps to Start a Corporation? To start a corporation, first choose a unique name that meets state regulations and includes a corporate designator like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Next, file articles of incorporation, including crucial details such as your registered agent and office address. Appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws for governance. Hold an initial meeting to adopt these bylaws and appoint officers. Finally, secure any necessary licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Can I Start a Corporation by Myself? Yes, you can start a corporation by yourself as a single-member entity. You’ll need to file articles of incorporation with your state’s corporate office, designating yourself as the incorporator and possibly the sole director. It’s important to follow corporate formalities, such as adopting bylaws and holding initial meetings. Even though you’ll typically be the sole shareholder, you can issue stock. Consulting a business attorney can help guarantee you comply with state regulations during this process. Is It Better to LLC or Incorporate? Choosing between an LLC and a corporation depends on your business goals. An LLC offers simplicity, pass-through taxation, and fewer compliance requirements, making it ideal for smaller operations. Conversely, incorporating allows for stock issuance and potential access to larger investments, but it comes with double taxation and more regulatory formalities. If you plan to grow considerably and seek outside funding, a corporation might be better, whereas an LLC suits simpler, smaller ventures. What Is the First Step for a Corporation? The first step for a corporation is selecting a unique business name that meets state regulations. You need to include a corporate designator, like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Confirm your name isn’t already in use or infringing on trademarks. Conducting a trademark search is essential to avoid legal issues. Furthermore, verify your name with the state’s Secretary of State office to guarantee compliance with naming rules before moving on to the next incorporation steps. Conclusion Creating a corporation is a structured process that involves several important steps. By choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, appointing directors, and drafting bylaws, you establish a solid foundation for your business. Holding an initial board meeting, issuing stock, and obtaining the required licenses guarantee legal compliance and operational readiness. Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the intricacies of incorporation and set your corporation up for future success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Create a Corporation – Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Treasury yields swung wildly after a soft jobs report as oil's surge added a new complication for the Fed, raising concerns about the rate path ahead, according to the head of correspondent business development at AD Mortgage. View the full article

Oil prices spiked near $120 per barrel before falling back Monday as the Iran war intensified, threatening production and shipping in the Middle East and pummeling financial markets. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, surged to $119.50 per barrel early in the day but later was trading near $106 per barrel, up 14%, before the opening bell. West Texas Intermediate, the light, sweet crude oil produced in the United States, soared above $119.48 per barrel but fell back closer to $103. The war’s toll on civilian targets grew as Bahrain accused Iran of striking a desalination plant vital to drinking water supplies. Bahrain’s national oil company declared force majeure for its shipments after an Iranian attack set its refinery complex ablaze. The legal declaration releases the company of contractual obligations because of extraordinary circumstances. Oil depots in Tehran smoldered following overnight strikes by Israel. Oil prices have surged as the war, now in its second week, ensnares countries and places that are critical to the production and movement of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. Prices moderated after the Financial Times reported that some members of the Group of Seven industrial nations were considering releases of strategic oil reserves to alleviate pressure on the markets. French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that “the use of strategic reserves is an envisaged option.” He said G7 leaders could meet this week to coordinate a response to climbing energy prices. France currently holds the rotating presidency of the G7 group. Separately, finance ministers from the G7 nations are meeting Monday by video conference to discuss the repercussions from the war. On Saturday, President Donald The President downplayed the idea of turning to America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, saying U.S. supplies were ample and prices would soon fall. Roughly 15 million barrels of crude oil — about 20% of the world’s oil — typically are shipped every day through the Strait of Hormuz, according to independent research firm Rystad Energy. The threat of Iranian missile and drone attacks has all but stopped tankers carrying oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran from traveling through the strait, which is bordered in the north by Iran. Iraq, Kuwait and the UAE have cut oil production as storage tanks fill due to the reduced ability to export crude. Iran, Israel and the United States also have attacked oil and gas facilities since the war started, worsening supply concerns. The surge in costs for oil and natural gas is pushing fuel prices higher, cascading through other industries and jolting Asian economies that are especially vulnerable due to the region’s heavy reliance on imports from the Middle East. Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, mostly to China, which has called for an immediate end to the fighting. Beijing may need to look elsewhere for supply if Iran’s exports are disrupted, another factor that could increase energy prices. “All parties have their responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supplies,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in a briefing Monday. “China will take necessary measures to safeguard its own energy security.” South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned Monday of strict penalties for refiners and gas stations caught hoarding or colluding on prices, saying it would be wise to find alternatives to supplies that must travel through the Strait of Hormuz. Across Southeast Asia, the spike in prices has led to long lines outside filling stations. “Higher oil and gas prices will affect everyone and our economy,” said Le Van Tu, who was waiting outside a gas station in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. “All activities, including those using petrol based transportation will be affected.” South Korea’s Kospi tumbled 6% to 5,251.87. The last time Brent and U.S. crude futures traded near the current level was in 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine. Higher energy costs push inflation higher, straining household budgets and denting the consumer spending that is a main driver of many big economies. Those worries have spilled into financial markets, pulling share prices sharply lower. In the U.S., the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline rose to $3.48 as of early Monday, up nearly 50 cents from a week earlier, according to AAA motor club. Diesel, used heavily in shipping, sold for about $4.66 a gallon, a weekly increase of more than 80 cents. The price of natural gas in the U.S. also has climbed during the war, though not by as much as oil. It was selling for about $3.34 per 1,000 cubic feet early Monday. That’s up from Friday’s closing price of $3.19. This story has been corrected to show that the Israel-U.S. attacks on Iran started Feb. 28, not March 1. Kurtenbach reported from Bangkok. Associated Press journalist John Leicester contributed from Paris. —Alex Veiga and Elaine Kurtenbach, AP business writers 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. Outdoor security cameras have become common, but the ones that balance good video quality with simple setup still tend to cost a fair bit. That’s why this deal is worth a look. Right now, a two-pack of Arlo Essential Spotlight Cameras is $151.29 at Woot, compared with $259.99 on Amazon for the same bundle. If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free standard shipping; otherwise, shipping costs $6. Woot doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, PO Boxes, or APO addresses. The deal is scheduled to run for a week, though it could end earlier if the cameras sell out. Physically, the cameras are small and designed for outdoor use, with an IP65 weather-resistant body that can handle rain and dust. They run on a rechargeable battery rated for up to six months, although the exact lifespan depends on how often motion events occur. Also, the battery isn’t removable, so you’ll need to take the whole camera down and bring it inside when it’s time to recharge, notes this PCMag review. Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera $151.29 at Woot $259.99 Save $108.70 Get Deal Get Deal $151.29 at Woot $259.99 Save $108.70 The camera records 1080p video with a 130-degree field of view, which gives you a wide look at driveways, yards, or entryways without needing multiple cameras. Daytime footage looks crisp and detailed, and the camera includes 12× digital zoom if you want to inspect something in the frame more closely. As for its nighttime footage, when motion is detected, a built-in LED spotlight can turn on and light up the scene so the camera records color night video instead of the usual black-and-white view. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, which means you can view the feed on a smart display or trigger other smart home devices when motion is detected. This camera does not support Apple HomeKit. Motion alerts show up quickly on your phone, and the system can identify people, animals, and vehicles with Arlo’s advanced detection features. The catch is that those smarter alerts and recorded clips require an Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, you still get live viewing and basic alerts, but saved video and some detection tools are locked behind a monthly plan starting at $7.99 per month for one camera. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB + $100 Amazon Gift Card (Black) — $899.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Shares in Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS) are soaring this morning after an unconfirmed report that the telehealth company is entering into a deal with Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) to sell its popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy. The rumored deal is as surprising as Hims & Hers’s surging stock price this morning, especially considering that just last month, Novo was threatening to sue the telehealth provider. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Late on Friday, Bloomberg reported that Hims & Hers has reached an agreement with the Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk to sell Novo’s weight-loss drugs, including the popular GLP-1 pill Wegovy. According to the publication, which cited an anonymous source, the news could be publicly announced as soon as today. Fast Company has reached out to Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk for comment. The reported partnership between the two firms would be a stunning reversal in their relationship, which, as recently as last month, was highly acrimonious. Their feud stems from an announcement in early February that Hims & Hers would sell a compounded version of Novo’s Wegovy weight-loss pill at a third of the price Novo sells it for. Hims & Hers said its compounded version would sell for $49 per month, before rising to $99. Novo sells its Wegovy for $149 per month. While Novo Nordisk owns the patent to Wegovy, Hims & Hers sought to get around this by offering not a generic version of the drug but a compounded one. Compounded drugs are ones that are nearly identical copies of a drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sometimes allows pharmacists to create compounded versions of drugs when the name-brand version is a short supply, as was the case with many GLP-1 drugs in 2024 and 2025. However, by the middle of 2025, the GLP-1 shortage was largely resolved, and compounding pharmacies were ordered to stop making their compounded versions of the drugs. Regardless, in February, Hims & Hers announced it would sell its own GLP-1 drug made from semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Wegovy. This led to fierce backlash from Novo Nordisk, which threatened to sue Hims & Hers. The FDA similarly threatened to take action against the telehealth company. As a result, shortly after announcing its Wegovy knockoff, Hims & Hers said it would no longer release its own version. Given the contentious nature of this ordeal, few thought Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk would ever play nice together in the future. But according to Bloomberg’s report, that’s just what the two companies are planning to do now. Why is Novo playing nice with Hims now? While Novo and Hims & Hers did briefly have an agreement to sell the Danish company’s branded Wegovy on its platform in 2025, that deal fell through in less than two months. Few expected the two companies to work together again. Yet, if Bloomberg’s report is accurate, they now are. But why? The most likely reason is that Novo Nordisk wants to expand the market for Wegovy, and the fastest way to do that is to have the medication available for purchase in as many places and on as many platforms as possible. Wegovy isn’t the only weight-loss drug available, and it risks being overshadowed by the accelerating adoption of other drugs. As Hims & Hers becomes increasingly popular among consumers as a source for their medications, Novo has likely concluded that the platform’s rising popularity is worth setting aside old hostilities to help Wegovy capture as much market share as possible. How are HIMS and NVO share prices reacting? The share price of Hims & Hers is skyrocketing on the report that the telehealth firm has reached a new deal with Novo Nordisk. As of the time of this writing, in premarket trading, HIMS stock is up nearly 45% to $22.77. On Friday, HIMS stock closed at $15.74. Unfortunately for Novo Nordisk investors, the rumored partnership has had a relatively negligible impact on NVO stock. As of the time of this writing, NVO shares are up about half a percent to $38.79 in premarket. Before this morning’s premarket boost, HIMS stock was down over 51% year to date. This means that if the HIMS gains hold, the stock could earn back most of its 2026 losses in just one trading session. As for Novo Nordisk, the company’s stock price is also down significantly year to date. As of Friday’s close at $38.58, NVO shares had lost nearly 25% of their value since 2026 began. View the full article

Logitech may be known for keyboards, webcams, and gaming gear, but CEO Hanneke Faber is going beyond AI-first. She explains how she’s leading the hardware brand through an AI shift, approaching it as a leadership challenge, not just a tech one. Faber also shares lessons from competitive diving and navigating ever-shifting global tariffs. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. Logitech is known by many people for its computer mouse. “The mouse built this house,” I think you said once, a nice nod to Disney. But in recent months, the conversation about Logitech has been around AI, the cutting edge of technology. It’s kind of a neat trick for a business with a reputation for a not-necessarily-sexy piece of hardware. Well, of course, we do think that mice are very sexy. But that aside, we’re not just a place that builds mice. In the age of AI, hardware is definitely sexy again. AI needs hands, needs eyes, needs ears. So that’s where we come in, and we’re building AI-enabled products at scale, which is exciting. You spoke at a Fortune conference last fall. There was a lot of attention around adding an AI agent to your board of directors. Any progress with that? Yes. I wouldn’t say we have an actual AI agent that’s formally a board member, but we’re using AI very fundamentally in our board meetings and in the preparation for our board meetings. I think we’re lucky. My board members are AI-savvy, all of them. We offered them the same training that we offer to all of our employees. And in preparation for our board meetings, we run the materials through an AI gem that we’ve built. So you get really great feedback, actually, from an AI board member up front. And that helps shape the discussion when we go into the meeting. And this is your proprietary agent. You’re not sending this out into the world so that Anthropic or OpenAI or someone else can sort of peek in on it? No. That obviously wouldn’t be smart because the data that’s in there is very confidential. So yes, it’s proprietary. How much do you consider yourself a technologist? Your background is largely in consumer products at Unilever and Procter & Gamble. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. A little over two years ago, I was selling mayonnaise, literally. So it is a different industry, but there are also a lot of things that you learn in consumer goods, and I also spent time in retail, that is very applicable here. In the end, we sell products for people, for users. So understanding that consumer, that customer, starting from there and designing products that will delight that user is critically important. And that’s no different whether you’re selling mayonnaise and ice cream or mice and cameras. Now, when you came on board, it was clear that Logitech needed a bit of a turnaround. Is that something that particularly appealed to you? I’ve heard from others that sometimes that’s where the opportunities are for a first-time CEO role. Yes. And I think the waters were troubled, but not deeply troubled. It’s just that we had come off that COVID sugar high. Therefore, eight quarters in a row, the business had declined. So confidence was low and things were hard when I came in, but it was clear to me from the start that it wasn’t a foundational issue. The guts were good. It just needed a little bit of a refresh and a reinjection of energy and strategy, honestly. And that’s what we’ve done. So we’re now on our eighth quarter of top- and bottom-line growth. And you just had to dive in, I guess. That’s my dad joke, because you were an accomplished diver in your youth, a seven-time Dutch national champion. Is that right? That’s right. Back in the Stone Age. No, it’s very impressive. Is leading a new business in a new industry like trying a new dive? I do often say, when people ask what you learn from your sporting days, that diving especially is a sport where you have to take risks. So you’re up on a 10-meter platform, 33 feet in the air, and you have to do flips and turns, and it is really scary. And it’s always scary. It’s not just scary the first time. Every time, it’s kind of scary. So when people ask me, “Was this a scary move? Are you scared to present? Are you scared to do a podcast? Are you scared to move industries?” I’m like, “You know what? A back two-and-a-half off the 10-meter, that is scary.” Compared with that, very few other things are truly scary. As you describe it, it sounds like you kind of have to get used to being scared when you’re jumping off that board because, as you say, it’s scary every time. Is that the same way in business, that you just have to get used to the uncertainty, the instability, whatever’s going to happen next? Yes, I think that’s a great insight. Some people say it’s not a marathon, or it’s a series of sprints, or something. But yes, it’s a series of new situations where you don’t always know what to expect that can be a little scary. And I think you have to find a way to enjoy that to keep going. Not to overdo this analogy, but just as you’re implementing your new plans at Logitech, which by all indications are working, you’re hit with a new challenge when the The President tariffs come down. It’s like being scared on the next dive, I guess. Something like 40% of your products for the U.S. market were made in China. Was there a moment you remember hearing about tariffs where you were like, “Oh no, not this”? It was certainly a tough day, Liberation Day, April 1, 2025. For almost everyone in our industry, we produce our products around the world, but not necessarily in the United States, and the United States is a big market for us. But we quickly figured out that we actually were in a position of competitive strength. Only 30% of our business is in the United States. Seventy percent of our business is not, so it was not affected by tariffs. We have a very diverse manufacturing footprint, and this is all my predecessor’s work. I take zero credit for that. Yes, 40% came from China, but we also make in five other countries. So we were able to move things around, and by the end of the calendar year, only 10% of our products for the U.S. came from China. We have a strong brand, which gives you loyalty and gives you some pricing power, and we needed that. You raised prices pretty quickly, by around 10%. And I don’t like raising prices, but in this case, it absolutely was the responsible thing to do. And if you decide you’re going to do it, I always think it’s better to rip the Band-Aid off right away. So we did it very quickly. I think that gave us the advantage that by the time the holiday season came around, in October and November, we were through the pricing pain, and that was really important. Taking pricing, especially in consumer markets, just takes a while. You have to convince customers that’s the right thing to do and get it reflected on the shelf. Again, I thought that was a competitive advantage. So when the bigger bulk of your consumer revenue was coming through, people had sort of accepted it by then. Exactly. How much do you worry about new The President-related disruptions? At the World Economic Forum last month, I saw The President said that the former Swiss president rubbed him the wrong way as an explanation for tariffs on Switzerland, which is where Logitech is registered, right? I don’t lose a lot of sleep over it. It’s a really dynamic world. I often say to my team, “Today is the slowest day of the rest of your lives.” And there is a lot happening, not just in the U.S. and with the U.S. administration. There’s a lot happening around the world. So we roll with the punches. Of course, we do risk assessments, and we think through what could happen and how we mitigate that. Manufacturing diversification is a critical part of that. It just makes us more resilient when we don’t manufacture in one place. So we absolutely look at what might happen around the world and how we mitigate that, but we can’t lose sleep over that every day because then we wouldn’t be doing our jobs. View the full article

When leaders think about burnout, they often imagine visible distress, absence, emotional overwhelm or resignation. However, burnout does not always look like struggle. Often, it looks like competence. It looks like the person who always delivers. The one who volunteers to pick up the slack. The one answering work emails while watching their son’s nativity play, so they do not let anybody down. The one who says, “It’s fine, I’ll sort it.” The one who absorbs tension in the room so others do not have to. These people are not on a performance plan or raising red flags. They are not the ones asking for help. They are functioning. And those around them may not see anything wrong. This group is called the ‘Silent Middle’, made up of capable, conscientious professionals who are neither thriving nor in crisis. The Silent Middle sits between high engagement and visible breakdown. They are steady, reliable and productive. They keep organisations moving. And because they keep performing, their strain goes unnoticed. We have mistaken coping for capacity. Just because someone is holding it together does not mean they are well. The cost of coping quietly The Silent Middle rarely disrupts. They adapt. They extend their hours without calling it overwork. They absorb unrealistic deadlines rather than risk being seen as difficult. They manage their reactions so they are perceived as composed, and they soften their opinions to maintain harmony. From a leadership perspective, this can look like resilience. Often, it is masking. Or as I call it, pretending. Pretending is the subtle adjustment people make to fit what their environment rewards. It is presenting calm when you feel stretched, saying yes when you mean ‘not yet’. It is editing your perspective so you remain collaborative rather than inconvenient. It is frequently praised and almost always promoted. The more competent someone appears, the less likely anyone is to ask what it is costing them. Over time, the gap between internal experience and external performance becomes expensive. When people consistently override their own signals to maintain competence, their self-trust erodes. They stop asking, “Is this sustainable?” and start asking, “How long can I keep this up?” The World Health Organization defines burnout as chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. What that definition does not fully capture is sustained incongruence, the daily cost of pretending. When there is a gap between what someone thinks and what they say, what they feel and what they express, the nervous system works harder. Vigilance increases and recovery decreases. Burnout is not driven by workload alone. It is often driven by the strain of holding yourself together. Why high performers are especially vulnerable The Silent Middle often includes high-capability professionals who derive identity from contribution. They are proud of being reliable. This makes them more likely to overcommit, absorb ambiguity and protect others from friction. They become cultural shock absorbers. And here is the important distinction: They continue to perform. Gallup research consistently shows that a majority of employees are not fully engaged, yet most continue to meet expectations. Output can remain stable long after energy begins to decline. Burnout does not immediately reduce productivity. It reduces capacity. Creativity narrows and risk appetite shrinks. Discretionary effort drops and innovation slows. People do what is required, but little beyond it. Leaders look at metrics and see delivery. What they do not see is the quiet loss of imagination, challenge and forward thinking. This is not simply a well-being issue. It is a strategic performance risk. The Silent Middle holds institutional knowledge, relational capital and operational stability. When their engagement thins, productivity does not collapse overnight. It erodes gradually. By the time someone resigns citing burnout, the depletion has often been building for years. What leaders must do differently If the Silent Middle is a cultural issue, the solution will not sit inside a lunch-and-learn well-being session. It sits inside leadership behaviour. It begins with congruence. Most organisations say they value honesty. Far fewer make it safe. When disagreement is subtly penalised or optimism is rewarded over realism, people learn quickly what to edit, and the result is politeness instead of progress. Leaders who want to reduce masking must respond to challenge without defensiveness. They must invite realism and reward those who surface risk early rather than those who quietly compensate. Strength also needs redefining. In many environments, endurance is mistaken for capability. The employee who absorbs the most pressure is often seen as the strongest. But endurance without recovery is not resilience. It is depletion delayed. When leaders model boundaries, realistic pacing and visible recovery, they recalibrate what strength looks like. There is also a structural question. Human beings are cyclical. Energy rises and falls. Capacity expands and contracts. Yet many organisations operate at sustained peak output, quarter after quarter. When linear output is demanded from nonlinear humans, burnout becomes predictable. Sustainable performance requires rhythm, deliberate recovery built into the system rather than left to chance. And then there is self-trust. The Silent Middle often overrides internal signals in order to remain dependable. Over time, misalignment becomes normal. Leaders can shift this by changing the tone of performance conversations. Instead of asking only about results, ask about energy. Instead of asking how quickly something can be delivered, ask what a sustainable pace would look like. These conversations surface strain before it becomes resignation. Finally, value must be decoupled from output. When self-value becomes conditional on performance, people will betray their own limits to stay needed. If contribution is the only currency, exhaustion becomes a badge of honour. Cultures that recognise identity beyond output reduce the need for pretending. The strategic advantage The organisations that will outperform over the next decade will not be those that extract the most hours. They will be those that understand human capacity. They will design cultures where people can perform without pretending, contribute without self-erasure and rest without penalty. The Silent Middle is not fragile. They are capable professionals doing their best in demanding systems. But functioning is not the same as thriving. If competence is the only thing you measure, pretending becomes the safest strategy. And when pretending becomes normal, burnout stops being an exception. It becomes culture. View the full article

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei has dashed the US president’s hope of picking Iran’s new leaderView the full article

Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning. In today’s business environment, uncertainty is the new norm: 70% of current CEOs surveyed by management consulting firm AlixPartners say their companies face high levels of disruption. To lead through such terrain, boards and recruiters searching for future CEOs need to focus less on a candidate’s résumé and start asking whether an executive has the capacity to be agile. “When you’re working on CEO succession, with the clients we serve, there’s less of a debate about whether people are qualified,” says David Lange, a managing director and member of Russell Reynolds Associates’s (RRA) Global Board & CEO Advisory Practice. “It’s much more about: ‘Can they scale; can they adapt; can they evolve?’” Measuring pivot potential RRA has developed a methodology for measuring what it describes as a “leader’s dynamic quality to continue evolving and leading through change.” The firm does so through its Leadership Portrait, an assessment model it has been refining over the last 26 years. The portrait endeavors to quantify factors such as curiosity, drive, resilience, and social intelligence. It more recently has sought to measure “potential realization” by evaluating an executive’s values, desire to have an impact, and self-awareness of their strengths and limitations. Indeed, Margot McShane, co-lead of RRA’s Global Board & CEO Advisory Practice, notes that a leader’s willingness to say, “I don’t know,” and seek answers from their team is an asset in a rapidly changing business environment. “We think some self-doubt with a CEO can be a very helpful thing, because it keeps them curious and aware of blind spots which can derail them and organizations,” she says. Evaluating candidates on potential realization can lead boards to consider and anoint candidates who might have been passed over in a previous era. In an insight report on its Leadership Portrait, RRA shared the example of a client that passed over its chief operating officer (COO) and elevated its chief financial officer (CFO) to CEO. What the former CFO lacked in traditional operating experience, he made up for in a leadership portrait that showed he had courage, the potential to learn, and the ability to navigate risk. RRA says under the new CEO, the company’s stock price increased 60% over two years. Meanwhile, the traditional CFO skill set—including mastery of financial data to make airtight decisions—may not necessarily signal agility. “That is no longer actually as important as the ability to make sense fast,” Lange says. Measurement’s impact One unknown: whether this uncertain environment will make directors impatient with new CEOs. In an interview for Stanford Business School’s View From the Top speaker series, former Walmart CEO Doug McMillon—whose 12-year tenure at the retail giant is widely considered a success because of how he embraced technology and led the company through the pandemic—confessed that when he first became CEO he was repeatedly told that he took too long to make decisions. “As the years went, that stopped being on my [reviews] because I think I got more confident and more self-aware that sometimes decisions just needed to be made,” he said. Interestingly, McMillon’s statement welcoming his successor John Furner highlighted a few traits that suggest the new CEO’s potential realization. “His curiosity and digital acumen combined with a deep commitment to our people and culture will enable him to take us to the next level,” McMillon said. I asked RRA’s McShane if there are things aspiring CEOs can do to increase their chances of getting the top job, given that boards are now looking for candidates who display values, impact, and self-awareness. “Don’t think about what your next job is; think about what your last job would be—and what [you] need to do, personally and professionally, to make that happen,” she says. “What we know about any CEO candidate is that they have to own their ambition.” How do you measure agility? CEOs need to be agile, but so do team members. Are there agility indicators you seek when hiring? How do you know if they can realize their potential? I’d like to hear your thoughts. Send me an email at stephaniemehta@mansueto.com. Read more: leadership acumen Adapting to change is the most critical professional skill today How to drive business agility and accelerate growth The CEO pipeline is running dry View the full article

In the past few years, while navigating the streets of San Francisco, bus and trolley operators have documented a growing presence on the city’s streets: Waymo robotaxis, often devoid of any front-seat human driver, causing problems. Sometimes, they report the cars for signs of an illegal maneuver, like when in September, a driver operating the city’s 45 electric bus noticed a Waymo trying to pass on double solid yellow lines at Stockton and Columbus, an intersection along its route. Or for a near miss—like, when, last December, a Waymo was caught by a city light rail train’s video camera making a dangerous left turn at “high speed.” Very often, transit operators flag a stalled robotaxi, or several, blocking a public street. Clearing the vehicle might require a transportation official to reach out to a Waymo call center, or even the cops, for help. This process, which involves the city’s Traffic Management Center (TMC), can take as long as an hour to resolve. Back in 2024, the city’s MTA even created a new dedicated dispatch category to log these reports: “Driverless Car Incident.” The sight of a stalled Waymo isn’t new. But a TMC database, obtained by Fast Company via a public records request, suggests that reports of problematic robotaxis are being filed more often, and that the procedure for handling stalled vehicles is not yet seamless. Fixing the robotaxi blockage can involve waiting for a remote Waymo assistance team helping the vehicle’s AI get moving again, a transit dispatcher complaining to a Waymo call center, or even a cop taking control of the vehicle themselves and driving it away. When the smart city goes dark Last December, Waymo and the city’s approach to this problem was pushed to the brink when a partial blackout in San Francisco knocked out city traffic lights—and left Waymos across the city in a confused standstill and government officials on hold with the company’s call center in the middle of an emergency. Concern that Waymos can disrupt public services came up again recently, after one of the robotaxis was recorded briefly blocking an ambulance in the aftermath of the Austin mass shooting. “In recent years we implemented new reporting mechanisms for our operators to report incidents that involve driverless vehicles,” the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Authority tells Fast Company. “By doing so, we’re adapting to the evolving landscape in San Francisco and making sure that we can provide the best service possible for our customers.” “Waymo is committed to continuous improvement,” Lety Cavalcante, who serves as Waymo’s director of operations and head of its operators center, tells Fast Company. “We established even closer communication with San Francisco emergency officials, and are developing additional capabilities to facilitate smoother interactions between our operations and transit workers when on-road issues arise.” The company says it’s also implemented changes to ensure that both first responders and transit operators are prioritized when they call Waymo for help. Still, Waymo disputes the descriptions of some of the events described in documents, and says the public transit operators’ reports are not a useful way of characterizing how their vehicles actually behave on the road. In regards to the first case—the robotaxi that allegedly passed on solid yellow—Waymo said its car was actually waiting behind the bus while it picked up passengers, and that the car was slowly trying to pass around the left side of the bus. Before the car was actually next to the bus, the public transit vehicle began to move, and the Waymo returned to its original lane. In regards to the second incident—the dangerous left turn near a train—Waymo says the train was in an opposing lane and the car was about 100 feet away. Of course, the promise of self-driving cars is that they’re supposed to be safer than human drivers. Indeed, some of the issues documented in the database, like Waymos allegedly cutting off buses, or parking in areas reserved for public transit, are infractions that humans also commit, and possibly far more often. Research suggests that autonomous cars can outperform human drivers, and are even less likely to be involved in serious accidents. Waymo says it’s reduced serious crashes, airbag deployments, and collisions involving pedestrians. (It was also spotlighted as one of Fast Company‘s Most Innovative Companies last year.) But self-driving cars are also a different sort of beast: They are powered via AI, deployed as a coordinated fleet that’s monitored by a single company. And they’re growing evermore popular: Waymo, which raised $16 billion earlier this year, is now successfully operating across the U.S., including in Phoenix, Arizona, and Atlanta. Meanwhile, competing AV companies like Tesla and Zoox are also operating, though they all remain far behind Waymo in San Francisco: Tesla vehicles don’t operate without human drivers yet, and Zoox only has a small number of cars on the road. Waymo’s success has made the once-futuristic idea of autonomous vehicles relatively commonplace in cities. But next-generation cars also introduce next-generation traffic jams. Which means interactions that once felt surreal—“honking at a driverless car makes me feel insane,” as one constituent, in an email obtained through a public records request, recently wrote to the San Francisco MTA—are poised to become a routine, and increasingly consequential, part of everyday life. Waymo’s trolleycar problem Waymo acknowledges its self-driving cars sometimes cause issues for public transit operators. This is where the company’s event response team, which Waymo describes as a specialized subunit within a larger remote assistance team, comes in: First responders and transit operators have access to a hotline number that reaches this team. That team is then supposed to help get a vehicle moving again, which might involve having Waymo personnel come physically drive the car away. Waymo says that, at the request of law enforcement, police officers and other first responders also have the ability to manually take over its robotaxis. On the ground, resolving these issues, and getting public transit moving again, can sometimes take a while, according to an analysis of the data obtained by Fast Company. The city’s Traffic Management Center (TMC), which receives calls about roadway obstructions from public transit operators, can take about 20 minutes, on average, and haven’t significantly improved between 2024 and 2025, according to an analysis by Mary Cummings, an engineering professor who studies autonomous vehicles at Carnegie Mellon University. In busy cities, delays can slow down dozens of public transit riders, and other cars, too. The TMC database shows complaints of blocked vehicles date back to at least 2023. The SF MTA has, for years, flagged its concerns about hazardous “unplanned stops,” including to the California Public Utilities Commission, the state’s main autonomous vehicle regulator. In 2024, the MTA began tracking a new dispatch category called “Driverless Car Incident.” That decision was made a few months after Waymo started pulling its precautionary safety drivers from its cars, and truly driverless service began, an official at the MTA tells Fast Company. It was at that point, they say, that the transportation agency started seeing the real challenges introduced by AVs. “Robotaxis impose burdens on other road users that are not there with human drivers,” argues Philip Kooperman, another engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon. “Now, maybe the benefits outweigh the burdens, but you have to recognize the burdens are being posed.” City streets are chaotic places, and Waymos are only a tiny fraction of the problems that get reported to San Francisco’s traffic control center. Also, incidents involving Waymos aren’t always the fault of Waymo. The reports appear to reflect preliminary descriptions, and aren’t the results of full investigations. Still, they reveal what can be a convoluted workflow. When public transit drivers encounter a Waymo problem, they report it to the city’s traffic control center, an SF MTA official explains. Traffic controllers can then contact Waymo’s call center for the event response team, which may help guide the vehicle away remotely or dispatch an employee to move it manually. But, in the case of a delay, or if they’ve had difficulty reaching Waymo, they may also call a first responder. Several of the reports include complaints about the quality of the Waymo call center. “Waymo contacted and was ZERO help,” noted one complaint, which came after a public transit operator reported a robotaxi blocking the street in both directions. “Waymo was attempted but kept being routed to a call center that was no help,” noted another report, which came at an intersection where traffic signals needed to be reset. Several reports discuss cops getting involved. This is not something police should be involved in, but sometimes the situation requires it, the San Francisco MTA official says. One report references a separate Waymo call center number that reaches an enterprise support team. Waymo did not explain why the number was referenced in the report, but says it’s for a team that supports it for Waymo test drivers—not first responders or transit operators. For now, Waymo transit operators are supposed to contact the same first responder number that police use, though it’s working on creating a separate hotline for transit operators and government officials. The San Francisco Police Department, which is referenced repeatedly in the document, did not respond to a request for comment. Blackout blues On December 20 of last year, a circuit breaker at an indoor substation operated by California utility provider, PG&E ignited, sparking a fire that knocked out power across much of San Francisco. This mass outage caused serious problems for the city’s Waymo fleet. When Waymos encountered the temporarily disabled traffic lights, many stalled, waiting for confirmations from the company’s remote assistance team. In some areas, squads of robotaxis sat with their hazard lights flashing, clogging streets, according to footage later uploaded online. Some incidents were reported to the Traffic Management Center, including one trolleybus driver who was blocked by four stalled Waymos. The city’s traffic control office contacted Waymo support but was unable to resolve the situation, the report noted, and a city inspector eventually showed up to clear the scene. Overall, there were more than 42 reported incidents involving autonomous vehicles between 2 p.m. and midnight on the day of the blackout, according to a city filing viewed by Fast Company. Firefighters also needed to move a robotaxi blocking them from the very substation fire that originally caused the blackout. One Waymo delayed an ambulance by 40 minutes, the city says. There were other problems: The Department of Emergency Management, the city’s 911 service, did try to engage Waymo, but the company was unresponsive, a city official tells Fast Company. Eventually, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie both called and texted Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of the company, about the issue. In the messages, which were viewed by Fast Company, he flagged all the locations where the cars had caused problems, which she subsequently thumbs up. “All cars are pulled over or actively headed back to base,” she later wrote. “Trips are done—no hailing.” The issues continued even after service was suspended, the filing states. Ultimately, the city’s 911 service placed more than 31 calls to Waymo’s first responder hotline and spent more than two hours and 36 minutes of call time trying to contact the company. “While we cannot document this in detail, a large majority of this time was spent on hold; one SFDEM staff person remained on the Waymo first responder hotline for 53 minutes—most of that time on hold,” noted the city. Though many were resolved quickly, Waymo has said that there were ultimately more than 1,500 stoppage events during the blackout. Pete Wilson, president of TWU Local 250A, which represents the city’s transit workers, said robotaxis repeatedly stalled when traffic lights failed, causing them to stack up and block streets, buses, and rail lines. “During the blackout they did not know what to do when the stop lights went out, so they just stopped,” he tells Fast Company. “Then another Waymo would come and pull up next to the first one and stop.” Relying on the mayor to text a company’s CEO is not a great emergency response plan, and other municipalities don’t necessarily have leaders as connected to Big Tech as Lurie. Waymo has since promised to be more responsive in future emergencies, a city official told Fast Company, and the Department of Emergency Management says it’s since had “productive” conversations with the company. The wait time experienced by emergency dispatchers was unacceptable, Waymo told Fast Company, and the company plans to improve its emergency operations. “We’re encouraged by our recent preparedness performance demonstrated during subsequent power outages, city-wide protests, and other large scale events in San Francisco, including the Super Bowl,” adds Cavalcante, from the company. Waymo says it’s briefed a bevy of agencies, as well as the Governor’s office, since the blackout, and says it will deploy dedicated incident management personnel on site in the future. Communication overload As Waymo explains it, when the company’s robotaxis encounter trouble or a confusing situation, they’re supposed to seek confirmation from a team of remote assistant agents staffed by humans. But, as first reported by Fast Company, the December blackout highlighted a gap in defenses: When communications networks and systems are overwhelmed—which often happens during emergencies—vehicles can’t quickly connect to the remote teams that help the cars’ software navigate confusing situations. There can also be challenges with reaching the specific team that helps first responders. The company tells Fast Company that it’s making improvements to the Waymo Driver that will enable more decisive and efficient navigation during future events. Still, the emergency has raised questions about who should pick up the slack when a Waymo stalls, whether it’s confused by a troubling intersection, and blocking a bus, or because it can’t make out the traffic lights during a blackout. Critically, Waymo maintains that its cars are autonomous, so even when the remote assistant agents are called into help, they are simply advising the car, and not remotely driving the vehicle. Some lawmakers have raised concerns that some of these workers are based in the Philippines. Several people affiliated with Waymo are mentioned by name in the MTA reports, but Waymo did not comment on where, specifically, they were based. Waymo says that employees on the event response team, which interfaces directly with first responders, are based in the U.S. The California DMV is currently developing regulations for remote drivers and remote assistance, a spokesperson says, and the agency is still engaging AV manufacturers on emergency response. In the aftermath of that blackout, the San Francisco MTA has urged the California Public Utilities Commission, which serves as the main regulator of the technology in the state, to consider how autonomous vehicle providers approach disaster preparedness, especially in a case of “fleet-wide failure.” Terrie Prosper, a spokesperson for the California Public Utilities Commission, says the agency “continues to gather information from Waymo related to the power outage in San Francisco.” The SF County Transportation Authority has called for more transparency into the frequency of AV stoppages, but has since deferred conversations to Bilal Mahmood, a San Francisco city supervisor. Mahmood, for his part, recently compared the robotaxis to the carriage from Cinderella. “Just like in the fairy tale, we can now see that those carriages can turn into pumpkins at the drop of a hat,” he said during his introductory remarks at a city hearing focused on the blackout’s impact on AVs. There, Mary Ellen Caroll, the head of the city’s emergency response office, said she remains concerned about the impact of Waymos on first responders who have to remove vehicles, and about what might happen in a future emergency, including a cyber outage. Offshore remote control The public still doesn’t know how often Waymos block traffic. While Waymo publicly reports a range of data to the California Public Utilities Commission, the company reports stoppage data, along with other trip detail data, to the agency confidentially. At a public hearing in January, an attorney representing the company claimed that the stoppage data could inadvertently reveal data about “fleet utilization” and, if shared publicly, could reveal trade secrets. Indeed, the numbers obtained by Fast Company only tell part of the story. It’s possible that some public transit operators don’t even file these reports. These operators are a minority of the drivers on San Francisco streets. When asked whether it seemed like Waymo cared about the impact its vehicles might have on public transit, the official at the San Francisco MTA said it was difficult to tell. They recalled a social media post from a while back, which saw customers on the phone with Waymo—reporting on their car inferring with public transit—and receiving remarkable service. But it’s hard to tell if that’s the norm, the official tells Fast Company, since that’s data the city just doesn’t have. Waymo did not tell Fast Company how often its cars stall or block transit, but said its robotaxis have completed 40 million miles of autonomous driving throughout the three years covered by the TMC reports. There’s little the SF MTA can do to change this workflow, the city agency says. “California law gives permitting authority over AVs to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC),” the transportation agency tells Fast Company in a statement. “San Francisco does not regulate AVs or set conditions on their operations – either day to day or in relation to disaster and emergency response.” Still, Waymo behavior is a big enough problem that, inside the San Francisco MTA—which maintains oversight of the city’s streets—even staffers sometimes grumble about them. In one December email obtained via public records request, Ricardo Olea, a city traffic engineer, remarked on one recent email, complaining that Waymos had been stopping in a no-stopping lane. “[N]ot a good place to block traffic,” wrote Olea. “The bigger problem is that Waymo has decided that the NO STOPPING signs don’t apply to them, so who knows what other bad places they stop at.” View the full article