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Intuit has launched an innovative AI-powered construction edition of its Intuit Enterprise Suite, specifically designed for mid-market businesses in the $2 trillion construction industry. This new solution aims to tackle the unique complexities of construction management while streamlining workflows and enhancing cash flow. With features that integrate project management, financial oversight, and operational tasks, small business owners in the construction sector could find significant value in adopting this technology. Ashley Still, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mid-Market at Intuit, stresses the need for focused technology in this industry. “Construction businesses are naturally complex, with dozens of projects to track and ensure their profitability… That’s why we’re investing heavily in industry solutions, starting with construction,” Still said. The construction edition of the Intuit Enterprise Suite aims to reduce data silos and automates crucial workflows, making it easier for operators to gain insights into their performance. The construction edition is not merely an adaptation of existing resources; it is purpose-built to address the intricacies of the construction industry. While nearly all industry leaders recognize the potential of technology to enhance productivity, the persistent issues of disconnected systems and manual processes have hindered innovation. In fact, a recent report indicates that 93% of construction leaders believe technology could help to significantly improve operations amidst rising costs. Key features of this new platform include a comprehensive Project Management Agent, which centralizes cash flow management and project tracking. This allows businesses to stay on top of budgets and progress seamlessly. The enhanced project budget features provide real-time AI-driven insights, simplifying cost control and protecting project margins. Additionally, companies can create tailored proposals using the integrated proposal document builder, which includes e-signature functionality for faster bid approvals. Real-world implications emerge as small business owners in construction begin to realize cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency through the platform’s automated processes. For instance, Chad Shaules, CEO of Cornerstone Development Company, emphasizes that understanding one’s business is crucial for making informed decisions: “If you don’t understand your business, you are flying blind.” His sentiment aligns with many small business owners who may struggle with the complexities of managing multiple projects simultaneously. While the potential benefits of Intuit’s construction edition are substantial, small business owners should remain aware of several challenges associated with implementing new technology. Transitioning from existing systems might require a learning curve for employees who are accustomed to manual processes or different software. Additionally, while the initial beta program is offered at no additional cost for some users, it may involve future expenses as new features roll out or as integrations with third-party apps become necessary. Intuit also announced several enhancements to the broader Intuit Enterprise Suite, including improved business intelligence tools, updated migration resources, and advanced workflow automation capabilities. These developments promise to unify business data, offering richer insights and supporting more informed decision-making. For small construction business owners, the new Intuit Enterprise Suite construction edition presents an opportunity to harness cutting-edge technology tailored to their specific needs. As Darla Hennessey, controller at Lallier Construction, highlighted, tools like the project profitability report can deliver valuable information about outstanding bills and project performance, ultimately contributing to better financial management. With the new construction edition currently in beta for Intuit Enterprise Suite customers and available as a paid add-on for QuickBooks Online Advanced users, it’s essential for small business owners to assess how these features align with their operational strategies. The ongoing push for technology in construction is a testament to the industry’s evolving landscape, and investing in robust solutions like Intuit’s could be a significant step toward greater efficiency and profitability. For more information on this announcement, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit Launches AI-Powered ERP Solution Tailored for Construction Industry" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Intuit has launched an innovative AI-powered construction edition of its Intuit Enterprise Suite, specifically designed for mid-market businesses in the $2 trillion construction industry. This new solution aims to tackle the unique complexities of construction management while streamlining workflows and enhancing cash flow. With features that integrate project management, financial oversight, and operational tasks, small business owners in the construction sector could find significant value in adopting this technology. Ashley Still, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mid-Market at Intuit, stresses the need for focused technology in this industry. “Construction businesses are naturally complex, with dozens of projects to track and ensure their profitability… That’s why we’re investing heavily in industry solutions, starting with construction,” Still said. The construction edition of the Intuit Enterprise Suite aims to reduce data silos and automates crucial workflows, making it easier for operators to gain insights into their performance. The construction edition is not merely an adaptation of existing resources; it is purpose-built to address the intricacies of the construction industry. While nearly all industry leaders recognize the potential of technology to enhance productivity, the persistent issues of disconnected systems and manual processes have hindered innovation. In fact, a recent report indicates that 93% of construction leaders believe technology could help to significantly improve operations amidst rising costs. Key features of this new platform include a comprehensive Project Management Agent, which centralizes cash flow management and project tracking. This allows businesses to stay on top of budgets and progress seamlessly. The enhanced project budget features provide real-time AI-driven insights, simplifying cost control and protecting project margins. Additionally, companies can create tailored proposals using the integrated proposal document builder, which includes e-signature functionality for faster bid approvals. Real-world implications emerge as small business owners in construction begin to realize cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency through the platform’s automated processes. For instance, Chad Shaules, CEO of Cornerstone Development Company, emphasizes that understanding one’s business is crucial for making informed decisions: “If you don’t understand your business, you are flying blind.” His sentiment aligns with many small business owners who may struggle with the complexities of managing multiple projects simultaneously. While the potential benefits of Intuit’s construction edition are substantial, small business owners should remain aware of several challenges associated with implementing new technology. Transitioning from existing systems might require a learning curve for employees who are accustomed to manual processes or different software. Additionally, while the initial beta program is offered at no additional cost for some users, it may involve future expenses as new features roll out or as integrations with third-party apps become necessary. Intuit also announced several enhancements to the broader Intuit Enterprise Suite, including improved business intelligence tools, updated migration resources, and advanced workflow automation capabilities. These developments promise to unify business data, offering richer insights and supporting more informed decision-making. For small construction business owners, the new Intuit Enterprise Suite construction edition presents an opportunity to harness cutting-edge technology tailored to their specific needs. As Darla Hennessey, controller at Lallier Construction, highlighted, tools like the project profitability report can deliver valuable information about outstanding bills and project performance, ultimately contributing to better financial management. With the new construction edition currently in beta for Intuit Enterprise Suite customers and available as a paid add-on for QuickBooks Online Advanced users, it’s essential for small business owners to assess how these features align with their operational strategies. The ongoing push for technology in construction is a testament to the industry’s evolving landscape, and investing in robust solutions like Intuit’s could be a significant step toward greater efficiency and profitability. For more information on this announcement, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit Launches AI-Powered ERP Solution Tailored for Construction Industry" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Epstein Files are dominating nightly news broadcasts and newspaper front pages. But in the media ecosystem there’s another format that’s proving a massive draw to news consumers: a podcast run by a non-journalist and entirely generated by AI. The Epstein Files is an investigative documentary podcast that, at the time of writing, has published 97 episodes—new episodes get uploaded twice daily—and notched up more than 700,000 downloads in a matter of days. That puts it in the top 10 rankings of podcast series on Apple Podcasts, and in the top 30 on Spotify. But it’s created by Adam Levy, an entrepreneur with a background in building data products and content creation, who has no experience in journalism. Levy launched the Epstein Files podcast in early February after the trove of documents relating to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released to the public. After 48 hours of hacking—working 14- to 16-hour days—Levy built an automated pipeline that ingests the raw files, extracts text from emails and images, cross-references sources, and produces scripted podcast episodes narrated entirely by AI-generated voices. “People just want no bullshit,” says Levy. “Strip the emotion, strip the bullshit, strip everything away—just tell me things for what they are and when you tell it to me, help me understand the facts.” The technical architecture behind the project stitches together multiple large language models—from Anthropic’s Claude to Google and OpenAI’s offerings—to connect names, places, themes, and timelines across the 3.5 million files that were released, with connections requiring a confidence score of veracity to be included in the podcast. Levy supplements the raw dump with material from the Internet Archive and Google Pinpoint, a tool that other investigators have used to index portions of the files, as well as other bottoms-up projects like Jmail, which turns the Epstein Files emails into a navigable inbox like any other. Using and citing those sources was vital, Levy says, to counteract fears of hallucinations. “Everybody’s quite skeptical of AI,” he says. “It was really important to reference all the sources that were used to basically construct the episode.” “Like Clawdbot or a lot of the current AI simulation exercises, it piques curiosity, then rapidly becomes tedious,” says Emily Bell, founding director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, explaining why the podcast has had such popularity in its early days. “I thought the first episode was pretty listenable but also very obviously AI to anyone who has fed data or a script to NotebookLM.” Yet Bell found that the more episodes she listened to, the harder it was to sustain interest and engagement. “It provided a helpful forensic audit of data, but it’s not something I am going to sign up to and listen to—unless I am doing other work on the files,” she says. “For that, it’s pretty useful, and an interesting use of the tools.” Those tools are something Levy has thought about. “I’ve been able to out execute any other outlet that tried to document the episode,” he explains. “They just won’t be able to [produce episodes at such speed.” That has additional benefits—including being able to ride podcast app algorithms. “That also helps with discovery, and the people who like getting into rabbit holes, this gave them a really big hole to dive into.” Levy tells Fast Company he is already building a second series on an undisclosed subject, applying the same AI pipeline to a different story. Whether you appreciate the quality of the finished podcast or not, the fact that such an AI-heavy podcast could garner such a large audience is significant, and the consequences for journalists—particularly those covering complex, document-heavy stories—are hard to ignore. “I could easily be in the camp of: these tools are going to replace me, I’m screwed,” says Levy. “Or I can figure out how to embrace them and find a new pocket for myself. Maybe I’m no longer the voice. Maybe I just become the curator.” Not everyone is convinced that speed and sourcing are sufficient substitutes for editorial judgment. “Just because something like the Epstein Files can be produced doesn’t mean that this will work with most audiences,” says Nic Newman, a journalist and digital strategist who contributes to research at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. He has conducted recent research suggesting publishers are likely to produce more audio content as a defense against AI. “The idea being that AI struggles with empathy and human connection compared with human hosts and it is harder to summarize things in audio in a way that feels authentic and intimate,” he says. As Bell’s experience shows, what was first seen as a novelty doesn’t necessarily translate into a regular audience. “If I didn’t already know a significant amount about the files, the investigations, the background—I would have found many of the episodes very hard to follow,” she says. “And boring.” However, people seem to be sticking around and rating it relatively highly: The podcast currently has a 4.4 rating on Apple Podcasts. “The goal was to just build something that I was personally curious about and I would enjoy listening to,” says Levy, “and maybe other people would reciprocate the same value.” View the full article

Perhaps the best thing to happen to smartphones in the past five years was Apple's decision to start supporting RCS. Ever since, texting between iPhone and Android hasn't been a nightmare caused by SMS: Group chats function as they should, photos and videos can be sent in high quality, and you can even see when the other person is typing—though the messages are still green. While the experience is miles better than it used to be, it isn't perfect. There are still some key functions missing from RCS on iPhone. For instance, you can't unsend messages, reply to a thread, or edit iPhone messages. The latter can only happen on the Android side, while only iPhones can react with emojis right now. The biggest omission, however, is support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This is arguably the most important advantage RCS has over SMS. E2EE "scrambles" your messages, and only you and the recipient(s) have the "keys" to unscramble them. If a hacker were to remotely access your messages from an untrusted device, they wouldn't be able to read them: The only way to see these messages in plain text is to have access to the trusted device associated with them. If you have an Android device, and you text with other Android devices using Google Messages, you likely have this advantage. You may see a small lock icon next to your messages as you send them, indicating that texts are sent with E2EE. iPhones have this advantage when texting other iPhones, as iMessage is E2EE as well. But when you text from an iPhone to an Android, whether or not you're using RCS or SMS, those messages are not protected by encryption, which leaves you vulnerable to hacking. End-to-end encryption support for RCS is live in the iOS 26.4 betaThat's now changing. Apple is currently testing E2EE support for RCS on iPhone. Not only that, anyone can try it out right now—assuming you're fine taking on the risks of beta software. The change comes with the second beta for iOS 26.4, which Apple released on Monday. Apple's first beta for 26.4 added an initial layer of support, but only for iPhones texting each other with iMessage disabled. The second beta now supports E2EE for RCS communications with Android devices. As long as your Android friends are running the latest version of Google Messages, and you're running the second iOS 26.4 beta, you can rest easy knowing your messages are protected by end-to-end encryption. However, this doesn't mean that those of us waiting for the official iOS 26.4 release will enjoy the same. While beta features are always subject to change, Apple explicitly says in its release notes that, "This feature is not shipping in this release and will be available to customers in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 releases." It seems the company is getting a jump on testing in anticipation of a future iOS 26.4.1, iOS 26.5, or maybe even an iOS 27 release. Don't install the iOS 26.4 beta without knowing the risksYou'll need to install the latest beta on your iPhone to give this encryption a try—but don't do that without thinking it through. Beta software is in testing, which means there may be bugs and other instabilities you aren't used to dealing with in iOS. If something goes wrong, and you need to uninstall the beta, you'll need to reset your iPhone entirely. Unless you have a full backup of iOS 26.3 on your computer, you could lose data. As such, I never recommend installing betas on your primary device. It's your choice, of course: Just understand the risks. If you do decide to try the beta, you'll also have access to other new features in iOS 26.4—namely, a new Apple Music experience with an AI playlist generator, fresh design, and the ability to add songs to multiple playlists at once. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Just 10 days ago, on February 10, Japan-based Sumitomo Forestry announced that it had agreed to acquire Tri Pointe Homes—a large U.S. homebuilder ranked No. 715 on the Fortune 1000—for $4.5 billion, signaling that Japanese builders were further accelerating their buying spree of U.S. homebuilders. Fast-forward to today, and Stanley Martin Homes—which has been owned by Japan-based Daiwa House since 2017—announced that it has agreed to buy United Homes Group, which has a strong presence in the Carolinas, for $221 million—further accelerating Japanese builders’ buying spree of U.S. homebuilders. Japanese builders are quickly expanding their U.S. footprint through acquisitions. Daiwa House: Japan-based Daiwa House has quietly built one of the most geographically diversified U.S. homebuilding footprints among Japanese builders. It entered the U.S. market in 2017 with its acquisition of Stanley Martin Homes, followed by the purchase of Trumark Homes (No. 67 largest U.S. homebuilder) in 2020. In September 2021, Daiwa House completed its acquisition of CastleRock Communities (No. 49 largest U.S. homebuilder), giving it a strong presence in Sun Belt markets in Arizona, Texas, and Tennessee. Together, Stanley Martin, Trumark, and CastleRock span Sun Belt and mid-Atlantic regions, and with Stanley Martin’s newly announced $221 million acquisition of United Homes Group, Daiwa House is further accelerating its U.S. expansion. Sumitomo Forestry: For Sumitomo Forestry—a Japan-based forestry, timber, and homebuilding company—its Tri Pointe Homes acquisition this month meaningfully accelerates its U.S. expansion goals, including its stated target of delivering 23,000 homes annually in the U.S. by 2030. In 2016, Sumitomo Forestry became the majority owner of DRB Group (America’s No. 20 largest homebuilder). In April 2025, Brightland Homes (America’s No. 24 largest homebuilder—which Sumitomo Forestry acquired a majority stake of in 2016) consolidated into DRB Group. Sekisui House: Japan-based homebuilder Sekisui House, operating in the U.S. under SH Residential Holdings (America’s No. 6 largest homebuilder), has also been on a multiyear U.S. homebuilder buying spree. Since 2017, Sekisui House has acquired homebuilders Woodside Homes, Chesmar Homes, Holt Homes, and Hubble Homes. In April 2024, Sekisui House really shook up the industry when it acquired M.D.C. Holdings (Richmond American Homes) for a staggering $4.9 billion. Sekisui House has also expanded into the U.S. with its homegrown Japanese builder brand, Shawood. According to ResiClub’s analysis, once the Tri Pointe Homes and United Homes Group acquisitions are completed, Daiwa House, Sekisui House, and Sumitomo Forestry will have a combined market share of at least 5.5% of U.S. single-family home construction. Why are Japanese firms making such a large bet on U.S. housing? At a high level, the answer is demographic and structural. Japan’s domestic population is shrinking and aging (fast!), limiting long-term housing growth and risking a sharp contraction for Japanese homebuilding firms like Daiwa House, Sekisui House, and Sumitomo Forestry. The United States, by contrast, continues to experience population growth and household formation—particularly in the Sun Belt markets where many big U.S. homebuilders operate. For Japanese firms seeking stable, long-duration growth, U.S. homebuilding offers scale and better demographic tailwinds. There’s also a strategic element. The U.S. homebuilding industry remains fragmented beyond the top few public builders, creating opportunities for well-capitalized global players to roll up regional operators while preserving local brands and management teams. Both Sumitomo Forestry and Sekisui House say they prioritize locally led operations, supported by centralized capital and global expertise—a structure designed to preserve builder culture while providing financial and operational backing. View the full article

Dark Sky was a rarity in the app world. Universally beloved, the weather app had an uncanny ability to tell you when to expect rain, down to the minute. So when Apple announced plans to buy it six years ago, there was a collective sigh of frustration. The Android version, of course, disappeared almost immediately, while the iOS version was folded into Apple’s native Weather app. (The standalone iPhone app was discontinued.) The integration was never quite the same, though, and it seemed as if the magic of Dark Sky was lost. Now, however, the team behind the app is hoping lightning strikes twice. The developers of Dark Sky have announced a new iPhone app called Acme Weather, a tool meant to address the uncertainty inherent in meteorological forecasts. (An Android version is forthcoming.) “It is a simple fact that no weather forecast will ever be 100% reliable: the weather is moody, fickle, and chaotic. Forecasts are often wrong,” the team writes in its announcement blog post. “Rather than pretending we will always be right, Acme Weather embraces the idea that our forecast will sometimes be wrong.” In practical terms, that means Acme Weather, which comes with a two-week free trial and then costs $25 per year, offers its best estimate for a range of weather data points, including temperature throughout the day (as well as the feels-like temperature), dew point, humidity, and more. Those predictions appear as a dark line. Alternate possibilities appear as lighter shaded lines layered on top. The closer those lines are to each other, the more confident the forecast. A wider gap signals more uncertainty, suggesting you may want to monitor conditions more closely and check the app more frequently to see how things are trending. The homegrown forecasts, the team says, will be even more accurate than those in Dark Sky, thanks to a wide range of data sources, including numerical weather prediction models, satellite data, ground station observations, and radar. The app will also incorporate community reports, letting people share conditions in their area. That could be especially helpful during severe weather, as radar is not 100% reliable. It has trouble, for instance, recognizing the difference between freezing rain and snow sometimes. Reporting the weather is simple: Choose the icon that reflects current conditions. And, if you’d like, you can add commentary by selecting an emoji to reflect how the weather feels. (Yes, the poop emoji is an option for particularly rough days.) Just note that by using the community reporting feature, you will disclose your location to other users. While the app doesn’t reveal an exact address or identifying information, it does display your location on the map at the time of reporting with a fairly high degree of accuracy. (Community reporting is completely optional, but cannot be withdrawn once submitted.) The company, in its announcement, pledged not to collect unnecessary data, use third-party trackers, or sell user information to advertisers. The app also features the maps you would expect, including radar and lightning. It will offer rain and snow totals, hurricane tracks, and cloud cover. And, like Dark Sky, it will alert you when weather is approaching. This time, though, you can customize alerts based on what you care about, from rain to nearby lightning to the possibility of a rainbow or especially striking sunset. “We’ve been making weather apps for 15 years, from Dark Sky to Apple, and this is the culmination (the acme?) of everything we’ve learned along the way,” the blog post reads. “It’s the weather app we’ve always wanted, and always wanted to build.” View the full article

Quality control plays an essential role across various industries, affecting both productivity and customer satisfaction. For instance, hospitals employing Total Quality Management have seen improvements in patient care, whereas automotive manufacturers utilizing Lean Six Sigma have markedly reduced defects. In hospitality, rigorous audits have improved service consistency. These examples illustrate the impact of effective quality control measures. Discover how different sectors implement these strategies to achieve remarkable results. Key Takeaways A mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer utilized Lean Six Sigma to reduce defect rates by 25% and align with IATF 16949 standards. A healthcare organization implemented TQM strategies, improving patient care and operational efficiency while enhancing overall patient satisfaction. A regional food and beverage chain tracked quality metrics to address a 25% increase in customer complaints, leading to improved product quality ratings. Consistent quality checks in a leisure and hospitality business prevented a 15% reduction in repeat bookings by enhancing service delivery and guest satisfaction. An electronics manufacturer established clear quality control standards, reducing a 25% increase in defect rates and a 15% rise in warranty claims through robust monitoring. Total Quality Management in Healthcare Total Quality Management (TQM) in healthcare is essential for improving operational efficiency and patient care. By adopting TQM principles, healthcare organizations can improve their quality management processes, similar to manufacturing quality standards. The importance of quality control in industry translates to healthcare, where implementing quality control procedures can directly impact patient outcomes. For example, establishing a robust quality check process helps identify inefficiencies, leading to significant improvements. The quality control process steps include measuring quality metrics in manufacturing, which can as well apply to healthcare settings. Comprehending the significance of quality control guarantees that hospitals address internal issues, like outdated technology. In the end, prioritizing quality assurance vs quality control examples can lead to better patient satisfaction and operational effectiveness in healthcare environments. Automotive Quality Management In the automotive industry, effective quality management is vital for guaranteeing that products meet strict standards and customer expectations. A mid-sized parts manufacturer faced a 25% increase in defect rates, highlighting the importance of industrial quality control. To tackle these issues, consider implementing: Lean Six Sigma methodologies for defect reduction Consistent quality checks aligned with IATF 16949 standards Regular monitoring of quality metrics to identify improvement areas Continuous improvement strategies to improve customer satisfaction Understanding how to solve quality issues in manufacturing can greatly reduce operational costs. Emphasizing the importance of QC guarantees products not only meet but surpass customer standards, making quality management in the manufacturing industry a significant factor for success. Quality Control in Leisure and Hospitality Quality control in leisure and hospitality is vital for guaranteeing that guests receive a consistent and satisfying experience. When you implement a thorough product quality control process, you improve service delivery, which is fundamental given the rise in customer complaints. Comprehending quality control definition and quality control meaning helps you grasp what’s quality control—it’s about maintaining standards. Quality control examples, like regular staff training and compliance checks, illustrate effective qa qc meaning. Why is quality control important? It directly influences customer retention, as inconsistency can lead to a 15% reduction in repeat bookings. Quality control techniques, such as periodic audits and feedback loops, guarantee that quality control does what it’s meant to do: improve customer satisfaction and uphold safety standards. Electronics Manufacturing Quality Challenges During addressing quality challenges in electronics manufacturing, companies often face significant obstacles that can impact their overall performance. A mid-sized manufacturer experienced a 25% increase in defect rates and a 15% rise in warranty claims. To improve, they must focus on: Implementing a robust control quality process Establishing clear qc quality control standards Utilizing effective procedures for quality assurance and control Monitoring quality metrics regularly These steps are crucial to guarantee product quality control and meet industry standards. Comprehending what’s quality control and quality assurance definition helps clarify the importance of a consistent qc process. By tackling internal inefficiencies and reinforcing quality control control, manufacturers can regain customer trust and amplify their competitive edge. Examples of quality control can guide these improvements. Food and Beverage Quality Management Effective food and beverage quality management is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring compliance with industry standards. When you understand qc meaning, you grasp the importance of quality control or assurance in your operations. What’s qc? It involves defining quality assurance and quality control procedures that address inefficiencies, such as the 25% increase in customer complaints faced by a regional chain. By implementing quality metrics, you can track improvements and reduce operational costs impacted by poor quality. Remember, quality control means establishing QMS metrics that guide your processes. Enhancing your framework not just mitigates customer dissatisfaction but also boosts product quality ratings, ensuring your business thrives amidst increasing competition and regulatory demands. Frequently Asked Questions What Is an Example of Quality Control in Real Life? A clear example of quality control in real life is found in the automotive industry. Manufacturers conduct in-process inspections and tests to guarantee components meet strict IATF 16949 standards. Which Action Is an Example of a Quality Control Activity? An example of a quality control activity is conducting regular inspections of raw materials before production. By checking these materials against predefined quality standards, you guarantee they meet necessary specifications, which helps prevent defects in the final product. Furthermore, implementing in-process checks during manufacturing allows you to identify any quality issues early. This proactive approach minimizes waste and reduces the costs associated with reworking defective products, ultimately improving overall product quality. What Is an Example of a Quality Control Activity? An example of a quality control activity is conducting inspections of raw materials before production. You evaluate the materials against specific criteria to guarantee they meet quality standards, preventing defects later in the process. This systematic approach not just helps maintain product integrity but likewise reduces waste and costs associated with rework. What Is a Real World Example of Quality Management? A real-world example of quality management is when a mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer implemented a strategy aligned with IATF 16949 standards. This initiative led to a 25% reduction in defect rates and greatly improved customer satisfaction scores. By focusing on structured processes and continuous improvement, they improved product quality and operational efficiency. Such quality management practices are vital for maintaining competitiveness and meeting customer expectations in today’s manufacturing environment. Conclusion To conclude, effective quality control practices across various industries demonstrate significant benefits. Healthcare providers can improve patient care through Total Quality Management, whereas automotive manufacturers achieve lower defect rates with Lean Six Sigma techniques. The hospitality sector enhances guest experiences via consistent quality audits, and electronics firms mitigate warranty claims by enforcing strict protocols. Finally, food and beverage companies can boost customer satisfaction by refining their quality management processes. These real-world examples highlight the importance of quality control in achieving operational excellence. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Real-World Examples of Quality Control in Action" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Quality control plays an essential role across various industries, affecting both productivity and customer satisfaction. For instance, hospitals employing Total Quality Management have seen improvements in patient care, whereas automotive manufacturers utilizing Lean Six Sigma have markedly reduced defects. In hospitality, rigorous audits have improved service consistency. These examples illustrate the impact of effective quality control measures. Discover how different sectors implement these strategies to achieve remarkable results. Key Takeaways A mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer utilized Lean Six Sigma to reduce defect rates by 25% and align with IATF 16949 standards. A healthcare organization implemented TQM strategies, improving patient care and operational efficiency while enhancing overall patient satisfaction. A regional food and beverage chain tracked quality metrics to address a 25% increase in customer complaints, leading to improved product quality ratings. Consistent quality checks in a leisure and hospitality business prevented a 15% reduction in repeat bookings by enhancing service delivery and guest satisfaction. An electronics manufacturer established clear quality control standards, reducing a 25% increase in defect rates and a 15% rise in warranty claims through robust monitoring. Total Quality Management in Healthcare Total Quality Management (TQM) in healthcare is essential for improving operational efficiency and patient care. By adopting TQM principles, healthcare organizations can improve their quality management processes, similar to manufacturing quality standards. The importance of quality control in industry translates to healthcare, where implementing quality control procedures can directly impact patient outcomes. For example, establishing a robust quality check process helps identify inefficiencies, leading to significant improvements. The quality control process steps include measuring quality metrics in manufacturing, which can as well apply to healthcare settings. Comprehending the significance of quality control guarantees that hospitals address internal issues, like outdated technology. In the end, prioritizing quality assurance vs quality control examples can lead to better patient satisfaction and operational effectiveness in healthcare environments. Automotive Quality Management In the automotive industry, effective quality management is vital for guaranteeing that products meet strict standards and customer expectations. A mid-sized parts manufacturer faced a 25% increase in defect rates, highlighting the importance of industrial quality control. To tackle these issues, consider implementing: Lean Six Sigma methodologies for defect reduction Consistent quality checks aligned with IATF 16949 standards Regular monitoring of quality metrics to identify improvement areas Continuous improvement strategies to improve customer satisfaction Understanding how to solve quality issues in manufacturing can greatly reduce operational costs. Emphasizing the importance of QC guarantees products not only meet but surpass customer standards, making quality management in the manufacturing industry a significant factor for success. Quality Control in Leisure and Hospitality Quality control in leisure and hospitality is vital for guaranteeing that guests receive a consistent and satisfying experience. When you implement a thorough product quality control process, you improve service delivery, which is fundamental given the rise in customer complaints. Comprehending quality control definition and quality control meaning helps you grasp what’s quality control—it’s about maintaining standards. Quality control examples, like regular staff training and compliance checks, illustrate effective qa qc meaning. Why is quality control important? It directly influences customer retention, as inconsistency can lead to a 15% reduction in repeat bookings. Quality control techniques, such as periodic audits and feedback loops, guarantee that quality control does what it’s meant to do: improve customer satisfaction and uphold safety standards. Electronics Manufacturing Quality Challenges During addressing quality challenges in electronics manufacturing, companies often face significant obstacles that can impact their overall performance. A mid-sized manufacturer experienced a 25% increase in defect rates and a 15% rise in warranty claims. To improve, they must focus on: Implementing a robust control quality process Establishing clear qc quality control standards Utilizing effective procedures for quality assurance and control Monitoring quality metrics regularly These steps are crucial to guarantee product quality control and meet industry standards. Comprehending what’s quality control and quality assurance definition helps clarify the importance of a consistent qc process. By tackling internal inefficiencies and reinforcing quality control control, manufacturers can regain customer trust and amplify their competitive edge. Examples of quality control can guide these improvements. Food and Beverage Quality Management Effective food and beverage quality management is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring compliance with industry standards. When you understand qc meaning, you grasp the importance of quality control or assurance in your operations. What’s qc? It involves defining quality assurance and quality control procedures that address inefficiencies, such as the 25% increase in customer complaints faced by a regional chain. By implementing quality metrics, you can track improvements and reduce operational costs impacted by poor quality. Remember, quality control means establishing QMS metrics that guide your processes. Enhancing your framework not just mitigates customer dissatisfaction but also boosts product quality ratings, ensuring your business thrives amidst increasing competition and regulatory demands. Frequently Asked Questions What Is an Example of Quality Control in Real Life? A clear example of quality control in real life is found in the automotive industry. Manufacturers conduct in-process inspections and tests to guarantee components meet strict IATF 16949 standards. Which Action Is an Example of a Quality Control Activity? An example of a quality control activity is conducting regular inspections of raw materials before production. By checking these materials against predefined quality standards, you guarantee they meet necessary specifications, which helps prevent defects in the final product. Furthermore, implementing in-process checks during manufacturing allows you to identify any quality issues early. This proactive approach minimizes waste and reduces the costs associated with reworking defective products, ultimately improving overall product quality. What Is an Example of a Quality Control Activity? An example of a quality control activity is conducting inspections of raw materials before production. You evaluate the materials against specific criteria to guarantee they meet quality standards, preventing defects later in the process. This systematic approach not just helps maintain product integrity but likewise reduces waste and costs associated with rework. What Is a Real World Example of Quality Management? A real-world example of quality management is when a mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer implemented a strategy aligned with IATF 16949 standards. This initiative led to a 25% reduction in defect rates and greatly improved customer satisfaction scores. By focusing on structured processes and continuous improvement, they improved product quality and operational efficiency. Such quality management practices are vital for maintaining competitiveness and meeting customer expectations in today’s manufacturing environment. Conclusion To conclude, effective quality control practices across various industries demonstrate significant benefits. Healthcare providers can improve patient care through Total Quality Management, whereas automotive manufacturers achieve lower defect rates with Lean Six Sigma techniques. The hospitality sector enhances guest experiences via consistent quality audits, and electronics firms mitigate warranty claims by enforcing strict protocols. Finally, food and beverage companies can boost customer satisfaction by refining their quality management processes. These real-world examples highlight the importance of quality control in achieving operational excellence. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Real-World Examples of Quality Control in Action" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Home prices edged up nationwide, but gains were modest and uneven. Major indexes agree on direction, differ on size, as 2025 posted weak growth. View the full article

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. report shows margins widened and profitability remained high even as credit quality saw some wobbles from consumer and commercial loan portfolios. View the full article

“I want a space odyssey. I wanted Star Wars. I got close to that once.” That’s production designer Hannah Beachler, talking about the grand filmic world she wants to build next. For our February episode of By Design, we spoke to Beachler (Creed, Black Panther) about her latest work with director Ryan Coogler on Sinners—the most Oscar-nominated film of all time. We caught up with her last time before she bagged an Oscar on Black Panther and then designed the sequel. https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html She’s up for her second Academy Award for production design on Sinners next month, and she shared the painstaking process she takes to build historically authentic and thematically rich sets, even when that means investing in details that the audience will never see. Oh, and for the first time, we put that entire interview up on YouTube, if you prefer to watch the interview rather than just listen. We also got into a lot of hot topics: saying farewell to the best and worst designs of the Olympics, breaking down what it means now that ads are on ChatGPT, and exploring the ins and outs of LoveFrom’s new collaboration on Ferrari’s Luce EV. And to cap things off? We pick a long-overdue fight with Microsoft Teams in a segment called Fix Your Shit. Have you ever met a single other human who liked that software? Neither have we. Listen to our latest episode on Apple Music or Spotify, and catch the video interview on YouTube. View the full article

Meatball fans beware: A nationwide recall is underway for a popular brand of frozen meatballs sold at Aldi. The recall is due to the possibility that the product may contain metal fragments, which could cause serious injury if consumed. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? On Sunday, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) posted a safety alert about a Class 1 recall—the highest possible designation the agency assigns to recalled products. A Class 1 recall means that there is “a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death,” according to the agency. The Class 1 recall covers a Bremer-branded ready-to-eat frozen meatball product sold at Aldi stores. The recalled meatballs were produced by Rosina Food Products, Inc., a West Seneca, N.Y., company, which initiated the recall. Approximately 9,462 pounds of the frozen meatball product are being recalled. The issue at hand is that the recalled meatballs may contain metal fragments, which could harm individuals who consume them. What meatball product is being recalled? The recall covers only one meatball product sold under the Bremer brand. That product is: 32-oz. printed poly film bag packages of fully cooked frozen “Bremer FAMILY SIZE ITALIAN STYLE MEATBALLS” containing “about 64 meatballs per package” with “BEST BY” date of “10/30/26” with timestamps between 17:08 through 18:20 printed on the back of the label. According to the recall notice, the recalled product has an establishment number of “EST. 4286B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on July 30, 2025. Images of the recalled product’s packaging can be found here. Where were the recalled meatballs sold? According to the FSIS notice, the recalled product was “shipped to Aldi supermarket locations nationwide.” Has anyone been harmed from eating the recalled meatballs? As of the recall notice’s posting date, no one is known to have been injured due to the consumption of the recalled product. However, the issue was discovered after a consumer reported to the FSIS that they found metal fragments in the meatballs. What should I do if I have the recalled meatballs? Given that the recalled product has a 15-month shelf life, the FSIS is concerned that consumers may have purchased the meatballs a while ago, yet might still have them in their freezers or refrigerators. If you think you may have purchased the recalled meatballs, you should check your freezers and refrigerators for them. If you have the recalled products, the FSIS says you should not consume them. Instead, you should throw the product away or return it to its place of purchase. Full details about the meatball recall can be found on the FSIS’s website here. View the full article

If you’re considering entering the franchise world in 2025, it’s essential to comprehend the current market environment. Franchises in health and wellness, pet care, and eco-friendly sectors are gaining traction. Some established options, like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, offer strong growth potential, whereas budget-friendly choices like Aire Serv cater to new entrepreneurs. Grasping the key characteristics of successful franchises can help you make informed decisions. So, what should you look for in a franchise opportunity? Key Takeaways Research popular low-cost franchises like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv, which require initial investments starting around $50,000 to $175,000. Evaluate franchise opportunities in high-demand sectors such as health and wellness, pet care, and home improvement for growth potential. Consider franchises with strong marketing and operational support to enhance your chances of success and sustain long-term profitability. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights on financial performance, including initial fees and ongoing royalties. Engage with existing franchise owners to gain firsthand knowledge about operations, satisfaction, and potential challenges in the franchise model. Overview of Franchising Franchising can be an appealing option if you’re looking to start a business, as it combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the support of an established brand. With an impressive success rate of 80-90%, franchising is often considered a safer business model than starting from scratch. Approximately 1 in every 10 businesses in the U.S. operates as a franchise, showcasing its popularity. The International Franchise Association projects a steady growth rate of 2.5% by 2025, indicating that the market for the best franchise opportunities is developing. As a franchise owner, you’ll benefit from marketing assistance, training, and operational guidance from franchisors, all of which contribute to higher satisfaction and profitability. This makes franchising one of the best franchises to start. Top Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you consider franchise opportunities in 2025, it’s crucial to recognize emerging industry trends, particularly in sectors like food, retail, and pet care. Many franchises, such as Aire Serv, offer low-cost investment options, making them accessible for new investors. Furthermore, strong franchisee support and community engagement will be key factors that determine which franchises thrive in the coming years. Emerging Industry Trends With the franchise industry projected to grow at a rate of 2.5% by 2025, several emerging trends indicate where the most promising opportunities lie. Health and wellness franchises are gaining traction because of increased consumer focus on fitness and personal well-being. Technology integration is becoming crucial, with franchises adopting innovative solutions to improve customer experiences. Eco-friendly franchises are on the rise, reflecting a preference for sustainable practices among consumers. Pet care services are broadening remarkably, driven by the high rates of pet ownership. Home improvement franchises are thriving as homeowners prioritize renovations and upgrades. These trends highlight the diverse avenues available for potential franchise owners, emphasizing the need to align with consumer preferences and market demands. Low-Cost Investment Options The franchise terrain isn’t just evolving with trends that cater to health, technology, and sustainability but furthermore offering appealing low-cost investment options for aspiring business owners. For instance, Tropical Smoothie Cafe requires a minimum cash investment of $175,000 and has over 1,500 locations, showcasing its market presence. Vocelli Pizza, with a cash requirement of $100,000, serves as a neighborhood favorite with high sales volume. Aire Serv, focusing on HVAC services, has a low investment of $50,000, tapping into vital home services. Camp Run-A-Mutt, a dog daycare franchise, likewise demands $100,000, providing a cage-free environment for pets. Finally, Real Property Management requires only $50,000, making it an attractive option in the growing real estate sector. Franchisee Support Importance Effective franchisee support is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive environment of franchising. Strong support systems provide fundamental tools that help you tackle operational challenges effectively. Here are key aspects of franchisee support that can uplift your business: Extensive training programs to build your skills Ongoing assistance to navigate daily operations Marketing support to boost visibility and customer engagement Networking opportunities that promote community among franchisees A collaborative culture that adapts to market trends With these resources, franchises tend to report lower failure rates and higher levels of franchisee satisfaction. Key Characteristics of Successful Franchises When considering the key characteristics of successful franchises, a strong support system for franchisees often stands out as a fundamental aspect. Extensive training programs and ongoing operational guidance improve franchisee satisfaction and performance. Established brand recognition is vital, as franchises with a strong market presence attract loyal customers and generate higher profit margins. The best franchises also rely on proven business models that show financial viability, focusing on high return on investment potential to minimize risks for new franchisees. Furthermore, high levels of owner satisfaction often correlate with community engagement and networking opportunities, nurturing a supportive culture. Finally, franchises that emphasize continuous innovation and adaptability can effectively meet changing consumer demands and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring long-term success. Evaluating Franchise Costs and Fees When evaluating franchise costs, it’s important to break down both the initial investment and ongoing fees. Initial investments can range dramatically, from around $50,000 for some service franchises to over $500,000 for popular food brands. Furthermore, ongoing royalty fees, usually a percentage of your gross sales, can considerably affect your cash flow and overall profitability, making it crucial to thoroughly review these costs before committing to a franchise opportunity. Initial Investment Breakdown Comprehending the initial investment required to start a franchise is fundamental for anyone considering this business model. The costs can vary widely, so it’s vital to break down the components. Franchise fees: Upfront payments needed to join the brand. Equipment: Necessary tools and machines to operate. Inventory: Initial stock to serve customers effectively. Marketing costs: Expenses for advertising and promotions. Operational costs: Ongoing expenses to keep the business running. For example, starting a franchise like Aire Serv might require around $50,000, whereas established brands like IHOP could need $500,000. Reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant, as it provides detailed financial insights to help you make informed decisions. Ongoing Royalty Fees Ongoing royalty fees are an essential aspect of franchise ownership that potential franchisees must carefully evaluate. These fees typically range from 4% to 8% of gross sales, depending on the franchise brand and industry. You pay these to the franchisor for continued support and brand use, contributing to national advertising funds and training programs. Franchise agreements usually specify a monthly payment schedule based on reported sales. Furthermore, be aware of other costs like marketing and technology fees that can further impact your expenses. Comprehending the total cost of ownership, including these ongoing royalties and extra fees, is vital for evaluating the long-term financial viability of your franchise investment. Fee Type Typical Percentage Royalty Fees 4% – 8% of gross sales Marketing Fees Varies by franchise Technology Fees Varies by franchise Training Fees Often included in royalties Total Cost of Ownership Includes all fees Understanding Franchise Owner Satisfaction Franchise owner satisfaction plays a crucial role in determining the success and stability of a franchise system. A recent survey of 34,000 franchise owners reveals that satisfaction is closely linked to profitability. Key factors contributing to this satisfaction include: Strong support systems that empower owners Active community engagement nurturing connections Thorough training programs enhancing skills Ongoing operational guidance boosting confidence A robust company culture promoting networking These elements create a positive environment where franchisees feel valued and supported. When owners are satisfied, it reflects not just on their personal success but also on the brand’s reputation and financial viability in the marketplace. Therefore, comprehending and improving franchise owner satisfaction is crucial for long-term success. Researching Franchise Performance and Risk When evaluating a franchise opportunity, it’s important to thoroughly research its performance and associated risks. Start by analyzing key metrics like owner satisfaction, financial viability, and market presence, as these indicate long-term success. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant; pay close attention to Item 19 for financial performance and Item 21 for financial statements. Look into historical sales performance and growth trends to gauge potential profitability. Furthermore, comprehending common risks, such as high operational costs and inadequate support from the franchisor, is critical for making informed decisions. Finally, reach out to existing franchise owners to hear firsthand about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into daily operations and financial realities, helping you mitigate risks effectively. The Importance of Training and Support Effective training and support are crucial for your success as a franchisee, as they equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to run your business efficiently. Thorough programs guarantee that you grasp operational procedures and brand standards, as you receive ongoing support that improves your experience. High owner satisfaction often correlates with the quality of training and resources available, which help you navigate challenges effectively. Franchises with robust support systems typically report lower failure rates and higher profitability, underscoring the importance of effective training. Many top franchises prioritize their commitment to training, recognizing that well-prepared franchisees maintain brand reputation and customer loyalty. Thorough operational training Marketing assistance from experts Access to peer support networks Continuous operational guidance Regular updates on industry standards Future Trends in Franchising As the franchising environment evolves, several key trends are shaping the future of this business model. The integration of technology is streamlining operations and improving customer experiences, during eco-friendly franchises are rising in response to consumer demand for sustainability. Furthermore, remote and virtual business models are allowing greater flexibility, opening new markets without the need for physical locations. Health and wellness franchises are likewise gaining traction, reflecting shifts in consumer priorities regarding fitness and nutrition. Adapting to these changes is essential for franchise success. Trend Description Technology Integration Streamlines processes and improves experiences Eco-Friendly Franchises Focus on sustainability and green practices Remote Business Models Flexibility and access to new markets Health & Wellness Catering to fitness and nutrition demands Consumer Behavior Adaptation Proactive response to market changes Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? Determining the most profitable franchise to own hinges on various factors, including market demand and brand strength. Food and beverage franchises like Dunkin’ and Zaxby’s often yield high profits because of their established customer bases. Service franchises, like HVAC or automotive maintenance, likewise show strong profit margins. In the end, evaluating initial investment costs, support systems, and proven business models can guide you in identifying a franchise that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, look for those with lower cash requirements and strong support systems. Brands like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv offer training and resources that can ease your entry into the franchise world. Moreover, researching franchisee satisfaction, such as with Kona Ice, can guide you toward a rewarding investment. Ultimately, choose a franchise that aligns with your interests and financial capabilities for peak success. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This document includes vital information about the franchise’s financial performance, fees, and obligations. Which Small Franchise Is Best? When choosing the best small franchise, consider your investment capacity and market demand. Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers extensive growth potential with over 1,500 locations, whereas Vocelli Pizza emphasizes community connections and high sales volume. For education enthusiasts, The Goddard School operates in a booming $71 billion sector. If you prefer services, Aire Serv requires a lower investment and provides vital HVAC services. Furthermore, Camp Run-A-Mutt taps into the lucrative pet care market. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 requires careful consideration of market trends, support systems, and owner satisfaction. By focusing on franchises in health, wellness, and eco-friendly sectors, you can align your investment with growing consumer demands. Evaluating costs, training, and performance will further improve your chances of success. With thorough research and a strategic approach, you can make informed decisions that position you favorably in the competitive franchise environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Franchises to Start" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering entering the franchise world in 2025, it’s essential to comprehend the current market environment. Franchises in health and wellness, pet care, and eco-friendly sectors are gaining traction. Some established options, like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, offer strong growth potential, whereas budget-friendly choices like Aire Serv cater to new entrepreneurs. Grasping the key characteristics of successful franchises can help you make informed decisions. So, what should you look for in a franchise opportunity? Key Takeaways Research popular low-cost franchises like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv, which require initial investments starting around $50,000 to $175,000. Evaluate franchise opportunities in high-demand sectors such as health and wellness, pet care, and home improvement for growth potential. Consider franchises with strong marketing and operational support to enhance your chances of success and sustain long-term profitability. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights on financial performance, including initial fees and ongoing royalties. Engage with existing franchise owners to gain firsthand knowledge about operations, satisfaction, and potential challenges in the franchise model. Overview of Franchising Franchising can be an appealing option if you’re looking to start a business, as it combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the support of an established brand. With an impressive success rate of 80-90%, franchising is often considered a safer business model than starting from scratch. Approximately 1 in every 10 businesses in the U.S. operates as a franchise, showcasing its popularity. The International Franchise Association projects a steady growth rate of 2.5% by 2025, indicating that the market for the best franchise opportunities is developing. As a franchise owner, you’ll benefit from marketing assistance, training, and operational guidance from franchisors, all of which contribute to higher satisfaction and profitability. This makes franchising one of the best franchises to start. Top Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you consider franchise opportunities in 2025, it’s crucial to recognize emerging industry trends, particularly in sectors like food, retail, and pet care. Many franchises, such as Aire Serv, offer low-cost investment options, making them accessible for new investors. Furthermore, strong franchisee support and community engagement will be key factors that determine which franchises thrive in the coming years. Emerging Industry Trends With the franchise industry projected to grow at a rate of 2.5% by 2025, several emerging trends indicate where the most promising opportunities lie. Health and wellness franchises are gaining traction because of increased consumer focus on fitness and personal well-being. Technology integration is becoming crucial, with franchises adopting innovative solutions to improve customer experiences. Eco-friendly franchises are on the rise, reflecting a preference for sustainable practices among consumers. Pet care services are broadening remarkably, driven by the high rates of pet ownership. Home improvement franchises are thriving as homeowners prioritize renovations and upgrades. These trends highlight the diverse avenues available for potential franchise owners, emphasizing the need to align with consumer preferences and market demands. Low-Cost Investment Options The franchise terrain isn’t just evolving with trends that cater to health, technology, and sustainability but furthermore offering appealing low-cost investment options for aspiring business owners. For instance, Tropical Smoothie Cafe requires a minimum cash investment of $175,000 and has over 1,500 locations, showcasing its market presence. Vocelli Pizza, with a cash requirement of $100,000, serves as a neighborhood favorite with high sales volume. Aire Serv, focusing on HVAC services, has a low investment of $50,000, tapping into vital home services. Camp Run-A-Mutt, a dog daycare franchise, likewise demands $100,000, providing a cage-free environment for pets. Finally, Real Property Management requires only $50,000, making it an attractive option in the growing real estate sector. Franchisee Support Importance Effective franchisee support is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive environment of franchising. Strong support systems provide fundamental tools that help you tackle operational challenges effectively. Here are key aspects of franchisee support that can uplift your business: Extensive training programs to build your skills Ongoing assistance to navigate daily operations Marketing support to boost visibility and customer engagement Networking opportunities that promote community among franchisees A collaborative culture that adapts to market trends With these resources, franchises tend to report lower failure rates and higher levels of franchisee satisfaction. Key Characteristics of Successful Franchises When considering the key characteristics of successful franchises, a strong support system for franchisees often stands out as a fundamental aspect. Extensive training programs and ongoing operational guidance improve franchisee satisfaction and performance. Established brand recognition is vital, as franchises with a strong market presence attract loyal customers and generate higher profit margins. The best franchises also rely on proven business models that show financial viability, focusing on high return on investment potential to minimize risks for new franchisees. Furthermore, high levels of owner satisfaction often correlate with community engagement and networking opportunities, nurturing a supportive culture. Finally, franchises that emphasize continuous innovation and adaptability can effectively meet changing consumer demands and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring long-term success. Evaluating Franchise Costs and Fees When evaluating franchise costs, it’s important to break down both the initial investment and ongoing fees. Initial investments can range dramatically, from around $50,000 for some service franchises to over $500,000 for popular food brands. Furthermore, ongoing royalty fees, usually a percentage of your gross sales, can considerably affect your cash flow and overall profitability, making it crucial to thoroughly review these costs before committing to a franchise opportunity. Initial Investment Breakdown Comprehending the initial investment required to start a franchise is fundamental for anyone considering this business model. The costs can vary widely, so it’s vital to break down the components. Franchise fees: Upfront payments needed to join the brand. Equipment: Necessary tools and machines to operate. Inventory: Initial stock to serve customers effectively. Marketing costs: Expenses for advertising and promotions. Operational costs: Ongoing expenses to keep the business running. For example, starting a franchise like Aire Serv might require around $50,000, whereas established brands like IHOP could need $500,000. Reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant, as it provides detailed financial insights to help you make informed decisions. Ongoing Royalty Fees Ongoing royalty fees are an essential aspect of franchise ownership that potential franchisees must carefully evaluate. These fees typically range from 4% to 8% of gross sales, depending on the franchise brand and industry. You pay these to the franchisor for continued support and brand use, contributing to national advertising funds and training programs. Franchise agreements usually specify a monthly payment schedule based on reported sales. Furthermore, be aware of other costs like marketing and technology fees that can further impact your expenses. Comprehending the total cost of ownership, including these ongoing royalties and extra fees, is vital for evaluating the long-term financial viability of your franchise investment. Fee Type Typical Percentage Royalty Fees 4% – 8% of gross sales Marketing Fees Varies by franchise Technology Fees Varies by franchise Training Fees Often included in royalties Total Cost of Ownership Includes all fees Understanding Franchise Owner Satisfaction Franchise owner satisfaction plays a crucial role in determining the success and stability of a franchise system. A recent survey of 34,000 franchise owners reveals that satisfaction is closely linked to profitability. Key factors contributing to this satisfaction include: Strong support systems that empower owners Active community engagement nurturing connections Thorough training programs enhancing skills Ongoing operational guidance boosting confidence A robust company culture promoting networking These elements create a positive environment where franchisees feel valued and supported. When owners are satisfied, it reflects not just on their personal success but also on the brand’s reputation and financial viability in the marketplace. Therefore, comprehending and improving franchise owner satisfaction is crucial for long-term success. Researching Franchise Performance and Risk When evaluating a franchise opportunity, it’s important to thoroughly research its performance and associated risks. Start by analyzing key metrics like owner satisfaction, financial viability, and market presence, as these indicate long-term success. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant; pay close attention to Item 19 for financial performance and Item 21 for financial statements. Look into historical sales performance and growth trends to gauge potential profitability. Furthermore, comprehending common risks, such as high operational costs and inadequate support from the franchisor, is critical for making informed decisions. Finally, reach out to existing franchise owners to hear firsthand about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into daily operations and financial realities, helping you mitigate risks effectively. The Importance of Training and Support Effective training and support are crucial for your success as a franchisee, as they equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to run your business efficiently. Thorough programs guarantee that you grasp operational procedures and brand standards, as you receive ongoing support that improves your experience. High owner satisfaction often correlates with the quality of training and resources available, which help you navigate challenges effectively. Franchises with robust support systems typically report lower failure rates and higher profitability, underscoring the importance of effective training. Many top franchises prioritize their commitment to training, recognizing that well-prepared franchisees maintain brand reputation and customer loyalty. Thorough operational training Marketing assistance from experts Access to peer support networks Continuous operational guidance Regular updates on industry standards Future Trends in Franchising As the franchising environment evolves, several key trends are shaping the future of this business model. The integration of technology is streamlining operations and improving customer experiences, during eco-friendly franchises are rising in response to consumer demand for sustainability. Furthermore, remote and virtual business models are allowing greater flexibility, opening new markets without the need for physical locations. Health and wellness franchises are likewise gaining traction, reflecting shifts in consumer priorities regarding fitness and nutrition. Adapting to these changes is essential for franchise success. Trend Description Technology Integration Streamlines processes and improves experiences Eco-Friendly Franchises Focus on sustainability and green practices Remote Business Models Flexibility and access to new markets Health & Wellness Catering to fitness and nutrition demands Consumer Behavior Adaptation Proactive response to market changes Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? Determining the most profitable franchise to own hinges on various factors, including market demand and brand strength. Food and beverage franchises like Dunkin’ and Zaxby’s often yield high profits because of their established customer bases. Service franchises, like HVAC or automotive maintenance, likewise show strong profit margins. In the end, evaluating initial investment costs, support systems, and proven business models can guide you in identifying a franchise that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, look for those with lower cash requirements and strong support systems. Brands like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv offer training and resources that can ease your entry into the franchise world. Moreover, researching franchisee satisfaction, such as with Kona Ice, can guide you toward a rewarding investment. Ultimately, choose a franchise that aligns with your interests and financial capabilities for peak success. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This document includes vital information about the franchise’s financial performance, fees, and obligations. Which Small Franchise Is Best? When choosing the best small franchise, consider your investment capacity and market demand. Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers extensive growth potential with over 1,500 locations, whereas Vocelli Pizza emphasizes community connections and high sales volume. For education enthusiasts, The Goddard School operates in a booming $71 billion sector. If you prefer services, Aire Serv requires a lower investment and provides vital HVAC services. Furthermore, Camp Run-A-Mutt taps into the lucrative pet care market. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 requires careful consideration of market trends, support systems, and owner satisfaction. By focusing on franchises in health, wellness, and eco-friendly sectors, you can align your investment with growing consumer demands. Evaluating costs, training, and performance will further improve your chances of success. With thorough research and a strategic approach, you can make informed decisions that position you favorably in the competitive franchise environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Franchises to Start" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Doomer dunkingView the full article

I've spend more time than I care to admit researching Selena Gomez today. The 33-year-old pop singer and star of Only Murders in The Building is at the center of an elaborate online conspiracy theory that been building steam all week. Why? In brief, many people online seem to believe Selena Gomez is a clone. Why people think Selena Gomez is a cloneIt started with the Epstein files. Last week, videos started showing up on TikTok claiming Selena Gomez was mentioned in the Epstein files. She was, but Gomez wasn't corresponding with Epstein; her name is mentioned in a July 21, 2017 message between Jeffery Epstein and Lana (NAME REDACTED) in which Epstein writes, "sorry , you would have had fun. he has diecided [sic] on selena gomez." Conspiracy theorists have been using the Epstein files as evidence to confirm basically anything since they were released in January, and that Gomez reference from Epstein is, in their minds, a smoking gun that proves she's a clone. The theory says the real Selena Gomez passed away during a kidney transplant operation in 2017, and the person we think is Selena Gomez is a genetically engineered replica. Interestingly, I can't find anyone talking about why someone would go to the trouble, but maybe it was to keep the Gomez-money-machine printing cash. To back up the cloning assertion, believers in the theory are comparing pictures and videos of a pre-2017 Gomez with her current appearance and pointing out all the ways she doesn't look and sound like she did almost a decade ago. She has a rounded face now where here face used to be angular! Her voice is different too; she used to sound bubbly and high-pitched, now she sounds like Madeline Kahn. This has led some to believe she somehow is Madelein Kahn. (Or maybe Geena Davis.) Evidence that Selena Gomez is not a cloneIt's impossible to prove a negative, but I'm still comfortable saying that Selena Gomez is definitely not a clone. Scientists have cloned all kinds of animals, from sheep to primates, so there's theoretically no reason a human couldn't be cloned. But it hasn't been done (that anyone knows about), because it's so unethical. But even if you put ethics aside, animal cloning has an extremely high failure rate: It took 79 embryos and 42 surrogate mothers to clone two macaque monkeys, for instance, and that was using fetal cells. Attempts to make cloned monkeys from adult cells went worse: 181 embryos were implanted into 42 surrogate mothers, and two baby monkeys were born, but both died within hours. The idea that a small army of doctors and scientists and 40+ surrogate mothers are keeping quiet about that one time they were supposed to give birth to Selena Gomez's clone isn't credible. Like a lot of conspiracy theories, this one doesn't even hold up to its own logic: if Selena Gomez had been cloned, wouldn't the new version be identical to the old one? Why the changes in voice and appearance? If the clone can be spotted on sight (or upon listening to her sing), why make a clone at all? More importantly, you can't clone a full-grown person. You can (theoretically) clone a human embryo, but it would have to be implanted in someone's womb, gestate, and be born. You'd have to raise it too. A Selena Gomez clone wouldn't just pop out of a giant test tube and report to the set of a late-career Woody Allen movie. Speaking of Woody Allen, the most reasonable explanation for that email is Jeffery Epstein telling "Lana" who Woody Allen had cast in A Rainy Day in New York—a movie shot in 2017 that stars Selena Gomez. The timeline fits perfectly with that movie's pre-production schedule—they announced the casting publicly two weeks later—and Epstein and Allen were longtime acquaintances. Here's why Selena Gomez looks and sounds different than she did in 2017Selena Gomez has lupus, a debilitating disease serious enough to have required her to receive a kidney transplant in 2017. No matter how rich and famous you are, you don't come out of that unmarked. The change in the shape of the face ("Moon face" as it's called) and body are well known side effects of the corticosteroids/steroids given to treat Lupus, as well as the immunosuppressants given for organ transplants. Same with her voice: Lupus causes vocal changes in about 80% of sufferers. Inflammation of the cricoarytenoid joint commonly leads to a lower pitched or raspy voice. Gomez even addressed the changes herself, noting that her "throat kinda swells inside sometimes" due to her health issues. In short, Selena Gomez looks and sounds exactly like someone who has lupus and had a kidney transplant in 2017. Ironically, if she looked the same as she did 10 years ago, it would be much stronger evidence for a conspiracy. It would be totally reasonable to ask, "did she really have a kidney replaced? Does she really have lupus?" But she clearly did and does, and you can see it on her face and hear it in her voice. Other celebrities rumored to have been cloned and/or died and been replacedWhen it comes to cloning conspiracies, we've been her before. In 1969, hippies were convinced that Paul McCartney of the Beatles had died, and been replaced by Billy Shears, the (fictional) winner of a Paul McCartney look-a-like contest. In 2003, Avril Lavigne was said to have been replaced by a body double Melissa Vandella. Gucci Mane came out of prison in 2016 looking slimmer, and fans thought he was a clone. Britney Spears is AI. Eminem is an android. It never ends. I'm not sure why people in parasocial relationships with entertainers love pretending they're fake, but they really do. Is pretending celebrities are secretly dead bad?I don't think many Selena Gomez fans really believe she's a clone, even if they post about it online. At least, they don't believe it in the same way they believe the sun is going to rise tomorrow. I doubt I could get anyone to put money on it. It feels more like it's half fan-fiction, an exciting (if ghoulish) game of what if? Believing in a world where a cabal of Hollywood mad scientists secretly cloned an actress so Hulu could produce more Only Murders in the Building is more exciting than accepting the dull, randomness of actual life. It's hard to accept that anyone, even a celebrity, can be stricken with a debilitating diseases that changes their faces and gives them unfamiliar voice, just because that's how shit goes sometimes. Because that means it could happen to you. In conspiracy-land, at least there's someone in charge of the bad things that happen. We'd rather have someone steering the bus, even with terrible intentions, than accept that there is no driver, and the exit doors are sealed shut. View the full article

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor denounced in House of Commons as ‘rude, arrogant and entitled’ man View the full article

Slack has taken a bold leap forward with the introduction of its Real-Time Search API (RTS) and Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, now available for all customers and partners. For small business owners, this groundbreaking update promises a transformative approach to collaboration and productivity by integrating AI agents directly into everyday workflows. Imagine a scenario where your team’s productivity soars, not just because the tools at their disposal are powerful, but because they’re also contextually aware of ongoing conversations and projects. Slack’s latest enhancement makes this vision a reality. According to Slack, every task—from coding to research to creative work—can benefit from AI agents that understand your business context and are seamlessly integrated within the workspace. This integration aims to streamline processes and enhance collaboration by eliminating the need to juggle multiple tabs or applications. Scott White, Head of Product for Claude at Anthropic, highlights the significance of this update: “Customers are increasingly seeing the value of this bi-directional integration, and usage is accelerating as a result: faster answers grounded in real team context, improved workflows, and insights delivered right in Slack, where work is happening.” The RTS API and MCP server, since their limited release in October, have already seen remarkable adoption rates. The statistics are compelling: a dramatic 25x rise in agent activity and queries demonstrates that Slack is rapidly becoming the go-to platform for enterprise AI agents. More than 50 industry-leading partners, such as Google and OpenAI, are already leveraging these assets to build contextually aware AI applications that meet diverse business needs. For small business owners, the ability to access context-aware AI agents means that routine tasks can be automated, allowing teams to focus on more strategic projects. Whether it’s developers utilizing tools like Claude Code or marketers seeking insights from ChatGPT, these agents offer real-time assistance where it matters most. By tapping into Slack’s living, real-time conversational data, small businesses can enhance their workflows, eliminate repetitive tasks, and foster a more creative environment. However, the integration of AI into daily operations does not come without challenges. Concerns related to data security and permissions remain paramount. Slack emphasizes that its technologies uphold enterprise-grade security, ensuring that businesses can leverage AI capabilities while maintaining strict control over their data. While this offers peace of mind, small businesses must also navigate the learning curve associated with adopting new technologies. Training staff to effectively utilize these AI agents will be essential to maximize their benefits. Adding to the ecosystem, a variety of specialized agents are now accessible through the Slack Marketplace. Whether your focus is on engineering, marketing, or even legal matters, these tailored agents can assist in specific areas, making operations more efficient. A few notable examples include Claude, which serves as an AI assistant capable of collating information from Slack conversations, and Manus, designed to automate tasks based on real-time insights. Matthias Ramge from Trivago shares his experience: “The ability to pull live Slack context directly into our AI workflows allows our teams to search company knowledge more effectively and enables our agents to post updates to Slack without switching contexts.” This illustrates the growing sentiment that when AI tools are embedded in daily workflows, they enhance rather than disrupt the working environment. As small business owners consider adopting these innovations, it’s crucial to evaluate their unique needs and how these tools can align with them. While Slack’s RTS API and MCP server open doors to a wealth of possibilities for improving efficiency and creativity, they also require a thoughtful approach to implementation and security. With the future of work poised to be increasingly collaborative, the integration of AI within platforms like Slack invites small businesses to rethink their operational strategies. By leveraging these advanced capabilities, teams can navigate the complexities of modern work, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more engaged workforce. For further information on this exciting development, check out the official announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Launches Real-Time Search API, Transforming AI Collaboration Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Slack has taken a bold leap forward with the introduction of its Real-Time Search API (RTS) and Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, now available for all customers and partners. For small business owners, this groundbreaking update promises a transformative approach to collaboration and productivity by integrating AI agents directly into everyday workflows. Imagine a scenario where your team’s productivity soars, not just because the tools at their disposal are powerful, but because they’re also contextually aware of ongoing conversations and projects. Slack’s latest enhancement makes this vision a reality. According to Slack, every task—from coding to research to creative work—can benefit from AI agents that understand your business context and are seamlessly integrated within the workspace. This integration aims to streamline processes and enhance collaboration by eliminating the need to juggle multiple tabs or applications. Scott White, Head of Product for Claude at Anthropic, highlights the significance of this update: “Customers are increasingly seeing the value of this bi-directional integration, and usage is accelerating as a result: faster answers grounded in real team context, improved workflows, and insights delivered right in Slack, where work is happening.” The RTS API and MCP server, since their limited release in October, have already seen remarkable adoption rates. The statistics are compelling: a dramatic 25x rise in agent activity and queries demonstrates that Slack is rapidly becoming the go-to platform for enterprise AI agents. More than 50 industry-leading partners, such as Google and OpenAI, are already leveraging these assets to build contextually aware AI applications that meet diverse business needs. For small business owners, the ability to access context-aware AI agents means that routine tasks can be automated, allowing teams to focus on more strategic projects. Whether it’s developers utilizing tools like Claude Code or marketers seeking insights from ChatGPT, these agents offer real-time assistance where it matters most. By tapping into Slack’s living, real-time conversational data, small businesses can enhance their workflows, eliminate repetitive tasks, and foster a more creative environment. However, the integration of AI into daily operations does not come without challenges. Concerns related to data security and permissions remain paramount. Slack emphasizes that its technologies uphold enterprise-grade security, ensuring that businesses can leverage AI capabilities while maintaining strict control over their data. While this offers peace of mind, small businesses must also navigate the learning curve associated with adopting new technologies. Training staff to effectively utilize these AI agents will be essential to maximize their benefits. Adding to the ecosystem, a variety of specialized agents are now accessible through the Slack Marketplace. Whether your focus is on engineering, marketing, or even legal matters, these tailored agents can assist in specific areas, making operations more efficient. A few notable examples include Claude, which serves as an AI assistant capable of collating information from Slack conversations, and Manus, designed to automate tasks based on real-time insights. Matthias Ramge from Trivago shares his experience: “The ability to pull live Slack context directly into our AI workflows allows our teams to search company knowledge more effectively and enables our agents to post updates to Slack without switching contexts.” This illustrates the growing sentiment that when AI tools are embedded in daily workflows, they enhance rather than disrupt the working environment. As small business owners consider adopting these innovations, it’s crucial to evaluate their unique needs and how these tools can align with them. While Slack’s RTS API and MCP server open doors to a wealth of possibilities for improving efficiency and creativity, they also require a thoughtful approach to implementation and security. With the future of work poised to be increasingly collaborative, the integration of AI within platforms like Slack invites small businesses to rethink their operational strategies. By leveraging these advanced capabilities, teams can navigate the complexities of modern work, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more engaged workforce. For further information on this exciting development, check out the official announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Launches Real-Time Search API, Transforming AI Collaboration Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Last October, 35 major donor families, calling their collaborative The Audacious Project, gathered in California and committed $1.03 billion to more than a dozen nonprofits whose proposed projects span multiple years and take on major challenges. The collaborative, housed at TED, announced the winning nonprofits Tuesday, after spending more than a year selecting the groups and helping them sharpen pitches for larger projects than philanthropic funders typically support. It’s not until the donors meet in person that they decide how much to give to each group. Jennifer Loving, the CEO of the San Jose-based nonprofit Destination: Home, said it was “shock and awe,” when they learned the donors had met their funding request to help expand homeless prevention services to multiple U.S. cities. “It’s not for the faint of heart to work on this issue in America,” Loving said, referencing the stigma around poverty. “And so you kind of brace yourself. You never know if people are going to see what you see and it was beautiful. It was really beautiful.” Connie Ballmer, cofounder of Ballmer Group along with her husband Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been a donor since 2021, when she went with one of their sons to learn more about funding around climate change. “Nowhere that I know of can you raise a billion dollars in two days,” she said. “For an organization to raise an amount — whether it’s $40, $60, $80 million, I mean, do you know how long that takes them to do that kind of fundraising?” This year, the grantees also include the Arc Institute, a relatively new research group in California, to support its development of a virtual model of a cell that it hopes will help scientists identify treatments for complex diseases like Alzheimer’s. The South Africa-based group, Tiko, also received funding to expand its services for teenage girls, including contraception, HIV treatment and responses to sexual violence. It was the third time Tiko had applied for funding from Audacious, said CEO Serah Joy Malaba, with the hope of scaling their work to reach more girls. In total, 55 major donor families have participated in at least one round of The Audacious Project’s work. The group expands by invitation and the formal criteria that donors be willing to commit at least $10 million to the funding round. Many end up donating more, in part inspired by the commitments that others make in the room. Another donor, Tegan Acton, who cofounded Wildcard Giving along with her husband, Brian Acton, a cofounder of WhatsApp, said she participates because she believes in collective action and values the focus on funding solutions developed by people close to the problems. Acton also said she’s enjoyed seeing how different donors approach their funding decisions. “Some people come and they have a binder printed and they have a thousand tabs with little notes about every project and they’ve marked up the appendices” she said, whereas others, “show up and watch the videos and see what sparks interest.” As part of the application process, finalists record something like a TED Talk that introduces themselves and their project. Loving, from Destination: Home, said the guidance from Audacious and The Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit consulting firm, helped sharpen their plan for scaling their approach to homelessness prevention. The initiative, Right at Home, identifies people and families most at risk of losing their housing and gives them money and support so they don’t. The approach now has won significant public funding in San Jose. “Going through this process was probably one of the most rigorous things we’ve ever done,” Loving said. “I can say with total confidence that it made us smarter.” Loving’s project is a good example of the kind of big change that The Audacious Project seeks to identify. Her group had not aspired to work nationally but identified a solution they think may help other places. Rather than opening new offices or expanding, they will partner with local groups, bring them funding and ask them to participate in research to assess the impact. For the first time this year, some organizations received a second commitment from Audacious donors, including Last Mile Health. Their initial grant in 2018 helped to train many more community health workers in multiple African countries, going from 2,000 to 23,000. This time, they received $20 million to again train more of these front line health workers but also to support an ongoing project to coordinate and mobilize more domestic funding from the countries where they work. “It’s not just a philanthropic investment and then a cliff,” said Lisha McCormick, CEO of Last Mile Health. Instead, the funds will support a reworking of how governments fund their public health systems following major cuts to U.S. foreign aid, which made up a significant portion of some countries’ health budgets. Anna Verghese, executive director of The Audacious Project, said they’d considered making second round grants for a while. “The honest question that we and our donor community had to wrestle with is, what kinds of partners are we if we walk away right when that momentum is building?” she said. Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. —Thalia Beaty, Associated Press View the full article

As President The President has cracked down on all kinds of immigration, tech workers and students have been caught in the crosshairs. In a bid to curb use of the H-1B visa—a program that allows employers to hire skilled talent from abroad and is widely used across the tech industry—The President imposed a whopping $100,000 fee on new applications last year. The steep cost of hiring H-1B workers has already had an impact on tech companies and other employers that have come to rely on the visa, leaving many students and aspiring H-1B workers with few options to remain in the country. Some employers have been forced to reevaluate their hiring strategy and have opted to sit out the H-1B lottery this year. For small companies, the fee has made an already challenging, expensive process virtually impossible to navigate. Amid this political climate, the immigration law firm Ellis wants to simplify work visa applications for companies—and workers—through a tech-enabled platform that uses AI to automate parts of the process, which remains complex and largely paper-based. With a new subscription service, Ellis is now offering employers a tiered option that starts at $2,000 a month, which allows smaller startups with under 50 employees to file unlimited visa applications. That includes most of the common work visa types, from the H-1B to the J-1 student visa or TN visa for workers from Mexico and Canada. Most immigration lawyers still bill by the hour or by case, which means companies can spend thousands of dollars per application just on legal fees. (On an individual basis, Ellis charges anywhere from $2,500 to $12,000 to prepare applications; the H-1B visa, for example, costs $3,000 in legal fees.) By bundling its services, Ellis hopes to encourage employers to sponsor more immigrant workers. “If you have a fixed platform fee, like you would with Ellis, your marginal cost of sponsoring a visa actually goes down, which is an incentive we’d like to encourage,” says Sampei Omichi, the founder and CEO of Ellis. There are other immigration law firms like Manifest Law that also have a flat fee option, which is more cost-effective for employers, as well as tech platforms like Boundless that provide on-demand legal support for visa applications. Some products are fully automating the visa application process, which means there is limited input from actual immigration attorneys. Ellis is pitching its platform as a more comprehensive solution for companies—and especially tech employers—that are looking for tech-forward legal support and the full services of an immigration law firm. Ellis has managed to bring down the legal costs associated with visa applications in part by employing AI agents where appropriate—and only with the oversight of full-time staff attorneys. “By automating a lot of the rote and manual work that comes with a more operational type of law, you actually open up the attorneys to do what they do best, which is case strategy,” Omichi says. “Frankly, most of their job now is acting as a therapist for the folks that are going through the immigration process.” For workers seeking visas, Ellis not only offers a smoother, more streamlined application process but also holds the promise that employers might be more inclined to sponsor their visa, even in a hostile environment for immigration. Omichi says the platform aims to provide more transparency into the process, allowing workers to keep tabs on their application through a dashboard and additional elements like shipment tracking. (Applications for the H-1B visa, for example, typically involve hundreds of pages and need to be assembled by hand and shipped out.) In advance of the H-1B lottery opening up next month, the firm also introduced an H-1B lottery odds calculator, to give applicants a sense of how likely they are to get approved for a visa based on their title and location. Perhaps most importantly, Ellis claims to have a 99.4% approval rate on its visa applications; when a visa is denied, the applicant gets a full refund of their legal fees or can file again free of charge. Over the last year, Ellis has filed over 400 applications on behalf of employees at AI startups like Adaptive and Wordware; by the end of 2026, Omichi says the firm is aiming to help 1,000 people secure visas. At a particularly volatile moment, Ellis also hopes to help workers wade through the morass of immigration policy, which can change on a dime under the current administration. “We really try to be like an extension of their people team,” Omichi says. The use of automation allows Ellis to be more responsive to its clients than other lawyers might be. In addition, the firm invests in education and resources to help both employers and workers who are scrambling to keep up with policy changes, along with giving companies a direct line to Ellis via a dedicated Slack channel. “Our job is to kind of simplify a traditionally very, very, very complex process into something a layman can understand,” Omichi says. “For employers, it means retaining their best talent. And for employees, it’s their livelihood. It’s often the most important thing in their life. If they don’t have stable immigration status, nothing else really matters.” View the full article

Even among professional athletes, nobody works out at 100% effort every single week. There are times to rest and recover, often for a week or more, and you and I can apply this principle to our routines, as well. Scaling back your strength training for a short period is called a deload. Here's how to do one, and how to know when you need it. What is a deload?Generally speaking, a deload is a short period of time—maybe a week, but this can vary—in which you do less strength training than usual. That said, people use the word in a few different ways. For some people, a deload is a complete break from training, like a vacation. You take the whole week off, and that’s all there is to it. For others, a deload is just a little bit lower in intensity than your usual work. You may be doing just as many sets and reps, but the weights aren’t as heavy. Another way to do this type of deload is to reduce volume, so that you do fewer reps and sets, but the weights may be just as heavy as usual. Which type of deload to use will depend on the type of work you’ve been doing up to this point, the reason for the deload, and your (or your coach’s) training philosophy. What are the benefits of a deload? A deload allows your body more recovery than you get in your usual training. Every workout incurs a bit of fatigue, and if you're training hard for weeks (or months) at a time, you might be so tired that you can no longer perform as well or do as much work. A little bit of fatigue is normal, but in extreme cases, your health may begin to suffer. You don't need to wait until everything falls apart to think about taking a deload. There are several ways strength athletes (and recreational lifters like you and me) plan ahead to include deloads in their training. Here are the main ones: To prepare for a competition. To do your best, you’ll need to reduce fatigue without getting rusty. Peaking usually involves a reduction in volume (fewer reps and sets) while keeping the weights heavy. To introduce new lifts or goals. You’re more likely to get sore if you’re doing something new and intense, so introducing new exercises or new types of training often makes sense during a week of lighter training (in this context, that’s sometimes called a “pivot week.”) To recover after a tough training block. Some programs will have a deload week built in; others times, you may choose to take an extra week after a program finishes and before you start the next one. As part of a long-term plan to manage fatigue. Even if your training wasn’t particularly tough, you may want to sprinkle in occasional deload weeks just to be sure you’re not getting unnecessarily fatigued. In response to perceived stress. Some programs don’t include planned deload weeks, and it’s up to the lifter to decide when they need a break. When should I take a deload?There are two schools of thought on deloads. One is to use them as-needed: you train hard for as long as you can, and then take a deload when you start to feel beat-up. The other is that deloads should be planned, so that you never find yourself in the position of wondering if it's time to take a deload yet. I wouldn't say there's a single right answer; both styles of training have succeeded for the right people. But I will say that it's hard to know when is the right time to take a deload if you're doing them as-needed. Some people will want to take a deload as soon as they start to struggle even the tiniest bit, even if their problem isn't something a deload can fix. Meanwhile, a lot of dedicated athletes will keep training long after they should have taken a break. It may be smarter to plan ahead and take those deloads whenever the calendar says it's time. How do I know if I’m doing it right?If you’re working with a coach, ask them about their big-picture plans for you. The deloads (or lack thereof) should be part of the puzzle, and have a reason for being programmed the way they are. If you’re running a program that you’ve found on the Internet or in books, take a moment to think about how your program approaches deloads. Some may include deloads, and some may not. If you’re programming for yourself, you can take inspiration from other programs that are out there, but you should also use some common sense and ask yourself how you are feeling. Deloads are a common tool for fatigue management, but they aren’t the only tool. Your program may adjust volume from week to week, for example, in a way that keeps you feeling fresh. If that’s the case, you may not need a deload at all. Even if you’re preparing for a competition, a deload is a very common way to reduce fatigue and ensure a good performance, but that doesn’t mean you always need to deload before a competition. (It’s common to “train through” a competition that is low priority, for example.) A deload is really just a training tool, so make sure you’re matching your choices about deloads to what your body needs. View the full article

Energy and utilities emerge as big winners from fears that artificial intelligence will upend software industryView the full article

In medicine, “rare” is often used to describe conditions that affect relatively few people. But when you work in healthcare long enough—especially at the very beginning of life—you realize rare diseases are not rare at all. As a neonatologist, I cared for newborns whose symptoms didn’t follow a familiar script. An infant struggling to breathe. A baby who couldn’t feed. A child whose development stalled without a clear explanation. In the NICU, there is no luxury of time. Families are desperate for answers, and clinicians are making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information. Too often, we treated what we could see while suspecting there was something deeper we could not yet name. We ordered a multitude of tests and brought in specialists to consult, but days often turned into weeks. Sometimes answers came, but often they came too late to change the course of care. Those moments stay with you, and those are the moments that brought me here to GeneDx. THE HIGH COST OF UNCERTAINTY The phrase “diagnostic odyssey” is frequently used in healthcare, but it understates the reality for families. For patients with rare disease, the path to a diagnosis often stretches across years—marked by repeated hospitalizations, unnecessary procedures, and conflicting opinions. All the while, disease progresses and the emotional and financial burden on families quietly compounds. For clinicians, that uncertainty is more than frustrating; it limits our ability to act decisively. Without a precise diagnosis, treatments are often generalized rather than targeted, care coordination remains fragmented, and families are left carrying the burden of unanswered questions. From a system perspective, the consequences are significant: longer lengths of stay, higher costs, avoidable interventions, and missed opportunities for earlier, more effective care. What makes this particularly challenging is that, increasingly, we have the tools to do better. Genomic medicine has transformed our ability to identify the underlying causes of disease—especially in pediatrics and rare conditions where traditional diagnostic approaches fall short. When used early, genomic testing can shorten the path to answers from years to weeks, days, or even hours. It can inform clinical decisions, guide care planning, and help families understand what lies ahead. Over the past couple of years, genomic technology has evolved. Costs and turnaround time have declined significantly, shifting genomics from a theoretical solution to a viable tool in everyday clinical practice. Now, it’s a matter of increasing awareness and broadening access to all patients who could benefit. OPEN TESTING ACCESS As Rare Disease Month continues, the question is no longer whether we can diagnose rare disease more effectively, but whether we are willing to make those tools part of routine care. In other areas of medicine, advances that improve accuracy and outcomes eventually become standard practice. Standard newborn screening, imaging technologies, and clinical protocols did not remain optional once their value was clear. They became embedded in care. Genomics is at a similar inflection point. The opportunity before us is not simply technological—it is systemic. Integrating genomics earlier into care pathways requires thoughtful implementation, clinician support, payer alignment, and real-world evidence. It requires collaboration across health systems, medical societies, advocacy groups, and policymakers. And it requires a shared understanding that earlier, more precise diagnoses are not an added extra—they are foundational to good medicine. A RARE OPPORTUNITY Rare disease challenges healthcare to be better—more precise, more compassionate, and more proactive. It forces us to confront the limits of traditional diagnostic models and to rethink when and how we deploy the tools now at our disposal. For me, this work is deeply personal. It is shaped by years at the bedside, by conversations with families searching for answers, and by a belief that uncertainty should not be the default starting point of care. Over the course of my career, I have worked across nearly every layer of the healthcare system—as a practicing physician, a health system partner, and a clinical leader within payer and innovation organizations. I’m bringing that experience with me as I help usher in the future of genomic medicine at GeneDx. Here I see a rare opportunity to help move genomics from the margins of medicine to its foundation, to shorten diagnostic journeys that have gone on far too long, and to build a healthcare system that delivers clarity when it matters most. Ending the diagnostic odyssey is not about technology alone. It is about trust. It is about giving clinicians the confidence to act and families the answers they deserve. And it is about recognizing that rare disease is not a niche problem, but something that impacts 1 in 10 Americans and thus, touches all of us. Linda Genen, MD, MPH, is chief medical officer of GeneDx. View the full article

It's been a little over a week since Discord said it will take its age verification mandate global, and despite promises that most users wouldn't need to verify, the company is still in hot water with gamers. Most recently, Discord's been discovered to have worked with Peter Thiel-backed company Persona, which itself is embroiled in multiple scandals. These include allegations that it was keeping personal identifying data from Discord users longer than was initially stated, and a reveal that the company accidentally left some of its data available to view on the open internet. Discord now says it's backing away from its partnership with Persona, but is it worth sticking around after all this? What happened with Discord's age verification rule?When Discord announced that it would soon require age verification globally, it actually followed age verification programs that had already started in regions like Australia and the UK. Discord's only known age verification partner in the United States is k-ID, which uses on-device facial scanning, but users discovered that in the UK, the company had also partnered with Persona. Discord's partnership with Persona was for an "experiment" that could have seen users submitting information that would have been "temporarily stored for up to seven days, then deleted." According to reporting from PCGamer, the information came to light following reports that some UK-based Discord users had gotten requests to submit information to Persona, which prompted concerns about their facial data leaving their devices despite the initial announcement's promise that only government ID data would go to the cloud, as well as how long any uploaded data would stay in the cloud. In a now-deleted support page, Discord clarified that the partnership was indeed real and part of an experiment, and added the note about the potential seven-day window for deletion, which contradicted statements that uploaded data would be deleted directly after age verification. In a post on X, the CEO of Persona, Rick Song, attempted to defend the workflow, saying that "on-device facial scanning" is "unfortunately too easy to bypass today," before later adding that uploaded information is still "processed and then deleted." However, Song did not provide a timeline for deletion. And data potentially leaving the user's device despite initial promises that it wouldn't was only one part of the concern. Over the weekend, a trio of hacktivists also discovered a vulnerability in Persona's data front end, which—according to analysis from independent publication The Rage and anti-malware organization Malwarebytes—left 2,456 files accessible to the open internet. Both the hackers and Persona's CEO, who have been in "good faith" communication, say that Persona itself was not hacked, and that the data was accidentally leaked and viewable to anyone with the know-how to find it (it has since been deleted). The full report of the findings has been published by one of the hackers, Celeste, and details that the leak was apparently found via a U.S. government-authorized endpoint that had somehow been isolated from its regular work environment. While the hackers did not find personal identifying information in the leaked files, they did find that Persona often performs far more than age verification on data sent to its servers. According to the leaked code, the company uses facial recognition to perform 269 separate verification checks against watchlists across 14 categories (including terrorism and espionage) and tags its reports with codenames related to known public-private partnerships for tracking anything from cannabis distribution to money laundering. Information including collected IP addresses, browser and device fingerprints, phone numbers, names, faces, and more, can be stored for up to three years, according to the hackers' findings. Granted, it's possible that Persona was not implementing all of these checks on users submitting age verification information via Discord, or keeping data for longer than the seven days mentioned on the now deleted support page. But it has not been a good look for either Persona or Discord. Discord is ending its relationship with PersonaFollowing user outrage about personal data leaving their devices or staying on the cloud for an unknown period of time, as well as the news that the company responsible for said data had apparently allowed so many of its files to leak to the open internet, Discord has begun damage control. The company told Ars Technica that only a "small number of users was included in the experiment" involving Persona, and that it "ran for less than one month." More importantly, now that the experiment is purportedly over, Discord told both Ars and The Verge that it is no longer partnering with Persona, and that it will "keep our users informed as vendors are added or updated." On Persona's end, the company clarified to Ars that it doesn't have any government contracts. CEO Rick Song also said in communication with the hackers that the leaked information was based on publicly available records, before iterating that Persona does not store data that users send to it. Song also said that Persona does not use AI, and despite being funded in part by Peter Thiel, does not have a relationship with Palantir. Is it safe to stick with Discord?While it's unclear the extent to which Persona was storing or analyzing user data, that it came as a surprise to so many users has been enough to see a massive increase in users trying alternatives like Teamspeak, which itself has taken the opportunity to criticize Discord's security. Personally, I likely won't uninstall Discord right away (if only because I need it to write stories like this), but I would think twice about uploading information if asked to verify my age. Note, however, that Discord can use metrics like your signup email to guess your age even if you don't send it personal identifying information—that's actually how it's planning to avoid pestering most of its users with age verification prompts. But even if you divest from Discord, it should be noted that, depending on the services you use in your life, you might still have to interact with Persona. While Discord will no longer work with the age verification company, Persona still has active relationships with social media sites including Reddit and LinkedIn, games like Roblox, and even payment service Square and access management platform Okta. Most notable might be Persona's relationship with OpenAI: This appears to be how Persona's code could have leaked in the first place. The hacktivists that discovered the leak found OpenAI signifiers in it—which, according to The Rage, means that OpenAI might have built an internal database for accessing Persona identity checks. This could explain how Persona's data found its way onto a U.S. government computer despite the company supposedly not having any government contracts. At any rate, as the internet becomes more connected and age verification becomes more common, flipping one switch, like divesting from a single app, likely isn't enough to fully wipe your online presence anymore. It's worth controlling what you can—Discord lets you delete information like sent messages or server channels—but it's legally obligated to retain purchase information, and also chooses to retain additional information such as database backups as well, even after account deletion. You can see a full list of retained Discord information on the company's website. In the meantime, check out these 10 tips from my colleague Pranay Parab for staying secure while online. View the full article