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Comprehending current business income tax brackets is vital for any business owner. Federal tax rates for C corporations are set at a flat 21%, whereas pass-through entities face individual tax rates that range from 10% to 37%. Furthermore, state tax rates can vary widely and may affect your overall tax liability, especially in high-tax areas like New York City. Knowing these details can help you make informed decisions about your business finances and tax strategies. Key Takeaways Business income tax brackets vary for pass-through entities, aligning with individual rates from 10% to 37%. C corporations face a flat federal tax rate of 21% established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. State corporate tax rates differ significantly; North Carolina has the lowest at 2.25%, while New Jersey’s can reach 11.5%. Pass-through entities may benefit from a Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%, impacting overall tax liability. NYC businesses must also consider local income tax, adding complexity to their overall tax planning. Overview of Business Income Tax Brackets When you run a business, grasping the tax brackets that apply to your income is crucial for effective financial planning. For pass-through entities like sole proprietorships and partnerships, your business income tax brackets align with individual income tax rates, ranging from 10% to 37%. This means your profits are taxed at the same rates as your personal income, which can greatly influence your overall tax liability. In New York City, for example, you’ll additionally need to take into account NYC income tax, which adds another layer to your financial responsibilities. Comprehending these brackets helps you strategize your earnings and expenses effectively, allowing you to minimize your tax burden during compliance with local and federal regulations. Federal Corporate Tax Rates In the United States, the federal corporate tax rate for C corporations stands at a flat 21%, established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. When filing taxes using Form 1120, these corporations must report their profits and calculate their tax obligations based on this fixed rate. Furthermore, starting from tax years after 2022, the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax imposes a minimum tax of 15% on certain large corporations, affecting how they manage their tax liabilities. C Corporation Tax Rate C corporations in the United States face a flat federal corporate tax rate of 21% on their taxable income, which was established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This uniform rate applies regardless of income levels, meaning all profits are taxed at the same rate. To report income, deductions, and calculate tax liability, C corporations must file IRS Form 1120. It’s important to note that dividends paid to shareholders undergo double taxation, being taxed at the corporate level and again at the individual level. As you consider your tax obligations, using tools like an NYC city tax calculator can help estimate your overall tax burden, including how much is Medicare and Social Security tax, along with SS Medicare tax. Alternative Minimum Tax Impact As businesses navigate the intricacies of corporate taxation, comprehension of the impact of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT) is essential, particularly for those with average annual adjusted financial statement income exceeding $1 billion. The CAMT imposes a minimum tax rate of 15%, ensuring that large corporations contribute a baseline tax amount, regardless of whether they utilize deductions or credits to lower their liabilities. This means you’ll calculate your tax based on adjusted financial statement income, potentially leading to a higher effective tax rate. If you end up paying CAMT, you can carry forward any minimum tax credit generated to offset future liabilities, offering some relief. In the end, CAMT aims to improve tax fairness and curb avoidance strategies among profitable corporations. State Corporate Tax Rates State corporate tax rates vary widely across the United States, impacting businesses’ financial strategies and operational decisions. For instance, North Carolina boasts the lowest rate at 2.25%, with plans for further reduction, whereas New Jersey‘s rate climbs to 11.5% for income exceeding $10 million. Twelve states, including Arizona and Arkansas, maintain top corporate tax rates at or below 5%, indicating a trend in the direction of reduced tax burdens. Furthermore, states like South Dakota and Wyoming have no corporate income tax, creating a favorable environment for businesses. Recent changes include Louisiana lowering its corporate tax to 5.5% effective January 1, 2025, whereas Pennsylvania is phasing down its rate from 9.99% to 8.99%, improving competitiveness among states. Pass-Through Entities and Tax Implications In relation to taxation, pass-through entities like sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and S corporations play a unique role in the business environment. These entities don’t pay corporate income tax; instead, their income flows directly to the owners’ personal tax returns, taxed at individual rates ranging from 10% to 37%. Owners may benefit from the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, allowing them to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, which can lower their effective tax rate considerably. Nonetheless, individual tax brackets for these entities, set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, are set to expire after 2025. Furthermore, varying state tax rates can further complicate the overall tax burden for pass-through owners. Changes in State Tax Policies Changes in tax policies at the state level greatly impact businesses operating within those jurisdictions, influencing both corporate tax burdens and overall economic environments. For instance, North Carolina’s corporate income tax rate will drop to 2.25% in 2025, with plans for elimination by 2030. Conversely, New Jersey is imposing a 2.5% surtax on corporations earning over $10 million, increasing burdens on larger firms. Meanwhile, states like South Dakota and Wyoming offer a significant advantage by not levying corporate income taxes at all. Here’s a summary of notable changes: State New Tax Rate Effective Date North Carolina 2.25% 2025 Louisiana 5.5% January 1, 2025 New Jersey 2.5% surtax Currently in effect Nebraska 8.99% Starting 2023 South Dakota 0% N/A Strategies for Managing Business Taxes Managing business taxes effectively requires a thorough comprehension of your business structure, as this can greatly influence your overall tax liabilities. For instance, C corporations face a flat 21% federal tax rate, whereas pass-through entities pay taxes at individual rates ranging from 10% to 37%. To optimize your tax situation, leverage deductions like the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, allowing eligible pass-through entities to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income. Accurate recordkeeping is crucial; using automated expense tracking systems can identify deductible expenses and potentially save an average of 5% annually. Furthermore, consider your location, as state income tax rates vary widely, and engaging a tax professional can help you navigate complex deductions and credits, maximizing your savings. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tax Filing Tax filing can be a challenging task for many business owners, and avoiding common pitfalls is key to guaranteeing compliance and maximizing savings. Here are four mistakes to watch out for: Misclassifying Employees: Don’t confuse employees with independent contractors, as this can lead to penalties and back taxes. Missing Deadlines: Timely submissions are essential; missing deadlines results in significant penalties and interest. Poor Record-Keeping: Failing to maintain detailed records can inflate taxable income by causing missed deductions on business expenses. Overlooking Deductions: Make sure you claim eligible deductions like the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, which can provide a substantial tax savings of up to 20% for qualifying pass-through entities. Taking these steps can help you navigate tax filing more effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Federal Tax Brackets for Businesses? When considering federal tax brackets for businesses, C corporations face a flat tax rate of 21% on profits. Conversely, pass-through entities, like LLCs and S corporations, report income on personal tax returns, facing rates from 10% to 37%, depending on income levels. For 2024, the lowest bracket starts at 10% for income up to $11,000. Furthermore, eligible pass-through entities can utilize the Qualified Business Income deduction, reducing taxable income by up to 20%. What Are the LLC Tax Brackets? LLCs don’t have specific tax brackets like corporations. Instead, their income is passed through to you, the owner, and taxed at your individual income tax rates, which range from 10% to 37%. You might likewise face state-level taxes or franchise taxes, depending on where your LLC operates. Furthermore, you can benefit from the Qualified Business Income deduction, allowing you to deduct up to 20% of your LLC income from your taxable income. Is the 21% Corporate Tax Rate Permanent? The 21% corporate tax rate is currently considered stable and permanent, established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017. This rate marks a significant reduction from the previous high of 35%. As it’s set to remain in effect until 2025, any future changes would require bipartisan support in Congress. As of now, there’s no expiration date for this rate, making it a reliable aspect of the corporate tax structure. Who Is a 45% Tax Payer? A 45% taxpayer typically refers to individuals or corporations facing a significant total tax burden. For you, this can happen if your income exceeds the highest federal bracket, plus state and local taxes. For example, if you live in a high-tax state like California, your effective rate might exceed 45% when accounting for additional taxes like the Net Investment Income Tax. High-income earners and certain corporations often find themselves in this situation. Conclusion Grasping the current business income tax brackets is crucial for effective financial planning. By recognizing the differences between federal corporate rates and pass-through entity taxation, you can make informed decisions about your business structure. Moreover, staying updated on state tax policies, especially in areas with high local taxes, can further improve your tax strategy. Implementing sound tax management practices and avoiding common filing mistakes will help you minimize liabilities and boost your overall financial health. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Current Business Income Tax Brackets" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Wireless open-ear earbuds are a popular choice for runners, commuters, dog owners, and anyone else who wants premium audio quality while still allowing enough ambient noise through to stay safe and aware of their surroundings. The Shokz OpenFit Air open-ear earbuds are one of the best budget open earbuds on the market; they check all those boxes. They’re a reliable, lightweight option for everyday music and podcast listening, and right now, they’re 33% off at an all-time low price of $79.95 (originally $119.95). Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Earbuds $79.85 at Amazon $119.95 Save $40.10 Get Deal Get Deal $79.85 at Amazon $119.95 Save $40.10 These earbuds sit over your ear canals, stay in place during high-impact workouts, and are comfortable enough for all-day wear. For those who have been eyeing the Shokz OpenFit earbuds but still can’t justify spending around $200, the OpenFit Air model is a more budget-friendly alternative. They still offer the same comfort, stable ear design, and safety benefits as pricier open-earbuds; however, the lower price comes with slightly weaker bass and a shorter battery life (six hours vs. seven—still long enough for most marathon training sessions). With the charging case, total battery life reaches up to 28 hours. If you don’t mind those trade-offs, an unexpected perk is that compared to the pricier version, their lightweight, stripped-down design makes them even more comfortable and secure for workouts. They also have an IP54 rating, making them sweat and water-resistant, though they can’t be submerged like the Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones. Four built-in microphones provide clear audio on calls, but because there’s no noise cancellation, background noise can still come through. While they don’t offer the most immersive sound and may be underwhelming for listeners of bass-heavy music, you can customize the listening experience and different EQ modes via the Shokz app, which also enables multipoint pairing. Some reviews also note that the touch controls can be inconsistent and prone to accidental activation. If you’re looking for an alternative to in-ear buds and your priority is excellent comfort for extended wear, the Shokz OpenFit Air open-ear earbuds are a great value buy at around $80—just expect slightly less battery life and bass compared to pricier models. Our Best Editor-Vetted Presidents' Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Dell 16 DC16255 (AMD Ryzen 7 250, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $649.99 (List Price $869.99) HP Omen 35L (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080, 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM) — (List Price $3,099.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC100") HP OmniBook X Flip Ngai 16-Inch (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, Radeon 860M, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — (List Price $649.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC50") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In an era where efficiency and purpose intertwine, the mission-driven coffee brand happy® is leveraging advanced technology to fuel its growth and enhance its operations. The company, co-founded by Academy Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. and entrepreneur Craig Dubitsky, has adopted Oracle NetSuite’s cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to streamline its processes and scale distribution effectively. happy®, which aims to elevate the everyday experience through its coffee products, is making significant strides in the consumer packaged goods sector. With a presence in over 70,000 retail outlets, including major chains like Walmart and Target, the brand is not only focused on delivering delicious coffee but also on promoting mental health awareness through its partnership with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Each purchase connects consumers with vital resources, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to social responsibility. “Elevating the everyday requires a system that can keep up,” stated Craig Dubitsky, happy’s co-founder and CEO. “Distribution and logistics in consumer packaged goods are complex, but NetSuite helps us keep things simple by automating financial processes, boosting team productivity, and supporting our operations across our distribution points.” The integration of NetSuite’s ERP system comes at a pivotal time for happy®. The company has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2024 and is continually launching new product lines. NetSuite’s capabilities provide the necessary infrastructure to manage this complexity efficiently. By automating key business processes, happy® has improved its financial reporting speed and accuracy, essential for any growing business. Notably, NetSuite’s financial management tools have enabled happy® to streamline its reporting and financial close processes. The system also enhances supply chain management, making manufacturing, retail, and distribution more manageable as the company expands its product categories. The incorporation of AI through NetSuite’s AI Connector Service allows happy® to connect with third-party AI solutions while maintaining security and control over its data. Small business owners can take away several key benefits from happy®’s experience with NetSuite. First, automating financial and operational processes can free up valuable time for teams to focus on core business functions, such as product development and customer engagement. For businesses facing complex supply chains or looking to expand into new markets, a robust ERP system like NetSuite can streamline operations and enhance visibility across all business functions. As happy® continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission to spread joy through coffee while supporting mental health initiatives. The synergy between its business goals and technological capabilities illustrates how a well-integrated ERP system can empower companies to scale responsibly and effectively. “Consumer brands are adding new distribution channels, and business complexity multiplies,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite. “With NetSuite, happy has been able to efficiently manage growth by consolidating on a single system and automating critical workflows. This allows its employees to be more productive and remain focused on its mission to deliver joy in every cup.” The success story of happy® serves as an inspiring example for small business owners navigating the complexities of growth in today’s market. By embracing technology and prioritizing operational efficiency, businesses can not only enhance their productivity but also align their mission with broader social goals, creating a positive impact in their communities. This article, "happy® Boosts Growth and Innovation with Oracle NetSuite’s AI Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an era where efficiency and purpose intertwine, the mission-driven coffee brand happy® is leveraging advanced technology to fuel its growth and enhance its operations. The company, co-founded by Academy Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. and entrepreneur Craig Dubitsky, has adopted Oracle NetSuite’s cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to streamline its processes and scale distribution effectively. happy®, which aims to elevate the everyday experience through its coffee products, is making significant strides in the consumer packaged goods sector. With a presence in over 70,000 retail outlets, including major chains like Walmart and Target, the brand is not only focused on delivering delicious coffee but also on promoting mental health awareness through its partnership with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Each purchase connects consumers with vital resources, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to social responsibility. “Elevating the everyday requires a system that can keep up,” stated Craig Dubitsky, happy’s co-founder and CEO. “Distribution and logistics in consumer packaged goods are complex, but NetSuite helps us keep things simple by automating financial processes, boosting team productivity, and supporting our operations across our distribution points.” The integration of NetSuite’s ERP system comes at a pivotal time for happy®. The company has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2024 and is continually launching new product lines. NetSuite’s capabilities provide the necessary infrastructure to manage this complexity efficiently. By automating key business processes, happy® has improved its financial reporting speed and accuracy, essential for any growing business. Notably, NetSuite’s financial management tools have enabled happy® to streamline its reporting and financial close processes. The system also enhances supply chain management, making manufacturing, retail, and distribution more manageable as the company expands its product categories. The incorporation of AI through NetSuite’s AI Connector Service allows happy® to connect with third-party AI solutions while maintaining security and control over its data. Small business owners can take away several key benefits from happy®’s experience with NetSuite. First, automating financial and operational processes can free up valuable time for teams to focus on core business functions, such as product development and customer engagement. For businesses facing complex supply chains or looking to expand into new markets, a robust ERP system like NetSuite can streamline operations and enhance visibility across all business functions. As happy® continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission to spread joy through coffee while supporting mental health initiatives. The synergy between its business goals and technological capabilities illustrates how a well-integrated ERP system can empower companies to scale responsibly and effectively. “Consumer brands are adding new distribution channels, and business complexity multiplies,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite. “With NetSuite, happy has been able to efficiently manage growth by consolidating on a single system and automating critical workflows. This allows its employees to be more productive and remain focused on its mission to deliver joy in every cup.” The success story of happy® serves as an inspiring example for small business owners navigating the complexities of growth in today’s market. By embracing technology and prioritizing operational efficiency, businesses can not only enhance their productivity but also align their mission with broader social goals, creating a positive impact in their communities. This article, "happy® Boosts Growth and Innovation with Oracle NetSuite’s AI Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Kraft Heinz said Wednesday it’s pausing its plans to split into two companies. Steve Cahillane, a former Kellogg Co. chief who became CEO of Kraft Heinz on Jan. 1, said he wants to ensure that all of the company’s resources are focused on profitable growth. “I have seen that the opportunity is larger than expected and that many of our challenges are fixable and within our control,” Cahillane said in a statement. The company’s shares dropped 5.2% in early trading Wednesday as Kraft Heinz reported lower quarterly and annual results. Kraft Heinz announced in September it was splitting into two companies a decade after a merger of the brands created one of the biggest food manufacturers on the planet. One of the companies would include stronger-selling brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other would include slower-selling brands like Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. At the time, Kraft Heinz said it expected the split to be finalized in the second half of this year. On Wednesday, the company said it will pivot from the split and invest $600 million in marketing, sales and product development. In its fourth-quarter earnings release Wednesday, CEO Steve Cahillane said Kraft Heinz’s balance sheet and free cash flow potential were strong. “We are confident in the opportunity ahead and believe this investment will accelerate our return to profitable growth,” Callihane said. —Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Business Writer View the full article

Small business owners seeking to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency may find a promising new tool in the recently launched NetSuite Integration Platform. Announced during SuiteConnect New York on February 11, 2026, this AI-powered, low-code solution is designed to simplify the integration of various enterprise applications, enabling businesses to automate complex workflows seamlessly. Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite, emphasized the platform’s potential in transforming how organizations handle data integration. “By using AI to bring together mission-critical business data, we are helping our customers reduce technical complexity, move faster, and gain more value from the comprehensive AI capabilities embedded in NetSuite,” he stated. This focus on making integration more accessible could be a game-changer for small businesses that often face resource limitations and technical challenges. The NetSuite Integration Platform offers several key benefits tailored to the needs of small business owners: – Business-led Automation: The platform allows business analysts and process owners to create or modify integrations using simple, plain language. This means small businesses can engage their teams in automation efforts without needing extensive technical expertise. The AI-powered mapping and documentation features enable quicker deployment and troubleshooting, which can enhance overall data consistency. – Accelerated Project Delivery: For finance, operations, and IT leaders, the platform facilitates rapid connections between NetSuite and other critical systems. The availability of prebuilt adapters and natural language prompts means small businesses can implement workflows that synchronize revenue, inventory, and customer data in real-time without depending heavily on specialist developers. – Resilient Workflows: The platform supports IT teams by providing centralized automation governance, role-based access, and audit trails. This functionality helps small businesses ensure compliance and minimize integration sprawl, which can often lead to inefficiencies and errors. – Unified API Management: With a single command center for managing APIs, developers and administrators can secure and monitor integrations effectively. This feature is particularly advantageous for small businesses looking to maintain high-quality integrations while adapting to evolving operational needs. – Intelligent Document Processing: The platform also empowers businesses to convert unstructured data into actionable workflows. For example, AI document recognition can facilitate automated order data intake or procurement approvals, streamlining operations and reducing manual errors. The NetSuite Integration Platform is built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), which underpins its capabilities with a unified data foundation. This infrastructure not only supports streamlined integration but also enhances execution speed, which is critical for small businesses aiming to remain agile in a competitive market. Currently, the platform is available to customers in North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland, making it accessible to a wide range of small enterprises looking for innovative solutions to their integration challenges. As small business owners navigate the complexities of modern enterprise applications, the NetSuite Integration Platform presents an opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. By embracing this low-code, AI-powered solution, businesses can not only overcome integration hurdles but also position themselves more competitively in the marketplace. This article, "NetSuite Launches AI-Driven Integration Platform to Simplify Workflows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small business owners seeking to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency may find a promising new tool in the recently launched NetSuite Integration Platform. Announced during SuiteConnect New York on February 11, 2026, this AI-powered, low-code solution is designed to simplify the integration of various enterprise applications, enabling businesses to automate complex workflows seamlessly. Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite, emphasized the platform’s potential in transforming how organizations handle data integration. “By using AI to bring together mission-critical business data, we are helping our customers reduce technical complexity, move faster, and gain more value from the comprehensive AI capabilities embedded in NetSuite,” he stated. This focus on making integration more accessible could be a game-changer for small businesses that often face resource limitations and technical challenges. The NetSuite Integration Platform offers several key benefits tailored to the needs of small business owners: – Business-led Automation: The platform allows business analysts and process owners to create or modify integrations using simple, plain language. This means small businesses can engage their teams in automation efforts without needing extensive technical expertise. The AI-powered mapping and documentation features enable quicker deployment and troubleshooting, which can enhance overall data consistency. – Accelerated Project Delivery: For finance, operations, and IT leaders, the platform facilitates rapid connections between NetSuite and other critical systems. The availability of prebuilt adapters and natural language prompts means small businesses can implement workflows that synchronize revenue, inventory, and customer data in real-time without depending heavily on specialist developers. – Resilient Workflows: The platform supports IT teams by providing centralized automation governance, role-based access, and audit trails. This functionality helps small businesses ensure compliance and minimize integration sprawl, which can often lead to inefficiencies and errors. – Unified API Management: With a single command center for managing APIs, developers and administrators can secure and monitor integrations effectively. This feature is particularly advantageous for small businesses looking to maintain high-quality integrations while adapting to evolving operational needs. – Intelligent Document Processing: The platform also empowers businesses to convert unstructured data into actionable workflows. For example, AI document recognition can facilitate automated order data intake or procurement approvals, streamlining operations and reducing manual errors. The NetSuite Integration Platform is built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), which underpins its capabilities with a unified data foundation. This infrastructure not only supports streamlined integration but also enhances execution speed, which is critical for small businesses aiming to remain agile in a competitive market. Currently, the platform is available to customers in North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland, making it accessible to a wide range of small enterprises looking for innovative solutions to their integration challenges. As small business owners navigate the complexities of modern enterprise applications, the NetSuite Integration Platform presents an opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. By embracing this low-code, AI-powered solution, businesses can not only overcome integration hurdles but also position themselves more competitively in the marketplace. This article, "NetSuite Launches AI-Driven Integration Platform to Simplify Workflows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At ISE 2026 in Barcelona, HP unveiled next-generation audio and video innovations designed to enhance hybrid work environments, a move that resonates with small business owners striving to adapt to more flexible work models. This new lineup includes collaborative solutions aimed at making remote and in-office meetings more engaging and productive, establishing a clear path forward for the future of work. HP showcased products such as the Poly Mission 400 series, which features enhanced audio and video capabilities aimed at optimizing virtual communication. With many businesses continuing to navigate hybrid work models, the need for effective collaboration tools has never been greater. HP’s focus is on creating technology that not only boosts productivity but also simplifies the user experience. For small business owners, integrating advanced collaboration tools can lead to significant benefits. Not only can these improvements enhance team communication and morale, but they can also minimize meeting disruptions caused by technical issues. HP’s Poly Mission 400 series, for instance, promises high-definition video and crystal-clear audio that creates a more immersive meeting atmosphere. This can reduce misunderstandings that often arise in virtual settings, driving better outcomes in decision-making and project management. “The hybrid work model is more than just a trend; it’s becoming a cornerstone of how we operate,” said an HP representative at the event. This statement underscores the importance of adapting to evolving work preferences, which small businesses are recognizing as critical for retaining talent and fostering a collaborative corporate culture. Small businesses looking to implement these technologies may find practical applications in their daily operations. For example, the tools can facilitate seamless onboarding processes for remote employees, allowing them to feel more connected to their team from the start. Additionally, companies can host engaging webinars or virtual training sessions using these advanced audio/visual solutions, maximizing employee skill-building efforts. However, while there are many benefits to adopting these innovations, some challenges may arise for small business owners. The costs associated with acquiring high-tech equipment can be daunting, particularly for companies with tight budgets. Further, there may be a learning curve associated with using advanced collaboration tools effectively, which could temporarily disrupt workflows. Additionally, ensuring a reliable internet connection becomes paramount when implementing heavy audio and video functionalities. Businesses will need to assess their current infrastructure to confirm that it can handle increased data demands without leading to interruptions in service. Despite these hurdles, the potential for streamlined operations, enhanced engagement, and improved employee satisfaction can make the investment in these tools worthwhile. Small business owners should weigh their options carefully, considering the balance of upfront costs against long-term benefits. In a marketplace that increasingly prioritizes flexibility and digital communication, HP’s renewed commitment to enhancing hybrid work environments presents a timely opportunity for businesses of all sizes. As small businesses continue to evolve in this new landscape, embracing innovative solutions will not only enhance operational efficiency but also position them favorably in a competitive landscape. For more information on HP’s latest innovations in hybrid work, check out the original press release at HP Newsroom. Image via Google Gemini This article, "HP Unveils Advanced Audio-Video Solutions to Enhance Hybrid Work at ISE 2026" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At ISE 2026 in Barcelona, HP unveiled next-generation audio and video innovations designed to enhance hybrid work environments, a move that resonates with small business owners striving to adapt to more flexible work models. This new lineup includes collaborative solutions aimed at making remote and in-office meetings more engaging and productive, establishing a clear path forward for the future of work. HP showcased products such as the Poly Mission 400 series, which features enhanced audio and video capabilities aimed at optimizing virtual communication. With many businesses continuing to navigate hybrid work models, the need for effective collaboration tools has never been greater. HP’s focus is on creating technology that not only boosts productivity but also simplifies the user experience. For small business owners, integrating advanced collaboration tools can lead to significant benefits. Not only can these improvements enhance team communication and morale, but they can also minimize meeting disruptions caused by technical issues. HP’s Poly Mission 400 series, for instance, promises high-definition video and crystal-clear audio that creates a more immersive meeting atmosphere. This can reduce misunderstandings that often arise in virtual settings, driving better outcomes in decision-making and project management. “The hybrid work model is more than just a trend; it’s becoming a cornerstone of how we operate,” said an HP representative at the event. This statement underscores the importance of adapting to evolving work preferences, which small businesses are recognizing as critical for retaining talent and fostering a collaborative corporate culture. Small businesses looking to implement these technologies may find practical applications in their daily operations. For example, the tools can facilitate seamless onboarding processes for remote employees, allowing them to feel more connected to their team from the start. Additionally, companies can host engaging webinars or virtual training sessions using these advanced audio/visual solutions, maximizing employee skill-building efforts. However, while there are many benefits to adopting these innovations, some challenges may arise for small business owners. The costs associated with acquiring high-tech equipment can be daunting, particularly for companies with tight budgets. Further, there may be a learning curve associated with using advanced collaboration tools effectively, which could temporarily disrupt workflows. Additionally, ensuring a reliable internet connection becomes paramount when implementing heavy audio and video functionalities. Businesses will need to assess their current infrastructure to confirm that it can handle increased data demands without leading to interruptions in service. Despite these hurdles, the potential for streamlined operations, enhanced engagement, and improved employee satisfaction can make the investment in these tools worthwhile. Small business owners should weigh their options carefully, considering the balance of upfront costs against long-term benefits. In a marketplace that increasingly prioritizes flexibility and digital communication, HP’s renewed commitment to enhancing hybrid work environments presents a timely opportunity for businesses of all sizes. As small businesses continue to evolve in this new landscape, embracing innovative solutions will not only enhance operational efficiency but also position them favorably in a competitive landscape. For more information on HP’s latest innovations in hybrid work, check out the original press release at HP Newsroom. Image via Google Gemini This article, "HP Unveils Advanced Audio-Video Solutions to Enhance Hybrid Work at ISE 2026" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Move comes during period of sustained volatility in digital asset marketsView the full article

U.S. employers added a surprisingly strong 130,000 jobs last month, but government revisions cut 2024-2025 U.S. payrolls by hundreds of thousands. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3%, the Labor Department said Wednesday. The report included major revisions that reduced the number of jobs created last year to just 181,000, weakest since the pandemic year of 2020, and less than half the previously reported 584,000. The job market has been sluggish for months even though the economy is registering solid growth. But the January numbers came in stronger than the 75,000 economists had expected. Healthcare accounted for nearly 82,000, or more than 60%, of last month’s new jobs. Factories added 5,000, snapping a streak of 13 straight months of job losses. The federal government shed 34,000 jobs. Average hourly wages rose a solid 0.4% from December to January. The unemployment rate fell from 4.4% in December as the number of employed Americans rose and the number of unemployed fell. Weak hiring over the past year reflects the lingering impact of high interest rates, billionaire Elon Musk’s purge last year of the federal workforce and uncertainty arising from President Donald The President’s erratic trade policies, which have left businesses unsure about hiring. Dreary numbers have been coming in ahead of Wednesday’s report. Employers posted just 6.5 million job openings in December, fewest in more than five years. Payroll processor ADP reported last week that private employers added 22,000 jobs in January, far fewer than economists had forecast. And the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that companies slashed more than 108,000 jobs last month, the most since October and the worst January for job cuts since 2009. Several well-known companies announced layoffs last month. UPS is cutting 30,000 jobs. Chemicals giant Dow, shifting to more automation and artificial intelligence, is cutting 4,500 jobs. And Amazon is slashing 16,000 corporate jobs, its second round of mass layoffs in three months. The sluggish job market doesn’t match the economy’s performance. From July to September, America’s gross domestic product – its output of goods and services – galloped ahead at a 4.4% annual pace, fastest in two years. Consumer spending was strong, and growth got a boost from rising exports and tumbling imports. And that came on top of solid 3.8% growth from April through June. Economists are puzzling out whether job creation will eventually accelerate to catch up to strong growth, perhaps as President Donald The President’s tax cuts translate into big tax refunds that consumers start spending this year. But there are other possibilities. GDP growth could slow and fall into line with a weak labor market or advances in AI and automation could mean that the economy can roar ahead without creating many jobs. Wednesday’s report included the government’s annual benchmark revisions, meant to take into account the more-accurate jobs numbers that employers report to state unemployment agencies. They cut 898,000 jobs from payrolls in the year ending March 2025. Despite recent high-profile layoffs, the unemployment rate has looked better than the hiring numbers. That is partly because President Donald The President’s immigration crackdown has reduced the number of foreign-born people competing for work. As a result, the number of new jobs that the economy needs to create to keep the unemployment rate from rising — the “break-even” point — has tumbled. In 2023, when immigrants were pouring into the United States, it reached a high of 250,000, according to economist Anton Cheremukhin of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. By mid-2025, Cheremukhin found, it was down to 30,000. Researchers at the Brookings Institution believe it could now be as low as 20,000 and headed lower. The combination of weak hiring but low unemployment means that most American workers are enjoying job security. But those who are looking for jobs – especially young people who can be competing at the entry level with AI and automation – often struggle to land one. —Paul Wiseman, AP Economics Writer View the full article

The federal government should step in to prevent an emerging patchwork of state regulations from stifling the benefits of applying the tools of generative artificial intelligence to the mortgage market. View the full article

The dark web is a virtual neighborhood beyond the borders of the normal, everyday internet (which includes the website you're looking at right now). It's somewhere Google and Bing don't index, and you need special tools to get to it. It's a place where you'll find data leaks and illegal trades, but also legitimate, legal online activities users want to carry out without attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies or governments. It's a part of the internet that's less regulated and more shadowy, for better and for worse. Piqued your interest? I'm going to explain how to get on the dark web and what you can find there—though Lifehacker doesn't endorse doing anything that breaks the law, so I'm not going to tell you how to do something you shouldn't. The deep web versus the dark web: What’s the difference? Much of the web isn't freely accessible. Credit: Lifehacker You'll often see these terms used in your travels across the internet, and there's some confusion about what they mean. I'll start with the deep web: That's everything online that isn't indexed by regular search engines, which includes pages locked behind paywalls, private databases, email archives, company intranets, and so on. Think about all the parts of the web you can't see without logging in, from academic journals to your Netflix account page: That's the deep web. It accounts for around 90 percent of websites, by some estimates, so we're talking about a substantial chunk of everything that's online. The dark web, which is what I'm discussing here, is a small subset of the deep web, and refers to websites that are specifically trying to stay out of sight. These pages come with extra protections for user anonymity and data security, and you need special software to access them. You can't get at them through your normal web browser, like you can with much of the rest of the deep web. Dark web tools and servicesThe dark web comes with its own set of tools and services, including web browsers and search engines (which I'll get on to in a moment). Part of what makes the dark web the dark web is that you can't access it through your normal web browser, nor can you look something up on it via a Google search. Having a place on the internet that's private and anonymous will naturally encourage certain kinds of illicit activities: Hacking tools, drugs, fake passports, porn, firearms, and more are all traded on the dark web. It's a bit like wandering into the sketchiest part of a city, with all the associated goings-on. However, there are plenty of legal and legitimate online activities that require privacy and anonymity. The dark web is used by journalists, whistleblowers, and political activists who need the protections that it offers. Anything you need to do that has to be off the books to some extent, for noble or ignoble reasons, can be done on the dark web. To browse the dark web, you need a dark web browser Tor is your way into the dark web. Credit: Lifehacker To get on the dark web, you need a browser built for the job, and the best in the business is Tor. Tor is a browser engineered for extra security and privacy, and can be used to navigate the normal, surface web as well as the dark web. It blocks trackers, prevents user fingerprinting, encrypts data, and reroutes your browsing so no one can see where in the world you are. Tor is like the public-facing door to the dark web, and there are also mobile apps for Android and iOS. While there are other browsers you can use to get on the dark web, Tor is usually recommended as the best for most people in terms of the features it offers and the ease with which anyone can make use of it. Key to the way Tor works is what's known as onion routing technology. It gets its name from the way it puts several layers of obfuscation between you and the web, like the layers of an onion: Your traffic is bounced between multiple nodes, which means it's not as quick as regular browsing, but also that it's very difficult for anyone else to tell who you are or where you are. Configuring dark web access through Tor. Credit: Lifehacker When you open up the browser for the first time on the desktop, you'll see the option to Configure Connection or just Connect—choose the former, and you get more control over the nodes (or "bridges") used to get online. For most people, it's fine to let Tor handle this automatically (and you can set this to be the default in your browser too, if you like). Once you are online, everything works in a similar way to a regular browser. You can access all of the normal web through Tor, and take advantage of the extra privacy its rerouting provides, as well as diving into the dark web. There are a few neat extra touches though, like the New identity button (the broomstick icon, top right) that clears everything from your current session and restarts Tor. The mobile apps are straightforward to use as well. Tor for Android is the official app for Google's mobile platform, and while there's no exact equivalent on iOS, the open-source Onion Browser is a recommended alternative: The buttons for "onionizing" sites are on the top left (Android) and top right (iOS) corners. In both cases you can choose to install the Orbot VPN service, also part of the Tor project, to further secure your connection to the web. The Onion Browser on iOS, with rerouting details. Credit: Lifehacker Even with Tor and onion routing in place, though, you're not suddenly completely invisible and free to do whatever you want, without repercussions. Certain details of your traffic can be intercepted at the entry and exit points of the node, by the people running those nodes, if they know what they're doing and what they're looking for. You're also open to threats like end-to-end correlation attacks, so while Tor is a lot more secure and private, it's by no means completely safe. Bear in mind, too, that your internet provider will be able to see you connecting to Tor nodes, even if it doesn't know exactly what you're doing. Many people install a VPN as well, but then you're putting your trust in an additional third party to not track your activities or report them to anyone else. Cybersecurity has to also cover everything physically on your computer too—which law enforcement or government authorities might have the right to seize if they come calling. If you want to be untraceable and undetectable, connecting to the dark web via the Tor browser is a major step towards that, but not the only step you'll need. A dark web search engineOpen up Tor, and you won't suddenly see the dark web staring back at you. Not only do you need a dark web browser, you need a dark web search engine too. This search engine will get you to the sites you need, though you can also go directly to dark web addresses if you know what they are, as with standard URLs. DuckDuckGo is the default search engine inside the Tor browser, and once you turn on the Onionize toggle switch in the search box, you're able to use it to find dark web links. These typically come with ".onion" after them, rather than something like ".com" as on the standard web. On the dark web, you have to do become more of a search engine yourself: You'll often get web links from other users or forums online, and you'll need to keep these bookmarked to get back to them later. Other dark web search engines worth investigating are Ahmia, Torch, NotEvil, and the Onion URL Directory—just type out some keywords for what you're looking for. Some of these sites can be found through regular web browsers, but you'll then need to switch over to Tor once you've got the onion links you want to follow. Dark web websites The BBC has a dark web site. Credit: Lifehacker Individual sites on the dark web look much like they do on the regular web, though a lot of them are a bit more rough around the edges. (Presentation and polish isn't quite so important on this part of the internet.) Click on any website link, and it'll appear on screen, with its address at the top. Some of the websites to look out for on the dark web include mirrors of both the BBC and the Mediapart journalism platforms, built to help inform people who are living in countries where the internet is heavily censored. If you're after secure email, look for the Proton Mail service. If you visit a regular website that also has a dark web (.onion) equivalent, you should see see a message to this effect in the top right corner of Tor: Click on the Visit the .onion button to view it. Given the associations that the dark web has and some of the illegal activities that take place on it, you won't find a huge number of well-known websites on there—a lot of the dark web is made up of sites, wikis, and forums maintained by volunteers. However, there's still plenty worth exploring. What's for sale on the dark webI've already touched on some of the stuff that you'll find for sale on the dark web: It's a long way from eBay, let me put it like that. Anything you can think of that you shouldn't be downloading or buying, you can usually find it somewhere on the dark web. For obvious reasons—I don't want to get you or me into trouble, after all—I'm not going to get too specific when it comes to what you can find for sale on the dark web. A lot of transactions are handled via cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which is relatively (but not completely) private and anonymous. Another private cryptocurrency you'll find being used is Monero, which prides itself on being untraceable. That's not to say you should assume any transactions you make on the dark web won't ever be linked back to you—law enforcement has gotten pretty good at tracking down people who think they've been acting in the shadows. Even if you're using a private, anonymized crypto wallet, there are other ways your identity can be revealed—even if it's something as simple as letting a personal detail slip in an instant message. Taken as a whole, there aren't many good reasons to move your legitimate shopping activities to the dark web. Because of the way it works, and the kinds of items and goods that are typically on sale, it attracts a lot of scammers and hackers, and there are very few protections for you if you find yourself duped. Is the dark web illegal? Many dark web sites come and go. Credit: Lifehacker The dark web itself isn't illegal, and you're not going to get into any trouble just by visiting it—but it's a place where a lot of illegal activities are carried out, because it's much harder for law enforcement agencies to see what's going on there. You might often see news stories about criminal activity involving the dark web, and because of what's happening in some corners of the dark web, it tends to put off law-abiding companies and users alike. Sections of the dark web are often closed down, too, as part of police operations. With all of that in mind, you need to tread carefully when browsing, in terms of the sites you visit and the other users you interact with. Bear in mind too that laws about freedom of speech and censorship vary from country to country, which is part of the reason the dark web exists in the first place. Staying on top of the hacker undergroundHackers spend a lot of time on the dark web, and it's not too difficult to get access to hacking tools and data leaks in this part of the internet. However, it's much harder to get at the people who are doing the uploading and downloading. If you make use of a password manager, then it may come with a feature that monitors the dark web for mentions of your email address and password, or any other personal details. If dark web monitoring isn't offered by the security packages you already have, there are other ways to do it, and there are steps you can take if your information does get leaked. As I've previously said, it's a good idea to keep your interactions with the dark web to a minimum, unless you can absolutely trust the people you're dealing with. You'll often see a sign in stores that says "look, don't touch," and it's not a bad adage to bear in mind as you navigate around the dark web. View the full article

Oracle NetSuite has unveiled a series of AI-driven innovations aimed at enhancing efficiency and accelerating growth for businesses. This announcement was made at SuiteConnect New York, where Oracle NetSuite, recognized as the top AI Cloud ERP, highlighted features designed to streamline financial operations, strengthen internal controls, and boost profit margins. Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite, emphasized the importance of these innovations, stating, “With a single unified suite and the ability to leverage powerful AI models, NetSuite turns disconnected tasks into intelligent end-to-end workflows.” This integration of AI across various business processes allows organizations to automate routine tasks, gain deeper insights, and respond more agilely to market demands. The new features include the Intelligent Close Manager, which automates the financial close process through a centralized command center. This tool shortens close cycles, enhances accountability, and improves data integrity by utilizing advanced analytics that monitor close activities and provide detailed insights into financial performance. For small business owners, this means less time spent on closing books each month and more focus on strategic decision-making. Another significant enhancement is the AI-powered bank transaction matching feature. By increasing the speed and accuracy of bank reconciliations, this innovation allows businesses to reduce manual reviews and close accounts more efficiently. With generative AI handling the classification of bank activities, small businesses can expect quicker and more reliable reconciliations, ultimately improving cash flow and financial oversight. AI-generated report narratives further empower organizations by transforming complex data into actionable insights. This feature enables users to generate comprehensive narratives within financial and operational reports with a single click, making it easier for small business owners to grasp critical information quickly and share it with stakeholders. Additionally, AI-powered customer summaries streamline issue resolution and improve engagement by providing tailored summaries of cases and transactions. This capability enhances customer service efficiency, allowing small businesses to resolve issues faster and foster stronger customer relationships. For those navigating pricing complexities, the AI-assisted advanced pricing tool centralizes and governs pricing strategies. This feature not only protects profit margins but also enables businesses to respond swiftly to market fluctuations. The ability to configure prices based on various factors, such as customer segments and item assortments, offers small business owners a competitive edge in pricing strategies. NetSuite also introduced the SuiteCloud Developer Assistant, which boosts productivity for developers and administrators by automating repetitive tasks and accelerating coding processes. This can significantly reduce the time needed for custom solutions, allowing small businesses to adapt their ERP systems to their specific needs more efficiently. The NetSuite EPM Planning Agent and EPM Reconciliation Agent are designed to enhance planning and reconciliation processes. The former allows for real-time financial planning and analysis, enabling businesses to conduct “what-if” scenarios that support informed decision-making. The latter automates transaction clearing using AI, which reduces manual effort and allows teams to focus on high-risk exceptions, enhancing overall financial accuracy. NetSuite’s commitment to supporting small businesses extends beyond these AI innovations. Their advanced subscription metrics provide early indicators of growth momentum and churn risk, while multi-subsidiary vendor payments enhance spend management and fraud protection. The flexible commitment allocation feature simplifies complex pricing structures, and improved consignment inventory management optimizes vendor-owned stock tracking. As these features roll out to NetSuite customers globally, the focus remains on empowering businesses to leverage data-driven insights for improved operational efficiency and strategic growth. This article, "NetSuite Unveils AI Tools to Streamline Financial Processes and Boost Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Oracle NetSuite has unveiled a series of AI-driven innovations aimed at enhancing efficiency and accelerating growth for businesses. This announcement was made at SuiteConnect New York, where Oracle NetSuite, recognized as the top AI Cloud ERP, highlighted features designed to streamline financial operations, strengthen internal controls, and boost profit margins. Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite, emphasized the importance of these innovations, stating, “With a single unified suite and the ability to leverage powerful AI models, NetSuite turns disconnected tasks into intelligent end-to-end workflows.” This integration of AI across various business processes allows organizations to automate routine tasks, gain deeper insights, and respond more agilely to market demands. The new features include the Intelligent Close Manager, which automates the financial close process through a centralized command center. This tool shortens close cycles, enhances accountability, and improves data integrity by utilizing advanced analytics that monitor close activities and provide detailed insights into financial performance. For small business owners, this means less time spent on closing books each month and more focus on strategic decision-making. Another significant enhancement is the AI-powered bank transaction matching feature. By increasing the speed and accuracy of bank reconciliations, this innovation allows businesses to reduce manual reviews and close accounts more efficiently. With generative AI handling the classification of bank activities, small businesses can expect quicker and more reliable reconciliations, ultimately improving cash flow and financial oversight. AI-generated report narratives further empower organizations by transforming complex data into actionable insights. This feature enables users to generate comprehensive narratives within financial and operational reports with a single click, making it easier for small business owners to grasp critical information quickly and share it with stakeholders. Additionally, AI-powered customer summaries streamline issue resolution and improve engagement by providing tailored summaries of cases and transactions. This capability enhances customer service efficiency, allowing small businesses to resolve issues faster and foster stronger customer relationships. For those navigating pricing complexities, the AI-assisted advanced pricing tool centralizes and governs pricing strategies. This feature not only protects profit margins but also enables businesses to respond swiftly to market fluctuations. The ability to configure prices based on various factors, such as customer segments and item assortments, offers small business owners a competitive edge in pricing strategies. NetSuite also introduced the SuiteCloud Developer Assistant, which boosts productivity for developers and administrators by automating repetitive tasks and accelerating coding processes. This can significantly reduce the time needed for custom solutions, allowing small businesses to adapt their ERP systems to their specific needs more efficiently. The NetSuite EPM Planning Agent and EPM Reconciliation Agent are designed to enhance planning and reconciliation processes. The former allows for real-time financial planning and analysis, enabling businesses to conduct “what-if” scenarios that support informed decision-making. The latter automates transaction clearing using AI, which reduces manual effort and allows teams to focus on high-risk exceptions, enhancing overall financial accuracy. NetSuite’s commitment to supporting small businesses extends beyond these AI innovations. Their advanced subscription metrics provide early indicators of growth momentum and churn risk, while multi-subsidiary vendor payments enhance spend management and fraud protection. The flexible commitment allocation feature simplifies complex pricing structures, and improved consignment inventory management optimizes vendor-owned stock tracking. As these features roll out to NetSuite customers globally, the focus remains on empowering businesses to leverage data-driven insights for improved operational efficiency and strategic growth. This article, "NetSuite Unveils AI Tools to Streamline Financial Processes and Boost Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

There are few things everyone can rally behind as much as finding a lost dog. But what if that mission is actually a workaround for mass surveillance? That’s the question many people are asking following a Super Bowl commercial from Ring, Amazon’s doorbell camera and home security brand. The 30-second video shows a series of missing dog posters and claims that 10 million pets go missing every year. It pitches Ring’s Search Party feature as the solution. Launched in November, Search Party takes a photo of the pet and taps into Ring cameras across the area. They can then use AI to identify the missing pet and send an alert. The ad claims that at least one dog a day has been found since the feature launched. It sounds like a happy ending, except that critics of Search Party see the ad’s framing as a way to normalize widespread biometric identification and a loss of privacy. Take a response from WeRateDogs, a dog-lovers’ account connected to 15/10 Foundation, a nonprofit raising money to get necessary medical help for shelter dogs. In a video posted to Bluesky on Tuesday, the brand’s creator, Matt Nelson, states, “Neither Ring’s products nor business model are built around finding lost pets, but rather creating a mass surveillance network by turning private homes into surveillance outposts and well-meaning neighbors into informants for ICE and other government agencies.” Solutions for finding lost dogs already exist Nelson further claims that Ring’s success rate of one dog found per day equals about 0.03% of reports shared. Instead of using Search Party, he suggests dog owners get their pet microchipped—a common means of tracking lost dogs. Vets and some shelters can microchip dogs. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit focused on “defending civil liberties in the digital world,” takes a similar stance on Ring. “The addition of AI-driven biometric identification is the latest entry in the company’s history of profiting off of public safety worries and disregard for individual privacy, one that turbocharges the extreme dangers of allowing this to carry on,” EFF wrote in response to the ad. The nonprofit continues: “People need to reject this kind of disingenuous framing and recognize the potential end result: a scary overreach of the surveillance state designed to catch us all in its net.” EFF points to instances such as in 2023, when Ring had to pay $5.8 million to settle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after Ring employees were found to have had extensive access to customer footage—including in intimate spaces. In reaching the settlement, Ring denied violating the law. In early 2024, Ring claimed it would stop providing footage to the police without a warrant. But both Nelson and the EFF point to Ring’s late-2025 partnerships with Flock Safety and Axon. The companies can request footage from Ring customers—without a warrant—for a case and then send it to thousands of law enforcement agencies. Fast Company has reached out to Ring for comment and will update this post if we hear back. A May 2025 report by 404 Media found that police using Flock’s AI license plate reader regularly put the reason as “ICE.” In a specific case, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, used Flock in its search for a woman who self-administered an abortion. How to turn off Ring’s Search Party feature Ring’s Search Party feature is on by default, but users can turn it off. According to Amazon’s Ring support, you can turn off the Search Party feature by: Going to the Ring app and tap the menu icon (three lines) Clicking Control Center Choosing Search Party Tapping Enable or Disable Search for Lost Pets (Click the blue Pet icon next to it if you want to turn it on or off for specific cameras) Nelson’s post on Bluesky has attracted thousands of shares and hundreds of comments, with some pointing to a Reddit thread in which users are saying they plan to return their Ring camera for a refund. View the full article

Amsterdam court upholds decision to suspend Chinese CEO, hand power to EU-based directors and probe mismanagement allegationsView the full article

The trove of documents released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in relation to Jeffrey Epstein have revealed just how close the convicted child sex offender and financier was to all sorts of politicians, academics, business leaders, and other prominent figures. These figures not only talked about visits to Epstein’s private island, but also shared news articles, discussed personal events, and had long debates about science and philosophy. Epstein’s views, those conversations reveal, included peddling climate denialism and ecofascism—and illustrate how the ultra-wealthy undermine meaningful climate action. ‘Potentially a good thing for the species’ In a series of July 2016 emails with Joscha Bach, a German philosopher, AI researcher, and cognitive scientist, Epstein brings up climate change in the middle of a discussion about cognition and race. “Maybe climate change is a good way of dealing with overpopulation,” Epstein writes. “the earths forest fire. potentially a good thing for the species.” Linking the conversation back to the earlier topic of how brains function, Epstein adds: “too many people . . . [it] is the fundamental fact that everyone dies at some time. make it [impossible] to ask so why not earlier. if the brain discards unused neurons, why [should] society keep their equivalent.” (Regarding his correspondence with Epstein, Bach recently told SFGate that he hadn’t been aware of Epstein’s crimes after his 2008 conviction and that “his second arrest came as a shock.”) Citing climate change as a solution to overpopulation isn’t a totally surprising position for someone like Epstein, says Michael Mann, a climatologist and coauthor, with Peter Hotez, of the 2025 book Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces That Threaten Our World. The overpopulation quote is “entirely keeping with the ethos of this group,” Mann tells Fast Company via email, referring to Epstein and his elite associates. Studies suggest that becoming richer makes you less empathetic, and that those with more power often care less about those with little power; the ultra-wealthy can then therefore be more dismissive of the needs of poor people, communities in developing countries, and their lived realities. An example of this way of thinking, Mann notes, comes from Bjorn Lomborg, a political scientist who has been criticized for spreading climate denialism. Lomborg, who also makes an appearance in Epstein’s emails, has argued that poor people need fossil fuels. “Lomborg cynically uses his feigned concern for the poor and downtrodden people of the Global South to justify continued fossil fuel dependence, when in fact it is they who will suffer the most from continued planetary warming,” Mann says. According to the Epstein files, Lomborg had a meeting with the financier in September 2012. That conversation was about philanthropic investments, a spokesperson for Lomborg’s think tank, the Copenhagen Consensus Center, told Drilled Media. But there wasn’t any contact afterward, and the think tank did not receive money from Epstein. Epstein and climate misinformation In some places where the topic of climate change appears in the Epstein emails, Epstein is revealed to have shared messages that perpetuate climate myths. In December 2016, for example, Epstein sent a YouTube video featuring a climate change denier to theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss. That video, titled “Nobel Laureate Smashes the Global Warming Hoax,” features Ivar Giaever (now deceased), who had long denied the climate crisis. Krauss does push back. “So you are listening to an old Nobel laureate whose expertise has nothing to do with this, who has never studied this in detail, built models, done experiments,” he replies. But Epstein isn’t fully deterred. “i liked the argument that more co2 is good for plants?” he says, repeating a classic myth from the climate denier’s playbook. (In reality, excess CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels leads crop yields to drop and also worsens drought, heat, and disasters that destroy harvests.) In a later reply, Epstein repeats another piece of climate change misinformation: “is the south pole getting colder and more ice?” Krauss responds that the “west Antarctic ice sheet is melting at an unprecedented rate.” This wasn’t the first time that the two discussed climate change—and seemed to disagree about it. In a 2013 email, Krauss sends Epstein an op-ed he wrote for The New York Times, headlined “Deafness at Doomsday,” which touched on how policymakers should not ignore scientists about climate change. “As usual i don’t have to agree but will support your decisions, congratulations,” Epstein replies. (Krauss recently told Nature, in response to questions about his interactions with Epstein, that he did not know about the “horrendous crimes” Epstein was accused of and that he was “as shocked as the rest of the world when Epstein was arrested.”) How plutocrats promote climate denialism Mann’s book details five forces that threaten science: plutocrats, pros, petrostates, phonies, and the press. “The Epstein Files is almost an advertisement for Science Under Siege because we see all of the key promoters of climate denial and anti-science that we talk about in the book,” Mann says. That includes, he notes, “propagandists” like Lomberg and Steven Koonin—a theoretical physicist who is only mentioned in the emails when others are sharing his work. In 2014, Nathan Myhrvold, former CTO of Microsoft, sent Epstein a Wall Street Journal piece headlined “Climate Science Is Not Settled,” by Koonin, calling it “a good summary.” Koonin has criticized climate science and was also an author on the The President administration’s 2025 Department of Energy report that downplayed the climate crisis. The Epstein files also mention connections to “petrostates” (nations whose economies are heavily driven by the extraction and export of petroleum, natural gas, and other fossil fuels), including Russia and Saudi Arabia. And finally, it’s filled with plutocrats, like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. (Musk has denied a personal connection to Epstein; Gates has said he “regrets” his time spent with Epstein and maintains that Epstein’s claims about him in the files are false.) Gates often writes and lectures about climate change; the billionaire Microsoft cofounder has invested billions of dollars into technologies like carbon capture and nuclear power. But Mann has also long criticized Gates’s approach for straying from the straightforward solution of stopping fossil fuel use. To Mann, this is a common tactic from the wealthy, one he describes as “stopping short of denying the basic science of climate change, but downplaying the impacts, dismissing the real solutions (i.e., clean energy), and ultimately acting as enablers of the fossil fuel status quo.” The Epstein files have offered a glimpse into the world of billionaires and the way they collect and wield their power—including billionaire philanthropists who are influencing our reactions to crises like climate change. At a time when public sentiment of billionaires has become increasingly negative, people are questioning just how much influence the ultra-wealthy should have on our society. Mann has previously made the point that the solution to the climate crisis isn’t going to come from “benevolent plutocrats.” “If nothing else,” he tells Fast Company, “the Epstein Files really drive home this point.” View the full article

The Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its delayed January employment report Wednesday morning, showing the economy added 130,000 jobs in January. But the agency also sharply revised its estimates for total jobs created in 2025 to 181,000 from 584,000. View the full article

Sunday night’s Super Bowl and Bad Bunny fell short of setting records for most watched U.S. broadcast and halftime show. Seattle’s 29-13 victory over New England averaged 124.9 million viewers on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL+, according to Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel rating system. That fell short of the 127.7 million U.S. viewers that tuned in for Philadelphia’s 40-22 victory over Kansas City last year on Fox. However, Super Bowl 60 is the most-watched program in NBC history. The network is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Bad Bunny’s halftime show averaged 128.2 million viewers from 8:15-8:30 p.m. Eastern. That would make it the fourth-most watched halftime behind Kendrick Lamar (133.5 million, 2025), Michael Jackson (133.4 million, 1993) and Usher (129.3 million, 2024). Peak audience sets U.S. record The audience for the game peaked at 137.8 million viewers during the second quarter (7:45-8 p.m. Eastern), which is a record. That surpassed the previous mark of 137.7 million during the second quarter of last year’s Super Bowl. This year’s audience ended a streak where the last four Super Bowls had experienced audience increases. It is the fifth straight year the game has averaged over 100 million viewers. After three straight years of Super Bowls that came down to the final minute, the last two have lacked excitement. Sunday’s game was the second in Super Bowl history in which a touchdown had not been scored in the first three quarters. Seattle was up 12-0 going into the final 15 minutes. Last year’s game was decided in the first half as Philadelphia built a 24-0 lead en route to a 40-22 victory. Bad Bunny vs. Kid Rock The Turning Point USA halftime show featuring Kid Rock peaked at 5 million at one point on YouTube. Nielsen did not measure any of the YouTube live stream viewership. Of the linear networks that carried it, the only one Nielsen measures is broadcast network Charge! Full Nielsen ratings for the prior week will be released on Wednesday. According to YouTube figures though, there have been 21,208,583 views of the alternate halftime show through Tuesday night, according to the conservative organization’s page. Bad Bunny’s show has already had 61,311,972 views. Halftime show on social media Total social media consumption of Bad Bunny’s halftime show set a record of 4 billion views after the first 24 hours, according to the NFL and Ripple Analytics. That is a 137% increase over last year. The social media figures include fans, owned platforms, broadcast partners and influencers. The NFL said over 55% of all social views came from international markets. Full global viewership for the halftime show is expected to be available early next week. Spanish audience record Telemundo averaged 3.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl Spanish-language broadcast in the United States. The Super Bowl has been televised in Spanish in the U.S. since 2014. The audience peaked during the halftime show, averaging 4.8 million viewers — also making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime in Spanish-language history. Olympics benefit from Super Bowl NBC’s “Primetime in Milan” Olympic show, which featured the women’s downhill and team figure skating events, averaged 42 million viewers, the network’s largest Winter Olympics audience since Day 2 of the 2014 Sochi Games. It also was a 73% increase from the Olympics show after Super Bowl 56 (24.3 million). “The Super Bowl and the NFL once again delivered a blockbuster audience across the NBC broadcast network, Peacock and Telemundo, and provided an unprecedented lead-in to our Primetime in Milan coverage,” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella said in a statement. “The Super Bowl and the Olympics are the two most powerful events in the world, and we salute our talented production, tech and announce teams who delivered best-in-class presentations for our viewers, stations and partners.” Other NFL figures The NFL playoffs averaged 37 million viewers the first three weekends, up 5% from last year and the second-most watched in the last 10 years. That followed a regular season that averaged 18.7 million, the second-highest since audience averages began being kept in 1988. It was a 10% increase from last season. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl —Joe Reedy, AP Sports Writer View the full article

For the past few weeks, political ads attacking Alex Bores have been running in New York’s 12th Congressional District. The ads are funded by a pro-AI political action committee that supports the expansion of artificial intelligence, yet they aim to weaken Bores’s candidacy by tying him to his past work in tech. They accuse Bores, who has recently called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, of hypocrisy because he previously worked at Palantir, a data-analytics company whose contracts with ICE have made it a frequent target of activists. The ads allege that Bores made hundreds of thousands of dollars building and selling technology for the agency. “Now he’s running from his past, while ICE is in our communities,” one ad warns. “ICE is powered by Bores’ tech… he should never, ever be in Congress.” Inside Palantir, the ads are starting to irk some employees. Two current employees and three former employees tell Fast Company that they view the campaign as opportunistic. Some believe the ads misrepresent Bores’s record at the company. Others say Palantir’s approach to its work with ICE has changed since Bores left the company many years ago. Several employees said they see the ads as less about immigration enforcement and more about politics within the tech industry. They point to the PAC funding the campaign, Leading the Future, as evidence that the effort is primarily about countering Bores’s support for AI regulation. That view is shared by one former Biden administration staffer who, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the ad campaign was “almost certainly” a response to Bores’s role as a lead sponsor of an AI safety bill in New York. “If Bores’ campaign is one that would restrict the tech industry’s growth, and his base is one that is already primed to be critical of Palantir, people (like me!) who watch this ad wouldn’t suspect that it’s people with significant interests in Palantir and the broader industry that are funding the ads, too,” one former employee tells Fast Company in a message. Bores, a member of the New York State Assembly who successfully pushed for AI regulation at the state level, is currently running for the Democratic nomination for New York’s 12th Congressional District. The district represents the very liberal and very wealthy neighborhoods of Manhattan’s Upper West and Upper East Sides, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary is all but guaranteed to win the general election. Bores has leaned into his tech background on the campaign trail. He says he is proud of his work at Palantir but left the company seven years ago in response to its work for ICE, a project he says he never worked on or participated in. Since then, however, he has been the subject of an extended ad campaign branding him an “expert in hypocrisy” and alleging that he profited from Palantir’s work with the Department of Homeland Security. The ads seek to capitalize on widespread anger over ICE, particularly following a massive escalation of raids and deportations and the killing of two American citizens. Bores’s campaign has since sent Leading the Future a cease-and-desist, Semafor recently reported. Joe Lonsdale’s role in the anti-Bores effort The ads are being released by Think Big, a group that describes itself as supporting pro-AI Democratic leaders. Think Big is funded by the Super PAC Leading the Future, according to Federal Election Commission documents. Leading the Future’s founding supporters, according to its own press release, include Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, and the AI company Perplexity. Multiple donors associated with the group—such as Lonsdale and Andreessen—have also been major contributors to Republican candidates and causes. Campaign finance records show that Lonsdale Enterprises is the only donor, aside from Leading the Future itself, listed on filings associated with American Mission, a separate PAC affiliated with the same network. (Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited sums but are prohibited from donating directly to candidates. Traditional PACs face strict contribution limits but are allowed to donate to campaigns, leading many political networks to operate both.) “The co-founder of Palantir started a Super PAC that is lying to New Yorkers about my work and the fact that I quit seven years ago over the ICE contract they continue to profit off of to this day,” Bores tells Fast Company. The real issue, Bores argues, is his work on AI regulation. He co-sponsored a New York state law known as the Raise Act, which was signed last year by Governor Kathy Hochul and imposes safety requirements on frontier AI developers. He has said he plans to pursue similar legislation in Congress. John Vlasto, a leader at Leading the Future, said in an emailed statement: “Leading the Future will aggressively oppose policymakers and candidates in states across the country who play political games with the future of American leadership and jeopardize American workers, families, and communities ability to benefit from AI innovation and growth.” Palantir did not respond to Fast Company’s request for comment. Now Palantir employees are grappling with the growing public scrutiny of the company’s work with ICE and the way that criticism is being deployed politically. One current employee said Bores was always upfront internally about his background and found it jarring that a PAC backed by tech funders would attack someone for having worked in the technology industry. Another current employee said the ads and campaign materials highlighting Palantir’s ICE contracts feel “disingenuous,” adding that the work remains controversial inside the company. (Indeed, Wired reported on Tuesday that Palantir employees have spent weeks pressing company leadership for answers about its work with ICE, prompting CEO Alex Karp to address the issue in a prerecorded internal video.) That tension has fueled anger among some employees that Lonsdale, a Palantir co-founder, appears to be amplifying criticism of the company based on its federal contracts. There’s even a Slack thread where people have flagged the ads and other campaign materials they’ve received, one employee tells Fast Company. “Nothing says ‘principled stance’ like a founder denouncing their own company’s employees for their own company’s choices,” Varoon Mathur, who worked on AI at the Biden White House, tells Fast Company. Another former Biden administration official similarly emphasized that the campaign was almost “certainly because” Bores sponsored AI safety legislation in New York. Controversy over ICE and Palantir The ads targeting Bores come amid growing criticism of Palantir’s work with ICE. The company has worked with the Department of Homeland Security for more than a decade, but its current relationship with the federal government primarily centers on ICE. That work includes a product called ImmigrationOS, which assists the agency with deportation operations, as well as support for an ICE tip line that was recently disclosed in the agency’s AI inventory. Work on the tip line began years ago but was shifted to Palantir during the second The President administration, a former DHS employee tells Fast Company. (Palantir has also faced criticism for its contracts with the Israeli military during the war in Gaza.) The company’s growing political baggage has made it a liability for some elected officials. In New York City, finance officials are pressing for an inquiry into the city’s pension fund, which is invested in Palantir. In Colorado, Sen. John Hickenlooper and Rep. Jason Crow announced this week that they would offset campaign contributions from current and former Palantir employees by donating to immigrant rights groups. In Florida, far-right candidate James Fishback has called for banning the company from the state. For Bores, that scrutiny has extended to his own tenure at Palantir. He previously told Fast Company that he left the company when, “or soon after,” Palantir renewed an ICE contract that expanded the scope of its work with the Department of Homeland Security. However, City & State reported last month that Bores remained at Palantir after controversy over the ICE contract first emerged. (Bores’s spokesperson told the outlet that he left before the contract was renewed, and he believed the contract’s renewal was likely.) Two Palantir employees who spoke to Fast Company said they had no reason to believe Bores worked on the ICE contract specifically, and one said they remembered him opposing the company’s work with ICE internally. Some Palantir employees have also donated to his campaign, Bores has said. Current and former employees describe a company long divided over its government contracts, particularly those tied to immigration enforcement. One former employee said the ads were frustrating but predictable, given Palantir’s history of pursuing government work across administrations. Another said they left the company after its approach to ICE shifted away from earlier guardrails, adding that the advertisements felt like retribution. A third former employee recalled internal conversations that “look pretty different from at least what I’m seeing publicly about Palantir now.” Bores, for his part, has tried to turn the PAC’s focus on him into a political asset, framing it as validation of his push for AI regulation. “Judge me by my enemies,” he wrote in a recent tweet, referring directly to Lonsdale. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The 64GB refurbished Amazon Kindle Scribe is down to $278.99 right now, which is its lowest price to date, according to price trackers. A brand-new model costs $449.99, so the savings are significant. In this case, “like-new” means Amazon has cleaned, inspected, and cleared the device to function like a new unit, just without the shrink wrap. That price gap makes this Scribe more approachable, especially if you were curious about combining an e-reader with a digital notebook but did not want to pay flagship-tablet money. Like-New Amazon Kindle Scribe (64 GB) - Your notes, documents and books, all in one place. With built-in AI notebook summarization. Includes Premium Pen - Metallic Jade $278.99 at Amazon $404.99 Save $126.00 Get Deal Get Deal $278.99 at Amazon $404.99 Save $126.00 This is the Scribe with the Premium Pen bundled in, and paired with its 10.2-inch E Ink screen, it offers a nice balance of size and sharpness, with 300 ppi, and an adjustable cool to warm-toned front light, which helps during long reading sessions. But even with that crisp display, it’s still grayscale, and the lack of color does feel limiting when compared to competitors (if you’re curious about your options, PCMag has a comprehensive roundup of the best e-readers for 2026). The software has gotten better, though—note-taking now includes direct annotation on books via something called Active Canvas. Just don’t expect the fluidity of an iPad or Supernote. Also, according to this PCMag review, things like drawing arrows or circling aren’t supported, and even Amazon’s AI features (like cleaning up your notes or summarizing) feel a little half-baked, considering the Scribe’s price point. That said, for pure reading, the Scribe still holds up. It’s light, looks good with its aluminum frame, has ample storage, and offers a battery that can last over two months with basic use. If you’re writing or sketching regularly, that drops to around three weeks—but even then, it’s more than respectable. You do need your own USB-C charging brick, though. And unless you like slippery backs, a case is basically required. At $278.99, this version makes more sense than it ever did at launch. Just know going in that while the writing feel is great, thanks to the paper-like texture of the screen, the software may not be as smooth or intuitive as you’d expect from a premium device trying to be both a digital notebook and Kindle. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Security Camera (White) — $23.99 (List Price $39.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A canine health startup called Loyal has now raised more than $250 million to develop drugs that could help dogs—and perhaps one day humans—live longer, healthier lives. The company on February 11 announced it had raised $100 million in Series C funding as it pursues FDA approval of LOY-002, a beef-flavored daily prescription pill designed to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs. The drug mimics some of the effects of a calorie-restricted diet in addressing age-related metabolic issues without requiring pet owners to cut their dogs’ food supply or curbing canine appetites. “People do not want their dogs to not have food motivation, because that’s how you train dogs,” says Loyal founder and CEO Celine Halioua. “How we domesticated dogs was sharing meals with them; losing that can actually really impact the dog-human bond.” But, of course, people do want to share that bond longer than the typical canine lifespan allows. Halioua started Loyal in late 2019 after a stint as chief of staff at The Longevity Fund, a lifespan-focused investment fund founded by Laura Deming and an early backer of Loyal. She says she realized that dog longevity drugs could one day lead to similar treatments for humans, since the species are similar in many ways, and are easier to test, since dogs’ short lives mean tests of lifespan extension can be run in a shorter amount of time. And as a dog lover—a recent interview with Fast Company also included Halioua’s freshly adopted Rottweiler, Wilma—she also saw the potential market among owners and pets. Celine Halioua “It felt like a really tractable way to work on a problem that everyone cares about, which is having too little time with the dogs you love,” she says. LOY-002 is one of three canine longevity medications under development by the company, and Halioua says she’s hoping Loyal can submit the final requirement for the FDA’s expanded conditional approval of the drug this year. That would likely start a roughly six-month review process of what would be the first FDA-approved lifespan extension drug for any species. And its progress comes as interest rises overall in the potential of developing medical treatments that can help humans as well experience longer and healthier lives. “When I started pitching The Longevity Fund in 2013, it was a niche concept and people laughed me out of their offices,” Deming tells Fast Company in an email. “Now it’s a legitimate category of investment.” Loyal’s Series C backers include Age1, a new longevity-focused VC firm cofounded by Deming and Alex Colville, as well as Baillie Gifford and other existing investors in the company, which had previously raised more than $150 million in investments. “Aging is something that really affects everybody—every human and every dog on the planet experiences aging,” Colville says. “And I think that’s something that’s really unique about it as an opportunity and a space to work in.” Already, LOY-002 has met two of three milestones for FDA approval, known as the “target animal safety” and “reasonable expectation of effectiveness” sections of its conditional approval application. The final milestone involves demonstrating that the drug can be consistently manufactured at scale, Halioua says. The drug will likely be labeled for use by dogs at least 10 years old weighing at least 14 pounds, she says. Dosing, and thus costs, will depend on animal size, but Halioua says she’s optimistic the average dog will be able to take the drug for less than $100 per month. The company announced last July that it had completed enrolling dogs in a study it calls STAY, designed to test the effectiveness of LOY-002, which Halioua says is the largest-ever animal health clinical trial. Loyal has enrolled roughly 1,300 dogs in the study through 72 veterinary clinics, and Halioua says she’s hoping they’ll find that the drug confers at least one healthy to participants. Loyal also has two other dog drugs, a vet-administered injection called LOY-001 and a daily pill called LOY-003, in the works. Though Halioua says the company hasn’t publicized the exact biological mechanisms beyond the drugs, she says would look to extend lifespans of larger dogs by targeting a growth hormone that’s correlated with a shorter life, with big dogs usually living a shorter time than their smaller counterparts. “Once the dog is fully grown, you can then reduce the levels of growth hormone to hopefully extend their healthy lifespan and kind of compensate for the historical genetic issue that we gave them when we selectively bred for size,” says Halioua. If all goes well, those drugs could launch a year or two after LOY-002, she says. And if Loyal’s drugs prove helpful to dogs, they could one day lead to similar treatments for humans. “If we’re able to do something helpful for dogs, I think we’re going to learn a lot about how to do something helpful for humans, too,” says Halioua. View the full article

Zillow Group Inc. forecast first-quarter profit that falls short of analyst estimates as the home-search site balances legal costs from ongoing litigation and expenses from the company's partnership with Redfin. View the full article

Figure points to improvement in labour market following string of bleak dataView the full article