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Chinese producers fear similar US intervention in Iran would disrupt access to discounted crude supplies View the full article

Data group forecasts deficit of 10mn tonnes by 2040, equivalent to nearly one-third of current global demandView the full article

The US president wants to take the vast arctic territory from Denmark. What could he really do?View the full article

Boaz Weinstein’s campaign against investment trusts is encouraging wider intervention by US fundsView the full article

From street paramilitaries to Colombian insurgents, Venezuela is teeming with men with gunsView the full article

April’s digital tax rollout will affect more than 800,000 peopleView the full article

The 10 biggest funds took nearly half of investment capital as concentration increases for established managers View the full article

Robot vacuums are a convenient way to keep your house clean without actually putting in much work, but they've all got one major problem—what if your house has multiple stories? At CES this year, I saw two attempts to fix this problem, but one of them was much more fabulous than the other. Roborock has a robot vacuum with legsThis is the more unique of your stair climbing robot vacuums, and the one that's new for this year. At CES 2026, robot vacuum company Roborock introduced the Roborock Saros Rover, which has two fold-out and individually articulated legs built into it, with wheels on either one. This lets it act like a standard robot vacuum when it's on flat terrain, but when it hits a pair of stairs, it will use its legs to slowly pull itself up and over them. And because those legs are individually articulated, unlike other solutions, it can clean those stairs while it climbs. Plus, it can also run through fun programmable routines, like dancing and even hopping. Honestly, it looks a lot more cute than the other bipedal robots I've seen littering this year's CES. Maybe that's because it still serves a concrete purpose. The problem? You'll need to get the new model to benefit from the stair climbing, whereas competitors are introducing solutions that work with existing vacuums. The Roborock Saros Rover also doesn't have hard pricing or a release date yet, but Roborock assured me it isn't a concept, and will make its way to market eventually. I was told the goal is this year, but the company couldn't confirm that. Dreame's stair climbing robot vacuum dock Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Next to Roborock's booth, I also saw another approach to a stair climbing robot vacuum from competitor Dreame. This actually showed up at German tech conference IFA last year, but it's still worth bringing up, if only to highlight how different the Roborock is. Essentially, instead of building a single robot vacuum model with individual legs, Dreame instead built a dock that your existing robot vacuum can drive into, and then the dock will take it up the stairs like a taxi. The catch is that, because the dock needs to be able to drive to the stairs, it does not use individually articulated legs to climb, and instead uses treads that move in sync with each other. This gets it up and down stairs with no problem, but unlike Roborock's solution, it's not able to clean while doing so. Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt However, I'll note that I did personally see Dreame's dock go down a flight of stairs, something Roborock's unit didn't do in the demo I watched. Maybe this is a more stable approach. Unfortunately, while Roborock said it's definitely planning on bringing the Saros Rover to market, Dreame's dock, called the Cyber X, is still just a concept, and may not actually ever make it to consumers. View the full article

Just days earlier US president had threatened to carry out military strikes on South American nationView the full article

Gaming controllers are just one of those things that I love to collect, but living in a small New York apartment, eventually enough is enough. At CES this year, I saw three new controllers that are all trying to be the last ones I'll ever need to buy (for specific systems, at least). It seems like modularity is in, and all three of these devices want to meet all of your needs. However, they're not settled on what the best approach is. GameSir x Hyperkin X5 AlteronThe GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron is probably the cutest controller on this list, especially if you grew up playing GameCube or Nintendo 64. Essentially, it's a telescopic mobile controller that stretches to fit around your phone or small tablet, but the gimmick is that all of the face buttons and sticks come in hot swappable modules, and can be freely mixed-and-matched for multiple configurations. Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt You could do a standard Xbox style layout. You could opt for a layout with symmetrical, PlayStation style thumbsticks instead. You could use GameCube or Nintendo 64 style face button configurations, which is a unique touch. There are even options for a 6-button arcade style layout or a Steam Deck style trackpad. Essentially, play your cards right, and this thing could fit any need you might possibly have, so long as you're playing on mobile. You could even get weird and slot in a GameCube layout for your left hand and a Nintendo 64 layout for your right hand. The different configurations all pop in and out easily, but don't feel loose when you're using the controller. And there are also bells and whistles like back paddles and trigger stops, for extra buttons and quicker reaction times. The sticks are also capacitive, which essentially means they shouldn't drift, but also won't cause magnetic interference like Hall Effect or TMR sticks (other popular anti-drift technology) can. The catch? While this isn't a concept, pricing and availability aren't set in stone yet. GameSir also told me it's still figuring out distribution, so it's unclear how many control modules will come with the controller, if you'll be able to buy them separately, and how much they'll cost if you do. The company did say it's targeting a $100 release, but that could change, and it's still figuring out how to make that a reality. The other issue, of course, is that this is mobile only, although GameSir said it might make a more traditional version in the future. This isn't the first controller with hot swappable modules, but others are usually pro-level and don't have nearly as many options as the X5 Alteron does. 8BitDo Ultimate 3e8BitDo is one of my favorite controller companies, especially for retro style controllers. Last year, it already dipped its toes into modularity with the 8BitDo Pro 3. That was a PlayStation style controller that allowed you to individually swap out any of the main four face buttons to place them in whatever order you wanted, which made it easier to swap between Xbox (ABXY) and Nintendo (BAYX) style layouts. Now, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3e is taking that concept and really running with it. Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Officially licensed by Xbox but also compatible with PC and mobile devices, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3e looks like a standard Xbox controller at first, but has a removable face plate that gives you access to a bunch of options. Take it off, and you can lift out the sticks, D-Pad, or face buttons to swap them for ones with a different feel. Credit: 8BitDo Your overall control layout will still be the same—there's no mimicking the GameCube, swapping the order of the ABXY buttons, or changing your stick position here. But you could opt for either a four-way or circular D-Pad or sticks with different lengths or grips, for instance. The ABXY button modules also come in both quiet silicone versions or clicky, micro-switch versions. That's a lot of control, and it comes on top of 8BitDo's standard Ultimate controller features, like the included charging dock, extra macro buttons, trigger stops, a gyroscope, and 1,000hz polling. 8BitDo says the Ultimate 3e controller will cost $150 and will come with all your control options. It's set to ship later this year. New models for the MCONWhen I reviewed the MCON magnetic gaming controller late last year, I wanted to love it. It was my favorite product from last CES, but when it came to market, I had a few issues with it that made me feel like it wasn't quite complete. Well, they're still in the prototype phase, but MCON makers OhSnap are now working on two new MCON models that are looking to fix pretty much all of my problems with the original device. MCON Slim (left) and MCON Lite (right) attached to Galaxy phones Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Called the MCON Slim and the MCON Lite, these versions of the device are much smaller and should be much cheaper than the version that's on the market now, but retain almost all of its features. There are a few compromises to make that happen, but ultimately, they look like moves in the right direction. First, both the MCON Slim and the MCON Lite have manual sliding mechanisms for their controls. That means the controls normally slip tucked away behind your phone, but can be pulled out like an old-school Android keyboard. I actually prefer this. The original MCON instead uses a spring-loaded sliding mechanism, and it's pretty violent, and can send your phone flying if you're not careful. Second, when I say these are smaller, I mean it. If the original MCON felt like attaching a MagSafe battery bank to your phone, these feel a lot more like using a MagSafe wallet. I didn't mind the size of the original too much, but it really is impressive how much the new models have slimmed down. Finally, while pricing isn't finalized yet, MCON told me to expect the new models to be somewhere between 1/3rd to half the price of the current one. That's a huge markdown on the pricey $150 original, even as these fix some of my problems with it. To be fair, you do lose out on a little bit here, but not much. The MCON Slim and MCON Lite still have a kickstand mode, and still feature a full set of buttons, but they handle their shoulder buttons and thumbsticks differently. Both the Slim and Lite have "inline" shoulder buttons, which means the L1/R1 and L2/R2 buttons are next to each other horizontally rather than stacked. Not a big deal for me, but some people may prefer a console-like layout. The bigger differences come in the thumbsticks. MCON Slim Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt The MCON Slim uses 3DS-style circle pads instead of Switch-style thumbsticks, which is how it's able to save so much space. They aren't my favorite, but I've never had any problems making them work. The MCON Lite, then, uses dual-trackpads instead of thumbsticks. That makes it even smaller than the Slim, but I've never had great luck using trackpads for analog style inputs. It could be useful for games that need a mouse, though. MCON Lite Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt So, what makes these modular? Well, aside from giving you more model options and carrying forward the removable kickstand mode from the original MCON, part of what allows these models to be so thin is that they use custom backplates designed for certain phones, whereas the original model used a bulkier solution that fits all phones. The MCON Slim and MCON Lite are the most conceptual of the devices on this list, but OhSnap assured me that at least one will make its way to market, hopefully this year. Apparently, there are still internal debates about whether the model with trackpads is worth releasing or not. View the full article

The US secretary of state’s chance to reshape Latin America has arrived — if he can keep his boss onsideView the full article

Team bonding activities play an essential role in boosting morale and enhancing collaboration within your group. Engaging in fun and interactive experiences, such as sharing inspirational quotes or playing virtual bingo, can strengthen relationships and create a positive work environment. Other activities, like a pet-sharing session or a board game night, likewise encourage teamwork and connection. If you’re looking for effective ways to uplift your team’s spirit, these five activities might be just what you need. Key Takeaways Inspirational Quotes Activity: Team members create and share motivational quotes, enhancing positivity and morale in just 30 to 45 minutes. Virtual Bingo: A fun, one-hour game that fosters collaboration and friendly competition, perfect for remote teams to build connections. Pet a Pet: Team members bond over their love for animals through sharing stories and participating in fun activities for 45 minutes to an hour. Board Games Night: Engage in friendly competition through popular board games, strengthening teamwork and communication for 1 to 3 hours. Video Game Room: Enjoy cooperative gameplay in a relaxed atmosphere, enhancing team bonding through friendly competition for 1 to 2 hours. Inspirational Quotes Activity The Inspirational Quotes Activity serves as an effective tool for enhancing team morale and nurturing a positive workplace environment. This activity involves team members creating and sharing motivational quotes, which can greatly uplift spirits. You can display these quotes in common areas like break rooms, cultivating a visually engaging atmosphere that encourages positivity. Taking only 30 to 45 minutes, it fits easily into busy schedules, making it ideal for team building activities, even for 5th graders. The activity promotes interaction and connection, reducing feelings of isolation among team members, whether they’re in-office or remote. Research shows that engaging in such morale-boosting activities leads to improved employee satisfaction and reduced stress. Virtual Bingo Engaging in Virtual Bingo can be an effective way to cultivate team bonding, especially for medium to large remote teams. This activity typically lasts about one hour, making it a perfect choice for a quick morale boost during work hours. Participants experience a high-energy environment that encourages collaboration and friendly competition among team members. Virtual Bingo furthermore helps reduce feelings of isolation among remote employees, promoting a sense of community and connection. You can customize the game with various themes or company-related items, enhancing its relevance and enjoyment for everyone involved. Pet a Pet “Pet a Pet” activities create opportunities for employees to bond over their shared love for animals, whether in the office or through video calls. This simple yet effective activity typically lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing team members to share stories about their pets, which improves personal connections. Engaging with pets can greatly boost morale, encouraging laughter and light-hearted interactions in the workplace. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized in-office and remote teams, making it one of the fun large group activities for adults. Here are some ideas for your “Pet a Pet” activity: Show and Tell: Each team member introduces their pet and shares a fun story. Pet Trivia: Create a trivia game about different pet breeds or fun animal facts. Pet Costume Contest: Encourage team members to dress their pets in costumes and vote for the best one. This activity not only reduces stress but also promotes a happier and more productive work environment. Board Games Night After enjoying a light-hearted “Pet a Pet” activity, you might consider hosting a Board Games Night to further strengthen team connections. This engaging event works well for medium-sized in-office teams, encouraging healthy competition and camaraderie among colleagues. Typically lasting between 1 to 3 hours, Board Games Night allows ample time for multiple games and interactions. Incorporating popular games can cater to diverse interests, ensuring everyone has a good time. Board games promote teamwork as players often collaborate and strategize together to achieve common goals. These activities not just boost morale but additionally improve communication skills, promoting stronger relationships among team members. If you’re looking for assistance in organizing this event, consider reaching out to team building companies near me. They can help you select appropriate games and manage logistics, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Video Game Room Creating a video game room in the office can greatly improve team bonding, especially when team members engage in cooperative gameplay. This setup allows for friendly competition and elevates collaboration in a relaxed atmosphere. You can incorporate various games that are known as the best games to build social communities and night clubs in. Here are some ideas to contemplate: Mario Kart – Perfect for nurturing friendly rivalry as well as encouraging teamwork in a fun environment. Overcooked – A cooperative cooking game that requires communication and coordination, strengthening team dynamics. Rocket League – Combines soccer with racing, making it exciting and engaging for groups of all sizes. Generally, these sessions last between 1 to 2 hours, providing ample time for employees to unwind and connect. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Morale Booster Activities? Morale booster activities are initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace spirit and engagement. They can include team-building exercises, icebreakers, and social events that promote collaboration. These activities help reduce stress, improve employee well-being, and cultivate a positive work environment. When employees feel connected and valued, retention rates often increase. Additionally, engaging in these activities can streamline the onboarding process, making new hires feel more welcomed and integrated into the team dynamic. How to Boost Morale in a Team? To boost morale in a team, focus on clear communication and recognition of individual contributions. Regular feedback and appreciation can improve motivation. Implementing structured team-building activities promotes collaboration and strengthens relationships. Furthermore, encouraging a healthy work-life balance helps reduce stress. Providing opportunities for professional development shows commitment to employee growth. Finally, nurturing an inclusive culture guarantees everyone feels valued, which is crucial for maintaining high morale and overall job satisfaction. What Are Fun Team Activities for Employees? You can engage your team with various fun activities that improve collaboration and communication. Consider hosting trivia nights or board game sessions to encourage friendly competition. Icebreaker games like “Two Truths and a Lie” can help team members connect personally. Outdoor activities or wellness programs promote physical health as well as nurturing relationships. Moreover, team-building challenges, such as scavenger hunts, stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills, contributing to a more cohesive and productive work environment. How to Get 100% Team Morale? To achieve 100% team morale, focus on nurturing open communication and trust among team members. Regularly assess employee satisfaction through surveys and act on the feedback. Implement recognition programs that highlight individual and team contributions. Encourage collaboration on projects, promoting a sense of belonging. Furthermore, create a supportive work environment by offering resources for mental well-being. Finally, prioritize team-building activities that are inclusive and engaging to strengthen connections within the team. Conclusion Incorporating these five team bonding activities can considerably improve workplace morale. By engaging in the Inspirational Quotes Activity, participating in Virtual Bingo, sharing experiences through Pet a Pet, enjoying Board Games Night, and utilizing a Video Game Room, team members can build stronger connections. These activities promote collaboration, improve communication, and nurture a positive environment. By regularly integrating such initiatives, organizations can create a more cohesive team, eventually leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Fun Team Bonding Activities to Boost Morale" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Team bonding activities play an essential role in boosting morale and enhancing collaboration within your group. Engaging in fun and interactive experiences, such as sharing inspirational quotes or playing virtual bingo, can strengthen relationships and create a positive work environment. Other activities, like a pet-sharing session or a board game night, likewise encourage teamwork and connection. If you’re looking for effective ways to uplift your team’s spirit, these five activities might be just what you need. Key Takeaways Inspirational Quotes Activity: Team members create and share motivational quotes, enhancing positivity and morale in just 30 to 45 minutes. Virtual Bingo: A fun, one-hour game that fosters collaboration and friendly competition, perfect for remote teams to build connections. Pet a Pet: Team members bond over their love for animals through sharing stories and participating in fun activities for 45 minutes to an hour. Board Games Night: Engage in friendly competition through popular board games, strengthening teamwork and communication for 1 to 3 hours. Video Game Room: Enjoy cooperative gameplay in a relaxed atmosphere, enhancing team bonding through friendly competition for 1 to 2 hours. Inspirational Quotes Activity The Inspirational Quotes Activity serves as an effective tool for enhancing team morale and nurturing a positive workplace environment. This activity involves team members creating and sharing motivational quotes, which can greatly uplift spirits. You can display these quotes in common areas like break rooms, cultivating a visually engaging atmosphere that encourages positivity. Taking only 30 to 45 minutes, it fits easily into busy schedules, making it ideal for team building activities, even for 5th graders. The activity promotes interaction and connection, reducing feelings of isolation among team members, whether they’re in-office or remote. Research shows that engaging in such morale-boosting activities leads to improved employee satisfaction and reduced stress. Virtual Bingo Engaging in Virtual Bingo can be an effective way to cultivate team bonding, especially for medium to large remote teams. This activity typically lasts about one hour, making it a perfect choice for a quick morale boost during work hours. Participants experience a high-energy environment that encourages collaboration and friendly competition among team members. Virtual Bingo furthermore helps reduce feelings of isolation among remote employees, promoting a sense of community and connection. You can customize the game with various themes or company-related items, enhancing its relevance and enjoyment for everyone involved. Pet a Pet “Pet a Pet” activities create opportunities for employees to bond over their shared love for animals, whether in the office or through video calls. This simple yet effective activity typically lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing team members to share stories about their pets, which improves personal connections. Engaging with pets can greatly boost morale, encouraging laughter and light-hearted interactions in the workplace. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized in-office and remote teams, making it one of the fun large group activities for adults. Here are some ideas for your “Pet a Pet” activity: Show and Tell: Each team member introduces their pet and shares a fun story. Pet Trivia: Create a trivia game about different pet breeds or fun animal facts. Pet Costume Contest: Encourage team members to dress their pets in costumes and vote for the best one. This activity not only reduces stress but also promotes a happier and more productive work environment. Board Games Night After enjoying a light-hearted “Pet a Pet” activity, you might consider hosting a Board Games Night to further strengthen team connections. This engaging event works well for medium-sized in-office teams, encouraging healthy competition and camaraderie among colleagues. Typically lasting between 1 to 3 hours, Board Games Night allows ample time for multiple games and interactions. Incorporating popular games can cater to diverse interests, ensuring everyone has a good time. Board games promote teamwork as players often collaborate and strategize together to achieve common goals. These activities not just boost morale but additionally improve communication skills, promoting stronger relationships among team members. If you’re looking for assistance in organizing this event, consider reaching out to team building companies near me. They can help you select appropriate games and manage logistics, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Video Game Room Creating a video game room in the office can greatly improve team bonding, especially when team members engage in cooperative gameplay. This setup allows for friendly competition and elevates collaboration in a relaxed atmosphere. You can incorporate various games that are known as the best games to build social communities and night clubs in. Here are some ideas to contemplate: Mario Kart – Perfect for nurturing friendly rivalry as well as encouraging teamwork in a fun environment. Overcooked – A cooperative cooking game that requires communication and coordination, strengthening team dynamics. Rocket League – Combines soccer with racing, making it exciting and engaging for groups of all sizes. Generally, these sessions last between 1 to 2 hours, providing ample time for employees to unwind and connect. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Morale Booster Activities? Morale booster activities are initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace spirit and engagement. They can include team-building exercises, icebreakers, and social events that promote collaboration. These activities help reduce stress, improve employee well-being, and cultivate a positive work environment. When employees feel connected and valued, retention rates often increase. Additionally, engaging in these activities can streamline the onboarding process, making new hires feel more welcomed and integrated into the team dynamic. How to Boost Morale in a Team? To boost morale in a team, focus on clear communication and recognition of individual contributions. Regular feedback and appreciation can improve motivation. Implementing structured team-building activities promotes collaboration and strengthens relationships. Furthermore, encouraging a healthy work-life balance helps reduce stress. Providing opportunities for professional development shows commitment to employee growth. Finally, nurturing an inclusive culture guarantees everyone feels valued, which is crucial for maintaining high morale and overall job satisfaction. What Are Fun Team Activities for Employees? You can engage your team with various fun activities that improve collaboration and communication. Consider hosting trivia nights or board game sessions to encourage friendly competition. Icebreaker games like “Two Truths and a Lie” can help team members connect personally. Outdoor activities or wellness programs promote physical health as well as nurturing relationships. Moreover, team-building challenges, such as scavenger hunts, stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills, contributing to a more cohesive and productive work environment. How to Get 100% Team Morale? To achieve 100% team morale, focus on nurturing open communication and trust among team members. Regularly assess employee satisfaction through surveys and act on the feedback. Implement recognition programs that highlight individual and team contributions. Encourage collaboration on projects, promoting a sense of belonging. Furthermore, create a supportive work environment by offering resources for mental well-being. Finally, prioritize team-building activities that are inclusive and engaging to strengthen connections within the team. Conclusion Incorporating these five team bonding activities can considerably improve workplace morale. By engaging in the Inspirational Quotes Activity, participating in Virtual Bingo, sharing experiences through Pet a Pet, enjoying Board Games Night, and utilizing a Video Game Room, team members can build stronger connections. These activities promote collaboration, improve communication, and nurture a positive environment. By regularly integrating such initiatives, organizations can create a more cohesive team, eventually leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Fun Team Bonding Activities to Boost Morale" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Listen up, Ford drivers: You're getting a new AI assistant this year. During a decidedly low-key CES keynote, the company announced Ford AI Assistant, a new AI-powered bot coming to Ford customers in the early half of 2026. While the company has plans to integrate the assistant into Ford vehicles directly, that isn't how you'll first experience this new AI. Instead, Ford is rolling out Ford AI Assistant to an upgraded version of its Ford app first, and plans on shipping cars with the assistant built-in sometime in 2027. In effect, Ford has added a proprietary version of ChatGPT or Gemini to its app. How Ford AI Assistant worksFord's idea here is to offer users a smart assistant experience directly tied to their Ford vehicle. In one example, the company suggests a customer could visit a hardware store looking to buy mulch. Said customer could take a photo of a pile of bags of mulch, and ask the assistant "how many bags can I fit in the bed of my truck?" Ford AI Assistant could then run the numbers, and offer an educated estimate to how much mulch the customer can buy and take with them at one time. Of course, other AI assistants can do similar calculations. Send ChatGPT the same photo, and ask the same question—specifying the model of your truck—and the bot will run the numbers itself. The difference, in Ford's view, is that Ford AI Assistant is connected to your vehicle specifically. It can read all the sensors in your car, so it knows, for example, how many people are currently traveling with you, your current tire pressure, or, really, anything and everything about your car. According to Doug Field, Ford's Chief Officer of EVs, Digital, and Design, the company's goal with the assistant is to offer answers customers can't get from other sources. ChatGPT certainly doesn't have access to your every sensor embedded in your car, so Ford does have the advantage there. Ford didn't go out and build its AI tech by scratch, however. The company tells TechCrunch that Ford AI Assistant is hosted by Google Cloud, and is run using "off-the-shelf LLMs." Still, that likely won't have much of an impact on whether or not customers use this new assistant. Instead, that will come down to how useful they find the AI assistant in the app. Will Ford AI Assistant actually be useful?As someone who rarely uses AI assistants, I'd imagine I'd find little use for it if I owned a Ford. That being said, there are some times when it could genuinely be useful to have external access to your car's information. I could probably eyeball how many bags of mulch would fit in my trunk, but I can't tell you my exact odometer reading without starting up my car. The same goes for my tire pressure: It'd be helpful to know my tire pressure before getting in my car, to know whether I should be headed somewhere I can fill up before going to my destination. Of course, there's also a privacy discussion to be had here. Modern cars are already privacy nightmares, but there's something a bit unnerving about an AI assistant that knows everything about my car. View the full article

Donald The President to hold more talks with industry bosses as president flexes power over energy marketsView the full article

Beijing’s intelligence used Salt Typhoon to access communications used by top panels in US Congress View the full article

Batteries are powering a significant shift in how we go about our daily lives, ranging from the devices we carry to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Batteries play a critical role across key sectors from data center infrastructure, military, and microgrid applications to consumer electronics and more. But as demand surges, so does end-of-life material that needs to be managed. Beyond serving as compact energy sources, batteries also represent a domestic source of essential critical minerals. To fully realize their value, it is crucial to close the loop at end-of-life by recovering these minerals and strengthening the supply needed to support a rapidly expanding battery market. To responsibly manage battery materials at end-of-life, extended producer responsibility (EPR) for batteries becomes essential. BATTERY RECYCLING INDUSTRY: GROWTH TRAJECTORY In the U.S., battery EPR laws are being enacted at the state level, leaving battery producers, automotive original equipment manufacturers, and energy storage operators to navigate complex regulations, which vary by state. In states that have passed laws and those with active legislation, jobs will be created to manage these requirements, and we will see an increase in economic activity through the creation of closed-loop supply chains. The battery recycling industry will continue to grow, and battery EPR regulation will only fuel that growth through the creation of a more responsible system to ensure batteries are recycled. When systems are in place that require companies to recover batteries at end-of-life, we will significantly improve our ability to reclaim valuable materials. This applies to all battery chemistries, whether lithium-based or alkaline batteries containing zinc and manganese—yes, alkaline batteries can be recycled, and the recovered minerals from those alkaline batteries can be reused as micronutrients in fertilizers. The groundwork has already been laid, and when you look at battery recycling as a whole, the value of recovering these materials is substantial. That value extends beyond financial benefits to include reduced geopolitical risk, improved logistics and supply chain resilience. THE NATIONAL CHALLENGE The country must address what happens to a battery when it’s no longer usable. Ultimately, through EPR legislation, we can make it a priority to recover critical minerals and increase the nation’s ability to produce battery-grade materials. In 2024 alone, the U.S. imported more than one billion batteries. These batteries are made of valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. EPR laws are designed to track a battery’s life cycle and, if done right, can help us take advantage of these materials once they are in the U.S. by recycling and reusing the minerals domestically to produce new batteries. STATE LEADERSHIP Battery recycling benefits everyone. Recyclers, producers, legislators, consumers, and the nation must work together to strengthen domestic supply chains, enhance national security, and keep batteries and the critical minerals they contain within U.S. borders. When states introduce EPR bills, they will vary based on battery format or size, but several core principles should remain consistent: Collection: In addition to standard collection sites, expanding to independent collection points increases accessibility. Recycling opportunities must be available to everyone, not limited to a specific group or location. Avoid forfeiture requirements: The battery industry functions as a unified ecosystem, and the goal is to build a closed-loop supply chain. Restricting who can recycle and process the batteries after they are collected jeopardizes existing business models and risks harming the broader industry. Transparency: Full visibility across the entire process from initial recycling through to metal recovery—is essential. Without transparency, innovation within the industry will stagnate. EDUCATION & ACCESS To better implement battery EPR laws, we must enhance consumer education on battery recycling. Many people do not understand how to handle and dispose of used batteries properly. For example, a recent study focused on lithium batteries found that nearly 40% of people do not know they can be recycled, and more than 60% do not know where or how to recycle them. Lithium batteries are far too prevalent in our daily lives for consumers not to have resources and access to responsible recycling. FINAL THOUGHTS I am hopeful that as battery recycling becomes more mainstream and visible to consumers, a larger collection network with increased access will be available, and end-of-life batteries can be properly recycled and processed to recover the critical minerals effectively. And not only is battery EPR a foundation for this and a stronger, more sustainable supply chain, it supports national security and ensures that we in the U.S. increase our global competitiveness through innovation and the domestic sourcing of critical minerals. David Klanecky is the CEO and President of Cirba Solutions. View the full article

President says military budget should rise to $1.5tnView the full article

Gen Z is aging into the life moments that define entire industries. As this generation moves through milestones like marriage, homeownership, and family planning, they’re quickly becoming a core target market not just for weddings, but for a wide range of service-based businesses. What matters for these small businesses is how Gen Z’s arrival, set against today’s economic backdrop, is reshaping expectations for how they serve their customers. While about one in three couples on The Knot in the U.S. are Gen Z, the majority are still a few years away from the peak marrying age of 33. We do know, however, that they are interested in doing so, with 69% of unmarried adults ages 18–34 saying they want to get married—a nearly 10% increase since 2017. As this new generation prepares to celebrate one of life’s most meaningful moments, there will be a major shift in how small businesses are expected to deliver. We are seeing that Gen Z consumers expect more personalization, deeper authenticity, and faster digital-first communication, often alongside less flexibility in spending. Gen Z might be working with smaller budgets, but it’s not because they lack the desire to invest in their weddings. Rather, it is most often attributed to their current earnings potential. Due to their age, they have not had time to acquire the same amount of funds as millennials. Many Gen Z couples are being intentional about where they spend, investing in the parts of their day that matter most to them and finding creative ways to simplify or scale back elsewhere. For wedding professionals, this shift is already changing the reality of their work. Vendors are serving clients who want thoughtful, high-touch experiences, quick responses, personalization, and visuals that feel Pinterest-worthy, even as overall budgets are more constrained. That often means finding new ways to package services, streamline processes, or rethink how value shows up for each couple. For businesses looking to serve this shifting clientele, intentional adaptation is key. Small businesses should make these four moves now to navigate this market shift. 1. Embrace AI to help with productivity, core processes, and content AI and automation tools are table stakes for productivity and core processes, helping streamline communication, scheduling, content, and lead management. In fact, 77% of customers say they expect to interact with a business immediately when they reach out. For Gen Z customers especially, responsiveness is part of the experience, and falling behind on response time can mean losing business before a conversation even begins. Businesses that use AI thoughtfully to handle administrative work free themselves up to focus on what drives loyalty: creativity, care, and human connection. AI-assisted replies can help you respond quickly with personalized recommendations to start the conversation and save time. 2. Keep pace with trends and provide personalization When it comes to weddings, couples want celebrations that feel of-the-moment, yet deeply personal. For wedding vendors, this means being aware of the trends that are impacting planning decisions and simultaneously translating them in a way that feels truly unique and personal to the couple. No matter what your industry is, it’s important to maintain a balance between being trend-forward and creating personalized experiences. 3. Don’t go it alone—lean into community and upskilling Change can feel isolating for small business owners, especially when customer expectations are shifting quickly. The business owners who seem to navigate these moments best are rarely doing it alone. They’re talking to peers, comparing notes, and staying open to learning new tools and approaches. In weddings, we see this play out every day. Vendors share templates, swap tips on using AI to save time, and openly talk through what’s working when it comes to pricing, packages, and client communication. These conversations aren’t just about support, but also perspective. Learning from others who are facing the same challenges makes it easier to adapt with confidence. 4. Make your understanding of Gen Z’s values your competitive advantage Gen Z’s expectations are high, but they’re also thoughtful and values driven. They care about authenticity, transparency, and purpose, and are often willing to spend on things that feel meaningful to them. For small businesses, this means storytelling and customer relationships matter more than ever. Businesses that do this well tend to connect more deeply with younger customers. When customers understand the “why” behind what you do, price becomes part of a larger story, one that’s more closely connected to value. This matters because younger consumers aren’t brand-agnostic; they’re increasingly intentional about where they spend. In recent consumer surveys, Gen Z’ers say they’re willing to shop locally more often, signaling that values and community can meaningfully influence purchasing decisions alongside price and convenience. In other words, when business leaders feel budgets tightening amidst high expectations, leaning into what makes your offering distinct can turn pressure into loyalty. WHY THESE LESSONS EXTEND FAR BEYOND WEDDINGS Whether you run a salon, creative studio, catering company, or consulting practice, you may already be seeing similar patterns. After many years of working with small businesses, one lesson stands firmly in my mind: Adaptability is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have. The businesses I’ve seen thrive do so because they stay curious, embrace new tools, and meet clients’ evolving needs with empathy and creativity. If you are a small business owner, take this moment as an opportunity to reimagine how you deliver value, connect with clients and your community, and build a business that can grow with the next generation. Gen Z may be shifting expectations, but with the right adjustments, they just may become the next area of growth for your business. Raina Moskowitz is the CEO of The Knot Worldwide. 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. Laptop screen extenders help add more display area without costing as much as two separate monitors. They’re also tidier, more integrated, and more portable, making them ideal for remote workers or students who want a mobile workstation with as much visual real estate as possible. The KYY 15.6-inch laptop screen extender, with its triple-screen setup (one on either side of your laptop's display), is a solid choice for anyone looking to give their laptop some extra elbow room—and right now, it’s 35% off, bringing its price down to $227.99 (originally $349.99). KYY 15.6" Laptop Screen Extender $227.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $122.00 Get Deal Get Deal $227.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $122.00 This portable monitor is built around a single-cable USB-C-to-USB-C connection for an easy setup. Each screen is 1080p with a matte finish and up to 300 nits of brightness. They rotate up to 360 degrees and have a built-in kickstand for added flexibility. While this screen extender works with macOS, ChromeOS, and Android, drivers need to be downloaded first rather than relying solely on the USB connection. One reviewer noted that the included USB stick wasn’t readable on their MacBook Pro, so downloading drivers is a must to set the monitors up as extensions. Also, installing these permissions might be an issue if you’re using a locked-down work laptop. In general, these displays rely on software instead of a purely plug-and-play video signal. It’s somewhat portable at 7.7 lbs, but it’s not exactly an ultra-light travel monitor for daily commuting. And if you’re used to ultra-crisp visuals, 1080p on the side screens might make text and fine details look less sharp. It’s also worth noting that at a 60Hz refresh rate, this monitor is best for work and everyday use rather than latency-sensitive gaming or anyone looking for a high refresh rate. Ultimately, if you don’t mind installing a driver—or using an adapter if your laptop lacks USB-C—the KYY 15.6" Laptop Screen Extender is worth checking out. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (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) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Dell 15 DC15255 (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM) — $519.99 (List Price $688.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) — $799.00 (List Price $999.00) Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — $279.99 (List Price $349.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Health, a product that allows users to connect their medical records and wellness apps to the AI chatbot and get personalized health guidance. The feature, unveiled on Wednesday, creates a separate space within ChatGPT for health questions and discussions, where users can collect data from their connected health apps such as fitness apps and store their health files. Users can also connect to their electronic medical records through a partnership with b.well, OpenAI says. ChatGPT, then, does not have a direct integration with the MyChart patient records app from Epic, for example, but lets individual users make requests for their patient record data through integrations built by b.well. In practice, the patient will see a login through their provider’s portal, which often is a MyChart login page to authenticate into their account. In addition, users can connect ChatGPT Health to wellness apps including Apple Health, Peloton, MyFitnessPal, and Function Health. OpenAI say more than 230 million people globally already ask health and wellness questions on ChatGPT each week. The company says it developed ChatGPT Health over two years in collaboration with more than 260 physicians who have practiced in 60 countries, collecting over 600,000 pieces of feedback on model outputs. The new product gets its intelligence from a specialized OpenAI health model. In collaboration with doctors, the company also created an evaluation tool called HealthBench, which it uses to test the health model. OpenAI says health consumers can use ChatGPT Health to prepare for doctor appointments, understand clinical test results, get diet and exercise advice, and evaluate insurance options based on their healthcare patterns. ChatGPT Health is not FDA-approved, so it’s not to be confused with real clinician diagnosis and treatment. Right now, the new feature is available only to a small group of ChatGPT subscribers and free users. OpenAI plans to expand access and make Health available to all users on the web and iOS in the coming weeks. (You can sign up for the waitlist⁠ to request access.) OpenAI’s CEO of Applications Fidji Simo wrote in a blog post that she personally used ChatGPT to flag a potential medication conflict during a hospital stay last year, calling the experience an example of AI’s potential in healthcare. “Because I’ve been dealing with a chronic illness for years, I had already uploaded a lot of my health records into ChatGPT,” Simo writes. “I asked whether I should be taking this antibiotic given my medical history, and ChatGPT flagged that this particular antibiotic could reactivate a very serious infection I’d had a couple of years prior.” In the big picture, ChatGPT Health represents yet another front OpenAI’s growing platform war with legacy tech players such as Apple, Google, and Meta. View the full article