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One of the world’s wealthiest charitable foundations notes ‘exceptional levels’ of market concentration in tech stocksView the full article

Americans go to great lengths to ensure they are financially set for their later years. But if you’re asking Elon Musk, you really needn’t bother. According to the world’s richest man, whose net worth is estimated at well over $700 billion, saving for retirement will soon be obsolete. Musk aired this view on a recent episode of the Moonshots With Peter Diamandis podcast. Musk let listeners in on his vision of our financial future, a world where technology, specifically artificial intelligence, creates such an abundance of resources that anyone can buy anything they want. The entrepreneur said that within just a few years, we will live in a world marked by a great surplus, where “better medical care than anyone has today” will be “available for everyone within five years.” He also said that there will be “no scarcity of goods and services” and you’ll be able to learn anything you want. Musk continued, explaining that there will be such a surplus that life will no longer require people to save in order to ensure they are taken care of later on. “One side recommendation I have is: Don’t worry about squirreling money away for retirement in 10 or 20 years. It won’t matter,” he said, adding that he believes “saving for retirement will be irrelevant” and that the future will bring abundance.” Overall, Musk’s view of the future seems decidedly optimistic about AI. He talked about the power of AI to break barriers and using it to harness the sun’s energy. And he said he believes the “future of currency” will be measured not in money, but in “wattage.” But he also acknowledged that during what are bound to be years full of change, the road to the future he envisions will be “bumpy” and filled with obstacles. Musk said he doesn’t just foresee “universal high income,” but also major “social unrest” as the result of so much change in a short period of time. The prediction seems eerily similar to one made by John Maynard Keynes, known as the founder of modern macroeconomics, in 1930. In his essay, “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren,” the economist wrote that by 2030, technology would enable workers to adopt a 15-hour workweek. At the time, the workweek was estimated to be about 50 hours. In one sense, Keynes was correct: The average number of hours fell in the years following the prediction, as the 40-hour workweek was established soon after. However, today full-time work hours hover at about 8.4 hours a day or 42.5 hours a week, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While many of Keynes’s predictions about technology proved to be correct, such as how vastly technology has reshaped certain industries, working hours have yet to fall as drastically as he predicted. At the moment, Musk’s comments are hard to swallow, given that many Americans struggle with basic expenses like childcare, let alone saving for retirement. According to a 2025 report from the National Council on Aging, most older adults don’t have enough money to financially survive “a financial shock” triggered by a death, the need for long-term care, or illness. “Eighty percent of those 60 and older have little to no assets and would not be able to weather a financial shock without falling into poverty,” the report said. Researchers added: “The future of aging in America will likely be defined by an ever-widening inequality in both financial status and mortality, deepening the divide between the majority of older Americans (the 80%) and the top 20%.” Musk did say there would be bumps along the road to utopia. View the full article

Stocks hit all-time high while yen weakens to lowest in 19 months as finance minister expresses concernView the full article

It’s that time again. The calendar has flipped, the resolutions are written, and you’re probably sitting in your office chair at your office desk looking at a lukewarm cup of office coffee, wondering if you’ve really got another year of fluorescent lights and “serendipitous” coworker interactions in you. Let’s make a pact: No more. It’s time to find a great remote job. Unfortunately, you can’t find 21st-century work using 20th-century methods. If you’re still scrolling through the generic “Big Box” job boards and getting buried in 5,000 applications for one role, you’re doing it wrong. Instead, here are the five sites you should check first when you’re looking to work from home. We Work Remotely We Work Remotely is the “Old Reliable” of the remote world. It’s been around since 2011, which in internet years makes it roughly as ancient as a stone tablet. But it’s still the heavyweight champion. It’s simple. There’s no bloat. You get a clean list of categories, and the jobs are actually remote. Because companies that post listings here pay a fee, you’re far less likely to run into the pages and pages of filler that plagues the free boards. FlexJobs I know, I know: It’s a subscription service. Asking someone who’s looking for a paycheck to pay money feels a little backward. But here’s the thing: FlexJobs has an army of humans who hand-screen every single job posting. If you’re tired of clicking on a “Work from Home” ad only to realize it’s a pyramid scheme or a high-pressure sales gig, this is your sanctuary. They filter out the junk so you don’t have to. Remote OK If We Work Remotely is the elder statesman, Remote OK is the cool, tech-savvy younger sibling. The entire vibe is built for people who want to work from a laptop, whether that’s in their living room or a café halfway around the world. The site’s filters are fantastic. You can sort by salary ranges (yes, actual numbers!), tech stacks, and even benefits such as health insurance or four-day workweeks. It’s fast, transparent, and updated constantly. Remote.co Remote.co was started by the same team behind FlexJobs, but while FlexJobs is a paid, curated list, Remote.co is a free, high-quality resource that goes beyond just job titles. One nice feature: They don’t just list a job; they interview the companies. You can read Q&As from more than 100 remote-first outfits to see how they actually handle things like time zones and communication. It’s perfect for job seekers who want to know the vibe of a company before they even hit the apply button. Working Nomads If your dream is to emphasize the “remote” part of remote work, this is your home base. Working Nomads curates roles specifically for the digital nomad crowd, meaning these companies are usually comfortable with you working from pretty much anywhere on the map. The categorization is incredibly clean, and the site uses a color-coded system for different industries, making it very easy to scan. It also has a premium tier with 10 times more listings and advanced search filters. And its daily email alerts are a great way to stay in the loop without having to constantly check the site. View the full article

Essential reads on the politics and history of the country’s Islamic regime since the revolution and fall of the Shah in 1979 View the full article

Negotiations come as asset managers turn to retail investors after slowdown in flow of cash from institutional backersView the full article

Implementing automation systems requires a lot of planning, time and moneyView the full article

Over the past 50 years the state has become overly reliant on a few deep pockets that it cannot afford to lose View the full article

Race for coveted role comes as bank fights Swiss government over threat of more stringent capital buffersView the full article

Balderton Capital led $75bn fintech’s first funding round and retains substantial stake even after cashing out $2bnView the full article

If you’re managing a small business, finding the right HR software can simplify your tasks considerably. With various free solutions available, you can streamline processes like employee management, hiring, and payroll. Each software offers distinct features customized to different business sizes and needs. From robust tools to streamline HR administration to user-friendly platforms for small teams, the choices might seem overwhelming. Let’s explore these top five options and see which one could work best for you. Key Takeaways HRLocker: Ideal for small teams under five employees, offering tools for employee data management and compliance with labor regulations. Homebase: A user-friendly solution for small businesses with unlimited employees, featuring time tracking and scheduling management for efficient HR tasks. Freshteam: Streamlines hiring and onboarding for small businesses with up to 50 employees, including job posting and organized communication tools. Gusto: A versatile payroll solution with benefits administration and time tracking, automating HR tasks to ensure compliance and reduce errors. OrangeHRM Starter: A robust HR management tool for small to medium businesses, featuring flexible deployment options and advanced PTO management capabilities. OrangeHRM Starter In regards to managing HR tasks effectively, many small to medium-sized businesses find that OrangeHRM Starter offers a robust solution. This human resource management software free option has over 5 million active users and is designed to streamline HR administrative tasks. With flexible deployment options, including both cloud and on-premise, you can tailor the software to meet your organization’s security and customization needs. Key features include a mobile app for managing PTO requests and attendance tracking, along with an HR Administration module that supports user roles and self-service capabilities. Advanced PTO/Leave Management improves approval workflows, making it easier to handle employee requests. Furthermore, OrangeHRM Starter provides extensive reporting and analytics tools, enabling data-driven decision-making to improve employee performance insights. As an HR software freeware, it accommodates diverse industries and organizational structures, with support resources available to help you maximize its functionalities efficiently. HRLocker HRLocker stands out as a specialized free HR management system customized for organizations with fewer than five employees, making it an ideal choice for small businesses seeking to simplify their HR processes. This platform features an employee details database that helps you efficiently manage employee data, sick time, and benefits. With tools for holiday and sickness management, you can effectively track employee absences and guarantee your team stays compliant with labor regulations. Furthermore, HRLocker offers document management capabilities, allowing you to handle HR documents and digital signatures easily, streamlining compliance and record-keeping. Whereas the free model doesn’t provide direct support, you do have access to self-help resources, which guide you through the system’s functionalities. Homebase Homebase offers a robust free HR management solution designed particularly for small businesses, accommodating unlimited employees at a single location. With its user-friendly interface, you can streamline various HR tasks effectively. Here are some key features that make Homebase stand out: Time and attendance tracking helps you monitor employee hours accurately. Scheduling management allows you to create and adjust shifts easily. Job posting capabilities enable you to attract new talent effortlessly. An employee mobile app provides easy access to schedules and communication. Moreover, Homebase provides excellent support resources, including user guides and direct assistance via phone, email, or chat. Users report high satisfaction with its reliability and accessibility, making it easier for you to manage employee availability and shifts. The system furthermore generates automated timesheets, which streamline payroll processes and reduce manual entry errors, saving you valuable time and effort. Freshteam Freshteam provides a free HR software solution that’s perfect for small businesses with up to 50 employees. This platform streamlines your hiring and onboarding processes, making it easier for you to manage your recruitment efforts. You can post up to three job openings and utilize a recruitment team inbox to keep communication organized. Freshteam furthermore features a basic career site, enhancing your candidate management experience. To visualize and track applicants, you can use Kanban boards, which help you manage your recruitment pipeline effectively. The software includes an employee directory and organizational chart, providing clear visibility of your team structure and employee information. In addition, Freshteam offers extensive support through a database of user guides, videos, and cheat sheets. If you need further assistance, direct support options are available to guarantee you get the help you need during your exploration of the platform. Gusto Gusto stands out as a versatile payroll software solution that likewise encompasses benefits administration and time tracking features, making it an all-encompassing HR platform for small businesses. With Gusto, you can automate many HR tasks, ensuring compliance with payroll regulations as well as minimizing errors. Here are some key features you’ll appreciate: Automated Tax Filings: Gusto takes care of federal, state, and local tax filings, simplifying your payroll process. Affordable Pricing: Plans start at just $49 per month, making it a budget-friendly choice for small businesses. User-Friendly Interface: Its intuitive design allows for easy navigation and setup, reducing the need for extensive training. Seamless Integration: Gusto connects effortlessly with various accounting tools, streamlining your business operations. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Free HR Software? Determining the best free HR software depends on your specific needs. For basic employee management, OrangeHRM Starter might be suitable, whereas HRLocker is great for smaller teams. If you need strong scheduling features, consider Homebase, which supports an unlimited number of employees at one location. Freshteam is ideal for those with up to 50 employees, offering crucial recruitment tools. Evaluate these options based on your organization’s size and requirements for effective HR management. What Is the Best HR System for Small Business? When selecting the best HR system for your small business, consider factors like user-friendliness, features, and scalability. Look for systems that streamline processes such as hiring, onboarding, and employee management. Popular options include OrangeHRM for thorough administrative tasks, Homebase for scheduling, and Freshteam for applicant tracking. Evaluate your specific needs and choose a system that grows with your business, ensuring it effectively supports your HR functions as well as remaining easy to use. What Is the Best Free Software for Small Business? When considering the best free software for small businesses, you should evaluate options based on your specific needs. Look for tools that improve productivity, streamline operations, and support collaboration. Popular choices include project management software, accounting tools, and customer relationship management systems. Assess user-friendly interfaces, crucial features, and scalability. Free versions often limit functionality, so verify they meet your business requirements without compromising growth or efficiency as you expand. Is There Free Payroll Software for Small Businesses? Yes, there are several free payroll software options for small businesses. Gusto offers a free plan for businesses with fewer than 10 employees, whereas Wave provides extensive payroll services at no cost. Payroll4Free.com supports unlimited employees and includes features like direct deposit. Zenefits integrates payroll with HR management in its free plan. FreshBooks offers a free trial for its payroll add-on, allowing you to explore features before committing to a paid plan. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing the right free HR software can greatly improve your small business’s efficiency. OrangeHRM Starter, HRLocker, Homebase, Freshteam, and Gusto each offer unique features that cater to different business sizes and needs. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline administration, enhance hiring processes, and effectively manage employee benefits. Selecting the best solution for your organization will not just save time but will also guarantee compliance and promote a more productive workplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Best Free HR Software Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re managing a small business, finding the right HR software can simplify your tasks considerably. With various free solutions available, you can streamline processes like employee management, hiring, and payroll. Each software offers distinct features customized to different business sizes and needs. From robust tools to streamline HR administration to user-friendly platforms for small teams, the choices might seem overwhelming. Let’s explore these top five options and see which one could work best for you. Key Takeaways HRLocker: Ideal for small teams under five employees, offering tools for employee data management and compliance with labor regulations. Homebase: A user-friendly solution for small businesses with unlimited employees, featuring time tracking and scheduling management for efficient HR tasks. Freshteam: Streamlines hiring and onboarding for small businesses with up to 50 employees, including job posting and organized communication tools. Gusto: A versatile payroll solution with benefits administration and time tracking, automating HR tasks to ensure compliance and reduce errors. OrangeHRM Starter: A robust HR management tool for small to medium businesses, featuring flexible deployment options and advanced PTO management capabilities. OrangeHRM Starter In regards to managing HR tasks effectively, many small to medium-sized businesses find that OrangeHRM Starter offers a robust solution. This human resource management software free option has over 5 million active users and is designed to streamline HR administrative tasks. With flexible deployment options, including both cloud and on-premise, you can tailor the software to meet your organization’s security and customization needs. Key features include a mobile app for managing PTO requests and attendance tracking, along with an HR Administration module that supports user roles and self-service capabilities. Advanced PTO/Leave Management improves approval workflows, making it easier to handle employee requests. Furthermore, OrangeHRM Starter provides extensive reporting and analytics tools, enabling data-driven decision-making to improve employee performance insights. As an HR software freeware, it accommodates diverse industries and organizational structures, with support resources available to help you maximize its functionalities efficiently. HRLocker HRLocker stands out as a specialized free HR management system customized for organizations with fewer than five employees, making it an ideal choice for small businesses seeking to simplify their HR processes. This platform features an employee details database that helps you efficiently manage employee data, sick time, and benefits. With tools for holiday and sickness management, you can effectively track employee absences and guarantee your team stays compliant with labor regulations. Furthermore, HRLocker offers document management capabilities, allowing you to handle HR documents and digital signatures easily, streamlining compliance and record-keeping. Whereas the free model doesn’t provide direct support, you do have access to self-help resources, which guide you through the system’s functionalities. Homebase Homebase offers a robust free HR management solution designed particularly for small businesses, accommodating unlimited employees at a single location. With its user-friendly interface, you can streamline various HR tasks effectively. Here are some key features that make Homebase stand out: Time and attendance tracking helps you monitor employee hours accurately. Scheduling management allows you to create and adjust shifts easily. Job posting capabilities enable you to attract new talent effortlessly. An employee mobile app provides easy access to schedules and communication. Moreover, Homebase provides excellent support resources, including user guides and direct assistance via phone, email, or chat. Users report high satisfaction with its reliability and accessibility, making it easier for you to manage employee availability and shifts. The system furthermore generates automated timesheets, which streamline payroll processes and reduce manual entry errors, saving you valuable time and effort. Freshteam Freshteam provides a free HR software solution that’s perfect for small businesses with up to 50 employees. This platform streamlines your hiring and onboarding processes, making it easier for you to manage your recruitment efforts. You can post up to three job openings and utilize a recruitment team inbox to keep communication organized. Freshteam furthermore features a basic career site, enhancing your candidate management experience. To visualize and track applicants, you can use Kanban boards, which help you manage your recruitment pipeline effectively. The software includes an employee directory and organizational chart, providing clear visibility of your team structure and employee information. In addition, Freshteam offers extensive support through a database of user guides, videos, and cheat sheets. If you need further assistance, direct support options are available to guarantee you get the help you need during your exploration of the platform. Gusto Gusto stands out as a versatile payroll software solution that likewise encompasses benefits administration and time tracking features, making it an all-encompassing HR platform for small businesses. With Gusto, you can automate many HR tasks, ensuring compliance with payroll regulations as well as minimizing errors. Here are some key features you’ll appreciate: Automated Tax Filings: Gusto takes care of federal, state, and local tax filings, simplifying your payroll process. Affordable Pricing: Plans start at just $49 per month, making it a budget-friendly choice for small businesses. User-Friendly Interface: Its intuitive design allows for easy navigation and setup, reducing the need for extensive training. Seamless Integration: Gusto connects effortlessly with various accounting tools, streamlining your business operations. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Free HR Software? Determining the best free HR software depends on your specific needs. For basic employee management, OrangeHRM Starter might be suitable, whereas HRLocker is great for smaller teams. If you need strong scheduling features, consider Homebase, which supports an unlimited number of employees at one location. Freshteam is ideal for those with up to 50 employees, offering crucial recruitment tools. Evaluate these options based on your organization’s size and requirements for effective HR management. What Is the Best HR System for Small Business? When selecting the best HR system for your small business, consider factors like user-friendliness, features, and scalability. Look for systems that streamline processes such as hiring, onboarding, and employee management. Popular options include OrangeHRM for thorough administrative tasks, Homebase for scheduling, and Freshteam for applicant tracking. Evaluate your specific needs and choose a system that grows with your business, ensuring it effectively supports your HR functions as well as remaining easy to use. What Is the Best Free Software for Small Business? When considering the best free software for small businesses, you should evaluate options based on your specific needs. Look for tools that improve productivity, streamline operations, and support collaboration. Popular choices include project management software, accounting tools, and customer relationship management systems. Assess user-friendly interfaces, crucial features, and scalability. Free versions often limit functionality, so verify they meet your business requirements without compromising growth or efficiency as you expand. Is There Free Payroll Software for Small Businesses? Yes, there are several free payroll software options for small businesses. Gusto offers a free plan for businesses with fewer than 10 employees, whereas Wave provides extensive payroll services at no cost. Payroll4Free.com supports unlimited employees and includes features like direct deposit. Zenefits integrates payroll with HR management in its free plan. FreshBooks offers a free trial for its payroll add-on, allowing you to explore features before committing to a paid plan. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing the right free HR software can greatly improve your small business’s efficiency. OrangeHRM Starter, HRLocker, Homebase, Freshteam, and Gusto each offer unique features that cater to different business sizes and needs. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline administration, enhance hiring processes, and effectively manage employee benefits. Selecting the best solution for your organization will not just save time but will also guarantee compliance and promote a more productive workplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Best Free HR Software Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Industry data points to disappointing Christmas for shops as consumers held back View the full article

Backlash builds as The President administration’s prosecutors target head of US central bankView the full article

There’s a quote from Charles Bukowski framed on my office wall: “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” We’re in that fire right now. For 25 years, our company has moved people to show up for entertainment. Then the world changed. Entertainment changed. Technology changed. Almost overnight, we had to throw the old playbook out the window. So, we paused. We looked inward and asked the hard question: Do we rebuild what we had or transform into what we need to be for the future? Companies need to choose the second. For us that meant becoming culture-led, not as a slogan or a rebrand, but as the infrastructure for how we operate. Becoming culture-led doesn’t just guide values; it can become an operational advantage. FROM SILOS TO CONNECTION We stopped organizing ourselves around deliverables and started paying closer attention to what moves people. What makes them care, pause, laugh, click, and share. Inside entertainment, we’d spent decades learning how to meet people in emotional moments. We began applying that same emotional fluency to everything we do: from car launches to hospitality marketing, and CPG storytelling. Not by forcing those categories to feel like entertainment, but by applying what we’d learned about timing, tone, and human connection in places where meaning matters more than ever. A clear example was our work launching God of War Ragnarök for PlayStation. Instead of defaulting to an action-forward montage, we leaned into the child–parent relationship at the heart of the game. That emotional center drove record results. We didn’t get there by chasing categories. We got there by rethinking how we listen, interpret culture, and act on insight. A CHANGE IN HOW THE WORK MOVES Empowering culture-led work to emerge from an organization requires operational change. We’re restructuring our strategy, creative, editorial, and social teams to be leaner and faster. We’re bringing them into the same room at the start of every project. It’s not perfect yet, but the work is already moving differently. We introduced informal culture briefs to stay close to what’s resonating with people right now. Not what’s trending, but what feels real and honest. That proximity keeps us grounded in how people live, not just how marketers talk. The result has been work guided by less formula and more heart, stronger briefs that adhere closer to consumers’ realities, and faster movement of ideas to production. LEARN TO SAY NO (WITHOUT FEELING SICK) We also had to get serious about what we’re willing to walk away from. In entertainment, the rule has always been simple: don’t turn down work. You never know when the next thing is coming. That mindset builds hustle and burnout. A few months ago, for the first time, we turned down entertainment work that would have been a no-brainer any other year. But it didn’t align with who we are becoming, and that was reason enough to walk away from the opportunity. Culture isn’t just what you invite in. It’s what you’re willing to say no to. Every time we’ve made that choice, we’ve seen sharper focus, more ownership, and greater momentum. The team feels lighter, clearer, and more confident in where we’re steering the ship. THE REAL ADVANTAGE WAS NEVER THE CATEGORY The same instinct that led us to center the human relationship in God of War Ragnarök is the one that revealed what we’d been building all along in entertainment—a space that trains you to make people feel something fast. You have seconds to earn attention, emotion, and trust. Over time, we realized that skill, emotional fluency, cultural timing, and instinctive connection were the real advantages. Not the form. Not the category. In hindsight, it’s what strategist Rita McGrath would call a transient advantage. A capability, not a credential. Something portable. Something that evolves as culture shifts. Once we recognized that, the question became how to operationalize it. HIRE TO PUT CULTURAL FLUENCY INTO PRACTICE Becoming culture-led takes more than intention. It takes structure. We’re building that now through cultural roundups, shared language, and clearer boundaries. Not buzzwords. Practical ways to stay connected to how people think and feel. We’re also changing how we hire. Experience still matters, but curiosity, self-awareness, and genuine growth mindset matter more. Alignment is becoming just as important as what client someone may bring in the door. We’re learning to protect the culture we’re building by setting boundaries, by saying no, and by choosing clarity over comfort. Every time we do, we move forward. We’re not done. And we probably never should be. That Bukowski quote doesn’t say what matters is whether you make it through the fire. It says how you walk through it is what matters. That’s the challenge for leadership right now. Not avoiding change. Just walking through it honestly and with intention. Companies that treat culture as a core capability, not a campaign or a slogan, are the ones ready for whatever comes next. Michael McIntyre is the CEO of MOCEAN View the full article

Nothing lasts forever. Devices lose support, standards are replaced, and software becomes obsolete. So it is with Microsoft Lens, whose days are numbered. Keen observers have known about this since August, when Microsoft first announced that Lens would be retired in September and removed from app stores in November. That obviously didn't happen, as the company adjusted the deadline to Dec. 15, which also came and went. Microsoft kicked the retirement can down the road—that is, until now. Microsoft Lens was Microsoft's solution for anyone in the mid-2010s who didn't own a scanner. Rather than buy an expensive piece of hardware to digitize documents, Lens allowed people to use their smartphone camera to turn those hard copies into digital files. It was hardly the only document scanner available on app stores (Apple's Notes app has had the function built in since iOS 11), but because it was made by Microsoft, it was a good solution for getting files into Microsoft apps like Word, PowerPoint, or Excel. It's also free and compatible with both Android and iOS, making the app universally accessible. We even listed it first in our roundup of the best document scanner apps from 2021. According to the app's support document, Microsoft Lens officially began retirement proceedings on Jan. 9. That doesn't mean the app is dead, though: Microsoft will still support it until Feb. 9. After that, the app will receive no updates, and Microsoft will remove it from app stores. (If you're passionate or curious about Microsoft Lens, make sure to install it before then.) No matter what, however, you'll only have another month to use it. As of March 9, you will no longer be able to create new scans in Lens, but you'll still be able to view your previous scans as long as the app remains on your device. The best alternatives to Microsoft LensOnce we settle into mid-March, Microsoft Lens users will need to choose an alternative scanning app. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on app stores to choose from. In fact, you might not need to download anything new at all: As mentioned above, iPhone users can tap into the Notes app's built-in scanner, while Google Drive users can do the same. Microsoft, of course, wants you to stay within the ecosystem, so they'd prefer you use OneDrive's built-in scanner. If you already have that app on your phone, it might be as good an option as any. However, there are popular, dedicated apps, like Genius Scan, Adobe Scan, and Photomyne, that offer additional features not available in built-in scanners. View the full article

British ministers aim to secure foreign investment at the World Economic ForumView the full article

When my mom was dying, hospice came daily and stayed for about ninety minutes. They answered questions, checked what needed to be checked, and did what good professionals do: They made a brutal situation feel slightly less impossible. And then they left. Ninety minutes go fast when you are watching your mother decline. The rest of the day stretches out in a way that does not feel like time so much as exposure. Every sound becomes a data point. Every small change feels like a decision you did not train for. Her breathing sounds strange. What do we do? How often should we turn her to avoid bedsores? What is the diaper situation, exactly? That was the gap, the long, quiet stretch between professional help. In those hours, what you want most is not a miracle. It is simply someone to ask. AI ENTERED MY LIFE IN A WAY I NEVER EXPECTED AI found its way into my life when I least expected it. Not as a replacement for care or love, and not as a shortcut around grief. It was a tool that did not get tired. A place to put the questions you are embarrassed to ask. It was a way to stop spiraling long enough to make the next decision. Before we reached hospice, my mom’s illness had already become a full-time information problem. Over the last few years of her life, her heart and kidney disease worsened, and the complexity multiplied with it. There were doctors and specialists, tests, lab results, scans, phone calls, and constant medication changes. The burden of continuity fell on us, and it was easy to feel like we were one detail away from missing something important. I kept feeling disappointed that I was not managing the “data” better. The dates. The times. The medication lists. When tools like ChatGPT took a leap forward, I suddenly had something I did not have before: A resource that could help me understand what I was looking at and organize what I could not hold in my head. In practice, it was not one magical capability. Depending on the day, AI played different roles: assistant, organizer, translator, sometimes just a calm voice to complain to that could talk back. I built multiple custom GPTs with specific jobs. One focused on medications. One helped me draft clear messages to doctors. One existed for the “dumb questions,” the ones you hesitate to ask because you think you should already know. Another served as a simple health profile, a place to store key details so I could reorient myself when I was exhausted. It might sound like overkill until you have lived long enough inside the healthcare system to realize how inconsistent it can be. People change. Portals change. Instructions change. That little AI “team” was consistent. It was there at any hour when my brain was foggy, and I needed to turn a messy thought into clear words. It even became emotional support in a way I did not anticipate. I built something like a caregiver therapist, somewhere I could say what I was feeling, including guilt, and got feedback that, even though I knew it was an algorithm, still brought real solace. AI WAS NOT PERFECT This is the part people do not like to say out loud. AI gave wrong information sometimes. It forgot a medication from a spreadsheet. It dropped something from a list. It did not remember a doctor when I asked. If you use these tools in caregiving, you must double-check, especially with medication, reminders, and timing. You must treat it like a friend who knows a lot but can be flaky. Still, even with those limitations, the difference was profound. This was never about delegating love. It was about delegating the parts of the experience that did not need to consume the last of my cognitive energy. When my mother finally passed, the AI journey took another turn. It became a project manager for funeral arrangements and the memorial service. It helped me think through practical details, such as food for 30 people and what flowers might cost. It helped me craft a eulogy by taking a messy voice memo, my unstructured stories, and the tone I wanted, and shaping it into an arc in my voice at a time when I could not simply “turn on” my best writer brain. In some ways, the most startling part is that I have a control group. My father passed away about three to three and a half years ago, right before the age of AI. The difference between then and now has been night and day. With my mother, having these tools did not make it easy in the way people mean when they say “easy.” It made it more dignified for everyone, including her. WHAT CHANGED WAS NOT GRIEF. IT WAS THE OVERWHELM Dignity is not the absence of pain or a tidy emotional arc. Dignity is being able to show up without drowning in chaos. It is being able to look your mother in the eye and be present, instead of being trapped inside your own spinning mind, trying to remember whether you wrote down the one thing that could change everything. In the end, the most important thing AI gave me was not an answer. It gave me room. Room to think, to breathe, to steady myself, to stay with my mother instead of disappearing into logistics and fear. Grief will always demand something from you. It demands tears, memory, love, and the kind of courage that does not feel like courage while you are living it. But it also demands paperwork, phone calls, deadlines, and decisions made on days when you can barely form a sentence. AI did not carry the grief. It carried some of the weight around it, so I could carry her, and then carry myself, with a little more dignity. Edwin Endlich is president of the National Alliance for Financial Literacy and Inclusion and chief marketing officer at Wysh. 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. Sony might be better known for its headphones, but it also makes decent speakers. Its latest flagship portable speaker is the ULT Field 5, which launched along with the ULT Field t and ULT Tower 9 last spring, all made to be portable and rugged. This speaker falls between the ULT Field 3 and the ULT Field 7, giving a good middle ground of portability and power. Right now, you can get the biggest one of the lineup for $219 (originally $329.99), the lowest price it has been, according to price-tracking tools. Sony ULT Field 5 $0.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $0.00 at Amazon The ULT Field 5 is a bass-heavy portable speaker that works for those who value long battery life and portability, as you can read in PCMag's "excellent" review. It comes with a ten-band EQ, an actual woofer (which is surprising given its portable size), an ULT mode which boosts the base, an IP67 rating (waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and rustproof), and the ability to connect to other speakers through Party Connect. With the ULT Power on, you can expect 25 hours of battery, making this speaker competitive in its market. Blasting it at full volume will drain the battery much faster, though, giving you five hours max. A quick 10-minute charge gets you two hours of juice, which is important for a portable speaker. The sound is stereo, and you can use multi-room if you have other Sony speakers to play media simultaneously with the companion app. This speaker is designed for parties, the outdoors, or larger working spaces. It does come with a shoulder strap that you can hook into the speaker for throwing it over your shoulder, adding to its portability. It uses the Sound Connect app, so people who are part of the Sony ecosystem will get the most out of it. You can see the battery life, control the EQ, connect to other Sony devices, and use the DJ Control feature that lets you add scratching and air horn sounds to your music. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $229.99 (List Price $249.00) 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") Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — $279.99 (List Price $349.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Paramount Skydance is taking another step in its hostile takeover bid of Warner Bros. Discovery, saying Monday that it will name its own slate of directors before the next shareholder meeting of the Hollywood studio. Paramount also filed a suit in Delaware Chancery Court seeking to compel Warner Bros. to disclose to shareholders how it values its bid and the competing offer from Netflix. Warner Bros. is in the middle of a bidding war between Paramount and Netflix. Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed overtures from Skydance-owned Paramount — and urged shareholders to back the sale of its streaming and studio business to Netflix for $72 billion. Paramount, meanwhile, has made efforts to sweeten its $77.9 billion hostile offer for the entire company. Last week, Warner Bros. Discovery said its board determined Paramount’s offer is not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders. It again recommended shareholders support the Netflix deal. David Ellison, the chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance, said Monday that it’s committed to seeing through its tender offer. “We do not undertake any of these actions lightly,” he said in a letter to shareholders of Warner Bros. Warner Bros. has yet to schedule its annual meeting or a special meeting to consider the Netflix offer, and Paramount did not name any potential candidates for the board. —Associated Press View the full article

Levies to be applied immediately by US could affect nations such as China, Russia and India 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. While the market today is flooded with smart-health-tracking rings, few monitor detailed sleep stats like sleep apnea risks, which is where one truly stands out—especially if your priority is quality zzz’s. Right now, the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring is 20% off in gold, future silver, and rose gold at $239.20 (originally $299), making this wearable the perfect tech-meets-jewelry gift for yourself or a partner with Valentine’s Day on the horizon. RingConn Gen 2 $239.20 at Amazon $299.00 Save $59.80 Get Deal Get Deal $239.20 at Amazon $299.00 Save $59.80 Sizing is especially important with a smart ring since the sensors need consistent skin contact to track activity accurately. Ring Conn offers a free sizing kit to help you accurately gauge this, and they also have an easy-to-follow sizing chart. Gen 2 is RingConn’s full-featured model, compared to the more entry-level, budget-friendly Gen Air 2, which was reviewed by PCMag. Its 12-day battery life (double that of its predecessor) is one of the biggest perks, as it has a lightweight, ultra-thin design that isn’t noticeable, especially when you’re sleeping. With data and insights included with the purchase, it offers an alternative to subscription-based health tracking like the Oura. The RingConn Gen 2 measures stats like heart rate, blood oxygen, HRV/stress index, and activity, as well as sleep stages and sleep apnea monitoring, which is a relatively new innovation in the wearable category. It also lasts up to 100 meters underwater, making it suitable for shower use or swimming. This smart ring is compatible with both Android and iOS, and it works with both Google Fit and Apple Health. That said, some users say the app isn’t as user-friendly as competitors and certain insights require you to interpret trends on your own rather than getting actionable coaching that some rivals provide. It also may be prone to scratching over time compared to more rugged options like the Oura Ring Gen 4, but it comes with a 12-month warranty. If you’re looking for a long-lasting wearable health tracker that doesn’t require a subscription but still has similar core features as pricier competitors, the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring is a great option. While its data presentation may be slightly less polished and lacks coaching features, it offers the same basic-to-advanced health metrics as better-known brands at a lower upfront cost and with no recurring fees—especially at the current discount. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $229.99 (List Price $249.00) 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") Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — $279.99 (List Price $349.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride will also propose reforms to OBR aimed at ‘fully capturing’ impact of tax cuts on growth View the full article

Muhammad Ali once joked that he should be a postage stamp because “that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” Now, the three-time heavyweight champion’s quip is becoming reality. Widely regarded as the most famous and influential boxer of all time, and a cultural force who fused athletic brilliance with political conviction and showmanship, Ali is being honored for the first time with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp. “As sort of the guardian of his legacy, I’m thrilled. I’m excited. I’m ecstatic,” Lonnie Ali, the champ’s wife of nearly 30 years, told The Associated Press. “Because people, every time they look at that stamp, they will remember him. And he will be in the forefront of their consciousness. And, for me, that’s a thrill.” A fighter in the ring and compassionate in life Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at the age of 74 after living with Parkinson’s disease for more than three decades. During his lifetime and posthumously, the man known as The Greatest has received numerous awards, including an Olympic gold medal in 1960, the United Nations Messenger of Peace award in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Having his face on a stamp, Lonnie Ali said, has a particular significance because it’s a chance to highlight his mission of spreading compassion and his ability to connect with people. “He did it one person at a time,” she said. “And that’s such a lovely way to connect with people, to send them a letter and to use this stamp to reinforce the messaging in that life of connection.” Stamp to be publicly unveiled A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp is planned for Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, the birthplace of the famed boxer and home to the Muhammad Ali Center, which showcases his life and legacy. That’s when people can buy Muhammad Ali Forever Stamps featuring a black-and-white Associated Press photo from 1974 of Ali in his famous boxing pose. Each sheet of 20 stamps also features a photo of Ali posing in a pinstripe suit, a recognition of his work as an activist and humanitarian. Twenty-two million stamps have been printed. Once they sell out, they won’t be reprinted, U.S. Postal Service officials said. The stamps are expected to generate a lot of interest from collectors and noncollectors. Because they’re Forever Stamps, the First-Class Mail postage will always remain valid, which Lonnie Ali calls an “ultimate” tribute. “This is going to be a Forever Stamp from the post office,” she said. “It’s just one of those things that will be part of his legacy, and it will be one of the shining stars of his legacy, getting this stamp.” Creating a historic stamp Lisa Bobb-Semple, the USPS director of stamp services, said the idea for a Muhammad Ali stamp first came about shortly after his death almost a decade ago. But the process of developing a stamp is a long one. The USPS requires people who appear on stamps to be dead for at least three years, with the exception of presidents. As the USPS was working behind the scenes on a stamp, a friend of Ali helped to launch the #GetTheChampAStamp campaign, which sparked public interest in the idea. “We are really excited that the stars were able to align that allowed us to bring the stamp to fruition,” said Bobb-Semple, who initially had to keep the planned Ali stamp secret until it was official. “It’s one that we’ve always wanted to bring to the market.” Members of the Citizen Stamps Advisory Committee, appointed by the postmaster general, are responsible for selecting who and what appears on stamps. Each quarter, they meet with Bobb-Semple and her team to review suggestions submitted by the public. There are usually about 20 to 25 commemorative stamp issues each year. Once a stamp idea is selected, Bobb-Semple and her team work with one of several art directors to design the postage. It then goes through a lengthy final approval process, including a rigorous review by the USPS legal staff, before it can be issued to the public. Antonio Alcalá, art director and designer of the Muhammad Ali stamp, said hundreds of images were reviewed before the final choices were narrowed to a few. Finally, the AP image, taken by an unnamed photographer, was chosen. It shows Ali in his prime, posing with boxing gloves and looking straight into the camera. Alcalá said there’s a story behind every USPS stamp. “Postage stamps are miniature works of art designed to reflect the American experience, highlight heroes, history, milestones, achievements and natural wonders of America,” he said. “The Muhammad Ali stamps are a great example of that.” A candid figure on war, civil rights and religion Beyond the boxing ring, Ali was outspoken about his beliefs when many Black Americans were still fighting to be heard. Born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name after converting to Islam in the 1960s and spoke openly about race, religion and war. In 1967, he refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. That stance cost Ali his heavyweight championship title and barred him from boxing for more than three years. Convicted of draft evasion, he was sentenced to five years in prison but remained free while appealing the case. The conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971, further cementing his prominence as a worldwide figure. Later in life, Ali emerged as a global humanitarian and used his fame to promote peace, religious understanding and charitable causes, even as Parkinson’s disease limited his speech and movement. Ali’s message during a time of strife The commemorative postage stamp comes at a time of political division in the U.S. and the world. Lonnie Ali said if her husband were alive today, he’d probably “block a lot of this out” and continue to be a compassionate person who connects with people every day. That approach, she said, is especially important now. “We have to mobilize Muhammad’s life and sort of engage in the same kinds of acts of kindness and compassion that he did every day,” she said. —Susan Haigh, Associated Press View the full article

On the red carpet of the 2026 Golden Globes, several celebrities used their garments as vehicles of protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and spoke openly about their dissent against the current The President administration. But on the event’s actual stage, political commentary was noticeably absent compared with years past. Popular American awards shows have long been criticized for primarily uplifting the voices of white, male, affluent creators. But, equally, the stages of these events have been used as platforms for public figures to speak out about current politics and social justice. In 1973, Marlon Brando famously rejected his best actor Oscar at the Academy Awards and sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American woman, to deliver a speech on his behalf. More recently, in 2018, Seth Meyers made numerous jokes at The President’s expense at the Golden Globes. This year, though, political commentary on the Golden Globes stage was kept to a few passing comments and oblique references. It’s a shift that reflects a broader trend of Hollywood’s elite seemingly turning a blind eye to the current state of affairs during The President’s second term. “The most important thing in the world” To glean any kind of political statement from last night’s show, one might’ve needed to perform a close reading. Comedian Nikki Glasser opened the ceremony with a vague allusion to pretty much everything happening outside of Hollywood, calling the Golden Globes, “without a doubt the most important thing happening in the world right now.” Others followed with similarly discreet jabs, including one comment from director Judd Apatow that “I believe we’re in a dictatorship now,” neatly sandwiched within a stream of jokes. Even when the film One Battle After Another—a satire about revolution that critiques anti-immigration groups—won multiple awards, no statement was made directly about the current administration. Compare that tenor to 2017, when, just months after The President was elected for his first term, one of the Golden Globes’ most viral—and impactful—moments came when Meryl Streep used her acceptance speech to publicly call out the president. “Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if we kick them all out, we’ll have nothing to watch except football and mixed martial arts—which are not the arts,” Streep said. Her speech came years before The President’s National Guard ever brutalized protestors in the streets; before the Department of Homeland Security separated thousands of children from their parents; before ICE agents starting showing up at schools and community centers across the country; and before agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good just last week. Yet, somehow, it would’ve looked out of place at last night’s comparatively apolitical event. “Of course, this is for the mother” To be fair, several celebrities did make an effort to speak up. Stars including Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, and Jean Smart wore pins reading “Be Good” as a reference to Renee Nicole Good. Others sported pins with the phrase “Ice Out.” In a pre-show interview with Variety, Sykes explained of her pin, “Of course this is for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent, and it’s really sad.” Mark Ruffalo also spoke more directly, telling Entertainment Tonight, “We’ve got, literally, storm troopers running around terrorizing, and as much as I love all this, I don’t know if I can pretend like this crazy stuff isn’t happening.” In another interview with USA Today, he added, “[The President is] a pedophile. He’s the worst human being. If we’re relying on this guy’s morality for the most powerful country in the world, then we’re all in a lot of trouble.” But, notably, these comments were shared on the red carpet, to be consumed by readers at disparate news outlets—rather than on the main stage itself, to millions of viewers at home. When the evening’s stars got their moments in the limelight, they largely opted to stay quiet. “Am I brave, or are they cowards?” The literal sidelining of political commentary at the 2026 Golden Globes may be disappointing to fans who want celebrities to speak out about injustices, but it’s not surprising, given Hollywood’s about-turn since The President’s second term began. Stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Robert de Niro, Barry Jenkins, and more who once strongly criticized the president have lately been quiet. Lawrence herself recently spoke on this change, stating in an interview with The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast that “we’ve learned election after election, celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for.” But as Refinery 29 aptly observes in a recent article, that’s not entirely true. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election drove more than 400,000 people to the vote.gov site in 24 hours, it points out. And Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan’s advocacy for Palestine aid organizations has helped raise more than $2 million to date. Speaking to Refinery 29 after this year’s Golden Globes, actress and activist Jameela Jamil refuted the idea that her own advocacy is “brave.” “Am I brave or are they cowards?” she said. “I think they’re being greedy and weird and disappointing. Look at the billions of eyeballs on all of us collectively—there should be no outliers of the industry who are the outspoken ones . . . out there on their own with this amount of privilege.” View the full article