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Shares of Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) rose on Thursday after Bloomberg reported the technology company was planning to cut spending across its division by 10%, with as much as 30% cuts to its virtual reality group, which includes the so-called metaverse. This could potentially include layoffs, which could come as early as January, and are part of the company’s 2026 budget, according to the article. Meta—the owner of Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, and WhatsApp—develops metaverse technologies, such as the Horizon Worlds platform. Fast Company has reached out to Meta for comment. Meta stock rose 5.7% in early trading Thursday, before settling up a few percentage points. At the time of this writing on Thursday afternoon, Meta’s stock price was up about just under 4%. Bloomberg cited anonymous sources and said Wall Street investors reportedly sees the division “as a drain on resources,” while internet watchers have concerns about the VR’s ability to safeguard children. The news is significant because the metaverse is widely considered a pet project of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who had previously identified it as the future of Meta, even changing Facebook’s name to Meta for that very reason. Zuckerberg has also reportedly spent billions and employed thousands to make this dream come to fruition, according to The New York Times. Ultimately, however, it seems critics and young consumers have not embraced the metaverse and Horizon Worlds, Meta’s flagship virtual-reality game, as the company had hoped. Meta financials Meta’s third-quarter earnings for 2025 beat analyst sales estimates, but it also reported a one-time $15.93 billion tax charge. The company’s revenue grew 26.2% year-over-year to $51.24 billion, beating the estimated $49.41 billion, with earnings per share coming in at $7.25 adjusted, beating analyst expectations of $6.69. In the earnings report, Meta said the company plans to spend up to $72 billion on artificial intelligence in 2025. View the full article

Bank impersonation is a popular scam tactic, and one I've written about a lot. Fraudsters prey on people's fear, confusion, and desire to protect their money, which may lead targets to hand over login credentials, make irreversible wire transfers, or provide other sensitive information without stopping to question their actions. Android users in the U.S. will soon have extra protection against scams targeting their financial apps, preventing threat actors impersonating bank representatives from accessing data on their devices. Google's in-call scam protection is designed to prevent users from sharing their screens with threat actors and help them avoid revealing their banking information. How Android in-call protection worksAndroid's scam protection kicks in if you are on a phone call with a number not saved in your contacts and attempt to open a participating financial app. You'll get a pop-up warning that the call is likely a scam with a reminder not to make payments or share personal information and a button to end the call (and stop screen sharing). There's also a 30-second delay on further action on your device, which Google says is designed to disrupt any sense of urgency. Note that financial institutions must opt into in this feature—at this time, Google has specifically named Cash App and JPMorganChase as partners, though it indicates expansion to other popular fintechs and banks. Google initially rolled out in-call protections for banking apps to UK users earlier this year as part of a larger package of security features announced ahead of Google I/O. That launch also included real-time scam detection alerts for calls and texts, improved theft protection via remote lock and identity check, key verifier for Google Messages, and device-level Advanced Protection (in addition to account-level settings). Alongside the US pilot, in-call scam protections will now cover most major banks in the UK as well as financial apps in Brazil and India. View the full article

Briefing to lawmakers over September 2 mission comes as The President and Hegseth seek to distance themselvesView the full article

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in more than three years during Thanksgiving week, potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits for the week ending Nov. 29 fell to 191,000 from the previous week’s 218,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s the lowest level since September 24, 2022, when claims came in at 189,000. Analysts surveyed by the data provider FactSet had forecast initial claims of 221,000. Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist at Nationwide, said that unemployment benefit filings are often distorted by the Thanksgiving holiday, which can cause some people who may have lost jobs to delay filing claims. Still, the low claims figure also suggests that overall layoffs remain muted, despite the high-profile announcements. Hiring is also sluggish, which makes finding a job for those out of work challenging. “The labor market is kind of frozen,” Bostjancic said. “Companies are in wait-and-see mode.” Applications for unemployment aid are viewed as a proxy for layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market. The job cuts announced recently by large companies such as UPS, General Motors, Amazon, and Verizon typically take weeks or months to fully implement and may not be reflected in Thursday’s data. For now, the U.S. job market appears stuck in a “low-hire, low-fire” state that has kept the unemployment rate historically low. On Wednesday, private payroll data firm ADP estimated U.S. job losses of 32,000 in November. The surprisingly weak report may be discouraging for people looking for jobs, but it bolstered expectations that the Fed will cut its main interest rate next week. It’s not clear how much weight this week’s layoff figures will carry with the Fed as the numbers can be volatile and prone to revisions. Complicating the Fed’s upcoming decision is inflation, which remains above the central bank’s 2% target. The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation will be released in a government report on Friday and will also be factored into its rate call on Wednesday. Two weeks ago, the government said that hiring picked up a bit in September, when employers added 119,000 new jobs. That mixed report, which also showed employers had shed jobs in August, was delayed due to the government shutdown. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, its highest level in four years. November’s comprehensive jobs data has been delayed for release until later this month, after the Fed’s meeting, also due to the government shutdown. The government also recently reported that retail sales slowed in September after three months of healthy increases. Consumer confidence has plunged to its second-lowest level in five years, while wholesale inflation eased a bit. The data suggests that both the economy and inflation are slowing, which has boosted financial markets’ expectations that the Federal Reserve will reduce its key interest rate at its meeting next week. If the Fed does reduce its benchmark rate next week, it would be the third cut of the year as it attempts to support a job market that has been slowing for months. Thursday’s report from Labor also showed that the four-week average of claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week volatility, fell by 9,500 to 214,750. The total number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the previous week ending Nov. 22 dipped by 4,000 to 1.94 million, the government said. –Matt Ott, AP business writer AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report. View the full article

The numbers are in for Spotify Wrapped: After the streaming music app dropped its popular year-in-review recap for 2025, the company said it has already seen a huge increase in user engagement, hitting 200 million users just 24 hours after the recap’s release, a 19% increase year-over-year (YOY). Compare that with last year, when it took 62 hours to hit that same number. Why the uptick in user engagement? One reason could be because the platform is growing. A look at the numbers shows Spotify’s monthly active users grew 11% YOY to 713 million in Q3 of 2025, according to the company’s third quarter earnings report. Spotify Wrapped is for sharing Sharing is caring, and this year’s Spotify Wrapped sharing features seem to be working. According to the company, 500 million users shared their stories all over social media in the first 24 hours, an overall increase of 41% YOY from 2024 (author’s note: I was, of course, one of them). Those shares included screenshots of different features, such as top songs (for me, it was “Promises, Promises”), top artist (“The Psychedelic Furs”), top albums (“The Life of a Showgirl”), top genres (“New Wave”), and listening minutes (“11,721”). While the numbers increased across the board globally, India, Indonesia, Japan, Colombia, Thailand and the U.S. saw the most growth. “This year, we pushed to make Wrapped bigger, bolder, and rooted in human creativity and connection,” Marc Hazan, senior vice president of marketing and partnerships at Spotify said. “That spirit drove the record numbers we’re celebrating. Spotify is where people proudly express who they are through the music, podcasts and books they love most.” Age is just a number One complaint, albeit a funny one, is that Spotify Wrapped’s “listening age” feature, which predicts your age based on your listening data, is making people older than they are. On Bluesky, people are posting screenshots of their Spotify “age,” which for some millennials and Gen Xers, is hitting upwards of 82. (Author’s note: At 61, it looks like I am in good company!) View the full article

President Donald The President plans to travel to Pennsylvania on Tuesday to highlight his efforts to reduce inflation even as fears mount about a worsening job market and amid signs that Americans are still feeling squeezed by high prices. A White House official said The President would be making the trip to discuss ending the inflation crisis that he says was inherited from his predecessor, Joe Biden. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the trip has not been formally announced. It was not immediately clear where in Pennsylvania The President would be visiting. Last month’s off-year elections showed a shift away from Republicans as public concerns about affordability persist. White House officials said afterward that The President — who has done relatively few events domestically — would put a greater emphasis on talking directly to the public about his economic policies. The president has said that any affordability worries are part of a Democratic “hoax” and that people simply need to hear his perspective to change their minds — an approach also embraced by Biden, who in early 2024 went to the Pennsylvania borough of Emmaus to take credit for economic improvements after inflation spiked in 2022. The trip hints at the dilemma faced by The President. He wants to take credit for rewiring the U.S. economy with his large tariff hikes and extension of income tax cuts, but he also continues to blame Biden for the increase nationwide in inflation rates that occurred this year during his own presidency. Overall, inflation is tracking at 3% annually, up from 2.3% in April when The President rolled out a sweeping set of import taxes. “We fixed inflation, and we fixed almost everything,” The President said at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. He called affordability “a hoax” that was “started by the Democrats who caused the problem of pricing.” The President won Pennsylvania narrowly last year with 50.4%, besting Democrat Kamala Harris by roughly 120,000 votes. The win was part of a broader sweep in battleground states that helped return him to the White House after his 2020 loss. AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of voters in the 2024 election, found that 7 in 10 Pennsylvania voters were “very concerned” about the cost of food and groceries. Roughly half expressed the same degree of worry over health care costs and the price of gasoline. While The President can point to a decline in gasoline prices, he’s now facing inflationary pressures on utilities and a massive increase in insurance premiums for people who get their health care through the Affordable Care Act. Pennsylvanians who buy their own health insurance coverage are likely to see their costs increase on average by 21.5% because of the expiration of tax credits tied to the Affordable Care Act, the state said in October. Pennsylvania has yet to see the boom that The President promised would instantly happen with his return to the White House. The state has largely preserved its Biden era job growth under The President, but its unemployment rate has risen to 4% from 3.6% over the past 12 months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There has been an increase of roughly 24,000 people who say they’re unemployed. Annual inflation in the Philadelphia area is 3.3%, roughly the same as last year. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s Beige Book in November documented an economy in decline, saying that hiring has flattened, warehouse workers are getting fewer hours on the job, inflationary pressures are coming from tariffs and sales of existing homes are decreasing. Separately, the regional Fed branch’s manufacturing survey last month showed that factory activity weakened. The news outlet Axios first reported The President’s plans to travel to Pennsylvania. –Josh Boak, Associated Press View the full article

As the rest of the world speeds ahead toward an electrified future, the U.S. is doubling down on gas-powered cars. President The President announced a proposal this week to slash stricter fuel economy standards put in place during the Biden administration. By reversing the standards, the White House further aligns itself with the oil and gas industry, with some automakers happily going along for the ride. “We’re officially terminating Joe Biden’s ridiculously burdensome, horrible actually, CAFE standards that impose expensive restrictions,” The President said, referencing the Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules. “And all sorts of problems – all sorts of problems for automakers.” The president was joined by Ford CEO Jim Farley, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and a representative from General Motors for the announcement, which took place at the White House on Wednesday. “Today is a victory for common sense and affordability,” Farley said at the event. “We believe that people should be able to make a choice, as you said, Mr. President, and we will invest more in affordable vehicles.” Regulations put in place during the Biden administration would require new cars sold in the U.S. to average more than 50 miles per gallon by 2031. That rule, designed to push automakers to reorient their business around EVs, will drop to 34.5 miles per gallon under The President’s proposal. The president also reiterated his plans to end a set of EPA rules that limit tailpipe pollution, a change that the oil and gas industry pushed for. Fuel rules tend to shift between presidential administrations, with Democrats pushing for environmentally-minded standards and Republicans stripping away regulations. The White House characterized the changes, designed to slow the U.S. shift toward electric vehicles, as a cost-saving measure for consumers. “The Biden standards would have compelled widespread shifts to EVs that American consumers did not ask for, accompanied by significant cost-of-living increases,” the administration wrote in a fact sheet on the changes. In 2025, high car prices are one part of a puzzle for Americans trying to make ends meet. High interest rates, persistent inflation and The President’s own tariffs on imported cars and car parts have created a perfect storm of unaffordability for car buyers. The high cost of driving Cars are really expensive right now. The average price for a new vehicle inched above $50,000 for the first time in September, according to a report from Kelley Blue Book. That average rose by almost $2,000 compared to 2024. The average price of EVs, which cost more up front and save drivers cash in the long run, was $8,000 higher during the same time frame. “The $20,000-vehicle is now mostly extinct, and many price-conscious buyers are sidelined or cruising in the used-vehicle market,” Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating said in the report, which also noted the impact of cost pressure from tariffs. “Today’s auto market is being driven by wealthier households who have access to capital, good loan rates and are propping up the higher end of the market.” While auto makers secured some relief from the president’s flurry of tariffs, car makers didn’t make it through the year unscathed. In a mid-year earnings call, Ford estimated its tariff costs to total up to $2 billion for the year. The fuel economy changes are just the The President administration’s latest effort to unravel signature climate-friendly policies from the Biden years. The President’s Big Beautiful Bill, passed earlier this year, stripped away Biden era tax credits that lowered the price tag of eligible EVs by as much as $7,500. The death of those tax credits prompted a major short term boost in EV sales this summer, as buyers rushed to make their purchases in time to secure more affordable electric cars before the end of September. View the full article

Raycast is one of the best things to happen to Windows. It brings one of my favorite Mac apps to Microsoft's operating system. In fact, I've enjoyed using Raycast for Windows so much, I can't see myself going back to the non-Raycast life. This app is free to download and use, though there is an optional paid subscription for those who want certain additional features. What is Raycast? Credit: Pranay Parab At its heart, Raycast is an app that lets you search for apps and files stored in your computer. It stays hidden until you press its keyboard shortcut (Alt-Space on Windows). Once you do, Raycast appears as a floating search bar on the desktop. You can type anything you want to locate in the search bar, and Raycast forages through your computer to find it. I primarily use it as an app launcher since I have way too many apps on my Mac (and PC). Raycast helps me find the right app quickly and open it. That's just the surface layer of Raycast, though. You can use Raycast to search for files on your computer, retrieve items you've copied to the clipboard, send queries to ChatGPT (or other AI tools), convert currencies and units, and much more. All of these features are available under the same simple floating search bar. Set up keyboard shortcuts in Raycast Credit: Pranay Parab Raycast is designed for people who love keyboard shortcuts. You can totally use it without them, but you'll enjoy it a lot more if you set up a few shortcuts of your own. As an example, if you open Raycast and press Tab, it switches to AI mode, and you can directly send your questions and requests to ChatGPT from Raycast. Whenever you search for anything in Raycast, you'll probably see a button called Record hotkey next to the results. This is your cue to set up a keyboard shortcut for that action, and doing so will allow you to get to it faster. You can also go to Raycast settings to find commonly used actions and record your preferred keyboard shortcuts for all of them. Note that the Raycast app is still in beta on Windows, and during this trial period, you can use these AI features for free. Expect that to change, though, once it's out of beta. If you want to keep using these features, the pro tier costs $8 per month for most AI models, but certain advanced AI models are only available in the $16 per month subscription tier. What I use Raycast for on Windows Credit: Pranay Parab I use Raycast for a lot more than just launching apps on Windows. As someone who lives outside the US, converting units and currencies is a big part of my work day. Raycast's workflow is quite seamless for this task. You can just type "$499" or any other number after the dollar sign, and Raycast automatically converts it to your local currency. You can also type something like "EUR499 to USD" and it'll convert euros to the US dollar. I really like the fact that you don't even have to press the Enter/Return key to see the converted currency. The moment you type a currency number, the result shows up without any further prompts. You can also try other unit conversions with Raycast, eg: "100kg to lbs," "800ml to fl oz," "44 sqm to sqft," etc. This helps me a lot when I'm ordering things from international websites that don't always have dimensions, weight, or pricing available in units I'm used to. Beyond this, I like using Raycast to store and view clipboard history. You can search for Clipboard in Raycast to access items you've copied, and the app even categorizes these items for you. You can search just for links, images, files, or email address you've copied, which makes it easy to quickly find specific items from your clipboard history. Raycast also supports many other things such as window management, emptying the recycle bin, restarting your computer, locking your PC, bookmarking links and opening them in specific browsers, and text snippets—which let you quickly create or copy bits of text or code. You can open Raycast, and press Ctrl-, (comma) to open its settings and explore all its features. The limitations of Raycast for Windows Credit: Pranay Parab Raycast only recently launched on Windows, which means there are a few things still missing from the macOS version. This includes the AI Chat feature (more advanced than the quick AI search available now), focus timers, the built-in notes feature, and support for more extensions. Many of its extensions were originally built only for macOS, so it's going to take some time to bring them to Windows. The feature that I miss the most is the ability to sync your snippets, notes, chats, and other data across devices. This feature is yet to come to the Windows app, and I hope the developers change that soon. Raycast is available on the Mac, iPhone, and now, Windows. View the full article

In relation to background checks, you might be surprised at how thorough employers can be. They often look into criminal histories, verifying records that span up to seven years. Furthermore, they check your employment history and educational credentials. In certain fields, like finance and healthcare, they may even assess your credit history and professional licenses. Comprehending the extent of these checks can help you navigate the hiring process more effectively. What other factors might employers consider? Key Takeaways Employers typically conduct background checks covering criminal history, employment verification, education verification, credit history, and professional licenses. Criminal history checks generally review records for the past seven years, with felony convictions reportable indefinitely. Employment verification confirms job titles and durations, while education verification validates claimed degrees and institutions attended. Credit checks are common for financially responsible positions, covering the last seven years of credit history. Employers must comply with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, requiring written consent before conducting background checks. Understanding Background Checks When you’re applying for a job, it’s essential to understand that most employers conduct background checks to verify your qualifications and assess your suitability for the position. Typically, background checks cover seven years of criminal and court records, but some checks may go further, depending on federal and state laws. When considering how far back can a criminal background check go, it’s important to know that employers often look for convictions, pending cases, and offense types. Similarly, when pondering how far back do employment background checks go, they usually verify your employment history and educational qualifications within that same timeframe. Always keep in mind that employers must obtain your written consent before conducting these checks to comply with legal requirements. The Importance of Background Checks for Employers Comprehending the importance of background checks can greatly affect your hiring process. By verifying applicants’ criminal history, employment history, and educational qualifications, you improve workplace safety and mitigate potential risks. Moreover, complying with regulations guarantees that you handle sensitive information appropriately, which protects both your business and your reputation. Risk Mitigation Strategies Background checks are vital for employers looking to mitigate hiring risks and guarantee a safe workplace. They verify candidates’ claims about education, employment history, and criminal records, which helps reduce potential hiring risks. Comprehending how far back does a background check go is fundamental, as it varies by state and the type of position. Employers often ask, “How far do employers go on background checks?” to ascertain they identify red flags, especially in industries like healthcare and education where safety is paramount. Compliance With Regulations Employers must recognize the critical importance of compliance with regulations surrounding background checks to guarantee a fair and lawful hiring process. Adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to obtain written permission from candidates before conducting any checks. Comprehending how far back a background check can go is essential, as federal and state laws typically limit reporting criminal history to seven years, though some states impose stricter guidelines. Compliance with regulations not only safeguards your business from legal consequences, such as fines or lawsuits, but additionally helps reduce the risk of discrimination claims. Providing candidates with written notice of any adverse actions based on background check findings guarantees transparency and cultivates trust in your hiring process. Enhancing Workplace Safety To guarantee a safe work environment, conducting thorough background checks is essential for any business. These checks help you identify criminal records that could threaten workplace safety, especially in sensitive roles like healthcare or education. By asking how far do background checks go, you’ll find that they often cover significant periods, including criminal history and employment verification. The Fair Credit Reporting Act mandates you obtain written consent before conducting these checks, ensuring transparency. It’s vital to recognize that during federal background checks can go back several years, individual employers may choose to look further back based on their policies. In the end, utilizing background checks promotes a culture of safety, reducing incidents of workplace violence and theft, ensuring a secure environment for all. Types of Background Checks Employers Conduct When evaluating potential candidates, many companies utilize various types of background checks to guarantee they make informed hiring decisions. These checks often include criminal history checks, which typically reveal offenses over the past seven years. Employers also perform employment verification, confirming previous job titles and durations. Education verification is essential too, as it validates your claimed degrees—how far back does a school background check go? Typically, it checks your entire educational history. For positions involving financial responsibilities, credit checks are common, covering the last seven years. Moreover, professional license verification guarantees candidates possess necessary licenses for specific roles, often involving direct contact with licensing boards. Criminal History Checks: What Employers Look For When employers conduct criminal history checks, they focus on various types of records, including felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and sentencing details. It’s essential to recognize that in Texas, records can be accessed for up to seven years, but some industries may require a broader review period for specific roles. To guarantee compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers must obtain your written consent before initiating these checks, making honesty about your criminal history on applications vital for securing a job. Types of Criminal Records Employers often explore various types of criminal records during background checks to make informed hiring decisions. They typically examine how far back your criminal history goes, usually covering the last seven years. Key records they look for include: Felony convictions: Serious offenses that can greatly impact hiring. Misdemeanor convictions: Lesser offenses that may still raise concerns. Pending charges: Current legal issues that could affect job responsibilities. Case details: Information like case numbers, offense types, and sentencing dates. In Texas, employers can view both arrests and convictions, and they must inform you if employment is denied based on these findings. Reporting Limitations and Rules Comprehending the reporting limitations and rules surrounding criminal history checks is crucial for both employers and applicants. Typically, employers conduct checks covering the last seven years, even though some positions, especially in transportation or healthcare, may require deeper investigations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts non-conviction information to seven years, whereas felony convictions can be reported indefinitely based on state laws. Misdemeanor convictions older than seven years usually aren’t disclosed in background checks. Employers must inform applicants of their rights regarding these checks and provide a copy of the report if they take adverse action based on it. Furthermore, some jurisdictions have implemented Ban the Box laws, preventing employers from asking about criminal history on job applications, promoting fair opportunities. Employment and Education Verification Processes Verifying employment and education is a crucial step in the hiring process, as it helps guarantee that candidates possess the qualifications they claim. Employers typically follow these key steps: Contact Previous Employers: They confirm job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving to verify accuracy in the applicant’s work history. Verify Educational Background: They reach out to educational institutions to check attendance, graduation dates, and degrees obtained, preventing resume fraud. Check Professional Licenses: For licensed positions, employers may contact licensing boards to verify candidates hold necessary credentials. Utilize Databases: Background check providers often use databases that aggregate records, streamlining the verification process during legal compliance. Documenting all these steps helps employers meet Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements and protects against disputes. Social Security Number and License Verification When you apply for a job, employers often verify your Social Security Number (SSN) to confirm its authenticity and trace your previous addresses or aliases. This process not just helps uncover discrepancies in your employment history but also identifies any potential criminal records linked to different names. Furthermore, license verification guarantees that you hold the necessary professional credentials for certain roles, which is especially critical in fields like healthcare, where improper licenses can pose safety risks. SSN Verification Process To guarantee the integrity of the hiring process, employers often implement a Social Security Number (SSN) verification process, which not just confirms the authenticity of an applicant’s SSN but also helps in preventing identity fraud. This process involves cross-referencing the SSN against records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are some key aspects: It verifies the legitimacy of the SSN, ensuring it’s valid. An SSN trace reveals the issuance date, associated names, and addresses. Employers can confirm an applicant’s identity and employment history. Third-party providers often conduct these checks to comply with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). In Texas, employers must obtain written consent from applicants before carrying out these verifications. License Authenticity Checks Following the verification of Social Security Numbers, employers often focus on license authenticity checks as part of their thorough background screening. These checks confirm that you possess the necessary professional licenses required for specific roles, like medical, legal, or educational positions. They guarantee compliance with industry regulations, which is crucial for maintaining public safety and trust. License verification can reveal if your license is active, expired, or has any disciplinary actions against it. Employers typically contact the issuing authority or use third-party services to verify accuracy and legal compliance. Furthermore, SSN Trace may uncover previous names or addresses, providing an extensive view of your background and aiding in criminal history assessments. The Role of Pre-Employment Drug Testing Pre-employment drug testing plays a crucial role in many hiring processes, as employers aim to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Approximately 57% of U.S. employers implement drug testing policies. Here are key aspects of pre-employment drug testing: Methods: Common tests include urinalysis, hair follicle testing, and saliva tests, with urinalysis being the most widely used because of its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Substances: Employers typically test for substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, depending on job requirements. Timing: Testing may occur at hiring, randomly during employment, or after workplace incidents. Regulations: Certain federal contractors and safety-sensitive industries must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act, highlighting the legal importance of drug testing. State-Specific Regulations Impacting Background Checks Comprehending state-specific regulations is essential for employers conducting background checks, as these laws can vary markedly and influence hiring practices. For instance, most states limit misdemeanor reporting to seven years, whereas felony convictions can be reported indefinitely in some cases. In Texas, employers can access criminal history for up to seven years, though certain industries may extend that to ten years. States like California and New York prohibit reporting non-convictions, ensuring applicants aren’t unfairly impacted by arrests without convictions. Furthermore, over 180 jurisdictions have enacted ban-the-box laws, which prevent inquiries about criminal history on job applications. Employers must likewise adhere to federal regulations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which restricts reporting on bankruptcies and civil suits older than seven years. Developing an Effective Background Check Policy When creating a background check policy, it’s crucial to clearly define the scope and procedures that align with the specific needs of your organization. Here are key elements to take into account: Types of Checks: Specify the checks, like criminal history, employment verification, and education verification, customized to each role. Lookback Period: Define the lookback period for criminal history, typically covering the last seven years, except when exceptions apply. Notification Procedures: Outline how you’ll notify applicants of adverse actions, including pre-adverse action notices and final adverse action letters. Staff Training: Confirm HR staff are trained on the policy and legal requirements to uphold compliance and protect applicants’ rights. This structured approach will help streamline your hiring process while maintaining fairness and transparency. Ensuring Compliance With Fair Credit Reporting Act Ensuring compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is essential for any organization conducting background checks, as it not merely protects the rights of candidates but furthermore safeguards employers from potential legal issues. To comply with the FCRA, you must obtain written consent from candidates before conducting background checks. You must also need to inform candidates if any adverse action arises from these checks, providing them with a copy of the report and a summary of their rights. FCRA Requirement Description Written Consent Obtain written permission from candidates. Adverse Action Notification Inform candidates of adverse outcomes. Reporting Limits Exclude outdated information from checks. Dispute Process Allow candidates to dispute inaccuracies. Communicating With Candidates About Background Checks Effective communication with candidates about background checks is crucial for promoting transparency and trust in the hiring process. To guarantee candidates are well-informed, follow these guidelines: Notify in Writing: Legally, you must inform candidates in writing prior to conducting a background check and obtain their consent. Explain Adverse Actions: If any adverse action occurs, like a job denial, inform candidates and provide a copy of their report along with their rights summary. Specify Check Types: Clearly communicate the types of checks being conducted, such as criminal history, employment verification, or educational checks. Offer Dispute Opportunity: Provide a pre-adverse action notice, allowing candidates to dispute inaccuracies before final decisions are made. Keeping thorough records of all communications guarantees compliance and protects against potential disputes. Frequently Asked Questions How Far Do Most Employers Go for Background Checks? Most employers typically conduct background checks that cover a lookback period of seven years for criminal records. Nevertheless, this can vary based on state laws and the job’s requirements. For positions in finance or healthcare, checks may include credit history, in addition to looking back a minimum of seven years. Certain roles, especially those working with vulnerable populations, might necessitate a review of the entire criminal history, regardless of time elapsed. What Shows up on a Background Check in Arkansas? In Arkansas, a background check typically reveals your criminal history, including misdemeanor and felony convictions, pending charges, and arrest records from the past seven years. Employers can access detailed information like case numbers, offense types, and sentencing dates. For specific positions, such as those working with vulnerable populations, checks may extend to sex offender status and other sensitive data. What Would Cause a Red Flag on a Background Check? Several factors can cause red flags on a background check. If you have criminal convictions, particularly felonies, that can disqualify you from certain jobs. Inconsistencies in your application, like mismatched job titles or employment dates, can question your honesty. Furthermore, a poor credit history may raise concerns, especially for financial roles. Gaps in employment or frequent job changes without valid reasons may likewise lead employers to doubt your reliability and commitment. What Shows up on a NJ Background Check? In a New Jersey background check, you’ll see various components. Your criminal history will be reviewed, including any felony or misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and relevant court records. Employers will likewise verify your employment history by checking past job titles and durations. Furthermore, educational credentials are confirmed to guarantee you possess the degrees claimed, in addition to professional licenses that may be checked if applicable. Certain records, like arrests without convictions, may not be disclosed after a specified period. Conclusion In summary, employers conduct thorough background checks to guarantee the suitability of candidates for positions. These checks typically cover criminal history, employment, and education verification, usually looking back up to seven years. It’s essential for employers to develop clear policies that comply with legal requirements, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, to protect candidate rights. By effectively communicating the background check process, employers promote transparency and build trust with potential hires, eventually leading to better hiring decisions. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How Far Do Employers Go in Background Checks?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In relation to background checks, you might be surprised at how thorough employers can be. They often look into criminal histories, verifying records that span up to seven years. Furthermore, they check your employment history and educational credentials. In certain fields, like finance and healthcare, they may even assess your credit history and professional licenses. Comprehending the extent of these checks can help you navigate the hiring process more effectively. What other factors might employers consider? Key Takeaways Employers typically conduct background checks covering criminal history, employment verification, education verification, credit history, and professional licenses. Criminal history checks generally review records for the past seven years, with felony convictions reportable indefinitely. Employment verification confirms job titles and durations, while education verification validates claimed degrees and institutions attended. Credit checks are common for financially responsible positions, covering the last seven years of credit history. Employers must comply with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, requiring written consent before conducting background checks. Understanding Background Checks When you’re applying for a job, it’s essential to understand that most employers conduct background checks to verify your qualifications and assess your suitability for the position. Typically, background checks cover seven years of criminal and court records, but some checks may go further, depending on federal and state laws. When considering how far back can a criminal background check go, it’s important to know that employers often look for convictions, pending cases, and offense types. Similarly, when pondering how far back do employment background checks go, they usually verify your employment history and educational qualifications within that same timeframe. Always keep in mind that employers must obtain your written consent before conducting these checks to comply with legal requirements. The Importance of Background Checks for Employers Comprehending the importance of background checks can greatly affect your hiring process. By verifying applicants’ criminal history, employment history, and educational qualifications, you improve workplace safety and mitigate potential risks. Moreover, complying with regulations guarantees that you handle sensitive information appropriately, which protects both your business and your reputation. Risk Mitigation Strategies Background checks are vital for employers looking to mitigate hiring risks and guarantee a safe workplace. They verify candidates’ claims about education, employment history, and criminal records, which helps reduce potential hiring risks. Comprehending how far back does a background check go is fundamental, as it varies by state and the type of position. Employers often ask, “How far do employers go on background checks?” to ascertain they identify red flags, especially in industries like healthcare and education where safety is paramount. Compliance With Regulations Employers must recognize the critical importance of compliance with regulations surrounding background checks to guarantee a fair and lawful hiring process. Adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to obtain written permission from candidates before conducting any checks. Comprehending how far back a background check can go is essential, as federal and state laws typically limit reporting criminal history to seven years, though some states impose stricter guidelines. Compliance with regulations not only safeguards your business from legal consequences, such as fines or lawsuits, but additionally helps reduce the risk of discrimination claims. Providing candidates with written notice of any adverse actions based on background check findings guarantees transparency and cultivates trust in your hiring process. Enhancing Workplace Safety To guarantee a safe work environment, conducting thorough background checks is essential for any business. These checks help you identify criminal records that could threaten workplace safety, especially in sensitive roles like healthcare or education. By asking how far do background checks go, you’ll find that they often cover significant periods, including criminal history and employment verification. The Fair Credit Reporting Act mandates you obtain written consent before conducting these checks, ensuring transparency. It’s vital to recognize that during federal background checks can go back several years, individual employers may choose to look further back based on their policies. In the end, utilizing background checks promotes a culture of safety, reducing incidents of workplace violence and theft, ensuring a secure environment for all. Types of Background Checks Employers Conduct When evaluating potential candidates, many companies utilize various types of background checks to guarantee they make informed hiring decisions. These checks often include criminal history checks, which typically reveal offenses over the past seven years. Employers also perform employment verification, confirming previous job titles and durations. Education verification is essential too, as it validates your claimed degrees—how far back does a school background check go? Typically, it checks your entire educational history. For positions involving financial responsibilities, credit checks are common, covering the last seven years. Moreover, professional license verification guarantees candidates possess necessary licenses for specific roles, often involving direct contact with licensing boards. Criminal History Checks: What Employers Look For When employers conduct criminal history checks, they focus on various types of records, including felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and sentencing details. It’s essential to recognize that in Texas, records can be accessed for up to seven years, but some industries may require a broader review period for specific roles. To guarantee compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers must obtain your written consent before initiating these checks, making honesty about your criminal history on applications vital for securing a job. Types of Criminal Records Employers often explore various types of criminal records during background checks to make informed hiring decisions. They typically examine how far back your criminal history goes, usually covering the last seven years. Key records they look for include: Felony convictions: Serious offenses that can greatly impact hiring. Misdemeanor convictions: Lesser offenses that may still raise concerns. Pending charges: Current legal issues that could affect job responsibilities. Case details: Information like case numbers, offense types, and sentencing dates. In Texas, employers can view both arrests and convictions, and they must inform you if employment is denied based on these findings. Reporting Limitations and Rules Comprehending the reporting limitations and rules surrounding criminal history checks is crucial for both employers and applicants. Typically, employers conduct checks covering the last seven years, even though some positions, especially in transportation or healthcare, may require deeper investigations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts non-conviction information to seven years, whereas felony convictions can be reported indefinitely based on state laws. Misdemeanor convictions older than seven years usually aren’t disclosed in background checks. Employers must inform applicants of their rights regarding these checks and provide a copy of the report if they take adverse action based on it. Furthermore, some jurisdictions have implemented Ban the Box laws, preventing employers from asking about criminal history on job applications, promoting fair opportunities. Employment and Education Verification Processes Verifying employment and education is a crucial step in the hiring process, as it helps guarantee that candidates possess the qualifications they claim. Employers typically follow these key steps: Contact Previous Employers: They confirm job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving to verify accuracy in the applicant’s work history. Verify Educational Background: They reach out to educational institutions to check attendance, graduation dates, and degrees obtained, preventing resume fraud. Check Professional Licenses: For licensed positions, employers may contact licensing boards to verify candidates hold necessary credentials. Utilize Databases: Background check providers often use databases that aggregate records, streamlining the verification process during legal compliance. Documenting all these steps helps employers meet Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements and protects against disputes. Social Security Number and License Verification When you apply for a job, employers often verify your Social Security Number (SSN) to confirm its authenticity and trace your previous addresses or aliases. This process not just helps uncover discrepancies in your employment history but also identifies any potential criminal records linked to different names. Furthermore, license verification guarantees that you hold the necessary professional credentials for certain roles, which is especially critical in fields like healthcare, where improper licenses can pose safety risks. SSN Verification Process To guarantee the integrity of the hiring process, employers often implement a Social Security Number (SSN) verification process, which not just confirms the authenticity of an applicant’s SSN but also helps in preventing identity fraud. This process involves cross-referencing the SSN against records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are some key aspects: It verifies the legitimacy of the SSN, ensuring it’s valid. An SSN trace reveals the issuance date, associated names, and addresses. Employers can confirm an applicant’s identity and employment history. Third-party providers often conduct these checks to comply with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). In Texas, employers must obtain written consent from applicants before carrying out these verifications. License Authenticity Checks Following the verification of Social Security Numbers, employers often focus on license authenticity checks as part of their thorough background screening. These checks confirm that you possess the necessary professional licenses required for specific roles, like medical, legal, or educational positions. They guarantee compliance with industry regulations, which is crucial for maintaining public safety and trust. License verification can reveal if your license is active, expired, or has any disciplinary actions against it. Employers typically contact the issuing authority or use third-party services to verify accuracy and legal compliance. Furthermore, SSN Trace may uncover previous names or addresses, providing an extensive view of your background and aiding in criminal history assessments. The Role of Pre-Employment Drug Testing Pre-employment drug testing plays a crucial role in many hiring processes, as employers aim to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Approximately 57% of U.S. employers implement drug testing policies. Here are key aspects of pre-employment drug testing: Methods: Common tests include urinalysis, hair follicle testing, and saliva tests, with urinalysis being the most widely used because of its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Substances: Employers typically test for substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, depending on job requirements. Timing: Testing may occur at hiring, randomly during employment, or after workplace incidents. Regulations: Certain federal contractors and safety-sensitive industries must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act, highlighting the legal importance of drug testing. State-Specific Regulations Impacting Background Checks Comprehending state-specific regulations is essential for employers conducting background checks, as these laws can vary markedly and influence hiring practices. For instance, most states limit misdemeanor reporting to seven years, whereas felony convictions can be reported indefinitely in some cases. In Texas, employers can access criminal history for up to seven years, though certain industries may extend that to ten years. States like California and New York prohibit reporting non-convictions, ensuring applicants aren’t unfairly impacted by arrests without convictions. Furthermore, over 180 jurisdictions have enacted ban-the-box laws, which prevent inquiries about criminal history on job applications. Employers must likewise adhere to federal regulations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which restricts reporting on bankruptcies and civil suits older than seven years. Developing an Effective Background Check Policy When creating a background check policy, it’s crucial to clearly define the scope and procedures that align with the specific needs of your organization. Here are key elements to take into account: Types of Checks: Specify the checks, like criminal history, employment verification, and education verification, customized to each role. Lookback Period: Define the lookback period for criminal history, typically covering the last seven years, except when exceptions apply. Notification Procedures: Outline how you’ll notify applicants of adverse actions, including pre-adverse action notices and final adverse action letters. Staff Training: Confirm HR staff are trained on the policy and legal requirements to uphold compliance and protect applicants’ rights. This structured approach will help streamline your hiring process while maintaining fairness and transparency. Ensuring Compliance With Fair Credit Reporting Act Ensuring compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is essential for any organization conducting background checks, as it not merely protects the rights of candidates but furthermore safeguards employers from potential legal issues. To comply with the FCRA, you must obtain written consent from candidates before conducting background checks. You must also need to inform candidates if any adverse action arises from these checks, providing them with a copy of the report and a summary of their rights. FCRA Requirement Description Written Consent Obtain written permission from candidates. Adverse Action Notification Inform candidates of adverse outcomes. Reporting Limits Exclude outdated information from checks. Dispute Process Allow candidates to dispute inaccuracies. Communicating With Candidates About Background Checks Effective communication with candidates about background checks is crucial for promoting transparency and trust in the hiring process. To guarantee candidates are well-informed, follow these guidelines: Notify in Writing: Legally, you must inform candidates in writing prior to conducting a background check and obtain their consent. Explain Adverse Actions: If any adverse action occurs, like a job denial, inform candidates and provide a copy of their report along with their rights summary. Specify Check Types: Clearly communicate the types of checks being conducted, such as criminal history, employment verification, or educational checks. Offer Dispute Opportunity: Provide a pre-adverse action notice, allowing candidates to dispute inaccuracies before final decisions are made. Keeping thorough records of all communications guarantees compliance and protects against potential disputes. Frequently Asked Questions How Far Do Most Employers Go for Background Checks? Most employers typically conduct background checks that cover a lookback period of seven years for criminal records. Nevertheless, this can vary based on state laws and the job’s requirements. For positions in finance or healthcare, checks may include credit history, in addition to looking back a minimum of seven years. Certain roles, especially those working with vulnerable populations, might necessitate a review of the entire criminal history, regardless of time elapsed. What Shows up on a Background Check in Arkansas? In Arkansas, a background check typically reveals your criminal history, including misdemeanor and felony convictions, pending charges, and arrest records from the past seven years. Employers can access detailed information like case numbers, offense types, and sentencing dates. For specific positions, such as those working with vulnerable populations, checks may extend to sex offender status and other sensitive data. What Would Cause a Red Flag on a Background Check? Several factors can cause red flags on a background check. If you have criminal convictions, particularly felonies, that can disqualify you from certain jobs. Inconsistencies in your application, like mismatched job titles or employment dates, can question your honesty. Furthermore, a poor credit history may raise concerns, especially for financial roles. Gaps in employment or frequent job changes without valid reasons may likewise lead employers to doubt your reliability and commitment. What Shows up on a NJ Background Check? In a New Jersey background check, you’ll see various components. Your criminal history will be reviewed, including any felony or misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and relevant court records. Employers will likewise verify your employment history by checking past job titles and durations. Furthermore, educational credentials are confirmed to guarantee you possess the degrees claimed, in addition to professional licenses that may be checked if applicable. Certain records, like arrests without convictions, may not be disclosed after a specified period. Conclusion In summary, employers conduct thorough background checks to guarantee the suitability of candidates for positions. These checks typically cover criminal history, employment, and education verification, usually looking back up to seven years. It’s essential for employers to develop clear policies that comply with legal requirements, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, to protect candidate rights. By effectively communicating the background check process, employers promote transparency and build trust with potential hires, eventually leading to better hiring decisions. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How Far Do Employers Go in Background Checks?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The best deal of Cyber Monday is back: The Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundle, is back at Amazon after running out of stock very quickly. (It's also in stock at Walmart.) The deal includes the new console with the new Mario Kart for the same price as the standalone console. You can get this one for $449 (down from $499)—the lowest price it has reached yet, according to price-tracking tools. (Note that you can only see the price once you've signed in and it's in your cart, as Nintendo restricts retailers from promoting anything below the "minimum advertised price" of $499.) With Christmas on the way, this deal is likely to sell out fast again, so I'd advise ordering it sooner rather than later if you're considering it. Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Console Bundle $0.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $0.00 at Amazon Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Console Bundle $449.00 at Walmart $1,049.66 Save $600.66 Get Deal Get Deal $449.00 at Walmart $1,049.66 Save $600.66 SEE -1 MORE This bundle deal is great, and likely the best one you'll see for quite some time, judging by Nintendo's previous deals. To put it into perspective, the OLED edition of the original Nintendo Switch is $400 right now, meaning you can get the new Switch 2 with Mario Kart for $50 more. The new console is also an upgrade in every way, according to Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt's Nintendo Switch 2 review. The ergonomics and design have improved, making it much better to hold and look at. The battery life has also improved, now with about 180 minutes of handheld playtime before the juice runs out. A big plus is that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, meaning you can play your old Switch games. Some Switch games have the ability to upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by buying that game's upgrade pack. This is especially worth it for games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which will look better on the Switch 2. There aren't a lot of Switch 2 games out at the moment, but there are some classic Nintendo games to keep you busy until the library expands, like Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. View the full article

Grizzly Research claims that online review site pressured companies to subscribe to improve their ratings View the full article

In a major move set to redefine e-commerce experiences, PayPal has partnered with Perplexity to integrate its payment solutions directly into the AI-powered shopping platform. This innovation allows consumers to shop and purchase items seamlessly while engaging with Perplexity’s chat interface—a development that’s poised to benefit small business owners significantly. As of November 25, 2025, U.S. users can transition directly from product research to checkout within Perplexity. Merchants can now list their catalogs through PayPal, making their products easily discoverable while ensuring secure transactions. Michelle Gill, General Manager of Small Business and Financial Services at PayPal, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are building for the next era of commerce by connecting PayPal’s trusted payments and buyer protection directly to AI-powered shopping.” One of the most compelling aspects of this initiative is its potential to streamline the shopping journey for consumers. They can now browse and buy items from popular retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Ashley Furniture without ever leaving the chat interface. This capability addresses a growing consumer demand for convenience in online shopping—an especially relevant factor for small businesses looking to compete in a market where consumer preferences are rapidly evolving. Small business owners can leverage this collaboration to tap into a new, AI-driven sales opportunity without facing complex technical requirements. PayPal’s “agentic commerce services” enable merchants to sync their product catalogs with the platform quickly. This means that once a small business establishes a presence on PayPal, it automatically becomes integrated into Perplexity’s search and shopping capabilities—an important advantage in today’s competitive retail landscape. The user experience has been enhanced further by PayPal’s payment security systems, which automatically screen transactions for fraud. This feature is vital for small businesses that may lack extensive resources for fraud prevention. By utilizing PayPal’s robust identity verification and risk management systems, merchants can build trust with their customers, ensuring a safer shopping environment. To entice new users to try this innovative shopping experience during the holiday season, PayPal has launched a limited-time incentive: customers who complete their first purchase via PayPal within Perplexity will receive 50% back, up to $50. This promotion, running from November 25 through December 1, 2025, could drive additional traffic to small businesses participating in this platform—especially during a time when many are trying to maximize their holiday sales. However, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges. Adapting to this new platform will require time and effort. Businesses must ensure their product catalogs are up-to-date and fully integrated with PayPal’s system to capitalize on the increased discoverability. Additionally, as customers grow accustomed to swift and seamless shopping experiences through AI, small businesses may feel pressured to adapt quickly or risk losing ground to competitors that do. In the words of Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer at Perplexity, “Shoppers and merchants demand a better e-commerce experience in the age of AI, one that’s as personalized as it is seamless.” This partnership marks a crucial evolution in the shopping experience, highlighting the imperative for smaller retailers to embrace technological advancements or risk falling behind. With the increasing consumer trend toward AI-driven solutions in retail, small businesses that engage with platforms like Perplexity could find themselves at a distinct advantage. Successfully integrating into this new paradigm may not only enhance sales during the holiday season but could also set the groundwork for sustained growth in the expanding agentic economy. As this collaboration unfolds, business owners should evaluate their readiness for such integrations and consider both the immediate benefits and the strategic adaptations required to thrive in this fast-evolving landscape. For more details on this initiative, check out the full announcement on PayPal’s newsroom here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "PayPal Powers Seamless Checkout for AI Shopping with Perplexity Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a major move set to redefine e-commerce experiences, PayPal has partnered with Perplexity to integrate its payment solutions directly into the AI-powered shopping platform. This innovation allows consumers to shop and purchase items seamlessly while engaging with Perplexity’s chat interface—a development that’s poised to benefit small business owners significantly. As of November 25, 2025, U.S. users can transition directly from product research to checkout within Perplexity. Merchants can now list their catalogs through PayPal, making their products easily discoverable while ensuring secure transactions. Michelle Gill, General Manager of Small Business and Financial Services at PayPal, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are building for the next era of commerce by connecting PayPal’s trusted payments and buyer protection directly to AI-powered shopping.” One of the most compelling aspects of this initiative is its potential to streamline the shopping journey for consumers. They can now browse and buy items from popular retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Ashley Furniture without ever leaving the chat interface. This capability addresses a growing consumer demand for convenience in online shopping—an especially relevant factor for small businesses looking to compete in a market where consumer preferences are rapidly evolving. Small business owners can leverage this collaboration to tap into a new, AI-driven sales opportunity without facing complex technical requirements. PayPal’s “agentic commerce services” enable merchants to sync their product catalogs with the platform quickly. This means that once a small business establishes a presence on PayPal, it automatically becomes integrated into Perplexity’s search and shopping capabilities—an important advantage in today’s competitive retail landscape. The user experience has been enhanced further by PayPal’s payment security systems, which automatically screen transactions for fraud. This feature is vital for small businesses that may lack extensive resources for fraud prevention. By utilizing PayPal’s robust identity verification and risk management systems, merchants can build trust with their customers, ensuring a safer shopping environment. To entice new users to try this innovative shopping experience during the holiday season, PayPal has launched a limited-time incentive: customers who complete their first purchase via PayPal within Perplexity will receive 50% back, up to $50. This promotion, running from November 25 through December 1, 2025, could drive additional traffic to small businesses participating in this platform—especially during a time when many are trying to maximize their holiday sales. However, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges. Adapting to this new platform will require time and effort. Businesses must ensure their product catalogs are up-to-date and fully integrated with PayPal’s system to capitalize on the increased discoverability. Additionally, as customers grow accustomed to swift and seamless shopping experiences through AI, small businesses may feel pressured to adapt quickly or risk losing ground to competitors that do. In the words of Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer at Perplexity, “Shoppers and merchants demand a better e-commerce experience in the age of AI, one that’s as personalized as it is seamless.” This partnership marks a crucial evolution in the shopping experience, highlighting the imperative for smaller retailers to embrace technological advancements or risk falling behind. With the increasing consumer trend toward AI-driven solutions in retail, small businesses that engage with platforms like Perplexity could find themselves at a distinct advantage. Successfully integrating into this new paradigm may not only enhance sales during the holiday season but could also set the groundwork for sustained growth in the expanding agentic economy. As this collaboration unfolds, business owners should evaluate their readiness for such integrations and consider both the immediate benefits and the strategic adaptations required to thrive in this fast-evolving landscape. For more details on this initiative, check out the full announcement on PayPal’s newsroom here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "PayPal Powers Seamless Checkout for AI Shopping with Perplexity Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Government Accountability Office has agreed to investigate Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte for allegations of misuse of power and violations of federal privacy laws View the full article

Take a look at the top of this article. See that headline? If it looks different than what you clicked on to get to this page, congratulations: Google might have chosen you to participate in its latest AI experiment: rewriting news headlines for some users in Google Discover. Evidence of the new effort was first spotted by The Verge, as it seems writer Sean Hollister was affected by the update. Here's what's going on: When you swipe right on your Pixel or Galaxy home screen (or scroll down in the Google app on iPhone, or open up a new Chrome browser window with Google as your homepage), there's now a chance the article previews you'll see from Google Discover were actually generated by AI, rather than mirroring the headlines and/or descriptions handwritten by those articles' actual authors and editors. Sometimes, these AI headlines are just clunky or vague—one AI headline introduced another Verge story about specific AI initiatives within Microsoft as "Microsoft developers using AI," which doesn't tell you much, especially in the current tech landscape. You can't trust AI headlinesBut more dangerously, these headlines can also get the facts of the story wrong. In Hollister's case, his Google Discover fed him a headline saying "Steam Machine price revealed," whereas the original article from Ars Technica simply said "Valve's Steam Machine looks like a console, but don't expect it to be priced like one." Clicking through leads to an article with quotes from a Valve designer hinting that the upcoming PC/home console hybrid won't have a subsidized price like most home consoles, which is not at all the same thing as an official price reveal. Another headline Hollister saw said "Qi2 slows older Pixels," which implies using a Qi2 charger on your phone could hurt its performance. The original article simply said that older pixels won't be able to use the full extent of a Qi2 charger's fast-charging. Granted, mistakes with consumer tech headlines will probably only cause some momentary disappointment or confusion, or maybe a missed opportunity to buy the best charger for your phone. But imagine that misinformation applied to a story about something more serious, like the Luigi Mangione case. Considering previous attempts other companies have made to summarize the news with AI, it's hardly unlikely. Perhaps worst of all, it also seems these AI headlines can throw shade when it wasn't intended, introducing a risk of libel. Recently, PCGamer wrote a cheeky story about Baldur's Gate 3, covering gamers who discovered that they can use the Polymorph and Dominate Beast spells to recruit child NPCs to their cause who, thanks to real-world German laws, can't die. You can imagine how that would be useful in a game, and hey, it's all fiction, right? Unfortunately, Google's AI headline chose to change PCGamer's original "Child labor is unbeatable" into "BG3 players exploit children." Yikes. What's going on with these Google AI headlines?Both Hollister and I reached out to Google for comment, and were given the same response: The new headlines are part of a "small UI experiment for a subset of Discover users," and follow up on similar AI previews introduced into Google Discover in October. Those previews featured short AI summaries of articles that users could expand to see more information (and even an AI headline), but didn't outright replace existing, author-written headlines. The new experiment "changes the placement of existing headlines to make topic details easier to digest," which seems to be code for the AI headlines now being placed up-top, where you would expect the real headlines to be. I'm personally not part of the UI experiment, but Hollister reported he wasn't able to see the actual headlines until he clicked through to the real articles. How to tell if that Google Discover headline was written by AIObviously, there's a number of problems with this test. The AI headlines could misreport the news, as they already have in Hollister's case, or make false accusations. And unfortunately, since they're right where actual headlines have been shown in the past, it's totally understandable for a reader to think they were approved by the articles' authors or editors. If a Discover headline looks fishy to you, there are three ways to identify whether it was written by AI. Google's AI is obsessed with making headlines shorter. All of the AI headlines Hollister saw were four words or less, and while we like to be concise here at Lifehacker too, I can say from experience that actual journalists and editors usually write headlines that are a bit longer than that. None of Google's AI headlines seem to capitalize anything but the first word. That's a stark difference from most websites' style guides. At Lifehacker, for instance, we use A.P. style, which capitalizes most words expect for articles like "the." You can tap "See more" under the Discover preview and check for a tag saying that it was "Generated with AI, which can make mistakes." Articles using actual headlines won't even have a "See more" button. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a way to opt out of these AI headlines, as Google did not provide me with one when I asked, instead simply reiterating that this is a "small UI experiment." That means not everyone is seeing these for now., at least As someone who made frequent use of Google Discover back before I moved to an iPhone, that's still a major bummer. In the past, it's been a convenient way to catch up on stories that were relevant to me without having to scroll social media or check multiple homepages, but I can imagine that having to scrutinize every headline to know whether or not it's real will make things a lot rougher. It's also not great for journalists, who both rely on Google Discover for traffic, and could take the brunt of user ire about inaccurate headlines from readers who don't realize a machine created them. As it is, I think the latter is the more likely outcome. But even if Google eventually works out the kinks with AI headlines, they could still hurt web traffic, potentially removing the incentive to click that is part of all good headline writing. Google will continue to use outside content to keep people on its platform, but the people behind that content will get fewer eyes on it. (Of course, as always, if you want to get the most accurate idea of what an article says, it's best to read it thoroughly before forming an opinion.) View the full article

Only about 10 percent of venture funds ever make it to a fourth vintage. Of those, just 5 to 10 percent are led by women. I’m one of them. When I started Female Founders Fund in 2014, I believed that solid returns and conviction would speak for themselves. Strong performance would unlock capital and the industry would reward the achievement, especially from those breaking new ground—or so I thought. What I’ve come to learn is that venture capital isn’t a pure meritocracy. It’s a network-driven ecosystem where who you know often matters just as much as what you build. Cultural and political changes, and a tight market environment, are making it especially difficult for fund managers to maintain momentum. Now is the time for the industry to reflect on how to ensure that these funds, especially those led by diverse managers, can weather these forces and continue to support diverse founders with brilliant ideas. Investing in women isn’t charity. By yielding powerful, durable returns, it has proven to be smart business. As risk tolerance declines, it could be tempting for institutions to retreat to the familiar. Instead, they should pay attention to the data. A shorter runway for women Over the years, a few lessons have become clear. They aren’t the ones you find in your LPA, but they’re the realities that quietly shape who gets funded, who gets backed again, and who quietly fades away. Returns are just one part of the picture. While performance is important, other forces—institutional change, personal networks, and internal politics—often drive how capital gets distributed. Once an institution commits to a fund, that relationship can extend across multiple vintages. The incentive to change managers is low. Check writers want proximity to the next generation of Tier 1 talent striking out on their own. That bias works in favor of spinouts—former Sequoia, a16z, or Benchmark investors taking the entrepreneurial leap. But for managers without that institutional pedigree, the path looks very different. And for women, who remain significantly underrepresented in those firms’ partnership ranks, the path is even narrower. Your first fund is often cobbled together from founders, friends, and family offices willing to take an early bet. By Fund II or III, however, the bar shifts. Institutions want scale, systems, and years of realized returns, all of which take time to build. For emerging managers, that’s the hardest leap: breaking through a system designed to reward familiarity over conviction. Venture is a relationship business. It prides itself on data and rigor, but in practice it runs on trust. The capital that fuels our industry still moves through networks built over decades. Who you know, how long you’ve known them, and what you have to offer, determines access. This is why new or diverse fund managers often find it easier to raise their first fund on promise than their second on proof. Convincing someone to take the initial bet on someone new can be easier than asking them to break a pattern with subsequent funds—because the pattern is still overwhelmingly male. We must also look at money. Wealth isn’t optional—it’s the price of entry. For example, all new fund managers are expected to invest a “GP commit,” which equates to roughly 1 percent of their total fund size. On a $50 million fund, that’s $500,000 in cash, upfront. Imagine asking an entrepreneur to invest half a million dollars in their own Series B to show commitment. For many, especially women and first-time fund managers, that barrier is insurmountable without preexisting, generational, or spousal wealth. It is one of the quietest but most enduring structural filters in venture, and it uniquely disadvantages women, who, on average, hold less personal and intergenerational wealth. Having a financial cushion is also vital to play the long game that venture requires. To stay in the business, particularly through downturns, you need a financial cushion. Big payouts don’t happen often. Selling some of the investment early can help a little, but small fund managers can’t always afford to take a lower price without making it harder to raise money later. It’s not just about resilience and grit; it’s about runway. And because women more frequently enter the industry later, without the safety nets that have historically supported male peers, their runway is often meaningfully shorter. Staying in the game long enough to see your conviction validated is, in itself, a form of privilege. Another challenge that has played out over the years is that while several well-intentioned institutions and corporations have stepped in to support and capitalize diverse managers, the purpose behind many of these checks has been to provide “start-up” capital designed to help new funds get off the ground, with the expectation that larger institutional investors would take over from there. That handoff, however, has proven difficult. Even as the tide has turned culturally and politically, there’s a real opportunity to rethink how we sustain diverse managers beyond the first fund, widening the base of long-term support so they can weather market cycles and build lasting franchises. The current system still assumes women will somehow “graduate” into institutional support structures that were never designed with them in mind. Shaping the next frontier I started Female Founders Fund as an entrepreneur who spotted alpha in the market—a clear gap between the caliber of women building companies and the capital available to back them. Twelve years later, that thesis has proven right again and again. At Female Founders Fund, we’ve seen it firsthand. Maven Clinic became the first unicorn in women’s health, defining an entirely new category of care. Billie reimagined modern personal care before its acquisition by Edgewell. BentoBox transformed hospitality tech, leading to a successful exit. Tala, now valued at nearly $1 billion, continues to scale globally, expanding access to financial services in emerging markets. Wagmo created a new category of employee benefits around pet care, while Violette_FR built the first artist-led French beauty brand in decades. These companies touch millions of end customers and have built products, tools, and services that have scaled across industries proving that female-led innovation drives real enterprise and consumer value. These founders are category creators—pairing big visions with world-class execution. These outcomes aren’t outliers. They’re evidence that backing female founders is a wise investment strategy that generates meaningful returns. We cannot let this moment in time with its tighter markets and shifting market and social priorities create negative momentum. Women are now leading in industries once thought impossible to break into: Space DOTS, founded by a NASA-trained astronautical engineer; Beyond Aero, reimagining flight through hydrogen-electric propulsion; Amini AI, building Africa’s environmental data backbone; Waabi, redefining autonomous trucking; and Dacora, making history as the first female-founded automotive company. From aerospace to AI, from climate to transportation, women are shaping the next frontier and the best is yet to come. In order to keep seeing new role models of success especially for those living outside the traditional Silicon Valley ecosystem, we need to keep capital flowing. That’s how the next generation of women and underrepresented founders will see themselves in the leaders building today. In a moment when the world feels increasingly divided, doubling down on progress isn’t just good business—it’s good stewardship. Because the hardest part isn’t raising a fund, it’s building one that endures. And the longer I stay in this business, the clearer it becomes: investing in women isn’t a risk, it’s a return. View the full article

It’s a great week to have a disposable income and act like you know how to ski. North Face x Skims today launches its second winter outerwear capsule, again channeling ski culture with a campaign shot on the powder-coated Chilean mountains. (Skis and airfare not included.) The 2025 drop expands on its collection from last year with even more silhouettes, like the wrap puffer coat, and a thoughtfully cropped, hooded puffer jacket with drop shoulder that brings some fashion to the line, which is aesthetically more oriented toward sport. It also includes men’s and kid’s styles for the first time (prices range from $55 to $800). Even considering the new styles, the overall brand ID will look very familiar to Skims fans, with creative direction that’s nearly identical to last year’s North Face collaboration. It has a styling and color system approach that’s similar to the recent Skims x Nike collab, with muted color tones such as bone, kyanite, gunmetal, phoenix, and onyx, this time inspired by winter color palette. The campaign creative direction again utilizes gradiated layouts and product imagery, featuring models in geometric groupings organized by garment colorway. (Laura Obermeyer and Jackie Nickerson shot this year’s campaign; the first iteration last year was 2 campaigns, one shot by Vanessa Beecroft and the other shot by Donna Trope.) Part of what makes the Skims marketing such a home run is how it plays with its brand for a distinct visual approach to each of its various campaigns for core product drops. It appears to be less flexible with collaborations. A big week for ski fashion But it’s not the first to drop a winter collection this week. Nike and Jacquemus expanded their long-running partnership into the winter season by earlier this week announcing their first ever ski collection (some styles are online now). The Nike x Jacquemus’ collab plays into cold weather glamour and offers shapes that are driven less by spandex body shaping and more by a classic, retro aprés style. The style lines and pattern of the clothes create their own shape on the body, such as in the ful skirt featured on the first campaign image, or the hourglass shape emphasized by the bell sleeve and tailored waist of the ski jacket. It’s Audrey Hepburn in Chalet with the functionality of Gore Tex. Prices range from $110 to $700 for what’s currently available online, which is half of the total 18 expected styles to be released. These drops are an entry point for fashion brands to get in on outerwear sales by tapping into the expertise of brands already in the space (North Face and NIke, respectively). They are also a way for winter sport amateurs to tap into ski styles, without having to spend big on a vacation or premium-level gear they don’t really need. I live at sea level, and I’d still buy that Nike x Jacquemus jacket, if it wasn’t sold out. And though all the North Face x Skims styles have yet to be released, the comments section on the brand announcement posts is already piping. This quick sequence of drops is another indication there’s appeal in prestige signalling through pieces that have preppy, sophisticated, and stylistic design elements you might see walking around Kemo Sabe in Aspen or a premium St. Moritz chalet. It’s almost as if tennis core and gorpcore had a winter romance (does that give us chaletcore?). North Face x Skims and Jacquemus x Nike have distinct pespectives on this, but one thing is clear: this winter, skiing is a state of mind. View the full article

Defence secretary faces serious questions over strikes on alleged drug smuggling boatsView the full article

Reform UK leader insisted at a press conference that he had never said anything racist ‘with malice’ View the full article

Russian authorities said Thursday they have imposed restrictions on Apple’s video calling service FaceTime, the latest step in an effort to tighten control over the internet and communications online. State internet regulator Roskomnadzor alleged in a statement that the service is being “used to organize and conduct terrorist activities on the territory of the country, to recruit perpetrators (and) commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens.” Apple did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The Russian regulator also announced that it has blocked Snapchat, a messaging app for sharing photos, videos and text messages, citing the same grounds it gave for restricting FaceTime. It said that it took the action Oct. 10, even though it only reported the move on Thursday. Under President Vladimir Putin, authorities have engaged in deliberate and multipronged efforts to rein in the internet. They have adopted restrictive laws and banned websites and platforms that don’t comply. Technology has also been perfected to monitor and manipulate online traffic. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government blocked major social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Access to YouTube was disrupted last year in what experts called deliberate throttling of the widely popular site by the authorities. The Kremlin blamed YouTube owner Google for not properly maintaining its hardware in Russia. While it’s still possible to circumvent some of the restrictions by using virtual private network services, those are routinely blocked, too. Authorities further restricted internet access this summer with widespread shutdowns of cellphone internet connections. Officials have insisted the measure was needed to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, but experts argued it was another step to tighten internet control. In dozens of regions, “white lists” of government-approved sites and services that are supposed to function despite a shutdown have been introduced. The government has also acted against popular messaging platforms. Encrypted messenger Signal and another popular app, Viber, were blocked in 2024. This year, the authorities banned calls via WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in Russia, and Telegram, a close second. Roskomnadzor justified the measure by saying the two apps were being used for criminal activities. At the same time, authorities actively promoted a “national” messenger app called MAX, which critics see as a surveillance tool. The platform, touted by developers and officials as a one-stop shop for messaging, online government services, making payments, and more, openly declares it will share user data with authorities upon request. Experts also say it doesn’t use end-to-end encryption. Earlier this week, the government also said it was blocking Roblox, a popular online game platform, saying the step aimed at protecting children from illicit content and “pedophiles who meet minors directly in the game’s chats and then move on to real life.” Stanislav Seleznev, cyber security expert and lawyer with the Net Freedom rights group, told The Associated Press that Russian law views any platform where users can message each other as “organizers of dissemination of information.” This label mandates that platforms have an account with Roskomnadzor so that it could communicate its demands, and give Russia’s security service, the FSB, access to accounts of their users for monitoring; those failing to comply are in violation and can get blocked, Seleznev said. He suggested that these regulations could have been applied to both Roblox and FaceTime. Roblox in October was the second most popular game platform in Russia, with nearly 8 million monthly users, according to media monitoring group Mediascope. Seleznev estimated that possibly tens of millions of Russians have been using FaceTime, especially after calls were banned on WhatsApp and Telegram. He called the restrictions against the service “predictable” and warned that other sites failing to cooperate with Roskomnadzor “will be blocked, that’s obvious.” –Dasha Litvinova, Associated Press View the full article

Creating an effective marketing planning calendar is crucial for streamlining your marketing efforts and achieving your goals. It helps you define objectives, align activities with important dates, and assign responsibilities to team members. This structured approach not only guarantees accountability but also allows for regular updates to adapt to market changes. By utilizing digital tools, you can improve collaboration and overall productivity. Comprehending how to build this calendar can greatly impact your marketing success, so let’s explore the critical steps. Key Takeaways Define marketing goals and align activities with key internal and external dates to ensure relevance and focus. Assign ownership for each task to enhance accountability and clarify team roles in achieving objectives. Utilize digital tools for real-time updates, customization, and improved collaboration among team members. Schedule regular review meetings to adapt the calendar to changing priorities and market trends. Document changes to track the evolution of strategies and assess the impact on campaign performance. Understanding the Purpose of a Marketing Calendar A marketing calendar is a vital strategic tool that helps you schedule all planned marketing activities in a cohesive manner. It serves as a visual roadmap, integrating various channels and key dates like product launches and cultural events. This organization prevents overlooked tasks and guarantees your marketing efforts align with business objectives. By documenting fundamental activities and deadlines, a marketing planning calendar allows you to proactively plan campaigns, enhancing collaboration and communication across departments. Regular updates maintain its relevance, making it a living document that adapts to changing market trends. Utilizing a marketing campaign calendar can considerably increase efficiency, reduce missed deadlines, and improve visibility of your marketing efforts, ultimately contributing to the success of your marketing strategies. Key Benefits of Implementing a Marketing Calendar Implementing a marketing calendar can greatly improve your organization and planning, making it easier to track deadlines and manage tasks effectively. You’ll notice enhanced team collaboration, as everyone gains a clearer comprehension of their roles and responsibilities. This structured approach not just streamlines your marketing efforts but additionally boosts overall productivity. Enhanced Organization and Planning When you utilize a marketing calendar, you gain a potent tool for enhancing organization and planning within your marketing efforts. A well-structured marketing calendar example centralizes all planned activities, preventing important tasks from being overlooked and ensuring your team stays aligned on objectives. By proactively scheduling campaigns on your marketing schedule, you can meet deadlines and allocate resources efficiently, minimizing conflicts and missed opportunities. Documenting key milestones increases visibility of your marketing efforts, promoting better communication within your team. Regularly updated calendars serve as a reliable source of truth, allowing you to track performance and adapt strategies based on insights from past activities. This structured approach also supports strategic alignment with overall business goals, maximizing your marketing ROI. Improved Team Collaboration Improved collaboration among team members is one of the standout benefits of using a marketing calendar. This centralized platform allows everyone to view and contribute to planned activities, ensuring transparency and alignment with marketing goals. By reducing communication barriers, stakeholders from different departments, like product development and sales, can provide input and stay updated on marketing timelines and priorities. Regular updates to the calendar promote ongoing collaboration, enabling teams to adapt to changes and make informed decisions in real-time. Clear task assignments within the calendar encourage accountability, nurturing a culture of shared ownership. Moreover, increased visibility of scheduled activities helps prevent conflicts and overlaps, eventually improving teamwork and efficiency in executing marketing strategies. Essential Components of an Effective Marketing Calendar To create an effective marketing calendar, you need to identify key dates, assign task ownership, and develop a channel integration strategy. Each of these components plays an essential role in ensuring your marketing efforts are organized and aligned with your overall goals. Key Dates Identification Identifying key dates and milestones is essential for creating an effective marketing calendar, as it aligns your marketing activities with significant events that can drive engagement and sales. Important dates should encompass not just your marketing initiatives but also holidays, seasonal trends, and internal deadlines that might impact your calendar. To capture all relevant dates, consult with stakeholders from various departments, like sales and product development, ensuring you consider factors that influence customer behavior. Regularly revisit your marketing calendar at the start of each quarter and month to update key dates based on evolving business objectives and market conditions. A structured approach to documenting key dates helps avoid scheduling conflicts, enhancing overall collaboration and execution among your team members. Task Ownership Assignment Assigning task ownership in your marketing calendar is vital for maintaining accountability, ensuring that each team member knows their responsibilities for executing and managing specific activities or campaigns. Clear ownership streamlines communication and collaboration, reducing confusion and overlapping responsibilities that can lead to inefficiencies. Each task in the calendar should include the owner’s name, deadlines, and relevant notes to provide context and clarity on expectations. When you assign ownership, it cultivates a sense of responsibility among team members, enhancing their motivation and performance toward achieving marketing goals. Make it a practice to regularly review and update task assignments to adapt to changing priorities or team dynamics, ensuring that all responsibilities remain aligned with your overarching marketing strategy. Channel Integration Strategy Integrating multiple marketing channels into your planning calendar is crucial for creating a cohesive strategy that aligns with your overall business objectives. Your calendar should include entries for email, social media, content marketing, and advertising, guaranteeing a well-rounded approach. Each entry must have vital fields like campaign name, target audience, marketing channels, start and end dates, and key milestones for clear communication among team members. Incorporate significant cultural events, holidays, and industry-specific dates to maximize engagement and relevance. Regularly review and update the calendar to adapt to changing priorities or strategies, maintaining its reliability for all stakeholders. Effective channel integration improves resource allocation, boosts collaboration, and maintains consistency in your brand messaging across all platforms. Steps to Create Your Marketing Calendar When you set out to create your marketing calendar, it’s essential to start by defining your overarching marketing goals and measurable objectives. Next, identify key internal and external dates relevant to your marketing efforts, like product launches or holidays. Then, brainstorm a list of marketing activities and campaigns that align with your goals, selecting the most effective channels for each initiative. Assign ownership for each task to specific team members, enhancing accountability. Finally, regularly review and update the calendar, treating it as a living document. Step Description Define Goals Establish measurable marketing objectives Identify Key Dates List important internal and external dates Assign Tasks Delegate responsibilities to team members Collaborating With Your Team for Success Collaboration plays a crucial role in the success of your marketing planning calendar, as it brings together diverse perspectives from various team members. Involving individuals from different departments guarantees alignment on goals and activities, leading to a more cohesive strategy. Regular meetings to review the calendar improve communication, allowing you to discuss progress, address challenges, and adjust timelines as necessary. Utilizing collaborative tools like Google Sheets or project management software, such as Asana or Trello, provides real-time updates and visibility for the team. Assigning clear ownership for tasks empowers team members to take responsibility, making sure everyone understands their role in achieving marketing objectives. Gathering feedback from stakeholders during the creation process helps identify potential conflicts and refine strategies for better execution. Utilizing Digital Tools for Enhanced Organization Digital tools are essential for enhancing organization within your marketing planning calendar, allowing for efficient management and coordination of tasks. By leveraging these technologies, you can improve your team’s collaboration and streamline processes. Consider these key benefits: Real-time updates: Tools like HubSpot and Trello provide instant notifications, so everyone stays informed about changes. Customizable templates: Easily create customized calendars for content, social media, or campaigns, meeting your specific needs. Device synchronization: Guarantee all team members have access to the latest version, reducing miscommunication. With advanced filtering options, you can prioritize vital activities, as regular reviews promote accountability, helping your team adapt to shifting marketing strategies effectively. Embrace these digital tools to enhance your marketing planning efforts. Maintaining Flexibility and Adaptability To effectively maintain flexibility and adaptability in your marketing planning calendar, it’s crucial to treat the calendar as a living document that evolves alongside your strategies. Regular review meetings can help you accommodate changes in priorities, ensuring your calendar reflects the most current strategies and timelines. Integrating a feedback loop from your team improves adaptability, allowing the calendar to evolve based on insights and shifting market conditions. Consider utilizing sophisticated software solutions over static templates for better flexibility; these tools offer customizable options and streamline collaboration for quicker adjustments. Furthermore, building in buffer times for key activities will help your team manage unexpected challenges without derailing overall marketing efforts, keeping your strategies responsive and effective. Best Practices for Regularly Updating Your Calendar Updating your marketing calendar regularly is key to maintaining its effectiveness and relevance. To keep your calendar current, follow these best practices: Schedule regular review meetings at least monthly or quarterly to assess its relevance and make updates based on team feedback and shifting priorities. Utilize collaborative tools like project management software for real-time updates and visibility, enhancing accountability and communication among team members. Document changes and adjustments to track the evolution of your marketing strategies, helping you understand the impact of past decisions on campaign performance. Frequently Asked Questions How to Create an Effective Marketing Calendar? To create an effective marketing calendar, start by defining your marketing objectives and aligning them with your business goals. Identify key dates, such as product launches and industry events, to include in your calendar. Use tools like Google Calendar or Asana for easy collaboration and updates. Assign tasks to team members for accountability, and regularly review the calendar to adapt to changes in strategy or market conditions, ensuring it remains relevant and useful. What Are the Eight Steps to Creating a Successful Marketing Calendar? To create a successful marketing calendar, start by defining your marketing goals and measurable objectives. Next, identify key dates like product launches and industry events. After that, brainstorm activities that align with your goals and choose the right channels for each. Assign ownership for tasks to guarantee accountability. Finally, regularly review and update the calendar to adapt to changing conditions, making it a dynamic tool that reflects your marketing strategy effectively. What Are the 7 Steps to Creating an Effective Marketing Plan? To create an effective marketing plan, start by defining your marketing goals and measurable objectives. Next, analyze your target audience and understand their needs. Then, outline your marketing strategies, choosing the channels that best reach them. After that, allocate your budget and set timelines for each activity. Assign responsibilities to team members for accountability. Finally, review and adjust your plan regularly to stay aligned with market changes and guarantee ongoing effectiveness. How to Make a Timeline for a Marketing Plan? To make a timeline for your marketing plan, start by outlining key milestones and deadlines. Break down your activities into manageable tasks and set specific timeframes for each. Use project management tools or calendar software to visualize this timeline, enhancing collaboration and accountability among team members. Regularly review and adjust your timeline based on progress or changes in priorities, and include buffer time to handle unexpected delays effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, an effective marketing planning calendar is crucial for organizing your campaigns and aligning your team’s efforts with strategic goals. By comprehending its purpose, implementing key components, and collaborating using digital tools, you can boost productivity and accountability. Regular updates guarantee the calendar remains relevant and adaptable to market changes. Following best practices will help you maintain a dynamic approach, eventually driving the success of your marketing initiatives and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement within your team. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Creating an Effective Marketing Planning Calendar" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating an effective marketing planning calendar is crucial for streamlining your marketing efforts and achieving your goals. It helps you define objectives, align activities with important dates, and assign responsibilities to team members. This structured approach not only guarantees accountability but also allows for regular updates to adapt to market changes. By utilizing digital tools, you can improve collaboration and overall productivity. Comprehending how to build this calendar can greatly impact your marketing success, so let’s explore the critical steps. Key Takeaways Define marketing goals and align activities with key internal and external dates to ensure relevance and focus. Assign ownership for each task to enhance accountability and clarify team roles in achieving objectives. Utilize digital tools for real-time updates, customization, and improved collaboration among team members. Schedule regular review meetings to adapt the calendar to changing priorities and market trends. Document changes to track the evolution of strategies and assess the impact on campaign performance. Understanding the Purpose of a Marketing Calendar A marketing calendar is a vital strategic tool that helps you schedule all planned marketing activities in a cohesive manner. It serves as a visual roadmap, integrating various channels and key dates like product launches and cultural events. This organization prevents overlooked tasks and guarantees your marketing efforts align with business objectives. By documenting fundamental activities and deadlines, a marketing planning calendar allows you to proactively plan campaigns, enhancing collaboration and communication across departments. Regular updates maintain its relevance, making it a living document that adapts to changing market trends. Utilizing a marketing campaign calendar can considerably increase efficiency, reduce missed deadlines, and improve visibility of your marketing efforts, ultimately contributing to the success of your marketing strategies. Key Benefits of Implementing a Marketing Calendar Implementing a marketing calendar can greatly improve your organization and planning, making it easier to track deadlines and manage tasks effectively. You’ll notice enhanced team collaboration, as everyone gains a clearer comprehension of their roles and responsibilities. This structured approach not just streamlines your marketing efforts but additionally boosts overall productivity. Enhanced Organization and Planning When you utilize a marketing calendar, you gain a potent tool for enhancing organization and planning within your marketing efforts. A well-structured marketing calendar example centralizes all planned activities, preventing important tasks from being overlooked and ensuring your team stays aligned on objectives. By proactively scheduling campaigns on your marketing schedule, you can meet deadlines and allocate resources efficiently, minimizing conflicts and missed opportunities. Documenting key milestones increases visibility of your marketing efforts, promoting better communication within your team. Regularly updated calendars serve as a reliable source of truth, allowing you to track performance and adapt strategies based on insights from past activities. This structured approach also supports strategic alignment with overall business goals, maximizing your marketing ROI. Improved Team Collaboration Improved collaboration among team members is one of the standout benefits of using a marketing calendar. This centralized platform allows everyone to view and contribute to planned activities, ensuring transparency and alignment with marketing goals. By reducing communication barriers, stakeholders from different departments, like product development and sales, can provide input and stay updated on marketing timelines and priorities. Regular updates to the calendar promote ongoing collaboration, enabling teams to adapt to changes and make informed decisions in real-time. Clear task assignments within the calendar encourage accountability, nurturing a culture of shared ownership. Moreover, increased visibility of scheduled activities helps prevent conflicts and overlaps, eventually improving teamwork and efficiency in executing marketing strategies. Essential Components of an Effective Marketing Calendar To create an effective marketing calendar, you need to identify key dates, assign task ownership, and develop a channel integration strategy. Each of these components plays an essential role in ensuring your marketing efforts are organized and aligned with your overall goals. Key Dates Identification Identifying key dates and milestones is essential for creating an effective marketing calendar, as it aligns your marketing activities with significant events that can drive engagement and sales. Important dates should encompass not just your marketing initiatives but also holidays, seasonal trends, and internal deadlines that might impact your calendar. To capture all relevant dates, consult with stakeholders from various departments, like sales and product development, ensuring you consider factors that influence customer behavior. Regularly revisit your marketing calendar at the start of each quarter and month to update key dates based on evolving business objectives and market conditions. A structured approach to documenting key dates helps avoid scheduling conflicts, enhancing overall collaboration and execution among your team members. Task Ownership Assignment Assigning task ownership in your marketing calendar is vital for maintaining accountability, ensuring that each team member knows their responsibilities for executing and managing specific activities or campaigns. Clear ownership streamlines communication and collaboration, reducing confusion and overlapping responsibilities that can lead to inefficiencies. Each task in the calendar should include the owner’s name, deadlines, and relevant notes to provide context and clarity on expectations. When you assign ownership, it cultivates a sense of responsibility among team members, enhancing their motivation and performance toward achieving marketing goals. Make it a practice to regularly review and update task assignments to adapt to changing priorities or team dynamics, ensuring that all responsibilities remain aligned with your overarching marketing strategy. Channel Integration Strategy Integrating multiple marketing channels into your planning calendar is crucial for creating a cohesive strategy that aligns with your overall business objectives. Your calendar should include entries for email, social media, content marketing, and advertising, guaranteeing a well-rounded approach. Each entry must have vital fields like campaign name, target audience, marketing channels, start and end dates, and key milestones for clear communication among team members. Incorporate significant cultural events, holidays, and industry-specific dates to maximize engagement and relevance. Regularly review and update the calendar to adapt to changing priorities or strategies, maintaining its reliability for all stakeholders. Effective channel integration improves resource allocation, boosts collaboration, and maintains consistency in your brand messaging across all platforms. Steps to Create Your Marketing Calendar When you set out to create your marketing calendar, it’s essential to start by defining your overarching marketing goals and measurable objectives. Next, identify key internal and external dates relevant to your marketing efforts, like product launches or holidays. Then, brainstorm a list of marketing activities and campaigns that align with your goals, selecting the most effective channels for each initiative. Assign ownership for each task to specific team members, enhancing accountability. Finally, regularly review and update the calendar, treating it as a living document. Step Description Define Goals Establish measurable marketing objectives Identify Key Dates List important internal and external dates Assign Tasks Delegate responsibilities to team members Collaborating With Your Team for Success Collaboration plays a crucial role in the success of your marketing planning calendar, as it brings together diverse perspectives from various team members. Involving individuals from different departments guarantees alignment on goals and activities, leading to a more cohesive strategy. Regular meetings to review the calendar improve communication, allowing you to discuss progress, address challenges, and adjust timelines as necessary. Utilizing collaborative tools like Google Sheets or project management software, such as Asana or Trello, provides real-time updates and visibility for the team. Assigning clear ownership for tasks empowers team members to take responsibility, making sure everyone understands their role in achieving marketing objectives. Gathering feedback from stakeholders during the creation process helps identify potential conflicts and refine strategies for better execution. Utilizing Digital Tools for Enhanced Organization Digital tools are essential for enhancing organization within your marketing planning calendar, allowing for efficient management and coordination of tasks. By leveraging these technologies, you can improve your team’s collaboration and streamline processes. Consider these key benefits: Real-time updates: Tools like HubSpot and Trello provide instant notifications, so everyone stays informed about changes. Customizable templates: Easily create customized calendars for content, social media, or campaigns, meeting your specific needs. Device synchronization: Guarantee all team members have access to the latest version, reducing miscommunication. With advanced filtering options, you can prioritize vital activities, as regular reviews promote accountability, helping your team adapt to shifting marketing strategies effectively. Embrace these digital tools to enhance your marketing planning efforts. Maintaining Flexibility and Adaptability To effectively maintain flexibility and adaptability in your marketing planning calendar, it’s crucial to treat the calendar as a living document that evolves alongside your strategies. Regular review meetings can help you accommodate changes in priorities, ensuring your calendar reflects the most current strategies and timelines. Integrating a feedback loop from your team improves adaptability, allowing the calendar to evolve based on insights and shifting market conditions. Consider utilizing sophisticated software solutions over static templates for better flexibility; these tools offer customizable options and streamline collaboration for quicker adjustments. Furthermore, building in buffer times for key activities will help your team manage unexpected challenges without derailing overall marketing efforts, keeping your strategies responsive and effective. Best Practices for Regularly Updating Your Calendar Updating your marketing calendar regularly is key to maintaining its effectiveness and relevance. To keep your calendar current, follow these best practices: Schedule regular review meetings at least monthly or quarterly to assess its relevance and make updates based on team feedback and shifting priorities. Utilize collaborative tools like project management software for real-time updates and visibility, enhancing accountability and communication among team members. Document changes and adjustments to track the evolution of your marketing strategies, helping you understand the impact of past decisions on campaign performance. Frequently Asked Questions How to Create an Effective Marketing Calendar? To create an effective marketing calendar, start by defining your marketing objectives and aligning them with your business goals. Identify key dates, such as product launches and industry events, to include in your calendar. Use tools like Google Calendar or Asana for easy collaboration and updates. Assign tasks to team members for accountability, and regularly review the calendar to adapt to changes in strategy or market conditions, ensuring it remains relevant and useful. What Are the Eight Steps to Creating a Successful Marketing Calendar? To create a successful marketing calendar, start by defining your marketing goals and measurable objectives. Next, identify key dates like product launches and industry events. After that, brainstorm activities that align with your goals and choose the right channels for each. Assign ownership for tasks to guarantee accountability. Finally, regularly review and update the calendar to adapt to changing conditions, making it a dynamic tool that reflects your marketing strategy effectively. What Are the 7 Steps to Creating an Effective Marketing Plan? To create an effective marketing plan, start by defining your marketing goals and measurable objectives. Next, analyze your target audience and understand their needs. Then, outline your marketing strategies, choosing the channels that best reach them. After that, allocate your budget and set timelines for each activity. Assign responsibilities to team members for accountability. Finally, review and adjust your plan regularly to stay aligned with market changes and guarantee ongoing effectiveness. How to Make a Timeline for a Marketing Plan? To make a timeline for your marketing plan, start by outlining key milestones and deadlines. Break down your activities into manageable tasks and set specific timeframes for each. Use project management tools or calendar software to visualize this timeline, enhancing collaboration and accountability among team members. Regularly review and adjust your timeline based on progress or changes in priorities, and include buffer time to handle unexpected delays effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, an effective marketing planning calendar is crucial for organizing your campaigns and aligning your team’s efforts with strategic goals. By comprehending its purpose, implementing key components, and collaborating using digital tools, you can boost productivity and accountability. Regular updates guarantee the calendar remains relevant and adaptable to market changes. Following best practices will help you maintain a dynamic approach, eventually driving the success of your marketing initiatives and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement within your team. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Creating an Effective Marketing Planning Calendar" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In the long-running Android vs. iOS competition, iPhones have historically had the edge in terms of parental controls: They've been a bit more straightforward and intuitive, and easier for caregivers to understand and manage. Apple does many things well, and getting its apps and devices working seamlessly together is definitely one of them. Google, however, is gradually improving the experience for parents, with a batch of updates earlier this year, and now some more changes as part of a significant Android 16 upgrade. The latest changes mean more controls can be accessed on your kids' devices. What's new in Android 16The usual Android caveat applies here: Each Android phone maker does things slightly differently, though there's not actually too much variation in this particular area. The latest Android 16 updates mentioned above are rolling out now to Pixel phones (and I've tested them on a Pixel), but will take a while to reach other handsets—Samsung phones will most likely get them early next year, for example, with One UI 8.5. So what's new? Essentially, more of the existing parental controls are available on the Android devices of your youngsters, so you can get at them from their phones and tablets as well as accessing them remotely. It should make life easier if you're with your kids and they pass their devices over to you. You can find the options that have been added to kids' devices by opening Settings on the phone or tablet of your young person and choosing Parental controls. Right away you'll see a toggle switch for enabling on-device controls, and when you do enable them you need to enter a PIN—to stop your kid from changing these settings themselves. The new on-device controls in Android 16. Credit: Lifehacker There are then four sections you can access: Daily limit, App limits, Downtime, and Website content filters. Tap on any of these to set restrictions for the current device, which can be adjusted depending on the day of the week in some cases. Pick Downtime, for example, and you can set times during which the device is locked. These match the tools you've previously been able to manage remotely. Select Daily limit, then turn on the Use daily limit toggle switch, and you're able to control how many hours your kid can use their phone or tablet for each day. There's also a bar chart showing device usage over time, so you can see how much screen time your child has been taking advantage of. These settings are simple, understandable, and a breeze to use—you don't have to mess around with Google accounts or family relationships if you don't want to. You can just enter a PIN and start making changes—you don't necessarily have to connect these settings to any other devices. If you want to manage them remotely, though, Google has a wider parental control system in place. Google's Family Link controls The new Android 16 controls that appear on devices can work independently of anything else, but Google already offers plenty of options if you need them. Everything is managed through the Google Family Link portal, which you can access on the web or through the apps on Android or iOS. You can use Google Family Link to set up Google accounts for your kids, and then manage what they're able to do with them. The idea is that they sign into their Android devices using the account you've created for them, and because Google knows you have a verified connection to them, you can put restrictions on those devices remotely. All the usual safeguards and protections are covered: You can set screen time limits, manage the apps your kids can use (and for how often), put blocks on certain websites and categories of website, and put parental approvals in place for making purchases through Google's various digital storefronts. These mostly match what's now available on-device. Google Family Link on the web. Credit: Lifehacker There's a location tracking element to Google Family Link as well, so you can see where your young people are at all times, and even get notifications based on their movements: You might want to get a ping when they turn up at school, for example, or when they leave home. All this can be managed through the apps. More recent updates let you control the amount of screen time your children can have during school hours, and there are also now tools for managing the contacts that youngsters are able to interact with—as yet you can't get to these controls directly on your kids' devices. There's plenty in the way of reports on usage too, alongside these controls. Add everything up, and Google now has a fairly comprehensive set of parental controls that you can manage from just about any device, or from the devices your kids are using—assuming you've given them Android phones or tablets. View the full article

President Donald The President on Wednesday announced a proposal to weaken vehicle mileage rules for the auto industry, loosening regulatory pressure on automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and trucks. The plan, if finalized next year, would significantly reduce fuel economy requirements, which set rules on how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline, through the 2031 model year. The administration and automakers say the rules will increase Americans’ access to the full range of gasoline vehicles they need and can afford. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects that the new standards would set the industry fleetwide average for light-duty vehicles at roughly 34.5 miles per gallon in the 2031 model year, down from a projected 50.4 miles per gallon in 2031 under the Biden-era rule. The move is the latest action by the The President administration to reverse Biden-era policies that encouraged cleaner-running cars and trucks, including electric vehicles, and it sparked criticism from environmental groups. Burning gasoline for vehicles is a major contributor to planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. “From day one I’ve been taking action to make buying a car more affordable,” The President said at a White House event that included top executives from two of the largest U.S. automakers. The rule reverses a Biden-era policy that “forced automakers to build cars using expensive technologies that drove up costs, drove up prices and made the car much worse,” The President said. Automakers applaud and environmentalists decry rule change The action is expected to save consumers about $1,000 off the price of a new car, The President said. New cars sold for an average of $49,766 on average in October, according to Kelley Blue Book. Automakers applauded the planned changes, which came amid industry complaints that the Biden-era rules were difficult to meet. Ford CEO Jim Farley said the planned rollback was “a win for customers and common sense.” “As America’s largest auto producer, we appreciate President The President’s leadership in aligning fuel economy standards with market realities. We can make real progress on carbon emissions and energy efficiency while still giving customers choice and affordability,” he said. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the automaker appreciates the administration’s actions to “realign” the mileage standards “with real world market conditions.” Since taking office in January, The President has relaxed auto tailpipe emissions rules, repealed fines for automakers that do not meet federal mileage standards, and terminated consumer credits of up to $7,500 for EV purchases. Environmentalists decried the rollback. “In one stroke The President is worsening three of our nation’s most vexing problems: the thirst for oil, high gas pump costs, and global warming,” said Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Transport Campaign for the Center for Biological Diversity. “Gutting the (gas-mileage) program will make cars burn more gas and American families burn more cash,” said Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All program. “This rollback would move the auto industry backwards, keeping polluting cars on our roads for years to come and threatening the health of millions of Americans, particularly children and the elderly.” ‘People want the gasoline car’ The President has repeatedly pledged to end what he falsely calls an EV “mandate,” referring incorrectly to Democratic President Joe Biden’s target that half of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. EVs accounted for about 8% of new vehicle sales in the United States in 2024, according to Cox Automotive. The President called Democrats’ efforts to promote EVs “insane,” adding, “People want the gasoline car.” No federal policy has required auto companies to sell EVs, although California and other states have imposed rules requiring that all new passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035. The President and congressional Republicans blocked the California law earlier this year. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged his agency to reverse existing fuel economy requirements, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, soon after taking office. In June, he said that standards set under Biden were illegal because they included use of electric vehicles in their calculation. EVs do not run on gasoline. After the June rule revision, the traffic safety administration was empowered to update the requirements. The new rules “are going to allow the automakers to make vehicles that Americans want to purchase, not vehicles that Joe Biden and (former Transportation Secretary Pete) Buttigieg want to build,” Duffy said Wednesday. Under Biden, automakers were required to average about 50 miles (81 kilometers) per gallon of gas for passenger cars by 2031, compared with about 39 miles (63 kilometers) per gallon today. The Biden administration also increased fuel-economy requirements by 2% each year for light-duty vehicles in every model year from 2027 to 2031, and 2% per year for SUVs and other light trucks from 2029 to 2031. At the same time, it called for stringent tailpipe rules meant to encourage EV adoption. The 2024 standards would have saved 14 billion gallons of gasoline from being burned by 2050, according to the traffic safety administration’s 2024 calculations. Abandoning them means that in 2035, cars could produce 22,111 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than under the Biden-era rules. It also means an extra 90 tons a year of deadly soot particles and 4,870 additional tons a year of smog components such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds going into the air in coming years. Mileage rules have been implemented since the 1970s energy crisis, and over time, automakers have gradually increased their vehicles’ average efficiency. “Weakening fuel economy standards won’t do much to make cars more affordable but is certain to make Americans buy a lot more gasoline,” said Albert Gore, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association. The action also harms domestic manufacturers that have invested heavily in EV technologies and hired thousands of employees to build them, Gore said. GM CEO skips White House event Notably absent Wednesday was General Motors CEO Mary Barra, who was attending a previously scheduled event in New York City, a company spokesperson said. A GM plant manager represented the automaker at the White House instead. Like Ford and Stellantis, GM has poured billions of dollars into electrification of its fleet. In a statement, the company said it “supports the goals” of the proposed rule. “We remain committed to offering the best and broadest portfolio of electric and gas-powered vehicles on the market,” GM said. –Matthew Daly and Alexa St. John, Associated Press Associated Press writers Darlene Superville and Seth Borenstein contributed to this report. The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. View the full article