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Creating a monthly social media calendar is vital for streamlining your content strategy and maximizing engagement. By comprehending your audience’s demographics, you can select the right platforms and tailor your content effectively. Planning content themes in advance allows for a consistent posting schedule, whereas incorporating flexibility helps you stay relevant with trends. There are several key strategies to contemplate that can improve your approach. Let’s explore these fundamental tips to boost your social media presence. Key Takeaways Analyze your audience demographics to select the right platforms for effective engagement. Establish a consistent posting schedule based on audience activity patterns for maximum visibility. Plan monthly content themes to enhance creativity and maintain a steady flow of quality posts. Incorporate flexibility in your calendar to adjust for trending topics and current events. Regularly review performance metrics to optimize content strategy and improve engagement rates. Understand the Purpose of a Social Media Calendar To effectively manage your social media presence, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of a social media calendar. This strategic tool helps you plan, organize, and manage your upcoming posts across various platforms. By outlining key details like publish dates, content types, and messaging, you guarantee consistency and alignment with your marketing goals. Calendar examples demonstrate how to cover important dates and seasonal trends, engaging your audience based on their interests. A monthly social media calendar prevents content creation ruts, allowing you to maintain a steady flow of quality posts. In the end, a well-structured calendar promotes efficiency, improves content quality, and aligns your marketing efforts with your business objectives, making certain that you stay organized and on track. Choose the Right Platforms for Your Audience Selecting the right social media platforms is vital for effectively reaching your target audience. Start by analyzing your audience demographics to identify which platforms they frequent. For instance, 73% of U.S. adults use YouTube, whereas 69% are on Facebook, presenting significant engagement opportunities. If you’re targeting younger consumers, consider TikTok, where 60% of users are aged 16-24. Each platform has its unique trends; Instagram stands out in visual content, making it ideal for lifestyle brands, and LinkedIn is fundamental for B2B marketing. Use analytics tools to track engagement, as 63% of marketers see improved sales through social media. Finally, diversify your content across platforms—short videos thrive on TikTok, whereas long-form articles work best on LinkedIn. Plan Content Themes and Types Ahead of Time Planning content themes and types ahead of time is crucial for maintaining a cohesive narrative that aligns with your marketing objectives. By identifying key dates, holidays, and seasonal trends, you can create relevant content that resonates with your audience and boosts engagement rates. Researching audience preferences in advance helps you select effective content types, increasing the likelihood of capturing attention and driving interaction. A well-structured monthly theme improves creativity, allowing your team to brainstorm ideas within a specific context, thereby avoiding content fatigue. Utilizing a social media calendar template streamlines the planning process, making it easier to visualize content distribution. This guarantees a balanced mix of formats and messaging, in the end supporting your overall marketing strategy. Establish a Consistent Posting Schedule To establish a consistent posting schedule, you need to determine the ideal times for your audience and align your content with relevant events. Regular posting not just keeps your brand visible but additionally helps your audience anticipate your updates, boosting engagement. Determine Optimal Posting Times Many brands overlook the importance of determining ideal posting times, yet this step is crucial for maximizing engagement and reach on social media platforms. Analyzing your audience’s activity patterns can reveal when they’re most active, allowing you to post at prime times. Tools like Sprout Social’s ViralPost® can suggest the best posting times based on historical data and audience behavior. Maintaining a consistent posting schedule not merely boosts brand visibility but additionally nurtures audience trust. The ideal frequency differs by platform; for instance, aim for 1-2 posts daily on Instagram and 3-10 on Twitter. Regularly testing and adjusting your posting times based on metrics like engagement rates can improve your performance and strengthen your connection with your audience over time. Align Content With Events Aligning your content with relevant events and holidays can greatly boost audience engagement, as timely posts resonate more with followers who have an interest in those themes. Establishing a consistent posting schedule based on key dates improves visibility, with 60% of consumers expecting regular updates. A social media calendar can help diversify content, mixing promotional and engaging posts customized to audience interests. Event/Holiday Content Type Posting Frequency New Year Inspirational Quotes Weekly Valentine’s Day Promotional Offers Bi-weekly Earth Day Educational Posts Monthly Halloween Interactive Content Weekly Tracking engagement patterns will inform future strategies, leading to a potential 30% increase when aligned with expectations. Incorporate Flexibility for Timely Trends To effectively incorporate flexibility into your social media calendar, you should monitor current events and trending topics closely. By adapting your content strategy based on audience engagement and using relevant hashtags, you can greatly improve your reach and interaction rates. This approach not just keeps your brand relevant but likewise allows you to seize opportunities that arise from timely discussions. Monitor Current Events Even though planning your social media calendar is vital, it’s equally important to stay attuned to current events and trending topics. By monitoring these, you can tap into timely content that improves engagement by 30% among interested audiences. Flexibility in your calendar allows for quick adjustments to incorporate relevant news or viral content, potentially increasing your post reach by up to 50%. Utilizing social listening tools helps identify emerging trends, enabling you to craft posts that resonate with your audience. Effective monitoring can lead to higher engagement rates, as real-time content generates up to six times more interactions than pre-scheduled posts. Scheduling buffer periods in your calendar can help maintain relevance and responsiveness to capitalize on fast-moving trends. Adapt to Audience Engagement Incorporating flexibility into your social media calendar is vital for adapting to audience engagement effectively. Make room for timely trends and spontaneous content that resonates with your audience’s current interests, as this can greatly improve engagement rates. Regularly monitor real-time analytics and audience feedback to identify trending topics that fit seamlessly into your content strategy. Utilizing social listening tools will help you stay informed about emerging conversations that can connect you with your audience. Each month, allocate time to review and adjust your calendar based on audience engagement patterns. Striking a balance between scheduled posts and spontaneous content is important, especially since 78% of consumers prefer brands that respond to cultural and social trends. Use Trending Hashtags Using trending hashtags is a strong strategy to boost your social media presence and engage your audience effectively. Incorporating these hashtags into your monthly social media calendar can considerably increase your content’s visibility, as posts with hashtags see 12.6% more engagement. Monitoring ongoing trends allows you to stay relevant and join real-time conversations, potentially increasing user engagement by 33%. Flexibility in your content calendar is essential; it lets you quickly adapt and include trending hashtags, ensuring your posts resonate with current audience interests. Tools like Sprout Social can help identify these trending hashtags and analyze performance metrics, leading to data-driven content strategies. Engaging with trending topics improves brand awareness, as 70% of users prefer content tied to current events. Utilize Performance Metrics for Optimization To effectively optimize your social media strategy, it is essential to regularly monitor key performance metrics such as engagement rates, click-through rates (CTR), and conversion rates. Utilizing tools like Sprout Social helps generate reports that reveal which content types drive the highest engagement. Analyzing audience behavior patterns, like peak engagement times, allows you to align your posting schedule with when your audience is most active. Focus on high-performing content themes and formats, as indicated by your engagement data, to improve your overall content strategy. Continuously refine your social media calendar based on performance insights to boost ROI and guarantee your content strategy evolves with audience preferences and engagement trends. Metric Description Action Required Engagement Rate Measures interactions with posts Adjust content style Click-Through Rate Indicates link effectiveness Optimize call-to-action Conversion Rate Tracks completed desired actions Refine target audience Collaborate With Your Team for Better Engagement Collaborating with your team can greatly boost engagement on social media, as it brings together diverse perspectives that lead to more creative and compelling content. Regular team meetings to discuss strategies align everyone on goals, making it easier to track progress and adjust plans as needed. Using collaboration tools like Sprout Social increases efficiency, allowing team members to provide feedback, comment on drafts, and streamline the approval process. Involving individuals from different departments can offer unique insights, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of your posts. Studies show that companies with strong collaborative cultures are five times more likely to be high-performing, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving social media success. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make a Good Social Media Calendar? To make a good social media calendar, start by defining your content themes and categories, ensuring they align with your brand and audience. Incorporate various content formats like videos and infographics to boost engagement. Schedule posts at ideal times for each platform, using tools like Buffer or Hootsuite for consistency. Organize your calendar in a customizable template, and aim to plan your content 2–4 weeks in advance for flexibility and alignment with campaigns. What Is a Social Media Calendar for the Month? A social media calendar for the month is a structured plan that outlines your scheduled posts across different platforms. It includes details like posting dates, times, content types, and channels, ensuring you maintain a consistent and strategic approach to your marketing efforts. What Is the Best Calendar for Social Media Planning? The best calendar for social media planning combines customizable templates with collaborative tools, allowing you to define your posting schedule and content types clearly. Options like Google Sheets and AirTable offer flexibility for tracking posts and ideas. For a more integrated approach, consider specialized software like Sprout Social or CoSchedule, which enable planning, scheduling, and performance tracking across various platforms, ensuring your social media efforts align with your marketing goals effectively. How Do You Determine the Best Posting Frequency for Your Social Media Calendar? To determine the best posting frequency for your social media calendar, analyze your audience’s engagement patterns. Typically, brands benefit from posting 1-2 times daily, but this varies by platform. For instance, Twitter thrives on multiple daily posts, whereas Instagram and Facebook favor fewer, high-quality updates. Monitor competitors’ activity for insights, and use social media tools to identify ideal posting times. Regularly review performance metrics to refine your strategy effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, creating a monthly social media calendar requires careful planning and analysis. By comprehending your audience, selecting appropriate platforms, and establishing a consistent posting schedule, you can improve engagement. Flexibility for current trends and using performance metrics will help optimize your strategy. Collaborating with your team can yield varied insights, ensuring your content remains relevant. Regularly reviewing feedback allows you to adapt your approach, eventually leading to a more effective social media presence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Tips for Your Monthly Social Media Calendar" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

President Donald The President is considering pressuring states to stop regulating artificial intelligence in a draft executive order obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, as some in Congress also consider whether to temporarily block states from regulating AI. The President and some Republicans argue that the limited regulations already enacted by states, and others that might follow, will dampen innovation and growth for the technology. Critics from both political parties — as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups — worry that banning state regulation would amount to a favor for big AI companies who enjoy little to no oversight. While the draft executive order could change, here’s what to know about states’ AI regulations and what The President is proposing. What state-level regulations exist and why Four states — Colorado, California, Utah, and Texas — have passed laws that set some rules for AI across the private sector, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Those laws include limiting the collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies. The laws are in response to AI that already pervades everyday life. The technology helps make consequential decisions for Americans, including who gets a job interview, an apartment lease, a home loan and even certain medical care. But research has shown that it can make mistakes in those decisions, including by prioritizing a particular gender or race. “It’s not a matter of AI makes mistakes and humans never do,” said Calli Schroeder, director of the AI & Human Rights Program at the public interest group EPIC. “With a human, I can say, ‘Hey, explain, how did you come to that conclusion, what factors did you consider?’” she continued. “With an AI, I can’t ask any of that, and I can’t find that out. And frankly, half the time the programmers of the AI couldn’t answer that question.” States’ more ambitious AI regulation proposals require private companies to provide transparency and assess the possible risks of discrimination from their AI programs. Beyond those more sweeping rules, many states have regulated parts of AI: barring the use of deepfakes in elections and to create nonconsensual porn, for example, or putting rules in place around the government’s own use of AI. What The President and some Republicans want to do The draft executive order would direct federal agencies to identify burdensome state AI regulations and pressure states to not enact them, including by withholding federal funding or challenging the state laws in court. It would also begin a process to develop a lighter-touch regulatory framework for the whole country that would override state AI laws. The President’s argument is that the patchwork of regulations across 50 states impedes AI companies’ growth, and allows China to catch up to the U.S. in the AI race. The president has also said state regulations are producing “Woke AI.” The draft executive order that was leaked could change and should not be taken as final, said a senior The President administration official who requested anonymity to describe internal White House discussions. The official said the tentative plan is for The President to sign the order Friday. Separately, House Republican leadership is already discussing a proposal to temporarily block states from regulating AI, the chamber’s majority leader, Steve Scalise, told Punchbowl News this week. It’s yet unclear what that proposal would look like, or which AI regulations it would override. TechNet, which advocates for tech companies including Google and Amazon, has previously argued that pausing state regulations would benefit smaller AI companies still getting on their feet and allow time for lawmakers develop a country-wide regulatory framework that “balances innovation with accountability.” Why attempts at federal regulation have failed Some Republicans in Congress have previously tried and failed to ban states from regulating AI. Part of the challenge is that opposition is coming from their party’s own ranks. Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, said a federal law barring state regulation of AI was “Not acceptable” in a post on X this week. DeSantis argued that the move would be a “subsidy to Big Tech” and would stop states from protecting against a list of things, including “predatory applications that target children” and “online censorship of political speech.” A federal ban on states regulating AI is also unpopular, said Cody Venzke, senior policy council at the ACLU’s National Political Advocacy Department. “The American people do not want AI to be discriminatory, to be unsafe, to be hallucinatory,” he said. “So I don’t think anyone is interested in winning the AI race if it means AI that is not trustworthy.” —Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I’ve DIYed three kitchen and two bathroom renovations so far in my life; I’ve re-caulked countless old windows and doors; I’ve applied construction adhesive to a lot of things. And I’ve always struggled with caulking. It's difficult to get smooth, equal caulk lines, and when caulking large areas my arm gets pretty tired, especially if I’m pushing some thick and heavy material out of that tube. Plus, I always ended up wiping away accidents with my hands, leaving me smeared with caulk. After years of constant frustration, it finally occurred to me that the culprit might be the old-school manual caulk gun I’d been using for decades. It’s bent, rusted, and covered in a crust of old caulk, cement, and dirt; I couldn’t think of a single reason why I hadn’t upgraded it. When I did, I decided to try out a power caulking gun, so I picked up this cordless one by DeWalt. It's not the cheapest option, but I love this thing. DEWALT 20V MAX Caulking Gun $159.93 at Amazon $256.00 Save $96.07 Get Deal Get Deal $159.93 at Amazon $256.00 Save $96.07 What is a power caulking gun?A power caulking gun is similar to the standard manual tool you’re used to. It’s a bit bulkier and heavier, of course, but it operates in much the same way: You pop in a cartridge (or a sausage tube if your gun can switch between them), you cut the tip, and the rod pushes the caulk or adhesive out. The main difference is that the rod advances automatically when you press the trigger—you don’t have to keep exerting force with your hand, and caulk is dispensed continuously instead of in the chaotic waves I always managed manually. Why you need a power caulking gunWhat’s fantastic about this power caulk gun is the level of control. You can set the maximum and minimum speed of the tool precisely, so you get exactly the flow rate you need for your job, and you can change speed within that range easily with the trigger. It comes with different canister trays to accommodate different tubes, and it has a nifty little light that allows you to actually see what you’re doing—something I didn’t realize I needed until I experienced it. One thing I love is that the rod retracts when you release the trigger, preventing caulk or adhesive from oozing out of the tube. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set the caulking gun down to do something and discovered a nice pile of caulk on my floor. That’s not an issue any more. There’s a bit of a learning curve with this—it’ll take a moment to get a feel for the flow and to mentally calibrate what speed setting is right for what job. Once you get the hang of it, though, being able to caulk an entire run of tile or countertop without pausing feels like a superpower. And not getting covered in caulk is priceless. View the full article

Renters can now enroll in CreditClimb through Zillow to have their on-time rent payments reported to the three major credit bureaus. View the full article

So far, macOS hasn't been as big on theming and customization as I'd like, but that's changing with its newest version. In macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple's shipped a bunch of ways to customize the look and feel of your Mac's desktop, app icons, and menu bar, among other things. And there's more to it than just tweaking how Liquid Glass looks. If you're the sort of person who enjoys theming and customization, try these tips. Tweak app icons in the Dock Credit: Pranay Parab Your Mac's Dock probably has a bunch of colorful icons. I've always enjoyed those diverse colors, but others might want something more uniform. If you feel like going with a particular tint, or if you just want your app icons to use dark mode, it's just a quick tweak away. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac's screen and go to System Settings > Appearance > Icon & widget style. Here, you can change the app icons to Dark, Clear, or Tinted. The Tinted option lets you select a single tint for all your app icons, so choose the color you like the most. Customize the clock in your Mac's lock screen Credit: Pranay Parab Once you upgrade to macOS Tahoe, you'll probably notice the new clock on your lock screen. You can tweak this to your liking, too. Just go to System Settings > Wallpaper > Clock Appearance. You can choose one of six clock styles. Don't forget to adjust the slider below the Weight option, which lets you change the font to make the clock look sleeker or more prominent. Customize the Control Center Credit: Pranay Parab With iOS 18's release in 2024, Apple started letting you customize your iPhone's Control Center. This year, that feature is finally on Mac, starting with macOS Tahoe. To use it, just click the Control Center button in the menu bar at the top of your Mac's screen, and select Edit Controls. There are plenty of controls to choose from, so take your time and add what you need. You can drag-and-drop any of the controls to move them around, or you can click the - (minus) button next to any control to remove it from the Control Center. Alternatively, you can tweak your control center under System Settings > Menu Bar > Menu Bar Controls. Add a background to the Mac menu bar Credit: Pranay Parab One of the more controversial changes to macOS Tahoe is the swap to a transparent menu bar. The clear color sometimes makes it harder to read text, but if you don't like that, you can restore a background to your menu bar. This feature is under System Settings > Menu Bar > Show menu bar background. Change folder icon colors on Mac Credit: Pranay Parab If you're tired of the default blue color for folder icons, macOS Tahoe lets you tweak this to suit your style. Go to System Settings > Appearance > Folder color and use the drop-down menu to change the color of folder icons. I'd have never thought of myself as a person who uses orange folder icons, but I suppose we all go through a tangerine season at some point in our lives. Switch Mac theme in Settings Credit: Pranay Parab macOS Tahoe also gives you limited control over your Mac's theme. If you go to System Settings > Appearance > Theme and pick a color, you'll notice that this color also applies to the cursor in writing apps, and the color of selected items in menus, too. On the same menu page, you can also choose a different color for highlighted text, which is a nice additional level of customization. It ensures that if I pick a particularly bright color for my overall theme, I can still choose a milder color for text selection. That helps me stay focused while I'm working, which is something I value a lot. View the full article

It’s a tough time to be looking for a job. Amid wider economic uncertainty, some analysts have said that businesses are at a “no-hire, no fire” standstill. That’s caused many to limit new work to only a few specific roles, if not pause openings entirely. At the same time, sizable layoffs have continued to pile up — raising worker anxieties across sectors. Some companies have pointed to rising operational costs spanning from President Donald The President’s barrage of new tariffs and shifts in consumer spending. Others cite corporate restructuring more broadly — or, as seen with big names like Amazon, are redirecting money to artificial intelligence. Federal employees have encountered additional doses of uncertainty, impacting worker sentiment around the job market overall. Shortly after The President returned to office at the start of the year, federal jobs were cut by the thousands. And the record 43-day government shutdown also left many to work without paychecks. The impasse put key economic data on hold, too. In a delayed report released Thursday, the Labor Department said U.S. employers added a surprising 119,000 jobs in September. But unemployment rose to 4.4% — and other troubling details emerged, including revisions showing the economy actually lost 4,000 jobs in August. There’s also growing gender and racial disparities. The National Women’s Law Center notes women only accounted for 21,000 of September’s added jobs — and that Black women over the age of 20, in particular, saw unemployment climb to 7.5% for the month. The shutdown has left holes in more recent hiring numbers. The government says it won’t release a full jobs report for October. Here are some of the largest job cuts announced recently: Verizon In November, Verizon began laying off more than 13,000 employees. In a staff memo announcing the cuts, CEO Dan Schulman said that the telecommunications giant needed to simplify operations and “reorient” the entire company. General Motors General Motors moved to lay off about 1,700 workers across manufacturing sites in Michigan and Ohio in late October, as the auto giant adjusts to slowing demand for electric vehicles. Hundreds of additional employees are reportedly slated for “temporary layoffs” at the start of next year. Paramount In long-awaited cuts just months after completing its $8 billion merger with Skydance, Paramount plans to lay off about 2,000 employees — about 10% of its workforce. Paramount initiated roughly 1,000 of those layoffs in late October, according to a source familiar with the matter. In November, Paramount also announced plans to eliminate 1,600 positions as part of divestitures of Televisión Federal in Argentina and Chilevision in Chile. And the company said another 600 employees had chosen voluntary severance packages as part of a coming push to return to the office full-time. Amazon Amazon said last month that it will cut about 14,000 corporate jobs, close to 4% of its workforce, as the online retail giant ramps up spending on AI while trimming costs elsewhere. A letter to employees said most workers would be given 90 days to look for a new position internally. UPS United Parcel Service has disclosed about 48,000 job cuts this year as part of turnaround efforts, which arrive amid wider shifts in the company’s shipping outputs. UPS also closed daily operations at 93 leased and owned buildings during the first nine months of this year. Target Target in October moved to eliminate about 1,800 corporate positions, or about 8% of its corporate workforce globally. The retailer said the cuts were part of wider streamlining efforts. Nestlé In mid-October, Nestlé said it would be cutting 16,000 jobs globally — as part of wider cost cutting aimed at reviving its financial performance amid headwinds like rising commodity costs and U.S. imposed tariffs. The Swiss food giant said the layoffs would take place over the next two years. Lufthansa Group In September, Lufthansa Group said it would shed 4,000 jobs by 2030 — pointing to the adoption of artificial intelligence, digitalization and consolidating work among member airlines. Novo Nordisk Also in September, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk said it would cut 9,000 jobs, about 11% of its workforce. The company — which makes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy — said the layoffs were part of wider restructuring, as it works to sell more obesity and diabetes medications amid rising competition. ConocoPhillips Oil giant ConocoPhillips announced plans in September to lay off up to a quarter of its workforce, as part of broader efforts from the company to cut costs. Between 2,600 and 3,250 workers were expected to be impacted, with most layoffs set to take place before the end of 2025. Intel Intel has moved to shed thousands of jobs — with the struggling chipmaker working to revive its business. In July, CEO Lip-Bu Tan said Intel expected to end the year with 75,000 “core” workers, excluding subsidiaries, through layoffs and attrition. That’s down from 99,500 core employees reported the end of last year. The company previously announced a 15% workforce reduction. Microsoft In May, Microsoft began laying off about 6,000 workers across its workforce. And just months later, the tech giant said it would be cutting 9,000 positions — marking its biggest round of layoffs seen in more than two years. The company has cited “organizational changes,” but the labor reductions also arrive as the company spends heavily on AI. Procter & Gamble In June, Procter & Gamble said it would cut up to 7,000 jobs over the next two years, 6% of the company’s global workforce. The maker of Tide detergent and Pampers diapers said the cuts were part of a wider restructuring — also arriving amid tariff pressures. —Wyatte Grantham-Philips, AP business writer View the full article

Shumeet Banerji’s departure is latest blow to the corporation View the full article

The controversy over Apple removing ICE tracking apps from its App Store isn’t over. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights group, has filed suit to compel the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to release documentation of their communications with Apple and other tech platforms that led to the app removals. It began in October when Apple first removed an app called ICEBlock, which allows users to report Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in their area. Attorney General Pam Bondi took credit for the takedown, telling reporters, “We reached out to Apple today demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store—and Apple did so.” The Attorney General’s office claimed the apps presented “safety risks” for ICE agents. In the days that followed, Apple removed several other similar apps, explaining that they could potentially be used to target law enforcement officials. The company says the apps violate section 1.1.1 of its app store guidelines, which prohibits “[d]efamatory, discriminatory, or mean-spirited content, including references or commentary about … targeted groups, particularly if the app is likely to humiliate, intimidate or place a targeted individual or group in harm’s way.” Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for additional information. And it wasn’t just Apple. Meta removed a Facebook group with 80,000 members called ICE Sighting-Chicagoland at the request (or demand) of the government. Chicago residents had been using the apps to warn neighbors when the masked federal agents were near area schools, grocery stores, and other community locations. Google removed an ICE tracking app called Red Dot from its Google Play store, saying the app violated its policy against apps that share the location of what it describes as a “vulnerable group.” Bondi vowed to “continue engaging tech companies” on the issue. But how the government engages matters, explains Mario Trujillo, one of the EFF attorneys who filed the lawsuit. “This has a lot of first amendment issues, and there’s this narrow line between permissible government persuasion and then impermissible unconstitutional coercion,” Trujillo says. “To really understand whether or not the government violated the first amendment, you really have to analyze the actual conversations.” Trujillo says the language and tone used by the government also matters. “Was there an implicit threat or the threat of consequences if they didn’t do something?”. The EFF says people have a protected First Amendment right to document and share information about law enforcement activities performed in public. If government officials coerce third parties into suppressing protected activity, the group says, this can be unconstitutional, as the government cannot do indirectly what it is barred from doing directly. In October, the EFF submitted a Freedom of Information Act request with the DOJ, the DHS agencies (including ICE) asking for the communications with the tech companies. None of the agencies responded, so EFF filed suit to compel the release of the records, Trujillo says. Trujillo adds that it’s likely that other advocacy groups or media outlets have submitted similar FOIAs. Whoever succeeds in getting the communication records will make them public. If the communications reveal that the government coerced or threatened the tech companies, the stage may be set for a First Amendment lawsuit against the government. The developer of the ICEBlock app, Joshua Aaron, believes the removal of his app is a violation of his First Amendment rights, and intends to fight Apple’s decision in court. Attempts to contact Aaron weren’t immediately successful. “The app was thoroughly vetted for three weeks by Apple’s legal and senior officials before approval,” Aaron told Decrypt. “It’s been fine all this time. For them to do it now, that’s why I say I’m so disappointed.” View the full article

After being cold-shouldered in 2018, the crown prince is once again being embraced by governments and investorsView the full article

Latest Ukraine peace plan presented by the US would be a capitulation to Moscow View the full article

The The President administration announced on Thursday new oil drilling off the California and Florida coasts for the first time in decades, advancing a project that critics say could harm coastal communities and ecosystems, as President Donald The President seeks to expand U.S. oil production. The oil industry has been seeking access to new offshore areas, including Southern California and off the coast of Florida, as a way to boost U.S. energy security and jobs. The federal government has not allowed drilling in federal waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which includes offshore Florida and part of offshore Alabama, since 1995, because of concerns about oil spills. California has some offshore oil rigs, but there has been no new leasing in federal waters since the mid-1980s. Since taking office for a second time in January, The President has systematically reversed former President Joe Biden’s focus on slowing climate change to pursue what the Republican calls U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The President, who recently called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” created a National Energy Dominance Council and directed it to move quickly to drive up already record-high U.S. energy production, particularly fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. Meanwhile, The President’s administration has blocked renewable energy sources such as offshore wind and canceled billions of dollars in grants that supported hundreds of clean energy projects across the country. The drilling proposal drew bipartisan pushback in Florida, where a spokesperson for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said the The President administration should reconsider and Republican Sen. Rick Scott said the state’s coasts “must remain off the table for oil drilling.” California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent The President critic, called the administration’s plan “idiotic.” Tourism and access to clean beaches are key parts of the economy in both states. Plans to allow drilling off California, Alaska and Florida’s coast The administration’s plan proposes six offshore lease sales between 2027 and 2030 in areas along the California coast. It also calls for new drilling off the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico at least 100 miles from shore. Drilling leases would be sold in the newly designated South-Central Gulf region, adjacent to the central Gulf’s thousands of wells and hundreds of drilling platforms. The new designation distinguishes the targeted area from the Eastern Gulf where drilling is prohibited under a moratorium The President signed in his first term. Industry representatives said the change was aimed at addressing concerns from Florida officials who oppose drilling near their tourism-friendly coasts. The five-year plan also would compel more than 20 lease sales off the coast of Alaska, including a newly designated area known as the High Arctic, more than 200 miles offshore in the Arctic Ocean. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in announcing the sales that it would take years for the oil from new leases to get to market. “By moving forward with the development of a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America’s offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come,” Burgum said in a statement. The American Petroleum Institute called the new plan a “historic step” toward unleashing more offshore resources. Industry groups point to California’s history as an oil-producing state and say it already has infrastructure to support more production. Opposition from California and Florida Scott, a The President ally, helped persuade officials in The President’s first term to drop a similar offshore plan in 2018 when Scott was governor. Scott and Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody introduced legislation this month to maintain the drilling moratorium from The President’s first term. Newsom, who often touts the state’s status as a global climate leader, said in response to Thursday’s announcement that California would “use every tool at our disposal to protect our coastline.” California has been a leader in restricting offshore drilling since an infamous 1969 Santa Barbara spill helped spark the modern environmental movement. While no new federal leases have been offered since the mid-1980s, drilling from existing platforms continues. Newsom expressed support for greater offshore controls after a 2021 spill off Huntington Beach and has backed a congressional effort to ban new offshore drilling on the West Coast. A Texas-based company, with support from the The President administration, is seeking to restart production in waters off Santa Barbara damaged by a 2015 oil spill. The administration has hailed the plan by Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp. as the kind of project The President wants to increase U.S. energy production. The President signed an executive order on the first day of his second term to reverse Biden’s ban on future offshore oil drilling on the East and West coasts. A federal court later struck down Biden’s order to withdraw 625 million acres of federal waters from oil development. Environmental and economic concerns over oil spills Lawmakers from California and Florida warned new offshore drilling would hurt coastal economies, jeopardize national security, ravage coastal ecosystems, and put the health and safety of millions of people at risk. “This is not just a little bit offshore drilling. This is the entire California coast, every inch of Alaska, even the eastern Gulf of Mexico,” said California Rep. Jared Huffman. “Basically, everywhere Big Oil has been salivating to drill for decades.” Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida led a group of Republican lawmakers who asked The President in a Thursday letter to withdraw some parcels off the Florida coast from leasing. They warned that oil exploration could interfere with a training area for nearby military airbases. Allowing the parcels to go forward “would have a chilling effect on the military’s ability to test new munitions, including hypersonic and counter drone weaponry,” they wrote. The state is also still recovering from the environmental and economic havoc caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, which fouled coasts across the Gulf, said Florida Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor. A Santa Barbara group, the Environmental Defense Center, formed in response to the 1969 California spill, said the plan puts at risk the Santa Barbara Channel off Southern California, an important feeding ground for endangered blue, humpback, and fin whales. “There is no way to drill for oil without causing devastating impacts,” said Maggie Hall, deputy chief counsel at the advocacy group. “The risk is unacceptable.” —Matthew Daly and Matthew Brown, Associated Press Associated Press reporters Julie Watson, Sophie Austin, and Kate Payne contributed to this report. View the full article

Intuit Inc. has partnered with Cherry Bekaert, a significant player in the advisory, assurance, and tax sectors, to deliver a new solution aimed at small and mid-market businesses grappling with the complexities of growth. The initiative focuses on the Intuit Enterprise Suite—an AI-powered enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed to streamline operations and enhance profitability. For small business owners, this collaboration highlights the increasing importance of adopting advanced technologies to maintain competitiveness. Intuit’s solution promises to alleviate common pain points experienced by growing businesses, such as managing multiple software applications and facing the high costs associated with outdated ERP systems. As Simon Williams, Vice President of Intuit’s accountant segment, states, “This partnership enables Cherry Bekaert to continue to meet the needs of its scaling clients with Intuit Enterprise Suite to streamline workflows and deliver proactive, data-driven insights that drive faster decisions and fuel profitability.” The Intuit Enterprise Suite aims to simplify financial management for mid-market businesses by consolidating essential functions—like financial reporting, payroll, and marketing—into a singular, cloud-based platform. This integrated approach helps businesses avoid fragmented tech stacks where multiple applications create data silos. Consequently, business owners can benefit from improved visibility into their operations and make more informed, data-supported decisions. Practical applications of the Intuit Enterprise Suite are clear. For instance, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, using this suite, has streamlined its finances and reporting processes. As Joseph Edwards, Executive Vice President of Cojeaux Cinemas, remarked, “Intuit Enterprise Suite streamlines our finances and reporting, delivers insights that guide operations, and allows us to spend less time in the back office, so we can focus on what matters most: our team members and our guests.” Such examples illustrate how the ERP system not only simplifies administrative tasks but also enhances overall business focus. However, adopting new technology can be met with challenges. Small business owners should consider the potential learning curve associated with implementing the Intuit Enterprise Suite. Transitioning to a new system often requires time and training, potentially diverting attention from day-to-day operations. Additionally, the costs associated with integrating an advanced ERP solution may initially appear daunting, even if the long-term benefits suggest savings in both time and money. Intuit and Cherry Bekaert plan to kick off their partnership with a series of informational events targeting CFOs, controllers, and business owners in various U.S. cities. Designed to showcase financial strategies for scaling businesses, these events will cover how to streamline operations using Intuit’s solutions and Cherry Bekaert’s advisory services. Matt Brady, Chief Growth Officer at Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, encapsulates the vision behind this collaboration: “Intuit Enterprise Suite is reimagining ERP software with a disruptive platform solution that meets the needs of complex businesses with end-to-end financial management and workflow automations.” Ultimately, the partnership between Intuit and Cherry Bekaert represents a strategic step towards modernizing the financial landscapes of mid-market businesses. As the industry evolves, small business owners have a unique opportunity to leverage AI-driven technology tailored to their specific needs. For more detailed information, you can view the original press release on the Intuit website here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit Partners with Cherry Bekaert to Launch AI-Driven ERP Solution" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Intuit Inc. has partnered with Cherry Bekaert, a significant player in the advisory, assurance, and tax sectors, to deliver a new solution aimed at small and mid-market businesses grappling with the complexities of growth. The initiative focuses on the Intuit Enterprise Suite—an AI-powered enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed to streamline operations and enhance profitability. For small business owners, this collaboration highlights the increasing importance of adopting advanced technologies to maintain competitiveness. Intuit’s solution promises to alleviate common pain points experienced by growing businesses, such as managing multiple software applications and facing the high costs associated with outdated ERP systems. As Simon Williams, Vice President of Intuit’s accountant segment, states, “This partnership enables Cherry Bekaert to continue to meet the needs of its scaling clients with Intuit Enterprise Suite to streamline workflows and deliver proactive, data-driven insights that drive faster decisions and fuel profitability.” The Intuit Enterprise Suite aims to simplify financial management for mid-market businesses by consolidating essential functions—like financial reporting, payroll, and marketing—into a singular, cloud-based platform. This integrated approach helps businesses avoid fragmented tech stacks where multiple applications create data silos. Consequently, business owners can benefit from improved visibility into their operations and make more informed, data-supported decisions. Practical applications of the Intuit Enterprise Suite are clear. For instance, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, using this suite, has streamlined its finances and reporting processes. As Joseph Edwards, Executive Vice President of Cojeaux Cinemas, remarked, “Intuit Enterprise Suite streamlines our finances and reporting, delivers insights that guide operations, and allows us to spend less time in the back office, so we can focus on what matters most: our team members and our guests.” Such examples illustrate how the ERP system not only simplifies administrative tasks but also enhances overall business focus. However, adopting new technology can be met with challenges. Small business owners should consider the potential learning curve associated with implementing the Intuit Enterprise Suite. Transitioning to a new system often requires time and training, potentially diverting attention from day-to-day operations. Additionally, the costs associated with integrating an advanced ERP solution may initially appear daunting, even if the long-term benefits suggest savings in both time and money. Intuit and Cherry Bekaert plan to kick off their partnership with a series of informational events targeting CFOs, controllers, and business owners in various U.S. cities. Designed to showcase financial strategies for scaling businesses, these events will cover how to streamline operations using Intuit’s solutions and Cherry Bekaert’s advisory services. Matt Brady, Chief Growth Officer at Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, encapsulates the vision behind this collaboration: “Intuit Enterprise Suite is reimagining ERP software with a disruptive platform solution that meets the needs of complex businesses with end-to-end financial management and workflow automations.” Ultimately, the partnership between Intuit and Cherry Bekaert represents a strategic step towards modernizing the financial landscapes of mid-market businesses. As the industry evolves, small business owners have a unique opportunity to leverage AI-driven technology tailored to their specific needs. For more detailed information, you can view the original press release on the Intuit website here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit Partners with Cherry Bekaert to Launch AI-Driven ERP Solution" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

“POV: You have a type B coworker,” TikTok creator Eric Sedeño posted last week. In the viral skit, the “coworker” rolls into the office past 10 a.m., pulling out a laptop with only 5% charge. “I went to bed at like 4 a.m. last night,” he confesses. “Seriously work is so hard today,” he complains before taking a nap on the couch. When he is working, music is blaring and he is simultaneously on Instagram Live. “When’s that big presentation?” he asks. (It’s today.) If you don’t have a type B coworker like this, it’s probably you. “Type b people EXPECT everything to work out fine for them and it always does,” one commented. “This is literally the person that actually gets promoted,” another wrote. On TikTok, videos on being type B are having a moment, racking up thousands of views and comments of those who can relate or identify with the chaos. Plenty also poke fun or air their frustrations with the type Bs in their lives. The recent discourse essentially equates type A to someone who has their lives together, and type B to a more laidback go-with-the-flow personality. Most feel an affinity one way or another, similar to the way we label ourselves as introverted or extroverted, or proudly claim INTJ or ISFP according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. These personality stamps can be helpful when explaining particular tendencies, or finding ways to leverage strengths or inhibit weaknesses, particularly in the workplace. But what happens when you identify as a highly strung type A in the office, but off the clock your life is a shambles? Also—ever hear of an introverted extrovert, or an extroverted introvert? Because they exist. The problem with identifying one way or another, is that personality mostly exists on a spectrum. Pigeon-holing people as either/or risks assigning them traits they might not actually have. Someone might be hardworking and organized (traits associated with type A), but simultaneously be flexible and creative (typical type B traits). Nor is one better than the other. People tend to highlight the more flattering traits associated with each type, while overlooking the less-desirable ones. According to 2023 research published in Nature, startups that prioritized a diverse range of personalities were more likely to succeed. The type A/B binary long predates TikTok, of course. It was first introduced in the late 1950s by cardiologists linking personality traits in white middle-class men to heart attack risk. It is now no longer widely regarded as a scientifically validated way to understand personality, but rather a fun conversation starter or useful Hinge prompt. Still, pop psychology remains one of the internet’s favorite subjects to dissect. (In case you were curious about me: type A. Introverted Extrovert. INFJ.) View the full article

Laws don’t work — transparency and technology are the answerView the full article

Air travel is a stressful event for anyone: long waits at the airport, the ever-present threat of delayed flights, and cramped seats can easily cause temperaments to run short. All that is made worse during the holidays, as the number of travelers soars. But what can make a flight even worse than the unavoidable unpleasantries are, simply put, travel jerks. These are travelers who are rude to one another, short-tempered with airport staff, and disrespectful to flight attendants. Now, ahead of the holiday travel season, which kicks off next week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching a new campaign to inspire civility in travelers. Here’s what you need to know. Transportation Secretary urges civility in the friendly skies On Wednesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new campaign titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” The DOT says the campaign is designed to get the country talking about “how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel.” Announcing the new campaign, which kicks off with a 90-second YouTube video, the DOT highlighted data that it says backs up the popular perception that traveling on planes has become more unruly in recent years. According to the agency, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has seen more than a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019. These outbursts include everything from “disruptive behavior to outright violence.” The agency says that between 2020 and 2021, reports of unruly behavior rose more than six times. In 2021 alone, 20% of flight attendants experienced “physical incidents,” and since 2021, 13,800 unruly passenger incidents have been reported. Most recently, the DOT says, 2024 saw double the number of unruly passenger events when compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic, when traveling was decidedly less stressful. If you want a peek at some of the worst unruly passenger incidents, the latter half of the DOT campaign video, embedded below, showcases alarming ones caught on camera. For 2025, the FAA’s data shows that there have so far been 1,431 unruly passenger reports as of November 16. About 10% of those—142—had investigations opened into them by authorities. They resulted in 125 enforcement actions, which have included $2.1 million in fines. For the most recent week of November 16, the FAA says there were 1.4 unruly passengers reported for every 10,000 flights. However, while the agency notes that the rate of unruly passenger incidents has dropped more than 80% since early 2021 record highs, it concedes that “recent increases show there remains more work to do.” DOT’s advice on how to be a more civil flyer In the DOT’s civility campaign video, Transportation Secretary Duffy offered five questions people can ask themselves to determine if they are “Americans reach their destinations as quickly, efficiently and comfortably as possible.” Those questions include: Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags in the overhead bin? Are you dressing with respect? Are you keeping control of your children and helping them through the airport? Are you saying thank you to your flight attendants? Are you saying please and thank you in general? Given the latest holiday travel data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 6 million passengers will need to ask themselves these questions begining next week. The AAA is forecasting that the Thanksgiving holiday travel season, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1, will see 6.07 million people take to the skies. That’s 2.1% more than the 5.94 million individuals who flew during Thanksgiving week 2024, and 14.9% more than the number of individuals who flew during the 2019 Thanksgiving travel period. View the full article

If you’re looking to tap into the crafting market, consider the top seven best-selling items that consistently attract buyers. Handmade jewelry remains a high-demand accessory, whereas tufted rugs and mats offer unique home décor options. Seasonal wreaths provide year-round crafting opportunities, and personalized candles allow for customized fragrances. Furthermore, macramé wall hangings and decorative pillows improve home aesthetics. Comprehending these trends can guide your crafting choices effectively. What other creative avenues can you explore? Key Takeaways Handmade jewelry remains a top seller due to its unique designs and high profit margins, appealing to consumers seeking personalized pieces. Tufted rugs and mats are popular home décor items with high sales potential, especially at craft fairs, thanks to their distinctive designs. Macramé wall hangings are ideal for beginners, featuring intricate knotting techniques that cater to various aesthetics and customization options. Seasonal wreaths are versatile crafts with high demand during holidays, offering low production costs and the potential for custom orders. Personalized candles with unique scents and eco-friendly materials attract environmentally-conscious buyers, often selling for premium prices. Handmade Jewelry: High-Demand Accessories Handmade jewelry stands out as a high-demand accessory in today’s marketplace, known for its unique designs and potential for high profit margins. As one of the best-selling handmade items, it appeals to consumers seeking personalized pieces. With customization options like personalized engraving or themed collections, you can improve customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases. The lightweight shipping of jewelry items further reduces costs, maximizing your profit margins when selling online. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade offer vast online marketplaces, allowing you to reach a global audience. With low supply costs and trendy designs, handmade jewelry is accessible for both beginners and experienced crafters, making it a lucrative venture in the crafting world. Tufted Rugs and Mats: Unique Home Décor Tufted rugs and mats have emerged as a distinctive element in home décor, appealing to both crafters and consumers alike. Their unique designs, created through hooking or tufting methods, allow you to craft custom pieces that can sell for hundreds of dollars. Many crafters find that these handmade products are what sells best at craft fairs, making them one of the top selling items at craft shows. The rise of tufted items, showcased by creators on platforms like TikTok, has inspired a new generation of consumers seeking personalized home décor. Plus, the affordable materials required, like yarn and backing fabric, contribute to high profit margins, making tufted rugs and mats excellent handcrafted items that sell well year-round. Seasonal Wreaths: Year-Round Crafting Creating seasonal wreaths offers crafters a versatile way to engage with customers year-round, particularly as demand peaks during various holidays. These handmade items can be crafted using natural materials like flowers and twigs or artificial embellishments, allowing for a range of styles and price points. Seasonal wreaths are among the best selling craft items, and their simplicity in creation means low production costs and quick turnaround. They can be marketed year-round by introducing designs that align with upcoming holidays, ensuring steady sales. Custom orders improve their appeal, making them ideal for craft fairs. Season Popular Materials Craft Fair Ideas That Sell Spring Flowers, Twigs Floral wreaths Summer Shells, Bright Colors Beach-themed wreaths Fall/Winter Pinecones, Ribbons Holiday wreaths Personalized Candles: Customized Fragrance When you think about personalized candles, unique scent combinations can really set your creations apart from the rest. Consider offering fragrances customized for special occasions, like lavender for relaxation or cinnamon for cozy gatherings, which can resonate with customers looking for meaningful gifts. Unique Scent Combinations Personalized candles offer a unique opportunity for consumers to select scent combinations that reflect their individual tastes and preferences, enhancing the overall experience of candle buying. By choosing unique scent combinations, you can create candles that stand out among the best selling craft fair items. Consider eco-friendly materials, such as natural waxes and vital oils, to appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. Scent Combination Popularity Level Best Use Lavender & Vanilla High Relaxation Citrus & Rosemary Medium Energizing Spaces Eucalyptus & Mint Low Invigorating Fragrance These personalized candles not only cater to what sells best at craft shows but equally make memorable gifts, driving demand for handmade products that sell well. Special Occasion Themes Special occasions often call for unique gifts that reflect personal sentiments, and customized candles perfectly fit this need. These personalized candles can be adjusted with specific fragrances and custom labels, making them ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Here are three popular options to take into account: Seasonal Scents: Choose fragrances like pumpkin spice for fall or fresh linen for spring, appealing to seasonal themes. Engraved Messages: Improve sentimental value by including names or special messages on candle labels. Artisanal Quality: Capitalize on the growing trend of handmade products for sale, as these candles often command higher prices, with some selling for over $30. With their customizable fragrance options, personalized candles rank among the best selling handmade products at craft shows. Macramé Wall Hangings: Trendy Textile Art Macramé wall hangings use knotting techniques to create intricate designs, making them a unique addition to any space. You’ll find versatile design options that cater to various aesthetics, whether you prefer bohemian vibes or modern minimalism. Plus, this craft is ideal for beginners, with plenty of tutorials available to help you get started on your first piece. Knotting Techniques Explained Knotting techniques form the foundation of creating stunning macramé wall hangings, allowing crafters to produce intricate designs that range from simple knots to complex patterns. These techniques are vital for anyone looking to sell best selling craft show items or handmade items to sell on Etsy. Here are three key aspects to reflect on: Basic Knots: Acquiring square and lark’s head knots is fundamental for beginners. Pattern Variation: Experiment with different knot combinations to create unique designs. Size Adaptability: Craft pieces in various sizes, appealing to consumers at craft fairs and markets. With minimal tools needed, macramé projects become some of the hottest selling crafts, making them ideal craft fair products that cater to diverse customer preferences. Versatile Design Options When exploring the domain of textile art, you’ll find that wall hangings created through versatile techniques offer a remarkable opportunity for creative expression. Macramé wall hangings, in particular, have gained popularity as best sellers at craft fairs because of their unique designs and customization options. These handmade crafts for sale can range in size and color, allowing you to cater to various interior styles. As a crafter, you can produce these popular handmade items that sell quickly, making them ideal crafts to sell at craft shows. With minimal tools needed, you can efficiently create pieces that reflect individual tastes, enhancing their appeal. Ideal for Beginners If you’re looking for a craft that’s perfect for beginners, macramé wall hangings stand out as a trendy option in textile art. This craft requires minimal tools, just a wooden dowel and cotton cord, making it accessible. Plus, macramé allows for versatile designs, enabling you to experiment with patterns, colors, and sizes, which aligns with the current demand for handmade stuff in home décor. Here are three reasons why macramé is ideal for beginners: Low-cost materials: You can start without a big investment. High-profit potential: Finished pieces can become some of the most profitable things to sell at fairs. Popular at craft shows: Macramé wall hangings are among the best selling items at festivals. Upcycled Furniture: Sustainable Design Solutions Upcycled furniture represents a sustainable design solution that transforms old or discarded pieces into stylish, functional items for the home. This growing trend aligns with craft trends 2025, appealing to consumers who prioritize eco-friendly products. By creatively repurposing materials through techniques like painting or reupholstering, you can create unique homemade items that stand out. This market is lucrative, as many buyers are willing to pay a premium for quality upcycled furniture. When considering what to sell at a fair, think about showcasing these pieces, as they often rank among the top selling items at craft fairs. Exploring handmade craft business ideas centered on upcycling can’t just promote sustainability but likewise attract a dedicated customer base. Decorative Pillows: Stylish Home Accents Decorative pillows serve as stylish home accents that can greatly improve the aesthetic of any living space. They’re a high-margin product, appealing to consumers with trendy fabrics and personalization options like embroidery. Here are three popular styles to reflect on: Bohemian Patterns: These lively designs add a touch of warmth and character to any room. Geometric Prints: Perfect for modern decor, these pillows create a sleek and sophisticated look. Seasonal Designs: Rotate your offerings to match holidays, capturing the latest craft market trends. You can choose to sew them from scratch or use pre-made covers, making them versatile hand-made items. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Selling Craft Item? The most popular selling craft item often varies, but handmade jewelry consistently stands out owing to its high profit margins and wide appeal. This includes resin and polymer clay pieces that allow for creativity and personalization. Seasonal wreaths and personalized stationery likewise attract significant consumer interest, especially during holidays and special events. In addition, eco-friendly products like artisanal candles and upcycled home goods cater to growing sustainability trends, appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers. What Is the Hottest Craft Right Now? The hottest craft right now is tufted rugs and mats, which have gained significant popularity through social media platforms like TikTok. These unique, customizable designs attract both beginners and experienced crafters, allowing you to create distinctive pieces that can sell for hundreds of dollars. Furthermore, woven home décor and macramé wall hangings are trending, offering diverse techniques and styles that cater to a wide audience interested in handmade, artistic items for their homes. What Is the Easiest Thing to Make to Sell? The easiest items to make for sale are often those with minimal material requirements and straightforward techniques. For instance, handmade soaps or candles require basic ingredients and tools, making them accessible for beginners. Jewelry, particularly resin or polymer clay pieces, likewise offers low material costs and high profit margins. Furthermore, personalized stationery can be designed digitally, allowing for quick production and high demand, catering to various occasions and preferences. What Sells Best at Handmade Markets? At handmade markets, items like handmade jewelry, seasonal decorations, and personalized products tend to sell best. Jewelry appeals owing to its wide price range and customization options. Seasonal decorations, such as wreaths, attract buyers during holidays. Personalized items, like custom engraved gifts, draw attention since shoppers value unique, meaningful creations. Furthermore, home decor, including macramé and tufted rugs, is popular for enhancing living spaces with distinctive designs, appealing to consumers seeking originality. Conclusion To conclude, exploring these top seven best-selling craft items can greatly improve your creative business. Handmade jewelry and personalized candles cater to individual tastes, whereas tufted rugs and macramé wall hangings offer unique home décor solutions. Seasonal wreaths guarantee year-round sales opportunities, and upcycled furniture promotes sustainability. Finally, decorative pillows serve as stylish accents for any space. By focusing on quality, customization, and current trends, you can effectively attract a dedicated customer base and increase your profits. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Best Selling Craft Items" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to tap into the crafting market, consider the top seven best-selling items that consistently attract buyers. Handmade jewelry remains a high-demand accessory, whereas tufted rugs and mats offer unique home décor options. Seasonal wreaths provide year-round crafting opportunities, and personalized candles allow for customized fragrances. Furthermore, macramé wall hangings and decorative pillows improve home aesthetics. Comprehending these trends can guide your crafting choices effectively. What other creative avenues can you explore? Key Takeaways Handmade jewelry remains a top seller due to its unique designs and high profit margins, appealing to consumers seeking personalized pieces. Tufted rugs and mats are popular home décor items with high sales potential, especially at craft fairs, thanks to their distinctive designs. Macramé wall hangings are ideal for beginners, featuring intricate knotting techniques that cater to various aesthetics and customization options. Seasonal wreaths are versatile crafts with high demand during holidays, offering low production costs and the potential for custom orders. Personalized candles with unique scents and eco-friendly materials attract environmentally-conscious buyers, often selling for premium prices. Handmade Jewelry: High-Demand Accessories Handmade jewelry stands out as a high-demand accessory in today’s marketplace, known for its unique designs and potential for high profit margins. As one of the best-selling handmade items, it appeals to consumers seeking personalized pieces. With customization options like personalized engraving or themed collections, you can improve customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases. The lightweight shipping of jewelry items further reduces costs, maximizing your profit margins when selling online. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade offer vast online marketplaces, allowing you to reach a global audience. With low supply costs and trendy designs, handmade jewelry is accessible for both beginners and experienced crafters, making it a lucrative venture in the crafting world. Tufted Rugs and Mats: Unique Home Décor Tufted rugs and mats have emerged as a distinctive element in home décor, appealing to both crafters and consumers alike. Their unique designs, created through hooking or tufting methods, allow you to craft custom pieces that can sell for hundreds of dollars. Many crafters find that these handmade products are what sells best at craft fairs, making them one of the top selling items at craft shows. The rise of tufted items, showcased by creators on platforms like TikTok, has inspired a new generation of consumers seeking personalized home décor. Plus, the affordable materials required, like yarn and backing fabric, contribute to high profit margins, making tufted rugs and mats excellent handcrafted items that sell well year-round. Seasonal Wreaths: Year-Round Crafting Creating seasonal wreaths offers crafters a versatile way to engage with customers year-round, particularly as demand peaks during various holidays. These handmade items can be crafted using natural materials like flowers and twigs or artificial embellishments, allowing for a range of styles and price points. Seasonal wreaths are among the best selling craft items, and their simplicity in creation means low production costs and quick turnaround. They can be marketed year-round by introducing designs that align with upcoming holidays, ensuring steady sales. Custom orders improve their appeal, making them ideal for craft fairs. Season Popular Materials Craft Fair Ideas That Sell Spring Flowers, Twigs Floral wreaths Summer Shells, Bright Colors Beach-themed wreaths Fall/Winter Pinecones, Ribbons Holiday wreaths Personalized Candles: Customized Fragrance When you think about personalized candles, unique scent combinations can really set your creations apart from the rest. Consider offering fragrances customized for special occasions, like lavender for relaxation or cinnamon for cozy gatherings, which can resonate with customers looking for meaningful gifts. Unique Scent Combinations Personalized candles offer a unique opportunity for consumers to select scent combinations that reflect their individual tastes and preferences, enhancing the overall experience of candle buying. By choosing unique scent combinations, you can create candles that stand out among the best selling craft fair items. Consider eco-friendly materials, such as natural waxes and vital oils, to appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. Scent Combination Popularity Level Best Use Lavender & Vanilla High Relaxation Citrus & Rosemary Medium Energizing Spaces Eucalyptus & Mint Low Invigorating Fragrance These personalized candles not only cater to what sells best at craft shows but equally make memorable gifts, driving demand for handmade products that sell well. Special Occasion Themes Special occasions often call for unique gifts that reflect personal sentiments, and customized candles perfectly fit this need. These personalized candles can be adjusted with specific fragrances and custom labels, making them ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Here are three popular options to take into account: Seasonal Scents: Choose fragrances like pumpkin spice for fall or fresh linen for spring, appealing to seasonal themes. Engraved Messages: Improve sentimental value by including names or special messages on candle labels. Artisanal Quality: Capitalize on the growing trend of handmade products for sale, as these candles often command higher prices, with some selling for over $30. With their customizable fragrance options, personalized candles rank among the best selling handmade products at craft shows. Macramé Wall Hangings: Trendy Textile Art Macramé wall hangings use knotting techniques to create intricate designs, making them a unique addition to any space. You’ll find versatile design options that cater to various aesthetics, whether you prefer bohemian vibes or modern minimalism. Plus, this craft is ideal for beginners, with plenty of tutorials available to help you get started on your first piece. Knotting Techniques Explained Knotting techniques form the foundation of creating stunning macramé wall hangings, allowing crafters to produce intricate designs that range from simple knots to complex patterns. These techniques are vital for anyone looking to sell best selling craft show items or handmade items to sell on Etsy. Here are three key aspects to reflect on: Basic Knots: Acquiring square and lark’s head knots is fundamental for beginners. Pattern Variation: Experiment with different knot combinations to create unique designs. Size Adaptability: Craft pieces in various sizes, appealing to consumers at craft fairs and markets. With minimal tools needed, macramé projects become some of the hottest selling crafts, making them ideal craft fair products that cater to diverse customer preferences. Versatile Design Options When exploring the domain of textile art, you’ll find that wall hangings created through versatile techniques offer a remarkable opportunity for creative expression. Macramé wall hangings, in particular, have gained popularity as best sellers at craft fairs because of their unique designs and customization options. These handmade crafts for sale can range in size and color, allowing you to cater to various interior styles. As a crafter, you can produce these popular handmade items that sell quickly, making them ideal crafts to sell at craft shows. With minimal tools needed, you can efficiently create pieces that reflect individual tastes, enhancing their appeal. Ideal for Beginners If you’re looking for a craft that’s perfect for beginners, macramé wall hangings stand out as a trendy option in textile art. This craft requires minimal tools, just a wooden dowel and cotton cord, making it accessible. Plus, macramé allows for versatile designs, enabling you to experiment with patterns, colors, and sizes, which aligns with the current demand for handmade stuff in home décor. Here are three reasons why macramé is ideal for beginners: Low-cost materials: You can start without a big investment. High-profit potential: Finished pieces can become some of the most profitable things to sell at fairs. Popular at craft shows: Macramé wall hangings are among the best selling items at festivals. Upcycled Furniture: Sustainable Design Solutions Upcycled furniture represents a sustainable design solution that transforms old or discarded pieces into stylish, functional items for the home. This growing trend aligns with craft trends 2025, appealing to consumers who prioritize eco-friendly products. By creatively repurposing materials through techniques like painting or reupholstering, you can create unique homemade items that stand out. This market is lucrative, as many buyers are willing to pay a premium for quality upcycled furniture. When considering what to sell at a fair, think about showcasing these pieces, as they often rank among the top selling items at craft fairs. Exploring handmade craft business ideas centered on upcycling can’t just promote sustainability but likewise attract a dedicated customer base. Decorative Pillows: Stylish Home Accents Decorative pillows serve as stylish home accents that can greatly improve the aesthetic of any living space. They’re a high-margin product, appealing to consumers with trendy fabrics and personalization options like embroidery. Here are three popular styles to reflect on: Bohemian Patterns: These lively designs add a touch of warmth and character to any room. Geometric Prints: Perfect for modern decor, these pillows create a sleek and sophisticated look. Seasonal Designs: Rotate your offerings to match holidays, capturing the latest craft market trends. You can choose to sew them from scratch or use pre-made covers, making them versatile hand-made items. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Selling Craft Item? The most popular selling craft item often varies, but handmade jewelry consistently stands out owing to its high profit margins and wide appeal. This includes resin and polymer clay pieces that allow for creativity and personalization. Seasonal wreaths and personalized stationery likewise attract significant consumer interest, especially during holidays and special events. In addition, eco-friendly products like artisanal candles and upcycled home goods cater to growing sustainability trends, appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers. What Is the Hottest Craft Right Now? The hottest craft right now is tufted rugs and mats, which have gained significant popularity through social media platforms like TikTok. These unique, customizable designs attract both beginners and experienced crafters, allowing you to create distinctive pieces that can sell for hundreds of dollars. Furthermore, woven home décor and macramé wall hangings are trending, offering diverse techniques and styles that cater to a wide audience interested in handmade, artistic items for their homes. What Is the Easiest Thing to Make to Sell? The easiest items to make for sale are often those with minimal material requirements and straightforward techniques. For instance, handmade soaps or candles require basic ingredients and tools, making them accessible for beginners. Jewelry, particularly resin or polymer clay pieces, likewise offers low material costs and high profit margins. Furthermore, personalized stationery can be designed digitally, allowing for quick production and high demand, catering to various occasions and preferences. What Sells Best at Handmade Markets? At handmade markets, items like handmade jewelry, seasonal decorations, and personalized products tend to sell best. Jewelry appeals owing to its wide price range and customization options. Seasonal decorations, such as wreaths, attract buyers during holidays. Personalized items, like custom engraved gifts, draw attention since shoppers value unique, meaningful creations. Furthermore, home decor, including macramé and tufted rugs, is popular for enhancing living spaces with distinctive designs, appealing to consumers seeking originality. Conclusion To conclude, exploring these top seven best-selling craft items can greatly improve your creative business. Handmade jewelry and personalized candles cater to individual tastes, whereas tufted rugs and macramé wall hangings offer unique home décor solutions. Seasonal wreaths guarantee year-round sales opportunities, and upcycled furniture promotes sustainability. Finally, decorative pillows serve as stylish accents for any space. By focusing on quality, customization, and current trends, you can effectively attract a dedicated customer base and increase your profits. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Best Selling Craft Items" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who had perfect attendance during the government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses while nearly 20,000 other workers will be left out, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday. A number of controllers started calling out of work as the shutdown dragged on longer than a month and they dealt with the financial pressure of working without a paycheck. Some of them got side jobs, but others simply couldn’t afford the child care or gas they needed to work. Their absences forced delays at airports across the country and led the government to order airlines to cut some of their flights at 40 busy airports. President Donald The President suggested the bonuses for those who have stayed on the job in a social media post, but he also suggested that controllers who missed work should have their pay docked. FAA officials haven’t publicly announced plans to penalize controllers. Thousands of FAA technicians also had to work during the shutdown to maintain the equipment that air traffic controllers rely on. At least 6,600 technicians were expected to work throughout the shutdown but more than 3,000 others were subject to be recalled to work. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the bonuses acknowledged the dedication of these few workers who never missed a shift during the 43-day shutdown. In a post on X he described it as “Santa’s coming to town a little early.” “These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown,” Duffy said in his formal announcement. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association union said only 311 of its more than 10,000 members will receive the bonuses. The union said these workers with perfect attendance deserve recognition but so do the others. “We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition. More than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving,” the union said in a statement. The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union said the thousands of technicians it represents worked hard to keep the aging computer and radar systems controllers use operating during the shutdown, and they should all be recognized — not just the 423 getting bonuses. “It took many hands to ensure that not one delay during the historic 43-day shutdown was attributed to equipment or system failures,” the union said in a statement. Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen questioned why all the controllers and others who worked to keep flights moving during during the shutdown won’t get bonuses. “For the The President administration to not give a bonus to every single one of these hardworking women and men is wrong; they all deserve a bonus and back pay,” said Larsen, who is the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee. The controllers union said they hope to work with Duffy to find a way to recognize all the other air traffic controllers who worked during the shutdown. Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that any TSA officers who went “above and beyond” while working without pay would get $10,000 bonuses, but she never specified how many will qualify beyond the handful of checks she handed out to officers at a news conference. The FAA was already critically short on air traffic controllers before the shutdown. Duffy had been working to boost controller hiring and streamline the years of training required in the hope of eliminating the shortage over the next several years. Duffy has said that some students and controllers quit and more experienced controllers retired during the shutdown. Many controllers already work 10-hour shifts six days a week because the FAA is so short on staffing. As more controllers missed work, the FAA ordered airlines to cut flights to relieve pressure on the system. Duffy said repeatedly that FAA safety experts became worried as the absences grew because of reports from pilots concerned about controllers’ responses and a number of runway incursions. Since the shutdown ended, controller staffing has improved significantly and airlines were allowed to resume normal operations this week. —Josh Funk, AP transportation writer 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. Although Black Friday hasn't technically started yet, many retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart already have early deals with some impressive discounts. We've used price trackers to determine the best tech deals around so far. Visit this page for regularly updated sales information. View the full article

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The U.S. government on Thursday released a new crash test dummy design that advocates believe will help make cars safer for women. The Department of Transportation will consider using the dummy in the government’s vehicle crash test five star-ratings once a final rule is adopted, the agency said in a news release. Women are 73% more likely to be injured in a head-on crash, and they are 17% more likely to be killed in a car crash, than men. The standard crash test dummy used in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star vehicle testing was developed in 1978 and was modeled after a 5-foot-9 (175-centimeter), 171-pound (78-kilogram) man. The female dummy is smaller and has a rubber jacket to represent breasts. It’s routinely tested in the passenger or back seat but seldom in the driver’s seat, even though the majority of licensed drivers are women. The new female dummy endorsed by the department more accurately reflects differences between men and women, including the shape of the neck, collarbone, pelvis, and legs. It’s outfitted with more than 150 sensors, the department said. Some American automakers have been skeptical, arguing the new model may exaggerate injury risks and undercut the value of some safety features such as seat belts and airbags. Lawmakers and transportation secretaries from the past two presidential administrations have expressed support for new crash test rules and safety requirements but developments have been slow. U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, and Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, both released statements welcoming the female crash test dummy announcement. “Any progress here is good because there’s simply no good reason why women are more likely to be injured or die in car crashes,” Duckworth said. Fischer introduced legislation, the She Drives Act, that would require the most advanced testing devices available, including a female crash test dummy. Duckworth is a co-sponsor. “It’s far past time to make these testing standards permanent, which will help save thousands of lives and make America’s roads safer for all drivers,” Fischer said. The department said the new specifications will be available for manufacturers to build models and for the automotive industry to begin testing them in vehicles. —Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press View the full article

The following sentence might cause anxiety. As Thanksgiving looms near, it’s time to begin holiday shopping. The current level of inflation makes that even more stressful. How can you show your love without breaking the bank? It turns out, shoppers are turning to off-price retailers such as Ross, T.J. Maxx, and HomeGoods, according to recent earnings reports and data from location analytics company Placer.ai. Let’s break down the numbers. Ross Stores posts rosy earnings It’s fair to say that Jim Conroy, CEO of Ross Stores, is very pleased with the third-quarter earnings report released on Thursday, November 20. The company earned $1.58 per share, resulting in a $512 million profit. This is an increase from last year’s figures of $1.48 per share and $489 million in profit. When you zoom out beyond Q3, the numbers are equally as impressive. Ross’s year-to-date sales earnings are $16.1 billion, which is a 3% increase. People are clearly bargain shopping to get through these hard economic times and it’s safe to predict this trend will only continue to grow in the holiday shopping season. Foot traffic is reportedly up at off-price retailers Do you ever feel like you are being watched? Well, your cellphone is collecting data on you, most likely with permission buried deep in the terms and conditions of some of the apps downloaded on your phone. Placer.ai uses mobile-device data that is anonymized and aggregated to analyze customer behavior. It estimates how much foot traffic certain stores get and how long customers linger. According to the analytics platform, things are good for off-price retailers. TJX HomeGoods, which includes both HomeGoods and Homesense stores, saw a 9.6% increase in shopper volume in the third quarter, according to data shared with Fast Company. Similarly, TJX Marmaxx, which includes TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Sierra stores, saw an 8.1% increase in store traffic. And store visits at Ross rose 9.4%. Target cannot say the same. The company’s store visitors declined 2.7% year-over-year in Q3, according to Placer.ai. The big-box retailer’s struggles were apparent in its third-quarter earnings report, which saw $25.3 billion in sales, around 1.5% lower than the same quarter last year. Ross has been opening new stores in 2025 Because of its overwhelming success, Ross is doubling down to keep this momentum going. In October, the retailer announced that it had opened 36 Ross Dress for Less and four Dd’s Discounts stores in October and September. These store locations span 17 states. In an economy where many brick-and-mortar retail chains are closing stores, this is no small accomplishment. Shares of Ross Stores (NYSE: ROST) are up 6.64% this week. TJX Companies stock (NYSE: TJX) is up 3.67%. View the full article

Brussels blindsided by US plan for joint investment funds with Moscow and Kyiv View the full article