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National security document outlines intelligence on tech support given to PLA ‘operations’View the full article

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to powdered dietary supplements. According to the latest update from the agency, the outbreak has sickened almost a dozen people, with three hospitalized. The outbreak has also sparked multiple product recalls. Here’s what to know: What’s happened? On Wednesday, November 12, Brooklyn-based Food to Live voluntarily recalled its “Organic Moringa Leaf Powder” and “Organic Supergreens Powder Mix” products due to a risk of Salmonella contamination. These products were distributed through retail and wholesale channels nationwide. The FDA published a recall notice on Thursday, November 13. Both recalled products contain moringa leaf powder supplied by Vallon Farmdirect PVT LTD of Johdpur, India. The ingredient, which is sold in multiple dietary supplements, is linked to the Salmonella outbreak. Earlier in October and November, products containing the same ingredient were also recalled. Those products were branded as Member’s Mark and Africa Imports. To date, 11 illnesses across seven states have been reported in connection with products containing moringa leaf powder from the same lot. Which products are impacted by the recalls? The Food to Live product recall was initiated after the FDA notified the company that a specific supplier lot of organic moringa powder tested positive for Salmonella. The following products are included in the most recent recall: Organic Moringa Leaf Powder: Sold in 8-ounce, 1-pound, 2-pound, 4-pound, 8-pound, 16-pound, and 44-pound bags. Organic Supergreens Powder Mix: Sold in 8-ounce, 1-pound, 1.5-pound, 3-pound, 6-pound, and 12-pound bags. The recalled products were sold directly on the Food To Live website and were shipped to customers nationwide. The products were also sold on third-party e-commerce platforms, including: Amazon.com Walmart.com Target Etsy eBay Bulk quantities from the affected lot were sold to food manufacturers and other businesses. Other products containing moringa powder were recalled earlier. They were sold at various retailers, both in-store and online, have been likewise linked to the outbreak. The following products were recalled earlier: Africa Imports Organic Moringa Leaf Powder: Sold in a 1-kilogram box on the Africa Imports website after June 5, 2025. Member’s Mark Super Greens dietary supplement powder: All packages, regardless of lot codes or best buy/use by dates. The product was sold at Sam’s Club stores nationwide, in-store and online. All recalled products were manufactured using a single lot of recalled organic moringa leaf powder supplied by Vallon Farmdirect, a food producer based in Johdpur, India. What if I have one of these recalled products? Consumers who have purchased any of the above recalled products should dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase. Distributors and retailers that have received recalled moringa leaf powder manufactured by Vallon Farmdirect should not use, sell, or distribute any products or ingredients containing it, the FDA says. Where has the outbreak spread? The FDA is currently investigating this Salmonella outbreak. The FDA’s Moringa Leaf Powder Salmonella outbreak investigation page was last updated on November 13, 2025. A list of recalled product, product images, and other details about the investigation are available. The FDA has reported 11 illnesses, with three people hospitalized. Illnesses have been reported in the following states: Florida Kansas Michigan New York North Carolina South Carolina Virginia What symptoms should I look out for? Salmonella infection is a bacterial disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It’s commonly spread through contaminated food or water. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy people recover within a few days to one week without needing specific treatment. Some people have no symptoms at all. If you think you have developed symptoms of Salmonella, contact a healthcare provider. View the full article

Lawyers representing OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, branches of the Sackler family that own it, cities, states, counties, Native American tribes, people with addiction and others across the U.S. are expected to deliver a nearly unanimous message for a bankruptcy court judge Friday: Approve a plan to settle thousands of opioid-related lawsuits against the company. If U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane abides, it will close a long chapter — and maybe the entire book — on a legal odyssey over efforts to hold the company to account for its role in an opioid crisis connected to 900,000 deaths in the U.S. since 1999, including deaths from heroin and illicit fentanyl. Closing arguments were expected Friday in the third day of a hearing over a bankruptcy plan for the company, which filed for protection six years ago as it faced lawsuits with claims that grew to trillions of dollars. The opposition is much quieter this time around The saga has been emotional and full of contentious arguments between the many groups that took Purdue to court, often exposing a possible mismatch between the quest for justice and the practical role of bankruptcy court. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a previous deal because it said it was improper for Sackler family members to receive immunity from lawsuits over opioids. In the new arrangement, entities who don’t opt into the settlement can sue them. Family members are collectively worth billions, but much of their assets are held in trusts in offshore accounts that would be hard to access through lawsuits. This time, the government groups involved have reached an even fuller consensus and there’s been mostly subdued opposition from individuals. Out of more than 54,000 personal injury victims who voted on whether the plan should be accepted. just 218 said no. A larger number of people who are part of that group didn’t vote. A handful of objectors spoke Thursday at the hearing, sometimes interrupting the judge. Some said that only the victims, not the states and other government entities, should receive the funds in the settlement. Others wanted the judge to find the members of the Sackler family criminally liable — something Lane said is beyond the scope of the bankruptcy court, but that the settlement doesn’t bar prosecutors from pursuing. A Florida woman whose husband struggled with addiction after being given OxyContin following an accident told the court that the deal isn’t enough. “The natural laws of karma suggest the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma should pay for what they have done,” Pamela Bartz Halaschak said via video. Deal would be among the biggest opioid settlements A flood of lawsuits filed by government entities against Purdue and other drugmakers, drug wholesalers and pharmacy chains began about a decade ago. Most of the major ones have already settled for a total of about $50 billion, with most of the money going to fight the opioid crisis. The Purdue deal would rank among the largest of them. Members of the Sackler family would be required to pay up to $7 billion and give up ownership of the company. None have been on its board or received payments since 2018. Unlike a similar hearing four years ago, none were called to testify in this week’s hearing. The company would get a name change and new overseers who would dedicate future profits to battling the opioid crisis. There are also some non-financial provisions. Certain members of the Sackler family would be required to give up involvement in companies that sell opioids in other countries. Family members would also be barred from having their names added to institutions in exchange for charitable contributions. The name has already been removed from museums and universities. And company documents, including many that would normally be subject to lawyer-client privilege, are to be made public. Some people hurt by Purdue’s opioids would receive some money Unlike the other major opioid settlements, individuals harmed by Purdue’s products would be in line for some money as part of the settlement. About $850 million would be set aside for them, with more than $100 million of that amount carved out to help children born dealing with opioid withdrawal. About 139,000 people have active claims for the money. Many of them, however, have not shown proof that they were prescribed Purdue’s opioids and will receive nothing. Lawyers expect that those who had prescriptions for at least six months would receive about $16,000 each and those who had them more briefly would get around $8,000. Legal fees would reduce what people actually receive. One woman who had a family member suffer from opioid addiction told the court by video Thursday that the settlement doesn’t help people with substance use disorder. “Tell me how you guys can sleep at night knowing people are going to get so little money they can’t do anything with it,” asked Laureen Ferrante of Staten Island, New York. Most of the money is to go to state and local governments to be used in their efforts to mitigate damage of the opioid epidemic. Overdose death numbers have been dropping in the past few years, a decline experts believe is partly due to the impact of settlement dollars. —Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press View the full article

Today, short-form videos dominate our free time (and our working time, at that)—but this wasn't always the case. Before the likes of TikTok and Instagram Reels, online video content was more long-form than not. It might have felt short by the standards of cable TV, but many of the videos on platforms like YouTube were regularly anywhere from two to 10 minutes, if not longer. The first platform to really popularize short-form content as we think of it now was Vine. These videos were short—a maximum of six seconds at a time, which should have spelled the platform's doom. Who would want to watch these tiny videos back to back for hours at a time? A lot of us, apparently. Vine compilations garner millions (if not tens of millions) of views on YouTube. While the Twitter-owned platform only lasted about five years, it established itself as a true cultural phenomenon. Quote the first half of a popular vine to a group of young millennials or Gen Zs, and, chances are, they'll finish the line. For years, us Vine fans have longed for someone to bring the app back. Sure, short-form video has never been more addicting, but it's just not the same. Videos on Vine had a much different feel than most of the content you see on TikTok. Maybe it was the limited runtime; maybe it was the stripped-down recording interface. But to me, Vine feels like early YouTube: homemade, indie, and fun. Divine is the new VineIt seems that experience might actually be making a comeback. A new app, Divine, is trying to recreate the magic of those six-second loops. Divine, built by former Twitter employee Evan Henshaw-Plath and funded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is meant to be a platform to share vines old and new. Of course, you can upload fresh six-second clips, but the app will also feature 150,000 to 200,000 "archived" vines from roughly 60,000 creators. You won't have to rely on those Vine compilations anymore—you can watch those classic clips directly on Divine. Those videos aren't scraped from YouTube compilations, either. According to TechCrunch, Vine's original library was stored by the organization "Archive Team" in a huge but largely inaccessible archive. Henshaw-Plath studied the library, extracting as much data as possible to build profiles for the original Vine accounts and display metrics like views and original comments. Though not all Vines were archived, including "millions of K-pop-focused videos," Henshaw-Plath believes "a good percentage" are available on Divine. Vine creators can choose to either take down their videos from Divine or take over their profiles on the app, so long as they prove their identities. Divine is also a decentralized social media platform running on the Nostr protocol. That means no one company owns it, which means your content is your content. When you post, your videos are tied to you via private keys, so you can always prove ownership. Plus, there are no user-specific algorithms. You have to choose what you want to watch, or jump into an algorithm created by the Divine community. My favorite part of this experiment, however? No AI. At a time when other social media platforms are inundated with hyperrealistic videos from generators like Sora, Divine has a strict no-AI policy. Divine uses tech from the Guardian Project to confirm whether a video was filmed on a smartphone. If the system detects a video is artificial, it gets taken down. It's enough to make this tech editor shed a (joyful) tear. How to join DivineAs you might expect, there's a lot of demand to try Divine at launch. At this time, the company says its beta test is full. However, you can sign up for the waitlist to be notified when more spots open up. You can also browse clips on the platform's web app right now, even without an account, but I've found it to be a bit glitchy. View the full article

President Donald The President has worked to blame Democrats for the government shutdown, but a majority of Americans are unconvinced that it’s Democrats’ fault. The President’s administration has used the levers of the state to communicate partisan messages during the shutdown, which ended November 13. Ultimately, however, messaging through government channels like web design, out-of-office email replies, and public service announcements weren’t enough. A 52% majority of Americans blame The President or Republican lawmakers for the shutdown, according to a poll this week from Stack Data Strategy, a London market research firm. That’s in line with an NBC News poll last month that found 52% blamed The President and Republican lawmakers. And a YouGov poll released last week found more voters rate how Democrats in Congress handled the shutdown slightly better than The President or Republicans in Congress. These are slim majorities, but they also show the limits of The President’s influence over public opinion when it comes to the shutdown. “Nobody wins in a shutdown,” Kenneth Cosgrove, a professor in the department of political science and legal studies at Suffolk University, tells Fast Company in an email. “The question is which party gets more of the blame? Traditionally it’s been Congress just because of the media and marketing advantages the executive branch has.” But The President himself hasn’t been fully engaged with ending the shutdown as his attention has been split between other efforts, including trips abroad to the Middle East and Asia, and overseeing his White House renovation project. The President “wasn’t very visible,” during the shutdown, Cosgrove says. “Plus, how many people look at government websites on a regular basis? Probably not that many.” Most people aren’t browsing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website, where a bright red banner for the duration of the shutdown said “The Radical Left in Congress shut down the government.” And because major airports refused to air a video filmed with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the shutdown, many travelers didn’t see it even as they spent extra hours at the airport due to delays and cancellations. With any political messaging, there are two important questions: “How many people actually saw or heard the message, and what else were they seeing or hearing?” says Yana Krupnikov, a professor of communications and media at the University of Michigan. “The information environment around us is so full—yes, we have messages on websites and out-of-office emails, but we also have news coverage from various sources, and we have people on social media. People also talk to each other,” Krupnikov says. It’s also not as if Democrats come out of the shutdown unscathed. The deal to reopen the government came from a handful of Senate Democrats who crossed party lines. The resulting deal doesn’t include Affordable Care Act subsidies, meaning millions of Americans’ health insurance premiums are expected to go up. The deal to reopen the government is unpopular with many Democratic lawmakers, including Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Chris Murphy of Connecticut. Still, it turns out tearing down the East Wing draws more attention than a Department of Education OOO message ever could, and SNAP cuts and canceled flights resonate more deeply with the public than a White House website shutdown countdown clock blaming Democrats. In a busy news environment, it’s hard to break through, even for The President. View the full article

A team of researchers has uncovered what they say is the first reported use of artificial intelligence to direct a hacking campaign in a largely automated fashion. The AI company Anthropic said this week that it disrupted a cyber operation that its researchers linked to the Chinese government. The operation involved the use of an artificial intelligence system to direct the hacking campaigns, which researchers called a disturbing development that could greatly expand the reach of AI-equipped hackers. While concerns about the use of AI to drive cyber operations are not new, what is concerning about the new operation is the degree to which AI was able to automate some of the work, the researchers said. “While we predicted these capabilities would continue to evolve, what has stood out to us is how quickly they have done so at scale,” they wrote in their report. The operation was modest in scope and only targeted about 30 individuals who worked at tech companies, financial institutions, chemical companies, and government agencies. Anthropic noticed the operation in September and took steps to shut it down and notify the affected parties. The hackers only “succeeded in a small number of cases,” according to Anthropic, which noted that while AI systems are increasingly being used in a variety of settings for work and leisure, they can also be weaponized by hacking groups working for foreign adversaries. Anthropic, maker of the generative AI chatbot Claude, is one of many tech companies pitching AI “agents” that go beyond a chatbot’s capability to access computer tools and take actions on a person’s behalf. “Agents are valuable for everyday work and productivity — but in the wrong hands, they can substantially increase the viability of large-scale cyberattacks,” the researchers concluded. “These attacks are likely to only grow in their effectiveness.” A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the report. Microsoft warned earlier this year that foreign adversaries were increasingly embracing AI to make their cyber campaigns more efficient and less labor-intensive. America’s adversaries, as well as criminal gangs and hacking companies, have exploited AI’s potential, using it to automate and improve cyberattacks, to spread inflammatory disinformation, and to penetrate sensitive systems. AI can translate poorly worded phishing emails into fluent English, for example, as well as generate digital clones of senior government officials. View the full article

Zoom is stepping up to the plate for small business owners by acquiring Bonsai, a platform dedicated to streamlining operations for freelancers and solopreneurs. This move not only broadens Zoom’s suite of AI-first workplace tools but also aims to simplify the process of managing client interactions—from initial contact to final payment. In a press release, Zoom emphasized their excitement about integrating Bonsai’s functionalities into their existing services. This acquisition combines the strengths of Zoom’s collaborative tools—like Meetings, Webinars, Team Chat, and the Zoom AI Companion—with Bonsai’s project management, proposal generation, time tracking, and invoicing capabilities. Bonsai will maintain its identity as a standalone platform even after the acquisition, which is expected to finalize by the end of 2025. Zoom has made it clear that their long-term vision is to incorporate Bonsai’s tools directly into the Zoom ecosystem. This integration could transform how small businesses operate by offering multiple functionalities in one place, effectively reducing the administrative burden. Key Benefits for Small Business Owners: The merger brings several key advantages for small business owners: Holistic Management: With tools for client management, project tracking, invoicing, and communication housed under one umbrella, small businesses can handle all aspects of client relations efficiently. Improved Efficiency: By integrating the Bonsai platform’s functions with Zoom’s already robust meeting and collaboration tools, businesses can save time that would otherwise be spent switching between different applications. Seamless Payments: Handling invoicing and payments within the same platform is likely to streamline cash flow processes, making financial management far less cumbersome. User-Friendly Tools: Bonsai’s focus on simplicity aligns with the goals of many small business owners seeking easy-to-use solutions without the steep learning curves often associated with extensive software suites. Zoom’s Chief Product Officer offers insight into their vision: “We are excited to enhance our solution set… Together, Zoom and Bonsai will support small business owners and solopreneurs.” Real-World Implications: The acquisition comes at a pivotal time as small businesses increasingly seek integrated solutions to manage their operations more efficiently. For instance, marketing agencies managing multiple clients can use these united tools to streamline project timelines and keep communication transparent, ultimately leading to happier clients and increased referrals. However, there are potential challenges that small business owners should consider. The successful integration of Bonsai’s tools into Zoom’s platform will require effective execution. If poorly managed, it could lead to complications that small businesses might not have the bandwidth to tackle. Moreover, as the transaction is expected to close by 2025, small business owners may need to weigh whether to invest in Bonsai now or wait for Zoom’s tools to be fully integrated. Those who are already using Bonsai may have concerns about future updates and how well they will mesh with Zoom’s existing features. In summary, Zoom’s acquisition of Bonsai represents a significant step toward equipping small business owners with streamlined, efficient tools designed to facilitate growth and collaboration. The promise of an integrated workspace can ease everyday pressures, but business owners must remain vigilant about how these changes play out in real-time. For further details, you can read the full announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Zoom Expands Services for Small Businesses with Bonsai Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Zoom is stepping up to the plate for small business owners by acquiring Bonsai, a platform dedicated to streamlining operations for freelancers and solopreneurs. This move not only broadens Zoom’s suite of AI-first workplace tools but also aims to simplify the process of managing client interactions—from initial contact to final payment. In a press release, Zoom emphasized their excitement about integrating Bonsai’s functionalities into their existing services. This acquisition combines the strengths of Zoom’s collaborative tools—like Meetings, Webinars, Team Chat, and the Zoom AI Companion—with Bonsai’s project management, proposal generation, time tracking, and invoicing capabilities. Bonsai will maintain its identity as a standalone platform even after the acquisition, which is expected to finalize by the end of 2025. Zoom has made it clear that their long-term vision is to incorporate Bonsai’s tools directly into the Zoom ecosystem. This integration could transform how small businesses operate by offering multiple functionalities in one place, effectively reducing the administrative burden. Key Benefits for Small Business Owners: The merger brings several key advantages for small business owners: Holistic Management: With tools for client management, project tracking, invoicing, and communication housed under one umbrella, small businesses can handle all aspects of client relations efficiently. Improved Efficiency: By integrating the Bonsai platform’s functions with Zoom’s already robust meeting and collaboration tools, businesses can save time that would otherwise be spent switching between different applications. Seamless Payments: Handling invoicing and payments within the same platform is likely to streamline cash flow processes, making financial management far less cumbersome. User-Friendly Tools: Bonsai’s focus on simplicity aligns with the goals of many small business owners seeking easy-to-use solutions without the steep learning curves often associated with extensive software suites. Zoom’s Chief Product Officer offers insight into their vision: “We are excited to enhance our solution set… Together, Zoom and Bonsai will support small business owners and solopreneurs.” Real-World Implications: The acquisition comes at a pivotal time as small businesses increasingly seek integrated solutions to manage their operations more efficiently. For instance, marketing agencies managing multiple clients can use these united tools to streamline project timelines and keep communication transparent, ultimately leading to happier clients and increased referrals. However, there are potential challenges that small business owners should consider. The successful integration of Bonsai’s tools into Zoom’s platform will require effective execution. If poorly managed, it could lead to complications that small businesses might not have the bandwidth to tackle. Moreover, as the transaction is expected to close by 2025, small business owners may need to weigh whether to invest in Bonsai now or wait for Zoom’s tools to be fully integrated. Those who are already using Bonsai may have concerns about future updates and how well they will mesh with Zoom’s existing features. In summary, Zoom’s acquisition of Bonsai represents a significant step toward equipping small business owners with streamlined, efficient tools designed to facilitate growth and collaboration. The promise of an integrated workspace can ease everyday pressures, but business owners must remain vigilant about how these changes play out in real-time. For further details, you can read the full announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Zoom Expands Services for Small Businesses with Bonsai Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Americans have done a shoddy job of teaching reading and math to the majority of our students. Our scores, when compared to other nations—most with fewer resources—are plummeting. As a scientist, I try to stay solution oriented. To ensure that we bend the curve and change the future, we must first concede that we have failed our students. We’re at the dawn of a new educational era—the age of artificial intelligence. And there is no way we will get it right in this new era if we are still struggling with the previous one. As a congenital optimist, I am hopeful that when it comes to teaching AI—I mean this in its broadest sense, well beyond the practice of coding—that we will learn from our mistakes and get it right this time. My genetic positivity is reinforced by two recent developments that are important milestones in building a national consensus for assuring that we create generational AI skills and wisdom. The White House’s executive order The President’s executive order speaks directly to the existential need for our country to “cultivate the skills and understanding to use and create the next generation of AI technology.” Upon its issuance, I wrote a column commending its intention. But I also noted, speaking as president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), a board member of the National Academies of Sciences, and a lifelong STEM advocate, that the EO was insufficient: We cannot teach AI without also teaching critical thinking, ethics, and wisdom. Since then, I was asked to participate in the White House Task Force on AI Education that is guiding the implementation of the EO, and is also establishing public-private partnerships with leading stakeholders in AI. COSI is part of this group and we have signed on to President The President’s pledge to invest in AI education. I recently attended a meeting of the White House Task Force on AI Education, where the inexorable link between national security, economic prosperity, and AI proficiency was the dominant theme. I would summarize it as: “We need to win—and we must be the global leader in AI capabilities to keep America on top.” Yes—but how?  The state of Ohio creates a new state of tomorrow After the meeting, I returned to Ohio, which has joined the AI conversation in a big way. Ohio is the first state to require that every school district adopt formal policies to govern AI use in schools. To put it simply, the EO urges the must—that AI education needs to be a priority. The Ohio regulation, by contrast, insists on the how. It proceeds from the recognition that our schools will be teaching the technology of the future, and demands that the complex nuances of how be determined and agreed to. Chris Woolard, the chief integration officer at the Ohio Department of Education, described the challenge as creating new “guardrails” that include ground rules for privacy, data quality, ethical use, and academic honesty. And, importantly, “What are the critical thinking skills that are needed for students.” Beyond just governed, to taught I commend what Ohio has done. But there is a long way to go. To build foundational pedagogical techniques for the teaching of AI, with no baseline, no historical data, and no trials, is far from trivial. In fact, it is enormously complicated, as we have seen from our inability to effectively teach STEM. Ohio’s regulatory framework, which other states should follow, will involve the creation of new practices and metrics and will require vast sensitivity and nuance, given that every single aspect of education can be weaponized in our undeniably fraught world of culture wars. But we can learn from our mistakes. For example, so-called whole language—versus phonics—is ineffective for the 20% of children with dyslexia. We need to bring all children into the future, and to do that we need to assure that AI literacy becomes a core marker of educational success. Interestingly enough, AI can help with this Teaching AI is like developing AI. Sort of The rapid evolution of AI comes from the process of “training the model”; it is how the large language models (LLMs) learn and improve in an iterative and focused manner. But it is also a black box in many ways, which cannot be the case with how we teach AI in our schools. Only transparency and continual improvement will ensure that our K-12 students develop the skills necessary to succeed in a changing workforce. None of this will be easy. AI represents a profound turning point; the EO is broad and conceptual, while our Constitution assigns the responsibility of education to the states. But nothing can be more important, and I call upon educators everywhere to come together and work together. What makes their mission even more challenging is that AI is changing all the time, and with such speed. So those teaching it must also be capable of commensurate change. But educational standards tend to be fixed. It is hard enough to set them, let alone to build in agility and responsiveness. I look forward to working with educators, continuing to participate with the AI Task Force, to help develop standards and guardrails that are as responsive and dynamic as artificial intelligence itself. Indeed, the time is now. View the full article

AI was supposed to make our lives easier: automating tedious tasks, streamlining communication, and freeing up time for creative thinking. But what if the very tool meant to increase efficiency is fueling cognitive decline and burnout instead? The Workflation Effect Since AI entered the workplace, managers expect teams to produce more work in less time. They see tasks completed in two hours instead of two weeks, without understanding the process behind it. Yet, AI still makes too many mistakes for high-quality output, forcing workers to adjust, edit, and review everything it produces—creating “workflation,” which adds more work to already overloaded plates. AI has accelerated expectations because managers know that teams using it can work faster, but quality work still requires time, focus, and expertise. “We are seeing that it can lead to a lot of churn and work slop—poor quality output, in particular when it’s being used by junior team members,” says Carey Bentley, CEO of Lifehack Method, a productivity coaching company. When team members lack the expertise to audit AI output, they take it at face value, which can lead to multimillion-dollar errors. The percentage of companies using AI in at least one business function is rising every year, and one of the most popular uses is in marketing. However, many brands flood social media with formulaic, off-putting content that prioritizes speed over emotional connection, sacrificing creativity and differentiation. The consequences of using AI without proper quality review aren’t just about brand reputation or lost deals—they also add stress while eroding workers’ creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. Cognitive Decline and Burnout with AI Research from MIT shows that relying on AI tools to think for us, rather than with us, leads to “cognitive offloading”—outsourcing mental effort in ways that gradually weaken memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The study found that participants using GPT-based tools showed measurable declines in these areas compared to control groups. Just as GPS impairs spatial memory, relying on AI for thinking may weaken our capacity for original thought, because the brain needs practice to maintain cognitive functions. When we layer that cognitive debt on top of the relentless pace that AI enables, we aren’t just doing more work; we’re doing it with diminished mental capacity. Workers are reviewing AI outputs without having the time to thoroughly evaluate the quality, making decisions without space for reflection, and producing content without engaging the creative processes that generate real insight. In the long term, the overwhelm leads to small mistakes, such as forgetting to add a document, not finishing an edit, or missing a deadline; these are the first signs of burnout. “It really starts small, and that’s why it gets missed so often,” explains Naomi Carmen, a business consultant specializing in leadership and company culture. These minor errors aren’t signs of laziness, distraction, or disengagement, and when managers respond with performance reviews instead of support, the cycle only accelerates. The Training Gap Most people using AI haven’t been adequately trained, confusing its confidence for truth. Neuroscientist David Eagleman refers to this as the “intelligence echo illusion”—the perception that AI is intelligent because it responds with apparent insight, when in reality it merely reflects stored human knowledge. Without understanding how AI works, leadership develops unrealistic expectations that cascade through organizations, requiring faster and higher-quality work that’s nearly impossible to sustain. “Expecting your team to use AI without proper training is like handing them a Ferrari and expecting them to win races right away,” Bentley explains. Carmen adds, “The input is going to directly affect the output.” Warning Signs AI Is Fueling Burnout According to a 2024 study by The Upwork Research Institute, 77% of employees believe their workload has increased since they started using AI. Key warning signs include: Errors and delays: mistakes slip through because workers rush to meet unrealistic deadlines. Not feeling time savings: employees work harder than ever despite using “time-saving” tools. Always-on culture: leadership sets expectations at AI-speed, resulting in an always-on culture that multiplies workload and stress. How to Use AI Without Burning People Out The solution isn’t abandoning AI, but implementing it thoughtfully. Here are four ways to do it: Proper training: hire experts to audit existing workflows and provide recommendations, then show team members how to produce high-quality output. Clear goals: connect AI use to specific KPIs instead of chasing trends. Companies should remain rooted in their core mission and values, rather than adopting every new AI tool. Treat AI as a low-level assistant: use it for research, initial drafts, and data organization, but keep creative problem-solving and critical thinking in the hands of humans. Support your team: life events, stress, and fatigue mean employees can’t deliver at a constant, AI-driven pace. Leadership should keep the human element at the center of decisions, recognizing that policies and expectations must account for the complexity of real lives, not just the output. Moving Forward with AI In an era defined by AI, sustainable performance comes from empathy, connection, and space for creativity. A healthy workplace—where employees can rest, express themselves, and even have fun—boosts engagement, problem-solving, innovation, and efficiency. AI can support this, but only when implemented thoughtfully, with the human element at its core. View the full article

Emerging like a mirage in the desert outskirts of Dubai, a sight unfamiliar to those in the Middle East and Asia has risen up like a dream in the exact dimensions of the field at Yankee Stadium in New York. Now that it’s built, though, one question remains: Will the fans come? That’s the challenge for the inaugural season of Baseball United, a four-team, monthlong contest that will begin Friday at the new Barry Larkin Field, artificially turfed for the broiling sun of the United Arab Emirates and named for an investor who is a former Cincinnati Reds shortstop. The professional league seeks to draw on the sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan with two of its teams, as the Mumbai Cobras on Friday will face the Karachi Monarchs. Each team has Indian and Pakistani players seeking to break into the broadcast market saturated by soccer and cricket in this part of the world. And while having no big-name players from Major League Baseball, the league has created some of its own novel rules to speed up games and put more runs on the board — and potentially generate interest for U.S. fans as the regular season there has ended. “People here got to learn the rules anyway so we’re like if we get to start at a blank canvas then why don’t we introduce some new rules that we believe are going to excite them from the onset,” Baseball United CEO and co-owner Kash Shaikh told The Associated Press. The dune of dreams All the games in the season, which ends mid-December, will be played at Baseball United’s stadium out in the reaches of Dubai’s desert in an area known as Ud al-Bayda, some 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The stadium sits alongside The Sevens Stadium, which hosts an annual rugby sevens tournament known for hard-partying fans drinking alcohol and wearing costumes. As journalists met Baseball United officials on Thursday, two fighter jets and a military cargo plane came in for landings at the nearby Al Minhad Air Base, flying over a landfill. The field seats some 3,000 fans and will host games mostly at night, though the weather is starting to cool in the Emirates as the season changes. But environmental concerns have been kept in mind — Baseball United decided to go for an artificial field to avoid the challenge of using more than 45 million liters (12 million gallons) of water a year to maintain a natural grass field, said John P. Miedreich, a co-founder and executive vice president at the league. “We had to airlift clay in from the United States, airlift clay from Pakistan” for the pitcher’s mound, he added. There will be four teams competing in the inaugural season. Joining the Cobras and the Monarchs will be the Arabia Wolves, Dubai’s team, and the Mideast Falcons of Abu Dhabi. There are changes to the traditional game in Baseball United, putting a different spin on the game similar to how the Twenty20 format drastically sped up traditional cricket. The baseball league has introduced a golden “moneyball,” which gives managers three chances in a game to use at bat to double the runs scored off a home run. Teams can call in “designated runners” three times during a game. And if a game is tied after nine innings, the teams face off in a home run derby to decide the winner. “It’s entertainment, and it’s exciting, and it’s helping get new fans and young fans more engaged in the game,” Shaikh said. America’s pastime has limited success Baseball in the Middle East has had mixed success, to put a positive spin on the ball. A group of American supporters launched the professional Israel Baseball League in 2007, comprised almost entirely of foreign players. However, it folded after just one season. Americans spread the game in prerevolution Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the decades, though it has been dwarfed by soccer. Saudi Arabia, through the Americans at its oil company Aramco, has sent teams to the Little League World Series in the past. But soccer remains a favorite in the Mideast, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Then there’s cricket, which remains a passion in both India and Pakistan. The International Cricket Council, the world’s governing body for the sport, has its headquarters in Dubai near the city’s cricket stadium. Organizers know they have their work cut out for them. At one point during a news conference Thursday they went over baseball basics — home runs, organ music and where center field sits. “The most important part is the experience for fans to come out, eat a hot dog, see mascots running around, to see what baseball traditions that we all grew up with back home in the U.S. — and start to fall in love with the game because we know that once they start to learn those, they will become big fans,” Shaikh said. —Jon Gambrell, Associated Press View the full article

Every year, American taxpayers are eligible to put a certain amount of money into their retirement accounts, including 401(k)’s and IRAs. But each year, the upper allowable threshold for these accounts tends to rise. This is done in order for the limits to keep up with the rate of inflation. And now, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced its new limits for 2026. Here’s what you need to know. What is the IRS 2026 401(k) limit? According to a notice published by the IRS on November 13, the limit on individual contributions to various retirement accounts in 2026 is rising. If you have a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plan, or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, you’ll now be able to contribute up to $24,500 for the 2026 year. This represents an increase of $1,000 from the $23,500 limit in place for the 2025 year. But the IRS has also announced new “catch-up” contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan for 2026. The agency says that if you are 50 or older, your catch-up contribution limit will increase by $500 in 2026 to a total of $8,000. “Therefore, participants in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older generally can contribute up to $32,500 each year, starting in 2026,” the agency noted. Catch-up contribution limits for employees aged 60 to 63 will remain at $11,250, the same level they were in 2025. What is the IRS 2026 IRA limit? If you have an individual retirement account (IRA), the IRS has announced that the limit for that type of account is rising in 2026, too. In 2026, the new IRA contribution limit will be $7,500. That’s a rise of $500 over the 2025 limit. Additionally, the IRA catch‑up contribution limit for those aged 50 or over is also rising in 2026. In 2025, that limit was $1,000. But in 2026, that limit is rising by $100 to $1,100. In addition to the 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026, the IRS announced additional changes for Roth IRAs, the Saver’s Credit, and SIMPLE retirement accounts for 2026. You can find details of all the changes in the IRS’s notice here. View the full article

When you start crafting, having the right tools can considerably improve your results. Crucial items include versatile scissors for general use, precision craft knives for intricate designs, and rotary cutters for fabric. Furthermore, quality adhesives like Mod Podge and E6000 guarantee strong bonds. Investing in self-healing cutting mats protects your surfaces during providing accuracy. To create lively projects, you’ll need quality paint supplies, along with organization tools and cleaning supplies to maintain a tidy workspace. Let’s explore each category in detail. Key Takeaways Quality cutting tools like scissors, craft knives, and rotary cutters are essential for precise and efficient crafting tasks. A variety of versatile adhesives, including hot glue and Mod Podge, are crucial for bonding different materials in projects. Self-healing cutting mats and durable craft mats protect surfaces and assist with accurate measuring and cutting. High-quality paint supplies, such as acrylic and chalk paints, provide vibrant colors and finishes for creative projects. Essential cleaning supplies like wet wipes and paintbrush cleaner simplify clean-up and maintain a tidy workspace. Essential Cutting Tools When initiating any crafting project, having the right cutting tools at your disposal is vital for achieving precise results. Vital cutting tools include scissors, craft knives, rotary cutters, and paper trimmers, each customized for specific tasks. Craft knives provide the accuracy needed for delicate materials like paper or thin plastic, making them indispensable for intricate designs. Rotary cutters, similar to pizza cutters, excel in fabric projects, delivering quick and straight cuts on a cutting mat. For paper projects, paper trimmers are important; they guarantee clean, straight lines, resulting in polished outcomes. Furthermore, consider using a self-healing cutting mat to protect your surfaces and maintain cutting precision without permanent markings, enhancing your overall crafting experience. Versatile Adhesives Versatile adhesives play a crucial role in any crafting toolkit, as they cater to a wide range of materials and applications. When you’re craft shopping at your local craft supply store, consider these must-have versatile adhesives: Mod Podge: Ideal for decoupage and mixed media, serving as both glue and sealant. E6000: An industrial-strength adhesive perfect for bonding metal, wood, and fabric in heavy-duty projects. Hot glue guns: Cordless options like the Sure Bonder provide quick bonding for various materials, ideal for time-sensitive crafts. Craft glue: Suitable for lightweight materials like paper and fabrics, ensuring a clean, mess-free application. With these versatile adhesives, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any project that comes your way. Crafting Surfaces and Mats In terms of crafting, protecting your workspace is essential, and using the right surfaces and mats can make a significant difference. Craft mats not only safeguard your table from cuts and spills but additionally improve your accuracy and precision during projects, especially while using tools like craft knives. Furthermore, maintaining these surfaces is easy, allowing you to focus on your creativity without the worry of cleanup. Protect Your Workspace A well-protected workspace is crucial for any crafter, and investing in the right crafting surfaces and mats can make all the difference. Craft mats not only shield your table from adhesive spills and paint stains but also provide a solid, flat surface for accurate measuring. A self-healing cutting mat is particularly useful for preventing cuts and allowing for repeated use without permanent marks. Furthermore, continuous spray bottles maintain moisture levels when working with delicate materials. To improve your crafting experience, consider these must-have items from your local craft store or handicraft store: Self-healing cutting mat Durable craft mat Continuous spray bottle Protective table cover These items guarantee your workspace remains clean and functional, especially when searching for sewing supplies near me. Enhance Accuracy and Precision To improve accuracy and precision in your crafting projects, investing in high-quality crafting surfaces and mats is crucial. A self-healing craft mat protects your workspace while allowing repeated cutting without permanent marks. Most mats feature grid lines for accurate measuring and cutting, making them indispensable for precise tasks. Many additionally have a non-slip backing, guaranteeing stability during cutting, which improves safety and accuracy. Here’s a quick comparison of crafting surfaces: Feature Benefits Self-healing material Reduces wear on tools and mat Grid lines Aids in precise measuring Non-slip backing Prevents movement during cutting Durable construction Guarantees longevity of the mat Versatile use Suitable for various craft techniques Investing in a quality craft mat improves your overall crafting experience. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning Maintaining the quality of your crafting surfaces and mats is crucial for ensuring they remain effective over time. Regular cleaning keeps your craft mats free from paint and glue residue. Self-healing cutting mats are particularly beneficial as they allow repeated cuts without permanent marks, making them easier to maintain. Using a protective craft mat not just saves your work surface from damage but also simplifies easy clean-ups after your crafting sessions. For ideal care, consider these items: Mild soap and water for regular cleaning Continuous spray bottles to keep mats damp during projects Wet wipes for quick clean-ups A soft cloth for thorough drying Quality Paint Supplies Quality paint supplies play a crucial role in achieving vivid, long-lasting results for your crafting projects. When selecting quality paint supplies, consider acrylic paints from DecoArt, which offer a wide range of colors and excellent coverage. Chalk paint, particularly from brands like Waverly and Folk Art, is perfect for achieving a matte finish on furniture and home decor, providing versatility for upcycling. For applying paint, chip paint brushes in 1-inch and 2-inch sizes are invaluable, ensuring efficient coverage and precise application. Furthermore, using a palette for mixing colors allows you to create desired shades and tones, enhancing your final product. Remember, proper care, like cleaning brushes in water containers and storing paints correctly, will prolong the usability of your supplies. Fabric and Textiles Exploring fabric and textiles opens up a world of possibilities for your crafting projects. When you shop at a fabric and craft store or search for fabric stores near me within 5 mi, you’ll find a variety of materials suited to your needs. Whether you’re looking to buy fabric near me or searching online, consider these crucial items: Cotton for patchwork and general sewing Felt for fun, soft projects Burlap for rustic designs Ribbon for embellishing Don’t forget to check for sales at places like Hobby Lobby or online retailers like Amazon. Furthermore, repurposing old fabrics, such as t-shirts or sheets, promotes sustainability and adds uniqueness to your creations. Specialty textiles like raffia or twine can also improve your projects. Organization Tools An organized crafting space is vital for maximizing your creativity and efficiency during working on projects. Start with storage bins to keep your supplies neatly arranged and easily accessible, which helps maintain a tidy workspace and saves time. Implement labeling systems using clear labels on these bins to quickly identify materials, reducing frustration. Tool caddies are also important; they keep frequently used tools within arm’s reach, promoting an efficient crafting environment. Don’t overlook drawer organizers for small items like beads or buttons; they help separate supplies, making it easier to locate what you need. Cleaning Supplies To guarantee your crafting space remains clean and organized, having the right cleaning supplies on hand is vital. These items not just simplify your clean-up process but are also helpful in maintaining the quality of your tools and surfaces. Wet wipes: Ideal for quick clean-ups, they effortlessly tackle spills on surfaces. Baby wipes: Versatile and gentle, they clean hands, tools, and surfaces without harsh chemicals. Rubbing alcohol: Perfect for removing adhesive residue, ensuring your projects have a pristine finish. Paintbrush cleaner: Important for maintaining brush quality, it facilitates paint removal and protects bristles. Frequently Asked Questions What Does Every Crafter Need? Every crafter needs a versatile hot glue gun for quick-drying adhesion and a good pair of scissors, ideally two, for cutting paper and fabric. Quality adhesives like Mod Podge for decoupage and E6000 for stronger bonds are vital. A self-healing cutting mat protects your workspace as it allows safe material cutting. Moreover, a variety of paint supplies, including acrylics and different brush types, enables creative expression across numerous projects. What Are the Craft Items List? When considering craft items, you should focus on vital tools and materials. Key items include scissors for cutting, craft knives for precision, and a self-healing cutting mat for safety. You’ll need adhesives like hot glue and Mod Podge for bonding. Paint supplies, such as acrylics and brushes, allow for creativity. Don’t forget fabric options like felt and cotton, plus storage solutions like bins and labels to keep everything organized and accessible. What Does a Crafter Need? As a crafter, you need crucial tools for your projects. Scissors, craft knives, and a cutting mat guarantee precision and safety. Adhesives like Mod Podge and hot glue are essential for securing materials. A range of paint supplies, including acrylics and brushes, allows for creative expression. Furthermore, organization tools like storage bins and labels keep your supplies tidy, as seasonal embellishments like ribbons and stickers add unique touches to your crafts. What Are the Five Basic Crafts? The five basic crafts include knitting, painting, sewing, woodworking, and paper crafts. In knitting, you use yarn and needles to create fabric for garments. Painting allows you to express creativity using various mediums like acrylic or watercolor on surfaces. Sewing involves combining fabric and thread to make clothing or home decor. Woodworking focuses on shaping wood for functional items, whereas paper crafts utilize paper for artistic projects and decorations. Each craft requires specific techniques and materials. Conclusion To conclude, equipping yourself with necessary tools can greatly improve your crafting experience. Make sure to invest in versatile cutting tools, reliable adhesives, and quality paint supplies. Furthermore, prioritize crafting surfaces, organization tools, and cleaning supplies to maintain an efficient workspace. By assembling these must-have items, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a variety of projects, ensuring both creativity and productivity. With the right tools at hand, you can focus on bringing your artistic visions to life. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Must-Have Craft Shopping List Items" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you start crafting, having the right tools can considerably improve your results. Crucial items include versatile scissors for general use, precision craft knives for intricate designs, and rotary cutters for fabric. Furthermore, quality adhesives like Mod Podge and E6000 guarantee strong bonds. Investing in self-healing cutting mats protects your surfaces during providing accuracy. To create lively projects, you’ll need quality paint supplies, along with organization tools and cleaning supplies to maintain a tidy workspace. Let’s explore each category in detail. Key Takeaways Quality cutting tools like scissors, craft knives, and rotary cutters are essential for precise and efficient crafting tasks. A variety of versatile adhesives, including hot glue and Mod Podge, are crucial for bonding different materials in projects. Self-healing cutting mats and durable craft mats protect surfaces and assist with accurate measuring and cutting. High-quality paint supplies, such as acrylic and chalk paints, provide vibrant colors and finishes for creative projects. Essential cleaning supplies like wet wipes and paintbrush cleaner simplify clean-up and maintain a tidy workspace. Essential Cutting Tools When initiating any crafting project, having the right cutting tools at your disposal is vital for achieving precise results. Vital cutting tools include scissors, craft knives, rotary cutters, and paper trimmers, each customized for specific tasks. Craft knives provide the accuracy needed for delicate materials like paper or thin plastic, making them indispensable for intricate designs. Rotary cutters, similar to pizza cutters, excel in fabric projects, delivering quick and straight cuts on a cutting mat. For paper projects, paper trimmers are important; they guarantee clean, straight lines, resulting in polished outcomes. Furthermore, consider using a self-healing cutting mat to protect your surfaces and maintain cutting precision without permanent markings, enhancing your overall crafting experience. Versatile Adhesives Versatile adhesives play a crucial role in any crafting toolkit, as they cater to a wide range of materials and applications. When you’re craft shopping at your local craft supply store, consider these must-have versatile adhesives: Mod Podge: Ideal for decoupage and mixed media, serving as both glue and sealant. E6000: An industrial-strength adhesive perfect for bonding metal, wood, and fabric in heavy-duty projects. Hot glue guns: Cordless options like the Sure Bonder provide quick bonding for various materials, ideal for time-sensitive crafts. Craft glue: Suitable for lightweight materials like paper and fabrics, ensuring a clean, mess-free application. With these versatile adhesives, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any project that comes your way. Crafting Surfaces and Mats In terms of crafting, protecting your workspace is essential, and using the right surfaces and mats can make a significant difference. Craft mats not only safeguard your table from cuts and spills but additionally improve your accuracy and precision during projects, especially while using tools like craft knives. Furthermore, maintaining these surfaces is easy, allowing you to focus on your creativity without the worry of cleanup. Protect Your Workspace A well-protected workspace is crucial for any crafter, and investing in the right crafting surfaces and mats can make all the difference. Craft mats not only shield your table from adhesive spills and paint stains but also provide a solid, flat surface for accurate measuring. A self-healing cutting mat is particularly useful for preventing cuts and allowing for repeated use without permanent marks. Furthermore, continuous spray bottles maintain moisture levels when working with delicate materials. To improve your crafting experience, consider these must-have items from your local craft store or handicraft store: Self-healing cutting mat Durable craft mat Continuous spray bottle Protective table cover These items guarantee your workspace remains clean and functional, especially when searching for sewing supplies near me. Enhance Accuracy and Precision To improve accuracy and precision in your crafting projects, investing in high-quality crafting surfaces and mats is crucial. A self-healing craft mat protects your workspace while allowing repeated cutting without permanent marks. Most mats feature grid lines for accurate measuring and cutting, making them indispensable for precise tasks. Many additionally have a non-slip backing, guaranteeing stability during cutting, which improves safety and accuracy. Here’s a quick comparison of crafting surfaces: Feature Benefits Self-healing material Reduces wear on tools and mat Grid lines Aids in precise measuring Non-slip backing Prevents movement during cutting Durable construction Guarantees longevity of the mat Versatile use Suitable for various craft techniques Investing in a quality craft mat improves your overall crafting experience. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning Maintaining the quality of your crafting surfaces and mats is crucial for ensuring they remain effective over time. Regular cleaning keeps your craft mats free from paint and glue residue. Self-healing cutting mats are particularly beneficial as they allow repeated cuts without permanent marks, making them easier to maintain. Using a protective craft mat not just saves your work surface from damage but also simplifies easy clean-ups after your crafting sessions. For ideal care, consider these items: Mild soap and water for regular cleaning Continuous spray bottles to keep mats damp during projects Wet wipes for quick clean-ups A soft cloth for thorough drying Quality Paint Supplies Quality paint supplies play a crucial role in achieving vivid, long-lasting results for your crafting projects. When selecting quality paint supplies, consider acrylic paints from DecoArt, which offer a wide range of colors and excellent coverage. Chalk paint, particularly from brands like Waverly and Folk Art, is perfect for achieving a matte finish on furniture and home decor, providing versatility for upcycling. For applying paint, chip paint brushes in 1-inch and 2-inch sizes are invaluable, ensuring efficient coverage and precise application. Furthermore, using a palette for mixing colors allows you to create desired shades and tones, enhancing your final product. Remember, proper care, like cleaning brushes in water containers and storing paints correctly, will prolong the usability of your supplies. Fabric and Textiles Exploring fabric and textiles opens up a world of possibilities for your crafting projects. When you shop at a fabric and craft store or search for fabric stores near me within 5 mi, you’ll find a variety of materials suited to your needs. Whether you’re looking to buy fabric near me or searching online, consider these crucial items: Cotton for patchwork and general sewing Felt for fun, soft projects Burlap for rustic designs Ribbon for embellishing Don’t forget to check for sales at places like Hobby Lobby or online retailers like Amazon. Furthermore, repurposing old fabrics, such as t-shirts or sheets, promotes sustainability and adds uniqueness to your creations. Specialty textiles like raffia or twine can also improve your projects. Organization Tools An organized crafting space is vital for maximizing your creativity and efficiency during working on projects. Start with storage bins to keep your supplies neatly arranged and easily accessible, which helps maintain a tidy workspace and saves time. Implement labeling systems using clear labels on these bins to quickly identify materials, reducing frustration. Tool caddies are also important; they keep frequently used tools within arm’s reach, promoting an efficient crafting environment. Don’t overlook drawer organizers for small items like beads or buttons; they help separate supplies, making it easier to locate what you need. Cleaning Supplies To guarantee your crafting space remains clean and organized, having the right cleaning supplies on hand is vital. These items not just simplify your clean-up process but are also helpful in maintaining the quality of your tools and surfaces. Wet wipes: Ideal for quick clean-ups, they effortlessly tackle spills on surfaces. Baby wipes: Versatile and gentle, they clean hands, tools, and surfaces without harsh chemicals. Rubbing alcohol: Perfect for removing adhesive residue, ensuring your projects have a pristine finish. Paintbrush cleaner: Important for maintaining brush quality, it facilitates paint removal and protects bristles. Frequently Asked Questions What Does Every Crafter Need? Every crafter needs a versatile hot glue gun for quick-drying adhesion and a good pair of scissors, ideally two, for cutting paper and fabric. Quality adhesives like Mod Podge for decoupage and E6000 for stronger bonds are vital. A self-healing cutting mat protects your workspace as it allows safe material cutting. Moreover, a variety of paint supplies, including acrylics and different brush types, enables creative expression across numerous projects. What Are the Craft Items List? When considering craft items, you should focus on vital tools and materials. Key items include scissors for cutting, craft knives for precision, and a self-healing cutting mat for safety. You’ll need adhesives like hot glue and Mod Podge for bonding. Paint supplies, such as acrylics and brushes, allow for creativity. Don’t forget fabric options like felt and cotton, plus storage solutions like bins and labels to keep everything organized and accessible. What Does a Crafter Need? As a crafter, you need crucial tools for your projects. Scissors, craft knives, and a cutting mat guarantee precision and safety. Adhesives like Mod Podge and hot glue are essential for securing materials. A range of paint supplies, including acrylics and brushes, allows for creative expression. Furthermore, organization tools like storage bins and labels keep your supplies tidy, as seasonal embellishments like ribbons and stickers add unique touches to your crafts. What Are the Five Basic Crafts? The five basic crafts include knitting, painting, sewing, woodworking, and paper crafts. In knitting, you use yarn and needles to create fabric for garments. Painting allows you to express creativity using various mediums like acrylic or watercolor on surfaces. Sewing involves combining fabric and thread to make clothing or home decor. Woodworking focuses on shaping wood for functional items, whereas paper crafts utilize paper for artistic projects and decorations. Each craft requires specific techniques and materials. Conclusion To conclude, equipping yourself with necessary tools can greatly improve your crafting experience. Make sure to invest in versatile cutting tools, reliable adhesives, and quality paint supplies. Furthermore, prioritize crafting surfaces, organization tools, and cleaning supplies to maintain an efficient workspace. By assembling these must-have items, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a variety of projects, ensuring both creativity and productivity. With the right tools at hand, you can focus on bringing your artistic visions to life. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Must-Have Craft Shopping List Items" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Rumours of political rebellion, plus resignations at the BBCView the full article

Amazingly, your Mac has only just gained the ability to show you a full list of what you've copied. macOS has always allowed you to copy and paste items, but if you copied multiple items back-to-back, there was no way to view the earliest items you added to your clipboard. Sure, third-party apps have filled this gap for many years now, but macOS itself didn't allow you to easily view multiple items stored in the clipboard, until now. With macOS 26 Tahoe, your Mac's Spotlight search has added support for clipboard history, which means that you can view pretty much everything you've copied in the past 30 days. Here's how to set up and use clipboard history on your Mac. How to enable clipboard history on your Mac Credit: Pranay Parab Clipboard history is disabled by default on macOS Tahoe, so you'll have to activate it first. To do this, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac's display and select System Settings. Now, go to Spotlight and scroll to the bottom in the right pane. Enable Results from Clipboard, and then click the drop-down menu below it. This lets you choose how long you want to store your clipboard history for. Apple gives you three choices: 8 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. Once you've made your choice, you'll be ready to use clipboard history on your Mac. If you copy sensitive items to the clipboard very often, you should probably avoid enabling this feature. I know many people who somehow still store passwords, credit card information, and other banking details in WhatsApp chats or plain text files. The moment you copy sensitive data from unsecured locations, it gets added to your clipboard history, which is not ideal. The good news is that if you copy passwords from Apple Passwords or other password management apps, they don't appear in your Mac's clipboard history. Accessing and using clipboard history on your Mac Credit: Pranay Parab You can access your Mac's clipboard history by using macOS Tahoe's Spotlight Search. First, copy a few items to your clipboard. These can be text, photos, or other files. Use the Command-Space keyboard shortcut (or click the magnifying glass in your Mac's top-right corner) to open Spotlight, and press Command-4. This will open your Mac's clipboard history, where you'll be able to see all the files you've copied recently. To see older items, scroll down. Next to each item, you'll see a small copy button, which you can use to copy that item to your clipboard once again. This is useful if you've copied multiple items in a row, but forgot to paste the first few. You can also select any item in your clipboard history list and press the return key on your keyboard to paste that item in the app that's in the foreground. If you want to quickly clear your clipboard history, fire up Spotlight (Command-Space), followed by the clipboard history page (Command-4), and select the three-dots button on the right. Select Clear History here to erase your entire clipboard. Or you can simply wait—Apple will automatically erase everything in your clipboard after your preset time limit (between 8 hours and 30 days, depending on what you chose in System Settings). Third-party clipboard management apps are better Credit: Pranay Parab I'm aware that some people don't use Spotlight at all, in favor of better alternatives like Raycast or Alfred. Luckily, those apps come with built-in clipboard managers, too. Spotlight's implementation is good enough for basic use cases, but it needs a quicker way to access and paste from your clipboard history. While clipboard history in Spotlight is a nice upgrade, I still feel that if you're serious about clipboard management, third-party alternatives are the way to go. The best clipboard managers for Mac will allow you to sync your clipboard history across multiple devices, let you exclude certain apps from your clipboard history, filter clipboard items by type (links, text, images, etc.), copy multiple items and paste them sequentially (useful for filling repetitive forms), extract and copy text from images, and so much more. View the full article

Opting for Florida’s courts as the battlefield, not the UK, is key to understanding the entire gambitView the full article

Coppermills plant, which serves up to 4mn people, underscores scale of the challenge for troubled utilityView the full article

A London judge ruled Friday that global mining company BHP Group is liable in Brazil’s worst environmental disaster when a dam collapse a decade ago unleashed tons of toxic waste into a major river, killing 19 people and devastating villages downstream. High Court Justice Finola O’Farrell said that Australia-based BHP was responsible, despite not owning the dam at the time, finding its negligence, carelessness or lack of skill led to the collapse. Anglo-Australian BHP owns 50% of Samarco, the Brazilian company that operates the iron ore mine where the tailings dam ruptured on Nov. 5, 2015. Sludge from the burst dam destroyed the once-bustling village of Bento Rodrigues in Minas Gerais state and badly damaged other towns. Enough mine waste to fill 13,000 Olympic-size swimming pools poured into the Doce River in southeastern Brazil, damaging 600 kilometers (370 miles) of the waterway and killing 14 tons of freshwater fish, according to a study by the University of Ulster in the U.K. The river, which the Krenak Indigenous people revere as a deity, has yet to recover. A decade later, legal disputes have prolonged reconstruction and reparations and the river is still contaminated with heavy metals. Even as Brazil tries to define itself as a global environmental leader while hosting the U.N. COP30 climate summit, advocacy groups say the dam collapse is a reminder of industry-friendly policies that have ecological protection. Victims of the disaster called the ruling a historic victory in seeking justice. “We had to cross the Atlantic Ocean and go to England to finally see a mining company held to account,” said Mônica dos Santos of the Commission for Those Affected by the Fundão Dam. Gelvana Rodrigues, whose 7-year-old son, Thiago, was killed in a mudslide, celebrated the step forward and said she wouldn’t rest until those responsible are punished. “The judge’s decision shows what we have been saying for the last 10 years: it was not an accident, and BHP must take responsibility for its actions,” Rodrigues said. The judge agreed with lawyers representing 600,000 Brazilians and 31 communities in the class-action case who argued that BHP was heavily involved in the Samarco operation and could have prevented the disaster, but instead encouraged raising the dam to allow more production. “The risk of collapse of the dam was foreseeable,” O’Farrell wrote in the 222-page decision. “It is inconceivable that a decision would have been taken to continue raising the height of the dam in those circumstances and the collapse could have been averted.” BHP said that it plans to appeal. The claimants are seeking 36 billion pounds ($47 billion) in compensation, though the ruling only addressed liability. A second phase of the trial will determine damages. The case was filed in Britain because one of BHP’s two main legal entities was based in London at the time. The trial began in October 2024, just days before the federal government in the South American country reached a multibillion-dollar settlement with the mining companies. Under the agreement, Samarco — which is also half owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale — agreed to pay 132 billion reais ($23 billion) over 20 years. The payments were meant to compensate for human, environmental and infrastructure damage. BHP had said the U.K. legal action was unnecessary, because it duplicated matters covered by legal proceedings in Brazil. The judge ruled that those who were compensated in the settlement in Brazil could still bring claims, though they might be limited by any waivers they signed. Brandon Craig, BHP’s president of Minerals Americas, said that nearly half of the claimants could be eliminated from the group because of settlement agreements they signed in Brazil. BHP shares fell more than 2% on the London market after the ruling and the company said that it would update its financial provisions. —Brian Melley, Associated Press View the full article

When considering opening a franchise, it’s vital to comprehend the financial commitments involved. Initial investments typically range from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on factors like brand and location. You’ll encounter franchise fees, which can vary from $10,000 to $50,000, along with ongoing royalty fees that often take 3% to 6% of your gross sales. Grasping these costs is fundamental, but there are other factors at play that could influence your startup expenses. Key Takeaways The initial investment for a franchise typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the brand and location. Franchise fees generally vary between $10,000 and $50,000 based on market competitiveness and brand reputation. Common startup expenses include real estate, equipment, office supplies, and leasehold improvements. Ongoing fees, such as royalty fees, usually range from 3% to 6% of monthly gross sales. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides detailed breakdowns of initial and ongoing costs, crucial for financial planning. General Franchise Opening Costs When you’re considering opening a franchise, it’s vital to understand that the initial investment typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the brand and the specific industry requirements. One significant component of this cost is the franchise fees for restaurants, which can vary widely based on market competitiveness and brand reputation. Furthermore, you’ll need to account for common startup expenses like office supplies, equipment, and leasehold improvements. If you’re looking into fast food franchise cost, keep in mind that real estate expenses, permits, and working capital for operational expenses are also fundamental. To get a clearer picture of how much it costs to open a franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines all these investment details. Typical Parts of a Business Plan A detailed business plan is crucial for anyone looking to open a franchise, as it serves as a roadmap for your venture. Start with an executive summary outlining your business concept, objectives, and unique value proposition. Next, include a company description detailing the franchise’s history, structure, and operational model. Don’t forget to conduct a thorough market analysis, covering target demographics, market needs, and competition. This helps you understand franchise cost comparisons and restaurant franchise prices. The management structure section should define your leadership team and their experience. Finally, provide financial projections, detailing your revenue, expenses, and profitability forecasts, often referencing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for accuracy. This foundation will guide you on how do you buy a franchise restaurant successfully. Initial Investment Breakdown When you’re considering opening a franchise, comprehending the initial investment is essential. You’ll encounter various costs, including the franchise fee, which grants you the right to operate under the brand, and startup expenses like real estate and equipment. Furthermore, it’s important to factor in ongoing financial obligations that can impact your long-term profitability. Franchise Fee Overview Franchise fees represent a significant initial investment for anyone looking to enter the franchise world, as they typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. These fees grant you the right to operate under the franchisor’s brand and are just the starting point. For instance, if you’re considering how to open a fast food franchise, comprehending the Jack in the Box franchise cost or jack’s franchise cost can help you gauge the overall financial commitment. Although the franchise fee is important, keep in mind that the total initial investment often falls between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on factors like location and specific franchise requirements. Consulting the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is fundamental for grasping all associated costs, including ongoing royalty fees that can impact your finances. Startup Cost Components Starting a franchise involves several key components that contribute to your initial investment. Typically, this investment ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the brand and location. Common startup costs include franchise fees, which grant you the right to operate under the franchisor’s brand, real estate expenses, equipment purchases, office supplies, and leasehold improvements. Franchise fees can vary considerably and are usually non-negotiable. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is crucial for reviewing detailed investment costs, including initial purchase funds and working capital needs. Furthermore, you should account for professional services related to permits, insurance requirements, and working capital to cover operating costs for several months as you launch your franchise successfully. Ongoing Financial Obligations Comprehending the ongoing financial obligations of a franchise is vital for maintaining its success beyond the initial investment phase. After the startup costs, you’ll need to evaluate ongoing expenses like royalty fees, which typically range from 4% to 8% of your sales. These fees grant you the right to use the franchisor’s brand and support services. Moreover, you’ll face costs for marketing contributions, which help promote the brand. It’s important to maintain adequate working capital to cover operational expenses and personal living costs during the early months. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) will provide detailed insights into both initial and ongoing financial commitments, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the expedition ahead. Common Franchise Fees When considering the costs associated with opening a franchise, it’s essential to understand the various fees involved. The initial franchise fee, often reflecting the brand’s reputation, typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, and these fees are usually non-negotiable. Furthermore, many franchisors require contributions to marketing, which can be a percentage of sales or a fixed amount, aimed at supporting national or regional advertising efforts. As some franchisors may offer incentives like deferred fees or discounts to attract franchisees, these options vary widely. It’s important to review all fee structures in the franchise disclosure document to guarantee you’re fully aware of the financial commitments before making your investment decision. Ongoing Royalty Fees Ongoing royalty fees are a vital aspect of franchise ownership that can greatly impact your bottom line. Typically, these fees range from 3% to 6% of your monthly gross sales, but some franchises, like Complete Weddings + Events, charge up to 8% of annual gross revenue. Others, such as Motto Mortgage, require a flat fee of $4,500 per month after the first year. Dream Vacations offers a variable rate from 1.5% to 3% of annual commissionable sales, showcasing significant differences among franchises. Help-U-Sell Real Estate mandates a 6% fee on gross commissions, whereas United Country Real Estate charges between $1,200 and $2,400 monthly, depending on performance. Comprehending these fees is essential for evaluating your franchise’s profitability. Financing Options for Franchise Startups How can you effectively finance your franchise startup? Comprehending your options is vital to guarantee you secure the necessary funds. Here are three viable financing methods: Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: Although the SBA doesn’t lend money directly, it guarantees loans, making it easier for you to access funds through banks. Franchisor Financing: Many franchisors offer financing assistance or partner with lenders, which can simplify your funding process. Alternative Financing: Consider personal savings, crowdfunding, or loans from family and friends, assuring you have written agreements to protect all parties involved. Additionally, online marketplaces like Boefly and Biz2Credit can connect you with lenders, whereas FranFund can help streamline your funding efforts. Each option has its benefits, so explore what suits you best. Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) What do you need to know about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before investing in a franchise? The FDD is vital, as it outlines fundamental information about the franchise, including initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and working capital requirements. Particularly, Item 7 details the specific funds needed to start and run the franchise, helping you estimate your total investment. Here’s a summary of key FDD components: FDD Component Description Importance Initial Costs Upfront investment needed Determines your financial entry Ongoing Fees Royalty and other fees Affects long-term profitability Financial Stability Franchisor’s financial history Assesses investment viability Litigation History Past legal issues Identifies potential risks Franchise Obligations Responsibilities of both parties Clarifies your commitments Factors Influencing Franchise Startup Costs When choosing a franchise, the brand you select and its market presence can greatly impact your startup costs. Factors like location, local demand, and competition play essential roles in determining how much you’ll need to invest. Comprehending these elements will help you make informed decisions and better prepare for the financial commitment ahead. Franchise Brand Selection Selecting the right franchise brand can greatly impact your startup costs and overall success. When evaluating potential franchises, consider these key factors: Initial Investment: Costs can range from under $15,000 for low-cost franchises to millions for established brands like Taco Bell or KFC. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): This vital document outlines financial obligations, including franchise fees and ongoing royalty fees, ensuring you understand your investment commitments. Franchisee Support: Evaluate the training and marketing assistance offered by the franchisor, as this can markedly affect your overall startup costs and operational expenses. Location and Market Factors Choosing the right franchise brand is just the beginning; your location and the surrounding market factors play a significant role in determining your startup costs. The demographics and market demand in your chosen area directly influence your potential customer base and sales projections. Real estate costs, including lease rates and property availability, can greatly impact your initial investment. Conducting a competitive analysis in the target market allows you to identify gaps and opportunities that could guide your decisions. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) outlines financial obligations that may vary based on local economic conditions. Furthermore, local regulations and necessary permits can add to your overall startup costs, making thorough research vital before launching your franchise. Frequently Asked Questions Why Does It Only Cost $10k to Own a Chick-Fil-A Franchise? Chick-fil-A‘s low $10,000 franchise fee stems from the company’s unique business model. They cover most startup costs like real estate and equipment, allowing you to focus on running the business. Nonetheless, this opportunity isn’t passive; you’ll need to be hands-on, dedicating significant time and effort to meet operational standards. The competitive selection process seeks franchisees with strong entrepreneurial spirits and community commitment, ensuring the brand’s legacy is upheld. Can I Buy a Franchise With No Money? Buying a franchise with no money is challenging, but not impossible. Some low-cost franchises, like Dream Vacations, require minimal initial investments. You can explore financing options such as SBA loans or franchisor programs, which may offer payment plans or deferred fees. Furthermore, consider using personal savings, crowdfunding, or loans from family and friends, ensuring you document agreements. A solid business plan and good credit score are crucial for securing these financing options. What Is the Cheapest Franchise to Own? If you’re looking for the cheapest franchise to own, Dream Vacations is a strong contender, with a start-up cost of about $9,800. Image One follows closely, offering janitorial services for around $15,000. Other affordable options include Complete Weddings + Events and Showhomes Home Staging, both requiring $10,000. TSS Photography additionally stands out, needing $10,500. Each of these franchises provides a low entry point, making entrepreneurship more accessible for you. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires you to receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before signing any franchise agreement or making payments. This rule gives you the time to review essential information about fees, obligations, and financial performance. It’s designed to help you conduct thorough due diligence and seek advice before committing to a franchise investment, ensuring you make informed decisions in line with FTC regulations. Conclusion In conclusion, opening a franchise involves various costs, including initial investments, franchise fees, and ongoing royalty payments. Comprehending these financial obligations is essential for making informed decisions. By carefully reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document and considering financing options, you can better prepare for the challenges ahead. In the end, thorough research and planning will help you navigate the intricacies of franchise ownership, ensuring you’re equipped to succeed in your venture during the management of your finances effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How Much Does It Cost to Open a Franchise?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When considering opening a franchise, it’s vital to comprehend the financial commitments involved. Initial investments typically range from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on factors like brand and location. You’ll encounter franchise fees, which can vary from $10,000 to $50,000, along with ongoing royalty fees that often take 3% to 6% of your gross sales. Grasping these costs is fundamental, but there are other factors at play that could influence your startup expenses. Key Takeaways The initial investment for a franchise typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the brand and location. Franchise fees generally vary between $10,000 and $50,000 based on market competitiveness and brand reputation. Common startup expenses include real estate, equipment, office supplies, and leasehold improvements. Ongoing fees, such as royalty fees, usually range from 3% to 6% of monthly gross sales. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides detailed breakdowns of initial and ongoing costs, crucial for financial planning. General Franchise Opening Costs When you’re considering opening a franchise, it’s vital to understand that the initial investment typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the brand and the specific industry requirements. One significant component of this cost is the franchise fees for restaurants, which can vary widely based on market competitiveness and brand reputation. Furthermore, you’ll need to account for common startup expenses like office supplies, equipment, and leasehold improvements. If you’re looking into fast food franchise cost, keep in mind that real estate expenses, permits, and working capital for operational expenses are also fundamental. To get a clearer picture of how much it costs to open a franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines all these investment details. Typical Parts of a Business Plan A detailed business plan is crucial for anyone looking to open a franchise, as it serves as a roadmap for your venture. Start with an executive summary outlining your business concept, objectives, and unique value proposition. Next, include a company description detailing the franchise’s history, structure, and operational model. Don’t forget to conduct a thorough market analysis, covering target demographics, market needs, and competition. This helps you understand franchise cost comparisons and restaurant franchise prices. The management structure section should define your leadership team and their experience. Finally, provide financial projections, detailing your revenue, expenses, and profitability forecasts, often referencing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for accuracy. This foundation will guide you on how do you buy a franchise restaurant successfully. Initial Investment Breakdown When you’re considering opening a franchise, comprehending the initial investment is essential. You’ll encounter various costs, including the franchise fee, which grants you the right to operate under the brand, and startup expenses like real estate and equipment. Furthermore, it’s important to factor in ongoing financial obligations that can impact your long-term profitability. Franchise Fee Overview Franchise fees represent a significant initial investment for anyone looking to enter the franchise world, as they typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. These fees grant you the right to operate under the franchisor’s brand and are just the starting point. For instance, if you’re considering how to open a fast food franchise, comprehending the Jack in the Box franchise cost or jack’s franchise cost can help you gauge the overall financial commitment. Although the franchise fee is important, keep in mind that the total initial investment often falls between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on factors like location and specific franchise requirements. Consulting the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is fundamental for grasping all associated costs, including ongoing royalty fees that can impact your finances. Startup Cost Components Starting a franchise involves several key components that contribute to your initial investment. Typically, this investment ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the brand and location. Common startup costs include franchise fees, which grant you the right to operate under the franchisor’s brand, real estate expenses, equipment purchases, office supplies, and leasehold improvements. Franchise fees can vary considerably and are usually non-negotiable. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is crucial for reviewing detailed investment costs, including initial purchase funds and working capital needs. Furthermore, you should account for professional services related to permits, insurance requirements, and working capital to cover operating costs for several months as you launch your franchise successfully. Ongoing Financial Obligations Comprehending the ongoing financial obligations of a franchise is vital for maintaining its success beyond the initial investment phase. After the startup costs, you’ll need to evaluate ongoing expenses like royalty fees, which typically range from 4% to 8% of your sales. These fees grant you the right to use the franchisor’s brand and support services. Moreover, you’ll face costs for marketing contributions, which help promote the brand. It’s important to maintain adequate working capital to cover operational expenses and personal living costs during the early months. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) will provide detailed insights into both initial and ongoing financial commitments, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the expedition ahead. Common Franchise Fees When considering the costs associated with opening a franchise, it’s essential to understand the various fees involved. The initial franchise fee, often reflecting the brand’s reputation, typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, and these fees are usually non-negotiable. Furthermore, many franchisors require contributions to marketing, which can be a percentage of sales or a fixed amount, aimed at supporting national or regional advertising efforts. As some franchisors may offer incentives like deferred fees or discounts to attract franchisees, these options vary widely. It’s important to review all fee structures in the franchise disclosure document to guarantee you’re fully aware of the financial commitments before making your investment decision. Ongoing Royalty Fees Ongoing royalty fees are a vital aspect of franchise ownership that can greatly impact your bottom line. Typically, these fees range from 3% to 6% of your monthly gross sales, but some franchises, like Complete Weddings + Events, charge up to 8% of annual gross revenue. Others, such as Motto Mortgage, require a flat fee of $4,500 per month after the first year. Dream Vacations offers a variable rate from 1.5% to 3% of annual commissionable sales, showcasing significant differences among franchises. Help-U-Sell Real Estate mandates a 6% fee on gross commissions, whereas United Country Real Estate charges between $1,200 and $2,400 monthly, depending on performance. Comprehending these fees is essential for evaluating your franchise’s profitability. Financing Options for Franchise Startups How can you effectively finance your franchise startup? Comprehending your options is vital to guarantee you secure the necessary funds. Here are three viable financing methods: Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: Although the SBA doesn’t lend money directly, it guarantees loans, making it easier for you to access funds through banks. Franchisor Financing: Many franchisors offer financing assistance or partner with lenders, which can simplify your funding process. Alternative Financing: Consider personal savings, crowdfunding, or loans from family and friends, assuring you have written agreements to protect all parties involved. Additionally, online marketplaces like Boefly and Biz2Credit can connect you with lenders, whereas FranFund can help streamline your funding efforts. Each option has its benefits, so explore what suits you best. Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) What do you need to know about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before investing in a franchise? The FDD is vital, as it outlines fundamental information about the franchise, including initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and working capital requirements. Particularly, Item 7 details the specific funds needed to start and run the franchise, helping you estimate your total investment. Here’s a summary of key FDD components: FDD Component Description Importance Initial Costs Upfront investment needed Determines your financial entry Ongoing Fees Royalty and other fees Affects long-term profitability Financial Stability Franchisor’s financial history Assesses investment viability Litigation History Past legal issues Identifies potential risks Franchise Obligations Responsibilities of both parties Clarifies your commitments Factors Influencing Franchise Startup Costs When choosing a franchise, the brand you select and its market presence can greatly impact your startup costs. Factors like location, local demand, and competition play essential roles in determining how much you’ll need to invest. Comprehending these elements will help you make informed decisions and better prepare for the financial commitment ahead. Franchise Brand Selection Selecting the right franchise brand can greatly impact your startup costs and overall success. When evaluating potential franchises, consider these key factors: Initial Investment: Costs can range from under $15,000 for low-cost franchises to millions for established brands like Taco Bell or KFC. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): This vital document outlines financial obligations, including franchise fees and ongoing royalty fees, ensuring you understand your investment commitments. Franchisee Support: Evaluate the training and marketing assistance offered by the franchisor, as this can markedly affect your overall startup costs and operational expenses. Location and Market Factors Choosing the right franchise brand is just the beginning; your location and the surrounding market factors play a significant role in determining your startup costs. The demographics and market demand in your chosen area directly influence your potential customer base and sales projections. Real estate costs, including lease rates and property availability, can greatly impact your initial investment. Conducting a competitive analysis in the target market allows you to identify gaps and opportunities that could guide your decisions. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) outlines financial obligations that may vary based on local economic conditions. Furthermore, local regulations and necessary permits can add to your overall startup costs, making thorough research vital before launching your franchise. Frequently Asked Questions Why Does It Only Cost $10k to Own a Chick-Fil-A Franchise? Chick-fil-A‘s low $10,000 franchise fee stems from the company’s unique business model. They cover most startup costs like real estate and equipment, allowing you to focus on running the business. Nonetheless, this opportunity isn’t passive; you’ll need to be hands-on, dedicating significant time and effort to meet operational standards. The competitive selection process seeks franchisees with strong entrepreneurial spirits and community commitment, ensuring the brand’s legacy is upheld. Can I Buy a Franchise With No Money? Buying a franchise with no money is challenging, but not impossible. Some low-cost franchises, like Dream Vacations, require minimal initial investments. You can explore financing options such as SBA loans or franchisor programs, which may offer payment plans or deferred fees. Furthermore, consider using personal savings, crowdfunding, or loans from family and friends, ensuring you document agreements. A solid business plan and good credit score are crucial for securing these financing options. What Is the Cheapest Franchise to Own? If you’re looking for the cheapest franchise to own, Dream Vacations is a strong contender, with a start-up cost of about $9,800. Image One follows closely, offering janitorial services for around $15,000. Other affordable options include Complete Weddings + Events and Showhomes Home Staging, both requiring $10,000. TSS Photography additionally stands out, needing $10,500. Each of these franchises provides a low entry point, making entrepreneurship more accessible for you. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires you to receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before signing any franchise agreement or making payments. This rule gives you the time to review essential information about fees, obligations, and financial performance. It’s designed to help you conduct thorough due diligence and seek advice before committing to a franchise investment, ensuring you make informed decisions in line with FTC regulations. Conclusion In conclusion, opening a franchise involves various costs, including initial investments, franchise fees, and ongoing royalty payments. Comprehending these financial obligations is essential for making informed decisions. By carefully reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document and considering financing options, you can better prepare for the challenges ahead. In the end, thorough research and planning will help you navigate the intricacies of franchise ownership, ensuring you’re equipped to succeed in your venture during the management of your finances effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How Much Does It Cost to Open a Franchise?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. While I've been thinking about the sale prices we might see on Black Friday, Garmin just went and dropped the prices on several of their watches. The Forerunner 265 and 965 are at their lowest prices ever, both $150 off. Several other watches are on surprisingly good sales as well. Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch $299.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $150.00 Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Light Pink and Powder Gray $299.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $150.00 Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Amp Yellow and Black $449.99 at Amazon $599.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.99 at Amazon $599.99 Save $150.00 SEE 0 MORE The Garmin Forerunner 265 is one of my favorite running watches, and you can read my review of it here. It's got an AMOLED screen, all kinds of advanced training metrics, dual-band GPS, and can connect to a bike power meter, to name a few of the features that set it apart from other watches. I own one myself and highly recommend it. Its original price was $449.99, but it's sometimes been on sale for $50 or $100 off. It was $100 off for last year's Black Friday, and has made occasional dips back down to that price since the Forerunner 570 came out this year. (The 570 is basically a 265 plus voice features, and it's not on sale this year—yet?) Both sizes are now on sale: the 46-millimeter 265 and the smaller version, the 42-millimeter 265S (S for "smaller"). Both are the same price at $299.99. The Forerunner 965 has the same features as the 265, plus a few extras—the biggest of which is maps. Normally $599.99, the 965 is on sale for $449.99. Amazon has these marked as a "limited time deal," but Garmin has them in their "holiday gift guide," suggesting this might be the Black Friday price showing up early. Also on sale: Garmin Forerunner 165: $199.99 ($50 off) and 165 Music: $249.99 ($50 off) Garmin Vivoactive 6: $249.99 ($50 off). See my review of the Garmin Vivoactive 6. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $84.99 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $324.99 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $294.99 (List Price $649.99) Apple Watch Series 10 — $279.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $297.98 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $299.00 (List Price $429.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In the late 2010s, at the height of the direct-to-consumer boom, Framebridge founder Susan Tynan was green with envy. Many other venture-backed startups from the era—like Casper, Away, and Glossier—were growing much faster than her custom framing business. While these other buzzy brands focused on acquiring customers and growing revenue, Tynan was using her $81 million in venture funding to tackle more arduous operational issues, like building factories and hiring hundreds of craftspeople to make frames by hand. Eleven years into the business, Tynan’s slow, steady approach to growth is paying off. Framebridge now has 750 employees, 500 of whom work at the company’s four factories in Kentucky, Virginia, and Nevada. Meanwhile, its brick-and-mortar footprint is growing rapidly, with 10 new stores opening last year (it now operates 40 physical stores) and more planned. Tynan says that by investing in Framebridge’s infrastructure early on, she built a moat around the business that has allowed it to ward off competitors. And now the company is in a position to scale rapidly, actively looking to expand its network of brick-and-mortar locations, possibly into the hundreds. Meanwhile, many DTC startups that Tynan once envied are fending off challengers that have created similar products, from mattresses-in-a-box to design-forward luggage. “Framebridge was a hard business to build, but that’s why it’s impossible to replicate,” says Tynan. “We’re now reaping the benefits.” The DTC Boom and Bust Today you’ll find a custom framing shop in most towns: By one estimate, there are more than 15,000 in the United States. But custom framing is notoriously expensive and takes a long time, which turns off many consumers who are happy to settle for a cheaper prefabricated frame they can buy from Michaels or Amazon. As Tynan studied the framing business model, she found the industry laden with inefficiencies. Most frame shops are owned by a single person. Since the store can’t afford to keep hundreds of mats and frame options in stock, it will order the components only once the customer has made their selection. Buying in such small quantities is expensive; it’s also time-consuming to send out for these pieces and construct the frame in-store. Tynan, who started her career as a tech executive, decided to launch Framebridge because she believed she could make framing cheaper, faster, and more convenient. Like many other VC-backed DTC startups, Framebridge was meant to disrupt a dusty industry. But Tynan’s business model was far more complex than those of peer brands of the 2010s. Startups like Casper and Away, which redesigned common consumer products, worked with overseas factories to make them, then sold the products online. Framebridge, by comparison, needed to build out a complex logistical operation to create custom frames at scale. This would involve setting up factories in the States and hiring artisans to build custom frames. In 2020, Graham Holdings Co. (GHC) acquired Framebridge for an undisclosed amount, giving Framebridge’s investors a payout. The sale meant that Framebridge had a deep-pocketed holding company that would allow Tynan to keep investing in factories and other infrastructure at a time when many other DTC operations were seeking out ever-larger sums of VC capital or exploring an IPO. Taryn Jones Laeben, who served as the chief commercial officer of Casper until 2018 before founding the VC firm IRL Ventures, believes Framebridge owes its success largely to one unique factor. “What makes Framebridge special is its supply chain,” she says. “Businesses that survived the DTC era are the ones that are truly differentiated. But investing in factories is complex because it is capital intensive and prevents you from being nimble. For Framebridge, it has clearly paid off.” While GHC, which generated $4.7 billion last year, does not break out revenue for individual companies, its annual report noted that “Framebridge posted real growth in 2024.” That said, the report described Framebridge as an “investment stage business” that is not profitable yet. The upshot is that it’s much harder to copy Framebridge’s business. Over the past five years, many DTC brands have struggled to acquire new customers, partly because a wave of competitors have popped up. Away is now competing with Monos, July, and Antler. The beauty and mattress industries have hundreds of direct-to-consumer players. To gain market share under these conditions, brands must continue pumping money into marketing and advertising. But no other companies have yet been able to replicate what Framebridge is doing. The Moat In 2014, the Framebridge website went live. It allowed customers to send in art or upload digital photographs to be framed and delivered back to them. It seemed like a simple service. But Tynan had spent the previous two years—and $3 million in seed funding—to build out a factory in Richmond, Virginia. She hired a team of expert framers as well as some people from other creative professions who enjoy the work of framing. “I found someone who sold mantles on Etsy,” she recalls. “He loves using his hands.” Framebridge orders large volumes of framing materials, which allows the company to charge less per frame than the average neighborhood framer. Small frames start at $50; larger pieces, like an 18-by-24-inch frame, cost $155. (This is roughly half of what my local frame shop in Boston charges.) Framebridge’s concept resonated with customers, especially digital-native millennials who were already ordering everything from mattresses to house plants on the internet. Within three years of launch, the company had generated $58 million in revenue. Laeben, the VC investor, says Tynan was smart about how her startup used its $81 million in VC capital. While many brands of the era were investing in customer acquisition, Framebridge was focused on infrastructure that would give it longevity. “They spent their money on durable, defensible strategies as opposed to acquiring customers on social media who might not even purchase from the company again,” she says. “Looking back, customer acquisition was basically like lighting money on fire.” Many investors would not have been satisfied with Framebridge’s pace of growth, Laeben points out. “DTC is a very broad category. There are many sectors where it makes sense to grow slowly and profitably, but this means being aligned with your investors on what your goals are,” she explains. As Framebridge grew, Tynan recognized the many benefits of having physical stores. While it’s possible to visualize frames on the company’s website, some customers simply want to see what the materials look like in person. More crucially, there are people who want to do business at a physical location where they can bring their expensive art and irreplaceable, precious keepsakes in person, rather than sending them through the mail, where they could be damaged or lost. So in 2019 Framebridge opened its first two stores in the Washington, D.C., area, and quickly began opening others in major cities such as New York and Boston. Tynan also decided to buy a fleet of trucks to transport people’s items from the stores to the factory in Virginia. This is another complex, expensive part of the business—but one that Tynan believes strengthen’s her company’s “moat,” making it even less likely that a competitor will spring up. “If [customers] were going to send in their baby blanket or an antique family photograph, they needed to know it wouldn’t get lost,” Tynan says. “It was important to customers that their things remained in our chain of custody throughout the whole process.” The Framebridge store footprint is much smaller than a traditional frame shop, since no actual framing happens on-site. The stores sometimes serve simply as a way to introduce people to the brand. Framebridge often hosts in-store events, offering free portrait sessions or photos with Santa during the holidays. While some DTC brands saw retail stores primarily as a marketing engine, Tynan thought it was crucial that Framebridge learn how to run these stores profitably. “This wasn’t a pop-up strategy,” she says. “As a startup, you want to test a lot of things, but if you test them halfway, you don’t know if they’re actually going to work. So we put our best foot forward with these stores.” The Future of Framing Today, Framebridge still doesn’t have a major competitor that does what it can do. Instead, its biggest source of competition is the traditional, neighborhood frame shop. But Tynan says her goal isn’t to put these places out of business. She points out that Framebridge has a particularly modern, millennial-oriented aesthetic that isn’t necessarily for everyone. And store associates are trained to point customers to other framing shops nearby if Framebridge doesn’t have what they’re looking for. “We have a curated assortment of frames,” Tynan says. “We have a point of view.” Still, she believes there’s a lot of room to grow. Given how expensive custom framing has been in the past, few consumers create bespoke frames for their art. Most just buy premade frames. By offering less-expensive options and offering customers the ability to make selections online, Tynan hopes that Framebridge will appeal to people who might never have thought to custom frame their keepsakes or art before. “In many ways,” she says, “we’re only just starting to scale.” View the full article

At the recent Web Summit 2025, Visa revealed exciting developments aimed at empowering digital creators—a group increasingly recognized as vital small businesses. With their new 2025 Creator Report and plans for a collaboration with Karat Financial, Visa aims to provide modern tools and resources to help creators grow both locally and globally. Small business owners should pay close attention, as Visa’s initiatives highlight a critical shift in the marketplace: creators are not merely influencers; they are entrepreneurs vying for a strong foothold in the economy. Visa’s study, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed over 1,000 TikTok creators from regions including the U.S., Brazil, Australia, the U.K., and the U.A.E. The findings reveal not just the challenges these creators face but also their growing resilience. According to Jonathan Kolozsvary, Global Head of Small Business for Visa Commercial Solutions, “Creators are among the most dynamic small business segments in the world.” Key highlights from the report demonstrate a robust momentum among creators: Optimism: A striking 88% of the creators surveyed expect their revenue to increase within the next year, suggesting a strong confidence in their economic prospects. Funding Challenges: While creators often rely on personal funds, community support, and innovative financing models like crowdfunding, there remains a pressing need for tailored financial products designed specifically for their unique scenarios. Global Reach: More than half (52%) of the creators surveyed receive payments from outside their home countries. This underscores the need for modern payment solutions capable of handling cross-border transactions efficiently. Support Networks: A remarkable 94% of creators report encouragement from friends and family, enhancing the perception of content creation as a serious long-term career choice. The report emphasizes that many creators are actively enhancing their business skills, particularly in areas like financial management and contract negotiation. Small business owners can relate to this journey, as both groups often navigate similar hurdles in building their enterprises. Visa’s exploration of a new creator agentic pilot program with Karat Financial will focus on easing common administrative burdens faced by creators. Karat, a financial technology leader in the creator community, specializes in credit services and banking solutions tailored to these entrepreneurs. The proposed pilot program promises to include several practical tools that could benefit small business owners: Smarter Payments: Automation that simplifies the processes of sending, receiving, and tracking payments, making it easier for small businesses to manage cash flows. Automated Reminders: Features that follow up on late invoices—essential for maintaining cash flow and ensuring timely payments, which are often a struggle for small businesses. Trusted Database: A centralized system where users can store and verify their buyer and supplier details, potentially reducing the risk of fraud. However, while these developments are promising, small business owners should also remain cautious. Transitioning to new financial tools and systems might require training or adjustments in current business practices. Understanding how these tools integrate with existing operations is crucial to maximizing their benefits. Visa reiterates its commitment to supporting the creator community, which has only solidified its acknowledgment of creators as valuable small businesses. The initiatives outlined not only aim to drive growth and innovation but also address the unique challenges that creators face in today’s digital landscape. For those interested in diving deeper into the findings and implications of Visa’s 2025 Creator Report, the full report can be accessed here. In an evolving economy, the integration of creative entrepreneurship with traditional small business frameworks may redefine how these entities operate and grow, turning them into pivotal contributors to economic resilience and expansion. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Visa’s 2025 Creator Report Reveals Optimism and New Support Initiatives" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At the recent Web Summit 2025, Visa revealed exciting developments aimed at empowering digital creators—a group increasingly recognized as vital small businesses. With their new 2025 Creator Report and plans for a collaboration with Karat Financial, Visa aims to provide modern tools and resources to help creators grow both locally and globally. Small business owners should pay close attention, as Visa’s initiatives highlight a critical shift in the marketplace: creators are not merely influencers; they are entrepreneurs vying for a strong foothold in the economy. Visa’s study, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed over 1,000 TikTok creators from regions including the U.S., Brazil, Australia, the U.K., and the U.A.E. The findings reveal not just the challenges these creators face but also their growing resilience. According to Jonathan Kolozsvary, Global Head of Small Business for Visa Commercial Solutions, “Creators are among the most dynamic small business segments in the world.” Key highlights from the report demonstrate a robust momentum among creators: Optimism: A striking 88% of the creators surveyed expect their revenue to increase within the next year, suggesting a strong confidence in their economic prospects. Funding Challenges: While creators often rely on personal funds, community support, and innovative financing models like crowdfunding, there remains a pressing need for tailored financial products designed specifically for their unique scenarios. Global Reach: More than half (52%) of the creators surveyed receive payments from outside their home countries. This underscores the need for modern payment solutions capable of handling cross-border transactions efficiently. Support Networks: A remarkable 94% of creators report encouragement from friends and family, enhancing the perception of content creation as a serious long-term career choice. The report emphasizes that many creators are actively enhancing their business skills, particularly in areas like financial management and contract negotiation. Small business owners can relate to this journey, as both groups often navigate similar hurdles in building their enterprises. Visa’s exploration of a new creator agentic pilot program with Karat Financial will focus on easing common administrative burdens faced by creators. Karat, a financial technology leader in the creator community, specializes in credit services and banking solutions tailored to these entrepreneurs. The proposed pilot program promises to include several practical tools that could benefit small business owners: Smarter Payments: Automation that simplifies the processes of sending, receiving, and tracking payments, making it easier for small businesses to manage cash flows. Automated Reminders: Features that follow up on late invoices—essential for maintaining cash flow and ensuring timely payments, which are often a struggle for small businesses. Trusted Database: A centralized system where users can store and verify their buyer and supplier details, potentially reducing the risk of fraud. However, while these developments are promising, small business owners should also remain cautious. Transitioning to new financial tools and systems might require training or adjustments in current business practices. Understanding how these tools integrate with existing operations is crucial to maximizing their benefits. Visa reiterates its commitment to supporting the creator community, which has only solidified its acknowledgment of creators as valuable small businesses. The initiatives outlined not only aim to drive growth and innovation but also address the unique challenges that creators face in today’s digital landscape. For those interested in diving deeper into the findings and implications of Visa’s 2025 Creator Report, the full report can be accessed here. In an evolving economy, the integration of creative entrepreneurship with traditional small business frameworks may redefine how these entities operate and grow, turning them into pivotal contributors to economic resilience and expansion. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Visa’s 2025 Creator Report Reveals Optimism and New Support Initiatives" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article