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European country hopes to reduce levy from 39% after business leaders stepped in to drive the talks forwardView the full article

When the head of schedule planning at American Airlines, Jay Gargas, stepped off the plane in Dallas-Fort Worth after an 18-hour journey from Istanbul last Wednesday, he faced chaos. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was telling the country that, come Friday, Nov. 7, flights would be cut 10% at 40 key airports in order to ease pressure on an air-traffic control system that, 30-plus days into the longest-ever federal government shutdown, was under crippling stress. “The first mood was chaos,” says Gargas. What they knew: Robert Isom, the CEO of American, would meet with Duffy at 5:30 p.m. “What we needed to do was create a definition of what the requirements were going to be. We needed to know what exactly was going to be required in order to put the puzzle together.” By 8 p.m. that evening, Gargas and his team, fueled by countless cups of coffee and pizza delivery, knew where and by how much they needed to cut American’s schedule of around 6,100 daily flights in about 36 hours. They went to work making those reductions happen and, by around 11:30 p.m. that night, had a schedule in hand for American’s operations center to implement on Friday. All that work was done methodically to ensure American can return to its full schedule quickly whenever the government shutdown ends. Flights flown by its regional affiliates — those on smaller planes under the “American Eagle” banner — and ones to non-hub domestic destinations were pruned to minimize disruptions to both customers and crew. For example, on Friday, American cancelled one of its 11 daily flights between Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio but kept its 12 daily flights between its hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago, Cirium schedule data shows. “Hub-to-hub is the lifeline to the airline in order to move crew and more people around,” says Gargas. According to Cirium, in the two months before the shutdown (August and September), American Airlines was, on average, cancelling about 1% of flights a day or about 75 flights. In October, the carrier averaged just 0.6% of flights cancelled, or about 37 flights a day. Executives at other major U.S. airlines who were not authorized to speak publicly also described the time around Duffy’s announcement as chaotic and similar to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the flight cuts five years ago were in response to border closures and the decision by most would-be travelers to stay home, these were the result of critical air traffic controllers working unpaid through the government shutdown. A picture of disarray The disarray is understandable. Major airline executives were only notified about 30 minutes before Duffy’s announcement of the cuts, reported The Air Current, an aviation trade publication. And airports, even those among the 40 where flights were being cut, were left in the dark. “The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has not received official notification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a decrease in flight activity in response to the federal government shutdown,” Orlando International Airport posted on X at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. Orlando was among the 40 affected airports when the FAA released its official order around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. The other airports include everything from major hubs like Atlanta and Denver, popular but constrained fields in New York and Washington, D.C., and even far flung airports in Anchorage and Honolulu. The FAA’s order outlined a phased implementation. Flights would be cut by 4% from Friday; 6% from Tuesday, Nov. 11; 8% from Thursday, Nov. 13; and finally 10% from Friday, Nov. 14. And, on Sunday, the National Business Aviation Association trade group said that the FAA would restrict private planes at 12 of the country’s busiest airports beginning Monday, Nov. 10. No corner of the country was left untouched by the reductions as they rippled out from major hubs to places like Bakersfield, Calif., and Corpus Christi, Texas. Airlines cancelled 4,978 flights from Friday-through-Sunday, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. This includes disruptions for weather, aircraft maintenance and air traffic control staffing. Another 1,623 flights in the U.S., or 6.3% of the total, were cancelled on Monday by midday, Cirium data shows. (Still) prepared for the worst Neither American nor any other U.S. airline is taking a chance on when the shutdown will end, even with a funding deal making its way through the Senate. The carrier has loaded cancellations in its schedule through Wednesday, Nov. 12, and is prepared to add cancellations for Thursday, Nov. 13, given the uncertainties around when — and if — Congress could pass the bill. “There was concrete progress last night on a deal, but there are many steps ahead, and the next several days will continue to be challenging,” says David Seymour, chief operations officer at American, in a letter to staff on Monday warning of continued flight disruptions. When the government does reopen and the FAA rescinds the flight reductions, Gargas says American can return to something near a normal schedule as soon as the next day. The exception: Some cancellations are related to run-of-the-mill weather — there was a snowstorm in Chicago over the weekend, for example — or aircraft maintenance that could ripple through its schedule for several days. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines took a similarly methodical approach to cancelling regional and non-hub flights to minimize disruptions. The three airlines also continued to fly their full international schedules. And, despite the initial confusion, the messaging to airline staff was one of order. “Thanks to many similar challenges we’ve faced before with weather and other disruptions, our crew scheduling team has become quite expert at processing these volumes of cancellations efficiently to minimize disruption to our flight crews,” wrote United executives Marc Champion, vice-president of flight operations, and Rob Thomas, vice-president of flight operations planning and development, to the airline’s pilots in a letter on Nov. 6 viewed by Fast Company. Pilots at three major airlines described the notifications from their employers as similar to what they receive during irregular operations like a snowstorm. “The 737 MAX grounding and COVID really helped these kinds of chaos situations,” says Gargas. “You learn quickly on what the art of the possible is.” View the full article

Billionaire Warren Buffett warned shareholders Monday that many companies will fare better than his Berkshire Hathaway in the decades ahead because of its massive size, though others might say the company’s prospects will dim because “Father Time” is catching up with the 95-year-old icon who plans to step down as CEO in January. Buffett reflected on life and his health in a new letter to shareholders where he announced $1.3 billion in new charitable gifts to the four family foundations run by his children that—along with the Gates Foundation—have been helping steadily give away his fortune since 2006. Berkshire is known for consistently outperforming the stock market during the past 60 years under Buffett—which helped earn him legions of fans—although that has become harder to do in recent years because of the huge size of the conglomerate. Berkshire owns Geico insurance, BNSF railroad, several large utilities, and a diverse assortment of manufacturing and retail businesses, including such well-known brands as Dairy Queen, See’s Candy, and Helzberg Diamonds. But Buffett also reassured shareholders that he remains confident in his successor. Buffett promised to keep in touch with shareholders through Thanksgiving letters in the future, but he confirmed that next year, Greg Abel will take over Buffett’s famous yearly letter and answer all the questions at the annual meeting after he becomes CEO in January. Buffett will remain chairman. Buffett said that “through dumb luck, I drew a ridiculously long straw at birth” by being born in Omaha, Nebraska, where he met many lifelong friends—including several who helped shape Berkshire’s fortune—and both his wives after attending public schools. He said he has been fortunate to have his life saved three times by doctors who lived nearby while managing to avoid the kind of calamities that often cut life short. Buffett recounted spending several weeks in the hospital after having his appendix out as a child, where he turned to fingerprinting all the nuns who were taking care of him just in case they turned to a life of crime later. Buffett previously battled prostate cancer in 2012, but that wasn’t considered life-threatening. “Those who reach old age need a huge dose of good luck, daily escaping banana peels, natural disasters, drunk or distracted drivers, lightning strikes, you name it,” he wrote. But now, after decades of benefiting from the fickle nature of “Lady Luck,” Buffett said, “Father Time, to the contrary, now finds me more interesting as I age. And he is undefeated; for him, everyone ends up on his score card as ‘wins.’” Buffett said he is moving slowly and now has increasing difficulty reading, but he continues to go into the office five days a week to hunt for useful business ideas or deals that could benefit Berkshire. Berkshire shareholders should have faith in Abel because Buffett said he has consistently met the high expectations he has for him. “He understands many of our businesses and personnel far better than I now do, and he is a very fast learner about matters many CEOs don’t even consider. I can’t think of a CEO, a management consultant, an academic, a member of government – you name it – that I would select over Greg to handle your savings and mine,” Buffett wrote. Berkshire’s fortress-like balance sheet, highlighted by the $382 billion cash it holds, ensures the company is unlikely to encounter a devastating disaster, and Buffett said the board remains conscientious of shareholders’ interests, but still the company will have trouble outperforming. “In aggregate, Berkshire’s businesses have moderately better-than-average prospects, led by a few non-correlated and sizable gems. However, a decade or two from now, there will be many companies that have done better than Berkshire; our size takes its toll,” Buffett said. —Josh Funk, AP business writer View the full article

When you think about the tech companies leading the AI race, Apple is pretty much at the bottom of the list. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as far as I'm concerned. From where I'm sitting, many of us couldn't care less about the latest AI features companies are shoving into their products—we just want the products we actually use to work, and work well. But strictly focusing on AI progress, Apple is far behind rivals like Google and Microsoft. While Android and Windows are full of AI features, either through Google's Gemini or OpenAI's GPT models, Apple's first-party AI advances are much more limited. Both Google and Microsoft promote their AI assistants as a cornerstone of their marketing strategies; meanwhile, Apple pulled it AI Siri commercial, as its promised upgrades kept getting delayed. That's not to say there aren't any AI features here—far from it. Since iOS 18, Apple has rolled out AI features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, including things like Image Playground, AI image editing, and Writing Tools. But, again, these features are not selling iPhones, and it seems like Apple knows it. The company appears to be doing more AI work behind the scenes than in front of it these days. Despite all this, the company is still making serious in-roads with AI. In fact, the company is planning three key new AI features, at least according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. AI SiriRemember how I said Apple's AI Siri upgrade keeps getting delayed? Well, as it happens, AI Siri might be here sooner than later—at least, in part. According to Gurman, Apple plans to roll out "a new Siri" with iOS 26.4, while the assistant will get a "redesign" with next year's iOS 27. If you recall, Apple promised an AI-powered Siri with iOS 18 that was smarter than any iteration of Siri that had come before. This AI Siri was highly contextual, understanding what you meant in your requests without you needing to be hyper-specific. In addition, the assistant could pull information from a variety of sources, such as messages or emails, to fulfill requests, and even had an agent mode to take actions on your behalf. This is similar to how AI browsers let you ask the assistant to do things on the web for you. It's objectively futuristic, to be sure, but not necessarily useful—nor is it secure. As it happens, Apple had a lot of trouble actually getting those features to work. The company's new Siri is an extreme engineering puzzle that wasn't solved by iOS 18's release, and was delayed through iOS 26.0. If the schedule holds, those changes should be coming to 26.4, and may even be powered in part by Google's Gemini model. That said, iOS 26.4 is likely four months away: Apple just released iOS 26.1 and is beta testing iOS 26.2, and neither update comes with any Siri upgrades. Since the company released iOS 18.4 in March of this year, chances are we'll see 26.4 in March 2026. If so, we might only be a quarter year away from a new Siri experience. Next year, according to Gurman, Siri will get a total makeover. The assistant will be more conversational, and will power Apple's upcoming smart home device strategy. But that's a ways away yet. AI health agent Gurman says Apple is also working on an AI agent that can coach users on health-related issues. Codenamed "Project Mulberry," the service combines a new Health app, subscription (Health+), and AI health assistant. This assistant can pull data from the Health app to inform its advice, and is being trained using real doctors across medical professions. According to Gurman, "if the Health app receives data about poor heart-rate trends, a video explaining the risks of heart disease could appear." The company is actually opening studio space to record videos for this service, and may feature a "major doctor personality" to "host" this Health+ service. (My money's on Doctor Mike, but maybe that's the only major doctor personality I know.) Gurman says this AI health agent could arrive as soon as iOS 26.4, alongside the new AI Siri. It will be interesting to see how Apple squares two key problems with this feature: AI sometimes makes mistakes (and sometimes just makes things up), so trusting it to offer health advice raises some red flags. Add in the fact that Apple will be using user data to inform the AI on how to handle health advice, and user privacy questions pop up. The company prides itself on privacy, so I imagine it will have a clear plan here, but if this AI health agent really launches, these points will need to be addressed. Web search toolFinally, Gurman says that Apple has "plans for an AI-powered web search tool." This tool is called "World Knowledge Answers" within the company, and is intended to compete against similar search tools from companies like OpenAI and Perplexity. World Knowledge Answers will integrate directly within Siri, and may come to Safari and Spotlight too. It may include text, images, videos, and "local points of interest," as well as AI summaries. The idea is to keep users asking questions within Apple's own suite of products, rather than see them use other AI search tools. It's likely it'll arrive alongside these other two features with iOS 26.4. Will these AI features be enough to catch Apple up to the rest of the AI players? I'm not sure. But I'm not sure the company needs to catch up. As much as Microsoft has made AI a cornerstone of its new Windows experiences, it's not the reason people are buying PCs. Similarly, few users are choosing their smartphones, tablets, and computers based on whether Apple, Google, or Microsoft has the best AI assistant, or the best array of AI features. AI might be big money right now, but not in a way where Apple needs to be on top to remain one of the biggest companies in the world. 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. Amazon has finally revealed its Black Friday plans in a press release, much later than the competition, which is unusual for the biggest retailer. Here is everything you need to know about Amazon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. What is Amazon doing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Amazon will have an early Black Friday sale that will lead up to Black Friday and then a Cyber Monday sale that will last a few days. They will also have new flash daily deals throughout the events with Today’s Big Deals. When is Amazon's Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday in 2025?Amazon's Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday deal event will kick off on Nov. 20 at 12:01 a.m. PST, and run through Dec. 1. What deals can I expect during Amazon's Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday?Amazon says it will have deals on categories like home, electronics, beauty, apparel, and more where people can shop deals of up to 50% on artificial Christmas trees, seasonal decor, Amazon devices, and select electronics. Here are some deals Amazon has already said people will be able to take advantage of starting Nov. 20: Amazon Devices: Save up to 50% on select Amazon devices, including new releases like Echo Dot Max, Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV 50" 4-Series, Blink Mini 2K+, and Blink Outdoor 2K+. Customers can also save on favorites such as Echo Show 11, Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 tablets, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle, and Ring Indoor Cam. Seasonal: Save up to 50% on artificial Christmas Trees from National Tree Company and Fraser Hill Farm. Customers can also find up to 40% on ornaments from Lenox, and up to 20% on holiday gift wrap, bags, and bows from Hallmark. Grocery: Save on complete holiday meals including Butterball turkeys at $0.69 per pound, pre-made sides like homestyle stuffing, mashed potatoes, and traditional fixings from select brands—all online for same-day delivery where available and at Amazon Fresh stores. Customers can also enjoy great prices on a wide selection of fresh grocery ingredients like carrots, green beans, and gold potatoes, plus wine enthusiasts can save 20% when purchasing six or more bottles through Amazon Fresh (valid through 11/30). Visit amazon.com/grocery for the full selection of grocery items available in your area. Electronics: Save up to 50% on select electronics from JBL and Canon, and up to 45% on select Bose audio and PC hardware from ACER and ASUS. Customers can also get up to 40% on select home entertainment from LG, TCL, and Hisense, and up to 35% on select Samsung and Google products. Home: Save up to 55% on select home products from Shark and up to 40% on select floorcare from BISSELL and iRobot. Customers can also find up to 35% on select floorcare from Dyson and select furniture from Signature Design by Ashley, and up to 25% on select luggage from Away and select fitness equipment from NordicTrack. Kitchen: Save up to 50% on select kitchen appliances from Ninja and up to 40% on select kitchen essentials from Bentgo, Vitamix, Staub, and Nespresso, including deals on Nespresso Original Line Capsules. Customers can also enjoy up to 35% on select espresso and coffee machines from Keurig and De'Longhi, and up to 25% on premium kitchen brands like Breville and Our Place. Beauty: Save up to 50% on select premium beauty products from Lancôme and luxury fragrances from Armani Beauty and Maison Margiela. Customers can also get up to 30% on skincare and bodycare essentials from Kiehl's, ELEMIS, Sol de Janeiro, and medicube, makeup from NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Milk Makeup, and Tarte; plus select beauty tools from Drybar and Shark. Fashion: Save up to 50% on select fashion from NAADAM, GAP, Levi's, Cinq A Sept, and Derek Lam 10 Crosby. Customers can also get up to 40% on apparel from Theory, AllSaints, New Balance, Carhartt, and ASTR the Label, plus up to 25% on select styles from Shopbop featuring brands like LE BOP, PAIGE, and FRAME. Toys: Save up to 40% on select toys from MAGNA-TILES, Melissa & Doug, Little Tykes, Play-Doh, and NERF. Customers can also get up to 30% off select classic toys from Hasbro Gaming, Fisher-Price, and American Girl, plus character favorites featuring Disney, WICKED, Barbie, Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Books: Save up to 80% on Kindle books and up to 65% on print books, including Editor favorites from Amazon’s Best Books of the Year lists of the past 25 years, including A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, and The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Customers can also get three months of Kindle Unlimited for just $0.99, unlocking millions of titles across every genre. Terms and conditions apply. See here for details. Do you need to be a Prime Member to shop during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?Yes, you will need to be a Prime Member to shop the exclusive sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Prime membership starts at $14.99 per month. While only you can decide if buying a yearly Prime membership is worth it for you, remember you can always sign up and then cancel your Prime membership once the sale is over: Amazon offers a free 30-day trial, so you can shop during both events (and even get some early Black Friday deals) before canceling without being charged. Here's how to sign up for a Prime account and all of the benefits that come with it. What other retailers are doing Black Friday sales?The other major retailers doing sales are Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Right now, Best Buy is the one having the biggest early Black Friday sale, with new deals every Friday. Target has some week-long deals and a Deal of the Day. For Walmart, you'll have to wait until Nov. 14. Some tips for a successful Black Friday with AmazonIf this will be your first Black Friday shopping at Amazon, there are some basic things you need to know about Amazon sales: You can share your Prime membership with family members even if they don't live with you. You can set price alerts for products you want and your Alexa devices can notify you when they go on sale. There are usually some "Invite-Only" deals that you can sign up for. There are tools you can use to see if the deal you're looking at is good or not. But if you only take one bit of advice for shopping on Amazon, let it be this one: Don't buy anything you weren't going to buy anyway. A good way to make sure you do this is by making a list of the products you do want, and only having eyes for those. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $297.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked 6.9" OLED Smartphone (Obsidian) — $544.98 (List Price $799.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) - Security Camera with 2K Video and Gemini, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Works with Google Home - 2025 Model - Snow — $99.98 (List Price $99.98) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $328.00 (List Price $399.99) Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch (Black) — $119.95 (List Price $199.95) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Hormone-based drugs used to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms will no longer carry a bold warning label about stroke, heart attack, dementia, and other serious risks, the Food and Drug Administration announced Monday. U.S. health officials said they will remove the boxed warning from more than 20 pills, patches, and creams containing hormones like estrogen and progestin, which are approved to ease disruptive symptoms like night sweats. The change has been supported by some doctors—including FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who has called the current label outdated and unnecessary. But some doctors worried that the process, which led to the decision, was flawed. Health officials explained the move by pointing to studies suggesting hormone therapy has few risks when started before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause symptoms. “We’re challenging outdated thinking and recommitting to evidence-based medicine that empowers rather than restricts,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in introducing the update. The 22-year-old FDA warning advised doctors that hormone therapy increases the risk of blood clots, heart problems, and other health issues, citing data from an influential study published more than 20 years ago. Many doctors—and pharmaceutical companies—have called for removing or revising the label, which they say discourages prescriptions and scares off women who could benefit. Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the warnings have created a lot of hesitancy among patients. “I can spend 30 minutes counseling someone about hormone-replacement therapy—tell them everything—but when they fill the prescription and see that warning, they just get scared,” Fleischman said. Other experts have opposed making changes to the label without a careful, transparent process. They say the FDA should have convened its independent advisers to publicly consider any revisions. Debate over the health benefits of hormone therapy continues Medical guidelines generally recommend the drugs for a limited duration in younger women going through menopause who don’t have complicating risks, such as breast cancer. FDA’s updated prescribing information mostly matches that approach. But Makary and some other doctors have suggested that hormone therapy’s benefits can go far beyond managing uncomfortable mid-life symptoms. Before becoming FDA commissioner, Makary dedicated a chapter of his most recent book to extolling the overall benefits of hormone therapy and criticizing doctors unwilling to prescribe it. On Monday, he reiterated that viewpoint, citing figures suggesting hormone-therapy reduces heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other age-related conditions. “With few exceptions, there may be no other medication in the modern era that can improve the health outcomes of women at a population level more than hormone replacement therapy,” Makary told reporters. The veracity of those benefits remains the subject of ongoing research and debate— including among the experts whose work led to the original warning. Dr. JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School said the evidence for overall health benefits is not “as conclusive or definitive” as what Makary described. Still, removing the warning is a good step because it could lead to physicians and patients making more personalized decisions, she said. “The black box is really one size fits all. It scares everyone away,” Manson said. “Without the black box warning, there may be more focus on the actual findings, how they differ by age and underlying health factors.” Hormone therapy was once the norm for American women In the 1990s, more than 1 in 4 U.S. women took estrogen alone or in combination with progestin on the assumption that—in addition to treating menopause—it would reduce rates of heart disease, dementia, and other issues. But a landmark study of more than 26,000 women challenged that idea, linking two different types of hormone pills to higher rates of stroke, blood clots, breast cancer and other serious risks. After the initial findings were published in 2002, prescriptions plummeted among women of all age groups, including younger menopausal women. Since then, all estrogen drugs have carried the FDA’s boxed warning—the most serious type. “That study was misrepresented and created a fear machine that lingers to this day,” Makary said. Continuing analysis has shown a more nuanced picture of the risks. A new analysis of the 2002 data published in September found that women in their 50s taking estrogen-based drugs faced no increased risk of heart problems, whereas women in their 70s did. The data was unclear for women in their 60s, and the authors advised caution. Additionally, many newer forms of the drugs have been introduced since the early 2000s, including vaginal creams and tablets that deliver lower hormone doses than pills, patches, and other drugs that circulate throughout the bloodstream. The original language contained in the boxed warning will still be available to prescribers, but it will appear lower down on the label. The drugs will retain a boxed warning that women who have not had a hysterectomy should receive a combination of estrogen-progestin due to risks of cancer in the lining of the uterus. FDA sidestepped its usual public process in reviewing warning Rather than convening one of FDA’s standing advisory committees on women’s health or drug safety, Makary earlier this year invited a dozen doctors and researchers who overwhelmingly supported the health benefits of hormone-replacement drugs. Many of the panelists at the July meeting consult for drugmakers or prescribe the medications in their private practices. Two of the experts also spoke at Monday’s FDA news conference. Asked Monday why the FDA didn’t convene a formal advisory panel on the issue, Makary said such meetings are “bureaucratic, long, often conflicted and very expensive.” Diana Zuckerman of the nonprofit National Center for Health Research, which analyzes medical research, accused Makary of undermining the FDA’s credibility by announcing the change “rather than having scientists scrutinize the research at an FDA scientific meeting.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Matthew Perrone, AP health writer View the full article

Bank’s customer insights team compared financial resilience of lowest-paid staff to customers as part of salary negotiationsView the full article

The Senate was drawing closer to a vote on legislation to end the shutdown on Monday after a small group of Senate Democrats broke a 40-day stalemate late Sunday evening and voted with Republicans to move forward with reopening the government. It is unclear when the Senate will hold final votes on the bill, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hopes passage will take “hours not days.” “The American people have suffered for long enough. Let’s not pointlessly drag this bill out,” he said as the Senate opened on Monday morning. The legislation would still need to clear the House before the government could reopen. Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers to start returning to Washington “right now” given travel delays, but he said he would issue an official notice for the House’s return once the Senate passes the legislation. “We have to do this as quickly as possible,” Johnson said at a news conference. He has kept the House out of session since mid-September, when the House passed a bill to continue government funding. After weeks of negotiations, the moderate Senate Democrats agreed to reopen the government without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who have demanded that Republicans negotiate with them on the Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire Jan. 1. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., promised a mid-December vote on the subsidies, but there was no guarantee of success. The final vote was 60-40. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against moving ahead with the package, along with all but eight of his Democratic colleagues. “We will not give up the fight,” Schumer said, adding that Democrats have now “sounded the alarm” on health care. Still, an end to the shutdown could still be days away if any senators object and drag out the process. Thune was still working out concerns within his Republican conference about individual provisions in the underlying spending bills. One of those Republicans, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, had threatened to object to a provision championed by his home state colleague, former GOP leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, to prevent the sale of some hemp-based products. Paul said he was seeking an amendment to strip the language before a final vote. President Donald The President has not said whether he will sign the package, but told reporters at the White House Sunday evening that it “looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending.” Five Democrats switch votes A group of three former governors — New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine — broke the six-week stalemate on Sunday when they agreed to vote to advance three bipartisan annual spending bills and extend the rest of government funding until late January. The legislation includes a reversal of the mass firings of federal workers by the The President administration since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. It also protects federal workers against further layoffs through January and guarantees they are paid once the shutdown is over. In addition to Shaheen, King and Hassan, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, home to tens of thousands of federal workers, also voted in favor of moving forward on the agreement. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman and Nevada Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen also voted yes. The moderates had expected a larger number of Democrats to vote with them as 10-12 Democratic senators had been part of the negotiations. But in the end, only five switched their votes — the exact number that Republicans needed. King, Cortez Masto and Fetterman had already been voting to open the government since Oct. 1. The agreement includes bipartisan bills worked out by the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund parts of government — food aid, veterans programs and the legislative branch, among other things. Democrats call the vote a “mistake” Schumer, who received blowback from his party in March when he voted to keep the government open, said he could not “in good faith” support it after meeting with his caucus for more than two hours on Sunday. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who caucuses with the Democrats, said giving up the fight was a “horrific mistake.” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., agreed, saying that voters who overwhelmingly supported Democrats in last week’s elections were urging them to “hold firm.” House Democrats swiftly criticized the Senate. Texas Rep. Greg Casar, the chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said a deal that doesn’t reduce health care costs is a “betrayal” of millions of Americans who are counting on Democrats to fight. Others gave Schumer a nod of support. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had criticized Schumer in March after his vote to keep the government open. But he praised the Senate Democratic leader on Monday and expressed support for his leadership throughout the shutdown. “The American people know we are on the right side of this fight,” Jeffries said Monday, pointing to Tuesday’s election results. Health care debate ahead It’s unclear whether the two parties would be able to find any common ground on the health care subsidies before a promised December vote in the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he will not commit to bringing it up in his chamber. On Monday, Johnson said House Republicans have always been open to voting to reform what he called the “unaffordable care act” but again did not say if they would vote on the subsidies. Some Republicans have said they are open to extending the COVID-19-era tax credits as premiums could skyrocket for millions of people, but they also want new limits on who can receive the subsidies and argue that the tax dollars for the plans should be routed through individuals. Other Republicans, including The President, have used the debate to renew their yearslong criticism of the law and called for it to be scrapped or overhauled. —Mary Clare Jalonick and Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim, Michelle Price, Stephen Groves, and Kevin Freking contributed to this report. View the full article

Broadcaster’s deepest crisis in recent history comes amid fresh questions over its future role in British societyView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Each year, Apple releases new models of the Apple Watch, but the updates aren't always that significant—meaning it might make more sense to choose an older one and save on the purchase price. That's certainly a good option right now, because you can get last year's Apple Watch Series 10 with GPS + Cellular for $299, $200 off the original price, at Walmart (in four colors!). Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cellular 42mm $299.00 at Walmart $499.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Walmart $499.00 Save $200.00 The Series 10 has a larger AMOLED display (30% larger, to be precise) and a thinner case than its predecessor, the Series 9. It also features a more powerful chip, improving performance and helping future-proof the device. According to this PCMag review, where it landed an Editors' Choice Award, its standout features include the Depth app, which measures underwater depth (it's waterproof up to 50 meters), and a water-temperature sensor, making it great for swimmers and divers. Along with other key health and sleep stats from the Series 9, it also monitors breathing disturbances for people with sleep apnea. According to PCMag, it exceeds the official battery life estimate of 18 hours and can last more than 36 hours in real-world tests with heavy use, which is close to the battery life on the 11. It’s also fast-charging, reaching around 80% in just 30 minutes. This model comes with both GPS and Cellular, meaning you don’t need to tether it to your iPhone to take full advantage of its features. Design-wise, it has a minimalist look and a durable aluminum and titanium case. If you’re in the iOS ecosystem and seeking a smartwatch that blends style, readability, and an ergonomic case with advanced health and fitness stats and monitoring, the Apple Watch Series 10 with GPS + Cellular is a feature-packed steal at $299. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $297.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) - Security Camera with 2K Video and Gemini, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Works with Google Home - 2025 Model - Snow — $99.98 (List Price $99.98) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $328.00 (List Price $399.99) Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch (Black) — $119.95 (List Price $199.95) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked 6.9" OLED Smartphone (Obsidian) — $544.98 (List Price $799.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

World’s most famous investor warns against corporate greed as he prepares to hand over the reins of Berkshire HathawayView the full article

Recently, New York Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat moderated a debate on the Interesting Times podcast between Helen Andrews and Leah Libresco Sargeant, two conservative critics of modern feminism. The podcast received major blowback, starting with (but not ending with) the fact that the original headline of the conversation was “Did Women Ruin the Workplace?” Quickly, after the predictable backlash hit, the headline was changed to “Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?” But the diversion didn’t help the conversation’s case all that much. While the headline was softened to perhaps dress up the discussion as an urgent political issue, mostly, it felt like intellectualized sexism—a debate about women’s rights—when the real question should be, “wait, why are they up for debate anyway?” If you could make it through the whole podcast, good on you. In truth, the question “Did women ruin the workplace?” felt like it was just waiting for Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda to burst through the office door and tie it to its desk chair. All About “Wokeness” Mainly, the debate revolved around wokeness. It started with Andrews, who recently wrote an article called “The Great Feminization” that criticizes women as being emotional and lacking logic, started talking about “wokeness” at work, and suggested that women are to blame for its presence in the office, noting that “the pathology in our institutions known as wokeness is distinctively feminine and feminized.” Andrews continued: “And that, in a very literal sense, our institutions have gone woke because there are more women in them than there used to be.” She also went on to talk about the uptick in sex scandals being reported, and how backward she finds it that we’re “suddenly” expected to “believe all women” regardless of how credible many of them can surely not be. The very boys club argument seemed to suggest that women in the workplace are complaining about innocent flirtations or, men just being men. For Andrews, the platform felt like a continuation of her article. She also talked about female toxicity, which she explained means things like gossiping, being unable to “deal with conflict directly,” and a host of other dated stereotypes she claimed are female traits. Sargeant pushed back on Andrews’ rhetoric several times, but she had her own troubling views about women in the workplace, too. Her take seemed to be more about the idea that no one should really expect total fulfillment at work, and if that’s the case, then women really shouldn’t bring their “woke feminism” ideas to work in the first place. “I think we make a mistake in seeing the workplace as the primary space we work out our cultural foibles,” Sergeant explained. Predictable Outrage The podcast did genuinely feel like it was better suited for an era when objectifying women at work was totally cool, a lack of DEI (another topic the guests railed into), and policies protecting women simply didn’t exist — rather than an era where many are pushing to obliterate women’s rights in the office (and everywhere). Of course, like the overt sexism in even posing the question “Did Women Ruin the Workplace?”, the response has been just as direct. Almost instantly, the response pieces started circulating, critiquing, not just the host of the podcast, or its guest, but NYT for running such a clearly anti-woman article, which asked whether women ruined the workplace with all of their incessant needs, like to be viewed as equal human beings and all. In a Vanity Fair response piece, journalist Kenneal Patterson pressed that such a question is ludicrous in today’s world, and showcases fear around “the encroachment of liberal feminism in the workplace.” Patterson suggests that women are essentially being coerced into standards of womanhood dictated “by the patriarchy.” Patterson continued, “Women are losing the rights to their bodies, dignities, and beliefs every day. Starting an article with the headline “Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?” does nothing more than appeal to those who try to keep lower-income women oppressed and drive young people into a tradwife future that keeps them caged.” On X, the podcast is being slammed, too. In a reshare of the article, X user and author Jess Davies wrote, “Dunno, I think the men who created hostile working environments through sexual harassment, sexist behaviours, unfair promotions and being inconsiderate of basic needs like maternity, childcare and women’s health ruined the workplace.” Davies added, “But sure, it’s women’s fault for speaking up.” Who did women ruin the workplace for? Surely, there may be a ton of people who do believe that women have ruined the workplace simply by being in them and demanding to be respected and treated fairly. So, a better question, perhaps, would be, who did they ruin it for? Surely, not their employers because in many regards, women are killing it at work. While glaring pay gaps still exist, women are outpacing men in terms of education, they hold an ever-rising share of high paying occupations, and, according to recent findings, are often held to higher standards than men in CEO roles, too. And while the tradwife trope may be preferred by men and certain groups of women, most modern women want to work. In fact, labor force participation has been rising for young women at the same time it is falling for young men. Women surely may have complicated the workplace for those who are worried about women getting ahead, who fear diversity, or who don’t want the boys’ club to change. As far as ruining it goes, we’re still waiting for the case to be made. View the full article

Sonder Holdings said on Monday it will wind down its operations and file for bankruptcy one day after Marriott International abruptly announced that it had terminated its licensing agreement with the San Francisco operator of thousands of rental properties. The one-two punch of news has caused chaos for employees and guests alike. Shares of Sonder have plummeted more than 64% as of mid-day trading on Monday. In a statement Monday, Sonder said it expects to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquid its U.S. business, in addition to initiating insolvency proceedings in the international countries where it operates. “We are devastated to reach a point where a liquidation is the only viable path forward,” said Janice Sears, interim chief executive officer of Sonder. “We explored all viable alternatives to avoid this outcome, but we are left with no choice other than to proceed with an immediate wind-down of our operations and liquidation of our assets.” Neither Marriott nor Sonder immediately responded to a request for comment from Fast Company. Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott said in a statement on Sunday that its “immediate priority is supporting guests currently staying at Sonder properties and those with upcoming reservations” and that it would contact guests who booked directly through Marriott channels to address their reservation and booking needs. “Marriott remains committed to minimizing disruption to guests’ travel plans.” EMPLOYEES, GUESTS IN CHAOS But the experiences of guests and employees alike indicate that this news has been nothing short of chaotic. On social media platforms including Reddit and LinkedIn, Sonder employees and guests recounted how the news of the termination of the Marriott partnership reached them—with some employees saying they learned their jobs had been terminated from news reports, while guests reported receiving notices that they had to vacate their rental immediately. One New York-based former Sonder employee, who asked to remain anonymous, said that she and her colleagues extended their shifts on Sunday to try to help guests and were on-site Monday cleaning things out and closing operations for the last time. She added that the now-former employees had “no idea” what would happen with their paid time off and sick time payouts. Another Sonder employee declined to comment about the situation amid “a few developing scenarios” that are currently taking place. On its website, Sonder said it has approximately 1,400 employees in more than 35 cities in 10 different countries. Meanwhile, guests have also been thrown into limbo during their stays. One Reddit user posted Sunday that they had been “kicked out of a Sonder hotel mid-stay” and weren’t allowed back in the room in the evening. The user didn’t immediately respond to a request for an interview from Fast Company, but commented on another subreddit that after waiting on-hold with Marriott customer service for two hours, they had been refunded half of the $2,000 booking, along with a $50 credit for the inconvenience. Another Redditor posted Monday that the heating has been turned off and that they’ve been asked to leave during a winter storm warning in Chicago. On LinkedIn, a woman shared that she had been staying at a Sonder location in London on Sunday night only to learn of the change from an email and note slipped under her door overnight. “What a mess,” she wrote. SONDER’S WOES Financial woes for Sonder appear to have been too great for even a partnership with the world’s largest hotel chain to solve. The Marriott-Sonder partnership was announced in August 2024, and now the two companies are pointing fingers at each other, to some extent. “Sonder has faced severe financial constraints arising from, among other things, prolonged challenges in the integration of the company’s systems and booking arrangements with Marriott International,” Sears said in the statement. Both Sonder’s CEO and CFO had left the company earlier in the year and the company had fallen into a pattern of reporting its earnings reports late. Sonder is also the latest bankruptcy victim that stems from the frenzy of special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) deals that began about five years ago. These so-called blank check deals saw a number of companies go public, only to later file for bankruptcy, including 23andMe and WeWork. The hotelier went public with a blank-check deal with Gores Metropoulos II in January 2022. FALLOUT FOR MARRIOTT Marriott, meanwhile, could emerge from the dissolution of this experimental partnership relatively unscathed. The company said the termination was “due to Sonder’s default” when it announced the news on Sunday. In a separate statement, Marriott scaled back its financial outlook for net room growth in 2025, to roughly 4.5% with the removal of Sonder rooms from its system, down from a prior forecast of approximately 5%. On Monday, Marriott announced a new agreement with Pacifica Hotels to convert two existing hotels in Osaka, Japan to its line of City Express Hotels by Marriott next year. Marriott shares fell about 0.2% in mid-day trading. And Jefferies analyst David Katz even upgraded his price target for the stock on Monday to $315, up from $308. View the full article

If your iPhone has been lost or stolen, you'd probably be relieved to get it back, even if it is has been weeks or months since you've replaced your device. Having your old phone in hand may provide some peace of mind that your data is secure, and if nothing else, you can sell or trade it in or repurpose it for another use. Unfortunately, you're pretty unlikely to see your missing iPhone again, but bad actors are hoping you hold out enough hope to fall for a phishing scam promising that your device has been found. How the lost iPhone scam worksAccording to a warning from the Swiss National Cyber Security Center, some iPhone owners whose devices were lost or stolen are receiving SMS or iMessage notifications—purportedly from Apple—claiming that their phones have been located. The text messages include specific and accurate details about the missing iPhones, including the model, color, and storage capacity, and direct recipients to click a link to view the device's location. The message is signed by the "FindMy Support Team." Of course, like all phishing schemes, the link is fake. It directs you to a spoofed Apple Find My page with an Apple ID sign-in designed to steal your credentials, which scammers can use to take over your account. The goal of this scam is to disable Apple's built-in security feature tying your iPhone to your Apple ID, which prevents malicious actors from erasing and reselling the device. How scammers manage to find your phone number to text you is unclear, though in some cases they may get it from the lock screen message you can enable when you switch your device to Lost Mode. This may be a good reason to put alternative contact information, such as a dedicated email address, in your custom message. Avoid falling for lost the iPhone scamIf you do receive a message with a link to locate your lost iPhone, ignore it. Apple does not contact users via text or email with updates about found devices. (Of course, if you've enabled Lost Mode and someone reaches out claiming they have your device, proceed with caution.) Never click on links in unsolicited communication, as these are common vectors for phishing. Of course, you should mark your device as lost in Find My to suspend alerts and notifications that appear on your lock screen as well as payment card access. You should also consider preemptively enabling Apple's Stolen Device Protection, an anti-theft feature that helps prevent thieves from breaking into your iPhone. If your device does go missing, don't remove it from your Apple account, as doing so disables some security protections. View the full article

Tesla is getting into the rental car market. Drivers can now rent a Tesla in two Southern California locations—San Diego and Costa Mesa—for three to seven days, starting at $60 daily, according to Electrek. Tesla will be renting, not leasing its EVs, and plans to continue rolling out additional U.S. locations starting this month. Fast Company has reached out to Tesla for comment. The news comes as the electric vehicle (EV) maker looks for new ways to head off further declines in U.S. sales following the expiration of its federal tax credits, and comes amid continued backlash against the company for CEO Elon Musk’s role in the U.S. government, coupled with growing competition in the EV market. Those federal EV tax credits of up to $7,500 expired on October 1, after President Donald The President signed his One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. Each Tesla rental will include the option for supervised Full Self-Driving and Supercharging, at no extra cost, and as incentive to buy, customers will a receive a $250 credit if they purchase a model within a week, Electrek reported. Shares of Tesla, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSLA) were trading up over 4% in midday trading on Monday. Shares of rental car company Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ) were down nearly 3% at the time of this writing in the aftermath of its recent quarterly earnings report. The car rental giant had purchased a fleet of Teslas to increase its EV offerings, but has been selling them as demand decreased, along with resale value. The news comes just days after shareholders approved a controversial pay package for CEO Elon Musk worth up to nearly $1 trillion in compensation, and as a head of Tesla’s ailing Cybertruck business announced he was leaving Tesla following the company’s recall of some 63,000 Cybertrucks due to their bright front lights, per the Associated Press. A look at the numbers shows Tesla’s third quarter earnings missed analyst expectations, even while it reported $28.1 billion in revenue, up 12% from the previous year. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at 50 cents versus an expected 54 cents. The company has reported year-over-year revenue declines the two previous quarters. View the full article

Managing payroll can be challenging for small businesses, but automated solutions simplify the process considerably. Whether you need global payroll management or integrated HR services, options like Remote and Gusto cater to various needs. Each solution offers unique features, such as next-day direct deposits and payroll reporting, which can improve efficiency. Comprehending these tools can help you choose the best fit for your business. Let’s explore the top seven automated payroll solutions available today. Key Takeaways Remote offers global payroll management with next-day direct deposits and pricing starting at $29 per employee, making it ideal for businesses with international teams. Gusto combines integrated payroll and HR features with a user-friendly interface, starting at $49 per month plus $6 per employee. Justworks provides PEO services, unlimited payroll runs, and access to employee benefits, starting at $50 plus $6 per employee per month. QuickBooks Payroll is suitable for small businesses needing payroll and expense management, with unlimited payroll runs starting at $50 per month plus $6 per employee. Wave Payroll offers a cost-effective solution starting at $20 per month, integrating payroll and invoicing while providing unlimited payroll runs and a free trial. Remote: Best for Global Payroll Management When managing payroll for a global workforce, it can be challenging to navigate the intricacies of different regulations and payment methods. Remote stands out as an excellent choice for global payroll management. With its payroll automation software, you can pay workers in nearly 200 countries effortlessly. The service offers unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposits, ensuring your employees receive timely payments. Starting at just $29 per employee per month, Remote’s pricing scales with your headcount, making it suitable for growing businesses. Moreover, Remote manages tax and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, relieving you of significant administrative burdens. Rated 4.6 for its efficiency, Remote provides automated payroll solutions that streamline your global payroll processes effectively. Gusto: Best for Integrated Payroll and HR When you’re looking for an integrated payroll and HR solution, Gusto stands out with its user-friendly interface that simplifies the entire process. Its all-encompassing HR features cover everything from employee benefits management to seamless integration with popular accounting software, making it a smart choice for small to medium-sized businesses. Plus, with a transparent pricing structure starting at $49 per month plus $6 per employee, you can easily understand the costs involved without any hidden fees. User-Friendly Interface How can a user-friendly interface transform your payroll management experience? With Gusto, you can efficiently run payroll in just minutes, thanks to its highly rated, intuitive design. The platform integrates seamlessly with over 20 software programs, ensuring smooth data synchronization and considerably reducing manual entry errors. Furthermore, Gusto automates W-2 and 1099 form processing, making year-end tax reporting straightforward and minimizing administrative tasks. Features like integrated time tracking and benefits management further improve usability, allowing you to manage payroll alongside employee benefits effortlessly. With a 4.6 rating based on over 4,139 reviews, Gusto stands out as a top choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an accessible, all-encompassing payroll solution that simplifies complex processes. Comprehensive HR Features Extensive HR features can markedly improve the efficiency of your payroll management, and Gusto thrives in this area by integrating payroll and human resources seamlessly. With automated W-2 and 1099 forms, Gusto guarantees compliance during streamlining tax-related processes for your small business. You can manage employee benefits, track time, and process payroll, all from one user-friendly platform. Gusto offers a variety of benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and flexible spending accounts, which can improve employee satisfaction. The software additionally integrates with over 20 accounting platforms, reducing manual entry errors and saving you an average of four hours each month on payroll tasks. Plus, expert support is available, enabling you to run payroll efficiently from anywhere. Transparent Pricing Structure Gusto’s transparent pricing structure stands out as a key advantage for small businesses seeking reliable payroll solutions. Starting at $49 per month plus $6 per employee for its Simple plan, Gusto guarantees there are no hidden fees. All plans include unlimited payroll runs, allowing you to process payroll as often as necessary without incurring extra costs. Furthermore, Gusto offers month-to-month subscriptions, giving you the flexibility to adjust your services without being locked into long-term contracts. The platform simplifies payroll and HR management, all the while guaranteeing compliance with federal and state payroll laws through automatic updates. With seamless integration into over 20 software platforms, Gusto provides a thorough payroll solution at a clear and predictable price. Justworks: Best for PEO Services When managing a small business, steering through the intricacies of payroll and HR can be overwhelming, but Justworks simplifies this process with its thorough Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services. Starting at $50 plus $6 per employee per month, it offers extensive support customized for small businesses. Unlimited payroll runs with next-day direct deposit guarantee timely employee payments. Justworks handles tax filing and compliance, reducing your administrative burden considerably. Gain access to improved employee benefits like health insurance and retirement plans that can be more competitive than those offered independently. QuickBooks Payroll: Best for Payment and Expense Management Integrations QuickBooks Payroll stands out as an ideal choice for small businesses seeking effective payment and expense management integrations. With extensive integration options, you can seamlessly connect payroll data with various accounting applications, streamlining your financial management. Starting at $50 per month plus $6 per employee, QuickBooks Payroll offers features like unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit, enhancing your payment flexibility. Furthermore, it supports migration from other payroll platforms, allowing you to switch without losing historical data. The service also provides thorough reporting capabilities, helping you track payroll expenses and tax liabilities effectively. By focusing on payment and expense management, QuickBooks Payroll is designed to improve overall financial accuracy and efficiency for small to medium-sized businesses. ADP RUN: Best for Payroll Reports When managing payroll, having access to thorough reporting features is crucial for maintaining compliance and handling tax obligations effectively. With ADP RUN, you can generate detailed payroll reports that give you insights into taxes, benefits, and payroll liabilities, ensuring your business stays on track financially. This platform not only permits unlimited payroll runs but additionally supports next-day direct deposit, making it a practical choice for small businesses focused on transparency and efficiency in their payroll operations. Comprehensive Reporting Features ADP RUN stands out for its extensive reporting features that empower small businesses to manage payroll with ease and accuracy. You’ll appreciate the detailed payroll reporting capabilities that include tax, benefits, and payroll liabilities, giving you insights into your financial obligations. With unlimited payroll runs, you can generate thorough reports whenever needed, without limitations. Here are some key benefits of ADP RUN’s reporting features: Customizable Reports: Tailor reports to meet your specific business needs for better analysis. Advanced Tracking: Monitor compliance requirements and payroll liabilities to avoid penalties. Streamlined Processes: Maintain accurate records that contribute to better financial decision-making. These features improve your operational efficiency, making payroll management simpler and more effective. Compliance and Tax Management Ensuring compliance with payroll regulations is crucial for small businesses, especially as these laws can change frequently and differ by state. ADP RUN outshines in this area by offering detailed payroll reports that encompass taxes, benefits, and payroll liabilities. This helps you maintain compliance and accurately track your financial obligations. The service provides unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposits, ensuring timely employee payments during adherence to regulations. With advanced reporting capabilities, you can manage payroll liabilities and compliance requirements effectively, minimizing the risk of penalties. Furthermore, ADP RUN automatically updates tax rates, helping you avoid underpayment penalties. Their add-on feature for time and attendance management integrates employee hours into payroll calculations, ensuring accuracy throughout the payroll process. Square Payroll: Best for Most Affordable Payroll Service Square Payroll stands out as one of the most affordable payroll services for small businesses, starting at just $35 per month plus $6 for each employee. This pricing structure makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. With Square Payroll, you get several benefits that simplify payroll management: Unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit guarantee your employees are paid on time. Automatic payroll runs and employee self-onboarding streamline the process, saving you valuable time. Multistate tax filing support is essential if you have employees working in different states. Wave Payroll: Best for Integrated Invoicing If you’re looking for a payroll solution that integrates seamlessly with invoicing, Wave Payroll might be the right fit for your small business. Starting at just $20 per month plus $6 per employee, it offers an affordable option for managing payroll efficiently. You can try it out risk-free with a 30-day free trial, allowing you to explore its features before committing. Wave Payroll works well with Wave’s free accounting software, enabling you to manage both invoices and payroll in one platform. With unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit, you can guarantee your employees are paid swiftly and accurately. Although it includes basic HR features, its primary strength lies in its invoicing capabilities, making it ideal for businesses needing both services. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Payroll System for Small Businesses? When considering the best payroll system for small businesses, you’ll want to evaluate options based on features, pricing, and user ratings. Gusto is highly regarded for its integrated payroll and HR features, whereas Remote thrives in global payroll management. Square Payroll offers affordability with unlimited payroll runs. Paychex Flex® provides customized solutions with compliance support. Finally, Wave Payroll is cost-effective, especially if you already use its free accounting software. Each has unique strengths to meet your needs. What Is the Easiest Way to Do Payroll for a Small Business? The easiest way to do payroll for your small business is by using automated payroll software. These platforms streamline the process, allowing you to run payroll in minutes and integrate with various software. For instance, Gusto starts at $49 per month, offering unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit. What Is the Best Way to Pay Employees in a Small Business? The best way to pay employees in a small business is to use automated payroll systems that simplify the process. Direct deposit options allow employees to receive payments securely and quickly. Services like Gusto and Paychex automate tax calculations and filings, reducing errors. Integrating payroll with accounting tools, such as QuickBooks, guarantees accurate financial tracking. Offering flexible payment methods improves employee satisfaction, making it easier for you to manage payroll efficiently and effectively. Is Quickbooks an Automated Payroll System? Yes, QuickBooks is an automated payroll system that simplifies payroll processes for your business. It calculates and files payroll taxes automatically, ensuring compliance with laws. You can run unlimited payrolls and offer next-day direct deposit for employees. QuickBooks furthermore integrates with its accounting software, reducing manual errors. Moreover, it allows you to automate employee onboarding and manage benefits, enhancing overall efficiency in HR tasks as it requires a subscription for access. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing the right automated payroll solution can greatly improve your business’s efficiency and compliance. Each option—Remote, Gusto, Justworks, QuickBooks Payroll, ADP RUN, Square Payroll, and Wave Payroll—caters to different needs, whether it’s global payroll management or integrated invoicing. By selecting a solution that aligns with your specific requirements, you can streamline your payroll processes, reduce administrative burdens, and finally enhance employee satisfaction. Assess your priorities carefully to make the best choice for your small business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Automated Payroll Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Managing payroll can be challenging for small businesses, but automated solutions simplify the process considerably. Whether you need global payroll management or integrated HR services, options like Remote and Gusto cater to various needs. Each solution offers unique features, such as next-day direct deposits and payroll reporting, which can improve efficiency. Comprehending these tools can help you choose the best fit for your business. Let’s explore the top seven automated payroll solutions available today. Key Takeaways Remote offers global payroll management with next-day direct deposits and pricing starting at $29 per employee, making it ideal for businesses with international teams. Gusto combines integrated payroll and HR features with a user-friendly interface, starting at $49 per month plus $6 per employee. Justworks provides PEO services, unlimited payroll runs, and access to employee benefits, starting at $50 plus $6 per employee per month. QuickBooks Payroll is suitable for small businesses needing payroll and expense management, with unlimited payroll runs starting at $50 per month plus $6 per employee. Wave Payroll offers a cost-effective solution starting at $20 per month, integrating payroll and invoicing while providing unlimited payroll runs and a free trial. Remote: Best for Global Payroll Management When managing payroll for a global workforce, it can be challenging to navigate the intricacies of different regulations and payment methods. Remote stands out as an excellent choice for global payroll management. With its payroll automation software, you can pay workers in nearly 200 countries effortlessly. The service offers unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposits, ensuring your employees receive timely payments. Starting at just $29 per employee per month, Remote’s pricing scales with your headcount, making it suitable for growing businesses. Moreover, Remote manages tax and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, relieving you of significant administrative burdens. Rated 4.6 for its efficiency, Remote provides automated payroll solutions that streamline your global payroll processes effectively. Gusto: Best for Integrated Payroll and HR When you’re looking for an integrated payroll and HR solution, Gusto stands out with its user-friendly interface that simplifies the entire process. Its all-encompassing HR features cover everything from employee benefits management to seamless integration with popular accounting software, making it a smart choice for small to medium-sized businesses. Plus, with a transparent pricing structure starting at $49 per month plus $6 per employee, you can easily understand the costs involved without any hidden fees. User-Friendly Interface How can a user-friendly interface transform your payroll management experience? With Gusto, you can efficiently run payroll in just minutes, thanks to its highly rated, intuitive design. The platform integrates seamlessly with over 20 software programs, ensuring smooth data synchronization and considerably reducing manual entry errors. Furthermore, Gusto automates W-2 and 1099 form processing, making year-end tax reporting straightforward and minimizing administrative tasks. Features like integrated time tracking and benefits management further improve usability, allowing you to manage payroll alongside employee benefits effortlessly. With a 4.6 rating based on over 4,139 reviews, Gusto stands out as a top choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an accessible, all-encompassing payroll solution that simplifies complex processes. Comprehensive HR Features Extensive HR features can markedly improve the efficiency of your payroll management, and Gusto thrives in this area by integrating payroll and human resources seamlessly. With automated W-2 and 1099 forms, Gusto guarantees compliance during streamlining tax-related processes for your small business. You can manage employee benefits, track time, and process payroll, all from one user-friendly platform. Gusto offers a variety of benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and flexible spending accounts, which can improve employee satisfaction. The software additionally integrates with over 20 accounting platforms, reducing manual entry errors and saving you an average of four hours each month on payroll tasks. Plus, expert support is available, enabling you to run payroll efficiently from anywhere. Transparent Pricing Structure Gusto’s transparent pricing structure stands out as a key advantage for small businesses seeking reliable payroll solutions. Starting at $49 per month plus $6 per employee for its Simple plan, Gusto guarantees there are no hidden fees. All plans include unlimited payroll runs, allowing you to process payroll as often as necessary without incurring extra costs. Furthermore, Gusto offers month-to-month subscriptions, giving you the flexibility to adjust your services without being locked into long-term contracts. The platform simplifies payroll and HR management, all the while guaranteeing compliance with federal and state payroll laws through automatic updates. With seamless integration into over 20 software platforms, Gusto provides a thorough payroll solution at a clear and predictable price. Justworks: Best for PEO Services When managing a small business, steering through the intricacies of payroll and HR can be overwhelming, but Justworks simplifies this process with its thorough Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services. Starting at $50 plus $6 per employee per month, it offers extensive support customized for small businesses. Unlimited payroll runs with next-day direct deposit guarantee timely employee payments. Justworks handles tax filing and compliance, reducing your administrative burden considerably. Gain access to improved employee benefits like health insurance and retirement plans that can be more competitive than those offered independently. QuickBooks Payroll: Best for Payment and Expense Management Integrations QuickBooks Payroll stands out as an ideal choice for small businesses seeking effective payment and expense management integrations. With extensive integration options, you can seamlessly connect payroll data with various accounting applications, streamlining your financial management. Starting at $50 per month plus $6 per employee, QuickBooks Payroll offers features like unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit, enhancing your payment flexibility. Furthermore, it supports migration from other payroll platforms, allowing you to switch without losing historical data. The service also provides thorough reporting capabilities, helping you track payroll expenses and tax liabilities effectively. By focusing on payment and expense management, QuickBooks Payroll is designed to improve overall financial accuracy and efficiency for small to medium-sized businesses. ADP RUN: Best for Payroll Reports When managing payroll, having access to thorough reporting features is crucial for maintaining compliance and handling tax obligations effectively. With ADP RUN, you can generate detailed payroll reports that give you insights into taxes, benefits, and payroll liabilities, ensuring your business stays on track financially. This platform not only permits unlimited payroll runs but additionally supports next-day direct deposit, making it a practical choice for small businesses focused on transparency and efficiency in their payroll operations. Comprehensive Reporting Features ADP RUN stands out for its extensive reporting features that empower small businesses to manage payroll with ease and accuracy. You’ll appreciate the detailed payroll reporting capabilities that include tax, benefits, and payroll liabilities, giving you insights into your financial obligations. With unlimited payroll runs, you can generate thorough reports whenever needed, without limitations. Here are some key benefits of ADP RUN’s reporting features: Customizable Reports: Tailor reports to meet your specific business needs for better analysis. Advanced Tracking: Monitor compliance requirements and payroll liabilities to avoid penalties. Streamlined Processes: Maintain accurate records that contribute to better financial decision-making. These features improve your operational efficiency, making payroll management simpler and more effective. Compliance and Tax Management Ensuring compliance with payroll regulations is crucial for small businesses, especially as these laws can change frequently and differ by state. ADP RUN outshines in this area by offering detailed payroll reports that encompass taxes, benefits, and payroll liabilities. This helps you maintain compliance and accurately track your financial obligations. The service provides unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposits, ensuring timely employee payments during adherence to regulations. With advanced reporting capabilities, you can manage payroll liabilities and compliance requirements effectively, minimizing the risk of penalties. Furthermore, ADP RUN automatically updates tax rates, helping you avoid underpayment penalties. Their add-on feature for time and attendance management integrates employee hours into payroll calculations, ensuring accuracy throughout the payroll process. Square Payroll: Best for Most Affordable Payroll Service Square Payroll stands out as one of the most affordable payroll services for small businesses, starting at just $35 per month plus $6 for each employee. This pricing structure makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. With Square Payroll, you get several benefits that simplify payroll management: Unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit guarantee your employees are paid on time. Automatic payroll runs and employee self-onboarding streamline the process, saving you valuable time. Multistate tax filing support is essential if you have employees working in different states. Wave Payroll: Best for Integrated Invoicing If you’re looking for a payroll solution that integrates seamlessly with invoicing, Wave Payroll might be the right fit for your small business. Starting at just $20 per month plus $6 per employee, it offers an affordable option for managing payroll efficiently. You can try it out risk-free with a 30-day free trial, allowing you to explore its features before committing. Wave Payroll works well with Wave’s free accounting software, enabling you to manage both invoices and payroll in one platform. With unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit, you can guarantee your employees are paid swiftly and accurately. Although it includes basic HR features, its primary strength lies in its invoicing capabilities, making it ideal for businesses needing both services. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Payroll System for Small Businesses? When considering the best payroll system for small businesses, you’ll want to evaluate options based on features, pricing, and user ratings. Gusto is highly regarded for its integrated payroll and HR features, whereas Remote thrives in global payroll management. Square Payroll offers affordability with unlimited payroll runs. Paychex Flex® provides customized solutions with compliance support. Finally, Wave Payroll is cost-effective, especially if you already use its free accounting software. Each has unique strengths to meet your needs. What Is the Easiest Way to Do Payroll for a Small Business? The easiest way to do payroll for your small business is by using automated payroll software. These platforms streamline the process, allowing you to run payroll in minutes and integrate with various software. For instance, Gusto starts at $49 per month, offering unlimited payroll runs and next-day direct deposit. What Is the Best Way to Pay Employees in a Small Business? The best way to pay employees in a small business is to use automated payroll systems that simplify the process. Direct deposit options allow employees to receive payments securely and quickly. Services like Gusto and Paychex automate tax calculations and filings, reducing errors. Integrating payroll with accounting tools, such as QuickBooks, guarantees accurate financial tracking. Offering flexible payment methods improves employee satisfaction, making it easier for you to manage payroll efficiently and effectively. Is Quickbooks an Automated Payroll System? Yes, QuickBooks is an automated payroll system that simplifies payroll processes for your business. It calculates and files payroll taxes automatically, ensuring compliance with laws. You can run unlimited payrolls and offer next-day direct deposit for employees. QuickBooks furthermore integrates with its accounting software, reducing manual errors. Moreover, it allows you to automate employee onboarding and manage benefits, enhancing overall efficiency in HR tasks as it requires a subscription for access. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing the right automated payroll solution can greatly improve your business’s efficiency and compliance. Each option—Remote, Gusto, Justworks, QuickBooks Payroll, ADP RUN, Square Payroll, and Wave Payroll—caters to different needs, whether it’s global payroll management or integrated invoicing. By selecting a solution that aligns with your specific requirements, you can streamline your payroll processes, reduce administrative burdens, and finally enhance employee satisfaction. Assess your priorities carefully to make the best choice for your small business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Automated Payroll Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Think. Create. Change. These three verbs are the driving force behind the World Changing Ideas Summit, a first-of-its-kind event created in partnership with Fast Company and Johns Hopkins University (JHU). This November 19 at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., the World Changing Ideas Summit will convene academics and senior business leaders for a day of immersive, thought-provoking experiences designed to advance America’s innovation ecosystem. From dynamic panels to interactive innovation showcases to hands-on breakout sessions, the World Changing Ideas Summit aims to go beyond dialogue and inspire action. “The World Changing Ideas Summit is a wholly new kind of event: a partnership between two very different organizations, both known for their commitment to innovation, coming together to explore the near future through the ideas they’re most excited about,” says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. The World Changing Ideas Summit is modeled after Fast Company’s annual World Changing Ideas list, which celebrates the businesses and organizations developing creative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time. Paired with Johns Hopkins University’s renowned history of scientific discoveries, the World Changing Ideas Summit stands as a dynamic partnership between two of the most innovative forces in media and academic research, focusing on transformative advancements in healthcare, space exploration, and physical AI. “As we celebrate our 150-year anniversary, Johns Hopkins is doubling down on our commitment to improving lives by bringing the benefits of research to the world,” said Cybele Bjorklund executive director of the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center. “This summit provides a fresh vision and venue to bolster America’s powerful innovation ecosystem, rooted in our drive to forge stronger connections between government, universities and the private sector.” The World Changing Ideas Summit features a mix of JHU faculty and World Changing Ideas honorees including Akhila Kosaraju, cofounder and CEO of Phare Bio; Jordan Shuff, research engineer at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute; Hongquan Li, cofounder and CEO of Cephla; Dennis Woodfork, mission area executive for National Security Space at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; and more who will unpack key topics from how to use star-mapping technology to analyze cancerous tumors to examining national security implications in space to how AI-powered predictive models are evolving professional sports, and much more. With spotlights on how these innovations can strengthen the health, well-being, and flourishing of the world (and beyond), the World Changing Ideas Summit will highlight the full extent of what is possible when government, academia, and business industries join forces. Visit the World Changing Ideas Summit event page to register for the event and stay up-to-date with the agenda and list of speakers. View the full article

Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said emerging stresses in housing and private credit markets warrant a reduction to short-term interest rates. While preferring a 50 basis point cut in December, Miran said he would settle for a 25 basis point reduction. View the full article

Last week, four Condé Nast staffers were abruptly fired after participating in a union protest at the publisher’s 1 World Trade Center headquarters. The journalists had confronted chief people officer Stan Duncan outside his office, demanding answers on a fresh wave of layoffs that had just hit the company. The incident followed Condé Nast’s announcement that Teen Vogue would be folded into Vogue.com, resulting in multiple layoffs, including Teen Vogue’s editor-in-chief. Footage obtained by The Wrap shows Duncan declining to engage with employees, instead repeating that they should “go back to the workplace.” In the clip, one of the journalists asks, “What counts as ‘congregating’? What’s your definition of ‘congregating’?” while another presses: “Is there a place you’d be able to speak to us? Do you think we’re not worth speaking to, Stan?” Duncan eventually retreats into an office. Hours later, Condé Nast fired four union members involved in the incident citing “gross misconduct and policy violations.” The company also filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing the NewsGuild of “repeated and egregious disregard of our collective bargaining agreement.” The clip, which The Wrap described as “the most brutally awkward thing you’ll see today,” has since garnered over 4 million views on X—with many weighing in on the state of workplace politics. And reactions have been fairly mixed. Critics of the firings accused Condé Nast of union-busting: “Just outrageous, shameful behavior from Condé’s head of HR Stan Duncan. You’ve just laid off some of your most respected, beloved, unionized staff—and the union reps come to ask questions. You have a professional duty to sit with them. That is literally your job,” one X user wrote. Others defended the company’s decision. “Easy decision to fire these folks,” another wrote. “These folks have a union, so they can simply let their representatives handle their concerns! Bringing a mob of folks to confront HR with cameras rolling?! So entitled, so dumb.” On Reddit’s r/Layoffs forum, users were similarly divided. “I’m in HR and people like this give HR a bad reputation. Why would you be scared to talk to employees?” one commented. Another wrote: “HR doesn’t make layoff business decisions. Curious what their goal was here and why they thought ambushing and filming someone in the workplace was the right thing to do lol.” One simply put: “corporate drama at its finest. bet hr had a great day.” In a statement, Condé Nast said: “Extreme misconduct is unacceptable in any professional setting. We have a responsibility to provide a workplace where every employee feels respected and able to do their job without harassment or intimidation. We also cannot ignore behavior that crosses the line into targeted harassment and disruption of business operations.” However, union leaders disputed the company’s claims, arguing the footage tells a different story. “Management’s attempt at union-busting, using intimidation and grossly illegal tactics to try to suppress protected union activity, will not stand,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York, in a statement. “The NewsGuild of New York has zero tolerance for bad bosses who harass, target and disrespect our fellow Guild members. We represent nearly 6,000 media workers across the tri-state area and we stand firmly in solidarity, ready to fight for the rights of our members illegally fired from their jobs at Condé.” As the workforce continues to be roiled by layoffs and employer-employee relations more fraught than ever, it’s unlikely controversies like these will dissipate—especially when someone nearby is filming it with their phone. View the full article

Feed Me’s Emily Sundberg has launched her first foray into podcasting with Expense Account. The first episode, out today, features chef and author Alison Roman in conversation with host Jason Lee (formerly Semi Anonymous Restaurant Critic J Lee)’s, revealing her secret order at Keens, her new tomato sauce business, and the importance of keeping fresh flowers at home. “Expense Account is a food podcast for everyone. Insiders, outsiders, your mom, your dad, New Yorkers, Angelenos and also people from Florida (we love you). Anyone who enjoys eating food,” the show’s description reads. “It’s even for people who hate food.” The podcast marks Sundberg’s first step in turning Feed Me from a popular Substack newsletter into a multi-format media brand. Since launching Feed Me in 2022, Sundberg has grown it into one of Substack’s most popular business publications, recently bringing on a managing editor and associate editor to expand coverage. Podcasting is a logical next step. The global podcast industry generated $7.3 billion in sales last year, more than double most estimates, with celebrities, influencers, small businesses, and random dudes with mics launching podcasts daily. With Substack’s new tools for video and podcasting, writers like Sundberg are evolving and embracing the “studio model” to reach new audiences and position themselves as thought leaders in their industries. In spite of a highly saturated market, Sundberg believes she has spotted a gap. “There’s a white space in food media that Feed Me plans to fill: a good podcast about food,” Sundberg wrote back in September, announcing the podcast venture. “Something focused on the fast-paced news cycle of New York’s hospitality world—the gossip, secret doors, and personalities that make this the best food city in the world. We hope to build a hub where every lover of food can converge and converse.” While newsletters remain Feed Me’s bread and butter, Sundberg has made clear her plans to transition to a “studio mindset.” Expense Account is born from Lee’s restaurant column of the same name. “A few months ago, while editing one of Jason’s pieces, I paused on a line that read, ‘I’ll save that for the pod,’” wrote Sundberg in her daily newsletter. “He didn’t have a podcast, but the phrase felt like a manifestation. I texted him: Do you want one? He said yes, so we made one.” For Expense Account, Feed Me is partnering with Public Sound, a New York-based production company that has worked with brands like Nike and Supreme. Substack serves as the presenting sponsor. What’s next for Feed Me studio? “Maybe next year we’ll make a movie, or open a bar,” Sundberg wrote. Watch this space. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. When you’re new or returning to running, the last thing you need is one more barrier. Shoes, appropriate clothes, sweat-resistant sunscreen: These things are hard to do without. But those running watches that it seems like everyone else is using? You don’t need one, and certainly not on your first day. You don’t even need to run with your phone. It's off how "fitness" has become almost synonymous with tracking fitness. How many steps are you taking? How many calories are you burning? How many minutes per mile was your pace when you went jogging this morning? What was your heart rate? Each of these numbers can be worth tracking...sometimes, in some contexts. Heart rate training, for example, has its uses. But you don’t need to know any of this. You can just go for a run, and the results are recorded in the very fibers of your muscles. Your heart and lungs know how hard they worked, and they are in the process of adapting so that they’ll be able to serve you better next time. This process does not require you, at any point, to look at numbers on a screen. So do you need a Garmin, a Fitbit, an Apple Watch, or any of their kin? Absolutely not. What a running watch provides, and how to do withoutI may seem like a hypocrite going for runs with three watches on (look, these reviews and comparisons don't write themselves), but in the past I've gone years at a time without regularly wearing a device. Most of the time, I don't feel like strength workouts need any kind of wrist-based tracking at all. And there have been times I actually took a watch off to go for a run—see the photo up top where I have a watch-shaped indent on my wrist. Not every workouts needs to be tracked. When I do a watch-less run, I have a vague idea of time and mileage, but no precise numbers. My brain is empty of thoughts except for “don’t go too fast” and “turn around when I get to the main road.” Now I'll discuss the data I’m not getting from a running watch when I do that, and how to go without it. DistanceThe watch tells you: how far you’ve gone. Want to run 3 miles? Turn around when your watch says 1.5. You can also add up your miles at the end of the week. How to do without: Measure a route beforehand. This doesn't need to be precise. You can use Google Maps (right-click and select “measure distance,” or just plan a walking route through the normal interface). For a nicer interface, use an app like Footpath. The free version lets you measure routes but not save them; honestly, creating a route and then taking a screenshot is good enough for our purposes here. If you’re going to pay for an app with route planning, you might as well get Strava—but more on that later. You can plan the route before you go, and then when you’ve finished the route, you know you’ve done your mileage. It can be handy to have a few routes on hand for common distances you like to run. There’s a 5-mile loop at my local park, for example, and I know exactly where to jog in my neighborhood if I want a 2-miler. Tracking mileage over the course of the week is even easier. To keep track of distance from day to day, you can keep a note in your phone, or add it to your training journal. Want more analytics without having to download an app? Our resident marathoner Meredith Dietz has a spreadsheet you can download. TimeThe watch tells you: how long you’ve been running. How to do without: In the olden days, you’d use a regular (non-smart) watch to track time, or even just look at the clock before you leave home and then again when you come back. Where a watch-user knows that their run was 32 minutes and five seconds, you are free from worrying about such minutia and can be happy to know that you were running for about half an hour. You can also use a stopwatch on your phone to track the time, if you really want to know. You can also just estimate from your mileage: That three-mile route will take about 30 minutes if you run at a 10:00 pace. Casio F91W-1 Classic Resin Strap Digital Sport Watch $33.00 at Amazon $39.95 Save $6.95 Shop Now Shop Now $33.00 at Amazon $39.95 Save $6.95 PaceThe watch tells you: how many minutes it’s taken you to run each mile; also, what pace you are going right now. How to do without: Go by feel. If you’re a beginner, the exact pace doesn’t matter; do easy runs at a speed that feels easy. Do faster intervals at a pace that feels challenging but doesn’t leave you gassed. The exact numbers aren’t important. If you’re an experienced runner, use that experience! How do you feel when you’re running 10-minute miles? 8-minute miles? Run at an effort level that feels right for the programmed run, and every now and then you can run a race or time yourself on a track to recalibrate. For track intervals, use that old-fashioned stopwatch I mentioned above. That's the traditional way, anyhow. Heart rateThe watch tells you: your current heart rate, and maybe the “zone” you’re in. How to do without: Honestly, if you’re a beginner, don’t use heart rate at all. Heart rate can be a useful number once you have a pretty good handle on what your personal heart rate is at different effort levels. But the way most watches and apps calculate heart rate is with an error-prone formula that often sets the zones too high or too low. As a beginner, the only thing that really matters is that you do your easy runs at an easy pace, not a gut-busting breakneck speed that ends up being unsustainable. So, go with perceived effort here too. Do you feel like you could keep this up almost forever? Like you could talk on the phone with only a little bit of heavy breathing? That’s the famous “zone 2.” See, you didn’t need a heart rate monitor after all. If you're an experienced runner, you probably get more use out of pace data than heart rate data, anyway—but you can always use a chest strap connected to your phone if you'd like the numbers. COOSPO Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap H6M, Bluetooth ANT+ Heart Rate Monitor Chest Sensor with 400H Battery, HRM Works with Strava/Wahoo Fitness/Polar Beat/Peloton/Zwift/DDP Yoga App Coaching, sometimesNot all watches have this feature, and even among people who have running watches, not everyone uses the coaching. But yes, some watches and some apps provide a running plan, telling you how many miles, at what pace, to run each day. They may also give you guided runs, with a coach in your ear telling you when to speed up and slow down. Without a watch, you’re on your own for this stuff. But you can also find a plan online that’s not tied to any particular app. Hal Higdon says I’m running 3 miles on Tuesday? Well then, I’ll go out on Tuesday and run (roughly, approximately) 3 miles. How I've trained without a running watchPutting all of this together, here’s what it looked like for me last year, a time that was largely watch-free as I returned to running after taking time off. First, I started my running habit by getting consistent with my morning walk (30 minutes, so about 1.5 miles.) Over the course of a week, I started adding some bits of running to my walk, slowing down when I got winded or uncontrollably itchy, and after about two weeks, I was running pretty much the whole 1.5 miles in relative comfort. The following week, I started adding a little mileage—doing 2 miles most morning instead of 1.5. This worked beautifully as a gentle re-introduction to running, and honestly? I don’t think I would have done it this way if I were wearing a watch. It would have been demoralizing to see that my “running” pace was so much slower than what I was used to seeing when I was in better shape. But once I was in the habit, it was easy to add mileage. After that introductory period, I collected a few neighborhood routes into a mental library. I'd put on my sun visor and headphones when I went out with the kids to wait for the bus, and as soon as they left I'd turn and head off on one of my 3-mile (usually) routes. I kept track of my mileage in a notebook. Three miles, five times a week, is 15 miles. If I missed a morning or if I wanted to add more time on my feet, I’d add another run in the evening or on a weekend day, usually heading to a nearby park where I knew the mileage of my favorite trails and roads. If I wanted to try a new route, I’d sometimes pick an album that is about as long as I’d like my run to be (many are around 45 minutes, which is perfect) and take note of which song occurs at the halfway point. When I hear that song, I turn around. That’s a 45-minute run in the books—in the ballpark of four miles or so. Shokz - OpenComm UC Wireless Bone Conduction Stereo Bluetooth Headset, USB-A - Black $39.99 at Best Buy $199.99 Save $160.00 Shop Now Shop Now $39.99 at Best Buy $199.99 Save $160.00 Can I use my phone instead of a running watch?You sure can! If you’re looking at that list above and thinking “aww, I wish I had that data,” wish no more! There are tons of running apps that can track distance, duration, and pace in real time, even speaking up through your headphones to let you know your split times each mile. Pros of phone based running apps No need to buy special equipment like a watch. Numbers are available anytime you want to pull your phone out and look at them. You’re probably bringing your phone anyway to listen to music. You’ll get a map of your run after the fact (thanks to your phone’s GPS). The app will keep track of your mileage over time. Cons of phone based running appsYou may not want to see all those numbers, especially if the thought of logging a “bad” average pace makes you rush warmups or skip walking breaks. GPS tracking on phones is not always as accurate as the tracking on watches (but this depends on your phone). GPS tracking tends to run a phone’s battery down faster than if you weren’t using the GPS. No heart-rate tracking, if that’s a thing you want (unless you use a chest strap and pair it to your phone with Bluetooth). I enjoy the guidance I get from running apps if I’m doing a specific workout—like one I tried recently that involved segments of 0.6, 0.5, and 0.35 miles. No way was I going to track that manually, but the pleasant voice in my ear told me exactly when to start and stop each interval, and cued me to speed up or slow down if I was getting off pace. If you do decide to get a running watch later on, they’ll have the same features as the phone apps, but with better battery life and an easier way to view the numbers. What are the best running apps to use if you don’t have a phone? The classic is Strava. In fact, if the community aspect of a running app or watch is what’s most important to you, you’ll definitely want to get on Strava. People who log their runs on a Garmin or another device will often upload to Strava so they can have everything in one place. But you can also “record” a run from the Strava app directly, no extra device needed. Just beware that the social features can end up revealing your location, so dip into the privacy settings to make sure you aren’t sharing more than you intend. If you have an iPhone, the best simple running app (thanks to an update earlier this year) is the built-in Fitness app. This used to only manage data from the Apple Watch, but has since turned into a nice standalone fitness app. Other popular running apps include MapMyRun, Runkeeper, Adidas Running (formerly Runtastic), and Nike Run Club. There are also some general fitness apps that can track running data, like Polar Beat and Intervals Pro. How do you track mileage when running without a watch? Measure or estimate the length of each run, ideally by measuring on a tool like Google Maps or Footpath. (In the olden days, we would sometimes drive a route and use the odometer.) Add up your mileage over time by keeping notes on a calendar (paper or digital), a notebook (paper or digital), or any other way you’d keep track of a running tally. How do you pace yourself when running without a watch? By paying attention to your body. For an easy or “zone 2” pace, you’ll want to feel like you’re breathing easy and like you can keep going forever. Faster paces might feel harder, but they’ll still be sustainable enough that you can make it the entire distance you intend, without collapsing into a heap by the end. You’ll learn over time what each appropriate pace feels like. On guided runs, offered by many running apps, the coach or narrator will help you figure out the right effort level. They might ask you to aim for a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, or they might describe in words how your body should feel when you’re at a given pace. Do I need a watch to run a marathon? You don’t make it to the start line of a marathon without having a decent amount of running experience under your belt. And these days, when you’ve been running regularly for the amount of time it takes to build a base and then train for a marathon…you’ll probably have already given in to the temptation to buy a running watch. But it’s not necessary in any way. You can do your training by mapping out routes ahead of time, gauging your pace based on how you feel, and writing down your weekly mileage in a notebook. This is how almost everybody trained until running watches became more accessible about 10 or 15 years ago. The race organizers are keeping track of your time (there’s a chip in your bib, usually), and they’ll post mile markers along the course so you know where you are. On race day, you probably won’t want to use your running app; it drains battery, and you’ll be out there a long time. Instead, you can pace yourself by wearing a basic stopwatch and comparing your time at each mile marker with pre-calculated split times. Sound complicated? It’s not—just grab one of these temporary tattoos that has them all calculated for you. What is the best running watch for beginners? Once you've gotten the hang of running, you may eventually decide it's time to shop for a watch. Fortunately, we have a guide to the best watches for runners here, and I even have a shortlist of the best running watches under $250. Currently the Coros Pace 4 looks like the best of the bunch to me, while my colleague Meredith enjoys her Garmin Forerunner 165. View the full article

If you work in an office, chances are good that you’re familiar with the “slop bowl,” TikTok’s term for the ubiquitous lunch of nine-to-fivers that involves a bunch of ingredients mixed together with a base of salad or rice. Now, Cava, the fast-casual Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain, is introducing its first-ever merch line that pays homage to its fans’ most beloved slop bowl ingredients. The collection is set to debut on the Cava Shop on Thursday, November 13. It includes a hat emblazoned with the word “Feta,” which, according to a press release, is “a staple for the MILF (Man, I Love Feta, of course) crew”; a T-shirt that doubles as an ode to Cava’s extra pickled onions; and a vacation tote that’s inspired by the chain’s hot harissa vinaigrette. Prices range from $25 to $75. Cava is far from the first fast-casual restaurant to offer merch, and it’s not even the first within the subcategory of upscale salad-slash-slop bowl purveyors. In recent months, other brands—like Sweetgreen and Panera—have used clever merch launches to both cultivate a lifestyle brand aesthetic and to score some extra visibility on social media, especially as lower spending power and high living costs draw young consumers away from their favorite slop bowl haunts. Why does every salad shop have merch now? In recent years, some fast-casual restaurants have been increasingly focused on expanding beyond just food to become known as lifestyle brands, or brands that project a certain aesthetic and status through their offerings. Case in point: Sweetgreen’s loyalty program, which gives customers early access to merch drops on clothing like a crewneck that simply reads “Salad!”, or Erewhon’s $335 monochrome track suit. Beyond giving a brand a certain cool factor, creative merch drops can also serve as excellent fodder for social media engagement—something Panera discovered with its viral BAGuette bag, which sold out twice in a row after going viral on TikTok. According to Andy Rebhun, Cava’s chief marketing and experience officer, fans of the brand have been asking for merch for years—but this launch “makes perfect sense” for where the industry is today. “Food brands, especially those in the fast-casual space, have evolved far beyond being just a place to eat,” he says. “They’ve become part of people’s daily rituals, their culture, and even their identity. For many guests, the bowl they build is a reflection of their taste, their lifestyle, and what they value, and now they can wear that connection, too.” Cava’s new collection balances trendiness with a dash of humor that feels especially designed to appeal to the young, social media savvy crowd. Each piece is made in a desirable silhouette—like a retro-inspired crewneck—but with a silly element, like the word “Skhug” (for one of Cava’s popular sauces) added on top. “We wanted to maintain the authenticity of what makes Cava unique (the flavor elements and the playful nature) while designing pieces that people will actually want to wear in their everyday lives, whether that’s lounging at home, running errands, or traveling,” Rebhun explains, adding that the brand’s playful personality shines through in the line. “We lean into the natural zeitgeist around our brand with phrases like ‘Extra Pickled Onions’ and our ‘MILF Crew – Man, I Love FETA’ callout, but the designs come through feeling clever, not gimmicky.” Fast-casual restaurants face declining sales among young people Cava’s new merch shop comes at a tricky moment for fast-casual “slop bowl” purveyors. On an October 29 earnings call, Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, said that customers aged 25 to 35 are visiting the chain less as they face “unemployment, increased student loan repayment, and slower real wage growth.” And on November 4, Cava Group cut its full-year forecast for the second quarter in a row. It cited 15% fewer visits from the 25- to 35-year-old group, which makes up 30% of its total consumer base, as one reason behind the decision. Cava’s revenue in the third quarter was up 20% compared to the same period last year, but its stock (NYSE: CAVA) is currently down almost 67% year-over-year. At the same time, Chipotle stock (NYSE: CMG) is also down almost 49%, while Sweetgreen is down more than 86%. “When you look at different age demographics of fast-casual, the 25- to 34-year-old consumer seems to be impacted a bit more than others,” Cava CFO Tricia Tolivar told CNBC in an interview. “Fast casual tends to have a higher concentration of those consumers within their guest portfolio.” Gen Zers and millennials may be cutting out their daily slop bowl, but with Cava’s new merch launch, at least they can literally wear their love of feta on their sleeves. View the full article

Employers may lower the amount they pay into staff pension potsView the full article

The broadcaster has made errors, but its board has failed to defend itView the full article