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In today’s digital environment, crafting effective social media marketing posts is vital for success. You need to understand your audience, define clear goals, and choose the right platform for your content. Attention-grabbing headlines and engaging copy will draw your audience in, whereas strategic use of visuals can improve your message. Moreover, optimizing posting times and incorporating calls-to-action will drive interaction. To achieve the best results, it’s important to analyze your performance metrics regularly. What strategies will you implement first? Key Takeaways Understand your audience by creating detailed buyer personas and tailoring messages to their demographics and preferences for better engagement. Choose the right platforms based on audience behavior, focusing on platforms that align with your content type for improved visibility. Craft compelling headlines that spark curiosity and clearly highlight benefits, using numbers and questions to engage readers effectively. Use clear calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage immediate action and create urgency with phrases like “limited time offer” to boost engagement. Optimize hashtag strategies by using 3-5 relevant hashtags for visibility, and post during peak times identified through analytics for maximum impact. Know Your Audience Comprehending your audience is crucial for effective social media marketing, as it directly impacts how well your content resonates with them. Start by conducting thorough audience research to understand demographics, interests, and online behaviors. This information helps you create detailed buyer personas that represent your ideal customers. For example, consider age, gender, location, and preferences to tailor your messaging. Use surveys and feedback mechanisms to identify pain points and preferences, enabling you to create content that directly addresses their needs. Segment your audience based on specific characteristics to deliver targeted messaging across different platforms. By monitoring social media trends and discussions, you can adapt your content strategy and discover how can social media help a business grow, ensuring your social media marketing posts remain relevant. Define Your Goals To effectively guide your social media marketing efforts, it’s essential to establish clear objectives that align with your brand values. Setting specific, measurable goals helps you track success metrics like engagement rates and website visits, ensuring that each post supports your overall business aims. Establish Clear Objectives Establishing clear objectives for your social media marketing efforts is crucial, as it helps align your activities with broader marketing goals. When you define specific objectives, you improve the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes, such as increased engagement or brand awareness. Different content approaches should reflect these goals; for instance, promotional posts aimed at boosting sales require distinct messaging compared to those focused on community engagement. Setting measurable objectives allows you to track success effectively, enabling adjustments based on performance metrics like impressions and engagement rates. Measure Success Metrics Measuring success metrics is essential for comprehending the effectiveness of your social media marketing efforts. Start by establishing specific, measurable goals, like increasing engagement by 20% or driving website traffic by 30%. To evaluate your posts, utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as impressions, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Conduct regular A/B testing on various post formats to identify which strategies yield the best engagement. Implement monthly performance reviews to assess how well your posts meet your goals, allowing for data-driven adjustments. Moreover, use analytics tools to gather insights on audience behavior and preferences, helping you refine your content and guarantee it aligns with your marketing objectives. This systematic approach will improve your social media strategy effectively. Align With Brand Values Aligning your social media strategy with your brand values is crucial for maintaining a consistent and authentic presence online. To achieve this, consider the following steps: Define Your Brand Values: Clearly outline what your brand stands for and guarantee each post reflects these principles. Set Measurable Goals: Establish objectives that resonate with your values, like increasing community engagement or promoting sustainability. Use a Consistent Brand Voice: Create a cohesive narrative that reinforces your identity and builds audience trust. Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly assess audience feedback and performance metrics to keep your content aligned with your values and objectives. Choose the Right Platform How do you choose the right social media platform for your marketing efforts? Start by grasping that different platforms cater to various audiences and content types. For visually appealing content, Instagram is your best bet, whereas Twitter excels with concise messaging. LinkedIn, in contrast, is perfect for longer, professional insights. It’s more effective to focus on a few platforms rather than spreading yourself too thin across many; this approach improves engagement and brand visibility. Evaluate platform-specific trends and user engagement levels to optimize your content strategy, as certain platforms yield better results for specific campaigns. Finally, continuously monitor audience activity to adapt your strategy, ensuring your content remains relevant and impactful. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline What makes a headline truly attention-grabbing? It’s all about crafting concise and compelling headlines that spark curiosity as well as aligning with your brand voice. Here are some tips to enhance your headlines: Use Numbers: Incorporate statistics or lists to create a sense of structure and urgency. Highlight Benefits: Clearly state what readers will gain by engaging with your content. Ask Questions: Pose intriguing questions that encourage users to think and click for answers. Experiment with Styles: Try different formats like provocative statements or questions to see what resonates. Aim for headlines between 10 to 20 words, and don’t forget to use A/B testing to refine your approach based on performance metrics. Engaging headlines lead to better interactions! Write Engaging Copy Engaging copy is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and driving interactions on social media. Aim for captions around 150 characters or 15 words to maximize clicks. Craft attention-grabbing headlines that promise clear benefits, use numbers, and convey urgency, ideally between 10 and 20 words. Incorporate clear calls to action, encouraging your audience to comment, share, or engage more deeply with your content. Emojis can improve relatability; use them purposefully to align with your brand voice and audience demographics. Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles of copy, such as posing questions or creating lists, to discover what resonates best with your audience, in the end boosting your engagement rates considerably. Utilize Hashtags Strategically To maximize your social media impact, it’s essential to research trending hashtags before incorporating them into your posts. As you use 3-5 relevant hashtags on Instagram can improve your reach, limiting your hashtags to 1-2 on Twitter often yields better engagement because of character limitations. Research Trending Hashtags As social media platforms continue to evolve, researching trending hashtags remains essential for maximizing your content’s visibility and engagement. Posts that include at least one hashtag see 12.6% more engagement than those without. To make the most of hashtags, consider the following tips: Use tools like Hashtagify or RiteTag to find popular and relevant hashtags for your niche. Experiment with a mix of broad and niche hashtags; 3-5 hashtags typically perform best on Instagram. Regularly monitor hashtag performance and adjust your strategy based on analytics. Engage with currently popular hashtags in your industry to improve brand relevance and promote community interaction. Limit Hashtag Usage Limiting hashtag usage is vital for enhancing your social media strategy and ensuring your posts resonate with your audience. On platforms like Instagram, aim for 3-5 relevant hashtags to boost visibility without overwhelming viewers. For X/Twitter, using just 1-2 hashtags can increase engagement while keeping your message concise. Remember, each platform has unique dynamics; what works on Instagram mightn’t be effective on TikTok. Researching and incorporating trending hashtags can greatly improve discoverability, particularly on visual platforms. Nevertheless, avoid excessive hashtags since too many can make your posts appear spammy, reducing user trust and engagement. Customizing your hashtag strategy for each platform is key to maximizing your outreach and connecting effectively with your audience. Incorporate Emojis and Symbols Incorporating emojis and symbols into your social media posts can greatly boost engagement and communication clarity. They add a visual element that resonates with your audience, increasing interaction by up to 48%. Here are some key points to reflect on: Emotional Connection: Emojis help convey emotions and tone, making your message clearer. Higher Click-Through Rates: Posts with emojis can increase responses by 25%, encouraging more clicks. Brand Personality: Emojis act as visual cues that improve your brand’s personality, with 64% of consumers preferring brands that use them. Consistency Matters: Verify emojis align with your brand voice and are relevant to avoid misinterpretation. Encourage Interaction With a Call-To-Action (CTA) To boost engagement on your social media posts, use clear calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide your audience on what to do next. Incorporating urgency and exclusivity, like “Limited Time Offer!” or “Don’t Miss Out!”, can prompt quicker responses from users. Remember to position your CTAs prominently for maximum visibility, ensuring they effectively drive the desired action. Clear Action Directions When you want to drive engagement on social media, a clear call-to-action (CTA) is essential. Posts with CTAs can see up to 1.5 times more clicks than those without. To maximize effectiveness, consider these tips: Use action-oriented language: Phrases like “Sign up,” “Discover,” or “Join us” encourage immediate action. Incorporate CTAs in visuals: Including CTAs in images can boost engagement rates by up to 80%. Align CTAs with your goals: Use specific phrases like “Shop now” for sales or “Learn more” for informative content. Experiment with A/B testing: Test different CTAs to find which resonate best with your audience, improving conversion rates considerably. Urgency and Exclusivity Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity in your social media posts can greatly improve audience engagement. Use phrases like “limited time offer” or “while supplies last” to encourage immediate action, as these can boost engagement by up to 30%. Furthermore, incorporating exclusive language such as “members only” or “first 50 customers” cultivates a feeling of scarcity, greatly enhancing click-through rates. Always include a clear call-to-action (CTA) like “Shop Now” or “Comment Below,” which can lead to 3-4 times higher engagement rates. Experiment with different CTAs through A/B testing to find what resonates best with your audience. Finally, pair urgency and exclusivity with compelling visuals, as they can drive 94% more views, making your posts even more effective. Optimize Posting Times How can you guarantee your social media posts reach the widest audience possible? By enhancing your posting times. Analyzing when your audience is most active can greatly boost your engagement rates. Here are some tips to help you find those ideal times: Study platform-specific peak times: For example, Instagram users are active on Wednesdays at 11 AM and Fridays from 10-11 AM, whereas Twitter peaks during lunch hours on weekdays. Utilize tools: Use platforms like Sprout’s Ideal Send Times to analyze historical engagement data. Monitor analytics: Regularly check your performance to adjust your posting schedule accordingly. Be consistent: Post during identified peak times to build audience expectations and maintain engagement. Analyze and Iterate To maximize the effectiveness of your social media strategy, regularly analyzing and iterating on your content is essential. Start by monitoring post performance through analytics tools to see what resonates with your audience. Utilize A/B testing to compare different versions of posts and identify elements that drive engagement. Track key metrics monthly, adjusting your strategy based on audience feedback and interaction trends. Here’s a visual representation of ideas to reflect on: Strategy Action Monitor Performance Use analytics tools to track engagement A/B Testing Experiment with post variations Adjust Content Calendar Refine based on audience trends Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 rule in social media marketing emphasizes a balanced approach to content sharing. For every five posts you create, share five pieces of content from other sources and five original posts. This strategy helps maintain audience engagement by mixing promotional, educational, and entertaining content. It prevents fatigue from repetitive self-promotion and nurtures community trust, ensuring your followers receive diverse information during the process of increasing your brand’s discoverability. What Are the 7 C’s of Social Media? The 7 C’s of social media are vital principles for effective engagement. First, Clarity guarantees your message is easily understood. Next, Consistency helps build recognition through uniform tone and style. Creativity encourages unique content that captures attention. Community focuses on nurturing relationships with followers. Conversation promotes two-way communication, enhancing interaction. Finally, Conversion aims to turn engagement into desired actions, such as sales or subscriptions. Together, these principles create a strong social media presence. What Is the 30 30 30 Rule for Social Media? The 30 30 30 Rule for social media suggests dividing your content into three categories: 30% promotional, 30% informational, and 30% entertaining. This strategy guarantees your audience receives a balanced mix that keeps them engaged. The remaining 10% can focus on personal or behind-the-scenes posts to improve authenticity. What Are the 7 P’s of Social Media Marketing? The 7 P’s of social media marketing are vital for crafting an effective strategy. First, consider your Product—what features and benefits you highlight. Next, think about Price—how you communicate pricing and promotions. Then, evaluate Place—selecting the right platforms for your audience. Promotion follows, involving tactics to improve engagement. Don’t forget People, focusing on your target demographic, Process, the methods behind your strategy, and Physical evidence, showcasing brand credibility. Conclusion In summary, effectively crafting social media marketing posts requires a strategic approach. By comprehending your audience, choosing the right platform, and creating engaging content, you can considerably improve your online presence. Incorporating visuals, optimizing posting times, and encouraging interaction through CTAs are vital for maximizing engagement. Regularly analyzing performance metrics allows you to refine your strategy, ensuring continuous improvement. By applying these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create impactful posts that resonate with your audience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Must-Use Tips for Crafting Social Media Marketing Posts" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When I switched to a Mac about a decade ago, I immediately fell in love with my MacBook's menu bar, and especially the various icons in its top-right corner. I've always enjoyed keeping useful menu bar apps there, such as clipboard managers, app launchers, or apps that update other apps. But unfortunately, if you've installed more than a few third-party apps on your MacBook, your menu bar might be pretty cluttered. It's nothing a quick clean-up can't fix, though, and now macOS ships with a few ways to help fix your messy menu bar. Remove apps from the menu bar Credit: Pranay Parab Just as you'd remove unwanted items from your desk, you should periodically declutter the menu bar by removing apps that don't need to be there. This doesn't uninstall those apps, but it does free up some space in your menu bar. I do this for menu bar icons I never end up clicking. macOS 26 Tahoe has an easy way to remove apps from the menu bar. Follow these steps to do it: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac's screen. Go to System Settings > Menu Bar. In the right pane, navigate to the section called Allow in the Menu Bar. You'll see a list of apps that have a menu bar icon. You can uncheck any app you want to remove. Some apps also offer a way to remove their icons from the menu bar. Try checking your apps' settings to see if they let you remove their menu bar icons. Note that removing a menu bar icon for an app can sometimes cause the app to become "headless," which means that it'll be running in the background but its icon won't show up in either the menu bar or the dock. This is fine for apps that you only need to configure once, but it can become a problem if you want to use the app regularly. In such cases, you can use a Spotlight search (Cmd + Space, or the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar) or alternatives such as Alfred or Raycast to search for the app's name and open it. Remove system controls from the menu bar Credit: Pranay Parab I'm sure you've noticed that the menu bar has more than just app icons. It's also home to the clock, wifi, volume controls, and more. You can easily add or remove these controls from the menu bar, as long as you're running macOS Tahoe. Here's how: Go to System Settings > Menu Bar. Head over to the Menu Bar Controls section. Uncheck any control you want to remove from the menu bar. You cannot entirely remove the clock from the menu bar, but you can click Clock Options… and switch to Analog to make its icon a lot smaller. Drag and drop icons to rearrange the menu bar Credit: Pranay Parab You also have the option of dragging and dropping your app icons around the menu bar, or using drag-and-drop to remove them from the menu bar. Just hold the Command key and drag any menu bar icon to a different position within the menu bar to rearrange it. To remove icons from the menu bar using drag-and-drop, hold Command and drag-and-drop them outside the menu bar. Use a menu bar manager app Credit: Pranay Parab To tame the chaos at the top of your Mac's screen, I strongly recommend using a menu bar manager app. These apps will automatically show or hide menu bar icons based on triggers (eg: the battery icon will only show up when your MacBook's charge is below 25%), or add a second row of icons that's visible only when you click the menu bar. You'll need to try a couple of menu bar managers to decide which one works best for you. I've been using Barbee for some time, and its my current favorite. View the full article

Students applying to college know they can’t—or at least shouldn’t—use AI chatbots to write their essays and personal statements. So it might come as a surprise that some schools are now using artificial intelligence to read them. AI tools are now being incorporated into how student applications are screened and analyzed, admissions directors say. It can be a delicate topic, and not all colleges are eager to talk about it, but higher education is among the many industries where artificial intelligence is rapidly taking on tasks once reserved for humans. In some cases, schools are quietly slipping AI into their evaluation process, experts say. Others are touting the technology’s potential to speed up their review of applications, cut processing times, and even perform some tasks better than humans. “Humans get tired; some days are better than others. The AI does not get tired. It doesn’t get grumpy. It doesn’t have a bad day. The AI is consistent,” says Juan Espinoza, vice provost for enrollment management at Virginia Tech. This fall, Virginia Tech is debuting an AI-powered essay reader. The college expects it will be able to inform students of admissions decisions a month sooner than usual, in late January, because of the tool’s help sorting tens of thousands of applications. Colleges stress they are not relying on AI to make admissions decisions, using it primarily to review transcripts and eliminate data-entry tasks. But artificial intelligence also is playing a role in evaluating students. Some highly selective schools are adopting AI tools to vet the increasingly curated application packages that some students develop with the help of high-priced admissions consultants. The California Institute of Technology is launching an AI tool this fall to look for “authenticity” in students who submit research projects with their applications, admissions director Ashley Pallie said. Students upload their research to an AI chatbot that interviews them about it on video, which is then reviewed by Caltech faculty. “It’s a gauge of authenticity. Can you claim this research intellectually? Is there a level of joy around your project? That passion is important to us,” Pallie said. The prevalence of AI usage is difficult to gauge because it is such a new trend, said Ruby Bhattacharya, chair of the admission practices committee at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). NACAC updated its ethics guide this fall to add a section on artificial intelligence. It urges colleges to ensure the way they use it “aligns with our shared values of transparency, integrity, fairness and respect for student dignity.” Some schools have faced blowback over using AI The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) faced a barrage of negative feedback from applicants, parents, and students after its student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel, reported in January the school was using AI to evaluate the grammar and writing style of applicants’ essays. The university declined to comment for this article and referred to its admissions website, which it updated after the criticism. “UNC uses AI programs to provide data points about students’ common application essay and their school transcripts,” the website says. Every application “is evaluated comprehensively by extensively trained human application evaluators.” At Virginia Tech, Espinoza said he has been contacted by several colleges that are interested in the new technology but wary of backlash. “The feedback from a lot of colleagues is, ‘You roll this out, we’re watching you, and we’ll see how everyone’s reacting,’” he said. He stressed the AI reader his school spent three years developing is being used only to confirm human readers’ essay scores. Until this fall, each of the four short-answer essays Virginia Tech applicants submit was read and scored by two people. Under the new system, one of those readers is the AI model, which has been trained on past applicant essays and the rubric for scoring, Espinoza said. A second person will step in if the AI and human reader disagree by more than 2 points on a 12-point scoring scale. Like many colleges, Virginia Tech has seen a huge increase in applications since making SATs optional. Last year, it received a record 57,622 applications for its 7,000-seat freshman class. Even with 200 essay readers, the school has struggled to keep up and found itself notifying students later and later. The AI tool can scan about 250,000 essays in under an hour, compared with a human reader who averages two minutes per essay. Based on last year’s application pool, “We’re saving at least 8,000 hours,” Espinoza said. Colleges see benefits of AI tools for applicants The messaging is sensitive for colleges, many of which now have students certify that they have not used AI unethically for essays and other parts of the application. But schools say AI tools can help admissions offices eliminate errors in tasks like uploading transcripts and can simplify the process for students. Georgia Tech this fall is rolling out an AI tool to review the college transcripts of transfer students, replacing the need for staff to enter each course manually into a database. It will allow the school to inform applicants more quickly how many transfer credits they’ll receive, cutting down on uncertainty and wait times, said Richard Clark, the school’s executive director of enrollment management. “It’s one more layer of delay and stress and inevitable errors. AI is going to kill that, which I’m so excited about,” Clark said. The school hopes to expand the service soon to all high school transcripts. Georgia Tech also is testing out AI tools for other uses, including one that would identify low-income students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants but may not have realized it. Stony Brook University in New York is also using artificial intelligence to review applicants’ transcripts and testing AI tools for a variety of tasks, like summarizing student essays and letters of recommendation to highlight things an admissions officer should consider, said Richard Beatty, the school’s senior associate provost for enrollment management. “Maybe a student was fighting a disease sophomore year. Or maybe a parent passed away, or they’re taking care of siblings at home. All these things matter, and it allows the counselors to look at the transcript differently,” Beatty said. Colleges are interested in AI summaries of transcripts, extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation that tell human readers the students’ story in a more digestible way, said Emily Pacheco, founder of NACAC’s special interest group for AI and admission. “Humans and AI working together—that is the key right now. Every step along the way can be greatly improved: transcript reading, essay reviews, telling us things we might be missing about the students,” said Pacheco, a former assistant director of admission at Loyola University Chicago. “Ten years from now, all bets are off. I’m guessing AI will be admitting students.” ___ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Jocelyn Gecker, AP education writer View the full article

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Fatherhood used to be invisible in the conversation about entrepreneurship. The story was always the same: A founder celebrated for sacrifice, for grinding through the night, taming fortune one day at a time. The world championed the grind. But that archetype is now deeply outdated. The successful founder is no longer the one sleeping under their desk. That’s not simply dedication; it’s a symptom of poorly designed systems. If your company requires your constant, heroic presence, you haven’t built a business—you’ve built a cage. Today, elite performance is not measured by the hours you log, but by the resilience of the organization you leave behind. The best entrepreneurs build things that thrive when they are gone—say, to simply make breakfast or see a Little League game. The new true flex is to be out of office and unreachable. THE STRESS TEST Fatherhood is the ultimate stress test for an entrepreneur’s systems. This isn’t about the impossible concept of “balance.” That word implies separation. This is about deep integration. It’s about simply sitting on the floor with your child—the ability to be fully present for simple things. Being a father is not a distraction from ambition; it is a profound competitive advantage. The quiet moments demand tools like empathy and grace. These are the exact skills required to lead a high-trust, modern team. It forces you to operate from a position of systemic strength, not perpetual effort. The perspective is that days are long, but the years pass like a train in the night. This accelerated sense of time, which spans decades not quarters, is the masterclass both fatherhood and entrepreneurship teach. 3 PARALLELS FOR RAISING HUMANS AND A VISION The following three core disciplines run parallel between raising humans and scaling a vision. 1. Patience and long-term vision You must learn to ignore the immediate market tantrums, the noise of instant feedback, and the urge to sprint. You invest, guide, and trust the process. You build, break, and grow. 2. Nurture autonomy True leadership is not about commanding; it’s about creating an environment where others—your children, your employees—learn to lead themselves. Curiosity is the path to growth. We must empower self-sufficiency, giving room for the inevitable failure and iteration required for competence. 3. Active presence I recall a day fishing on the Harpeth River. The August downpour had left the water swollen, filled with snags and debris. Laughing turned to silence as each child found their hole. In that stillness, I learned more about patience and waiting for the right moment to guide than I did in any boardroom. The stakes were suddenly real. The humility to wait for the fish, and the willingness to let others find their footing, perfectly mirrored the trust I had to place in my leadership team during a turbulent launch. ACCEPTANCE The elite leader of the next decade is the one who accepts that life’s non-negotiable anchors—like family—force an excellence that the constant grind never could. Fatherhood demands you delegate ruthlessly and focus only on the high-leverage work. This forces a vision for the future and its unknowns that is built for endurance, not a flash. The most successful companies—like the most resilient families—are those built to last, not to sprint. They are sustained by presence, not absence. So I look to the horizon. We are ready for what comes next. Logan Mulvey is CEO of Cinq Music. View the full article

Billions in home equity sit untapped as second-lien loans struggle to gain traction, writes the chairman of Whalen Global Advisors. View the full article

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The world economy has proven surprisingly durable in the face of President Donald The President’s trade wars, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Tuesday, upgrading its outlook for global and U.S. economic growth this year. The 38-country OECD now forecasts that the world economy will grow 3.2% this year, down a tick from 3.3% in 2024 but an improvement on the 2.9% it had predicted for 2025 back in June. The organization, which does economic research and promotes international trade and prosperity, expects global growth to slow to 2.9% next year. The OECD also raised its forecast for U.S. growth this year—to 2%, up from the 1.6% it had forecast in June. Still, even with the upgrade, the American economy—the world’s largest—would have grown considerably more slowly than it did in 2024 (2.8%). Since returning to the White House in January, The President has overhauled U.S. trade policy, imposing taxes on imports to build a protectionist wall around the previously open American economy. The trade barriers were widely expected to slow growth and push up costs. But his tariffs have come in lower than the ones he threatened to impose in the spring. Many companies beat the levies by importing foreign goods into the United States before they took effect. And the U.S. and world economies are getting a boost from massive investments in artificial intelligence. “The global economy has been resilient this year, despite concerns about a sharper slowdown in the wake of higher trade barriers and significant policy uncertainty,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann wrote in a commentary accompanying the forecasts. Still, he added: “We expect higher tariffs to gradually feed through to higher prices, reducing growth in household consumption and business investment.’’ The OECD expects China, the world’s No. 2 economy, to grow 5% this year, the same as in 2024. It sees the 20 economies that share the euro currency collectively expanding 1.3% in 2025, lackluster but up from 0.8% in 2024. India, which has supplanted China as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, is expected to generate 6.7% growth this year, up from 6.5% in 2024. —Paul Wiseman, AP economics writer View the full article

Rising public debt is one concern — another is how it is being financedView the full article

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small business owners are gearing up for what could be either a boon or a bust. According to recent data from SurveyMonkey, this year’s holiday shopping trends reveal both interest and hesitation around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for gift planning. The survey highlights a significant divide among consumers regarding AI’s role in gift ideas, a factor that small businesses should consider when strategizing their marketing efforts. While nearly half of respondents (44%) expressed that they might consider leveraging AI for gift suggestions in the future, an equal number (41%) remain staunchly against it. This mixed sentiment is particularly stark within younger generations. The survey found that only 19% of Gen Z—who often experience heightened anxiety about selecting the perfect gift—are actually utilizing AI tools for their holiday shopping needs. Moreover, usage rates decline among older generations, with only 15% of Millennials, 12% of Gen X, and a mere 8% of Baby Boomers actively using AI for this purpose. For small business owners, these statistics present both opportunities and challenges. Embracing technological trends that customers are considering can boost visibility and appeal, but businesses must also remember to cater to those who prefer a more traditional approach to shopping. One key takeaway for small businesses is to engage with customers on multiple fronts. Offering personalized shopping experiences that incorporate AI, along with traditional recommendations from staff, could appeal to both sides of the consumer spectrum. Training employees to guide customers can enhance in-store experiences, while also integrating dedicated online AI tools can cater to tech-savvy shoppers. “Understanding what your customers want is crucial,” said a spokesperson from SurveyMonkey. “Businesses need to navigate this fine line between innovation and tradition.” As small businesses prepare their holiday strategies, they should consider the implications of this generational divide. Marketing efforts that combine advanced technology with human interaction may resonate more effectively with a broader audience. For example, offering customizable gift guides or personalized recommendations that blend AI analytics with customer service could provide a competitive edge. However, adopting AI doesn’t come without its obstacles. Small business owners may face challenges such as integrating new technology with existing systems. Additionally, there might be costs associated with AI tools, which could be a concern for smaller enterprises with limited budgets. Businesses must weigh these considerations against potential returns from increased customer engagement and sales. Real-world implications are vast. As the popularity of online shopping continues to rise, businesses that incorporate AI into their marketing may attract tech-friendly consumers. But for businesses that cater to a more hands-on clientele, maintaining a strong personal touch will be essential. Moreover, understanding customer sentiment regarding AI will be pivotal. Entrepreneurs should consider conducting surveys or utilizing feedback tools to assess community attitudes toward technology in the gifting process. This can reveal what services or features might resonate most with their target market. As we move further into the season, businesses would do well to seek innovative ways of enhancing their appeal without alienating their traditional customer base. Whether through AI-enhanced shopping aides or engaging in personalized, human-centric experiences, small business owners have the tools to thrive regardless of changing consumer attitudes. For a deeper dive into the statistics and insights on holiday shopping trends, you can explore the full survey results from SurveyMonkey here: SurveyMonkey Holiday Shopping Trends. As this holiday season unfolds, staying attuned to both consumer preferences and technological advancements will be crucial for small businesses looking to capitalize on one of the year’s busiest shopping times. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Survey Reveals Mixed Feelings on AI-Driven Gift Ideas Among Generations" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small business owners are gearing up for what could be either a boon or a bust. According to recent data from SurveyMonkey, this year’s holiday shopping trends reveal both interest and hesitation around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for gift planning. The survey highlights a significant divide among consumers regarding AI’s role in gift ideas, a factor that small businesses should consider when strategizing their marketing efforts. While nearly half of respondents (44%) expressed that they might consider leveraging AI for gift suggestions in the future, an equal number (41%) remain staunchly against it. This mixed sentiment is particularly stark within younger generations. The survey found that only 19% of Gen Z—who often experience heightened anxiety about selecting the perfect gift—are actually utilizing AI tools for their holiday shopping needs. Moreover, usage rates decline among older generations, with only 15% of Millennials, 12% of Gen X, and a mere 8% of Baby Boomers actively using AI for this purpose. For small business owners, these statistics present both opportunities and challenges. Embracing technological trends that customers are considering can boost visibility and appeal, but businesses must also remember to cater to those who prefer a more traditional approach to shopping. One key takeaway for small businesses is to engage with customers on multiple fronts. Offering personalized shopping experiences that incorporate AI, along with traditional recommendations from staff, could appeal to both sides of the consumer spectrum. Training employees to guide customers can enhance in-store experiences, while also integrating dedicated online AI tools can cater to tech-savvy shoppers. “Understanding what your customers want is crucial,” said a spokesperson from SurveyMonkey. “Businesses need to navigate this fine line between innovation and tradition.” As small businesses prepare their holiday strategies, they should consider the implications of this generational divide. Marketing efforts that combine advanced technology with human interaction may resonate more effectively with a broader audience. For example, offering customizable gift guides or personalized recommendations that blend AI analytics with customer service could provide a competitive edge. However, adopting AI doesn’t come without its obstacles. Small business owners may face challenges such as integrating new technology with existing systems. Additionally, there might be costs associated with AI tools, which could be a concern for smaller enterprises with limited budgets. Businesses must weigh these considerations against potential returns from increased customer engagement and sales. Real-world implications are vast. As the popularity of online shopping continues to rise, businesses that incorporate AI into their marketing may attract tech-friendly consumers. But for businesses that cater to a more hands-on clientele, maintaining a strong personal touch will be essential. Moreover, understanding customer sentiment regarding AI will be pivotal. Entrepreneurs should consider conducting surveys or utilizing feedback tools to assess community attitudes toward technology in the gifting process. This can reveal what services or features might resonate most with their target market. As we move further into the season, businesses would do well to seek innovative ways of enhancing their appeal without alienating their traditional customer base. Whether through AI-enhanced shopping aides or engaging in personalized, human-centric experiences, small business owners have the tools to thrive regardless of changing consumer attitudes. For a deeper dive into the statistics and insights on holiday shopping trends, you can explore the full survey results from SurveyMonkey here: SurveyMonkey Holiday Shopping Trends. As this holiday season unfolds, staying attuned to both consumer preferences and technological advancements will be crucial for small businesses looking to capitalize on one of the year’s busiest shopping times. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Survey Reveals Mixed Feelings on AI-Driven Gift Ideas Among Generations" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

More than 1 million workers in America have been laid off so far in 2025, according to the latest tally of announced job cuts from the executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The jobs span nearly every major industry, but layoffs have hit tech and government jobs the hardest. Here’s what you need to know, and which tech companies have had the largest round of layoffs in 2025. 2025 layoff announcements surpass 1 million Nearly every week this year, there have been headlines about layoffs hitting America’s workers. The latest report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas adds up layoff announcements from U.S. employers through the end of October. According to the report, 1,099,500 workers have lost their jobs due to layoffs. Given that those numbers don’t include November layoffs, and we are only at the beginning of December, it’s a certainty that the figure will rise before the end of the year. Worse, the 1,099,500 job cuts are 65% higher than the 664,839 job cuts announced through October 2024. This year’s figure also exceeds the 761,358 full-year 2024 job cuts by 44%. And to put the 2025 figures into greater perspective, Challenger, Gray & Christmas says this year’s job cuts are at their highest levels since 2020, when there were 2,304,755 through that October—many spurred by the pandemic. Government and tech account for most layoffs While layoffs have hit nearly every industry in 2025, two sectors were impacted more than others: government and tech. Government worker layoffs account for the most job losses, many stemming from cuts made by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), then led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Challenger, Gray & Christmas calls this the “DOGE Impact” and states that it “remains the leading reason for job cut announcements in 2025.” In total, those cuts amount to 307,638 for the year through October. That figure includes 293,753 direct layoffs of federal workers and contractors, along with an additional 20,976 layoffs due to a “DOGE Downstream Impact.” Challenger, Gray & Christmas says these additional layoffs are a reflection of “the loss of federal funding to private and non-profit entities.” After government-related layoffs, the sector next most affected by job cuts was the tech industry. Challenger, Gray & Christmas says that through October 2025, 141,159 tech workers lost their jobs due to layoffs. Overall, the top five sectors with the most job cuts in 2025 through October are: Government: 307,638 Technology: 141,159 Warehousing: 90,418 Retail: 88,664 Services: 63,580 Tech companies lead private-sector layoffs in 2025 After removing sweeping federal government job cuts from the figures, the tech industry accounted for the most layoffs so far in 2025. That’s little surprise considering that hardly a week went by this year without additional rounds of tech layoffs making the news. Meanwhile, some Big Tech companies made an outsized contribution to 2025’s tech layoffs. According to data from layoff tracking website Layoffs.fyi, the largest rounds of job cuts from U.S. tech companies so far in 2025 have come from the following: Intel Amazon Microsoft HP Salesforce Meta Hewlett-Packard Enterprise It’s worth noting that while any layoffs this year are devastating to the workers involved and their families, Layoffs.fyi’s data shows that 2025 has so far seen fewer tech layoffs than in years past. Layoffs.fyi’s data currently shows that 120,444 tech employees were laid off globally by 239 tech companies in 2025 so far. That compares to 152,922 tech employees laid off from 551 tech companies in 2024, and 264,220 tech employees laid off from 1,193 tech companies in 2023. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Hulu’s buzziest shows— Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, and The Handmaid’s Tale among them. Those are all good shows—great, even!—but there are others that are just as good, and some that are even better. Like Netflix and Max, Hulu has been developing its own original (and co-produced) shows since 2012, building a library that goes well beyond repackaged shows from the broadcast networks. Chad Powers (2025 – ) One minute, Russ Holliday (series star and co-creator Glen Powell) is the biggest name in collegiate football, with a future that couldn't be brighter. The next? He's fumbled a touchdown and later shoved a fan into a cancer patient using a wheelchair. Not great! Eight years later, he's looking for a comeback and so, shades of Mrs. Doubtfire, he reinvents himself via prosthetics and a wig as the title's Chad Powers, a charmingly naive athlete who signs on to the football team at a tiny Georgia college (and who looks a little like Owen Wilson for some reason). It's a goofy premise, but Powell's performance sells it, and the show becomes more engaging as Russ/Chad is forced to ask himself whether this new persona is a con, or the person he'd like to be. Stream Chad Powers. Chad Powers Learn More Learn More Alien: Earth (2025 – , renewed for a second season) Noah Hawley's new spin on the Alien universe (it's technically a prequel, but who can keep track?) is primed to explore some of the key themes of the series (greed, hubris, and the general shittiness of capitalism) without feeling entirely beholden to what came before. Sydney Chandler plays Wendy, a dying girl whose consciousness is transferred into a synthetic human body as part of an experiment conducted by the mega-corporation Prodigy. When a space vessel from a competing company crashes on Earth under mysterious circumstances, she and others like her are sent to help out and snoop around. This is an Alien story, so a ship is pretty much only ever going to crash if there's a xenomorph involved, but that's only one of the many nasty secrets the so-called "Lost Boys" uncover. Stream Alien: Earth. Alien: Earth Learn More Learn More All's Fair (2025 – , renewed for a second season) Ryan Murphy's new divorce-centric legal drama: worst show of the year? Of all time? The reviews of the show, and of lead Kim Kardashian's performance, have been absolutely savage, and a bit of an anti-All's Fair arms race seems to have developed among critics as to who can go the hardest: The Telegraph's Ed Power said it's "a crime against television," The Guardian's Lucy Mangan said of it: "I did not know it was still possible to make television this bad." AND YET! The show's debut was Hulu's best in three yers, and viewers have continued streaming—probably for the camp value. Good, bad, or gloriously bad, it's one of the year's most talked-about shows. Niecy Nash-Betts, Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson, Judith Light, and Glenn Close join Kim in the shenanigans. Stream All's Fair. All's Fair Learn More Learn More Cat's Eye (2025 – ) Sisters Hitomi, Rui, and Ai run the title's Cat’s Eye Café, a cute little neighborhood coffee house. By night, though? They're world-class art thieves: Hitomi is an incredible athlete, Rui a master strategist, and Ai, the youngest sister, builds the gadgets. There are plenty of complications, of course, but the biggest involves Detective Toshio: he's hot on the heels of the art thieves, but also Hitomi's boyfriend. Whoops! This is a stylish and energetic update to the very popular '80s manga and anime series, but no Cat's Eye background is required. Stream Cat's Eye. Cat's Eye Learn More Learn More Reasonable Doubt (2022 – ) Emayatzy Corinealdi (Middle of Nowhere, The Invitation) stars here as Jax Stewart, a former public defender now working at a high-powered LA firm. By turns she's a self-righteous do-gooder and deeply messy—she's not always the most likable character, and she often feels more strongly about her cases than about her actual clients. For all the show's juicy, soapy charms (it was created by Scandal writer Raamla Mohamed), that occasional indifference feels real. One of the show's major throughlines, particularly in the first season, involves Jax's separation from her husband and the reappearance in her life of a former client (Michael Ealy) who's just recently been released from prison, and with whom she still has heat. Stream Reasonable Doubt. Reasonable Doubt (2022 – ) Learn More Learn More Paradise (2025 – , renewed for a second season) Paradise reunites This is Us creator Dan Fogelman with one of that ensemble's stars, Sterling K. Brown, for something quite different. This high-concept science-fiction series looks more like a political thriller at the outset: We're in, apparently, an affluent suburban town in which everything looks fairly tidy—it's the home of Brown's Xavier Collins, a widower and Secret Service agent to a President who, we learn, was murdered (much of the show happens in flashback). Before the first episode is over, we learn that Collins is a suspect in the murder—and also that this quiet suburb is something far weirder. James Marsden plays the President, and he's received good reviews for the role alongside Brown. Fogelman and co. bring an emotional intensity and range to a concept that gets pretty wild. Stream Paradise. Paradise (2025 – ) Learn More Learn More The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (2025) In 2007, 19-year-old Amanda Knox arrived in Perugia, Italy, only to find herself arrested and accused of the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, weeks later. The prosecution did a remarkable job at smearing Knox's name in the Italian press, such that she was was eventually convicted of murder despite an almost total lack of evidence, and the fact that the actual killer had already been tried and convicted. Grace Van Patten is pretty great in the lead, and the series does a phenomenal job of dramatizing the various missteps and fabrications that lead to a conviction. A bit of fascinating behind-the-scenes with this one: while the family of Meredith Kercher did not participate, Knox herself executive produces alongside Monica Lewinsky, another person who knows what it is to be tried in the media. Stream The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox Learn More Learn More Deli Boys (2025 – , renewed for a second season) Pakistani-American journalist and producer Abdullah Saeed had been best known for his investigative reporting and Vice documentaries, many of them dealing with the impacts of cannabis laws. The experience lends a unique perspective to this comedy series that follows two brothers—hardworking Mir (Asif Ali) and hard partying Raj (Saagar Shaikh)—following the death of their wealthy father. In quick succession they learn that the bulk of their family's money comes not from the public-facing chain of delis, but from the illegal drug operation running behind the scenes. It's fast-paced and frequently very fun, feeling like nothing else on TV right now. Stream Deli Boys. Deli Boys Learn More Learn More Mid-Century Modern (2025) Hyped (if "hype" is the right word for what I'm about to describe) as an all-male Golden Girls update, Mid-Century Modern stars the great trio of Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham as three gay middle-aged friends who live together as a kind of found family. It comes from Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, creators of Will & Grace, and feels like a throwback in many ways—but we could do worse than to enjoy an old-fashioned sitcom with a talented cast (including the last performances by Linda Lavin, who seems to have been having a blast here). Stream Mid-Century Modern. Mid-Century Modern Learn More Learn More King of the Hill (2025 – ) There's something fundamentally disorienting about this particular revival: The comfort of cartoons is, typically, that the characters don't change. But King of the Hill picks up several years after the end of the original series (which ended in 2009) with Hank and Peggy returning from years working in oil in Saudi Arabia to find that their beloved Arlen has become, well—not unrecognizable, exactly, but much different than they'd prefer. Given the pace of change for all of us over the last few years, it's a relatable feeling, even if you've not gone anywhere. Hank and Peggy are as set in their ways as they ever were, but people who remember only that aspect of the characters are quickly reminded that the two have always been capable of acceptance and growth, confident in their beliefs without being jerks to those who live differently. The returning cast members are as good as ever and, most importantly, the show is as funny as it ever was. Stream King of the Hill. King of the Hill Learn More Learn More Futurama (1999 – , renewed for a 14th season) Picked up by Hulu in 2022, this is the third-ish time that Futurama has been revived, and, even if the show's very best days are behind it, there's still a fair bit of life in the current iteration. Many episodes exemplify the series' amiable goofiness, there are a few high-concept classics mixed in: “All the Way Down” sees Bender becoming attached to multiple overlapping simulated universes, "Otherwise" calls back to an emotional time loop, and "The Numberland Gap" sees the crew pulled into a world of pure mathematics. Stream Futurama. Futurama (1999 – ) Learn More Learn More Queenie (2024 – , renewal pending) Based on Candice Carty-Williams' popular novel of the same name, Queenie stars Dionne Brown as a 25-year-old British-Jamaican journalist navigating a rough breakup that sends her into a self-destructive spiral. She's a deliberately and refreshingly messy character, navigating quarter-life at an intersection of multiple overlapping identities while struggling to grow. Carty-Williams serves as the showrunner, while Brown offers up a phenomenal lead performance. Stream Queenie. Queenie (2024 –) Learn More Learn More Spellbound (2023 –, third season in production) A successor to Find Me in Paris (also on Hulu), set at that show's same Paris Opera Ballet School, Spellbound introduces a new cast and, where the earlier series dealt with time travel, Spellbound is, as the title suggests, more about magic. Here, 15-year-old American Cece Parker Jones travels to Paris to join the prestigious dance school, only to discover that she's an actual witch with a family history of magic. Now, she struggles to balance dance, magic, and her desire to be a normal teenager while dealing with the Mystics, natural enemies to Cece's type of witch. It's a solid teen drama. Stream Spellbound. Spellbound (2023 - ) Learn More Learn More The Bravest Knight (2019 – , two seasons) A Canadian import that you can presumably still watch sans tariff, this was Hulu's first original show for kids, and it's delightful. T. R. Knight voices Cedric, a former pumpkin farmer married to Prince Andrew (Wilson Cruz), as he recounts stories of his journey to becoming the greatest knight to his daughter, Nia. There's action, but the lessons are about how being a hero is less about fighting and more about helping others and trying to make friends rather than jumping to conclusions about people. Stream The Bravest Knight. The Bravest Knight Learn More Learn More Hit-Monkey (2021 – 2024) A breath of fresh air among Marvel's million+ hours of TV and movie content, the animated Hit-Monkey eschews pat morality in favor of—well, monkey violence, mostly. Named only Monkey (Fred Tatasciore), the lead is a particularly aggressive macaque forced from his tribe who is mentored by Bryce (Jason Sudeikis), an assassin who's been killed and returns as a helpful ghost. Ally Maki, Olivia Munn, George Takei, Leslie Jones, and Cristin Milioti are among the talented voice cast. Stream Hit-Monkey. Hit-Monkey (2021 – 2024) Learn More Learn More Shōgun (2024 – , renewed for second and third seasons) So successful was the first season of this miniseries, based on the 1975 James Clavell novel, that two further seasons were commissioned to continue the story. Set at the tail-end of Japan's Warring States period, the series sees ambitious English maritime pilot John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) finding himself shipwrecked in Japan and in the power of powerful warlord Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada)—each with something to offer the other. Reluctantly serving as translator between the two is Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), highly loyal to Toranaga but with a complicated past. The main characters all have real-life analogues, so there's a verisimilitude to everything in this (mostly) Japanese-language drama alongside the Game of Thrones-esque intrigue and drama. Stream Shōgun. Shōgun (2024 – ) Learn More Learn More PEN15 (2019 – 2021, two seasons) It takes a minute to get used to the show’s conceit/gimmick: Thirty-something creators/comedians Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle play young teenagers among a cast of actual 13-ish-year-olds. It’s weird, but Erskine and Konkle are so good, and the show so committed to the bit, that after a while, you forget that it’s even a thing. What’s left is an effective and funny cringe comedy that accurately recreates the pain of seventh grade with a surprising amount of heart. Though cut short after only two seasons, the show’s still very much worth the trip, and ends on a relatively satisfying note. Stream PEN15. PEN15 (2019 – 2021) Learn More Learn More High Fidelity (2020, one season) It’s easy to compare it to the 2000 John Cusack movie, but keep in mind that this is actually the third major adaptation of Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel High Fidelity—so it’s perhaps less of a remake situation than a burgeoning, generational thing. Maybe idiosyncratic music nerds of the future will get their own version, where everyone, I don’t know, shares a Spotify login? Anyway, here, Zoë Kravitz takes on the gender-flipped lead role of Rob, a biracial, bisexual record-store owner with a checkered romantic history and a compulsive need to make ranked lists, both of music and her past relationships. It can occasionally be tough to buy into effortlessly cool Kravitz’s awkwardness as a character, but otherwise the show successfully updates the beats of the book, film, and musical. The surprise cancellation after one season was a small tragedy. Stream High Fidelity. High Fidelity Learn More Learn More The Orville (2017 – , three seasons) A pick-up from Fox, Seth MacFarlane's The Orville began life looking like a slightly scatological Star Trek parody—a show with a reverence for The Next Generation but also jizz jokes. It quickly grew into something more interesting, though, as McFarlane's obvious affection for Trek sent the show off in a more serious direction—certainly by the Hulu-produced third season, it's become one of the most ambitious sci-fi shows on the air. A fourth season is allegedly on the way, though I'll believe it when I see it. Stream The Orville. The Orville Learn More Learn More Shrill (2019 – 2021, three seasons) Based on Lindy West’s memoir Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, this comedy-drama stars SNL’s Aidy Bryant as Annie, the unapologetically fat heroine. Annie (and the show) make no bones about using the f-word, insisting there’s no stigma in being fat. Annie’s not interested in changing her body, though the first couple of episodes make clear that there’s plenty of other stuff the journalist is working on. Annie is an impressively funny and fully realized character, and there’s a lot of joy to be had in watching her overcome people’s perceptions of her over the course of the series. Stream Shrill. Shrill (2019 – 2021) Learn More Learn More Castle Rock (2018 – 2019, two seasons) It’s hard to imagine a J.J. Abrams production based on various Stephen King’s books could possibly have escaped anyone’s attention, but the fact that this show was canceled after only two (excellent) seasons suggests it was a victim of Peak TV more than anything else. The promotion leaned too hard, I think, on King Easter eggs without ever making it clear that there were actual stories here, told with real dramatic heft—the first season’s “The Queen,” told from the unstable perspective of a character with worsening dementia, was one of the best things on television that year. The cast across the two seasons (each with a separate storyline) is stellar: André Holland, Bill Skarsgård, Sissy Spacek, Lizzy Caplan, to name but a few. There’s plenty of stuff for King fans to sink their teeth into, but it all works just fine on its own. Stream Castle Rock. Castle Rock Learn More Learn More Into the Dark (2018 – 2021, two seasons) This is sometimes marketed more like a collection of short-ish movies, but it’s technically an anthology series, so that’s what I'm going to call it—and there are small narrative threads that run through many of the episodes, for the benefit of attentive horror fans. There’s never been, and likely never will be, a horror anthology that isn’t a bit of a mixed bag, but that’s somehow a virtue here, in that different episodes represent different genres. Some are psychological thrillers, some are splatter, some social satire, and a couple of them star a giant furry named Pooka. They’re all entertaining and professionally produced, and the standout episodes are really great. Highlights include A Nasty Piece of Work (with the late Julian Sands hosting a nasty holiday work holiday party), immigration-themed Culture Shock, the aforementioned Pooka!, and the queer slasher Midnight Kiss. Stream Into the Dark. Into the Dark Learn More Learn More Welcome to Chippendales (2022 – 2023, miniseries) The true story of Indian immigrant Steve Banerjee (played here by Kumail Nanjiani) is wildly dramatic and juicy, but not always in the ways you might expect. Chronicling Banerjee’s rise to fortune as the founder of the soon-to-be-iconic male strip joint, the origins of Chippendales is a story in itself, but its creator’s fall is even more wild, propelling the miniseries into true crime territory: Less than a decade after the founding of his empire, Banerjee threw it away when he decided that the only way to grow the business involved murder. Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford, Juliette Lewis, and Dan Stevens also appear. Stream Welcome to Chippendales. Welcome to Chippendales Learn More Learn More Harlots (2017 – 2019, three seasons) Harlots takes the historical costume drama in unique directions, and deserved more attention than it got during its three-season run. Its women aren’t dressed in fancy dresses because they’re royalty, but because they’re high-end sex workers (if the title didn’t make clear) in Georgian England. When Margaret Wells moves her brothel to more upscale Soho, she comes into direct competition with her own former madam, who runs a high-end establishment in the same neighborhood. It’s got more sex and moves at a faster pace than more traditional period pieces, and the chess game between rival houses (as they both fight the male-dominated law enforcement establishment) makes for some juicy entertainment. Stream Harlots. Harlots (2017 – 2019) Learn More Learn More UnPrisoned (2023 – 2024, two seasons) The always-great Kerry Washington plays Paige Alexander, a therapist who, naturally, has issues of her own that she needs to work on. Her life gets infinitely more complicated when her father Edwin (Delroy Lindo) moves in with her and her teenaged son following a long prison sentence. Her need for order is upended, while her father’s charismatic exterior conceals uncertainty about his new life. Creator Tracy McMillan based the comedy, in part, on her own experiences, and the result is a knowing but refreshingly upbeat take on life after prison. Stream UnPrisoned. UnPrisoned (2023 – 2024) Learn More Learn More View the full article

Taking a cue from YouTube Music and YouTube Gaming, YouTube as a whole is now finally introducing a Spotify Wrapped-style annual recap. Simply called YouTube Recap, this feature will break down your watching habits across all categories in 2025. According to YouTube, YouTube Recap will show "a set of up to 12 different cards," with spotlights on "your top channels, interests, and even the evolution of your viewing habits." It'll draw its data from both long-form and short-form videos as well as downloaded videos, but it'll only track videos you watched while signed in to your account. The company is also dividing its viewers into "personality types" based on what they watch, such as "the Trailblazer" or "the Skill Builder." There's a whole breakdown of what these mean over on a support page, but as an example, if you're a "Sunshiner," that means "You're drawn to content that spreads positivity and good vibes." Google says that the most common personality types this year were "the Sunshiner," "the Wonder Seeker," and "the Connector," and that personalities like "the Philosopher" and "the Dreamer" were more rare. So I guess you can brag about that if you get one of those. If you listen to a lot of music on YouTube, meanwhile, YouTube Recap will also pull some data from YouTube Music, and can show you your top artists and songs of the year. For more detail, you'll need to visit the YouTube Music app and look at your YouTube Music recap proper. YouTube Recap should be available in North America starting today, although it might take some time until you see it—I can't seem to access mine yet. For global viewers, YouTube says it will "roll out to the rest of the world this week." You'll be able to view it in 17 languages, with a full list available here. I'll keep checking for mine throughout the day, but for now, here's how to find your YouTube Recap once it goes live. How to view your YouTube RecapAccording to YouTube's instructions, YouTube Recap is available on both desktop and in the mobile app, and will show up as a banner either on your homepage or in your "You" tab. On mobile, you can get to your "You" tab by tapping the button in the bottom-right corner with your profile picture on it, while on desktop, you'll need to click the "You" subheading in the pane on the left-hand side of your screen. Or, you can just navigate to youtube.com/recap and let your browser do the work for you (if on mobile, it'll direct you to the appropriate section of the app). Note that you'll need to be signed in for any of this to work. You might also need to update your YouTube app if you're still having trouble. Google says you need version 18.43 or newer to see your Recap. Once you've viewed your recap, you'll also be able to share it, by tapping or clicking the Share button in any of your recap cards. Or, you can save it by tapping the download button to the left of the Share button. YouTube's most popular topics and creators in 2025 Credit: YouTube Alongside YouTube Recap, YouTube has also released a more general look at trending topics, creators, and songs in 2025. The most popular topic in 2025 was apparently Squid Game, while MrBeast was the top creator (I have a feeling those might be connected). The Joe Rogan Experience is at the top of the podcast list, and interestingly, there are separate trending lists for shorts and full-length videos, with Forrest Frank's YOUR WAY'S BETTER topping Shorts and Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga's Die With a Smile taking the crown for full-length videos. KPop Demon Hunters is the only topic where you'll see overlap between the Shorts and full-length lists, with Soda Pop appearing on both. View the full article

Since the launch of ChatGPT three years ago, almost everyone has used Artificial Intelligence in some fashion to help with their work and the world collectively believes AI holds potential. I have written on AI subjects three times before in this series – on strategy & AI, on AI investment, and on AI’s impact on entry level hiring. The third was co-authored with friends Ahmad Zaidi, co-founder and CEO of AI start-up TransforML, and Gui Loureiro, Regional CEO Walmart Canada, Central America, Chile and Mexico and co-author of Reinventing the Leader. That team returns for this Playing to Win/Practitioner Insight piece on leadership and AI. And as always, you can find all the previous PTW/PI here. Substitution vs. augmentation Every new technology that has or will come along has the potential to both substitute for humans and augment humans whether wheel, printing press, electricity, internal combustion engine, telephone or digital computer. For example, the printing press put lots of scribes out of jobs, but it also massively augmented the ability of humans to communicate their ideas, starting with the world’s first publishing mogul, Martin Luther! It is irrefutable that the printing press augmented humans to a vastly greater extent than it substituted for them. And that has been the case with every truly important technology the world has seen, including the list above. The overwhelming public concern about AI is that it will become the first major technology to have its biggest impact by way of substitution. We don’t know how the balance between substitution and augmentation will play out. But it is clear that the easiest path is substitution and lots of people will provide advice on that front. We sincerely hope that those with the power to influence the direction of AI won’t focus their energy on spurring its substitution for humans. One way to guard against that negative outcome is to demonstrate the power of augmentation and that is our greatest interest because augmentation of humans with AI is what will really advance society – and within it, business. We believe that it will take strong leadership to tilt the balance toward augmentation. To realize the potential value and make AI an augmentation superpower, modern leaders need to master each of the following five layers, each a deeper and more sophisticated augmentation that builds on the layer before. First level: How AI augments knowledge & research AI is now a common first-pass research assistant. It can map a space, surface sources, and draft a structured brief in minutes. Sophisticated deep research tools like iterative question decomposition, source triage, and synthesis passes that are incorporated into AI products help analysts quickly collect information that would have earlier taken days. That even includes the time it takes to verify sources and detect and correct the Achilles heel of AI, hallucinations. For example, a mid-level manager might prompt AI to: “Size the Mexican hard-discount grocery market and identify three expansion risks.” On a task like this, AI can (1) outline demand drivers and competitor set, (2) pull public data points (market sizes, growth rates, store counts), (3) generate a comparison table, (4) list interview questions for two customer segments, and (5) draft a 1-page brief with assumptions and confidence levels. The human then validates numbers, adds confidential insights, and finalizes the narrative – augmented by AI. Second level: How AI augments through task automation Beyond research, AI can quietly take work off the plate of busy leaders, leveraging their time for other higher-value activities. AI can capture and crystallize notes, summarize meetings, tag decisions, extract owners and due dates, and push them to your tracker. It can cascade strategy, translating top-level objectives into team-level initiatives, propose KPIs, and keep a living “single source of truth” to ensure value delivery. This is the focus of the TransforML platform, which connects strategy choices to projects. It provides risks and weekly updates so leaders see progress, and accumulates blockers and deltas in one place. AI can automate routine operations such as converting emails to tickets, standardizing brief templates, generating weekly roll-ups, and pre-drafting stakeholder communications. In this layer, leaders get leverage from AI by eliminating the necessity for countless monitoring meetings thanks to more and better machine-assisted follow-through. Third level: How AI augments through skill leveling-up AI is a force multiplier for uneven skill profiles. Very few of us have completely consistent skill levels across the spectrum required in our jobs. Each of us has our stronger and weaker skill areas. AI can be used to level-up those weaker skill areas to give us a more consistent skill set through AI augmentation. For example, we have seen a front-end engineer, who is brilliant in user experience design but less confident with logic structuring, use AI to propose architecture options and trade-offs, generate scaffolded components and tests, and help with complex logical flows. As a result, the front-end engineer has been able to add a disproportionate amount of impact through her unique strengths in developing user experiences that truly delight customers, without being held back by her skill deficits. Fourth level: How AI augments through blind spot detection AI is relentless at checklisting the things we forget. Thanks to Atul Gawande and The Checklist Manifesto, we know that even highly skilled professionals need checklists to avoid blindspots. But AI can go far beyond a simple standard checklist. Point AI at a plan and ask: What’s missing? What could fail? It will probe dependencies, non-obvious stakeholders, compliance constraints, and capacity cliffs. It will test for coverage gaps. Used well, it becomes a second pair of eyes that flags risks early and attaches mitigation options with owner, time requirements, and resulting cost estimates. AI’s ability to sift through innumerable documents in minutes allows it to do this at a scale and speed that augments beyond human capacity. Fifth level: How AI augments through counterbalancing groupthink Groupthink is a well-documented problem (popularized by Yale professor Irving Janis in a 1971 article and 1972 book) by which teams converge too quickly on suboptimal decisions. To counterbalance groupthink, leaders can assign AI the role of devil’s advocate. Prompt it to argue the strongest opposing case, quantify downside scenarios, and stress-test assumptions. Which single assumption, if wrong, breaks this plan? This keeps debate vigorous and constructive without putting the interpersonal burden on a single brave colleague. What leaders can do to move teams through the five layers of augmentation Set the strategy for AI The leader must set the overall role of AI in fulfilling the company’s strategy. For example, Gui’s boss (Walmart corporate CEO) declared that Walmart will be people led, powered by technology. That helped Walmart employees understand that it wasn’t going to be technology first and people second – which would have indicated a substitution rather than augmentation agenda. As strategy evolves, it is important that people know what the company is ultimately trying to accomplish, and how. Set the bar & the rituals Be specific on ‘what good looks like’ for AI augmentation. For example, mandate AI-first drafts for research memos, require AI-generated action lists after meetings, and add a “devil’s advocate” AI check before big decisions. Make these part of the operating rituals, not optional extras. Once it becomes part of the ritual, people will quickly overcome any initial fear or hesitation. Pair tools with training & metrics The challenge is less with intelligent use – that will come quickly with practice – and more with adoption. Provide training on the approved tools to ease and sped adoption. Set guardrails to help users avoids unpleasant and unproductive downsides. Set and track usage with simple metrics such as percentage of meetings with AI action summaries or percentage of projects with AI risk reviews. Celebrate wins and coach the laggards. Role-model and de-risk. As with most things in company life, this won’t take root unless leaders set a positive example. That lowers the implied risk for everybody else in the company. For example, leaders should show their own AI-assisted work (redlines, drafts, risk logs) and make it safe to iterate. Create a sandbox for sensitive work, define guardrails (privacy, IP, accuracy checks), and reward teams for using AI to improve outcomes, not just for “using AI.” Practitioner insights Strategy is choice and as a leader (whether at the top or somewhere in the middle of your organization) in the modern era, you have the choice to focus on substitution or augmentation in your utilization of AI. It is a true strategic choice because the opposite is not stupid on its face. Some will focus more on substitution while others on augmentation. And we predict both will succeed in creating value – though in very different ways with differing societal implications. That having been said, we believe the greatest upside will come setting goals focused on augmentation. That will require cleverness in defining how AI can most powerfully augment your business and then demonstrating the leadership to take advantage of all five levels of augmentation. AI can give teams superpowers, but only leaders can help unlock them. View the full article

A few blocks from my home sits a small Japanese grocery store that has been in the neighborhood for years. It’s the kind of place that once felt irreplaceable—carefully sourced ingredients, shelves stocked with items I couldn’t find in mainstream supermarkets, and an owner who knows her regulars. But much as I love this store, it has been in steady decline for a few years now. Whole Foods opened up nearby and it now stocks all the basics—miso paste, kombu, dashi packets, nori—that I, or anyone else, could want for weeknight Japanese cooking. Suddenly, the extra trip to the specialty shop felt unnecessary most of the time. The big chain became “good enough,” and in a world where convenience dictates behavior, good enough tends to win. What happened to that shop isn’t really about Japanese groceries. The same story is playing out across sectors as the mass market parts of many businesses are being swallowed up by bigger players. If a small business competes on anything that a large company can copy and make money from, you can bet your bottom dollar that a large company will eventually start providing those goods or services. And thanks to globalized supply, online storefronts, and the ever-increasing speed of information flows about trends and consumer needs, that copying can happen almost instantly. That’s why many small businesses need to rethink their business models. Market segments that once seemed niche are quickly becoming part of the mass market. And small businesses have never been able to compete in broad market sectors on the provision of products or services alone. In today’s environment, the only defensible strategy is to go narrow—much narrower than often feels comfortable. Taking this path can be particularly difficult because when times are tough. The instinct of a small business owner is normally to try harder at everything: better service, longer hours, more products, lower prices. But that’s a trap. When you compete broadly against players with structural advantages, you’re fighting a war of attrition you cannot win. So, instead of trying to beat big companies at their game, SME’s should play a different game altogether, a game they have advantages that the big beasts can’t replicate. The three shifts that define survival Small businesses that want to thrive in the future need to make three fundamental shifts in how they operate. 1. From Generalist to Specialist: The Power of Expertise When business gets tough, owners often broaden the offering—they add more products and try to serve more customer types to become all things to all people. This is understandable but counterproductive. Instead, the path to survival runs through radical specialization: owning a territory so narrow and deep that competition becomes nearly irrelevant. The point is that while generalist businesses compete with everyone, specialists compete with almost no one. An accounting firm serving all small businesses faces constant price pressures from the commoditization of services in their sector. The same firm focusing exclusively on assisting craft breweries as they navigate excise tax regulations, inter-state distribution challenges, equipment depreciation schedules, and seasonal cash flow patterns can add value in ways that a large firm selling generalized services never could. They are not competing on price anymore—they are competing on irreplaceable expertise. This matters now more than ever because AI and automation are rapidly commoditizing general knowledge. ChatGPT can generate useful general marketing advice. But it cannot replicate 15 years of navigating the specific regulatory environment of biotech fundraising or identifying which Japanese suppliers source sustainably today. Only the deepest moats can be defended when breadth can be automated. 2. From Customers to Community: Building Tribal Loyalty In an age in which more and more interactions are becoming digital and transactional, the hunger for genuine connection intensifies. People will pay premiums and make extra trips for businesses that make them feel they belong to something—business that don’t just sell products but that create communities. Radical specialization creates the conditions for community, because the people who walk through the door aren’t just customers anymore. They are people who share something in common: a deep focus on and interest in a specific activity, product, or type of knowledge. This is the foundation on which small businesses can build their tribes. For example, instead of simply selling products, the Japanese grocery store in my neighborhood could cultivate a community of serious home cooks who care about authentic Japanese cuisine. It could organize monthly sake tastings, knife skills workshops, cooking demonstrations—anything that helps create a community of people who come to the store because it’s their store, a place where people like them hang out and shop. In this way, the business becomes not just a vendor but the center of a shared identity. 3. From Corporate Speak to Real Humanity: The Power of Authenticity Small businesses often try to sound like big companies. The irony is that this erases the one advantage small businesses will always have over their larger competitors—the ability to be distinctively, recognizably human. Big companies have no choice but to be bland, because when a business serves millions of customers with diverse values and preferences, it cannot afford to be polarizing. Every piece of marketing content, branding, and presentation is smoothed into a form that is maximally inoffensive, and which almost inevitably tends to fade into forgettable corporate messaging. But small businesses that specialize do not face this constraint. They can afford to have opinions, quirks, and personality. And in a world where AI can generate perfectly polished content and every brand sounds the same, being recognizably yourself becomes a competitive advantage that cannot be replicated. This isn’t just about being quirky for its own sake. An authentic voice does three things that corporate polish cannot. First, it makes expertise tangible—strong opinions come from deep knowledge, and customers can sense the difference between an earned perspective and generic advice. Second, it attracts the right people while repelling everyone else, which is exactly what a specialized business needs. Third, it creates connection before transaction. When someone has been following the grocery store owner’s social media posts for months, seeing her passion for real ingredients and deep knowledge of the products she sells, the first visit feels less like shopping and more like finally meeting someone they already know. Three things to do right now Here are three concrete steps you can take immediately as a small business owner to help your business survive into 2026 and beyond. 1. Map your territory Pick your top 10 customers and write down what they have in common. What do they care about that others don’t? What expertise do they value that general competitors can’t provide? This exercise reveals where the business already has traction with a specific group—the foundation for radical specialization. Most small businesses discover they’re already serving a niche without realizing it. The work is recognizing it and leaning into it fully rather than hedging with broader offerings. 2. Choose one thing to stop doing Radical specialization requires subtraction. This week, identify one product line, service offering, or customer segment that pulls the business away from its core expertise. Then stop serving it. This can feel terrifying. The instinct is to worry about lost revenue. But the store that stops trying to compete as a general grocer and embraces a new identity as a specialty shop for serious home cooks isn’t limiting itself—it’s claiming territory it can actually defend. 3. Show up as a human being Pick one platform—Instagram, LinkedIn, a blog, whatever feels natural—and commit to posting three times this week as an actual person with actual opinions. The goal isn’t to go viral or be provocative for its own sake. It is to demonstrate that there is a real human with real expertise and real opinions behind the business—someone worth paying attention to and someone eventually worth paying to do business with. This may feel uncomfortable at first. That discomfort is a good sign. If it feels too polished and safe, it’s not quite working yet. The path forward That Japanese grocery store near my house is still there—for now. But if it wants to survive in the long term, it will need to make choices that feel counterintuitive: going narrower instead of broader, becoming smaller instead of bigger. In a world in which large companies are serving broader and broader markets, small businesses need to lean into becoming specialists. This gives them not just something feasible to defend but the tools they will need to fight for their territory. View the full article

New standards will maintain resilience while ensuring regulation doesn’t choke activityView the full article

Russian president due to host Witkoff and Kushner for peace negotiations as military claims battlefield advances in UkraineView the full article

A startup equipment loan is a financial tool designed to help new businesses acquire vital machinery and tools without straining their cash flow. By securing this type of loan, you can instantly access the equipment needed to improve your operations and product quality. These loans often come with manageable repayment terms, which helps you maintain financial stability. Comprehending how this financing option can work for your business is significant for informed decision-making. Key Takeaways A startup equipment loan provides financing for purchasing essential equipment, helping new businesses acquire tools without depleting cash reserves. Flexible repayment terms spread costs over time, improving cash flow management for startups. Timely repayments on equipment loans help build a positive credit history, enhancing future financing opportunities. Equipment loans typically offer tax benefits under Section 179, allowing businesses to allocate funds for growth initiatives. Collateral value of equipment makes approval easier, giving startups access to financing that may otherwise be challenging to obtain. Understanding Startup Equipment Loans When you’re starting a new business, comprehending startup equipment loans can be vital for acquiring the tools you need to succeed. A startup equipment loan is a specific financing option designed for new businesses to purchase necessary equipment, with repayment terms typically ranging from 3 to 10 years. These loans often come with lower interest rates than unsecured loans, and since the equipment serves as collateral, your approval chances can be as high as 68%. Many loans require a down payment of 10% to 20% of the total cost, but they likewise help you build your credit history. Importance of Equipment Loans for New Businesses Equipment loans play an essential role in managing your cash flow, allowing you to acquire necessary tools without draining your initial capital. By securing financing, you not just gain a competitive edge through upgraded equipment but likewise have the opportunity to build a positive credit history, which is critical for future growth. Comprehending these benefits can help you make informed decisions that support your new business’s success. Cash Flow Management Managing cash flow is crucial for any new business, and equipment loans can play a significant role in this aspect. By securing an equipment loan, you can acquire necessary assets without large upfront costs, which helps preserve your capital for critical business needs. Here are three key benefits of equipment loans for cash flow management: Flexible Repayment: Spreading repayments over time allows you to allocate funds for hiring, marketing, and inventory rather than depleting your cash reserves. Easier Approval: The collateral value of the equipment often results in easier approval, making it accessible even for startups with limited credit history. Tax Deductions: Under Section 179, you may write off the full cost of financed equipment, further supporting your cash flow management efforts. Competitive Edge Enhancement Securing funding through equipment loans can greatly boost your startup’s competitive edge in the marketplace. With immediate access to crucial tools and machinery, you can improve product quality and operational efficiency from day one. By spreading equipment costs over time, you can manage cash flow better, allowing you to invest in marketing and hiring, which are fundamental for growth. Access to advanced equipment enables you to offer superior products or services, setting you apart from competitors. Furthermore, utilizing these loans can provide tax benefits under Section 179, letting you deduct the full cost of qualifying purchases in the year they’re financed, which further improves your financial position and strengthens your market presence. Credit History Building Building a positive credit history is crucial for new businesses, and utilizing equipment loans can greatly contribute to this goal. By securing an equipment loan, you not only acquire necessary assets but also position your startup for financial success. Here are three key benefits: Timely Repayments: Making consistent payments reflects responsible borrowing behavior, which boosts your credit score. Enhanced Credibility: As you repay your loan, you establish a solid credit profile that lenders will consider for future financing. Better Loan Terms: Successfully managing equipment loan payments can lead to more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. Benefits of Securing a Startup Equipment Loan Securing a startup equipment loan can considerably benefit your business by preserving cash flow, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential areas. By making timely payments, you likewise build a positive credit history, which can improve your chances of obtaining future financing. Furthermore, these loans provide access to advanced equipment that might otherwise be financially out of reach, ensuring you stay competitive in your industry. Preserve Cash Flow When you consider financing options for your startup, an equipment loan can be a strategic choice that helps you preserve cash flow. By securing this type of financing, you can acquire crucial machinery or tools without exhausting your working capital, allowing you to allocate funds for other operational needs. Here are some benefits: Flexible repayment terms, usually between 3 to 10 years, help you manage monthly payments effectively, ensuring stable cash flow. Financing equipment keeps cash reserves intact for unexpected expenses or growth opportunities. Possible tax benefits, such as deductions under Section 179, can reduce your taxable income, further enhancing cash flow. Build Credit History Establishing a solid credit history is crucial for any startup, and an equipment loan can play a key role in this process. When you secure an equipment loan and make regular, on-time payments, you demonstrate responsible financial behavior, which is fundamental for improving your credit score. This improvement can lead to better financing terms and lower interest rates in the future. A strong credit history not only boosts your financial reliability but likewise attracts potential investors and lenders, showcasing your startup’s stability. Access Advanced Equipment Accessing advanced equipment through a startup equipment loan can greatly improve your business operations. By securing financing, you can obtain the machinery and tools necessary to improve efficiency and product quality. Here are some benefits you can expect: Competitive Edge: Up-to-date equipment can set you apart in the market, allowing you to deliver superior products or services. Cash Flow Preservation: Financing equipment helps you keep cash available for other critical expenses like hiring and marketing, which are vital for growth. Tax Benefits: Equipment loans often qualify for deductions under Section 179, enabling you to write off the full purchase price, which can greatly boost your financial position. Ultimately, owning the equipment outright after the loan term contributes to building your credit history, supporting future endeavors. How Equipment Loans Enhance Cash Flow Management Equipment loans play an essential role in enhancing cash flow management for startups, as they allow you to acquire important assets without the burden of a significant upfront payment. By spreading the cost of equipment over fixed monthly payments, you can allocate your cash reserves in the direction of other operational expenses and growth opportunities. This approach helps you maintain liquidity during the early stages of your business. Furthermore, using equipment as collateral typically results in lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans, easing your financial burden. Successful repayment of these loans can likewise build your credit history, improving your future borrowing capacity. Tax Advantages of Equipment Financing When you consider financing options for your business, it’s important to recognize the tax advantages that come with equipment financing. Here are three key benefits: Section 179 Deductions: You can deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment purchases in the year you finance them, reducing your taxable income considerably. Depreciation Deductions: As your financed equipment depreciates, you can account for this loss and enjoy additional tax deductions over time, which further lowers your taxable income. Interest Deductibility: The interest payments on your equipment loans are typically tax-deductible, offering additional financial relief. Types of Equipment Financing Options Available Comprehending the various types of equipment financing options available can help you make informed decisions for your business. Equipment loans let you purchase equipment outright, usually with fixed interest rates and repayment terms from 3 to 10 years. Alternatively, equipment leasing allows you to use equipment without ownership, providing lower monthly payments through flexible lease structures, including operating and capital leases. Sale-leaseback arrangements enable you to sell existing equipment to a lender and lease it back, preserving cash flow during asset use. Vendor financing involves manufacturers offering direct financing for their equipment, often at competitive rates. Finally, SBA loans, like the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, provide favorable terms for startups and small businesses particularly for equipment purchases. Traditional Equipment Loans vs. Equipment Leasing How do you decide between traditional equipment loans and equipment leasing for your business needs? Here are some key factors to take into account: Ownership: Traditional loans lead to outright ownership after repayment, whereas leasing allows you to use equipment without owning it, which can be beneficial for tech that may become obsolete. Payments: Loans often require a down payment and have fixed monthly payments over 3 to 10 years. On the other hand, leasing typically features lower monthly payments and may not require an upfront cost. Maintenance: With a loan, you’re responsible for maintenance, but leasing companies may handle that, reducing your burden. Ultimately, your choice depends on your financial strategy, equipment needs, and long-term goals. How to Qualify for a Startup Equipment Loan Securing a startup equipment loan involves meeting specific criteria that lenders typically look for. First, you need a strong business plan that outlines your growth potential and profitability. Lenders often require financial records to show your ability to repay the loan. A personal credit score of 660 or higher is usually necessary, though some lenders might consider alternative criteria for startups with limited credit history. Moreover, many lenders expect your business to be operational for at least two years, and the equipment must come from licensed dealers. During the process, a down payment might be required; it can be as low as 10% of the equipment cost. Finally, non-binding pre-approvals can help those with credit challenges access financing options. Factors Influencing Approval for Equipment Financing When considering equipment financing, several factors play a significant role in determining your approval chances. Comprehending these can help you prepare effectively: Credit Score: Most lenders require a minimum score of around 660 for favorable terms, making it important to know your credit standing before applying. Financial History: Lenders will assess your business’s financial documentation, so having a detailed business plan and proof of your ability to repay is critical. Type of Equipment: The equipment’s nature matters; lenders prefer revenue-generating assets from licensed dealers, as this guarantees collateral value. Startups often face stricter requirements than established businesses. Where to Find Equipment Financing Solutions When you’re looking for equipment financing solutions, consider both traditional lending institutions and alternative options. Traditional JPMorgan Chase can offer competitive rates, but they often require detailed documentation and a solid credit history. Conversely, online lenders and specialized financing companies can provide quicker applications and more flexible terms, making them appealing choices for startups. Traditional Lending Institutions Traditional lending institutions, particularly banks, serve as a primary resource for startups seeking equipment financing solutions. These banks often offer competitive interest rates and repayment terms that typically range from 3 to 10 years. To secure loans, you’ll likely need to provide collateral, such as the equipment itself, which can improve your approval chances. Here are a few key points to take into account: Approval Rates: Recent surveys show a 68% approval rate for equipment loan applications. Documentation: A strong business plan and solid financial documentation can demonstrate your repayment capability. Tax Benefits: Interest payments on these loans may be tax-deductible, offering further financial advantages. Utilizing traditional Bank of America can be a strategic move for your startup’s equipment financing needs. Alternative Financing Options How can startups secure the equipment financing they need without relying solely on traditional banks? Alternative financing options are increasingly appealing for businesses with limited credit history. Online lenders offer faster application processes and flexible terms, allowing you to access funds quickly. Specialized equipment financing companies provide customized solutions, competitive rates, and personalized repayment plans that fit your specific needs. Furthermore, government programs and grants often provide low-interest loans or financial assistance for equipment purchases, enhancing your ability to acquire necessary tools. Peer-to-peer lending platforms enable you to borrow directly from individual investors, typically with more lenient terms compared to conventional financing sources. Exploring these alternatives can help you secure the equipment needed for your startup’s success. The Role of Alternative Financing Options Though many startups face challenges in securing funding through conventional means, alternative financing options have emerged as viable solutions to address these obstacles. These options often prioritize growth potential over credit history, making them accessible for new businesses. Here are three key alternatives you might consider: Peer-to-Peer Lending: This allows you to borrow directly from individuals or groups, bypassing traditional banks. Angel Investors and Venture Capital: These investors provide capital in exchange for equity, supporting equipment purchases without immediate repayment pressure. Government Grants and Subsidies: These can offer low-interest loans or even non-repayable funds, easing your financial burden for specific needs. Comparing Equipment Loans and Leasing for Startups When evaluating financing options for acquiring necessary equipment, it’s important to understand the differences between equipment loans and leasing agreements. Equipment loans allow you to own the asset once the loan is paid off, whereas leasing typically requires you to return the equipment or purchase it at the end of the lease term. With loans, you may benefit from tax deductions on interest payments under Section 179, whereas leasing lets you deduct the entire lease payment as an operating expense. Monthly payments for loans are usually higher, which can strain cash flow, whereas leasing often offers lower payments and no upfront costs. Loans use the equipment as collateral, while leasing agreements may include maintenance responsibilities managed by the leasing company. Tips for Successfully Applying for Equipment Financing Securing equipment financing can be a pivotal step in establishing and growing your startup, especially if you approach the application process with thorough preparation. To boost your chances of approval, follow these tips: Craft a strong business plan that highlights your growth potential and repayment ability, as lenders often require this documentation. Maintain a good credit history with a credit score of at least 660, which can improve your financing terms. Gather crucial financial records, such as income statements and cash flow statements, to showcase your business’s financial health. Building Credit Through Equipment Financing Building credit through equipment financing is a strategic move that can greatly benefit your startup’s financial future. When you make consistent, on-time payments, you help establish a positive credit history, which can improve your credit score over time. A strong credit profile can open doors to better financing options, such as lower interest rates and larger loan amounts. Since the equipment acts as collateral, lenders are often more willing to work with startups that have limited or no credit history. Successfully managing this financing demonstrates financial responsibility to potential investors and lenders, enhancing your startup’s reputation. Furthermore, as you build credit, you can leverage your assets for future growth, securing funding for expansion or operational needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Benefits of Equipment Financing? Equipment financing offers several benefits for your business. It allows you to acquire crucial machinery without large upfront costs, thereby preserving cash flow for other expenses. You’ll own the equipment at the loan’s end, building equity over time. Tax advantages, such as Section 179 deductions, enable you to write off qualifying equipment purchases in the acquisition year. Furthermore, flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates make financing accessible, even for those with limited credit history. How Do Startup Loans Work? Startup loans work by providing you with the crucial capital to fund your new business. You’ll typically apply through a lender, submitting a business plan and financial documents. The lender assesses your creditworthiness and ability to repay. If approved, you’ll receive funds to purchase equipment, which often serves as collateral. Repayment terms usually range from 3 to 10 years, allowing you to manage cash flow during investing in vital assets for your startup. What Are Equipment Loans for Businesses? Equipment loans for businesses provide the capital needed to purchase crucial machinery or technology, allowing you to repay over a set period, often between 3 to 10 years. These loans usually have lower interest rates since the equipment serves as collateral, increasing approval chances. You typically need a down payment, often up to 20%. Furthermore, you can benefit from tax deductions under Section 179, making these loans a practical financing option for growth. Can an LLC Get a Startup Loan? Yes, an LLC can secure a startup loan. Lenders view LLCs as credible entities, but you’ll need a solid business plan and a good credit history. Many lenders require proof of your ability to repay the loan, sometimes asking for a personal guarantee. The Small Business Administration offers programs like the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, which can provide favorable terms. Keep in mind that eligibility may be stricter compared to established businesses. Conclusion To conclude, a startup equipment loan offers new businesses a strategic way to acquire crucial tools without straining cash flow. By improving operational efficiency and potentially providing tax benefits under Section 179, these loans can greatly impact your startup’s growth. Furthermore, timely repayments help build your credit history, enhancing future financing opportunities. As you consider financing options, weigh the advantages of equipment loans against leasing to determine the best fit for your business needs. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Startup Equipment Loan and How Can It Benefit Your Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A startup equipment loan is a financial tool designed to help new businesses acquire vital machinery and tools without straining their cash flow. By securing this type of loan, you can instantly access the equipment needed to improve your operations and product quality. These loans often come with manageable repayment terms, which helps you maintain financial stability. Comprehending how this financing option can work for your business is significant for informed decision-making. Key Takeaways A startup equipment loan provides financing for purchasing essential equipment, helping new businesses acquire tools without depleting cash reserves. Flexible repayment terms spread costs over time, improving cash flow management for startups. Timely repayments on equipment loans help build a positive credit history, enhancing future financing opportunities. Equipment loans typically offer tax benefits under Section 179, allowing businesses to allocate funds for growth initiatives. Collateral value of equipment makes approval easier, giving startups access to financing that may otherwise be challenging to obtain. Understanding Startup Equipment Loans When you’re starting a new business, comprehending startup equipment loans can be vital for acquiring the tools you need to succeed. A startup equipment loan is a specific financing option designed for new businesses to purchase necessary equipment, with repayment terms typically ranging from 3 to 10 years. These loans often come with lower interest rates than unsecured loans, and since the equipment serves as collateral, your approval chances can be as high as 68%. Many loans require a down payment of 10% to 20% of the total cost, but they likewise help you build your credit history. Importance of Equipment Loans for New Businesses Equipment loans play an essential role in managing your cash flow, allowing you to acquire necessary tools without draining your initial capital. By securing financing, you not just gain a competitive edge through upgraded equipment but likewise have the opportunity to build a positive credit history, which is critical for future growth. Comprehending these benefits can help you make informed decisions that support your new business’s success. Cash Flow Management Managing cash flow is crucial for any new business, and equipment loans can play a significant role in this aspect. By securing an equipment loan, you can acquire necessary assets without large upfront costs, which helps preserve your capital for critical business needs. Here are three key benefits of equipment loans for cash flow management: Flexible Repayment: Spreading repayments over time allows you to allocate funds for hiring, marketing, and inventory rather than depleting your cash reserves. Easier Approval: The collateral value of the equipment often results in easier approval, making it accessible even for startups with limited credit history. Tax Deductions: Under Section 179, you may write off the full cost of financed equipment, further supporting your cash flow management efforts. Competitive Edge Enhancement Securing funding through equipment loans can greatly boost your startup’s competitive edge in the marketplace. With immediate access to crucial tools and machinery, you can improve product quality and operational efficiency from day one. By spreading equipment costs over time, you can manage cash flow better, allowing you to invest in marketing and hiring, which are fundamental for growth. Access to advanced equipment enables you to offer superior products or services, setting you apart from competitors. Furthermore, utilizing these loans can provide tax benefits under Section 179, letting you deduct the full cost of qualifying purchases in the year they’re financed, which further improves your financial position and strengthens your market presence. Credit History Building Building a positive credit history is crucial for new businesses, and utilizing equipment loans can greatly contribute to this goal. By securing an equipment loan, you not only acquire necessary assets but also position your startup for financial success. Here are three key benefits: Timely Repayments: Making consistent payments reflects responsible borrowing behavior, which boosts your credit score. Enhanced Credibility: As you repay your loan, you establish a solid credit profile that lenders will consider for future financing. Better Loan Terms: Successfully managing equipment loan payments can lead to more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. Benefits of Securing a Startup Equipment Loan Securing a startup equipment loan can considerably benefit your business by preserving cash flow, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential areas. By making timely payments, you likewise build a positive credit history, which can improve your chances of obtaining future financing. Furthermore, these loans provide access to advanced equipment that might otherwise be financially out of reach, ensuring you stay competitive in your industry. Preserve Cash Flow When you consider financing options for your startup, an equipment loan can be a strategic choice that helps you preserve cash flow. By securing this type of financing, you can acquire crucial machinery or tools without exhausting your working capital, allowing you to allocate funds for other operational needs. Here are some benefits: Flexible repayment terms, usually between 3 to 10 years, help you manage monthly payments effectively, ensuring stable cash flow. Financing equipment keeps cash reserves intact for unexpected expenses or growth opportunities. Possible tax benefits, such as deductions under Section 179, can reduce your taxable income, further enhancing cash flow. Build Credit History Establishing a solid credit history is crucial for any startup, and an equipment loan can play a key role in this process. When you secure an equipment loan and make regular, on-time payments, you demonstrate responsible financial behavior, which is fundamental for improving your credit score. This improvement can lead to better financing terms and lower interest rates in the future. A strong credit history not only boosts your financial reliability but likewise attracts potential investors and lenders, showcasing your startup’s stability. Access Advanced Equipment Accessing advanced equipment through a startup equipment loan can greatly improve your business operations. By securing financing, you can obtain the machinery and tools necessary to improve efficiency and product quality. Here are some benefits you can expect: Competitive Edge: Up-to-date equipment can set you apart in the market, allowing you to deliver superior products or services. Cash Flow Preservation: Financing equipment helps you keep cash available for other critical expenses like hiring and marketing, which are vital for growth. Tax Benefits: Equipment loans often qualify for deductions under Section 179, enabling you to write off the full purchase price, which can greatly boost your financial position. Ultimately, owning the equipment outright after the loan term contributes to building your credit history, supporting future endeavors. How Equipment Loans Enhance Cash Flow Management Equipment loans play an essential role in enhancing cash flow management for startups, as they allow you to acquire important assets without the burden of a significant upfront payment. By spreading the cost of equipment over fixed monthly payments, you can allocate your cash reserves in the direction of other operational expenses and growth opportunities. This approach helps you maintain liquidity during the early stages of your business. Furthermore, using equipment as collateral typically results in lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans, easing your financial burden. Successful repayment of these loans can likewise build your credit history, improving your future borrowing capacity. Tax Advantages of Equipment Financing When you consider financing options for your business, it’s important to recognize the tax advantages that come with equipment financing. Here are three key benefits: Section 179 Deductions: You can deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment purchases in the year you finance them, reducing your taxable income considerably. Depreciation Deductions: As your financed equipment depreciates, you can account for this loss and enjoy additional tax deductions over time, which further lowers your taxable income. Interest Deductibility: The interest payments on your equipment loans are typically tax-deductible, offering additional financial relief. Types of Equipment Financing Options Available Comprehending the various types of equipment financing options available can help you make informed decisions for your business. Equipment loans let you purchase equipment outright, usually with fixed interest rates and repayment terms from 3 to 10 years. Alternatively, equipment leasing allows you to use equipment without ownership, providing lower monthly payments through flexible lease structures, including operating and capital leases. Sale-leaseback arrangements enable you to sell existing equipment to a lender and lease it back, preserving cash flow during asset use. Vendor financing involves manufacturers offering direct financing for their equipment, often at competitive rates. Finally, SBA loans, like the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, provide favorable terms for startups and small businesses particularly for equipment purchases. Traditional Equipment Loans vs. Equipment Leasing How do you decide between traditional equipment loans and equipment leasing for your business needs? Here are some key factors to take into account: Ownership: Traditional loans lead to outright ownership after repayment, whereas leasing allows you to use equipment without owning it, which can be beneficial for tech that may become obsolete. Payments: Loans often require a down payment and have fixed monthly payments over 3 to 10 years. On the other hand, leasing typically features lower monthly payments and may not require an upfront cost. Maintenance: With a loan, you’re responsible for maintenance, but leasing companies may handle that, reducing your burden. Ultimately, your choice depends on your financial strategy, equipment needs, and long-term goals. How to Qualify for a Startup Equipment Loan Securing a startup equipment loan involves meeting specific criteria that lenders typically look for. First, you need a strong business plan that outlines your growth potential and profitability. Lenders often require financial records to show your ability to repay the loan. A personal credit score of 660 or higher is usually necessary, though some lenders might consider alternative criteria for startups with limited credit history. Moreover, many lenders expect your business to be operational for at least two years, and the equipment must come from licensed dealers. During the process, a down payment might be required; it can be as low as 10% of the equipment cost. Finally, non-binding pre-approvals can help those with credit challenges access financing options. Factors Influencing Approval for Equipment Financing When considering equipment financing, several factors play a significant role in determining your approval chances. Comprehending these can help you prepare effectively: Credit Score: Most lenders require a minimum score of around 660 for favorable terms, making it important to know your credit standing before applying. Financial History: Lenders will assess your business’s financial documentation, so having a detailed business plan and proof of your ability to repay is critical. Type of Equipment: The equipment’s nature matters; lenders prefer revenue-generating assets from licensed dealers, as this guarantees collateral value. Startups often face stricter requirements than established businesses. Where to Find Equipment Financing Solutions When you’re looking for equipment financing solutions, consider both traditional lending institutions and alternative options. Traditional JPMorgan Chase can offer competitive rates, but they often require detailed documentation and a solid credit history. Conversely, online lenders and specialized financing companies can provide quicker applications and more flexible terms, making them appealing choices for startups. Traditional Lending Institutions Traditional lending institutions, particularly banks, serve as a primary resource for startups seeking equipment financing solutions. These banks often offer competitive interest rates and repayment terms that typically range from 3 to 10 years. To secure loans, you’ll likely need to provide collateral, such as the equipment itself, which can improve your approval chances. Here are a few key points to take into account: Approval Rates: Recent surveys show a 68% approval rate for equipment loan applications. Documentation: A strong business plan and solid financial documentation can demonstrate your repayment capability. Tax Benefits: Interest payments on these loans may be tax-deductible, offering further financial advantages. Utilizing traditional Bank of America can be a strategic move for your startup’s equipment financing needs. Alternative Financing Options How can startups secure the equipment financing they need without relying solely on traditional banks? Alternative financing options are increasingly appealing for businesses with limited credit history. Online lenders offer faster application processes and flexible terms, allowing you to access funds quickly. Specialized equipment financing companies provide customized solutions, competitive rates, and personalized repayment plans that fit your specific needs. Furthermore, government programs and grants often provide low-interest loans or financial assistance for equipment purchases, enhancing your ability to acquire necessary tools. Peer-to-peer lending platforms enable you to borrow directly from individual investors, typically with more lenient terms compared to conventional financing sources. Exploring these alternatives can help you secure the equipment needed for your startup’s success. The Role of Alternative Financing Options Though many startups face challenges in securing funding through conventional means, alternative financing options have emerged as viable solutions to address these obstacles. These options often prioritize growth potential over credit history, making them accessible for new businesses. Here are three key alternatives you might consider: Peer-to-Peer Lending: This allows you to borrow directly from individuals or groups, bypassing traditional banks. Angel Investors and Venture Capital: These investors provide capital in exchange for equity, supporting equipment purchases without immediate repayment pressure. Government Grants and Subsidies: These can offer low-interest loans or even non-repayable funds, easing your financial burden for specific needs. Comparing Equipment Loans and Leasing for Startups When evaluating financing options for acquiring necessary equipment, it’s important to understand the differences between equipment loans and leasing agreements. Equipment loans allow you to own the asset once the loan is paid off, whereas leasing typically requires you to return the equipment or purchase it at the end of the lease term. With loans, you may benefit from tax deductions on interest payments under Section 179, whereas leasing lets you deduct the entire lease payment as an operating expense. Monthly payments for loans are usually higher, which can strain cash flow, whereas leasing often offers lower payments and no upfront costs. Loans use the equipment as collateral, while leasing agreements may include maintenance responsibilities managed by the leasing company. Tips for Successfully Applying for Equipment Financing Securing equipment financing can be a pivotal step in establishing and growing your startup, especially if you approach the application process with thorough preparation. To boost your chances of approval, follow these tips: Craft a strong business plan that highlights your growth potential and repayment ability, as lenders often require this documentation. Maintain a good credit history with a credit score of at least 660, which can improve your financing terms. Gather crucial financial records, such as income statements and cash flow statements, to showcase your business’s financial health. Building Credit Through Equipment Financing Building credit through equipment financing is a strategic move that can greatly benefit your startup’s financial future. When you make consistent, on-time payments, you help establish a positive credit history, which can improve your credit score over time. A strong credit profile can open doors to better financing options, such as lower interest rates and larger loan amounts. Since the equipment acts as collateral, lenders are often more willing to work with startups that have limited or no credit history. Successfully managing this financing demonstrates financial responsibility to potential investors and lenders, enhancing your startup’s reputation. Furthermore, as you build credit, you can leverage your assets for future growth, securing funding for expansion or operational needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Benefits of Equipment Financing? Equipment financing offers several benefits for your business. It allows you to acquire crucial machinery without large upfront costs, thereby preserving cash flow for other expenses. You’ll own the equipment at the loan’s end, building equity over time. Tax advantages, such as Section 179 deductions, enable you to write off qualifying equipment purchases in the acquisition year. Furthermore, flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates make financing accessible, even for those with limited credit history. How Do Startup Loans Work? Startup loans work by providing you with the crucial capital to fund your new business. You’ll typically apply through a lender, submitting a business plan and financial documents. The lender assesses your creditworthiness and ability to repay. If approved, you’ll receive funds to purchase equipment, which often serves as collateral. Repayment terms usually range from 3 to 10 years, allowing you to manage cash flow during investing in vital assets for your startup. What Are Equipment Loans for Businesses? Equipment loans for businesses provide the capital needed to purchase crucial machinery or technology, allowing you to repay over a set period, often between 3 to 10 years. These loans usually have lower interest rates since the equipment serves as collateral, increasing approval chances. You typically need a down payment, often up to 20%. Furthermore, you can benefit from tax deductions under Section 179, making these loans a practical financing option for growth. Can an LLC Get a Startup Loan? Yes, an LLC can secure a startup loan. Lenders view LLCs as credible entities, but you’ll need a solid business plan and a good credit history. Many lenders require proof of your ability to repay the loan, sometimes asking for a personal guarantee. The Small Business Administration offers programs like the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, which can provide favorable terms. Keep in mind that eligibility may be stricter compared to established businesses. Conclusion To conclude, a startup equipment loan offers new businesses a strategic way to acquire crucial tools without straining cash flow. By improving operational efficiency and potentially providing tax benefits under Section 179, these loans can greatly impact your startup’s growth. Furthermore, timely repayments help build your credit history, enhancing future financing opportunities. As you consider financing options, weigh the advantages of equipment loans against leasing to determine the best fit for your business needs. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Startup Equipment Loan and How Can It Benefit Your Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

2025 was another big year for music. We had new albums from Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler the Creator, and, of course, Huntrix (of KPop Demon Hunters fame), just to name a few. You may have listened to any number of new albums that came out this year, mixed in with music that released any time over the last century. You might not even remember what you were listening to back in January. But Apple Music remembers, and will serve in up to you in your 2025 Apple Music Replay. Like last year, your Replay is available in your Apple Music app. If you're relatively new to the streaming service, that might sound obvious—especially if you've previously used a service like Spotify that offers a similar annual wrap-up. But this wasn't always the case: For much of Apple Music Replay's brief history, you had to visit a separate website, music.apple.com/us/replay, and log into your Apple Music account in order to access your recap. It seemed silly, considering Spotify Wrapped is very much an in-app experience, but it took Apple until 2024 to get with the program. That said, it seems Apple has made additional improvements this year. In 2024, the experience was essentially contained in an in-app browser, where it loaded your Apple Music Replay with the same UI as the website. This year, Replay is a native function of the Apple Music app, at least on iOS. How to access your 2025 Apple Music Replay Credit: Lifehacker You can still access your Replay from the official website, but the easiest way to review it is from the app on your iPhone or iPad. Open the app on your device of choice. Make your way to the Home tab if the app doesn't open there automatically, then tap or click on the large Replay option, which should appear at the top left. (This option also shows up in the Music app for Mac, but it will automatically direct you to the website in your browser.) Whichever way you access it, you'll be able to see all of your Replay months here (excluding December, of course, since the month just started), but let's focus on 2025 as a whole. Unpacking your Apple Music ReplayAt the top, you'll find a Replay your year in music tile. Tap Play Your Highlight Reel and Apple Music will walk you through your year. Here's what you can expect, at least based on my results: First, you'll see your total listening minutes, complete with both a collage of the albums you listened to most, and one of your top-played songs playing in the background. Next, you'll see your top artist of the year, with a collage of their images and a relevant song playing in the background. The following slide is a breakdown of your top artist by month The next will show if any artist was your number one for multiple months. Next, you'll see the number of songs you listened to, complete with your top song of the year. Then you'll see the number of albums you listened to, and which one was your top choice. Second to last, Apple Music tells you your top genres of the year, including the one you listened to most One final slide summarizes the whole year. You don't have to watch the highlight reel to see these stats: Once out of the reel, you can scroll through the Replay page to see everything covered in the slides, plus additional stats. Mine shows top artists, songs, and albums by month—so I can see which artist defined March (Will Stratton), which song I listened to most in August ("The Subway" by Chappel Roan), and which album I played on repeat in May ("Tunnel Vision" by Beach Bunny). I also see top playlists of the year; different listening milestones, like Minutes Listened, Artists Played, and Songs Played; stats from last year's Replay; and a playlist of my top songs of the year. Many of these stats, both in and out of the highlight reel, are easily sharable. You'll see a share icon next to any stat you can export, which makes it simple to share fun graphics with friends or on social media. I've already blown up the group chat with some of my stats here, and I expect many of you to do the same. View the full article

A shooting last weekend at a children’s birthday party in California that left four dead was the 17th mass killing this year—the lowest number recorded since 2006, according to a database maintained by the Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. Experts warn that the drop doesn’t necessarily mean safer days are here to stay and that it could simply represent a return to average levels. “Sir Isaac Newton never studied crime, but he says ‘What goes up must come down,'” said James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University. The current drop in numbers is more likely what statisticians call a “regression to the mean,” he said, representing a return to more average crime levels after an unusual spike in mass killings in 2018 and 2019. “Will 2026 see a decline?” Fox asked. “I wouldn’t bet on it. What goes down must also go back up.” The mass killings—defined as incidents in which four or more people are killed in a 24-hour period, not including the killer—are tracked in the database maintained by the Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. Fox, who manages the database, says mass killings were down about 24% this year compared to 2024, which was also about a 20% drop compared to 2023. Mass killings are rare, and that means the numbers are volatile, said James Densley, a professor of at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. “Because there’s only a few dozen mass killings in a year, a small change could look like a wave or a collapse,” when really it’s just a return to more typical levels, Densley said. “2025 looks really good in historical context, but we can’t pretend like that means the problem is gone for good.” Decline in rates of homicide and violent crime might be a factor But there are some things that might be contributing to the drop, Densley said, including an overall decline in homicide and violent crime rates, which peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvements in the immediate response to mass shootings and other mass casualty incidents could also be playing a part, he said. “We had the horrible Annunciation School shooting here in Minnesota back in August, and that case wouldn’t even fit the mass killing definition because there were only two people killed but over 20 injured,” Densley said. “But I happen to know from the response on the ground here, that the reason only two people were killed is because of the bleeding control and trauma response by the first responders. And it happened on the doorsteps of some of the best children’s hospitals in the country.” Crime is complex, and academics are not great at assessing the reasons behind crime rate changes, said Eric Madfis, a professor of criminal justice at University of Washington-Tacoma. “It’s multicausal. It’s never going to be just one thing. People are still debating why homicide rates went down in the 1990s,” Madfis said. “It is true that gun violence and gun violence deaths are down, but we still have exceedingly high rates and numbers of mass shootings compared to anywhere else in the world.” More states are dedicating funding to school threat assessments, with 22 states mandating the practice in recent years, Madfis said, and that could be preventing some school shootings, though it wouldn’t have an impact on mass killings elsewhere. None of the mass killings recorded in the database so far in 2025 took place in schools, and only one mass killing at a school was recorded in 2024. Most of those who die in mass killings are shot About 82% of this year’s mass killings involved a firearm. Since 2006, 3,234 people have died in mass killings—and 81% of them were shooting victims. Christopher Carita, a former detective with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and a senior training specialist with gun safety organization 97Percent, said the Safer Communities Act passed in 2022 included millions of dollars of funding for gun violence protection programs. Some states used the money to create social supports for people at risk of committing violence, and others used it for things like law enforcement and threat assessment programs. That flexibility has been key to reducing gun violence rates, he said. “It’s always been framed as either a ‘gun problem’ or a ‘people problem’ and that’s been very contentious,” Carita said. “I feel like for the first time, we’re looking at gun violence as a ‘both, and’ problem nationally.” Focusing on extreme events like mass killings runs the risk of “missing the forest for the trees,” said Emma Fridel, an assistant professor of criminology at Florida State University. “If you look at the deaths from firearms, both in homicides and suicides, the numbers are staggering. We lose the same number of people every year to gun violence as the number of casualties we experienced in the Korean War. The No. 1 cause of death for children is guns. “Mass killings should be viewed as one part of the issue, rather than the outcome of interest,” she said. —Rebecca Boone, Associated Press 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. I've been a fan of Ultimate Ears since I first got the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 back in 2018, and I'm still using it as my personal go-to portable speaker. The Wonderboom is their smaller, more portable version. The Wonderboom 4 released last summer, and dropped in price 40% during Cyber Monday, but you can still get it for $59.99 (originally $99.99) right now. This is the lowest price it has reached according to price-tracking tools, and it's cheaper than the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 at Amazon $99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $59.99 at Amazon $99.99 Save $40.00 The Wonderboom 4 is a slight improvement on an already good portable rugged speaker, the Wonderboom 3. It is small enough to fit in most people's hands, and it is rated IP67 for water- and dust-proofing. The 14-hour battery life completes the trifecta of what you expect on a decent portable speaker. This new version comes with USB-C for faster charging, and a Podcast mode, which tweaks the EQ to suit spoken vocals. Unfortunately, there is no full EQ customization or support with the Ultimate Ears app. The sound is where most Ultimate Ears speakers shine, using their 360-degree sound, great for group listening. Like the Podcast mode, there is also an Outdoor mode which makes the EQ sound better at higher volumes so you can listen to it outdoors in noisy environments. As an outdoor speaker or for someone who likes to listen to podcasts or audiobooks at home without headphones, the Wonderboom 4 is great, especially at its current $59.99 price. There aren't many outdoor speakers at this price tag that can compete with it, other than the JBL Clip 5, which is currently at the same price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $249.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $353.00 (List Price $353.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — (List Price $410.24) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The Prada Group closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal that puts the fashion house known for its sexy silhouettes under the same roof as Prada’s “ugly chic” aesthetic and Miu Miu’s youth-driven appeal. The highly anticipated deal is expected to relaunch Versace’s fortunes, after middling post-pandemic performance as part of the U.S. luxury group Capri Holdings. Prada said in a one-line statement that the acquisition had been completed after receiving all regulatory clearances. Capri Holdings, which owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, said the money would be used to pay down debt. Donatella Versace welcomed the deal in an Instagram post, which also marked the birthday of the brand’s late founder, her brother, Gianni Versace. “Today is your day and the day Versace joins the Prada family. I am thinking of the smile you would have had on your face,” she wrote in a post that also featured a 1996 photo of Gianni Versace with Miuccia Prada. Versace’s future Prada heir Lorenzo Bertelli is set to steer Versace’s next phase as executive chairman, in addition to his roles as group marketing director and sustainability chief. The son of co-creative director Miuccia Prada and longtime Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli has said he doesn’t expect to make any swift executive changes at Versace, although he also noted that the company, which is among the top 10 most recognized brands in the world, has long been underperforming in the market. Prada has underlined that the 47-year-old Versace brand offered “significant untapped growth potential.” The appeal of the deal is that it combines “the minimalist Prada (with) a maximalist Versace,” said Luca Solca, an analyst at Bernstein Group consulting firm, meaning that the brands don’t compete for the same customers. Versace is “long past its heyday,” Solca said. “The challenge and the opportunity is to make it relevant again. . . . They are going to have to invent something which is going to make the brand attractive, desirable, and interesting again.” Versace already has begun a creative relaunch under a new designer, Dario Vitale, who previewed his first collection during Milan Fashion Week in September. He was previously head of design at Miu Miu, but his move to Versace was unrelated to the Prada deal, executives have said. The runway show received mixed reviews, but the collection itself—a colorful, revealing riff on the 1980s—got good feedback from buyers. “I think that this seems to be a promising first step,” Solca said. Breaking from the past Capri Holdings paid $2 billion for Versace in 2018, but had been struggling to position the brands’ bold profile in the recent era of “quiet luxury.” Capri Holdings chairman John D. Idol said in a statement that “Prada is the ideal partner to guide this celebrated luxury house into its next era of growth.” Versace represented 20% of Capri Holdings’ 2024 revenue of 5.2 billion euros. Prada said when the deal was announced in April that Versace would represent 13% of the Prada Group’s pro forma revenues, with Miu Miu coming in at 22% and Prada at 64%. The Prada Group, which also includes Church’s footwear, reported a 17% boost in revenues to 5.4 billion euros ($6.3 billion) last year. Prada’s in-house manufacturing The Prada Group has already begun preparations to incorporate crosstown rival Versace into its Italian manufacturing system, a point of pride for the group. “Making a bag for one brand or another, the know-how is the same,” Bertelli told reporters last week at the group’s Scandicci leather goods factory, which already makes bags for the Prada and Miu Miu brands and will soon add Versace. Artisans stitched handles onto leather bags, and cut leather with laser machines inside the leather goods factory, where trainees were learning the trade as part of Prada’s 25-year-old academy. It has trained some 570 new artisans in an in-house training program in the Tuscany, Marche, Veneto and Umbria regions of Italy. Last year, Prada hired 70% of the 120 artisans who trained in the academy. The number of trainees rose by 28% to 152 this year. The Prada Group has invested 60 million euros ($69.6 million) in its supply chain this year, including a new leather goods factory near Siena, a new knitwear factory near Perugia, as well as increasing production at its Church’s footwear factory in Britain and expanding another Tuscan factory. That’s on top of 200 million euros ($232 million) in investments from 2019 to 2024. —Colleen Barry, Associated Press View the full article

Flood Quotes and the Flood Insurance Portal allows users to compare quotes and purchase policies directly through the platforms. View the full article