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The latest statement from UWM cited TWO's settlement with its former external manager and declared its management team to be driven by ego, not sound judgement. View the full article

Choosing the best employee benefits payment solutions for your business can greatly influence overall employee satisfaction and streamline your administrative tasks. With options like Forma and Rippling, you can integrate payroll and HR systems for efficient benefits tracking. Factors such as compliance management, mobile access, and vendor support are crucial in making your decision. Comprehending these aspects will help you optimize your benefits strategy, but which solution truly stands out in 2025? Key Takeaways Forma offers highly customizable solutions with Lifestyle Spending Accounts, enhancing employee satisfaction and catering to diverse workforce needs. Rippling provides seamless integration with payroll and HR systems, streamlining administrative workflows and improving user experience. Navia specializes in health and lifestyle benefits, simplifying navigation and offering personalized options aligned with employee interests. Fringe focuses on personalized employee perks, providing customizable benefits packages to enhance satisfaction and engagement. Evaluate vendor support and integration capabilities to ensure effective management and utilization of your chosen benefits payment solution. Key Features to Look for in Employee Benefits Payment Solutions When evaluating employee benefits payment solutions, what key features should you prioritize? First, look for automated claims reimbursement, which streamlines processes, reduces out-of-pocket expenses, and lessens administrative burdens. Next, verify the platform offers real-time benefits tracking and reporting capabilities; this helps both you and your employees monitor utilization trends and overall ROI effectively. Seamless integration with existing HRIS and payroll systems is likewise essential, as it simplifies data management and improves efficiency. Furthermore, consider solutions that include Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) and pre-tax options like HSAs and FSAs, which allow employees to customize benefits to suit their needs, promoting well-being. Finally, prioritize user-friendly interfaces and mobile accessibility; these features enable employees to access and manage their benefits anytime and anywhere, greatly boosting satisfaction and retention within your organization. Top Employee Benefits Payment Solutions in 2025 As we look ahead to 2025, it’s crucial to understand the key features that will define top employee benefits payment solutions. You’ll find that systems like Forma and Rippling will offer seamless integration with payroll, advanced analytics, and user-friendly mobile access, making benefits management easier than ever. Key Features Overview In 2025, the leading employee benefits payment solutions will be characterized by their ability to seamlessly integrate with payroll systems, which greatly reduces administrative burdens for employers. These solutions will empower employee benefits providers to offer extensive features that improve user experience and efficiency. Key features to look for include: Real-time benefits tracking: This allows employees to monitor their benefits instantly. Compliance management: Guarantees adherence to regulations and mitigates risks. Mobile accessibility: Employees can access their benefits anytime and anywhere. Additionally, customizable options like Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) and advanced analytics tools will help employers optimize their benefits strategies, improving overall employee satisfaction. User-friendly interfaces and self-service portals will further streamline the management of benefits. Leading Solutions Comparison The scenery of employee benefits payment solutions in 2025 showcases a variety of leading platforms designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations. Here’s a comparison of top Benefitfocus companies, highlighting their unique offerings, which can help you decide the best fit for your business. Company Key Features Best For Rippling Seamless integration with payroll and HR Extensive management Forma Customizable platforms with Lifestyle Spending Accounts Diverse workforce needs Justworks All-in-one platform for HR, payroll, benefits Small to medium businesses Navia Specialized health and lifestyle benefits Businesses of all sizes Fringe Emphasis on personalized employee perks Employee engagement These solutions cater to various organizational needs, enhancing efficiency and satisfaction in employee benefits management. Forma – Best Overall Employee Benefits Payment Solution Forma stands out as the best overall employee benefits payment solution, primarily owing to its highly customizable platform that addresses the varied needs of today’s workforce. With Forma, you can improve employee satisfaction by offering a wide range of employee benefits customized to individual preferences. Here are three key features that make Forma exceptional: Forma Visa Card: Employees get instant access to their benefits, eliminating the hassle of paperwork for wellness and lifestyle expenses. Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs): These accounts allow flexible spending on health, wellness, and personal development, ensuring each employee can choose what works best for them. Comprehensive Analytics Tools: Forma provides organizations with insights to optimize their benefits strategy, maximizing employee satisfaction and engagement. Rippling – Best for Seamless Integration Rippling stands out as the best choice for seamless integration of employee management solutions. It unifies your payroll, HR, and IT systems, streamlining administrative workflows and reducing the chances of manual errors. With features like an employee self-service portal and automated compliance tracking, you can manage benefits efficiently while ensuring adherence to regulations. Unified Employee Management Solutions In today’s fast-paced business environment, finding a unified employee management solution can greatly improve operational efficiency. Rippling stands out as the best choice for seamless integration, allowing you to manage employee health benefits alongside payroll, HR, and IT systems in one platform. This unified approach offers several key advantages: Automation: It automates updates and compliance tracking, reducing errors and saving time. Self-Service Portal: Employees can manage their own benefits, enhancing satisfaction and engagement. Comprehensive Ecosystem: It supports a wide range of benefits, including health insurance and wellness programs, customized to meet diverse workforce needs. Streamlined Administrative Workflows When businesses prioritize streamlined administrative workflows, they often find that integrating various systems can greatly improve efficiency. Rippling offers a unified solution that seamlessly connects employee insurance, payroll, HR, and IT systems. This integration simplifies your administrative tasks and automates compliance tracking, reducing the risk of errors while ensuring adherence to regulations. With an employee self-service portal, your team members can manage their benefits directly, which boosts user experience and lightens the load on HR. Moreover, Rippling supports an extensive range of benefits options, from health insurance to wellness programs, making it easier to manage employee-related tasks. Justworks – Ideal for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses Justworks stands out as an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that seek to streamline their HR, payroll, and benefits administration. As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Justworks simplifies these processes by providing competitive benefits rates through co-employment. Here are three key advantages of using Justworks: All-in-One Solution: You can manage payroll, HR tasks, and employee benefits seamlessly, reducing complexity and administrative burdens. 24/7 Support: Both employers and employees receive continuous assistance, ensuring you navigate the platform and benefits offerings effectively. Compliance and Thorough Benefits: Justworks helps you stay compliant with regulations while providing access to a range of benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, via partnerships like Wex Health. With user-friendly interfaces and automated processes, Justworks improves the overall employee experience, making it straightforward for your staff to access and understand their benefits. Navia – Focused on Health and Lifestyle Benefits Navia stands out as a specialized provider of health and lifestyle benefits solutions, catering to businesses of all sizes that want to improve employee satisfaction. The platform excels in managing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), addressing specific health and lifestyle needs effectively. With its user-friendly interface, accessing benefits and processing claims becomes a seamless experience for employees. This focus on usability not just improves engagement but also allows you to offer personalized options that align with individual interests, making benefits more relevant. Furthermore, Navia provides dedicated support and resources, helping organizations navigate the intricacies of health and lifestyle benefits administration. For those using WEX Health, you’ll find that integrating your systems is straightforward, ensuring your employees can easily manage their accounts. Fringe – Best for Lifestyle Benefits and Employee Perks Fringe is a leading solution for lifestyle benefits and employee perks, designed to help organizations improve employee satisfaction through personalized offerings. With Fringe, you can provide diverse benefits that cater to individual employee interests. Here are three key features that make it stand out: Customizable Benefits: Tailor benefits packages to match your workforce’s unique preferences, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. Wide Range of Options: Offer wellness stipends, fitness memberships, and other lifestyle-oriented perks that employees genuinely value. User-Friendly Interface: Access benefits easily through a mobile app, allowing employees to manage their perks effortlessly. How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Business How can you guarantee that you select the right employee benefits payment solution for your business? Start by evaluating the specific needs of your workforce. Customizable platforms like Forma can cater to diverse employee requirements, enhancing satisfaction. Next, consider integration capabilities with your existing HRIS and payroll systems; seamless connections, as seen with Rippling, streamline administrative tasks. Evaluate vital features like automated compliance tracking and mobile accessibility, which can greatly reduce administrative burdens. Review the platform’s analytics and reporting capabilities to gain actionable insights into benefits utilization, helping you optimize your strategy. Finally, examine vendor support and training offerings; reliable assistance during implementation and ongoing use is paramount. If you choose WEX, remember to utilize the WEX employer login for easy access to management tools. Frequently Asked Questions How to Offer Benefits to Employees in a Small Business? To offer benefits to employees in a small business, start by evaluating your workforce’s needs. Consider customizable platforms that provide various options, like health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. You might furthermore explore Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to access better rates and simplify administration. In addition, using user-friendly software can streamline tasks related to payroll and HR. Finally, guarantee compliance with regulations to maximize the effectiveness of your benefits offerings. Where Do Businesses Get Money to Pay Employees? Businesses typically fund employee payroll through revenue generated from operations. Nevertheless, during slow periods, you might rely on business loans or lines of credit, as many small businesses do. External funding sources, like venture capital or angel investments, can likewise help, especially for startups. Furthermore, government assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, provide financial support. Effective cash flow forecasting and budgeting are essential to guarantee you meet payroll obligations consistently. How to Pay Your Employees in a Small Business? To pay your employees in a small business, consider using payroll software like Gusto or Paychex, which simplifies payment processes and guarantees tax compliance. Direct deposit is a preferred method, enhancing employee satisfaction and reducing administrative tasks. You should likewise stay compliant with labor laws regarding wages and payment schedules to avoid legal issues. Regularly reviewing payroll expenses and using analytics can help you manage costs and make informed compensation decisions effectively. Can Businesses Write off Employee Benefits? Yes, businesses can write off employee benefits as tax-deductible expenses. This includes health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other fringe benefits. Under IRS guidelines, these are considered ordinary and necessary business expenses, allowing full deduction on tax returns. Certain benefits, like contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), are pre-tax, providing additional tax advantages. Nonetheless, guarantee compliance with tax regulations and proper documentation for substantiating deductions. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right employee benefits payment solution is crucial for optimizing your business’s efficiency and employee satisfaction. By considering key features such as integration capabilities, compliance management, and customization options, you can choose a solution that meets your unique needs. Whether you opt for Forma, Rippling, Justworks, Navia, or Fringe, each offers distinct advantages. Careful evaluation will help you improve your benefits strategy, ultimately leading to enhanced employee engagement and retention in your organization. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Best Employee Benefits Payment Solutions for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. You can find some good deals on Apple products during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, but there's a notable lack of discounts on AirPods—save for the one deal on "Premium Renewed" earbuds. But Apple's other headphone brand, Beats, has quite a few sales going on. Here are the deals I'm seeing right now: Beats Solo 4 $119.99 at Amazon $199.95 Save $79.96 Get Deal Get Deal $119.99 at Amazon $199.95 Save $79.96 Beats Studio Pro $159.99 at Amazon $246.62 Save $86.63 Get Deal Get Deal $159.99 at Amazon $246.62 Save $86.63 Beats Powerbeats Fit $169.95 at Amazon $199.99 Save $30.04 Get Deal Get Deal $169.95 at Amazon $199.99 Save $30.04 Beats Studio Buds $99.95 at Amazon $169.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.95 at Amazon $169.95 Save $70.00 Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian $68.99 at Amazon $89.00 Save $20.01 Get Deal Get Deal $68.99 at Amazon $89.00 Save $20.01 SEE 2 MORE Beats Solo 4Beats Solo 4 are the company's flagship "on-ear" headphones. As the name implies, these headphones don't cover your ears; rather, they sit on top of them. It's a different kind of fit if you're used to over-the-ear headphones, but it's a bit of an iconic design for the company. Beats says these headphones can run for up to 50 hours on a single charge, and support fast charging: You can plug in a dead pair of Solo 4 for 10 minutes to get up to five hours of playback. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, you can take 40% off the list price, bringing these from $199.95 to $119.99. Beats Studio ProIf you're looking for a more "traditional" headphones experience, you may want to check out the Beats Studio Pro. These are "over-the-ear" headphones, which, as you might expect for a device like this, support active noise cancellation. You can also turn on transparency mode, which pumps in external sounds. That way, you don't have to take off your headphones in order to hear what's going on around you. Beats says these headphones can run up to 40 hours on a single charge, and the 10-minute fast charge gets you up to four hours of runtime. These extra features do cost a bit more than the Solo 4, but not but a ton given the discounts. During the sale, you can take 35% off the Studio Pro, which brings the cost down from $246.62 to $159.99. Beats Studio BudsBeats Studio Buds are a good AirPods alternative. If you want an earbud that has adjustable silicone tips and noise cancellation, but don't want to spend $249 to get them, the Buds are way cheaper—especially during this sale. Beats says the Studio Buds can run for up to 36 hours when you take the charging case into consideration. You can charge the buds for five minutes to give you up to one hour of playback. Right now, they're 41% off, down from $169.95 to $99.95. Beats Powerbeats FitIf you want something a bit more feature-filled, especially when it comes to working out, the Powerbeats Fit might be worth considering. These earbuds have winged tips which are intended to help keep the Powerbeats Fit in your ears. That way, when you're running or working out at the gym, the earbuds are less likely to fall out. These also have noice cancellation, and are IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance. Beats says you get up to 30 hours of battery life with the charging case, and up to seven hours per bud on a single charge. When quick charging, you can get up to one hour of playback from a five-minute charge. These are currently 15% off, down from $199.99 to $169.95. Beats Pill x Kim KardashianThe only non-headphone Beats deal happening during Amazon's Big Spring Sale is the Kim Kardashian Beats Pill. There’s nothing technically different about this Kim Kardashian Beats Pill when compared to the standard Beats Pill. The collab is really about the color: “Kim’s modern, grayscale tones” according to Beats. If you already have a Beats Pill, you aren’t missing anything. This speaker is renewed, so it isn't brand new, but Amazon says all renewed items are "compatible and fully functional." Regardless, this Beats Pill still has the same features it would have new: It's IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, and runs for up to 24 hours on a single charge. You can also plug it directly into a laptop via USB-C to play lossless audio. It's currently 22% off its list price of $89, running for $68.99. Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $202.00 (List Price $249.99) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote — $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16GB 7" eReader (Black) — $169.99 (List Price $249.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Grasping the fundamental components of worker records is critical for both employees and employers. You’ll need to gather personal identification details, emergency contacts, and a thorough employment history. Furthermore, accurate records of remuneration and employment contracts play essential roles in defining workplace relationships. Performance assessments, training logs, and attendance tracking likewise contribute to compliance and development. Each element serves a purpose, but have you considered how proper documentation impacts workplace dynamics and legal obligations? Key Takeaways Comprehensive personal identification information, including name, address, date of birth, and social security number, is essential for employee records. Detailed employment history should document job titles, descriptions, and dates for accurate tracking of career progression. Employment contracts must outline terms, roles, and responsibilities, and should be updated with any position or salary changes. Performance and training records are crucial for monitoring employee development and tracking progress through evaluations and completed courses. Compliance and legal documentation ensure adherence to employment laws and protect against potential legal claims, requiring secure storage practices. Importance of Comprehensive Employee Records Even though you may not realize it, extensive employee records play a fundamental role in managing a workforce effectively. These records provide a detailed employment history, documenting each employee’s position, salary, benefits, and performance. This information is critical for tracking career progression and making informed decisions about promotions and raises. In addition, maintaining accurate records guarantees compliance with government regulations, which is essential during audits and legal inquiries. Employee records also support effective payroll management by offering necessary data for accurate compensation calculations, leave balances, and benefits entitlements. By keeping thorough records, you can identify areas for improvement and development, enabling targeted training initiatives. Moreover, organized employee records protect your company against potential legal claims by serving as evidence of employee treatment and compliance with employment laws. Consequently, prioritizing meticulous record-keeping ultimately strengthens your organization’s operational integrity and workforce management. Core Documentation Requirements When managing employee records, it’s vital to include core documentation that covers personal identification information, employment history, and compliance-related documents. This information not merely supports accurate tracking of each employee’s path but additionally guarantees your organization adheres to legal standards. Personal Identification Information Personal identification information serves as a foundational element in maintaining accurate employee records and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. This information must include your full name, home address, date of birth, and social security number. It’s also essential to keep emergency contact details updated, including the contact’s name and phone number, for swift communication during emergencies. Regularly updating your personal information supports compliance with labor regulations and facilitates efficient communication. Furthermore, securely storing this documentation protects your privacy and prevents unauthorized access. Accurate personal identification information is critical for generating tax documents, such as W-2s and 1099s, and verifying eligibility for benefits. If you’re wondering, “how can I find my employment history online,” refer to your personal records for accurate details. Employment History Records Employment history records are critical for maintaining an accurate account of an employee’s career path within an organization. These records should include detailed job descriptions, position titles, and the start and end dates of each role you’ve held. It’s important to document your remuneration levels, including salary and any bonuses, to reflect your compensation history accurately. Furthermore, any significant changes in your position, like promotions or transfers, must be tracked to provide a thorough view of your career progression. To learn how to obtain your work history, you can request these records from your HR department. Thorough employment history documentation also serves as important support for performance evaluations, promotions, and any disputes regarding your tenure. Compliance and Legal Documents Compliance and legal documents play an important role in guaranteeing that your organization adheres to employment laws and workplace safety regulations. It’s important to maintain records that demonstrate compliance with federal and state labor laws, as these documents can defend against potential claims. Keeping a thorough work history report is critical for tracking employee rights and entitlements, which helps protect your organization from legal disputes. Furthermore, documentation of workplace safety training sessions is necessary for compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Regular audits and updates of these documents guarantee they reflect any changes in laws or regulations, helping you stay informed and compliant in a constantly evolving legal environment. Contact Information Essentials In regards to contact information fundamentals, having precise employee communication details, like phone numbers and work email addresses, is essential for effective teamwork. It’s additionally important to keep current home addresses and emergency contacts on file, as these can be critical during urgent situations. Regularly updating this information not just improves communication but furthermore guarantees everyone’s safety and accessibility when needed. Employee Communication Details How can effective communication within a workplace be assured? To start, you need thorough employee communication details. Make certain you have accurate telephone numbers, work and personal email addresses, and home addresses. This information is crucial for smooth internal communication and managing payroll, benefits, and important announcements. Furthermore, maintaining an up-to-date company directory allows for easy access to contact details, which is fundamental for effective communication. If you’re unsure how to get my job history, proper records can help. Emergency Contacts Importance Emergency contacts play a crucial role in guaranteeing quick and effective communication during crises, especially when immediate assistance is needed. Keeping updated emergency contact information allows organizations to respond effectively during medical emergencies or other urgent situations involving employees. You should regularly update these details to maintain accuracy and guarantee accessibility when immediate action is necessary. It’s additionally beneficial to provide multiple contact numbers for your emergency contacts, as this facilitates timely communication. Remember, the importance of current emergency contact information lies in its potential to save lives and guarantee the well-being of employees during unforeseen circumstances. If you’re wondering, “how do I get my employment history for free,” guarantee your emergency contacts are additionally up to date. Emergency Contact Details Providing accurate emergency contact details is critical for ensuring prompt communication during urgent situations. These details should include the name and phone number of your emergency contact, typically a next of kin, to facilitate quick assistance. It’s important to review this information at least once a year, keeping it current and accessible. If you ever wonder how to find out my work history, keep in mind that maintaining accurate emergency contacts is equally indispensable. Organizations must keep these details readily available for HR and management during compliance with privacy regulations. The absence of up-to-date contact information can greatly hinder response efforts during emergencies, which is why you should report any changes immediately. Employment Contracts and Agreements Employment contracts and agreements are essential documents that clearly outline the terms of your employment, including job roles, responsibilities, and compensation. Each employee should sign a contract, which must be updated whenever there are changes in position or salary to guarantee clarity and legal compliance. It’s important to keep a record of position descriptions alongside these contracts for context. Furthermore, employment-related agreements, such as non-disclosure and non-competition clauses, should be documented to protect the company’s interests and intellectual property. Maintaining thorough records of these contracts is critical for resolving disputes and serves as a reference during performance evaluations and promotions. If you ever ask, “how do I get my employment history?” having these documents in order will streamline the process, making it easier to provide accurate information about your past roles and responsibilities. Performance and Training Records Effective performance and training records are crucial for tracking employee growth and skill development within an organization. These records should include the dates of each performance review, the names of reviewers, and a summary of overall scores to monitor your progress over time. Training records must document the dates of completed courses, the names of training programs, and the results achieved, ensuring you meet skill requirements. Certificates received upon completion of training should be stored in your files as proof of qualifications. Detailed evaluations should outline agreed next steps, promoting goal setting and ongoing improvement. To maintain an accurate history of your skills and contributions, regularly update these records. If you’re wondering how can I get my job history, these performance and training documents will provide a thorough view of your professional development, helping you present your qualifications effectively in future job applications. Leave and Attendance Tracking Tracking leave and attendance is vital for managing employee absences effectively, as it allows you to keep a detailed record of various leave types, including sick leave, vacation, and personal days. By documenting the duration and dates taken by each employee, you can calculate current leave balances accurately and guarantee compliance with employment laws regarding paid time off entitlements. Attendance tracking likewise helps you monitor employee punctuality and presence, which impacts overall productivity and team dynamics. Utilizing a systematic approach to this tracking can streamline payroll processing and reduce potential disputes regarding time off. Regular updates and reviews of leave and attendance records are fundamental for maintaining accurate information that reflects the current status of employee entitlements and absences. If you’re uncertain how to get work history related to leave and attendance, focusing on these records will provide a thorough overview of an employee’s time off. Compliance and Legal Documentation Maintaining accurate compliance and legal documentation is crucial for any organization aiming to uphold workplace standards and protect itself from potential legal issues. This documentation includes records that show adherence to employment laws, workplace safety regulations, and employee rights. You’ll need to keep thorough records of grievances, disputes, and resolutions to demonstrate fair treatment and compliance with labor laws. It’s also significant to know that employers must retain compliance records for specific durations, like payroll records for three years and personnel files for six years. Documentation should consist of evidence of employee training, certifications, and any required licenses or permits. If you’re wondering how can I get employment history, these records will provide insight into an employee’s background. Regular audits of these compliance records will help you identify gaps, ensuring ongoing adherence to laws and regulations while protecting your organization from potential claims. Secure Storage and Access Management As organizations endeavor to protect sensitive employee information, secure storage and access management of records becomes critical. Implementing locked cabinets or encrypted digital systems is essential for safeguarding workplace records against unauthorized access. Access should be limited to authorized personnel, like HR staff and direct managers, to maintain confidentiality and prevent data breaches. Regular audits of access logs can help guarantee that only the appropriate individuals are viewing these records. A clear policy for handling and sharing workplace records is fundamental for compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR. Furthermore, records must be stored in a way that allows quick retrieval during the process of maintaining security, confirming crucial information is accessible when needed for compliance or operational purposes. Security Measures Authorized Access Compliance Requirements Locked Cabinets HR Staff Data Protection Regulations Encrypted Systems Direct Managers Regular Audits Limited Access Authorized Personnel Clear Policies Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Retention? The 5 C’s of retention are Clarity, Consistency, Connection, Career Development, and Compensation. Clarity involves clear communication of expectations, whereas Consistency guarantees uniform policies that build trust. Connection nurtures strong relationships between employees and management, enhancing engagement. Career Development emphasizes growth opportunities, motivating employees to advance within the organization. Finally, Compensation focuses on offering competitive salaries and benefits, which makes employees feel valued and influences their decision to remain with the company. What Are Five Things That Must Be Documented in an Employee Payroll Record? You need to document several key elements in an employee payroll record. First, include the employee’s full name and social security number for proper identification. Next, record their position title and pay rate, noting any changes. Document hours worked, both regular and overtime, to guarantee accurate wage calculations. List all deductions taken from pay, like taxes and insurance, and finally, note payment dates and methods for auditing purposes. What Are the Five Characteristics of a Record? A record must have five key characteristics. First, it should be accurate, reflecting true information. Second, it needs to be complete, including all necessary details. Third, organization is essential, allowing easy access by authorized personnel. Fourth, timeliness matters; information should be recorded swiftly for relevance. Finally, a record must be consistent, following established formats and policies to guarantee uniformity. These characteristics help maintain the integrity and usefulness of any documented information. What Are the 3 R’s of Employee Retention? The 3 R’s of employee retention are Recognition, Respect, and Reward. Recognition means acknowledging employees’ contributions, which boosts motivation and job satisfaction. Respect involves creating a culture of trust and valuing employee opinions, leading to higher retention rates. Reward includes providing competitive compensation and benefits, which many employees consider crucial for staying with a company. Together, these elements nurture loyalty and improve overall organizational performance, enhancing productivity among engaged employees. Conclusion In summary, maintaining thorough worker records is essential for both employees and employers. By ensuring accurate personal information, employment history, contracts, and performance tracking, you support transparency and compliance with legal requirements. Moreover, proper documentation of emergency contacts and attendance promotes a safe and organized work environment. Prioritizing secure storage and access management further protects sensitive information. By implementing these practices, you improve employee development and safeguard your organization’s interests effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Essential Components of Workers Record?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At HP Imagine 2026, new advancements to the Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) have the potential to reshape how small businesses manage their IT environments. With enhancements powered by artificial intelligence (AI), these features not only promise to streamline operations but also to improve employee productivity and sustainability—key concerns for any small business owner. As companies increasingly navigate complex digital ecosystems, the pressure on IT teams intensifies. The latest updates to WXP aim to alleviate this burden by providing crucial data-driven insights. Small business owners can benefit from the platform’s ability to predict and rectify potential issues before they cause significant disruptions, saving time and resources. HP’s focus on enhancing operational efficiency is evident in the introduction of Enhanced AI Remediation. This feature enables IT teams to automatically detect and resolve incidents with minimal manual intervention. “WXP helps organizations resolve incidents with fewer manual steps,” an HP representative noted. By automating responses and presenting prioritized remediation paths alongside alerts, businesses can shift from a reactive to a proactive IT operation. This transition allows for quicker resolutions and helps prevent recurring issues, ultimately enhancing overall employee experience. Another significant update is the Custom Data Reports feature. This allows small businesses to create tailored reports from various device and application signals. By leveraging customizable telemetry data, owners can identify specific pain points—whether that’s high memory usage or outdated software. This granular view enables more informed decisions regarding IT resource allocation and investment. “An insights-led device refresh approach helps organizations improve employee experience,” the representative explained, emphasizing the potential for longer device lifespans and reduced unnecessary costs. Sustainability is also a core focus of the latest WXP enhancements. The new Carbon Footprint Report offers businesses transparent insights into power consumption and estimated carbon emissions. As sustainability becomes a central concern for consumers, small business owners can leverage these insights to balance performance, cost, and environmental impact. By integrating sustainability into their operations, businesses not only improve their ecological footprint but may also enhance their brand reputation. Another practical feature introduced is the Pulse Notifications for Microsoft Teams. This allows IT and HR teams to collaborate more effectively by sending relevant updates directly within tools employees are already using. By prompting light corrective actions—like removing unused software—businesses can reclaim resources, ultimately fostering a more productive work environment. “By meeting employees where work happens, organizations can improve engagement,” said the HP representative, highlighting the value of effective communication in enhancing productivity and trust. HP has also included a security feature with the Wolf Protect and Trace API. This enables IT teams to locate, lock, and erase computers even if they are turned off, introducing significant opportunities for improved asset security. Small business owners can easily integrate these controls into their existing workflows, simplifying incident response and reducing the workload on IT personnel. While these advancements present numerous opportunities for enhancing efficiency and security, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. The reliance on increased automation may require staff retraining to manage new processes effectively. Additionally, the investment in these advanced tools could be significant, making it essential for businesses to weigh the potential ROI based on their unique operational needs. HP’s latest WXP updates offer small business owners a wealth of innovative resources to optimize their IT operations while enhancing employee experience and sustainability efforts. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, integrating these capabilities could be pivotal in staying competitive. For more information, you can view the original press release at HP’s official blog here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "HP Unveils AI-Driven Workforce Insights to Revolutionize IT Management" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. It was the water bottle scene, wasn’t it? The moment you realized that Heated Rivalry was something special. Whether you were aware of Rachel Reid’s romance novels before the Canadian adaptation made its way to HBO last year or not, that electric moment of combined recognition, longing, and lust was when so many viewers realized the relationship between Shane Hollander (Hudson WIlliams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) was going to leave a mark. If you’ve burned through the first season’s six episodes (and all the streamalike shows we’ve recommended) and you find you need still more sporty dude romance in your life, it’s time to widen your net to other forms of media. There are plenty of books, movies, games, and podcasts that can keep you in the game until Shane and Ilya’s story continues in season two. The best books to read after watching 'Heated Rivalry'One aspect of Heated Rivalry that set it apart was how it conveys intimacy so effectively—the bond between Ilya and Shane is beautiful to watch as it develops from a hookup to a life-changing event. Nothing beats a good book for an intimate experience, so here are some reads that Rivalry fans will adore. Game Changer, by Rachel Reid $9.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $9.99 at Amazon Him, by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy $10.99 at Amazon $14.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now Shop Now $10.99 at Amazon $14.99 Save $4.00 Two Left Feet, by Kallie Emblidge $17.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $17.99 at Amazon Red, White & Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel $9.47 at Amazon $16.99 Save $7.52 Shop Now Shop Now $9.47 at Amazon $16.99 Save $7.52 Paperback Gravity, by Tal Bauer $10.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $10.99 at Amazon SEE 2 MORE Game Changer, by Rachel ReidIt’s an obvious choice, but a necessary one. There are seven books in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, with one more due out next year. If you want to re-experience the rivalry, romance, and charming characters of show, start reading the series, staring with Game Changer; the first book in the series explores Scott and Kip’s relationship, from that first smoothie to that amazing moment on the ice where Scott comes out in the most dramatic and wonderful way possible. Then experience Shane and Ilya’s story on the page with Heated Rivalry, and get a preview of season two of the show in the direct sequel The Long Game. Him, by Sarina Bowen and Elle KennedyIf your favorite part of Heated Rivalry is the slow burn of Ilya and Shane’s relationship as they go from denying their emotions to helplessly sinking into each other, Him is just the ticket. It’s the story of Jamie and Ryan, best friends who have a drunken sexual encounter at hockey camp as teens that seemingly ends their friendship. When they face each other while playing college, they have a chance to set their records straight and maybe accept what they really mean to each other. Two Left Feet, by Kallie EmblidgeIf you want more Heated Rivalry with a dash of Ted Lasso, check out Two Left Feet. Oliver is a star player in the Premier League, until an injury cuts his season short. Leo is called up to take his place, and Oliver is charged with ensuring Leo fits in—but he worries that Leo is angling to take his roster spot permanently. But as they work together, something more complicated than a professional rivalry is kindled. Red, White and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuistonThis book offers perhaps the closest vibe to Heated Rivalry as it explores the relationship between Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the U.S. President, and England’s Prince Henry. The young men initially hate each other, but when that tension turns into an embarrassing public relations fiasco, they’re forced to fake a truce and smile for the cameras. The ruse starts to turn into something real, however, as they’re forced to spend time together—but their public roles require that everything be kept secret. Gravity, by Tal BauerIf you want a deep dive back into the politics and dangers of being closeted in the macho world of professional hockey, Gravity is a good match. Bryce lives and breathes hockey, and his hard work has made him captain of the Montréal Étoiles, headed for the Stanley Cup. But when he meets mediocre player Hunter Lacey, he starts to lose the focus that made him a superstar. And then he starts to make decisions that put his image and his entire career at risk. But it just might be worth it. The best movies like 'Heated Rivalry'Heated Rivalry isn’t just a thoughtful romance, it’s a visual treat. From those washboard abs to the kinetic hockey scenes, it’s just a lot of fun to watch. If you want to wallow in the visuals a little longer, here are some feature-length stories that will hit in similar ways. All of Us Strangers (2023) This part ghost story, part romance is a haunting exploration of missed chances and grief. When reclusive, depressed writer Adam (Andrew Scott) meets Harry (Paul Mescal) at his apartment building, he flees Harry’s flirtations. But as he begins having visions of his dead parents, whom he lost as a young boy, he begins to see Harry and slowly learn how to let go of his grief—until a final, gut-wrenching twist you won’t soon forget. Rent All of Us Strangers on Prime Video. All of Us Strangers (2023) $3.99 at Prime Video Learn More Learn More $3.99 at Prime Video Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) If it was the deep storm of emotions that made Heated Rivalry sing for you, this movie is a must-watch. In the 18th century, Marianne is hired to travel to an isolated island to pose as a hired companion to a young noblewoman named Héloïse. Marianne’s true mission is to secretly paint a portrait of Héloïse to mark her engagement; Héloïse is unhappy about the wedding and refuses to pose. As the two women grow closer, they enjoy a few days of intense passion that hurtles toward a lyrical, doomed ending. Stream Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Hulu or HBO Max, or rent it from Prime Video. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) $3.99 at Amazon Prime Learn More Learn More $3.99 at Amazon Prime Challengers (2024) It’s got sports, steamy bisexual energy, and some really, really attractive people, so Challengers is a perfect substitute for Heated Rivalry. Swapping hockey for tennis, the film follows the careers and extremely horny throuple-ish relationship between tennis pros Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) as they deal with varying levels of professional success, injuries, and personal drama. While it’s not explicitly queer (Patrick and Art are rivals for Zendaya’s affections), the subtext is so close to the surface that fans of Heated Rivalry will love it. Stream Challengers on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video. Challengers (2024) $3.99 at Amazon Prime Learn More Learn More $3.99 at Amazon Prime National Anthem (2023) As far as we’ve come, there are still plenty of places and subcultures in this country where being out and queer isn’t exactly safe or easy. National Anthem is the story of Dylan (Charlie Plumber), a young man who takes a job as a ranch hand in New Mexico and encounters a happy queer community living their best lives. Entranced by Sky (Eve Lindley), a trans woman, he slowly learns to accept who he is and how he wants to live his life. Stream National Anthem on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video. National Anthem (2023) $3.99 at Amazon Prime Learn More Learn More $3.99 at Amazon Prime Brokeback Mountain (2005) In many ways, Ennis and Jack had to crawl so Shane and Ilya could skate. The classic “queer cowboy” film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal isn’t just an iconic moment in queer film, it’s a truly remarkable work of art powered by two incredible performances. The story of two men who meet while doing seasonal ranch work in Wyoming in the 1960s and conduct an on-again, off-again love affair they must kep secret is still as emotionally powerful today as it was two decades ago. Rent Brokeback Mountain on Prime Video. Brokeback Mountain (2005) $3.99 at Amazon Prime Learn More Learn More $3.99 at Amazon Prime The best video games like 'Heated Rivalry'If you prefer to be part of your narratives, don’t worry: There are options for gamers who love Heated Rivalry, too. Shoresy: Legends of the North Heated Rivalry was created for Canadian television by Jacob Tierney, who you might recognize from his other series Letterkenny and Shoresy. The latter is a story about a hockey player who joins a struggling hockey team in dead last, and was adapted into the surprisingly enjoyable game Shoresy: Legends of the North. It’s a hockey game designed for folks who don’t spend their whole lives thinking hockey, and incorporates both a game-focused multiplayer and a more story-focused mode, with RPG elements where the tonal similarities to Heated Rivalry really show. Platforms: Steam Shoresy: Legends of the North $19.99 at Steam Get Deal Get Deal $19.99 at Steam Thirsty Suitors This game is a vibe, and that vibe (a queer, South Asian Scott Pilgrim) lines up nicely with Heated Rivalry, despite a lack of hockey. You play as Jala, who returns home from an awful breakup only to be plunged into a series of knock-down, drag-out fights with her exes. Depending on your choices during the battles, you can realize several different outcomes for Jala and her former flames, which is where the Rivalry-like heart comes into play. Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Steam Thirsty Suitors $29.99 at Steam Get Deal Get Deal $29.99 at Steam NHL 26 If part of the reason you love Heated Rivalry is that you love hockey, why not play the latest version of the game that Ilya and Shane play against each other? NHL 26 is the classic pro-level hockey video game that’s been around for more than 25 years now, so if you want more hockey competition to keep you busy until the next season of the show, this is your chance. Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam NHL 26 - Xbox Series X $34.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Get Deal $34.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $35.00 The best podcasts like 'Heated Rivalry'There's nothing like finding people just as obsessed with a show as you are, or finding a narrative that gives you the same feels. Here are some great podcasts for Heated Rivalry fans. Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast Credit: Podcast logo If you want to revisit each episode alongside a ton of analysis and excited discussion about the show’s themes, the characters’ arcs, and everything that makes itspecial, Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast is one you should put some time into. Puck It! A Penetrating Analysis of Heated Rivalry Credit: Podcast logo Puck It! A Penetrating Analysis of Heated Rivalry is another deep-dive podcast into the show if you don’t have enough people willing to have endless late-night discussions about it. Big Gay Fiction Podcast Credit: Podcast logo If Heated Rivalry has opened your eyes to the world of queer romance and you’re actively seeking out more, the Big Gay Fiction Podcast is your guide to a world of books, films, and other media that celebrate queer love and the complexity of modern relationships. Gay Pride and Prejudice Credit: Podcast logo You might not immediately think of Jane Austen in the context of Heated Rivalry, but romance is romance, and no one did “enemies to lovers” better than Austen in Pride and Prejudice. Gay Pride and Prejudice is a first-class production that retells the story through a modern, queer lens that will hit the same pleasure centers in your brain. Roommates Credit: Podcast logo If you’re looking for more gentle queer romance involving boys who slowly learn how to love each other, Roommates is a great choice. During the pandemic lockdown, two sophomores are put together in a housing assignment, resulting in a relationship that starts off as intensely awkward, but then becomes simply intense. View the full article

Olive Branch Home Loans is the first business established through a new LoanDepot partnership model aimed to help builders scale internal lending units. View the full article

Controversial bill has drawn international condemnation over its ‘de facto discriminatory character’View the full article

Conflict resolution is crucial for effective communication and collaboration in any setting. Comprehending the five conflict resolution styles—competing, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and collaborating—can help you navigate disagreements more effectively. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, impacting outcomes and relationships differently. By recognizing these styles, you can choose the most suitable approach for various situations. So, which style do you think would work best for you in your next conflict? Key Takeaways Competing Style: High assertiveness and low cooperativeness, focusing on personal goals, often resulting in “win-lose” outcomes. Avoiding Style: Low assertiveness and low cooperativeness, sidestepping conflicts, which can lead to unresolved issues over time. Accommodating Style: Low assertiveness and high cooperativeness, prioritizing others’ needs, strengthening relationships but risking personal resentment. Compromising Style: Moderate assertiveness and cooperativeness, seeking a balanced solution through concessions, but may leave both parties somewhat dissatisfied. Collaborating Style: High assertiveness and high cooperativeness, aiming for “win-win” solutions through collective problem-solving and open communication. Competing Style The competing style of conflict resolution stands out for its high assertiveness and low cooperativeness. This approach focuses on satisfying your own concerns while often disregarding the needs of others. A competing conflict style example might occur in a high-stakes negotiation, where you prioritize winning over collaboration. The competing conflict management style is particularly effective in emergencies or situations requiring quick, decisive action, like addressing injustices. Nevertheless, it often results in a “win-lose” outcome, which can damage relationships and lead to resentment. This style is common in competitive environments, where asserting dominance takes precedence over teamwork. Although it has its place among the 5 conflict resolution styles, it’s typically not recommended for internal organizational conflicts, as it can encourage covert behaviors and long-term animosity among team members. Comprehending this style helps you navigate conflicts more effectively, choosing the right approach for the situation at hand. Avoiding Style Avoiding style is one of the five primary approaches to conflict resolution, and it’s marked by low assertiveness and low cooperativeness. In this avoiding conflict management style, individuals often sidestep or ignore conflicts altogether. You might use this approach when the issue seems unimportant, when you’d rather delay engagement, or when the costs of confrontation outweigh potential benefits. Nevertheless, this can lead to unresolved conflicts that simmer beneath the surface and may result in negative outbursts later, as underlying issues remain unaddressed. This style is commonly observed in various industries, including IT management, where problems might be postponed in hopes they’ll resolve themselves. Although avoiding can be suitable in specific contexts, relying solely on this style can obstruct effective communication and hinder overall conflict resolution. Comprehending the avoiding style is essential for maneuvering the 5 styles of handling conflict effectively. Accommodating Style Accommodating style serves as a conflict resolution approach where individuals prioritize the needs and concerns of others over their own goals. This accommodating conflict style is characterized by low assertiveness and high cooperativeness. Although it can strengthen relationships, it may additionally lead to feelings of resentment if overused. You might find this style effective when: The issue is more important to the other party. Maintaining a positive relationship is essential. The potential consequences of confrontation outweigh the benefits of asserting your position. Using an accommodating conflict management style can be beneficial when supporting others or nurturing harmony. Nevertheless, be cautious, as consistently sacrificing your own needs can result in reduced creativity and influence imbalances. Comprehending these nuances in conflict management styles will help you navigate interpersonal dynamics more effectively, ensuring you maintain balance during addressing conflicts. Compromising Style In comparison to the accommodating style, which prioritizes the needs of others, the compromising style offers a balanced approach to conflict resolution that seeks to satisfy both parties to some extent. This compromising conflict style involves moderate assertiveness and cooperativeness, allowing each side to give up something to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Often summarized by the phrase “win some, lose some,” it highlights that both parties may have to concede specific goals. The compromising style is particularly effective when time is limited or the outcome isn’t critical, enabling quicker decision-making without prolonged disputes. Although it can lead to a resolution, be aware that both sides might feel somewhat unsatisfied, as their needs aren’t fully met. In conflict management styles, the “fox” represents this approach, emphasizing the balance of interests to achieve practical solutions. Nonetheless, it differs from the more integrative collaborating conflict management style, which aims for a deeper mutual satisfaction. Collaborating Style During maneuvering conflicts, opting for a collaborating style can greatly improve the chances of reaching a satisfactory resolution for everyone involved. This collaborating conflict style emphasizes high assertiveness and cooperativeness, aiming for solutions that address the needs of all parties. Here are some key aspects: It encourages collective problem-solving, often leading to “win-win” outcomes. It’s particularly effective in complex situations where multiple perspectives can add value. Although it requires more time, it promotes open communication and minimizes negative feelings. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Main Conflict Styles? The five main conflict styles are competing, accommodating, avoiding, compromising, and collaborating. Competing prioritizes your goals, often at the expense of others. Accommodating focuses on others’ needs, promoting harmony but risking resentment. Avoiding means sidestepping conflict entirely, useful for trivial issues. Compromising seeks a middle ground, where both parties make concessions. Finally, collaborating involves working together to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs, nurturing strong relationships and mutual satisfaction. What Are the 5 Conflict Resolution Strategies? The five conflict resolution strategies are Competing, Avoiding, Accommodating, Compromising, and Collaborating. Each strategy varies in assertiveness and cooperativeness. Competing focuses on winning at the expense of others, whereas Avoiding sidesteps conflict entirely. Accommodating prioritizes others’ needs, often risking personal resentment. Compromising seeks a middle ground, offering partial satisfaction to both parties. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg_Q34kGsKg Finally, Collaborating aims for solutions that satisfy all, working for mutual benefit and stronger relationships. What Are the 5 C’s of Conflict Resolution? The 5 C’s of conflict resolution are fundamental for maneuvering disputes effectively. First, there’s Communication, which promotes open dialogue and comprehension. Then, Collaboration encourages you to work together for a mutually beneficial solution. Compromise requires both parties to make concessions for a satisfactory resolution. Creativity inspires innovative approaches to problem-solving, addressing underlying issues. Finally, Commitment guarantees that everyone involved remains dedicated to implementing the agreed-upon solution, nurturing a sense of accountability. What Are the Five Major Types of Conflict? You’ll find that the five major types of conflict are interpersonal, intrapersonal, intragroup, intergroup, and organizational. Interpersonal conflict occurs between individuals, whereas intrapersonal conflict happens within a single person, often involving internal struggles. Intragroup conflict arises within a group, and intergroup conflict occurs between different groups. Finally, organizational conflict affects entire organizations, typically involving various stakeholders. Comprehending these types can help you navigate and address conflicts more effectively in various settings. Conclusion Comprehending the five conflict resolution styles—competing, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and collaborating—can improve your approach to conflicts. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages, influencing the outcomes of interactions. By recognizing when to apply each method, you can effectively navigate disputes, nurturing better relationships and achieving more satisfactory resolutions. In the end, the key is to assess the situation and choose a style that best addresses the needs of all parties involved, promoting constructive dialogue and comprehension. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are the 5 Conflict Resolution Styles?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

On Friday, President The President signed an executive order funding the TSA for the time being, meaning TSA workers are set to receive paychecks after weeks going without. However that might not mean airport lines are back to normal. Some airports are still dealing with the fallout from the partial government shutdown which led to high rates of callouts among TSA workers, as well as hundreds of workers who turned in their resignations out of financial necessity. “Today, at the direction of President The President and @SecMullinDHS, TSA has immediately begun the process of paying its workforce,” DHS said in a social media statement on Friday. “TSA officers should begin seeing paychecks as early as Monday, March 30.” The statement referred to the shutdown as the “DHS Democrat shutdown.” After nearly six weeks without a paycheck, experts are also hopeful that TSA workers will actually be paid on Monday, but say that workers are still up against a lot regardless, as the result of back-to-back shutdowns. Joseph Cerletti, a Lead TSA Officer at the Oakland airport and assistant chief of the local TSA union, told ABC News that workers are struggling. “Morale is really, really, really low at Oakland airport right now, nationwide as well,” Cerletti said. “Two shutdowns, I believe in less than six months actually. I have been describing it as a 1-2 punch,” Cerletti added. Meanwhile, while some airports are seeing lines moving, others are still coping with the fallout of the most recent shutdown, which has lasted 45 days, breaking the previous 43-day record. According to CNN’s airport tracking tool, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport still had 75-minute wait times on Monday morning, far longer than usual. Likewise, some airports are still issuing travel warnings, urging passengers to continue arriving at the airport early. “Due to current federal conditions, passengers are advised to allow at least 4 hours or more for domestic and international screenings,” Hartsfield-Jackson’s website warned Monday morning, before later updating the message to allow for two hours. Helping to drive down wait times is the fact that many TSA agents are coming back to work. Per a CNN report, on Friday, 3,560 TSA workers called out. By Saturday, that number was down to 2,800. Still, hundreds of TSA workers have left their jobs due to the strain of going without pay for weeks. While that could mean wait times stay elevated, it also may mean that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may remain at airports for the time being. “We’re going to continue an ICE presence there, and until the airports feel like they’re in 100%, you know, in a posture where they can do normal operations,” The President’s Border czar Tom Homan said in a CBS News interview on Sunday. “So if less TSA agents come back, that means we’ll keep more ICE agents there.” View the full article

Google removed a Search Engine Land article (Report: Clickout Media turned news sites into AI gambling hubs, published March 26) from its search results after a copyright complaint (that appears, to us, to be entirely false). Meanwhile, a similar DMCA filing led to the takedown of the original Press Gazette investigation. What happened. A DMCA notice filed March 27 claimed Search Engine Land copied content “word for word” and used proprietary images. The complaint led Google to begin removing the article from search results globally. The notice identifies the complainant as “US Webspam,” with no clear public attribution. The context. The removed article reported that Clickout Media allegedly used expired or acquired domains to publish AI-generated gambling content. Press Gazette, which broke the story on March 25, said its own investigation was also removed from Google after a nearly identical complaint. That complaint falsely alleged infringement of a 2024 Verge article, despite no direct duplication. You can read their follow-up here: Press Gazette exposé of parasite SEO firm removed from Google results. The claim details. Here’s the message we received via Google Search Console on March 27: Description of claim: The infringing news website has blatantly and willfully violated copyright law by copying our entire content word for word, including all images, which are solely owned by our company. This includes the complete replication of our original written material, as published on our official website, along with the proprietary visuals accompanying it. Despite multiple good-faith efforts to resolve this matter amicably, the infringing party (hereinafter referred to as “Infringer”) continues to unlawfully publish and distribute our copyrighted content without permission. This is a direct and flagrant breach of our rights and a clear violation of Google’s copyright policies. We hereby demand the immediate removal of this infringing material from Google search results to protect our intellectual property. You can read the DMCA complaint here. What doesn’t add up. The Search Engine Land article contains no images, contradicting the complaint. Also: A search of its text shows no evidence of copied content. The notice claims “multiple good-faith efforts” to resolve the issue, but no outreach was received before filing. The complaint was submitted one day after publication. What Google says. Google’s standard policy is to remove content upon receiving a valid copyright complaint, with an option for publishers to file a counter notice. The company has not commented on this specific case. Why we care. This shows how DMCA takedowns can be weaponized to suppress reporting, including coverage of search spam and site reputation abuse. Legitimate content can be temporarily removed from search results due to unverified claims, with the resolution taking weeks or longer. What’s next. We’ll watch whether this article is DMCA’d and removed, along with the Press Gazette’s, and anyone else covering the story. Reactions. Here’s some reaction from X: theholycoins isn’t owned by clickout (it’s one of the sites that would actually do negative reporting into their scams, so they probably picked one of those posts and said they were them/the original author of your dmca’d piece) the rabbit hole on clickout goes a lot deeper than… — (@undercover) March 30, 2026 I'm surprised this was approved by Google… I've seen them come back with rejected DMCA notices when it was clear the site was infringing copyright. This is a BS DMCA takedown that doesn't even make sense. Very interesting case… I have a feeling the article will surface again… https://t.co/Zi8hUV8g14 — Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) March 29, 2026 A totally irrelevant site has DMCAed Search Engine Land's reporting page about ClickOut Media spamming Google's search results! Weird enough DMCA requested was accepted by Google and now this URL https://t.co/DV8TR1NRLk from Search Engine Land isn't showing up in search… pic.twitter.com/dGbJ04KbQG — Gagan Ghotra (@gaganghotra_) March 29, 2026 ICYMI: Last week @pressgazette published an investigative report about a media company that acquires online publishers and exploits their domain authority for SEO shenanigans. This is the same company that acquired a portion of @Cointelegraph to host casino & gambling content,… pic.twitter.com/duFkS7MBiP — Afik Rechler (@kifakrec) March 29, 2026 View the full article

The government MBS guarantor ended a 15-day advance notice mandate for extensions on a filing deadline so those with a March 31 due date can still ask for one. View the full article

Microsoft Advertising now allows e-commerce merchants to edit their Merchant Center store name and domain directly within the platform — no support ticket required. Why we care. Store details like names and URLs change as businesses rebrand or restructure. Previously, updating these required manual intervention. Self-serve control reduces friction and keeps campaigns running more smoothly during transitions. How it works — the details: Store name changes go through editorial review before going live. During review, ads keep running under the existing approved name — so there’s no interruption to campaigns. Domain/URL changes require merchants to verify ownership of the new domain before the switch takes effect. Ads continue serving on the old domain in the meantime. Once approved, product URLs must be updated to reflect the new domain. Reusing names or domains is allowed — as long as the store name clears editorial checks and the domain is verified and confirmed as merchant-owned. The bottom line. The update gives ecommerce advertisers more autonomy over their store settings while building in safeguards — editorial review and domain verification — to prevent abuse and maintain ad quality. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. In Apple TV's Your Friends and Neighbors, Jon Hamm plays Andrew "Coop" Cooper, a recently divorced New York hedge fund manager who's even more recently, unemployed. In an effort to keep up an illusion that nothing in his life has changed, he begins breaking into the homes of his wealthy neighbors to steal and sell their stuff, inadvertently catching on to their secrets as well. (The friends and neighbors of the title include Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall, and Aimee Carrero.) This dark comedy isn't exactly about how hard it is to be a once-rich suburban white guy, but neither is it a pointed lesson in the downfalls toxic masculinity. A former insider turned secret outsider, Coop is well positioned to offer up bitchy commentary without becoming a total caricature. Season two launches in April, but until then (and between episodes), catch up on these 10 other shows about all the weird shit that's going on in your neighborhood while you've been holed up inside your house watching TV. Stream Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV. Weeds (2005 – 2012) A classic of the crime-in-the-suburbs genre, strains of Weeds definitely run through Your Friends and Neighbors, and many other shows that it inspired. Mary-Louise Parker stars as Nancy Botwin, recently widowed mom who's desperate to maintain the upper-middle-class lifestyle once provided by her husband. She can't really handle the idea of giving up the conspicuous consumption to which she's become accustomed, so she decides to make some bank for herself. And what better way to do that, particularly in the LA 'burbs, than by selling weed (obviously the show was made and is set before the drug was legalized for recreational use in 2016)? Like Jon Hamm's Coop, Nancy is just not ready for her family to give up on nice things. Buy Weeds from Prime Video. Weeds (2005 – 2012) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Bad Sisters (2022 – 2024) A pitch perfect pitch-dark comedy, the Irish import Bad Sisters picked up several well-deserved Emmy nominations in its first year. Writer and co-creator Sharon Horgan leads the cast as Eva Garvey, oldest of five sisters, including Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), who's married to John Paul, an abusive and isolating husband. When the dude winds up dead under rather suspicious circumstances, down-on-his-luck insurance investigator Tom (Brian Gleeson) starts poking his nose into things. We know the sisters definitely wanted John Paul dead, but did they actually do the deed? Tom's family business will go under if he has to pay out on the life insurance policy, so he's very motivated to pin the (potential) crime on at least one of the women. Stream Bad Sisters on Apple TV. Bad Sisters (2022 – 2024) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ The White Lotus (2021 — ) If the characters of Your Friends and Neighbors went on vacation, it might go a little something like this. Each season of Mike White's anthology show begins with a flash forward to the rather horrible outcomes that will be faced by at least some of the holiday makers traveling to one of the title's White Lotus resorts (each season is a distinct storyline and location, with the occasional recurring character). The first season's manager, Murray Bartlett’s Armond, makes clear to the staff that the ultra-wealthy guests are little more than overgrown children, and need to be coddled as such. At these very fancy resorts, at which people have paid absurd amounts of money to be pampered, competitiveness and general toxicity ensure that everyone’s going to have a miserable time, whatever the price. And yet I still kinda want to stay there? Stream The White Lotus on HBO Max. The White Lotus (2021 — ) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Good Girls (2018 – 2021) Beth, Ruby and Annie (Christina Hendricks, Retta, and Mae Whitman, respectively) are three moms in suburban Michigan, and they are all having serious money troubles. They're not exactly criminal masterminds, so they concoct a scheme to rob the local grocery store to solve them—a store that just happens to be serve as a front for a money-laundering operation. They make off with $500,000, but the gang leader whose money they unknowingly stole wants it back, and the store manager who spotted one of their tattoos and is threatening blackmail. It's definitely not a sitcom, but it's a solid comedy-drama with a talented cast of characters who keep finding themselves in deeper and deeper over the course of four seasons. Stream Good Girls on Netflix. Good Girls (2018 – 2021) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Dope Thief (2025) Ray and Manny (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) are childhood friends from Philly who've been supporting themselves by impersonating DEA agents and robbing low-level stash houses in the inner city. Manny's looking to move on while Ray's eccentric mother, Theresa (Kate Mulgrew, clearly having a great time) needs a lot of money fast. And so, as you've probably guessed, we're about to enter "one last big score" territory, which, in this case, involves robbing a meth lab that is, it turns out, part of a large-scale operation that the legit DEA has in its sights. Stream Dope Thief on Apple TV. Dope Thief (2025) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ Deli Boys (2025 – ) Pakistani-American journalist and producer Abdullah Saeed has long been celebrated for his investigative reporting and his Vice documentaries, many of them dealing with the impacts of cannabis laws. That experience lends a unique verisimilitude to this comedy series following two brothers—hardworking Mir (Asif Ali) and hard partying Raj (Saagar Shaikh)—after the death of their wealthy father, at which point 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, and hits the theme of maintaining a front in modern America, but this time starring people who don't look like Jon Hamm. Stream Deli Boys on Hulu. Deli Boys (2025 – ) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu Big Little Lies (2017 – ) Much as with The White Lotus, part of the thrill of Big Little Lies is in watching some some very rich, very attractive, very white (mostly) ladies have a tough time in a beautiful locale (in this case, Monterey, California). Unlike Your Friends and Neighbors, money isn't really at issue here, except in the ways that even small differences in perceived wealth can lead to big drama—but there are secrets aplenty. In season one, five women (played by Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz) become involved in a murder investigation connected to a school fundraiser that threatens to bring all of their private dirt out into the open. Stream Big Little Lies on HBO Max. Big Little Lies (2017 – ) Learn More Learn More Dead to Me (2019 – 2022) Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini make for an all-time-great TV pairing in this dark, twisty comedy about a couple of women who become united in tragedy...and lies. Applegate is Jen Harding, a realtor whose husband was killed in a hit-and-run incident; she's not dealing very well, and takes a bit of inspiration from Cardellini's Judy, who has maintained a cheery disposition following her fiancé Steve's death from a heart attack—easier to do, given that Steve's still secretly alive. And then we discover that Judy has a storage unit with a car that looks suspiciously like the one that killed Jen's husband—and that's all just part of the first episode. The show only gets wilder from there. Stream Dead to Me on Netflix. Dead to Me (2019 – 2022) at Netflix Get Deal Get Deal at Netflix The Santa Clarita Diet (2017 – 2019) Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant star in the comedy-horror series about a husband and wife real estate team whose lives are turned upside down when she learns that she's a zombie (a result of some bad clams, natch). She enjoys her new, less-inhibited life, and mostly only eats bad people, so it's fine. The premise is obviously horror-movie-adjacent, but the joke is very much that everyone in the suburbs is living beyond their means, and everyone has something to hide. It's just that in the case of the Hammonds, the big secret in question is that she's undead, and the crimes they're concealing involve cannibalism. Stream The Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix. The Santa Clarita Diet (2017 – 2019) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix View the full article

Back in 1972, only 54 years ago, it was way harder for women and girls to play sports. Resources were scarce, there weren’t the same legal protections as today, it was socially discouraged—and coaches even often found themselves transporting entire teams themselves in their own cars, mopping courts and floors after a match, and funding the purchasing of uniforms and sweats. Before Title IX—the landmark legislation that ended sex-based discrimination in sports passed in 1972—girls and young women who wanted to go to college for athletics sometimes found they simply couldn’t. Maybe the admission requirements (which were different than they were for men) were too steep; perhaps the school they wanted to attend didn’t even have any women’s sports teams, let alone the sport they hoped to compete in. But today? It’s difficult to turn on the TV or open up a smartphone without seeing a powerful woman in sports: whether that’s an athlete who is at the top of her game, or an analyst who is racking up award nominations and hosting her own show. Some of those girls and women moved into the realm of professional sports as athletes, a lot became coaches, GMs, team executives, as well as reporters, announcers, and broadcasters. Equality in women’s sports is about more than the athletes on the field—every time a gain is made for one group of women, on the field or off, it has the potential to improve things for all women. And today, the women who are leading the way in sports are acutely aware of the impact they have. Mega star Breanna Stewart graduated from the University of Connecticut and was the number-one overall draft pick in 2016, and has since added three WNBA championships to her resume. She also started a whole second league: Unrivaled, the professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league in Miami that she co-founded with fellow UConn alum and WNBA leader Napheesa Collier. Since then, she was one of the athletes on the ground who recently negotiated what sounds like a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the WNBA. WNBA players opted out of the CBA previously signed in January 2020 last October, and negotiations between the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association (WNBPA) and the league’s leadership began nearly immediately. Those conversations took months, and ultimately, the two parties came to an agreement that will provide generational change for the athletes who play in the league. For the first time, the players will benefit from a gross revenue sharing system, and minimum salaries will hover around $300,000. It’s one of the most high-profile examples of women fighting for what they’re worth in the modern workforce. While speaking to Fast Company about her March Madness bracket at a press event for Reese’s, Stewart admitted there was no way she could have seen any of this coming in 2016. “When I first got drafted, I don’t know if I could have seen this path because I don’t know if I could have seen the sport growing as quickly and as rapidly as it did,” she explained. “I’m not surprised by it at all, but I think we’ve come a long way. When I first came in, we were in one CBA, and then we had the new CBA in 2019, and now we’re in an even newer CBA. There’s the growth and evolution. All things take time to really build and get excited for where we’re going as a whole.” The fact that such advances have been built for women by women is important to her. “I think what I want to say is as women, we’re constantly always fighting for better and fighting for more. That’s nothing new to us being in the WNBA. And while we do it, we continue to stay united on where we’re trying to go and you see that with the CBA,” she added. As one of the vice presidents of the league’s players’ association, Stewart was present at nearly every negotiations meeting, some of which extended well into the early morning hours. “I can’t talk specifics, but obviously it’s going to be transformational,” she explained. “It’s going to be something that has never happened before and I’m really excited about that, but I’m not surprised because it’s a league full of women who are constantly doing this. We know what it means to step up to the plate and stand on our work and our family and we’re just doing it.” That sentiment is also shared among women who work in other areas of the sports world. Andraya Carter knows a thing or two about finding new ways to stay in a field you feel passionate about. She graduated from the University of Tennessee when injuries ended her own pro basketball goals. Carter, who began calling Tennessee’s games for ESPN3 in 2016 and has since become one of the most prominent faces in women’s sports for ESPN, told Fast Company, “Instead of being a part of it as a player, I get to be alongside it as an analyst in such a big time of growth. But it’s really a testament to the players who have put on amazing performances. It just feels like it’s been the perfect storm to just have the game explode and grow.” Representation matters: that’s something we hear frequently. But that doesn’t mean that representation is happening at the rate it should. A 2021 report for the The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at at the University of Central Florida revealed that while the Associated Press Sports Editors has improved in terms of hiring more racially diverse editors, reporters, and journalists (their racial grade was a B-) it has a long way to go when it comes to hiring women (their gender/sex grade: a D). Alaina Morris, who covers men’s and women’s sports at Vanderbilt University in Nashville for 247Sports, knows what that feels like at a more local level. Morris, who just graduated with a B.A. in Sports Media in December, has already seen the sex disparity in the flesh. “In my experience, I’ve noticed that press conferences, practices, and games are still predominantly male spaces,” she told Fast Company. “Women’s basketball is often the only sport I cover where I’m regularly surrounded by other women. At men’s basketball and football outings, more often than not, I’m the only woman in attendance.” Representation of women in the sports industry is “improving,” she also said, but “there’s still significant progress to be made. There’s no question that sports remains a male-dominated industry.” Like a lot of women (including this author), Morris has also encountered bias at events. She recalled one men’s event when it was assumed she was a photographer while picking up her credential. “I had to clarify that I was the reporter,” she said. “The person working the gate couldn’t grasp that at first and had questions for me when I corrected him. It’s just one example of moments where assumptions were made about my role and abilities because of my gender.” A career in sports may still be something that isn’t easily handed to women, but there are plenty who are paving the way. Whether that’s by taking action on the court, reporting live on TV, or writing up the stories that matter, there’s plenty of room for more. View the full article

A reader writes: This happened a few years ago, but I would appreciate knowing how I should have handled it in the moment as all my supervisor training was patchy and on the fly and definitely had gaps. We had an internal promotion opportunity and two candidates: Abby and Bella. Both were in the same support role where Bella had more experience, but Abby had natural aptitude. The new position was much more technical in nature, needing a lot of spreadsheet and database work, instead of document formatting and people skills. We were all surprised when Bella applied, as none of this role played to her strengths or interests, but we interviewed both. She could have been taking extra training we were not aware of yet. Abby’s education, skillset, and reputation made her the strong choice before the interview. Her personality makes interviewing harder, especially with a panel of three colleagues, but she made it through okay. Bella’s education, skillset, and reputation did not make her an obvious choice, but she interviews very well. But here’s the issue: She gave an example that perfectly highlighted the skills for this position — identifying issues in an existing database and reports, working with IT to fix the reports, and rolling out the changes and training staff. The other two panel members were impressed, as they know this report and remember how clumsy it was and how good it is now. However: That was my work. I supervised both Bella and Abby, and I made that entire process change and I taught it to Bella. I honestly couldn’t tell in the moment if she was blatantly lying, or if she’d Dunning-Krugered herself into thinking she spearheaded the entire process rather than sitting through my training for the new system at the end. At the time, I didn’t deep-dive, as we were already fairly decided on Abby, so I simply said, “Yes, I remember that entire process very well …” and left it hanging for a while. When we debriefed afterwards, I clarified for my panel peers. It cemented our decision that Abby was the right person for the promotion. What was the right path in the moment of the interview, and afterwards? It can be really hard to know how to react correctly in the moment in a situation like that — it’s natural to be stunned that the person is flagrantly lying (and in front of you, someone they should know will know the truth!), and often the conversation has already moved on by the time you’ve collected your thoughts and are confident of how to respond. Sometimes, too, you might not trust yourself to get the response right in the moment and you want some time to think about it before you speak up so you don’t get it wrong. So it’s very normal and understandable that you didn’t say anything in the moment. That said … you absolutely can say something in the moment when something like this happens. The easiest way to do it is to just articulate very plainly your own understanding of the situation and then ask for clarification. Your tone shouldn’t be accusatory but rather more “maybe I’m misunderstanding.” For example: “You probably remember that I was heavily involved in the X work — I led the change process and trained you and the other staff on it at the end. My recollection was that your involvement came at the end, when you were trained on the new system rather than spearheading the work, so I wonder if you can you speak more to what your role was.” And if you missed the chance to say it in the moment, it also would have been okay to go back to it later in the conversation, saying something like, “I want to go back to something we talked about a littler earlier” and then using the language above. Bella probably wouldn’t have responded by confessing that yes, in fact she had completely misrepresented her work; more likely, she would have tried to bluff her way through a response by puffing up whatever her limited involvement was. At that point, you could have simply moved on — but you wouldn’t have let a flagrant lie go unremarked upon, and who knows, maybe you’d have learned that she did have more involvement than you realized (probably not, but it’s good to allow for that possibility, or maybe she just had a fundamental misunderstanding of how much work was actually involved in that project because she’d been so uninvolved). Personally, I nearly always come down on the side of “say the thing” rather than letting this stuff pass — partly on principle but mostly because since you’re going to factor it into your decision you should give the person the chance to clarify any miscommunication first — but other people come down on the side of “eh, we’re not going to hire her for other reasons, or this itself is so prohibitive that there’s no point in even getting into it with her,” and that’s legitimate too. But all else being equal, I believe it’s better to say the thing. The post a candidate used my experience as hers, when I was on the interview panel appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Industry warnings of disruption contrast with government calls for calmView the full article

The federal court rejected Flagstar's attempts for both a panel rehearing and an en banc hearing to overturn California's interest on mortgage escrow rule. View the full article

After weeks of chaos in U.S. airports, the Transportation Safety Administration said the first paychecks in weeks are being sent as early as Monday to its workers, giving the beleaguered aviation system a boost of optimism. Wait times at some TSA security bottlenecks, such as the airport checkpoints in Atlanta and Houston, improved significantly Monday morning. But how long it will take for long security lines to consistently return to normal — and how long federal immigration officers will stay in airports — remains unknown as the busy spring break travel season continues. The DHS shutdown has resulted in not only travel delays but also warnings of airport closures as TSA workers missing paychecks stopped going to work. Those workers were just recovering financially since last fall’s extended government shutdown. Wait times still pushed beyond two hours at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Monday morning. Baltimore-Washington International Airport had minimal wait-times Monday morning, but continued to advise travelers to arrive three hours before their scheduled departure. President Donald The President on Friday ordered the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA officers immediately to ease the lines plaguing airports. The move came after The President rejected bipartisan congressional efforts to fund the TSA while negotiations continue with Democrats, who have refused to approve more funding without restraints on The President’s immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations. Democrats are demanding better identification for the officers, judicial warrants in some cases and for agents to refrain from conducting raids around schools, churches or other sensitive places. Republicans and the White House have been willing to negotiate on some points, but the sides have yet to reach a final agreement. On Monday, there were few signs of progress on Capitol Hill, where the Senate held a short session without considering the House bill and resumed its two-week break. GOP Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota said afterward that Senate Republicans are talking with Democrats and also the House as they try to find a way to funding DHS. TSA employees had gone without pay since DHS funding lapsed in February. The department’s shutdown reached 44 days on Sunday, eclipsing the record 43-day shutdown last fall that affected all of the federal government. The DHS shutdown has resulted in not only travel delays but also warnings of airport closures as TSA workers missing paychecks stopped going to work. Those workers had already endured the nation’s longest government shutdown last fall. Multiple airports experienced greater than 40% callout rates, and nearly 500 of the agency’s nearly 50,000 transportation security officers quit during the shutdown. The President deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to some airports a week ago to help with security as TSA callouts rose nationwide. How long they stay, White House border czar Tom Homan said, depends on how quickly TSA employees return to work. A TSA statement said the agency “has immediately begun the process of paying its workforce,” with paychecks arriving “as early as Monday.” The overall absentee rate among TSA officers scheduled to work dipped slightly on Sunday, according to DHS. The highest were concentrated at major airports that have seen consistently elevated absences lately. Those included BWI, both of Houston’s main airports; Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans; Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport; and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. —Josh Funk and John Seewer, Associated Press Associated Press reporters Rio Yamat and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed. View the full article

During the week of March 23, a truck carrying Nestlé’s new Formula One-themed KitKat bars was making its way from picturesque central Italy to its intended destination of Poland. Somewhere along the way, the truck was intercepted and approximately 12 tons of the bars—or more than 413,793 KitKats—were stolen. The whereabouts of both the bars and the truck are still unknown. Despite all odds, this is shaping up to be a huge win for Nestlé. The Swiss food giant confirmed the chocolate heist to The Athletic on March 28, explaining that the bars in the truck were part of KitKat’s first season as F1’s official chocolate partner. No one was hurt in the process, the company said, and the stolen product is not considered to be a risk, since each bar can be tracked with a unique product code. The theft comes just a week before Easter, an important time of year for Nestlé when shoppers are guaranteed to be loading up their grocery carts with sweets. It’s not the first heist to have captured international headlines recently. Last year, the world watched as a much more costly heist (of the actual crown jewels) became a PR crisis for the famed Louvre Museum in Paris, drawing global attention to the museum’s security holes and years-long infrastructure problems. For Nestlé, though, the great KitKat heist is turning out to be less of a disaster, and more of a free brand promotion—and it shows that, in the world of marketing, context is king. KitKat’s ‘Ocean’s 11’ moment After initial news of the KitKat crime broke over the weekend, it quickly racked up coverage from news outlets including CBS, NBC, The Guardian, and Delish. On March 29, Nestlé decided to publicly acknowledge the situation via a statement on KitKat’s official social media accounts. “We can confirm that 12T of KitKat products were stolen while in transit between our factory in Central Italy and their destination in Poland,” it began. “We are working closely with local authorities and supply partners to investigate. The good news: there are no concerns for consumer safety, and supply is not affected.” This post—which now has over 333,000 likes on X and another 340,000 on Instagram—instantly brought the great chocolate heist into the cultural zeitgeist. Memes about the situation (including several blaming Hungary for the crime) took off. Other brands smelled an opportunity in KitKat’s unfortunate mishap, prompting Domino’s Pizza, the mobile game Cut the Rope, and Ryanair to offer up their own statements on the situation, which collectively generated hundreds of thousands of additional likes on X. A KitKat spokesperson told Fast Company that the brand didn’t have any data to share on how this response has impacted sales, given how quickly the situation is evolving. However, the spokesperson noted, “We are actually positively surprised by the level of online engagement, and grateful that so many people are keen to support us and help fix this industry issue.” So far, the response to KitKat’s pre-Easter theft has largely been positive and silly, resulting in troves of free user-generated content for the brand. It’s revealed just how much the context matters in a brand moment like this one. A tale of two heists While both the Louvre heist and the KitKat heist involved similarly ridiculous premises, the latter pointed a massive spotlight at the museum’s existing issues with crumbling infrastructure, lackluster security, and ongoing employee dissatisfaction. Hundreds of articles, videos, and posts were made in the wake of the Louvre’s heist, but many of them inevitably led viewers back to this information, causing the overall tenor of the response to be overwhelmingly negative. The Louvre heist reminded people of the museum’s organizational crisis. Nestlé’s heist seems to have reminded people how much they love biting into a KitKat. A Reddit thread dedicated to the KitKat fiasco, which now has more than 4,000 upvotes, sums it up. “Honestly sounds like the most ‘harmless’ heist of the century lol,” one user commented. “No one’s really upset.” Another responded, “Guess someone really needed those chocolate bars so im not mad either.” View the full article

Most Americans feel powerless amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. For 45 days, the Department of Homeland Security has gone without funding, leaving the TSA in shambles and wreaking havoc at airports across America (where President Donald The President’s plan to deploy ICE agents has only added to travelers’ stress). It’s up to members of Congress to end the shutdown one way or another, and an unlikely source just gave citizens a way to send their lawmakers a message: TMZ. TMZ’s reputation as a tabloid precedes it. Controversial reporting, like sharing photographs of Liam Payne’s body after his death and breaking the news of Kobe Bryant’s passing before his family had been informed, have made the outlet notorious for crossing lines with its journalism. On Thursday, March 26, TMZ posted a call for submissions, asking Americans to send photos of congresspeople leaving Washington D.C. and on vacation, as Congress begins a planned two-week recess despite the ongoing shutdown and war in Iran. “As TSA officers are selling their blood to keep a roof over their heads, members of Congress are packing their bags for a 2-week vacation, and WE WANT THE PICS!” TMZ wrote in its post, which also featured a video of TMZ Live hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere. “We want to show what they are doing at your expense,” Levin said in the video, repeating the call for photos and videos of congresspeople on spring break while everyday Americans struggle to enjoy their own vacations. A TMZ spokesperson summed up the move in a statement to Fast Company: “To quote a legendary ‘broadcaster,’ we’re mad as hell and we’re not gonna take it anymore,” they said. The internet was immediately intrigued at the prospect of TMZ “using their messy, morally-lacking ways for good,” as one viral post put it. The concept of TMZ using their messy, morally-lacking ways for good https://t.co/YYGYioWNy9 — The Third King 👑 (@thirdking0208) March 27, 2026 Days later, as Congress’s two-week recess begins in earnest, TMZ’s callouts of representatives began. The most talked about congressman on vacation is Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who was spotted dining at Disney World, then wandering around the theme park with a bubble wand in hand. Lindsay Graham agitated for this war and is now on vacation in Disney World. Reminder: He has no wife or kids. Why is he there? https://t.co/aWF6pwrmkM pic.twitter.com/vKDjn54TQD — Ali Ahmadi (@AliR_Ahmadi) March 29, 2026 so is he there alone? https://t.co/SkMu07RUX4 — bailey (@Baileymoon15) March 30, 2026 Some social media users suggested Graham’s (apparently solo) trip to Disney is especially jarring in light of his recent comments asking his constituents in South Carolina to “send their sons and daughters over to the Middle East” to fight in the war. lindsey graham told South Carolinians to send their sons and daughters to war while he goes to Disney. — Covie (@covie_93) March 30, 2026 TMZ also posted shots of Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Barrasso (R-WY) in airports during and after leaving D.C., while Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) was papped at a casino in Las Vegas. The internet collectively celebrated the chance to put congresspeople on blast, thanking TMZ for placing pressure on the government as only a tabloid could. “Sometimes TMZ clocks in and decides to go after the government rather than Britney Spears,” one user remarked, “and in those moments we know peace.” “tmz can be sooo powerful when it chooses its targets correctly,” added political influencer Matt Bernstein. Sometimes TMZ clocks in and decides to go after the government rather than Britney Spears and in those moments we know peace https://t.co/MHXVxB9Vpl — kelli (@LagunaBiotchIG) March 27, 2026 tmz can be sooo powerful when it chooses its targets correctly https://t.co/4GUyCEnpZZ — matt (@mattxiv) March 30, 2026 Others wondered why TMZ doesn’t spend more of its time targeting politicians, considering the obvious good it’s done for the brand’s image in a single weekend. “I think TMZ should just do this forever!” one poster wrote. I think TMZ should just do this forever! https://t.co/bUZjfZ3Lld — Kanika Talwar (@Kanika_Talwar) March 29, 2026 TMZ isn’t the only brand to put pressure on members of Congress. Delta recently announced it was suspending its “specialty services” perk for U.S. Senators and Representatives, which would normally allow them to skip TSA lines and receive escorts. Instead, Delta is letting congresspeople feel the full effects of their shutdown, while TMZ keeps them on their toes even after getting through the airport. If the brands’ efforts will convince members of Congress to end the shutdown anytime soon remains to be seen—but their Disney adventures won’t go unnoticed (or un-ridiculed) until they do. View the full article

Reddit today opened its Pro publishing tools to all publishers, removing the waitlist and offering free access in a public beta to expand distribution and engagement. Why we care. Reddit Pro gives you a centralized tool to track where your content spreads, streamline posting, and find the right communities. It transforms Reddit from a manual posting exercise into a structured distribution channel. The details. You can now sign up for Reddit Pro, verify your domain (typically within three business days), and access the Links tab. With Reddit Pro, you can: Track where your content is shared across Reddit. Auto-import articles via RSS for quick posting. Get AI-powered recommendations on relevant communities. Reddit also added features based on early feedback: Community snapshots show rules, stats, and top discussions. Community notes let you track strategy and context. By the numbers. Reddit reported more than 55 billion views of publisher-related conversations in 2025. Publishers testing since September saw: Median post views up 46%. Profile views nearly doubled. Median comments up 48%. What else. Reddit is expanding profile flairs to all Pro users, letting you organize posts on your profile so users can browse coverage and engage with stories. Reddit’s announcement. Helping publishers thrive on Reddit View the full article

Shares of mortgage giants Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FMCC) saw huge price surges early Monday after hedge fund manager Bill Ackman posted about the two stocks on social media. “Some of the highest quality businesses in the world are trading at extremely cheap prices. Ignore the MSM. One of the most one-sided wars in history that will end well for the U.S. and the world. And we have the potential for a large peace dividend. One of the best times in a long time to buy quality. Ignore the bears,” Ackman wrote in a Sunday night post on X. “And Fannie and Freddie are stupidly cheap. Asymmetry at its best. They could be a 10X and it could happen soon.” It was that last part that sent Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stocks to the moon, naturally. As of around noon ET on Monday, Fannie Mae shares were up more than 35%, trading at more than $6.50. Shares were trading at $4.86 on Friday, and even with the Ackman-backed boost, are still down almost 40% year-to-date. Similarly, Freddie Mac shares were up 33% as of noon ET on Monday, trading at more than $5.80. They are still down almost 44% year-to-date. As for Ackman’s comment on the two stocks being “stupidly cheap?” He’s correct, to a degree—but it depends on your perspective. Freddie Mac went public in the late 1980s, and share prices were at their peaks during the mid-aughts, trading at more than $65 before crashing during the housing and financial crisis in 2008. Fannie Mae saw a similar arc, trading at more than $80 at one point in 2001. It also fell to penny stock status in 2008. Neither stock has ever seen much of a recovery until the past year or so. FNMA, for instance, topped out at around $15.30 in September 2025. But Ackman wasn’t the only one offering market commentary. In response to Ackman’s post, Michael Burry, the famous “Big Short” investor, offered his apparent agreement by posting, “Cannot emphasize enough how rare this is in this market.” Burry has also been weighing in on the housing market, recently arguing that the United States does not have a housing shortage, which is commonly blamed for high housing prices. Burry also wrote a Substack post about buying shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It seems that when figures like Ackman and Burry speak up, the markets listen and respond—that’s what’s largely driven the Monday surge in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. View the full article

Michael Rousseau recorded condolence video after fatal plane crash in English despite country being officially bi-lingualView the full article

Banks must plan to support decentralized finance without disturbing their existing businesses. That's easier said than done. View the full article