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Overlooked controls and fragmented oversight leave mortgage lenders exposed to enforcement, litigation, and reputational damage. Learn how to close the gaps. View the full article

Traders price in almost 50% chance of higher borrowing costs by October, in potential blow to The President’s calls for cutsView the full article

The future of work is increasingly intertwined with the seamless flow between physical and digital operations, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Recent research from HP highlights a significant challenge many SMBs face: outdated systems that hinder productivity and stifle growth. According to HP’s report, The Workflow Wakeup, more than half of IT leaders in SMBs are bogged down by fixing problems rather than enhancing systems. This translates into a reluctance to innovate. For small business owners, understanding these dynamics can be the key to unlocking growth. “Inefficient workflows continue to hold organizations back, and the urgency to address them is growing,” states the report. Nearly 70 percent of SMB leaders express concern that competitors using smarter tools are outpacing them. This sentiment reflects a critical moment for businesses ready to modernize. At the heart of this issue lies the hidden friction in daily tasks. Almost half of the knowledge workers in SMBs report spending excessive time on manual tasks that could easily be automated. What may appear as minor inefficiencies add up, pulling teams away from more impactful work. SMB leaders recognize this; 82 percent claim that investing in new technology is vital for success. Document workflows—including printing, scanning, and sharing—are essential to business operations but frequently present roadblocks. Notably, over a third of SMB workers state that these processes slow their work. The implications are evident: when devices malfunction, productivity plummets, affecting everything from project timelines to employee morale. To combat this, HP advocates for the adoption of smarter systems. These connected devices and AI-enabled capabilities can streamline workflows significantly. Features like cloud printing, mobile access, and secure document sharing eliminate unnecessary steps, facilitating the smooth transit of information. The report cites a compelling statistic: 80 percent of SMB workers find that smart printing reduces frustration, with 30 percent claiming they save at least an hour each week as a result. The potential for broader adoption of such technologies is staggering, with estimates suggesting it could yield nearly $25 billion annually in enhanced productivity for U.S. SMBs. Small incremental efficiencies can create a pronounced competitive edge. For IT teams, integrating smarter systems translates to less time troubleshooting and more focus on enhancing system performance. The ability to preemptively address maintenance needs also mitigates risk and complexity. For business owners, investing in these technologies goes beyond operational improvement—it’s an investment in their workforce. By automating mundane tasks, organizations can allocate resources toward innovative and strategic initiatives that promote growth. HP positions smart printing within a larger ecosystem designed to simplify operations, enhance security, and foster collaboration. The focus is clear: bridging the gap between physical and digital workflows in secure and intelligent ways is essential. While transformation doesn’t always necessitate sweeping changes, it often begins with a reevaluation of fundamental processes. By modernizing document and printing systems, SMBs can bolster efficiency, fortify security, and enhance the overall employee experience. In an age where agility is paramount, embracing smarter, connected systems can significantly improve focus and productivity, paving the way for sustainable growth. Small business owners looking to dive deeper into these insights can explore more in HP’s full report, The Workflow Wakeup, available on HP.com. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SMBs Can Boost Productivity by Modernizing Document Workflows, HP Report Finds" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When actress Maddie Ziegler first read the script for the film Pretty Lethal, which premiered at SXSW over the weekend, she was immediately drawn to it because of its authenticity—even if, sure, the ballerinas are also seen scrappily fighting like a bunch of feral cats. “There’s been so many dance films that have not accurately depicted what it’s like to be a real-life ballerina,” Ziegler said during a panel discussion at the Fast Company Grill at SXSW. After first gaining fame as a young dancer on the reality show, Dance Moms, Ziegler had strayed from dance to instead pursue acting, and this project proved both emotional and cathartic for her. “It just completely made me fall in love with dance all over again,” she said. The team behind Pretty Lethal is hoping audiences, too, fall in love with the story of a ballet troupe that’s thrust into a survival situation and must fight their way out—using techniques that come naturally. The film also introduces audiences to the idea of “Ballet-Fu,” or combat fighting that’s grounded in some authenticity, while still leaning into some of the absurdity and fun of the situation, said Vicky Jewson, the director. “They’re not John Wick, they’re dancers,” Jewson said. “Ballerinas are so tough—they have such high pain thresholds, their bodies are their armor—and that gave us room to play and create some action that you’d never seen before.” Breaking new ground Being a member of the cast of a female-led action movie was so fun that actress Avantika Vandanapu hopes she’ll have many more opportunities to take on more such roles in her future. “It’s such an adrenaline kick to be doing action,” she said, adding that the specificity of fight sequences also makes the movie fun to watch. “There are things women think about when fighting, like you’re probably going to go for a man’s nuts,” she said. While Jewson has her sights on directing more action films, and particularly ones starring women, she said that one of the hurdles is the high degree of technical skill required—which takes time to develop. The cast of Pretty Lethal, for example, spent about five weeks training up to 12 hours a day on both ballet and fight sequences. And then there are the Hollywood types who sometimes need some convincing, as was the case with some studio executives who were initially hesitant about greenlighting Pretty Lethal. “I think the word they used was offensive,” Jewson recalled. View the full article

Investor and Shark Tank personality Kevin O’Leary said CEOs who blindly pursue AI are “dead in the water”. But the winning formula, he said, is pairing AI with storytelling and critical thinking. On Wednesday, in a post on X, O’Leary wrote: “In business, it’s about critical thinking and communication, period.” He shared the comment alongside a clip from a recent Fox News appearance, where he discussed the renewed relevance of liberal arts degrees in the age of artificial intelligence. Technical fields like computer science—once considered the safest bet for a stable, high-paying job—are increasingly on shaky ground. Rather than a specific set of technical skills that could become obsolete tomorrow, employers are now hunting for talent who can think critically, creatively, and contextually—the soft skills liberal arts majors have in spades. “Liberal arts graduates can certainly cut through the noise,” O’Leary agreed on X. “But the real value is in the ability to tell a story, paired with AI talent. That’s where the smart money is going. Everything else is noise.” Storytelling has emerged as a core skill over the past year, with U.S. job postings referencing “storytelling” doubling over the past year, according to LinkedIn data cited in The Wall Street Journal. “The number one inflation is creators, like storytellers, writers that actually have AI talents,” O’Leary said in the clip. Those employees who once earned $48,000 a year, now are commanding $600,000 salaries, he said. This increased value can be measured through customer acquisition, according to O’Leary. “If you can prove that you can change a company’s ability to acquire more customers, you can measure that every week, and you can pay them a portion of the profit you make off a new customer,” he explained in the Fox interview. “That’s the new model.” That model only works, he elaborated, if companies maintain focus on value-execution. “I don’t care if you have a liberal arts degree or an MBA; if you can’t tell a story that actually moves the needle on customer acquisition, you’re worth zero,” he wrote alongside the clip. The same is true on the flip side. “If you’re a CEO and you’re just pushing a button to generate garbage, you’re dead in the water,” wrote O’Leary—or drowning in workslop, resulting in both time and money down the drain. “That’s why I only look at it as a tool,” O’Leary said in the interview. “But the people that actually manage it are very valuable.” As we enter the era of the AI-augmented workforce, companies are experimenting—some with more success than others. Take Buzzfeed’s recent woes as a teachable moment. The media company’s full-throttle pivot to AI in 2023—just a month after shutting down its Pulitzer Prize-winning BuzzFeed News division—hasn’t panned out as planned. The company reported a net loss of $57.3 million in 2025 in an earnings report released this month, and said last week it has “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue as a business. The lesson is clear: The most successful companies won’t be those who resist AI or submit to it blindly. It will be those who can leverage their workers’ strengths, integrating human creativity and critical thinking with AI’s speed and scale. “The challenge isn’t the technology,” as O’Leary wrote. “It’s the execution.” View the full article

Google is testing AI-generated headline rewrites in Search results, describing it as a small, narrow experiment for now. What’s happening. Google confirmed to The Verge (subscription required) that it’s testing AI-generated titles in traditional Search results, not just Discover. The test is “small” and “narrow,” and not approved for broader rollout. It impacts news site but isn’t limited to them. The goal is to better match titles to queries and improve engagement, Google said. One example showed Google replacing original headlines with shorter or reworded versions, sometimes changing tone or intent (e.g., reducing “I used the ‘cheat on everything’ AI tool and it didn’t help me cheat on anything” to “‘Cheat on everything’ AI tool.”). Why we care. Google Search is already sending fewer clicks. Now you also have to contend with Google generating entirely new headlines with AI, risking changes to meaning, brand voice, and click-through rates. Dig deeper. Google changed 76% of title tags in Q1 2025 – Here’s what that means What they’re saying. Sean Hollister, senior editor at The Verge, wrote: “This is like a bookstore ripping the covers off the books it puts on display and changing their titles. We spend a lot of time trying to write headlines that are true, interesting, fun, and worthy of your attention without resorting to clickbait, but Google seems to believe we don’t have an inherent right to market our own work that way.” Title links. According to the Google Search Central section on title links, originally published in 2021: Google’s generation of title links on the Google Search results page is completely automated and takes into account both the content of a page and references to it that appear on the web. The goal of the title link is to best represent and describe each result. Google said it uses these sources to “automatically determine title links” Content in <title> elements Main visual title shown on the page Heading elements, such as <h1> elements Content in og:title meta tags Other content that’s large and prominent through the use of style treatments Other text contained in the page Anchor text on the page Text within links that point to the page WebSite structured data What to watch. Google called this one of many routine experiments, but that’s no guarantee it stays small. The Verge noted a similar “experiment” in Discover later became a full feature. Any future launch may not rely on generative AI, but Google didn’t explain how that would work. View the full article

Pop star Zara Larsson is the internet’s newest it girl. After a wave of viral hits, including her latest album’s title track “Midnight Sun” and her feature on PinkPantheress’ “Stateside” remix, the Swedish singer cemented herself as the next big thing in pop music. But fame doesn’t come without controversy, as Larsson learned when she revealed to her fanbase that she uses generative AI. The discourse began when Larsson posted about watching AI-generated content on TikTok. Larsson first reposted an image from the account Ai Fruit Stories, a page posting AI animations of—you guessed it—drama between anthropomorphic foods. Larsson then posted a selfie with the caption, “Sorry I can’t hang out today, I gotta see what’s happening with choclatina and strawberto,” referring to that page’s main storyline: a chocolate bar named Chocolatina seducing a strawberry named Strawberto. oh she serious about this https://t.co/PdWYhyEiQB pic.twitter.com/7AAfvOZ5Jm — saragee (@cocoxel) March 19, 2026 The situation may sound silly on paper, but it riled up Larsson’s fandom, who called her out for apparently supporting generative AI despite its harmful environmental impact, as well as the damage so-called “AI slop” can do to creative industries. Larsson returned to TikTok to address the controversy in a since-deleted video. “I am just a girl with a phone at the end of the day,” she said. “And I just actually just want to be funny sometimes, and want to connect with people.” She added that she’s not an actual fan of the account she reposted, but that it randomly popped up on her For You Page and she shared it thinking her followers would find it funny. “Do I genuinely consume AI fruits cheating on each other and getting pregnant left and right? I don’t think I do,” she said. Larsson went on to describe her own relationship with generative AI: “I don’t use it for my art. I don’t use it to create. I can see how it can be a tool for people to do that; I don’t do it personally,” she said. “But I do use ChatGPT, I’m sorry,” she continued. “And I Google shit. I Google shit sometimes because I’m curious. I don’t really love the Google AI answers, but I use it.” Larsson said she feels like AI is “everywhere, and it’s taken over.” With generative AI now baked into the fabric of so many aspects of daily life, she says, she’s hopeful that it will eventually stop having a negative environmental impact: “I know it’s just gonna be more environmentally friendly. It just has to be,” she said. “It just has to use less water, less energy, because that’s just the way forward.” “At this point, I don’t ever see us going back to not using it,” Larsson concluded. Larsson’s response only added fuel to her critics’ fire. Many refuted her claim that generative AI use is impossible to avoid, saying they simply choose not to use tools like ChatGPT. “Reminder that you actually don’t have to use gen ai for anything at all despite it being shoved in your face!” one user posted. i’m kinda over ppl saying “AI is everywhere i can’t avoid it so that’s why i use it” like i have never Once used chatgbt………. — kitty (@imightbesinking) March 20, 2026 Reminder that you actually don’t have to use gen ai for anything at all despite it being shoved in your face! Just because the option to do and use something is waved in front of you does not mean you Have to engage with it 👍 — Ally ⭐️ (@AllyAllyOrange) March 20, 2026 Others pointed out that her optimism around AI’s environmental impact seems unfounded, as the continued construction of new data centers only ramps up concerns for the future of the planet. idk what’s worse the fact that she thinks it’s okay as long as she doesn’t use it on her art or saying that ai will use less energy/resources in the future when all of these ai companies are savagely trying to buy lands to build more data centers and ruin the planet over profits https://t.co/3IYiAYr3nH — mar ☆ (@chrrypm) March 20, 2026 "in the future ai is going to use less energy and less water it just has to" as if these huge ai corporations give a single fuck about environmental footprint lmfao https://t.co/vpMuJTqN4a — el ꩜ (@grimlitter) March 19, 2026 Some fans were especially disappointed that Larsson, as an artist herself, would consume and share AI-generated art. “Please support the human writers, artists, animators, singers,” one user wrote. “Art is humanity’s greatest creation. We have to protect it. We have to reject generative AI completely.” This ain't even bout Zara now like… Everyone is too comfortable with this shit. Please support the human writers, artists, animators, singers. Art is humanity's greatest creation. We have to protect it. We have to reject generative AI completely. — Tawny Luxardo (@H0LI3R) March 20, 2026 Not everyone was against Larsson’s perspective. Some reasoned that the situation has been blown out of proportion, with one poster saying they “cannot bring [themself] to care” about her “watching ai videos she did not make.” But others argued that the size of Larsson’s fanbase—including her 8.8 million followers on TikTok—means she ought to be held accountable for what she posts. zara larsson getting hate for reposting a racist ai slop video, casually using chatgpt, and normalizing ai use in general is extremely valid actually https://t.co/e6cpIk0Sf5 — ash 🍓 (@beefy5layerbby) March 20, 2026 Larsson may have deleted all her posts on the topic, but her comments section on TikTok is still dominated by discussions on generative AI. On her most recent video, the top comment riffs on Larsson’s beach-going, summery aesthetic: “It’s gonna be summer forever if you keep using ai.” View the full article

Guaranteed Rate Affinity, joint venture between Guaranteed Rate and Anywhere Integrated Services, announced its national builder divisional manager. View the full article

Language analysis shows a sharp shift in tone from the UK central bank this weekView the full article

When you’re planning your next crafting project, choosing the right online supply store can make a significant difference. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby offer extensive selections of materials and tools for various crafts. For specialized needs, Blick Art Materials and Scrapbook.com are excellent options. Furthermore, platforms like Etsy provide unique supplies from independent creators. Comprehending what each store offers will help you find the best supplies customized to your project requirements. Key Takeaways Explore a wide range of craft supplies, including art materials, fabrics, and seasonal items at reputable online stores. Take advantage of exclusive promotions and discounts from trusted brands like Cricut and Tim Holtz for savings on your projects. Look for online stores that offer free shipping on orders over $69, making bulk purchases more economical. Regularly check for new arrivals and fresh options to stay updated with the latest crafting trends. Utilize in-store pick-up options if available, for convenience and to avoid delivery waits on your craft supplies. Shop Popular Departments When you shop popular departments at craft supply stores, you’ll find a wide range of materials customized to various projects. From crafting necessities to specialized wreath making tools, these stores cater to all your creative needs. Regularly check the weekly flier for current sales and promotions, ensuring you can save money as you stock up on supplies. If you prefer convenience, consider utilizing the in-store pick-up option, allowing you to avoid delivery waits. Many craft supply stores online offer free shipping on orders over $69, making it easier to purchase in bulk. With new items added daily, you’ll always have fresh options for crafts and scrapbooking, ensuring your creativity knows no bounds while remaining within your budget. Shop the Brands You Love When you shop at craft supply stores, you’ll find a wide selection of trusted brands that cater to all your crafting needs, ensuring you get high-quality products every time. Many stores likewise offer exclusive promotions on these popular brands, allowing you to save money during stocking up on your favorite supplies. Staying updated on the latest arrivals can help you discover new trends and products that improve your creative projects. Trusted Brand Selection Craft supply stores prioritize offering a wide range of trusted brands, ensuring you have access to quality products that meet various crafting needs. By shopping at craft stores online, you can explore well-known brands like Doodlebug, Tim Holtz, and Cricut, each celebrated for their innovative designs and attention to detail. Regular updates on new brand arrivals keep you informed about the latest offerings, whereas brand-specific promotions often help you save on your favorite supplies. If you’re looking for wholesale deco mesh and ribbon, these trusted brands provide a variety of options that cater to different projects. Feedback from satisfied customers highlights the quality and creativity of these products, making brand selection a vital aspect of your crafting experience. Exclusive Brand Promotions Exclusive brand promotions give you the chance to save on high-quality supplies from your favorite crafting brands. Many online craft stores offer an extensive selection of trusted names, ensuring you get reliable products customized to your specific needs. You’ll find regular updates on new brand arrivals that keep you informed about the latest trends and innovative supplies in the crafting community. Furthermore, exclusive deals and brand-specific promotions allow you to save on popular, high-demand items, making it easier to stock up on necessities without overspending. Look out for discounts on select brands, as these promotions provide excellent opportunities to improve your creative projects with dependable materials as you keep your budget intact. Check Out Our Create Blog Explore the Create Blog, where you’ll find a wealth of crafting guides designed to inspire and improve your creative projects. You’ll discover detailed DIY guides, like how to make beautiful paper flowers or build budget-friendly pallet furniture that enhances your home. If you’re an artist, the blog offers tips on selecting the right easel to uplift your crafting experience. For families, there are fun paper plate crafts particularly designed for kids, promoting both creativity and engagement. Furthermore, you can explore suggestions for personalizing your projects, allowing you to add a unique touch. Finally, the blog highlights affordable custom framing options, enabling you to preserve and showcase your cherished memories in style. Easy Crafting Projects If you’re looking for simple DIY ideas, crafting projects can be a great way to express your creativity without a major time commitment. Consider starting with easy quilling projects that merely require paper strips, or create a seasonal wreath to freshen up your home decor. These projects not just improve your crafting skills but additionally allow you to personalize each piece to reflect your unique style. Simple DIY Ideas Crafting can be an enjoyable and fulfilling way to express your creativity, especially when you start with simple DIY projects that require minimal materials and effort. For beginners, consider exploring five accessible quilling projects, which are perfect for honing your skills. You’ll also want to gather crucial drawing materials to enhance your artistic work, ensuring you have everything you need to produce stunning pieces. Personalizing your craft projects adds a unique touch, allowing you to tailor designs to your style. In addition, DIY spring wreath ideas can inspire you to incorporate seasonal décor into your home, enriching your crafting experience. These projects are great entry points, making crafting enjoyable and approachable for everyone. Seasonal Craft Inspiration As the seasons change, so do the opportunities for creative expression through crafting. For spring, consider making DIY wreaths with fresh floral designs and lively colors, which can brighten up your home. If you’re new to crafting, five simple quilling projects can help you create beautiful pieces with minimal supplies. To improve your skills, explore tips for personalizing your crafts, making them truly unique. For family fun, try budget-friendly paper plate crafts that use common household materials, ensuring enjoyable activities for kids. Moreover, a guide for making paper flowers offers step-by-step instructions, allowing you to create lively floral arrangements that can add a seasonal touch to any space. Immerse yourself in these projects and let your creativity flourish! Craft Supplies and Categories When you explore craft supply stores, you’ll discover a diverse range of categories designed to meet various creative needs. These categories cater to different crafting interests and guarantee you find quality materials. Here are some popular categories you can expect: Art Supplies: From paints to brushes, explore mediums for every artist. Paper Crafts: Find cardstock, scrapbooking materials, and embellishments for creative expression. Quilting and Fabrics: Access a variety of fabrics and quilting supplies for sewing projects. Seasonal Items: Discover floral bushes, ribbons, and deco mesh for enhancing your seasonal decorations. Many stores likewise stock trusted brands and provide resources like DIY guides and personalization tips. This broad selection empowers you to tackle any craft project with confidence. Craft Blanks for Custom Creations Exploring craft blanks opens up a world of possibilities for custom creations that can reflect your unique style or brand. Craft blanks like tumblers, keychains, and apparel are available at wholesale prices, making them perfect for your customization projects. You’ll find a large selection of premium YETI cups and tumblers designed particularly for crafters and small businesses. All necessary supplies are provided in one place, along with linked video guidance for various projects. These materials cater to both beginners and experienced crafters, ensuring a seamless crafting experience. Craft blanks are ideal for seasonal décor and personalized gifts, allowing you to express your creativity through sublimation, vinyl, and painting techniques. Item Type Customization Methods Ideal Uses Tumblers Sublimation, Vinyl Gifts, Events Keychains Painting, Vinyl Personalized Items Apparel Heat Transfer, Vinyl Custom Merchandise Home Décor Painting, Sublimation Seasonal Decorations Resin & Epoxy Crafting Resin and epoxy crafting offers a versatile avenue for creating stunning custom projects, from jewelry to home décor. To achieve professional results, you’ll need premium materials and crucial tools. Here are four key items to take into account: Silicone Molds: These are perfect for shaping your resin into unique designs, whether it’s pendants or coasters. Pigments: Use high-quality pigments to add lively colors to your projects, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. UV Resin: This type cures quickly under UV light, allowing for faster project completion, ideal for time-sensitive crafting. Comprehensive Tutorials: Accessing detailed guides will help you navigate the crafting process, boosting your skills and creativity. With these supplies, you can create stunning resin art that lasts. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Crafting Website? When considering the best crafting website, focus on your specific needs. Websites like Craft Direct offer high-quality supplies at competitive prices, whereas JoAnn and Mood Designer Fabrics provide a wide range of materials for various projects. If you’re interested in cutting machines, Cricut and Silhouette specialize in those tools. For unique items, check Etsy and independent retailers. Furthermore, crafting blogs and tutorials can improve your skills and inspire your creativity. What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? When considering the most popular craft store, you’ll find several strong contenders. Michaels stands out with its vast inventory and frequent promotions, making it a go-to for many crafters. JoAnn is well-regarded for its fabric and sewing supplies, whereas Hobby Lobby offers unique items at reasonable prices. Craft Direct caters to DIY enthusiasts with competitive pricing, and Amazon provides an extensive range of products with fast shipping, appealing to diverse crafting needs. Are Craft Supply Stores Profitable? Yes, craft supply stores can be quite profitable. With the global craft market valued over $40 billion, demand for supplies is strong. Online retailers, in particular, enjoy lower overhead costs, enabling competitive pricing. Seasonal spikes during holidays and events drive sales, contributing to profitability. Successful stores likewise build loyal customer bases through effective marketing and community engagement, which nurtures repeat business and referrals, enhancing their overall revenue potential. Which Company Is Best for Art and Craft? Determining the best company for Blick Art Materials and craft supplies depends on your specific needs. Craft Direct is great for competitive pricing and a wide variety of supplies. If you’re focused on sewing, JoAnn offers extensive fabric and sewing options. For high-quality designer fabrics, consider Mood Designer Fabrics. Knitters and crocheters will appreciate Purl Soho’s premium yarn selections. Finally, Cricut is ideal for innovative tools and materials, especially for paper crafts. Conclusion In summary, exploring the best online craft supply stores can greatly improve your creative projects. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby offer diverse materials, whereas Blick Art Materials and Scrapbook.com cater to specialized needs. For unique items, Etsy connects you with independent creators. Furthermore, retailers such as ArtResin and Tandy Leather provide specialty supplies. By choosing the right store, you can access a wide range of tools and materials customized to your crafting requirements, ensuring successful outcomes. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Best Online Craft Supply Stores for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Pakistan gets almost all its oil and gas from the Middle East, where U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran have caused crude prices to blow past $150 a barrel and tankers can’t get through the Strait of Hormuz. But it has one edge in the crisis: a rapid, recent shift to solar power. The country’s solar boom started in the wake of the Ukraine war, when Pakistan couldn’t afford to buy liquefied natural gas and that led to power outages. “It also led to soaring electricity bills,” says Rabia Babar, an energy market analyst at the Pakistan-based nonprofit Renewables First. Some power bills were as much as 30-40% of people’s income, sometimes more than they were spending on rent. At the same time, the price of solar panels had steeply fallen, with an oversupply from Chinese manufacturers that was easily accessible in Pakistan. And so people started buying and installing solar—often to avoid using grid power. “You could go to your local bodega, buy a solar panel and charge controller and a battery, and install it yourself,” says Jigar Shah, an energy entrepreneur and investor who previously led the Loans Program Office at the U.S. Department of Energy. “It was so cheap that people were able to do it with discretionary funds, $50 that they had.” A grassroots DIY movement quickly grew. Self-taught solar entrepreneurs learned about installation and repair on YouTube and in local WhatsApp groups. As people installed solar on their roofs, their neighbors followed. Businesses added solar and batteries on factory buildings. Farmers started using solar pumps, rather than diesel, for irrigation. Cheap solar panels also helped bring power to rural homes that had always been off the grid. Last year, the country was the second-largest importer of Chinese solar panels in the world. Ten percent of the grid shifted to solar in just a few years, driven largely by these small installations. “When you think about the sheer volume and the population of Pakistan, it certainly is the largest deployment of solar and battery storage to solve energy poverty in the world,” Shah says. Over the last nine years, the country has imported a massive 51 gigawatts of solar power. (For comparison, that’s more than the entire capacity of power plants on the country’s electric grid.) That’s helped Pakistan avoid spending more than $12 billion on fossil fuel imports, according to a report from Renewables First. This year, as crude prices have surged, the country could save another $6.3 billion. (Pakistan still relies almost entirely on fossil fuels for transportation, as EV adoption in the country is at an earlier stage. ) The transition hasn’t gone perfectly. Because solar grew organically without top-down planning, utilities suddenly lost so much business that they’ve faced financial challenges keeping older infrastructure afloat. The lesson for other developing countries, Shah says, is that utilities should help customers install cheap solar so that the whole system can be coordinated. But the current crisis is likely to speed up the solar transition. “Consumers who are running on diesel in Pakistan—but not just Pakistan, but Kenya, Tanzania, etcetera—their price of diesel just doubled,” says Shah. “If you’re the guy in Pakistan who still hasn’t switched to solar, you’re probably switching to solar this year.” View the full article

David Handler, a technology dealmaker, wins reversal from Delaware Supreme CourtView the full article

Dozens of backbenchers have endorsed the former deputy PM’s criticism of the government’s ‘un-British’ plansView the full article

You might think that Chrome for mobile is just a mini version of Google's desktop browser, designed for quickly browsing the web, while all your serious work can only happen on your computer. While Chrome for desktop will likely always be more capable, Chrome for mobile has its own share of powerful features that you should explore. Once you customize its cluttered home screen, you'll find a browser where organizing and pinning tabs is intuitive, blocking notifications is easy, and every website opens in dark mode. Use pinned tabs to keep track of important pages Option to pin tabs in overflow menu. Below: Pinned tabs section. Credit: Khamosh Pathak On desktop, you might be used to pinning tabs to gain quick access to important pages. For example, I always keep Gmail and Trello pinned in my default browser. This keeps the bookmarks bar and bookmark folders free for link organization. But Chrome for Android and iOS lacked this feature until fairly recently. If you didn't know you could do it, it might be time to start pinning tabs on your device, especially when it comes to tablets. Pinning tabs in Chrome for mobile is slightly different than on desktop, though. After opening a page, you'll have to open the Tabs menu. Then, tap and hold on a page and tap the Pin Tab button. Pinned tabs show up in a special pill-shaped "Pinned Tabs" section at the bottom of the tab switcher. Tapping on one will instantly take you to the pinned page. One added advantage? When you close all tabs because of tab overload, pinned tabs won't disappear. Prevent tab overload by closing old inactive tabs Credit: Khamosh Pathak Safari on iPhone automatically closes tabs that are older than 30 days. Chrome has something similar for Chrome for Android, but the feature on the iOS version is surprisingly limited. By default, any tab that you don't use for 21 days automatically gets moved to "Inactive Tabs." You'll find this section at the top of the Tabs page. This means that when you open the main Tabs screen, you'll only see tabs that you've used recently. But just because the inactive tabs are tucked away, that doesn't mean they're gone. If you have hundreds of inactive tabs cluttering things up, it's time to close them manually. Go to the Inactive Tabs section, tap the Close all inactive tabs button, and confirm from the popup. Every time the list gets a bit too crowded, go in and clear it out. Android users, though, get a Safari-like option to automatically close any tabs that haven't been active for over three months (iOS users don't have this option yet). Go to Settings > Tabs and tab groups > Move to inactive session and make sure that the Automatically close inactive items feature is enabled. Move Chrome's address bar to the bottom Credit: Khamosh Pathak Speaking of Safari-like features, Chrome now has an option to move the address bar to the bottom of the screen on both Android and iPhone. This is great news for anyone who uses a giant phone like I do. (Why Google doesn't just switch this to the default, I will never know.) To move the address bar to the bottom, simply tap and hold on the address bar, then tap the Move address bar to bottom button. Going forward, there will be no need to stretch your fingers just to switch to another website. Use "Send to Your Devices" to open your mobile links on desktop Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you use Chrome on both mobile and desktop, you can use a little-known feature to send any link from your phone to the Chrome desktop app. On your smartphone, tap the Share button and choose the Send to Your Devices option. From the list, select the Chrome browser where you want to send it to, and tap the Send to your device button. The next time you open Chrome, you'll see a popup saying that a page was shared from one of the devices. Click on Open in new tab to resume reading or working on the website on your computer. Block websites from spamming you with notifications (Android only) Credit: Khamosh Pathak Spammers love to abuse Chrome for Android's notification system. Every random website you visit wants to send you alerts, and if you tap “Allow” even once, you're inundated with dozens of notifications a day. Luckily, Chrome has an option that blocks all sites from even presenting a popup for enabling notifications. Go to Settings > Site settings > Notifications and switch to Don't allow sites to send notifications. Websites won't be allowed to ask you for notification access, and they won't be able to send you notifications either. If you want to keep the feature enabled, you can also disable notifications on a per-site basis from the section. Set up your phone so Picture-in-Picture works on any website Credit: Khamosh Pathak Picture-in-picture isn't just for YouTube and media apps. Chrome also supports this feature natively on both Android and iOS. This means you can tune in to any website's video, and watch it in a little floating window no matter if they have a dedicated app or not. As long as Picture-in-Picture is enabled on your phone, all you have to do is to open the video playback, and go to the home screen. (This works with YouTube as well, but only if you're paying for YouTube Premium.) On iPhone, you'll even see a PiP button in the native video player, which will automatically close the app, and bring you to the home screen with the video still playing in the floating window. If Picture-in-Picture is not enabled, you can set it up from the Settings app. On Android, go to Apps > Special app access > Picture-in-Picture > Chrome and enable the “Allow picture-in-picture” feature. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and make sure that the Start PiP Automatically feature is enabled. Use this setting to force any website into dark mode Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you use dark mode on your phone, you might be use to being blinded when you open a news site that only offers a light theme. But there's a simple fix here: All you need is to enable an experimental feature that forces all websites into dark mode, with a black background and white text (without impacting any media or images). Go to the Chrome address bar and enter "Chrome://flags." Search for "dark" from the top. In the Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents option, tap on the drop-down and switch to Enabled, then tap the Relaunch button to restart Chrome. This works on both Android and iOS. Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome Credit: Khamosh Pathak Incognito tabs are private for a reason, and yet, they're as accessible as your standard tabs. Fortunately, Chrome has a feature that can automatically lock Incognito tabs when you leave the browser—again, something that should be enabled by default. On Android, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and enable Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome. Verify using your fingerprint or passcode to enable the feature. On iOS, the steps are slightly different. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Hide Incognito tabs. Here, you can either choose to hide the tabs after 10 minutes, or, better yet, use Lock Immediately with Face ID option for a safer route. Remove the Discover feed and customize the start page Credit: Khamosh Pathak Chrome's start page can be a bit much, especially on iOS. What you want is quick access to the address bar or the search bar, but that's precisely what's farthest to reach. Instead, what you'll find are sections for your top sites, card suggestions, and, of course, the Discover feed, where Google shows you all the articles you might be interested in. Thankfully, this start page is customizable, and you can disable all three sections to keep things clean and simple. Tap "Edit" from the top-left corner of the new tab page, and disable each feature that you no longer wish to use. When all features are disabled (and you've switched to a calmer background), you'll likely find the new tab page is much more useful. Join the beta to test out new features early Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you like being on the bleeding edge of tech, you can test new Chrome features before anyone else gets their hands on them, whether you have an iPhone or Android. On iOS, it's as simple as installing the Google Chrome beta from the TestFlight app. If you already have the app installed, the beta version will replace the stable app. On Android, visit the Google Chrome beta testing site, log in with the Google Play account you use on your smartphone, and choose Become a tester. Once enrolled, you will get an update for Chrome that will switch you out to the latest beta version. If you want to leave the program and return to the stable build, go back to the same website, and use the Leave the program button. View the full article

Consider options beyond donor advised funds. By Randy A. Fox The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Randy Fox. View the full article

Consider options beyond donor advised funds. By Randy A. Fox The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Randy Fox. View the full article

The CEO of Crypto.com, Kris Marszalek, announced on Thursday that he was laying off 12% of the company’s staff. Marszalek cited AI as the driving factor behind the layoffs. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? On Thursday, Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek took to X to announce that the company was cutting 12% of its staff. Marszalek cited AI as the reason for the layoffs. In the X post, Marszalek said that Crypto.com was “joining the list of companies integrating enterprise-wide AI” and suggested that those who do not embrace artificial intelligence won’t be around for long. “Companies that do not make this pivot immediately will fail,” Marszalek wrote. “Companies that move slowly will be left behind.” Marszalek said that, as a result of this embrace of AI, Crypto.com would lay off around 12% of its workforce in “roles that do not adapt in our new world,” noting that the layoffs would be “targeted.” Marszalek is hardly the first CEO to blame AI for layoffs. Most recently, Block CEO Jack Dorsey said he would lay off 4,000 employees, primarily due to a shift toward greater reliance on AI. However, some question whether an embrace of AI tools is actually the driving factor behind tech industry layoffs, or whether CEOs are simply using AI as a smokescreen to mask other reasons. Crypto.com recently paid the largest sum ever for a domain name Of course, it’s not hard to believe that Marszalek truly believes his own words about the seismic impact AI will have on companies in the months and years ahead, especially after he purchased the AI.com domain name in February for a record-breaking $70 million—the most ever paid for a domain name. This week’s layoff announcement also comes after the company’s own cryptocurrency, Cronos (CRO), has suffered a dramatic fall in value over the past several months. After rising from a low of around $0.08 in early July, CRO spiked to over $0.32 cents by late August. But since then, the token’s value has crashed by around 70%, falling to around $0.07 as of this writing, according to CoinMarketCap data. Popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether have also seen their values decline since last summer. This isn’t Crypto.com’s first round of layoffs This week’s announced layoffs are not the first time that Crypto.com has cut staff. In June 2022, the firm let go of about 5% of its workforce, totaling about 260 employees. At the time, Marszalek said the layoffs would allow the company to “stay focused on executing against our roadmap and optimizing for profitability as we do so.” Then, in January 2023, Crypto.com announced that it would eliminate approximately 20% of its workforce, citing the fallout from the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. “We are joining the list of companies integrating enterprise-wide AI,” a Crypto.com spokesperson told Fast Company when reached for comment. “As we continue to prioritize resources around key growth areas and drive efficiencies across our business, we reduced our workforce by approximately 12 percent. All impacted team members have been notified and are receiving resources to support their transition.” The company did not say how many employees were impacted. This story is developing… View the full article

As you explore new business opportunities, consider the emerging franchise options that are gaining traction in 2025. From fitness and wellness franchises that cater to health-conscious consumers, to pet services tapping into the growing pet ownership trend, the scenery is diverse. Home care and senior services are likewise essential, reflecting the aging population’s needs. Each sector offers unique advantages and challenges that could align with your entrepreneurial goals. What might be the best fit for your aspirations? Key Takeaways Home services franchises, like cleaning and landscaping, offer low startup costs and consistent demand for aspiring entrepreneurs. The booming pet services sector includes grooming, boarding, and training franchises, reflecting the increase in pet ownership. Education and tutoring franchises are gaining traction, catering to parents prioritizing their children’s academic success. Fitness and wellness franchises, including boutique gyms and specialized studios, engage diverse audiences and promise brand loyalty through membership models. Innovative food and beverage franchises focus on health-conscious options and unique dining experiences, appealing to evolving consumer preferences. Emerging Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you look ahead to 2025, it’s essential to contemplate the emerging franchise opportunities that align with changing consumer preferences and market demands. Fast-growing franchises in home services, like cleaning and landscaping, are appealing because of low startup costs and consistent demand for reliable providers. Furthermore, the pet services sector is booming, with unique franchises in grooming, boarding, and training capitalizing on increased pet ownership and spending. The education and tutoring sector likewise presents promising loan franchise opportunities, as parents increasingly prioritize their children’s learning. Each of these areas not only reflects current consumer trends but likewise offers a chance for entrepreneurs to invest in sectors poised for growth and sustainability. Fitness and Wellness Franchises The growth in emerging franchise opportunities naturally leads to a focus on fitness and wellness franchises, which are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs. With a heightened consumer focus on health, these franchises often utilize membership-based revenue models that boost brand loyalty. You’ll find opportunities in boutique gyms and personal training studios, allowing you to tap into niche markets with personalized offerings. Franchises like PickleRage illustrate the trend of specialized fitness, engaging communities through activities like pickleball that appeal to diverse demographics. Established business models in this sector simplify operations for new owners, providing a clear roadmap to success. As demand for fitness and wellness services continues to rise, this market represents a promising investment for potential franchisees in California and beyond. Pet Services Franchises The pet services industry is booming, driven by a growing number of pet owners and their increasing demand for quality care options. With franchise support systems that provide training and operational guidance, you can easily establish a successful business in this flourishing market. As pet owners often seek regular services like grooming and daycare, you’ll benefit from customer loyalty and a steady stream of income. Growing Pet Industry Demand With consumer spending on pet care projected to surpass $109.6 billion in 2024, the pet services industry is clearly on an upward trajectory, highlighting a strong demand for related services. The increasing number of pet owners, now about 70% of U.S. households, drives consistent demand for pet services, creating ample opportunities for franchise growth. Here’s a quick overview of potential pet service franchises: Franchise Type Startup Cost Customer Loyalty Pet Grooming Low High Pet Boarding Moderate High Pet Training Low High Mobile Pet Care Low Moderate Pet Supplies Moderate High If you’re considering a new business franchise, ask yourself: What are the questions for franchise opportunities? Franchise Support Systems Steering through the domain of pet services franchises often proves easier when you have strong support systems in place. These franchises typically offer extensive training programs that equip you to handle various business aspects from day one. You’ll also receive ongoing support from franchisors, including marketing assistance and operational guidance, crucial for attracting and keeping customers in this competitive market. Many franchises promote a robust community among owners, nurturing networking opportunities and shared resources that improve your business performance. With established brand recognition, you can build customer trust and loyalty, leading to higher revenue potential. Furthermore, the pet services sector remains resilient to economic fluctuations, providing indispensable services like grooming and training that maintain steady demand year-round. Home Care and Senior Services Franchises As America’s population ages, the demand for home care and senior services franchises is surging, creating a lucrative opportunity for potential franchisees. By 2030, it’s projected that 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, driving the need for services like companionship, personal care, and assistance with daily living activities. These franchises often have lower startup costs than traditional businesses, making them accessible to many aspiring franchisees. You’ll benefit from thorough training and support from franchisors, ensuring you’re well-prepared to meet client needs. Furthermore, the home care industry is set to grow at 7.9% annually through 2025, reflecting a consistent demand for quality senior care services and providing a steady revenue stream. Food and Beverage Franchises When you’re exploring food and beverage franchises, you’ll find a range of trending concepts that cater to modern consumer preferences. Health-conscious options and unique dining experiences are becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to tap into lucrative markets. Trending Food Concepts In today’s dynamic market, food and beverage franchises are thriving owing to a blend of consumer demand and innovative concepts that cater to evolving preferences. You’ll find several trending food concepts gaining traction, making them prime candidates for investment: Fast-casual dining: These franchises focus on quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a better dining experience than traditional fast food. Unique beverage options: Specialty coffee shops and bubble tea stores attract younger customers looking for trendy, Instagrammable choices. Ghost kitchens: These delivery-only concepts minimize overhead costs and allow franchisees to enter the market more easily. With a projected annual growth rate of over 3% through 2025, exploring these concepts could lead to successful business ventures. Health-Conscious Options With consumers increasingly prioritizing health and wellness, the demand for health-conscious food and beverage franchises continues to rise. This sector is witnessing significant growth, with the International Franchise Association projecting a 2.5% growth rate by 2025. Franchises like smoothie bars and salad shops often have lower startup costs and require less space than traditional restaurants, making them accessible to new franchisees. These businesses benefit from strong brand recognition and loyal customers who value nutritious options. Many established health-focused franchises offer thorough training and marketing support, equipping you to thrive in a competitive market. The broadening market now includes plant-based offerings and meal-prep services, aligning perfectly with the growing trend toward healthier lifestyles and sustainable eating habits. Unique Dining Experiences As health-conscious dining options gain popularity, a parallel trend is emerging in the food and beverage franchise industry: unique dining experiences. Consumers are increasingly drawn to novel culinary adventures, and franchises in this sector capitalize on that interest. They often provide strong brand recognition and marketing support, enhancing customer attraction and retention. Here are some key features: Focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Innovative concepts like immersive dining and interactive meal experiences. Extensive training programs in culinary arts, customer service, and operational management. These elements not only cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly options but also create opportunities for franchisees to tap into niche markets. Investing in unique dining experiences can yield substantial returns in today’s competitive market. Education and Tutoring Franchises Education and tutoring franchises present a compelling opportunity for investors looking to enter a steadily growing market. With parents prioritizing their children’s academic success, the demand for these services is on the rise. Many franchises focus on specialized subjects like STEM and test preparation, aligning with current educational trends. Here’s a quick overview of key factors driving this market: Key Factor Description Benefit Steady Demand Increasing focus on academic performance Lucrative investment opportunity Recurring Revenue Students enroll for extended periods Consistent income for franchisees Community Impact Improves local educational outcomes Supports families in academic growth Investing in an education franchise not only generates income but also favorably impacts your community. Innovative Retail and E-Commerce Franchises Investors seeking opportunities in the evolving marketplace should consider the potential of innovative retail and e-commerce franchises. These franchises leverage technology to improve customer experiences, catering to the growing demand for sustainable products and convenient shopping options. Here are key trends to watch: Augmented Reality & AI: Many brands implement these technologies for personalized shopping experiences. Sustainable Products: Emerging franchises focus on eco-friendly offerings, attracting environmentally conscious consumers. Hybrid Shopping Models: Franchises blending in-store and online experiences, like click-and-collect services, provide flexibility. The e-commerce sector is projected to surpass $6.5 trillion in sales by 2023, making it a fertile ground for new retail franchises. Furthermore, subscription models encourage customer loyalty and create recurring revenue opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Franchise Business to Start? The best franchise business to start often lies in sectors with proven demand, like food and beverage, health and wellness, or home services. These industries typically offer established business models, extensive training, and ongoing support, which can improve your chances of success. Furthermore, consider emerging markets such as pet services or child care, where consumer spending is rising. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or make payments. This rule aims to protect you by ensuring you have ample time to review critical information, including financial performance and fee structures. With this time, you can seek legal or financial advice, helping you make an informed investment decision and reducing potential disputes or dissatisfaction later on. What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? The most profitable franchise to own often falls within the food and beverage sector, with brands like Dunkin’ and Subway leading the way. These franchises benefit from strong consumer demand and established brand loyalty, resulting in high sales volumes. Furthermore, low startup costs for certain concepts, such as coffee shops, can improve profit potential. Home service franchises, like Mr. Rooter, likewise show resilience, catering to ongoing consumer needs for crucial services. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, low-cost options are often ideal. Food and beverage franchises, like coffee shops, thrive on consumer demand and established business models. Home services franchises, such as cleaning or landscaping, require minimal startup investment and adapt well to economic changes. Fitness franchises attract health-conscious customers with membership models, whereas educational franchises consistently appeal to parents seeking quality tutoring for their children, ensuring reliable revenue. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring franchise opportunities in 2025 reveals diverse options across various sectors. Fitness and wellness franchises cater to health-conscious consumers, whereas pet services tap into the growing pet ownership trend. Home care and senior services address the needs of an aging population, and education franchises focus on enhancing children’s learning. Furthermore, food and beverage franchises and innovative retail options provide further avenues for entrepreneurial growth. Each sector presents unique advantages worth considering for potential franchisees. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 New Business Franchises to Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The wholesale lender says it agreed to a $660,000 deal last summer for employees seeking overtime pay, an agreement the plaintiffs say never existed. View the full article

In a notable case underscoring the importance of compliance with federal relief programs, Sean Eric Thompson from Pace, Florida, received a four-year prison sentence for a series of fraudulent activities designed to enrich himself at the expense of small businesses seeking relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. This development serves as a crucial reminder for small business owners regarding the ramifications of misusing government assistance programs. Thompson, 44, previously pleaded guilty to an extensive array of charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud. The charges stemmed from a scheme in which he fraudulently applied for funds through the Small Business Administration’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This fund aimed to provide necessary financial support to establishments like restaurants and bars that suffered losses due to the pandemic. “Pandemic relief funds were created to support businesses in crisis, not enrich individuals like Mr. Thompson,” stated FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. His remarks highlight the accountability that comes with these relief programs, emphasizing the goal of safeguarding taxpayer money meant for those in genuine need. In May 2021, Thompson, a part-owner of a business that operated a brewery and restaurant, submitted fraudulent documentation, claiming his business had incurred COVID-related losses of $1,128,233. The SBA disbursed the full amount declared in his application. However, instead of using these funds to stabilize his business, Thompson diverted over $150,000 to his personal investment account, utilizing taxpayer money for personal expenses. This case not only illustrates the legal repercussions of fraud against government programs but also presents critical learning points for small business owners navigating these avenues. The RRF was designed to address immediate financial shortfalls, yet it is crucial that funds are utilized strictly for the intended purposes, ensuring compliance with all rules set forth by the SBA. Non-compliance, as evidenced by Thompson’s case, can lead to severe repercussions, including fines and imprisonment. In August 2023, Thompson filed for bankruptcy, during which he presented materially false statements, omitting the RRF funds and other assets in his disclosures. His bankruptcy testimony further included false claims, revealing the lengths to which he went to conceal his fraud. The case closed with the submission of falsified financial statements to the bankruptcy trustee. “This defendant tried to rip off the federal government by enriching himself with U.S. taxpayer funds intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID pandemic,” remarked U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. His office is dedicated to holding fraudsters accountable, reflecting a broader commitment among federal law enforcement to counteract misuse of pandemic relief programs. For small business owners, this serves as a cautionary tale. Awareness about the strict guidelines surrounding federal funding initiatives is vital. Misrepresenting information, even if unintentional, can lead to investigations, loss of funding, and significant legal troubles. Engaging with the SBA or other agencies for clarity on program eligibility, documentation, and applications can mitigate risks associated with compliance. As awareness grows regarding the oversight of pandemic relief programs, the heightened scrutiny from agencies like the SBA Office of Inspector General is evident. Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jason Xerri stated, “The SBA Office of Inspector General remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who exploited pandemic relief programs for personal gain.” This underscores the government’s intent to protect taxpayer funds and ensure that relief reaches businesses genuinely in need. As the repercussions of fraud unfold, small business owners must remain vigilant. Understanding the significance of accurate reporting and the potential challenges posed by compliance issues can safeguard businesses from legal ramifications. The lessons gleaned from cases like Thompson’s will prove invaluable as businesses continue to engage with federal funding initiatives in the years to come. For further details about this case and ongoing efforts to combat fraud, you can view the original U.S. Department of Justice press release here or the SBA article. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Florida Man Sentenced to Four Years for COVID-19 Relief Fraud" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a notable case underscoring the importance of compliance with federal relief programs, Sean Eric Thompson from Pace, Florida, received a four-year prison sentence for a series of fraudulent activities designed to enrich himself at the expense of small businesses seeking relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. This development serves as a crucial reminder for small business owners regarding the ramifications of misusing government assistance programs. Thompson, 44, previously pleaded guilty to an extensive array of charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud. The charges stemmed from a scheme in which he fraudulently applied for funds through the Small Business Administration’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This fund aimed to provide necessary financial support to establishments like restaurants and bars that suffered losses due to the pandemic. “Pandemic relief funds were created to support businesses in crisis, not enrich individuals like Mr. Thompson,” stated FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. His remarks highlight the accountability that comes with these relief programs, emphasizing the goal of safeguarding taxpayer money meant for those in genuine need. In May 2021, Thompson, a part-owner of a business that operated a brewery and restaurant, submitted fraudulent documentation, claiming his business had incurred COVID-related losses of $1,128,233. The SBA disbursed the full amount declared in his application. However, instead of using these funds to stabilize his business, Thompson diverted over $150,000 to his personal investment account, utilizing taxpayer money for personal expenses. This case not only illustrates the legal repercussions of fraud against government programs but also presents critical learning points for small business owners navigating these avenues. The RRF was designed to address immediate financial shortfalls, yet it is crucial that funds are utilized strictly for the intended purposes, ensuring compliance with all rules set forth by the SBA. Non-compliance, as evidenced by Thompson’s case, can lead to severe repercussions, including fines and imprisonment. In August 2023, Thompson filed for bankruptcy, during which he presented materially false statements, omitting the RRF funds and other assets in his disclosures. His bankruptcy testimony further included false claims, revealing the lengths to which he went to conceal his fraud. The case closed with the submission of falsified financial statements to the bankruptcy trustee. “This defendant tried to rip off the federal government by enriching himself with U.S. taxpayer funds intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID pandemic,” remarked U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. His office is dedicated to holding fraudsters accountable, reflecting a broader commitment among federal law enforcement to counteract misuse of pandemic relief programs. For small business owners, this serves as a cautionary tale. Awareness about the strict guidelines surrounding federal funding initiatives is vital. Misrepresenting information, even if unintentional, can lead to investigations, loss of funding, and significant legal troubles. Engaging with the SBA or other agencies for clarity on program eligibility, documentation, and applications can mitigate risks associated with compliance. As awareness grows regarding the oversight of pandemic relief programs, the heightened scrutiny from agencies like the SBA Office of Inspector General is evident. Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jason Xerri stated, “The SBA Office of Inspector General remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who exploited pandemic relief programs for personal gain.” This underscores the government’s intent to protect taxpayer funds and ensure that relief reaches businesses genuinely in need. As the repercussions of fraud unfold, small business owners must remain vigilant. Understanding the significance of accurate reporting and the potential challenges posed by compliance issues can safeguard businesses from legal ramifications. The lessons gleaned from cases like Thompson’s will prove invaluable as businesses continue to engage with federal funding initiatives in the years to come. For further details about this case and ongoing efforts to combat fraud, you can view the original U.S. Department of Justice press release here or the SBA article. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Florida Man Sentenced to Four Years for COVID-19 Relief Fraud" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. The post open thread – March 20, 2026 appeared first on Ask a Manager. 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. Convertible laptops are a versatile and affordable alternative to buying a separate laptop and tablet. They offer touchscreen capability, multiple viewing modes, and greater portability than traditional laptops, which is a perk for commuters. They’re also useful if you want a second screen but don’t want to invest in a full second laptop or desktop. One of the most popular options is the entry-level 14-inch ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 Convertible Laptop, which is down to a record low of $279.99 (originally $369.99), according to price trackers. Asus Chromebook Flip CX1 2-in-1 $279.99 at Amazon $369.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $279.99 at Amazon $369.99 Save $90.00 It’s one of the most affordable convertible laptops with a 360-degree hinge, a 13-inch touchscreen, and all the essentials for everyday tasks like streaming video, getting work done, multitasking, or serving as a secondary device. That said, it’s not designed for more intensive tasks like design work, competitive gaming, and video editing. It has an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of eMMC storage, and lasts up to 11 hours per charge. It can be used in laptop, tent, or tablet mode, adding to its versatility. While it doesn’t have the high-end specs and performance of dedicated computers, this 2-in-1 does come with fingerprint login, a backlit keyboard, dual speakers, and a 1080p webcam. It also has fast-charging USB-C, USB-A, and micro-SD ports, offering more connectivity than many budget Chromebooks. If you’re looking for a model that covers the basics and your priority is versatility and convenience at under $300, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX1 2-in-1 is a strong choice. However, if you need more storage, better brightness and visuals, and a more capable processor, it’s worth stepping up to a slightly more powerful model like the ASUS Chromebook CM14 Flip or the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, though those upgrades will come with a higher price tag. Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) 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) Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (White) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote — $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

AI won’t make SEO obsolete, but it’ll change how the work gets done. There’s a growing concern that as AI systems improve, they’ll replace the need for human SEO analysis entirely. Early experiments suggest otherwise. While AI can assist with technical tasks and even generate usable outputs, it still depends heavily on detailed human input, structured data, and technical oversight to produce meaningful results. The real shift is toward redistribution. AI is accelerating parts of the workflow, raising the bar for execution, and changing where human expertise matters most. Why AI hasn’t made SEO obsolete AI aims to reduce the need for semi-technical expertise. Where data is highly structured (e.g., coding a Python script), it has an advantage. Even then, human expertise is still required. AI can generate scripts, but without detailed instructions and debugging, the output is often unusable. Generative AI can produce working functions with strong prompts, but it still “thinks” like a machine. That’s why technical practitioners are best positioned to get the most from it. Technical knowledge is also required for AI-assisted SEO tasks like generating product descriptions or alt text at scale. Even with tools like OpenAI’s API, you still need to transform and structure data into rich, usable prompts — for example, turning Product Information Management data into prompt-ready inputs. AI depends on human instructions, and output quality reflects input quality. Thinking in structured terms — IDs, classes, and distinct entities — is key to getting reliable results. It’s what makes the output usable. That makes prompt creation a critical skill. Employers should factor in technical expertise when using AI to drive efficiency. However, don’t celebrate too soon. As AI evolves and absorbs more information, this advantage may be temporary. For now, AI still depends on human expertise to function — which is why SEO isn’t obsolete. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Where AI struggles without human input Data is both AI’s strength and weakness. Early generative AI models relied on curated data within their LLMs. OpenAI’s models couldn’t perform web searches up to and including GPT-4. After GPT-4, AI systems began relying less on internal data and more on web searches for fresh information. Because the web isn’t curated and contains a lot of misinformation, this initially represented a step backward for most AI tools, including ChatGPT and Gemini. This shift also mirrors how traditional algorithms rely on raw information. This raises a key question: Is more information always better for AI? The open web contains both empirical data and subjective opinion, and AI often can’t distinguish between the two. Giving it access to uncurated data has arguably caused more errors and issues in its outputs. Finding the right balance of data remains a challenge. How much data helps or harms performance, and how much curation is needed? While developers continue refining LLMs and connected systems, users still need to load up prompts with as much detail as possible to offset how AI sources and evaluates information. These limitations highlight a core issue: without structured input and human judgment, AI struggles to produce reliable SEO insights. Dig deeper: 6 guiding principles to leverage AI for SEO content production Why full SEO automation is harder than it sounds Basic AI tools can assist with SEO tasks, but full automation is far more complex than it sounds. That said, AI platforms and technologies are evolving rapidly. The first wave of this evolution came as organizations began producing AI agent platforms like Make, N8N, and MindStudio. These platforms provide a canvas for automating workflows, combining inputs, outputs, and AI-driven decision-making. Used well, they can turn from-scratch content creation into structured editorial processes, with efficiency gains that can be significant. However, applying this to real-world SEO work is where complexity sets in. A full technical SEO audit pulls from multiple data sources and environments — crawl data, browser-level diagnostics, and desktop tools. While parts can be automated, stitching everything together into a reliable, end-to-end workflow is difficult and often requires custom infrastructure, API work, and ongoing maintenance. Even with platforms like N8N, full end-to-end automation of complex SEO tasks remains challenging. Simpler, checklist-style audits can be automated, but deeper, more technical work often needs to be simplified to fit automation — which isn’t advisable. In practice, fully automating SEO at depth requires tradeoffs — which is why human expertise is still critical. Dig deeper: AI agents in SEO: A practical workflow walkthrough Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. AI tools are advancing — but not replacing SEOs More recently, there’s been a wave of local AI applications that let you create your own “brain” on a laptop or desktop. These tools are often code editors with support for popular AI models, along with local structures for saving reusable skills, similar to Claude Projects or ChatGPT Custom GPTs. Tools like Cursor and Claude Code allow you to connect models, generate code, and automate parts of workflows through prompts. It’s possible to use these technologies to vibecode a system that automates a technical SEO audit. I attempted this. While the capability exists, building a system that matches the depth and quality of a manual audit could take months, especially when handling large volumes of data. Initial issues included memory limitations, where AI struggled to retain both the data and its detailed instructions. In some cases, outputs were also misweighted — for example, flagging missing H1s as critical despite finding no instances. These issues could be resolved over time, but they highlight that these tools aren’t automatic shortcuts. Making effective use of them still requires technical expertise, time, testing, and troubleshooting. They lower the barrier to building AI-driven systems, but they don’t eliminate the need for technical expertise. They simply shift the work. What would need to change for SEO to become obsolete For SEO to become obsolete, AI would need to operate independently, reliably, and at scale — without human correction. Generative AI can only act with human input, and it struggles to differentiate between fact and fiction. Some algorithms have reached their limits in terms of commercial viability. This is arguably why Google is trying to convince us that links are redundant before they truly are. Consider AI as an evolution of algorithmic output. These systems can attempt to make analytical determinations based on input data. However, the idea that feeding AI more and more data is an unrestricted path to success is already running into significant limitations. This doesn’t mean technical analysts are entirely safe. Humanity’s ambition for faster, more efficient insights will continue. Initially, AI will be seen as the solution to everything. If one AI falls short, another can critique its results. However, AI requires significant processing power. The real challenge will be finding the balance between AI and simpler algorithms. Algorithms should handle basic tasks, while AI should be used for analysis and insights. This balance between AI and algorithmic efficiency is still years — perhaps decades — away. Only then will AI truly test SEO professionals and create the potential for redundancies. AI’s learning is hindered by the web’s misinformation, providing SEO professionals with temporary insulation. This advantage won’t last forever, but it offers a valuable head start. Dig deeper: How AI will affect the future of search AI adoption won’t make SEO obsolete overnight There are also limitations tied to how society adopts AI. Many technological innovations — like the internet and the calculator — were initially considered “cheating.” Calculators were banned from exam rooms, and the internet was seen as a shortcut compared to traditional research. Yet those perceptions didn’t last. Most technologies, despite rapid advancement, aren’t adopted quickly due to cost and social factors. We value human perspective and often resist tools that threaten how we think or work. The main barrier to AI replacing us is how we perceive it. As long as it’s seen as a threat to our ability to provide, it won’t fully replace human roles. That perception, however, will change over time. As these technologies become normalized, adoption will follow. Governments will adapt, and expectations around human creativity will continue to evolve. Algorithms and Google didn’t end human interaction on the web, and AI won’t eliminate contributions from people. In the medium to long term, adaptation is inevitable. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with SEO and AI: Technical expertise still matters AI integration with SEO: Contrary to fears, AI won’t make SEO obsolete. Instead, it will reshape how SEO is practiced. AI can automate routine tasks like generating product descriptions and alt text, but its effectiveness still depends on precise, technically sound input. Importance of technical expertise: The ability to craft detailed, technically sound prompts is becoming more valuable. This ensures AI tools are used effectively and reinforces the role of experienced SEO professionals. Data sensitivity in AI performance: AI performance varies significantly depending on the data it processes. Systems using curated datasets behave differently from those relying on open web data. This highlights the importance of data strategy and structured oversight. Evolving roles in SEO: As AI advances, SEO roles are shifting. Professionals are more likely to focus on managing AI systems and refining outputs rather than being replaced by them. Societal acceptance and adaptation: Widespread adoption of AI in SEO depends on how quickly society embraces these tools. As normalization and regulation evolve, so will the role of SEO professionals. Future outlook: Despite AI’s capabilities, the creative, strategic, and complex aspects of SEO still require human insight. The future of SEO is a collaboration between human expertise and machine efficiency. Dig deeper: How to start an SEO program from scratch in the AI age View the full article

On the one hand, the fact that Walmart passed $1 trillion in market cap is notable, but not especially surprising. The company has long been the largest company in the world, measured by revenue. Almost everyone is familiar with the small five-and-dime store that started in one of the most rural towns in America and grew up to become the biggest retailer in the world. On paper, this looks like just another milestone in a 64-year-old success story. But a closer look at how Walmart just hit a market cap reserved almost exclusively for tech giants reveals how the company has changed, even in just the past three years. For the past six decades, Walmart was the king of bricks and mortar. No one would think of it as the underdog, but as more and more shopping moved online, the company faced intense pressure, especially from Amazon. And so, over the past few years, Walmart rebuilt itself into something that looks a lot more like a tech company. It even moved its stock to the Nasdaq, listed next to Apple, Nvidia, Meta, and—of course—Amazon. Here are the three most significant things that led to Walmart’s transformation into a $1 trillion giant: The most tangible part is actually something most people won’t ever see—at least, not directly. In late 2024, Walmart used its AI to overhaul 850 million lines of product data. This is pretty boring stuff—granular details like dimensions, descriptions, and specifications, for nearly every item it sells. In the past, that kind of cleanup would have required 100 times the head count and a decade of manual entry. By doing it with code, Walmart built a foundation in which search results actually match customer intent. It’s the difference between guessing what you’re looking for and using technology to give you exactly what you want. The second part of this story is about where the money was actually coming from. Retailers typically live on a 3 percent margin, while tech companies typically expect much more. To get to a $1 trillion market cap, Walmart had to find a way to make more than a few cents on a gallon of milk. They found it in Walmart Connect, the company’s advertising arm. Over the past three years, this has grown into a high-margin business that looks a lot more like something from Amazon, Google, or Meta. In late 2025, ad sales jumped 53 percent. That’s significant, considering that advertising has margins in the 70 to 80 percent range. And, because 90 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart, the company has a “closed-loop” data set. They know what you see on your Vizio TV at home and what you actually put in your cart an hour later. That has turned advertising and Walmart+ membership into roughly one-third of Walmart’s operating income. Finally, the most Amazonian move Walmart made was realizing its 4,700 stores weren’t just places people go to shop, but also conveniently located fulfillment centers. By automating warehouse tasks and investing in AI-driven logistics, Walmart can now offer same-day delivery to 95 percent of U.S. households. The company’s e-commerce push finally became a standalone profitable unit in 2025. By keeping its global workforce steady at 2.1 million while revenue soared, Walmart proved it could scale its business without just adding more stores or employees. This shift became real when Walmart moved its stock from the NYSE to the Nasdaq in December. It was Walmart’s way of telling the market: Value us as a technology-focused growth company, not a grocery chain. It took Sam Walton six decades to build the physical network. But it was a three-year sprint into AI and advertising that turned that network into a trillion-dollar asset. The stores are still there, but the business model underneath them has completely changed. —Jason Aten This article originally appeared on Fast Company’s sister website, Inc.com. Inc. is the voice of the American entrepreneur. We inspire, inform, and document the most fascinating people in business: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters that represent the most dynamic force in the American economy. View the full article