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President Donald The President said Thursday that Pam Bondi is out as his attorney general, ending the contentious tenure of a loyalist who upended the Justice Department’s culture of independence from the White House, oversaw large-scale firings of career employees, and moved aggressively to investigate the Republican president’s perceived enemies. The announcement follows months of scrutiny over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking investigation that made Bondi the target of angry conservatives, even with her close relationship with The President. She also struggled to satisfy The President’s demands to prosecute his political rivals, with multiple investigations rejected by judges or grand juries or yet to produce charges. The President named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the acting attorney general, though three people familiar with the matter have said he has privately discussed Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as a permanent pick. Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, came into office last year pledging that she would not play politics with the Justice Department, but she quickly started investigations of The President foes, sparking an outcry that the law enforcement agency was being wielded as a tool of revenge to advance the president’s political and personal agenda. She ushered in a period of intense turmoil at the department that included the firings of career prosecutors deemed insufficiently loyal to The President and the resignations of hundreds of other employees. Her departure continues a trend of Justice Department upheaval that has defined The President’s presidency as multiple attorneys general across his two terms have either been pushed out or resigned after proving unwilling or unable to meet his demands for the position. Bondi rejected accusations that she politicized the Justice Department and said her mission was to restore the institution’s credibility after overreach by President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration with two federal criminal cases against The President. Bondi’s defenders have said she worked to refocus the department to better tackle illegal immigration and violent crime and brought much-needed change to an agency they believe unfairly targeted conservatives. Embracing, supporting and protecting the president Bondi’s public embrace of the president, however, marked a sharp departure from her predecessors, who generally took pains to maintain an arm’s-length distance from the White House to protect the impartiality of investigations and prosecutions. Bondi postured herself as The President’s chief supporter and protector, praising and defending him in congressional hearings and placing a banner with his face on the exterior of Justice Department headquarters. She called for an end to the “weaponization” of law enforcement she said occurred under the Biden administration, even though Biden’s attorney general, Merrick Garland, and Jack Smith, the special counsel who produced two cases against The President, have said they followed the facts, the evidence and the law in their decision-making. Bondi’s critics, meanwhile, said she was the one who had politicized the agency to do the president’s bidding. “You’ve turned the People’s Department of Justice into The President’s instrument of revenge,” Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary committee, said at a February hearing. Bondi delivered a combative performance but few substantive answers at that hearing as she angrily insulted her Democratic questioners with name-calling, praised The President over the performance of the stock market — “The Dow is up over 50,000 right now” —- and openly aligned herself as in sync with a president whom she painted as a victim of past impeachments and investigations. Even Republicans began to challenge her, with the Republican-led House Oversight Committee last month issuing a subpoena to her to appear for a closed-door interview about the Epstein files. Under Bondi’s leadership, the department opened investigations into a string of The President foes, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan. The high-profile prosecutions of Comey and James were short-lived as they were quickly thrown out by a judge who ruled that the prosecutor who brought the cases was illegally appointed. The President repeatedly publicly praised and defended Bondi but also showed flashes of impatience with his attorney general’s efforts to meet his demands to prosecute his rivals. In one extraordinary social media post last year, The President called on Bondi to move quickly to prosecute his foes, including James and Comey, telling her: “We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility.” Bondi oversaw the exodus of thousands of career employees — both through firings and voluntary departures — including lawyers who prosecuted violent attacks on police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; environmental, civil rights, and ethics enforcers; counterterrorism prosecutors; and others. Fumbling the Epstein files She struggled to overcome early stumbles over the Epstein files that angered conservatives eager for government bombshells about the case, which has long fascinated conspiracy theorists. She herself had fed the conspiracy theory machine with a suggestion in a 2025 Fox News Channel interview that Epstein’s “client list” was sitting on her desk for review. The department later acknowledged that no such document exists. Bondi was ridiculed over a move to hand out binders of Epstein files to conservative influencers at the White House only for it to be later revealed that the documents included no new revelations. And despite promises that more files were going to become public, the Justice Department in July said no more would be released, prompting Congress to pass a bill to force the agency to do so. The Epstein files fumbles led to a stunning public criticism from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, a close friend of Bondi’s, who told Vanity Fair that the attorney general “completely whiffed.” The Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of Epstein files did little to tamp down criticism, prompting a House committee with the support of five Republicans to subpoena Bondi to answer questions under oath. Bondi, who defended The President during his first impeachment trial, was his second choice to lead the Justice Department, picked for the role after former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations. —Alanna Durkin Richer, Eric Tucker, Michael Balsamo, and Michelle L. Price, Associated Press View the full article

Accord will result in higher medicines spending in Britain in exchange for exemption from threatened The President tariffsView the full article

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on Wednesday for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may contain unsafe levels of lead. The “Dino shaped chicken nuggets” were sold at Walmart locations nationwide. The FSIS did not request a recall, because the nuggets are no longer available for purchase. However, the agency is concerned some bags may still be in consumers’ freezers. The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner. In the meantime, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to investigate this issue. What are the health risks of lead in food? Lead is toxic to humans and especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems. There is no safe amount of lead exposure. According to the FSIS alert, the amount of lead found in these chicken nuggets could be as much as five times higher than guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration provided for children. At low levels of lead exposure, children may not have obvious symptoms, but they can still experience trouble learning, low IQ, and behavior changes. At higher levels, people may experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, or neurologic changes. What is the product information for the alert? Here are the details of the products mentioned in the alert: Product Name: GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS Establishment number and lot codes: Lot code “0416DPO1215,” and establishment number “P44164” printed on the back of the bag. Package size and type: 29-oz. plastic bags containing approximately 36 nuggests Best if used by date: FEB 10 2027 What if I have this product in my refrigerator or freezer? Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Instead, these products should be thrown away. Consumers with questions about the health alert can contact John Patrick Lopez, Vice President, Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs, Dorada Foods, at john.patrick@lopezdorada.com. Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. View the full article

Which parties are responsible for the surge persisted as a source of debate as community lenders released updated survey data reflecting their average expense. View the full article

If you listen to the brightest minds in tech right now, you might think human disease is just a software bug waiting for a patch. ​At the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei—drawing on his background in biophysics—predicted that AI could condense a century of biological progress into a single decade, potentially doubling human lifespans. Demis Hassabis, the Nobel laureate behind Google DeepMind, recently floated a similarly audacious timeline, suggesting that AI could help eliminate all diseases within 10 years. Hassabis aims to shrink the decade-long drug design process down to mere months. ​I’ve spent my career straddling the mathematical elegance of artificial intelligence and the grueling, messy reality of drug discovery. So, when I hear these predictions, I get it. Silicon Valley loves a moonshot. But some of the rhetoric implies that one day we might treat the human body like software—diagnosing problems, simulating fixes, and “debugging” disease before it appears. That is not how biology works. The human body is an extraordinarily complex, adaptive system shaped by millions of years of evolution, and it does not behave like code running on a computer. ​WHY AI CAN’T DEBUG BIOLOGY An algorithm can beautifully solve the 3D puzzle of designing a molecule to fit a protein. But no AI can magically compute away the chaos of a living human immune system or guarantee a molecule won’t trigger unpredictable liver toxicity once ingested. ​We’ve seen this friction between tech-sector optimism and clinical reality play out brutally over the last year. Veteran “techbio” pioneers faced a harsh reckoning when it became obvious that AI-discovered compounds still hit the same clinical roadblocks as traditional drugs. Following mid-stage clinical failures, companies like BenevolentAI went through massive restructuring. Recursion Pharmaceuticals quietly pruned several clinical-stage programs in a defensive pivot. ​The hard truth? Algorithms have not yet repealed the pharmaceutical industry’s punishing 90% clinical failure rate. THE SKEPTICS ARE WRONG TOO If you stop reading there, you might think the use of AI in drug discovery is just another hype cycle. You would be wrong. The revolution is happening—it just isn’t the overnight miracle the tech billionaires are selling. ​The claim that AI makes drug discovery cheaper and faster is entirely true, provided you know where to look. In the preclinical phase, AI is fundamentally rewriting the rulebook. For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has suffered from Eroom’s Law (literally Moore’s Law spelled backward), where discovering a viable drug candidate becomes slower and more expensive every year. ​Generative AI is finally shattering that trend. We are now compressing the traditional three-to-four-year marathon of finding a viable preclinical candidate into a 13-to-18-month sprint. ​More importantly, these early-stage candidates are proving to be of vastly higher quality. Today, AI-discovered drugs are passing Phase I clinical safety trials at a rate of 80% to 90%—nearly double the historical pharmaceutical benchmark. FROM A SINGLE BREAKTHROUGH TO PHARMACEUTICAL SUPERINTELLIGENCE ​At my company, Insilico Medicine, we recently hit a milestone that moves this out of the realm of theory and into reality. As published in Nature Medicine, our AI-designed drug rentosertib delivered positive Phase IIa results for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a devastating, age-related lung disease. ​Why does this matter? Because it is a global first. This marks the first time a drug with both a novel biological target and a novel molecular structure—both discovered entirely by generative AI—has shown a measurable clinical efficacy signal, actively improving lung function in living patients. We took that drug from a blank screen to preclinical nomination in just 18 months, proving in the real world that AI can smash the earliest, most expensive bottlenecks of drug design. ​Now that we’ve broken the initial bottleneck, the next frontier isn’t just building better isolated predictive algorithms. It’s what we call “pharmaceutical superintelligence.” ​Working with researchers at Eli Lilly, we recently laid out the blueprint for this in ACS Central Science. Imagine a near future where a lead scientist simply types a prompt: Design a drug for this specific mutation of pancreatic cancer. A central AI controller then takes over, deploying specialized sub-agents to autonomously find the target, design the chemistry, and validate the biology in one seamless, continuous workflow. FINAL THOUGHTS ​Will AI overwrite the laws of nature and eliminate all human disease in 10 years? No. It won’t magically bypass the years of rigorous human safety testing required to put a pill in a patient’s hand. ​But what AI is doing is transforming biological discovery from a slow, bespoke artisan craft into a highly scalable, compute-driven engine. The precision medicines of tomorrow will arrive years earlier, cost a fraction of what they do today, and save millions of lives in the process. We don’t need to achieve immortality by 2035 to recognize that as a total gamechanger. Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, is founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine. View the full article

A new GLP-1 pill is about to hit the market. On Wednesday, Eli Lilly announced its new GLP-1 pill, Foundayo, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with obesity or weight-related health problems. The company says that drug trials saw patients taking Foundayo losing an average of 27.3 pounds (12.4%) compared to 2.2 pounds (0.9%) with a placebo. It said the drug will be available via LillyDirect, noting that it will begin accepting prescriptions immediately. It expects shipping to begin on April 6, and said the drug will be made broadly available “through U.S. retail pharmacies and telehealth providers” soon after. The medication will offer a new needle-free GLP-1 alternative for those who are more comfortable taking a pill. “People living with obesity need treatment options that meet them where they are – and for many, a once-daily pill that can be taken with no food or water restrictions can offer them greater flexibility in how they approach their treatment,” said Deborah Horn, DO, director of the Center for Obesity Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, in the release. “With Foundayo, we now have an oral option that delivered an average of 12.4% weight loss at the highest dose in clinical trials – addressing both the clinical realities of obesity and the practical challenges patients face every day.” Eli Lilly is aiming to ensure the new pill is affordable for patients. It noted that those with commercial insurance may pay just $25 per month with the Foundayo savings card, and said those who use self-pay can expect to pay $149 monthly for the lowest dose of the drug. Medicare participants may be able to access prescriptions for just $50 monthly, starting July 1, it said. The news marks the approval of the first alternative GLP-1 in pill form to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, which has been the only FDA-approved GLP-1 pill available since Dec 2025. And it is likely to help Eli Lilly maintain its recent lead over Novo Nordisk in the GLP-1 wars. Still, Novo Nordisk has been staying competitive. Earlier this week, the Danish GLP-1 maker announced a new monthly subscription program aimed at reducing “cost uncertainty” for GLP-1 prescriptions. It promised savings of up to $600 per year for the pill form of the drug and up to $1,200 per year for the injections with a 12-month subscription. In Lilly’s announcement, Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition, explained how important it is for people to have choices when it comes to their choosing their medication providers. “There is no single path that works for everyone living with overweight or obesity,” Nadglowski said. The CEO continued, “New treatment options expand choice and help more people find care that fits their lives, their goals and where they are in their journey – whether they’re just starting to explore treatment or looking for a different long-term approach.” View the full article

Chinese spirituality just adopted a new icon: American “momager” Kris Jenner. Jenner, best known for launching the mega-successful careers of her daughters Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian, is suddenly the go-to profile pic for Gen Zers on Chinese social media, including apps like RedNote, Weibo, and Douyin. The reverence for Jenner doesn’t stop there. Her photo is also being used for wallpapers on computers, tablets, smart watches, and more, all as part of Chinese Gen Z’s manifestation for good luck. How did Jenner of all people become a Chinese symbol for good fortune? Chinese influencer Marcelo Wang broke down the trend in his own viral TikTok. He explained that Jenner has long been a popular celebrity in the country, even getting the nickname Tian Hou, or “the Empress Dowager.” Now, Wang says, many Chinese Gen Zers see Jenner as a symbol of “good luck, career, success, wealth, and confidence all coming your way.” “Kris Jenner is one of the hardest working businesswomen in the U.S., and Chinese people really respect hard work,” he said. “So cosplaying Kris Jenner is like a Gen Z, funny way to manifest success.” Though one headshot of Jenner is dominating Chinese social media, some users also put their own spin on the image, editing it to reflect their own careers. It’s not unlike a Barbie doll’s ever-changing professions: Scrolling on RedNote, you’ll see Doctor Kris, Chef Kris, Lawyer Kris, and more. Wang also translated one social media user’s story of Kris-based manifestation in action. “I was literally about to have a mental breakdown last night,” the user wrote. “Then I switched my profile picture to Kris Jenner, and suddenly I feel like I’m slaying. My confidence is through the roof. I feel like I can judge everyone right now.” Another user expanded on the lore, saying that after switching your profile picture to Jenner, you’re guaranteed to receive two job offers. The trend has gotten so big, it made its way back overseas to America, where Jenner’s daughters have gotten in on the meme. Khloe Kardashian commented a string of applause emojis on one of Wang’s videos about the trend, and Kim Kardashian joked about booking appearances for her mother in an Instagram story: “Should I be your manager?” she wrote alongside a post about the meme. Even Jenner herself has taken notice, and she seems to be embracing her newfound role as Lady Luck. She responded to Wang’s breakdown of the trend with a riff on her most famous catchphrase, writing, “You’re ALL doing amazing, sweetie!!!!” View the full article

A reader writes: I’m a relatively new manager, and I’m still finding my footing when it comes to shifting from being an individual contributor to overseeing a team. One thing I struggle with is knowing when it’s appropriate to delegate tasks to my team versus doing them myself. I manage a communications team of four at a university. When my manager assigns me work — things like drafting communications on a specific topic or reviewing copy from another department — I’m never sure whether she expects me to do it personally or for me to assign it to someone on my team. I feel like she is expecting me to delegate them: these tasks fall squarely within my team’s remit, and I do handle the more strategic or planning-focused work that she asks for. But because my manager phrases things as “can you…,” I end up second‑guessing myself. Even when I do decide to delegate, I feel awkward about it. My team balances daily work with long-term projects, so it’s not always easy for me to gauge their weekly workload. I often find myself over‑apologizing or softening the request, and sometimes I just do the work myself because it feels easier than navigating the conversation. Complicating things further: one team member is on long-term sick leave, one works part‑time on mainly long-term projects, one is very junior, and so the fourth ends up taking on most of the ad‑hoc work that comes in. As a general rule, work should flow downward to the lowest-level person who can do it well enough, so that more senior (and more expensive) people’s time is freed up for work that only they can do. But then you need to balance that against the rest of the person’s workload and how it should all be prioritized. Beyond that, you can also balance it against things like “I know Jane really loves this topic” or “Jane really hates writing on X but Barnaby has said he doesn’t mind it” or “Barnaby has been asking to develop his skills in this area and I have enough time this week that I could coach him through it.” There may be some things that have to stay with you, like when something has complicated or sensitive messaging, or when you’re the only one with the skills to do it, or when everyone else’s plates are fuller than yours (and if you’re not sure what someone’s workload looks like that week, ask straightforwardly — it’s fine to say, “If you took this on this week, what would have to move back, if anything?”). But ideally over time, as you develop the skills of the people on your team, the goal is that you’re guiding the work more and doing it less yourself. (Of course, if a chunk of your time is supposed to be allocated to independent-contributor-type work, that changes that calculation.) Also, it is a favor to people on your team to just be matter-of-fact and not apologetic when assigning work. Think about how you feel when your boss delegates work to you: it’s not weird because it’s normal for both your roles, right? And it would feel awkward and probably a bit tiring if she always seemed apologetic about it and like you had to reassure her that it was okay to assign you work, so be sure you don’t do that to your team. Also, these could help: how to delegate when your team is already overloaded should managers ask or tell when assigning work? the “delegating” tag The post as a manager, when should I delegate work versus doing it myself? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

AI led all cited reasons for U.S. job cuts in March at 25% of the total, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The post AI Leads All Reasons For U.S. Job Cuts In March, Report Says appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

President’s move comes after pressure over her handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein View the full article

Gaining insight into employee conflict resolution is vital for maintaining a productive workplace. Conflicts can arise from various sources, including task-related challenges and interpersonal differences. By comprehending the types of conflicts and employing effective resolution strategies, you can create a more harmonious environment. This guide offers a systematic approach, focusing on fundamental skills, step-by-step processes, and best practices. As you explore these strategies, you’ll discover how leadership plays a pivotal role in managing conflicts effectively. Key Takeaways Identify the type of conflict (task, relationship, or value) to tailor your resolution approach effectively. Practice active listening and empathy to validate feelings and foster open dialogue among conflicting parties. Establish ground rules for respectful communication to create a safe environment for discussions. Use “I” statements to express feelings without placing blame, reducing defensiveness and promoting understanding. Schedule follow-up meetings to assess progress and address any new issues after the initial resolution. Understanding Workplace Conflict Types Workplace conflicts are a common challenge that can arise in any organization, and grasping their types is vital for effective resolution. Conflicts typically fall into three categories: task conflicts focus on disagreements about work content and goals; relationship conflicts stem from interpersonal incompatibilities; and value conflicts arise from differing beliefs and principles. Recognizing these distinctions is key for human resources conflict resolution, as it allows you to tailor your approach effectively. Factors like staff shortages, generational differences, and strong personalities can exacerbate these conflicts, making it important to identify the root causes. Employees often spend around 4.3 hours a week managing conflicts, which highlights the need for a structured employee conflict resolution process. Companies that adopt systematic conflict management strategies resolve disputes successfully 80% of the time, demonstrating the significance of recognizing the specific type of conflict to achieve effective outcomes in the workplace. Essential Conflict Resolution Skills Recognizing the types of workplace conflict lays the groundwork for developing the skills necessary to resolve them effectively. One important skill is active listening, which can help resolve disputes 40% faster by ensuring everyone feels heard and understood. Emotional intelligence is also fundamental; it allows you to recognize your emotions and those of others, aiding in managing disagreements. Practicing empathy is significant, as it helps you acknowledge and validate the feelings of those involved, thereby reducing tension and promoting collaboration. Furthermore, using “I” statements during discussions minimizes defensiveness, encouraging open dialogue by expressing personal feelings without blaming others. Finally, regular training in de-escalation strategies equips you with proactive tools to manage conflicts, contributing to a healthier workplace environment. Step-by-Step Conflict Resolution Process A structured conflict resolution process can greatly improve the likelihood of a successful outcome, achieving an 80% success rate when consistently applied. Begin by gathering complete context; ask questions about feelings and the origins of the conflict to comprehend all perspectives. Next, guarantee clear communication channels and choose neutral meeting locations to encourage open dialogue while minimizing defensiveness. Setting ground rules focused on respect and genuine comprehension is essential, allowing participants to express themselves using “I” statements. Finally, follow up with scheduled meetings two weeks post-resolution to assess progress and address any new issues. Gather context by asking open-ended questions. Establish clear communication and neutral meeting spaces. Set ground rules for respectful dialogue and follow-up. Best Practices for Resolving Employee Conflict Effective conflict resolution practices can greatly influence workplace dynamics and productivity. Start by organizing structured meetings with clear objectives to create a focused environment for discussion. Establish ground rules for respectful communication, guaranteeing all parties feel safe and reducing the chance of escalation. When addressing issues, concentrate on specific behaviors and events instead of generalizations, which helps clarify the root causes of the conflict. Encourage collaborative exploration of solutions, allowing both parties to work together, promoting teamwork, and shared responsibility in resolving conflicts. Finally, don’t forget the importance of regular follow-up after resolution. This guarantees lasting harmony and accountability, as it allows you to monitor progress and address any new issues that may arise. The Role of Leadership in Conflict Management Leadership is pivotal in managing workplace conflict, as leaders not merely address personal disputes but furthermore guide employees in resolving their own issues. By cultivating a safe and productive work environment, effective leaders guarantee conflicts are handled with respect and fairness. This approach is crucial for maintaining trust within the organization. Promoting ethical treatment encourages open communication among team members. Timely conflict resolution prevents absenteeism and turnover, saving valuable resources. Training managers in conflict resolution equips them to handle disputes effectively. Leaders must also monitor and address signs of conflict proactively. Ignoring issues can escalate tensions, leading to burnout and decreased morale among employees. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Conflict Resolution? The 5 C’s of conflict resolution are Communication, Collaboration, Compromise, Creativity, and Commitment. Effective Communication involves open dialogue to clarify misunderstandings. Collaboration encourages joint problem-solving, nurturing a win-win outcome. Compromise requires each party to make concessions for a balanced solution. Creativity promotes innovative ideas that may not be immediately visible. Finally, Commitment guarantees all parties are dedicated to following through on the agreed resolution, enhancing the likelihood of successful conflict management. What Are the 5 Steps to Conflict Resolution in the Workplace? To resolve conflict in the workplace, start by clearly identifying the root cause through open communication. Next, establish ground rules to guarantee respectful discussions. Then, actively listen to all parties, summarizing their points and asking clarifying questions. Collaborate on a solution that addresses everyone’s interests, cultivating a win-win outcome. Finally, follow up after the resolution to monitor progress and assure accountability for the agreed-upon actions, reinforcing commitment to the solution. What Are the 7 Steps in Conflict Resolution? To effectively resolve conflicts, start by identifying the source of the issue. Next, understand each party’s perspective, as this nurtures empathy. Explore potential solutions and discuss their implications carefully. After evaluating options, agree on a resolution that satisfies everyone involved. Implement the chosen solution, ensuring all participants are on board. Finally, follow up within two weeks to monitor progress, address any lingering issues, and reinforce communication. This process promotes lasting resolution and teamwork. What Are the 4 C’s of Conflict Resolution? The 4 C’s of conflict resolution are Communication, Collaboration, Compromise, and Commitment. Effective Communication involves active listening and using “I” statements to express feelings. Collaboration focuses on working together to find solutions that satisfy both parties. Compromise requires each party to give up some needs for an agreement. Finally, Commitment guarantees that everyone follows through on the agreed solutions, which cultivates accountability and helps maintain a harmonious work environment. Conclusion In conclusion, mastering employee conflict resolution is vital for maintaining a productive workplace. By comprehending conflict types, refining key skills, and following a structured process, you can effectively address issues as they arise. Implementing best practices and encouraging leadership involvement further improves your approach. Regular follow-ups and open communication will guarantee ongoing support, creating a collaborative environment where employees can thrive. By prioritizing conflict resolution, you contribute to a more harmonious and efficient workplace for everyone. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Mastering Employee Conflict Resolution: A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The 30-year fixed rate climbed to 6.46% this week, its highest mark since September, as mortgage applications fell 10.4% and sellers outnumber buyers by a record 46%. View the full article

Venmo is revolutionizing the way small businesses manage international payments, making cross-border transactions as simple as sending a text. With a recent announcement detailing new connectivity between Venmo and PayPal, users can now send money seamlessly to PayPal users worldwide, connecting to a massive peer-to-peer payment network. This integration is particularly favorable for small business owners who often deal with payments from clients, vendors, or customers from different countries. As Diego Scotti, General Manager of the Consumer Group at PayPal, noted, “By bringing these two ecosystems together, we’re making it seamless for Venmo and PayPal users to pay one another without friction or borders.” The latest feature allows Venmo users to send and receive money using just a phone number, eliminating the need for cumbersome account details and routing numbers. This ease of use not only simplifies personal transactions but can also streamline payment processes for businesses that operate on an international scale. Faster, Borderless Transactions Managing payments has traditionally been fraught with complications, especially for businesses with multicultural clientele. Now, Venmo provides a straightforward way for users to pay friends, family, and other businesses located anywhere in the world. With nearly 41% of Americans sending money abroad, the demand for seamless transaction methods has never been higher. The app is particularly beneficial for Gen Z, known for their frequent international exchanges. Here’s how small business owners can take advantage of the new feature: Search by Phone Number: Users can easily look up a recipient using their full phone number. If the recipient has linked their PayPal account, they will appear in the search results. Specify the Amount: Business owners can enter the amount to be sent, with Venmo automatically displaying what the recipient will receive in their preferred currency. Add a Personal Touch: Users have the option to include a payment note, personalizing the transaction and providing context for the payment. Transparency on Fees: The platform offers clear visibility into currency conversion rates and applicable fees before finalizing the transaction, allowing business owners to manage their budgets effectively. Waived Fees: To encourage usage of the new feature, Venmo is waiving its international fees for a limited time until August 24, 2026. This could significantly lower the cost of conducting international business transactions. Insights from Users Research commissioned by Venmo reveals that a significant majority—59%—of payment app users are inclined to abandon their current platforms if another one allows for hassle-free global payment capabilities. The fragmented landscape of payment apps has been a significant barrier for many small businesses, as noted by several statistics: Nearly half of users have switched apps just to settle an obligation. 30% have even forgotten to make payments entirely due to incompatible applications, stressing the need for a unified solution. The survey highlighted that many users, particularly younger generations, prefer to send money using the same app they already trust and utilize at home, making this integration timely and crucial. Potential Hurdles While the Venmo-PayPal integration presents vast opportunities, small business owners should remain vigilant about potential challenges. Privacy Settings: Given that the app relies on users’ phone numbers, transparency regarding privacy settings is critical. Recipients must have their accounts linked and privacy permissions set to be discoverable, which might not be favorable for some users. Currency Fluctuation: Although Venmo provides insights into conversion rates, unexpected fluctuations in currency values could lead to discrepancies that business owners must manage carefully. Market Limitations: Although the integration connects global users, not every region may qualify for seamless transactions, and there may be restrictions on transferring funds, depending on local regulations. In a world increasingly driven by digital interactions, Venmo’s connection with PayPal paves the way for more versatile payment processing options for small businesses. Users no longer have to navigate multiple payment apps to settle debts or transactions with friends or international clients. As the payment landscape evolves, this advancement may be one of the most user-friendly for businesses looking to expand their global footprint quickly and effortlessly. For more information on Venmo and its new features, visit the PayPal newsroom. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Venmo Expands Global Reach, Now Connecting Users with 200 Million PayPal Friends" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Economists’ lurid forecasts of disaster have not been realisedView the full article

A court and jury found a father-son executive team liable for wage violations, and a federal judge recently increased the amount of damages for plaintiffs. View the full article

When considering an SBA 7(a) loan, comprehension of the down payment requirements is essential. Typically, you’ll need to provide a minimum down payment of 10%, but certain circumstances may allow for as little as 5%. Factors like your credit score, loan purpose, and amount can influence these requirements considerably. For instance, startups often face higher down payment expectations. Exploring these aspects could help you determine the best path forward for your financing needs. Key Takeaways The standard down payment for SBA 7(a) loans is typically 10%, but can be as low as 5% in certain cases. Factors such as credit score, loan purpose, and amount borrowed influence specific down payment requirements. Startups and business acquisitions generally require a minimum down payment of 10%. Loans under $150,000 may allow for lower down payments, while those over $350,000 usually adhere to the 10% requirement. Seller financing and personal savings can help reduce the upfront cash needed for down payments. Overview of SBA 7(a) Loan Down Payments When considering an SBA 7(a) loan, it’s important to understand the down payment requirements that usually come into play. Typically, you’ll need to provide a down payment of at least 10% to qualify for this government 7a program. This requirement helps demonstrate your commitment to the business, especially for startups and specific acquisitions. Nevertheless, in certain situations, the down payment can be as low as 5%, which makes it easier for you to secure financing. Keep in mind that factors like your credit score, the purpose of the loan, and the amount borrowed can influence these requirements. Minimum Down Payment Requirements When considering SBA 7(a) loans, you’ll typically face a minimum down payment requirement of around 10%, but this can vary based on your qualifications and lender policies. Factors such as your credit score, the collateral you provide, and the purpose of the loan can all influence the specific percentage you’ll need to contribute. Furthermore, for loans under $150,000, you might find lower down payment options available, making it essential to explore all your financing choices. Down Payment Percentage Range The minimum down payment requirements for SBA 7(a) loans typically range from 0% to 10%, and comprehending these percentages is crucial for potential borrowers. For startups and business acquisitions, you’ll usually need at least a 10% down payment to show your commitment. If your loan amount is under $350,000, the down payment can be as low as 5%. Nevertheless, for loans exceeding $350,000, a standard 10% down payment is common. Lenders evaluate your equity position and debt-to-worth ratio, which can affect the specific down payment you need. It’s additionally worth noting that some SBA loans, like microloans and disaster loans, don’t require any down payment at all, providing more options for borrowers. Factors Influencing Down Payments Grasping the factors that influence down payments for SBA 7(a) loans can greatly impact your borrowing experience. The minimum down payment typically ranges from 0% to 10%, depending on your credit score, collateral, and the lender’s policies. For startups and business acquisitions, a common requirement is a 10% down payment for loans exceeding $350,000. Nevertheless, if you’re broadening an existing business, you might qualify for 100% financing with no down payment. Lenders additionally evaluate your equity position and debt-to-worth ratio to determine the down payment amount. Significantly, a minimum down payment of 10% is mandatory for complete changes of ownership in a business under the SBA 7(a) loan program. Comprehending these factors can help you navigate your financing options effectively. Alternative Financing Options Available Exploring alternative financing options for your SBA 7(a) loan down payment can greatly ease the financial burden associated with starting or acquiring a business. You might consider using personal savings or accepting gifted funds from friends and family. Furthermore, Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS) allow you to access retirement funds without penalties for down payment purposes. Seller financing is another viable option, permitting the seller to cover part of the purchase price, reducing your upfront cash needs. Leveraging existing business assets can likewise help you meet down payment costs, showcasing your commitment and possibly improving your loan terms. Sources for SBA Loan Down Payments When considering sources for your SBA loan down payment, it’s essential to explore various options that can demonstrate your commitment to the business during meeting the lender’s requirements. Cash from personal savings or investments is a common choice, showing your financial dedication. Friends and family can gift funds, but you’ll need to document these contributions to substantiate their legitimacy. Furthermore, you might consider utilizing funds from a 401K or IRA through a Rollover as Business Startup (ROBS) to fulfill your down payment obligations. Seller financing is another option, allowing you to reduce the upfront cash needed by financing part of the purchase price. Finally, existing business assets can serve as collateral, strengthening your financial position. Scenarios Requiring a Down Payment When you’re considering an SBA 7(a) loan, certain scenarios will require a down payment. For instance, if you’re acquiring an existing business, a down payment is crucial to show your commitment and help mitigate risks for lenders. Similarly, if you’re starting a new venture, lenders often require you to put down at least 10% to demonstrate your financial dedication and reduce their risk. Business Acquisition Needs In the context of business acquisitions, securing a down payment is vital, as it not just signifies the buyer’s commitment but also establishes their financial credibility in the eyes of lenders. Typically, a minimum down payment of 10% is required for SBA 7(a) loans, though this can vary based on your creditworthiness. Factor Description Impact on Down Payment Creditworthiness Your credit score and financial history Higher scores may lower down payment Seller Financing Financing part of the purchase price Can reduce cash needed upfront Equity Position Your stake in the business being acquired Stronger equity may ease requirements Startup Financing Requirements Securing startup financing often raises the question: what down payment do you need? For SBA 7(a) loans, startups typically require a down payment of at least 10%. This down payment demonstrates your financial commitment and helps reduce the lender’s risk. Factors such as your credit history, collateral, and the lender’s specific policies can influence the required amount. By providing a higher down payment, you might improve your chances of loan approval and secure better terms and interest rates. It’s essential to prepare detailed financial statements and a solid business plan to justify your down payment and overall loan request. This preparation will strengthen your application and support your startup’s financial needs effectively. Benefits of Low or No Down Payment Options Low or no down payment options greatly improve your ability to secure financing for your business, allowing you to pursue growth without the immediate financial burden of a large upfront investment. SBA 7(a) loans often require only a 10% down payment, making it more accessible to obtain funds without a significant initial cost. This flexibility can free up capital, enabling you to invest in opportunities like hiring staff or purchasing inventory. Some loan types, such as microloans or disaster loans, may not require any down payment at all. Moreover, SBA guarantees reduce lender risk, leading to more favorable terms and interest rates. The option to finance up to 100% of certain costs helps you allocate resources more effectively and alleviate financial strain. Steps to Qualify for the Lowest Down Payment To qualify for the lowest down payment on an SBA 7(a) loan, focusing on a few key strategies can greatly improve your chances. Aim for a down payment of 10% or less by ensuring your business has a strong credit history and solid financials. Providing thorough documentation, like tax returns and a detailed business plan, boosts your loan application’s attractiveness. Lenders assess management experience, so showcasing a solid background can positively influence your down payment requirements. Furthermore, proactively addressing any credit history issues will help you secure more favorable terms. Finally, engaging with experienced SBA lenders early in the process can provide valuable insights into specific requirements, allowing you to tailor your approach effectively and minimize down payment obligations. Frequently Asked Questions What Down Payment Is Required for an SBA Loan? For an SBA loan, the required down payment usually starts at 10%, especially for startups or loans exceeding $350,000. Nevertheless, this amount can vary based on your credit score, collateral, and the lender’s policies. Some borrowers might qualify for as little as 0-5%. You can use personal savings, gifted funds, retirement accounts, or seller financing to meet the down payment requirement, depending on your specific situation and loan type. How Much Do I Need to Put Down to Take Out an SBA Loan for $100,000? If you’re looking to take out an SBA loan for $100,000, you’ll typically need to put down at least 10%, which amounts to $10,000. Nevertheless, this down payment can vary based on your credit history and the lender’s policies. If you have strong credit and sufficient collateral, you might negotiate a lower percentage. What Are the Conditions for SBA 7a Loan? To qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, you must meet specific conditions. Your business should operate for profit, be located in the U.S., and adhere to size standards, typically with under $7.5 million in annual revenue and fewer than 500 employees. You’ll need to show financial statements proving your ability to repay the loan, provide personal guarantees if you own over 20%, and document how you’ll use the loan proceeds. Can You Get an SBA Loan With No Down Payment? You might find options for obtaining an SBA loan without a down payment, but they’re usually limited. Some lenders may consider waiving the down payment requirement based on your creditworthiness and business plan. Nevertheless, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Typically, most SBA loans require at least a 10% down payment. It’s crucial to research different lenders and understand their specific conditions before applying for financing. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending SBA 7(a) loan down payment requirements is essential for potential borrowers. Typically, you’ll need a minimum of 10%, though certain circumstances, like smaller loans under $150,000, may reduce this to 5%. By evaluating your credit score and loan purpose, you can determine the best down payment option for your situation. Exploring various funding sources can additionally ease this financial commitment, enabling you to secure the capital needed for your business venture. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA 7(a) Loan Down Payment Requirements: What Are They?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A new analysis of more than 40,000 daily ChatGPT ad placements by AI ad intelligence firm Adthena suggests the format is rapidly standardizing, revealing that what once felt experimental is now becoming a disciplined, high-intent messaging system built for users already deep in decision-making mode. The big picture: ChatGPT ads are converging on a style that is short, structured, and highly contextual, favoring precision over persuasion and utility over storytelling, which marks a shift away from traditional creative-led advertising toward something closer to real-time, intent-driven assistance. By the numbers: The average headline clocks in at just 30 characters and around 5 words, Body copy averages 116 characters and roughly 19 words This reinforces the idea that every word must carry weight and contribute directly to clarity or conversion. What’s working. The dominant pattern is a “Brand: Benefit” headline structure, where advertisers clearly separate their name from a specific value proposition. Its a format that works because users in conversational environments expect immediate clarity rather than intrigue or ambiguity. Whilst almost every ad leads with the brand name itself, winning brands need easy recall in a setting where users are already evaluating options rather than discovering them. Headlines are notably compressed, often feeling more like functional labels than traditional slogans, and this brevity extends into the body copy. This typically consists of two tight sentences structured around a proof point followed by an offer or nudge, indicating that advertisers are not trying to win arguments but rather provide one compelling reason to act. Context mirroring has emerged as a defining feature, with the strongest ads directly reflecting the user’s query or situation, effectively signaling that the message is tailored in real time. This represents a new level of AI-native targeting that goes beyond keyword matching and into conversational relevance. Concrete value signals play an outsized role, with the dollar symbol and specific numerical claims such as prices, savings, or performance metrics consistently outperforming vague promises, while numbers in general dominate body copy because they feel more credible and native in an environment where users are actively researching and comparing options. Low-friction offers, particularly those using the word “free” such as trials or demos, are the most common conversion lever, as they reduce commitment barriers for users who may still be exploring. Calls to action are highly explicit and action-oriented, favoring direct phrases like “Shop now,” “Compare,” or “Book” and largely abandoning generic prompts like “Learn more”. The overall tone across these ads is calm, confident, and measured, with minimal use of exclamation points or question marks, aligning more closely with the voice of helpful guidance than traditional advertising hype, which helps ads blend seamlessly into the conversational flow rather than disrupt it. Why we care. ChatGPT ads are reaching users at high intent, where clarity and relevance matter more than creativity or storytelling. In a conversational environment, ads compete with useful answers, so vague or overly branded messaging gets ignored while precise, value-driven copy performs better. This shift rewards shorter, structured messaging and gives early adopters an advantage as the format standardizes. Between the lines. While ChatGPT ads share DNA with paid search, particularly in their focus on intent and relevance, they differ in that they must integrate naturally into dialogue, respond to users who are already high intent, and deliver messaging that feels assistive rather than interruptive. The takeaway. Success in ChatGPT advertising increasingly depends on precision, relevance, and credibility rather than creativity, emotional appeal, or brand-led storytelling, suggesting that the winning strategy is not to stand out loudly but to fit in perfectly at the exact moment a user needs a clear and trustworthy answer. Dig deeper. See full info graph shared by Adthena CMO Alex Fletcher on LinkedIn. View the full article

Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. My boss made me verify that I’m really exercising (first update) A happy update. Today we had our spring quarterly all-staff meeting, where HR announced the return of the flex-time exercise program. Two changes were made to the program: 1. Structure around verification requests, include who may request verification and why. (Only your direct manager may initiate the request, which must be routed through human resources.) 2. A “exercise program log” is now the only document that we must produce for a verification request. This is a spreadsheet provided by HR that we can complete electronically or by hand, and simply includes the date and a brief description of the activity. Our executive director remains, but his one-year contract is up early this summer. Last year, I found it notable the management board’s renewed his contract for one year when the standard for his position (the only contract position in the organization) is two years. He spoke at length today about how important family is, so we are all hopeful he will opt to “spend more time with his family” instead of pushing for another contract renewal. 2. Our next work meeting is being held in a church (#2 at the link) Thank you all so much for responding regarding the church meeting space. I wanted to provide more context and an update. I should have written that this meeting was going to be the second one in that particular space, and I did attend the first. It is located more in the community hall than the sanctuary as commenters specified. There was some religious signage, mostly unobtrusive. After that first meeting, I learned that one of our leaders is a member there. I chalked the location up to being the best they could do on short notice, and moved on. For me, the issue is that after 3-4 months they didn’t bother to ask about the venue or look for other options in that time. This was going to continue indefinitely unless someone said something. So I wrote here, and then I wrote to HR asking for some guidance. It was my first experience with my HR and it was a positive one. I was mostly expecting that, best case, future meetings would be changed and wrote off this one, but they intervened and with even shorter notice (literally 2 days) we met on a local university campus. It felt like a normal meeting. And I’ll give credit to my leadership team and HR for making that happen. Thank you again for all of your insights on this. 3. How should I explain why I’m leaving my job? (#5 at the link) Your post went up after I gave notice but I did game plan it out with my therapist, who had much the same advice — don’t over-explain. I was hoping I could somehow give notice without anyone being upset, but their feelings are not mine to manage. I did end up being a bit more forthcoming about the fact that my new position was a step back in responsibility, and that is what is best for me and my family. That felt right to me as a way to model that different choices outside of the constant grind up the ladder are valid. I also acknowledge that I am in a privileged position to be able to take that step back without taking a pay cut, which often isn’t the case — but for anyone feeling trapped by their salary, don’t let that stop you from looking, because you never know. Thanks for publishing and for those who responded in the comments! The post updates: my boss made me verify that I’m really exercising, the work meeting in a church, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Cut costs and make your life a little nicer. By Sandi Leyva The Complete Guide to Marketing for Tax & Accounting Firms Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Cut costs and make your life a little nicer. By Sandi Leyva The Complete Guide to Marketing for Tax & Accounting Firms Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. I’m Mark Sullivan, a senior writer at Fast Company, covering emerging tech, AI, and tech policy. This week, I’m focusing on OpenAI’s gigantic new funding round and valuation. I also look at a recent leak around Anthropic’s models, and at backlash to ads placed in GitHub Copilot. Sign up to receive this newsletter every week via email here. And if you have comments on this issue and/or ideas for future ones, drop me a line at sullivan@fastcompany.com, and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @thesullivan. OpenAI closes $122 billion funding round at $852 billion valuation OpenAI has closed what may be the largest private funding round ever, raising $122 billion (well more than the $110 billion target it announced in February.) The company is now valued at $852 billion, making it more valuable than most publicly traded companies. Investors include some of the biggest (and richest) names in big tech and big finance. Amazon reportedly committed around $50 billion, Nvidia put in $30 billion, and SoftBank contributed roughly $30 billion. Andreessen Horowitz, D.E. Shaw Ventures, TPG, T. Rowe Price, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX also participated, along with Microsoft and other existing backers. The AI company is clearly laying the groundwork for a 2026 IPO, and it may come sooner rather than later, depending on market conditions. Currently, about a third of the total value of the stock market is being buoyed up by faith that the AI models and agents will transform the way business operates. OpenAI says it’s now generating about $2 billion per month in revenue, mostly from ChatGPT subscriptions, enterprise contracts, and API usage. (OpenAI was quick to point out that 40% of its revenue comes from enterprise sales, hoping to dispel the narrative that rival Anthropic is capturing the enterprise market.) Still, the company remains unprofitable, burning through cash on computing power, data centers, chips, and talent. OpenAI will use the additional funding to continue scaling up its models so that they can support the advanced agentic systems that are capable of autonomously handling challenging business tasks. Analysts’ reaction to the gigantic new round has been mixed. Winning the race to the smartest AI models depends in large part on access to abundant computing power, so some analysts read Nvidia’s and Amazon’s involvement in the round as a sign that OpenAI may have the inside track in that regard. Bernstein and others said the new funding is good news for Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle, since it shows that OpenAI actually has the funds to pay for all the infrastructure capacity it’s contracting. Others are nagged by doubts about OpenAI’s potential for becoming profitable anytime soon. Developing and deploying AI models is a hugely expensive business, and the biggest line item is computing costs. HSBC and Deutsche Bank analysts believe that OpenAI and other general-purpose model developers may yet need to spend hundreds of billions more for compute alone before they reach profitability, while in the meantime reporting unprecedented losses. The current AI boom is often compared to the dot-com bonanza of the late 1990s, in which tech companies raked in large investments despite little evidence of a business model. Some suspect that the same “irrational exuberance” may be driving the record-breaking investments in AI companies. OpenAI’s new $852 billion valuation won’t help matters. A Bloomberg report says demand for OpenAI shares has cooled on secondary markets, while demand for shares of Anthropic, which has a far lower valuation of $380 billion, has been strong. So the new funding round should position OpenAI as the frontrunner in the AI race for now, but everybody will be watching for signs that the AI startup is cranking up profits to offset its frightening cash burn. Why the leak of Anthropic model information matters Another day, another Anthropic Claude Code source material leak. A debugging file was accidentally bundled into a routine Claude Code update and pushed to the public code package repository, and as a result we got information about the tool’s architecture and some performance data. The leak revealed no customer information or anything about the code or weights of Anthropic’s model, but it did provide a look at how Anthropic is scaling its Claude models, including new features that appear to be fully built and ready for release. Anthropic is steadily turning Claude into a more proactive assistant. The company appears to be developing features that let users schedule tasks to run automatically at set times, alongside expanding voice interaction so Claude can be spoken to and respond out loud. At the same time, it is improving memory capabilities, enabling future models to revisit past chats, learn from them, and apply those insights in new sessions. All of this points toward a “persistent assistant” that runs in the background even without an active session, with control extending across devices. Based on the direction of previous model releases, and on the agentic features already in Claude Code, the product road map direction revealed in the leak aren’t terribly surprising. They are all targeted toward getting Claude models ready to perform key tasks within the business operations of large companies. Anthropic’s continued growth in the enterprise market is crucial to the IPO the company hopes to hold this year. What’s of greater concern is what the leak says about Anthropic’s own operational security. The company was founded on the idea of being a “safer” AI provider. To enterprises that likely means not only that the company’s models aren’t easily used to do harm, but also that they can be entrusted with sensitive proprietary information. Some may wonder if Anthropic can deliver on that promise when it can’t even keep its own product plans private. What GitHub Copilot ad insertion goof says about AI monetization GitHub’s AI coding assistant Copilot recently injected some promotional text into more than 11,000 pull requests (code change proposals) across thousands of code repositories. Developers were not amused. The issue surfaced when developer Zach Manson noticed that a teammate had asked Copilot to correct a typo in a pull request description. Copilot fixed the typo but also quietly inserted a promotional message for itself and Raycast, a productivity app with a Copilot integration. “Quickly spin up Copilot coding agent tasks from anywhere on your macOS or Windows machine with Raycast,” it read. The Register found the same statement in 11,400 pull requests. GitHub, which is owned by Microsoft, had been adding “helpful tips” to pull requests created by Copilot for some time. The company told The Register that a bug caused the tips to bleed into human-created PRs whenever someone mentioned Copilot. Now GitHub has removed agent tips from pull request comments. Was GitHub soft-launching a form of ad monetization? Maybe. But the backlash may show how sensitive developers are to having ads, no matter how benign, injected into their professional work. “This is horrific,” Manson wrote. “I knew this kind of bullshit would happen eventually, but I didn’t expect it so soon.” More AI coverage from Fast Company: The Navy’s AI bet to fix its submarine bottleneck Intuit thinks it’s found your company’s next CFO: AI 4 AI chatbots tried to fact-check Rubio on Iran. They couldn’t agree When to use human English vs. AI English Want exclusive reporting and trend analysis on technology, business innovation, future of work, and design? Sign up for Fast Company Premium. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “In accounting, our impact on businesses, lives and futures is substantial.” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “In accounting, our impact on businesses, lives and futures is substantial.” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Your upper chest could be the key to your long-term health. A new study found a correlation between the health of a human’s thymus and the likelihood of cardiovascular disease or cancer. Published on Wednesday in the science journal Nature, researchers detailed the “crucial” effect of the thymus on long-term health and lifespan, reshaping prior assumptions about the organ. “These findings reposition the thymus as a central regulator of immune‑ mediated aging and disease susceptibility in adulthood,” the report states. Thymus health a key indicator Using AI tools, scientists analyzed more than 27,000 patient scans and medical records to evaluate thymus health. According to the journal, people with high thymic health had a mortality rate of 13.4 percent, compared with 25.5 percent among those with low thymic health. The thymus, a two-lobed gland sitting in the upper chest between the lungs, is responsible for T-lymphocytes, white blood cells that protect the body against pathogens and diseases. Throughout the years, the thymus “decays with age,” turning a once enlarged organ for health into fatty tissue replacement as it shrinks. The report added that 5.3 percent of people with low thymic health developed lung cancer, and that 16.7 percent of people with low thymic health developed cardiovascular disease. Other conditions, such as endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases, including diabetes, were common for those with low thymic health. “Even practical approaches, such as lifestyle changes including exercise and sleep, as well as healthy food choices and supplement intake, are likely to notably impact thymic health,” notes the report. AI and health care To further analyze their original hypothesis, scientists conducted two major cohort studies, the Framingham Heart Study and the National Lung Screening Trial. Researchers and scientific contributors Simon Bernatz and Vasco Prudente established an emphasis in using AI to more accurately measure thymic health. The duo stated in the report that manual assessment can oftentimes be unreliable: “Previous studies did not find any associations between thymic imaging characteristics and outcomes … indicating insufficient thymic quantification using a visual scoring system.” Instead of leaning on an external AI platform, the study relied on an in-house deep learning system to better evaluate the patients. Primarily by quantifying the thymic health on computed tomography (CT) scans and extracting a thymic health score with it. The study highlights the model’s consistency, particularly when tested on independent data sets. “These results demonstrate that the performance of the thymic health model is robust against input variations, and that it captures contextual information directly from the anatomical region of the thymus,” the report states. AI and deep learning systems have continued to shape research and health care. A recent collaboration between Nvidia and Roche created one of the largest hybrid‑cloud AI factories in the pharmaceutical sector. The ongoing momentum of AI in the biopharma sector is fueled by an interest to speed up research and discovery in order to save lives. —Moses Jeanfrancois 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

AI isn’t just transforming industries. It’s transforming the way energy is stored and distributed. Scaling at unprecedented speeds across the country, data centers today require a reliable, uninterrupted power supply, often consuming as much electricity as small cities. This puts immense pressure on power grids. Nationwide electric demand is forecast to increase by nearly 16% by 2029. The main drivers of that increase are investments in data centers, manufacturing, and geopolitical and national strategic industries. Two years ago, the amount of global electricity generated to supply data centers was 460 TWh. This is projected to more than double to 1,000 TWh in 2030, and increase to 1,300 TWh by 2035. For AI data centers, batteries are no longer just for emergencies. They ensure these centers remain operational. Large-scale energy storage is now embedded in daily operations, giving operators the ability to actively manage power and predict reliability of these installations. Predictable cycles allow batteries to smooth demand through load shifting and peak mitigation. They also support renewable integration by storing and dispatching energy as needed. As policy and lifecycle considerations evolve, batteries are the long-term infrastructure solution to support both grid stability and operational resilience. THE NEED FOR BATTERIES Because of this, there is a surging demand for batteries to support the AI boom and this “always on” power mentality. This will be especially true for large-format batteries due to the technological advancements of lithium-based batteries. Today, the U.S. is heavily reliant on foreign sources for the critical minerals required to manufacture batteries. It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of the United States’ lithium-ion batteries come from foreign entities. The rise of AI data centers is dramatically accelerating the demand for critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and more. And even with the focus on current initiatives, the United States is not strategically positioned to support the needs of the AI data center industry fully with domestically produced materials. BATTERY RECYCLING AND CRITICAL MINERAL REFINEMENT That’s where battery recycling and critical mineral refinement come in. Both are foundational to the core infrastructure required to stabilize AI data centers long term, given the current growth trajectory. End-of-life batteries contain valuable critical minerals. And there are plenty of batteries available—in cars driving on our roads, living in our junk drawers, stored in our garages, etc. So, we must take advantage of what we have domestically, recycle those used batteries, and extract the critical minerals to be used over and over again. These critical minerals can be used for batteries AI data centers rely on. Extracted critical minerals from end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap are already in the U.S. and can be put back into the nation’s supply chain. This not only allows us to be more globally competitive in the AI race. But by strengthening our critical mineral supply chain, we can enhance national security, reinvent our manufacturing capabilities (including the refining of critical minerals and battery manufacturing), and position ourselves as a leading critical mineral producer. INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPACITY The infrastructure and capacity to recycle and process end-of-life batteries and refine those materials into battery-grade metals is required. It is needed to achieve global independence and power the AI data centers being built at an unprecedented pace across the country. We must be leaders in all aspects of battery technology—from extracting critical minerals from end-of-life batteries through to the manufacturing of new batteries. Batteries are truly the connection between uninterrupted power supplies and AI stabilization. With the increased demand for batteries, and ultimately critical minerals, recycling creates a closed-loop approach that strengthens domestic supply chains. In this global AI race, the real advantage is centered around who dominates the critical mineral supply chain. David Klanecky is CEO and president of Cirba Solutions. View the full article