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OpenAI has named labor leader Dolores Huerta and three others to a temporary advisory board that will help guide the artificial intelligence company’s philanthropy as it attempts to shift itself into a for-profit business. Huerta, who turned 95 last week, formed the first farmworkers union with Cesar Chavez in the early 1960s and will now have a say on the direction of philanthropic initiatives that OpenAI says will consider “both the promise and risks of AI.” The group will have just 90 days to make their suggestions. “She recognizes the significance of AI in today’s world and anybody who’s been paying attention for the last 50 years knows she will be a force in this conversation,” said Daniel Zingale, the convener of OpenAI’s new nonprofit commission and a former adviser to three California governors. Huerta’s advice won’t be binding but the presence of a social activist icon could be influential as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attempts a costly restructuring of the San Francisco company’s corporate governance, which requires the approval of California’s attorney general and others. Another coalition of labor leaders and nonprofits recently petitioned state Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, to investigate OpenAI, halt the proposed conversion and “protect billions of dollars that are under threat as profit-driven hunger for power yields conflicts of interest.” OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, started out in 2015 as a nonprofit research laboratory dedicated to safely building better-than-human AI that benefits humanity. It later formed a for-profit arm and shifted most of its staff there, but is still controlled by a nonprofit board of directors. It is now trying to convert itself more fully into a for-profit corporation but faces a number of hurdles, including getting the approval of California and Delaware attorneys general, potentially buying out the nonprofit’s pricy assets and fighting a lawsuit from co-founder and early investor Elon Musk. Backed by Japanese tech giant SoftBank, OpenAI last month said it’s working to raise $40 billion in funding, putting its value at $300 billion. Huerta will be joined on the new advisory commission by former Spanish-language media executive Monica Lozano; Robert Ross, the recently retired president of The California Endowment; and Jack Oliver, an attorney and longtime Republican campaign fundraiser. Zingale, the group’s convener, is a former aide to California governors including Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. “We’re interested in how you put the power of AI in the hands of everyday people and the community organizations that serve them,” Zingale said in an interview Wednesday. “Because, if AI is going to bring a renaissance, or a dark age, these are the people you want to tip the scale in favor of humanity.” The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of AP’s text archives. —Matt O’Brien, AP technology writer View the full article

Given all the recent bad news on the world stage, from tariffs wars to the war in Ukraine, it is no wonder Swedes are tuning in, for a moment of zen, to watch a livestream of “The Great Moose Migration” (loosely translated from the Swedish, “Den stora älgvandringen“). The 24-hour event, which runs for 20 days straight, kicked off on Tuesday. It has been providing soothing entertainment for millions of Swedes each year, around this time, since it first aired in 2019. That first year, nearly one million Swedes tuned in to literally watch moose walk through forests and swim across the Ångerman River, all captured by remote cameras and drones, per the Associated Press. By last year, the sleeper hit had a following of a whopping 9 million viewers, who watched along on Sweden’s national public television’s streaming platform, SVT Play. This year, the livestream started airing a week early, when the moose got an earlier-than-normal start due to warmer weather. From now until May 4, viewers can watch dozens of moose migrate to their favorite pastures located about 187 miles northwest of the country’s capital, Stockholm, per the AP. Sure, there’s not much happening, but that’s why so many people find it relaxing. So much so, that over 78,000 Swedes have joined a Facebook group with fans sharing photos of their TV screens when moose appear, according to NBC News. In fact, “The Great Moose Migration” is part of a larger global trend of relaxing, nature-oriented livestreams with not too much going on, which began in 2009 when NRK, Norway’s public broadcaster, aired a seven-hour train trip across the southern part of the country. That trend has even extended to the U.S., where thousands of captivated viewers have tuned in to watch two birds, Jackie and Shadow, via their bald eagle nest cam in California. View the full article

The Federal Housing Administration has accelerated the timeline and will make the wait time for repeat home retention requests longer than originally planned. View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Your Audience: Gaining insights into customer behavior, market trends, and competitive strategies is vital for enhancing online sales. Optimize the Sales Funnel: Focus on the stages of Awareness, Interest, Desire, and Action to effectively guide customers toward purchasing. Utilize Effective SEO Techniques: Optimize website content and structure to increase visibility and attract targeted traffic, thereby boosting potential sales. Leverage Social Media Marketing: Engage with audiences through compelling content and targeted advertising to drive conversions and enhance brand visibility. Enhance Customer Experience: Streamline the checkout process and employ personalized marketing strategies to improve customer satisfaction and reduce cart abandonment. Analyze and Adjust Strategies: Regularly monitor sales metrics and implement A/B testing to identify areas for improvement and refine your sales approach accordingly. In today’s digital landscape, increasing online sales is more crucial than ever. With countless options at your fingertips, standing out from the competition can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry; there are proven strategies that can elevate your e-commerce game and turn casual visitors into loyal customers. By understanding your audience and optimizing your online presence, you can create a shopping experience that resonates. Whether it’s enhancing your website’s design or leveraging social media, small changes can lead to significant results. Let’s dive into actionable tips that’ll help you boost your online sales and achieve your business goals. Understanding Online Sales Dynamics Understanding online sales dynamics is crucial for small businesses aiming to enhance their sales performance. You must grasp the factors influencing customer behavior, market trends, and competitive strategies. Sales Funnel Stages The sales funnel comprises several stages: Awareness: Capture attention through targeted marketing and effective messaging. Interest: Engage potential customers by offering valuable content and insights. Desire: Create a strong connection between your product and customer needs through persuasive sales pitches. Action: Encourage customers to complete a purchase with clear calls to action. Customer Acquisition Strategies Focus on customer acquisition through proven techniques. Lead generation methods, such as content marketing and social media outreach, help attract interested prospects. Ensure your sales strategy includes: Follow-up: Regular follow-ups can convert leads into sales. Lead nurturing: Build relationships through personalized communication and timely offers. Networking: Attend events to build relationships while generating referral sales. Sales Performance Metrics Monitor sales performance to identify areas for improvement. Key metrics include: Metric Definition Sales conversion rate The percentage of leads that convert to sales Average deal size The average value of closed sales Sales cycle length The duration it takes to close a sale Using these metrics allows you to adjust your sales tactics and streamline the sales process. Customer Engagement Prioritize customer engagement to enhance repeat business. You can achieve this by: Personalized communication: Tailor interactions based on previous purchases and preferences. Upselling and cross-selling: Recommend complementary products to increase the average sale. Exceptional customer service: Address queries and objections promptly to foster trust. Understanding these dynamics helps small businesses create an effective sales process. Engaging with customers and monitoring performance translates into increased revenue and sustained growth. Key Strategies to Increase Online Sales Increasing online sales involves implementing effective strategies to enhance every aspect of your business operations. Focus on optimizing your website for conversions and utilizing effective SEO techniques. Optimize Your Website for Conversions Optimizing your website makes it easier for visitors to complete purchases. Display trust signals, such as money-back guarantees and customer reviews, to build credibility. These trust elements reassure customers about the security of their transactions. Ensure intuitive navigation using main menus and search functions. Provide easy access to product information, which reduces friction in the buying process. Streamline the checkout process by incorporating features like guest checkout or auto-fill options. These improvements help convert visitors into customers and enhance your sales conversion rates. Utilize Effective SEO Techniques Effective SEO techniques attract targeted traffic to your website. Focus on keyword optimization to capture search interest relevant to your products or services. Engage in on-page SEO by optimizing your product descriptions, blog content, and meta tags to meet customer needs. Utilize valuable backlinks to develop authority and improve your rankings on search engine results pages. Invest in local SEO strategies, such as optimizing your Google My Business listing, to reach customers in your area. Higher visibility in search results leads to increased sales leads, enhancing your sales pipeline. By focusing on website optimization and strategic SEO, small businesses can significantly boost online sales and foster long-term customer relationships. Leverage Social Media Marketing Leveraging social media marketing significantly boosts online sales for small businesses. Creating a solid presence across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok connects you with your audience, enhances brand visibility, and drives conversions. Engaging Content Creation Creating engaging content is key to capturing attention and retaining customers. Focus on producing high-quality posts, eye-catching graphics, and captivating videos. Utilize storytelling as a sales tactic to humanize your brand and establish a connection with your audience. Share customer testimonials or product demonstrations to showcase how your offerings meet customer needs. For instance, you might showcase before-and-after scenarios to illustrate the impact of your products. Moreover, emphasize responding to comments and messages promptly, fostering customer engagement and trust. Targeted Advertising Strategies Implementing targeted advertising strategies amplifies your reach and boosts sales. Use social media ads to hone in on specific demographics aligned with your sales goals. Set clear sales targets and create ads designed to fulfill those goals, whether you aim for lead generation, increasing website traffic, or boosting sales conversion rates. Utilize remarketing techniques to re-engage potential customers who have interacted with your brand. By analyzing sales performance metrics from your campaigns, you can refine your approach and maximize your return on investment. Investing in smart advertising opportunities allows you to connect meaningfully with your audience and effectively drive your sales pipeline forward. Enhance Customer Experience Enhancing the customer experience is vital for increasing online sales. By focusing on trust, website design, and personalized marketing, small businesses maximize customer satisfaction and loyalty. Streamlined Checkout Process A streamlined checkout process reduces cart abandonment and improves sales conversion rates. Implement one-page checkouts to minimize friction. Offer multiple payment options, including credit cards and digital wallets, to cater to customer preferences. Display clear shipping details and costs upfront to avoid surprises. Send follow-up emails to remind customers of their abandoned carts, prompting them to complete their purchases. These steps directly enhance the sales pipeline by making transactions smoother for your customers. Personalized Email Marketing Personalized email marketing engages customers based on their behavior and preferences. Send tailored recommendations based on past purchases, enhancing customer relationship management (CRM) efforts. Use segmentation to target specific customer groups with unique sales pitches and promotions. Automate follow-up emails for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, to build stronger connections. Consistent and relevant communication keeps your brand top-of-mind and can increase repeat business, thus boosting your overall revenue. Analyze and Adjust To effectively increase your online sales, analyze your current strategies and adjust based on customer behavior and metrics. Tracking Sales Metrics Tracking sales metrics is crucial for understanding performance. Focus on key indicators like sales conversion rates, average order value, and customer acquisition costs. Utilize tools like Google Analytics and your customer relationship management (CRM) system to gather insights. Regularly review this data to identify trends, spot weaknesses, and adjust your sales strategy accordingly. For example, if your sales conversion rates are low, investigate bottlenecks in your sales funnel and optimize accordingly. A/B Testing for Improvement A/B testing provides a reliable method for optimizing your online sales approach. Test different variables such as website layouts, call-to-action buttons, or promotional offers. For instance, create two versions of a landing page: one with a straightforward sales pitch and another with enhanced visuals and different messaging. Track conversion rates on both pages to determine which resonates more with your audience. Continuously refine your sales process based on the results of these tests, ensuring you align your value proposition with customer needs. This iterative process supports continuous improvement and helps reach your sales goals efficiently. Conclusion Boosting your online sales is all about understanding your customers and refining your strategies. By focusing on customer engagement and optimizing your website for conversions you can create a seamless shopping experience that encourages purchases. Keep track of your sales performance metrics and don’t hesitate to adjust your approach based on data insights. Testing different strategies through A/B testing can reveal what truly resonates with your audience. Remember that building trust and ensuring exceptional customer service are key to fostering loyalty. By implementing these strategies you’ll not only increase sales but also cultivate lasting relationships with your customers. Your commitment to continuous improvement will set you apart in the competitive e-commerce landscape. Frequently Asked Questions Why is increasing online sales important for businesses? Enhancing online sales is crucial for businesses to thrive in a competitive digital market. It boosts revenue, helps build a loyal customer base, and improves brand visibility. With effective strategies, businesses can better meet customer needs, optimize their sales funnel, and achieve sustained growth. What are the stages of the sales funnel? The stages of the sales funnel include Awareness, Interest, Desire, and Action. Understanding each stage helps businesses tailor their marketing efforts to attract potential customers, nurture leads, and ultimately convert them into sales. How can content marketing improve online sales? Content marketing builds customer trust and engagement by providing valuable information. It helps attract and educate potential customers, guiding them through the sales funnel. By addressing customer needs and preferences, businesses can enhance interest and drive conversions. What metrics should be monitored to improve sales performance? Key metrics include sales conversion rate, average deal size, and sales cycle length. Monitoring these indicators helps identify areas for improvement and informs strategies to optimize sales efforts, ensuring better overall performance. How can businesses enhance customer engagement? To boost customer engagement, businesses should focus on personalized communication, upselling, and providing exceptional customer service. Engaging with customers through tailored messages and offers can lead to repeat business and increased brand loyalty. What role does website design play in increasing online sales? A well-designed website enhances user experience by providing intuitive navigation and streamlined checkout processes. Effective website design helps reduce cart abandonment and encourages conversions, making it essential for e-commerce success. How does SEO impact online sales? SEO improves search engine visibility, driving targeted traffic to your website. By optimizing for relevant keywords and employing effective on-page techniques, businesses can attract potential customers who are more likely to convert, thereby increasing online sales. What are trust signals, and why are they important? Trust signals, such as customer reviews, secure payment options, and recognized certifications, help establish credibility. They reassure potential customers, encouraging them to make purchases and improving conversion rates by reducing hesitation. How can abandoned cart follow-ups increase sales? Following up on abandoned carts with reminder emails can prompt customers to complete their purchases. By offering incentives or simply reminding them, businesses can recover lost sales opportunities and improve their overall conversion rates. What is A/B testing, and how can it help online sales? A/B testing involves comparing two versions of a webpage or marketing strategy to see which performs better. This process allows businesses to refine their approaches based on real customer responses, leading to optimized online sales tactics that resonate with their audience. Image Via Envato This article, "Proven Strategies on How to Increase Online Sales and Boost Your E-Commerce Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Associated Press says that a new White House media policy violates a court order by giving the administration sole discretion over who gets to question President Donald The President, and the news agency asked a federal judge on Wednesday to enforce that order. The swift move was in response to a policy issued late Tuesday by the White House, which suffered a courtroom loss last week over The Associated Press’ ability to cover The President. The plans, the latest attempt by the new administration to control coverage of its activities, sharply curtail the access of three news agencies that serve billions of readers around the world. The AP filed Wednesday’s motion with U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, asking for relief “given defendant’s refusal to obey” his order last week. McFadden said the White House had violated the AP’s free speech by banning it from certain presidential events because The President disagreed with the outlet’s decision not to rename the Gulf of Mexico. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Wednesday. Leavitt is a defendant in the AP’s lawsuit, along with White House chief of staff Susan Wiles and her deputy, Taylor Budowich. The AP’s lawsuit claimed that its First Amendment rights were violated by the White House blocking its reporters and photographers from covering The President. McFadden ordered the administration to treat the AP as it does other news organizations. Reframing who gets access to the president for questions For many years, the independent White House Correspondents Association has run the pool for the limited space events, and each time it has included reporters from the wire services AP, Reuters and Bloomberg. One print reporter was also allowed, selected on a rotating basis from more than 30 news outlets. The White House now says it will lump the three wire services with print reporters for two slots — meaning roughly three dozen reporters will rotate for two regular slots. Wire services typically report and write stories that are used by different media outlets around the world. Even with the rotation, the White House said The President’s press secretary “shall retain day-to-day discretion to determine composition of the pool.” The new policy says reporters will also be allowed in “irrespective of the substantive viewpoint expressed by an outlet.” Seeing their own access cut back along with the AP’s, representatives from Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters also protested the new policy. “For decades, the daily presence of the wire services in the press pool has ensured that investors and voters across the United States and around the world can rely on accurate real-time reporting on what the president says and does,” said Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait. “We deeply regret the decision to remove that permanent level of scrutiny and accountability.” In a statement, the AP’s Lauren Easton said the outlet was deeply disappointed that rather than restore the AP’s access, the White House instead chose restrictions over all of the wire services. “The wire services represent thousands of news organizations across the U.S. and the world over,” said Easton, an AP spokeswoman. “Our coverage is used by local newspapers and television stations in all 50 states to inform their communities. “The administration’s actions continue to disregard the fundamental American freedom to speak without government control or retaliation,” Easton said Tuesday night. The WHCA said the administration’s insistence on retaining control over who covers the president shows that it is unwilling to guarantee that it would not continue viewpoint discrimination. “The government should not be able to control the independent media that covers it,” said Eugene Daniels, the association’s president. More access for The President-friendly media Under Leavitt, the White House has given greater access to news outlets friendly to The President. That was visible Tuesday, when the first reporter Leavitt addressed during a briefing asked two questions while also praising The President policy. At Monday’s Oval Office meeting, The President bristled at questions from CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about a man deported to an El Salvador prison, at one point accusing CNN of “hating our country.” He made it a point to contrast her questions with a non-pointed one from another reporter. Despite the occasional fireworks, The President has made himself accessible to the media more than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. Cramped-quarters events, particularly in the Oval Office, are some of his favorite places to talk — rendering the new access policy all the more impactful. The new policy advanced on Tuesday did not address access for photographers. At an earlier court hearing about the AP’s case, the outlet’s chief White House photographer, Evan Vucci, and correspondent Zeke Miller testified about how the ban has hurt the business of a news agency built to quickly get news and images to its customers. The dispute stems from AP’s decision not to follow the president’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico, although AP style does cite The President’s wish that it be called the Gulf of America. McFadden agreed with AP’s argument that the government cannot punish the news organization for what it says — for exercising its right to free speech. The White House has argued that press access to the president is a privilege, not a right, that it should control — much like it decides to whom The President gives one-on-one interviews. In court papers filed last weekend, his lawyers signaled that even with McFadden’s decision, the AP’s days of unchallenged access to open presidential events were over. “No other news organization in the United States receives the level of guaranteed access previously bestowed upon the AP,” the administration argued. “The AP may have grown accustomed to its favored status, but the Constitution does not require that such status endure in perpetuity.” The administration has appealed McFadden’s ruling, and is scheduled to be in an appeals court on Thursday to argue that ruling should be put on hold until the merits of the case are fully decided, perhaps by the U.S. Supreme Court. The administration has not curtailed AP access to Leavitt’s briefings over the past two months. It has blocked access to events in the East Room to White House-credentialed AP reporters — until Tuesday, when one was allowed into an event that involved the Navy football team. —DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer View the full article

If you have a smartphone running Android 12 that can't upgrade past that version, I have some bad news: Google is dropping support for your phone. RIP Android 12As spotted by Android Authority, Google is no longer seeding security updates for devices running Android 12 and Android 12L. The company omitted the Android version from its April 2025 Android Security Bulletin, which notes security vulnerabilities Google has identified and patched, and as well as which versions of Android receive those patches. The company highlights Android 13, 14, and 15 across a number of different vulnerabilities, but not Android 12. The outlet isn't basing this news off these omissions alone: Android Authority reports that Google dropped support for Android 12 and 12L as of March 31, based on a source that says the company ended security patch backports for those versions on that date. Backporting is when a developer takes a security patch from a newer version of software and adds it to an older version of that software. It seems Google had been doing that for Android 12 from newer versions of Android, but as of the end of March, has stopped. Google hasn't said exactly why it is ending support for Android 12 at this time, but it almost assuredly has to do with the OS' age. The company released the version (codenamed Snow Cone) back in October of 2021. It was a relatively big update for Android, notably introducing "Material You" to devices for the first time. Material You significantly changed the look of Android, adjusting UI elements, app icons, and applying a universal theme based on the colors of your wallpaper. The update also included a number of privacy settings as well as a handful of new gesture controls. According to Android Authority, Google stops most Android OS backporting around three and a half years after release, so this timing tracks. Is your device affected?The biggest issue here is that there are a lot of devices out there running Android 12. Statcounter says nearly 12.5% of Android phones around the globe are running this version, while 9.14% of Android users in the United States are running it. Blacklinko claims there are more than three billion Android phones active across the world, which means there could be more than 370 million Android phones out there about to lose security updates. If your Android phone can't update past Android 12, it might be time to upgrade. Sure, you can live without new Android features, but security updates are vital. Inevitably, someone will discover security flaws within Android that affect Android 12, but since Google is no longer backporting patches to this version, those flaws will go unpatched. As such, bad actors can exploit those flaws in targeted attacks, leaving you vulnerable. If you're looking for a new Android smartphone, Lifehacker's sister site PCMag has a list of its favorite Android phones for 2025. If you opt for a new Google or Samsung phone, know that these company guarantee seven years of software and security support. If you buy a Pixel 9a today, for example, you won't have to worry about a similar situation until 2032. View the full article

Robert Wagnon is retiring and sold his 75% share to long-time mortgage executive Andrina Valdes, while Paulina McGrath remains as co-owner and president. View the full article

Google has officially launched the Pixel 9a, its latest A-series smartphone, now available in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. starting April 10. With a starting price of $499, the Pixel 9a integrates many of the premium features found in Google’s flagship Pixel 9 lineup while introducing a sleek redesign, upgraded camera, and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4, the company’s fastest and most efficient chip yet. According to Google, the new phone “comes with everything you expect from our Pixel 9 series,” and is equipped with Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant. Fresh Look and Brighter Display The Pixel 9a features a revamped design with a 6.3-inch Actua display that boasts a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness of 2700 nits. This makes it the brightest display ever on an A-series Pixel. The phone is available in four color options: Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and a new Iris colorway. Camera and AI Photography Tools At under $500, Google claims the Pixel 9a delivers “the best camera” in its price range. The dual rear camera system includes a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens. For the first time on an A-series Pixel, Macro Focus is included, allowing users to capture fine details in close-up shots. The Pixel 9a is packed with AI-driven photography tools: Add Me, which merges two group photos into one so everyone, including the photographer, makes it into the picture. Best Take, which creates an ideal group photo by blending facial expressions from multiple shots. Magic Editor with Auto Frame, which suggests optimal crops and allows users to expand and reimagine photos with prompts like changing the season. Additional features include Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Panorama with Night Sight. Performance and Durability Google says Pixel 9a offers the “best battery life of any Pixel available today,” with over 30 hours of standard use and up to 100 hours on Extreme Battery Saver. The phone is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance and includes seven years of OS updates, security updates, and Pixel Drops. Gemini Integration and AI Assistance As the only sub-$500 smartphone to include Gemini Nano, Pixel 9a brings powerful on-device AI to everyday tasks. Gemini integrates with apps like Google Maps, Calendar, and YouTube, and supports Gemini Live for voice-based interaction. According to Google, Gemini Live will soon offer video- and screen-sharing, allowing users to point their camera at objects or share their screen during AI-assisted conversations. Other AI-powered tools include Circle to Search, Pixel Studio, and a suite of Call Assist features such as Hold For Me, Direct My Call, and Call Screen. Security and Family Features Pixel 9a includes the same top-rated security features as the Pixel 9 Pro, including VPN by Google, Car Crash Detection, Theft Protection, and Find My Device live location sharing. Designed with families in mind, Pixel 9a offers an enhanced onboarding experience for kids and tools like Google Family Link, School Time, and the newly launched Google Wallet for kids. Google Wallet for kids is now available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland. It allows children to make payments and manage passes under parental supervision, with full control via Family Link. The Pixel 9a is now available for purchase through the Google Store and retail partners. Image: Google This article, "Google Releases Pixel 9a, Combining Powerful AI and Affordability" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google has officially launched the Pixel 9a, its latest A-series smartphone, now available in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. starting April 10. With a starting price of $499, the Pixel 9a integrates many of the premium features found in Google’s flagship Pixel 9 lineup while introducing a sleek redesign, upgraded camera, and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4, the company’s fastest and most efficient chip yet. According to Google, the new phone “comes with everything you expect from our Pixel 9 series,” and is equipped with Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant. Fresh Look and Brighter Display The Pixel 9a features a revamped design with a 6.3-inch Actua display that boasts a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness of 2700 nits. This makes it the brightest display ever on an A-series Pixel. The phone is available in four color options: Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and a new Iris colorway. Camera and AI Photography Tools At under $500, Google claims the Pixel 9a delivers “the best camera” in its price range. The dual rear camera system includes a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens. For the first time on an A-series Pixel, Macro Focus is included, allowing users to capture fine details in close-up shots. The Pixel 9a is packed with AI-driven photography tools: Add Me, which merges two group photos into one so everyone, including the photographer, makes it into the picture. Best Take, which creates an ideal group photo by blending facial expressions from multiple shots. Magic Editor with Auto Frame, which suggests optimal crops and allows users to expand and reimagine photos with prompts like changing the season. Additional features include Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Panorama with Night Sight. Performance and Durability Google says Pixel 9a offers the “best battery life of any Pixel available today,” with over 30 hours of standard use and up to 100 hours on Extreme Battery Saver. The phone is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance and includes seven years of OS updates, security updates, and Pixel Drops. Gemini Integration and AI Assistance As the only sub-$500 smartphone to include Gemini Nano, Pixel 9a brings powerful on-device AI to everyday tasks. Gemini integrates with apps like Google Maps, Calendar, and YouTube, and supports Gemini Live for voice-based interaction. According to Google, Gemini Live will soon offer video- and screen-sharing, allowing users to point their camera at objects or share their screen during AI-assisted conversations. Other AI-powered tools include Circle to Search, Pixel Studio, and a suite of Call Assist features such as Hold For Me, Direct My Call, and Call Screen. Security and Family Features Pixel 9a includes the same top-rated security features as the Pixel 9 Pro, including VPN by Google, Car Crash Detection, Theft Protection, and Find My Device live location sharing. Designed with families in mind, Pixel 9a offers an enhanced onboarding experience for kids and tools like Google Family Link, School Time, and the newly launched Google Wallet for kids. Google Wallet for kids is now available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland. It allows children to make payments and manage passes under parental supervision, with full control via Family Link. The Pixel 9a is now available for purchase through the Google Store and retail partners. Image: Google This article, "Google Releases Pixel 9a, Combining Powerful AI and Affordability" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe There’s been more than a little buzz about habits lately. To take just one example: James Clear’s 2018 book “Atomic Habits” spent an eye-popping 260 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Books like these – including the 1989 classic “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – promise that habits are a key to transforming your personal and professional life. And they draw on our collective, perennial desire to form good habits (and break bad ones) as a way of optimizing our life. But does the power of habits live up to the hype? Experts point to a deep well of neuroscience to show that habits are a potent way to make lasting changes in your life, but they’re not magic. Getting results from your daily habits takes intention, discipline, and a lot of time. Let’s sift through the fanfare around habits, and get down to the advice that can truly improve your professional or personal life. What is a habit? Related Article Quiz: Which time management strategy is right for you? By Kat Boogaard In Productivity A habit is “a routine that repeats automatically in response to a trigger.” That’s the definition from Ally Meyers, a certified executive and positive psychology coach, and Yale-certified expert in the science of well-being. It succinctly describes the “habit loop” that’s essential to understand. Let’s break it down. The trigger, or cue, is something that prompts you to start a routine. This could be arriving at a certain location, being around a specific person, or seeing the clock reach a certain time of day. The thought or action is what happens next in response to the cue. The reward is the feel-good moment after the thought or action, which makes you want to do it again in response to that same trigger. There are endless examples of habits and their attendant loops. You likely have a habit of brushing your teeth every night: You’re cued by the arrival of bedtime, you brush your teeth, and then you feel good for having done so. In a professional setting, you might have a habit of checking in with your boss every morning: You’re cued by your arrival at your desk, you pop into your manager’s office, and then you feel satisfied with getting your day off to a good start. This works because your brain can effortlessly follow new paths as they become well-worn with repetition. A habit, however, is distinct from something like an addiction. “An addiction is a habit that has spiraled out of control and is causing harm to either yourself or somebody else,” Meyers says. Major medical organizations describe addiction as a chronically relapsing brain disease, which again is a compulsion beyond a simple habit. Why habits are important at work Many of us want to accomplish big things at work. Maybe you aspire to a big promotion, or want to check an ambitious project off your to-do list. Accomplishing those things is often a result of habits, whether we realize it or not. “Success, no matter how you define it, doesn’t come from one standalone act,” Meyers says. “It comes from daily routines, which are made up of all of your small habits. That’s what drives the ship.” One example of this is creating a habit of a consistent sleep schedule. Getting a good night’s rest every so often is good, but unlikely to create a stable foundation for your work life. Making it a habit – getting eight hours of sleep every night, or at least most nights – can give you the consistent energy to tackle big projects at work over the long haul, or produce higher-quality results. The limitations (and misconceptions) of habits Habits are powerful, but they’re not inherently useful unless they serve a larger purpose. It’s great to build and successfully maintain a habit, Meyers says, but not for its own sake. They are a means to an end, so it’s crucial to reflect regularly and make sure your habits are aligned with your desired outcome. Another misconception is that habits will automatically form in a certain number of days, for everyone in every context. The reality is more complicated. “The likelihood of success depends on so many moving parts,” Meyers says. For example, your environment can accelerate the timeline of habit formation (if people around you are forming similar habits) or lengthen it (if you’re surrounded by competing triggers). In fact, your environment can do a lot to boost your own willpower, according to USC psychology professor Wendy Wood. It might be tempting to think we can brute-force our way into new habits, but adding helpful cues to our surroundings can go a long way. It’s the classic advice of leaving your gym bag packed, at the door, so you don’t have an excuse to skip the gym in the morning. And one last thing: Despite what the DuoLingo owl might have you think, missing one day of a habit (i.e. “breaking your streak”) is not catastrophic, Meyers says. What’s more useful is to zoom out and recognize that completing, say, 27 out of 30 days in a month is still a success. How do habits actually work? The key to forming new habits, on a brain-level, is something called neuroplasticity. This term “refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and behavioral changes,” according to Jessica Koehler Ph.D. When you’re forming new habits, you’re taking advantage of that neuroplasticity. Meyers explains it using a metaphor: Imagine you come to the edge of a forest, and there’s no clear way through. You pick a random spot and start bushwacking, scraping yourself on branches along the way. It’s painful, but you make it to the other side. Next time you approach the forest, you can vaguely see the path you took, and you try to follow it – still getting scraped up a bit, but not as much. Eventually, the path becomes so well-worn that you can follow it easily and without effort. This is, in a way, what happens when you form a new habit. It might feel hard at first, but as you repeat it, the neural pathway becomes stronger in your brain, and easier to follow automatically, Meyers says. And remember that “cue-routine-reward” loop from earlier? That has a strong basis in neuroscience, too. “Over time, your brain associates the cue with the reward, and the behavior becomes automatic,” Koehler writes. How to form good habits Related Article 5 tips to find your best morning routine By Kat Boogaard In Productivity There are plenty of good habits you might want to form in your professional life, like time-blocking for deep focus or doing regular check-ins with your manager. Here’s how to do it: Identify the habit you want to create. Choose a cue, or trigger, that will prompt you to start the habit loop. Perform the action. Feel the reward of following through. “It’s key to recognize you just kept that promise to yourself,” Meyers says. Let’s say you’re trying to create that habit of deep-focus work sessions. Here’s what that could look like: Cue: Each morning, before you start your work day, look at your schedule and identify a block of time you can use for focused work. Put this on your calendar. Action: When the allotted time arrives, silence your notifications and work on your task, uninterrupted, for the duration of the time block. Reward: You’ll get the sense of accomplishment for having made real progress on your project – and will be more likely to repeat the action in the future. The steps are rather simple, and they can flex to meet your needs. For example, Meyers recommends keeping the rewards mostly intrinsic (e.g. that hit of dopamine for feeling productive) rather than extrinsic (e.g. eating a bar of chocolate). But you might want to incorporate the occasional external reward to give yourself an extra incentive to keep up a daily habit, Meyers says. How to break bad habits Breaking undesirable habits works basically in reverse. Identify the habit you’d like to leave behind. Add friction to the undesired action. Create a desirable alternative. Recognize when you successfully avoid the undesired action. Meyers did this in her own life with the habit of aimlessly scrolling on her phone. She recognized this was something she often did while bored, and wanted to stop. She added friction by turning off her phone in certain situations, or leaving it in the car when she was out. Then, she carried a daily planner with her to create a desirable alternative: In moments of boredom, she’d take out the notebook and reflect on the progress she’d made on her to-do list, which created a hit of dopamine similar to what she got from scrolling. It’s not perfect: Sometimes Myers still grabs the phone in moments of boredom, but now she’s much more likely to go for the notebook, instead. good habits menu Not sure what kind of habits to incorporate in your life? Here are some that Meyers recommends: Create a sleep schedule and stick to it: Meyers calls this a “keystone habit” that ensures you’re rested enough to tackle more ambitious habits. Start each day with solitude: Having a moment to yourself in the morning helps you reflect and take care of your own needs. Identify your top three goals for each day: Maybe in that moment of solitude, you can set your priorities for the day before distractions take hold. Acknowledge your wins: Take a moment at the end of the day to celebrate what went well, and recognize your own progress. Create a screen-free bedtime routine: Avoiding blue light from phones or laptops before bed can help you regulate your sleep cycle and get more rest. Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post Why the power of habits might just live up to the hype appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe There’s been more than a little buzz about habits lately. To take just one example: James Clear’s 2018 book “Atomic Habits” spent an eye-popping 260 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Books like these – including the 1989 classic “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – promise that habits are a key to transforming your personal and professional life. And they draw on our collective, perennial desire to form good habits (and break bad ones) as a way of optimizing our life. But does the power of habits live up to the hype? Experts point to a deep well of neuroscience to show that habits are a potent way to make lasting changes in your life, but they’re not magic. Getting results from your daily habits takes intention, discipline, and a lot of time. Let’s sift through the fanfare around habits, and get down to the advice that can truly improve your professional or personal life. What is a habit? Related Article Quiz: Which time management strategy is right for you? By Kat Boogaard In Productivity A habit is “a routine that repeats automatically in response to a trigger.” That’s the definition from Ally Meyers, a certified executive and positive psychology coach, and Yale-certified expert in the science of well-being. It succinctly describes the “habit loop” that’s essential to understand. Let’s break it down. The trigger, or cue, is something that prompts you to start a routine. This could be arriving at a certain location, being around a specific person, or seeing the clock reach a certain time of day. The thought or action is what happens next in response to the cue. The reward is the feel-good moment after the thought or action, which makes you want to do it again in response to that same trigger. There are endless examples of habits and their attendant loops. You likely have a habit of brushing your teeth every night: You’re cued by the arrival of bedtime, you brush your teeth, and then you feel good for having done so. In a professional setting, you might have a habit of checking in with your boss every morning: You’re cued by your arrival at your desk, you pop into your manager’s office, and then you feel satisfied with getting your day off to a good start. This works because your brain can effortlessly follow new paths as they become well-worn with repetition. A habit, however, is distinct from something like an addiction. “An addiction is a habit that has spiraled out of control and is causing harm to either yourself or somebody else,” Meyers says. Major medical organizations describe addiction as a chronically relapsing brain disease, which again is a compulsion beyond a simple habit. Why habits are important at work Many of us want to accomplish big things at work. Maybe you aspire to a big promotion, or want to check an ambitious project off your to-do list. Accomplishing those things is often a result of habits, whether we realize it or not. “Success, no matter how you define it, doesn’t come from one standalone act,” Meyers says. “It comes from daily routines, which are made up of all of your small habits. That’s what drives the ship.” One example of this is creating a habit of a consistent sleep schedule. Getting a good night’s rest every so often is good, but unlikely to create a stable foundation for your work life. Making it a habit – getting eight hours of sleep every night, or at least most nights – can give you the consistent energy to tackle big projects at work over the long haul, or produce higher-quality results. The limitations (and misconceptions) of habits Habits are powerful, but they’re not inherently useful unless they serve a larger purpose. It’s great to build and successfully maintain a habit, Meyers says, but not for its own sake. They are a means to an end, so it’s crucial to reflect regularly and make sure your habits are aligned with your desired outcome. Another misconception is that habits will automatically form in a certain number of days, for everyone in every context. The reality is more complicated. “The likelihood of success depends on so many moving parts,” Meyers says. For example, your environment can accelerate the timeline of habit formation (if people around you are forming similar habits) or lengthen it (if you’re surrounded by competing triggers). In fact, your environment can do a lot to boost your own willpower, according to USC psychology professor Wendy Wood. It might be tempting to think we can brute-force our way into new habits, but adding helpful cues to our surroundings can go a long way. It’s the classic advice of leaving your gym bag packed, at the door, so you don’t have an excuse to skip the gym in the morning. And one last thing: Despite what the DuoLingo owl might have you think, missing one day of a habit (i.e. “breaking your streak”) is not catastrophic, Meyers says. What’s more useful is to zoom out and recognize that completing, say, 27 out of 30 days in a month is still a success. How do habits actually work? The key to forming new habits, on a brain-level, is something called neuroplasticity. This term “refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and behavioral changes,” according to Jessica Koehler Ph.D. When you’re forming new habits, you’re taking advantage of that neuroplasticity. Meyers explains it using a metaphor: Imagine you come to the edge of a forest, and there’s no clear way through. You pick a random spot and start bushwacking, scraping yourself on branches along the way. It’s painful, but you make it to the other side. Next time you approach the forest, you can vaguely see the path you took, and you try to follow it – still getting scraped up a bit, but not as much. Eventually, the path becomes so well-worn that you can follow it easily and without effort. This is, in a way, what happens when you form a new habit. It might feel hard at first, but as you repeat it, the neural pathway becomes stronger in your brain, and easier to follow automatically, Meyers says. And remember that “cue-routine-reward” loop from earlier? That has a strong basis in neuroscience, too. “Over time, your brain associates the cue with the reward, and the behavior becomes automatic,” Koehler writes. How to form good habits Related Article 5 tips to find your best morning routine By Kat Boogaard In Productivity There are plenty of good habits you might want to form in your professional life, like time-blocking for deep focus or doing regular check-ins with your manager. Here’s how to do it: Identify the habit you want to create. Choose a cue, or trigger, that will prompt you to start the habit loop. Perform the action. Feel the reward of following through. “It’s key to recognize you just kept that promise to yourself,” Meyers says. Let’s say you’re trying to create that habit of deep-focus work sessions. Here’s what that could look like: Cue: Each morning, before you start your work day, look at your schedule and identify a block of time you can use for focused work. Put this on your calendar. Action: When the allotted time arrives, silence your notifications and work on your task, uninterrupted, for the duration of the time block. Reward: You’ll get the sense of accomplishment for having made real progress on your project – and will be more likely to repeat the action in the future. The steps are rather simple, and they can flex to meet your needs. For example, Meyers recommends keeping the rewards mostly intrinsic (e.g. that hit of dopamine for feeling productive) rather than extrinsic (e.g. eating a bar of chocolate). But you might want to incorporate the occasional external reward to give yourself an extra incentive to keep up a daily habit, Meyers says. How to break bad habits Breaking undesirable habits works basically in reverse. Identify the habit you’d like to leave behind. Add friction to the undesired action. Create a desirable alternative. Recognize when you successfully avoid the undesired action. Meyers did this in her own life with the habit of aimlessly scrolling on her phone. She recognized this was something she often did while bored, and wanted to stop. She added friction by turning off her phone in certain situations, or leaving it in the car when she was out. Then, she carried a daily planner with her to create a desirable alternative: In moments of boredom, she’d take out the notebook and reflect on the progress she’d made on her to-do list, which created a hit of dopamine similar to what she got from scrolling. It’s not perfect: Sometimes Myers still grabs the phone in moments of boredom, but now she’s much more likely to go for the notebook, instead. good habits menu Not sure what kind of habits to incorporate in your life? Here are some that Meyers recommends: Create a sleep schedule and stick to it: Meyers calls this a “keystone habit” that ensures you’re rested enough to tackle more ambitious habits. Start each day with solitude: Having a moment to yourself in the morning helps you reflect and take care of your own needs. Identify your top three goals for each day: Maybe in that moment of solitude, you can set your priorities for the day before distractions take hold. Acknowledge your wins: Take a moment at the end of the day to celebrate what went well, and recognize your own progress. Create a screen-free bedtime routine: Avoiding blue light from phones or laptops before bed can help you regulate your sleep cycle and get more rest. Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post Why the power of habits might just live up to the hype appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

A colossal squid has been caught on camera for the first time in the deep sea by an international team of researchers steering a remotely operated submersible. The sighting was announced Tuesday by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The squid filmed was a juvenile about 1 foot (30 centimeters) in length at a depth of 1,968 feet (600 meters) in the South Atlantic Ocean. Full-grown adult colossal squids, which scientists have uncovered from the bellies of whales and seabirds, can reach lengths up to 23 feet (7 meters) — almost the size of a small fire truck. The squid was spied last month near the South Sandwich Islands during an expedition to search for new sea life. Researchers waited to verify the species identification with other independent scientists before releasing the footage. “I really love that we have seen a young colossal squid first. This animal is so beautiful,” said Kat Bolstad, a squid researcher at the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, who helped confirm it. Researchers are testing different cameras in hopes of catching an adult colossal squid, Bolstad said. The young squid is almost entirely transparent, with thin arms. As adults, the squids lose this glassy appearance and become an opaque dark red or purple. When full grown, they are considered to be the world’s largest known invertebrates. —Christina Larson, AP science writer AP video journalist Mustakim Hasnath contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. View the full article

May the Fourth is upon us, and Disney+ of course has a lineup of Star Wars premieres to celebrate. First is Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, a Lucasfilm Animation sequel to 2022's Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi and 2024's Star Wars: Tales of the Empire. The new mini-series tells the stories of bounty hunter and former assassin Asajj Ventress and outlaw Cad Bane. Disney+ will also have two P.O.V. experiences from Disneyland: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Aside from Star Wars, May will bring Tucci in Italy (May 19), a new National Geographic miniseries combining travel and food with actor Stanley Tucci in, well, Italy. Lastly, Disney+ will be wrapping up seasons of both Andor and Doctor Who, with the finales set for May 13 at 6 p.m. ET and May 31 at 11 a.m. PT, respectively. Here's everything coming to Disney+ in May. Disney Plus series with new episodes weekly in May 2025Andor (Season 2)—Disney+ Original, new episodes on Tuesdays through May 13 Doctor Who (Season 2)—new episodes on Saturdays through May 31 Movies and complete series/seasons coming to Disney Plus in May 2025Arriving May 1Rise Up, Sing Out (Shorts) (S2, 7 episodes) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Arriving May 2Genghis Khan: The Secret History of the Mongols (S1, 6 episodes) Arriving May 4Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Disneyland® Resort Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Disneyland® Resort Arriving May 7Broken Karaoke (S3, 2 episodes) Firebuds (S2, 2 episodes) Hamster & Gretel (S2, 12 episodes) Big City Greens (S4, 1 episode—100th) Arriving May 9History's Greatest of All Time with Peyton Manning (S1, 8 episodes) The Toys That Built America (S3, 12 episodes) The UnXplained (S7, 6 episodes) WWE Rivals (S2, 10 episodes) WWE Rivals (S4, 6 episodes) Arriving May 19Tucci in Italy Arriving May 20Minnie's Bow-Toons: Pet Hotel (S1, 5 episodes) Arriving May 28Me & Winnie the Pooh (S2, 6 episodes) Playdate with Winnie the Pooh (S2, 5 episodes) Arriving May 31How Not to Draw (S3, 4 episodes) Hulu + ESPN content coming to Disney+ in May 2025As in previous months, Disney+ subscribers will also have access to select content from Hulu and ESPN. This includes live sports like Day 1 of PGA TOUR LIVE events, an NWSL match, and UFC 315 Prelims. Here's a sampling of what else is coming to Disney+: A Thousand Blows 9-1-1: Lonestar High Potential It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Scandal White Collar King of the Hill Fight Club Kingsman: The Secret Service Black Swan Pardon the Interruption The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny ESPNFC Vince's Places P.K.'s Places E60 Once Upon a Time in Anaheim No Easy Victories: The 1994 New York Rangers View the full article

TikTok Footnotes lets users add fact-checking context to videos. This move is part of a broader shift in social media content moderation. The post TikTok Launches Footnotes: Its Answer To X’s Community Notes appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

In internal shakeup, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will unify supervision divisions, revive the Chief National Bank Examiner office, and elevate IT oversight as part of a broader streamlining push. View the full article

Key Takeaways Boost Sales and Loyalty: Small business gift cards serve as an effective tool for increasing revenue and enhancing customer loyalty through repeat visits.Different Types Available: Choose between digital and physical gift cards to cater to varying customer preferences, each type offering unique advantages.Immediate Cash Flow: Selling gift cards generates instant revenue, assisting in cash flow management for small businesses.Marketing Opportunities: Utilize online promotions, email marketing, and in-store displays to effectively promote gift cards and attract new customers.Personalization Enhances Appeal: Customizable gift card designs and messages make them more thoughtful gifts, appealing to customers seeking unique options.Support Local Community: Highlighting gift card options showcases a commitment to supporting local efforts, attracting community-oriented customers. In today’s fast-paced world, small business gift cards have become a powerful tool for boosting sales and enhancing customer loyalty. They offer a convenient way for customers to support their favorite local shops while giving friends and family the perfect gift. With the holiday season and special occasions around the corner, now’s the time to explore how gift cards can elevate your business. Gift cards not only drive immediate revenue but also encourage repeat visits. When customers redeem their cards, they often spend more than the card’s value, creating an opportunity for you to showcase your products or services. By implementing a gift card program, you can tap into new customer bases and strengthen your community ties, making it a win-win for everyone involved. Overview Of Small Business Gift Cards Small business gift cards serve as an effective marketing tool, enabling you to boost sales and engage customers. They offer a versatile gifting option, benefiting both your retail operations and the customers who support your storefront. Definition And Purpose Small business gift cards are prepaid cards that customers can purchase and redeem at your store. Their primary purpose is to provide a convenient gifting solution for occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and special events. Gift cards encourage customers to explore your offerings, helping increase foot traffic and enhance overall sales. Benefits For Small Businesses Immediate Revenue: Gift cards generate instant cash flow when sold, aiding in cash management. Increased Customer Loyalty: Customers who receive gift cards often become repeat buyers, creating lasting relationships. Higher Transaction Values: Gift card users frequently spend beyond the card’s value, benefiting your bottom line. Attracting New Customers: You can reach new clientele as current customers gift cards to friends and family. Community Support: Promoting your gift cards strengthens ties within the local community, showcasing your commitment to supporting local efforts. Incorporating small business gift cards into your marketing strategy enhances customer engagement while driving sustainable growth for your storefront. Types Of Small Business Gift Cards Small business gift cards come in various forms, each offering unique advantages for both customers and retailers. Understanding these types can help you choose the best fit for your business strategy. Digital Vs. Physical Gift Cards Digital gift cards offer convenience for customers seeking instant gifting options. They can be purchased and sent online, making them ideal for last-minute shoppers. You can easily integrate them into your e-commerce platform, expanding your reach beyond your storefront. Physical gift cards, on the other hand, add a tangible element that many customers appreciate. They can be available at your retail location for on-the-spot purchases, providing a classic gift option that allows shoppers to support your business while promoting foot traffic to your store. Customization Options Customization options enhance the appeal of gift cards. You can personalize physical gift cards with seasonal designs or brand colors, aligning with your business identity. For digital cards, consider offering customizable messages, enabling customers to tailor their gifts for specific occasions. Adding value can further increase attractiveness; for instance, you could provide bonus amounts when customers purchase gift cards above a certain value. These strategies promote your brand while offering customers a thoughtful gifting solution, ultimately benefiting your small business. How To Implement Small Business Gift Cards Implementing a gift card program enhances your retail strategy and provides customers with convenient gifting options. This process involves a few key steps, ensuring that you maximize the potential benefits for your storefront. Setting Up A Gift Card Program Choose a Gift Card Type: Select between digital and physical gift cards. Digital cards suit online sales, while physical cards attract foot traffic to your storefront. Select a Platform: Use an established service provider to facilitate gift card transactions. Many platforms integrate with existing POS systems, streamlining sales and redemptions. Determine Pricing and Load Options: Set fixed amounts for gift cards or allow customers to choose their values, enhancing flexibility and appeal. Consider adding bonuses for higher-value purchases to encourage larger sales. Design the Cards: Create eye-catching designs that reflect your brand identity. Incorporate customizable messages to elevate the personal touch, making the gift cards suitable for various occasions. Train Your Staff: Ensure all employees understand how the gift card program works. Training includes processing sales, redeeming cards, and addressing customer inquiries. Marketing Your Gift Cards Promote Online: Share your gift card offerings on your website and social media platforms. Use engaging visuals and messages to highlight their benefits during special occasions. Utilize Email Marketing: Send targeted emails to your customer list. Inform recipients about gift card availability, special promotions, and seasonal campaigns, ensuring timely reminders during peak gifting seasons. In-Store Promotion: Display gift cards prominently within your storefront. Use signs, displays, or bundles with related products to encourage shoppers to purchase gift cards while browsing. Leverage Community Connections: Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote gift cards. Collaborative marketing can attract new clientele and reinforce community ties. Offer Limited-Time Promotions: Create urgency by introducing limited-time offers. Discounts or bonus amounts on gift cards encourage customers to act quickly, increasing sales during high-shopping periods. Implementing a gift card program effectively positions your small business to enhance customer experiences while driving revenue growth. Customer Perspective On Gift Cards Customers value gift cards for their convenience and flexibility. Gift cards serve as a practical option for gifting, especially during holidays and special occasions, allowing recipients to choose what they want while supporting local small businesses. Reasons Customers Choose Gift Cards Convenience: Customers appreciate the simplicity of purchasing gift cards. Whether buying in-store or online, gift cards offer an easy solution for those pressed for time. Personalization: Customers can select specific denominations, tailoring gift cards to fit budgets and preferences. Customizable designs add a unique touch, making them more thoughtful gifts. Variety: Gift cards allow recipients to explore various offerings at your small business, from apparel to decor, enticing them to visit your storefront. No Impulse Buying Pressure: Gift cards eliminate the pressure to choose items on the spot, giving recipients the freedom to think through their purchases. Trends In Gift Card Usage Digital Surge: With the rise of e-commerce, digital gift cards have become increasingly popular. Many customers prefer immediate delivery, especially for last-minute gifts, making them a staple for online retail. Higher Transaction Values: Research indicates that customers often spend more than the value of the gift card, boosting average transaction amounts when they visit your small business. Increased Gifting Occasions: Gift cards are gaining traction not just during holidays but also for milestones like birthdays, graduations, and thank-you gifts, creating more frequent customer interactions with your business. Community Support: Customers are inclined to purchase gift cards from local storefronts, viewing them as a way to contribute to their community. This trend highlights the importance of positioning your small business as an integral part of the local economy. Conclusion Embracing small business gift cards can be a game-changer for your enterprise. They not only drive immediate revenue but also create lasting relationships with your customers. By offering a versatile gifting solution you enhance customer experiences and encourage repeat visits. Implementing a thoughtful gift card program allows you to tap into new markets while reinforcing your community ties. Whether you choose digital or physical cards the right strategy can elevate your brand and boost sales. As you consider your marketing efforts think about how gift cards can fit into your overall strategy. They’re more than just a product; they’re a way to connect with your customers and foster loyalty that benefits your business in the long run. Frequently Asked Questions What are small business gift cards? Small business gift cards are prepaid cards that customers can purchase and redeem at local stores. They serve as versatile gifting solutions for various occasions, allowing customers to support local businesses while giving a convenient gift. How do gift cards benefit small businesses? Gift cards provide immediate revenue, foster customer loyalty, and encourage customers to spend beyond the card’s value. They also attract new clientele and reinforce community ties, enhancing the overall business presence and customer engagement. What types of gift cards are available? There are primarily two types: digital and physical gift cards. Digital cards offer instant gifting convenience and can be integrated into online platforms, while physical cards provide a tangible option that drives foot traffic to stores. How can small businesses implement a gift card program? To implement a gift card program, businesses should choose between digital and physical cards, select a transaction platform, determine pricing, design appealing cards, and train staff on the program’s operations. What marketing strategies can promote gift cards? Effective marketing strategies include online promotions, email marketing, in-store displays, community partnerships, and limited-time offers. These tactics can enhance visibility and drive sales for the gift card program. Why do customers prefer gift cards? Customers appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and personalization options that gift cards offer. They enjoy the simplicity of purchasing them and the opportunity to give recipients a chance to explore different products. What trends are shaping gift card usage? Current trends include a rising preference for digital gift cards due to e-commerce growth, the tendency for customers to exceed the card’s value when purchasing, and an increase in gifting occasions beyond traditional holidays. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlocking the Power of Small Business Gift Cards for Sales and Customer Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Boost Sales and Loyalty: Small business gift cards serve as an effective tool for increasing revenue and enhancing customer loyalty through repeat visits.Different Types Available: Choose between digital and physical gift cards to cater to varying customer preferences, each type offering unique advantages.Immediate Cash Flow: Selling gift cards generates instant revenue, assisting in cash flow management for small businesses.Marketing Opportunities: Utilize online promotions, email marketing, and in-store displays to effectively promote gift cards and attract new customers.Personalization Enhances Appeal: Customizable gift card designs and messages make them more thoughtful gifts, appealing to customers seeking unique options.Support Local Community: Highlighting gift card options showcases a commitment to supporting local efforts, attracting community-oriented customers. In today’s fast-paced world, small business gift cards have become a powerful tool for boosting sales and enhancing customer loyalty. They offer a convenient way for customers to support their favorite local shops while giving friends and family the perfect gift. With the holiday season and special occasions around the corner, now’s the time to explore how gift cards can elevate your business. Gift cards not only drive immediate revenue but also encourage repeat visits. When customers redeem their cards, they often spend more than the card’s value, creating an opportunity for you to showcase your products or services. By implementing a gift card program, you can tap into new customer bases and strengthen your community ties, making it a win-win for everyone involved. Overview Of Small Business Gift Cards Small business gift cards serve as an effective marketing tool, enabling you to boost sales and engage customers. They offer a versatile gifting option, benefiting both your retail operations and the customers who support your storefront. Definition And Purpose Small business gift cards are prepaid cards that customers can purchase and redeem at your store. Their primary purpose is to provide a convenient gifting solution for occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and special events. Gift cards encourage customers to explore your offerings, helping increase foot traffic and enhance overall sales. Benefits For Small Businesses Immediate Revenue: Gift cards generate instant cash flow when sold, aiding in cash management. Increased Customer Loyalty: Customers who receive gift cards often become repeat buyers, creating lasting relationships. Higher Transaction Values: Gift card users frequently spend beyond the card’s value, benefiting your bottom line. Attracting New Customers: You can reach new clientele as current customers gift cards to friends and family. Community Support: Promoting your gift cards strengthens ties within the local community, showcasing your commitment to supporting local efforts. Incorporating small business gift cards into your marketing strategy enhances customer engagement while driving sustainable growth for your storefront. Types Of Small Business Gift Cards Small business gift cards come in various forms, each offering unique advantages for both customers and retailers. Understanding these types can help you choose the best fit for your business strategy. Digital Vs. Physical Gift Cards Digital gift cards offer convenience for customers seeking instant gifting options. They can be purchased and sent online, making them ideal for last-minute shoppers. You can easily integrate them into your e-commerce platform, expanding your reach beyond your storefront. Physical gift cards, on the other hand, add a tangible element that many customers appreciate. They can be available at your retail location for on-the-spot purchases, providing a classic gift option that allows shoppers to support your business while promoting foot traffic to your store. Customization Options Customization options enhance the appeal of gift cards. You can personalize physical gift cards with seasonal designs or brand colors, aligning with your business identity. For digital cards, consider offering customizable messages, enabling customers to tailor their gifts for specific occasions. Adding value can further increase attractiveness; for instance, you could provide bonus amounts when customers purchase gift cards above a certain value. These strategies promote your brand while offering customers a thoughtful gifting solution, ultimately benefiting your small business. How To Implement Small Business Gift Cards Implementing a gift card program enhances your retail strategy and provides customers with convenient gifting options. This process involves a few key steps, ensuring that you maximize the potential benefits for your storefront. Setting Up A Gift Card Program Choose a Gift Card Type: Select between digital and physical gift cards. Digital cards suit online sales, while physical cards attract foot traffic to your storefront. Select a Platform: Use an established service provider to facilitate gift card transactions. Many platforms integrate with existing POS systems, streamlining sales and redemptions. Determine Pricing and Load Options: Set fixed amounts for gift cards or allow customers to choose their values, enhancing flexibility and appeal. Consider adding bonuses for higher-value purchases to encourage larger sales. Design the Cards: Create eye-catching designs that reflect your brand identity. Incorporate customizable messages to elevate the personal touch, making the gift cards suitable for various occasions. Train Your Staff: Ensure all employees understand how the gift card program works. Training includes processing sales, redeeming cards, and addressing customer inquiries. Marketing Your Gift Cards Promote Online: Share your gift card offerings on your website and social media platforms. Use engaging visuals and messages to highlight their benefits during special occasions. Utilize Email Marketing: Send targeted emails to your customer list. Inform recipients about gift card availability, special promotions, and seasonal campaigns, ensuring timely reminders during peak gifting seasons. In-Store Promotion: Display gift cards prominently within your storefront. Use signs, displays, or bundles with related products to encourage shoppers to purchase gift cards while browsing. Leverage Community Connections: Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote gift cards. Collaborative marketing can attract new clientele and reinforce community ties. Offer Limited-Time Promotions: Create urgency by introducing limited-time offers. Discounts or bonus amounts on gift cards encourage customers to act quickly, increasing sales during high-shopping periods. Implementing a gift card program effectively positions your small business to enhance customer experiences while driving revenue growth. Customer Perspective On Gift Cards Customers value gift cards for their convenience and flexibility. Gift cards serve as a practical option for gifting, especially during holidays and special occasions, allowing recipients to choose what they want while supporting local small businesses. Reasons Customers Choose Gift Cards Convenience: Customers appreciate the simplicity of purchasing gift cards. Whether buying in-store or online, gift cards offer an easy solution for those pressed for time. Personalization: Customers can select specific denominations, tailoring gift cards to fit budgets and preferences. Customizable designs add a unique touch, making them more thoughtful gifts. Variety: Gift cards allow recipients to explore various offerings at your small business, from apparel to decor, enticing them to visit your storefront. No Impulse Buying Pressure: Gift cards eliminate the pressure to choose items on the spot, giving recipients the freedom to think through their purchases. Trends In Gift Card Usage Digital Surge: With the rise of e-commerce, digital gift cards have become increasingly popular. Many customers prefer immediate delivery, especially for last-minute gifts, making them a staple for online retail. Higher Transaction Values: Research indicates that customers often spend more than the value of the gift card, boosting average transaction amounts when they visit your small business. Increased Gifting Occasions: Gift cards are gaining traction not just during holidays but also for milestones like birthdays, graduations, and thank-you gifts, creating more frequent customer interactions with your business. Community Support: Customers are inclined to purchase gift cards from local storefronts, viewing them as a way to contribute to their community. This trend highlights the importance of positioning your small business as an integral part of the local economy. Conclusion Embracing small business gift cards can be a game-changer for your enterprise. They not only drive immediate revenue but also create lasting relationships with your customers. By offering a versatile gifting solution you enhance customer experiences and encourage repeat visits. Implementing a thoughtful gift card program allows you to tap into new markets while reinforcing your community ties. Whether you choose digital or physical cards the right strategy can elevate your brand and boost sales. As you consider your marketing efforts think about how gift cards can fit into your overall strategy. They’re more than just a product; they’re a way to connect with your customers and foster loyalty that benefits your business in the long run. Frequently Asked Questions What are small business gift cards? Small business gift cards are prepaid cards that customers can purchase and redeem at local stores. They serve as versatile gifting solutions for various occasions, allowing customers to support local businesses while giving a convenient gift. How do gift cards benefit small businesses? Gift cards provide immediate revenue, foster customer loyalty, and encourage customers to spend beyond the card’s value. They also attract new clientele and reinforce community ties, enhancing the overall business presence and customer engagement. What types of gift cards are available? There are primarily two types: digital and physical gift cards. Digital cards offer instant gifting convenience and can be integrated into online platforms, while physical cards provide a tangible option that drives foot traffic to stores. How can small businesses implement a gift card program? To implement a gift card program, businesses should choose between digital and physical cards, select a transaction platform, determine pricing, design appealing cards, and train staff on the program’s operations. What marketing strategies can promote gift cards? Effective marketing strategies include online promotions, email marketing, in-store displays, community partnerships, and limited-time offers. These tactics can enhance visibility and drive sales for the gift card program. Why do customers prefer gift cards? Customers appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and personalization options that gift cards offer. They enjoy the simplicity of purchasing them and the opportunity to give recipients a chance to explore different products. What trends are shaping gift card usage? Current trends include a rising preference for digital gift cards due to e-commerce growth, the tendency for customers to exceed the card’s value when purchasing, and an increase in gifting occasions beyond traditional holidays. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlocking the Power of Small Business Gift Cards for Sales and Customer Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Tesla‘s electric-vehicle registrations in California dropped 15.1% during the first quarter, industry data showed, signaling an accelerated decline and growing challenges for the Elon Musk-led automaker in its biggest U.S. market. In California, often viewed as a bellwether for EV trends, Tesla’s share has fallen to 43.9% from 55.5% a year earlier, while brands such as Honda, Ford and GM’s Chevrolet have grown their footprint, according to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA). Overall zero-emission vehicle sales in the state also rose 7.3% during the same period. “An aging product lineup and backlash against Musk’s political initiatives are likely key factors for the decline in Tesla BEV market share,” the industry body said. The company reported earlier this month its first-quarter sales globally fell 13% to the lowest in nearly three years, hurt by pushback against Musk, rising competition and as customers wait for a refresh of its bestselling Model Y. The billionaire’s leadership of the The President administration’s Department of Government Efficiency has sparked widespread protests across the United States, with activists demonstrating against his role in federal workforce cuts and the cancellation of contracts funding global humanitarian programs. Musk’s popularity has been declining among liberal voters, who have traditionally been more inclined to purchase electric vehicles, particularly in environmentally conscious markets such as California. California accounts for nearly a third of Tesla’s sales in the U.S., according to Reuters calculations based on data from Cox Automotive and the California New Car Dealers Association. The CNCDA also expects new vehicle registrations in the state to fall 2.3% from last year due to U.S. trade policies. Model Y snags While the Model Y remained the best-selling EV in the state, its sales plummeted about 30% in the first quarter, compared with a year earlier. Tesla said earlier this month that retooling production lines for the refreshed Model Y at four of its factories resulted in several weeks of lost production during the first quarter. Meanwhile, analysts attributed some of the drop in overall sales in the January-March period to customers waiting for cheaper versions of the refreshed Model Y crossover. Investors will be closely watching Tesla’s earnings report on Tuesday for indications of whether the company will maintain its annual growth forecast despite the challenging quarter. —Akash Sriram, Reuters View the full article

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that actions that undermine the apparent stability of the U.S. economy could have lasting effects on its status as a global safe haven. View the full article

TikTok is joining the ranks of social networks with Community Notes programs, which allow users to add context, corrections, and additional information to posts on the platform. The new feature is called Footnotes, and it will be rolled out first on short-form videos in the U.S. TikTok is just the latest app to add user-generated notes for existing content, though it has yet to drop formal fact-checking and other content moderation entirely. In February, Meta announced plans for a Community Notes beta to replace fact-checking on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads and is now admitting contributors from the program's waitlist. YouTube and X both have active Community Notes programs as well (X's Community Notes, formerly known as Birdwatch, replaced the option to report misleading content). According to TikTok's page explaining the program, Footnotes can only be added to public posts but will remain visible if those posts are made private. Creators can add footnotes to and rate footnotes on their own content if they are enrolled contributors. Footnotes must meet a threshold for "helpful" as rated by contributors before they become visible to all users (who can then vote on them as well). TikTok will still partner with IFCN-accredited fact-checking organizations to assess the accuracy of content on the platform. How to sign up to write TikTok FootnotesUsers in the U.S. can apply to write Footnotes starting today if they are at least 18 years old, have been on TikTok for six months or more, have a valid email address or U.S. phone number, and have no history of violating the platform's community guidelines within the last six months. TikTok may also notify users who meet these eligibility requirements, and those approved for the program can begin contributing "over the coming months." View the full article

Some common business models can be described as B2C and B2B, which are “business-to-consumer,” and “business-to-business,” respectively. But now, get ready for “B2AI,” or “business-to-AI.” That’s one of the potential disruptions on the horizon, identified in a new report from Visa and the Institute for the Future. The report digs into the numerous ways that AI will transform commerce, and to some degree personal finance, including how consumers will likely lasso AI for their own means—and how businesses will, in turn, develop AI agents to communicate and correspond with consumers’ AIs. While many people likely haven’t adopted “personal” AI tools yet, they’re on the market. And similar to how businesses adopted search engine optimization (or SEO) strategies to attract customers, the next technological wave will see those same businesses deploying similar strategies to appeal to AIs. “It’ll be the new SEO—instead of optimizing for Google, you’re optimizing for the perception of what AI agents are suggesting,” says Dylan Hendricks, director of the ten-year forecast program for the Institute for the Future. “A lot of companies and organizations have teams that are looking at AI and thinking about creating bots, but they’re not thinking about how everybody’s going to have bots. And as people encounter an onslaught of AI bots trying to talk to them, they’ll need their own bots to work to shield them, and act as a vetting system.” Basically, there’ll be so much AI information being pushed toward consumers, that they’ll need discerning AIs to tell them what’s actually relevant. That will birth new “B2AI” strategies. And yes, it’ll be weird at first. But there was also a time when search engines were weird, and strategies to game them were seen as strange, too. All of it is commonplace today, as we’ve grown accustomed to the technology and the strategies around them have been normalized. And some are saying we’ll likely have a similar, albeit faster-developing relationship with AI. That fast pace is surprising even to the experts, says Rajat Taneja, Visa’s president of technology, who says that Visa’s been working with AI in some capacity for more than three decades. “The speed at which this has developed is something we couldn’t have predicted,” he says, adding also that “despite all these advancements, we’re still in the ‘hunt-and-peck’ part” of the AI tech cycle—“it’s not as seamless as we’d like it to be.” Taneja predicts that personal AI assistants will likely be ubiquitous within a handful of years as the technology improves and becomes more obviously useful, and more people grow accustomed to using it. That, in turn, will spur companies and organizations to adjust their strategies, appealing not only to human consumers, but those AI assistants as well. Hendricks says that the transition won’t be seamless, but in a few years, it’ll be hard to imagine our lives without AI. “It’s like discovering fire,” he says. “There’s a period where people are just burning down their houses until they learn to use it to cook and heat their homes.” Hendricks thinks that we’re still in the “burn down our houses” phase of learning to use AI assistants, but it’s only a matter of time before the upsides become obvious to most people. View the full article

With stock market charts resembling the contours of a roller-coaster ride in recent days, many Americans could be forgiven for eyeing their 401(k)s with a little concern Retirement savings are crucial to the financial well-being of millions of especially older people in the U.S., so the concern is understandable. But just how worried should people be by market fluctuations? And just how big a hit do 401(k)s take when markets fall? The Conversation turned to Western Governors University’s Ronald Premuroso, an expert in this area, for answers. What is a 401(k)? Simply put, a 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in which employees contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-deferred basis. The employee is eligible at any age to contribute to a 401(k) plan and has the option to pay into these plans throughout their employment. Many employers match some or all of an employee’s contributions, making the plan even more attractive. What about withdrawals? Under Internal Revenue Service rules, someone with a 401(k) is required to start making monetary withdrawals from their plan when they reach age 73. Some people start withdrawing at an earlier age. Someone with a 401(k) can withdraw funds from the plan early, and at any time. But the money amounts withdrawn will typically be deemed taxable income. In addition, those age 59 and a half and under will likely face a 10% penalty on the withdrawal, unless the employer’s plan allows for hardship distributions, early withdrawals or loans from your plan account. The IRS has specific rules for these early withdrawals; if you find yourself in this situation, you should get help from a tax professional. All withdrawals starting at age 73, which tax professionals call “RMDs,” are then taxable in retirement – presumably at a lower tax rate than the employee was subject to while employed and working. So these withdrawals starting at age 73 can be a very tax-efficient way of financial planning, including personal income tax planning, for later in life, especially in one’s retirement years. Again, it’s important to get help from a tax professional to make sure you meet the IRS’ RMD dollar withdrawal requirements once you start withdrawing. In calendar-year 2025, the most that an employee can contribute to a tax-deferred 401(k) plan annually is US$23,500, including the employer’s match. “Super catch-up contributions are allowed for employees over the age of 50 to their employer’s 401(k) plan each year indexed to inflation. In 2025, super catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute an additional $7,500 beyond the standard limit, bringing their total annual contribution to $31,000. For those turning age 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2025, the SECURE Act 2.0 allows a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250, resulting in a total allowable contribution of $34,750 in 2025. When and why did 401(k)s become popular? Before 1978, retirement savings options were limited. In 1935, Congress created the Social Security Retirement Plan. This was followed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which created individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, as a way for employees to save tax-deferred money for their retirement. 401(k) plans became popular with the passage of the Revenue Act of 1978 by Congress. Congress saw 401(k) plans at that time as an alternative way to supplement Social Security benefits that all eligible Americans are entitled to receive upon retirement. In 1981, the IRS issued new rules and regulations allowing employees to fund their 401(k)s through payroll deductions. This significantly increased the number of employees contributing to their employers’ 401(k) plans. As of September 2024, Americans held $8.9 trillion in 401(k) plans, according to the Investment Company Institute. A study published by the Pension Rights Center toward the end of 2023 using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that 56% of all workers – including private sector and state and local government workers – participate in a workplace retirement plan. That equates to 145 million full- and part-time workers. How are 401(k) plans affected by market rises and falls? Contributions to a 401(k) are typically invested in a variety of financial instruments, including in the stock market. Most 401(k) plans offer investment options with varying levels of risk, allowing employees to choose based on their personal comfort levels and financial goals. Employers typically outsource the management of these 401(k) plans to third parties. Some of the largest companies managing 401(k) funds on behalf of employers and employees include Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Charles Schwab, to name just a few. Because many of these investments are tied to the stock market, 401(k) balances can rise or fall with market fluctuations. Should I be worried about the stock market tanking my 401(k)? It depends – on when you started making contributions, when you plan to retire and when you expect to start making withdrawals. Employees with 401(k) accounts should only be worried about falling stocks if they need the money right now – either for retirement living expenses or for other emergency reasons. If you don’t need to take money out soon, there’s usually no reason to panic. History has shown that markets can rebound quickly; short-term drops often don’t signal long-term trends. Over time, the stock market has experienced many periods of falling stock prices: the bursting of the internet bubble of 2000; the period after the events of 9/11; and the U.S. and global banking crisis of 2007-2010, to name but three. But overall, over time, stock market returns have averaged 9% from 1994 to 2024, and this includes the periods of falling stock prices mentioned above. So even if you are a baby boomer heading for retirement and your 401(k) has taken a hit in recent weeks, don’t panic. Bear in mind the truism that stock markets can always go down as well as up. History suggests that in the long run, depending upon your plans and timing for retirement, working together with a trusted financial adviser strategically with regard to your 401(k) retirement savings is a good approach, especially during periods like we have seen in recent weeks in the stock market. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions. Ronald Premuroso is an accounting instructor at the Western Governors University School of Business. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Banks ceded their market share of home finance following the Great Recession. Will the current regulatory environment make them more involved players? View the full article

The postal service for Hong Kong will cease handling packages containing goods to be delivered to the U.S. The announcement came Wednesday via a press release from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Per the announcement, Hong Kong’s Postal Service, the Hongkong Post, will stop receiving small packages carrying goods by land and sea to be delivered to the U.S., effective immediately. Mail that contains only documents won’t be impacted, it said. Starting April 27, it will stop accepting packages delivered by aircraft, as well. “Hongkong Post will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the U.S. and will suspend the acceptance of postal items containing goods destined to the U.S.,” the statement explained. The statement noted that the change is a retaliatory move over the The President administration’s recent announcement that it would end a customs exception, “the duty-free de minimis treatment.” The exception allowed the U.S. to accept small-value parcels from Hong Kong, tax-free. The The President administration also said it would increase the tariffs for postal items containing goods to the U.S. Hong Kong’s statement also referred to the The President administration’s actions as “unreasonable, bullying” and said it was “imposing tariffs abusively.” The retaliatory response comes amid high tensions between China and the U.S. surrounding The President’s introduction of imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, which Hong Kong appears caught in the middle of. Last week, The President increased tariffs on Chinese goods, bringing the total to 145%. While Beijing hit back, imposing a 125% tariff on American imports, Hong Kong did not. Still, the massive tariff’s will impact Hong Kong, as a special administration region of China. The President has frequently changed his mind on which countries and industries will be subject to tariffs. On Monday, The President suggested that he may pause tariffs on the auto industry. “I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies with it,” The President told reporters in the Oval Office. “And they need a little bit of time because they’re going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time. So I’m talking about things like that.” After The President increased import taxes on China to 145%, he announced he would exempt electronics from some of those tariffs. “I don’t change my mind, but I’m flexible,” The President said Monday. View the full article

Imagine nearly every seat in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center − over 20,000 seats − are empty. That’s the scale of Pennsylvania’s projected shortfall of registered nurses by 2026, according to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. Hospitals in the state report an average 14% vacancy rate for registered nurses. In rural areas it is much higher. This shortage, of course, is not just in hospitals. It also affects long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics and home health agencies, which compete with hospitals for a limited pool of registered nurses, licensed nursing professionals and nursing support staff. We are a senior associate dean of nursing and clinical professor of nursing at Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions in Philadelphia, and a dean and professor of nursing at Duquesne University’s School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. We know that the nursing shortage in Pennsylvania, while not the worst in the U.S., is severe and jeopardizes the health care that patients receive. What caused the shortage? Pennsylvania’s nursing shortage is the result of long-standing issues in education, workforce retention and health care delivery. Education bottlenecks: Nursing schools in Pennsylvania and nationwide turn away thousands of qualified applicants each year due to faculty shortages, limited classroom space and scarce clinical placements. More than 65,000 qualified applications were turned away from U.S. nursing programs in 2023 alone, according to a report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. A key issue is the lack of preceptors. Preceptors are experienced nurses who teach students in real-world settings. A shortage of preceptors directly limits how many students can complete their education. Aging workforce: More than a third of Pennsylvania’s registered nurses are 55 or older. This demographic reality means many are nearing retirement. Burnout and attrition: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened already high levels of stress, burnout and mental health strain for nurses. Many left the profession early due to emotional exhaustion, family and personal health concerns, unsafe staffing ratios, moral injury and lack of institutional support. Uneven distribution: While Pennsylvania may have a sufficient number of licensed nurses on paper, those nurses don’t all still work in the profession. And among those that do, they are not evenly spread across roles or locations. Rural hospitals, long-term care centers, behavioral health settings and maternal-child health units are experiencing acute shortages. Cost to patients For patients and their families, the consequences of the nursing shortage are delayed care, fewer interactions with providers and less time for compassionate, personalized support. Overextended nurses face increased workloads, raising the likelihood of delayed interventions, medication errors and inadequate patient education. These factors undermine quality of care. Limited access to nursing care can increase hospital deaths, infections and readmissions, reduce early detection of health issues, and slow the response to life-threatening conditions such as stroke, sepsis and cardiac arrest. In Pennsylvania, patients may experience longer emergency room wait times, delayed discharges or transfers to nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, and service disruptions in rural and underserved areas. Effect on nurses Over 600,000 registered nurses across the U.S. plan to leave the workforce by 2027, according to a 2023 analysis by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Many cite stress as their reason for leaving the profession. New graduates often leave within their first two years, feeling unprepared for the emotional and operational realities of practice. In Pennsylvania, the shortage has created a feedback loop. Understaffing increases pressure on those who remain. A 2023 National Council of State Boards of Nursing survey found that 41% of nurses under age 35 reported feeling emotionally drained. Meanwhile, some experienced nurses choose to retire early or shift into nonclinical roles for better schedules, slower pace and improved quality of life. This turnover erodes institutional knowledge, increases costs for onboarding and overtime, and limits the capacity to mentor incoming staff. What’s being done To help address the problem, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in March 2025 proposed a US$5 million Nurse Shortage Assistance Program. If approved by the General Assembly, the program would cover tuition costs for nursing students who commit to working in Pennsylvania hospitals for three years after graduation. HB 390 is also currently under review in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It aims to establish a $1,000 tax deduction for licensed nurses who serve as clinical preceptors. To meet the growing demand for nurses, Pennsylvania hospitals are partnering with colleges and universities to expand clinical training capacity, streamline pathways into nursing and develop innovative education models such as hybrid and accelerated programs. Hospitals statewide are also offering substantial sign-on bonuses, loan forgiveness programs, housing stipends and flexible scheduling to attract nurses. To improve nurse retention, health care organizations have introduced structured residency programs, mentorship networks and clear career advancement pathways designed to reduce burnout and enhance professional satisfaction. They are also increasingly using virtual nursing, telehealth services and AI-driven administrative tools to reduce nurses’ workloads, enhance patient interactions and address staffing gaps. And some Philadelphia and Pennsylvania colleges offer refresher and license reactivation programs for retired or inactive nurses who want to rejoin the workforce. Duquesne offers a nurse faculty residency to increase the number of high-quality nursing faculty. What more could be done? Continuing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs are another solution. These federal grants, reauthorized under the March 2020 CARES Act, help fund nursing pathways and the availability of high-quality nursing care for patients nationwide. On April 1, 2025, the The President administration announced plans to restructure the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the future status of these programs is not yet known. Research consistently demonstrates that care provided by nurses who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher directly leads to better patient outcomes, improved safety and overall health. A commitment to shoring up the nurse pipeline in Pennsylvania is a commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities across the state. Kymberlee Montgomery is a senior associate dean of nursing at Drexel University. Mary Ellen Smith Glasgow is a professor of nursing at Duquesne University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article