All Activity

Google announced many new Android features and upgrades during The Android Show: I/O Edition. Among these are a handful of security and privacy tools Google hopes will protect users (and their data) from scams and theft. Android already has a suite of safeguards—in-call scam alerts, anti-theft settings, and a lockdown mode called Advanced Protection, to name a few—which the new features largely build on and strengthen. Here's what's new. Android will automatically end calls that spoof financial institutionsGoogle rolled out a feature last year to protect against bank impersonators who might attempt to steal your login credentials or convince you to transfer money. In-call pop-ups warn you if you try to open a financial app while on the phone with unknown numbers to prevent you from sharing your screen with fraudsters. Now, Android will also attempt to verify calls purportedly from financial institutions and hang up if it detects that the call is a scam. If you have a participating bank's app installed on your device and are logged in, Android will use the app to confirm legitimacy. Initially, this feature will be available to users on Android 11 and higher who bank with Revolut, Itaú, and Nubank—meaning this won't apply to U.S. customers yet—but Google is expecting to expand to more institutions later this year. Live Threat Detection is expanding how it spots malicious appsLive Threat Detection is an AI-powered, on-device security feature that continuously scans apps' activity patterns to identify anything suspicious and potentially malicious. At launch, it focused on stalkerware, but it has since become more robust in detecting malware. Live Threat Detection will now check for SMS forwarding (if an app forwards a message to another number) and accessibility overlays, which use an accessibility permission to display content over your screen. Later this year, Android 17 devices will also get dynamic signal monitoring, which identifies suspicious patterns in real time. You'll be warned if apps take actions like abusing accessibility permissions, or changing or hiding their icons and launching in the background. Anti-theft upgrades will make it harder for bad actors to steal your dataGoogle announced a handful of upgrades to combat the consequences of device theft. First, "Mark as lost" on Android 17 will work with biometric authentication, so thieves won't be able to get into your phone if they learn your device passcode or PIN. When Mark as lost is enabled, it'll hide Quick Settings and block new wifi and Bluetooth connections. On supported devices, bad actors will have fewer attempts to guess your passcode or PIN and longer wait times between failed tries. Existing Android theft protections—like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock—will now be enabled by default on new devices shipping with Android 17, as well as those that are reset or upgraded to the latest OS. These features will also be available down to Android 10 in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the UK. Finally, on Android 12 and higher, your phone's IMEI can be accessed on the lock screen to quickly verify device ownership. (You can also disable this in your settings.) Location sharing is getting a privacy upgradeAndroid already has the option to disable precise location sharing in favor of approximate location. Going forward, devices running Android 17 will be able to temporarily tap into precise location while a specific app is open without needing to update the settings or engage with repeated permission prompts. Temporary location access turns off when you close the app, so once you're done finding a nearby coffee shop, your precise location will no longer be visible. Users will also see a location indicator at the top of the screen and can tap to see which apps have recently used their location. Another privacy upgrade: Instead of having full, broad access to all of the data in your address book, apps can now request specific contacts and even specific fields, so you don't have to share everything. Advanced Protection will get strongerAndroid Advanced Protection is more than most people need on a day-to-day basis, but it provides strong security for users at high risk of being targeted for fraud, scams, and theft. Pixel devices running Android 16 and higher will now have USB protection, and all devices with Android 16's December update and newer are getting intrusion logging. (This is currently rolling out.) Upgrades for Android 17 include removing accessibility services from apps that are not accessibility tools, disabling device-to-device unlocking, and integrating scam detection for chat notifications. Google is also rolling out Android OS verification to ensure your device is running a legitimate build, and will hide OTP codes from most apps for three hours to prevent theft. View the full article

In terms of enhancing workplace dynamics, engaging team-building problem-solving activities can make a significant difference. These activities, such as the Egg Drop Challenge and Scavenger Hunt, not just promote collaboration but also encourage critical thinking and creativity among team members. By participating in structured events like the Human Knot or Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower, employees can strengthen their communication and unity. Discover how these activities can transform your workplace culture and boost overall performance. Key Takeaways The Egg Drop Challenge enhances problem-solving and innovation by encouraging teams to protect an egg using limited resources during a drop test. The Human Knot fosters communication and adaptability as participants work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. The Three-legged Race builds cooperation and coordination, requiring teams to communicate effectively while navigating a race track with tied legs. A Scavenger Hunt promotes critical thinking and teamwork as participants decipher clues and find hidden items, enhancing collaboration and relationships. The Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower activity encourages creative thinking and strategy discussion as teams construct the tallest freestanding tower using minimal resources. Egg Drop The Egg Drop challenge is a popular team-building activity that requires participants to create a device capable of protecting an egg from breaking when dropped from a designated height. This activity typically lasts between 15 to 60 minutes, making it flexible for various group sizes. As you work together, you’ll engage in group problem solving, enhancing communication and collaboration skills among team members. Using materials like newspapers, rubber bands, and balloons, teams must innovate within limited resources, nurturing critical thinking. During the drop tests, where heights gradually increase, you’ll experience the need for quick decision-making and adaptability under pressure. The Egg Drop challenge serves as an effective team builder for teachers and others seeking to strengthen team dynamics. Human Knot Building on the collaborative spirit nurtured in the Egg Drop challenge, the Human Knot activity presents another engaging opportunity for team bonding. This exercise requires six or more participants, ideally in even numbers, to create a physical knot by holding hands with two non-adjacent individuals. The goal is for the group to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. Typically lasting 5-10 minutes, the Human Knot is a quick yet effective team-building exercise that improves communication and adaptability among team members. As they work together, leadership qualities naturally emerge, with participants often organizing their efforts to solve the challenge. This activity furthermore serves as a fun icebreaker, cultivating trust and camaraderie, which greatly contributes to a positive workplace culture. For those seeking effective teacher team building activities, the Human Knot is a practical choice that encourages collaboration and teamwork. Three-legged Race The Three-legged Race is a fantastic way to build cooperation and coordination skills among team members. By pairing up and tying one leg together, you’ll need to communicate effectively to move in sync, which encourages teamwork in a fun and competitive environment. This activity not just improves your ability to work together under pressure but additionally boosts morale as you navigate the race track set up with plastic cones. Cooperation and Coordination Skills Engaging in a Three-legged Race can greatly improve cooperation and coordination skills among team members, as participants must synchronize their movements to navigate the course effectively. This activity typically involves four or more players, promoting teamwork through physical engagement. With a duration of 20-30 minutes, it allows time for participants to practice their coordination and develop strategies for success. As team members work together, they learn to communicate non-verbally, which boosts comprehension and collaboration in the workplace. The shared experience of overcoming challenges together helps build camaraderie and mutual support. Fun and Competitive Environment Participating in a Three-legged Race not just promotes a fun and competitive environment but likewise serves as a valuable exercise in teamwork. In this activity, you pair up and tie one leg of each partner together, which requires immediate collaboration and coordination to successfully complete the race. Typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes, it accommodates four or more players, making it ideal for small to medium-sized teams. The race encourages synchronization among team members, nurturing communication and trust, which are crucial for effective workplace teamwork. Furthermore, the playful nature of the race boosts morale, creating a positive atmosphere that improves overall team dynamics. Engaging in this activity as well helps teams enhance their adaptability and problem-solving skills as they strategize together. Scavenger Hunt A scavenger hunt is an engaging way to develop critical thinking skills as well as encouraging team collaboration. As you work together to decipher clues and locate hidden items, you’ll not just challenge your problem-solving abilities but additionally strengthen your connection with teammates. This activity allows for individual and group dynamics, making it a versatile option for teams of all sizes. Develops Critical Thinking Skills Scavenger hunts serve as an effective method for developing critical thinking skills, since they challenge participants to decipher clues and locate hidden items. As you engage in this activity, you’ll strategize your approach to problem-solving, improving your ability to think critically. Typically lasting 60-90 minutes, scavenger hunts offer ample time to analyze situations and make informed decisions. Incorporating company-related themes makes the experience even more relevant, prompting you to think creatively about your work environment. Here are three key benefits of scavenger hunts for critical thinking: Encourages strategic planning and decision-making. Improves analytical skills through problem-solving challenges. Cultivates a creative mindset when relating tasks to workplace themes. Encourages Team Collaboration Building on the critical thinking skills developed during scavenger hunts, these activities likewise play a crucial role in nurturing team collaboration. Typically involving five or more players and lasting 60 to 90 minutes, scavenger hunts promote teamwork through collaborative efforts in deciphering clues and discovering items. As teams strategize and divide responsibilities, they improve communication and strengthen relationships among members. Tailoring scavenger hunts to include company-related items can further engage participants and reinforce your organization’s culture. The exploration and movement involved provide a fun, interactive way to build camaraderie. Research indicates that these activities can greatly boost problem-solving skills, leading to improved overall team dynamics, which is vital for a productive workplace environment. Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower The Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower challenge offers a unique opportunity for teams to engage in a hands-on activity that promotes collaboration and innovation. In this challenge, you’ll use 20 sticks of uncooked spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow to construct the tallest freestanding tower within 30 minutes. This activity encourages you to: Communicate Effectively: Discuss strategies and share ideas to maximize your team’s design. Think Creatively: Use limited resources to create a stable structure, prompting innovative solutions. Reflect on Team Dynamics: Analyze how different planning approaches impact your team’s success during post-activity discussions. Research shows that structured activities like this can lead to a 15% improvement in collaborative efficiency and innovation. Coworker Feud After engaging in hands-on activities like the Coworker Feud, teams can additionally improve their dynamics with Coworker Feud, a game designed to promote collaboration and friendly competition. This activity requires at least ten participants, making it ideal for larger teams. Typically lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, Coworker Feud allows ample time for discussion and engagement. You’ll answer survey questions that reflect fun and relatable topics, which not only boosts team spirit but also improves overall morale. Virtual Clue Murder Mystery Night Engaging in a Virtual Clue Murder Mystery Night can be an effective way to improve teamwork and communication skills among colleagues. This immersive activity encourages critical thinking as participants assume character roles to solve a fictional crime, nurturing collaboration in a fun environment. Typically lasting between 60 to 120 minutes, it’s ideal for groups of four or more and easily conducted via video conferencing platforms. Here are three benefits of participating in this activity: Enhances Communication: Team members must share ideas and clues, boosting verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Nurtures Team Collaboration: Working together to piece together clues promotes unity and strengthens relationships among colleagues. Develops Critical Thinking: Participants engage in deductive reasoning, improving their problem-solving abilities in a relaxed setting. Frequently Asked Questions How Long Should Each Activity Typically Last? When planning activities, you should aim for each one to last between 30 to 90 minutes. Shorter sessions can maintain energy and focus, whereas longer ones allow for deeper engagement and problem-solving. Consider the complexity of the task and the number of participants, as these factors can influence the duration. Always guarantee there’s enough time for discussion and reflection afterward, as this can improve learning and team cohesion considerably. What Is the Ideal Group Size for These Activities? The ideal group size for problem-solving activities typically ranges from five to twelve participants. Smaller groups encourage participation and engagement, whereas larger groups can dilute individual contributions. A group size of six to eight often strikes a balance, allowing for diverse ideas without overwhelming the discussion. It’s crucial to evaluate the activity’s complexity; simpler tasks may work well with larger groups, whereas intricate challenges benefit from more focused, smaller teams. Are These Activities Suitable for Remote Teams? Yes, these activities can be suitable for remote teams. Virtual platforms allow team members to participate from different locations, facilitating collaboration through video calls and shared digital tools. You can adapt problem-solving tasks to fit online formats, ensuring everyone can contribute. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to take into account time zones and technical requirements, as these factors might impact participation. Can These Activities Be Adapted for Larger Organizations? Yes, these activities can be adapted for larger organizations. You can scale them by dividing participants into smaller groups, which encourages interaction and collaboration. Consider using technology to facilitate communication and track progress, especially if teams are dispersed. Moreover, you might introduce competitive elements, like team challenges, to boost engagement. What Materials Are Needed for Each Activity? To determine the materials needed for each activity, start by outlining the specific tasks involved. Common materials might include whiteboards, markers, sticky notes, and timers. For physical activities, consider items like ropes, cones, or any equipment relevant to the tasks. If the activity involves technology, make certain you have access to computers or projectors. Always prepare handouts that explain the tasks clearly, helping participants understand their roles and objectives effectively. Conclusion Incorporating team-building problem-solving activities into your workplace can greatly improve collaboration and communication among team members. Activities like the Egg Drop Challenge and Scavenger Hunt stimulate creativity, as the Human Knot and Three-legged Race promote unity. The Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower encourages innovative thinking, and options like Coworker Feud and Virtual Clue Murder Mystery Night cater to diverse preferences. By regularly engaging in these activities, you can strengthen relationships and nurture a positive workplace culture, ultimately enhancing overall team performance. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Engaging Team Building Problem Solving Activities for Your Workplace" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cinemark is giving customers a break at the box office this summer. The movie chain that operates over 300 theaters in the U.S. just announced it’s offering a major deal on tickets as part of its Summer Movie Clubhouse program. The program, which kicks off on May 13, will bring a series of family-friendly films to 285 Cinemark theaters across the country. Showings will run from June 1 through August 6, but tickets are already available on Cinemark.com, in the app, and at participating box offices. The price for tickets? Just $1.75. “We continue to see that younger audiences treasure the shared, immersive experience of going to the movies, and Cinemark is thrilled to nurture that excitement with our annual Summer Movie Clubhouse,” Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Cinemark Chief Marketing and Content Officer, said in a press release. Gierhart Fearing continued, “This program gives families an affordable, easy way to enjoy beloved films together and build the kind of memories that turn today’s young movie fans into lifelong moviegoers.” In order to catch one of the showings, you’ll have to check out the specific times at your local theater, but according to Cinemark, most will be shown on Wednesday mornings. Some of the films being offered are Dog Man, Paddington, Bad Guys 2, as well as other family favorites. It’s not just the price of tickets that are being slashed, though. The chain is also offering deals on snacks and sodas, “including $1.00 off snack packs and $1.00 off popcorn-and-drink combos of any size.” Going to the movies can be a pretty pricey venture. With tickets in some locations costing up to around $20, buying passes for an entire family is unaffordable for many. With that in mind, Cinemark’s offering makes the proposition a bit more affordable for families looking for a summer activity. For more information on the Summer Movie Clubhouse and to purchase tickets, movie-goers can visit Cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse or download the Cinemark app. View the full article

Last month we talked about what dysfunctional behavior you’ve been driven to after a toxic office warped your norms, and here are 15 of the best stories you shared. 1. The printer destruction At a past job, management was extraordinarly cheap. My printer was over a decade old and was slowly dying. Normally this wouldn’t be a big deal but it was my job to print payroll and A/P checks and every few checks would jam. It would take me hours to complete this task that should have only taken a few minutes. Multiple times I requested a new printer or a repair but was told it “wasn’t in the budget” and they could only make an exception if it was completely dead and unable to print checks at all. I was just supposed to put in the extra hours to get it done (I was salaried, of course). When the budget for the new fiscal year came out with another $0 in Equipment & Repair for my department but multimillion increases for executive salary and bonuses, I kind of lost it. I smashed the printer to bits in plain view of everyone, then submitted another request for a new printer stating this one was now dead and completely unable to print checks. It was approved and I never got in any trouble. I’m normally a pretty shy and quiet person and now that I work in a sane environment, I can’t imagine that I ever did something like that. But that place was a dumpster fire x 10. It took me about three years after leaving to recover my mental health. 2. The metronome I put a metronome in my desk because I wasn’t allowed to listen to music (even with headphones) (they said it was a safety thing but there was no reason we couldn’t have headphones). I was alone in the room but even stuff like tapping my fingers on the desk when the boss was in earshot would get me talked to. I just needed some kind of noise before I went nuts from total silence. I had it for months and whenever anyone asked me what that noise was I told them I couldn’t hear anything and had no idea what they were talking about. 3. The badgers I sent coworkers photos of increasingly angry badgers. My toxic company assigned projects that needed input by at least four teammates in various roles. Rather than go through the hassle of figuring out who missed deadlines, the project owner was always held responsible despite having zero authority. To enforce deadlines, were expected to “badger” our coworkers into prioritizing the work we needed them to do (often over work that affected their metrics). Every project owner had different strategies. Some bribed via cookies/chocolate. Some went the target’s office and stood there. Some called incessantly. I had a folder of badger photos, ordered from sweetest (sleeping baby badger) to angriest (snarling adult) that I would email to my target depending on how close the deadline was. Emailing my coworkers a giant picture of a badger that looked about to bite them as a deadline reminder was considered completely normal in that culture. 4. The box I would start each day by looking around the office for a box that could easily be emptied, so that I could quickly pack up my desk in case I rage-quit in the middle of the day. 5. The work stoppage I worked on a highly dysfunctional healthcare team where the manager of the team had no control or knowledge of what was happening within the team. It was in injury prevention and we consulted to health facilities across a large geographical area. The most experienced person on the team was well liked by our clients (health care workers) but he was very competitive and a know-it-all. His wife was the executive in charge of our funding, which he let me know within seconds of being introduced to him. He threatened the manager and manipulated her to do his bidding because of his wife’s power. The other team members had control issues, were always busy but were actually under-performing, and were also competitive. I joined the team as a high-achieving go-getter and I out-performed everyone in my initial metrics, and the clients loved me. My fellow team members were outraged that I would drop onto the team and out perform them and so they systematically froze me out. I got moved to an office that was an annex of an extremely old building, in a dodgy part of the city, with terrible heat in winter and no A/C in summer, leaky roof, and at least 45 minutes from our main office. Most of the projects I was working on were re-assigned. I got tasked with busy work (e.g., copying a protocol from one document to another, moving a pile of supplies from the right hand corner of the storage room to the left hand corner of the room). It got so bad that any work I did was re-written by the other team members, not because it was wrong, just out of principle and so they would have something to complain about. So, I stopped doing the work It turns out that my office was a few blocks from a pool and a beautiful park. I would go into work in the morning, make sure my was presence was known, and then go workout and hangout in the park for the day. Or, I would go into the office, send an email making sure the team was attached, head to the beach for the day, have some drinks and cannabis, then go home. I couldn’t be fired because I am unionized and they moved me to a part of the city where nobody would ever go, so why not? Overall it was an extremely stressful and terrible experience, I hated every minute of it, and I eventually quit before my contract was up, which caused a scandal. But at least I got to spend one summer getting paid to be high at the beach! 6. The root canal Went in for a root canal and told the dentist I was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon. 7. The costly bathroom breaks A coworker told me that he was working an extra unpaid half hour each day to make up for bathroom breaks, and this is what he’d been directed to do at his last job. He was early career and I’m pretty sure that prior job was his first one out of school so he didn’t realize this wasn’t normal or legal. 8. The disappearances I work in an office with fairly high turnover for normal reasons (young staffers go to grad school, people move across the country for a spouse’s job, best people get poached by higher paying private industry). This is generally met with congratulations, a farewell happy hour, and a rather frequent rate of return years later! Except two bosses ago: she took every person transferring to another department, going to school, or moving away as a deep, personal betrayal. She reacted with raging, then silent treatment, and often told people they couldn’t tell anyone they were leaving so during her tenure people just …disappeared. Without a transition plan, never mind the happy hour! I took to noting who she was ignoring and sidling up to ask if they were leaving and if so could we secretly work out a transition plan and a happy hour? Which resulted in scheduling turn-over-your-project meetings on other floors and sneaking out in batches to hit the bar. And then no one mentioning that person in Crazy Boss’s hearing again. The delight when she was fired! 9. The bingo card I once had an obnoxious, incompetent, noisy coworker. He worked in marketing and was genuinely terrible at it. He was rude to clients and coworkers alike, had a very weak grasp of what our small company did, and talked at his intern officemate loudly and unceasingly. My (then undiagnosed) neurodivergence often manifests as auditory processing issues and a keen awareness of when other people are being treated unfairly. We did not get along. Alas, he could do no wrong in the eyes of our (also terrible) CEO, and he was there to stay. So my only option was to play bingo. Since I had no trouble hearing this guy from my office, I created a long list of this guy’s audible offenses. Every morning I had the list randomly populate onto a bingo card, and I’d start checking off boxes as he fulfilled the conditions. Some memorable entries included: yelling “oh come ON” at his computer, blaming the intern for his mistakes, complaining about the website design that he insisted on, threatening to report something to the CEO, trying to say something “politically correct” but somehow looping back around to something wildly racist instead; it was a very, very long list. It … sort of helped? I was able to redirect my aggravation away from the guy and instead get weirdly excited to check off a bingo box, or annoyed that he did something that wasn’t on my card that day. And it was always fun/depressing to get five in a row. But I absolutely spent way too much time and energy on Asshole Bingo. (In case anyone is wondering, the free space was “Blew up the Bathroom”. Because he did, every. single. day.) 10. The book The director of the org decided that their drop-off in client interest and some failed programs were the result of internal communication failures (spoiler: they were not) and assigned all ~200 of us a book on effective communication and required us to attend a two-day in-person training. But the publisher of the book had a strong religious association, and the material was presented via a long, convoluted story about a man who was having trouble in both his marriage and at work because he was stuck in a “communication box.” The story referred to this “box” multiple times on every page. We were all pissed off about this assignment and, because I am petty (and I was leaving two months later), I scanned a page of the book that was especially box-heavy and replaced every instant of “box” with “penis.” Then I sent it to the multiple printers in my unit, so whoever went to get their print job had to look at a doc that had phrases like, “But to communicate effectively, he would have to overcome his penis.” Another one of my colleagues took the book home for the weekend and brought back a vase of gorgeous paper flowers that she’d made from all 200 pages. The irony? My unit was the comms staff. 11. The contrarian I had a coworker who was so argumentative that I started asking her for the opposite of whatever I needed from her because it was the only way I could get anything done. 12. The coveted meeting invitations In my old job, there was a big premium placed on being invited to meetings, as you would lack key context and info if you weren’t at certain meetings, and I think some were weirdly like a status symbol. I would look at my colleagues’ calendars and when I would see a meeting that I was interested in would try to snag an invite. Depending on the colleague and the meeting, I might be direct about it and just ask if it’s something I could attend, or might say something more indirect like,” Hey, do you know if there’s a meeting planned to discuss X? I very much would like to join if so because that would help me with my work in Y [thing that was tangentially related to X].” Others did similar things, including a colleague who would just show up to meetings even if they weren’t on an invite. I remember one meeting where the person facilitating basically asked everyone except the core team to leave because there were way too many people there that didn’t need to be. The whole thing was bizarre and I think a sign of how poorly communication flowed and probably some other toxic traits, but glad to not be a part of that anymore. I didn’t even realize how odd this was until joining other jobs and seeing that this was not normally the case. 13. The budgetary authority Previous non profit job where my manager would not give me answers to anything, from what supplies to order to how something should be managed, so I stopped asking and would make decisions I had no business making (I was 22!) and in my next job my manager had to remind me to not make major budgetary decisions without them.] 14. The spreadsheet I worked in a division that devolved into an insanely toxic, backstabbing culture within a few months. It was completely out of step with the rest of the company, and when it was clear that the source of the problem wasn’t going to be dealt with, we all started looking for ways to get transferred to other divisions. Internal politics being what they were, we had to be extremely careful not to leak anyone’s transfer plans before the ink was dry, but also, us underlings were all trying to help each other find spots. Every conversation was a minefield of trying to remember what secrets I was keeping for whom and from whom. I used to keep a spreadsheet of what I “officially” knew vs what unofficially (but much more accurately) really knew about everyone’s long term plans. I don’t miss it. 15. The long walks My last job was 95% pointless little tasks because my supervisor insisted on doing all the actual work completely by herself, so I was really struggling with motivation and focus. She eventually disciplined me for wasting time online (she had screen surveillance software installed without telling me) but I could not for the life of me do a full day of email bullshit and office supplies inventory without losing my mind. So while applying for everything I found to get out of there, I started taking long walks. I would pretend I was just going to make tea and just disappear (my supervisor never noticed). Our building was the kind with multiple smaller companies inside and was gigantic. There were lots of places one could go without an access card. I found several nice little spaces with comfy chairs and plants and windows, unsupervised kitchenettes with free coffee, and even a storage room from a theater company with giant paper mache dinosaurs. By the time I actually got an offer somewhere else, I was enjoying this new life so much I almost didn’t take it. I’m glad I still did, though, because it’s still so much more rewarding doing the actual work I studied for. The post the printer destruction, the metronome denial, and other dysfunctional behaviors you’ve been driven to by a toxic office appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Google Search Query Reports are becoming less literal and more AI-interpreted, reflecting inferred intent rather than exact user searches. What’s happening. Google has clarified that the search terms shown in Search Query Reports may not exactly match what users typed. Instead, the platform may display the “closest approximation” of a query because of the complexity of modern search behavior. What’s behind it. The change reflects how heavily AI now influences Google Ads matching systems. Rather than relying solely on exact keywords, Google increasingly interprets user intent, context and behavior signals to determine which ads to show. Why we care. For advertisers, this means Search Query Reports may become less of a direct mirror of user language and more of a summarized representation of intent. That could make query analysis, negative keyword decisions and match-type strategy more complicated and less reliable. Discovered by. The update was spotted by Adsquire founder, Anthony Higman on an official Google help page covering ad group and asset group prioritization within Google Ads. The bottom line. Google Ads is continuing its shift from keyword matching toward AI-driven intent modeling — and advertisers may now have less visibility into the exact searches triggering their ads. View the full article

You won’t want to miss a chance to look up tonight into the sky, in the early morning hours on Thursday, May 14. Before dawn, skywatchers are in for a treat with a rare sighting of the moon, Saturn, and Mars as they a form a gorgeous, cosmic triangle in May’s dark sky. Here’s everything to know about this unique skywatching event. What’s happening? The moon, Saturn, and Mars will form a cosmic triangle as the sun rises before dawn in the early hours of Thursday morning. The razor-thin moon will be in its waning crescent phase (day 27 of its 29.5 day cycle), and appear as a mere sliver in the sky, as only 8% will be lit up by the sun, according to Space.com. At the same time, two other planets, Saturn and Mars, will be visible to the right and left of the moon, respectively—with Saturn appearing like a bright star, and Mars deep red. (Neptune will also be present, but not visible with the naked eye.) Skywatchers will want to look east on the horizon, as all three will be less than 20 degrees above the horizon before they disappear amid the glare of the sunrise. What’s the best time to catch this cosmic lineup? The best time to catch this waning crescent moon is about 45 minutes before sunrise on Thursday, May 14. (That will be approximately 4:55 a.m. ET in New York, 4:36 a.m. ET in Boston, and 5:01 a.m. ET in Philadelphia.) What else is happening in the sky in May? The cosmic triangle isn’t the only treat in store for skywatchers this month. Another bonus: May 2026 has a second full moon, or “Blue Moon” (although it doesn’t appear that color), at the end of the month. It will appear fullest on the night of Saturday, May 30 here in North America, before it enters into the morning hours of Sunday, May 31. (The last Blue Moon appeared on August 19, 2024.) View the full article

Restricting institutional investors is bad policy, but reforming 1031 exchanges and requiring public listings for HUD homes could boost affordability, according to the Chairman of Whalen Global Advisors. View the full article

When can you file your taxes? The tax season for the 2025 tax year kicks off on January 27, 2026, when e-filing opens. You’ll have until April 15, 2026, to submit your tax returns. It’s important to gather your documents, like W-2s and 1099s, ahead of time. If you need more time, you can request an extension, but keep in mind that payment deadlines stay the same. Comprehending these details can help you navigate the filing process more effectively. Key Takeaways Tax season begins in January and runs until April each year. E-filing for the 2025 tax year starts on January 27, 2026. Individual tax returns must be filed by April 15, 2026. Extensions can be requested using Form 4868, extending the deadline to October 15, 2026. W-2 forms must be provided by employers by February 2, 2026. Overview of Tax Season Tax season is an important period for individuals and businesses alike, typically running from January to April each year. During this time, many taxpayers wonder, “when can we file taxes?” The IRS usually announces the opening of e-filing in late January, allowing you to start submitting your returns. For the 2025 tax year, you can begin e-filing on January 27, 2026, with the deadline set for April 15, 2026. Although you can prepare your taxes before e-filing opens, you can’t officially submit them until the IRS gives the green light. If you need more time, you can request an extension using Form 4868, which extends your filing deadline to October 15, 2026. Nonetheless, keep in mind that any taxes owed must still be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties, making timely filing essential for your financial well-being. Important Dates for Filing Taxes Knowing the key dates for filing your taxes can save you from last-minute stress and potential penalties. For the 2025 tax year, the IRS opens e-filing on January 27, 2026. You’ll need to file your individual income tax return by April 15, 2026. If you find you need more time, you can file Form 4868 to request an extension until October 15, 2026. Nonetheless, keep in mind that this extension doesn’t push back the deadline for paying any taxes owed. Employers must provide W-2 forms by February 2, 2026, which are vital for accurate filing. Furthermore, if you make quarterly estimated tax payments, recall that the 4th quarter payment for 2025 is due on January 15, 2026. Always check your state’s requirements as well; knowing when state taxes are due can prevent further complications. Staying informed about these important dates for filing taxes is significant for a smooth tax season. How to Prepare for Tax Filing Before you plunge into filing your taxes, it’s essential to gather all necessary documents to guarantee an accurate and efficient process. Collect your W-2 forms, 1099s, and last year’s tax returns to make sure you report everything correctly and maximize deductions. Organize these records into categories like income, deductions, and life changes, which can streamline the filing process and help you avoid missing important information. Verify your Social Security number, address, and other personal details to prevent errors that could delay processing. If you’re wondering how to file your tax return online, consider using IRS Free File or tax preparation software, as these tools simplify the filing process and maintain compliance with tax laws. Stay informed about the e-filing start date for your tax year; for 2025 returns, it’s January 27, 2026, so you can plan your filing accordingly. Extensions and Their Implications When you file for an extension, it’s vital to understand the process and its implications. Although you can gain extra time to submit your tax return, keep in mind that this doesn’t extend your payment deadline—any taxes owed must still be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties. Failing to pay on time can lead to additional charges, so being aware of these details is fundamental for managing your tax obligations effectively. Extension Request Process Filing for an extension can provide you with extra time to prepare your tax return, but it’s important to understand its implications. To initiate the extension request process, you must file Form 4868 by the original due date of your tax return. This extension grants you an additional six months to file, typically pushing the deadline to October 15 for most taxpayers. Nevertheless, keep in mind that although you can delay filing, this doesn’t extend your time to pay any taxes owed. Payments are still due by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest. Failing to pay on time may result in additional charges, even though you successfully obtained an extension to file your return. Payment Deadline Awareness Comprehending payment deadlines is crucial for avoiding unnecessary penalties, especially when dealing with tax extensions. Although you can file for an extension using Form 4868, which gives you until October 15 to submit your tax return, it doesn’t extend the payment deadline. You must pay any owed taxes by the original due date, typically April 15, to avoid penalties. This means that even in the case that you file for an extension, at least 90% of your total taxes owed must be settled by the original deadline. Failing to do so will lead to accruing interest and additional charges until your balance is paid. If you’re in a federally declared disaster area, you might qualify for automatic extensions on both filing and payment deadlines. Filing Consequences Explained Though you might’ve successfully filed for an extension, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of doing so, particularly if you owe taxes. Filing for an extension using Form 4868 gives you until October 15 to file your return, but it doesn’t extend the payment deadline for any taxes owed. If you fail to pay at least 90% of your owed taxes by the original deadline, you could face penalties and interest that accrue on the unpaid balance. This is vital, even though you’re filing taxes with no income, as any remaining balance can still incur consequences. Common Questions About Tax Filing In terms of tax filing, comprehending the timeline and key deadlines can make the process smoother for you. You can file your 2025 tax return starting January 27, 2026, with the final deadline set for April 15, 2026. If you need more time, requesting an automatic six-month extension is an option, but keep in mind that any taxes owed are still due by the original deadline to avoid penalties. Tax Filing Timeline Comprehending the tax filing timeline is essential for staying compliant and avoiding penalties. Tax season for filing federal income taxes typically kicks off in late January, with the IRS opening e-filing on January 27, 2025, for the 2025 tax year. You can prepare your taxes before this date, but you can’t officially submit them until e-filing opens. The deadline to file your individual income tax return is April 15, 2026, except you’ve filed for an extension, which extends the deadline to October 15, 2026. If you’re wondering, “Can I still file my taxes?” after the deadline, keep in mind that late filings may incur penalties. Be sure to have your W-2 forms by February 2, 2026, to facilitate the process. Filing Extensions Available If you’re feeling pressed for time as the tax deadline approaches, you can request an automatic six-month extension to file your tax return by submitting Form 4868 before the original due date. Keep in mind that this extension only applies to filing your return and doesn’t extend the deadline for paying any taxes owed, which must be settled by the original due date to avoid penalties. You can file electronically for faster processing. If you’re affected by a federally declared disaster, you may qualify for additional extensions. The deadline for filing an extended return for the 2025 tax year is October 15, 2026. Ensure you understand these nuances to avoid additional charges, including penalties and interest. Key Deadlines Overview Grasping key tax deadlines is crucial for guaranteeing a smooth filing process and avoiding penalties. The IRS usually opens e-filing for tax returns in late January, with the first day to file for the 2025 tax year being January 27, 2025. Tax Day for individual income tax returns falls on April 15, 2026, marking the deadline for filing and payment for that year. If you need more time, you can request an automatic 6-month extension by submitting Form 4868 by the original due date, pushing your deadline to October 15, 2026. Tips for a Smooth Filing Process To guarantee a smooth tax filing process, it’s crucial to start organizing your tax documents well in advance of the IRS e-filing opening date, which for the 2025 tax year is January 27, 2025. Begin by categorizing your documents to streamline your preparation. Confirm you receive and review all necessary forms, like W-2s and 1099s, for accuracy. Schedule time to explore potential credits or deductions, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, to maximize your benefits. Consider using IRS Free File if you’re eligible, which allows you to electronically file at no cost. E-filing your tax return can lead to faster processing and quicker refunds, as about 90% of refunds are issued within 21 days of receipt. Frequently Asked Questions How Early Can I File My Tax Return? You can start preparing your tax return early, but you can’t officially file it until the IRS announces the e-filing opening date. This varies each year, usually in early January. As you gather documents like W-2s and 1099s, keep in mind that electronic filing is faster for processing and refunds than paper filing. Ensuring you have all necessary paperwork ready before the filing date will help you avoid delays and potential errors. What Is the Earliest the IRS Will Accept Tax Returns? The IRS will start accepting tax returns for the 2025 tax year on January 27, 2026. Until that date, you can prepare your return but can’t submit it. The tax season typically lasts from late January until the April 15, 2026, filing deadline. E-filing is usually faster for processing and refunds, so it’s beneficial to have all your tax documents organized well before the IRS begins accepting returns. How Soon Will I Get My Tax Refund in 2025? You can typically expect your tax refund for the 2025 tax year within 21 days of the IRS receiving your e-filed return, assuming there are no issues. The IRS will start processing returns on January 27, 2026. To check your refund status, use the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the IRS website. Opting for direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund, as paper checks are being phased out. Can I File Taxes on October 15TH? Yes, you can file your taxes on October 15 if you’ve requested an extension. Nevertheless, keep in mind that any taxes owed must’ve been paid by the original due date to avoid penalties. If October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready to prevent errors and delays in processing your return on this final deadline. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping the tax season timeline and preparation steps is crucial for a successful filing experience. Starting January 27, 2026, you can e-file your taxes until the April 15 deadline. If you need more time, remember to file Form 4868 for an extension. Stay organized by gathering all necessary documents, and follow the tips provided to guarantee a smooth process. By being proactive, you can minimize stress and avoid any last-minute complications with your tax return. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "When Can We File Taxes?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When can you file your taxes? The tax season for the 2025 tax year kicks off on January 27, 2026, when e-filing opens. You’ll have until April 15, 2026, to submit your tax returns. It’s important to gather your documents, like W-2s and 1099s, ahead of time. If you need more time, you can request an extension, but keep in mind that payment deadlines stay the same. Comprehending these details can help you navigate the filing process more effectively. Key Takeaways Tax season begins in January and runs until April each year. E-filing for the 2025 tax year starts on January 27, 2026. Individual tax returns must be filed by April 15, 2026. Extensions can be requested using Form 4868, extending the deadline to October 15, 2026. W-2 forms must be provided by employers by February 2, 2026. Overview of Tax Season Tax season is an important period for individuals and businesses alike, typically running from January to April each year. During this time, many taxpayers wonder, “when can we file taxes?” The IRS usually announces the opening of e-filing in late January, allowing you to start submitting your returns. For the 2025 tax year, you can begin e-filing on January 27, 2026, with the deadline set for April 15, 2026. Although you can prepare your taxes before e-filing opens, you can’t officially submit them until the IRS gives the green light. If you need more time, you can request an extension using Form 4868, which extends your filing deadline to October 15, 2026. Nonetheless, keep in mind that any taxes owed must still be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties, making timely filing essential for your financial well-being. Important Dates for Filing Taxes Knowing the key dates for filing your taxes can save you from last-minute stress and potential penalties. For the 2025 tax year, the IRS opens e-filing on January 27, 2026. You’ll need to file your individual income tax return by April 15, 2026. If you find you need more time, you can file Form 4868 to request an extension until October 15, 2026. Nonetheless, keep in mind that this extension doesn’t push back the deadline for paying any taxes owed. Employers must provide W-2 forms by February 2, 2026, which are vital for accurate filing. Furthermore, if you make quarterly estimated tax payments, recall that the 4th quarter payment for 2025 is due on January 15, 2026. Always check your state’s requirements as well; knowing when state taxes are due can prevent further complications. Staying informed about these important dates for filing taxes is significant for a smooth tax season. How to Prepare for Tax Filing Before you plunge into filing your taxes, it’s essential to gather all necessary documents to guarantee an accurate and efficient process. Collect your W-2 forms, 1099s, and last year’s tax returns to make sure you report everything correctly and maximize deductions. Organize these records into categories like income, deductions, and life changes, which can streamline the filing process and help you avoid missing important information. Verify your Social Security number, address, and other personal details to prevent errors that could delay processing. If you’re wondering how to file your tax return online, consider using IRS Free File or tax preparation software, as these tools simplify the filing process and maintain compliance with tax laws. Stay informed about the e-filing start date for your tax year; for 2025 returns, it’s January 27, 2026, so you can plan your filing accordingly. Extensions and Their Implications When you file for an extension, it’s vital to understand the process and its implications. Although you can gain extra time to submit your tax return, keep in mind that this doesn’t extend your payment deadline—any taxes owed must still be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties. Failing to pay on time can lead to additional charges, so being aware of these details is fundamental for managing your tax obligations effectively. Extension Request Process Filing for an extension can provide you with extra time to prepare your tax return, but it’s important to understand its implications. To initiate the extension request process, you must file Form 4868 by the original due date of your tax return. This extension grants you an additional six months to file, typically pushing the deadline to October 15 for most taxpayers. Nevertheless, keep in mind that although you can delay filing, this doesn’t extend your time to pay any taxes owed. Payments are still due by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest. Failing to pay on time may result in additional charges, even though you successfully obtained an extension to file your return. Payment Deadline Awareness Comprehending payment deadlines is crucial for avoiding unnecessary penalties, especially when dealing with tax extensions. Although you can file for an extension using Form 4868, which gives you until October 15 to submit your tax return, it doesn’t extend the payment deadline. You must pay any owed taxes by the original due date, typically April 15, to avoid penalties. This means that even in the case that you file for an extension, at least 90% of your total taxes owed must be settled by the original deadline. Failing to do so will lead to accruing interest and additional charges until your balance is paid. If you’re in a federally declared disaster area, you might qualify for automatic extensions on both filing and payment deadlines. Filing Consequences Explained Though you might’ve successfully filed for an extension, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of doing so, particularly if you owe taxes. Filing for an extension using Form 4868 gives you until October 15 to file your return, but it doesn’t extend the payment deadline for any taxes owed. If you fail to pay at least 90% of your owed taxes by the original deadline, you could face penalties and interest that accrue on the unpaid balance. This is vital, even though you’re filing taxes with no income, as any remaining balance can still incur consequences. Common Questions About Tax Filing In terms of tax filing, comprehending the timeline and key deadlines can make the process smoother for you. You can file your 2025 tax return starting January 27, 2026, with the final deadline set for April 15, 2026. If you need more time, requesting an automatic six-month extension is an option, but keep in mind that any taxes owed are still due by the original deadline to avoid penalties. Tax Filing Timeline Comprehending the tax filing timeline is essential for staying compliant and avoiding penalties. Tax season for filing federal income taxes typically kicks off in late January, with the IRS opening e-filing on January 27, 2025, for the 2025 tax year. You can prepare your taxes before this date, but you can’t officially submit them until e-filing opens. The deadline to file your individual income tax return is April 15, 2026, except you’ve filed for an extension, which extends the deadline to October 15, 2026. If you’re wondering, “Can I still file my taxes?” after the deadline, keep in mind that late filings may incur penalties. Be sure to have your W-2 forms by February 2, 2026, to facilitate the process. Filing Extensions Available If you’re feeling pressed for time as the tax deadline approaches, you can request an automatic six-month extension to file your tax return by submitting Form 4868 before the original due date. Keep in mind that this extension only applies to filing your return and doesn’t extend the deadline for paying any taxes owed, which must be settled by the original due date to avoid penalties. You can file electronically for faster processing. If you’re affected by a federally declared disaster, you may qualify for additional extensions. The deadline for filing an extended return for the 2025 tax year is October 15, 2026. Ensure you understand these nuances to avoid additional charges, including penalties and interest. Key Deadlines Overview Grasping key tax deadlines is crucial for guaranteeing a smooth filing process and avoiding penalties. The IRS usually opens e-filing for tax returns in late January, with the first day to file for the 2025 tax year being January 27, 2025. Tax Day for individual income tax returns falls on April 15, 2026, marking the deadline for filing and payment for that year. If you need more time, you can request an automatic 6-month extension by submitting Form 4868 by the original due date, pushing your deadline to October 15, 2026. Tips for a Smooth Filing Process To guarantee a smooth tax filing process, it’s crucial to start organizing your tax documents well in advance of the IRS e-filing opening date, which for the 2025 tax year is January 27, 2025. Begin by categorizing your documents to streamline your preparation. Confirm you receive and review all necessary forms, like W-2s and 1099s, for accuracy. Schedule time to explore potential credits or deductions, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, to maximize your benefits. Consider using IRS Free File if you’re eligible, which allows you to electronically file at no cost. E-filing your tax return can lead to faster processing and quicker refunds, as about 90% of refunds are issued within 21 days of receipt. Frequently Asked Questions How Early Can I File My Tax Return? You can start preparing your tax return early, but you can’t officially file it until the IRS announces the e-filing opening date. This varies each year, usually in early January. As you gather documents like W-2s and 1099s, keep in mind that electronic filing is faster for processing and refunds than paper filing. Ensuring you have all necessary paperwork ready before the filing date will help you avoid delays and potential errors. What Is the Earliest the IRS Will Accept Tax Returns? The IRS will start accepting tax returns for the 2025 tax year on January 27, 2026. Until that date, you can prepare your return but can’t submit it. The tax season typically lasts from late January until the April 15, 2026, filing deadline. E-filing is usually faster for processing and refunds, so it’s beneficial to have all your tax documents organized well before the IRS begins accepting returns. How Soon Will I Get My Tax Refund in 2025? You can typically expect your tax refund for the 2025 tax year within 21 days of the IRS receiving your e-filed return, assuming there are no issues. The IRS will start processing returns on January 27, 2026. To check your refund status, use the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the IRS website. Opting for direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund, as paper checks are being phased out. Can I File Taxes on October 15TH? Yes, you can file your taxes on October 15 if you’ve requested an extension. Nevertheless, keep in mind that any taxes owed must’ve been paid by the original due date to avoid penalties. If October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready to prevent errors and delays in processing your return on this final deadline. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping the tax season timeline and preparation steps is crucial for a successful filing experience. Starting January 27, 2026, you can e-file your taxes until the April 15 deadline. If you need more time, remember to file Form 4868 for an extension. Stay organized by gathering all necessary documents, and follow the tips provided to guarantee a smooth process. By being proactive, you can minimize stress and avoid any last-minute complications with your tax return. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "When Can We File Taxes?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In early 2000, with their company on the brink of failure, Netflix founders Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph flew to Dallas to meet with Blockbuster executives. As the story is told, they offered to sell their company for $50 million and got laughed out of the room. Humiliated, but determined, they built a business that toppled the industry giant. That version is almost certainly not true, but it remains popular with pundits who like to tell it at fancy conferences. It gets told and retold because it reinforces how we like to imagine things. Everybody loves a good “David vs. Goliath” story, and the idea of wily young entrepreneurs outsmarting big corporate fat cats fits the bill exactly. Yet beyond the shaky facts, the underlying assumption of the fable—that Blockbuster’s fate rested solely, or even mostly, on a strategic decision made in a conference room in 2000, ten years before it went bankrupt in 2010—is absurd. A business’s fate rarely depends on a single decision made at the top, but rather on how stakeholders are aligned around change. What was Netflix really worth in 2000? Looking back now, with Netflix worth more than $400 billion, it seems incredible that Blockbuster had the opportunity to buy it for less than pennies on the dollar and passed up the chance. You can imagine them kicking themselves for having blown the opportunity. Yet Netflix in 2000 was not the business we know today. First, the reason Hastings and Randolph had flown to Dallas in the first place was that the company was hemorrhaging money—more than $50 million that year. They still had not cracked the code on their subscription model, their algorithm to match customers with movies, or how to turn a profit. The only real asset they had was themselves, and given that they had just exited a startup recently, no one would expect them to stay on for long. Their original intention in going to Blockbuster wasn’t to sell the company, but to strike a deal to make Netflix Blockbuster’s Internet brand. The logic was that Netflix would get access to Blockbuster’s customer base and Blockbuster would be spared the trouble and expense of starting up their own online operation. To them, it seemed like a win-win proposition. Yet from Blockbuster’s perspective, the deal wasn’t at all attractive. Handing over the online business to Netflix would close off opportunities Blockbuster was already pursuing. In fact, that summer Blockbuster signed a deal with Enron to develop an online streaming service. Their fears were well-founded. When Toys-R-Us forged a similar partnership with Amazon, it proved to be a disaster for them. So when, out of desperation, Hastings offered to sell the company, the Blockbuster executives didn’t reject it because they didn’t see the potential, but because they judged that they could build their own operation much more cheaply than taking on huge losses for the foreseeable future and paying some Silicon Valley guys $50 million for the trouble. And, as it turned out, they were right. The road to total access—and dominance In early 2004, Viacom announced it would spin off Blockbuster Video, leaving CEO John Antioco master of his own fate. He moved quickly to meet the threat posed by Netflix head-on, launching Blockbuster Online in 2004 and, after successfully testing the concept in a few markets, ending late fees in early 2005. Still, not satisfied with playing catch-up, Antioco searched for a model that would return his company to dominance. He found it in 2006 with the Total Access program, a hybrid offering that combined the convenience of online rentals with Blockbuster’s enormous network of retail locations. Customers could rent in stores or online for one monthly price. It was a masterstroke—an offer that Netflix couldn’t match. As Gina Keating reported in her book, Netflixed, before Total Access, Netflix was winning 70% of new subscribers and Blockbuster 30%. Within weeks of the launch, that had flipped: Blockbuster was now winning 70% to the startup’s 30%. Now, Netflix was on the ropes. If it couldn’t maintain its growth rates, its stock price would drop and put its financing in jeopardy. It seemed that Antioco, who had established an impressive track record for turning around retail operations, had done it again. It was strategic jujitsu, turning what was perceived as a weakness—its brick-and-mortar stores—into a sustainable competitive advantage. Blockbuster was heading into 2007 poised to regain dominance in the video rental industry. How it all unravelled Despite the progress, not everybody was thrilled with the moves Antioco and his team made. Franchisees, many of whom had their life savings invested in their businesses, were suspicious of Blockbuster Online. They only owned 20% of the stores, but could still cause a stir. The moves were also expensive, costing roughly $400 million to implement, and investors balked. So while Blockbuster was making progress against the Netflix threat, as earnings turned to losses, its stock took a beating. The low price attracted corporate raider Carl Icahn, whose heavy-handed style made managing the company difficult. Things came to a head in late 2006 when Icahn demanded that Antioco accept only half of the bonus he was owed. “I was at a point, both personally and financially, that I had little desire to fight it out anymore,” Antioco told me. He negotiated his exit early the next year and left the company in July 2007. His successor, Jim Keyes, was determined to reverse Antioco’s strategy, cut investment in the subscription model, reinstate late fees, and shift the focus back to the retail stores. When Blockbuster declared bankruptcy in 2010, the event was portrayed as corporate America’s inability to navigate digital disruption. Yet, as we have seen, nothing could be further from the truth. The management team came up with a viable strategy, executed it well, and proved they could compete, yet still were unable to survive that victory. As it turns out, change from the top can fail just as easily as anything else. Leveraging power for change We like to think of the big guys at the top getting fat and lazy. The story of Netflix upending Blockbuster is so appealing because it plays to those biases. It’s reassuring to believe that people get disrupted by not paying attention and making poor decisions because that means that we can avoid their fate with a modicum of awareness and intelligence. Yet the far more disturbing reality is that the Blockbuster leadership team was not stupid or lazy. In fact, they were innovative, made good strategic decisions, and executed them skillfully. If not for a seemingly minor compensation dispute, things could very easily have turned out differently. I think the key to understanding what happened is something Antioco told me about an earlier initiative when I interviewed him for my book, Cascades. “The experienced video executives were skeptical. In fact, they thought that the revenue-sharing agreement would kill the company. But throughout my career, I had learned that whenever you set out to do anything big, some people aren’t going to like it. I’d been successful by defying the status quo at important junctures and that’s what I thought had to be done in this case.” In other words, over the years he had been put in positions of authority and was able to implement changes and deliver results fast enough that he was able to overpower any resistance. Yet in Blockbuster’s battle for survival with Netflix, key stakeholders—namely franchisees and shareholders—defected, and the floor fell out from under him. Antioco had all the formal authority he needed to deliver genuine transformation. But it was his inability to manage and align stakeholders that led to Blockbuster’s demise. The truth is that change isn’t top-down, nor is it bottom up. It propagates through networks. View the full article

Built around the company's guidelines, Rezi Mortgage Assistant helps borrowers learn about the lending process on their own terms, Newrez executives said. View the full article

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, Slack is stepping up its game by introducing an “agent-first workspace” designed to transform how teams interact with AI. With Gartner projecting that 40% of enterprise applications will integrate task-specific AI agents by the end of 2026—an explosive increase from less than 5% a year ago—small business owners need to pay close attention. More than a mere trend, the adoption of AI technologies is becoming crucial for those looking to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Slack is tackling a pressing challenge: the “agent sprawl” phenomenon, where multiple AI agents operate in isolation without the context needed to deliver effective support. This leads to confusion and inefficiencies as teams juggle different platforms and tools. Replacing this fragmentation with a comprehensive integration strategy could be a game changer for small businesses. As Slack puts it, the solution isn’t adding more tools; instead, it lies in creating a unified ecosystem where human employees and AI agents can collaborate seamlessly. By centralizing operations within Slack’s platform, businesses can reduce the time wasted on “tab-switching” between applications, a common frustration that hinders productivity. Integrating agents within the conversational flow of Slack makes it as easy to interact with AI as it is to communicate with colleagues. This integration includes over 2,600 pre-configured apps, covering a range of functions from coding and research to customer support and project management. Business owners can harness high-quality partner agents or develop custom solutions that directly feed into the day-to-day activities of their teams. Quote: “To truly embrace an agent-first approach, the next step is to empower agents with both business data and rich, conversational history, where work happens,” a representative from Slack noted. This shift towards context-aware agents is key; typical AI struggles with generic responses due to a lack of specific, relevant information. By equipping agents with historical data and real-time context from Slack discussions, businesses can enhance the accuracy and relevance of the AI’s output. Real-world applications are aplenty. For instance, the Slack platform now integrates with agents like Claude, which supports various functions such as writing and coding, or DocuSign, which streamlines contract management. The capabilities of these agents can lead to increased efficiency in handling HR requests or generating creative assets on the fly. Despite the advantages, small business owners should remain mindful of potential challenges. As more organizations adopt AI, the complexity of managing multiple agents could still pose issues without a clear strategy for integration. Ensuring that teams are adequately trained to use these tools effectively will be crucial to success. Key Takeaway: Small businesses can benefit from centralized management of AI agents, which fosters better communication and improved outcomes. By adopting Slack’s agent-first strategy, teams can navigate the complexities of AI integration more effectively, saving time and reducing frustrations associated with multiple platforms. As the release outlines, Slackbot is evolving to act as the control center for this agentic ecosystem. Businesses can simply instruct Slackbot to handle tasks—like finalizing contracts—allowing it to orchestrate multiple agents in the background. This capability signifies a significant shift: moving from a fragmented environment to a streamlined operation where retrieving information or executing tasks is as simple as having a conversation. The future of work in small businesses might very well hinge on this transition to an agent-first workspace, where digital teammates seamlessly integrate with human efforts. The shift aims to simplify workflows and focus on goals, ensuring that as AI capabilities expand, the emphasis remains on productive collaboration rather than tool management. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Unveils AI-Driven Agents for Seamless Collaboration and Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, Slack is stepping up its game by introducing an “agent-first workspace” designed to transform how teams interact with AI. With Gartner projecting that 40% of enterprise applications will integrate task-specific AI agents by the end of 2026—an explosive increase from less than 5% a year ago—small business owners need to pay close attention. More than a mere trend, the adoption of AI technologies is becoming crucial for those looking to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Slack is tackling a pressing challenge: the “agent sprawl” phenomenon, where multiple AI agents operate in isolation without the context needed to deliver effective support. This leads to confusion and inefficiencies as teams juggle different platforms and tools. Replacing this fragmentation with a comprehensive integration strategy could be a game changer for small businesses. As Slack puts it, the solution isn’t adding more tools; instead, it lies in creating a unified ecosystem where human employees and AI agents can collaborate seamlessly. By centralizing operations within Slack’s platform, businesses can reduce the time wasted on “tab-switching” between applications, a common frustration that hinders productivity. Integrating agents within the conversational flow of Slack makes it as easy to interact with AI as it is to communicate with colleagues. This integration includes over 2,600 pre-configured apps, covering a range of functions from coding and research to customer support and project management. Business owners can harness high-quality partner agents or develop custom solutions that directly feed into the day-to-day activities of their teams. Quote: “To truly embrace an agent-first approach, the next step is to empower agents with both business data and rich, conversational history, where work happens,” a representative from Slack noted. This shift towards context-aware agents is key; typical AI struggles with generic responses due to a lack of specific, relevant information. By equipping agents with historical data and real-time context from Slack discussions, businesses can enhance the accuracy and relevance of the AI’s output. Real-world applications are aplenty. For instance, the Slack platform now integrates with agents like Claude, which supports various functions such as writing and coding, or DocuSign, which streamlines contract management. The capabilities of these agents can lead to increased efficiency in handling HR requests or generating creative assets on the fly. Despite the advantages, small business owners should remain mindful of potential challenges. As more organizations adopt AI, the complexity of managing multiple agents could still pose issues without a clear strategy for integration. Ensuring that teams are adequately trained to use these tools effectively will be crucial to success. Key Takeaway: Small businesses can benefit from centralized management of AI agents, which fosters better communication and improved outcomes. By adopting Slack’s agent-first strategy, teams can navigate the complexities of AI integration more effectively, saving time and reducing frustrations associated with multiple platforms. As the release outlines, Slackbot is evolving to act as the control center for this agentic ecosystem. Businesses can simply instruct Slackbot to handle tasks—like finalizing contracts—allowing it to orchestrate multiple agents in the background. This capability signifies a significant shift: moving from a fragmented environment to a streamlined operation where retrieving information or executing tasks is as simple as having a conversation. The future of work in small businesses might very well hinge on this transition to an agent-first workspace, where digital teammates seamlessly integrate with human efforts. The shift aims to simplify workflows and focus on goals, ensuring that as AI capabilities expand, the emphasis remains on productive collaboration rather than tool management. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Unveils AI-Driven Agents for Seamless Collaboration and Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. DIY home maintenance and repair projects can save you money because you don’t need to hire a pro for every repair or upgrade. From replacing a leaky faucet to adding a knob to your desk drawer, a good set of hand tools is essential for success. Craftsman tools has a good reputation for making quality, long-lasting tools, but if you’re interested in DIY, you might have noticed that these tools can be expensive. If you need to expand your tool set, or if you’re just starting out, these deals on Craftsman tools at Lowe’s will help keep your budget in check. The best deals on tool sets at Lowe'sCraftsman is known for their mechanic’s tool sets. I remember as an aspiring tinkerer, playing with my dad’s Craftsman ratchet while assisting him with DIY home repairs, and the first set of tools I got as a teenager was a Craftsman wrench set. Here are some deals on Craftsman sets for DIYers of any skill set. The Craftsman 242-piece mechanic’s tool set is on sale for $99, 56% off its regular price. This set comes with a ¼-inch, a ⅓-inch, and a ½-inch ratchet and includes SAE sockets ranging in size from 5/32-inches to ⅞-inches and metric sockets ranging from 4mm to 21mm. Also included is a set of combination wrenches, extension bits, a driver handle and bits for screws, and a verastack 3-drawer case. The Craftsman 105-piece mechanic’s tool set is on sale for $69.98, 46% off its usual price. This set comes with a ¼-inch and a ⅜-inch ratchet, metric and SAE sockets, a spark plug socket, a set of allen wrenches, a driver, handles and bits for screws, and a case. This is a decent set for doing basic vehicle maintenance or performing tasks like changing the air filter for your home HVAC. The Craftsman Overdrive 80-piece mechanic’s tool set is on sale for $79.98, 46% off its typical price. This set includes metric and SAE sized sockets, some socket extenders, a corner adapter for the ratchet, driver bits for screws, and a case. This set is specifically designed for vehicle maintenance and can be used on stubborn, rounded out hardware that’s difficult to remove with lighter weight tools. The Craftsman 24-piece ratchet set is on sale for $19.98, 33% off its regular price. This set includes one ¼-inch ratchet handle, a set of metric sockets, a set of screw driver bits, an extension bit, and a case. Since many cars use mostly metric hardware, this is a good compact set that will travel well with a larger set, and it can be useful for small maintenance tasks on vehicles and bikes. Best air compressor deal at Lowe'sA portable air compressor is a convenient tool to have for small woodworking projects and DIY builds. Its smaller size makes it less useful for big jobs like decking or roofing, but I use my Craftsman pancake compressor for applying trim and molding, and it’s a lot more convenient than lugging a bigger one around. An air compressor can also be used to run a paint sprayer or for air-powered cutting and bolting tools. The Craftsman 6-gallon portable compressor is on sale for $99, 41% off its usual price. It comes with the fitting you need to connect pneumatic air hoses, but you’ll need to buy a hose to use air tools with it. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I just got my review unit of the Fitbit Air, and while I can't give you a full review yet, I've now had the device in my hand and have tried out the new Google Health app that will soon replace the Fitbit app. I've already found a lot to like about it, which kind of surprised me. My hopes were high, but my expectations were not. Here's what I'm seeing so far. The Fitbit Air is small and light Credit: Beth Skwarecki From photos, I could tell the Fitbit Air looked small and light, but I was mostly seeing it on a basketball player's arm. In person, it really does live up to the photos. The Fitbit Air has an 18-millimeter strap, which is much thinner than what you see on any other smart bands, and overall, it's the smallest fitness tracker I've used in recent years (and maybe ever). Here is a photo of the Air (far right, in the "fog" colorway) next to a current generation Whoop MG. Right to left, the other two devices are a Polar Loop (beige) and an Amazfit Helio (black). Left to right: Amazfit Helio, Polar Loop, Whoop MG, Fitbit Air Credit: Beth Skwarecki The Fitbit Air's coach was able to pull data from a screenshot Credit: Beth Skwarecki The Fitbit Air, like all smart bands, relies on its companion app for data analysis and display, so the app's performance is critical to how useful the band actually is as a tracker. I had already done my workout for the day when I first tried the new app, so I showed the coach a screenshot of my results from that workout. (I had tracked it on a Coros watch.) The coach detected the number of minutes I'd spent in each heart rate zone, then converted them to Fitbit zones and logged them appropriately. Google Health's AI coach may be hallucinating lessI had a terrible time with an early version of the Google Health coach. The hallucinations were bad, and even as of last week, the memory problem was awful. It would insist on obeying something as a commandment that had just been a passing thought months ago ("I'd like heavy singles in my workout"), even if I went into my "coach notes" and deleted that memory. But since trying the new version of the app, I haven't seen any significant hallucinations, and there are no intrusive long-term memories—at least so far. I also noticed the coach was able to do what it said. When I asked it to log my Hyrox workout, it logged it as starting at 8 p.m. (the current time). When I asked it to update that time to 6 p.m., I didn't see the update right away and figured it was another broken promise—but a minute later, I noticed that it had, in fact, updated. It will take more testing to see whether the coach always does the right thing, or if I just lucked out, but it certainly seems to be working better than what I saw in the Public Preview. View the full article

Company with ties to US president’s son has MOU with chipmaker that Congress warned is connected to Communist PartyView the full article

The MBA's Market Composite Index found mortgage applications rose 1.7% on a seasonally-adjusted basis from one week prior for the period ending May 8. View the full article

Current commercial mortgage loan rates can vary greatly depending on the property type and loan size. For instance, multifamily loans over $6 million have rates around 5.16%, whereas those under $6 million sit at 5.60%. Retail property mortgages average 6.07%, and higher-risk bridge loans can reach 9.00%. Comprehending these nuances, along with factors like borrower credit profiles, is crucial for making informed financing decisions. What other elements should you consider in this complex environment? Key Takeaways Multifamily loan rates are currently 5.16% for loans over $6 million and 5.60% for loans under $6 million. Retail property mortgage rates stand at 6.07% with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 75%. SBA 504 Loans have rates of 6.50% with LTVs up to 90%. Bridge loans carry higher rates at 9% due to increased risk. Conventional loan rates range from 6% to 10%, requiring down payments of 20% to 25%. Understanding Current Commercial Mortgage Rates Grasping current commercial mortgage rates is essential for anyone looking to invest in real estate or secure financing for a business property. As of December 1, 2025, multifamily loan rates are 5.16% for loans over $6 million and 5.60% for loans under that amount, both with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio up to 80%. If you’re considering retail properties, commercial retail mortgage rates sit at 6.07% with an LTV up to 75%. On the other hand, SBA 504 loans offer rates of 6.50% with an LTV up to 90%. For short-term financing, bridge loans carry higher rates of 9.00%, reflecting their associated risks. Overall, current commercial mortgage loan rates vary based on property type and borrower creditworthiness. Bank and credit union loans are currently favored because of their lower rates compared to debt funds and CMBS, which are customized for assets with long lease terms. Comprehending these rates can greatly impact your investment decisions. Factors Influencing Commercial Mortgage Rates When you’re looking into commercial mortgage rates, several key factors come into play. The type of property you’re financing can notably impact the rates, with residential properties often attracting lower rates than commercial spaces because of varying risk perceptions. Furthermore, your creditworthiness as a borrower is essential, as stronger credit profiles typically lead to more favorable loan terms and interest rates. Property Type Impact The type of property you’re investing in can greatly influence the interest rates you’ll encounter for commercial mortgage loans. Multifamily loans typically attract lower rates, with a current interest rate of 5.16% for loans over $6 million. Conversely, retail properties command higher rates, averaging around 6.07%. The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is significant; multifamily loans can reach up to 80% LTV, whereas retail loans are capped at 75%. Properties perceived as higher risk, like those with short lease terms or in less desirable locations, often face steeper rates because of instability concerns. Comprehending these factors can help you make informed investment decisions and potentially secure better financing options customized to your property type. Borrower Creditworthiness Factors Comprehending how borrower creditworthiness factors into commercial mortgage rates can considerably impact your financing options. Lenders closely evaluate your credit score, where scores above 700 typically qualify you for lower interest rates, whereas scores below 600 may lead to higher rates or even denials. Furthermore, the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) plays a significant role; a DSCR of 1.25x or higher suggests you can comfortably cover your debt payments, potentially securing better rates. Your net worth and cash liquidity are likewise assessed; having a higher net worth and readily available cash can improve your creditworthiness. Finally, demonstrating a successful track record in property management or business operations can positively influence lenders, further affecting the interest rates you receive. Types of Commercial Mortgages Available Comprehending the various types of commercial mortgages available can help you make informed decisions for your investment needs. You’ll find options like conventional loans, which usually have interest rates ranging from 6% to 10% and require a down payment of 20% to 25%. If you’re looking for competitive rates, consider SBA 504 loans, offering rates between 5% to 7% with down payments as low as 10% to 20%. For properties with long lease terms, CMBS loans are beneficial, especially since they offer non-recourse options that limit your personal liability. Finally, agency loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are ideal for financing multifamily properties, featuring lower servicing costs and interest rates typically between 5.60% to 7.15%. Each type serves different borrower needs, so it’s crucial to assess your specific situation before choosing the right mortgage. Recent Trends in Commercial Mortgage Rates As recent shifts in the commercial mortgage terrain unfold, staying updated on current rates becomes vital for potential investors. Currently, multifamily loans over $6 million have a rate of 5.16% with an 80% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, whereas those under $6 million sit at 5.60%. For commercial retail mortgages, the rate is 6.07% with a maximum LTV of 75%. These fluctuations are largely driven by the Federal Reserve‘s efforts to manage inflation, with the federal funds rate between 3.75% and 4.00%. Furthermore, CMBS loans are offering rates from 6.12% for 5-year terms to 6.81% for 10-year terms, indicating rising financing costs. Borrowers are increasingly favoring Bank of America and credit union loans, particularly for short-term deals with lower prepayment penalties, reflecting a shift in preference amid these changing market conditions. Keeping an eye on these trends will help you make informed investment decisions. Comparing Conventional and SBA Loans When considering financing options for your business, it’s essential to understand the differences between conventional loans and SBA loans. Conventional loans typically come with interest rates ranging from 6% to 10%, whereas SBA 504 loans offer more attractive rates between 5% and 7%. SBA loans require a down payment of 10%-20%, whereas conventional loans often need 20%-25%. In addition, the SBA 7(a) loan program can charge interest rates up to 12.5% with at least a 10% down payment, catering to various business needs. In terms of loan terms, conventional loans typically have shorter repayment periods of 5-10 years, whereas SBA loans can provide longer terms, helping you manage cash flow more effectively. Keep in mind that SBA loans often involve more paperwork and stricter requirements, such as demonstrating repayment ability, compared to conventional loans which may offer more flexible underwriting standards. The Role of Creditworthiness in Loan Rates Your creditworthiness plays a significant role in determining the interest rates you’ll receive on a commercial mortgage. Lenders closely examine your credit score and financial history, as a strong profile often leads to lower rates, sometimes by as much as 1%. Furthermore, factors like the Debt Service Coverage Ratio can further influence the terms you’re offered, making it crucial to maintain a solid credit standing. Impact on Interest Rates Comprehending how creditworthiness impacts interest rates is vital for anyone considering a commercial mortgage. Lenders assess your creditworthiness through various metrics, including credit scores, financial history, and the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). A higher DSCR indicates you can comfortably cover loan payments, which often results in lower interest rates. Conversely, a lower DSCR could lead to higher rates because of perceived risk. Furthermore, properties generating strong cash flow from reliable tenants can improve your creditworthiness, positively affecting the interest rates on loans secured against them. Currently, market trends show that borrowers with excellent credit profiles tend to access lower rates, as commercial mortgage rates fluctuate based on overall borrower risk assessments and economic conditions. Assessing Borrower Profiles Evaluating borrower profiles is crucial for grasping how creditworthiness influences commercial mortgage rates. Lenders assess your credit score, financial history, and business experience to determine your loan eligibility. If your Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is 1.25x or higher, it shows you have sufficient cash flow to cover mortgage payments, making you more attractive to lenders. Properties with lower Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios and higher DSCRs are perceived as less risky, which can help you negotiate better rates. A strong borrower profile not merely allows you to secure lower interest rates but additionally enables you to access larger loan amounts, as lenders view you as reliable and less likely to default. Grasping these factors can greatly impact your borrowing success. Locking in Commercial Mortgage Rates Locking in commercial mortgage rates is a critical step in securing favorable financing for your real estate investment. Most lenders in commercial real estate don’t allow you to lock in rates at the term sheet stage, so it’s crucial to engage with lenders early in the process. Typically, you can secure a rate lock once you’ve established a relationship with a lender and submitted a deposit for necessary reports. Comprehending each lender’s policies on rate locks is important, as some may allow this option whereas others won’t. Engaging with lenders early not just aids in locking in rates but also streamlines the transaction process and may lead to better terms. Moreover, be aware that market conditions and lender engagement timelines can greatly impact your ability to lock in commercial mortgage rates, which are subject to frequent changes. Always stay informed to make the best decisions for your investment. Importance of Loan-to-Value Ratios Comprehending the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is vital when maneuvering through commercial mortgages, as it directly impacts your borrowing costs and the lender’s risk assessment. A lower LTV typically means you’re viewed as a less risky borrower, potentially leading to better interest rates and terms. Conversely, if your LTV exceeds 75%, you might face higher rates because of the perceived risk, making it imperative to grasp how this metric influences your financing options. Impact on Borrowing Costs When you’re evaluating a commercial mortgage, the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio plays a key role in determining your borrowing costs. A lower LTV typically leads to more favorable interest rates, as lenders perceive less risk. Here are some important points to take into account: Multifamily loans over $6 million often have an LTV of up to 80%, with interest rates around 5.16%. Loans under $6 million at the same LTV usually see rates increase to 5.60%. Higher LTV ratios, like the SBA 504 loans at 90%, come with rates around 6.50%. Properties with lower LTVs and higher Debt Service Coverage Ratios (DSCR) can secure better pricing, resulting in significant savings over the life of the loan. Risk Assessment Factors A critical component in evaluating commercial mortgage loans is the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which considerably influences risk assessment. Lower LTVs typically indicate a less risky investment for lenders, making them more attractive. Usually, LTV ratios range from 55% to 90%, and the specific percentage depends on the loan type, property type, and borrower profile. Loans with lower LTV ratios often qualify for better pricing since they’re viewed as having a lower default risk. Conversely, a higher LTV may lead to increased interest rates and stricter loan terms, as lenders see these loans as riskier. For a thorough risk assessment, it’s vital to evaluate the LTV alongside other metrics like the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) and Debt Yield. Navigating the Application Process Maneuvering the application process for a commercial mortgage can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the requirements. To boost your chances of approval, focus on these key aspects: Documentation: Prepare a current rent roll showing at least 90% occupancy and a 12-month operating history to demonstrate cash flow. Creditworthiness: Lenders assess your credit rating, so make sure it’s strong and reflects your financial responsibility. Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): Grasp this ratio, as it indicates your ability to pay back the loan using your property’s income. Business Plan: Include a thorough business plan that outlines your strategy and comprehension of the market, which can greatly improve your application. Benefits of Working With a Commercial Mortgage Broker Working with a commercial mortgage broker offers borrowers numerous advantages that can simplify the financing process. Brokers have access to a wide range of capital sources, including banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders, enabling them to find competitive rates customized to your needs. They simplify the loan application process by providing expert guidance, ensuring you meet the necessary documentation requirements and understand various loan terms. Furthermore, brokers can negotiate better loan terms on your behalf, leveraging their relationships with lenders to secure lower rates or reduced fees, which can greatly lower your overall financing costs. With their extensive market knowledge, they can identify the most suitable loan types, such as SBA loans or CMBS options, based on your specific property and profile. Refinancing Commercial Mortgages: What to Expect Refinancing a commercial mortgage can be a strategic move to manage your financial obligations more effectively, especially in a market where interest rates are fluctuating. Nevertheless, you should prepare for some challenges along the way. Here’s what you can expect during the refinancing process: Financial Assessment: Lenders will evaluate your cash flow, net worth, and liquidity to determine your creditworthiness. Increased Costs: Rising mortgage payments may require you to inject more cash or seek equity partners, as rental income mightn’t keep pace. Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): You’ll need to take into account this ratio, as it evaluates your property’s cash flow against your debt obligations. Broker Assistance: Engaging a National Association of Mortgage Brokers can be beneficial, providing access to better financing options and terms customized to your situation. Understanding these factors can help you navigate the refinancing environment more effectively. Tips for Securing the Best Mortgage Rates When you’re looking to secure the best mortgage rates, it’s essential to approach the process with a clear strategy. First, shop around—rates can vary widely among lenders, with conventional commercial loans typically ranging from 6% to 10%. Use this variance to negotiate loan terms; well-qualified borrowers can leverage competitive offers to secure better deals. Consider working with a commercial mortgage broker, as they can simplify the loan process and provide access to exclusive financing options. Furthermore, focus on lender type—JPMorgan Chase often offer more competitive rates than alternative lenders. Your borrower profile matters too; a strong credit score and relevant business experience can considerably influence the interest rates available to you. Finally, keep an eye on economic conditions, such as Federal Reserve policies and inflation trends. Timing your application during favorable conditions can further improve your chances of securing better rates. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Current Commercial Mortgage Interest Rate? Right now, commercial mortgage interest rates vary based on the type of loan. For multifamily loans over $6 million, the rate is 5.16%, whereas loans under $6 million sit at 5.60%. If you’re looking at retail mortgages, expect a rate of 6.07%. SBA 504 loans are currently at 6.50%, and bridge loans carry a higher rate of 9.00%. Each loan type likewise has different loan-to-value ratios, affecting your financing options. What Is the Rate of Interest on a Commercial Loan? The interest rate on a commercial loan varies based on several factors, including the type of property, the borrower’s creditworthiness, and market conditions. Typically, rates can range from around 5% to as high as 14%. For instance, multifamily loans may have lower rates compared to bridge loans, which are usually more expensive because of their short-term nature. Comprehending these variables helps you make informed decisions when seeking commercial financing. Are Mortgage Rates Different for Commercial Property? Yes, mortgage rates are different for commercial properties compared to residential loans. These rates typically range from about 5% to 14%, depending on factors like the loan type and your qualifications as a borrower. For instance, multifamily loans over $6 million usually have rates around 5.16%, while retail mortgages might sit at around 6.07%. Furthermore, the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio and economic conditions can greatly affect these rates. What Is the Current Commercial Bank Interest Rate? The current commercial bank interest rate varies based on the type of loan and amount. For multifamily loans exceeding $6 million, the rate stands at 5.16%, whereas loans below that threshold have a higher rate of 5.60%. Retail mortgage rates are currently at 6.07%, and SBA 504 loans are offered at 6.50%. Bridge loans typically come with higher costs, reflecting a rate of 9.00%. Each option has specific loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending current commercial mortgage loan rates is crucial for making informed financing decisions. Rates vary greatly based on property type, loan size, and borrower profiles. By considering factors such as creditworthiness and loan-to-value ratios, you can better navigate the application process. Whether you opt for conventional loans or SBA options, working with a knowledgeable commercial mortgage broker can help you secure the best rates. Always stay informed about market trends to optimize your financing strategy. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Current Commercial Mortgage Loan Rates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Current commercial mortgage loan rates can vary greatly depending on the property type and loan size. For instance, multifamily loans over $6 million have rates around 5.16%, whereas those under $6 million sit at 5.60%. Retail property mortgages average 6.07%, and higher-risk bridge loans can reach 9.00%. Comprehending these nuances, along with factors like borrower credit profiles, is crucial for making informed financing decisions. What other elements should you consider in this complex environment? Key Takeaways Multifamily loan rates are currently 5.16% for loans over $6 million and 5.60% for loans under $6 million. Retail property mortgage rates stand at 6.07% with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 75%. SBA 504 Loans have rates of 6.50% with LTVs up to 90%. Bridge loans carry higher rates at 9% due to increased risk. Conventional loan rates range from 6% to 10%, requiring down payments of 20% to 25%. Understanding Current Commercial Mortgage Rates Grasping current commercial mortgage rates is essential for anyone looking to invest in real estate or secure financing for a business property. As of December 1, 2025, multifamily loan rates are 5.16% for loans over $6 million and 5.60% for loans under that amount, both with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio up to 80%. If you’re considering retail properties, commercial retail mortgage rates sit at 6.07% with an LTV up to 75%. On the other hand, SBA 504 loans offer rates of 6.50% with an LTV up to 90%. For short-term financing, bridge loans carry higher rates of 9.00%, reflecting their associated risks. Overall, current commercial mortgage loan rates vary based on property type and borrower creditworthiness. Bank and credit union loans are currently favored because of their lower rates compared to debt funds and CMBS, which are customized for assets with long lease terms. Comprehending these rates can greatly impact your investment decisions. Factors Influencing Commercial Mortgage Rates When you’re looking into commercial mortgage rates, several key factors come into play. The type of property you’re financing can notably impact the rates, with residential properties often attracting lower rates than commercial spaces because of varying risk perceptions. Furthermore, your creditworthiness as a borrower is essential, as stronger credit profiles typically lead to more favorable loan terms and interest rates. Property Type Impact The type of property you’re investing in can greatly influence the interest rates you’ll encounter for commercial mortgage loans. Multifamily loans typically attract lower rates, with a current interest rate of 5.16% for loans over $6 million. Conversely, retail properties command higher rates, averaging around 6.07%. The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is significant; multifamily loans can reach up to 80% LTV, whereas retail loans are capped at 75%. Properties perceived as higher risk, like those with short lease terms or in less desirable locations, often face steeper rates because of instability concerns. Comprehending these factors can help you make informed investment decisions and potentially secure better financing options customized to your property type. Borrower Creditworthiness Factors Comprehending how borrower creditworthiness factors into commercial mortgage rates can considerably impact your financing options. Lenders closely evaluate your credit score, where scores above 700 typically qualify you for lower interest rates, whereas scores below 600 may lead to higher rates or even denials. Furthermore, the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) plays a significant role; a DSCR of 1.25x or higher suggests you can comfortably cover your debt payments, potentially securing better rates. Your net worth and cash liquidity are likewise assessed; having a higher net worth and readily available cash can improve your creditworthiness. Finally, demonstrating a successful track record in property management or business operations can positively influence lenders, further affecting the interest rates you receive. Types of Commercial Mortgages Available Comprehending the various types of commercial mortgages available can help you make informed decisions for your investment needs. You’ll find options like conventional loans, which usually have interest rates ranging from 6% to 10% and require a down payment of 20% to 25%. If you’re looking for competitive rates, consider SBA 504 loans, offering rates between 5% to 7% with down payments as low as 10% to 20%. For properties with long lease terms, CMBS loans are beneficial, especially since they offer non-recourse options that limit your personal liability. Finally, agency loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are ideal for financing multifamily properties, featuring lower servicing costs and interest rates typically between 5.60% to 7.15%. Each type serves different borrower needs, so it’s crucial to assess your specific situation before choosing the right mortgage. Recent Trends in Commercial Mortgage Rates As recent shifts in the commercial mortgage terrain unfold, staying updated on current rates becomes vital for potential investors. Currently, multifamily loans over $6 million have a rate of 5.16% with an 80% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, whereas those under $6 million sit at 5.60%. For commercial retail mortgages, the rate is 6.07% with a maximum LTV of 75%. These fluctuations are largely driven by the Federal Reserve‘s efforts to manage inflation, with the federal funds rate between 3.75% and 4.00%. Furthermore, CMBS loans are offering rates from 6.12% for 5-year terms to 6.81% for 10-year terms, indicating rising financing costs. Borrowers are increasingly favoring Bank of America and credit union loans, particularly for short-term deals with lower prepayment penalties, reflecting a shift in preference amid these changing market conditions. Keeping an eye on these trends will help you make informed investment decisions. Comparing Conventional and SBA Loans When considering financing options for your business, it’s essential to understand the differences between conventional loans and SBA loans. Conventional loans typically come with interest rates ranging from 6% to 10%, whereas SBA 504 loans offer more attractive rates between 5% and 7%. SBA loans require a down payment of 10%-20%, whereas conventional loans often need 20%-25%. In addition, the SBA 7(a) loan program can charge interest rates up to 12.5% with at least a 10% down payment, catering to various business needs. In terms of loan terms, conventional loans typically have shorter repayment periods of 5-10 years, whereas SBA loans can provide longer terms, helping you manage cash flow more effectively. Keep in mind that SBA loans often involve more paperwork and stricter requirements, such as demonstrating repayment ability, compared to conventional loans which may offer more flexible underwriting standards. The Role of Creditworthiness in Loan Rates Your creditworthiness plays a significant role in determining the interest rates you’ll receive on a commercial mortgage. Lenders closely examine your credit score and financial history, as a strong profile often leads to lower rates, sometimes by as much as 1%. Furthermore, factors like the Debt Service Coverage Ratio can further influence the terms you’re offered, making it crucial to maintain a solid credit standing. Impact on Interest Rates Comprehending how creditworthiness impacts interest rates is vital for anyone considering a commercial mortgage. Lenders assess your creditworthiness through various metrics, including credit scores, financial history, and the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). A higher DSCR indicates you can comfortably cover loan payments, which often results in lower interest rates. Conversely, a lower DSCR could lead to higher rates because of perceived risk. Furthermore, properties generating strong cash flow from reliable tenants can improve your creditworthiness, positively affecting the interest rates on loans secured against them. Currently, market trends show that borrowers with excellent credit profiles tend to access lower rates, as commercial mortgage rates fluctuate based on overall borrower risk assessments and economic conditions. Assessing Borrower Profiles Evaluating borrower profiles is crucial for grasping how creditworthiness influences commercial mortgage rates. Lenders assess your credit score, financial history, and business experience to determine your loan eligibility. If your Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is 1.25x or higher, it shows you have sufficient cash flow to cover mortgage payments, making you more attractive to lenders. Properties with lower Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios and higher DSCRs are perceived as less risky, which can help you negotiate better rates. A strong borrower profile not merely allows you to secure lower interest rates but additionally enables you to access larger loan amounts, as lenders view you as reliable and less likely to default. Grasping these factors can greatly impact your borrowing success. Locking in Commercial Mortgage Rates Locking in commercial mortgage rates is a critical step in securing favorable financing for your real estate investment. Most lenders in commercial real estate don’t allow you to lock in rates at the term sheet stage, so it’s crucial to engage with lenders early in the process. Typically, you can secure a rate lock once you’ve established a relationship with a lender and submitted a deposit for necessary reports. Comprehending each lender’s policies on rate locks is important, as some may allow this option whereas others won’t. Engaging with lenders early not just aids in locking in rates but also streamlines the transaction process and may lead to better terms. Moreover, be aware that market conditions and lender engagement timelines can greatly impact your ability to lock in commercial mortgage rates, which are subject to frequent changes. Always stay informed to make the best decisions for your investment. Importance of Loan-to-Value Ratios Comprehending the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is vital when maneuvering through commercial mortgages, as it directly impacts your borrowing costs and the lender’s risk assessment. A lower LTV typically means you’re viewed as a less risky borrower, potentially leading to better interest rates and terms. Conversely, if your LTV exceeds 75%, you might face higher rates because of the perceived risk, making it imperative to grasp how this metric influences your financing options. Impact on Borrowing Costs When you’re evaluating a commercial mortgage, the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio plays a key role in determining your borrowing costs. A lower LTV typically leads to more favorable interest rates, as lenders perceive less risk. Here are some important points to take into account: Multifamily loans over $6 million often have an LTV of up to 80%, with interest rates around 5.16%. Loans under $6 million at the same LTV usually see rates increase to 5.60%. Higher LTV ratios, like the SBA 504 loans at 90%, come with rates around 6.50%. Properties with lower LTVs and higher Debt Service Coverage Ratios (DSCR) can secure better pricing, resulting in significant savings over the life of the loan. Risk Assessment Factors A critical component in evaluating commercial mortgage loans is the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which considerably influences risk assessment. Lower LTVs typically indicate a less risky investment for lenders, making them more attractive. Usually, LTV ratios range from 55% to 90%, and the specific percentage depends on the loan type, property type, and borrower profile. Loans with lower LTV ratios often qualify for better pricing since they’re viewed as having a lower default risk. Conversely, a higher LTV may lead to increased interest rates and stricter loan terms, as lenders see these loans as riskier. For a thorough risk assessment, it’s vital to evaluate the LTV alongside other metrics like the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) and Debt Yield. Navigating the Application Process Maneuvering the application process for a commercial mortgage can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the requirements. To boost your chances of approval, focus on these key aspects: Documentation: Prepare a current rent roll showing at least 90% occupancy and a 12-month operating history to demonstrate cash flow. Creditworthiness: Lenders assess your credit rating, so make sure it’s strong and reflects your financial responsibility. Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): Grasp this ratio, as it indicates your ability to pay back the loan using your property’s income. Business Plan: Include a thorough business plan that outlines your strategy and comprehension of the market, which can greatly improve your application. Benefits of Working With a Commercial Mortgage Broker Working with a commercial mortgage broker offers borrowers numerous advantages that can simplify the financing process. Brokers have access to a wide range of capital sources, including banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders, enabling them to find competitive rates customized to your needs. They simplify the loan application process by providing expert guidance, ensuring you meet the necessary documentation requirements and understand various loan terms. Furthermore, brokers can negotiate better loan terms on your behalf, leveraging their relationships with lenders to secure lower rates or reduced fees, which can greatly lower your overall financing costs. With their extensive market knowledge, they can identify the most suitable loan types, such as SBA loans or CMBS options, based on your specific property and profile. Refinancing Commercial Mortgages: What to Expect Refinancing a commercial mortgage can be a strategic move to manage your financial obligations more effectively, especially in a market where interest rates are fluctuating. Nevertheless, you should prepare for some challenges along the way. Here’s what you can expect during the refinancing process: Financial Assessment: Lenders will evaluate your cash flow, net worth, and liquidity to determine your creditworthiness. Increased Costs: Rising mortgage payments may require you to inject more cash or seek equity partners, as rental income mightn’t keep pace. Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): You’ll need to take into account this ratio, as it evaluates your property’s cash flow against your debt obligations. Broker Assistance: Engaging a National Association of Mortgage Brokers can be beneficial, providing access to better financing options and terms customized to your situation. Understanding these factors can help you navigate the refinancing environment more effectively. Tips for Securing the Best Mortgage Rates When you’re looking to secure the best mortgage rates, it’s essential to approach the process with a clear strategy. First, shop around—rates can vary widely among lenders, with conventional commercial loans typically ranging from 6% to 10%. Use this variance to negotiate loan terms; well-qualified borrowers can leverage competitive offers to secure better deals. Consider working with a commercial mortgage broker, as they can simplify the loan process and provide access to exclusive financing options. Furthermore, focus on lender type—JPMorgan Chase often offer more competitive rates than alternative lenders. Your borrower profile matters too; a strong credit score and relevant business experience can considerably influence the interest rates available to you. Finally, keep an eye on economic conditions, such as Federal Reserve policies and inflation trends. Timing your application during favorable conditions can further improve your chances of securing better rates. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Current Commercial Mortgage Interest Rate? Right now, commercial mortgage interest rates vary based on the type of loan. For multifamily loans over $6 million, the rate is 5.16%, whereas loans under $6 million sit at 5.60%. If you’re looking at retail mortgages, expect a rate of 6.07%. SBA 504 loans are currently at 6.50%, and bridge loans carry a higher rate of 9.00%. Each loan type likewise has different loan-to-value ratios, affecting your financing options. What Is the Rate of Interest on a Commercial Loan? The interest rate on a commercial loan varies based on several factors, including the type of property, the borrower’s creditworthiness, and market conditions. Typically, rates can range from around 5% to as high as 14%. For instance, multifamily loans may have lower rates compared to bridge loans, which are usually more expensive because of their short-term nature. Comprehending these variables helps you make informed decisions when seeking commercial financing. Are Mortgage Rates Different for Commercial Property? Yes, mortgage rates are different for commercial properties compared to residential loans. These rates typically range from about 5% to 14%, depending on factors like the loan type and your qualifications as a borrower. For instance, multifamily loans over $6 million usually have rates around 5.16%, while retail mortgages might sit at around 6.07%. Furthermore, the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio and economic conditions can greatly affect these rates. What Is the Current Commercial Bank Interest Rate? The current commercial bank interest rate varies based on the type of loan and amount. For multifamily loans exceeding $6 million, the rate stands at 5.16%, whereas loans below that threshold have a higher rate of 5.60%. Retail mortgage rates are currently at 6.07%, and SBA 504 loans are offered at 6.50%. Bridge loans typically come with higher costs, reflecting a rate of 9.00%. Each option has specific loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending current commercial mortgage loan rates is crucial for making informed financing decisions. Rates vary greatly based on property type, loan size, and borrower profiles. By considering factors such as creditworthiness and loan-to-value ratios, you can better navigate the application process. Whether you opt for conventional loans or SBA options, working with a knowledgeable commercial mortgage broker can help you secure the best rates. Always stay informed about market trends to optimize your financing strategy. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Current Commercial Mortgage Loan Rates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Multiple reports this week revealed that General Motors is cutting hundreds of jobs in its IT department—but not with the intent to replace them outright with AI. The layoffs are reportedly impacting about 600 employees, or about 10% of the IT team, and the job cuts are partly designed to allow the company to bring on new employees with specific AI skills. General Motors has confirmed the layoffs and suggested they were part of a broader change to its IT operations. “GM is transforming its Information Technology organization to better position the company for the future,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “As part of that work, we have made the difficult decision to eliminate certain roles globally. We are grateful for the contributions of the employees affected and are committed to supporting them through this transition.” According to a TechCrunch report, General Motors is still hiring IT employees, but only those with the type of skills that would allow them to actually build AI systems rather than simply having the ability to use AI to be more productive. These layoffs are not exactly unprecedented: Over 200 salaried employees at General Motors were laid off in the fall, along with about a thousand cuts to software jobs back in 2024. (A round of sweeping job cuts last year also affected thousands of factory workers.) Each week, yet another company justifies layoffs by citing AI, as tech companies sink endless resources into shoring up their AI investments. Coinbase, Cloudflare, and PayPal all just announced job cuts and at least partly attributed them to AI. General Motors, for its part, has said little about why these layoffs were necessary, unlike the myriad employers who now explicitly reference AI. In a CNBC report, General Motors employees claimed they were notified about the job losses through a scripted video meeting with HR and were not given the opportunity to ask questions. But this round of layoffs appears to be another example of what AI-related job cuts may look like going forward: not simply slashing headcount due to productivity gains with AI, but also dismissing workers in favor of “AI natives” or employees with a particular skill set—and offering little explanation as that kind of disruption become increasingly common. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m getting a lot of applicants for jobs like welders, electricians, etc. These resumes tend to have more mistakes (think grammar and spelling errors). I’m having a hard time figuring out if a candidate’s attention to detail on the application is actually a reflection of their ability to do a good job in these jobs. I’m interested in hearing your opinions because for other positions (like admin or office) I would strongly consider the attention to detail. I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: What should I tell a student employee who asks why someone left? Is “thanks in advance” rude? The post should sloppy writing be a deal-breaker when hiring? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Wall Street’s top prosecutor says the industry helped the US recover faster than Europe from the 2008 crisisView the full article

Condé Nast now plans its business “as if search is zero” after years of Google algorithm updates and AI Overviews reducing visits to publisher websites. That’s according to CEO Roger Lynch, who was interviewed on TBPN, the tech media network that bills itself as “technology’s daily show” and was acquired by OpenAI in April. What he’s saying. Condé Nast doesn’t expect Google traffic to disappear completely, but no longer considers search a reliable channel, Lynch said: “Last year, I told our teams: assume there’s no search. You have to have your businesses planned as if search is zero.” “We don’t expect it to be zero… We expect it to be a single-digit percentage of our traffic. Very low.” The context. Lynch described a multi-year pattern where Google consistently cut publisher visibility more than expected: “Each of the last three years, we would do our budgets, and we’d put some forecasts in of search traffic declining… and then every year it was down more than we forecast.” Why did Condé Nast’s search traffic decline? In addition to algorithm updates, he blamed AI Overviews and Google’s increasingly commercial search results. Search results from seven or eight years ago showed a few sponsored links then “10 blue links.” Today, users first see AI Overviews, then “rows and rows and rows of commerce links,” Lynch said. Organic links appear much farther down the page. “It’s been great for Google,” Lynch said. A different era. Google’s changes broke the old model that companies like BuzzFeed used to turn Google and Facebook traffic into money, Lynch said. “That era is gone.” Lynch said brands caught “in the middle” are struggling most in the AI and search transition. “Today, you need to be really nailing a specific niche where you have a loyal audience that’s willing to pay and and … If you have a brand where you’re investing in the journalism, if you have to make significant investments in journalism, supporting that just with advertising is a tough place to be.” Condé Nast’s response. It has been to prioritize brands with: Strong direct audiences. Subscription potential. Clear authority in a niche or category. He also said that AI-generated “slop” could ultimately help premium publishers with trusted brands and human-created journalism. “We’re going to always have human-created content. First of all, I know it’s what our audiences expect and want. Secondly, we have no competitive advantage over just creating AI-generated content. That doesn’t leverage any of the advantages we have. And so knowing what your advantages are competitive, and really building upon that, I think is always important in any business.” Why we care. Lynch said the old model of turning search and social traffic into profitable media businesses no longer works. Publishers without loyal readers or a strong brand may struggle because Google and other platforms can change the rules at any time. The interview. Condé Nast CEO Explains Why Human Journalism Wins in the AI Era (search discussion starts around 30:28) Watch this video on YouTube View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The The President Mobile T1 phone might actually be shipping this week. That's according to USA Today, which says they received an exclusive email from The President Mobile confirming the shipment. If true, customers who preordered this golden phone may actually be getting their units imminently. According to USA Today, The President Mobile CEO Pat O'Brien confirmed that the company will start shipping pre-ordered T1 phones this week. Take that with a grain of salt, however. This news follows several rounds of delays, as the company originally advertised an August release for the T1. O'Brien says those delays "were worth it in our minds as we are delivering an amazing product." The The President Mobile CEO also tells USA Today that the phones are indeed assembled in the United States, and use parts that are "primarily manufactured in America." That's part of the "proudly American" promise of the phone, as The President Mobile's website says the T1 is "designed with American values in mind." What is the The President Mobile T1 Phone?The President Mobile's first phone seems to be like any other midrange Android device in most regards. It comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate; three rear cameras, with a 50MP main lens, a 8MP wide angle lens, and a 50MP 2x tele lens; a 50MP selfie camera; a 5,000 mAh battery with support for up to 30W of quick charging; a fingerprint sensor and "AI Face" unlock; and a Snapdragon SoC, though the company hasn't specified which chip is actually running in this device. There are two elements here that make the The President Mobile T1 stand out from other phones on the market: One is the The President branding. If you don't slap a case on this thing, everyone is going to know your stance on things, since the bottom of the phone features a large American flag with The President MOBILE embossed along the base. If that wasn't enough, there's even a The President MOBILE stamp along the cameras, as well. The back of the phone, as well as the thin bezel around the display, is gold (of course), and, according to renders, there's a The President MOBILE home screen wallpaper, should you feel you aren't displaying the phone's OEM enough already. The other unique element, of course, is that this phone is supposedly made mostly in the States. It's true that it's pretty difficult to find a smartphone that meets that description, since most devices are manufactured in large part outside the country. That said, it's definitely not 100% American-made: Snapdragon chips are manufactured by TSMC, which is based in Taiwan. Samsung makes AMOLED displays in Korea, as well. Perhaps the phones are assembled in the U.S., and use many other American-sourced parts, but, as it stands, the phone isn't entirely made in this country. The The President T1 Phone starts at $499, and the company is offering a $100 rebate if you pre-order it. Perhaps it really will launch, and you'll be able to have your very own The President-branded phone within the coming weeks. But in case you'd rather consider another midrange Android device for any number of reasons, CNET has a great list of options here. Google Pixel 10a 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) $482.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $482.99 at Amazon View the full article

Does the high price of gas have you considering a hybrid for your next vehicle? We don’t blame you, especially if you drive a lot. Fortunately, there are lots of hybrids to choose from, and many don’t cost much more than their non-hybrid counterparts. But to recoup the extra cost of a hybrid the quickest and start saving money, we don’t recommend purchasing just any hybrid. The car experts at Edmunds outline four tips that will give you the tools you need to find a hybrid that will maximize your savings. Aim for hybrids with the shortest payback periods New hybrids typically cost more than similar gas-only vehicles, so aim for a hybrid that doesn’t cost much more than its non-hybrid sibling. With this strategy, you will offset the price difference more quickly with the fuel savings a hybrid provides. For example, the SE hybrid version of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is one of Hyundai’s three-row SUVs, costs just $1,350 more than the regular Santa Fe. According to the EPA, the hybrid version can save you $850 a year in fuel costs compared to the regular Santa Fe if you drive 15,000 miles a year. So, depending on how much you drive, the fuel savings could cover the extra cost in less than two years. The Ford Maverick, which is Ford’s compact pickup, and the Lexus NX small luxury SUV are two other models that will pay you back quicker than most if you get the hybrid version. In contrast, some hybrids may take several years to recoup their extra cost. For example, a hybrid version of the Honda Civic costs $2,700 more than a comparable non-hybrid Civic, and the EPA estimates that you’ll save just $450 a year by getting the hybrid. To find out how long it will take to recover the extra cost of the hybrid you want, visit the EPA’s mpg comparison tool. But if the hybrid you want isn’t there, you can find out for yourself by comparing the price difference between the hybrid you want and the non-hybrid version of it. Then, compare the estimated annual fuel cost of each by entering the vehicles in the EPA’s fuel economy website. Find models that are mpg standouts If you aren’t worried about price differences and just want to start saving money on gas, focus on getting a vehicle with high fuel economy estimates. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a great choice for a small SUV because it comes exclusively as a hybrid and gets up to an EPA-estimated 43 mpg combined. Want something smaller than a RAV4? The Kia Niro delivers up to 53 mpg. And what if you want the most efficient hybrid for 2026? The answer is something you’ve probably heard of: the Toyota Prius. A 2026 Prius can get up to an EPA-estimated 57 mpg combined. Go used or certified pre-owned for a better deal If you’re OK with a used hybrid, then you can potentially avoid the hybrid price premium entirely. A hybrid model that has more miles or is a year or two older can cost the same or less than a comparable non-hybrid. To help offset the higher mileage or age, aim for a certified pre-owned hybrid because it typically includes an additional warranty. In some cases, you might be able to find a hybrid that’s priced the same as a non-hybrid regardless of age or mileage if it’s been on the dealership lot for an extended time. Dealerships tend to discount vehicles that aren’t selling quickly to move inventory. New three-row hybrid SUVs can save you more Hybrid-powered three-row SUVs are a great choice if you’ve got a large family and want to save on gas. There are also more hybrid models on the market than ever before. The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid SEL, for example, can save you up to $1,100 a year versus the non-hybrid version, assuming you drive 15,000 miles a year. With savings like that, you recoup the extra cost in about two years. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is another roomy three-row SUV that could pay for itself in about two years. Edmunds says Saving money is just one of the advantages of owning a hybrid. Many hybrids are also more powerful than non-hybrids and deliver a smoother driving experience. They also produce lower emissions and have less brake wear because of their regenerative braking system. This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Michael Cantu is a contributor at Edmunds. —Michael Cantu of Edmunds View the full article