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The homebuilder agreed to acquire Alliant National in a transaction announced last October, with this deal closing after the Cherry Creek mortgage purchase. View the full article

The cost-cutting task force could impact the congressionally chartered nonprofit which provides grants and lending for both homeowners and renters. View the full article

We know that independent workers are already redefining what work looks like. So why not redefine what climate action looks like, too? This Earth Day and Climate Week, we’re thinking about how freelancers are uniquely positioned to build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re working from home, biking to your local coworking space, or setting your own schedule around what matters to you, your freelance lifestyle might already be doing more for the planet than you think. Here are a few ways freelancing and sustainability go hand-in-hand, plus ideas for how you can take climate action as a member of this powerful, independent workforce. 1. Freelancers Leave a Smaller Carbon FootprintMany freelancers work remotely—which means no daily commute. Fewer hours spent sitting in traffic or riding public transit directly reduces emissions. If you work from home or a walkable coworking space, you're already contributing to cleaner air and less fuel consumption. Plus, freelance work often demands fewer office supplies, less energy use, and fewer single-use items (no more sad desk salads in plastic containers!). Minimalist work setups are not just aesthetically pleasing—they’re environmentally friendly, too. 2. You Can Build Sustainability Into Your WorkflowsAs your own boss, you get to decide how your work runs—and that means you can prioritize eco-conscious practices. Consider: Going paperless with digital contracts, invoices, and notes.Using energy-efficient devices and unplugging them when not in use.Banking green with institutions that don’t invest in fossil fuels.Sourcing sustainable materials if you’re in a creative or product-based field.Even small choices can add up when made consistently over time. 3. You Set the Culture of Your BusinessOne of the biggest advantages of freelancing? You set the values. If climate action is important to you, make that part of your brand. Share your sustainability commitments on your website, choose clients who align with your environmental ethics, or donate a portion of your earnings to climate-related causes. Need ideas? Some freelancers donate a percentage of profits to reforestation projects or carbon offset programs, or pledge “1% for the Planet.” 4. Take Action in Your CommunityLooking to get your hands dirty (in the best way)? There are plenty of ways to take direct action on the ground: Join a beach or park cleanup near you—many take place during Climate Week.Volunteer with wildlife and conservation organizations.Offer your professional skills at a discount or pro bono to environmental nonprofits (graphic design, social media, writing, and more are always in demand).Attend a climate justice rally or educational event in your area.Donate to organizations fighting fossil fuel expansion and promoting green jobs.Check out national orgs like 350.org, The Sunrise Movement, or Earthjustice, or plug into your local community for hands-on opportunities. 5. Connect with Other Climate-Conscious FreelancersYou’re not in this alone. There’s a growing movement of freelancers who care about climate justice, sustainable business, and building a better world through their work. Whether you want to start a sustainability-minded group, share resources, or simply swap ideas, there’s power in our freelance community. This Earth Day, let’s use our freelance freedom for good.As independent workers, we know how to create our own paths. Let’s make sure those paths lead to a greener, more just, and more sustainable future, for us and for generations to come. Happy Earth Day from all of us at Freelancers Union 🌎💚 View the full article

We know that independent workers are already redefining what work looks like. So why not redefine what climate action looks like, too? This Earth Day and Climate Week, we’re thinking about how freelancers are uniquely positioned to build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re working from home, biking to your local coworking space, or setting your own schedule around what matters to you, your freelance lifestyle might already be doing more for the planet than you think. Here are a few ways freelancing and sustainability go hand-in-hand, plus ideas for how you can take climate action as a member of this powerful, independent workforce. 1. Freelancers Leave a Smaller Carbon FootprintMany freelancers work remotely—which means no daily commute. Fewer hours spent sitting in traffic or riding public transit directly reduces emissions. If you work from home or a walkable coworking space, you're already contributing to cleaner air and less fuel consumption. Plus, freelance work often demands fewer office supplies, less energy use, and fewer single-use items (no more sad desk salads in plastic containers!). Minimalist work setups are not just aesthetically pleasing—they’re environmentally friendly, too. 2. You Can Build Sustainability Into Your WorkflowsAs your own boss, you get to decide how your work runs—and that means you can prioritize eco-conscious practices. Consider: Going paperless with digital contracts, invoices, and notes.Using energy-efficient devices and unplugging them when not in use.Banking green with institutions that don’t invest in fossil fuels.Sourcing sustainable materials if you’re in a creative or product-based field.Even small choices can add up when made consistently over time. 3. You Set the Culture of Your BusinessOne of the biggest advantages of freelancing? You set the values. If climate action is important to you, make that part of your brand. Share your sustainability commitments on your website, choose clients who align with your environmental ethics, or donate a portion of your earnings to climate-related causes. Need ideas? Some freelancers donate a percentage of profits to reforestation projects or carbon offset programs, or pledge “1% for the Planet.” 4. Take Action in Your CommunityLooking to get your hands dirty (in the best way)? There are plenty of ways to take direct action on the ground: Join a beach or park cleanup near you—many take place during Climate Week.Volunteer with wildlife and conservation organizations.Offer your professional skills at a discount or pro bono to environmental nonprofits (graphic design, social media, writing, and more are always in demand).Attend a climate justice rally or educational event in your area.Donate to organizations fighting fossil fuel expansion and promoting green jobs.Check out national orgs like 350.org, The Sunrise Movement, or Earthjustice, or plug into your local community for hands-on opportunities. 5. Connect with Other Climate-Conscious FreelancersYou’re not in this alone. There’s a growing movement of freelancers who care about climate justice, sustainable business, and building a better world through their work. Whether you want to start a sustainability-minded group, share resources, or simply swap ideas, there’s power in our freelance community. This Earth Day, let’s use our freelance freedom for good.As independent workers, we know how to create our own paths. Let’s make sure those paths lead to a greener, more just, and more sustainable future, for us and for generations to come. Happy Earth Day from all of us at Freelancers Union 🌎💚 View the full article

The partnership between alternative investment managers adds to signs investors see the private mortgage market as attractive, albeit not immune to risk. View the full article

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a health alert for a pre-cooked, frozen pork carnitas product sold at Aldi grocery stores that “may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically pieces of metal.” Cargill Meat Solutions manufactures the product for Aldi exclusively, so it was only sold at Aldi stores. According to the USDA, the product was shipped to Aldi stores nationwide, so the alert applies to all U.S. locations. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? To be clear, the USDA’s Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert, not a recall, “because this product is no longer available for sale in commerce.” The problem was discovered during routine maintenance when Cargill found equipment damage may have contaminated the carnitas product with metal pieces. There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of these products. (Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.) How do I know if I bought the affected pork product? The fully cooked, sleeved tray packages were produced from April 1 to 2, 2025. The health alert applies to products with the following details: Name: Pork Carnitas Seasoned & Seared Pork with Juices Slow Cooked with Citrus Size: 16-oz tray Use-by dates: June 30, 2025 or July 1, 2025 Establishment number: 46049 What should I do if I bought the pork product? Consumers who have purchased the affected products should thrown them away or return them to Aldi. Although this product is no longer available for sale, FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers can contact Cargill’s Consumer Hotline at 844-419-1574 with any questions. Those with food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline by calling the toll-free number 888-674-6854, or via email here. View the full article

The rate of new home sales picked up by 14% from the month prior, data provided by the Mortgage Bankers Association shows. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. National home prices have risen by 1.2% year-over-year from March 2024 to March 2025, according to the Zillow Home Value Index, a decelerated rate from the 4.6% year-over-year rate last spring. However, not every housing market is seeing rising home prices. Among the nation’s 300 largest metro-area housing markets, 60 markets are seeing falling home prices on a year-over-year basis. That’s up from 42 markets in February and 31 markets in January. While home prices continue to rise in regions with tight inventory—such as much of the Northeast and Midwest—many housing markets in states like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, where inventory has now surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels, are experiencing modest home price corrections, according to ResiClub’s latest analysis. These year-over-year declines are evident in major metros such as Austin (-4.6%); Tampa (-4.5%); San Antonio (-2.7%); Phoenix (-2.5%); Dallas (-2.4%); Jacksonville, Florida (-2.3%); Orlando (-2.2%); New Orleans (-1.9%); Atlanta (-1.8%); and Miami (-1.5%). The markets seeing the most softness, where homebuyers are gaining leverage, are primarily located in Sun Belt regions, particularly the Gulf Coast and Mountain West. These areas saw major price surges during the pandemic housing boom, with home price growth outpacing local income levels. As pandemic-driven migration slowed and mortgage rates rose, markets like Tampa and Austin faced challenges, relying on local income levels to support frothy home prices. This softening trend is further compounded by an abundance of new home supply in the Sun Belt. Builders are often willing to lower prices or offer affordability incentives to maintain sales, which also has a cooling effect on the resale market. Some buyers, who would have previously considered existing homes, are now opting for new homes with more favorable deals. Will this softening continue this year? It looks like it. A key indicator to watch will be active inventory levels. If weaker markets like Tampa continue to see substantial increases in active inventory—already above pre-pandemic levels—it may signal ongoing softening, potentially creating more opportunities for homebuyers. View the full article

Ultra HDR is a cool image format. Like traditional HDR, this format packs more image data into each media file, which translates into brighter highlights, darker shadows, and more vibrant colors. However, Ultra HDR files also contain the standard dynamic range (SDR) version of the image as well. That way, you can share Ultra HDR files with friends who don't have HDR-compatible displays, and the image will show up just fine. But there's a difference between being able to display an Ultra HDR image on a non-HDR display and converting an SDR image to HDR (or Ultra HDR, for that matter). Traditionally, the latter has been a more complicated endeavor, and not something offered through easy means to consumers. If you wanted your images to have a high dynamic range, you needed to shoot in HDR from the start. As it happens, Google Photos is changing those rules. Android Authority reported that Google is now rolling out an option to its default photo app to let users upgrade their SDR images to Ultra HDR. Here's how it works. How to convert images to Ultra HDR in Google PhotosThere are two things that need to happen before you can try out the new option. First, you need to be running Google Photos version 7.24.0.747539053 or newer. Second, Google needs to update your app with the feature itself. This is what's known as a server-side update, as the feature isn't something necessarily contained in a specific software version. If you're running the right version, Google can then update your app on its end, and include the option for you to use. In other words, if your Google Photos app is fully updated and you still don't see the new option, wait a bit for the update to roll out. Once the feature does land on your version of Google Photos, open an image, then tap Edit launch the editor. Here, scroll left on the tools along the bottom of the display, then tap Adjust. You'll find the new "Ultra HDR" option in this menu, replacing the "HDR Effect" option that was previously available in the editor. In Android Authority's testing, the image is clearly labeled as "Ultra HDR," which you can find adjacent to the photo's resolution and size information. Speaking of file size, Ultra HDR images may end up smaller than the original image you were working with, since the gain map (very simply, the HDR data of the image) is smaller than the original photo. If you want to make sure you preserve the full information of the image, it might be a good idea to save the original photo after applying the effect—even if it does cost you a bit of storage. View the full article

Fast Company is the official media partner of Summit Detroit. Summit is an organization that hosts global ideas conferences and immersive experiences. And the programming is always grounded by six core pillars: thought leadership, health and happiness, performance arts, culinary arts, fine art, and impact—all with the express intention to inspire deep attendee presence and build long-term connections both professionally and personally. “Many of our Summit community members are building and running large high-profile companies, managing teams, and are surrounded by people and things to do. But our business leaders often feel incredibly lonely in their pursuits,” says Jody Levy, CEO and global director of Summit. “There’s an impact to a Summit gathering that invites commonality and allows these types of high-octane doers the chance to meet one another, relate to one another, and forge lifelong professional and personal friendships.” This June 5-8, Summit lands in Detroit with an array of speakers, teachers, and artists who will bring their unique perspectives to Summit’s programming pillars. Thought leadership and impact Summit community members will be immersed in thoughtful discussions with prolific business and technology leaders including Ev Williams, co-founder of Twitter, Medium, and Mozi; Franz von Holzhausen, chief designer at Tesla; Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rocket Companies; Tim Urban, cofounder of the podcast Wait But Why; futurist Pablos Holman; and many more. For those steeped in social justice, impact, and the humanities, Summit is curating a series of special sessions with influential leaders including Dr. Bernice A. King; Ashley Bell, founder and CEO of fintech platform Ready Life; and former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones discussing his investment in Holladay Bank & Trust, which will become the first Black-owned commercial bank through acquisition. Throughout Summit’s programming are sessions that pull from the past to help illustrate the future. For example, Eames Demetrios will take the stage to discuss the legacy of his grandparents, Charles and Ray Eames—widely considered among the most influential American designers of the 20th century—and their longstanding connection to Detroit and their manufacturing innovations born out of wartime. “There’s such a direct correlation to this moment that we are in,” Levy says. “There’s an opportunity to reinvent not just how we do things but the materials we use, the manufacturing methods we have access to, and how we will reinvent to sustain a complex manufacturing future.” Health and happiness Summit’s lineup within its health and happiness pillar includes author and psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb; medical diagnostic entrepreneur and cofounder and CEO of Function Health, Jonathan Swerdlin; integrative medicine practitioner Dr. Linda Lancaster; and death expert Elena Brower. There will also be movement modalities and interactive workshops with Primal Moves from Ibiza, Spain; an African- and Caribbean-inspired dance workshop led by Stacy Letrice; and fitness and yoga sessions with acclaimed instructors including Melissa Levy, Jacey Cunningham, Kim Strother, and Ally Bogard. Performing and fine arts Underscoring Summit’s focus on fine art and the importance of live performance are immersive experiences including a conversation on the art of resilience from legendary choreographer and director Bill T. Jones; evening comedy sets from Ben Gleib (yes, he does “roast the entrepreneurs,” Levy promises); and live performances by The Wailers, Aluna, Coco & Breezy, LP Giobbi, Moodymann, and Tony Touch, as well as a popup experience with vinyl listening bar Dante’s HiFi. Culinary arts And it wouldn’t be a Summit event without a culinary track, more specifically one that centers Detroit’s culinary renaissance. Featured this year are Javier Bardauil, chef and owner of Barda and Puma Detroit, specializing in Argentinian cuisine; Brad Greenhill, executive chef and co-owner of Takoi, a popular Thai-inspired eatery; Warda Bouguettaya, owner of the James Beard Award-winning bakery Warda Pâtisserie; Alexandra Clark, founder and head chocolatier of Bon Bon Bon Chocolate; and Hamisi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, owners of the East African restaurants Waka and Baobab Fare. Despite the structure of Summit’s programming pillars, Levy notes no one has to stick to one track or interest. A typical day at Summit can take on a variety of explorations. “Our community doesn’t come to sit in a space and be a voyeur at a talk. They’re in it, in flow, they get to participate, let their curiosity lead, and the true lessons and connections often happen in the in-betweens, before and after sessions, on walks to venues, meetups, mixers, in line for lattes,” she says. “We get to create an environment for our people to have the choose-your-own-adventure that makes each Summit so unique.” Adding to what makes this Summit event distinctive is its host city of Detroit. “Detroit, at this moment, in this time, is thriving,” Levy says. “There are so many people that have come in from around the world: artists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, founders, investors, chefs from all over the globe, musical talent, explorers. There is this thriving creator economy in Detroit that matches the curious and experimental spirit of Summit.” Learn more about Summit and apply to attend Summit Detroit this June 5-8, 2025. Tickets start at $4,750. View the full article

True crime podcasts have been in the zeitgeist for quite some time, but those focusing on scams seem to get less mainstream attention than their bloody, murder-heavy counterparts. I’ve gathered recommendations for the best, most fascinating scam podcasts on the digital airwaves right now. Catch up, follow along, then pick your jaw off the floor as you learn the shocking ways some truly manipulative people were able to take advantage of the most vulnerable, robbing them of their money, friendship, and trust. From mysterious boys emerging from the wild to con a whole town, to an entrepreneur bilking investors out of millions of dollars for bunk science, each of these true life tales is dripping with lies and deceit. The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby Credit: 'The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby' The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby is a six-part true crime series looking into the case of Kaitlyn Braun, a calculating Canadian woman who pretended to have a series of traumatic events (like pregnancy loss and sexual assault) in order to trick doulas to care for her. Host Sarah Treleaven tells us the story, focusing on the emotional impact it had on Kaitlyn’s victims to be taken advantage of for supporting others, something that requires such physical and emotional connection and vulnerability. Your eyes will widen, your heart rate will quicken—I even got a little terrified. The story of Kaitlyn's schemes can start to feel like a horror movie. Sea of Lies Credit: 'Sea of Lies' From the same host of Wild Boys (one of my favorite shows on this list!) comes Sea of Lies, a show about the prolific swindler Albert Walker, whose list of swindles includes stealing identities, defrauding people of millions of dollars, and murder. It starts with a huge splash (more specifically, a dead body in an ocean) and ends with Walker getting caught thanks to a Rolex watch, taking you on this zig-zagging path that will keep you guessing the whole time. The storytelling is excellent; you won’t be able to get to the next episode fast enough. Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story Credit: 'Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story' Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story introduces us to the life and crimes of Coco Berthmann, who gained internet fame by sharing her harrowing account of surviving child sex trafficking in Germany. When she was arrested for fraudulently raising funds under the guise of a false cancer diagnosis (someone got carried away!) people started wondering if they could believe her at all. This is a complex story well told with meticulous original reporting from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sara Ganim and award-winning showrunner Karen Given, who map out exactly which of Coco’s stories to believe and which to distrust—and why, at the root of everything, Coco lied in the first place. Believe In Magic Credit: 'Believe in Magic' For Believe in Magic, Jamie Bartlett (who also hosts The Missing Cryptoqueen) tells the story of Megan Bhari, a 16-year-old who founded a charity in 2012 to grant wishes to seriously ill children. Things really blew up for Megan when the band One Direction hosted a charity ball and Louis Tomlinson donated money from his own pockets. Eventually people started to notice contradictions in her illness story and the lack of transparency in how donation money was being used. In the end it’s an emotional, fascinating, and well-balanced story about Munchausen syndrome by proxy and what drives people to scams with fake altruism. Scamanda Credit: 'Scamanda' Amanda Riley, aka Scamanda, is a California woman who faked a long battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and used her blog and social media to solicit more than $100,000 in donations over almost 10 years. Amanda claimed to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and even a bone marrow transplant, which brought in sympathy and financial support from her church and community, who saw Amanda as a source of inspiration. It all came to a head when investigative producer Nancy Moscatiello got an anonymous tip about Amanda's blog, prompting an eight-year investigation that ultimately led to Amanda’s five-year prison sentence. Amanda’s blog posts, read by actor Kendall Horn in the podcast, give us an idea of what she was really thinking. Scam Factory Credit: 'Scam Factory' Scam Factory tells the story of a network of people tangled up in a compound in Myanmar that lures people inside with promises of high salaries and then enslaves them making it nearly impossible to get out. When a guy, they call him “Max,” gets suckered in, his sister Charlie needs to do some dangerous and unethical things to try to get him out—Charlie must play the game and become part of the scam factory herself, luring strangers into the factory for the sake of her family. If you’ve ever heard a story about toxic, cult-y situations and wondered, “no really, how does this happen to someone?” this show explains it perfectly. The Binge Cases: Baby Broker Credit: 'The Binge Cases' If you’re among one of the many people swept away by the viral story of Kaitlyn’s Baby, you might like the Baby Broker series of The Binge Cases, which tells the story of Tara Lee, a woman who told more than 100 couples across the country that she could help them adopt a baby but was lying the whole time. Peter McDonnell spoke with some of the couples who were impacted, which are all fascinating and often cross paths. Wild Boys Credit: 'Wild Boys' It’s the summer of 2003 in the small Canadian town of Vernon, and two teen boys emerge from the wilderness. They claimed to have been raised in the British Columbia wilderness and grown up without exposure to society—no TV, no school, no registered IDs. Journalist Sam Mullins grew up in Vernon and can remember the impact the boys made and how the Vernon community embraced them with open arms, housing them, feeding them, and checking in on them. But things weren’t adding up—one of the boys was extremely thin and would only eat fruit, and they both had huge gaps in their conflicting stories. Despite all the red flags, everyone was surprised to learn that nothing the wild boys said was true. Sam tells the story of the con that stunned Vernonites in Wild Boys and explores why two young kids would go to such great lengths to run away to establish an incredible identity in another country. Maintenance Phase Credit: 'Maintenance Phase' Maintenance Phase doesn’t appear, at first glance, to be a show about scams. In each episode, Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes (formerly of You’re Wrong About) examine fads in the wellness and weight loss industry with a fine-toothed comb, and help us splice fact from fiction. The things they cover—fat camps, the BMI, Olestra, and the Keto Diet—do usually end up, upon closer inspection, to be riddled with scams, from the unethical way products are marketed to the bunk science used to support their claims. Aubry and Michael deliver disturbing insight into the ways we’re all being tricked, but their spark and sense of humor makes the show a total blast to listen to. They are experts at getting angry—and it feels good to get angry along with them. The Missing Cryptoqueen Credit: 'The Missing Cryptoqueen' Crypto is mysterious, so it seems only natural that people have fallen prey to one crypto scam after another. The Missing Cryptoqueen tells a whopper of a crypto scam story, perhaps the biggest in the industry’s short history. In 2014, Bulgarian entrepreneur Dr. Ruja Ignatova launched a cryptocurrency that she hoped would out-do BitCoin, called OneCoin. She lured investors from 175 countries into cashing in on the order of a collective $4 billion—and vanished. Peeling back the curtain, Jamie Bartlett and Georgia Catt of BBC Sounds discovered that OneCoin was a Ponzi scheme—there was no blockchain and no trading exchange, just a bunch of servers in Bulgaria. Ignatova disappeared in October 2017 with all of the loot, and hasn’t been seen since. On The Missing Cryptoqueen, Bartlett and Catt detail how she pulled off her con, and track the ongoing hunt to find her. The Dream Credit: 'The Dream' Season one of The Dream was about multilevel marketing schemes, but season two zooms into the world of wellness and the lofty promises made by some of the industry’s shadiest purveyors. This American Life alum Jane Marie, along with producer Dann Gallucci, challenge the ethics of crystals, vitamins, supplements, and more, separating fact from fiction in each episode. Jane Marie adds a personal touch to her research by including personal stories: of how her own childhood brain injury impacted her view on the wellness industry, of an aunt who has been hypnotized by a popular essential oil company, and of a friend who is still trying to sell her Thirty-One bags. Pretend Credit: 'Pretend' Have you heard the one about the woman who became entangled in a con with people who she thought were her cousins, but who all ended up being the same person—her catfishing friend? Or the one about the real-life Truman Show, which left one unsuspecting guy living a lie with a bunch of actors? What about the one about the prank caller who pretended to be a police officer and used his power to get fast food managers to strip-search female employees, forcing them to jog naked, do jumping jacks, and perform other humiliating acts? These are the stories told on Pretend, as Javier Leiva interviews swindlers, snake oil salesmen, and cult leaders, and tells some of the most unbelievable stories that the other con podcasts aren’t talking about—often in great depth, with investigations spanning several episodes or a whole miniseries. Sympathy Pains Credit: 'Sympathy Pains' Sympathy Pains is a six-part medical con story hosted by Laura Beil (Dr. Death, Bad Batch) about a woman who faked multiple illnesses—from cancer, to muscular dystrophy, to Ebola—and created a tragic backstory about being the mom to a child who had died. But none of it was true. She didn’t just want her victims’ money, she wanted their friendship and sympathy, and became a master in targeting people who she knew would drop everything for her, even when her stories started to crack. This is one of the most unusual con stories you’ll ever hear, and the best twist comes in the final episode. The Dropout Credit: 'The Dropout' By now, you’ve almost certainly heard of the scheme perpetrated by Elizabeth Holmes (or watched the Hulu docudrama about it). She’s the modern day poster child of scam artists, pulling millions of dollars from investors for her health technology company that promised to have revolutionized blood testing, but was built on faulty science with zero valuation. You could read the book or watch the show to understand Holmes’ life and her complicated con, but The Dropout, a podcast from ABC News’ Rebecca Jarvis, fleshes out the reporter’s multi-year investigation with never-before-aired deposition testimony from Holmes and those at the center of the story, and includes exclusive interviews with former employees, investors, and patients. The story of how one alluring woman went from being called “The Next Steve Jobs” to finding herself facing criminal charges demands the kind of scrutiny this long form podcasts offers. California City Credit: 'California City' California City is located deep in the Mojave Desert, 100 miles north of L.A., a place that once held the promise of the American dream—thousands were told that if they bought land there, they would certainly get rich one day. At least 73,000 hopeful people poured hundreds of millions of dollars into California City, only to find out too late that the land was worthless. They would spend years trying to get their money back. In this series, Emily Guerin travels to California City with a mic and a mission to find the people responsible for the con, and winds up enmeshed in conversations with real estate developers trying to sweep the truth under the rug, as well as the people who share heartbreaking stories of giving everything they had, chasing a dream that would never be realized. View the full article

Google will now allow relevant Search ads from advertisers who showed amongst top ads to also participate in the bottom ads auction. As a reminder, the definition of top ads changed about a year ago, as Google began mixing ads in various organic positions throughout the search results. With this change, Google also reminded us that it updated its unfair ads policy (i.e. double serving) to say this is not double serving. Google added the words, “in a single ad location,” as an exception to the policy last March after Google was caught double serving ads under its old definition. What Google said. Google wrote: Today, we’re sharing more about a recent change we made to deliver more relevant Search ads at the bottom of the search results page. When someone searches on Google, we run different auctions for each ad location where we show Search ads—for example top ads are selected by a different Search ad auction from ads that show in other ad locations. Until now, Search ads from a given advertiser were generally restricted to a single ad location on a given page. Recently, we started looking deeply at the user experience with ads lower down the page and observed something interesting. Often, users would scroll past the top results to review content lower down the page, but then scroll back up if they found top results more relevant relative to content further below. To help reduce this friction and improve ad relevance lower down the page, we will now allow relevant Search ads from advertisers who showed amongst top ads to also participate in the bottom ads auction. This means a user scrolling lower down the page might see a highly relevant ad from the same advertiser, but not necessarily the exact same content they saw earlier. We tested this for several months and found that allowing advertisers who showed amongst top ads to also compete in the bottom auction increased rates of highly relevant ads by about 10%1 and increased bottom ad conversions by about 14%2, improving both the user experience and advertiser value lower down the page. Google’s FAQ. Google also posted a Q&A on these changes: 1. Is Google Ads changing its policy around double serving for Search Ads? No. The unfair advantage policy for Search ads applies to ads that compete with each other to show in a single ad location and we recently updated our language to make this clearer. With this change, we are allowing advertisers who show up in the top ad location to also be eligible for ad locations further down the page. However, within a single ad location (either top or bottom), we will continue to apply and enforce the existing policy. 2. How will this change affect the Search ads auction? With this change, we will now allow relevant Search ads from advertisers who showed amongst top ads to also participate in the bottom ads auction. There are no changes to the auction that we run for top ads. Advertisers will continue to never bid against themselves with this change either in the top or bottom auction. 3. Will the same ad always appear at both the top and bottom of the search results? No. We show the most relevant Search ad for each specific placement on the Search results page, whether it’s at the top or the bottom. The specific ad content shown to the user may be similar or different from the top to best suit the context of the bottom placement. 4. Does this change loosen query matching or ad load constraints? No, our query matching systems and controls remain the same, as do our guidelines around the number of top ads we show on the page. This change is solely focused on the bottom of the page. 5. How can I understand the impact of this change? This change, which will provide more opportunities for relevant Search ads at the bottom of the page, may impact your overall metrics. To understand the impact on your campaigns, we recommend that you segment your metrics by “Top vs. other” if you’re interested in understanding performance for different ad locations. The search terms report will continue to show query-level clicks, whether your ads are clicked on in top or bottom locations. 6. How do I best prepare for this change? Since this update provides more opportunities for relevant Search ads to be seen, ensure your keywords, ad copy, and landing pages are well-themed with what users are searching for. As more opportunities become available at the bottom of the page, you will likely see higher conversion volume at your current targets. We recommend using bid simulator tools to explore potential performance changes and adjust your bids or targets strategically. Why we care. Google has been testing various changes to ad positions within its search results for the past couple of years. Google has been happy with the results of those tests and thus continues to allow the same or similar ad, from the same advertiser, in multiple ad locations throughout the search results. I believe many advertisers are happy about this new policy but some may not be. Either way, you need to be aware of these newish Google Ads rules. View the full article

Key Takeaways Role and Importance: A project champion drives project success by aligning initiatives with organizational goals and fostering team collaboration.Key Responsibilities: Their main duties include advocacy for the project, resource management, risk assessment, and conflict resolution to ensure smooth project execution.Effective Leadership: Strong leadership skills, effective communication, and problem-solving expertise are essential traits that set a project champion apart within a team.Benefits of Advocacy: By securing necessary resources and enhancing communication, project champions significantly improve project outcomes and team dynamics.Challenges and Solutions: Project champions face challenges such as resource limitations and resistance to change, which can be mitigated through enhanced communication, collaboration, and technology adoption. In the fast-paced world of project management, having a project champion can make all the difference. This key role not only drives the project forward but also ensures that it aligns with the organization’s goals. A project champion is your go-to person for navigating challenges and rallying support from stakeholders, making it essential for project success. You might be wondering what exactly sets a project champion apart from other team members. It’s their unique blend of passion, influence, and strategic thinking that empowers them to advocate for the project and inspire the team. Understanding the significance of this role can help you unlock the full potential of your projects and achieve outstanding results. Understanding the Role of a Project Champion A project champion serves as a key driver in project management, ensuring alignment with your business goals and enhancing team productivity. This individual plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and guiding the project toward successful outcomes. Definition of a Project Champion A project champion is a person who advocates for a project within your organization. This role includes promoting the project’s vision and securing the necessary resources for its success. They possess a deep understanding of project management principles and contribute to strategic planning, ensuring the project aligns with your overarching business strategy. Key Responsibilities Advocacy: Champions advocate for the project to stakeholders, highlighting its value and importance in achieving business objectives. Resource Allocation: Champions identify and secure funding, technology solutions, and personnel essential for project completion. Team Collaboration: Champions foster teamwork by facilitating communication among team members and encouraging collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency. Risk Management: Champions assess potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring your project stays on track. Performance Monitoring: Champions track project milestones and performance metrics, utilizing data analysis to optimize workflows and adjust strategies. Conflict Resolution: Champions address conflicts that arise during the project, promoting problem-solving and maintaining team morale. Stakeholder Engagement: Champions maintain regular communication with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure their interests are aligned with project goals, enhancing customer retention. By understanding the project champion’s role and responsibilities, you can leverage this position to drive your projects towards successful completion and foster business growth. Importance of a Project Champion A project champion plays a vital role in the success of a project within your small business. This individual drives initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall business goals. Benefits to Project Success Alignment and Goal Setting: A project champion clarifies objectives, ensuring the project aligns with your business strategy. This clarity fosters team focus and accountability. Resource Management: Effective resource allocation falls under their purview. They monitor budgeting, ensuring resources are available to meet project timelines and maintain operational efficiency. Obstacle Management: Project champions proactively identify risks and potential obstacles. By managing these threats, they maintain project momentum and improve overall productivity. Enhanced Communication: A project champion facilitates communication among team members and stakeholders. They provide timely updates, ensuring everyone stays informed about project status and decisions. Impact on Team Dynamics Fostering Collaboration: Project champions encourage teamwork, cultivating a collaborative environment that promotes employee engagement. This collaboration enhances workflow and improves employee management. Conflict Resolution: They address conflicts swiftly, using their problem-solving skills to maintain team harmony. Effective conflict resolution contributes to a more productive atmosphere. Empowering Team Members: A project champion develops team capabilities through delegation and employee training. They empower individuals to take ownership of tasks, boosting morale and promoting business growth. Improving Performance: By regularly monitoring performance and providing feedback, project champions enhance team outputs. This improvement leads to better project outcomes and supports overall business objectives. Qualities of an Effective Project Champion Effective project champions embody specific qualities that can drive small business success. These qualities enhance team dynamics, empower employees, and ensure projects align with business goals. Leadership Skills A project champion showcases strong leadership skills that inspire and motivate your team. They establish clear goals, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. They maintain organizational credibility by knowing key players and building trust. Setting a sense of urgency fuels productivity and encourages timely delivery of project milestones. A project champion challenges the team with innovative ideas, fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability. By leveraging effective leadership, they contribute to improved workflow and overall project management. Communication Abilities Excellent communication skills are vital for a project champion, ensuring seamless interaction among all stakeholders. They provide regular updates on project status, addressing any ups and downs that may arise. Communicating project objectives clearly helps align the team’s efforts with the broader business strategy. By fostering open channels of communication, a project champion enhances collaboration and effective employee management. Their ability to convey complex information in a digestible format ensures that all team members, from executives to individual contributors, stay informed and engaged. Problem-Solving Expertise Problem-solving expertise sets a project champion apart in navigating challenges that arise during project execution. They identify potential risks early, employing proactive risk management strategies to mitigate impacts. When obstacles occur, their decision-making abilities allow them to find efficient solutions quickly. A project champion enhances operational efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation, ultimately contributing to budget adherence and time management. Their focus on problem-solving enables your small business to adapt to dynamic environments, maintaining momentum toward business growth. Challenges Faced by Project Champions Project champions encounter significant challenges that can hinder the progress and success of the project. These obstacles require careful management and strategic planning to overcome. Common Obstacles Lack of Resources: Insufficient funding, personnel, or equipment can severely impact your project’s advancement. Limited resources restrict your ability to execute essential tasks and strategies effectively. For small businesses, navigating budgeting constraints is crucial in securing necessary resources. Resistance to Change: Stakeholders or team members may hesitate to embrace new ideas or processes. This resistance often stems from concerns about altering established routines or a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of change. Cultural barriers within your organization can further complicate the adoption of innovative business processes. Strategies for Overcoming Challenges Enhance Communication: Use strong communication skills to present the project’s vision clearly and address any concerns from stakeholders. Maintaining open lines of communication fosters teamwork and eases transitions during implementation. Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among team members to build buy-in for new initiatives. Engaging employees in the decision-making process can reduce resistance and enhance productivity while improving employee management and morale. Prioritize Training: Invest in employee training and development to build the necessary skills for adopting new technologies and processes. This commitment to employee growth boosts confidence and capacity, addressing gaps in knowledge that may lead to resistance. Implement Technology Solutions: Leverage technology tools that streamline workflows and enhance project management. Adopting software solutions can improve budgeting, time management, and data analysis, driving operational efficiency in your business. Use Risk Management Techniques: Identify potential obstacles early and use risk management strategies to mitigate them. By developing contingency plans, you create a flexible approach to adapt to challenges as they arise, ensuring project continuity. By addressing these common challenges strategically, you can position your project champion effectively within your small business, driving successful outcomes and promoting business growth. Conclusion Embracing the role of a project champion can significantly elevate your project’s success. By advocating for your team’s vision and fostering collaboration, you create an environment where everyone feels valued. Your ability to navigate challenges and maintain focus on organizational goals is crucial in driving projects forward. Remember that the qualities of a project champion—leadership, communication, and problem-solving—are essential for inspiring your team. As you work to overcome obstacles and enhance team dynamics, you’ll not only improve project outcomes but also contribute to your organization’s growth. Prioritizing this role can unlock the full potential of your projects and lead to exceptional results. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of a project champion in project management? A project champion acts as a key advocate for a project, promoting its vision and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. They secure resources, encourage team collaboration, manage risks, and resolve conflicts, ultimately driving the project toward success. Why are project champions important for small businesses? In small businesses, project champions clarify objectives, manage resources efficiently, and identify obstacles proactively. They enhance communication, foster collaboration among team members, and empower employees, leading to improved project outcomes and supporting overall business growth. What qualities make an effective project champion? An effective project champion possesses strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and problem-solving expertise. These qualities inspire and motivate the team, ensure seamless stakeholder interaction, and facilitate effective navigation through challenges. What challenges do project champions face? Project champions often encounter challenges such as limited resources and resistance to change. These obstacles can hinder project success and require strategic approaches to overcome, including improving communication, fostering collaboration, and implementing effective training. How can project champions overcome challenges? Project champions can address challenges by enhancing communication among team members, fostering collaboration, prioritizing relevant training, leveraging technology, and applying risk management techniques. These strategies help ensure successful project outcomes and promote organizational growth. Image Via Envato This article, "The Essential Role of a Project Champion in Driving Project Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Role and Importance: A project champion drives project success by aligning initiatives with organizational goals and fostering team collaboration.Key Responsibilities: Their main duties include advocacy for the project, resource management, risk assessment, and conflict resolution to ensure smooth project execution.Effective Leadership: Strong leadership skills, effective communication, and problem-solving expertise are essential traits that set a project champion apart within a team.Benefits of Advocacy: By securing necessary resources and enhancing communication, project champions significantly improve project outcomes and team dynamics.Challenges and Solutions: Project champions face challenges such as resource limitations and resistance to change, which can be mitigated through enhanced communication, collaboration, and technology adoption. In the fast-paced world of project management, having a project champion can make all the difference. This key role not only drives the project forward but also ensures that it aligns with the organization’s goals. A project champion is your go-to person for navigating challenges and rallying support from stakeholders, making it essential for project success. You might be wondering what exactly sets a project champion apart from other team members. It’s their unique blend of passion, influence, and strategic thinking that empowers them to advocate for the project and inspire the team. Understanding the significance of this role can help you unlock the full potential of your projects and achieve outstanding results. Understanding the Role of a Project Champion A project champion serves as a key driver in project management, ensuring alignment with your business goals and enhancing team productivity. This individual plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and guiding the project toward successful outcomes. Definition of a Project Champion A project champion is a person who advocates for a project within your organization. This role includes promoting the project’s vision and securing the necessary resources for its success. They possess a deep understanding of project management principles and contribute to strategic planning, ensuring the project aligns with your overarching business strategy. Key Responsibilities Advocacy: Champions advocate for the project to stakeholders, highlighting its value and importance in achieving business objectives. Resource Allocation: Champions identify and secure funding, technology solutions, and personnel essential for project completion. Team Collaboration: Champions foster teamwork by facilitating communication among team members and encouraging collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency. Risk Management: Champions assess potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring your project stays on track. Performance Monitoring: Champions track project milestones and performance metrics, utilizing data analysis to optimize workflows and adjust strategies. Conflict Resolution: Champions address conflicts that arise during the project, promoting problem-solving and maintaining team morale. Stakeholder Engagement: Champions maintain regular communication with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure their interests are aligned with project goals, enhancing customer retention. By understanding the project champion’s role and responsibilities, you can leverage this position to drive your projects towards successful completion and foster business growth. Importance of a Project Champion A project champion plays a vital role in the success of a project within your small business. This individual drives initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall business goals. Benefits to Project Success Alignment and Goal Setting: A project champion clarifies objectives, ensuring the project aligns with your business strategy. This clarity fosters team focus and accountability. Resource Management: Effective resource allocation falls under their purview. They monitor budgeting, ensuring resources are available to meet project timelines and maintain operational efficiency. Obstacle Management: Project champions proactively identify risks and potential obstacles. By managing these threats, they maintain project momentum and improve overall productivity. Enhanced Communication: A project champion facilitates communication among team members and stakeholders. They provide timely updates, ensuring everyone stays informed about project status and decisions. Impact on Team Dynamics Fostering Collaboration: Project champions encourage teamwork, cultivating a collaborative environment that promotes employee engagement. This collaboration enhances workflow and improves employee management. Conflict Resolution: They address conflicts swiftly, using their problem-solving skills to maintain team harmony. Effective conflict resolution contributes to a more productive atmosphere. Empowering Team Members: A project champion develops team capabilities through delegation and employee training. They empower individuals to take ownership of tasks, boosting morale and promoting business growth. Improving Performance: By regularly monitoring performance and providing feedback, project champions enhance team outputs. This improvement leads to better project outcomes and supports overall business objectives. Qualities of an Effective Project Champion Effective project champions embody specific qualities that can drive small business success. These qualities enhance team dynamics, empower employees, and ensure projects align with business goals. Leadership Skills A project champion showcases strong leadership skills that inspire and motivate your team. They establish clear goals, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. They maintain organizational credibility by knowing key players and building trust. Setting a sense of urgency fuels productivity and encourages timely delivery of project milestones. A project champion challenges the team with innovative ideas, fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability. By leveraging effective leadership, they contribute to improved workflow and overall project management. Communication Abilities Excellent communication skills are vital for a project champion, ensuring seamless interaction among all stakeholders. They provide regular updates on project status, addressing any ups and downs that may arise. Communicating project objectives clearly helps align the team’s efforts with the broader business strategy. By fostering open channels of communication, a project champion enhances collaboration and effective employee management. Their ability to convey complex information in a digestible format ensures that all team members, from executives to individual contributors, stay informed and engaged. Problem-Solving Expertise Problem-solving expertise sets a project champion apart in navigating challenges that arise during project execution. They identify potential risks early, employing proactive risk management strategies to mitigate impacts. When obstacles occur, their decision-making abilities allow them to find efficient solutions quickly. A project champion enhances operational efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation, ultimately contributing to budget adherence and time management. Their focus on problem-solving enables your small business to adapt to dynamic environments, maintaining momentum toward business growth. Challenges Faced by Project Champions Project champions encounter significant challenges that can hinder the progress and success of the project. These obstacles require careful management and strategic planning to overcome. Common Obstacles Lack of Resources: Insufficient funding, personnel, or equipment can severely impact your project’s advancement. Limited resources restrict your ability to execute essential tasks and strategies effectively. For small businesses, navigating budgeting constraints is crucial in securing necessary resources. Resistance to Change: Stakeholders or team members may hesitate to embrace new ideas or processes. This resistance often stems from concerns about altering established routines or a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of change. Cultural barriers within your organization can further complicate the adoption of innovative business processes. Strategies for Overcoming Challenges Enhance Communication: Use strong communication skills to present the project’s vision clearly and address any concerns from stakeholders. Maintaining open lines of communication fosters teamwork and eases transitions during implementation. Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among team members to build buy-in for new initiatives. Engaging employees in the decision-making process can reduce resistance and enhance productivity while improving employee management and morale. Prioritize Training: Invest in employee training and development to build the necessary skills for adopting new technologies and processes. This commitment to employee growth boosts confidence and capacity, addressing gaps in knowledge that may lead to resistance. Implement Technology Solutions: Leverage technology tools that streamline workflows and enhance project management. Adopting software solutions can improve budgeting, time management, and data analysis, driving operational efficiency in your business. Use Risk Management Techniques: Identify potential obstacles early and use risk management strategies to mitigate them. By developing contingency plans, you create a flexible approach to adapt to challenges as they arise, ensuring project continuity. By addressing these common challenges strategically, you can position your project champion effectively within your small business, driving successful outcomes and promoting business growth. Conclusion Embracing the role of a project champion can significantly elevate your project’s success. By advocating for your team’s vision and fostering collaboration, you create an environment where everyone feels valued. Your ability to navigate challenges and maintain focus on organizational goals is crucial in driving projects forward. Remember that the qualities of a project champion—leadership, communication, and problem-solving—are essential for inspiring your team. As you work to overcome obstacles and enhance team dynamics, you’ll not only improve project outcomes but also contribute to your organization’s growth. Prioritizing this role can unlock the full potential of your projects and lead to exceptional results. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of a project champion in project management? A project champion acts as a key advocate for a project, promoting its vision and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. They secure resources, encourage team collaboration, manage risks, and resolve conflicts, ultimately driving the project toward success. Why are project champions important for small businesses? In small businesses, project champions clarify objectives, manage resources efficiently, and identify obstacles proactively. They enhance communication, foster collaboration among team members, and empower employees, leading to improved project outcomes and supporting overall business growth. What qualities make an effective project champion? An effective project champion possesses strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and problem-solving expertise. These qualities inspire and motivate the team, ensure seamless stakeholder interaction, and facilitate effective navigation through challenges. What challenges do project champions face? Project champions often encounter challenges such as limited resources and resistance to change. These obstacles can hinder project success and require strategic approaches to overcome, including improving communication, fostering collaboration, and implementing effective training. How can project champions overcome challenges? Project champions can address challenges by enhancing communication among team members, fostering collaboration, prioritizing relevant training, leveraging technology, and applying risk management techniques. These strategies help ensure successful project outcomes and promote organizational growth. Image Via Envato This article, "The Essential Role of a Project Champion in Driving Project Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At a time when many fast-casual chains are struggling to get customers in the door, and rethinking their next moves both at home and internationally due to The President’s trade wars, Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding. The fast-casual restaurant announced on Monday that it signed a development agreement with Alsea to open its first location in Mexico early next year. Alsea operates the Latin American and European locations of a number of food and beverage chains, including Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza, and Burger King, according to CNBC. Chipotle also indicated plans to explore “additional expansion markets in the region,” signaling further locations in Latin America. “We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” Nate Lawton, chief business development officer at Chipotle, said in a statement. “The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company.” The fast-casual chain, which currently operates more than 3,700 restaurants, also reiterated its plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants this year, with a long-term target of operating 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The popular chain opened 304 new restaurants in 2024, its most openings in a single year. (In 2023, it opened 271 locations, and in 2022, 200 restaurants.) And this is not Chipotle’s first foray beyond the U.S. borders. It operates 58 locations in Canada, 20 in the United Kingdom, six in France, and two in Germany. In 2023, it signed its first international development agreement with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East; as a result, it now operates three restaurants in Kuwait and two in the United Arab Emirates. Last year, many beloved U.S. fast-casual and restaurant chains struggled to stay afloat, while many others shut down or filed for bankruptcy. The majority of Wahlburgers locations shut down in January, and fast-casual chain Roti has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as have both Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo. View the full article

The U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of states unveiled their proposed remedies today aimed at dismantling Google’s illegal monopoly in search and search advertising. These include breaking off Chrome and banning default search payments. The remedies. They break down into five categories meant to enable and increase competition: Distribution remedies. This would mean ending payments that “freeze the ecosystem in place,” including Google’s multi-billion-dollar payments to Apple and Android device makers. Chrome divestiture. This would separate Chrome from Google – organizationally and financially. Chrome accounts for 35% of all Google search queries and drives “billions in Search revenue” (the actual number is redacted). The DOJ also pointed out that Google “underinvests” in Chrome. Data remedies. This would require Google to share user-side data, search index coverage, and ad performance data – essential tools that help competitors train models, improve search results, and better compete. Advertising remedies. This would increase transparency and control for advertisers, while helping rival ad platforms compete more effectively. Specifically, Google would be forced to: Provide more information to advertisers in search query reports. Let advertisers opt out of broad and automated keyword matching. Anticircumvention provisions. This would establish a technical committee to monitor Google’s compliance. This section includes a “contingent Android divestiture.” If competition hasn’t improved within five years, Google could be forced to spin off Android. Why we care. If these remedies move forward, it could profoundly reshape how people access Google, how advertisers spend, and how competitors evolve in the search and generative AI markets. Catch up quick. U.S. vs. Google antitrust trial: Everything you need to know The opening slides. United States & Co-Plaintiff States v. Google LLC (redacted public version) (PDF). View the full article

The agency is offering buyouts and early retirement incentives for employees, with layoffs possible if targets aren't met, as part of the The President administration's overall downsizing of the federal government. View the full article

In a time where tariff price hikes are invading seemingly every element of life, diving into a video game could offer a welcome reprieve, both spiritually and fiscally. Digital video games do not require materials, shipping, or manufacturing costs, allowing them to cross borders without incurring extra fees. And the video game industry has been shifting to digital long before The President’s so-called Liberation Day. “In terms of software, PC gaming is now overwhelmingly digital, and physical versions are largely obsolete,” says Manu Rosier, market intelligence director at Newzoo. “We do not expect tariffs to significantly impact the price of video game software.” However, video-game-industry analysts say that although the prices of digital software likely will not increase, stress about the tariffs may still cause a shift in U.S. consumer spending on games. When thinking about the ways that spending on games may change in the coming months, Mat Piscatella, executive games director at Circana, says that it’s important to consider the ways that other parts of life will be impacted by the tariffs. “One of the big reasons for what we saw happen with the November elections was around the cost of everyday-spending categories like groceries and housing,” he says. “That certainly won’t be alleviated in the current tariff layout, and so that could further push video game consumers toward the big free-to-play or more accessible games.” Because of this, Piscatella tentatively projects that the video game industry may see a drop in demand for premium video games. However, games with long and deep connections to their player bases—such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, Roblox, and Call of Duty—could gain more ground. In Newzoo’s 2025 PC and Console Gaming Report, analysts found that in 2024, 58% of all PC gaming revenue came from microtransactions, such as players purchasing loot boxes and other in-game goods. This was only a 1.4% growth increase from 2023, but tariff worries could prompt a steeper incline. “Spending $5 or $20 on a game you already love is easier than dropping $80 on a new title,” says Piscatella. “These titles already have social and monetary hooks that keep players engaged.” This continued engagement is crucial in the video game industry, which hit peak audience growth during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic. “From the late ’70s onward, every year we would have more people playing and more people playing for more hours,” says Piscatella. “Then, in 2020 and 2021, we had this huge wave of people come in. So we hit a ceiling on both the number of players and hours of engagement, in the U.S. in particular.” Ever since then, the goals of the industry have shifted from growing the audience to maintaining and increasing the spending from the existing audience. One part of the gaming industry that will have a more difficult time with retention is undoubtedly physical games and gaming hardware in general. This is bad news for a company like Nintendo which was set to begin preorders in the U.S. for its Switch 2 but had to push the date back to April 24 due to tariff announcements. A chief concern revolves around the Switch 2. “Nintendo systems are the most physical forward of all the in-market devices. They’ve made a big point about delivering physical software so games could be easily shared among family members,” says Piscatella. “How many units of Switch hardware can you even allocate to the U.S., given all the uncertainties, right? How much is the potential market for physical cartridges really going to be, at least in the short term?” Rosier agrees. “Tariffs could affect packaged games, which are already set to be more expensive than their digital versions,” he says. “This might encourage more players to shift to digital, and Nintendo may adjust physical production accordingly.” However, it’s important to note that economic factors are shifting so rapidly that it is difficult to make any solid predictions of the future to come. “Right now the uncertainties are off the charts,” says Piscatella. “People will still love video games and they’ll still play them, but how they play them and how they spend on them, that might certainly change.” View the full article

Since President The President announced a sweeping slate of tariffs earlier this month, a highly uncertain market has led to supply-chain disruptions for everything from iPhones to electric bikes and Volvo cars. Now, the tariffs are coming for something else: your packages. The German-based shipping company DHL announced yesterday that it plans to suspend shipments of any packages over $800 to customers in the United States, starting today. According to a press release from the company, the move comes as a result of “recent U.S Customs regulatory updates,” which have caused DHL to face “multi-day transit delays to the U.S from any origin for shipments with a declared customs value exceeding USD 800.” The customs updates in question were instated on April 9 by the The President administration to enforce its strict new tariffs. The updates require a more time-consuming formal customs process for any package entering the U.S. that’s valued at $800 or more—a major change from the previous restrictions, which only required formal entry processing for packages over $2,500. “This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL said in the release. What does this mean for US customers? For American DHL customers, the company’s update means that it won’t be possible to receive any package through DHL valued at more than $800. However, the company noted that business-to-business deliveries valued over $800 will not be affected by the new procedure. DHL also clarified that this measure is temporary, and that it will “share updates as the situation evolves.” DHL’s new restrictions come just days after Hong Kong’s postal service announced that it would cease handling any package shipments to the U.S., citing the The President administration’s “abusive” new tariffs and regulations. These new shipping limitations could be a harbinger of what’s to come. As international shipping becomes more complicated and importers are faced with rising fees, many experts agree that shipping costs for consumers are likely to spike—or, in the case of DHL’s new regulations, some options may disappear altogether. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m an admin in a small office, with a centrally located desk. One of my coworkers, Miranda, literally never stops talking. I counted for a while and she averages two major interruptions per hour, mostly extended monologues about personal minutiae, intimate relationship problems, or absolute and total nonsense. Basically, her entire internal monologue is externalized at all times. She announces everything she’s doing. She tells me long stories about how she managed things like “loaning her bike to someone” or “changing the exact location of her keys” that follow the entire storyline of the item through all its moves over a period of 24 hours. She is utterly oblivious to both subtle and direct feedback about this. For example: Me, doing math” “Sorry I can’t talk right now I have to focus on this.” Miranda: “Yeah, I know, I’m just going to go to the store because I’m out of groceries and last week my friend came over and ate all my salad and since there’s no salad at the store ever…” My boss knows this is a problem, and I know his inaction is a problem. I wear headphones a lot, which sucks because I’m also a receptionist. One of the consequences of this situation is that among all the nonsense are relevant work facts, but because of Miranda’s processes they are only concrete facts 10% of the time and the other 90% they are “in process” work facts, so the details are all subject to change. My short-term memory cannot function under these conditions. I have ADHD and focusing on my own job is hard enough. It is functionally impossible for me to also absorb this waterfall of constant information, sort through it in real time for the bits that might someday be important to me, record those, and move forward with any kind of larger understanding. It would be an entire job, like one of those movie jobs where a harried assistant follows some crazy magazine editor around managing their constant changes of mind. That’s not my job, I have a job, she does not need an assistant, I am needed elsewhere. I told my boss recently that given the status quo, I can commit to writing down important information during meetings and keeping my operating system updated with the finalized schedules I’m given, but that I am not able to mentally track any of this, ever. He’ll ask me to remember things from within the week (what day was X going to happen?) and I can’t, not because I’m generally bad at that but because I am constantly overloaded by so much content that it’s impossible to maintain any kind of cognitive clarity. I was told 900 details yesterday and 890 of them were irrelevant nonsense so the 10 good ones randomly mixed in did not stick. Since I can not stop the deluge of mind-numbing, banal storytimes, constantly listening to her entire verbal process is incredibly derailing, and the best I can do is try to work around it is by purging my entire brain at the end of every day in order to live a life of relative sanity. Want info to stop flowing off of me like water off a duck’s back? Get her under control. Is this a reasonable boundary I’m drawing? It’s an unreasonable situation, I’m actively job hunting, and while I very much like working with my manager I’m aware that he should be doing more about this than he is. Given that he’s unwilling or unable to actually manage Miranda (because as you can guess, her time management skills are appalling and her productivity is often shockingly low), am I doing the right things? It’s a reasonable boundary to draw, but whether that matters depends on how your boss responded when you laid it out. If he agreed it’s reasonable — and will continue to deem it reasonable the next time you can’t answer a question due to Miranda overload — then sure, maybe this is the best way for you to manage the situation since he won’t manage it himself. But his continued agreement will be key, so you’ll have to see how that plays out. Meanwhile, though, do your job duties require you to frequently interact with Miranda? If not, would your boss be willing to tell her that she cannot interrupt you during the day, period? Maybe he’s not willing to coach her through how to streamline her communications but would be willing to give her a blanket “you must leave LetterWriter alone.” If he’s not, do you feel like you have the capital and standing in your workplace (including the backing of your boss if Miranda gets upset) to tell her that yourself — to say, essentially, “I cannot do my job when you come by to talk to me, so you cannot come by anymore”? And to immediately cut her off when she does with, “I can’t work while you’re here, so I need you to leave so I can finish this”? Ideally, you’d get comfortable being really assertive about cutting her off, in ways that would feel rude if you were doing them to anyone else but which are warranted with her. I’m talking about things like holding up your hand in a visual “stop” motion and saying, “I need you to stop talking because I have to focus on something else” or bluntly saying, ““I need you to stop talking and leave my desk.” Again, that’s going to feel rude, because it would be with someone who wasn’t being so inappropriate themselves. Consider, too, whether a big-picture conversation with Miranda could help. For example: “I can’t get my job done when you keep coming over to talk to me. It’s making it impossible for me to get my work done, so from now on I need you to send me anything work-related in an email so that I can process it later. That’s the only way I can get my job done.” Otherwise, though, keep wearing your headphones and when she shows up at your desk to talk, say “can’t talk right now” and just keep working and ignoring her. That’s going to be hard to do! It’s going to feel impolite. It’s also probably your only option. View the full article

The National Credit Union Administration insists it can still function with one board member, but legal experts and industry groups say any substantive regulatory actions could face serious challenges. View the full article

Francis was an inspiring moderniser though his changes fell short of supporters’ hopesView the full article

Key Takeaways Local Marketing Importance: Connecting directly with the community builds brand loyalty and trust, essential for small business success.Increased Visibility: Local marketing enhances brand recognition, making it easier for customers to discover your business.Targeted Approach: Focusing on local strategies attracts customers more likely to engage and convert into sales.Cost-Effectiveness: Local marketing typically requires a smaller budget, delivering a higher return on investment compared to broader campaigns.Community Engagement: Participating in local events and collaborating with nearby businesses fosters relationships that strengthen your position in the community.Measure and Adapt: Regularly analyze key metrics and gather customer feedback to refine marketing strategies and improve business growth. In today’s competitive landscape, marketing your small business locally can set you apart from the crowd. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your venture, and now it’s time to ensure your community knows about it. Local marketing isn’t just about reaching customers; it’s about building relationships that foster loyalty and trust. With the right strategies, you can effectively engage your target audience and drive foot traffic to your storefront. From leveraging social media to collaborating with nearby businesses, there are countless ways to make your mark in the local scene. Let’s dive into practical tips that will help you connect with your community and watch your small business thrive. Importance Of Local Marketing Local marketing plays a crucial role in the success of small businesses. It allows you to connect directly with your community, fostering brand loyalty and trust. You can effectively differentiate your small business in a competitive market and drive growth by focusing on local customers. Benefits For Small Businesses Increased Visibility: Local marketing enhances brand recognition within your community, making it easier for customers to find you. Targeted Audience Reach: By focusing your marketing strategies locally, you attract customers who are more likely to engage with your business and convert into sales. Cost-Effective Marketing: Local marketing often requires a smaller budget than broader campaigns, maximizing your return on investment. Higher Customer Retention: Building relationships locally fosters loyalty. Customers are more likely to return to a business they know and trust. Collaborative Opportunities: Partnering with other local businesses allows for shared marketing efforts, amplifying your reach. Building Community Relationships Engaging in Local Events: Participating in community events showcases your commitment to the area. It increases brand visibility and allows you to connect with local customers. Supporting Local Causes: Contributing to local charities or sponsorships demonstrates social responsibility, enhancing your reputation and fostering goodwill. Utilizing Social Media: Engaging with your community online builds relationships. Responding to customer feedback and sharing local content strengthens your connection. Networking with Local Businesses: Establishing business partnerships helps expand your reach and share customer bases, creating a mutually beneficial environment. Gathering Customer Feedback: Actively seeking input from local customers helps refine your offerings and demonstrates your commitment to meeting their needs. Implementing these local marketing strategies promotes your brand and strengthens your position within the community, paving the way for sustained business growth. Strategies For Marketing A Small Business Locally Effective local marketing strategies enhance your visibility and engagement within the community. Here are two essential strategies to consider. Utilizing Social Media Platforms Engage with your local audience by leveraging popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Create and share content that resonates with your community, using eye-catching visuals and relevant hashtags to boost discoverability. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and feedback, fostering strong customer service and building relationships. Consider running targeted ads to reach specific demographics, promoting upcoming events or sales, which can significantly boost customer acquisition and retention. Leveraging Local SEO Techniques Optimize your online presence by implementing local SEO strategies. Claim and enhance your Google Business Profile, ensuring your information is accurate and up-to-date. Use local keywords within your website and content, making it easier for potential customers to find you in search engines. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, which can bolster your brand reputation. Incorporate your business name, address, and phone number consistently across all platforms. These local SEO techniques contribute to improved visibility in local search results, driving more traffic to your small business. Engaging With The Local Community Engaging with the local community plays a vital role in marketing your small business effectively. It fosters trust, builds relationships, and establishes your brand as a valuable member of the area. Participating In Local Events Participating in local events significantly enhances your visibility and strengthens community ties. Sponsored events, farmers’ markets, and fairs provide opportunities to showcase your products and services directly to potential customers. For instance, setting up a booth at a local fair allows for face-to-face interactions, where you can demonstrate your offerings while gathering valuable customer feedback. Hosting workshops or classes can further position you as an industry expert, driving customer engagement and loyalty. Each event attended builds a stronger connection with your community, which leads to increased customer retention and brand loyalty. Collaborating With Other Local Businesses Collaborating with other local businesses creates beneficial partnerships that can boost your marketing strategy. Teaming up for joint promotions or shared events allows for cross-promotion, expanding your reach within the community. For example, you might pair with a local café to offer a discount for customers who purchase from both businesses, driving traffic to both locations. Collaborations often lead to shared resources, helping optimize budgeting and costs associated with marketing campaigns. Such alliances enhance your brand’s credibility and reinforce a sense of community, encouraging customers to choose your small business over larger competitors. Measuring The Success Of Local Marketing Efforts Measuring the success of local marketing efforts enables you to understand their effectiveness and adjust your strategies accordingly. Focus on analyzing metrics and gathering feedback to refine your approach. Analyzing Key Metrics To evaluate your local marketing success, track key performance indicators (KPIs). Monitor website traffic, which indicates how many visitors find your site through local searches. Analyze customer acquisition rates to determine the impact of your marketing campaigns. Measure social media engagement metrics to assess your connection with the community. Review metrics like reach, follower growth, and brand mentions to gauge your presence. Utilize business analytics tools to compile and interpret data effectively, allowing for informed decision-making. Adjusting Strategies Based On Feedback Gathering customer feedback provides invaluable insights into your marketing strategies. Use surveys or social media polls to understand customer preferences and satisfaction. Adjust your campaigns based on their responses to enhance customer service and retention. If feedback indicates specific areas of improvement, pivot your marketing strategy to address these concerns. Use this data to refine your messaging and offerings, ensuring your business meets community expectations and fosters loyalty. Implementing feedback in a timely manner can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and contribute to business growth. Conclusion Embracing local marketing is essential for your small business’s success. By building strong community relationships and engaging with your audience, you can create a loyal customer base that supports your brand. Utilizing social media and collaborating with other local businesses not only boosts your visibility but also enhances your credibility. Remember to track your marketing efforts and gather feedback to continuously refine your strategies. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll position your business as a trusted local leader, driving growth and fostering long-term success in your community. Frequently Asked Questions What is local marketing for small businesses? Local marketing focuses on promoting a business to customers within a specific geographical area. It helps small businesses stand out, build community relationships, and attract a targeted audience, ultimately increasing foot traffic and customer loyalty. Why is local marketing important? Local marketing is crucial as it increases visibility among potential customers nearby, fosters trust in the community, and encourages relationships that lead to higher customer retention and loyalty. How can social media aid local marketing? Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow small businesses to engage directly with their local audience through targeted ads, relevant content, and interactions, making them more visible in the community. What are some effective local marketing strategies? Effective strategies include optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, attending community events, supporting local causes, and collaborating with neighboring businesses to enhance visibility and reach. How can small businesses measure local marketing success? Success can be measured by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, customer acquisition rates, and social media engagement metrics. Gathering customer feedback through surveys also provides valuable insights. What role do community relationships play in local marketing? Building strong community relationships fosters trust and loyalty, positioning a business as a valuable part of the local area. Engaging with the community enhances brand credibility and encourages repeat customers. How can collaboration with other local businesses benefit marketing? Collaborating with other local businesses can create joint promotions and shared events, enhancing marketing strategies. These partnerships increase visibility and strengthen community ties, benefiting all involved parties. Image Via Envato This article, "Effective Strategies for Marketing a Small Business Locally to Boost Community Engagement" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Local Marketing Importance: Connecting directly with the community builds brand loyalty and trust, essential for small business success.Increased Visibility: Local marketing enhances brand recognition, making it easier for customers to discover your business.Targeted Approach: Focusing on local strategies attracts customers more likely to engage and convert into sales.Cost-Effectiveness: Local marketing typically requires a smaller budget, delivering a higher return on investment compared to broader campaigns.Community Engagement: Participating in local events and collaborating with nearby businesses fosters relationships that strengthen your position in the community.Measure and Adapt: Regularly analyze key metrics and gather customer feedback to refine marketing strategies and improve business growth. In today’s competitive landscape, marketing your small business locally can set you apart from the crowd. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your venture, and now it’s time to ensure your community knows about it. Local marketing isn’t just about reaching customers; it’s about building relationships that foster loyalty and trust. With the right strategies, you can effectively engage your target audience and drive foot traffic to your storefront. From leveraging social media to collaborating with nearby businesses, there are countless ways to make your mark in the local scene. Let’s dive into practical tips that will help you connect with your community and watch your small business thrive. Importance Of Local Marketing Local marketing plays a crucial role in the success of small businesses. It allows you to connect directly with your community, fostering brand loyalty and trust. You can effectively differentiate your small business in a competitive market and drive growth by focusing on local customers. Benefits For Small Businesses Increased Visibility: Local marketing enhances brand recognition within your community, making it easier for customers to find you. Targeted Audience Reach: By focusing your marketing strategies locally, you attract customers who are more likely to engage with your business and convert into sales. Cost-Effective Marketing: Local marketing often requires a smaller budget than broader campaigns, maximizing your return on investment. Higher Customer Retention: Building relationships locally fosters loyalty. Customers are more likely to return to a business they know and trust. Collaborative Opportunities: Partnering with other local businesses allows for shared marketing efforts, amplifying your reach. Building Community Relationships Engaging in Local Events: Participating in community events showcases your commitment to the area. It increases brand visibility and allows you to connect with local customers. Supporting Local Causes: Contributing to local charities or sponsorships demonstrates social responsibility, enhancing your reputation and fostering goodwill. Utilizing Social Media: Engaging with your community online builds relationships. Responding to customer feedback and sharing local content strengthens your connection. Networking with Local Businesses: Establishing business partnerships helps expand your reach and share customer bases, creating a mutually beneficial environment. Gathering Customer Feedback: Actively seeking input from local customers helps refine your offerings and demonstrates your commitment to meeting their needs. Implementing these local marketing strategies promotes your brand and strengthens your position within the community, paving the way for sustained business growth. Strategies For Marketing A Small Business Locally Effective local marketing strategies enhance your visibility and engagement within the community. Here are two essential strategies to consider. Utilizing Social Media Platforms Engage with your local audience by leveraging popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Create and share content that resonates with your community, using eye-catching visuals and relevant hashtags to boost discoverability. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and feedback, fostering strong customer service and building relationships. Consider running targeted ads to reach specific demographics, promoting upcoming events or sales, which can significantly boost customer acquisition and retention. Leveraging Local SEO Techniques Optimize your online presence by implementing local SEO strategies. Claim and enhance your Google Business Profile, ensuring your information is accurate and up-to-date. Use local keywords within your website and content, making it easier for potential customers to find you in search engines. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, which can bolster your brand reputation. Incorporate your business name, address, and phone number consistently across all platforms. These local SEO techniques contribute to improved visibility in local search results, driving more traffic to your small business. Engaging With The Local Community Engaging with the local community plays a vital role in marketing your small business effectively. It fosters trust, builds relationships, and establishes your brand as a valuable member of the area. Participating In Local Events Participating in local events significantly enhances your visibility and strengthens community ties. Sponsored events, farmers’ markets, and fairs provide opportunities to showcase your products and services directly to potential customers. For instance, setting up a booth at a local fair allows for face-to-face interactions, where you can demonstrate your offerings while gathering valuable customer feedback. Hosting workshops or classes can further position you as an industry expert, driving customer engagement and loyalty. Each event attended builds a stronger connection with your community, which leads to increased customer retention and brand loyalty. Collaborating With Other Local Businesses Collaborating with other local businesses creates beneficial partnerships that can boost your marketing strategy. Teaming up for joint promotions or shared events allows for cross-promotion, expanding your reach within the community. For example, you might pair with a local café to offer a discount for customers who purchase from both businesses, driving traffic to both locations. Collaborations often lead to shared resources, helping optimize budgeting and costs associated with marketing campaigns. Such alliances enhance your brand’s credibility and reinforce a sense of community, encouraging customers to choose your small business over larger competitors. Measuring The Success Of Local Marketing Efforts Measuring the success of local marketing efforts enables you to understand their effectiveness and adjust your strategies accordingly. Focus on analyzing metrics and gathering feedback to refine your approach. Analyzing Key Metrics To evaluate your local marketing success, track key performance indicators (KPIs). Monitor website traffic, which indicates how many visitors find your site through local searches. Analyze customer acquisition rates to determine the impact of your marketing campaigns. Measure social media engagement metrics to assess your connection with the community. Review metrics like reach, follower growth, and brand mentions to gauge your presence. Utilize business analytics tools to compile and interpret data effectively, allowing for informed decision-making. Adjusting Strategies Based On Feedback Gathering customer feedback provides invaluable insights into your marketing strategies. Use surveys or social media polls to understand customer preferences and satisfaction. Adjust your campaigns based on their responses to enhance customer service and retention. If feedback indicates specific areas of improvement, pivot your marketing strategy to address these concerns. Use this data to refine your messaging and offerings, ensuring your business meets community expectations and fosters loyalty. Implementing feedback in a timely manner can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and contribute to business growth. Conclusion Embracing local marketing is essential for your small business’s success. By building strong community relationships and engaging with your audience, you can create a loyal customer base that supports your brand. Utilizing social media and collaborating with other local businesses not only boosts your visibility but also enhances your credibility. Remember to track your marketing efforts and gather feedback to continuously refine your strategies. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll position your business as a trusted local leader, driving growth and fostering long-term success in your community. Frequently Asked Questions What is local marketing for small businesses? Local marketing focuses on promoting a business to customers within a specific geographical area. It helps small businesses stand out, build community relationships, and attract a targeted audience, ultimately increasing foot traffic and customer loyalty. Why is local marketing important? Local marketing is crucial as it increases visibility among potential customers nearby, fosters trust in the community, and encourages relationships that lead to higher customer retention and loyalty. How can social media aid local marketing? Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow small businesses to engage directly with their local audience through targeted ads, relevant content, and interactions, making them more visible in the community. What are some effective local marketing strategies? Effective strategies include optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, attending community events, supporting local causes, and collaborating with neighboring businesses to enhance visibility and reach. How can small businesses measure local marketing success? Success can be measured by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, customer acquisition rates, and social media engagement metrics. Gathering customer feedback through surveys also provides valuable insights. What role do community relationships play in local marketing? Building strong community relationships fosters trust and loyalty, positioning a business as a valuable part of the local area. Engaging with the community enhances brand credibility and encourages repeat customers. How can collaboration with other local businesses benefit marketing? Collaborating with other local businesses can create joint promotions and shared events, enhancing marketing strategies. These partnerships increase visibility and strengthen community ties, benefiting all involved parties. Image Via Envato This article, "Effective Strategies for Marketing a Small Business Locally to Boost Community Engagement" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Meta is getting serious about the teens who use its services. Last year, the company rolled out "Teen Accounts" for Instagram, which add a number of restrictions, limitations, and features for users under the age of 18. Earlier this month, Meta rolled out Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger as well, and expanded some of those restrictions on Instagram specifically. If your teen had a standard Instagram account when Meta started rolling this out, their account was automatically changed into a Teen Account. Of course, that only worked if they had their real age attached to the account: If a teen said their birthday made them 18 or older, no Teen Account for them. Meta's AI is snitching on Instagram teens In response to this loophole, Meta is tasking its AI with rooting out teens purporting to be adults on Instagram. The company announced the experiment on Monday, revealing that tests will begin in the United States that same day. Meta is brief on the details here, but they do say that if the AI finds a standard account it suspects to be a teen, it will automatically switch them to a Teen Account—even if that account has an adult birthday. This also isn't Meta AI's first rodeo. The company has used an AI model trained to identify whether a user is underage since 2022. The AI model looks for behaviors associated with teen users, as, according to Meta, people in the same age group react similarly to specific types of content. (Think about all those memes you don't understand.) One interesting "tell" comes with birthday posts: The AI looks at how users interact with an account on their birthday, and can make a determination from there. If the AI is seeing a lot of "happy 17th birthday" posts and DMs, that's going to be quite obvious, but even if the messages track with how users under 18 tend to wish each other a happy birthday, the AI will get suspicious fast. What happens if the AI gets it wrong?There are probably many parents out there that have no issue with Instagram automatically changing their kids' profiles to Teen Accounts. But this tech is driven by AI, and AI doesn't always get it right: As such, there's a good chance that the AI accidentally flags adult accounts as teens by mistake, locking users 18 and older into restrictions meant for minors. That means your account will automatically take on some pretty drastic restrictions: You'll go private if you aren't already, and adult users won't be able to see your posts or DM you without following first. You won't see "violent" content, or posts promoting cosmetic procedures. (Perhaps no loss there.) Instagram will also warn you whenever you use the app for 60 minutes in one day, advising you to stop. And while you don't need to, your account will enter "sleep mode" between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., muting alerts and sending auto-replies to DMs. (To be fair, perhaps many of us adults would benefit from these restrictions.) If Instagram thinks you're 16 or 17, you'll be able to manually disable some of these limitations, but that's not really the point. If you're an adult, you shouldn't expect Instagram to change the parameters of your account because its AI bot got it wrong. Meta knows it, too. As the company says it its blog post: "We’re taking steps to ensure our technology is accurate and that we are correctly placing teens we identify into protective, age-appropriate settings, but in case we make a mistake, we’re giving people the option to change their settings." The company hasn't said exactly what those mitigation steps are yet, so I'll update this piece once we know for sure. My guess, however, is there will be an option in settings to verify your age and transfer your account back to an adult account. View the full article