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Shaw, which was part of last year's standstill agreement with Third Point, said it will support shareholder-driven change on Costar's board. View the full article

A reader writes: Our company works in a building that houses multiple businesses. We share reception and security. Recently, there was a terrible incident where the ex-boyfriend of one of my employees, Sarah, got into the building by booking a job interview with a different company. He then made a beeline for our office instead, and made a huge scene shouting at Sarah, and even tried to hit her in front of all of us. Thankfully, security tackled him before he could hurt anyone, and he’s been arrested. We had a security meeting with reception and the other business managers in the building and have agreed to a shared appointment calendar and other precautions to prevent this from happening in the future. I’ve done my best to support Sarah with what she needs to feel safe here, and she seems to be doing well. The problem is Fred, the other manager in my office. About a week after this incident, I was giving him an update on the steps we were taking in case this man is released and causes further problems. Fred was clearly annoyed and asked me why I didn’t just “solve” the problem by firing Sarah. He went on to claim that Sarah was being unprofessional by “allowing her personal life in the office” and that we were going to a lot of trouble for “just one employee.” This is not the first time he’s said something insensitive about our employees, but this was by far the most egregious comment. I told him that Sarah had done nothing wrong, and that it was our job to provide a safe work environment. He rolled his eyes and visibly tuned out for the rest of the meeting. He hasn’t said anything else since that meeting. But I find it increasingly hard to work with him. I’ve been defaulting to email to communicate with him, even though his office is right next to mine, because I feel gross being in the same room with him. I especially feel icky when I see him chatting in a friendly way to Sarah, knowing what he thinks about the situation. It’s bad enough that I briefly considered looking for a new job, but that would mean Fred would temporarily be in charge of my reports. I’m worried he would actually fire Sarah if he could. How do I address this? I don’t feel like it would be appropriate for me to pull him aside and tell him what I think of his reaction, but I also feel like I’m dropping the ball by not the challenging what he said more directly. Is simply avoiding him as much as possible the most I can do here? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. The post my coworker wants to fire a domestic violence survivor appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Jeffrey Epstein’s network of money and influence often intersected with scientific and academic communities. The disgraced financier spent years cultivating relationships with researchers at elite universities, frequently dangling the promise of funding. Some of the work he supported has had, and may still have, direct and indirect impacts on Silicon Valley’s most powerful technologies. Epstein was first convicted in 2008 on charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution, yet he continued to maintain a web of relationships across the worlds of technology and academia until he was indicted on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019. The Department of Justice’s latest release of the “Epstein files” includes emails that reveal new names and details about those connections that had not previously been made public. Joscha Bach One striking example is Epstein’s patronage of German AI scientist and executive Joscha Bach. Known in academic and AI circles for his work on cognitive architectures, computational models that aim to replicate aspects of human cognition, Bach received extensive financial support from Epstein while completing postdoctoral work at MIT. According to emails reviewed by SFGate, Epstein covered Bach’s rent, flights, medical bills, and even private school tuition for his children in Menlo Park between 2013 and 2019. Bach is now the executive director of the California Institute for Machine Consciousness, a small, independent research organization focused on whether machines could ever become conscious. According to SFGate, Epstein met Bach through other AI and psychology researchers and began financing his work at the MIT Media Lab and the Harvard Program for Evolutionary Dynamics in 2013. The files show no indication of sexual impropriety on Bach’s part, and he has never been accused of such conduct. Bach told SFGate that MIT approved the funding and said many prominent scientists maintained relationships with Epstein. He added, “The prevailing view was that Epstein, having served his sentence, was complying with the law.” Antonio Damasio Epstein also corresponded with Antonio Damasio, the director of USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute. In 2013, Damasio asked Epstein to fund a new line of robotics and neuroscience research. Damasio, the Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience, and another USC researcher hoped to study the origins of emotion in the brain, and sought a nontraditional funding source so they could retain greater control over the direction of the work. Damasio presented the proposal to Epstein in February 2013 at Epstein’s New York City home, but Epstein ultimately declined to fund the research. Damasio told Annenberg Media that he did not know Epstein was a convicted sex offender at the time, and said he would never have contacted him had he known. “I was looking for a prestigious philanthropist, not a criminal,” Damasio said. Damasio’s primary field is neurobiology, though he also teaches psychology and philosophy, with a focus on the neural systems that underlie emotion, decision-making, memory, language, and consciousness. He is best known for an influential theory arguing that emotions and their biological foundations, not just reason, play a central role in decision-making, even when the decision-maker is not consciously aware of it. He also theorized that emotions provide the scaffolding for social cognition, shaping how people process, store, and apply information about others and social situations. Damasio argues that current AI models that power robots lack a sense of biological “vulnerability” that drives survival instincts and intelligence in living organisms. He theorises that training a robot to be “concerned” about its own preservation might help the robot solve problems more creatively. David Gelernter The DOJ document release also revealed that Epstein corresponded between 2009 and 2015 with Yale computer science professor David Gelernter, an early pioneer of concepts now associated with digital twins and metaverse-style overlays, which he calls “computed worlds.” Gelernter is the author of the book Mirror Worlds, which outlines much of that research. In 2001, Gelernter helped found a company called Mirror Worlds Software based on those ideas, but the venture failed to gain traction and shut down in 2004. In his correspondence with Epstein, Gelernter sought business advice rather than research funding, according to the New Haven Register. The files also revealed no evidence of wrongdoing by Gelernter. He has said he did not know Epstein was a convicted sex offender and was never aware of Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation. In 1993, Gelernter was severely injured by a mail bomb sent by the “Unabomber,” Ted Kaczynski, which destroyed four of his fingers and permanently damaged one of his eyes. He is also known for controversial views, including claims that liberal academia has a destructive influence on American society, that women, especially mothers, should not work outside the home, and for rejecting the scientific consensus that humans are driving climate change. Marvin Minsky The most direct link between Epstein and the AI world ran through MIT professor and pioneer Marvin Minsky, who died in 2016. Minsky helped establish artificial intelligence as a formal research discipline in the 1950s and later co-founded the field at MIT with John McCarthy, training generations of AI scientists. Epstein donated $100,000 to MIT to support Minsky’s research in 2002, before Epstein’s first criminal conviction. That gift was the first in a series of donations to MIT’s Media Lab that ultimately totaled $850,000 between 2002 and 2017. Minsky died in 2016. In 2019, court documents from a deposition by victim Virginia Giuffre were unsealed, revealing her allegation that Ghislaine Maxwell directed her to have sex with Minsky during a visit to Epstein’s compound. Minsky’s wife said the allegation was impossible because she was with him the entire time they were on the island. Minsky never faced charges, but the revelations placed his name at the center of a reckoning at MIT’s Media Lab over the influence of Epstein’s money on the lab’s work. A gray zone In many ways, Jeffrey Epstein operated in a gray zone created by shifting funding models for AI research. Long before the current AI boom, private industry had already overtaken the federal government as the primary backer of foundational AI work. In recent years, government funding has become increasingly tied to defense and intelligence priorities, leaving researchers in less immediately applicable fields with few viable grant options. At the same time, AI research has grown extraordinarily expensive, requiring elite talent and vast computing resources. As a result, universities and academic labs have become far more dependent on private philanthropy to sustain their work. Funding from wealthy donors often comes with fewer restrictions. It can arrive faster, offer greater flexibility, and require less public disclosure than government grants. This likely explains part of Epstein’s appeal to researchers. But the arrangement cuts both ways. Such donations also require little transparency from the donor, meaning beneficiaries may know very little about the source of their funding. Epstein’s case is extreme, but it highlights a broader risk: when public research funding is scarce and the costs of advanced AI are high, private money becomes more attractive, along with the ethical and reputational dangers it can carry. And the problem is not easing. Microsoft chief scientist Eric Horvitz warned that U.S. cuts to National Science Foundation research grants during the The President administration could undermine the country’s AI leadership, the Financial Times reported, noting that more than 1,600 NSF grants worth nearly $1 billion have been scrapped since 2025. View the full article

The Washington Post informed its team on Wednesday morning that it was starting a round of mass layoffs, according to multiple media reports and a memo seen by Fast Company. Multiple sections are being shut down completely, while others are being shrunk significantly. The paper’s executive editor, Matt Murray, announced the cuts to the newsroom employees, saying that all sections would be impacted by the layoffs. He said the Post would be making a “strategic reset,” and is also cutting staff on the business side. The New York Times reported that approximately 30% of the Post’s employees are being laid off, including more than 300 of the around 800 journalists. News of the layoffs attracted a harsh rebuke from people in the media, including the Post‘s own former editor, who criticized the paper’s owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. “This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world’s greatest news organizations,” Marty Baron, executive editor of the Post from 2013 to 2021, said in a statement. “The Washington Post’s ambitions will be sharply diminished, its talented and brave staff will be further depleted, and the public will be denied the ground-level, fact-based reporting in our communities and around the world that is needed more than ever.” Reached for comment, a Washington Post spokesperson sent the following statement: “The Washington Post is taking a number of difficult but decisive actions today for our future, in what amounts to a significant restructuring across the company. These steps are designed to strengthen our footing and sharpen our focus on delivering the distinctive journalism that sets The Post apart and, most importantly, engages our customers.” Sports and other sections said to be gutted The sports section will reportedly be eliminated entirely, meaning that Washington’s paper of record will not provide day-to-day coverage for any of the city’s professional or college sports teams. Murray noted that some of the sports reporters will be moved to the features department to cover “the culture of sports.” This comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the Post’s plans for the Winter Olympics, which start this week. The Times reported on January 24 that the paper axed its plans to send a delegation to the Italy games just two weeks before the opening ceremony, but quickly reversed that decision, sending a team of four after the report came out. The Olympics aren’t the only major event looming on the sports calendar, as Super Bowl LX will be played in San Francisco this weekend, NCAA March Madness is just about a month away, and the FIFA World Cup, hosted in North America this year, kicks off in June. Meanwhile, the Post is reportedly cutting down its Metro desk, which covers Washington, D.C., and its surroundings, from over 40 journalists to well below half of that. The Post is drastically reducing its international coverage as well, although some international bureaus will stay operational Additionally, the paper is reportedly closing the books section and ending its daily Post Reports podcast. Weeks of speculation regarding the paper’s future The announcement comes after weeks of speculation within the newsroom. The Washington Post Guild made a statement last week, directly attacking Bezos, whose holding company, Nash Holdings, bought the paper for $250 million in 2013 and has owned it ever since. During Donald The President’s first term as president, the Post adopted the slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness” and experienced a period of growth thanks to its aggressive coverage of the administration. In 2023, Bezos hired Will Lewis as publisher of the Post, and these layoffs are just the latest in a line of changes made since then. Notably, the paper did not endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election for the first time in 36 years. In response to the layoffs, the Washington Post Guild released another statement: “These layoffs are not inevitable,” its first paragraph reads. “A newsroom cannot be hollowed out without consequences for its credibility, its reach and its future.” This story has been updated with the Post‘s response to our inquiry. View the full article

In a significant move poised to reshape the future of the accounting profession, Intuit has launched its innovative Career Pipeline Program, aiming to empower one million aspiring accountants over the next five years. This initiative responds not only to the growing demand for skilled professionals but also to the urgent challenges posed by automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. As businesses increasingly rely on digital solutions, accountants remain indispensable to organizational success. Intuit, the developer behind popular financial tools such as QuickBooks and TurboTax, understands the vital role that accounting professionals play in steering businesses towards prosperity. The company’s commitment to training the next generation comes amidst a stark talent shortage and misconceptions surrounding the profession, particularly among Gen Z, where 65% lack guidance on career paths in accounting. Simon Williams, Vice President of the Accountant Segment at Intuit, emphasized the need for this initiative. “The accounting community is an integral part of driving business success,” he noted. “Our commitment to upskill one million students is rooted in listening to our accounting partners, understanding the important role they play as advisors, and building a pipeline that helps their firms and their clients thrive.” The Career Pipeline Program aims to bridge the gap between current skills and what employers are seeking in the future. The curriculum will provide students with immersive learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications that modern firms value. According to analysts, equipping young professionals with digital and advisory skills that align with AI’s capabilities is not just beneficial—it’s essential for their career trajectories. To launch the program, Intuit will host the Career Lab: Skills for the New Era of Accounting, a virtual event scheduled for February 3 and 4, 2026. This event will gather industry experts to discuss trends, including AI’s impact on fintech and Client Advisory Services (CAS). It also aims to enlighten participants about the essential skills accounting firms need today. Participants will gain access to resources enabling them to obtain the ProAdvisor QuickBooks Certification, which is rapidly becoming a gold standard for recruitment in the accounting field. “At Intuit, we believe financial futures are strengthened when AI and human intelligence work together to expand opportunity and transform lives,” said Dave Zasada, Vice President of Education and Corporate Responsibility at Intuit. “By providing free, employer-recognized certifications and access to curriculum and resources that enhance the skills of young professionals, we’re building a robust CAS expert pipeline.” While the initiative provides a considerable opportunity for those entering the accounting profession, small business owners should be aware of potential challenges. With an influx of newly trained accountants entering the workforce, firms will need to differentiate themselves to attract these emerging talents. Moreover, as young professionals adapt to the evolving landscape, small business owners must ensure they provide meaningful roles that leverage these new skills, especially in navigating AI technology and its implications on service delivery. Furthermore, embracing AI tools may require established firms to adjust their traditional workflows. As automation continues to revolutionize jobs, ensuring a balance between human insight and technology will prove crucial. As businesses look to capitalize on these developments, they may need to invest in additional training to enable existing staff to work alongside new AI capabilities efficiently. The Career Pipeline Program aligns well with the growing emphasis on continuous learning within professional services. Small business owners stand to benefit significantly from this influx of well-prepared young accountants who not only possess updated skills but also bring fresh perspectives to traditional practices. As this initiative unfolds, small businesses are encouraged to engage with new talent by providing internships, mentorships, and opportunities for recent graduates. This proactive approach can help integrate the next generation of accountants into the workforce while fostering a more collaborative environment where innovation thrives. For more information about the Career Lab and the free certification resources available, visit Intuit’s dedicated webpage. To explore how Intuit aids accountants with its AI-native solutions, check out their Accountant Suite. The Career Pipeline Program represents a strategic effort by Intuit to ensure the accounting profession remains robust, relevant, and ready for the challenges of a digital future. With the right resources and guidance, small business owners can harness these changes to build stronger, more effective financial practices. The original press release can be found here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit Aims to Upskill One Million Future Accountants in Five Years" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Low Earth orbit is already getting crowded. Around 14,500 active satellites are circling Earth, and roughly two-thirds of them are run by SpaceX. Now, in filings connected to Elon Musk’s plan to fold SpaceX and his AI firm xAI together ahead of an IPO, the company has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch up to one million more. The figure is so large it would dwarf the number of satellites currently in orbit. In fact, it is more than every object ever sent into space by every nation combined. So why is Musk planning it, and what would it mean for the rest of us? In a public update posted on the SpaceX website as part of the merger process between SpaceX and xAI, Musk wrote that “Launching a constellation of a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization.” The Kardashev scale is a measure of technological development first outlined in the 1960s by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev, who died in 2019. While the scale of the proposal may have impressed Kardashev, many experts are far more skeptical. A million new satellites would represent roughly a 67-fold increase over today’s orbital population. “Proposals on the scale being discussed—up to one million satellites—represent a step change that deserves the same level of scrutiny we would apply to any other major global infrastructure project,” says Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky International, a nonprofit focused on preserving night skies and mitigating the impacts of light pollution. Satellite deployment at such a scale would have huge knock-on effects. “The consequences extend well beyond astronomy,” Hartley says. “They include cumulative impacts on the night sky, increased atmospheric pollution from satellite launches and re-entries, and a sharply elevated risk of orbital congestion and collision cascades that could impair access to low Earth orbit for all nations.” When satellites burn up, they release metals such as aluminum into the upper atmosphere, a process scientists and the U.K. Space Agency warn is still poorly understood but likely accelerating as megaconstellations grow. There is also the question of safety. Space is already crowded with satellites that power communications, enable GPS navigation, and support countless services we rely on every day. Adding vastly more objects increases the chances of close approaches, which, if not monitored and avoided, can result in collisions and cascading debris. “SpaceX will say they can do that stationkeeping successfully, but it doesn’t take many failures to have you end up in a bad situation,” says Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer and space sustainability analyst based in London and Boston and formerly at the Center for Astrophysics. “The SpaceX satellites will be in the higher part of low Earth orbit where it will take a long time for failed satellites to re-enter.” Hartley, for his part, argues that these risks demand far more scrutiny. “Decisions made now will shape the near-Earth environment for generations,” he says. Not everyone believes the million-satellite figure is even realistic. “As to the question of if it’s practical, I would think not,” says Caleb Henry, director of research at Quilty Space. “Filing for 1 million satellites is probably a way for SpaceX to push the envelope before accepting whatever fraction regulators deem acceptable.” That tactic may already be working. The FCC initially rejected a 2022 SpaceX proposal to launch 30,000 satellites, before later approving it in 25% tranches. “The commission authorized another 7,500 satellites this January, for a total approval of 15,000 satellites from that filing,” says Henry. SpaceX is also asking the FCC to waive standard deployment milestones, and says the economics of the plan depend on Starship becoming fully reusable, a goal it has not yet reached. In that sense, the million-satellite request is not a signal of imminent growth, but a bid to stake out spectrum and orbital real estate for a future that Musk is already trying to define. View the full article

In the old days, we'd post our photos and videos on social media for the world to see. Right now, it's far more common to send these pictures and clips to friends and family through private chat groups—but what you might not have realized is that they get pretty heavily compressed along the way. There are many reasons for this: It means the files get sent faster, for example, and that the companies behind these messenger apps don't have to spend quite so much on cloud storage (imagine millions of images being sent by millions of users, all the time). However, the recipients of these photos and videos are missing out, and getting copies that are of a much lower quality. A lot of the time, you can't really tell the difference on a small phone screen, which is why apps can get away with it. But if you're looking at something on a computer screen or trying to print something out to get a permanent physical copy, the compression quickly becomes apparent. It's something most messenger apps do—but there is a workaround if you want your photos and videos shared at full resolution. How much do messenger apps compress your files? Look out for the HD button when sharing on Instagram. Credit: Lifehacker Messenger apps are rather coy when it comes to revealing just how much compression they apply: Search the web and you'll hit Reddit threads and support forums rather than actual official documents. Apple admits iMessage applies compression "when necessary", and Google acknowledges files "may have a lower resolution" when sent through Google Chat, but it's all rather vague. To try and get a bit more clarity, I ran a quick test myself, with a 12MP, 4,000 x 3,000 pixel, 3.4MB image taken on a Pixel. Bearing in mind that compression levels will vary depending on what you're sending, and this was just a test with a single image, here's how the file was changed after it got sent through various DMs: Facebook Messenger: 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, 392KB Google Chat: 1,600 x 1,200 pixels, 324KB Google Messenger: 4,000 x 3,000 pixels, 3.4MB. iMessage: 4,000 x 3,000 pixels, 3.2MB Instagram: 1,000 x 750 pixels, 138KB WhatsApp: 2,000 x 1,500 pixels, 390KB You can see there's a lot of compression going on here, but Google Messages and iMessage are the clear winners when it comes to retaining original quality (at least with images)—a good advert for both Apple's proprietary messaging system and for RCS. It's also worth delving into the settings for each app. In Instagram, for example, there's a HD button next to the photo and video picker: When I selected this, Instagram shrank my original photo down to 2,000 x 1,500 pixels, with a file size of 421KB. In its help section, Instagram says it automatically adjusts image compression based on current network conditions, which is something else to think about—you might want to do all your photo and video sharing over wifi (which is what I did here). How to send files in their original quality through messenger apps It only takes a couple of taps to get iCloud links in Apple Photos. Credit: Lifehacker You can make sure your photos and videos get to your friends and family in their glorious, original quality, but you lose a bit of convenience along the way. Essentially, you need to pick a cloud storage service where your images and videos will be stored in full resolution, and then share links to these files—rather than sharing the files themselves. It's not quite the same immediate experience if you're sending around baby pictures or party pictures: Your recipients will just see a rather dull-looking link instead of thumbnails right inside their apps (though in some cases, there might be a small preview attached). If quality is what matters most to you, this is the way to go when it comes to sharing photos and videos. You're free to use your cloud storage provider of choice, but if there is one made by the same company behind your favorite messaging app, it makes sense to combine them together. In Google Photos on Android, for example, you can tap on a photo to view it, then choose Share and Share again to find the Create link feature: You can then share this link with any contact in any app. For Apple Photos on the iPhone, you can get a link to a photo once you've opened it up by tapping the share button (lower left), then Copy iCloud Link. Again, you can paste this anywhere you like, and it's not much more difficult to share entire folders of pictures rather than individual images. There is an extra advantage to sharing photos and videos this way, in that you can revoke sharing permissions any time you like: New people can be added and other people can be removed from albums showing your toddler growing up for example. It's not as fast and easy as direct file sharing, but you do get a bit more control (and higher resolutions). View the full article

New AI-powered tools reduce time and cost of software development, threatening industries from law to advertisingView the full article

President Donald The President’s administration is expected to unveil its grandest plan yet to rebuild supply chains of critical minerals needed for everything from jet engines to smartphones, likely through purchase agreements with partners on top of creating a $12 billion U.S. strategic reserve to help counter China’s dominance. Vice President JD Vance is set to deliver a keynote address Wednesday at a meeting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is hosting with officials from several dozen European, Asian and African nations. The U.S. is expected to sign deals on supply chain logistics, though details have not been revealed. Rubio met Tuesday with foreign ministers from South Korea and India to discuss critical minerals mining and processing. The meeting and expected agreements will come just two days after The President announced Project Vault, or a stockpile of critical minerals to be funded with a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and nearly $1.67 billion in private capital. The President’s Republican administration is making such bold moves after China, which controls 70% of the world’s rare earths mining and 90% of the processing, choked off the flow of the elements in response to The President’s tariff war. The two superpowers are in a one-year truce after The President and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in October and agreed to pull back on high tariffs and stepped-up rare earth restrictions. But China’s limits remain tighter than they were before The President took office. “We don’t want to ever go through what we went through a year ago,” The President said on Monday when announcing Project Vault. Countering China’s dominance on critical minerals Other countries might join with the The President administration in buying up critical minerals and taking other steps to spur industry development because the trade war revealed how vulnerable Western countries are to China, said Pini Althaus, who founded Oklahoma rare earth miner USA Rare Earth in 2019. “They’re looking at setting up sort of a buyers’ club, if you will,” said Althaus, who now is working to develop new mines in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as CEO of Cove Capital. “The key producers and key consumers of critical minerals will sort of get together and work on pricing structures, floor pricing and other things.” The government last week also made its fourth direct investment in an American critical minerals producer when it extended $1.6 billion to USA Rare Earth in exchange for stock and a repayment agreement. Seeking government funding these days is like meeting with private equity investors because officials are scrutinizing companies to ensure anyone they invest in can deliver, Althaus said. And the government is demanding terms designed to generate a return for taxpayers as loans are repaid and stock prices increase, he said. The stockpile strategy Meanwhile, the U.S. Export-Import Bank’s board this week approved the $10 billion loan — the largest in its history — to help finance the setup of the U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. It is tasked with ensuring access to critical minerals and related products for manufacturers, including battery maker Clarios, energy equipment manufacturer GE Vernova, digital storage company Western Digital and aerospace giant Boeing, according to the policy bank. Bank President and Chairman John Jovanovic told CNBC that the project creates a public-private partnership formula that “is uniquely suited and puts America’s best foot forward.” “What it does is it creates a scenario where there are no free riders. Everybody pitches in to solve this huge problem,” he said. Manufacturers, which benefit the most from the reserve, are making a long-term financial commitment, Jovanovic said, while the government loan spurs private investments. The stockpile strategy may help spark a “more organic” pricing model that excludes China, which has used its dominance to flood the market with lower-priced products to squeeze out competitors, said Wade Senti, president of the U.S. permanent magnet company AML. The The President administration also has injected public money directly into the sector. The Pentagon has shelled out nearly $5 billion over the past year to help ensure its access to the materials after the trade war laid bare just how beholden the U.S. is to China. Efforts get some bipartisan support A bipartisan group of lawmakers last month proposed creating a new agency with $2.5 billion to spur production of rare earths and the other critical minerals. The lawmakers applauded the steps by the The President administration. “It’s a clear sign that there is bipartisan support for securing a robust domestic supply of critical minerals that both reduces our reliance on China and stabilizes the market,” Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Todd Young, R-Ind., said in a joint statement Tuesday. Building up a stockpile will help American companies weather future rare earth supply disruptions, but that will likely be a long-term effort because the materials are still scarce right now with China’s restrictions, said David Abraham, a rare earths expert who has followed the industry for decades and wrote the book “The Elements of Power.” The The President administration has focused on reinvigorating critical minerals production, but Abraham said it’s also important to encourage development of manufacturing that will use them. He noted that The President’s decisions to cut incentives for electric vehicles and wind turbines have undercut demand for these elements in America. —Didi Tang, Josh Funk and Matthew Lee, Associated Press View the full article

If you’re on the lookout for small business jobs nearby, there are several options worth considering. Positions like a mid-level CPA, part-time office admin, or small business banker can provide solid career paths. You might likewise explore roles such as a business loan broker or client service manager. Each role has specific requirements and responsibilities that can suit various skill sets. Comprehending these opportunities can help you make an informed decision about your next career move. Key Takeaways Explore mid-level CPA roles for small business accounting and tax services, offering competitive salaries and responsibilities in financial analysis and bookkeeping. Consider part-time office admin positions requiring QuickBooks proficiency and online marketing skills, with flexible scheduling and hourly pay between $20 – $25. Look into small business banker roles focused on relationship building with local entrepreneurs, emphasizing customer service and sales experience for career advancement. Apply for business loan broker positions that assess client financial needs, offering entry-level salaries starting around $40,000 with potential for higher earnings through commissions. Seek remote opportunities like assistant director for small business national partners, focusing on strategy execution and relationship building with competitive mid-level compensation. Mid-Level CPA (Small Business Accounting & Tax Services) If you’re considering a career as a Mid-Level CPA in small business accounting and tax services, you might find the position at Clear Crossway Solutions in Houston, TX, particularly appealing. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from $45K to $55K per year, making it an attractive option among small business jobs near me. As a Mid-Level CPA, you’ll prepare and review various tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1120, 1120S, and 1065, during managing bookkeeping and general ledger oversight for assigned clients. You’ll be expected to conduct financial analysis for small businesses, requiring a solid comprehension of financial management and accounting principles. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential in this dynamic work environment. Familiarity with accounting software and digital marketing platforms not only improves your prospects but additionally streamlines financial operations, making this position an excellent fit for those interested in jobs in business. Part-Time Office Admin — QuickBooks & Online Marketing REQUIRED For those looking to expand their career options in the small business sector, the Part-Time Office Admin position at Scoop Le Poop in Houston, TX, presents a compelling opportunity. This role requires proficiency in QuickBooks and online marketing to effectively support business operations. Here are some key aspects to evaluate: Pay Range: The position offers $20 – $25 per hour, depending on experience. Skills: Strong customer service and retention skills are a must, along with a self-directed management style. Multitasking: You’ll need to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks efficiently. Flexible Hours: This role allows for flexible scheduling, making it ideal for those seeking part-time work as they apply their administrative and marketing expertise. If you meet these requirements, this position could be a great fit for your professional growth. Small Business Banker Bellaire The Small Business Banker position at Comerica in Bellaire, TX, plays a crucial role in nurturing relationships with local entrepreneurs as they address their unique financial needs. This role focuses on driving net customer growth by servicing small business relationships, which requires strong financial acumen. You’ll be responsible for delivering customized banking solutions that meet the specific needs of each small business. To excel, applicants typically need a background in customer service, sales, or business banking, along with effective communication skills to build rapport with clients. Engaging with local entrepreneurs is important, as you’ll help them navigate financial challenges and achieve their business goals. Additionally, this position offers opportunities for career advancement within Comerica, a company dedicated to supporting small business growth and community development. If you’re passionate about helping businesses thrive, this role could be an excellent fit for you. Assistant Director, Small Business National Partners As you explore the role of Assistant Director, Small Business National Partners at The Hartford, you’ll find a position designed for those who excel in executing small business strategies and nurturing partnership initiatives. This remote role requires a blend of skills vital for success, including: Business Development: You’ll need to identify and cultivate relationships with small business partners. Communication: Strong verbal and written skills are fundamental for effective collaboration and negotiation. Strategic Planning: You’ll analyze market trends to drive growth and improve partnerships. Small Business Operations: A solid comprehension of small business dynamics will guide your initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing partnerships and delivering results. The position offers competitive compensation, aligning with industry standards for mid-level management roles in small business services. If you’re looking to make an impact in this field, this role could be the perfect opportunity for you. Small Business Client Service Manager I In a dynamic business environment, a Small Business Client Service Manager I plays a vital role in ensuring that small business clients receive the support they need to thrive. This position, available remotely at Gallagher in Houston, TX, focuses on delivering exceptional customer service within the small business division. Strong communication skills are important, as you’ll help clients navigate their needs effectively. Ideally, you should have a background in customer service, particularly with experience in small business operations or financial management. Business Bankruptcy Lawyer Supporting small businesses goes beyond client service; it often involves maneuvering through financial challenges, especially when those businesses face bankruptcy. If you’re considering a career as a Business Bankruptcy Lawyer, you’ll play a vital role in helping small business owners reorganize their debts under Chapter 11 sub-chapter V. Here are key aspects of the position: Salary Range: Expect a competitive salary between $85K – $135K annually. Expertise: You’ll need a solid comprehension of bankruptcy law to navigate complex financial situations. Client Interaction: Work closely with clients to develop customized debt relief strategies, negotiating with creditors when necessary. Skills Required: Strong communication and analytical skills are fundamental for presenting legal arguments and advising clients effectively. This role is especially in demand during economic downturns, making it a potentially lucrative career for those specializing in small business financial matters. Customer Service Representative Customer Service Representatives play a vital role in small businesses, acting as the primary point of contact for clients and addressing their inquiries and concerns. Typically, these positions offer salaries ranging from $15.75 to $20.75 per hour, depending on the company and location. Strong communication skills are important, as you’ll assist clients with inquiries, complaints, and service-related issues. Adaptability and problem-solving abilities are also highlighted, since you’ll often need to handle diverse customer needs and concerns. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management software can improve your effectiveness in this role. Furthermore, opportunities for advancement exist within customer service, potentially leading to management, training, or specialized support roles, especially in a small business environment. If you enjoy engaging with people and solving problems, a position as a Customer Service Representative may be a great fit for you. Small Business Sales Account Executive – South Texas As a Small Business Sales Account Executive in South Texas, you’ll focus on driving sales and cultivating relationships with small to medium-sized enterprises throughout the region. This role requires strong business acumen and problem-solving skills, along with a solid comprehension of financial management. Here are key aspects of the position: Sales Focus: You’ll actively pursue new clients and upsell existing accounts, aiming to meet sales targets. Relationship Building: Establishing trust with clients is crucial for grasping their unique business needs. Commission Structure: Your earnings can substantially increase through performance-based incentives, rewarding your hard work. Career Advancement: Opportunities often arise for those who network effectively and demonstrate consistent sales performance, leading to roles in management. With excellent communication skills, you’ll effectively engage clients and drive your success in this competitive field. Part-Time Real Estate Photographer (No Experience Needed) If you’re looking for a flexible job that allows you to express your creativity, consider becoming a part-time real estate photographer. This role requires no previous experience, making it a great entry point for anyone interested in photography as it offers the chance to develop your skills. You’ll be able to work around your schedule, travel to different locations, and earn competitive pay, making it a solid option in today’s gig economy. Flexible Work Hours Finding a job with flexible work hours can greatly improve your work-life balance, especially in a position like the Part-Time Real Estate Photographer role at Real Estate Photographer Pro in Houston, TX. This opportunity is perfect if you’re looking to enter the photography field without prior experience. Here are some key benefits of this position: Flexible Scheduling: You can plan shoots around your availability. No Experience Required: It’s accessible for anyone interested in photography. Creative Expression: Capture stunning images that help market properties. Commission-Based Earnings: Your income can grow based on how many properties you photograph. This role allows you to blend your passion for photography with the real estate market during maintaining a manageable schedule. Creative Skill Development Creative skill development plays a significant role in the path of a Part-Time Real Estate Photographer, especially when you have no prior experience. This position at Real Estate Photographer Pro in Houston, TX, offers you a chance to learn photography during flexible hours. You’ll focus on capturing high-quality images that highlight properties, which is critical for attracting potential buyers. As you take on this role, you’ll build a portfolio that showcases your progress and creativity, fundamental for advancing in the photography field. Moreover, working in real estate photography allows you to gain insights into the market, network with agents and homeowners, and potentially open doors for future job opportunities. This experience can be invaluable for your career. Business Loan Broker, Houston If you’re considering a career as a Business Loan Broker in Houston, you’ll play an essential role in connecting small and medium-sized businesses with the capital they need to thrive. This position demands strong financial management skills and a thorough comprehension of the lending process, as you’ll help clients navigate loan applications and secure favorable terms. With potential earnings based on commissions and the flexibility to work remotely, this job can be an appealing option for those balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Responsibilities and Duties As a Business Loan Broker in Houston, you play a vital role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises by helping them secure the financing they need to grow and succeed. Your responsibilities include: Evaluating clients’ financial needs and matching them with suitable loan products. Conducting thorough assessments of credit histories and financial statements to determine loan eligibility. Building and maintaining relationships with lending institutions to access competitive loan terms. Guiding clients through the application process, ensuring all documentation is submitted accurately and swiftly. You’ll need effective communication skills to explain complex loan options clearly. Your role is essential in helping clients navigate the often complicated world of business financing, enabling them to make informed decisions for their enterprises. Required Skills and Qualifications To succeed as a Business Loan Broker in Houston, you’ll need a specific set of skills and qualifications that cater to the demands of this competitive field. Strong financial acumen is vital, along with a solid comprehension of lending processes, to help small and medium-sized enterprises secure capital. Familiarity with accounting software and digital marketing tools can further boost your effectiveness in managing client portfolios and outreach efforts. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are key for building relationships with clients and lenders, ensuring successful negotiations. Prior experience in finance, sales, or customer service is often preferred, as it equips you to navigate complex loan agreements. Moreover, knowledge of local market trends and economic factors can improve your ability to provide customized financial solutions. Potential Salary Range The potential salary range for a Business Loan Broker in Houston reflects the varying levels of experience and performance in this dynamic field. Typically, you can expect: Entry-level positions starting around $40,000 annually. Average salaries usually range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on your skills and success. Seasoned brokers can earn upwards of $120,000, especially with strong client relationships. Commissions are a key factor, often boosting income remarkably based on the volume of loans processed. With the growing demand for financing among small and medium-sized businesses, job security is promising. Many brokers likewise benefit from flexible work arrangements, allowing them to manage multiple clients effectively, further enhancing their earning potential. Frequently Asked Questions What Jobs Pay $400 an Hour? Jobs that pay $400 an hour are typically found in specialized sectors. You might consider roles like surgeons or anesthesiologists in healthcare, top-tier attorneys in complex litigation, or C-level executives in large corporations. Furthermore, highly skilled consultants in technology or finance often charge similar rates for their expertise. Freelancers in high-demand fields, such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence, may likewise command these hourly rates based on their unique skills and client needs. How Can I Make $2000 a Week Working From Home? To make $2000 a week from home, focus on high-paying freelance or remote roles. Consider consulting, specialized sales, or multiple part-time gigs like virtual assistance or online tutoring. Commission-based sales in fields like real estate can likewise boost your income if you have strong networking skills. Utilizing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr allows you to leverage your expertise in various freelance projects, helping you reach your weekly earnings goal effectively. What Jobs Pay $1,000 an Hour? Jobs that pay $1,000 an hour are rare and usually require significant qualifications. Professionals like specialized surgeons, corporate attorneys, or elite consultants typically earn these rates because of their expertise and experience. Some freelance roles, such as expert witnesses or high-level financial advisors, can likewise command such fees. Nevertheless, most jobs in various sectors offer much lower wages, often between $15 and $50 per hour, highlighting the exclusivity of high-paying positions. What Jobs Make $500 an Hour? Jobs that make $500 an hour are typically found in specialized fields like medicine, law, or high-level consulting. For instance, certain surgeons or top law firm partners can command these rates because of their extensive training and experience. Moreover, freelancers or consultants in these areas often set high hourly rates for their expertise. As lucrative as they are, these positions are highly competitive and not common, representing a small fraction of the overall job market. Conclusion To summarize, there are several small business job opportunities available that cater to various skills and interests. Whether you’re interested in accounting, administration, banking, or creative roles, you can find positions that match your qualifications. By applying to these roles, you can contribute to local businesses as you advance your career. Take the time to explore these options and submit your applications today to secure a position that aligns with your professional goals and expertise. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "10 Small Business Jobs Near Me You Can Apply For Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you bought a Windows computer in the past couple years, there's a good chance that it a "Copilot" key where the right ctrl key used to be. But what if you actually used the right ctrl key? Or what if you prefer Claude or ChatGPT to Copilot? Whatever your reason for not loving the Copilot key, don't worry—you can change it. Here's how to do so in the Windows settings or, if necessary, using Microsoft Powertoys. How to change the Copilot key in settingsOpen the Settings application and head to the Personalization section. You should find a Customize Copilot key option here, assuming you're using a recent-ish version of Windows 11. Click the drop-down menu and you'll have three options: Copilot, Search, and Custom. You can change the button to Search if you'd rather use the key to bring up the Windows search tool instead of Copilot. Alternatively, you can use the Custom option to launch any application on your computer instead of Copilot. This could be a useful way to open the Claude or ChatGPT desktop apps instead of Copilot. Or, if you're not a big AI fan, you could just have it open your browser. This is a limited number of options, granted, but it's easy and doesn't require any sort of tools. It's your simplest option. How to change the Copilot key using Microsoft PowertoysYou may have noticed that the options in Settings don't let you remap the Copilot key to the ctrl key, or any other key—all you can do is launch an application. For that, you're going to need to install Powertoys, the secret Microsoft app that improves Windows. After installing, go to the Keyboard Manager section. The simplest thing to do, which may or may not work on your computer, is to click Remap keys. You should be able to press your Copilot key to remap it (it will show up as F23, which we'll get to). Now you can choose what you want the key to serve as. This could be ctrl, if you like, or it could be any other key. Click OK, and you should be done. Credit: Justin Pot There's a chance this won't work for you. Why? Because the Copilot key works a little differently depending on what kind of laptop you have. Buckle up: This gets complicated in a very Microsoft-y way. On many computers, the Copilot key functions as an F23 key. This is a workaround, of sorts, allowing Microsoft to add a key without changing the operating system very much. Most modern keyboards only have one row of function keys—around 12 in total. Keyboards in the 80's and 90's sometimes had two rows of keys—around 24 in total. Windows, to this day, still supports all 24 keys, even though basically no one has that many function keys. Microsoft took advantage of this—on many laptops the Copilot key functions as an F23 key. But this is Windows, so of course it's more complicated than that. On some laptops, pressing the Copilot key triggers a keyboard shortcut: Windows-Shift-F23. This means you can't use the Remap keys function in Powertoys to remap the Copilot key, because the Copilot key already triggers a keyboard shortcut. What you can do is use the Remap a shortcut option. Use this, then press the Copilot key as your selection. You should see the keyboard shortcut Windows-Shift-F23 show up. Now choose what you want to remap your Copilot key to. This works, with a caveat: You really can't use it to bring back your ctrl key, as users have noted on Github. The issue is that you can't remap a keyboard shortcut to a modifier key, just to a single keypress. It's not clear what could fix this, and I suspect users of such laptops are just stuck. Which is all to say that you might not be able to get your control key back, but least you can remap the key to do something else. View the full article

Drawdown comes as backlash against enforcement tactics forces president to soften approach to immigration crackdownView the full article

Google Ads has quietly rolled out multi-party approval, a security feature that requires a second administrator to approve certain high-risk account actions. These include adding or removing users and changing user roles. Why we care. As ad accounts grow larger — and more valuable — access control has become a bigger risk. A single unauthorized, malicious or accidental account change can disrupt campaigns, access, and billing in minutes. Multi-party approval reduces that risk by requiring a second admin sign-off on high-impact actions, adding protection without changing day-to-day campaign management. For agencies and large teams especially, it helps prevent costly mistakes and improves overall account security. How it works. When an admin initiates a sensitive change, Google Ads automatically creates an approval request. Other eligible admins receive an in-product notification, and one of them must approve or deny the request within 20 days. If no action is taken, the request expires and the change is blocked. Status tracking. Each request is clearly labeled as Complete, Denied, or Expired, making it easier for teams to monitor what’s been approved — and what didn’t make it through. Where to find it. Admins can view and manage approval requests from the Access and security section within the Admin menu. The bigger picture. The update reflects growing concern around account security, especially for agencies and large advertisers managing multiple users, partners, and permissions. With advertisers recently reporting costly hacks, this would be a very welcome update. Bottom line. Multi-party approval adds friction — but the good kind. It gives advertisers more control over who can make critical changes and helps protect Google Ads accounts from unauthorized access. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. January has a reputation for being a dumping ground at movie theaters, but that's certainly not the case when it comes to streaming, as the apps begin to load up on the prior year's critical and commercial hits—and 2026 came in like a champion, with the list of the top movies streaming including banger after banger, from One Battle After Another, to Sinners, to F1. January's streaming winners are heavy on social commentary. One Battle After Another plays it straight in its bracingly contemporary story of anti-fascist revolutionaries and immigration raids, while Sinners, Bugonia, and 28 Years Later use sci-fi and horror tropes to comment on our current political divides. If that all sounds too heavy, the list is rounded out by escapist fair like F1 and The Rip. Also of note: The popularity of The Running Man and The Long Walk indicate that movie-goers are hungry for adaptations of dystopian Stephen King novels written under the pen-name Richard Bachman and foregrounding near-future authoritarian societies in which deadly ambulation-based contests are popular. I wonder what that's about? Here's the full list of the top 10 most-streamed movies of January 2026 across all major streaming services, as compiled by JustWatch. One Battle After Another (2025) Topping the charts this month is Paul Thomas Anderson's nuanced, intelligent thriller about resistance and race in a fascistic, anti-immigration United States. (No, it's not a documentary.) Featuring fantastic performances from heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall, One Battle After Another is that rare movie that's equal parts thoughtful and exciting. It was recently nominated for 13 Oscars. Stream one Battle After Another on HBO Max. One Battle After Another (2025) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Bugonia (2025) It's always nice when a weirdo movie is widely watched, and Bugonia was that movie in January 2026. Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis play a couple of societal dregs who kidnap a high-powered pharmaceutical executive (Emma Stone) because they think she's an alien. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who helmed 2023's excellent Poor Things, the Best Picture Oscar nominee is a must-watch, even if you're only a little weird. (And if you want more weirdness, it's based on an even odder South Korean film called Save the Green Planet.) Stream Bugonia on Peacock. Bugonia (2025) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Sinners (2025) This one-of-kind flick mashes up so many styles, it's practically its own genre. A historical-horror-ensemble romance-drama-comedy-musical exploring race and historical prejudice in the United States, Sinners tells its story through both song and vampire violence. It is absolutely to-notch in every cinematic way, which is probably why it earned a record 16 Oscar nominations. Stream Sinners on HBO Max and Prime Video. Sinners (2025) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max The Running Man (2025) Based on a 1982 novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) and directed by Edgar Wright, The Running Man is a dystopian near-future sci-fi action flick in which the most popular show on TV is a deadly reality competition with contestants who must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. I hate to admit that I would totally watch that show, and you should totally watch this movie. Stream The Running Man on MGM+ and Paramount+. The Running Man (2025) at MGM+ Learn More Learn More at MGM+ The Rip (2026) If you're in the mood for a throwback action-thriller, check out The Rip, from director Joe Carnahan. It tells the story of a Miami tactical narcotics team that discovers $20 million of dirty money in a stash house. Nobody in the squad is a "clean cop" when there's that much money in play, and soon, everything goes predictably haywire in unpredictable ways. Starring movie pals Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, The Rip is a non-stop ride. Stream The Rip on Netflix. The Rip (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Train Dreams (2025) If you want maximum Americana drama, but not in a cheesy way, check out Train Dreams. Set in the early 1900s, it tells the story of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad builder whose quiet life is upended by a devastating tragedy. Train Dreams is a thoughtful, poetic movie about the passing of an era. It's also a Best Picture nominee this year. Stream Train Dreams on Netflix. Train Dreams (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) The third Knives Out mystery stars Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, the last of the gentleman's sleuths, who is this time investigating the murder of a priest. A stylish, twisty, brain-testing whodunnit with an all-star cast that includes Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner, Wake Up Dead Man is proof that a classic murder mystery can still keep the most seasoned armchair detectives guessing. Stream Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix The Long Walk (2025) The second film in this month's top 10 based on a novel by Stephen King but written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Long Walk shares only surface similarities with The Running Man in its story of a group of young men living in a dystopian future society who are forced to compete in a deadly contest that requires them to keep walking until only one of them is left standing (and alive). It's an ensemble character study closer to They Shoot Horses, Don't They than it is to over-the-top action sci-fi of The Running Man. (They'd make a great double-feature, though.) Stream The Long Walk on Starz or rent it from Prime Video. The Long Walk (2025) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video 28 Years Later (2025) Zombies spoil if you leave 'em out to long, and these dead boys have been marinating for nearly 30 years. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's 28 Years Later ditches much of the fast-paced chaos of modern zombie flicks for an atmospheric, haunting exploration of the community of humans still alive in a long-dead England. It’s a somber movie about the post-apocalypse that makes you wonder if the zombies have it better off. Stream 28 Years Later on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video. 28 Years Later (2025) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video F1 (2025) I'm happy that this list of bleak zombie narratives, carefully paced mysteries, and thinly veiled cultural critique ends with a movie about cars driving very, very fast. (Sometimes you just need a palate cleanser.) Starring Brad Pitt as race car driver striving for one last stab at glory, the Best Picture-nominated F1 was shot at actual F1 Grand Prix events and perfectly captures the danger, drama, and pure adrenaline of the sport. It's a great film to show off your new TV and soundbar. Stream F1: The Movie on Apple TV+. F1: The Movie (2025) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ View the full article

In procurement documents quietly published last month, Immigration and Customs revealed that the Veterans Affairs administration abruptly cut off its access to vaccines that the agency has historically provided to the people it detains. It was one of a series of medical support services that were suddenly halted, and comes amid long-standing and growing concerns about the health care provided at ICE facilities. ICE subsequently pursued an “emergency” procurement to access vaccines in another way, according to the contracting documents released by the government. The Department of Homeland Security, in which ICE is housed, claims there was no gap in the vaccine service provided by the agency. Still, the document is a small window into the state of ICE operations as the agency continues to ramp up immigration enforcement efforts. ICE had for decades secured what calls “seasonal and routine” vaccines from the VA Financial Services Center, which provides support to both the veterans agency and other federal departments. Earlier government documents, previously reported by Popular Information, show that the VA suddenly cut off services for the ICE Health Corps back in October, which created subsequent issues for both medical claims processing and the pharmacy benefits management for people detained at ICE facilities. Now, another set of documents show that disintegration of the collaboration between the VA and ICE even extended to vaccines and created what the document, as an “absolute emergency.” ICE reveals relatively little about the extent to which it actually provides vaccines to detainees, and the agency did not comment on which particular vaccines it actually provides. The agency did distribute tens of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses during the height of the pandemic, but further information isn’t available. There are already serious concerns about the quality and extent of health services provided to ICE detainees. The transmission of illnesses—including the flu and Hep A—are well documented at ICE facilities, and the risk of an outbreak has grown as ICE has sought to round up and detain more people, overcrowding detention centers. ICE recently paused movement at one detention facility in Texas because of a measles outbreak, and the agency is facing several class action lawsuits over the state of detainees’ health care. “Over the years, there have been many documented outbreaks of measles, mumps, influenza, chickenpox, and other infectious diseases in detained migrants in ICE detention centers,” Nathan Lo, a Stanford professor who studies infectious diseases, tells Fast Company. “Many of these outbreaks are quite unusual which underscore that it’s these conditions that predispose to these outbreaks.” Adults are often not even offered vaccines, Lo adds. ICE claimed in the documents, which were posted publicly in January, that the VA “abruptly and instantly terminated” the agreement in October, leaving the DHS component with no mechanism to provide vaccines to undocumented people. “It is an absolute emergency for ICE to immediately procure vaccine support because lack of this support will delay critical and life-saving vaccines,” the procurement justification said. DHS tells Fast Company that there was never a gap in services because they were able to secure a new vendor. ICE did not answer a series of questions about its vaccine provision, including which vaccines the agency offers detainees, or provide further details about its reliance on the VA. When Fast Company asked the Veterans Affairs Department about the situation, the agency’s press secretary Peter Kasperowicz only said that under the new administration, the “VA does not provide any services or support to illegal immigrants. We are solely focused on providing the best possible care and benefits to the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we serve.” Under the The President administration, ICE has aimed to deport a record number of people, which has exacerbated existing and serious concerns about the health and safety of detention centers and extremely limited oversight. More than 32 people died in ICE custody last year, making 2025 the deadliest year for the agency in decades, The Guardian reported. “ICE has systematically neglected—and actively harmed—the health and well-being of the people it detains for as long as the agency has existed, just like all the U.S. government agencies throughout history that have caged and deported people,” says Ana Linares, a paralegal focused on mental health care at legal access at the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, one of the groups leading lawsuits against ICE. “The only solution that centers real health and safety is to end ICE detention and allow people to pursue their immigration processes in freedom with the support and care of family and community.” The VA did not provide any more details over its decision to cut off vaccine support to ICE, but it’s possible the agency made the decision in the wake of Executive Order 14218, which the The President Administration announced in February and dubbed the “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.” The order directed agencies to analyze taxpayer-funded funds that went to “unqualified” aliens and take any appropriate actions to end those programs. In response to the order, several other agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, began reviews of their programs. As detailed by Popular Information, the VA had previously faced right-wing backlash for providing this service to ICE, but it’s not clear if that backlash was related to the VA’s decision. When asked for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said it was a long-standing practice for the agency to provide medical care to people in ICE custody, including various medical and mental health screenings and health assessments. “As we transitioned contracts, there were no gaps in medical care—including access to necessary vaccines, which are being provided. Illegal aliens in ICE custody still have access to vaccines like they always have,” Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for the agency, told Fast Company. View the full article

The footage was real, verified, and delightful: a security camera clip of a coyote bouncing on a backyard trampoline in Los Angeles. Days after the video went viral, near-identical kangaroos, bears, and rabbits began circulating too, all generated by AI. Millions shared them, believing they’d captured another glimpse of animals behaving hilariously. It was an amusing mix-up, but it was also a warning. AI-generated video tools have moved far beyond producing surreal or obviously manipulated clips. They are now convincingly imitating the formats we instinctively trust most: CCTV, dashcams, police bodycams, wildlife cameras, and handheld eyewitness footage. These are the clips that shape public understanding during protests, disasters, violence, and emergencies. And the fake ones are becoming indistinguishable from the real thing. AI-generated realism has already entered the news cycle At Storyful, we verify thousands of real-world videos for newsrooms and brands worldwide. This year we ran a test: we fed real breaking-news headlines from our own platform into one of the newest AI video models. In seconds, we got clips that mimicked the texture and perspective of eyewitness reporting. Not glossy AI experiments, news-like footage that could plausibly land in a newsroom inbox during a breaking story. Side by side with the original real clips, even trained journalists needed to slow down and scrutinize the details. Consider this example, inspired by a verified authentic video posted to social media in the wake of heavy monsoon rains in India: Firefighters Save Man Clinging to Pole Amid Raging Indian Floods A man was rescued on Tuesday, September 16, in India’s Uttarakhand state after spending more than four hours clinging onto an electricity pole as deadly floodwaters raged around him, local media reported. Real: And this fully synthetic video, created by prompting OpenAI’s video generator app Sora with the title of the first video. Fake: This is no longer a theoretical future. It is happening right now. Guardrails are already slipping. Tutorials circulate openly on Reddit explaining how to remove the watermark on videos created by one of the most popular AI-video generators, OpenAI’s Sora. Restrictions on certain AI prompts can be bypassed—when they exist—or models can be run locally without curbs on highly realistic content. And because these tools can create fake CCTV or disaster footage on demand, the question isn’t whether AI can generate convincing videos of things that never happened. It’s how far will a convincing fake spread before anyone checks it? Why AI-generated videos feel believable The most significant shift in AI-generated video is not just its appearance, but also its behavior. Real eyewitness footage contains the rough edges that come with real life: a shaky hand, the camera pointed at the ground before the action begins, long stretches of nothing happening, imperfect angles and missed details. AI does not yet replicate these moments. It goes straight to the action, framed center-perfect, lit cleanly, and paced like a scene built for maximum impact. It offers the moment we expect to see, without the messy human lead-up that usually surrounds it. The reason is simple. Most models are still trained heavily on cinematic material rather than chaotic, handheld user-generated content. They understand drama better than they understand reality. That gap is what allows verification teams to spot the difference—for now. As models evolve and prompt-writing improves, these behavioral tells will fade. The training data for these video foundation models includes both shaky bystander videos and slick documentaries, allowing them to ably imitate their style and sense of realism. Public confidence is already eroding The Reuters Digital News Report finds that 58% of global audiences fear they can no longer tell real from fake online. That fear used to apply mainly to politics and propaganda. Now it applies to harmless backyard videos. This marks a deeper psychological shift. Once a viewer starts doubting everyday videos, they don’t toggle that skepticism on and off. If they question a dog rescue, they will question a protest. If they question a prank, they will question a war zone. Trust doesn’t collapse in a single dramatic moment. It erodes drip by drip, through thousands of small uncertainties. And as AI-generated video becomes abundant, authentic footage becomes scarce. How to tell when a video is AI-generated AI detection tools can be a useful part of your workflow, but they are not a replacement for human verification. According to Storyful’s analysis, current tools achieve 65–75% accuracy under ideal conditions, but that accuracy drops below 50% within weeks of a new AI model release. These are the signals Storyful’s verification teams use daily, cues the public can learn to recognize quickly. AI starts at the climax. Real footage almost always includes dead time or fumbling before the action. Subjects sit perfectly in the center of the frame. Eyewitnesses rarely capture the chaos of breaking news like cinematographers. Motion is too smooth Real user-generated content stutters, shakes, refocuses, and slips. Timestamps, signage, and license plates break down under scrutiny AI often approximates these details instead of rendering them accurately. Disaster and wildlife clips look “too composed.” Real life is uncertain. AI often looks staged. These cues won’t hold forever, but right now they offer critical protection. Authenticity is now an asset Tech platforms can add more guardrails to their video generator tools, regulators can update frameworks, detection tools can improve, and so can our own critical faculties. And as newsrooms help audiences navigate through the morass of fakery, the most impactful way they can rebuild trust is to be transparent. Audiences no longer trust “sources say.” They want to see how a journalist or a newsroom knows something is real. More news organizations are adopting verification-forward formats, including BBC Verify and CBS News Confirmed, which integrate open-source and forensic checks into reporting, examining provenance, imagery, metadata patterns, and geolocation when relevant. Storyful Newswire equips all of our partners with these basic but essential details about every video on our platform. This transparency is becoming the primary differentiator in an environment where AI-generated video is cheap, fast, and everywhere. The more AI-generated footage floods the ecosystem, the more credibility belongs to organizations that make showing their work a key part of the story. The internet’s most unforgettable videos were never perfect. They were unpredictable, flawed, and human, the kinds of moments AI still struggles to imagine. AI-generated footage can now mimic the visual language of truth. But it cannot yet reproduce the randomness of real life. What’s at stake when it does isn’t simply misinformation. It’s the public’s ability to trust what it sees in the moments that matter most. James Law is Editor in Chief of Storyful, a news agency used by 70 percent of the top 20 global newsrooms specializing in verifying breaking news and viral video. View the full article

In 2015, PPC was a game of direct control. You told Google exactly which keywords to target, set manual bids at the keyword level, and capped spend with a daily budget. If you were good with spreadsheets and understood match types, you could build and manage 30,000-keyword accounts all day long. Those days are gone. In 2026, platform automation is no longer a helpful assistant. It’s the primary driver of performance. Fighting that reality is a losing battle. Automation has leveled the playing field and, in many cases, given PPC marketers back their time. But staying effective now requires a different skill set: understanding how automated systems learn and how your data shapes their decisions. This article breaks down how signals actually work inside Google Ads, how to identify and protect high-quality signals, and how to prevent automation from drifting into the wrong pockets of performance. Automation runs on signals, not settings Google’s automation isn’t a black box where you drop in a budget and hope for the best. It’s a learning system that gets smarter based on the signals you provide. Feed it strong, accurate signals, and it will outperform any manual approach. Feed it poor or misleading data, and it will efficiently automate failure. That’s the real dividing line in modern PPC. AI and automation run on signals. If a system can observe, measure, or infer something, it can use it to guide bidding and targeting. Google’s official documentation still frames “audience signals” primarily as the segments advertisers manually add to products like Performance Max or Demand Gen. That definition isn’t wrong, but it’s incomplete. It reflects a legacy, surface-level view of inputs and not how automation actually learns at scale. Dig deeper: Google Ads PMax: The truth about audience signals and search themes What actually qualifies as a signal? In practice, every element inside a Google Ads account functions as a signal. Structure, assets, budgets, pacing, conversion quality, landing page behavior, feed health, and real-time query patterns all shape how the AI interprets intent and decides where your money goes. Nothing is neutral. Everything contributes to the model’s understanding of who you want, who you don’t, and what outcomes you value. So when we talk about “signals,” we’re not just talking about first-party data or demographic targeting. We’re talking about the full ecosystem of behavioral, structural, and quality indicators that guide the algorithm’s decision-making. Here’s what actually matters: Conversion actions and values: These are 100% necessary. They tell Google Ads what defines success for your specific business and which outcomes carry the most weight for your bottom line. Keyword signals: These indicate search intent. Based on research shared by Brad Geddes at a recent Paid Search Association webinar, even “low-volume” keywords serve as vital signals. They help the system understand the semantic neighborhood of your target audience. Ad creative signals: This goes beyond RSA word choice. I believe the platform now analyzes the environment within your images. If you show a luxury kitchen, the algorithm identifies those visual cues to find high-end customers. I base this hypothesis on my experience running a YouTube channel. I’ve watched how the algorithm serves content based on visual environments, not just metadata. Landing page signals: Beyond copy, elements like color palettes, imagery, and engagement metrics signal how well your destination aligns with the user’s initial intent. This creates a feedback loop that tells Google whether the promise of the ad was kept. Bid strategies and budgets: Your bidding strategy is another core signal for the AI. It tells the system whether you’re prioritizing efficiency, volume, or raw profit. Your budget signals your level of market commitment. It tells the system how much permission it has to explore and test. In 2026, we’ve moved beyond the daily cap mindset. With the expansion of campaign total budgets to Search and Shopping, we are now signaling a total commitment window to Google. In the announcement, UK retailer Escentual.com used this approach to signal a fixed promotional budget, resulting in a 16% traffic lift because the AI was given permission to pace spend based on real-time demand rather than arbitrary 24-hour cycles. All of these elements function as signals because they actively shape the ad account’s learning environment. Anything the ad platform can observe, measure, or infer becomes part of how it predicts intent, evaluates quality, and allocates budget. If a component influences who sees your ads, how they behave, or what outcomes the algorithm optimizes toward, it functions as a signal. The auction-time reality: Finding the pockets To understand why signal quality has become critical, you need to understand what’s actually happening every time someone searches. Google’s auction-time bidding doesn’t set one bid for “mobile users in New York.” It calculates a unique bid for every single auction based on billions of signal combinations at that precise millisecond. This considers the user, not simply the keyword. We are no longer looking for “black-and-white” performance. We are finding pockets of performance and users who are predicted to take the outcomes we define as our goals in the platform. The AI evaluates the specific intersection of a user on iOS 17, using Chrome, in London, at 8 p.m., who previously visited your pricing page. Because the bidding algorithm cross-references these attributes, it generates a precise bid. This level of granularity is impossible for humans to replicate. But this is also the “garbage in, garbage out” reality. Without quality signals, the system is forced to guess. Dig deeper: How to build a modern Google Ads targeting strategy like a pro Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. The signal hierarchy: What Google actually listens to If every element in a Google Ads account functions as a signal, we also have to acknowledge that not all signals carry equal weight. Some signals shape the core of the model’s learning. Others simply refine it. Based on my experience managing accounts spending six and seven figures monthly, this is the hierarchy that actually matters. Conversion signals reign supreme Your tracking is the most important data point. The algorithm needs a baseline of 30 to 50 conversions per month to recognize patterns. For B2B advertisers, this often requires shifting from high-funnel form fills to down-funnel CRM data. As Andrea Cruz noted in her deep dive on Performance Max for B2B, optimizing for a “qualified lead” or “appointment booked” is the only way to ensure the AI doesn’t just chase cheap, irrelevant clicks. Enhanced conversions and first-party data We are witnessing a “death by a thousand cuts,” where browser restrictions from Safari and Firefox, coupled with aggressive global regulations, have dismantled the third-party cookie. Without enhanced conversions or server-side tracking, you are essentially flying blind, because the invisible trackers of the past are being replaced by a model where data must be earned through transparent value exchanges. First-party audience signals Your customer lists tell Google, “Here is who converted. Now go find more people like this.” Quality The Presidents quantity here. A stale or tiny list won’t be as effective as a list that is updated in real time. Custom segments provide context Using keywords and URLs to build segments creates a digital footprint of your ideal customer. This is especially critical in niche industries where Google’s prebuilt audiences are too broad or too generic. These segments help the system understand the neighborhood your best prospects live in online. To simplify this hierarchy, I’ve mapped out the most common signals used in 2026 by their actual weight in the bidding engine: Signal categorySpecific input (The “what”)Weight/impactWhy it matters in 2026Primary (Truth)Offline conversion imports (CRM)CriticalTrains the AI on profit, not just “leads.”Primary (Truth)Value-based bidding (tROAS)CriticalSignals which products actually drive margin.Secondary (Context)First-party customer match listsHighProvides a “Seed Audience” for the AI to model.Secondary (Context)Visual environment (images/video)HighAI scans images to infer user “lifestyle” and price tier.Tertiary (Intent)Low-volume/long-tail keywordsMediumDefines the “semantic neighborhood” of the search.Tertiary (Intent)Landing page color and speedMediumSignals trust and relevance feedback loops.Pollutant (Noise)“Soft” conversions (scrolls/clicks)NegativeDilutes intent. Trains AI to find “cheap clickers.” Dig deeper: Auditing and optimizing Google Ads in an age of limited data Beware of signal pollution Signal pollution occurs when low-quality, conflicting, or misleading signals contaminate the data Google’s AI uses to learn. It’s what happens when the system receives signals that don’t accurately represent your ideal client, your real conversion quality, or the true intent you want to attract in your ad campaigns. Signal pollution doesn’t just “confuse” the bidding algorithm. It actively trains it in the wrong direction. It dilutes your high-value signals, expands your reach into low-intent audiences, and forces the model to optimize toward outcomes you don’t actually want. Common sources include: Bad conversion data, including junk leads, unqualified form fills, and misfires. Overly broad structures that blend high- and low-intent traffic. Creative that attracts the wrong people. Landing page behavior that signals low relevance or low trust. Budget or pacing patterns that imply you’re willing to pay for volume over quality. Feed issues that distort product relevance. Audience segments that don’t match your real buyer. These sources create the initial pollution. But when marketers try to compensate for underperformance by feeding the machine more data, the root cause never gets addressed. That’s when soft conversions like scrolls or downloads get added as primary signals, and none of them correlate to revenue. Like humans, algorithms focus on the metrics they are fed. If you mix soft signals with high-intent revenue data, you dilute the profile of your ideal customer. You end up winning thousands of cheap, low-value auctions that look great in a report but fail to move the needle on the P&L. Your job is to be the gatekeeper, ensuring only the most profitable signals reach the bidding engine. When signal pollution takes hold, the algorithm doesn’t just underperform. The ads start drifting toward the wrong users, and performance begins to decline. Before you can build a strong signal strategy, you have to understand how to spot that drift early and correct it before it compounds. How to detect and correct algorithm drift Algorithm drift happens when Google’s automation starts optimizing toward the wrong outcomes because the signals it’s receiving no longer match your real advertising goals. Drift doesn’t show up as a dramatic crash. It shows up as a slow shift in who you reach, what queries you win, and which conversions the system prioritizes. It looks like a gradual deterioration of lead quality. To stay in control, you need a simple way to spot drift early and correct it before the machine locks in the wrong pattern. Early warning signs of drift include: A sudden rise in cheap conversions that don’t correlate with revenue. A shift in search terms toward lower-intent or irrelevant queries. A drop in average order value or lead quality. A spike in new-user volume with no matching lift in sales. A campaign that looks healthy in-platform but feels wrong in the CRM or P&L. These are all indicators that the system is optimizing toward the wrong signals. To correct drift without resetting learning: Tighten your conversion signals: Remove soft conversions, misfires, or anything that doesn’t map to revenue. The machine can’t unlearn bad data, but you can stop feeding it. Reinforce the right audience patterns: Upload fresh customer lists, refresh custom segments, and remove stale data. Drift often comes from outdated or diluted audience signals. Adjust structure to isolate intent: If a campaign blends high- and low-intent traffic, split it. Give the ad platform a cleaner environment to relearn the right patterns. Refresh creative to repel the wrong users: Creative is a signal. If the wrong people are clicking, your ads are attracting them. Update imagery, language, and value props to realign intent. Let the system stabilize before making another change: After a correction, give the campaign 5-10 days to settle. Overcorrecting creates more drift. Your job isn’t to fight automation in Google Ads, it’s to guide it. Drift happens when the machine is left unsupervised with weak or conflicting signals. Strong signal hygiene keeps the system aligned with your real business outcomes. Once you can detect drift and correct it quickly, you’re finally in a position to build a signal strategy that compounds over time instead of constantly resetting. The next step is structuring your ad account so every signal reinforces the outcomes you actually want. Dig deeper: How to tell if Google Ads automation helps or hurts your campaigns Building a strategy that actually works in 2026 with signals If you want to build a signal strategy that becomes a competitive advantage, you have to start with the foundations. For lead gen Implement offline conversion imports. The difference between optimizing for a “form fill” and a “$50K closed deal” is the difference between wasting budget and growing a business. When “journey-aware bidding” eventually rolls out, it will be a game-changer because we can feed more data about the individual steps of a sale. For ecommerce Use value-based bidding. Don’t just count conversions. Differentiate between a customer buying a $20 accessory and one buying a $500 hero product. Segment your data Don’t just dump everyone into one list. A list of 5,000 recent purchasers is worth far more than 50,000 people who visited your homepage two years ago. Stale data hurts performance by teaching the algorithm to find people who matched your business 18 months ago, not today. Separate brand and nonbrand campaigns Brand traffic carries radically different intent and conversion rates than nonbrand. Mixing these campaigns forces the algorithm to average two incompatible behaviors, which muddies your signals and inflates your ROAS expectations. Brand should be isolated so it doesn’t subsidize poor nonbrand performance or distort bidding decisions in the ad platform. Don’t mix high-ticket and low-ticket products under one ROAS target A $600 product and a $20 product do not behave the same in auction-time bidding. When you put them in the same campaign with a single 4x ROAS target, the algorithm will get confused. This trains the system away from your hero products and toward low-value volume. Centralize campaigns for data density, but only when the data belongs together Google’s automation performs best when it has enough data to be consistent and high-quality data to recognize patterns. That means fewer, stronger campaigns are better as long as the signals inside them are aligned. Centralize campaigns when products share similar price points, margins, audiences, and intent. Decentralize campaigns when mixing them would pollute the signal pool. The competitive advantage of 2026 When everyone has access to the same automation, the only real advantage left is the quality of the signals you feed it. Your job is to protect those signals, diagnose pollution early, and correct drift before the system locks onto the wrong patterns. Once you build a deliberate signal strategy, Google’s automation stops being a constraint and becomes leverage. You stay in the loop, and the machine does the heavy lifting. View the full article

A reader writes: I work in healthcare IT. Recently, our organization made the decision to switch to a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. I, along with dozens of colleagues, are responsible for building this new EMR to meet our organization’s needs. It’s a months-long process that involves lots of coordinated decision-making across the entire organization. The tentative go-live date for this new system is well over a year from now. Our leadership is telling the entire IT department that no PTO requests will be approved during this time. None of this has been communicated to the department en masse, but it has trickled down to managers, who then relay it to their respective teams. The message from my manager has been, “No PTO will be approved.” When I asked about booking a vacation this summer, the response was, “The go-live date is [specific 2027 date].” Since then, I’ve confirmed that no PTO means no PTO. They’ve said they might be able to grant a day off here or there, depending on project needs. But those decisions would only be made closer to the dates we would want to take off. I have a spouse and small children. The thought of zero vacation for over a year seems really awful to me. (I do think this is only about vacation and not sick time. I don’t think they’re saying if we get sick that we can’t take time off. And we are salaried, so we have been told that we can generally flex our schedules to go to one-off appointments without using PTO. But PTO for vacations is a no-go. ) Many folks in our department are quietly seething, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is willing to bring it up in a large group. Is this something that my company can do? PTO is a part of our compensation package, and we accrue leave every pay period. I am new to this organization, so it’s entirely possible that I am way off-base in thinking that this is a bizarre policy. No, this is absurd. The idea that people should work a full year through with no time off to recharge is ridiculous. And no one can attend a family wedding? A funeral? Be at the birth of their grandchild? All trips of any sort for the year are off the table? Legally, in most states, they can probably do it. California is the exception to that, because California treats vacation time as earned wages and prohibits extreme black-out periods that prevent you from having practical access to the time off. Assuming you’re not in California, the best thing you and your coworkers can do is to push back as a group, pointing out that this is an unacceptable restriction on your use of earned benefits and a massive hit to very routine quality-of-life expectations, that you have lives and commitments outside of work, and that it’s in the organization’s best interest to have well-rested and recharged employees. You said no one seems willing to do that, but why? This is an incredibly normal thing for a group of employees to take issue with and push back on … and if you don’t, you’re going to be stuck with no vacation for a year. Create some friction for your company and make it harder for them to do this. There’s a very good chance that if you push back as a group, they’ll budge. The post my company says no one can take any time off for a full year appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Anthropic is drawing the line against advertising in AI chatbots. Claude will remain ad-free, the company said, even as rival AI platforms experiment with sponsored messages and branded placements inside conversations. Ads inside AI chats would erode trust, warp incentives, and clash with how people actually use assistants like Claude (for work, problem-solving, and sensitive topics), Anthropic said in a new blog post. Why we care. Anthropic’s position removes Claude, and its user base of 30 million, from the AI advertising equation. Brands shouldn’t expect sponsored links, conversations, or responses inside Claude. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is about to give brands the opportunity to reach an estimated 800 million weekly users. What’s happening. AI conversations are fundamentally different from search results or social feeds, where users expect a mix of organic and paid content, Anthropic said: Many Claude interactions involve personal issues, complex technical work, or high-stakes thinking. Dropping ads into those moments would feel intrusive and could quietly influence responses in ways users can’t easily detect. Ad incentives tend to expand over time, gradually optimizing for engagement rather than genuine usefulness. Incentives matter. This is a business-model decision, not just a product preference, Anthropic said: An ad-free assistant can focus entirely on what helps the user — even if that means a short exchange or no follow-up at all. An ad-supported model, by contrast, creates pressure to surface monetizable moments or keep users engaged longer than necessary. Once ads enter the system, users may start questioning whether recommendations are driven by help or by commerce. Anthropic isn’t rejecting commerce. Claude will still help users research, compare, and buy products when they ask. The company is also exploring “agentic commerce,” where the AI completes tasks like bookings or purchases on a user’s behalf. Commerce should be triggered by the user, not by advertisers, Anthropic said. The same rule applies to third-party integrations like Figma or Asana. These tools will remain user-directed, not sponsored. Super Bowl ad. Anthropic is making the argument publicly and aggressively. In a Super Bowl debut, the company mocked intrusive AI advertising by inserting fake product pitches into personal conversations. The ad closed with a clear message: “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.” The campaign appears to be a direct shot at OpenAI, which has announced plans to introduce ads into ChatGPT. Here’s the ad: Claude’s blog post. Claude is a space to think View the full article

Since then, AI Overviews have rolled out to more countries and more languages, and many websites have continued to see the clicks from organic search decline month-over-month. Today, it seems likely that the impact of AI Overviews has worsened. As…Read more ›View the full article

Online accounting management streamlines financial tasks using web-based software, making it easier for you to manage invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. This technology allows you to access real-time financial data from any internet-connected device, which can greatly improve your decision-making process. By automating routine tasks, you can reduce errors and improve cash flow. Comprehending its key features and benefits is essential for leveraging it effectively in your business. Let’s explore these aspects further. Key Takeaways Online accounting management uses web-based software to streamline financial tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy in invoicing and expense tracking. Businesses benefit from real-time access to financial data, enabling timely decision-making and better cash flow management. Automated features reduce manual data entry errors and speed up billing processes, enhancing overall financial professionalism. Integration with other business tools, like CRM and project management software, fosters collaboration and operational efficiency across departments. Cost-effective subscription models lower upfront expenses and allow scalability as businesses grow, making online accounting accessible for various sizes. Understanding Online Accounting Management In the current digital era, many businesses are turning to online accounting management as a practical solution for their financial needs. This web-based software streamlines financial tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, considerably reducing manual errors. You can access your financial data from any device with internet connectivity, allowing for real-time updates on cash flow and performance. By integrating Salesforce and accounting software, you improve customer relations as you manage finances effectively. Furthermore, project management software for accountants aids in overseeing multiple projects at the same time. The subscription-based model of online accounting management is cost-effective, as it eliminates hefty upfront costs associated with traditional software, ensuring your financial data remains secure through automatic backups and encryption. The Evolution of Accounting Practices You’ve likely noticed how accounting practices have transformed from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems. The rise of technology hasn’t just streamlined processes but similarly allowed you to access financial data in real-time from any device. Traditional vs. Online Accounting As businesses evolve, the shift from traditional to online accounting practices reflects a significant transformation in how financial data is managed and analyzed. Traditional accounting often relies on manual data entry and local software installations, leading to delays and potential errors. Conversely, online accounting automates these processes, providing real-time updates accessible from any device. With a bachelor degree in finance and accounting, you’ll find that online systems typically use a subscription model, lowering initial costs. Furthermore, online platforms offer immediate visibility into financial performance and allow multiple users to collaborate from different locations simultaneously. Improved security measures, such as encryption and automatic backups, further protect your financial information, making online accounting a crucial choice for modern businesses. Impact of Technology Advances With the rapid advancement of technology, accounting practices have undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems that improve efficiency. Cloud accounting technology enables real-time updates and access to financial data from any device, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. Automation features in QuickBooks streamline invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, which reduces manual errors and saves time. Moreover, integration with third-party applications facilitates seamless workflows across various business functions, enhancing operational efficiency. Finally, the move toward online accounting drives cost efficiencies through subscription-based models, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in IT infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. This evolution supports more effective financial management for modern businesses. Key Features of Online Accounting Software In today’s fast-paced business environment, online accounting software offers crucial features like real-time financial monitoring and automated invoicing that streamline your operations. You’ll benefit from secure data access and protection, ensuring your sensitive information remains safe as you manage payments efficiently. These tools not just save you time but additionally improve your decision-making capabilities, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Real-Time Financial Monitoring Real-time financial monitoring is a crucial feature of online accounting software that empowers businesses to stay on top of their financial health. This capability allows you to track cash flow, incoming, and outgoing transactions as they happen, enhancing your decision-making. With instant financial statements and reports, like income statements and balance sheets, you gain quick access to critical data for informed management. Automated data entry processes minimize manual errors, ensuring your financial records remain accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for compliance. Real-time updates enable you to identify potential financial issues early, allowing for timely interventions. Furthermore, integration with banking applications streamlines transaction matching and reconciliation, further enhancing your operational efficiency and financial oversight. Automated Invoicing and Payments Automated invoicing and payments play a crucial role in simplifying the billing process for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting software, you can generate and send customizable invoices within seconds, enhancing professionalism in your operations. The software automatically tracks invoice statuses, sending reminders for overdue payments to improve your cash flow management. Many solutions likewise integrate with payment processors, allowing you to accept credit cards and bank transfers directly from invoices. For subscription-based services, automation of recurring invoices saves you time and guarantees consistent cash flow. Furthermore, real-time payment updates and reconciliation features help you monitor incoming payments instantly, reducing errors and providing you with up-to-date financial visibility, making your billing process more efficient. Secure Data Access and Protection As businesses increasingly rely on online accounting software, guaranteeing secure data access and protection becomes essential. These platforms utilize encryption and secure servers to safeguard sensitive financial information, blocking unauthorized access and data breaches. With automatic data backups, you can easily recover vital information lost because of system malfunctions or disasters. Secure login credentials grant access only to authorized personnel, allowing them to manage financial data from any internet-connected device while maintaining data integrity. Cloud-based solutions additionally implement advanced security measures, like two-factor authentication and regular updates, to reduce risks. In addition, compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, guarantees responsible handling of financial data, nurturing trust among clients and stakeholders. Benefits of Online Accounting for Small Businesses Online accounting offers small businesses a strong tool to improve their financial management. With real-time access to financial data, you can make informed decisions and track cash flow immediately, identifying potential shortages before they arise. The automation features help reduce manual data entry errors and save you time by streamlining tasks like invoicing and payment processing. Subscription-based pricing models lower your upfront costs, making online accounting a cost-effective solution compared to traditional software. Furthermore, secure cloud storage and automatic backups protect your financial data against loss, ensuring business continuity. Integration with payment processors and banking applications enables seamless transactions and real-time error detection, enhancing cash flow management and reducing the risk of fraud. Simplifying Financial Management With Automation Automating your financial management processes can greatly streamline your operations. With features like automated data entry and real-time financial insights, you’ll spend less time on tedious tasks and more time making informed decisions. Plus, streamlined invoicing processes guarantee faster payments, enhancing your cash flow and overall business efficiency. Streamlined Invoicing Processes Streamlining invoicing processes can greatly improve your financial management, particularly when you leverage automation tools. Automated invoicing allows you to create and send professional invoices with just a few clicks, complete with customization options. By incorporating integrated payment processing, you can accept various payment methods directly from invoices, which streamlines cash flow and minimizes delays. Automation likewise reduces manual errors, ensuring accurate billing. With real-time tracking, you can easily monitor payment statuses and follow up on outstanding invoices. Setting up automated recurring invoices for ongoing services saves time and helps maintain consistent revenue. Benefit Description Quick Invoice Creation Create and send invoices in just a few clicks. Integrated Payment Options Accept various payment methods directly. Error Reduction Minimize manual errors for accurate billing. Real-Time Tracking Monitor payment statuses effectively. Automated Data Entry Incorporating automated data entry into your financial management practices can greatly improve your efficiency and accuracy. By automatically importing transactions from your bank accounts and credit cards, you’ll dramatically reduce the time spent on manual data entry, streamlining your financial workflows. This automation minimizes the risk of human errors, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. Furthermore, many online accounting solutions provide customizable templates for invoices and reports, allowing you to create professional documents without needing extensive accounting knowledge. With seamless integration of automated data entry features across various third-party applications, you can optimize your overall operational efficiency, making it easier to manage your financial information and focus on your business growth. Real-Time Financial Insights Real-time financial insights are crucial for any business looking to maintain a competitive edge. Online accounting management automatically records transactions as they occur, allowing you to monitor cash flow without the delays and errors often found in traditional methods. By quickly generating detailed financial statements, such as income statements and balance sheets, you can make informed decisions based on current data. Integrating online accounting software with Intuit applications provides real-time updates on transactions, helping you spot potential cash flow shortages before they escalate. Centralized financial data simplifies performance analysis, enabling stakeholders to access insights anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, automation reduces your manual workload, allowing you to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive productivity and efficiency. Real-Time Access to Financial Data Accessing financial data in real-time is crucial for business owners who need to stay on top of their cash flow and overall financial health. With online accounting management, you can instantly monitor your financial performance from any internet-connected device. This immediate access allows you to make timely decisions, helping you respond quickly to changes and avoid cash shortages. Automated updates guarantee that transactions are recorded as they occur, reducing inaccuracies and keeping your financial reports current. Furthermore, the improved reporting capabilities enable you to generate detailed financial statements and insights on demand, which supports informed strategic planning and operational adjustments. Real-time data not only empowers you but also improves collaboration among team members, allowing simultaneous analysis from various locations. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication Improved collaboration and communication are crucial components of effective online accounting management, as they allow teams to work more efficiently and make informed decisions. With online accounting, multiple users can access the same financial data simultaneously from any device, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Cloud-based solutions centralize financial information, eliminating confusion over version discrepancies and guaranteeing that all users have the most up-to-date data. Enhanced communication features facilitate seamless sharing of reports and insights, promoting informed decision-making across departments. Integrating third-party business applications streamlines workflows, improving collaborative efforts in managing finances. Regular updates and automated notifications keep stakeholders informed about financial performance, nurturing transparency and accountability within your organization. Cost-Effectiveness of Cloud-Based Solutions When considering the cost-effectiveness of cloud-based accounting solutions, you’ll find that they offer significant financial advantages over traditional software. First, cloud services often operate on a subscription model, which minimizes upfront costs and eliminates hefty hardware investments. You could save up to 30% on operational costs since these solutions reduce the need for IT support and maintenance. By using cloud accounting, you remove the need for physical servers, cutting down on electricity and space costs. In addition, the scalability of cloud-based solutions means you can easily adjust your services as your business grows, avoiding the financial burden of new software or hardware. Improved automation also speeds up processes, leading to better cash flow management and further cost savings. Security and Data Protection in Online Accounting How can businesses guarantee their financial data remains secure in an increasingly digital world? Online accounting management offers significant security advantages. By utilizing encryption and automatic backups, your financial information is protected from loss caused by hardware failures or disasters. Cloud accounting systems often provide robust security measures that surpass traditional software, with password-protected access reducing risks of unauthorized breaches. Continuous monitoring and automated backups assure that your financial records remain safeguarded and easily recoverable. Regular security updates from cloud software vendors help mitigate vulnerabilities, implementing the latest security protocols. Centralizing data storage and utilizing advanced security measures minimizes risks associated with outdated desktop systems, enhancing your confidence in the integrity of your financial records. Choosing the Right Online Accounting Software Selecting the right online accounting software is a significant step for any business looking to streamline its financial processes. Start by identifying your specific needs, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting features that are crucial to your operations. Opt for user-friendly software with an intuitive interface, which simplifies navigation, particularly for users with limited accounting knowledge. Make sure the software is scalable, allowing you to add functionalities as your business grows. Strong security measures, like data encryption and automatic backups, are fundamental for protecting your financial information. Finally, evaluate customer support options to guarantee timely assistance during setup and troubleshooting. Feature Importance Example User-Friendly Reduces learning curve Intuitive dashboard Scalability Grows with your business Add-ons for advanced features Security Measures Protects sensitive data Data encryption Customer Support Helps resolve issues quickly 24/7 chat support Integrating Online Accounting With Other Business Tools Why is integrating your online accounting software with other business tools essential for your operations? This integration improves efficiency and guarantees your financial data is always accurate. By connecting your accounting software with various platforms, you can automate data flow and reduce manual entry errors. Here are three key benefits of integration: Streamlined Payment Processing: Linking to payment processors allows real-time transaction recording, enhancing cash flow management. Improved Reporting Capabilities: Utilizing APIs enables customized workflows and personalized reporting, meeting your specific business needs. Better Budget Tracking: Integrating with project management tools helps you monitor costs in real-time, assuring better expense management and informed decision-making. Leveraging these connections will optimize your operations and provide a clearer financial picture. Reporting and Analytics for Informed Decision-Making Effective reporting and analytics play a crucial role in informed decision-making for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting management, you can access real-time reporting capabilities to generate financial statements like income statements and balance sheets quickly. This immediacy allows for timely decisions based on accurate data. Automated data entry reduces errors in reporting, providing clearer insights into your financial performance and helping you identify trends. Advanced analytics tools convert raw data into actionable insights, aiding strategic growth. Customizable reporting features let you tailor reports to your specific needs, focusing on key performance metrics. Moreover, regular reporting improves communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about your financial health, which can build investor confidence and attract new opportunities. Future Trends in Online Accounting Management As businesses navigate the swiftly changing financial environment, they’ll find that future trends in online accounting management are set to redefine how they handle their finances. Here are three key trends to watch: AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will enable automated data analysis and real-time financial forecasting, allowing for smarter decision-making. Enhanced Security: With increasing cybersecurity threats, online accounting systems will adopt advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive data. Cloud Accounting Growth: The market for cloud accounting solutions is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2025, offering scalable and flexible options for businesses of all sizes. Frequently Asked Questions How Does Cloud Accounting Benefit Small Businesses? Cloud accounting benefits small businesses by providing anytime access to financial data from any internet-connected device, promoting remote collaboration. It automates routine tasks like categorizing transactions and generating reports, which reduces manual errors and saves you time. With real-time updates, you gain immediate insights into cash flow, allowing for quick decision-making. Additionally, subscription pricing lowers upfront costs, whereas improved security measures guarantee your sensitive financial information remains protected. What Is Online Accounting? Online accounting refers to the use of cloud-based software to handle financial activities. You can access your financial data from any internet-connected device, ensuring real-time updates. This method helps eliminate delays and errors common in traditional accounting. With features like automated transaction categorization and report generation, your workload decreases considerably. Furthermore, online accounting offers secure data storage and automatic backups, protecting your financial information from loss or theft, in addition to being cost-effective for small businesses. How Does TD Online Accounting Benefit Our Customers? TD Online Accounting benefits you by streamlining your invoicing process, allowing you to create and send secure invoices easily. With payments processed within 1-2 days, you can expect quicker cash flow, as 95% of invoices are paid in under five days. The platform’s expense tracking and financial reporting tools help you monitor performance in real-time. Furthermore, automatic bank reconciliation reduces errors, and strong customer support guarantees you have access to assistance whenever needed. What Is Accounting and Why Is It Important for Businesses? Accounting’s the process of systematically recording and analyzing financial information for your business. It’s essential since it helps you understand your revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. Accurate accounting guarantees compliance with regulations, preventing potential legal issues. Furthermore, financial statements like income statements and balance sheets provide critical insights for stakeholders, helping them assess your company’s viability. Regular accounting practices likewise improve transparency, nurturing trust and better relationships with investors and creditors. Conclusion In conclusion, online accounting management offers businesses a potent tool to streamline their financial operations. By automating tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, you can reduce errors and save time. The integration with other business tools improves overall efficiency, allowing for better decision-making through real-time data access. As you consider your options, choosing the right software is vital to maximizing these benefits and ensuring your financial management processes are both effective and cost-efficient. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Online Accounting Management and How Can It Benefit Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Online accounting management streamlines financial tasks using web-based software, making it easier for you to manage invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. This technology allows you to access real-time financial data from any internet-connected device, which can greatly improve your decision-making process. By automating routine tasks, you can reduce errors and improve cash flow. Comprehending its key features and benefits is essential for leveraging it effectively in your business. Let’s explore these aspects further. Key Takeaways Online accounting management uses web-based software to streamline financial tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy in invoicing and expense tracking. Businesses benefit from real-time access to financial data, enabling timely decision-making and better cash flow management. Automated features reduce manual data entry errors and speed up billing processes, enhancing overall financial professionalism. Integration with other business tools, like CRM and project management software, fosters collaboration and operational efficiency across departments. Cost-effective subscription models lower upfront expenses and allow scalability as businesses grow, making online accounting accessible for various sizes. Understanding Online Accounting Management In the current digital era, many businesses are turning to online accounting management as a practical solution for their financial needs. This web-based software streamlines financial tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, considerably reducing manual errors. You can access your financial data from any device with internet connectivity, allowing for real-time updates on cash flow and performance. By integrating Salesforce and accounting software, you improve customer relations as you manage finances effectively. Furthermore, project management software for accountants aids in overseeing multiple projects at the same time. The subscription-based model of online accounting management is cost-effective, as it eliminates hefty upfront costs associated with traditional software, ensuring your financial data remains secure through automatic backups and encryption. The Evolution of Accounting Practices You’ve likely noticed how accounting practices have transformed from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems. The rise of technology hasn’t just streamlined processes but similarly allowed you to access financial data in real-time from any device. Traditional vs. Online Accounting As businesses evolve, the shift from traditional to online accounting practices reflects a significant transformation in how financial data is managed and analyzed. Traditional accounting often relies on manual data entry and local software installations, leading to delays and potential errors. Conversely, online accounting automates these processes, providing real-time updates accessible from any device. With a bachelor degree in finance and accounting, you’ll find that online systems typically use a subscription model, lowering initial costs. Furthermore, online platforms offer immediate visibility into financial performance and allow multiple users to collaborate from different locations simultaneously. Improved security measures, such as encryption and automatic backups, further protect your financial information, making online accounting a crucial choice for modern businesses. Impact of Technology Advances With the rapid advancement of technology, accounting practices have undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems that improve efficiency. Cloud accounting technology enables real-time updates and access to financial data from any device, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. Automation features in QuickBooks streamline invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, which reduces manual errors and saves time. Moreover, integration with third-party applications facilitates seamless workflows across various business functions, enhancing operational efficiency. Finally, the move toward online accounting drives cost efficiencies through subscription-based models, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in IT infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. This evolution supports more effective financial management for modern businesses. Key Features of Online Accounting Software In today’s fast-paced business environment, online accounting software offers crucial features like real-time financial monitoring and automated invoicing that streamline your operations. You’ll benefit from secure data access and protection, ensuring your sensitive information remains safe as you manage payments efficiently. These tools not just save you time but additionally improve your decision-making capabilities, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Real-Time Financial Monitoring Real-time financial monitoring is a crucial feature of online accounting software that empowers businesses to stay on top of their financial health. This capability allows you to track cash flow, incoming, and outgoing transactions as they happen, enhancing your decision-making. With instant financial statements and reports, like income statements and balance sheets, you gain quick access to critical data for informed management. Automated data entry processes minimize manual errors, ensuring your financial records remain accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for compliance. Real-time updates enable you to identify potential financial issues early, allowing for timely interventions. Furthermore, integration with banking applications streamlines transaction matching and reconciliation, further enhancing your operational efficiency and financial oversight. Automated Invoicing and Payments Automated invoicing and payments play a crucial role in simplifying the billing process for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting software, you can generate and send customizable invoices within seconds, enhancing professionalism in your operations. The software automatically tracks invoice statuses, sending reminders for overdue payments to improve your cash flow management. Many solutions likewise integrate with payment processors, allowing you to accept credit cards and bank transfers directly from invoices. For subscription-based services, automation of recurring invoices saves you time and guarantees consistent cash flow. Furthermore, real-time payment updates and reconciliation features help you monitor incoming payments instantly, reducing errors and providing you with up-to-date financial visibility, making your billing process more efficient. Secure Data Access and Protection As businesses increasingly rely on online accounting software, guaranteeing secure data access and protection becomes essential. These platforms utilize encryption and secure servers to safeguard sensitive financial information, blocking unauthorized access and data breaches. With automatic data backups, you can easily recover vital information lost because of system malfunctions or disasters. Secure login credentials grant access only to authorized personnel, allowing them to manage financial data from any internet-connected device while maintaining data integrity. Cloud-based solutions additionally implement advanced security measures, like two-factor authentication and regular updates, to reduce risks. In addition, compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, guarantees responsible handling of financial data, nurturing trust among clients and stakeholders. Benefits of Online Accounting for Small Businesses Online accounting offers small businesses a strong tool to improve their financial management. With real-time access to financial data, you can make informed decisions and track cash flow immediately, identifying potential shortages before they arise. The automation features help reduce manual data entry errors and save you time by streamlining tasks like invoicing and payment processing. Subscription-based pricing models lower your upfront costs, making online accounting a cost-effective solution compared to traditional software. Furthermore, secure cloud storage and automatic backups protect your financial data against loss, ensuring business continuity. Integration with payment processors and banking applications enables seamless transactions and real-time error detection, enhancing cash flow management and reducing the risk of fraud. Simplifying Financial Management With Automation Automating your financial management processes can greatly streamline your operations. With features like automated data entry and real-time financial insights, you’ll spend less time on tedious tasks and more time making informed decisions. Plus, streamlined invoicing processes guarantee faster payments, enhancing your cash flow and overall business efficiency. Streamlined Invoicing Processes Streamlining invoicing processes can greatly improve your financial management, particularly when you leverage automation tools. Automated invoicing allows you to create and send professional invoices with just a few clicks, complete with customization options. By incorporating integrated payment processing, you can accept various payment methods directly from invoices, which streamlines cash flow and minimizes delays. Automation likewise reduces manual errors, ensuring accurate billing. With real-time tracking, you can easily monitor payment statuses and follow up on outstanding invoices. Setting up automated recurring invoices for ongoing services saves time and helps maintain consistent revenue. Benefit Description Quick Invoice Creation Create and send invoices in just a few clicks. Integrated Payment Options Accept various payment methods directly. Error Reduction Minimize manual errors for accurate billing. Real-Time Tracking Monitor payment statuses effectively. Automated Data Entry Incorporating automated data entry into your financial management practices can greatly improve your efficiency and accuracy. By automatically importing transactions from your bank accounts and credit cards, you’ll dramatically reduce the time spent on manual data entry, streamlining your financial workflows. This automation minimizes the risk of human errors, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. Furthermore, many online accounting solutions provide customizable templates for invoices and reports, allowing you to create professional documents without needing extensive accounting knowledge. With seamless integration of automated data entry features across various third-party applications, you can optimize your overall operational efficiency, making it easier to manage your financial information and focus on your business growth. Real-Time Financial Insights Real-time financial insights are crucial for any business looking to maintain a competitive edge. Online accounting management automatically records transactions as they occur, allowing you to monitor cash flow without the delays and errors often found in traditional methods. By quickly generating detailed financial statements, such as income statements and balance sheets, you can make informed decisions based on current data. Integrating online accounting software with Intuit applications provides real-time updates on transactions, helping you spot potential cash flow shortages before they escalate. Centralized financial data simplifies performance analysis, enabling stakeholders to access insights anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, automation reduces your manual workload, allowing you to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive productivity and efficiency. Real-Time Access to Financial Data Accessing financial data in real-time is crucial for business owners who need to stay on top of their cash flow and overall financial health. With online accounting management, you can instantly monitor your financial performance from any internet-connected device. This immediate access allows you to make timely decisions, helping you respond quickly to changes and avoid cash shortages. Automated updates guarantee that transactions are recorded as they occur, reducing inaccuracies and keeping your financial reports current. Furthermore, the improved reporting capabilities enable you to generate detailed financial statements and insights on demand, which supports informed strategic planning and operational adjustments. Real-time data not only empowers you but also improves collaboration among team members, allowing simultaneous analysis from various locations. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication Improved collaboration and communication are crucial components of effective online accounting management, as they allow teams to work more efficiently and make informed decisions. With online accounting, multiple users can access the same financial data simultaneously from any device, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Cloud-based solutions centralize financial information, eliminating confusion over version discrepancies and guaranteeing that all users have the most up-to-date data. Enhanced communication features facilitate seamless sharing of reports and insights, promoting informed decision-making across departments. Integrating third-party business applications streamlines workflows, improving collaborative efforts in managing finances. Regular updates and automated notifications keep stakeholders informed about financial performance, nurturing transparency and accountability within your organization. Cost-Effectiveness of Cloud-Based Solutions When considering the cost-effectiveness of cloud-based accounting solutions, you’ll find that they offer significant financial advantages over traditional software. First, cloud services often operate on a subscription model, which minimizes upfront costs and eliminates hefty hardware investments. You could save up to 30% on operational costs since these solutions reduce the need for IT support and maintenance. By using cloud accounting, you remove the need for physical servers, cutting down on electricity and space costs. In addition, the scalability of cloud-based solutions means you can easily adjust your services as your business grows, avoiding the financial burden of new software or hardware. Improved automation also speeds up processes, leading to better cash flow management and further cost savings. Security and Data Protection in Online Accounting How can businesses guarantee their financial data remains secure in an increasingly digital world? Online accounting management offers significant security advantages. By utilizing encryption and automatic backups, your financial information is protected from loss caused by hardware failures or disasters. Cloud accounting systems often provide robust security measures that surpass traditional software, with password-protected access reducing risks of unauthorized breaches. Continuous monitoring and automated backups assure that your financial records remain safeguarded and easily recoverable. Regular security updates from cloud software vendors help mitigate vulnerabilities, implementing the latest security protocols. Centralizing data storage and utilizing advanced security measures minimizes risks associated with outdated desktop systems, enhancing your confidence in the integrity of your financial records. Choosing the Right Online Accounting Software Selecting the right online accounting software is a significant step for any business looking to streamline its financial processes. Start by identifying your specific needs, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting features that are crucial to your operations. Opt for user-friendly software with an intuitive interface, which simplifies navigation, particularly for users with limited accounting knowledge. Make sure the software is scalable, allowing you to add functionalities as your business grows. Strong security measures, like data encryption and automatic backups, are fundamental for protecting your financial information. Finally, evaluate customer support options to guarantee timely assistance during setup and troubleshooting. Feature Importance Example User-Friendly Reduces learning curve Intuitive dashboard Scalability Grows with your business Add-ons for advanced features Security Measures Protects sensitive data Data encryption Customer Support Helps resolve issues quickly 24/7 chat support Integrating Online Accounting With Other Business Tools Why is integrating your online accounting software with other business tools essential for your operations? This integration improves efficiency and guarantees your financial data is always accurate. By connecting your accounting software with various platforms, you can automate data flow and reduce manual entry errors. Here are three key benefits of integration: Streamlined Payment Processing: Linking to payment processors allows real-time transaction recording, enhancing cash flow management. Improved Reporting Capabilities: Utilizing APIs enables customized workflows and personalized reporting, meeting your specific business needs. Better Budget Tracking: Integrating with project management tools helps you monitor costs in real-time, assuring better expense management and informed decision-making. Leveraging these connections will optimize your operations and provide a clearer financial picture. Reporting and Analytics for Informed Decision-Making Effective reporting and analytics play a crucial role in informed decision-making for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting management, you can access real-time reporting capabilities to generate financial statements like income statements and balance sheets quickly. This immediacy allows for timely decisions based on accurate data. Automated data entry reduces errors in reporting, providing clearer insights into your financial performance and helping you identify trends. Advanced analytics tools convert raw data into actionable insights, aiding strategic growth. Customizable reporting features let you tailor reports to your specific needs, focusing on key performance metrics. Moreover, regular reporting improves communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about your financial health, which can build investor confidence and attract new opportunities. Future Trends in Online Accounting Management As businesses navigate the swiftly changing financial environment, they’ll find that future trends in online accounting management are set to redefine how they handle their finances. Here are three key trends to watch: AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will enable automated data analysis and real-time financial forecasting, allowing for smarter decision-making. Enhanced Security: With increasing cybersecurity threats, online accounting systems will adopt advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive data. Cloud Accounting Growth: The market for cloud accounting solutions is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2025, offering scalable and flexible options for businesses of all sizes. Frequently Asked Questions How Does Cloud Accounting Benefit Small Businesses? Cloud accounting benefits small businesses by providing anytime access to financial data from any internet-connected device, promoting remote collaboration. It automates routine tasks like categorizing transactions and generating reports, which reduces manual errors and saves you time. With real-time updates, you gain immediate insights into cash flow, allowing for quick decision-making. Additionally, subscription pricing lowers upfront costs, whereas improved security measures guarantee your sensitive financial information remains protected. What Is Online Accounting? Online accounting refers to the use of cloud-based software to handle financial activities. You can access your financial data from any internet-connected device, ensuring real-time updates. This method helps eliminate delays and errors common in traditional accounting. With features like automated transaction categorization and report generation, your workload decreases considerably. Furthermore, online accounting offers secure data storage and automatic backups, protecting your financial information from loss or theft, in addition to being cost-effective for small businesses. How Does TD Online Accounting Benefit Our Customers? TD Online Accounting benefits you by streamlining your invoicing process, allowing you to create and send secure invoices easily. With payments processed within 1-2 days, you can expect quicker cash flow, as 95% of invoices are paid in under five days. The platform’s expense tracking and financial reporting tools help you monitor performance in real-time. Furthermore, automatic bank reconciliation reduces errors, and strong customer support guarantees you have access to assistance whenever needed. What Is Accounting and Why Is It Important for Businesses? Accounting’s the process of systematically recording and analyzing financial information for your business. It’s essential since it helps you understand your revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. Accurate accounting guarantees compliance with regulations, preventing potential legal issues. Furthermore, financial statements like income statements and balance sheets provide critical insights for stakeholders, helping them assess your company’s viability. Regular accounting practices likewise improve transparency, nurturing trust and better relationships with investors and creditors. Conclusion In conclusion, online accounting management offers businesses a potent tool to streamline their financial operations. By automating tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, you can reduce errors and save time. The integration with other business tools improves overall efficiency, allowing for better decision-making through real-time data access. As you consider your options, choosing the right software is vital to maximizing these benefits and ensuring your financial management processes are both effective and cost-efficient. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Online Accounting Management and How Can It Benefit Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We live in a world of increasing change. The international order is shifting and political certainties are evaporating day by day. Technological shifts are changing how we experience the world and interact with others. And in the workplace, AI is poised to unleash what might be the most revolutionary set of changes humanity has experienced since the first hunter-gatherers settled down to grow crops and build cities. But while change is everywhere, we still find it hard to manage. The statistics around organizational change have always been brutal. For at least the last quarter century, corporate transformation efforts have failed at a remarkable rate: only three out of ten are brought to something approaching a successful conclusion. The age of AI will make things even more challenging. We will need to adapt more rapidly and more comprehensively, and we will need to manage multiple layers of continuous change at any one time. How will we cope? Many different factors contribute to making change hard, but one in particular stands out: change is tiring. At the human level, constant transformation depletes our energy, attention, and commitment. At the organizational level, this depletion translates into stalled initiatives, institutional resistance, and a diminishing capacity for further adaptation. To make the process of change navigable for real humans—rather than the compliant ideals who often appear in strategy decks—we need to rethink how we understand change. We need to find the stable foundations that persist amidst the maelstrom of transformation. The adaptation fallacy The standard response to the reality of ever-increasing change is to insist that individuals and organizations simply adapt to it. “Everything flows,” as the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus is reported to have said. The world is in flux, nothing is fixed, and we should all get used to the idea that the stability of the past was just a temporary illusion. This ancient wisdom has become something of a cliché, the “It is what it is” of the business world. It is offered up as a slogan to hold onto, a manifesto that distils the increasingly rapid change of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But it doesn’t do much to help people stay afloat. Human beings are not infinitely malleable. There is a psychological and physical toll to constant, chaotic change that compounds in two distinct ways. The first is the sheer quantity of simultaneous initiatives—the burden of switching between half a dozen transformation efforts at once. People find themselves juggling competing priorities, each with its own vocabulary, metrics, and demands on their attention. It becomes hard to see the big picture because the parts never stay still long enough to focus. The cognitive overhead of keeping track of everything crowds out the close attention that each single initiative requires. The second is the exhausting length of individual change processes that can stretch over many months, or even years. The reasons for the change, once vivid and urgent, become abstract and distant. Champions move on, new people arrive who weren’t part of the original vision, and maintaining momentum becomes harder with each passing quarter. The demand that team members “adapt to the new reality” addresses neither problem. The flux pushes and pulls them in different directions with no coherence, giving them no stable ground to stand on. Expecting people to “get used to it” amounts to expecting people not to be human. Leaders who demand adaptation without addressing the underlying human experience are not solving the problem. They are adding to it. The other Heraclitus Heraclitus has some real wisdom that can help here, but we need to move past the most common versions of his sayings. Heraclitus’ most famous aphorism is usually rendered as “You cannot step into the same river twice.” The idea is that when you step into the river, the water flows on and so it is not the same when you take your next step. “Panta rhei.” “Everything flows.” But there is another version of this saying that comes closer to capturing what Heraclitus actually meant: “We step and do not step into the same river twice.” The difference is small, but it matters. Yes, the water flows. Yes, the river is never the same from one moment to the next. But the river itself remains. The river has an identity that persists through its constant flow. There is an important lesson here for organizations seeking to manage change. Recognizing that things flow is important. But we also have to identify and spotlight what it is that persists through that change. Finding, defining, and celebrating the order that underlies the chaos is essential if we do not want to be swept away. The task is not to eliminate flux—that is neither possible nor desirable—but to identify and preserve the stability that gives change its meaning. Purpose, identity, strategic clarity: these define the organization and give it its identity. They provide the stable vessel that allows people to float happily along on the flowing water rather than being pulled under by the constant motion. Providing this stability is the leader’s responsibility. The constants that allow people to navigate change do not maintain themselves. They must be deliberately established, clearly communicated, and actively protected. What leaders must do If change fatigue is not a failure of individual resilience but a failure of organizational design, then leaders must take responsibility for building organizations in which change happens more easily. Here are five principles that can help provide stability in a changing world. Be discerning about what you change. Not every transformation deserves equal energy. The familiar danger of chasing shiny objects—constantly running from one initiative to the next—undermines the efforts that actually matter. Every proposed change should be tested against the organization’s strategic purpose. If it does not clearly advance the core mission, it should not be adding to the cognitive burden on your teams. Communicate the why, not just the what. Much of change fatigue comes not from the pace of change itself but from the cognitive burden of not understanding how changes connect. When people cannot see how a new process, tool, or structure contributes to an outcome, changes feel arbitrary and exhausting. Often, even C-suite executives are not fully aligned on precisely why things matter. That confusion cascades downward, multiplying fatigue at every level. Leaders must articulate the purpose behind each initiative and show how it fits into a coherent whole. Build a unified narrative. When organizations pursue multiple change initiatives simultaneously, a unified story smooths the cognitive burden by holding the pieces together. Rather than experiencing six disconnected transformations, people can understand themselves as participating in a single journey with multiple dimensions. The narrative does not eliminate the work, but it reduces the sense of fragmentation. Create systemic anchors that survive turnover. Long-term change efforts may see key leaders depart before the work is complete. If the change depends entirely on individual champions, it will falter when those individuals leave. There must be a process core—governance structures, documentation, embedded practices—that can survive personnel changes and maintain momentum independent of any single person. Co-design the change with the humans who must live with it. Change fatigue intensifies when transformations are handed down fully formed, only to collide with realities about which leaders were unaware. Co-design reverses this logic. Frontline staff know the constraints they face; customers know what the change feels like on the receiving end. When the people involved help shape the new way of working that will affect them, compliance turns into ownership, and the change arrives already adapted to the world it must survive in. Principles in practice A clear illustration of these principles being put into successful practice comes from Gold Coast Mental Health and Specialist Services in Queensland, Australia, which undertook a sustained transformation to support the adoption of a Zero Suicide approach. The case is instructive both for the ambition of the goal—to permanently shift the culture of a whole health system—and for the care that was taken to make the change sustainable over time. From the outset, the program was framed as a system-wide approach rather than as “the heroic efforts of individual practitioners.” This distinction matters. When success depends on personal endurance, organizations quietly burn through their people. By treating transformation as a collective endeavor supported by organizational structures rather than individual willpower, the program avoided placing impossible burdens on staff already working in an emotionally demanding field. The new practices were institutionalized, not merely announced. Training reached more than 500 staff and was then embedded into orientation for new hires and supported by online modules, face-to-face sessions, and custom-produced materials designed with the local culture in mind. The change was designed to outlast the people who initiated it—the kind of systemic anchor that keeps momentum alive even as personnel turn over. Crucially, the service built feedback loops to prevent drift. Staff received timely data on adherence to the new pathway, followed by supervision and coaching to embed skills. This continuous improvement cycle meant that standards did not have to be constantly re-litigated; the system itself kept reinforcing what good practice looked like. Co-design was an essential component of the Gold Coast approach. The service’s culture change strategy explicitly integrates suicide attempt and loss survivors in leadership and planning roles, recognizing that effective prevention requires perspectives beyond those of clinicians. The result is that change is shaped by those most exposed to its failure modes. Gold Coast’s transformation success did not depend on asking already-stretched professionals to simply try harder. Instead, the program leaders ensured that their teams could see the unifying structures that provided stability, meaning, and identity through change. Conclusion The 70% failure rate is not a law of nature. It is the predictable result of asking people to navigate constant change without giving them anything constant to hold onto. Purpose, identity, strategic clarity—these are not luxuries to be addressed once the “real work” of transformation is complete. They are the vessel that keeps people afloat. Without that vessel, you are asking your people to swim through every change. And eventually, swimmers tire. Build the structures. Communicate the purpose. Shine a clear and steady light on what endures. That is how transformation succeeds—not by demanding more adaptation, but by providing stable foundations on which to build something new. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. At $699.99, down from $999.99, the Roborock Qrevo Curv is at its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. That puts a top-tier robot vacuum and mop within a price range that is still expensive but no longer out of reach for people who were already considering a premium hybrid. This is the model our reviewer, Amanda Blum, called the most adaptable robot vacuum she’s tested, and PCMag backed that up with an “excellent” rating. Roborock Qrevo Curv Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop $699.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $300.00 The Curv, using Roborock’s AdaptiLift chassis, can raise its body and climb thresholds up to 1.6 inches. In real use, that means it can move from hardwood to tile or over raised door frames without stopping short. Cleaning performance is strong as well. It delivers 18,500Pa of suction power, handles pet hair with an anti-tangle main brush, and uses a redesigned side brush that extends outward to sweep debris from corners. It can also avoid more than 60 types of obstacles, including shoes and cords. And when the job’s done, the dock takes care of most maintenance: emptying the dustbin into a bag that lasts around two months (depending on usage), refilling water, washing mop pads with hot water, drying them, and cleaning itself afterward. Navigation relies on LiDAR and a camera that can also be used for live viewing or patrol routes, effectively turning the robot into a rolling security cam. Setup takes a bit of time, but mapping is fast and accurate, and the app gives clear control over schedules, rooms, and cleaning intensity. On the downside, there’s no detergent dispenser, and the voice assistant (“Hello Rocky”) has a learning curve unless you’re reading off the cheat sheet. Also, while the robot tries to lift its mops over carpets, it may still drag them across, depending on the rug’s height. All in, the Qrevo Curv feels like a well-rounded investment for someone who wants more than just a basic robot vacuum, especially at its all-time low price right now. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.99 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Security Camera (White) — $23.99 (List Price $39.99) Ring Outdoor Cam Pro Plug-In With Outdoor Cam Plus Battery (White) — $189.99 (List Price $259.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Multiple MPs in Labour Party question Morgan McSweeney’s judgment as revelations shake WestminsterView the full article