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Google is now advertising its own AI features inside Google Ads — a rare move that puts promotion directly into advertisers’ workflow. What’s happening. Users are seeing promotional messages for AI Max for Search campaigns when they access campaign settings panels. The notifications appear during routine account audits and updates It functions essentially as an internal advertisement for Google’s own tooling Why we care. The in-platform placement shows Google’s push to accelerate AI adoption among advertisers, moving beyond optional rollouts to active promotion. This promotional tactic also suggests Google may increasingly nudge advertisers toward AI-powered tools that reduce manual control, which could impact campaign management strategies. Finally, seeing ads within a paid advertising platform itself is unusual and may signal a shift in how Google pushes product adoption going forward. The big picture. While Google regularly introduces AI-driven features, actively promoting them within existing workflows represents a more aggressive adoption strategy. What to watch. Whether this promotional approach expands to other Google Ads features — and how advertisers respond to marketing within their management interface. First seen. This notification was spotted by Lead Gen PPC Specialist Julie Bacchini, who shared the notification she saw on LinkedIn. View the full article

Microsoft today launched AI Performance in Bing Webmaster Tools in beta. AI Performance lets you see where, and how often, your content is cited in AI-generated answers across Microsoft Copilot, Bing’s AI summaries, and select partner integrations, the company said. AI Performance in Bing Webmaster Tools shows which URLs are cited, which queries trigger those citations, and how citation activity changes over time. Search Engine Land first reported on Jan. 27 that Microsoft was testing the AI Performance report. What’s new. AI Performance is a new, dedicated dashboard inside Bing Webmaster Tools. It tracks citation visibility across supported AI surfaces. Instead of measuring clicks or rankings, it shows whether your content is used to ground AI-generated answers. Microsoft framed the launch as an early step toward Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) tooling, designed to help publishers understand how their content shows up in AI-driven discovery. What it looks like. Microsoft shared this image of AI Performance in Bing Webmaster Tools: What the dashboard shows. The AI Performance dashboard introduces metrics focused specifically on AI citations: Total citations: How many times a site is cited as a source in AI-generated answers during a selected period. Average cited pages: The daily average number of unique URLs from a site referenced across AI experiences. Grounding queries: Sample query phrases AI systems used to retrieve and cite publisher content. Page-level citation activity: Citation counts by URL, highlighting which pages are referenced most often. Visibility trends over time: A timeline view showing how citation activity rises or falls across AI experiences. These metrics only reflect citation frequency. They don’t indicate ranking, prominence, or how a page contributed to a specific AI answer. Why we care. It’s good to know where and how your content gets cited, but Bing Webmaster Tools still won’t reveal how those citations translate into clicks, traffic, or any real business outcome. Without click data, publishers still can’t tell if AI visibility delivers value. How to use it. Microsoft said publishers can use the data to: Confirm which pages are already cited in AI answers. Identify topics that consistently appear across AI-generated responses. Improve clarity, structure, and completeness on indexed pages that are cited less often. The guidance mirrors familiar best practices: clear headings, evidence-backed claims, current information, and consistent entity representation across formats. What’s next. Microsoft said it plans to “improve inclusion, attribution, and visibility across both search results and AI experiences,” and continue to “evolve these capabilities.” Microsoft’s announcement. Introducing AI Performance in Bing Webmaster Tools Public Preview View the full article

We’re still in the earliest days of artificial intelligence. It was just November 2022 when OpenAI released ChatGPT, and the world changed. However, enough time has passed for us to have a sufficient perspective to categorize AI and autonomous agents into three distinct eras. Introduction—2024: In the initial shockwave, there was more novelty and hype than practicality around the possibilities of AI. Businesses and leaders understandably struggled to understand what was barreling toward them. Evaluation—2025: There was a reality check for organizations as they began testing, experimenting with, and piloting AI projects in their search for use cases that created value. For various reasons, businesses often failed to achieve the results they expected or sometimes even saw their efforts completely stall. Production—2026: The coming year is when we begin to see a real payoff from business investments as innovative organizations take what they’ve learned and seriously embrace AI, embedding agents throughout their operations to realize value. It’s an absolute certainty that AI activation will become the story of business. We’re witnessing a profound shift from pilots to production agents embedded in real business processes, and it’s going to explode exponentially as AI adoption enters the mainstream enterprise and delivers measurable ROI. And the stakes will be incredibly high for businesses to get it right. TIME TO SEPARATE HYPE AND ACTIVATION Two things can be true at the same time. We can observe heightened speculation about AI alongside the on-the-ground emergence of agentic capabilities in real-world environments. The massive investments in power generation, data centers, and chip innovation are unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed. The market cap of hyperscalers is reaching vertigo-inducing heights. Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, frequently references this as a “picks-and-shovels” moment in a modern gold rush because it’s the infrastructure that will enable the innovation that comes next. Much of the conversation today focuses on whether we’re in an AI bubble. That speculation will likely continue, but the real story is what comes next. We’re not spending enough time imagining the world that will emerge on the other side of this period of intense innovation, whatever form that transition takes. From a historical perspective, there have been many boom-and-bust cycles that, over the long run, proved beneficial. I’ve been in the software industry for nearly three decades, which means I know bubbles firsthand. I began my business career in the 1990s, at the dawn of the Internet era, and experienced the dot-com boom and the subsequent crash. The market disruption was profound and painful. Fast forward to today. Can anyone imagine if we couldn’t order a sandwich on our phones and have it delivered in 15 minutes or less? There was an incredible payoff, but that only became apparent over time. Many of the innovations and infrastructure built in that era laid the groundwork for the world we live in today. We need to focus on the long game because AI will improve our lives immeasurably. In moments of rapid technological change, the broader environment typically undergoes significant shifts as innovation accelerates. What’s unmistakable, however, is that the future belongs to companies that view AI not simply as a tool, but as a game-changing intelligence that’s omnipresent in everything they do as they deliver for their customers. It’s why I remain so optimistic about the impact AI will have on all of us. PREDICTIONS FOR 2026 This will be the most productive year in history, as concerns about AI replacing humans fade and the technology instead augments people, enabling them to perform their jobs more effectively and improving their lives. Trust in AI. The level of confidence businesses place in AI to help them run their organizations will increase as they adopt measures that emphasize greater governance and data accuracy. AI translates to ROI. This relates directly to trust. We’ve already begun to see it, but the growth in real business value (substance, not hype) will happen as we move beyond simplistic AI co-pilots to agentic solutions that become integral to making businesses and people more productive. As more agents enter production, it will inevitably lead to sprawl. A mindset shift toward agent governance will be crucial to delivering the greatest return. Race toward AGI. We will reach peak intensity in the development of artificial general intelligence. I expect we’ll see announcements and investments that advance ambitious research initiatives across the field. Flood of mergers and acquisitions. As the pressure to adopt AI intensifies, companies that haven’t kept pace with innovation will be forced to explore new ways to advance their technology roadmaps. We can expect to see more organizations pursuing partnerships and selective acquisitions to strengthen their AI position. It’s going to be a busy year. WHAT WILL DEFINE 2026 We’ve reached the long-heralded moment of divergence between the AI natives and the AI nots. There will be a gap. It will be wide. And it will become painfully clear which category businesses fall into this year. The pressure will grow on CEOs and the board of directors to make AI activation their top technology investment priority. That means stopping experimentation and expecting production results. Businesses can’t afford to fall so far behind that they can’t catch up. The question for you in 2026 is this: What kind of foundation are you building in your business so that AI becomes a competitive advantage? Steve Lucas is the chairman and CEO at Boomi. 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. LG has some of the best OLED TVs on the market, from entry-level models that suit a lower budget to ultra-premium, high-tech options. If you want OLED-quality performance from a reliable brand without breaking the bank, the LG B5 is an intuitive smart TV with the brand’s signature vivid color, contrast-rich visuals, and strong gaming features. Right now, this 77-inch LG B5 OLED TV is $1,500 off at Best Buy in a Presidents Day Deal, bringing its original $2,999.99 price tag down to $1,499.99. LG - 77" Class B5 Series OLED AI 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2025) $1,499.99 at Amazon $2,999.99 Save $1,500.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,499.99 at Amazon $2,999.99 Save $1,500.00 The B5 is LG’s most affordable 2025 OLED TV, and its biggest draw is excellent OLED picture quality, with true blacks, strong color accuracy, and detailed contrast (as well as built-in burn-in mitigation). It’s suitable for both streaming and gaming, with 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate with low input lag and VRR, G-Sync, and FreeSync support, as well as HDMI 2.1 ports. It uses the easy-to-navigate webOS platform and includes a range of streaming apps, free channels, and AI features like AI Voice ID, which can recognize individual viewers and switch to their profile. While it has a lot in common with the C4, the lower price tag and the fact that it supports Wi-Fi 6E make this model more appealing for some buyers. And for a huge OLED TV, it’s aggressively priced, making the 77-inch LG B5 OLED TV a smart value buy for gamers and everyday viewers at $1,500 off. However, if you want better brightness and more advanced processing, you may want to level up to the C4 or the newer C5. Our Best Editor-Vetted Presidents' Day 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) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Dell 16 DC16255 (AMD Ryzen 7 250, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $649.99 (List Price $869.99) HP Omen 35L (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080, 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM) — (List Price $2,949.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC100") HP OmniBook X Flip Ngai 16-Inch (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, Radeon 860M, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — (List Price $649.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC50") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A reader writes: I’m managing a difficult employee, “Felix.” Felix has been at my company for five years now. He also happens to be the CEO’s nephew. His performance was never good, but it’s gotten steadily worse. His work frequently has mistakes, he is unreachable for large stretches of the day, and he pushes back on any feedback I give him. At one point, he yelled in my face when I pointed out a repeated problem with his work, saying that he “didn’t respect” my feedback. I’ve documented these issues extensively. I’ve talked to HR repeatedly about putting him on a PIP or even terminating him outright. They say that Felix is unhappy and actively job-searching and that they will work with him to set an end date. Things came to a head at the end of last year, during Felix’s performance review. I gave him poor marks on attitude, work quality, and communication, and he once again yelled at me and told me that my review was unfair and said that the whole team thought I was a jerk. With my HR rep on the call. Who again told me that he was probably going to leave soon on his own. What should I do now? Should I keep pushing to fire him? I’ve been trying to make it work, but I’m at the end of my rope. I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: How can I make sure my team doesn’t organize a gift for me? Hiring a friend’s employee The post I manage the CEO’s horrible nephew appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

In 2023, the science fiction literary magazine Clarkesworld stopped accepting new submissions because so many were generated by artificial intelligence. Near as the editors could tell, many submitters pasted the magazine’s detailed story guidelines into an AI and sent in the results. And they weren’t alone. Other fiction magazines have also reported a high number of AI-generated submissions. This is only one example of a ubiquitous trend. A legacy system relied on the difficulty of writing and cognition to limit volume. Generative AI overwhelms the system because the humans on the receiving end can’t keep up. This is happening everywhere. Newspapers are being inundated by AI-generated letters to the editor, as are academic journals. Lawmakers are inundated with AI-generated constituent comments. Courts around the world are flooded with AI-generated filings, particularly by people representing themselves. AI conferences are flooded with AI-generated research papers. Social media is flooded with AI posts. In music, open source software, education, investigative journalism, and hiring, it’s the same story. Like Clarkesworld’s initial response, some of these institutions shut down their submissions processes. Others have met the offensive of AI inputs with some defensive response, often involving a counteracting use of AI. Academic peer reviewers increasingly use AI to evaluate papers that may have been generated by AI. Social media platforms turn to AI moderators. Court systems use AI to triage and process litigation volumes supercharged by AI. Employers turn to AI tools to review candidate applications. Educators use AI not just to grade papers and administer exams, but as a feedback tool for students. These are all arms races: rapid, adversarial iteration to apply a common technology to opposing purposes. Many of these arms races have clearly deleterious effects. Society suffers if the courts are clogged with frivolous, AI-manufactured cases. There is also harm if the established measures of academic performance—publications and citations—accrue to those researchers most willing to fraudulently submit AI-written letters and papers rather than to those whose ideas have the most impact. The fear is that, in the end, fraudulent behavior enabled by AI will undermine systems and institutions that society relies on. Upsides of AI Yet some of these AI arms races have surprising hidden upsides, and the hope is that at least some institutions will be able to change in ways that make them stronger. Science seems likely to become stronger thanks to AI, yet it faces a problem when the AI makes mistakes. Consider the example of nonsensical, AI-generated phrasing filtering into scientific papers. A scientist using an AI to assist in writing an academic paper can be a good thing, if used carefully and with disclosure. AI is increasingly a primary tool in scientific research: for reviewing literature, programming, and for coding and analyzing data. And for many, it has become a crucial support for expression and scientific communication. Pre-AI, better-funded researchers could hire humans to help them write their academic papers. For many authors whose primary language is not English, hiring this kind of assistance has been an expensive necessity. AI provides it to everyone. In fiction, fraudulently submitted AI-generated works cause harm, both to the human authors now subject to increased competition and to those readers who may feel defrauded after unknowingly reading the work of a machine. But some outlets may welcome AI-assisted submissions with appropriate disclosure and under particular guidelines, and leverage AI to evaluate them against criteria like originality, fit, and quality. Others may refuse AI-generated work, but this will come at a cost. It’s unlikely that any human editor or technology can sustain an ability to differentiate human from machine writing. Instead, outlets that wish to exclusively publish humans will need to limit submissions to a set of authors they trust to not use AI. If these policies are transparent, readers can pick the format they prefer and read happily from either or both types of outlets. We also don’t see any problem if a job seeker uses AI to polish their resumes or write better cover letters: The wealthy and privileged have long had access to human assistance for those things. But it crosses the line when AIs are used to lie about identity and experience, or to cheat on job interviews. Similarly, a democracy requires that its citizens be able to express their opinions to their representatives, or to each other through a medium like the newspaper. The rich and powerful have long been able to hire writers to turn their ideas into persuasive prose, and AIs providing that assistance to more people is a good thing, in our view. Here, AI mistakes and bias can be harmful. Citizens may be using AI for more than just a time-saving shortcut; it may be augmenting their knowledge and capabilities, generating statements about historical, legal, or policy factors they can’t reasonably be expected to independently check. Today’s commercial AI text detectors are far from foolproof. Fraud booster What we don’t want is for lobbyists to use AIs in astroturf campaigns, writing multiple letters and passing them off as individual opinions. This, too, is an older problem that AIs are making worse. What differentiates the positive from the negative here is not any inherent aspect of the technology; it’s the power dynamic. The same technology that reduces the effort required for a citizen to share their lived experience with their legislator also enables corporate interests to misrepresent the public at scale. The former is a power-equalizing application of AI that enhances participatory democracy; the latter is a power-concentrating application that threatens it. In general, we believe writing and cognitive assistance, long available to the rich and powerful, should be available to everyone. +The problem comes when AIs make fraud easier. Any response needs to balance embracing that newfound democratization of access with preventing fraud. There’s no way to turn this technology off. Highly capable AIs are widely available and can run on a laptop. Ethical guidelines and clear professional boundaries can help—for those acting in good faith. But there won’t ever be a way to totally stop academic writers, job seekers, or citizens from using these tools, either as legitimate assistance or to commit fraud. This means more comments, more letters, more applications, more submissions. The problem is that whoever is on the receiving end of this AI-fueled deluge can’t deal with the increased volume. What can help is developing assistive AI tools that benefit institutions and society, while also limiting fraud. And that may mean embracing the use of AI assistance in these adversarial systems, even though the defensive AI will never achieve supremacy. Balancing harms with benefits The science fiction community has been wrestling with AI since 2023. Clarkesworld eventually reopened submissions, claiming that it has an adequate way of separating human- and AI-written stories. No one knows how long, or how well, that will continue to work. The arms race continues. There is no simple way to tell whether the potential benefits of AI will outweigh the harms, now or in the future. But as a society, we can influence the balance of harms it wreaks and opportunities it presents as we muddle our way through the changing technological landscape. Bruce Schneier is an adjunct lecturer in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Nathan Sanders is an affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Upbeat assessment ahead of elections contrasts with traditional Wall Street preference for minimal interventionView the full article

Layoffs are at an all-time high since 2009, and we’re also experiencing the lowest hiring on record in the job market. But AI spending is also reaching all-time highs—especially among Big Tech companies, who are on an extravagant spending spree. As I recently reported, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are forecast to drop a staggering $650 billion on AI in 2026 alone. And while many companies are pouring a lot of that money—we’re talking hundreds of billions—into building massive data centers, hoping to establish a long-term strategic advantage in the AI-arms race, many are still hiring workers for jobs that utilize AI skills. So, what are those skills? While many people assume the most in demand AI-skill is coding, according to a new report, it’s actually not. Here’s a look at what recruiters and companies are looking for right now. The most in demand AI skills A recent report from online freelance marketplace Upwork found that the AI skill for which hiring is growing fastest is AI video generation and editing (a type of design and creative work). Demand for that skill is up over 329% year over year (YoY). That refers to the ability to use AI tools to cut down on time by generating and editing video content from text, images, or audio. Some of the other AI skills that are most in demand include the following (by category): Coding and web development: Artificial intelligence integration is up 178%. Data science and analytics: Data annotation and labeling is up 154%. Customer service and admin support: E-commerce management is up 130%. Design and creative work: AI image generation and editing is up 95%. Job skills are foundational, not replaceable “While, the World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers’ skills will be transformed or become redundant by 2030—only a small share of complex tasks can be fully automated by today’s AI,” according to the report. While workers are increasingly concerned about being displaced by AI, Upwork’s findings show companies still rank talent acquisition and retention as their top strategic priority (consistently ahead of innovation and technology adoption). This means that instead of replacing workers with AI, businesses are still prioritizing adaptable and agile learners slightly ahead of those who can build or understand AI tools (at least, for now). View the full article

In an age where employee experience can significantly impact retention and productivity, small businesses can benefit immensely from effective onboarding processes. SurveyMonkey has recently unveiled improvements to its onboarding surveys aimed specifically at enhancing new hire integration into organizations. With a dual approach combining structured feedback with open-ended responses, these tools offer small business owners actionable insights that can lead to a more engaged workforce. The latest updates focus on the design of onboarding surveys that maximize both quantitative and qualitative data collection. By using scaled questions, SurveyMonkey enables employers to swiftly gauge clarity, confidence, and preparedness among new hires. For instance, a numeric scale might help determine how well a new employee understands their role, while open-ended questions invite them to articulate what aspects of the onboarding process are working or which areas could use improvement. “We used scaled questions to quickly assess clarity, confidence, and preparedness,” a spokesperson for SurveyMonkey stated. “These were paired with open-ended prompts that allowed new hires to explain what was working, what felt confusing, and where they needed more support.” This multifaceted approach not only gathers essential metrics but also empowers employees to share their experiences candidly. One of the key advantages of these surveys lies in their anonymous nature. By allowing new hires to provide feedback without fear of repercussions, businesses can identify potential pitfalls early in the onboarding process. The goal is to surface candid feedback before any hesitation or social pressure affects the quality of the input, ensuring that business owners can refine their onboarding experiences in real-time. For small business owners, implementing these onboarding surveys can be both straightforward and beneficial. By leveraging the data gathered, employers can tailor training programs to address common struggles identified by new employees. Effective onboarding leads to faster acclimatization to the company culture and standards, which can directly reduce turnover rates—a critical concern for small businesses often operating with limited resources. However, small business owners should keep potential challenges in mind. Crafting effective onboarding surveys requires careful consideration of what questions will yield the most valuable data. Additionally, there is the risk that employees may provide constructive criticism that, while essential for growth, could be difficult for management to hear. Business owners will need to foster a culture where feedback is embraced and used constructively. Moreover, while SurveyMonkey’s tools can streamline the data collection process, the interpretation of this data still falls on the shoulders of business leaders. Implementing changes based on survey results may require time, resources, and sometimes even difficult conversations among team members. Hence, small business owners must be prepared not just to collect insights but also to act on them thoughtfully. Ultimately, the enhanced onboarding solutions offered by SurveyMonkey represent an opportunity for small businesses to create more engaging and supportive environments for new employees. As the job market continues to evolve, ensuring that new hires feel welcomed, informed, and prepared is crucial for long-term business sustainability. More information about these onboarding improvements can be found in the original release at SurveyMonkey. By leveraging these innovative tools, small business owners can elevate their onboarding processes, paving the way for a more productive and enthusiastic workforce. Image via Google Gemini This article, "New Onboarding Surveys Foster Candid Feedback from New Hires" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an age where employee experience can significantly impact retention and productivity, small businesses can benefit immensely from effective onboarding processes. SurveyMonkey has recently unveiled improvements to its onboarding surveys aimed specifically at enhancing new hire integration into organizations. With a dual approach combining structured feedback with open-ended responses, these tools offer small business owners actionable insights that can lead to a more engaged workforce. The latest updates focus on the design of onboarding surveys that maximize both quantitative and qualitative data collection. By using scaled questions, SurveyMonkey enables employers to swiftly gauge clarity, confidence, and preparedness among new hires. For instance, a numeric scale might help determine how well a new employee understands their role, while open-ended questions invite them to articulate what aspects of the onboarding process are working or which areas could use improvement. “We used scaled questions to quickly assess clarity, confidence, and preparedness,” a spokesperson for SurveyMonkey stated. “These were paired with open-ended prompts that allowed new hires to explain what was working, what felt confusing, and where they needed more support.” This multifaceted approach not only gathers essential metrics but also empowers employees to share their experiences candidly. One of the key advantages of these surveys lies in their anonymous nature. By allowing new hires to provide feedback without fear of repercussions, businesses can identify potential pitfalls early in the onboarding process. The goal is to surface candid feedback before any hesitation or social pressure affects the quality of the input, ensuring that business owners can refine their onboarding experiences in real-time. For small business owners, implementing these onboarding surveys can be both straightforward and beneficial. By leveraging the data gathered, employers can tailor training programs to address common struggles identified by new employees. Effective onboarding leads to faster acclimatization to the company culture and standards, which can directly reduce turnover rates—a critical concern for small businesses often operating with limited resources. However, small business owners should keep potential challenges in mind. Crafting effective onboarding surveys requires careful consideration of what questions will yield the most valuable data. Additionally, there is the risk that employees may provide constructive criticism that, while essential for growth, could be difficult for management to hear. Business owners will need to foster a culture where feedback is embraced and used constructively. Moreover, while SurveyMonkey’s tools can streamline the data collection process, the interpretation of this data still falls on the shoulders of business leaders. Implementing changes based on survey results may require time, resources, and sometimes even difficult conversations among team members. Hence, small business owners must be prepared not just to collect insights but also to act on them thoughtfully. Ultimately, the enhanced onboarding solutions offered by SurveyMonkey represent an opportunity for small businesses to create more engaging and supportive environments for new employees. As the job market continues to evolve, ensuring that new hires feel welcomed, informed, and prepared is crucial for long-term business sustainability. More information about these onboarding improvements can be found in the original release at SurveyMonkey. By leveraging these innovative tools, small business owners can elevate their onboarding processes, paving the way for a more productive and enthusiastic workforce. Image via Google Gemini This article, "New Onboarding Surveys Foster Candid Feedback from New Hires" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, and it’s meeting a growing American soccer fanbase on home turf for the first time since the ’90s. With companies paying millions to reach these fans, the challenge is standing out from the noise. On this episode of FC Explains, Fast Company Senior Staff Editor Jeff Beer explores what he’s learned from Men in Blazers co-founder Roger Bennett about how brands can leverage compelling storytelling and authentic fan culture, which sometimes matter more than the action on the field. Beer also shares insights from executives at major brands like Verizon and Anheuser-Busch about their World Cup marketing strategies to build lasting fan connections through global league sponsorships and tournament partnerships, while avoiding the “cultural wallpaper” effect that often happens at major sporting events. View the full article

If you're of a certain age, you might remember mixtapes: cassettes made up of a series of tracks you or a friend think work well together, or otherwise enjoy. (They took some work to put together, too.) Digital music sort of killed mixtapes, but, in their place, came playlists. You could easily put together a collection of your favorite songs, and either burn them to a CD, or, as streaming took over, let the playlist itself grow as large as you wanted. Anyone can make a playlist, but there's an art to it. Someone with a keen ear for music can build a playlist you can let play for hours. Maybe you have a friend who's good at making playlists, or maybe you're that friend in your group. They can be a fun way to share music, and find some new music to add to your own library. Now, generative AI wants to replace human intervention altogether. Rather than you or a friend building a playlist, you can ask AI to do it for you. And YouTube Music is the latest service to give it a try. YouTube announced its new AI playlist generator in a post on X on Monday. If you subscribe to either YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium, you can ask YouTube's AI to make a playlist based on whatever parameters you want. To try it out, open YouTube Music, then head to your Library and tap "New." Next, choose the new "AI Playlist" option, then enter the type of music you're looking for. You could ask YouTube Music to generate a playlist of pop-punk songs, or to make something to play when focusing on work. Really, it's whatever you want, and if the AI gets it wrong, you can try it again. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. It's pretty straightforward, and nothing revolutionary. Other music streaming services have their own AI playlist generators too. Spotify, for example, has had one for a couple of years, but recently rolled out Prompted Playlist as well, which lets you generate playlists that update with time, and takes your listening history into account. With this update, however, YouTube is likely trying to drum up some interest in its streaming service and encourage users to pay for it. Just this week, the company put lyrics—once a free feature—behind the Premium paywall. I suppose it thinks that if you can't read what your favorite artists are singing, and you'd like to have a bot make your playlists for you, you might just subscribe to its platform. This could be a good change in the long run for YouTube Music subscribers. I'm on Apple Music, so I don't really use AI-generated playlists. I like the Apple-curated playlists, as well as the ones my friends and I make and share. But who knows: Maybe human-generated playlists are going the way of the mixtape. View the full article

B2B advertising faces a distinct challenge: most automation tools weren’t built for lead generation. Ecommerce campaigns benefit from hundreds of conversions that fuel machine learning. B2B marketers don’t have that luxury. They deal with lower conversion volume, longer sales cycles, and no clear cart value to guide optimization. The good news? Automation can still work. Melissa Mackey, Head of Paid Search at Compound Growth Marketing, says the right strategy and signals can turn automation into a powerful driver of B2B leads. Below is a summary of the key insights and recommendations she shared at SMX Next. The fundamental challenge: Why automation struggles with lead gen Automation systems are built for ecommerce success, which creates three core obstacles for B2B marketers: Customer journey length: Automation performs best with short journeys. A user visits, buys, and checks out within minutes. B2B journeys can last 18 to 24 months. Offline conversions only look back 90 days, leaving a large gap between early engagement and closed revenue. Conversion volume requirements: Google’s automation works best with about 30 leads per campaign per month. Google says it can function with less, but performance is often inconsistent below that level. Ecommerce campaigns easily hit hundreds of monthly conversions. B2B lead gen rarely does. The cart value problem: In ecommerce, value is instant and obvious. A $10 purchase tells the system something very different than a $100 purchase. Lead generation has no cart. True value often isn’t clear until prospects move through multiple funnel stages — sometimes months later. The solution: Sending the right signals Despite these challenges, proven strategies can make automation work for B2B lead generation. Offline conversions: Your number one priority Connecting your CRM to Google Ads or Microsoft Ads is essential for making automation work in lead generation. This isn’t optional. It’s the foundation. If you haven’t done this yet, stop and fix it first. In Google Ads’ Data Manager, you’ll find hundreds of CRM integration options. The most common B2B setups include: HubSpot and Salesforce: Both offer native, seamless integrations with Google Ads. Setup is simple. Once connected, customer stages and CRM data flow directly into the platform. Other CRMs: If you don’t use HubSpot or Salesforce, you can build a custom data table with only the fields you want to share. Use connectors like Snowflake to send that data to Google Ads while protecting user privacy and still supplying strong automation signals. Third-party integrations: If your CRM doesn’t integrate directly, tools like Zapier can connect almost anything to Google Ads. There’s a cost, but the performance gains typically pay for it many times over. Embrace micro conversions with strategic values Micro conversions signal intent. They show a “hand raiser” — someone engaged on your site who isn’t an MQL yet but clearly interested. The key is assigning relative value to these actions, even when you don’t know their exact revenue impact. Use a simple hierarchy to train automation what matters most: Video views (value: 1): Shows curiosity, but qualification is unclear. Ungated asset downloads (value: 10): Indicates stronger engagement and added effort. Form fills (value: 100): Reflects meaningful commitment and willingness to share personal information. Marketing qualified leads (value: 1,000): The highest-value signal and top optimization priority. This value structure tells automation that one MQL matters more than 999 video views. Without these distinctions, campaigns chase impressive conversion rates driven by low-value actions — while real leads slip through the cracks. Making Performance Max work for lead generation You might dismiss Performance Max (PMax) for lead generation — and for good reason. Run it on a basic maximize conversions strategy, and it usually produces junk leads and wastes budget. But PMax can deliver exceptional results when you combine conversion values and offline conversion data with a Target ROAS bid strategy. One real client example shows what’s possible. They tracked three offline conversion actions — leads, opportunities, and customers — and valued customers at 50 times a lead. The results were dramatic: Leads increased 150% Opportunities increased 350% Closed deals increased 200% Closed deals became the campaign’s top-performing metric because they reflected real, paying customers. The key difference? Using conversion values with a Target ROAS strategy instead of basic maximize conversions. Campaign-specific goals: An underutilized feature Campaign-specific goals let you optimize campaigns for different conversion actions, giving you far more control and flexibility. You can set conversion goals at the account level or make them campaign-specific. With campaign-specific goals, you can: Run a mid-funnel campaign optimized only for lead form submissions using informational keywords. Build audiences from those form fills to capture engaged prospects. Launch a separate campaign optimized for qualified leads, targeting that warm audience with higher-value offers like demos or trials. This approach avoids asking someone to “marry you on the first date.” It also keeps campaigns from competing against themselves by trying to optimize for conflicting goals. Portfolio bidding: Reaching the data threshold faster Portfolio bidding groups similar campaigns so you can reach the critical 30-conversions-per-month threshold faster. For example, four separate campaigns might generate 12, 11, 0, and 15 conversions. On their own, none qualify. Grouped into a single portfolio, they total 38 conversions — giving automation far more data to optimize against. You may still need separate campaigns for valid reasons — regional reporting, distinct budgets, or operational constraints. Portfolio bidding lets you keep that structure while still feeding the system enough volume to perform. Bonus benefit: Portfolio bidding lets you set maximum CPCs. This prevents runaway bids when automation aggressively targets high-propensity users. This level of control is otherwise only available through tools like SA360. First-party audiences: Powerful targeting signals First-party audiences send strong signals about who you want to reach, which is critical for AI-powered campaigns. If HubSpot or Salesforce is connected to Google Ads, you can import audiences and use them strategically: Customer lists: Use them as exclusions to avoid paying for existing customers, or as lookalikes in Demand Gen campaigns. Contact lists: Use them for observation to signal ideal audience traits, or for targeting to retarget engaged users. Audiences make it much easier to trust broad match keywords and AI-driven campaign types like PMax or AI Max — approaches that often feel too loose for B2B without strong audience signals in place. Leveraging AI for B2B lead generation AI tools can significantly improve B2B advertising efficiency when you use them with intent. The key is remembering that most AI is trained on consumer behavior, not B2B buying patterns. The essential B2B prompt addition Always tell the AI you’re selling to other businesses. Start prompts with clear context, like: “You’re a SaaS company that sells to other businesses.” That single line shifts the AI’s lens away from consumer assumptions and toward B2B realities. Client onboarding and profile creation Use AI to build detailed client profiles by feeding it clear inputs, including: What you sell and your core value. Your unique selling propositions. Target personas. Ideal customer profiles. Create a master template or a custom GPT for each client. This foundation sharpens every downstream AI task and dramatically improves accuracy and relevance. Competitor research in minutes, not hours Competitive analysis that once took 20–30 hours can now be done in 10–15 minutes. Ask AI to analyze your competitors and break down: Current offers Positioning and messaging Value propositions Customer sentiment Social proof Pricing strategies AI delivers clean, well-structured tables you can screenshot for client decks or drop straight into Google Sheets for sorting and filtering. Use this insight to spot gaps, uncover opportunities, and identify clear strategic advantages. Competitor keyword analysis Use tools like Semrush or SpyFu to pull competitor keyword lists, then let AI do the heavy lifting. Create a spreadsheet with columns for each competitor’s keywords alongside your client’s keywords. Then ask the AI to: Identify keywords competitors rank for that you don’t to uncover gaps to fill. Identify keywords you own that competitors don’t to surface unique advantages. Group keywords by theme to reveal patterns and inform campaign structure. What once took hours of pivot tables, filtering, and manual cleanup now takes AI about five minutes. Automating routine tasks Negative keyword review: Create an AI artifact that learns your filtering rules and decision logic. Feed it search query reports, and it returns clear add-or-ignore recommendations. You spend time reviewing decisions instead of doing first-pass analysis, which makes SQR reviews faster and easier to run more often. Ad copy generation: Tools like RSA generators can produce headlines and descriptions from sample keywords and destination URLs. Pair them with your custom client GPT for even stronger starting points. Always review AI-generated copy, but refining solid drafts is far faster than writing from scratch. Experiments: testing what works The Experiments feature is widely underused. Put it to work by testing: Different bid strategies, including portfolio vs. standard Match types Landing pages Campaign structures Google Ads automatically reports performance, so there’s no manual math. It even includes insight summaries that tell you what to do next — apply the changes, end the experiment, or run a follow-up test. Solutions: Pre-built scripts made easy Solutions are prebuilt Google Ads scripts that automate common tasks, including: Reporting and dashboards Anomaly detection Link checking Flexible budgeting Negative keyword list creation Instead of hunting down scripts and pasting code, you answer a few setup questions and the solution runs automatically. Use caution with complex enterprise accounts, but for simpler structures, these tools can save a significant amount of time. Key takeaways Automation wasn’t built for lead generation, but with the right strategy, you can still make it work for B2B. Send the right signals: Offline conversions with assigned values aren’t optional. First-party audiences add critical targeting context. Together, these signals make AI-driven campaigns work for B2B. AI is your friend: Use AI to automate repetitive work — not to replace people. Take 50 search query reports off your team’s plate so they can focus on strategy instead of tedious analysis. Leverage platform tools: Experiments, Solutions, campaign-specific goals, and portfolio bidding are powerful features many advertisers ignore. Use what’s already built into your ad platforms to get more out of every campaign. Watch: It’s time to embrace automation for B2B lead gen View the full article

BMW has issued a recall of 87,394 vehicles over a defect that could cause the engine to overheat and start a fire. The recall, issued on Jan. 30, covers models made between 2021 and 2024. It includes nine BMW models, as well as one Toyota model, which shares similar structures and parts. The recalled BMW vehicles include: Toyota Supra, 2021-2023, BMW 5 Series, 2021-2024, BMW Z4, 2021-2022, BMW 2 Series Coupe, 2022-2023, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022-2024, BMW 4 Series Convertible, 2021-2024, BMW 4 Series Coupe, 2021-2023, BMW 3 Series, 2021-2024, BMW X4, 2021-2023, and BMW X3, 2021-2024. In a blog post BMW said the defect involves “unexpected wear on an internal component” which may “cause the starter to stop working properly—sometimes surfacing first as a no-start condition—but the higher-stakes concern is heat.” It continued, “NHTSA’s report says that ‘in an extreme case; the issue could cause a thermal event or fire when starting the engine, or while the engine is running.” Just months ago, BMW issued a similar recall. In October, the company recalled 145,000 vehicles over a starter defect that could overheat and spark a fire. Prior to that, it recalled 200,000 vehicles for the same reason. Still, BMW is not the only car company to appear plagued by recalls as of late. At the end of last year, Ford recalled over 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles over a parking function issue. Porsche recalled over 173,000 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera image. Earlier in 2025, the NHTSA also issued similar recalls of Hyundai Motor America, Ford Motor, Toyota Motor, and Chrysler vehicles. The recall notice indicates that BMW is not aware of any accident or injuries, for both the BMW vehicles, as well as the Toyota Supra vehicles, due to the issue. It also noted that dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to owners. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners on March 24, 2026. View the full article

I don’t care if you own a car, SUV, minivan, pickup truck, private jet, or one of each. This essay isn’t a judgment on consumerism. It’s about how the forces shaping our automotive obsession ripple into land use policy, infrastructure funding, government subsidies, and every facet of urbanism. Once upon a time, did Americans flock to dealerships out of pure need—or were they herded by subversive forces? Was it free will or predestination? The automobile’s rise was a masterclass in what the military would call a psychological operation, a psy-op. In a flash, the “household automobile” became the “personal automobile,” thanks to advertising genius that turned utility into aspiration. The godfather of modern PR At the heart of this shift was Edward Bernays, Sigmund Freud’s nephew and the godfather of modern public relations. Bernays didn’t sell cars; he sold dreams, using emotional triggers to link vehicles with individualism, prestige, and progress. His tactics transformed cars from practical tools into must-have symbols of self-expression. Drawing from Uncle Freud, Bernays targeted subconscious desires. Early- and mid-20th century ads were dry, like user manuals highlighting features. Bernays led the marketing pivot to allure. Chevrolet’s 1950s “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” campaign painted cars as portals to adventure and family memories. Manufacturers introduced annual model updates, rendering last year’s ride obsolete, a strategy Bernays tested for GM after Henry Ford dismissed it as sleazy. It worked brilliantly, birthing “planned obsolescence” and embedding perpetual consumption into our culture. Edward Bernays Ford’s Model T was pitched as “the universal car,” bridging class divides. GM segmented their market with Chevrolets for “practical families” and Buicks for status-seekers. It’s funny that people today want to dismiss the consumerism psy-op as conspiracy theory, even though Bernays documented and openly bragged about his methods in TV and radio interviews over his 103-year life. Cars: A timeline Here’s a snapshot of some of the auto industry’s milestones: 1900-1910: From 8,000 registered cars in 1900 to over 400,000 by 1910, fueled by early hype. 1908-1916: Henry Ford’s assembly line dropped the Model T’s price from $825 to $360, marketed as “the car for everyman” to symbolize modernity. 1920s: Automakers spent the equivalent of $2 billion in today’s dollars on ads that shifted from facts to feelings. 1920s-1950s: GM’s yearly changes cut car lifespans from five years to two-three, creating upgrade culture. 1950s: Over $300 million spent on ads emphasizing freedom and status; car ownership ranked second only to homes as a status symbol. 1960s-1970s: 80% of cars bought on credit, with ads focused on lifestyle, then pivoted to “green” virtue-signaling amid environmental concerns. 21st Century: Auto ads remain a top-10 spender for a population of buyers that is predominantly completely on personal cars to get around. Emotional forces The best advertisers understand that humans are feeling creatures who sometimes think, as opposed to thinking creatures who sometimes feel. Cereal, shoes, cars—it all preys on the same impulses. The auto industry’s success defied logic because even as saturation hit, demand surged. They were and are enjoying the outcomes of a culture that believes everyone 16-and-up needs their own personal car. I’m a car owner, and I’ll be the first to tell you motor vehicles are incredible inventions. The more I learn about human behavior and our decision-making process, the more examples I see in my own life where my behavior was nudged by outside forces tugging my emotional strings. If you’re interested in changing how the built environment is planned, designed, and maintained, understanding the power and tools of persuasion will help you immensely. So much of culture is downstream from propaganda. View the full article

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly craft supplies, there are several excellent options available. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels often have sales and coupons that can help you save money. Furthermore, Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of inexpensive materials. Thrift stores and garage sales can provide unique finds, whereas craft reuse centers promote sustainability with affordable supplies. To explore even more options, consider looking into online stores that specialize in cost-effective craft materials. Key Takeaways Local thrift stores often have discounted craft supplies, including fabric, yarn, and vintage items, perfect for budget-conscious crafters. Yard sales can be treasure troves for inexpensive crafting materials, with opportunities to negotiate prices for unique finds. Craft reuse centers promote eco-friendly crafting, offering a variety of donated supplies at low costs while supporting community initiatives. Online retailers frequently run sales and promotions, enabling access to a wider range of craft supplies at competitive prices. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle provide affordable or free options for sourcing craft materials within your community. Your Own Home When you’re looking to save money on craft supplies, your own home can be a treasure trove of materials. Common items like toilet paper rolls and egg cartons can easily be repurposed into free craft items for various projects. Cardboard from cereal boxes serves well for creating structures or stencils. Recycling old newspapers and magazines offers unique materials for decoupage and scrapbooking, eliminating the need to buy new supplies. Water bottles and milk cartons can transform into planters or organizers, showcasing their versatility. Check kids’ rooms and offices for unused art supplies, as these hidden treasures can fuel new creative projects without visiting cheap craft stores or searching for scrapbooking supplies near me. Yard Sales Yard sales can be a treasure trove for crafters looking for unique supplies at a fraction of retail prices. Many local garage sales feature specific areas dedicated to crafting materials, where you might score everything from fabric and tools to vintage patterns. Unique Craft Finds Exploring local garage sales can uncover a treasure trove of unique craft supplies at unbeatable prices. You’ll often find fabric, art supplies, and gently used crafting tools that aren’t readily available in retail stores. Searching for specific items, like card making supplies near me, on Craigslist can help you pinpoint sales featuring exactly what you need. Many sellers are keen to clear out their homes, providing opportunities to haggle for even better deals on crafting supplies. Furthermore, seasonal yard sales can yield themed crafting items, such as Halloween decorations or holiday materials, at reduced prices. Keep an eye out for free craft stuff, as some sellers might be looking to give away items instead of selling them. Local Garage Sales Local garage sales offer an excellent opportunity to find a wide range of craft supplies at considerably lower prices than traditional retail stores. These sales often include unique items such as fabric, tools, and vintage crafting materials, making them a true craft depot for budget-conscious crafters. You can use websites like Craigslist to locate garage sales in your area, helping you target specific items or general supplies. Many sellers are open to negotiating prices, allowing you to score even better deals. Furthermore, seasonal events and community gatherings often coincide with these sales, providing you with even more chances to find budget-friendly crafting supplies. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems in your neighborhood! Your Neighborhood How can you tap into your neighborhood’s crafting potential? Start by exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and OfferUp. These websites often have listings for cheap or even free craft supplies from your neighbors. Networking with those around you can likewise be beneficial; many may have leftover materials from previous projects that they’re willing to give away or sell at a low price. Keep an eye out for seasonal events in your area, as they can inspire new projects and provide access to unique materials. Furthermore, consider joining local community groups that organize craft swaps, allowing you to exchange supplies and expand your crafting arsenal without breaking the bank. Thrift Stores Thrift stores provide a treasure trove of crafting supplies at prices that won’t strain your budget. You can often find a wide variety of both used and new materials, making them an ideal destination for budget-conscious crafters. These stores typically have dedicated sections for craft items, featuring fabric, yarn, and decorative pieces that you can repurpose for your projects. Moreover, you might discover unique materials like vintage books and magazines perfect for decoupage, or even old jewelry that can be transformed into beadwork. Dollar Stores For budget-conscious crafters seeking affordable materials, dollar stores are an excellent option that complements the treasures found in thrift stores. They offer a wide variety of cheap craft supplies for just a dollar, making them ideal for your projects. In these stores, you can find popular items like wooden craft sticks, clothespins, tissue paper, decorative craft tape, and various adhesives. Don’t overlook the office and party supply sections, where you may discover additional crafting materials. Useful items such as vases, candle holders, floral foam, beads, and glitter are often available too. By regularly checking for new arrivals and seasonal items, you can uncover exciting and affordable supplies that can enhance your DIY projects without breaking the bank. Craft Reuse Centers Craft reuse centers offer sustainable crafting solutions by accepting donations of materials and reselling them at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies, from gently used items to vintage finds, perfect for sparking your creativity. Plus, these centers often host workshops and community events, making them a great resource for both new and experienced crafters looking to connect with others. Sustainable Crafting Solutions As you explore sustainable crafting solutions, consider visiting craft reuse centers, which play an essential role in promoting eco-friendly practices. These centers accept donations of crafting supplies, helping to keep materials out of landfills during offering them for resale at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a diverse range of supplies suitable for both kids and adults, making it easy to find what you need for your projects. Shopping at these centers allows you to discover unique materials that can inspire your creativity. Many craft reuse centers additionally host community programs and workshops, encouraging collaboration among local crafters. By supporting these centers, you save money and contribute to a greener planet. Variety of Supplies As many traditional craft stores concentrate on a specific range of products, craft reuse centers offer an impressive variety of supplies that cater to diverse crafting needs. These centers focus on sustainability by accepting donations, ensuring that materials are repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. You can find supplies for various crafts, including sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, and mixed media projects. Many reuse centers provide a community space for workshops and events, welcoming both children and adults. During your exploration, you might discover unexpected finds like vintage items and one-of-a-kind supplies that aren’t available in mainstream stores. This variety not only improves your crafting experience but encourages creativity and innovation in your projects. Budget-Friendly Prices In regards to finding budget-friendly prices for crafting supplies, craft reuse centers stand out as an excellent option. These centers focus on keeping crafting materials out of landfills by accepting donations and reselling them at markedly lower prices than traditional stores. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies suitable for various types of crafting, from fabric and paint to beads and paper. Both kids and adults can explore creative opportunities during their environmentally conscious activities. Furthermore, you might discover unique items that aren’t available elsewhere, enriching your crafting experience. Online Stores In regard to finding affordable craft supplies, online stores present a wealth of options that can cater to any budget. Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a wide selection of craft materials at competitive prices, making it easy to shop from home. You can explore sites such as Oriental Trading and Fabric.com, where discounts on various items guarantee good value for your purchases. Many online retailers frequently run deals and promotions, allowing you to snag items at considerably reduced prices. If you’re searching for unique or hard-to-find materials, niche online craft suppliers can expand your options beyond local stores. Plus, online shopping makes price comparison across multiple retailers straightforward, helping you find the best deals available. Frequently Asked Questions What Types of Crafts Can I Make With Budget Supplies? You can create a variety of crafts with budget supplies. Consider making greeting cards using cardstock, decorative paper, and stamps. You could as well try your hand at painting or drawing with affordable paints and sketchbooks. DIY home decor projects, like painted flower pots or upcycled furniture, are great options. Furthermore, you can craft jewelry using beads and string. Explore sewing simple projects, such as tote bags or pillowcases, with fabric scraps. How Can I Find Sales at Craft Stores? To find sales at craft stores, start by signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs, as they often provide exclusive discounts. Check store websites for weekly ads and promotions. Utilize social media platforms where many stores announce flash sales and special events. You can additionally download coupon apps that aggregate deals from various RetailMeNot retailers. Finally, visit during major holidays, when many craft stores frequently offer significant markdowns on supplies. Are There Membership Discounts for Frequent Buyers? Yes, many craft stores offer membership discounts for frequent buyers. By signing up for loyalty programs, you can receive exclusive deals, early access to sales, and points in the direction of future purchases. For example, stores like Michaels and Joann often provide rewards programs where you earn points for every dollar spent. Furthermore, some stores may offer special coupons or discounts on your birthday or during promotional events for members. Always check the store’s website for details. What Should I Look for in Quality Craft Supplies? When selecting quality craft supplies, look for durability, ease of use, and consistency. Check materials; for example, high-quality paper should be thick and smooth, whereas paints should blend well without clumping. Review customer feedback to gauge performance and longevity. Make sure tools, like scissors or brushes, feel comfortable in your hand and perform their tasks effectively. Additionally, consider the brand reputation; established brands often provide reliable products backed by good warranties. Can I Return Unused Items to Craft Stores? Yes, you can usually return unused items to craft stores, but policies vary by retailer. Most stores require a receipt, and some may offer store credit instead of refunds. Check the specific return window, which often ranges from 30 to 90 days. Items must be in original packaging, and be free of damage. Always verify the return policy on the store’s website or at the register to avoid any surprises. Conclusion In conclusion, finding budget-friendly craft supplies is achievable with various options available. Your own home can yield unused materials, whereas yard sales and thrift stores often present unique and affordable items. Dollar stores and craft reuse centers provide inexpensive alternatives, and online stores can offer competitive prices. By exploring these sources, you can gather key supplies without overspending, allowing you to engage in your creative projects sustainably and economically. Consider these options to improve your crafting experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Cheap Craft Stores for Budget Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly craft supplies, there are several excellent options available. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels often have sales and coupons that can help you save money. Furthermore, Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of inexpensive materials. Thrift stores and garage sales can provide unique finds, whereas craft reuse centers promote sustainability with affordable supplies. To explore even more options, consider looking into online stores that specialize in cost-effective craft materials. Key Takeaways Local thrift stores often have discounted craft supplies, including fabric, yarn, and vintage items, perfect for budget-conscious crafters. Yard sales can be treasure troves for inexpensive crafting materials, with opportunities to negotiate prices for unique finds. Craft reuse centers promote eco-friendly crafting, offering a variety of donated supplies at low costs while supporting community initiatives. Online retailers frequently run sales and promotions, enabling access to a wider range of craft supplies at competitive prices. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle provide affordable or free options for sourcing craft materials within your community. Your Own Home When you’re looking to save money on craft supplies, your own home can be a treasure trove of materials. Common items like toilet paper rolls and egg cartons can easily be repurposed into free craft items for various projects. Cardboard from cereal boxes serves well for creating structures or stencils. Recycling old newspapers and magazines offers unique materials for decoupage and scrapbooking, eliminating the need to buy new supplies. Water bottles and milk cartons can transform into planters or organizers, showcasing their versatility. Check kids’ rooms and offices for unused art supplies, as these hidden treasures can fuel new creative projects without visiting cheap craft stores or searching for scrapbooking supplies near me. Yard Sales Yard sales can be a treasure trove for crafters looking for unique supplies at a fraction of retail prices. Many local garage sales feature specific areas dedicated to crafting materials, where you might score everything from fabric and tools to vintage patterns. Unique Craft Finds Exploring local garage sales can uncover a treasure trove of unique craft supplies at unbeatable prices. You’ll often find fabric, art supplies, and gently used crafting tools that aren’t readily available in retail stores. Searching for specific items, like card making supplies near me, on Craigslist can help you pinpoint sales featuring exactly what you need. Many sellers are keen to clear out their homes, providing opportunities to haggle for even better deals on crafting supplies. Furthermore, seasonal yard sales can yield themed crafting items, such as Halloween decorations or holiday materials, at reduced prices. Keep an eye out for free craft stuff, as some sellers might be looking to give away items instead of selling them. Local Garage Sales Local garage sales offer an excellent opportunity to find a wide range of craft supplies at considerably lower prices than traditional retail stores. These sales often include unique items such as fabric, tools, and vintage crafting materials, making them a true craft depot for budget-conscious crafters. You can use websites like Craigslist to locate garage sales in your area, helping you target specific items or general supplies. Many sellers are open to negotiating prices, allowing you to score even better deals. Furthermore, seasonal events and community gatherings often coincide with these sales, providing you with even more chances to find budget-friendly crafting supplies. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems in your neighborhood! Your Neighborhood How can you tap into your neighborhood’s crafting potential? Start by exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and OfferUp. These websites often have listings for cheap or even free craft supplies from your neighbors. Networking with those around you can likewise be beneficial; many may have leftover materials from previous projects that they’re willing to give away or sell at a low price. Keep an eye out for seasonal events in your area, as they can inspire new projects and provide access to unique materials. Furthermore, consider joining local community groups that organize craft swaps, allowing you to exchange supplies and expand your crafting arsenal without breaking the bank. Thrift Stores Thrift stores provide a treasure trove of crafting supplies at prices that won’t strain your budget. You can often find a wide variety of both used and new materials, making them an ideal destination for budget-conscious crafters. These stores typically have dedicated sections for craft items, featuring fabric, yarn, and decorative pieces that you can repurpose for your projects. Moreover, you might discover unique materials like vintage books and magazines perfect for decoupage, or even old jewelry that can be transformed into beadwork. Dollar Stores For budget-conscious crafters seeking affordable materials, dollar stores are an excellent option that complements the treasures found in thrift stores. They offer a wide variety of cheap craft supplies for just a dollar, making them ideal for your projects. In these stores, you can find popular items like wooden craft sticks, clothespins, tissue paper, decorative craft tape, and various adhesives. Don’t overlook the office and party supply sections, where you may discover additional crafting materials. Useful items such as vases, candle holders, floral foam, beads, and glitter are often available too. By regularly checking for new arrivals and seasonal items, you can uncover exciting and affordable supplies that can enhance your DIY projects without breaking the bank. Craft Reuse Centers Craft reuse centers offer sustainable crafting solutions by accepting donations of materials and reselling them at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies, from gently used items to vintage finds, perfect for sparking your creativity. Plus, these centers often host workshops and community events, making them a great resource for both new and experienced crafters looking to connect with others. Sustainable Crafting Solutions As you explore sustainable crafting solutions, consider visiting craft reuse centers, which play an essential role in promoting eco-friendly practices. These centers accept donations of crafting supplies, helping to keep materials out of landfills during offering them for resale at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a diverse range of supplies suitable for both kids and adults, making it easy to find what you need for your projects. Shopping at these centers allows you to discover unique materials that can inspire your creativity. Many craft reuse centers additionally host community programs and workshops, encouraging collaboration among local crafters. By supporting these centers, you save money and contribute to a greener planet. Variety of Supplies As many traditional craft stores concentrate on a specific range of products, craft reuse centers offer an impressive variety of supplies that cater to diverse crafting needs. These centers focus on sustainability by accepting donations, ensuring that materials are repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. You can find supplies for various crafts, including sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, and mixed media projects. Many reuse centers provide a community space for workshops and events, welcoming both children and adults. During your exploration, you might discover unexpected finds like vintage items and one-of-a-kind supplies that aren’t available in mainstream stores. This variety not only improves your crafting experience but encourages creativity and innovation in your projects. Budget-Friendly Prices In regards to finding budget-friendly prices for crafting supplies, craft reuse centers stand out as an excellent option. These centers focus on keeping crafting materials out of landfills by accepting donations and reselling them at markedly lower prices than traditional stores. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies suitable for various types of crafting, from fabric and paint to beads and paper. Both kids and adults can explore creative opportunities during their environmentally conscious activities. Furthermore, you might discover unique items that aren’t available elsewhere, enriching your crafting experience. Online Stores In regard to finding affordable craft supplies, online stores present a wealth of options that can cater to any budget. Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a wide selection of craft materials at competitive prices, making it easy to shop from home. You can explore sites such as Oriental Trading and Fabric.com, where discounts on various items guarantee good value for your purchases. Many online retailers frequently run deals and promotions, allowing you to snag items at considerably reduced prices. If you’re searching for unique or hard-to-find materials, niche online craft suppliers can expand your options beyond local stores. Plus, online shopping makes price comparison across multiple retailers straightforward, helping you find the best deals available. Frequently Asked Questions What Types of Crafts Can I Make With Budget Supplies? You can create a variety of crafts with budget supplies. Consider making greeting cards using cardstock, decorative paper, and stamps. You could as well try your hand at painting or drawing with affordable paints and sketchbooks. DIY home decor projects, like painted flower pots or upcycled furniture, are great options. Furthermore, you can craft jewelry using beads and string. Explore sewing simple projects, such as tote bags or pillowcases, with fabric scraps. How Can I Find Sales at Craft Stores? To find sales at craft stores, start by signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs, as they often provide exclusive discounts. Check store websites for weekly ads and promotions. Utilize social media platforms where many stores announce flash sales and special events. You can additionally download coupon apps that aggregate deals from various RetailMeNot retailers. Finally, visit during major holidays, when many craft stores frequently offer significant markdowns on supplies. Are There Membership Discounts for Frequent Buyers? Yes, many craft stores offer membership discounts for frequent buyers. By signing up for loyalty programs, you can receive exclusive deals, early access to sales, and points in the direction of future purchases. For example, stores like Michaels and Joann often provide rewards programs where you earn points for every dollar spent. Furthermore, some stores may offer special coupons or discounts on your birthday or during promotional events for members. Always check the store’s website for details. What Should I Look for in Quality Craft Supplies? When selecting quality craft supplies, look for durability, ease of use, and consistency. Check materials; for example, high-quality paper should be thick and smooth, whereas paints should blend well without clumping. Review customer feedback to gauge performance and longevity. Make sure tools, like scissors or brushes, feel comfortable in your hand and perform their tasks effectively. Additionally, consider the brand reputation; established brands often provide reliable products backed by good warranties. Can I Return Unused Items to Craft Stores? Yes, you can usually return unused items to craft stores, but policies vary by retailer. Most stores require a receipt, and some may offer store credit instead of refunds. Check the specific return window, which often ranges from 30 to 90 days. Items must be in original packaging, and be free of damage. Always verify the return policy on the store’s website or at the register to avoid any surprises. Conclusion In conclusion, finding budget-friendly craft supplies is achievable with various options available. Your own home can yield unused materials, whereas yard sales and thrift stores often present unique and affordable items. Dollar stores and craft reuse centers provide inexpensive alternatives, and online stores can offer competitive prices. By exploring these sources, you can gather key supplies without overspending, allowing you to engage in your creative projects sustainably and economically. Consider these options to improve your crafting experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Cheap Craft Stores for Budget Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When U.S. Border Patrol agents entered a Target store in Richfield, Minnesota, in early January, detaining two employees, it marked a new chapter in the relationship between corporate America and the federal government. Across the Twin Cities, federal immigration enforcement operations have turned businesses into sites of confrontation — with agents in store parking lots rounding up day laborers, armed raids on restaurants, and work authorization inspections conducted in tactical gear. Some retailers report revenue drops of 50% to 80% as customers stay home out of fear. Along Lake Street and in East St. Paul, areas within the Twin Cities, an estimated 80% of businesses have closed their doors at some point since the operations began. Then came the killing of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the latter of which came a day after widespread protests and a one-day business blackout involving over 700 establishments. The response of corporate America to those killings was instructive — both for what was said and left unsaid. After the Pretti killing, more than 60 CEOs from Minnesota’s largest companies — Target, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bancorp, General Mills, Best Buy and others — signed a public letter organized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The letter called for “peace,” “focused cooperation” among local, state and federal officials, and a “swift and durable solution” so that families, workers and businesses could return to normal. What it didn’t do was name Pretti, mention federal immigration enforcement or criticize any specific policy or official. It read less like moral leadership and more like corporate risk management. As a researcher who studies corporate political engagement, I think the Minnesota CEO letter is a window into a broader shift. For years, companies could take progressive stances with limited risk — activists would punish them if they remained silent on an issue, but conservatives rarely retaliated when they spoke up. That asymmetry has collapsed. Minneapolis shows what corporate activism looks like when the risks cut both ways: hedged language, no names named, and calls for calm. A shifting pattern In 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, corporate America was remarkably quiet compared with its vocal stances on LGBTQ+ rights or the war in Ukraine. The explanation: Companies tend to hedge on issues that are contested and polarizing. In my research with colleagues on companies taking stances on LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, I’ve found that businesses frame their stances narrowly when issues are unsettled — focusing on workplace concerns and internal constituencies like employees rather than broader advocacy. Only after issues are legally or socially settled do some companies shift to clearer activism, adopting the language of social movements: injustice, moral obligation, calls to action. By that logic, the Minnesota CEOs’ caution makes sense. The The President administration’s federal immigration enforcement policy is deeply contested. There’s no clear legal or social settlement in sight. But something else has changed since 2022 — something that goes beyond any particular issue. For years, corporate activism operated under a favorable asymmetry that allowed them to stake out public positions on controversial topics without much negative consequence. That is, activists and employees pressured companies to speak out on progressive causes, and silence carried real costs. Meanwhile, conservatives largely subscribed to free-market economist Milton Friedman’s view that the only social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. They generally didn’t demand corporate stances on their issues, and they didn’t organize sustained punishment for progressive corporate speech. That asymmetry has collapsed During the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, corporations rushed to declare their commitments to racial justice, diversity, and social responsibility. Many of those same companies have since quietly dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, walked back public commitments, and gone silent on issues they once called moral imperatives. It appears that their allegedly deeply held values were contingent on a favorable political environment. When the risks shifted, the values evaporated. The turning point may have been Disney’s opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law in 2022. The company faced criticism from employees and activists for not doing enough – and then fierce retaliation from Florida’s government, which stripped Disney of self-governing privileges it had held for 55 years. In other high-profile examples, Delta lost tax breaks in Georgia after ending discounts for National Rifle Association members following the Parkland shooting. And Bud Light lost billions in market value after a single social media promotion that featured Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer. Conservatives learned to play the game that progressive activists invented. And unlike consumer boycotts, government retaliation carries a different kind of weight. Minneapolis reveals the new calculus What makes Minneapolis distinctive is that the federal government isn’t a distant policy actor debating legislation in Washington. It’s a physical presence in companies’ daily operations. When federal agents can show up at your store, detain your employees, raid your parking lot, and audit your hiring records, the calculation about whether to criticize federal policy looks very different than when the worst-case scenario is an angry tweet from a politician. Research finds that politicians are less willing to engage with CEOs who take controversial stances – even in private meetings – regardless of local economic conditions or the politicians’ own views on business. The chilling effect is real. As one observer noted, Minnesota companies communicated through industry associations specifically “to avoid direct exposure to possible retaliation.” “De-escalation,” then, has become the corporate buzzword of choice because, as one news report in The Wall Street Journal noted, it “sounds humane while remaining politically noncommittal.” It points to a process goal – reduce conflict, restore order – rather than a contested diagnosis of responsibility. This is the triple bind facing businesses in Minneapolis: pressure from the federal government on one side, pressure from activists and employees on the other, and the economic devastation from enforcement itself — comparable in some areas to the COVID-19 pandemic — crushing them in the middle. It’s a situation that rewards silence and punishes principle, and most companies are making the predictable choice. And yet the situation within companies is also full of internal tensions, whether they’re companies headquartered in Minnesota or not. At tech company Palantir, which holds contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, employees took to internal Slack channels after Pretti’s death to express that they felt “not proud” to work for a company tied to what they described as “the bad guys.” Similar sentiments could be seen elsewhere, where rank-and-file employees expressed far more vocal outrage than their bosses. What comes next The Minnesota CEO letter is what corporate political engagement looks like when the risks run in every direction: no injustice framing, no attribution of blame, no names named — just calls for stability and cooperation. As a local Minneapolis writer put it in an op-ed: “Stand up, or sit down … because the Minnesotans who are standing up? We don’t recognize you.” It’s not cowardice, exactly. It’s what the research predicts when an issue is contested and the costs of speaking cut both ways. But it does mean Americans shouldn’t expect corporations to lead when government power is directly at stake. The conditions that enabled corporate activism on LGBTQ+ rights — an asymmetry where speaking out was relatively low-risk — don’t exist here. Until the political landscape shifts, the hedged statement and the cautious coalition letter are the new normal. Corporate activism, it turns out, might always have been more about positioning than principle. Alessandro Piazza is an assistant professor of strategic management at Rice University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Memphis city council members Pearl Eva Walker and Yolanda Cooper Sutton (and many other people online) say that snow is fake. Sutton recently posted a video on her Facebook page to demonstrate the artificiality of snow. Over footage of her husband holding a snowball and a lighter, Sutton says, "So we decided to see what was really hitting the ground." Her husband holds a flame to the snowball, and it does not melt. “It’s not melting [it stinks] when you set fire to it OMG, Jesus Christ, what is happening!!!” Sutton asks. In the video's comment section, fellow council member Walker reportedly replied, "man made," and included another video showing the same phenomenon. It looks like that specific video was taken down, but these kinds of posts are pretty common after snowstorms like the ones that just blanketed the US. Here are a couple of examples: So: What's happening? Has plastic snow replaced the real stuff? Is this a flurry of misinformation? Are all these people just flakes? All available evidence suggest snow is realFirst, snow is real, but I understand why the Memphis council members would be suspicious. These videos are convincing, and they're not AI nor the result of people deliberately hoaxing with prop snow. They are documents of what happens when you hold a flame up to real, actual, fell-from-the-sky snow. You'd expect that holding fire to a snowball would make it melt into water in your hand but it just doesn't. No shade to people running their own experiments, but they're missing that snow can be counterintuitive. Why it seems like snow doesn't melt from flamesSnow is 90–95% air, so there's a lot less water than people might expect no matter how it melts. But the main thing going on is sublimation—a solid changing directly to a gas without first becoming liquid. When you hold a flame to snow, especially packed snow, much of it will become water vapor without becoming liquid water first. Sublimation is also why snow can seem to disappear without the temperature going above freezing. You can see sublimation in action in the video below. Snow is also porous. When a snowball melts, water is sucked to the center of the mass through capillary action, and it fills up the spaces that were once air. The video below shows unpacked snow on the ground being hit with a torch. Some of the snow is sublimating in response to the heat, while some of the surface snow is melting into water and being sucked into the empty spaces in the snow below it. You can see how it goes from "powdery" snow to more wet snow by the end of the video. (Also, these yahoos are going to burn down the trailer soon): But what about the snow turning black?The scorch marks on the "burning snow" have an explanation as well: The flame from a match or a lighter is result of fuel burning—butane from a lighter; wood or paper from matches. As the fuel burns, it produces carbon soot, which reacts to the cold snow by condensing onto its surface. The soot isn't scorch marks from the snow burning. It's scorch marks from the butane or wood/paper burning. You can tell the snow itself isn't burning, because it never catches fire. That leaves only the burning plastic smell that some report. That's actually the smell of the butane from the lighter not fully burning and/or the smell of the mercaptans sometimes added to butane so we can smell it. The result is a chemical odor that is easy to mistake for burning plastic, especially when you hold a flame up to soot you've already deposited on a cold surface. In this video, the conspiracy theorist used a candle instead of a lighter, and notes that it doesn't smell like burning plastic. That's because butane was absent. How to do the "burning snow" illusion yourselfYou can try all this yourself to amaze your friends with the wonders of sublimation and/or trick a bunch of people on social media. It's easy: Grab some snow and pack it into a tight snowball. A more solid surface will help soot stick to it. Apply flame from a standard butane lighter for a few seconds. If you use matches, you won't get the same burning plastic smell. Cool scorch mark, right? Note how little water is dripping and how the snow is "disappearing." Note the edges of the scorch mark. Here's where water that did melt was pulled toward the center of the snowball. If you want to debunk the snow-burn conspiracy, simply hold the snow in your hand instead, and you will find that it melts into water. Is it possible to make fake snow?What if the government wanted to create a fake snow storm for some reason? It's possible—you can see fake snow at ski resorts during bad winters; you can buy your own snow-maker on Amazon for less than $100. The problem would be the scale. All "they control the weather" conspiracies fall apart when you consider the scale. Artificial snow is produced by spraying a mist of pressurized water into air that's below freezing. You could cover some trails at a ski resort without a problem, but a whole city or state would require a lot of snow. Industrial snow-making-machines use about 160,000 gallons of water to create one-acre-foot of snow. To cover a town that's 25 square miles with six inches of snow, you'd need about 1.28 billion gallons of water pumping through thousands of snow-guns. It would cost a lot, use a ton a fuel, and it wouldn't fool anyone anyway—those machines are loud as hell, and the snow wouldn't fall from the sky; it would shoot out of snow guns. You'd end up like, "What am I even doing with my life?" You could also try seeding existing clouds with silver iodide to try to make it snow, but that's expensive too, and no one really one knows if it works at all. Bottom line: We can't control the weatherHumankind can collectively alter weather patterns—global climate change and all that—but we can't control weather. We can't make it snow on command in Memphis without anyone noticing thousands of roaring machines shooting artificial snow into the air any more than we can control hurricanes. The snow falling from the sky is real and it's made of frozen water crystals, just like it always has been. View the full article

Comparing social media platforms to casinos and addictive drugs, lawyer Mark Lanier delivered opening statements Monday in a landmark trial in Los Angeles that seeks to hold Instagram owner Meta and Google’s YouTube responsible for harms to children who use their products. Instagram’s parent company Meta and Google’s YouTube face claims that their platforms addict children through deliberate design choices that keep kids glued to their screens. TikTok and Snap, which were originally named in the lawsuit, settled for undisclosed sums. Jurors got their first glimpse into what will be a lengthy trial characterized by dueling narratives from the plaintiffs and the two remaining defendants. Meta lawyer Paul Schmidt spoke of the disagreement within the scientific community over social media addiction, with some researchers believing it doesn’t exist, or that addiction is not the most appropriate way to describe heavy social media use. Lawyers representing YouTube will begin their opening statement on Tuesday. ‘Addicting the brains of children’ Lanier, the plaintiff’s lawyer, delivered lively first remarks where he said the case will be as “easy as ABC” — which stands for “addicting the brains of children.” He said Meta and Google, “two of the richest corporations in history,” have “engineered addiction in children’s brains.” He presented jurors with a slew of internal emails, documents and studies conducted by Meta and YouTube, as well as YouTube’s parent company, Google. He emphasized the findings of a study Meta conducted called “Project Myst” in which they surveyed 1,000 teens and their parents about their social media use. The two major findings, Lanier said, were that Meta knew children who experienced “adverse events” like trauma and stress were particularly vulnerable for addiction; and that parental supervision and controls made little impact. He also highlighted internal Google documents that likened some company products to a casino, and internal communication between Meta employees in which one person said Instagram is “like a drug” and they are “basically pushers.” At the core of the Los Angeles case is a 20-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury. Plaintiff grew up using YouTube, Instagram KGM made a brief appearance after a break during Lanier’s statement and she will return to testify later in the trial. Lanier spent time describing KGM’s childhood, focusing particularly on what her personality was like before she began using social media. She started using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, Lanier said. Before she graduated elementary school, she had posted 284 videos on YouTube. The outcome of the trial could have profound effects on the companies’ businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms. Lanier said the companies’ lawyers will “try to blame the little girl and her parents for the trap they built,” referencing the plaintiff. She was a minor when she said she became addicted to social media, which she claims had a detrimental impact on her mental health. Lanier said that despite the public position of Meta and YouTube being that they work to protect children, their internal documents show an entirely different position, with explicit references to young children being listed as their target audiences. The attorney also drew comparisons between the social media companies and tobacco firms, citing internal communication between Meta employees who were concerned about the company’s lack of proactive action about the potential harm their platforms can have on children and teens. “For a teenager, social validation is survival,” Lanier said. The defendants “engineered a feature that caters to a minor’s craving for social validation,” he added, speaking about “like” buttons and similar features. Meta pushes back In his opening statement representing Meta, Schmidt said the core question in the case is whether the platforms were a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles. He spent much of his time going through the plaintiff’s health records, emphasizing that she had experienced many difficult circumstances in her childhood, including emotional abuse, body image issues and bullying. Schmidt presented a clip from a video deposition from one of KGM’s mental health providers, Dr. Thomas Suberman, who said social media was “not the through-line of what I recall being her main issues,” adding that her struggles seemed to largely stem from interpersonal conflicts and relationships. He painted a picture — with KGM’s own text messages and testimony pointing to a volatile home life — of a particularly troubled relationship with her mother. Schmidt acknowledged that many mental health professionals do believe social media addiction can exist, but said three of KGM’s providers — all of whom believe in the form of addiction — have never diagnosed her with it, or treated her for it. Schmidt emphasized to the jurors that the case is not about whether social media is a good thing or whether teens spend too much time on their phones or whether the jurors like or dislike Meta, but whether social media was a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles. A reckoning for social media and youth harms A slew of trials beginning this year seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children’s mental well-being. Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the Los Angeles trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors. A separate trial in New Mexico, meanwhile, also kicked off with opening statements on Monday. In that trial, Meta is accused of failing to protect young users from sexual exploitation, following an undercover online investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez in late 2023 sued Meta and Zuckerberg, who was later dropped from the suit. A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children. In addition, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states. TikTok also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states. — Barbara Ortutay reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press Writer Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this story. —Kaitlyn Huamani and Barbara Ortutay, AP Technology Writers View the full article

Shares in Spotify Technology SA (NYSE: SPOT), the world’s largest music streamer, are surging this morning. As of this writing, the Swedish company’s stock price is up 18% to above $489 per share after the company reported blowout fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings. Here’s what you need to know. Spotify’s Q4 2025 surpasses expectations On Tuesday, Spotify reported its Q4 2025 earnings, which outpaced investor expectations. Here are the music streamer’s most salient metrics for the quarter, which ended on December 31: Monthly Active Users (MAUs): 751 million (up 11% year over year) Premium Subscribers: 290 million (up 10% year over year) Total Revenue: €4.531 billion (up 10% year over year on a constant currency basis) Diluted earnings per share (EPS): €4.43 What’s significant about these numbers is that they not only beat most analyst expectations, but Spotify’s own expectations as well. As CNBC notes, LSEG analysts expected Spotify to report an EPS of €2.74. The company easily beat that by €1.69 per share. Spotify was expected to report €4.52 billion in revenue; the company beat slightly with €4.531 in revenue. Analysts also expected Spotify to report around 745 million MAUs. The company beat that by 6 million users. Spotify itself originally forecast 745 million MAUs for the quarter and 289 million premium subscribers, both of which it beat. Spotify Wrapped contributed to premium subscribers beat Premium subscribers are among Spotify’s most valuable, because of the recurring monthly revenue they generate and their loyalty to the brand. And this time, the premium subscriber growth for Q4, which rose 10% year over year, can be partly attributed to the company’s wildly popular year-end Wrapped roundup. Speaking on the company’s financial call after Spotify’s results were announced, co-CEO Alex Norstrom revealed that the company’s most recent Wrapped, which went live in December 2025, was also the most successful, calling Wrapped 2025 “record-breaking.” “While we saw impressive engagement back in 2024, we also got feedback on the user experience. So this year, we turned up the dial, and the response was redeeming,” Norstrom said, according to a PitchBook transcript of the call. “At the end of the campaign, more than 300 million users engaged, which was up 20%, and we saw more than 630 million shares across social media, which is up 42%. He added that “day one of Wrapped marked the highest single day of premium subscriber intake in Spotify history.” Given Wrapped’s 2025 success, it’s a safe bet the company will double down on it when the next iteration launches this December. The SPOT stock surge isn’t enough to erase its recent decline Despite Spotify’s stock price surging in early morning trading today, the impressive gains aren’t enough to get SPOT out of the broader slump it’s been in lately. SPOT stock currently sits at around $489 a share after gaining 18% this morning. However, even with today’s gains, SPOT shares are still down more than 17% year to date. Spotify’s stock price fell dramatically in early February amid a broader tech selloff. Over the past year, SPOT shares also remain in the red, down nearly 25%. At around $489 per share, SPOT shares are currently well below their peak of $785 in June of last year. Looking forward, Spotify says it expects to add another 8 million monthly active users during its current Q1 2026. Likewise, it expects to add another 3 million premium subscribers during the same period. The company expects total revenue for the quarter to be €4.5 billion. View the full article

As Big Tech races to weave AI into nearly every product, Mozilla is betting some users want the opposite: the ability to turn it off. Last week, the company announced new controls to allow users of its Firefox browser to decide when to use AI. When Firefox 148 debuts later this month, users will be able to manage or disable individual AI features like translations, tab grouping and a sidebar for chatbot like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and Le Chat Mistral. Much of Mozilla’s vision around AI was outlined in its annual State of Mozilla report, which was released last month and calls for a new Star Wars-style “rebel alliance” composed of developers, cybersecurity experts, investors, and others focused on responsible tech. The plan involves doing for AI what Mozilla once did in the earlier days of the web. The goal is to “bend history in a different direction with the resources and the community we have,” says Mozilla Foundation president Mark Surman. In a recent interview with Fast Company about the strategy, Surman likened the winner-takes-all mindset of some AI giants and startups to the galactic empire’s ambition to have an expanding footprint. “The Empire, like any empire, is more diffuse and more spread out than you think it is,” Surman says. “Transforming things is a constant battle of trying to do stuff that’s for humanity, against the things that are threatening us and holding us back.” Funding the rebellion With more than 200 million users, Firefox is now Mozilla’s most popular product. However, Mozilla’s portfolio also includes other aspects like an email platform, a VPN, an AI data exchange, a venture arm and other initiatives for open-source AI. Mozilla also recently announced a new program inviting technologists to apply for a few months of paid work exploring early-stage ideas that could be worth Mozilla investing in. Part of Mozilla’s plan includes spending around $650 million this year, with 80% going to improve and maintain core products like Firefox and the rest directed toward what Surman calls “systematic and aggressive” investments in trustworthy AI and related areas. Mozilla also has $1.4 billion in reserves that it could use as “dry powder” for worthy bets on things like open-source AI developer tools and encrypted AI assistants. But that’s not much compared with the hundreds of billions Mozilla’s rivals invest in AI-related capital expenditures each year. While Mozilla has leaned on Star Wars’ “rebel alliance” metaphor before, its vision has roots in an era that now feels a long time ago (and far, far away). In 1998, when Netscape created Mozilla.org, Microsoft was on trial for antitrust, as early open-source projects began challenging proprietary control of the web. Surman recalls it feeling impossible at the time to unseat a company that dominated browsers, servers, and operating systems. (A few years after AOL bought Netscape, Mozilla was spun off in 2003 as an independent nonprofit, followed in 2005 with the creation of Mozilla Corporation as a for-profit subsidiary.) “[It took] a set of people who all wanted a different future they could configure and tweak and make their own,” Surman says. “It’s not like they all had to build one big thing. We built a browser. A bunch of people built Linux, a bunch of people built web servers, and people built thousands of other things.” Decades later, it’s now Google that’s on trial for antitrust while Mozilla competes against other privacy focused browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave alongside AI startups like OpenAI and Perplexity that now have their own browsers. The antitrust scrutiny and growing distrust of AI and Big Tech have some finding a new hope for raising old questions about choice and competition. Mozilla also operates Gecko, one of only three major browser engines alongside Google’s Chromium and Apple’s WebKit. That gives Mozilla a key role in shaping how open web standards are developed and implemented through groups such as the World Wide Web Consortium. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Mozilla’s also had setbacks over the past year or two. In late 2024, it announced plans to lay off around 30% of its staff and last year it shuttered products like Pocket as part of a plan to refocus on offerings. Finding moonshots on Earth Mozilla’s new report is more like a manifesto designed by an “underground collective” inspired by punk and resistance movements of the 1970s and 1980s. The microsite’s design seems to intentionally reject the minimalist uniformity common with Big Tech brands and rebrands. Mozilla’s efforts also include a new “Choose Your Future” campaign for internet users, developers and advocates interested in charting a new path. The campaign is anchored by a series of five short videos that’ll be featured on social media and through ads on platforms like Reddit, Meta, and X. The ads all have different messages, but the same ending sound: a modem dial-up as a nod to the internet from a few decades back. Each features a dystopian parable for an AI era without options but with plenty of AI slop and intrusive chatbots. One video starts with a girl staring at a toy called “Funblock,” which a radio ad markets as “the only block you’ll ever need.” “No choices, no options, no confusion. Just endless identical fun,” the narration says. “Funblock may result in boredom, diminished agency, and loss of independent thought. Ask your algorithm if fun is right for you.” Mozilla’s new AI strategy exists in an uneasy tension of how to build trustworthy tech in an industry obsessed with growth. Can it offer a viable alternative to Big Tech’s tightly integrated ecosystems while still being the internet’s moral compass? Surman thinks so, adding that Mozilla’s having the same AI debates internally as the world is having outside it: what to do with AI, what not to do, when it’s useful, when it’s scary, and how to make tech that’s better for everyone. But instead of putting data centers on the moon, Mozilla hopes to forge a future that’s privacy-enhanced, open-source, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. “[People say] ‘You’re crazy, that can’t happen,’” Surman says. “But you think we’re crazier to do a collective barn-raising for something that is joyous and great, and you’re going to put data centers on the moon, and we’re the ones who aren’t grounded in reality?” View the full article

With iOS 26, Apple made it easier for users to reduce spam and overall clutter in their Messages inbox. Your iPhone will detect and hide spam messages, and with the Screen Unknown Senders feature, you can filter out texts from anyone you don't know. You can also disable push notifications for these conversations to reduce how often you're alerted for messages you don't need to see. Note that this feature works only on iOS, so if you have Messages synced on your Mac, you'll see everything and receive notifications for all messages unless you mute specific conversations. How to reduce clutter in Messages on iOSTo send messages from numbers you don't know to a separate folder, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle on Screen Unknown Senders. You can also get here through the Messages app on your iPhone by tapping the three horizontal menu lines in the top-right corner and selecting Manage Filtering. Enabling Screen Unknown Senders will hide notifications and move messages to your Unknown Senders list. If you want to allow (or disallow) certain types of notifications, tap Allow Notifications and toggle categories on or off: Time Sensitive includes alerts, verification codes, and urgent requests. Personal includes messages identified as not sent by a business or organization. Transactions include order updates, receipts, and confirmations. Promotions include general offers and updates sent to multiple recipients. Most users will want to enable time-sensitive notifications to receive messages that include time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) and other urgent alerts. You may also want to allow personal notifications so you don't miss messages directed to you individually from real people who aren't saved in your contacts. When you allow notifications, texts identified in those categories will appear in your Messages list for only 12 hours before being moved to Unknown Senders—a behavior that keeps your primary inbox streamlined. If you want to make an unknown sender a known sender to prevent future messages from being filtered out, open the conversation and tap Mark as Known at the bottom or add the number to your contacts. A known sender is anyone you've added to your Contacts, sent a message to, or marked as known in the conversation. Finally, if you enable Filter Spam under the same menu in your device settings, Apple will send messages identified as spam to a separate Spam list and hide notifications. You can view these and conversations from unknown senders at any time via Messages > Menu. View the full article

In 2022, Jennette McCurdy released her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, a brutally honest portrait of her life as a former child star, her battle with eating disorders, and, as the title would suggest, her rather complicated relationship with her mother. The book has spent more than 80 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list with over three million copies sold. It’s currently being adapted into an Apple TV+ series with Jennifer Aniston playing McCurdy’s mom, and McCurdy serving as co-writer, co-executive producer, and co-showrunner. Adjacent to the massive success of I’m Glad My Mom Died has been McCurdy reclaiming writing, not acting, as her true passion. In her memoir, McCurdy stated her acting career was solely to appease her mother and support her family, an experience she’d later describe as “hellish” and “embarrassing.” But writing is McCurdy’s truth “North Star” for her creativity. “Writing has always been in my bones,” McCurdy says in the latest episode of Fast Company‘s podcast Creative Control. “It’s always been my mode of processing and making sense of the world.” And there’s much to process with McCurdy’s debut work of fiction, Half His Age. Half His Age follows Waldo, a 17 year old high school student who enters into an affair with her married English teacher, Mr. Korgy. It’s an unflinching and often visceral exploration of power dynamics, desire, and, most of all, to McCurdy, “female rage.” “That’s what I really tried to explore as thoroughly as I could and as potently as I could,” McCurdy says. “To me, there’s no vessel that’s more potent than a 17-year-old. Feelings are never going to be higher, never gonna be hotter, never gonna be more intense.” In this episode of Creative Control, McCurdy unpacks her writing process (it’s a full-body endeavor, mind you), the discomfort she’s intentionally leaning into with Half His Age, and what it means to take full authorship—and creative control—of her career. NOTE: Some spoilers ahead! On her Creative Process The initial idea for Half His Age came to McCurdy nearly a decade ago. She knew she wanted to explore a relationship between a young girl and her teacher, but that was about it. It wasn’t until around two years ago, as she was trying to write something else, that Half His Age kept bubbling up. “It was keeping me up at night, frankly. I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” McCurdy says. “I said, I’m going to give Half His Age a week; I’ll grow tired of it by day three or four; and it will never come to fruition.” Cut to McCurdy going all-in to write her first draft in a month. “I’m such a full bodied writer. I write with emotions. For my first drafts, my inner critic is nowhere to be found,” McCurdy says. “That’s generally how I know. If I’m feeling really emotionally activated by an idea, that’s my sign it’s go time—I’m so sorry for saying, ‘it’s go time.’” On Making You Uncomfortable The premise alone of Half His Age could be enough to negate a whole swath of potential readers. The concept of a high schooler entering into a sexual relationship with her teacher is most certainly squirm-worthy. Adding to that is the highly visceral nature of how McCurdy explores this affair and the collateral emotional damage it inevitably brings. One scene in particular involves Waldo and Mr. Korgy having sex while she’s on her period. Midway through, they’re interrupted and Waldo is forced to hide in a closet while she continues to have her period holding her blood in her hands. “I think it’s a very memorable [scene]. I did want it to feel very visceral and just deeply uncomfortable,” McCurdy says. “It was important that Waldo experienced something so raw and so ugly because she needed some kind of wake-up call, some kind of rock bottom that could help her piece things together.” Broadly speaking, the discomfort in Half His Age is driven by something more universal than cupping your own period blood in a closet. Much of the novel feels like a mediation on gaining autonomy over your own body. “At that young age, you don’t know what [your body] wants,” McCurdy says. “It’s just this complicated process of fully integrating your mind and your body.” “As a woman, so much of our intuition, so much of my intuition, comes from my body and me sitting with it,” she adds. “And [that’s] for better or worse. Sometimes I’m having feelings that I wish I wasn’t having. But always it’s useful information. And that’s definitely a part of Waldo’s experience throughout the course of the book and her journey.” On Having Authority—Not ‘Control’ For so much of McCurdy’s early years, control wasn’t part of her vocabulary. In addition to being pushed into an acting career she didn’t want, McCurdy recounted stories in her memoir like her mom showering her until she was 18 years old. Fast-forward to today, McCurdy is defining her life and work on her terms—although she admits to avoiding the word “control.” “I think I have maybe a slightly negative connotation around control. Not completely, but there’s something in it that feels a bit like grippy,” McCurdy says. “I kind of prefer the word authority.” So how does she define authority at this stage in her life? “When I feel authority, it’s when I allow myself to lead with my body. It’s when I listen to my body, when I take the information that’s it’s giving me, and I sit with it,” McCurdy says. “For so much of my life, I neglected the cues and the emotions and all that my body was telling me. And now I think, you know what? My body has wisdom that I don’t got.” Listen to this full episode of Creative Control and many more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. View the full article

A reader writes: I manage a team of 8-12 people at any one time in an entry-level role. Every year, we have a Christmas party at a local hotel and bar. It’s always an open bar — recipe for disaster, but the staff love it. This year, a member of my team who has a long-term partner, who she talks about regularly, spent the evening kissing a member of another team, out in the open. They were then seen going up to this person’s hotel room at the end of the night, and did not try to hide this. As her manager, I know my responsibilities and am not letting this impact the way I treat this staff member on a day-to-day basis. I have recent experience of being cheated on myself, so I have found this challenging, but I know how important it is to treat everyone fairly based on their professional contributions. What’s bothering me is how I feel about her professional judgment following this. Surely someone who would act like this, out in the open, at a work event has questionable judgment at best? Would you let this influence, for example, advancement opportunities where more judgment could be required, or where reputation of the organization becomes more of a factor? We have opportunities to move out of this entry-level role quite regularly, but I now have reservations about passing her on to another department or asking her to represent our department at a more senior level. Eh, she’s entry-level, so more likely to be young and have less mature judgment. But let’s back up. First, while the vast majority of the time what people’s sex lives are their own business and should stay out of work considerations, that changes if they bring it into the office. And as a general rule, if someone openly cheats on their partner at a work event, I’m not sure you’re obligated to refuse to let it ever enter your thinking. However, I’d be more concerned about your employee’s judgment if this were on an ongoing affair being brought into work, versus a one-time error in judgment at a party. It’s also true that you don’t necessarily know what you saw. For all we know, maybe she wasn’t breaking any rules in her relationship (although it’s still bad judgment to appear to be in front of colleagues). There’s also the impact of alcohol; while no one at a work event should be drinking to the point of sleeping with colleagues they wouldn’t otherwise sleep with, it’s also true that people early in their careers are sometimes still figuring out their limits in that regard. Also, what about the other person? Are they anywhere in her chain of command? If so, you’ve got a different and far more pressing issue. Assuming none of those things are issues, though, then the biggest factor to me is that she’s in an entry-level role. I’d put much more weight on this if she were higher up and in a leadership position. At entry level, the obligations and expectations just aren’t the same, and I would not factor this in when thinking about her advancement unless it’s part of a pattern of bad judgment (in which case it would be the pattern that was the issue, not the party incident on its own). Last — it’s probably time to reconsider the “recipe for disaster, but the staff love it” open bar. The post employee openly cheated on her partner at our company party appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article