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Less than 45% of mortgage residential properties in the United States were equity-rich last quarter, a 1.5-percentage-point drop from the third quarter. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Does your gym bag reek? You’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper care, you can keep your workout gear stink-free. The key is to do yourself a favor and start taking care of everything before it starts to smell. But even if you’ve already let things get bad, I have some tips for you. I'll get into specifics below, but first, it can help to understand why the gym stink develops on clothing and other items that contact your skin. You sweat into them, but it's not the sweat itself that is the problem. It's the bacteria that feed on your sweat. So you'll need to either get rid of the sweat before the bacteria can grow, or handle your clothes and gear in a way that the bacteria won't be able to grow. (It's the same deal with shaker bottles, except substitute food residue for sweat.) If you take nothing else away from this article, just remember this: for the love of God, rinse everything immediately, or at least air your shit out. Rinse your gym clothes as soon as you take them offA lot of gym clothes these days are made of synthetic fabrics because they provide stretch or sweat-wicking features to keep us comfortable. The downside is that bacteria can cling to synthetic fibers in a way that makes them nearly impossible to wash off. So it’s important that we don’t let those germ colonies grow in the first place. The bacteria I’m talking about are the ones that digest your sweat and skin oils. I know, gross. But that means it’s not the sweat itself that causes stinking, but rather the bacteria that multiply while your sweaty shirt is sitting in the laundry basket. Nip this problem in the bud by rinsing the sweat out of synthetics as soon as you take them off. I do this in the shower, squeezing out each garment and hanging it to dry. A set of extra shower curtain hooks will give you a place to hang them. I put up a basic tension rod in the back of my shower for exactly this reason. If you shower at the gym, squeeze those garments out and roll them up in your towel until you get home. If you can't rinse your gym clothes right after wearing, or if you have a whole workday in between your shower and your access to laundry, air your clothes out. Cotton clothes don’t have these problems, by the way. If you wear cotton socks or t-shirts, they can be chucked into the laundry whenever and however you like. What to do if your clothes already smell badYou may never be able to completely remove the stink, but you’ll have the best luck with detergents that contain enzymes or that bill themselves as being good for “sport” or “performance” fabrics. I’ve had good experiences with both Hex (a detergent) and Lysol laundry sanitizer (which you add to the rinse, like a fabric softener). I use one or the other, not both. Either of these can also be used for a soak: soak your gross clothes in a bucket with the Hex or Lysol laundry sanitizer, and then wash as usual. And for a finishing touch, if you really want to be sure you've gotten the stink out, hang the clothes outdoors (or lay them on a surface, like your deck) on a sunny day. Fresh air helps, and sunlight really does kill some of those stench-producing bacteria. What to avoidLook, you can try baking soda or vinegar (not together), but I haven't found those to help. If you want a chemical answer to your problems, just get a bottle of Hex. Air out shoes, knee sleeves, and other items that can’t be easily washedWhat about things that can’t be quickly rinsed and dried, like your shoes and the gym bag itself? Or, worse, your neoprene knee sleeves? These items stink up most easily when they stay damp and warm. If you wanted to make a gym bag smell as much as possible, I would tell you to fill it with sweaty gear, lock it in the trunk of your car, forget about it until the next gym day. So if that’s your habit already, stop it. You need to air those suckers out. If your bag has a mesh compartment for sweaty gear, make use of it. And if you can tie objects to the outsides of the bag—hanging your shoes by their laces, for example—that will help, too. But ultimately what you really want to do is open up the bag as soon as you get home. I always make sure that if my knee sleeves are deep inside the bag, I bring them up to the top to make sure they can get some air. And my shoes are in a mesh compartment, but if I have an extra minute, I’ll open up that compartment and loosen up the shoes so they get as much air flow as possible. What to do if it’s already gotten badMost of the things in your gym bag can be washed, but check manufacturer’s instructions for the best methods. For example, SBD says to hand wash knee sleeves with soap or a wetsuit detergent, but not to put them in the washing machine or dry them with heat. Just as with clothes, another good option is to hang or lay out your items in the sunshine and fresh air for a few hours. Sunlight will kill some bacteria, and a good airing-out never hurts. What to avoidAvoid spraying things down with vinegar (I’ve never found this to be effective), rubbing alcohol (degrades some materials, so check with the manufacturer), or vodka (unnecessarily expensive, just buy rubbing alcohol and then see above about why you might not want to use rubbing alcohol). Rinse your shaker cup as soon as you finish your shakeFinally, we come to the bane of many a gym bro’s existence, the stinky shaker cup. If you leave residue from your protein shake in there—especially a milk-based one, like a shake made with whey powder—it can go rancid, and the smells can seep into the plastic where they may never really go away. To prevent this, rinse your shaker cup immediately after you drink the shake. Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it when you get home, because we all know you won’t, and honestly, that's too late anyway. You don’t have to fully wash the cup at this point, just rinse it out in the bathroom sink. Or do what I do, and chug your shake at home, over the sink, and wash the cup while it’s still in your hand. What to do if it’s already gotten badYour Hail Mary hope is to wash it really well. Use soap and hot water. Soak it for a bit if you like. Scrub all the little nooks and crannies (like where the spout meets its cap) to make sure no residue is left. Air it out to dry for a few days; you can even try the sunlight trick above. But if that doesn’t work, buy a new shaker cup, and treat this one right. View the full article

In 2024, the world wide web was made up of 149 zettabytes of data. That's 149 trillion gigabytes, or 149 billion terabytes—whichever helps you wrap your head around that gigantic number. Suffice it to say, the internet is a big place. It's so big, in fact, that you can't access all of it the same way. There are actually different tiers to the web, and depending on with tier a piece of content you're looking for is on, you may or may not be able to view it—even if you know where to find it. That's the crux of the difference between the "surface" web, and the "deep" web. These are two separate parts of the internet that are also part of the larger world wide web. While these two tiers are quite different, you've visited content on both of them before. In fact, you likely visited both surface web pages and deep web pages today, multiple times, without ever realizing it. What is the surface web?The surface web, also known as the visible web, is really true to its name: This is the part of the web you can easily access through search engines, as they are indexed by platforms like Google. As a rule of thumb, if you can google it, it's on the surface web. The article you're reading right now is on the surface web, for example. Maybe you found it by searching "difference between surface web and deep web" on Google. The same applies to Lifehacker as a whole, as well as articles on websites like Mashable, CNET, and PCMag. You likely spend a good amount of your internet time on the surface web, on websites both old and new. Forums like Reddit are largely fully represented on the surface web, as are some Instagram pages. Listings for products you can buy on websites like Amazon and Best Buy are surface web pages. Video platforms like YouTube are very much the surface web, including TikTok—though the experience for the latter is not optimized for web browsers. Legacy websites like AddictingGames (which is still playable in 2026), as well as the site for the 1996 movie Space Jam are the surface web. A lot of the surface web is made of up individual articles, which makes sense, since articles still make up a large amount of search engine results. Like the surface of the ocean, the surface web is just a fraction of the internet as a whole. Back in 2017, some estimates claimed the surface web made up just 10% of the entire internet. That's still a huge number of websites, which tells you how big the overall web really is. What is the deep web?If the surface web is everything you can find via Google, the deep web is everything you can't. The deep web is much larger than the surface web, and is compromised of websites that are not readily accessible from search engines or direct URLs. They're often locked away behind authentication. That means you need at least a username and password to access them, and in many cases, they require an additional form of authentication as well. The article you're reading is on the surface web, but the software (content management system, or CMS) we use to write and publish the article is not—our CMS is still a website, but it's not something you can find in a Google search, and even if you knew the direct URL, you wouldn't have access. It's the same with the many sites you access that only you have permission to view. Think about something like Gmail: The service's homepage is accessible to everyone, and it's something that pops up when searching "Gmail," but to access your Gmail inbox, you need to log in. Once you do, your inbox is accessible via the website, but it's not like anyone can see it with a URL, and they certainly can't find your inbox from a Google search. It's the same story with your Facebook feed, YouTube account, or your banking information. These are all accessible in your web browser as websites, but you need to log in to view them. That's also the case for services and subscriptions. Think about stuff like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO: These are all accessible in your web browser, which means you're streaming the content on individual web pages. But the players on those web pages cannot be accessed from Google, even if the landing pages for a particular show or movie can be. In order to actually watch or listen to the content, you need to sign into your account. That's not the case with all streaming services, of course: Happy Gilmore on Tubi is a surface web page, since it's indexed on Google. Some of the deep web is also made up of pages you'll never see, such as protocols for identifying user accounts and running payments behind the scenes. It's not all paywalled content. What about the dark web?Maybe you've also heard about the dark web, but don't quite know what it is. As such, you might conflate the deep web and the dark web, but the two are not identical. In fact, the dark web is a part of the deep web; it's just the part you can't access with a traditional web browser. In order to access the dark web, you need a specialized browser, like Tor, and knowledge of the unique dark web URLs, which typically end in .onion instead of .com or .org. For more information on the differences between the dark web and the deep web, check out my explainer here. View the full article

Democrats on influential banking committee threaten to stymie appointment if DoJ does not halt probe into Jay PowellView the full article

For Christmas, I got my husband and myself YouTube Premium, and as much as I hate paying for yet another streaming service, it's pretty dang nice. There's ad-blocking, sure, but there are also other bonuses, like additional playback speed options and audio that continues to play in the background when you lock your phone. However, some users have developed hacks to get a few of these features without a subscription, believing they should be included with the site's free tier rather than being locked behind a paywall. Google's been cracking down on ad blockers for a while, but now it's coming after another common YouTube hack—free background play. Performing this hack was simple. In many cases, you simply needed to watch YouTube in a non-Chrome browser (and definitely not the official YouTube app). Samsung Internet, for instance, had free YouTube background play officially built-in, with the company even publishing official tutorials on how to use it. Brave also offered this feature, as did Vivaldi. If your browser didn't support free background play by default, you could also usually find an extension for it. Unfortunately, according to reporting from Android Authority, the hack no longer seems to work in most cases. Toward the end of January, the site noticed that users across Samsung Internet, Brave, and Microsoft Edge complained that free background play no longer worked for them, even when enabled in their browsers or through an extension. Now Google has responded to a question sent by the publication, confirming that it purposefully broke free background play in third-party browsers, whether enabled in the browser's settings or through an extension. "Background playback is a feature intended to be exclusive for YouTube Premium members," a spokesperson for the company said. "While some non-Premium users may have previously been able to access this through mobile web browsers in certain scenarios, we have updated the experience to ensure consistency across all out platforms." Well, dang. I've reached out to Google for additional comment, but it seems the eye of Sauron is upon us. Google is now officially cracking down on more than ad blocking. That said, while Google's efforts do seem to be affecting many users, not everyone is unable to access background play without paying. One user said it's now been re-enabled on Brave, and I can confirm that I'm able to access it on Safari with my iPhone using the Vinegar extension. It's unclear how long these efforts will remain operational, but at least we've now been able to diagnose a cause. Free YouTube background play didn't break on accident, and that means developers and users will have to be extra crafty to keep the hack alive in the future. View the full article

When you need to edit MP4 videos online for free, it’s crucial to choose the right tools that offer both ease of use and effective features. Many platforms provide intuitive interfaces, allowing you to upload and customize your videos effortlessly. From basic trimming to adding soundtracks and animations, these editors cater to various skill levels. Comprehending the tools available can greatly improve your editing process, so let’s explore the top options and how they can meet your video editing needs. Key Takeaways Look for user-friendly interfaces that simplify navigation and video editing processes. Choose tools offering essential features like trimming, cutting, and customizable templates for enhanced creativity. Opt for platforms with advanced options like AI editing tools and royalty-free soundtracks for quality improvement. Ensure the tool supports high-quality MP4 exports without watermarks for professional-looking outputs. Consider editors that allow easy cloud access and direct social media sharing for convenient distribution. Top Features of Free Online MP4 Editors When you look for free online MP4 editors, you’ll find several key features that make the editing process straightforward and efficient. Many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to use tools like a video trimmer and online video cutter with ease, even though you lack advanced skills. You’ll furthermore discover access to customizable templates and stock audio tracks, which help create professional-looking videos effortlessly. Advanced features, such as AI tools for auto-editing and beat sync capabilities, improve your editing experience. These editors often support various export options, enabling you to download high-quality videos without watermarks. In addition, real-time collaboration features allow teams to work together, leave comments, and make adjustments during the editing process, streamlining your workflow. How to Get Started With Editing MP4 Videos To start editing your MP4 videos online, you’ll first need to choose an editing tool that fits your needs. After that, you can easily upload your video file into the browser-based editor. Once uploaded, take advantage of the editing features available to customize and improve your content effectively. Choose an Editing Tool Choosing the right editing tool is crucial for effectively improving your MP4 videos online, especially since many free options offer user-friendly features. Start by launching a free online video editor like Adobe Express, which allows you to upload MP4 files directly from your browser. Utilize the drag-and-drop functionality to easily manage your videos. With intuitive tools, you can cut video online free, trim unwanted sections, and split video online into manageable parts. Customizable templates improve your project’s visual appeal, as well as adding soundtracks from Adobe Stock or your personal audio can raise the overall experience. Once you’ve made your edits, download the final video as an MP4 file, ready for sharing across various social media platforms. Upload Your Video Getting started with editing your MP4 videos is a straightforward process that begins with uploading your video file to the online editing platform. You can easily do this by dragging and dropping your video or selecting the “Open file” option. Once uploaded, you’ll be ready to utilize various editing features. Use a video splitter online to divide your clips efficiently. Trim your video with an mp4 trimmer to remove unwanted sections. Crop video online free to adjust the framing as you desire. These initial steps set the stage for more advanced editing tasks, enabling you to refine your video easily. After editing, you can download your high-quality MP4 without watermarks, ensuring a polished final product. Utilize Editing Features Once your MP4 video is uploaded, you’ll find yourself at the heart of the editing process, ready to improve your content. Use the editing timeline to add, duplicate, and adjust video fragments for a polished final product. You can utilize tools like a video clipper to cut and crop video online, enhancing both the flow and clarity of your project. Moreover, take the opportunity to add free soundtracks from Adobe Stock or upload your own audio files for a unique touch. When you’re satisfied with your edits, download your finished video as a high-quality MP4 file. This guarantees it’s ready for sharing across multiple platforms without watermarks, making your work look professional and clean. Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Video To upload your MP4 video for editing, start by visiting the Adobe Express website and clicking on the “Start a new project” button, or simply drag and drop your video file into the browser. After your video is uploaded, you’ll find an editing timeline that lets you manage clips, allowing you to add, duplicate, or adjust segments as you see fit. Once you’ve finished editing, you can easily download your video as a high-quality MP4 file, ready for sharing without watermarks. Uploading Video Files When you’re ready to upload your MP4 video for editing, start by steering to Adobe Express and selecting the “Start a new project” option. You can upload your video files in several straightforward ways: Click on the video type you want to edit. Drag and drop your MP4 files directly into the browser. Use the “Open file” option to browse your computer for the MP4 video. Make certain your browser is updated to guarantee the best experience, as Adobe Express works well with all major browsers. The uploading process is simple and doesn’t require any software downloads, making it accessible for everyone. Once your video is uploaded, it will appear on the editing timeline, ready for your edits. Editing Timeline Overview As you begin editing your uploaded MP4 video, the editing timeline becomes your primary workspace, providing a clear view of your video segments and allowing for precise adjustments. To upload, simply drag and drop your file into the editing interface or select “Open file” to browse your device. Once uploaded, you can add, duplicate, and adjust video fragments seamlessly. Utilize the various editing tools available on the timeline to crop, rotate, or flip your video, enhancing its presentation. Align your clips to fit or fill the editing canvas, ensuring the desired aspect ratio is maintained. This organized approach enables you to manage your video effectively, setting the stage for a polished final product. Downloading Edited Videos After finalizing your edits in the online video editor, downloading your edited video is the next step. Follow these instructions to guarantee a smooth process: Click the download button, usually found at the top right of the editor interface. Choose your preferred video quality and format, typically MP4, to meet your uploading needs. Confirm your download settings, and the video will be processed. Once the processing is complete, you’ll receive a link or prompt to save the file to your device. Finally, check your device’s downloads folder to locate the MP4 file, which is now ready for sharing on social media or other platforms. This straightforward process makes it easy to showcase your newly edited video. Selecting the Right Template for Your Project How can you guarantee that you choose the right template for your video project? First, consider your intended audience and the platform where you’ll share your video. Templates from Adobe Express are customized for specific formats, like TikTok or Instagram Stories, ensuring the best viewing experiences. With thousands of customizable options available, you can easily find a template that matches your project’s visual aesthetic. Each template is fully editable, allowing you to modify text, colors, and graphics to fit your brand or personal style. Regularly updated collections reflect current design trends, keeping your content fresh. Essential Editing Tools for Enhanced Videos In terms of enhancing your videos, key editing features like cropping, trimming, and splitting are crucial for refining your content. You’ll likewise appreciate user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to access tools, whether you’re adding royalty-free soundtracks or resizing videos for social media. Together, these elements help you create polished videos that engage your audience effectively. Key Editing Features To create engaging and polished videos, you need to utilize a variety of vital editing tools that improve your content. Here are some key editing features that can greatly improve your videos: Trimming, Cropping, and Splitting: Refine your content flow to keep viewers engaged. Animated Effects: Add dynamic movement to graphics, text, and images for a mesmerizing experience. Beat Sync: Align video clips with music rhythms for a polished, synchronized viewing experience. Additionally, accessing a library of royalty-free audio tracks and sound effects allows you to improve your videos with professional-grade sound while avoiding copyright issues. With these fundamental tools, you can uplift your video editing skills and guarantee your content stands out. User-Friendly Interfaces A smooth editing experience is vital for creating polished videos, and user-friendly interfaces in free MP4 editing tools greatly boost this process. Tools like PowerDirector and Promeo allow you to navigate easily, enabling you to perform key editing tasks without any prior experience. Many platforms, such as Adobe Express, offer drag-and-drop functionality, simplifying the upload and arrangement of video files on the timeline. Features like cropping, trimming, and adding soundtracks are just a click away, allowing you to improve your videos quickly. Intuitive templates and guided edits streamline the process, helping you create professional-looking content in less time. Moreover, real-time collaboration features in tools like Kapwing enable seamless teamwork, facilitating immediate feedback and adjustments on your video projects. Adding Soundtracks and Audio Effects Adding soundtracks and audio effects can greatly raise the quality of your MP4 videos, as these elements improve the overall viewing experience. Many free online MP4 editors provide access to royalty-free soundtracks and audio effects, enhancing your video without any extra costs. Here are some key features to take into account: Upload personal audio files for a unique touch to your projects. Access libraries of soundtracks and effects customized to different themes and moods. Use advanced features like Beat Sync to align clips with the rhythm of your chosen music track. Additionally, you can remove original audio and add voiceovers for better narrative control, ensuring clarity in your final product. This flexibility allows you to craft videos that truly resonate with your audience. Utilizing Animation and Motion Effects Incorporating animation and motion effects can improve your MP4 videos, offering a way to capture and maintain viewer attention. Adobe Express makes this process straightforward, allowing you to animate icons, logos, text, and images with just one tap. This platform provides a variety of animated effects that cater to different video elements, enabling you to create intriguing content without prior experience. You can access customizable templates featuring built-in animation, which streamlines adding motion to your projects. By utilizing these animation tools, you can develop a unique look for your videos, helping to engage your audience. Improved animated effects can make your content stand out on social media platforms and marketing channels, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Downloading and Sharing Your Finished Video Once you’ve finished editing your MP4 video, downloading and sharing it’s a straightforward process. You can easily download your video as an MP4 file without watermarks using free online editors like Adobe Express. Most platforms additionally allow you to resize your finished video for ideal sharing on social media with just one click. Here are some key features to reflect on: Direct sharing options let you publish your edited videos directly to social media channels. Use tools like Adobe Express’s Content Scheduler to plan and manage video releases across platforms. Save your projects in the cloud for easy access and collaboration, enabling seamless edits and sharing. With these features, you can efficiently share your creative work with your audience. Comparing Popular Free MP4 Editing Tools When you’re looking for the best free MP4 editing tools, it’s essential to compare their features and usability to find the right fit for your needs. PowerDirector is often regarded as the best overall, thanks to its user-friendly tools and AI-driven special effects. If you’re creating social media ads, Promeo shines with over 27,000 optimized templates and a straightforward three-step process. VideoPad is ideal for beginners, offering a clean interface and multiple export options. Other notable options include OpenShot, with its drag-and-drop interface and 400+ shifts, and iMovie, which supports Cinematic Mode on Apple devices. For those seeking advanced features, DaVinci Resolve offers professional-grade tools, though it comes with a steeper learning curve. Tips for Creating Engaging Video Content Creating engaging video content requires more than just good editing software; it’s about how you present your ideas and visuals. To capture your audience’s attention effectively, consider these tips: Use eye-catching templates from tools like Adobe Express to boost your video’s visual appeal. Incorporate animated effects and changes to keep viewers engaged, as movement can improve interest. Sync your content to music with features like Beat Sync, creating a rhythmic experience that captivates. Additionally, leverage high-quality royalty-free soundtracks to create an immersive audio environment. Finally, optimize your videos for various social media platforms by resizing and formatting particularly for each, ensuring your content remains shareable and visually appealing across all channels. Frequently Asked Questions How to Edit an MP4 Video Online for Free? To edit an MP4 video online for free, start by opening your browser and selecting a suitable online video editor. Upload your video using drag-and-drop or the file option. Utilize the editing timeline to crop, trim, or split segments. Improve your project by adding royalty-free soundtracks or personal audio. Finally, download your edited video as a high-quality MP4 file, ensuring it’s ready for sharing across various social media platforms without watermarks. What Is the Best Free MP4 Editor? The best free MP4 editor for you depends on your needs. If you want user-friendly features, PowerDirector stands out with its AI tools. For social media ads, Promeo offers thousands of templates. Beginners might prefer VideoPad for its simplicity, whereas OpenShot provides extensive changes and drag-and-drop functionality. If you’re looking for professional-grade options, DaVinci Resolve’s advanced capabilities can meet your requirements. Evaluate these tools based on your editing goals to find the right fit. What Is the Best Free Video Editing Tool Online? When you’re searching for the best free video editing tool online, consider your specific needs. Tools like Adobe Express offer customizable templates and browser-based editing. Director provides user-friendly AI features for both basic and advanced edits. For social media ads, Promeo simplifies the process with thousands of templates. If you’re a beginner, VideoPad’s pre-made options are helpful, whereas OpenShot caters to those wanting extensive shifts and effects. Each tool has unique strengths worth exploring. Is There a 100% Free Video Editor? Yes, there are several 100% free video editors available. Tools like OpenShot and Shotcut provide robust features such as trimming, cropping, and applying effects, making them suitable for various skill levels. Although some free options may limit output quality or features, others like DaVinci Resolve offer high-end capabilities without cost. Most online editors are user-friendly, allowing you to complete projects quickly, regardless of whether you lack extensive technical knowledge. Conclusion In conclusion, free online MP4 editors like Adobe Express and Kapwing provide accessible tools for video editing without the need for downloads. With features such as trimming, soundtracks, and animations, these platforms cater to various editing needs. By comprehending how to navigate these tools effectively, you can improve your video content and share it effortlessly. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced editor, utilizing these resources can greatly enhance your video projects as you keep costs at bay. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Free Tools to Edit MP4 Online" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The partial US government shutdown is on track to end later Tuesday after the House passed a funding deal President Donald The President negotiated with Senate Democrats, overcoming opposition from both ends of the political spectrum. View the full article

As measured by earnings available for distribution at the REIT, Two posted a profit of $0.26 per share but this was well below the consensus estimate of $0.37. View the full article

Until recently, Peter Attia was best known as a wellness influencer and a newly appointed contributor at CBS. He hosts a popular podcast, boasts more than 1.6 million Instagram followers, and wrote a best-selling book about longevity. That image cracked this week when it was revealed that Attia’s name appears more than 1,700 times in the latest Epstein files release. As the emails circulated on social media, longtime followers of his methods, along with medical professionals, reacted with outrage. “Peter Attia being Epstein’s concierge doctor is by far the weirdest crossover,” one X user wrote. Another one X user quipped: “Peter Attia’s stress level right now must be entirely undoing whatever longevity gains he has enjoyed.” Peter Attia being Epstein's concierge doctor is by far the weirdest crossover — AJAC (@AJA_Cortes) February 1, 2026 Others said the revelations were not surprising. “The Peter Attia stuff is sad but not surprising,” author Brad Stulberg posted on X. “The entire health, performance, and longevity space is filled with narcissistic sociopathic grifters.” The Peter Attia stuff is sad but not surprising. The entire health, performance, and longevity space is filled with narcissistic sociopathic grifters. — Brad Stulberg (@BStulberg) February 1, 2026 “Why are people surprised that someone who dropped out of residency, worked for an international consultancy firm, pretended to cry on TED stage, and charges over $100K/year for concierge “longevity” medicine…turned out to be unsavory?” another medical professional wrote. “Some of y’all will never learn.” Why are people surprised that someone who dropped out of residency, worked for an international consultancy firm, pretended to cry on TED stage, and charges over $100K/year for concierge "longevity" medicine…turned out to be unsavory? Some of y'all will never learn. — Remnant | MD (@RemnantMd) February 2, 2026 Some zeroed in on new context around Attia’s own prior admission, detailed in his book, that he failed to be at his wife’s side when his son fell seriously ill. “As his baby son lay in ICU, Peter Attia told his wife that he was too busy with “important work” in NYC to fly home to see him,” one X user noted. “He was with Jeffery Epstein.” As his baby son lay in ICU, Peter Attia told his wife that he was too busy with “important work” in NYC to fly home to see him. He was with Jeffery Epstein. pic.twitter.com/lcfBMcaa5z — Dave @ Longevity Labs (@Dave_Longevity) February 2, 2026 The released correspondence shows Attia maintaining a friendly and at times flippant tone with Epstein. In one message dated June 24, 2015, Attia wrote: “You the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can’t tell a soul…” In perhaps the most gratuitous email, Attia joked about the carb content of performing a sexual act. In July 2016, Attia asked Epstein what he was doing in Palm Beach, where Epstein allegedly sexually abused underage girls during the 2000s. “Guess,” Epstein replied. Attia answered: “Besides that.” Attia’s regular correspondence with Epstein continued years after Epstein pled guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. In a lengthy X post addressing the emails on Monday, Attia said he questioned Epstein about those charges and claimed Epstein “grossly minimized” them. Attia has since stepped down as chief science officer of David Protein, the company confirmed Monday. CBS editor in chief Bari Weiss has also faced public calls to cut ties after Attia was named among 19 new CBS News contributors just days before the emails were made public. Attia said on X that he “never witnessed illegal behavior and never saw anyone who appeared underage” in Epstein’s presence. He added that he “was never on his plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties.” The following email is what I sent my team last night. I sent a similar version to my patients, also. *** You’ve put your trust, your credibility, and your hard work into what we have built together, and I take that responsibility seriously. You deserve a complete and honest… — Peter Attia (@PeterAttiaMD) February 2, 2026 Other released emails show Attia saying that he goes “into JE withdrawal when I don’t see him” and suggesting that he hoped to one day go to Epstein’s private island. “I need to visit some time,” Attia wrote. View the full article

Deal for wireless chip specialist is likely to be valued at about $7bn View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. During the Pandemic Housing Boom, housing demand surged rapidly amid ultralow interest rates, stimulus, and the remote work boom. Federal Reserve researchers estimate “new construction would have had to increase by roughly 300% to absorb the pandemic-era surge in demand.” Unlike housing demand, housing stock isn’t as elastic and can’t quickly ramp up. As a result, the heightened demand drained the market of active inventory and caused home prices to overheat, with U.S. home prices in June 2022 sitting a staggering 43.2% above March 2020 levels. Since that national boom ended in mid-2022, the housing market has been moving through a cyclical cooling phase and undergoing a period of recalibration and normalization after such a large burst. Look no further than the share of U.S. homes that sold below their original list price, by year, according to a new Redfin report: 2018 —> 62% 2019 —> 64% 2020 —> 55% 2021 —> 38% 2022 —> 42% 2023 —> 54% 2024 —> 58% 2025 —> 62% The share of homes selling below their original list price varies by region. Many Sun Belt pandemic-boom markets—particularly across Florida and Texas—are seeing the highest prevalence of homes selling below their initial ask. By contrast, many Northeast and Midwest metros remain, relatively speaking, more resilient, with fewer than half of homes selling below list in several markets. Parts of San Francisco and San Jose have regained a bit of mojo amid the AI boom. “Some sellers are recognizing the market has changed and others are not . . . I have one seller who overpaid for their home a few years ago and wants to list it at $950,000. The problem is recent comps call for a list price of $825,000,” writes Connie Durnal, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Dallas. “I have another seller who paid $400,000 for their home but was willing to list it at $385,000, which was a great strategy. Because the home was fairly priced, it got multiple offers and sold for $10,000 over the asking price.” Redfin’s analysis is based on annual MLS data comparing original list prices with final sale prices. The firm didn’t publish data for every metro. View the full article

Google's crawl team filed a bug against WooCommerce for add-to-cart parameters wasting crawl budget. WooCommerce fixed it. Other plugins haven't. The post Google’s Crawl Team Filed Bugs Against WordPress Plugins appeared first on Search Engine Journal. 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. It feels like the year just started, but we're already approaching the first major retail holiday of 2026, and as Lifehacker's deals writer, I'm here to tell you how to make the most of the upcoming Presidents Day sales. Here are my tips on which products are likely to be a great buy, and which ones your better off waiting to pick up during a future sale. When is Presidents Day 2026?Presidents Day is a federal holiday that originally started to honor George Washington's birthday, but eventually evolved to recognize all U.S. presidents. Presidents Day falls on the third Monday of February each year, which means this year, it will take place on Feb. 16, 2026. Presidents Day sales, then, are usually concentrated on the weekend before the holiday, which means that this year, you're likely to see the biggest discounts from Feb. 13–16—and I wouldn't be surprised if some retailers start their sales even earlier. What should you buy during Presidents Day sales this year?Presidents Day sales generally bring big discounts to items like home furnishings and mattresses, as well as major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, and you can expect the same this year. As we're getting close to the end of winter, you'll likely also see price drops on winter gear like snow blowers, space heathers, and power generators, plus cold weather clothing like coats, as retailers try to sell down their inventory and make room for next season's items. You'll likely see some tech deals as well, as older model TVs and laptops will see price cuts to make room for newer models (some of which likely debuted at January's CES show). If you're planning to shop in one of these categories, start paying attention to prices now, so you'll be able to spot good discounts come the holiday weekend. What items aren't worth buying during Presidents Day sales?Seasons come and go, and even as retailers push their winter inventory out, they will try to sell you their spring products. You should hold off on picking these items up for now, as you'll likely be paying a premium price—even items that are "marked down" are likely to see bigger price cuts later, if you can wait. Who will be holding Presidents Day sales?All major retailers will be having a Presidents Day sale, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and others. The sales will generally be available both online and in-person (except at Amazon, of course). Should you wait for Amazon's Big Spring Sale? Presidents Day is a time-honored tradition, but in recent years, the biggest sale of the early part of the year has been Amazon's Big Spring Sale (with other retailers planning their own sales events around the same time). While we don't know the exact dates, its likely this year's will take place around the same time as last year—in mid- to late March. Is it worth waiting to shop until then? It depends on what you want to buy. The online retailer debuted the Big Spring Sale in 2024 with many sales on many different categories, but especially on tech, so if you're eyeing a specific tech product but haven't found a great deal yet, it's worth waiting to see if it is discounted in a month or so. However, if you're shopping for winter gear, mattresses, furniture, or large appliances, you'll likely see better discounts during Presidents Day sales. View the full article

These are tough times for many businesses across corporate America, many of whom are cutting down on business travel and perks on the road. And in these times, one company’s policy on business travel is going viral: According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Cracker Barrel employees reportedly must follow a new policy that they must eat at Cracker Barrel restaurants while traveling for work. But according to Cracker Barrel, that’s not exactly true. “The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical based on location and schedule, is not new,” Cracker Barrel explained to Fast Company in an email statement. “Also, it is not the only place that our employees may eat when on the road, as previously reported. The change was to further limit reimbursement of alcoholic beverages under the policy.” Still, backlash to the reported policy comes during a rough patch for the American restaurant chain known for its Southern charm, marked by declining sales, and more customer backlash over a recent botched attempt to rebrand. In August, Cracker Barrel unveiled a new campaign starring country music artist Jordan Davis that revamped its “Old Timer” logo and menus, and lightened up the restaurant’s dining rooms, to the dismay of longtime customers. (The reaction can be summed up by one TikTok user who posted, “I prefer the darker cozier look, I also don’t like change.”) The company was soon forced to walk back the plans, and later said it wouldn’t change the logo. Cracker Barrel financials Shares of Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ: CBRL) were down less than 1% in midday trading on Tuesday at the time of this writing. The Tennessee-based chain’s first quarter fiscal 2026 earnings missed expectations, with total revenue at $797.2 million, down 5.7% compared to the prior year first quarter; same-store restaurant sales down 4.7% over the prior year quarter, and comparable store retail sales down 8.5%. View the full article

Firm has aggressively expanded corporate practice and advised on nearly $400bn in deals last year View the full article

A new phishing campaign identified by Malwarebytes Labs targets AT&T customers with text messages about expiring rewards points. Users are urged to claim their rewards ASAP by clicking the included link, which is actually designed to harvest sensitive personal information. AT&T rewards scam phishes personal informationTargets for this scam have received texts containing a "Rewards Expiration Notice" urging them to redeem points in their AT&T account before they are scheduled to expire. The message includes a specific points balance and expiration date along with two "recommended redemption methods": AT&T Rewards Center: [shorturl link] AT&T Mobile App: Rewards section As Malwarebytes discovered, the short link sends users to a https://att.hgfxp[.]cc/pay/, a spoofed website with AT&T branding, headers, menus, and links out to the real AT&T domain. Users are directed to enter their phone number to verify their account, which leads to a screen warning that their points are set to expire. Further down, you can see redemption options, including an Apple Watch Series 9, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones, and Amazon gift cards. In order to claim a reward and arrange delivery, victims are then prompted to enter more personal information—which is transmitted directly to the scammers. Malwarebytes notes that the forms have real-time validation and error highlighting so users are less likely to suspect the fraud. Rewards scam red flagsThis scam relies on social engineering tactics—like a sense of urgency and the fear of missing out—to trick targets into engaging. And while it does have a somewhat believable look and feel as well as a multi-step approach to build user trust, it also has some clear red flags. The text originates from a regular phone number rather than a short code, which is often used for automated messages, and the sender doesn't appear as a recognized AT&T contact. The thread also includes multiple recipients and a generic greeting. (A legitimate message from AT&T will be sent directly to you.) Then there's the shortened URL that leads to a website not owned by AT&T. While the page has some realistic branding and working links, it also has a number of typos and grammatical and formatting errors. Malwarebytes found that if you click the link on different days, the expiration date on the site changes. As always, don't click links in unsolicited texts. AT&T does have a rewards program, but you should go directly to that portal via the web or app to manage your rewards. View the full article

PayPal is replacing CEO Alex Chriss with Enrique Lores, saying that the pace of change and execution at the company has not met board expectations over the past two years. Lores has served as a PayPal board member for almost five years and has been board Chair since July 2024. He’s also spent more than six years as president and CEO of HP Inc. “The payments industry is changing faster than ever, driven by new technologies, evolving regulations, an increasingly competitive landscape, and the rapid acceleration of AI that is reshaping commerce daily,” Lores said in a statement on Tuesday. “PayPal sits at the center of this change, and I look forward to leading the team to accelerate the delivery of new innovations and to shape the future of digital payments and commerce.” PayPal’s board thanked Chriss for his contributions, including the role he played to monetize Venmo and grow the Buy Now Pay Later business. Lores will take over as PayPal CEO on March 1. David Dorman will serve as independent chair, effective immediately. PayPal’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer Jamie Miller will serve as interim CEO until Lores assumes the position. PayPal also reported its fourth-quarter results on Tuesday. The technology platform and digital payments company posted an adjusted profit of $1.23 per share on revenue of $8.68 billion. The performance missed the expectations of analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research, who were looking for a profit of $1.29 per share on revenue of $8.77 billion. The San Jose, California-based company also forecast lower profit for the first quarter. Shares slid 16% before the market open. —Michelle Chapman, AP business writer View the full article

Google updated its Googlebot documentation to clarify file size limits, separating default limits that apply to all crawlers from Googlebot-specific details. The post Google Updates Googlebot File Size Limit Docs appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Amid nationwide outrage over the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, two House Democrats are pressing Google and Meta to answer for recruitment campaign posts that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recently run on their platforms. The lawmakers, Reps. Becca Balint of Vermont and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, have accused the companies of being “complicit” with the The President administration and enabling ICE’s efforts to promote slogans that—they say—have also been employed by white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups. The inquiries were sent on January 21, and as of Monday, the platforms still had not responded. “What is going on with ICE is a five-alarm fire for our democracy, and these corporations are in it up to their necks,” Balint tells Fast Company. “They can no longer claim they ‘didn’t know.’ They are not only profiting from cruelty but actively helping to perpetuate it at everyone else’s expense. We expect answers, and we expect them now.” Under the The President administration, ICE has sought to rapidly scale up recruitment. The agency aimed to spend $100 million on the effort, according to a document reported by The Washington Post last year, and it outlined a ‘wartime recruitment’ strategy that included targeting people who show interest in firearms, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, and podcasts focused on patriotism. ICE has run about 65 different advertisements on Google since the beginning of the year, according to the platform’s ad library. These posts include a $50,000 signing bonus offer, opportunities to “Defend the Homeland,” and heavy use of Uncle Sam imagery. ICE—which Rolling Stone reports has spent at least a few hundred thousand dollars running ads on Meta platforms in recent months—has used its Facebook account to post provocative imagery alongside recruitment posts. These include posts featuring a picture of knights with swords alongside the text, ‘THE ENEMIES ARE AT THE GATES,” as well as another displaying a man riding a horse and the phrase, “WE’LL HAVE OUR HOME AGAIN.” Some of the posts are more explicit, including one showing a man carrying the Betsy Ross flag with the message, “SEND THEM BACK.” The politicians’ letter to the companies aims to draw a direct line between Big Tech’s ad systems and the normalization of rhetoric that civil rights groups say echoes white supremacist propaganda. “Just last week, DHS posted a recruitment ad on Instagram proclaiming ‘we’ll have our home again,’ which is a song popularized in neo-Nazi spaces and used in white nationalist calls for a race war. The same lyrics were found in the manifesto of Ryan Christopher Palmeter, the white supremacist who shot and killed three black people in Jacksonville in 2023,” wrote Balint and Jayapal in their January letter to Meta. “It appears Meta is complicit in furthering this content on behalf of the The President administration.” These Facebook posts have racked up tens of thousands of likes or shares. Though Google, which also owns YouTube, and Meta, which owns both Facebook and Instagram, are the platforms the lawmakers focused on, they’re not the only place where ICE has posted content. The agency has posted job ads or recruitment content on LinkedIn, which didn’t respond to a request for comment. It’s not immediately clear that these platforms are the primary way the agency is actually finding new recruits. Still, the letter highlights that platforms stand to be drawn into the nationwide discussion over ICE and its tactics. The companies confirmed receipt but haven’t responded yet, Balint’s office tells Fast Company. Meta declined Fast Company’s request for comment, and Google did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The silence isn’t necessarily surprising. Tech companies have a real interest in not upsetting the The President administration, and some platforms have, in the aftermath of the 2020 election, already done a major about-face about their decisions to boot or suppress the president’s account. Balint’s and Jayapal’s letter isn’t a new strategy for lawmakers either. Members of both parties have previously pushed platforms to censor or restrain posts that they find odious. In highly polarized times, critics argue that this approach essentially amounts to working the refs, and it seems unlikely Google and Meta would move to censor an official government agency. View the full article

In terms of background checks, Accurate Background stands out for several key reasons. Their impressive accuracy rate of 99.9% combines state-of-the-art automation with human oversight, ensuring thorough results. With an average turnaround time of just 1.61 days for employment verifications, they streamline the hiring process considerably. Moreover, their commitment to compliance support and user-friendly features makes them a reliable choice for organizations. But what really sets them apart? Let’s explore further. Key Takeaways Accurate Background boasts a 99.9% accuracy rate, ensuring reliable information for background checks. The platform offers customizable screening solutions tailored to specific industry regulatory requirements. Employment verifications are completed efficiently, with 88% finalized by day five, enhancing hiring timelines. Extensive compliance support helps clients navigate regulatory changes, minimizing legal risks during hiring. 24/7 customer service and real-time support ensure users receive prompt assistance throughout the screening process. Industry-Leading Turnaround Times Regarding industry-leading turnaround times, Accurate Background sets a high standard in the background check process. You’ll find that employment verifications are typically completed in just 1.61 days, with an impressive 88% wrapping up by day five. Education verifications follow closely, averaging 2.03 days, so you can quickly assess candidate qualifications. In relation to public records, over 90% are accessed electronically, considerably streamlining the process and minimizing wait times. For criminal checks, Accurate Background searches more than 2,500 federal, state, and local courthouses, enhancing both thoroughness and speed. Plus, you can expect rapid results from lab-test drug screenings, with 92% of tests turned around within two business days. This efficiency leads to accurate background reviews, making you wonder: is Accurate Background legit? With such quick and reliable turnaround times, it’s clear they prioritize your hiring needs effectively. Unmatched Accuracy and Reliability Accurate Background not just surpasses in turnaround times but additionally stands out for its unmatched accuracy and reliability in background screening. With an impressive accuracy rate of 99.9%, you can trust the information they provide. Their unique approach combines automation and human review, ensuring thorough searches as well as reducing inaccuracies. Plus, over 90% of public records are accessed electronically, improving both efficiency and reliability. Feature Benefit Impact 99.9% Accuracy Rate Trustworthy information Reduces hiring risks Automated & Human Review All-encompassing searches Minimizes inaccuracies Continuous Monitoring Improved safety Protects against misconduct Accurate Background additionally offers specialized screening components for various industries, further minimizing regulatory risks. By integrating continuous checks, such as abuse and sex offender registry reviews, they strengthen the accuracy and safety of the background check process. Comprehensive Compliance Support Accurate Background offers extensive compliance support to keep you informed about ongoing regulatory changes that affect your screening processes. Their customizable solutions guarantee you meet varying legal requirements based on position and location, minimizing compliance risks. With dedicated account representatives available to answer your questions, you’ll have the guidance needed throughout your background screening expedition. Ongoing Regulatory Education Staying compliant with evolving regulations can be challenging, especially when laws change frequently and vary by location. Accurate Background addresses this by providing ongoing education on key legislation. Their compliance team guarantees you stay informed about updates that could impact your screening processes. Benefit Description Impact Regular Updates Clients receive timely information on laws. Helps mitigate compliance risks. Dedicated Support Account representatives answer compliance queries. Simplifies regulatory navigation. Minimal Workflow Impact Compliant screening processes are integrated. Maintains efficiency in hiring. With a commitment to compliance education, Accurate Background helps you uphold industry standards and reduces hiring risks, so you can focus on building a qualified team. Customizable Compliance Solutions Steering through the intricacies of compliance in background checks requires more than just staying informed about regulations; it additionally involves tailoring solutions to fit your organization’s unique needs. Accurate Background offers customizable compliance solutions that adapt to specific positions and candidate locations, ensuring you meet all legal requirements. Their platform is designed to provide only legally reportable information, greatly reducing the risk of compliance violations. You’ll furthermore benefit from dedicated account representatives who are available to assist with any compliance questions, providing personalized support throughout the background check process. User-Friendly Experience Accurate Background provides a mobile-optimized interface that makes it easy for you to navigate the platform anytime and anywhere. With 24/7 support available, you can get assistance whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth experience during your background check process. Plus, seamless integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS) minimizes manual tasks for HR teams, allowing for a more efficient workflow. Mobile-Optimized Interface In today’s fast-paced world, a mobile-optimized interface can greatly improve the user experience for candidates undergoing background checks. Accurate Background’s platform supports over 40 languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of users. Its design facilitates seamless navigation, allowing you to easily access necessary information and complete your background checks efficiently. With 24/7/363 access, you can submit information and documents at your convenience, reducing potential delays. The self-service options empower you to manage your background check process independently, lessening the need for constant assistance from HR teams. This user-friendly design minimizes manual work and uncertainty for HR, streamlining the entire background check process and boosting overall efficiency. 24/7 Support Availability A robust support system is key to enhancing the user experience during background checks. Accurate Background offers 24/7/363 multilingual customer service, guaranteeing you receive assistance whenever needed, no matter where you are. With an impressive 90% of issues resolved on the first call, the company prioritizes efficiency and customer satisfaction. Their mobile-optimized interface is user-friendly and available in over 40 languages, catering to candidates from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, the platform provides self-service options for submitting information and documents, streamlining the process for users. This combination of accessibility and support guarantees that you have a smooth experience during maneuvering the background check process. Accurate Background’s commitment to user assistance truly sets it apart in the industry. Seamless ATS Integration When integrating background check processes into your hiring workflow, seamless ATS integration can greatly improve efficiency and reduce the burden of manual tasks. Accurate Background’s platform connects smoothly with applicant tracking systems, allowing HR teams to streamline operations and minimize paperwork. Its user-friendly interface is mobile-optimized and supports candidates in over 40 languages, enhancing the application experience for everyone involved. With 24/7/363 support, you can access assistance anytime, ensuring minimal workflow disruptions. The platform facilitates quick navigation, enabling HR teams to efficiently manage background checks and access necessary information. Around-the-Clock Customer Service Accurate Background understands that your needs don’t adhere to a traditional schedule, which is why they offer 24/7/363 customer service in multiple languages. This commitment guarantees that help is available almost every hour of the year. The support team resolves 90% of issues on the first call, highlighting their efficiency. Here’s a quick overview of their customer service features: Feature Description Availability 24/7/363 multilingual support First Call Resolution 90% of issues resolved on the first contact Live Chat Support Real-time problem-solving and inquiries Timely Updates Regular updates throughout the background check Thorough Assistance Support for vendors and contractors as well With live chat options and ongoing updates, you can feel confident knowing that your inquiries will be addressed quickly and extensively. Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs Customized background screening solutions are essential for organizations seeking to meet the unique demands of various industries, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Accurate Background provides customized screening processes that align with specific regulatory requirements, minimizing compliance risks. With a customizable platform, you can design screening workflows based on the unique needs of different positions and candidate locations, enhancing both relevance and accuracy. These industry-specific checks help create extensive candidate profiles that reflect your organizational values. Additionally, Accurate Background supports ongoing compliance through educational resources and updates on key legislation, allowing you to navigate the intricacies of background screening effectively. Their 24/7/363 customer support, including dedicated account representatives, guarantees you receive the assistance needed to modify services to your specific business requirements, simplifying the screening process for your HR team and ensuring that you stay compliant during informed hiring decisions. Frequently Asked Questions What Do They Look for in Accurate Background Check? In an accurate background check, you’ll find they focus on several key areas. They verify identities through Social Security Number checks and address history. Criminal history screenings include county records, federal court checks, and national sex offender registries. Furthermore, employment and education verifications confirm resume accuracy and the legitimacy of qualifications. For specific positions, they may likewise conduct credit history checks and motor vehicle record assessments to guarantee candidates meet necessary criteria. Is Accurate Background Legitimate? Yes, Accurate Background is legitimate. With a 99.9% accuracy rate, they deliver reliable background screening results. Their long-standing presence since 1997 and a reputation bolstered by clients like Amazon and Starbucks further confirm their credibility. Furthermore, they offer continuous compliance support to keep clients informed on relevant legislation. Their 24/7 customer support in multiple languages highlights their commitment to client satisfaction and underscores their reliability in the background check industry. How to Know if a Background Check Is Legit? To know if a background check is legit, check for the provider’s accuracy rate and their access to public records. A reputable company should offer compliance support and have clear processes for disputing inaccuracies. Look for 24/7 customer support and self-service options, indicating a commitment to transparency. Furthermore, verify if they stay updated with legislation affecting background checks. This guarantees the information you receive is reliable for making informed decisions. What Is the Most Trustworthy Background Check? When searching for the most trustworthy background check, focus on companies with high accuracy rates and thorough services. Look for providers that offer identity verification, criminal history checks, and employment verification. Fast turnaround times, ideally under two days, can likewise indicate reliability. Make certain the service complies with legal standards, safeguarding both employers and candidates. Customer support available around the clock in multiple languages can further improve the trustworthiness of the background check process. Conclusion In conclusion, Accurate Background proves to be a legitimate choice for background checks because of its industry-leading turnaround times, exceptional accuracy, and extensive compliance support. The user-friendly platform, combined with around-the-clock customer service and customized solutions, guarantees a streamlined hiring process for organizations of all sizes. By prioritizing efficiency and reliability, Accurate Background stands out as a trusted partner in background screening, making it easier for you to make informed hiring decisions with confidence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Makes Accurate Background a Legit Choice for Checks?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In terms of background checks, Accurate Background stands out for several key reasons. Their impressive accuracy rate of 99.9% combines state-of-the-art automation with human oversight, ensuring thorough results. With an average turnaround time of just 1.61 days for employment verifications, they streamline the hiring process considerably. Moreover, their commitment to compliance support and user-friendly features makes them a reliable choice for organizations. But what really sets them apart? Let’s explore further. Key Takeaways Accurate Background boasts a 99.9% accuracy rate, ensuring reliable information for background checks. The platform offers customizable screening solutions tailored to specific industry regulatory requirements. Employment verifications are completed efficiently, with 88% finalized by day five, enhancing hiring timelines. Extensive compliance support helps clients navigate regulatory changes, minimizing legal risks during hiring. 24/7 customer service and real-time support ensure users receive prompt assistance throughout the screening process. Industry-Leading Turnaround Times Regarding industry-leading turnaround times, Accurate Background sets a high standard in the background check process. You’ll find that employment verifications are typically completed in just 1.61 days, with an impressive 88% wrapping up by day five. Education verifications follow closely, averaging 2.03 days, so you can quickly assess candidate qualifications. In relation to public records, over 90% are accessed electronically, considerably streamlining the process and minimizing wait times. For criminal checks, Accurate Background searches more than 2,500 federal, state, and local courthouses, enhancing both thoroughness and speed. Plus, you can expect rapid results from lab-test drug screenings, with 92% of tests turned around within two business days. This efficiency leads to accurate background reviews, making you wonder: is Accurate Background legit? With such quick and reliable turnaround times, it’s clear they prioritize your hiring needs effectively. Unmatched Accuracy and Reliability Accurate Background not just surpasses in turnaround times but additionally stands out for its unmatched accuracy and reliability in background screening. With an impressive accuracy rate of 99.9%, you can trust the information they provide. Their unique approach combines automation and human review, ensuring thorough searches as well as reducing inaccuracies. Plus, over 90% of public records are accessed electronically, improving both efficiency and reliability. Feature Benefit Impact 99.9% Accuracy Rate Trustworthy information Reduces hiring risks Automated & Human Review All-encompassing searches Minimizes inaccuracies Continuous Monitoring Improved safety Protects against misconduct Accurate Background additionally offers specialized screening components for various industries, further minimizing regulatory risks. By integrating continuous checks, such as abuse and sex offender registry reviews, they strengthen the accuracy and safety of the background check process. Comprehensive Compliance Support Accurate Background offers extensive compliance support to keep you informed about ongoing regulatory changes that affect your screening processes. Their customizable solutions guarantee you meet varying legal requirements based on position and location, minimizing compliance risks. With dedicated account representatives available to answer your questions, you’ll have the guidance needed throughout your background screening expedition. Ongoing Regulatory Education Staying compliant with evolving regulations can be challenging, especially when laws change frequently and vary by location. Accurate Background addresses this by providing ongoing education on key legislation. Their compliance team guarantees you stay informed about updates that could impact your screening processes. Benefit Description Impact Regular Updates Clients receive timely information on laws. Helps mitigate compliance risks. Dedicated Support Account representatives answer compliance queries. Simplifies regulatory navigation. Minimal Workflow Impact Compliant screening processes are integrated. Maintains efficiency in hiring. With a commitment to compliance education, Accurate Background helps you uphold industry standards and reduces hiring risks, so you can focus on building a qualified team. Customizable Compliance Solutions Steering through the intricacies of compliance in background checks requires more than just staying informed about regulations; it additionally involves tailoring solutions to fit your organization’s unique needs. Accurate Background offers customizable compliance solutions that adapt to specific positions and candidate locations, ensuring you meet all legal requirements. Their platform is designed to provide only legally reportable information, greatly reducing the risk of compliance violations. You’ll furthermore benefit from dedicated account representatives who are available to assist with any compliance questions, providing personalized support throughout the background check process. User-Friendly Experience Accurate Background provides a mobile-optimized interface that makes it easy for you to navigate the platform anytime and anywhere. With 24/7 support available, you can get assistance whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth experience during your background check process. Plus, seamless integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS) minimizes manual tasks for HR teams, allowing for a more efficient workflow. Mobile-Optimized Interface In today’s fast-paced world, a mobile-optimized interface can greatly improve the user experience for candidates undergoing background checks. Accurate Background’s platform supports over 40 languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of users. Its design facilitates seamless navigation, allowing you to easily access necessary information and complete your background checks efficiently. With 24/7/363 access, you can submit information and documents at your convenience, reducing potential delays. The self-service options empower you to manage your background check process independently, lessening the need for constant assistance from HR teams. This user-friendly design minimizes manual work and uncertainty for HR, streamlining the entire background check process and boosting overall efficiency. 24/7 Support Availability A robust support system is key to enhancing the user experience during background checks. Accurate Background offers 24/7/363 multilingual customer service, guaranteeing you receive assistance whenever needed, no matter where you are. With an impressive 90% of issues resolved on the first call, the company prioritizes efficiency and customer satisfaction. Their mobile-optimized interface is user-friendly and available in over 40 languages, catering to candidates from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, the platform provides self-service options for submitting information and documents, streamlining the process for users. This combination of accessibility and support guarantees that you have a smooth experience during maneuvering the background check process. Accurate Background’s commitment to user assistance truly sets it apart in the industry. Seamless ATS Integration When integrating background check processes into your hiring workflow, seamless ATS integration can greatly improve efficiency and reduce the burden of manual tasks. Accurate Background’s platform connects smoothly with applicant tracking systems, allowing HR teams to streamline operations and minimize paperwork. Its user-friendly interface is mobile-optimized and supports candidates in over 40 languages, enhancing the application experience for everyone involved. With 24/7/363 support, you can access assistance anytime, ensuring minimal workflow disruptions. The platform facilitates quick navigation, enabling HR teams to efficiently manage background checks and access necessary information. Around-the-Clock Customer Service Accurate Background understands that your needs don’t adhere to a traditional schedule, which is why they offer 24/7/363 customer service in multiple languages. This commitment guarantees that help is available almost every hour of the year. The support team resolves 90% of issues on the first call, highlighting their efficiency. Here’s a quick overview of their customer service features: Feature Description Availability 24/7/363 multilingual support First Call Resolution 90% of issues resolved on the first contact Live Chat Support Real-time problem-solving and inquiries Timely Updates Regular updates throughout the background check Thorough Assistance Support for vendors and contractors as well With live chat options and ongoing updates, you can feel confident knowing that your inquiries will be addressed quickly and extensively. Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs Customized background screening solutions are essential for organizations seeking to meet the unique demands of various industries, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Accurate Background provides customized screening processes that align with specific regulatory requirements, minimizing compliance risks. With a customizable platform, you can design screening workflows based on the unique needs of different positions and candidate locations, enhancing both relevance and accuracy. These industry-specific checks help create extensive candidate profiles that reflect your organizational values. Additionally, Accurate Background supports ongoing compliance through educational resources and updates on key legislation, allowing you to navigate the intricacies of background screening effectively. Their 24/7/363 customer support, including dedicated account representatives, guarantees you receive the assistance needed to modify services to your specific business requirements, simplifying the screening process for your HR team and ensuring that you stay compliant during informed hiring decisions. Frequently Asked Questions What Do They Look for in Accurate Background Check? In an accurate background check, you’ll find they focus on several key areas. They verify identities through Social Security Number checks and address history. Criminal history screenings include county records, federal court checks, and national sex offender registries. Furthermore, employment and education verifications confirm resume accuracy and the legitimacy of qualifications. For specific positions, they may likewise conduct credit history checks and motor vehicle record assessments to guarantee candidates meet necessary criteria. Is Accurate Background Legitimate? Yes, Accurate Background is legitimate. With a 99.9% accuracy rate, they deliver reliable background screening results. Their long-standing presence since 1997 and a reputation bolstered by clients like Amazon and Starbucks further confirm their credibility. Furthermore, they offer continuous compliance support to keep clients informed on relevant legislation. Their 24/7 customer support in multiple languages highlights their commitment to client satisfaction and underscores their reliability in the background check industry. How to Know if a Background Check Is Legit? To know if a background check is legit, check for the provider’s accuracy rate and their access to public records. A reputable company should offer compliance support and have clear processes for disputing inaccuracies. Look for 24/7 customer support and self-service options, indicating a commitment to transparency. Furthermore, verify if they stay updated with legislation affecting background checks. This guarantees the information you receive is reliable for making informed decisions. What Is the Most Trustworthy Background Check? When searching for the most trustworthy background check, focus on companies with high accuracy rates and thorough services. Look for providers that offer identity verification, criminal history checks, and employment verification. Fast turnaround times, ideally under two days, can likewise indicate reliability. Make certain the service complies with legal standards, safeguarding both employers and candidates. Customer support available around the clock in multiple languages can further improve the trustworthiness of the background check process. Conclusion In conclusion, Accurate Background proves to be a legitimate choice for background checks because of its industry-leading turnaround times, exceptional accuracy, and extensive compliance support. The user-friendly platform, combined with around-the-clock customer service and customized solutions, guarantees a streamlined hiring process for organizations of all sizes. By prioritizing efficiency and reliability, Accurate Background stands out as a trusted partner in background screening, making it easier for you to make informed hiring decisions with confidence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Makes Accurate Background a Legit Choice for Checks?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Since their initial launch in 2016, Apple has released nine iteration of the AirPods, from the now iconic white earbuds, to the upgraded AirPods Pro, to the the AirPods Max, Apple's pricey take on over-the-ear headphones. Whatever the model, however, these things are meant to be simple: You open the case, tap a prompt on your iPhone, and presto, your AirPods are ready to go. Despite their ease of use, however, AirPods are packed with features and settings you can adjust to your liking. Here are 10 hacks you should know if you own a pair Apple's headphones, whether standard, Pro, or Max. (A note: Whenever I refer to "AirPods settings" in this article, I am generally referring to the options that appear in the first page of the Settings app on iOS and iPadOS, or the System Settings on macOS, when you're wearing your AirPods.) You should turn on "Off" mode on your AirPodsI've had a few AirPods in my day, and every time I set up a new pair, I turn on "Off" mode. That might read strange, but it's a real thing. Depending on your AirPods model, you might have the option to use Noise Cancellation, which, of course, blocks outside noise; Transparency, which pumps in the sounds around you; or Off, which activates neither. This last choice ends up being great for times you want some noise blockage, but want to preserve the battery of your AirPods. Though I can't speak to AirPods 4 With Noise Cancellation, the Pros and the Max do a good job with this without active noise cancellation. While this option is always present when switching noise modes from Control Center, by default, Apple doesn't include it from switching modes from the stem (or the noise control button on the AirPods Max). If you try to switch, you'll only move between Noise Cancellation and Transparency. To include "Off" in this list, you'll need to dig into your AirPods' settings. Scroll down to "Press and Hold AirPods," then choose either "Left" or "Right," depending on which AirPods you want to adjust. Here, make sure "Off" is selected to add it to the noise control rotation. You can use Find My to locate your lost AirPodsLike any other tiny tech, your AirPods will go missing eventually. Mine slip out of my pockets all the time, and usually end up on the floor or under couch cushions. In such cases, you can waste your time retracing your steps and calculating the physics of where your AirPods would have landed, or you could use Find My to find them much faster. Find My has a few ways to locate your missing AirPods. The first is the most obvious: When you open the app and choose the "Devices" tab, you'll see your AirPods last-known location on the map. If you left them behind at, say, someone's house, you'll likely see that here, and know to stop looking under your own furniture. But if you're already in the location Find My says your AirPods are, you have two more tools to pinpoint their whereabouts. First, you can use "Find" to get step-by-step instructions on where your AirPods are. If you have AirPods Pro 2 or 3, you'll even have an arrow pointing you in their direction. If you still can't find them, you can tap "Play Sound" to play a sound out of any loose AirPod. If you have AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3, you can play a sound on the case itself. You can pair your AirPods with non-Apple devicesAirPods work best with Apple devices, but that doesn't mean they're exclusive. You can connect your AirPods to any device that supports Bluetooth, which gives the headphones some added flexibility. I primarily use mine with my iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV, but I also connect them directly to the TV itself to use them with my PS5. (Sony's console doesn't support Bluetooth audio, for some reason.) The thing is, there's no obvious way to connect your AirPods to non-Apple devices. You'd only know if you looked up how to put your particular AirPods model into "pairing mode." This bypasses Apple's usual pairing system, and opens up your AirPods to any available Bluetooth source. Here's how to kick your AirPods into pairing mode: AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Place your AirPods in the case, open the lid, then press and hold the button on the back for five seconds, or until the light starts flashing white. AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3: Place your AirPods in their case, hold the case next to the Bluetooth device, then double-tap the front of the case. The light should start flashing white. AirPods Max; Press and hold the noise control button (the longer button) for about five seconds, until the light starts flashing white. Set up your AirPods for Live TranslationIt's easy to be numb to the current state of technology, but the fact your AirPods can translate conversations on the fly is possibly the best encapsulation of "we're living in the future" of any consumer product right now. AirPods aren't the only earbuds that can do this, but if you have AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, you have the power to have a full conversation with someone who doesn't speak the same language you do. You can't just find yourself in a situation where you need Live Translation and use it right away, however. Before you can use the feature, you need to download the target language to your iPhone. To start, go to your AirPods' settings, then scroll down to "Translation (Beta)" and choose "Languages." Here, you can tap any of the available languages to download them to your iPhone, which currently include Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified), Chinese (Mandarin, Traditional), English (UK), English (US), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). Now, when you need it, you can press the stems of your AirPods at once to launch Live Translate. Alternatively, you can open the Translate app, then choose "Live," then choose the language of the other speaker, as well as your own language. As they speak, you'll hear the translation in your AirPods, and see the text of the translation on your iPhone's display. You can use your AirPods as hearing aidsFor well over a year now, AirPods have been cleared by the FDA as clinical-grade hearing aids. It might take other people some time to catch up to the look, but if you need them, the AirPods you already own can be as valid a choice as dedicated (and expensive) hearing aids—assuming your have AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3. In order to take advantage of this perk, you'll either need to take a hearing test through your iPhone, or upload an audiogram you performed with an audiologist. You'll find these options in your AirPods' settings under "Hearing Assistance." You can customize your AirPods' Adaptive Audio levelsAdaptive Audio is one of my favorite things about modern AirPods. If you have AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio will either boost or cap external sounds, depending on how loud or soft those sounds are, while still letting you hear everything that's going on around you. But if you've been using Adaptive Mode, and don't care for Apple's default sound levels here, you can adjust them to either let in more or less sound. You'll find the option in your AirPods settings under "Adaptive Audio." Here, slide the slider left to block more sound, or right to let in more noise. After a moment, you'll hear the changes take effect, so you can test which setting sounds best to you. You can use your AirPods as a camera remoteBack in the day, when you actually had to buy a dedicated camera for photography or videography, that device usually came with a remote so you could snap a picture or start recording while the camera was set up on a tripod. While the selfie has largely killed that practice, there are still plenty of times when you'd benefit from a camera remote for your iPhone, especially if you're trying to capture a group shot with no extra photographer, or you want to record a video without physically touching your phone. If you have AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3, you can use your earbuds as remote for your iPhone's camera. To set it up, open your AirPods' settings, scroll down, then tap "Camera Remote." You can either choose "Press Once" to have a quick press act as a remote button press, or "Press and Hold" to have a long-press achieve the same. Note that this will affect how your AirPods respond in other circumstances: If you choose "Press Once," you can't use the stem to control media playback; if you choose Press and Hold, you can't use the stem to activate Siri. You can stop your AirPods from automatically adjusting their volume"Smart" tech tries to solve problems, but, often, only makes them worse. AirPods' "Personalized Volume" is one such example. The problem: When your environment is too noisy, you can't hear your music; and when things suddenly get quiet, your music might be too loud. So, this feature "intelligently" adjusts the volume based on how quiet or loud your surroundings are. In theory, that's great; in execution, it's a nightmare. Since I picked up a pair of AirPods Pro 3, I've wondered why my music suddenly gets quiet, or suddenly starts getting louder, without me doing anything to control the volume. If the feature works for you, you can keep it on, but if you're like me, you'll want this off. To disable it, head to AirPods settings, scroll down to "Audio," then turn off the toggle next to "Personalized Volume." Master your AirPods' stem controls for callsYour AirPods are basically fancy Bluetooth headsets. If you're wearing them, and you get an incoming call, you don't need to pull out your iPhone. Instead, you can answer that call by pressing an AirPod stem once. But you might not also know you have the ability to customize other stem controls while on the call. By default, pressing the stem once during a call acts as a mute and unmute switch, while pressing twice ends the call. But you can swap these controls if you want to. You'll find them in your AirPods' settings under "Call Controls." Enable head gestures to control your AirPodsYou can use the stem of your AirPods to do things like accept incoming calls or dismiss notifications. However, if your hands are full, you can also use your head to do the same. AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3 support Head Gestures, which lets you nod your head or shake it from side to side to either accept or decline a call, or reply to (or dismiss) a text. You'll need to have Announce Calls and Announce Notifications enabled for this feature to work. You'll find those settings in your iPhone's "Siri" or "Apple Intelligence & Siri" setting pages. Once enabled, you can go to your AirPods' settings, scroll down to "Head Gestures," then enable the toggle to turn on the feature. From here, you can assign the "Accept, Reply" and "Decline, Dismiss" actions to either a head nod, or a head shake. View the full article

Firefox has a reputation as the browser of choice for power users who prefer to customize everything – and it just gave users one very important new option. While most other tech companies shove AI “enhancements” down their users’ throats, Mozilla is introducing a way to disable Firefox’s AI features outright – a boon for anyone searching for a safe haven from the AI software onslaught. Starting on February 24 with the Firefox 148 update, users will be able to toggle AI off in a new AI controls area in the desktop browser’s settings menu. To disable AI, you won’t even need to dig around and disable features one by one: Mozilla describes the forthcoming option as a “single place to block current and future generative AI features” across Firefox. If you’d like to customize Firefox’s AI offerings, the browser will also allow you to check and enable individual features. In a blog post announcing the option, Mozilla recognizes that not everyone wants to use AI, but it will continue to work on AI features for Firefox users who do want them. The options on the way later this month will allow Firefox users to toggle AI on or off for translation tools, alt text descriptions in PDFs, tab groups, link preview summaries, and for a sidebar feature that incorporates chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Mozilla has been tinkering with AI product experiments in Firefox for a bit now. The company began rolling out access to AI chatbots a year ago with Firefox 135 and last September invited iOS users to “shake to summarize” a website with AI. Mozilla walks a tightrope on AI Mozilla announced its plan to splice AI features more deeply into Firefox late last year, a decision panned by some of its users. At the time, the company emphasized that any AI tools would be opt-in and designed to keep users in full control. “… We believe AI should be built like the internet — open, accessible, and driven by choice — so that users and the developers helping to build it can use it as they wish, help shape it and truly benefit from it,” Mozilla wrote in the announcement. The Firefox maker just appointed a new CEO as the company promotes its image as “the world’s most trusted software company.” Mozilla tapped Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, previously the general manager of Firefox, to step into the role. Enzor-DeMeo described the browser as the “next battleground” for AI in a statement paired with the news. “It’s where people live their online lives and where the next era’s questions of trust, data use, and transparency will be decided.” Firefox users are paying close attention. Mozilla’s connections to the open source community and its emphasis on user choice have built a deep well of brand loyalty over the years. Still, AI is a divisive technology, and one that Firefox users aren’t all sold on – a fact the browser maker is well aware of. “We believe choice is more important than ever as AI becomes a part of people’s browsing experiences,” Head of Firefox Ajit Varma wrote in Mozilla’s announcement on AI controls. “What matters to us is giving people control, no matter how they feel about AI.” View the full article

Ignaz Semmelweis was a physician working in a maternity ward in the 1840s. He noticed something disturbing: women giving birth in the ward staffed by doctors and medical students died from “childbed fever” at rates of 10-35%, while a nearby ward staffed by midwives had death rates under 4%. The key difference was that doctors were coming straight from performing autopsies to delivering babies, without washing their hands. They would dissect cadavers in the morning, then examine pregnant women in the afternoon with just a quick rinse. In 1847, Semmelweis instituted a policy requiring doctors to wash their hands with a chlorine solution between the autopsy room and the maternity ward. Death rates plummeted dramatically to around 1-2%. Great news, right? But instead of celebration, the medical community mocked Semmelweis for his claim that handwashing was worth the time and effort. He was driven out of the profession, and the “childbed fever” deaths went back up. It took more than 50 years after his discovery for handwashing to go mainstream in hospitals. The case for cameras Right now, in early 2026, state legislatures across the country are trying to outlaw a proven treatment for traffic injuries and fatalities. Speed enforcement cameras are proven to reduce vehicle speeds and reduce crashes. According to the US Department of Transportation’s Proven Safety Countermeasures initiative, fixed speed cameras can cut crashes on urban principal arterials by up to 54% for all crashes and 47% for injury crashes. For obvious reasons, school zones are the first place communities tend to install safety cameras. Speeding near schools creates unacceptable risks for kids crossing streets or waiting at bus stops. Montgomery County, Maryland’s, automated speed enforcement program found that cameras reduced the likelihood of a crash involving a fatality or incapacitating injury by 19%, decreased the chance of drivers exceeding the limit by more than 10 mph by up to 59%, and fostered long-term changes in driver behavior that substantially lowered overall deaths and injuries. In New York City school zones, fixed cameras have reduced speeding by up to 63% during active enforcement hours. Many other case studies demonstrate similar outcomes. The bottom line is automated speed enforcement saves lives. Pre-installation surveys at some Virginia schools revealed a whopping 95% of drivers were blazing through school zones at 10+ mph during arrival and dismissal. Nearly every driver was risking the lives of young kids, including parents. In Fairfax County, the safety cameras at Key Middle School issued 7,429 citations from August 2024 to May 2025. But after the cameras had been in place for a while, average speeds fell from 33.1 mph to 27.8 mph. People need consequences for dangerous driving. Automated cameras deliver fair, unbiased enforcement where officers can’t patrol constantly, holding reckless drivers accountable in high-risk areas like school zones while freeing up police for other duties. Bills to ban But while automated enforcement is saving lives, politicians in multiple states are advancing bills to ban, restrict, or phase out speed cameras. Virginia: SB 297 (introduced January 13, 2026) repeals the authority for law-enforcement agencies to use photo speed monitoring devices. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation and remains under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session. Arizona: SCR 1004 (advanced through the Senate Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology Committee in mid-January 2026) aims to place a statewide ban on photo radar enforcement (including speed cameras) on the November 2026 ballot for voter decision. Georgia: HB 225 repeals all laws authorizing automated traffic enforcement safety devices (speed cameras) in school zones, with an effective date of July 1, 2028, to phase out existing contracts. Reintroduced in the 2025-2026 Regular Session (published January 13, 2026), it previously passed the House 129-37 in 2025 but stalled in the Senate. Texas: Building on the state’s existing prohibitions on most fixed speed and red-light cameras (banned statewide in 2019), recent efforts like HB 2810 (introduced in the 2025 session but died) sought to expand bans to include portable devices enforcing speed limits. Similar measures could resurface in the 90th Legislature starting January 2027, driven by complaints about distractions from flashes and potential safety risks in local deployments. Minnesota: Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston) announced in late 2025 that he would author a bill to ban automated speed cameras statewide, to be introduced in the 2026 legislative session. This follows Rochester’s City Council narrowly approving a request for a speed camera pilot program, highlighting opposition amid concerns over enforcement fairness and local authority. Robust evidence from federal and local sources supports speed cameras as effective for slowing drivers and preventing crashes—especially in child-heavy school zones. It’s a shame to see politicians working to dismantle them. Speed enforcement cameras save lives. The victims and survivors of traffic violence deserve better than the misguided bills that will directly lead to more life-altering crashes. View the full article

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, and how you manage it can greatly impact relationships and outcomes. Comprehending the various approaches, such as accommodating, compromising, and collaborating, is crucial for effective resolution. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, influencing not just immediate results but likewise long-term dynamics. By exploring these strategies, you can improve your conflict management skills and cultivate a more positive environment. What might be the best approach for your specific situation? Key Takeaways Collaboration fosters win-win outcomes by addressing both personal goals and relationships, enhancing team morale and trust. Compromising seeks middle ground through moderate assertiveness, allowing for quicker resolutions while maintaining fairness and positive relationships. Accommodating builds goodwill by prioritizing others’ needs, but should be balanced with assertiveness to avoid resentment. Avoiding can provide a temporary cooling-off period for low-stakes conflicts, but should not be relied on for chronic issues. Competition is effective in high-stakes situations requiring quick decision-making but may harm long-term relationships if overused. Understanding Conflict and Its Importance Conflict is an inevitable aspect of human interaction, arising from differing ideas, interests, or actions. Comprehending conflict is fundamental, as it can occur at various levels, including intrapersonal and interpersonal. By recognizing the types of conflict, you can adopt effective approaches to conflict management. Collaborative conflict management techniques encourage open dialogue and promote problem-solving, which helps prevent disputes from escalating. Mastering these techniques not just aids in resolution but also improves your skills in active listening and effective communication. These skills are vital for nurturing better team dynamics and maintaining collaboration during projects. When you grasp conflict and its importance, you’re better equipped to navigate challenges in both personal and professional settings. This foundational knowledge allows you to create a harmonious environment, facilitating better decision-making and positive interactions. In the end, mastering conflict management skills is key to achieving successful outcomes in any relationship. Why Manage Conflicts? Managing conflicts is fundamental as unresolved issues can create significant obstacles in both personal and professional environments. Conflicts in the workplace can lead to financial losses, with American Express businesses losing about $359 billion annually because of these disputes. Effective conflict management is critical to maintain project flow and avoid missed deadlines, which can decrease productivity. By addressing conflicts positively, you improve team dynamics, cultivating better comprehension and collaboration among team members. Collaborative conflict management requires skills like active listening and effective communication, which are indispensable for successful interpersonal interactions. Additionally, acknowledging and managing conflicts can help retain talent, as 53% of employees might avoid “toxic” situations. This avoidance can cost organizations over $7,500 and seven workdays per employee. Utilizing models like the Kilmann conflict model can guide you in resolving disputes effectively, ensuring a healthier workplace environment. The Five Best Conflict Management Approaches Grasping the five best conflict management approaches can greatly improve your ability to navigate disputes effectively. Each method—accommodating, compromising, avoiding, competing, and collaborating—serves different purposes and suits various situations and relationships. Key Approaches Overview Steering through disagreements can be challenging, but knowing the best conflict management approaches can greatly improve your ability to resolve issues effectively. Here’s a brief overview of the five key strategies: Approach Assertiveness Cooperativeness Accommodating Low High Compromising Medium Medium Avoidance Low Low Competition High Low Collaboration Medium High Accommodating prioritizes others’ needs, whereas compromising seeks a middle ground. Avoidance may offer temporary relief but can worsen conflicts. Competition serves well in emergencies, but it can harm relationships. Finally, collaboration is the best approach for win-win solutions, encouraging stronger relationships through shared comprehension and effort. Choosing the Right Strategy How do you know which conflict management strategy to choose when faced with a disagreement? Each strategy—accommodating, compromising, avoiding, competing, and collaborating—has its strengths and ideal contexts. Accommodating emphasizes goodwill, but risks being seen as weak if overused. Compromising seeks a middle ground, but may leave both parties unsatisfied. Avoidance can be beneficial for temporary conflicts, yet ignoring chronic issues could escalate tensions. Competition is assertive and useful in emergencies, though it may harm relationships if relied on too heavily. Finally, collaboration aims for win-win outcomes, nurturing trust and requiring time. Assess the situation carefully to determine which approach aligns with your goals and the needs of the other party, eventually leading to a more effective resolution. Accommodating: Building Goodwill Accommodating means prioritizing the needs of others, which can strengthen relationships and promote goodwill in a team. By yielding to their concerns, you not merely de-escalate potential conflicts but additionally encourage open communication and collaboration. Nevertheless, it’s important to balance this approach with your own goals, as excessive accommodation can lead to resentment and hinder innovation within the group. Importance of Yielding Needs When conflicts arise in a workplace, yielding to the needs of others can be a valuable strategy for nurturing strong relationships and building goodwill. Accommodating helps de-escalate tensions, promoting a culture of respect and cooperation. Nevertheless, excessive accommodation may hinder innovation, as it can create an environment where one party consistently yields, leading to resentment. Leaders should monitor employees’ use of this approach to guarantee it doesn’t stifle collaboration. Although accommodating is effective for resolving minor disputes, it’s essential to balance it with assertiveness to protect your interests. Pros of Yielding Needs Cons of Yielding Needs Builds goodwill May stifle innovation De-escalates conflict Can lead to resentment Encourages cooperation May undermine assertiveness Strengthens relationships Risks influence imbalances Balancing Relationships and Goals In steering workplace dynamics, balancing relationships with individual goals is crucial for cultivating a productive environment. Accommodating prioritizes relationships, nurturing goodwill and collaboration. This approach can help de-escalate conflicts by yielding to others’ needs, especially in minor issues where harmony matters. Nevertheless, be cautious—too much accommodating can stifle innovation and breed resentment if team members feel ignored. Consider these elements when applying this strategy: Collaboration: Encourage open dialogue to understand everyone’s perspective. Monitoring: Regularly assess how often accommodating is used to prevent imbalance. Assertiveness: Balance accommodating with assertiveness to guarantee personal goals are likewise met. Compromising: Finding Middle Ground Compromise serves as a practical approach to conflict resolution, especially when both parties have moderate goals and relationships at stake. This strategy involves a moderately assertive and cooperative mindset, where each side gives up some needs to find a mutually acceptable solution. Although compromise can feel like a “lose-lose” scenario, as both may leave partially unsatisfied, it allows for quicker resolutions when time is limited. Furthermore, effective compromise requires big-picture thinking and a willingness to sacrifice, preventing escalated conflicts and enhancing team dynamics. By encouraging goodwill, it can lead to improved collaboration in future interactions, demonstrating a commitment to finding common ground. When used appropriately, compromise balances the needs and concerns of conflicting parties, promoting fairness and equity in conflict resolution. In the end, it’s a constructive way to address disagreements while maintaining positive relationships, making it a crucial tool in conflict management. Avoidance: When to Step Back Sometimes, stepping back from a conflict can be the best approach, especially when emotions run high. This temporary avoidance allows you to gain perspective and prevent escalation, making it a useful strategy for low-stakes issues. Nevertheless, it’s vital to plan for future discussions to guarantee that the conflict isn’t left unresolved. Temporary Conflict Resolution Temporary conflict resolution through avoidance can be a strategic choice when emotions run high and direct confrontation may lead to further escalation. This approach allows you to step back and gain perspective before addressing the issue directly. It’s particularly effective for low-stakes conflicts, where the importance of both goals and relationships is minimal. Nevertheless, it’s vital to remember: It provides a cooling-off period to reflect. Over-reliance can create a perception of weakness. It’s not suitable for chronic issues, as unresolved conflicts might escalate. Using avoidance wisely can improve future conversations, but striking a balance is fundamental. Too much avoidance can frustrate team members and harm dynamics, so be mindful of when and how you implement this approach. Managing Strong Emotions When faced with strong emotions during a conflict, stepping back can be a key strategy for effective management. Avoidance can help you cool down and gain perspective, especially when emotions run high. By temporarily stepping away from the situation, you prevent further escalation and avoid unproductive discussions that may arise from addressing issues too soon. Nevertheless, it’s important not to over-rely on this strategy, as unresolved issues can worsen over time. In workplace settings, leaders should encourage brief pauses for reflection, allowing everyone involved to regroup before re-engaging in constructive dialogue. Balancing avoidance with proactive conflict management guarantees that you address the underlying issues without being overwhelmed by strong emotions. Competition: High Stakes Decision Making Competition as a conflict management approach emphasizes high assertiveness during minimizing cooperativeness, leading to outcomes that often favor one party over another. This style is particularly effective in high-stakes situations or emergencies, where quick decision-making is critical. By asserting authority, you can protect your interests, but be cautious; over-reliance on this method can damage trust among team members. Consider these key points: It prioritizes immediate results, often at the expense of relationships. Leaders must discern when to act decisively versus when to encourage dialogue. Balancing competition with other strategies is fundamental for long-term team cohesion. Although competition can yield quick victories, keep in mind that nurturing collaboration and trust is imperative for sustained success. By identifying the right moments to compete, you can navigate conflicts effectively during maintaining a functional team dynamic. Collaboration: The Win-Win Approach Though competition can lead to quick, decisive outcomes, it often overlooks the value of teamwork and long-term relationships. Collaboration serves as a win-win approach in conflict management, focusing on both personal goals and relationships. This method is particularly effective in complex situations where input from various stakeholders is crucial. By nurturing a culture of respect and shared success, collaboration guarantees that all voices are heard, leading to faster and more impactful solutions. Research shows that collaborative conflict resolution can improve team morale and trust, as it encourages a thorough exploration of issues to satisfy all parties involved. Though collaborating requires time and effort, the results often yield lasting positive relationships and a greater commitment to the agreed solutions. In the end, effective collaboration not just resolves immediate conflicts but also lays the groundwork for future cooperation and teamwork, which can greatly benefit overall organizational performance. The Role of Communication in Conflict Management Effective communication plays a critical role in conflict management, as it allows individuals to articulate their ideas and perspectives clearly. By nurturing an environment of comprehension, effective communication helps mitigate conflicts before they escalate. Here are some key aspects to reflect on: Active listening: This skill lets you fully grasp others’ concerns, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected. “I statements”: Using these during discussions keeps the focus on specific issues, reducing defensiveness and encouraging constructive dialogue. Clarity and directness: Clear communication prevents misunderstandings, promoting mutual comprehension of expectations and concerns. Maintaining civility in your communication during conflicts improves cooperation and increases the chances of reaching a satisfactory resolution. The Importance of Control and Civility When managing conflicts, maintaining control and civility is crucial for nurturing a productive dialogue. By regulating emotions and actions, you create a constructive environment that leads to effective resolutions. Civility in communication promotes mutual respect and cooperation, greatly reducing tensions during disputes. Studies indicate that respectful communication improves trust among team members, which is critical for effective conflict resolution and overall team dynamics. Engaging in civil discourse allows all parties to express their perspectives openly, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the issues at hand. This approach promotes collaborative solutions, making it easier to reach agreements. In addition, implementing control and civility can decrease the likelihood of escalation, ultimately saving your organization valuable time and resources that might be lost to unresolved conflicts. Responsibilities of Leaders in Conflict Resolution Leaders hold significant responsibilities in conflict resolution, as they’re often the linchpins in steering disputes within their teams. Your role involves not only addressing personal conflicts but also providing support to employees as they navigate their disputes. By upholding ethical and legal responsibilities, you guarantee fairness and prioritize the well-being of your team members. Promote open communication, allowing all parties to express their perspectives. Balance leadership roles with employee support to improve team dynamics. Prevent organizational losses by resolving conflicts effectively, as unresolved issues can cost businesses billions. Effective conflict resolution encourages collaboration and comprehension, creating a safe work environment. By prioritizing healthy conflict resolution, you set a tone that can transform disputes into opportunities for growth, benefiting both individuals and the organization as a whole. Embrace these responsibilities to lead effectively through conflicts. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Effective Method for Conflict Management? The most effective method for conflict management often depends on your specific situation. If relationships matter greatly, consider collaborating, as it seeks win-win outcomes. Nevertheless, if time’s an issue, compromising might be more suitable for quick resolutions. Accommodating can help maintain harmony but may hinder innovation if overused. Avoidance, though usually less productive, can provide a temporary pause to cool emotions. In the end, choosing the right approach is essential for effective conflict resolution. What Are the 5 Basic Approaches to Managing Conflict? You’ve got five basic approaches to managing conflict: accommodating, compromising, avoiding, competing, and collaborating. Accommodating means yielding to others, which can help maintain relationships but might stifle creativity. Compromising seeks a middle ground, suitable for moderate issues but may leave some problems unresolved. Avoiding is useful for minor conflicts but can escalate if overused. Competing prioritizes your goals but risks damaging relationships. Each method varies in assertiveness and cooperativeness, impacting outcomes greatly. What Are the 5 C’s of Conflict Management? The 5 C’s of conflict management are Communication, Collaboration, Compromise, Control, and Civility. Effective Communication involves listening actively and expressing your ideas clearly, ensuring everyone feels understood. Collaboration nurtures teamwork, working together to find solutions that benefit all. Compromise requires you to make concessions for a balanced outcome, whereas Control helps manage emotions and actions, preventing escalation. Finally, Civility emphasizes respectful interactions, essential for maintaining a constructive environment during conflicts. Which Conflict Management Model Is Most Effective? When considering which conflict management model is most effective, many experts point to the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model. This model identifies five strategies: Avoiding, Competing, Accommodating, Compromising, and Collaborating. Collaborating often stands out as the best option, as it promotes win-win solutions that fulfill both parties’ needs. Nevertheless, Competing may be useful in urgent situations. In the end, the effectiveness of each strategy depends on the specific context and the relationships involved. Conclusion In conclusion, effective conflict management is vital for maintaining healthy relationships and nurturing a productive environment. By comprehending and applying the five key approaches—accommodating, compromising, avoiding, competing, and collaborating—you can navigate conflicts more effectively. Prioritizing communication, control, and civility improves your ability to resolve disputes amicably. Leaders play a significant role in facilitating this process, ensuring that conflicts are addressed constructively to promote teamwork and long-term success. Implementing these strategies can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Are the Most Effective Approaches for Conflict Management?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article