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Iran war expected to derail rate-cut plans as policymakers learn lessons from inflation caused by Ukraine invasionView the full article

Clear project outcomes rarely happen by accident. Teams must capture stakeholder expectations early, organize them into structured documentation and align everyone around what the project should deliver. That’s where requirement gathering templates become valuable. They help project managers collect, structure and track requirements so planning decisions, deliverables and project timelines stay aligned from start to finish. Whenever you’re ready to start managing projects, give ProjectManager a try. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software designed to plan, schedule and track projects from start to finish. Build detailed project schedules, allocate resources, monitor costs and compare estimates against actual performance using a complete set of powerful project management tools. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA-1600x851.pngLearn more 1. Project Requirements Template As projects move from idea to execution, teams must clearly document what the project must deliver and how success will be evaluated. Project requirements define the capabilities, functions and conditions that guide project scope and delivery. These requirements translate stakeholder expectations into structured documentation that informs planning, prioritization and validation throughout the project lifecycle. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Project-Requirements-Template.png This project requirements template organizes requirement gathering templates into detailed sections that guide teams through documenting all critical requirement categories. It begins with general project information and business requirements before capturing stakeholder expectations, functional and non-functional requirements and technical specifications. Additional sections address regulatory obligations, transition planning and user requirements so teams can define, track and validate deliverables throughout the project timeline. 2. Requirements Gathering Template Stakeholders rarely describe their needs in the form of structured project documentation. Conversations, emails and meetings usually contain fragments of expectations that must be organized before planning begins. Requirement gathering converts those scattered inputs into clearly documented requirements that define project scope, system behaviors, constraints and deliverables so teams can plan work and avoid misunderstandings later. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Requirements-Gathering-Screenshot-600x482.jpg This requirement gathering template provides a structured framework for documenting stakeholder requirements, project scope and technical expectations in a single place. It begins with project identification details and version history, then organizes information across sections for project planning, stakeholder scenarios, constraints, assumptions and dependencies. The template also captures user, functional and system requirements, workflow activities, risk management considerations, testing procedures and final stakeholder approvals. 3. Business Requirements Document Template Organizations rarely launch projects without first clarifying what the business expects to gain. Business requirements describe the high-level outcomes, capabilities and objectives a project must achieve to support organizational strategy. They translate business objectives and strategic goals into clear targets that guide project scope, priorities and deliverables while aligning stakeholders around measurable project goals and expected benefits. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Business-Requirements-Document-Template-new-600x527.png This business requirements document template organizes requirement gathering templates into practical sections teams can complete during early project planning. It starts with company and project information before guiding users through executive summaries, business objectives and a needs statement. From there, the template documents project scope, prioritized requirements, stakeholders, project timeline, cost-benefit analysis and key project constraints influencing delivery. 4. Product Requirements Document Template Product development teams must clearly define what the product should do, how it should function and what experience it must deliver to users. Product requirements describe the features, capabilities and performance expectations that guide product development. These requirements translate customer needs and business objectives into specific product functionality, user stories and measurable success criteria. /wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Product-requirements-document-screenshot-e1773067068790-600x405.jpg This product requirements document template helps organize requirement gathering templates into a structured outline teams can complete during product planning. It starts with project information and product goals before documenting assumptions, constraints and strategic context. The template then defines scope through user stories and requirements, lists product features, establishes release criteria and identifies measurable success metrics to evaluate product performance. 5. Requirements Traceability Matrix Template A requirements traceability matrix is a structured document used to link requirements to business objectives, deliverables and test cases. It ensures every requirement identified during requirement gathering templates is tracked from definition through implementation and validation. /wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Requirements-Traceability-Matrix-Template-600x159.jpg This requirements traceability matrix template helps teams track requirement gathering templates by organizing each requirement into a structured table. The template records requirement IDs, specifications and the business goals they support while identifying who requested them and which department owns them. Additional columns link requirements to WBS, deliverables, test cases and status updates so teams can monitor progress and confirm completion. 6. User Story Template Agile product teams rely on user stories to describe features from the perspective of the person who will use them. A user story expresses a specific need, the desired capability and the value it delivers to the user. These short statements guide product backlog refinement, sprint planning and development priorities while keeping product decisions centered on real user outcomes. /wp-content/uploads/2026/03/User-Story-Template-for-Word-ProjectManager-600x579.png This user story template helps teams document requirement gathering templates for product features by guiding a story from initial concept through release validation. It begins with story overview details and a user story statement before capturing user context, problem rationale and scope boundaries. The template then records functional requirements, business rules, integrations, acceptance criteria, testing notes and release planning activities. ProjectManager Is an Award-Winning Project Management Software ProjectManager offers robust project management features such as Gantt charts, task lists, workload management charts, timesheets and real-time dashboards and reports. In addition to that, it’s also equipped with AI project insights, online team collaboration features and unlimited file storage that further help project managers ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Watch the video to learn more! Related Content Requirements Gathering: The Process, Best Tools & More How to Make a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM): Example and Template Included Requirements Analysis in Project Management How to Write a Product Requirements Document (PRD) Project Requirements Management: A Quick Guide If you need a tool to help you manage projects, then signup for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software helps teams across industries plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today! The post 6 Free Requirement Gathering Templates appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Finance ministers pledge ‘necessary measures’ to tackle surging crude prices but stop short of immediate dealView the full article

The list of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus store locations set to close continues to grow. On March 6, 2026, parent company Saks Global announced it would close 15 additional retail locations. This is part of a broader restructuring plan following the luxury retailer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January. Here’s what you need to know: What’s happening? According to a court document filed last Friday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, Saks Global will close an additional 15 store locations. The Saks Fifth Avenue on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is included on the list. Most of the locations are Saks Fifth Avenue stores. The court document notes that closing sales will begin at each of the affected locations on March 13, 2026. A news release from Saks Global discussed the additional store closures and included a statement from CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck. “This strategic optimization is part of our ongoing transformation and rooted in our long-term view of our business,” the statement read. “Our go-forward store portfolio will comprise the best performing and most desirable locations in markets with the highest concentration of luxury customers, enabling us to deepen loyalty and drive sustainable growth.” Last month, the luxury retailer announced nine store closures across its portfolio. That list included one Neiman Marcus store and eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Which stores are set to close? Twelve Saks Fifth Avenue and three Neiman Marcus stores will close. The closures will impact locations in 12 states. The following Saks Fifth Avenue store locations will be closing: 26100 Cedar Road, Beachwood, OH 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 700 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 3200 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 230 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, NY 73555 El Paseo Drive, Palm Desert, CA 7700 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 7400 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 650, San Antonio, TX 120 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 100 Plaza Frontenac Street, St. Louis, MO 2051 International Drive, McLean, VA The following Neiman Marcus store locations will be closing: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Moana, Honolulu, HI 6550 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canyon Park, CA 125 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY Which stores will remain open? Saks Global released a separate list of store locations that will remain open amid the bankruptcy restructuring. Thirteen Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 32 Neiman Marcus stores will remain in operation. This includes its flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York City. View the full article

A study of U.S. workers finds 14% report "brain fry" from AI overuse. Marketing had the highest rate at 26%. The post Marketers Report Highest Rates Of AI ‘Brain Fry,’ Report Finds appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

After losing an hour of shut-eye, thanks to daylight savings time, sleep is one many people’s minds today. The day after we “spring forward,” people are significantly more tired—and cranky—due to that lost hour of sleep, which disrupts our natural circadian rhythm, increasing the risks of car accidents, strokes and even heart attacks, according to John Hopkins’s Bloomberg School of Health. In honor of Sleep Awareness Week—that elusive thing many Americans just don’t get enough of—we though we would introduce you to the Dutch method for getting a good night’s rest. In the U.S., “sleep hygiene” a popular way to clean up your sleep routine, is a hack that comes with all kinds of accoutrements. Black-out curtains? Check. White noise machine? Check. Eye mask? Check, and make it satin, please. What is the Dutch method? However, if all that sounds a bit much, consider the Dutch method, which favors a simple, no nonsense approach—like (as some may argue) the Dutch themselves—so simple, it doesn’t require anything, even, curtains. The “Dutch method,” which is popular even in big cities like Amsterdam, involves sleeping with your curtains wide open, to help the body wake with the sun’s natural light. It’s a way to reset your own body’s clock instead of relying solely on an alarm. A recent study confirmed this science-based hack, and found morning sunlight does indeed set our biological clocks, governing when we sleep and wake, and getting that light before 10:00 a.m. actually improves sleep quality.) Is this the same as the Scandanvian method? No. Unlike the Dutch method, the “Scandinavian sleep method“—which is also currently having its 15 minutes of fame on social media—focuses on sleep temperature, an important factor in getting a good night’s sleep, not light, and is a game-changer for couples who share a bed. Why? It advocates each person should have their own separate blanket—one for each person. Intrigued? Take a look at this TikTok to see how it works on. And, yes, unlike their American counterparts, its common for Scandinavians to sleep this way. View the full article

A reader write: I’ve been subject to our disciplinary process at work for the last two months, relating to issues such as “forgot to fill in a spreadsheet” and “didn’t ask for help quickly enough,” among other claims that all compound each other (one issue caused another, etc.). I have provided context during the disciplinary process and flagged that while I don’t disagree that there are occasional issues with my work, I would have expected it to be raised informally first (they went immediately to a disciplinary process while threatening dismissal). My supervisor, Linda, has provided a number of the allegations and supporting evidence (screenshots of personal chats, etc.) to our manager, Steven, who instigated the disciplinary process (and has never liked me nor wanted me in the role). So I’ve been aware that Linda and Steven are spearheading this. During the disciplinary process, I also flagged a couple of instances where I felt Linda’s tone was hostile, and Steven shot that down, calling me defensive towards her hostility. I’ve since come to find out that Linda and Steven are dating, and have been for three months, which is about as far back as my disciplinary allegations go. Our company has no formal policy against dating, but they’re manager and subordinate and both oversee me and my work. They’ve collaborated on these disciplinary claims against me, shot down my complaints about each of them, and all the while never mentioned to me that they were dating! I feel like I’m taking crazy pills. Apparently, everyone knew except me, so I have no one I can trust to speak to about this. I’m due to have a meeting with our form of HR regarding the disciplinary process (and valid complaints I’ve raised about Steven’s conduct, which is another letter in itself) and have no idea how to broach this subject. Doesn’t this constitute conflict of interest at the very least, and conspiracy to force me out of the job at the very most? Conspiracy to force you out of a job isn’t really a thing. I mean, it could very well be that they’ve decided they don’t want you in the job anymore and are laying the groundwork to fire you, but that could be a legitimate managerial function and isn’t an HR offense on its own, unless they’re lying about their concerns with your work or targeting you for discriminatory reasons (like race or disability or another protected class). But it is a conflict of interest for Steven to be the person fielding complaints about Linda, since they’re dating. It’s also very much a conflict of interest for him to be dating someone he manages, and it’s outrageous that your company permits that, if in fact they do. (They might not! Not having a formal policy on dating doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be okay with a manager dating someone who reports to them, and let’s hope they won’t.) But if the complaints Steven and Linda are raising about your work are real ones, you’re probably not going to get far arguing that they should have raised those concerns informally first. They should have! But at this point, they’ve already kicked off a disciplinary process, and it does make sense that your manager and supervisor would be collaborating on that, since that’s what normally should happen when there are concerns with someone’s work. The complicating factor is that it feels personal and this all only came up when they started dating. Now, maybe there are legitimate reasons for that — maybe Linda has had ongoing concerns about your work and shared them with Steven when they started spending more time together, and Steven pointed out that the company has processes for handling those concerns, and that’s what kicked this all off. It still not great (if nothing else, it says they weren’t managing effectively before!) but not nefarious, and that’s not necessarily the sort of thing HR would intervene in. Still, though, at a minimum this all feels very messy, Steven shouldn’t be fielding complaints about someone he’s dating, and HR should be told about their relationship if they don’t already know. So I think the messaging you want for HR is: “My understanding is that Steven and Linda are dating, their concerns about my work seem to date from the start of their personal relationship, and I’m concerned that the way they’re managing me is being governed by their personal relationship with each other rather than than their professional one with me. Also, before I was aware they were dating, I shared concerns with Steven about Linda and he shot them down; I later found out they were already dating when that happened, and I’m concerned it’s a conflict of interest for him to be the person fielding complaints about someone he’s in a romantic relationship with.” HR should be concerned about this, and they should step in to ensure the process (and your management in general) is being handled impartially and professionally. Whether they will or not depends heavily on how your company operates and how much capital Steven and Linda have. No matter how that goes, though, this doesn’t seem like a situation that’s likely to end well for you and — unless HR is horrified, particularly about Steven dating a subordinate, and immediately swings into action — I would be focusing most of your energy on getting out. I’m sorry! The post my managers are dating, and they’re collaborating on my disciplinary process appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Sales management training programs are vital for enhancing the skills of sales leaders. They provide fundamental techniques for effective communication, behavior-based coaching, and strategic management. By participating, you can learn to forecast sales accurately and nurture a culture of continuous improvement within your team. These programs cater to various learning preferences, ensuring accessibility for all. Comprehending the specific benefits and topics covered can help you choose the right program for your professional growth. What key factors should you consider when selecting a training program? Key Takeaways Specialized sales management training enhances team performance and drives sustainable behavior change to exceed sales quotas. Effective coaching techniques improve sales strategies and team morale, crucial for long-term sales success. Virtual instructor-led training offers flexible options, accommodating diverse learning styles and maintaining participant engagement. Continuous training contributes to sustained performance gains and cultivates a proactive sales culture within teams. Courses led by industry experts focus on real-world applications, integrating theory with practical exercises for effective learning. Program Benefits When you participate in a sales management training program, you can greatly improve your team’s performance and effectiveness. These programs focus on behavior-based performance management systems that lead to more accurate sales forecasts and maximize team potential. By engaging in specialized sales management training, you’ll refine your coaching techniques, which greatly boosts your team’s overall performance. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager provide a structured framework for recruiting top talent, ensuring you select the best candidates. Flexible delivery options, such as virtual instructor-led training, keep you engaged and improve learning retention. Industry recognition and positive testimonials highlight how sales leadership training can drive sustainable behavior change, helping your team consistently meet and exceed sales quotas. Topics Covered In this training program, you’ll explore the characteristics that define high-performing sales managers, giving you insights into effective leadership. You’ll furthermore learn how to apply proven coaching techniques that can improve your interactions with sales teams. Together, these topics aim to equip you with the skills needed to drive success in your sales management role. High-Performing Sales Managers High-performing sales managers play a vital role in driving sales success, as they effectively coach and support their teams to achieve better results. These managers are often pivotal for transforming middle performers into top achievers, greatly impacting overall sales performance. Nevertheless, a notable 73% of sales managers lack adequate training for effective coaching. This gap highlights the importance of specialized sales management training courses and sales leadership training programs that focus on critical skills. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager help develop competencies in coaching, managing performance, and pipeline management. Furthermore, flexible training formats, such as virtual instructor-led sessions, guarantee that these managers can apply learned skills effectively, leading to improved results and augmented team potential. Effective Coaching Techniques Effective coaching techniques are crucial for sales managers aiming to improve their team’s performance and drive better results. In sales management training programs, you’ll learn to develop customized approaches that address the unique strengths and weaknesses of individual team members. Research shows that behavior-based coaching can boost closing rates, yielding a 19% improvement in overall sales performance. The High-Impact Sales Manager Program emphasizes actionable strategies that help sales reps navigate challenges during nurturing a culture of continuous learning. Engaging techniques like role-playing scenarios and regular pipeline reviews maintain accountability and guarantee consistent results. Who Should Enroll If you’re an emerging sales leader or a mid-career professional looking to sharpen your strategic skills in sales management, this program is designed for you. It likewise caters to decision-makers from non-sales departments who want to gain a deeper comprehension of effective sales practices. Emerging Sales Leaders Emerging sales leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of sales organizations, and enrolling in targeted training programs can provide the strategic insights necessary for success. These individuals, often mid-career professionals, should consider sales leadership training courses to improve their skills in effective communication, coaching, and training techniques. By participating in sales management courses, you’ll develop high-performing management skills that prepare you for future managerial roles in both B2B and B2C environments. The programs focus on addressing urgent sales management issues and promoting collaboration between sales and non-sales departments. Highly interactive learning formats guarantee practical applications of knowledge, making these courses ideal for anyone looking to advance their career in sales leadership. Non-Sales Decision Makers Sales management training programs offer valuable insights for non-sales decision makers, particularly those in marketing and operations roles, as they seek to improve cross-departmental collaboration. By enrolling in sales management courses online or participating in sales leadership development programs, you can gain a deeper comprehension of effective sales strategies. This knowledge boosts your ability to communicate and align with sales teams, which is crucial for achieving organizational goals. Furthermore, grasping sales management techniques empowers you to contribute to revenue growth initiatives and make informed decisions that positively impact sales outcomes. In the end, these training programs equip you with insights into customer relationships and sales dynamics, nurturing a culture of collaboration and shared objectives across departments. Instructors Instructors play a vital role in shaping the learning experience within sales management training programs, bringing extensive expertise from both sales management and business development. Their background guarantees that you receive relevant and practical insights. Courses are often led by industry experts like John Westman and Michael McCarthy. They emphasize real-world applications of sales management concepts. Instructors integrate theory with practical exercises to improve learning effectiveness. Many programs feature interactive formats, such as role plays and group discussions. Their qualifications establish credibility and trust, as they’re recognized leaders in the field. These aspects are essential for anyone participating in ama sales training or sales leadership courses, providing a valuable educational experience. Certificates of Leadership Excellence The Certificates of Leadership Excellence program offers a structured pathway for individuals seeking to improve their business acumen and leadership skills. This program focuses on augmenting your sales management capabilities and provides an opportunity to earn recognized certification. Through practical applications and real-world experiences, you’ll challenge your current thinking and expand your leadership skills. Key Features Benefits Flexible Course Dates Accommodates busy professionals Emphasis on Coaching Enhances team performance Focus on Communication Improves interactions within teams Real-World Applications Applies learning directly to work Certification Opportunity Boosts credibility in sales roles Enrolling in this sales leadership program can profoundly impact your career prospects and effectiveness in sales management. Sales Management Solutions Effective sales management solutions are crucial for improving team performance and achieving business goals. By investing in sales manager training classes, you can equip your team with the tools necessary for success. These solutions focus on strategic sales management, providing a framework for effective coaching and performance oversight. Address urgent sales management issues. Increase overall sales performance by up to 19%. Utilize behavior-based performance systems for accurate forecasting. Improve team motivation and engagement. Offer flexible training formats, including virtual and blended learning. Implementing these solutions not only bridges the training gap—where only 27% of sales managers currently receive sufficient coaching—but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately driving business growth. Achieve Sales Success With the Right Training Program Achieving sales success hinges on the right training program, especially considering that 73% of sales managers lack the skills needed for effective coaching. Investing in executive sales courses or pursuing sales manager certification can greatly improve your team’s performance. Programs like the High-Impact Sales Manager not just teach crucial skills like sales coaching but also equip managers to implement behavior-based performance systems. These specialized training methods lead to a 19% improvement in sales performance, translating to increased company revenue. Engaging formats such as virtual instructor-led sessions keep participants motivated and guarantee better retention of skills. Frequently Asked Questions What Training Does a Sales Manager Need? As a sales manager, you need training focused on effective coaching, performance management, and communication skills. You’ll benefit from comprehending how to analyze sales data and implement systematic hiring processes to build strong teams. Training should additionally cover conflict resolution, time management, and continuous improvement strategies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcD2t9qt-fM Learning to motivate your team and set clear sales goals is vital for enhancing overall performance and achieving top-line results in your organization. Which Certification Is Best for a Sales Manager? Choosing the best certification for a sales manager depends on your specific needs and goals. Certifications like the Challenger Sales Training emphasize innovative sales strategies. Consider your current role, desired skills, and the training format that suits you best. Programs usually offer practical applications, enhancing your ability to implement learned strategies effectively in your team. What Are the 7 Basic Managerial Functions of a Sales Manager? The seven basic managerial functions of a sales manager include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, reporting, and budgeting. You’ll plan sales strategies and set targets. Organizing involves aligning resources to meet those targets. Staffing guarantees you recruit the right talent. Directing focuses on leading your team, whereas controlling monitors performance against goals. Reporting provides insights into sales performance, and budgeting allocates resources effectively to maximize profitability and growth. What Is the Best Course for a Sales Manager? The best course for a sales manager focuses on crucial skills like coaching, performance management, and effective communication. Look for programs that offer interactive elements, such as role plays and group discussions, to improve learning. Furthermore, courses that provide real-world applications and insights from experienced instructors can greatly enhance your management abilities. Prioritize programs that emphasize ongoing development to guarantee you stay updated on industry practices and strategies for team success. Conclusion In summary, investing in one of the 7 crucial sales management training programs can greatly improve your leadership skills and team performance. By mastering key topics such as behavior-based coaching and effective communication, you’ll be better equipped to drive revenue growth. These programs cater to various learning preferences and guarantee you can implement sustainable strategies in your organization. Enrolling in these courses eventually positions you and your team for long-term success in the competitive sales environment. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Sales Management Training Programs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Speedport 7 represents a sea change in DT's product development strategy, the company says. The post Deutsche Telekom’s new Speedport 7 home gateway “our most successful product launch ever,” DT says appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

The dark web has a sinister and foreboding name for a reason. This is a place where all manner of illegal and underhand activity takes place, as well as somewhere internet users can free themselves from government censorship and draconian surveillance. Getting on the dark web isn't particularly difficult, but it's not somewhere you should head without doing your research first. If you visit an unfamiliar location in real life, you'll want to make sure you know how to stay safe and make the most of your trip, and it's the same with the dark web. As such, follow these hacks and tips to maximize your chances of staying safe and getting the most out of what the dark web has to offer. Use IP Leak to make sure your IP address stays hiddenAs with the general web, using a VPN with the dark web isn't essential, but is recommended. However, you should also check for IP leaks before you start doing any dark web browsing, even with a VPN up and running. In simple terms, an IP leak is where your actual internet location is revealed to the sites you're connecting to—something you want to avoid on the dark web. This might be caused by a rogue website script or browser extension, for example. It's easy to do: Just head to IP Leak and check the IP address that's being reported isn't actually where you are. As an added bonus, the site checks for leaks through the WebRTC and DNS protocols, which can also reveal your location in a more roundabout way. Avoid leaving fingerprints by resizing your browser windowTor and a VPN of your choice can hide a lot about your identity, but you're still vulnerable to fingerprinting when you're on the dark web. That's where information being reported by your computer—such as the operating system, the system time, and even the fonts you have installed—is used to recognize you as an individual. Another key piece of information used in fingerprinting is the size of your monitor display: If your browser window fills your screen, a bad actor can infer what monitor or device you may be using. Tor does use some tricks to try and obfuscate this, but you can help by not maximizing your browser window (and perhaps randomly resizing it from time to time). An identity reset in Tor. Credit: Lifehacker Use "New Identity" to hide who you are onlineTor includes a feature that isn't immediately obvious, but which can help you switch identities in a couple of clicks. It's like disappearing into a rest room and then remerging with a different disguise—disconnecting you from whatever you were doing through the browser before. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then pick New identity. All currently open tabs will be closed, and the browser restarts. You'll be rerouted through different Tor circuits to get back online, and all previous browsing data and cookies will be wiped away. Use Dangerzone to securely open files on the dark webGenerally speaking, you don't really want to be downloading anything from the dark web, if you can help it: The dark web waters are swimming with malware, scams, and otherwise unwholesome material. However, there may be times when you need to open a document given to you by a trusted contact. Anything you do need to open should be opened through Dangerzone. It basically puts a security sandbox around PDFs, images, and office documents, and strips out any kind of malicious or tracking data embedded in the file. You're then left with a sanitized file that's passed security clearance and can be opened as normal. Add a bridge for extra securityFor ease of use, you can have Tor connect to the web through a path of its choice, concealing your identity and location through a series of recognized nodes. If you want to take this a step further, you can add a bridge into the connection chain as well. Standard Tor nodes (or relays) still report an IP address, though it won't be your actual one. Bridges don't share IP addresses at all, which makes it even harder for someone else to track who you are and what you're doing. They're particularly useful in countries where known Tor relays might be blocked by the authorities. In the Tor browser, click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then Settings > Connection to configure a bridge. Use Request bridges to ask for a bridge link from the official Tor bot, or use the web or Telegram links to find one. Setting a pluggable transport. Credit: Lifehacker Use pluggable transports to hide from your internet provider Pluggable transports are a specific type of Tor bridge: As well as additional IP address cloaking and anti-censorship measures, pluggable transports hide the fact that you're actually using Tor from your internet provider as well. They're often used as a next-level step wherever the Tor network has been banned. To configure a pluggable transport bridge inside Tor, click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then pick Settings > Connection. Click Select a built-in bridge to choose from one of the available pluggable transports, which each come with a description of how they work. Kill your other tasks and apps before surfing the dark webIf you're accessing the dark web through Tor, shut down everything else on your system: Clear out all the apps that are in memory, even if they're only running in the background (Task Manager on Windows and Activity Monitor on macOS can help with this). Not only can running apps help to identify your system for fingerprinting (see the window resizing tip above), they can also make you more vulnerable to malicious websites and malware you might come across on the dark web. The more programs you've got running besides Tor, the bigger the target area for bad actors. Use tools to create a "dark web persona" All of the security and anonymity measures that go into Tor and VPNs are compromised to an extent if you then log into your regular accounts (like Amazon and Instagram) while you're also browsing the dark web. It makes it more likely that your credentials will be stolen, and that you can be identified as an individual user. Some dark web users set down rules for a whole new internet persona to make it harder to reveal their real identities. This might involve going online at different times, using different devices, and maybe even different wifi networks. Any overlap with your "regular" internet use puts you at more risk. This extends to email addresses and login names too: Use different ones on the dark web to the ones that you normally use. You can get burner email addresses from plenty of providers, including DuckDuckGo and Apple. Ramping up browser security. Credit: Lifehacker Use Tor's "Safest" mode to restrict what websites can doThe Tor browser includes a "maximum security" level that shuts down a lot of website activity like scripts and media playback. It's not on by default, and it can affect the functionality of sites (they'll typically look a lot more barebones), but if you want to stay as safe as possible then it's available as an option. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines), then Settings > Privacy & Security and Change under Security. Select Safest to put Tor into maximum security mode, then click Save and restart. Connect through Tails OS for an extra security layerAccess the dark web through Tor on Windows or macOS, and you're well protected from harm. Access it through the portable, Linux-based operating system Tails, and that protection goes up another level. Tails runs from either a USB stick or through a virtual machine, which means any malware that does sneak through your defenses can't reach your main operating system and everything on it. (Everything on the OS runs through the Tor platform, not just the browser.) You will need to set aside some time for this, but it's worth the additional effort if you want to stay as safe as possible. Tails offers a full guide explaining how to get started. View the full article

Like many people, you’re worried about losing your job to AI. Where do your “old school” PPC skills fit as AI agents take over more of the work? Relax. It’s not that binary. The focus is shifting toward data and strategy. From the outside, it looks like media buying is being automated away. But let’s set the record straight: it isn’t. The role is shifting (again). I’ve been working in PPC for over 15 years, and there’s nothing to be afraid of. The real question is: are you riding the wave or being left behind? Let’s map the current PPC landscape: ad network automation and, most importantly, where PPC teams create value today — the critical skill sets and team structure required to compete. The return of the technical PPC team A decade ago, technical PPC agencies differentiated through developing scripts, handling data at scale, and managing complex structures. Then automation matured. Everybody started leveraging Performance Max or Advantage+ campaigns because they’re much easier to set up and run. As a result, many teams shifted toward strategy and creative. With AI, though, it’s easier than ever to produce good-enough creatives or analyze massive datasets and output what looks like a good strategy. Now don’t get me wrong, those outputs won’t be perfect but: It’s free (sort of) and fast. The quality level isn’t bad at all (not great either). From a client perspective, this means the average creative-focused or strategy-nerd agency is out of the game. Those teams need skills AI can’t replace. So rejoice, PPC people: the technical edge is back. It has morphed into something different for sure. But it’s time to bring back the spreadsheet junkies from the 2010s. They’re the right ones to drive PPC again. Doubting that? Let’s rewind a little bit and look at the necessary skill set. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with The PPC edge: From spreadsheet skills to data nerds What successful PPC agencies now sell is dramatically different than a decade ago. But the same core mindset resurfaced. Why? Let’s look at the core performance drivers these days: Integrating down-funnel data into strategy. Building a data infrastructure to support said strategy. Feeding the right signals to ad algorithms. Building systems to operate at scale, including creatives. See the pattern? You can’t prompt your way out of a broken data model. This is where your edge remains and what clients value. The good news is that automation increases the value of technical literacy. It doesn’t reduce it. Who do you call to handle technical literacy? The old PPC marketers. The ones who loved manipulating paid search ads using custom Excel macros they built, or managing hundreds of thousands of product feed items. They have the right mindset: they love automation, data, and math — and they love PPC. Dig deeper: How to build a paid media team in the AI age So who should be on your team, whether in-house or agency-side? Here are four essential roles. No single person can cover the entire scope — you need a team. 1. Data engineer This role basically builds and maintains the infrastructure. Although located after the tracking specialist in the data supply chain, it’s the most central role. That’s why it comes first. We operate in a complex, multi-platform world: think CRM integration with Google Ads. Or merging online and offline datasets to map the customer journey and drive strategy. Without a complete data model, your strategy becomes a vague gut feeling that often needs a reality check. The role of the data engineer is to lay the foundation to avoid this situation whenever possible. Conversely, without this role on your team, you’ll perform repetitive manual exports, get inconsistent numbers across teams, and end up with slow decision cycles. What is the data engineer’s scope? Building a data infrastructure basically follows an ETL process: extract data, manipulate it, and make it usable in a reporting tool (think Looker Studio, Power BI, or Tableau). Here are a few tasks that illustrate that overarching goal: Build data pipelines from ad platforms, analytics or CRM tools to the data warehouse (to get spend, revenue and other data into the warehouse). Structure tables for those sources and “join” (merge) them to answer specific use cases. Maintain those datasets and create automated QAs, including refresh schedules. What skill sets and tools does the data engineer use? Generally speaking, since we live in a Google-first world, we hear a lot about BigQuery, Google’s data warehousing solution. There are other solutions, such as Microsoft Azure. However, the main skill set you’re looking for is coding — more specifically, SQL and Python. The goal here is to use those languages to structure tables within the data warehouse (using SQL) and create data pipelines (using Python). 2. Tracking and measurement architect Some people consider this to be the same role as data engineers. I strongly disagree. To me, this role’s sole focus is to protect signal quality. It’s the one person who faces very tight deadlines when things go wrong: you can’t afford to lose conversion data for more than a couple of days. And it’s not retroactive: when tracking is down, conversions are lost forever. Ad platforms’ performance stands on the shoulders of conversion data. If you don’t get enough of those quality events, you’ll be at a serious competitive disadvantage. You typically notice this when CPAs fluctuate without explanation or when your in-platform data varies drastically from your “source of truth” (GA, CRM and other systems). Tracking and measurement architects stabilize bidding, increase event match quality and get more data into Google Ads. What is the tracking architect’s scope? They design data collection mechanisms that are both complete and regulation-compliant (hello, GDPR): Align tracking with privacy compliance. Design client- and server-side tracking. Implement GTM and server containers. Co-manage Conversions API integrations with the data engineer. Co-ensure deduplication logic with the media buyer. What skill sets and tools does the tracking architect use? Although most PPCs have dabbled with Google Tag Manager, very few have actually set up server-side tagging infrastructure. That’s an easy way to distinguish “regular” PPCs from a tracking specialist. However, they should also be comfortable with Consent Mode frameworks, CAPI, and related tools. Dig deeper: AI tools for PPC, AI search, and social campaigns: What’s worth using now Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. 3. Data analyst If the data engineer builds the pipes and the tracking architect protects the signal, the data analyst decides what the data means. It’s the role most impacted by AI. Granted, you can do a lot with AI, but don’t underestimate how impactful a great data analyst is. The wrong interpretation can waste millions of dollars in a blink of an eye. Fully replacing data analysts with AI would be a gross mistake. For example, ROAS in Google Ads doesn’t equal contribution margin. Meta Ads CPA doesn’t equal customer lifetime value. Without a strong data analyst, you risk misinterpreting data and going down the wrong rabbit hole. Think cutting campaigns that look inefficient short-term but drive long-term value. Or reporting different “truths” to marketing and finance — you don’t want that. What is the data analyst’s scope? People outside the field think they build Power BI or Looker Studio dashboards. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Data analysts also: Design data models aligned with business KPIs (this step kind of overlaps with data engineers at times). Run analysis — think cohort performance, churn rates, profitability, and diminishing returns. Challenge platform narratives. What skill sets and tools does the data analyst use? I tend to think of data analysts like translators: you can speak another language somewhat fluently, but that doesn’t make you qualified to interpret at scale. Same with data analysts: you may understand numbers to an extent, but you probably still need an analyst. SQL literacy is often required to query the warehouse directly. Spreadsheet modeling also remains critical for scenario planning. The key skill is statistical reasoning. Understanding sample size, variance, and bias prevents false conclusions. 4. CRO and experimentation lead Once all that data is clean, available, and analyzed, CROs leverage it to improve the economics of every visitor. Improving conversion rate, lead quality, and the overall customer journey creates a compound effect. The simple way of proving CROs’ worth is to understand that a landing page that converts at 1.5% instead of 3% means you’ve doubled your CPA. Nobody wants that. And that’s where CROs come in. Instead, you want to scale efficiently, not push more money toward a leaky bucket. From a PPC standpoint, CROs strengthen both performance (better conversion rate) and signal quality (more conversions), which helps smart bidding. What is the CRO’s scope? Contrary to common belief, CRO doesn’t (solely) mean landing page. This role operates across the full funnel: Mapping the journey from impression to revenue. Identifying online friction points using heat maps and session recordings. Structuring testing roadmaps instead of random experiments. Collaborating with creative and product teams on offer positioning. What skill sets and tools does the CRO lead use? The entry stack I see most often is GA4 and a heatmap tool such as Hotjar. However, it can get much pricier with tools such as ContentSquare. The stack scales depending on the client’s needs and budget. The skills that matter most are: Just like data analysts, a deep understanding of math and statistical reasoning (think pre-calculated sample sizes). A structured mindset, clear hypotheses, and business-level success metrics. Dig deeper: Agentic PPC: What performance marketing could look like in 2030 See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with From media buyers to data teams The modern PPC team looks less like media buyers and more like a hybrid between marketing, data, and product. The advantage goes to teams that structure these capabilities deliberately. Winning PPC teams are the ones who understand algorithms, but more importantly, the data and economics behind them. If your team masters infrastructure, signal design, analysis, and experimentation, AI becomes leverage. If not, it becomes a liability. View the full article

The next wave of AI will be defined by agentic systems that can take actions: query databases, navigate portals, retrieve records, and increasingly interact with public digital infrastructure at scale. That shift is already showing up as traffic hitting government sites and services is becoming machine traffic. Some of it is benign (search and discovery). Some of it is ambiguous (scraping and automated browsing). And some of it could become actively harmful if agents can reserve scarce services, submit fraudulent requests, or generate volume that overwhelms public systems. The problem is that the government’s current interfaces were not designed for agent-to-government interactions, and the default state of the world has become improvisation: agents “figure it out” by scraping pages and guessing based on previous learning.. This is where Boston’s work becomes instructive. Rather than treating agents as something to block wholesale, or something to embrace without guardrails, Boston is experimenting with a middle path: build a governed, secure, and reliable layer that mediates how AI agent systems interact with government resources. Santi Garces In a recent interview, Boston’s CIO, Santi Garces, described why the city is investing in the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as that layer; why they’re starting with open data as a low-risk proving ground; how they’re improving reliability by pushing computation into the data portal itself; and what it would take for MCP-like infrastructure to become replicable digital public infrastructure that other cities can deploy. Can you explain MCP, and why city governments should care? MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, and it’s relatively recent. Anthropic, the company behind Claude, launched MCP servers about a year ago. Why it matters is that it provides a way for large language models to interface with the kinds of resources we have in government. Concretely, it’s a way to connect LLMs to APIs and other programmatic systems, for example, allowing an AI assistant to retrieve transit updates or submit a service request through official city systems. We think it will be a new layer that serves as an intermediary between the government’s digital infrastructure and these models. This is exciting for Boston because the world is moving fast, and we’re already seeing websites and services being activated or consumed by agents. MCP servers can serve as a layer through which the government can add governance and control. Mechanically, an MCP server creates a set of tools. You describe, in plain language, when a tool should be used. Then you define what inputs need to be extracted from a natural-language request and how that translates into deterministic programmatic access to a resource. LLMs can be random; MCP is part of the pathway to make certain interactions more reliable and secure. The dream is that cities invest in this infrastructure and point to different models to interact with a city’s MCP layer, ensuring it’s reliable, secure, and provides a better experience for people using agentic systems to interact with the government. A lot has to be true for that future, but we’re very excited about it. What normally breaks when people rely on “just the chatbot” and prompting, what problem is MCP solving? Take our first MCP server: open data. If you ask Claude or ChatGPT or Gemini something like, “How many restaurants are there in Boston,” those models will answer using either (1) their training data, which is probably out of date, or (2) they’ll make something up. The risk of inaccuracy or hallucination is high. It might do better if it can browse the web, but then you’re relying on it to find the right source, and we know a lot of information online is outdated or inaccurate. It might pull from an old report or an article from five years ago. What we’ve been able to do with Open Context, our first MCP instance tied to Boston’s open data portal, is create a direct link between the portal and these AI tools. MCP servers are interoperable, so it doesn’t matter which AI tool you’re using. If you ask an AI tool connected to this MCP server, “How many restaurants are there in Boston given the open data portal,” it automatically searches Boston’s portal, finds the right dataset, and generates a SQL query against that dataset. It queries live data reliably and returns an answer grounded in the city’s actual data infrastructure. We spend a lot of money and time building data infrastructure that many people don’t use because it’s inconvenient. Most people don’t know SQL, and even knowing which dataset is right is hard. These tools bridge that gap, getting you to the right answer while avoiding many of the pitfalls in AI tools today. How did you make this more trustworthy and what did the development process look like? We started in the fall of 2025 with students from Northeastern’s AI for Impact program at the Burnes Center. We’ve been rolling out a tool to Boston city employees called AI Launchpad, which provides access to LLMs, but we wanted it to be more useful. We looked at how employees use AI tools, drawing on our experience and survey data. Data analysis is a common use case. But to analyze, people have to download data, paste it into a context, and go through a lot of steps. So our starting motivation was: how do we make those workflows easier, more convenient, and more reliable? Around that time, I was at an AI retreat in Boston and spoke with Romesh Raskar at MIT about what the agentic web will look like and the need to build an open version of it. That weekend turned into action quickly. Saturday at the retreat, then Sunday speaking at MIT, challenging people to build better agentic experiences for Boston. Then, on Monday, we said, let’s try to build an MCP server and connect it to AI Launchpad. Because we had brilliant students, by October, we had a prototype that connected to the open data portal. Since November and December, we’ve been iterating to make it more reliable. It did a good job finding datasets, but it wasn’t as strong at analyzing large datasets—good for small samples, less good at scale. One innovation was to push more computation into the open data portal itself. Most data portals can run queries. So we’re using the portal to do more of the analytical work, which improves reliability and also makes the overall interaction more efficient and cost-effective. You’ve also talked about this as a replicable layer of digital public infrastructure. What else do cities need to be able to implement this? This is why we’re excited. With emerging technology, it’s possible we’ll be using a different acronym in six months, but right now, MCP looks like a real path to solve this. We think MCP is a component of digital public infrastructure and should be tied to digital public infrastructure (DPI). The agentic web is only helpful if it creates reliable, secure intermediation that serves real human beings. AI could help if someone is busy, doesn’t speak English, or has a disability. There are many reasons this could matter for access. But without the right infrastructure, the experience becomes less reliable. The MCP pattern is appealing because it lets you leverage existing DPI components—identity, API exposures, payment APIs—by creating a middle layer between what an AI system “sees” and the underlying infrastructure the government already has, in a way that can be made more reliable. We’re starting with open data because it’s low risk and already public. But it could evolve to intermediation around service requests and other interactions. We believe the government should have the capability to build and steward this. But we can also imagine vendors incorporating this type of interface into the products they sell to governments. Let’s talk about security. What threats feel most realistic with agent systems, and how does MCP help? One concern is that our APIs are not always well secured. There are agentic browsers and tools that make it easy to automate interactions. And we’re seeing more and more traffic to boston.gov that isn’t from people, it’s from AI systems scraping and “deep searching.” It’s not hard to imagine AI tools also requesting services. A major risk is when an AI tool makes requests that aren’t tied to a real human need. You could have fraudulent requests or actors generating scarcity by consuming limited government resources and potentially reselling access, similar to ticket scalpers at concerts. Another risk is that without a controlled layer, it’s harder to secure and monitor the traffic between AI systems and government systems. What excites us about MCP servers is that this middleware could make it easier to block unauthorized inbound agentic requests with cybersecurity tools, while still enabling legitimate uses. The idea is: people who need services use an authorized channel that the government controls, can associate with identity, and can monitor and secure end-to-end. Without that middleware, government faces an uncomfortable choice: block agentic interaction entirely, or leave it open in the wild. MCP offers a middle ground: governance for agentic interactions. Are there things you’re intentionally not exposing MCP to right now? We’re starting with open data. Our AI policies in Boston, rolled out a couple of months ago, state that we’re not using AI to process information that could affect people’s lives, property, or civil liberties because of reliability issues and intrinsic, complex biases. So, for now, those are categories we avoid. It’s not just “a human in the loop.” We know AI intermediation can create adverse effects that are hard to detect and remediate. At the same time, we work closely with the disability community and with people who face language access issues. Government is hard to access for people who need it most. And those are often the same people least likely to have private access to LLMs, paid subscriptions, reliable internet, and personal devices. If you had a magic wand, what’s the biggest blocker you’d remove? There are technical gaps because MCP is new. Early on, MCP servers didn’t support some authentication pieces natively; we had to add frameworks to secure them. The ecosystem is changing fast. But the biggest thing is discoverability and ease of use. We need to get to a point where using MCP infrastructure is as easy as pointing an LLM to a URL. With websites, you type the name or use search. We need that for MCP: trivial discovery, trivial access, effectively zero barrier to entry. We’ve made it easier, but there’s still too much technical legwork. For another city that wants to move in this direction, what’s the action they should take now? Good metadata management is essential. LLMs consume data, but they don’t understand what it is without good descriptions and context. So it starts with good data governance. We intend to share this work. We’re proud of it, and it’s thanks to collaboration with the GovLab and the Burnes Center that we’ve been able to move quickly. We intend to make Open Context an open-source project so others can replicate it. The MCP server itself doesn’t cost a lot to run. Our goal is to make it as simple as deploying a package into whatever public cloud a city uses. The rest of the puzzle, how this ties into broader services, is something every city will have to solve, and we’re solving it in Boston, too. But importantly, data becomes useful only when people use it. Data quality improved when we started publishing open data. We think governance and quality will improve further when more people use open data. And we’re hoping GenAI makes it easier for people to use open data, so we can solve problems collectively. — A version of this interview was originally published at Reboot Democracy. View the full article

A fascinating paradox about expertise is that we use our experiences from the past to prepare ourselves for the future. We do that in several ways—some of which are more backward-looking and others of which prepare you for the future. The most obvious of the backward-looking strategies is habits. When you develop a habit, you are associating a specific environment with a particular behavior. When you engage in a habit, you are basically letting your past actions dictate what you do in the moment. And that isn’t a bad thing. Many aspects of the world are pretty stable, and you should continue to do what has worked for you in the past when nothing in the world has changed substantially. An extension of habits is that there are many settings in which we exploit our past preferences to drive future actions. If you have lived in a town for a long time, then you probably have some favorite restaurants. Every time you return to a frequent haunt, you are exploiting your past knowledge. Again, you’re allowing the past to dictate what you do now. And if you like that restaurant, you’re probably serving yourself well. Many new restaurants you might try can be disappointing. But, the world of work changes. You can’t rely just on your habits and your preferences for what has worked in the past. Technology changes. Laws change. Competitors are constantly trying to find ways to cut into any advantages you have. So, how can you overcome your tendency to allow the past to rule the future? Think about what can go wrong We often don’t consider the costs of continuing to do the same thing. Indeed, our habitual responses often happen quickly and unconsciously. So, we are already responding to the present based on the past before we have even thought about it. So, take some time to think about what happens if you continue to approach your career in the way you always have. Are there other people who will advance into positions you would prefer to have? Are there opportunities that you have missed because you keep doing the same thing? Are there factors like technology that may make aspects of your job obsolete? Because doing the same things you always have feels comfortable, you often focus on the benefits of the status quo. It takes effort to explore what can go wrong. At the corporate level, Kodak was famously the developer of digital imaging technology, but didn’t pursue it as a business. Their focus on the status quo led the company to avoid diving into the technology that ultimately upended film-based photography as the standard. Similarly, you should be thinking about the ways that your own tendency to continue doing things you have done in the past may lead you to miss out on new opportunities. Keep learning One of the best ways to ensure that you stay focused on new opportunities is to continue learning new things. Not only should you hone skills that are relevant to the job you have now, you should learn more broadly. That includes job skills that aren’t obviously related to your current position, but also things that don’t seem obviously job-related at all. Everything you learn leads you to see the world differently. When you learn a new fact or a new skill, it changes what you notice. New facts can cause you to interpret things in the world in a new way. Skills may enable you to notice details that were invisible until your new skill made them relevant. When you start to view the world differently, your habits and prior preferences begin to seem inadequate as responses. Your new learning naturally makes you dissatisfied with the way you have done things in the past. That opens you up to new potential career paths and to the need to adapt to changes in the world. Force yourself to explore Doing something different in your work life requires some effort. Exploiting your habits and your prior preferences is often the path of least resistance. Doing something consistent with what you have done previously is low-effort and leads to relatively predictable outcomes. Exploring new options involves more effort and also more uncertainty. But, you need to force yourself to engage in that exploration. Volunteer for new projects at work. Take a shot at some new responsibilities. Find ways to be part of discussions that are not typically required of your role. Not every exploratory venture at work will be a great success. You may not be ready for a project you’d like to help with. A new venture at work might turn out to be a dud. But, the openness to go beyond your normal work routine means you’ll also be more likely to see upcoming trends than you would if you continue focusing on the tried-and-true. Those efforts to break out of your rut will pay their dividends in the long-run. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Liz Reid, Google's head of search...View the full article

Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late supreme leader, has been named as the Islamic Republic’s next ruler, authorities announced Monday, as Tehran widened its attacks across the Mideast to strike oil and water facilities crucial to its desert sheikdoms. With Iran’s theocracy under assault by the U.S. and Israel for more than a week, the country’s Assembly of Experts chose as the next supreme leader a secretive, 56-year-old cleric who maintains close ties to the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The Guard has been firing missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf Arab states since the younger Khamenei’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed Feb. 28 during the war’s opening salvo. The war has shaken global energy markets, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel and leading to tighter supplies of natural gas after Qatar turned off its production. The younger Khamenei, who had not been seen or heard from publicly since the war started, had long been considered a contender for the post. That was even before the Israeli strike killed his father, and despite never being elected or appointed to a government position. There appeared to be some dissension over his selection. Political figures within Iran criticized the idea of handing over the supreme leader’s title based on heredity and thereby creating a clerical version of the rule of the shah, who was toppled during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But top clerics in the Assembly of Experts likely wanted Khamenei to prosecute the war. Khamenei, who is believed to hold views that are even more hard-line than his late father, now will be in charge of Iran’s armed forces and any decision regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. While the country’s key nuclear sites are in tatters after the United States bombed them during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, there’s still highly enriched uranium in Iran that’s a technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Khamenei could choose to do what his father never did — pursue the bomb. Israel has already described him as a potential target, while U.S. President Donald The President criticized the idea of Khamenei taking power. “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” The President has said. “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The President told ABC News on Sunday he wants a say in who comes to power once the war is over; a new leader “is not going to last long” without his approval. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a statement expressing support, as did the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani, speaking to Iranian state television, praised the Assembly of Experts for “courageously” convening even as airstrikes continued in Tehran. He said the younger Khamenei had been trained by his father and “can handle this situation.” Regional anger grows and oil rises above $100 a barrel Oil depots in Tehran smoldered following overnight Israeli strikes. In a sign of rising regional anger, the Arab League chief lashed out at Iran for its “reckless policy” of attacking neighbors, including ones that host U.S. forces. The U.S. military said a service member died of injuries from an Iranian attack on troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1. Seven U.S. soldiers have now been killed. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said Monday it intercepted a drone attacking the country’s massive Shaybah oil field. The kingdom followed the alleged drone attack with sharper warnings to Iran that it would be the “biggest loser” if it continued to attack Arab states. It dismissed comments by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday that Iran had halted its attacks on Gulf Arab states. “The kingdom affirms that the Iranian side has not implemented this statement in practice, neither during the Iranian president’s speech nor afterward,” Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Iran has continued its aggression based on flimsy pretexts devoid of any factual basis.” It added the Iranian attacks mean “further escalation which will have grave impact on the relations, currently and in the future.” Two U.S. officials say the State Department will order nonessential personnel and families of all staff to leave Saudi Arabia as Iran escalates its attacks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement. Eight other U.S. diplomatic missions have ordered all but key staff to leave: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 397 in Lebanon and at least 11 in Israel, according to officials. Israel reported its first soldier deaths Sunday, saying two were killed in southern Lebanon, where its military is fighting Hezbollah. Desalination and oil facilities attacked Bahrain accused Iran of indiscriminately attacking civilian targets and damaging one of its desalination plants, though its electricity and water authority said supplies remained online. Desalination plants supply water to millions of residents in the region and thousands of stranded travelers, raising new fears of catastrophic risks in parched desert nations. The strike came after Iran claimed a U.S. airstrike damaged a desalination plant there. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strike on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz had cut into the water supply to 30 villages. He warned that in doing so “the U.S. set this precedent, not Iran.” In response, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said that “U.S. forces do not target civilians – period.” The Iranian Red Crescent Society warned Tehran residents to take precautions against toxic air pollution and the risk of acid rain from the oil depot attack. It also said about 10,000 civilian structures across the country had been damaged, including homes, schools and almost three dozen health facilities. Lebanon says a half-million people displaced Lebanon said over a half-million people have been displaced in the week of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The actual number is likely higher. Lebanon’s count of 517,000 refers to those who registered on the government’s online portal. Israel over the past week has called on residents in dozens of villages across southern Lebanon and the entirety of Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate. In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm. Israel’s renewed offensive began last week after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel during the Iran war’s opening days. Associated Press journalists Melanie Lidman, Matthew Lee, Christopher Weber, and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting. —Jon Gambrell, Sam Metz, Kareem Chehayeb and Samy Magdy, Associated Press View the full article

Any avid reader undoubtedly recognizes him: the sleek, inquisitive bird frozen inside an orange oval that’s become Penguin Random House’s distinctive logo. With its new brand refresh, Penguin Random House UK is setting that iconic penguin free. The brand just unveiled a delightful series of hand-drawn illustrations, named the “Playful Penguins,” which show the penguin jumping, strutting, dancing, and doing a whole lot of reading. The illustrations will show up everywhere across the Penguin Random House’s global markets, from seasonal campaigns to social initiatives and point-of-sale displays—and they’re designed to bring some added joy and movement to the brand as it approaches its centennial. In the years following Random House and Penguin Books’ 2013 merger, the massive publishing house has focused on streamlining representations of the penguin to one core logo—the bird inside its lozenge—in order to maintain a consistent masterbrand. According to Derek Man, Penguin Random House UK’s design director, the company had an opportunity to “test and stretch” its brand for its 90th anniversary last year. At the time, his team uncovered a “rich collection of expressive illustrated penguins from our Bristol archive,” which they wove through the anniversary campaign. The public showed a major affinity for the bird, demonstrating to Man’s team that it was time to give the penguin an even bigger role in the brand. While, crucially, the iconic penguin inside his lozenge will remain the company’s core mark, Man says the Playful Penguins will help “answer the brand’s needs in 2026 and beyond” by setting clear guidelines for other ways that the penguin is permitted to trot, slide, and dance across the page. How the Penguin Random House bird became an iconThe origins of the Penguin Books penguin is something of a brand legend. It traces back to 1935, when Allen Lane, the founder of the publishing house, apparently received a piece of advice from his secretary that “Penguin” would be a good name to encapsulate a “dignified” yet “flippant” brand attitude. Soon after, Lane sent the 21-year-old illustrator Edward Young to the London Zoo, where, according to the oft-repeated tale, he apparently spent all day sketching penguins in action. His initial drawings are loose and playful, capturing a mischievous energy that suggests a creature constantly in motion. One of the first teaser ads for Penguin Books shows a series of six penguins scampering down a white page, accompanied by the text, “The penguins are coming. If you want to know what this is all about, turn over quickly to the next page.” In the decades since Young’s initial sketches, the penguin has been shaped by the hands of multiple other creatives. In 1937, the logo was updated to a version with the penguin dancing and looking to the right, rather than the left. In 1939, it was tweaked to a more serious-looking bird. Arguably the most influential version of the bird came courtesy of graphic designer and typographer Jan Tschichold in 1946, whose penguin features thicker black lines and wings tucked demurely at its sides. When the design agency Pentagram was asked to update the logo in 2003—the iteration that Penguin Random House still uses today—Tschichold’s gold standard served as the basis of its design, which is just a bit slimmer with a jauntily upturned beak. After the 90th celebrations, Man says “it became very clear” that there was a need to create something that could continue the spirit of these archival illustrations, yet that was fit for contemporary use. To achieve that, he took the London-based illustrator Matt Blease on a trip back through these archives for inspiration. ‘I became part penguin for this project’For Blease, trawling through Penguin Random House’s archival assets was only the beginning. In fact, he says, he “became part penguin” for the project. “I spent hours watching footage of how penguins walk, twist, turn, and slide,” Blease says. “I absorbed as much as I could and then let it flow out onto my sketchbook as loosely as possible. It’s always a bit of a brain dump at the brainstorming stage. You’re sketching faster than ever, trying to keep up with your brain. It becomes all-encompassing, totally locked into the act of drawing. It’s a beautiful moment when you look up and actually see the work en masse.” Throughout this creative exercise, Blease was working with one key parameter: The penguins needed to look like Penguin Random House’s iconic logo (who, he says, is internally named “Alan”), but they couldn’t be the exact same bird. Instead, he imagined them as “part of the same family,” sketching out penguins that might reasonably be “guests at Alan’s wedding.” Man says this approach allowed Penguin Random House to “channel that sense of play in a controlled and cohesive way,” ensuring that the Playful Penguins could frolic without disrupting Alan’s status as the brand’s most recognizable asset. “Importantly, these illustrations have been carefully crafted to be visually distinct from the logo through differences in form and texture,” Man explains. “This clear distinction allows our iconic lozenge Penguin to remain untouched—continuing to stand proudly as one of our strongest and most recognizable brand assets, while providing teams with a flexible, engaging set of assets designed for creative use.” Blease’s illustrations bring a warm, analogue feel to Penguin Random House’s brand that reflect the publisher’s visual past while setting it up for its next chapter. View the full article

Creating a corporation involves several vital steps that guarantee legal compliance and effective governance. First, you need to choose a unique name and file the Articles of Incorporation with your state. Then, you’ll appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws to outline operations. Don’t forget to hold an initial board meeting to adopt these bylaws. Each step is critical for laying a solid foundation, so let’s explore these processes in detail. Key Takeaways Choose a unique name for your corporation, ensuring it complies with California regulations and includes a corporate designator. File the Articles of Incorporation, providing necessary details and paying applicable state filing fees. Appoint directors to oversee management, and document their appointments for compliance and transparency. Draft and adopt bylaws outlining governance structure, meeting procedures, and voting protocols. Identify and obtain necessary licenses, permits, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to ensure legal operation. Choose a Name for Your Corporation When you’re ready to create a corporation, how do you choose the right name? Start by ensuring it complies with California corporation formation regulations. Your corporation’s name must include a corporate designator like “Corp,” “Inc,” or “Ltd.” Next, check if your chosen name is already in use; it can’t be identical or too similar to an existing corporation’s name. Furthermore, avoid words suggesting government affiliation or restricted activities, as these might violate state laws. Conduct a trademark search to confirm your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks, which could lead to legal issues. Finally, verify its legality and availability with the Secretary of State’s office before proceeding with your registration. File Articles of Incorporation Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in establishing your corporation, as this legal document officially creates your business entity. In New York, you’ll need to prepare the articles, also referred to as the certificate of incorporation, which must include critical details like your corporation’s name, principal office address, registered agent’s name and address, the number of authorized shares, and the incorporator’s information. Each state has its own filing fees, ranging typically from $50 to several hundred dollars. Many states, including New York, allow you to file articles of incorporation online, speeding up the process. Once submitted, the state reviews your articles, and if approved, you’ll receive your certificate of incorporation NY, confirming your corporation’s legal standing. Appoint Corporate Directors When you appoint corporate directors, you’re selecting individuals responsible for overseeing your corporation’s management and making key policy decisions. Most states require at least one director, but some may need more, depending on your corporation’s structure. It’s essential to follow state laws regarding qualifications and to document these appointments properly for compliance and transparency. Responsibilities of Directors Corporate directors play an important role in steering the organization in the direction of success by making significant policy and financial decisions. They guarantee the corporation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Directors are responsible for electing corporate officers who handle daily operations and implement the board’s strategic decisions. Maintaining accurate corporate records is critical, including documenting meeting minutes to reflect governance activities. For example, directors must be familiar with the California Limited Liability Company operating agreement and the articles of incorporation for a New York corporation, as these documents outline key operational guidelines. Number of Required Directors Comprehending the number of required directors is vital when establishing a corporation, as it directly affects governance and decision-making. Most states require at least one director, but if your corporation has multiple shareholders, you might need a minimum of three directors. Directors oversee corporate governance and guarantee compliance with regulations, so selecting the right individuals is critical. In a single-member corporation, you can serve as the only director, simplifying your s corp operating agreement. Keep in mind that states have specific age and residency requirements for directors, often mandating a minimum age of 18. Always consult your state’s regulations to confirm the exact requirements for directors before finalizing your inc filing, securing your corporation’s legal compliance from the start. Draft the Bylaws When you draft the bylaws, you’re setting up the vital governance structure for your corporation. This includes outlining meeting procedures, voting protocols, and the process for amending the bylaws as needed. It’s imperative to guarantee these documents comply with state laws and are regularly reviewed to reflect your corporation’s evolving needs. Governance Structure Outline Establishing a well-defined governance structure is crucial for the effective operation of a corporation, so drafting bylaws becomes a necessary step in this process. These bylaws outline the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, detailing how many directors are needed, their term lengths, and the processes for their election or removal. It’s important to include rules for board meetings, including quorum requirements and notice periods for transparency. You’ll likewise want to specify how the bylaws can be amended during guaranteeing compliance with state laws, similar to an California operating agreement in California or a California agreement. Consulting with a legal professional during drafting these bylaws can help tailor them to your corporation’s unique needs and guarantee legality. Meeting Procedures and Protocols To guarantee smooth operations within a corporation, it’s vital to clearly outline meeting procedures and protocols in your bylaws. Your corporate bylaws should specify how often meetings occur, how much notice is required, and the quorum needed for decision-making. Furthermore, you must record minutes from all meetings to maintain transparency and legal compliance. Bylaws must also detail voting procedures for directors and shareholders, including methods like in-person or electronic voting, along with the majority thresholds for decisions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGQqcg0EpEY It’s important to include rules regarding appointing and removing directors and officers to guarantee accountability. When drafting your small business corporation form, keep in mind that these bylaws can be amended but typically require a specific process to involve stakeholders. Amendment and Review Process Amending and reviewing your corporate bylaws is crucial for maintaining an effective governance structure, especially as your business evolves. Your bylaws define the rules guiding your corporation, and they need to adapt to changes, like an s corporation conversion to LLC. To guarantee your bylaws remain relevant, consider these key aspects: Directors: Determine the number of directors, their qualifications, and election procedures. Amendments: Clearly define the process for making changes, including notice and voting requirements. Review: Store your bylaws with corporate records and schedule regular reviews to stay compliant with state laws. Hold a First Meeting of the Board of Directors Once you’ve filed your articles of incorporation, it’s time to hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors, which plays a crucial role in establishing your corporation. This meeting typically occurs after you receive your certificate of corporation NY, marking your new york corporate registration. During this initial gathering, you’ll adopt corporate bylaws and appoint corporate officers. It’s also vital to set the corporation’s fiscal year and document all decisions accurately in the meeting minutes, as these serve as a formal record. Most states require compliance with the bylaws for procedures and voting, so make sure you’re familiar with these guidelines. Finally, consider discussing the potential election of S corporation status to understand its tax implications. Issue Corporate Stock Issuing corporate stock is a critical step in establishing your corporation’s ownership structure and facilitating investment. You’ll need to determine the number of shares to issue according to your articles of incorporation and state regulations. This formalizes ownership interests and allows shareholders to invest in your company. Provide stock certificates or electronic records to shareholders. Maintain accurate records of stock issuance, including details of each transaction. Guarantee compliance with securities laws, especially if you plan to register stock offerings with the SEC. As you navigate this process, keep in mind that comprehending how to file an LLC in California and completing California LLC registration can help you establish a solid foundation for your corporation. Obtain Licenses and Permits How can you guarantee your corporation operates legally and efficiently? Start by identifying and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local authorities. These requirements vary by industry and location. Common licenses include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a seller’s permit for retail businesses, and zoning permits from local planning boards. If you’re wondering how to form an LLC in California or how to register LLC in California, be sure to check the specific licensing needs for your industry, especially if you’re in healthcare or legal services. Additionally, keep in mind that some licenses need periodic renewal, so keep track of expiration dates to avoid disruptions in your operations. The SBA offers resources to assist you in this process. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Steps to Start a Corporation? To start a corporation, first choose a unique name that meets state regulations and includes a corporate designator like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Next, file articles of incorporation, including crucial details such as your registered agent and office address. Appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws for governance. Hold an initial meeting to adopt these bylaws and appoint officers. Finally, secure any necessary licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Can I Start a Corporation by Myself? Yes, you can start a corporation by yourself as a single-member entity. You’ll need to file articles of incorporation with your state’s corporate office, designating yourself as the incorporator and possibly the sole director. It’s important to follow corporate formalities, such as adopting bylaws and holding initial meetings. Even though you’ll typically be the sole shareholder, you can issue stock. Consulting a business attorney can help guarantee you comply with state regulations during this process. Is It Better to LLC or Incorporate? Choosing between an LLC and a corporation depends on your business goals. An LLC offers simplicity, pass-through taxation, and fewer compliance requirements, making it ideal for smaller operations. Conversely, incorporating allows for stock issuance and potential access to larger investments, but it comes with double taxation and more regulatory formalities. If you plan to grow considerably and seek outside funding, a corporation might be better, whereas an LLC suits simpler, smaller ventures. What Is the First Step for a Corporation? The first step for a corporation is selecting a unique business name that meets state regulations. You need to include a corporate designator, like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Confirm your name isn’t already in use or infringing on trademarks. Conducting a trademark search is essential to avoid legal issues. Furthermore, verify your name with the state’s Secretary of State office to guarantee compliance with naming rules before moving on to the next incorporation steps. Conclusion Creating a corporation is a structured process that involves several important steps. By choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, appointing directors, and drafting bylaws, you establish a solid foundation for your business. Holding an initial board meeting, issuing stock, and obtaining the required licenses guarantee legal compliance and operational readiness. Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the intricacies of incorporation and set your corporation up for future success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Create a Corporation – Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating a corporation involves several vital steps that guarantee legal compliance and effective governance. First, you need to choose a unique name and file the Articles of Incorporation with your state. Then, you’ll appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws to outline operations. Don’t forget to hold an initial board meeting to adopt these bylaws. Each step is critical for laying a solid foundation, so let’s explore these processes in detail. Key Takeaways Choose a unique name for your corporation, ensuring it complies with California regulations and includes a corporate designator. File the Articles of Incorporation, providing necessary details and paying applicable state filing fees. Appoint directors to oversee management, and document their appointments for compliance and transparency. Draft and adopt bylaws outlining governance structure, meeting procedures, and voting protocols. Identify and obtain necessary licenses, permits, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to ensure legal operation. Choose a Name for Your Corporation When you’re ready to create a corporation, how do you choose the right name? Start by ensuring it complies with California corporation formation regulations. Your corporation’s name must include a corporate designator like “Corp,” “Inc,” or “Ltd.” Next, check if your chosen name is already in use; it can’t be identical or too similar to an existing corporation’s name. Furthermore, avoid words suggesting government affiliation or restricted activities, as these might violate state laws. Conduct a trademark search to confirm your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks, which could lead to legal issues. Finally, verify its legality and availability with the Secretary of State’s office before proceeding with your registration. File Articles of Incorporation Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in establishing your corporation, as this legal document officially creates your business entity. In New York, you’ll need to prepare the articles, also referred to as the certificate of incorporation, which must include critical details like your corporation’s name, principal office address, registered agent’s name and address, the number of authorized shares, and the incorporator’s information. Each state has its own filing fees, ranging typically from $50 to several hundred dollars. Many states, including New York, allow you to file articles of incorporation online, speeding up the process. Once submitted, the state reviews your articles, and if approved, you’ll receive your certificate of incorporation NY, confirming your corporation’s legal standing. Appoint Corporate Directors When you appoint corporate directors, you’re selecting individuals responsible for overseeing your corporation’s management and making key policy decisions. Most states require at least one director, but some may need more, depending on your corporation’s structure. It’s essential to follow state laws regarding qualifications and to document these appointments properly for compliance and transparency. Responsibilities of Directors Corporate directors play an important role in steering the organization in the direction of success by making significant policy and financial decisions. They guarantee the corporation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Directors are responsible for electing corporate officers who handle daily operations and implement the board’s strategic decisions. Maintaining accurate corporate records is critical, including documenting meeting minutes to reflect governance activities. For example, directors must be familiar with the California Limited Liability Company operating agreement and the articles of incorporation for a New York corporation, as these documents outline key operational guidelines. Number of Required Directors Comprehending the number of required directors is vital when establishing a corporation, as it directly affects governance and decision-making. Most states require at least one director, but if your corporation has multiple shareholders, you might need a minimum of three directors. Directors oversee corporate governance and guarantee compliance with regulations, so selecting the right individuals is critical. In a single-member corporation, you can serve as the only director, simplifying your s corp operating agreement. Keep in mind that states have specific age and residency requirements for directors, often mandating a minimum age of 18. Always consult your state’s regulations to confirm the exact requirements for directors before finalizing your inc filing, securing your corporation’s legal compliance from the start. Draft the Bylaws When you draft the bylaws, you’re setting up the vital governance structure for your corporation. This includes outlining meeting procedures, voting protocols, and the process for amending the bylaws as needed. It’s imperative to guarantee these documents comply with state laws and are regularly reviewed to reflect your corporation’s evolving needs. Governance Structure Outline Establishing a well-defined governance structure is crucial for the effective operation of a corporation, so drafting bylaws becomes a necessary step in this process. These bylaws outline the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, detailing how many directors are needed, their term lengths, and the processes for their election or removal. It’s important to include rules for board meetings, including quorum requirements and notice periods for transparency. You’ll likewise want to specify how the bylaws can be amended during guaranteeing compliance with state laws, similar to an California operating agreement in California or a California agreement. Consulting with a legal professional during drafting these bylaws can help tailor them to your corporation’s unique needs and guarantee legality. Meeting Procedures and Protocols To guarantee smooth operations within a corporation, it’s vital to clearly outline meeting procedures and protocols in your bylaws. Your corporate bylaws should specify how often meetings occur, how much notice is required, and the quorum needed for decision-making. Furthermore, you must record minutes from all meetings to maintain transparency and legal compliance. Bylaws must also detail voting procedures for directors and shareholders, including methods like in-person or electronic voting, along with the majority thresholds for decisions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGQqcg0EpEY It’s important to include rules regarding appointing and removing directors and officers to guarantee accountability. When drafting your small business corporation form, keep in mind that these bylaws can be amended but typically require a specific process to involve stakeholders. Amendment and Review Process Amending and reviewing your corporate bylaws is crucial for maintaining an effective governance structure, especially as your business evolves. Your bylaws define the rules guiding your corporation, and they need to adapt to changes, like an s corporation conversion to LLC. To guarantee your bylaws remain relevant, consider these key aspects: Directors: Determine the number of directors, their qualifications, and election procedures. Amendments: Clearly define the process for making changes, including notice and voting requirements. Review: Store your bylaws with corporate records and schedule regular reviews to stay compliant with state laws. Hold a First Meeting of the Board of Directors Once you’ve filed your articles of incorporation, it’s time to hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors, which plays a crucial role in establishing your corporation. This meeting typically occurs after you receive your certificate of corporation NY, marking your new york corporate registration. During this initial gathering, you’ll adopt corporate bylaws and appoint corporate officers. It’s also vital to set the corporation’s fiscal year and document all decisions accurately in the meeting minutes, as these serve as a formal record. Most states require compliance with the bylaws for procedures and voting, so make sure you’re familiar with these guidelines. Finally, consider discussing the potential election of S corporation status to understand its tax implications. Issue Corporate Stock Issuing corporate stock is a critical step in establishing your corporation’s ownership structure and facilitating investment. You’ll need to determine the number of shares to issue according to your articles of incorporation and state regulations. This formalizes ownership interests and allows shareholders to invest in your company. Provide stock certificates or electronic records to shareholders. Maintain accurate records of stock issuance, including details of each transaction. Guarantee compliance with securities laws, especially if you plan to register stock offerings with the SEC. As you navigate this process, keep in mind that comprehending how to file an LLC in California and completing California LLC registration can help you establish a solid foundation for your corporation. Obtain Licenses and Permits How can you guarantee your corporation operates legally and efficiently? Start by identifying and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local authorities. These requirements vary by industry and location. Common licenses include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a seller’s permit for retail businesses, and zoning permits from local planning boards. If you’re wondering how to form an LLC in California or how to register LLC in California, be sure to check the specific licensing needs for your industry, especially if you’re in healthcare or legal services. Additionally, keep in mind that some licenses need periodic renewal, so keep track of expiration dates to avoid disruptions in your operations. The SBA offers resources to assist you in this process. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Steps to Start a Corporation? To start a corporation, first choose a unique name that meets state regulations and includes a corporate designator like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Next, file articles of incorporation, including crucial details such as your registered agent and office address. Appoint a board of directors and draft bylaws for governance. Hold an initial meeting to adopt these bylaws and appoint officers. Finally, secure any necessary licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Can I Start a Corporation by Myself? Yes, you can start a corporation by yourself as a single-member entity. You’ll need to file articles of incorporation with your state’s corporate office, designating yourself as the incorporator and possibly the sole director. It’s important to follow corporate formalities, such as adopting bylaws and holding initial meetings. Even though you’ll typically be the sole shareholder, you can issue stock. Consulting a business attorney can help guarantee you comply with state regulations during this process. Is It Better to LLC or Incorporate? Choosing between an LLC and a corporation depends on your business goals. An LLC offers simplicity, pass-through taxation, and fewer compliance requirements, making it ideal for smaller operations. Conversely, incorporating allows for stock issuance and potential access to larger investments, but it comes with double taxation and more regulatory formalities. If you plan to grow considerably and seek outside funding, a corporation might be better, whereas an LLC suits simpler, smaller ventures. What Is the First Step for a Corporation? The first step for a corporation is selecting a unique business name that meets state regulations. You need to include a corporate designator, like “Inc.” or “Corp.” Confirm your name isn’t already in use or infringing on trademarks. Conducting a trademark search is essential to avoid legal issues. Furthermore, verify your name with the state’s Secretary of State office to guarantee compliance with naming rules before moving on to the next incorporation steps. Conclusion Creating a corporation is a structured process that involves several important steps. By choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, appointing directors, and drafting bylaws, you establish a solid foundation for your business. Holding an initial board meeting, issuing stock, and obtaining the required licenses guarantee legal compliance and operational readiness. Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the intricacies of incorporation and set your corporation up for future success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Create a Corporation – Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Publishers are losing ground with younger audiences as creators, video, and platform-native content reshape how news is discovered and trusted. The post Why We Need To Talk About Young People appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Treasury yields swung wildly after a soft jobs report as oil's surge added a new complication for the Fed, raising concerns about the rate path ahead, according to the head of correspondent business development at AD Mortgage. View the full article

OpenAI has begun testing ads in ChatGPT for a limited set of U.S. users, with placements clearly labeled as sponsored. The platform’s internal economics suggest it’ll be available to everyone sooner rather than later. When it does, advertisers will have access to a rare new channel for demand capture. But advertisers should enter this space with their eyes wide open. For ChatGPT advertising to be successful, consumer behavior will need to change. And even if it does, ChatGPT won’t expand the advertising market. It’ll redistribute it. Why ChatGPT is moving into ads The fact that ads have arrived on ChatGPT should come as no surprise. By some estimates, a large language model (LLM) query costs 10 times as much as a traditional search query. With 2.5 billion prompts every day, ChatGPT’s expenses add up quickly. What’s different isn’t the business model shift itself. It’s the data environment. Users have spent years feeding personal information, questions, and ideas into ChatGPT. In many ways, the platform knows more about its users than any comparable advertising tool. The big question now is how ChatGPT will harness this data to target users. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with ChatGPT could become a new demand-capture channel Advertising historically relied on generating demand: repeating a message enough times that buyers eventually acted. Search changed that by meeting buyers at the moment of intent. ChatGPT has the potential to follow the search model, but with more context. It’s easy to envision a scenario where someone asks which security camera will work with their existing system. The platform already knows everything about the user’s security system, so it delivers the correct answer and a link to purchase. When this happens, ChatGPT will be the first new demand-capture channel to emerge since Google launched pay-per-click ads nearly two decades ago. But right now, there are a few significant barriers preventing this from happening. For starters, most current AI queries lack purchase intent. Instead, they’re mostly informational: lists of Super Bowl halftime performers, storm-preparation tips, and workout routines. Compare that with existing platforms like Amazon and Google, which have spent decades training users to search with intent. Even when users do shop through AI, there’s an attribution problem: consumers often use ChatGPT for research, then complete the purchase on Amazon, Google, or directly on a brand site. That breaks clean conversion tracking and makes “proof” harder than “impact.” These challenges aren’t impossible to overcome. Google went through the same process early on as it transitioned from a homework tool to a shopping platform. But it took time. ChatGPT will also need time to train consumers to use AI for shopping. So expect to see ChatGPT begin running commercials designed to train consumers to move from research queries to purchase-oriented ones. While the possibility of a genuinely new demand-capture advertising platform is undeniably exciting, be realistic about its true potential. Dig deeper: OpenAI quietly lays groundwork for ads in ChatGPT Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Market share reality check AI can do many things exceptionally well, but it won’t expand the advertising pie. ChatGPT ads won’t suddenly introduce a surge of new consumers into the market. Ecommerce purchases will continue to grow at the same rate regardless of which new advertising platforms come online. Instead, ChatGPT will capture a portion of the existing advertising share from Google, Meta, and Amazon. Consequently, advertiser budgets will likely shift rather than grow significantly. ChatGPT’s largest competitors won’t give up market share without a fight. Google, in particular, has its own AI platform, Gemini, and an existing group of active advertisers it can draw from. These are powerful competitive headwinds for ChatGPT, which is recruiting its first group of advertisers from scratch. Competition will be fierce among AI platforms as they race to reach profitability, and market consolidation seems inevitable. But even in that environment, ChatGPT has an opportunity to do something other platforms can’t. The differentiator: Hyper-personalization AI queries already lean heavily toward information gathering. Users employ these tools to help them plan everything from vacations to workout routines to tough conversations with their bosses. Taken together, AI platforms can learn more about individual users’ tastes and preferences than any other tool. This capability unlocks hyper-personalization at scale. Knowing everything that it does, AI can return perfectly tailored results with a one-click purchase option. Google and Amazon can’t match this capability because they still rely on users searching for particular specs, product names, or model numbers to deliver results. There’s risk here. Hyper-personalization can feel invasive. Some users will opt out entirely, just as some consumers avoid always-on devices in their homes. Meta ran into this dynamic years ago as public backlash forced changes in targeting and data practices. This is where the distinction between demand capture and demand generation matters. Demand capture advertising generally feels less intrusive because it’s tied to a user’s explicit request. Most consumers will appreciate getting exactly what they ask for when they want it. But they’ll likely revolt if highly personalized and unsolicited ads start following them around the web. If AI platforms can maintain that boundary, the convenience of hyper-personalization will ultimately win out for most users. Dig deeper: ChatGPT ads collapse the wall between SEO and paid media What you should do now While OpenAI has already begun reaching out to select advertisers, it could be a year before we begin seeing widespread advertising on ChatGPT or other AI platforms. However, you should be prepared to move whenever that moment arrives. So watch for official communications from OpenAI about ChatGPT advertising and, when possible, sign up for platform notifications. In the meantime, you can make these few practical moves: Align internally on measurement expectations: If the channel starts as research-heavy, last-click ROAS may understate performance. Build room for assisted conversions and incrementality. Pressure-test mobile UX and checkout friction: Demand capture punishes slow experiences. If AI shortens the path to purchase, your site has to close quickly. Plan conservative early tests: Being an early adopter carries risk (immature controls, evolving placements), but it also creates an edge: faster learning on a genuinely new demand-capture surface. New demand-capture channels don’t come along often. ChatGPT advertising could become one of them, but the winners won’t be the brands that rush in blindly. They’ll be the ones who enter with a clear thesis, realistic measurement, and a strategy built around trust. View the full article

Oil prices spiked near $120 per barrel before falling back Monday as the Iran war intensified, threatening production and shipping in the Middle East and pummeling financial markets. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, surged to $119.50 per barrel early in the day but later was trading near $106 per barrel, up 14%, before the opening bell. West Texas Intermediate, the light, sweet crude oil produced in the United States, soared above $119.48 per barrel but fell back closer to $103. The war’s toll on civilian targets grew as Bahrain accused Iran of striking a desalination plant vital to drinking water supplies. Bahrain’s national oil company declared force majeure for its shipments after an Iranian attack set its refinery complex ablaze. The legal declaration releases the company of contractual obligations because of extraordinary circumstances. Oil depots in Tehran smoldered following overnight strikes by Israel. Oil prices have surged as the war, now in its second week, ensnares countries and places that are critical to the production and movement of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. Prices moderated after the Financial Times reported that some members of the Group of Seven industrial nations were considering releases of strategic oil reserves to alleviate pressure on the markets. French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that “the use of strategic reserves is an envisaged option.” He said G7 leaders could meet this week to coordinate a response to climbing energy prices. France currently holds the rotating presidency of the G7 group. Separately, finance ministers from the G7 nations are meeting Monday by video conference to discuss the repercussions from the war. On Saturday, President Donald The President downplayed the idea of turning to America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, saying U.S. supplies were ample and prices would soon fall. Roughly 15 million barrels of crude oil — about 20% of the world’s oil — typically are shipped every day through the Strait of Hormuz, according to independent research firm Rystad Energy. The threat of Iranian missile and drone attacks has all but stopped tankers carrying oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran from traveling through the strait, which is bordered in the north by Iran. Iraq, Kuwait and the UAE have cut oil production as storage tanks fill due to the reduced ability to export crude. Iran, Israel and the United States also have attacked oil and gas facilities since the war started, worsening supply concerns. The surge in costs for oil and natural gas is pushing fuel prices higher, cascading through other industries and jolting Asian economies that are especially vulnerable due to the region’s heavy reliance on imports from the Middle East. Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, mostly to China, which has called for an immediate end to the fighting. Beijing may need to look elsewhere for supply if Iran’s exports are disrupted, another factor that could increase energy prices. “All parties have their responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supplies,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in a briefing Monday. “China will take necessary measures to safeguard its own energy security.” South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned Monday of strict penalties for refiners and gas stations caught hoarding or colluding on prices, saying it would be wise to find alternatives to supplies that must travel through the Strait of Hormuz. Across Southeast Asia, the spike in prices has led to long lines outside filling stations. “Higher oil and gas prices will affect everyone and our economy,” said Le Van Tu, who was waiting outside a gas station in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. “All activities, including those using petrol based transportation will be affected.” South Korea’s Kospi tumbled 6% to 5,251.87. The last time Brent and U.S. crude futures traded near the current level was in 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine. Higher energy costs push inflation higher, straining household budgets and denting the consumer spending that is a main driver of many big economies. Those worries have spilled into financial markets, pulling share prices sharply lower. In the U.S., the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline rose to $3.48 as of early Monday, up nearly 50 cents from a week earlier, according to AAA motor club. Diesel, used heavily in shipping, sold for about $4.66 a gallon, a weekly increase of more than 80 cents. The price of natural gas in the U.S. also has climbed during the war, though not by as much as oil. It was selling for about $3.34 per 1,000 cubic feet early Monday. That’s up from Friday’s closing price of $3.19. This story has been corrected to show that the Israel-U.S. attacks on Iran started Feb. 28, not March 1. Kurtenbach reported from Bangkok. Associated Press journalist John Leicester contributed from Paris. —Alex Veiga and Elaine Kurtenbach, AP business writers 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. Outdoor security cameras have become common, but the ones that balance good video quality with simple setup still tend to cost a fair bit. That’s why this deal is worth a look. Right now, a two-pack of Arlo Essential Spotlight Cameras is $151.29 at Woot, compared with $259.99 on Amazon for the same bundle. If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free standard shipping; otherwise, shipping costs $6. Woot doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, PO Boxes, or APO addresses. The deal is scheduled to run for a week, though it could end earlier if the cameras sell out. Physically, the cameras are small and designed for outdoor use, with an IP65 weather-resistant body that can handle rain and dust. They run on a rechargeable battery rated for up to six months, although the exact lifespan depends on how often motion events occur. Also, the battery isn’t removable, so you’ll need to take the whole camera down and bring it inside when it’s time to recharge, notes this PCMag review. Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera $151.29 at Woot $259.99 Save $108.70 Get Deal Get Deal $151.29 at Woot $259.99 Save $108.70 The camera records 1080p video with a 130-degree field of view, which gives you a wide look at driveways, yards, or entryways without needing multiple cameras. Daytime footage looks crisp and detailed, and the camera includes 12× digital zoom if you want to inspect something in the frame more closely. As for its nighttime footage, when motion is detected, a built-in LED spotlight can turn on and light up the scene so the camera records color night video instead of the usual black-and-white view. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, which means you can view the feed on a smart display or trigger other smart home devices when motion is detected. This camera does not support Apple HomeKit. Motion alerts show up quickly on your phone, and the system can identify people, animals, and vehicles with Arlo’s advanced detection features. The catch is that those smarter alerts and recorded clips require an Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, you still get live viewing and basic alerts, but saved video and some detection tools are locked behind a monthly plan starting at $7.99 per month for one camera. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB + $100 Amazon Gift Card (Black) — $899.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Shares in Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS) are soaring this morning after an unconfirmed report that the telehealth company is entering into a deal with Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) to sell its popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy. The rumored deal is as surprising as Hims & Hers’s surging stock price this morning, especially considering that just last month, Novo was threatening to sue the telehealth provider. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Late on Friday, Bloomberg reported that Hims & Hers has reached an agreement with the Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk to sell Novo’s weight-loss drugs, including the popular GLP-1 pill Wegovy. According to the publication, which cited an anonymous source, the news could be publicly announced as soon as today. Fast Company has reached out to Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk for comment. The reported partnership between the two firms would be a stunning reversal in their relationship, which, as recently as last month, was highly acrimonious. Their feud stems from an announcement in early February that Hims & Hers would sell a compounded version of Novo’s Wegovy weight-loss pill at a third of the price Novo sells it for. Hims & Hers said its compounded version would sell for $49 per month, before rising to $99. Novo sells its Wegovy for $149 per month. While Novo Nordisk owns the patent to Wegovy, Hims & Hers sought to get around this by offering not a generic version of the drug but a compounded one. Compounded drugs are ones that are nearly identical copies of a drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sometimes allows pharmacists to create compounded versions of drugs when the name-brand version is a short supply, as was the case with many GLP-1 drugs in 2024 and 2025. However, by the middle of 2025, the GLP-1 shortage was largely resolved, and compounding pharmacies were ordered to stop making their compounded versions of the drugs. Regardless, in February, Hims & Hers announced it would sell its own GLP-1 drug made from semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Wegovy. This led to fierce backlash from Novo Nordisk, which threatened to sue Hims & Hers. The FDA similarly threatened to take action against the telehealth company. As a result, shortly after announcing its Wegovy knockoff, Hims & Hers said it would no longer release its own version. Given the contentious nature of this ordeal, few thought Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk would ever play nice together in the future. But according to Bloomberg’s report, that’s just what the two companies are planning to do now. Why is Novo playing nice with Hims now? While Novo and Hims & Hers did briefly have an agreement to sell the Danish company’s branded Wegovy on its platform in 2025, that deal fell through in less than two months. Few expected the two companies to work together again. Yet, if Bloomberg’s report is accurate, they now are. But why? The most likely reason is that Novo Nordisk wants to expand the market for Wegovy, and the fastest way to do that is to have the medication available for purchase in as many places and on as many platforms as possible. Wegovy isn’t the only weight-loss drug available, and it risks being overshadowed by the accelerating adoption of other drugs. As Hims & Hers becomes increasingly popular among consumers as a source for their medications, Novo has likely concluded that the platform’s rising popularity is worth setting aside old hostilities to help Wegovy capture as much market share as possible. How are HIMS and NVO share prices reacting? The share price of Hims & Hers is skyrocketing on the report that the telehealth firm has reached a new deal with Novo Nordisk. As of the time of this writing, in premarket trading, HIMS stock is up nearly 45% to $22.77. On Friday, HIMS stock closed at $15.74. Unfortunately for Novo Nordisk investors, the rumored partnership has had a relatively negligible impact on NVO stock. As of the time of this writing, NVO shares are up about half a percent to $38.79 in premarket. Before this morning’s premarket boost, HIMS stock was down over 51% year to date. This means that if the HIMS gains hold, the stock could earn back most of its 2026 losses in just one trading session. As for Novo Nordisk, the company’s stock price is also down significantly year to date. As of Friday’s close at $38.58, NVO shares had lost nearly 25% of their value since 2026 began. View the full article

Discover how AI visibility to eligibility marketing is reshaping strategies in fast-changing digital advertising. The post How AI Is Reshaping Who Gets Recommended: Marketing In The Eligibility Era appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article