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ChatGPT Search adds shopping, WhatsApp integration, and improved citations. Memory integration is coming soon. The post ChatGPT Adds Shopping, WhatsApp Search, & Improved Citations appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The Elgato Stream Deck sits on the desk of your favorite Twitch and YouTube streamers, just off camera. It's there, trust me. I know, because using its customizable LCD buttons is one of the easiest ways to launch and manage apps without disrupting what you're doing. In other words, what makes the Stream Deck useful for streamers also makes it a powerful productivity tool. I've been advocating using gaming peripherals for productivity for—is it already almost a decade?—and the Stream Deck takes that advice to the next level. It's is much more customizable than your typical gaming keyboard, allowing you to assign common tasks, launch apps, and automate complex workflows from a single button. And you can slap on your own colorful icon, too. All models of the Stream Deck—I've explained the differences between all of them at the bottom of this article—rely on the same Stream Deck software for Windows and macOS to customize your keys. That app is where the real power lies, so here's how to make the most of it. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 $129.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $149.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now Shop Now $129.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $149.99 Save $20.00 Elgato Stream Deck Neo $79.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now Shop Now $79.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $20.00 Elgato Stream Deck + $179.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now Shop Now $179.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.99 Save $20.00 Elgato Stream Deck XL $249.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $249.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg SEE 1 MORE Launch your essentials instantlySometimes, it's easier for me to get started working when I have a visible reminder of where to start, and the Stream Deck can help me with that. My default Essentials layout gives me shortcuts to the apps and sites I use for work, and it can launch each with a quick button press. The Stream Deck's "Open" action (under System) lets you open commonly used apps, or even specific files. Pair this with the "Website" action to launch web-based tools like internal dashboards or project management tools and your entire workflow is easily accessible. You can even use Multi Action (more on that below) to launch all your tools at once with a single button press. Control your meeting chaosEvery mic is always hot, or so my audio engineer friends keep trying to tell me. So, I am constantly, justifiably paranoid about whether my mic is muted. Fortunately, the Stream Deck makes it easier to avoid muting mixups. The official Elgato plugins for Zoom, Teams, and Discord give you buttons to mute your mic or toggle your camera. These buttons will also show you whether your mic or camera are on, even if the window isn't in focus. You can also access features like screen sharing, recording, or even leaving the meeting instantly, regardless of whether the meeting window is active. Because nothing's more awkward than being the last two people still in the meeting, according to my persistent anxiety disorder. Automate text snippets and repliesThe best way I've ever found to automatically insert frequently used text snippets is, well, the Logitech G600 I'm still using. But if I didn't have that, the Stream Deck would be my go-to. The "Text" action (under System) lets you pre-write 500-character blocks of text that you can insert with one button. There are even basic formatting options like font, alignment, bold, and italics that you can add to the text blocks. If you want to take this further, you can use the SuperMacro plugin to create complex macros, though it might require a bit of comfort with basic scripting. You can store variables and paste blocks of text that change based on those variables, allowing you to make somewhat more customized text snippets. Control your smart homeThe one piece of smart home tech I can't live without anymore is smart lights. Specifically, the ones from Philips Hue. They're expensive, but I haven't found a better software ecosystem. To wit, this Philips Hue Stream Deck plugin that lets you control individual lights or rooms from a single button. You can use this to set your lights' brightness, activate specific scenes, or adjust color temperature without having to open an app or use a voice assistant. If you don't use Philips Hue, you can still get in on the action via the IFTTT plugin. This lets you connect your Stream Deck to the extremely powerful IFTTT service, which supports a ton of smart home devices. String it all together with Multi ActionThis is where the real value of the Stream Deck truly resides. The "Multi Action" feature lets you chain multiple Stream Deck actions (already powerful in their own right) together to become powerful scripts. When you add one of these to your deck, you'll then add other actions from the right-hand menu to run, in order. So, for example, you could have this one button launch Photoshop, Lightroom, and open up your email all at once. The Multi Action Switch action takes it even further, letting you specify two separate lists of commands to run, swapping between them each time you press the button. Building on the previous example, you could have a switch also set to close your work apps at the end of the day. Multi Action builds on an already robust set of tools to automate tedious tasks that eat up your day. What kind of Stream Deck do you need?Most Stream Decks that Elgato offers have an array of customizable LCD buttons, but there are a few important differences that are worth considering: Stream Deck MK.2 ($150): This is the basic model of Stream Deck that you're most likely to have seen around. It has a three-by-five grid of customizable buttons, plus a removable stand to prop it up on your desk. Stream Deck Neo ($100): If the price of the Stream Deck puts you off, the Neo is a bit cheaper, and still comes with eight buttons. It also has a small info bar with customizable clock designs. Stream Deck + ($200): This model drops some of the LCD keys (down to eight), but it adds four customizable dials that are helpful for media professionals. You can use these to adjust variable settings like brightness, saturation, or volume. Plus, there's a touch strip that can display labels for these dials, as well as other useful widgets you can swipe through. Stream Deck XL ($250): If you don't think there can ever be enough buttons on your desk, the Stream Deck XL is for you. It packs a 32-key array of the customizable LCD buttons Stream Decks are known for. This is most useful if you need a lot of functions available at a glance (like while streaming) without having to jump through multiple pages and folders. Stream Deck Mobile (iOS/Android): If none of these are appealing, you can still use Stream Deck tools without spending a dime. The Stream Deck mobile app gives you six customizable buttons (and up to 10 pages of them) for free. If you need more, a Pro subscription gives you up to 64 buttons for $3/month or $25/year. A lifetime subscription is also available for $50, if you're using it regularly. The Elgato Stream Deck markets itself as a streamer's accessory, but anyone can benefit from its tools. It takes a bit of time to set up your actions, although Elgato has made it surprisingly fast for even basic users. And since you can try it free with the mobile app, there's no reason not to take a few minutes and see if it can help you get your work done faster, too. View the full article

As pressure grows to get artificial colors out of the U.S. food supply, the shift may well start at Abby Tampow’s laboratory desk. On an April afternoon, the scientist hovered over tiny dishes of red dye, each a slightly different ruby hue. Her task? To match the synthetic shade used for years in a commercial bottled raspberry vinaigrette—but by using only natural ingredients. “With this red, it needs a little more orange,” Tampow said, mixing a slurry of purplish black carrot juice with a bit of beta-carotene, an orange-red color made from algae. Tampow is part of the team at Sensient Technologies Corp., one of the world’s largest dyemakers, that is rushing to help the salad dressing manufacturer — along with thousands of other American businesses — meet demands to overhaul colors used to brighten products from cereals to sports drinks. “Most of our customers have decided that this is finally the time when they’re going to make that switch to a natural color,” said Dave Gebhardt, Sensient’s senior technical director. He joined a recent tour of the Sensient Colors factory in a north St. Louis neighborhood. Last week, U.S. health officials announced plans to persuade food companies to voluntarily eliminate petroleum-based artificial dyes by the end of 2026. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called them “poisonous compounds” that endanger children’s health and development, citing limited evidence of potential health risks. The federal push follows a flurry of state laws and a January decision to ban the artificial dye known as Red 3 — found in cakes, candies and some medications — because of cancer risks in lab animals. Social media influencers and ordinary consumers have ramped up calls for artificial colors to be removed from foods. A change to natural colors may not be fast The FDA allows about three dozen color additives, including eight remaining synthetic dyes. But making the change from the petroleum-based dyes to colors derived from vegetables, fruits, flowers and even insects won’t be easy, fast or cheap, said Monica Giusti, an Ohio State University food color expert. “Study after study has shown that if all companies were to remove synthetic colors from their formulations, the supply of the natural alternatives would not be enough,” Giusti said. “We are not really ready.” It can take six months to a year to convert a single product from a synthetic dye to a natural one. And it could require three to four years to build up the supply of botanical products necessary for an industrywide shift, Sensient officials said. “It’s not like there’s 150 million pounds of beet juice sitting around waiting on the off chance the whole market may convert,” said Paul Manning, the company’s chief executive. “Tens of millions of pounds of these products need to be grown, pulled out of the ground, extracted.” To make natural dyes, Sensient works with farmers and producers around the world to harvest the raw materials, which typically arrive at the plant as bulk concentrates. They’re processed and blended into liquids, granules or powders and then sent to food companies to be added to final products. Natural dyes are harder to make and use than artificial colors. They are less consistent in color, less stable and subject to changes related to acidity, heat and light, Manning said. Blue is especially difficult. There aren’t many natural sources of the color and those that exist can be hard to maintain during processing. Also, a natural color costs about 10 times more to make than the synthetic version, Manning estimated. “How do you get that same vividness, that same performance, that same level of safety in that product as you would in a synthetic product?” he said. “There’s a lot of complexity associated with that.” The insects that could make ‘Barbie pink’ naturally Companies have long used the Red 3 synthetic dye to create what Sensient officials describe as “the Barbie pink.” To create that color with a natural source might require the use of cochineal, an insect about the size of a peppercorn. The female insects release a vibrant red pigment, carminic acid, in their bodies and eggs. The bugs live only on prickly pear cactuses in Peru and elsewhere. About 70,000 cochineal insects are needed to produce 1 kilogram, about 2.2 pounds, of dye. “It’s interesting how the most exotic colors are found in the most exotic places,” said Norb Norbrega, who travels the world scouting new hues for Sensient. Artificial dyes are used widely in U.S. foods. About 1 in 5 food products in the U.S. contains added colors, whether natural or synthetic, Manning estimated. Many contain multiple colors. FDA requires a sample of each batch of synthetic colors to be submitted for testing and certification. Color additives derived from plant, animal or mineral sources are exempt, but have been evaluated by the agency. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that the approved dyes are safe when used according to regulations and that “most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.” But critics note that added colors are a key component of ultraprocessed foods, which account for more than 70% of the U.S. diet and have been associated with a host of chronic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. “I am all for getting artificial food dyes out of the food supply,” said Marion Nestle, a food policy expert. “They are strictly cosmetic, have no health or safety purpose, are markers of ultraprocessed foods and may be harmful to some children.” The cautionary tale of Trix cereal Color is powerful driver of consumer behavior and changes can backfire, Giusti noted. In 2016, food giant General Mills removed artificial dyes from Trix cereal after requests from consumers, switching to natural sources including turmeric, strawberries and radishes. But the cereal lost its neon colors, resulting in more muted hues — and a consumer backlash. Trix fans said they missed the bright colors and familiar taste of the cereal. In 2017, the company switched back. “When it’s a product you already love, that you’re used to consuming, and it changes slightly, then it may not really be the same experience,” Giusti said. “Announcing a regulatory change is one step, but then the implementation is another thing.” Kennedy, the health secretary, said U.S. officials have an “understanding” with food companies to phase out artificial colors. Industry officials told The Associated Press that there is no formal agreement. However, several companies have said they plan to accelerate a shift to natural colors in some of their products. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said most of its products are already free of artificial colors, and that its Lays and Tostitos brands will phase them out by the end of this year. He said the company plans to phase out artificial colors — or at least offer consumers a natural alternative — over the next few years. Representatives for General Mills said they’re “committed to continuing the conversation” with the administration. WK Kellogg officials said they are reformulating cereals used in the nation’s school lunch programs to eliminate the artificial dyes and will halt any new products containing them starting next January. Sensient officials wouldn’t confirm which companies are seeking help making the switch, but they said they’re ready for the surge. “Now that there’s a date, there’s the timeline,” Manning said. “It certainly requires action.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Jonel Aleccia, AP health writer Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this report. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Zillow economists use an economic model known as the Zillow Market Heat Index to gauge the competitiveness of housing markets across the country. This model looks at key indicators—including home price changes, inventory levels, and days on market—to generate a score showing whether a housing market favors sellers or buyers. Higher scores point to hotter, seller-friendly metro housing markets. Lower scores signal cooler markets where buyers hold more negotiating power. According to Zillow, a score of 70 or above means it’s a “strong sellers market,” and a score from 55 to 69 is “sellers market.” A score from 44 to 55 indicates a “neutral market.” Meanwhile, a score from 28 to 44 is a “buyers market” and 27 or below is a “strong buyers market.” Nationally, Zillow rates the U.S. housing market at 55 in its February 2025 reading, published in March 2025. That said, Zillow’s reading varies significantly across the county. Among the 250 largest metro area housing markets, these 10 are the hottest markets, where sellers have the most power: Rochester, NY: 185 rating Buffalo, NY: 128 Syracuse, NY: 102 Hartford, CT: 99 Charleston, WV: 97 Albany, NY: 95 Manchester, NH: 92 Ann Arbor, MI: 92 Poughkeepsie, NY: 91 Boston, MA: 89 And these are the 10 coldest markets, where buyers have the most power: Jackson, TN: 16 rating Gulfport, MS: 24 Brownsville, TX: 26 Macon, GA: 26 Daphne, AL: 27 Beaumont, TX: 28 Naples, FL: 28 Cape Coral, FL: 30 Panama City, FL: 30 Punta Gorda, FL: 32 Directionally, I believe Zillow has correctly identified many regional housing markets where buyers have gained the most power—particularly around the Gulf—as well as markets where sellers have maintained (relatively speaking) somewhat of a grip, including large portions of the Northeast and Midwest. Based on my personal housing analysis, I consider Southwest Florida the weakest/softest chunk of the U.S. housing market, followed by Texas markets around Austin and San Antonio. What did this Zillow analysis look like back in spring 2022 at the climax of the pandemic housing boom? Below is Zillow’s March 2022 reading—published in April 2022. 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. You've probably heard of Sonos smart speakers and soundbars, which offer some of the best audio quality in the market. What you may not know, however, is that Sonos also makes the excellent Sonos Ace headphones, which released last summer. Right now, they're on sale for $349 (originally $449), the lowest price they've ever been, according to price tracking tools. Sonos Ace $349.00 at Amazon $449.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $349.00 at Amazon $449.00 Save $100.00 The Sonos Ace are soft, comfortable, and adaptable to different head sizes, thanks to their plastic design. You actually get buttons to control the headphones (as opposed to touch controls), which I personally consider a huge plus. The battery life is impressive, with about 30 hours with either the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Aware Mode settings active, or about 40 hours with both of those off. The Bluetooth multipoint connectivity means you can connect up to two devices at once and switch seamlessly between them. The headphones perform well, according to PCMag's "excellent" review. The sound is balanced with an EQ adjuster in the app, and the ANC and Aware Mode are top-tier, competing with the best headphones on the market. Unfortunately, the Sonos Ace aren't wifi-enabled, meaning you can't stream media into them like you can with Sonos speakers, but then again, not many headphones are. However, you can connect to Sonos speakers through Bluetooth and listen to your media that way (if you own Sonos speakers). At their current price, the Sonos Ace are competitive with the best headphones for Apple users, the AirPods Max, and the best headphones for Android users, Sony's WH-1000XM5. If you care about transparency mode or have Sonos speakers at home, the Sonos Ace headphones are your best choice. Otherwise, consider the AirPods Max or the WH-1000XM5. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. The site is having some server issues today so while we work on those, here’s an older post. This was originally published in 2019. (And hopefully everything will be back to normal shortly.) A reader writes: I’m a mid-level college administrator. One of my direct reports is positioning himself to move up in a couple of years (from department member to department head). He would still report to me, but the working relationship would be a little different. I need to work closely with department heads, and it can have a major impact on my work and the organization if that relationship is toxic. The problem is that he thinks he is a LOT smarter than me. He apparently read something about “managing up” and now he is trying to manage me. He is very, very bad at it. His attempts to manipulate me are clumsy and obvious, but he doesn’t realize that I know what he is doing (because he’s sure that he is much smarter than me). There’s also some sexism going on here (I’m female, and he seems to have problems with that sometimes) and I’m relatively new to the organization, so he doesn’t know me well. Every conversation degenerates into incredibly irritating condescension and smugness on his part. For example, he has said things like: • “My expectation is that you will give me a hint if you think there may be a change coming up.” Me: No, not happening. I try to squelch rumors, not spread them. And if there is a change coming, your department head will know first. • “My expectation is that you will change the meeting time.” Me: No, a meeting that involves 27 people and has been scheduled for a month will not be rescheduled just for you. • About a minor snafu with the bookstore: “I’m sure you understand why you need to have this person fired.” Me: Let’s just talk about how we are going to handle a fairly small problem. • About a trivial department matter that could easily have been resolved before it even got to me: “I know that you will do the right thing and bring this to the Chief Academic Officer.” (That’s the equivalent of the CEO.) Me: Here’s the solution that I see. He always ends with a smirk and a slow nod. His body language says that he is certain he has programmed me to respond correctly. Right now, I just smile, ignore it whenever possible, and get back to the issue at hand. Occasionally I have addressed it head on, when I need to clarify that he will definitely not be getting what he wants this time. I want to call him on this, because it is getting very tiresome. It also sidetracks the conversation away from the important stuff we need to be discussing. And I don’t enjoy being treated with such disrespect. If he does become the department head, it will be even more important that he have some respect for my intelligence. I’m tempted to give him a book on the topic and tell him he needs to study some more before trying this again. But in calmer moments, I know that level of bluntness (sarcasm, snark, whatever you want to call it) will just embarrass him and put him on the defensive. How can I stop this behavior without doing too much damage to our work relationship? Or do I just have to put up with sentences that start, “My expectation is that you will…” forever? (A complicating factor is that he’s popular with his colleagues, which is why he will be very seriously considered for the department head position. In academia, that decision is made by the faculty. I could potentially veto their decision, but right now I don’t have enough ammunition to go nuclear. And it would destroy my credibility with the rest of the department. That’s why I would rather figure out how to make this work if I can.) This guy sounds incredibly obnoxious. And also, if he’s trying to manage you, he’s really bad at it. “Managing up” doesn’t mean “pretend that you’re your boss’s manager and tell them what to do.” It means working with your boss in a way that will produce the best possible results for both of you and figuring out what is and isn’t within your sphere of control to act upon. So he’s confused on the concept. But you’re right that your options are complicated by what sounds like a genuine need to handle him more delicately than you ideally would. Ideally — in a situation with politics different than this one — you’d just name what he’s doing and tell him to stop. The next time he started in with “my expectation is that you will…” you’d say, “Framing this as ‘your expectations of me’ is coming across really strangely. My job is to make the decisions on this type of thing. I will ask for your input and perspective at times, and you’re certainly welcome to ask when there’s something you’d like to see, but ultimately that’s a call I’ll make myself.” And actually, it’s possible you could do that here too! If you feel you can, do. Alternately, you can convey that same message without spelling it out so explicitly, simply by making it clear that you aren’t being swayed by whatever weird technique he’s attempting. For example: Him: “My expectation is that you will give me a hint if you think there may be a change coming up.” You: “No, that’s not something you should expect. If there is a change coming, your department head will be the first person to talk with you about it.” Him: “My expectation is that you will change the meeting time.” You: “No, I’m not going to reschedule this meeting since it involves so many other people and has been on calendars for a while.” Him: “I’m sure you understand why you need to have this person fired.” You: “I don’t agree that’s warranted here. This is a small problem, and I will handle it directly with Jane.” Him: “I know that you will do the right thing and bring this to the Chief Academic Officer.” You: “No. (The Chief Academic Officer) and I are in agreement that I’ll handle this type of issue. What I will do is…” Another option is to have a natural reaction to his “my expectation is…” language, meaning that you let yourself seem visibly surprised. For example, when he said his expectation was that you’d change a meeting time, you could say, “I’m surprised you expect that, given how many other people the meeting involves. Can you clarify for me why you’d expect that?” or “That’s landing with me quite strangely! Can you explain what you mean?” There’s a pretty good chance this if you repeat this a few times, he’ll feel awkward enough that he’ll stop doing it — and ideally may even realize that he can’t push you around. In a normal work situation — read: not academia — I’d also say to loop your own boss in on what’s going on, given the likelihood of promotion for this guy. Someone above you needs to hear, a minimum, that he has problems respecting women’s authority. But academia is full of weird politics that I don’t have any expertise in, so I can’t tell you if that makes sense to do here or not — but at least consider it as an option. Read an update to this letter here. View the full article

In the megabank's latest sign of progress with regulators, it said that a 7-year-old CFPB order has been terminated. View the full article

Executive, 78, steps down as the Reimann family’s investment group turns to insurance and asset managementView the full article

A Texas judge earlier this month threw out a federal rule that would have capped credit card late fees at $8. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau finalized the rule last year as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to do away with what it called junk fees. It was paused by the courts before it could take effect. At the time, the CFPB estimated that American families would have saved more than $10 billion in late fees annually had the fees been capped at $8, significantly less than the $32 average. Banks and industry groups argued that the rule didn’t allow card issuers to charge fees high enough to deter late payments and discourage repeat violations. The Texas judge’s ruling earlier this month came a day after a collection of major industry groups and the CFPB under President Donald The President announced that they had reached an agreement to throw out the rule. Here’s what to know about credit card late fees: What is the average credit card late fee? The average late fee for major issuers has steadily ticked up since the 2010s, going from $23 at the end of 2010 to $32 in 2022, according to the CFPB. WalletHub, which tracks financial data, found the average late fee in 2025 to be $30.50, with the maximum $41. A September 2023 Consumer Reports study estimated that one in five American adults, or about 52 million people, paid a credit card late fee in the previous year. People with lower incomes pay proportionately bigger fees, according to the CFPB, with the highest burden falling on communities of color and those living paycheck to paycheck. How can consumers avoid the fees? Enrolling in auto-pay for your credit cards can help you avoid making late payments, and there are some credit cards that don’t charge late fees at all (though it’s important to note that these cards may have other fee or penalty structures, or higher interest rates.) Citi Simplicity and the Apple card do not currently charge late fees, and Discover offers a card that will automatically waive the first late fee. It’s also possible to appeal credit card late fees charged by your credit card company by calling them directly. The companies will often reverse the fees, especially if it’s your first late payment. You may also want to consider making payments on your credit card balances during the month. That means you’ll have paid more of the balance by the time the amount comes due, and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit can improve your credit score. If you’re having trouble making ends meet, you can ask your credit issuers about hardship programs. These are typically available to people affected by job loss, illness or medical conditions, natural disasters, or other emergencies. What was the CFPB credit card late fee cap rule about? Concerned that credit card companies were building a business model based on high penalties, Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act), which banned the companies from charging excessive late fees and established clearer disclosures and consumer protections. In 2010, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors voted to issue a regulation implementing the CARD Act, which said that banks could only charge fees to recover costs associated with late payment. However, the rule included an “immunity provision” that let some banks charge $25 for the first late payment and $35 for subsequent late payments, adjusted for inflation each year. Those amounts subsequently grew to $30 and $41. After a review of market data, the CFPB finalized a rule that would have capped late fees at $8 and ended automatic inflation adjustments. Based on records analyzed by the CFPB, a late fee of $8 would be sufficient for card issuers, on average, to cover collection costs incurred as a result of late payments. How have banking groups responded to the court decision? Industry groups, including the Consumer Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and others, said they welcomed the court’s decision eliminating the cap. The groups said that the rule would have led to higher interest rates and reduced credit access for card holders. The groups also said the rule would have “reduced important incentives for consumers to manage their finances.” The CFPB has estimated that banks bring in roughly $14 billion in credit card late fees a year. How have consumer advocates responded? Horacio Méndez, president and CEO of Woodstock Institute, an organization for advancing economic equity, called the ruling a “devastating blow.” “By tossing out the CFPB’s common-sense rule to cap these predatory late fees—some as high as $41—a federal judge is putting corporations over the lives of everyday consumers,” he said. “The CFPB’s rule was borne out of clear evidence: the credit card industry was using inflated late fees as a profit engine, forcing families with the least financial cushion to pay.” Méndez said that while consumers have come to expect fees for services, those fees needn’t be punitive to be effective. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Cora Lewis, Associated Press View the full article

Key Takeaways Define Friendly Events: Friendly events are informal gatherings that foster engagement and interaction, attracting new customers while showcasing products or services. Enhance Customer Attraction: Hosting friendly events transforms your space into a welcoming hub, creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Build Community Relationships: These events help strengthen ties with local businesses and community members, paving the way for partnerships and collaborative marketing strategies. Strategic Planning is Key: Identify your target audience and tailor event activities to their interests, ensuring engagement and maximizing participation. Success Stories: Local businesses, like coffee shops and family-friendly restaurants, demonstrate how friendly events can lead to increased customer loyalty and brand growth through engaging community experiences. Positive Feedback Loop: Gathering customer feedback during these events helps improve future strategies and reinforces your commitment to community engagement and quality service. In today’s competitive market, attracting new customers can be a challenge. One effective way to break through the noise is by hosting friendly events that create a welcoming atmosphere. These gatherings not only showcase your brand but also foster connections that can lead to lasting relationships with potential clients. Imagine transforming your space into a hub of activity where people feel comfortable and engaged. Friendly events allow you to highlight your products or services while encouraging interaction. When customers enjoy their experience, they’re more likely to return and spread the word, turning casual visitors into loyal patrons. Let’s explore how these events can be a game-changer for your business. Understanding Friendly Events Friendly events create engaging opportunities for small businesses to attract new customers and strengthen community ties. These gatherings facilitate connections between potential clients and your brand while highlighting your products or services. Definition of Friendly Events Friendly events refer to informal gatherings that invite engagement and interaction among customers and businesses. Examples include open houses, workshops, product launches, or community fairs. Each of these occasions encourages a relaxed atmosphere where potential customers feel welcomed and valued, promoting positive interactions. Importance in Business Strategy Friendly events play a crucial role in your business strategy, particularly for small businesses aiming for growth. They enable you to showcase your offerings while directly engaging customers in meaningful conversations. By fostering relationships, you enhance customer service and gather valuable feedback, laying the foundation for customer retention. Events also provide an avenue for collaboration with local businesses, strengthening community ties and potentially leading to beneficial partnerships. Integrating friendly events into your marketing strategy effectively boosts customer acquisition and enhances brand visibility. The Impact of Friendly Events on Customer Attraction Friendly events significantly enhance customer attraction by fostering connections and community engagement. They transform business spaces into dynamic hubs where customers feel welcomed, ultimately amplifying brand visibility and client interaction. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere In-person events effectively combat digital fatigue, especially among younger consumers. By hosting friendly gatherings like workshops or open houses, you create a warm atmosphere that invites authentic interactions. This inviting setting helps solidify brand memorability and engagement. Thoughtful elements, such as attractive store designs and quality lighting, contribute to this atmosphere, encouraging customers to spend more time exploring your offerings. Engaging in meaningful conversations during these events can improve customer service, boost loyalty, and facilitate positive word-of-mouth. Building Community Relationships Building community relationships is a vital component of your marketing strategy. Friendly events encourage collaboration with local businesses, strengthening ties within your community. Collaboration can lead to partnerships that elevate your brand and enhance customer experiences. By engaging with local stakeholders, you gather valuable customer feedback, explore potential outsourcing opportunities, and promote local business partnerships. These relationships not only foster trust and loyalty but also pave the way for future business growth and expansion. Success Stories of Businesses Friendly events attract new customers and create lasting connections. Here are two case studies showcasing how local businesses successfully implemented these strategies. Case Study: Local Coffee Shop Local coffee shops thrive by incorporating community engagement into their business operations. Hosting workshops, classes, and social gatherings transforms your café into a welcoming environment. These events create a “third place” for customers to socialize, work, or relax. This strategy not only showcases your coffee but also enhances customer service and encourages repeat visits. Effective management during these events simplifies logistics and improves workflow. You’ll notice a boost in customer acquisition as attendees share their experiences, generating positive word-of-mouth. Engaging with customers during these friendly events reinforces your brand’s presence in the community. Case Study: Family-Friendly Restaurant Family-friendly restaurants enhance customer retention through engaging events tailored for all ages. Hosting themed nights, cooking classes, or seasonal festivities invites families to connect over shared experiences. You create a buzz around your restaurant by providing these opportunities, drawing in new customers looking for fun, interactive dining experiences. Strategically promoting these events through social media and local advertising also amplifies your reach. Effective budgeting and planning for these events ensure they remain profitable while enhancing your restaurant’s reputation. Prioritizing customer feedback from these gatherings can inform future strategies, reinforcing your commitment to community engagement and continuous improvement in service quality. Tips for Organizing Friendly Events Organizing friendly events effectively draws new customers and strengthens community ties. Several strategies can maximize engagement and ensure memorable experiences. Identifying Target Audience Identify your target audience to tailor your event appropriately. Research demographics and interests to understand what resonates with potential customers. Use customer feedback from previous events to refine your approach. Incorporate insights from data analysis to create segmentation, allowing for personalized invitations and promotions. By aligning your event’s theme with your audience’s preferences, you enhance participation and foster a welcoming atmosphere. Planning Activities and Engagement Plan engaging activities that encourage participation and interaction. Consider incorporating interactive elements, such as competitions or games, to captivate attendees. Host trivia nights or scavenger hunts to generate excitement. Schedule live performances by local bands or entertainers to enhance the experience. Develop a marketing strategy that promotes these activities across social media platforms and email campaigns, ensuring maximum visibility. Maintain operational efficiency by assigning clear roles for team management during the event. Delegate tasks effectively to ensure smooth execution and a positive experience for attendees. These components contribute to strong customer retention and positive brand management. Conclusion Embracing friendly events can truly transform your business landscape. By creating inviting spaces for interaction you not only draw in new customers but also build lasting relationships that foster loyalty. These gatherings encourage authentic connections and allow you to showcase your offerings in a way that resonates with your audience. As you plan your next event think about how you can enhance customer experiences and strengthen community ties. The right approach can lead to increased visibility and growth. Friendly events are more than just gatherings—they’re a powerful strategy to elevate your brand and attract the customers you want. Frequently Asked Questions What are friendly events in business? Friendly events are informal gatherings like open houses, workshops, product launches, or community fairs. They aim to invite engagement and interaction between businesses and potential customers, creating a welcoming atmosphere for meaningful conversations. How do friendly events help attract new customers? These events create a sense of community, allowing businesses to showcase their offerings while encouraging interaction. Engaging experiences can lead to customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth, making it easier to attract new clients in a competitive market. What types of businesses can benefit from hosting friendly events? Small businesses, in particular, can gain significantly from friendly events. They offer a platform for local businesses to connect with customers, build relationships, and strengthen community ties, which are crucial for growth and brand visibility. How can friendly events improve customer loyalty? By providing enjoyable and engaging experiences, friendly events foster connections between customers and businesses. These strong relationships can result in repeat visits and enhanced customer loyalty, as clients feel valued and more connected to the brand. What strategies can businesses use to organize successful friendly events? Businesses should research their target audience, plan engaging activities, and create a solid marketing strategy. Clear team roles and effective promotions can enhance event execution and overall customer engagement, leading to memorable experiences. Can you give an example of a business successfully using friendly events? A local coffee shop transformed itself into a community hub through workshops and social gatherings, enhancing customer service and encouraging repeat visits. This case exemplifies how friendly events can strengthen customer relationships and boost business growth. Image Via Envato This article, "How Friendly Events Draw New Customers and Boost Business Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Define Friendly Events: Friendly events are informal gatherings that foster engagement and interaction, attracting new customers while showcasing products or services. Enhance Customer Attraction: Hosting friendly events transforms your space into a welcoming hub, creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Build Community Relationships: These events help strengthen ties with local businesses and community members, paving the way for partnerships and collaborative marketing strategies. Strategic Planning is Key: Identify your target audience and tailor event activities to their interests, ensuring engagement and maximizing participation. Success Stories: Local businesses, like coffee shops and family-friendly restaurants, demonstrate how friendly events can lead to increased customer loyalty and brand growth through engaging community experiences. Positive Feedback Loop: Gathering customer feedback during these events helps improve future strategies and reinforces your commitment to community engagement and quality service. In today’s competitive market, attracting new customers can be a challenge. One effective way to break through the noise is by hosting friendly events that create a welcoming atmosphere. These gatherings not only showcase your brand but also foster connections that can lead to lasting relationships with potential clients. Imagine transforming your space into a hub of activity where people feel comfortable and engaged. Friendly events allow you to highlight your products or services while encouraging interaction. When customers enjoy their experience, they’re more likely to return and spread the word, turning casual visitors into loyal patrons. Let’s explore how these events can be a game-changer for your business. Understanding Friendly Events Friendly events create engaging opportunities for small businesses to attract new customers and strengthen community ties. These gatherings facilitate connections between potential clients and your brand while highlighting your products or services. Definition of Friendly Events Friendly events refer to informal gatherings that invite engagement and interaction among customers and businesses. Examples include open houses, workshops, product launches, or community fairs. Each of these occasions encourages a relaxed atmosphere where potential customers feel welcomed and valued, promoting positive interactions. Importance in Business Strategy Friendly events play a crucial role in your business strategy, particularly for small businesses aiming for growth. They enable you to showcase your offerings while directly engaging customers in meaningful conversations. By fostering relationships, you enhance customer service and gather valuable feedback, laying the foundation for customer retention. Events also provide an avenue for collaboration with local businesses, strengthening community ties and potentially leading to beneficial partnerships. Integrating friendly events into your marketing strategy effectively boosts customer acquisition and enhances brand visibility. The Impact of Friendly Events on Customer Attraction Friendly events significantly enhance customer attraction by fostering connections and community engagement. They transform business spaces into dynamic hubs where customers feel welcomed, ultimately amplifying brand visibility and client interaction. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere In-person events effectively combat digital fatigue, especially among younger consumers. By hosting friendly gatherings like workshops or open houses, you create a warm atmosphere that invites authentic interactions. This inviting setting helps solidify brand memorability and engagement. Thoughtful elements, such as attractive store designs and quality lighting, contribute to this atmosphere, encouraging customers to spend more time exploring your offerings. Engaging in meaningful conversations during these events can improve customer service, boost loyalty, and facilitate positive word-of-mouth. Building Community Relationships Building community relationships is a vital component of your marketing strategy. Friendly events encourage collaboration with local businesses, strengthening ties within your community. Collaboration can lead to partnerships that elevate your brand and enhance customer experiences. By engaging with local stakeholders, you gather valuable customer feedback, explore potential outsourcing opportunities, and promote local business partnerships. These relationships not only foster trust and loyalty but also pave the way for future business growth and expansion. Success Stories of Businesses Friendly events attract new customers and create lasting connections. Here are two case studies showcasing how local businesses successfully implemented these strategies. Case Study: Local Coffee Shop Local coffee shops thrive by incorporating community engagement into their business operations. Hosting workshops, classes, and social gatherings transforms your café into a welcoming environment. These events create a “third place” for customers to socialize, work, or relax. This strategy not only showcases your coffee but also enhances customer service and encourages repeat visits. Effective management during these events simplifies logistics and improves workflow. You’ll notice a boost in customer acquisition as attendees share their experiences, generating positive word-of-mouth. Engaging with customers during these friendly events reinforces your brand’s presence in the community. Case Study: Family-Friendly Restaurant Family-friendly restaurants enhance customer retention through engaging events tailored for all ages. Hosting themed nights, cooking classes, or seasonal festivities invites families to connect over shared experiences. You create a buzz around your restaurant by providing these opportunities, drawing in new customers looking for fun, interactive dining experiences. Strategically promoting these events through social media and local advertising also amplifies your reach. Effective budgeting and planning for these events ensure they remain profitable while enhancing your restaurant’s reputation. Prioritizing customer feedback from these gatherings can inform future strategies, reinforcing your commitment to community engagement and continuous improvement in service quality. Tips for Organizing Friendly Events Organizing friendly events effectively draws new customers and strengthens community ties. Several strategies can maximize engagement and ensure memorable experiences. Identifying Target Audience Identify your target audience to tailor your event appropriately. Research demographics and interests to understand what resonates with potential customers. Use customer feedback from previous events to refine your approach. Incorporate insights from data analysis to create segmentation, allowing for personalized invitations and promotions. By aligning your event’s theme with your audience’s preferences, you enhance participation and foster a welcoming atmosphere. Planning Activities and Engagement Plan engaging activities that encourage participation and interaction. Consider incorporating interactive elements, such as competitions or games, to captivate attendees. Host trivia nights or scavenger hunts to generate excitement. Schedule live performances by local bands or entertainers to enhance the experience. Develop a marketing strategy that promotes these activities across social media platforms and email campaigns, ensuring maximum visibility. Maintain operational efficiency by assigning clear roles for team management during the event. Delegate tasks effectively to ensure smooth execution and a positive experience for attendees. These components contribute to strong customer retention and positive brand management. Conclusion Embracing friendly events can truly transform your business landscape. By creating inviting spaces for interaction you not only draw in new customers but also build lasting relationships that foster loyalty. These gatherings encourage authentic connections and allow you to showcase your offerings in a way that resonates with your audience. As you plan your next event think about how you can enhance customer experiences and strengthen community ties. The right approach can lead to increased visibility and growth. Friendly events are more than just gatherings—they’re a powerful strategy to elevate your brand and attract the customers you want. Frequently Asked Questions What are friendly events in business? Friendly events are informal gatherings like open houses, workshops, product launches, or community fairs. They aim to invite engagement and interaction between businesses and potential customers, creating a welcoming atmosphere for meaningful conversations. How do friendly events help attract new customers? These events create a sense of community, allowing businesses to showcase their offerings while encouraging interaction. Engaging experiences can lead to customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth, making it easier to attract new clients in a competitive market. What types of businesses can benefit from hosting friendly events? Small businesses, in particular, can gain significantly from friendly events. They offer a platform for local businesses to connect with customers, build relationships, and strengthen community ties, which are crucial for growth and brand visibility. How can friendly events improve customer loyalty? By providing enjoyable and engaging experiences, friendly events foster connections between customers and businesses. These strong relationships can result in repeat visits and enhanced customer loyalty, as clients feel valued and more connected to the brand. What strategies can businesses use to organize successful friendly events? Businesses should research their target audience, plan engaging activities, and create a solid marketing strategy. Clear team roles and effective promotions can enhance event execution and overall customer engagement, leading to memorable experiences. Can you give an example of a business successfully using friendly events? A local coffee shop transformed itself into a community hub through workshops and social gatherings, enhancing customer service and encouraging repeat visits. This case exemplifies how friendly events can strengthen customer relationships and boost business growth. Image Via Envato This article, "How Friendly Events Draw New Customers and Boost Business Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Thanking your AI chatbot when it provides a response to a query may not require much energy on its own, but the cost of your interactions will add up over time—and a new tool from Hugging Face can tell you approximately how much. The ChatUI energy interface estimates the energy consumption involved in messaging with an AI model in real time, with comparisons to common appliances like LED light bulbs and phone chargers. You can type in any query or utilize one of the suggested inputs to generate a response along with the corresponding energy requirement. For example, a "professional email" took an AI just over 25 seconds to create and required 0.5 watt-hours, the equivalent of 2.67% of a phone charge. A 90-second script for testing transcription software required 1.4 watt-hours—7.37% of a phone charge, 22 minutes of an LED bulb, or 0.6 seconds of microwave use. (Responding to my "thank you" equaled 0.2% of a phone charge.) Note that ChatUI is approximating, not providing exact measurements. The tool can run on various models, including Meta’s Llama 3.3 70B and Google’s Gemma 3. How AI energy use compares to a Google searchAccording to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA), a single ChatGPT request requires nearly 10 times the electricity of a typical Google search at 2.9 watt-hours vs. 0.2 watt-hours, respectively. If ChatGPT was utilized in all 9 billion daily searches, that would require nearly 10 terawatt-hours of additional electricity per year, the equivalent usage of 1.5 million European Union residents. AI's environmental impact comes in large part from the power and water demands of running data centers. The IEA expects global AI electricity consumption to be ten times in 2026 what it was in 2023, and the water requirements by 2027 could be more than the entire annual usage of all of Denmark. View the full article

Sellers have roughly a month to bring transactions involving properties from the "claims without conveyance of title" and REO programs in line with the changes. View the full article

Officials are worried US president will use minor progress in talks as ‘excuse’ to disengageView the full article

The fraudsters aren't doing anything new or sophisticated, but are successfully using familiar tactics, said reports from CertifID and FundingShield. View the full article

Energy drink company Celsius Holdings announced today that its subsidiary brand, Alani Nu, has notched more than $1 billion in sales over the past 52 weeks—representing a head-turning 72.4% year-over-year sales increase. The company’s impressive success demonstrates that the functional beverage craze may not be merely a passing fad for consumers. Celsius Holdings, which also owns the popular energy drink Celsius, officially acquired Alani Nu last month for $1.8 billion. The brand was originally founded by entrepreneur Katy Schneider and husband Haydn Schneider in 2018, and has since found a growing audience of Gen Z and millennial consumers looking for a low-calorie, zero-sugar energy drink option. According to a press release, Alani Nu’s $1 billion milestone “has been fueled by accelerated brand growth, strong and unique innovation, and a growing female energy drink consumer segment seeking better-for-you, functional beverages that fit their health and wellness lifestyles.” As of this writing, Celsius Holdings stock is up slightly by 0.16% since market open. What Alani Nu’s success says about the future of “functional beverages” Over the past several months, “functional beverages,” or drinks that offer some kind of mood or health boost (in the case of Alani Nu and Celsius, that would be the added jolt of caffeine), have gained popularity in the mainstream beverage market. A study by Nielsen IQ last spring found that sales of functional beverages grew by 54% between March 2020 and March 2024 to $9.2 billion, accounting for 10% of the total nonalcoholic beverage market in the U.S. Subcategories of this market, including energy drinks and sports beverages, are similarly trending up. Experts across the beverage industry largely attribute this trend to a rising interest in health and wellness among Gen Z and millennial consumers, who are increasingly choosing to ditch alcoholic beverages in favor of more “healthy” drinks that can offer one or more benefits. In the past year, new brands like the DTC sports beverage company Magna and influencer Alex Cooper’s electrolyte drink brand Unwell have emerged to capitalize on this widening consumer base. Meanwhile, existing brands like Mio, Bodyarmor, and Liquid I.V. have all introduced refreshed looks to emphasize their “functional” features. Alani Nu, which has positioned itself as a “health and wellness” brand for women since its founding, was uniquely prepared to capitalize on this trend as it emerged. The energy drink comes with 200 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can (the equivalent of about two cups of coffee) and is vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, and low-calorie. The brand’s $1 billion milestone shows that, more than a year after the initial hype around functional beverages first began, the sector has taken root as a more permanent beverage category—one that’s both attracting a new generation of consumers and causing beverage giants to rethink how they market their products. View the full article

U.S. stocks are drifting Monday ahead of potential flashpoints looming later in the week that could bring more sharp swings for financial markets. The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged in morning trading, coming off a winning week in its whipsaw ride that’s been rattling investors for weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 145 points, or 0.4%, as of 10:15 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.1% lower. The relatively calm trading offers a respite following historic swings that have come as hopes rise and fall that President Donald The President may back down on his tariffs, which investors expect would otherwise cause a recession. The S&P 500 has roughly halved its drop that had taken it nearly 20% below its record set earlier this year. This upcoming week will feature earnings reports from some of Wall Street’s most influential companies, including Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. Their performances carry huge sway over the market because they’ve inflated to become the biggest by far in terms of size. Outside of Big Tech, executives from Caterpillar, Exxon Mobil, and McDonald’s may also offer clues about how they’re seeing economic conditions play out. Several companies across industries have recently been slashing their estimates for upcoming profit or pulling their forecasts completely because of uncertainty about what will happen with The President’s tariffs. “We heard more plans to mitigate tariff impacts than in prior months and than during 2018” from U.S. companies, including preordering, shifting production, and increasing prices for their own products, according to Bank of America strategist Savita Subramanian. But she also said in a report that she’s seeing “some indications of a pause: no hiring/no firing, no new projects/no cancellations etc.” A fear is that The President’s on-again-off-again tariffs may be pushing households and businesses to alter their spending and freeze plans for long-term investment because of how quickly conditions can change, seemingly by the hour. Domino’s Pizza was flipping between small losses and gains after it reported weaker profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The pizza chain’s CEO, Russell Weiner, called the global economic environment “challenging,” and its stock was most recently up 0.7% DoorDash added 1.2% after Deliveroo, the food delivery service based in London, said it heard from DoorDash about a possible cash offer to take over the company. So far, economic reports have mostly seemed to show the U.S. economy is still growing, though at a weaker pace. On Wednesday, economists expect a report to show that U.S. economic growth slowed to a 0.8% annual rate in the first three months of this year, down from a 2.4% rate at the end of last year. But most reports Wall Street has received so far have focused on data from before The President’s “Liberation Day” on April 2, when he announced tariffs that could affect imports from countries worldwide. That could raise the stakes for upcoming reports on the U.S. job market, including Friday’s, which will show how many workers employers hired during all of April. Economists expect it to show a slowdown in hiring down to 125,000 from 228,000 in March. The most jarring economic data recently have come from surveys showing U.S. consumers becoming much more pessimistic about the economy’s future because of tariffs. The Conference Board’s latest reading on consumer confidence will arrive on Tuesday. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady. They’ve calmed since an unsettling, unusual rise rise in yields earlier this month rattled both Wall Street and the U.S. government. That rise had suggested investors worldwide may have been losing faith in the U.S. bond market’s reputation as a safe place to park cash. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.25% from 4.29% late Friday. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia. The CAC 40 in Paris rose 0.8%, but stocks slipped 0.2% in Shanghai. —Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Writers Jiang Junzhe and Matt Ott contributed. View the full article

Chinese robotaxi technology company Pony AI Inc. (Nasdaq: PONY) was up a whopping 55% on Monday—yes, you read that right—after Chief Technology Officer Lou Tiancheng told the Wall Street Journal it can now build its autonomous driving system for 70% less and is on the road to profitability. Pony AI makes the technology that allows cars to become autonomous, or self-driving, not the cars itself, but is partnering with companies that do. It also operates a fleet of robotaxis in China. Last week, Pony AI unveiled three new driver-less vehicles at the Shanghai Auto Show, which were co-developed with Chinese state-owned automakers BAIC Motor and Guangzhou Automobile Group, as well as, Toyota. Analysts estimate the company has slashed its bill-of-materials, or BOM, (all the materials, components, sub-assemblies, and instructions needed to manufacture a product) costs for its robotaxis from $137,217 to a $41,165. Cheaper production could enable Pony AI to achieve single-unit breakeven, the point it makes a profit each time a new robotaxi is added to its fleet, according to the WSJ. Some analysts think they could reach that coveted goal by the end of 2025, but that the company wouldn’t likely turn a profit until at least 2030 when it hits 50,000 robotaxis. “The key is software optimization,” Lou told the WSJ. “For example, our software performance has tripled under the same computing power.” It’s worth noting, Pony AI, which focuses on developing and deploying autonomous driving technology, including robotaxi services, has yet to turn a profit and, in fact, posted a loss last quarter, it first reporting since going public last year. If all goes well, Pony plans to to start production of its robotaxis mid-year, with the goal of expand from 300 vehicles to from 1,000 at the end of 2025, per the WSJ. View the full article

David Spector, the firm's CEO, touted Pennymac's technology, consistency and support for the broker channel. View the full article

Block Advisors by H&R Block has announced the launch of its second annual Fund Her Future grant program, designed to support women-owned small businesses with high growth and community impact potential. Applications are now open and will be accepted through May 30, 2025. The 2025 program will award a total of $100,000 in grant funding and nearly $30,000 worth of small business services to six recipients. One grant recipient will receive a $50,000 package, while up to five additional winners will each receive $10,000 grants. All winners will also gain a year of access to Block Advisors’ small business services, which include tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping, and business structure analysis. “We understand the challenges entrepreneurs face as they grow their businesses. They need more than just capital; they need trusted expertise that saves them time and puts their mind at ease,” said Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. “That’s why Fund Her Future provides not only financial support but also access to Block Advisors year-round small business services, including such business-critical services as tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping and business structure analysis.” Block Advisors highlighted that despite women being among the fastest-growing segments of new small business owners, they continue to face significant barriers to funding and resources. According to the 2024 State of Women’s Small Business Report by Block Advisors, 42% of women business owners who applied for a bank loan were never approved, and nearly 90% reported relying on personal finances and credit cards to fund their ventures. To apply for the Fund Her Future program, applicants must be over 18 years old and own a United States-based business. Businesses that demonstrate a strong community impact are especially encouraged to apply. Full eligibility requirements can be found on the Fund Her Future website. Recipients of the 2025 grants will be notified by the end of July. Last year’s inaugural Fund Her Future program attracted more than 6,000 applicants and awarded grants to five entrepreneurs whose businesses demonstrated significant growth potential. Grant recipient Heather Jiang, owner of Allégorie, a New York City-based small-batch accessory line that turns food waste into fashion, expanded her product lines and hired additional staff with the help of her grant. “There is a sense of relief in handing off my bookkeeping to a Block Advisors expert,” Jiang explained. “It frees up my time to focus on other aspects of the business. They ensure everything is handled properly. The recognition from the grant has been amazing, as well. We’ve seen a 50 percent increase in online traffic to our website since the 2024 grant was announced.” Another 2024 grant recipient, Erica Cole, owner of Richmond-based No Limbits, used the funding and support to scale her accessible apparel brand. “The funding and small business support from Block Advisors has allowed me to scale my business. It enabled me to launch my sensory-friendly collection in Walmart and acquire Buck & Buck, a leader in adaptive apparel,” Cole shared. Ameka Coleman, owner of Strands of Faith based in Pearl, Mississippi, also saw significant growth following her 2024 grant. “This grant allowed us to onboard two more hospital networks, which significantly increases demand for our products. We’re looking at a 400% increase in revenue from this workstream,” said Coleman. For more information about the Fund Her Future program and how to apply, visit www.BlockAdvisors.com/FundHerFutureGrant. To learn more about Block Advisors’ year-round services for small businesses, visit www.BlockAdvisors.com. This article, "Block Advisors by H&R Block Opens Applications for 2025 Fund Her Future Grant Program" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Block Advisors by H&R Block has announced the launch of its second annual Fund Her Future grant program, designed to support women-owned small businesses with high growth and community impact potential. Applications are now open and will be accepted through May 30, 2025. The 2025 program will award a total of $100,000 in grant funding and nearly $30,000 worth of small business services to six recipients. One grant recipient will receive a $50,000 package, while up to five additional winners will each receive $10,000 grants. All winners will also gain a year of access to Block Advisors’ small business services, which include tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping, and business structure analysis. “We understand the challenges entrepreneurs face as they grow their businesses. They need more than just capital; they need trusted expertise that saves them time and puts their mind at ease,” said Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. “That’s why Fund Her Future provides not only financial support but also access to Block Advisors year-round small business services, including such business-critical services as tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping and business structure analysis.” Block Advisors highlighted that despite women being among the fastest-growing segments of new small business owners, they continue to face significant barriers to funding and resources. According to the 2024 State of Women’s Small Business Report by Block Advisors, 42% of women business owners who applied for a bank loan were never approved, and nearly 90% reported relying on personal finances and credit cards to fund their ventures. To apply for the Fund Her Future program, applicants must be over 18 years old and own a United States-based business. Businesses that demonstrate a strong community impact are especially encouraged to apply. Full eligibility requirements can be found on the Fund Her Future website. Recipients of the 2025 grants will be notified by the end of July. Last year’s inaugural Fund Her Future program attracted more than 6,000 applicants and awarded grants to five entrepreneurs whose businesses demonstrated significant growth potential. Grant recipient Heather Jiang, owner of Allégorie, a New York City-based small-batch accessory line that turns food waste into fashion, expanded her product lines and hired additional staff with the help of her grant. “There is a sense of relief in handing off my bookkeeping to a Block Advisors expert,” Jiang explained. “It frees up my time to focus on other aspects of the business. They ensure everything is handled properly. The recognition from the grant has been amazing, as well. We’ve seen a 50 percent increase in online traffic to our website since the 2024 grant was announced.” Another 2024 grant recipient, Erica Cole, owner of Richmond-based No Limbits, used the funding and support to scale her accessible apparel brand. “The funding and small business support from Block Advisors has allowed me to scale my business. It enabled me to launch my sensory-friendly collection in Walmart and acquire Buck & Buck, a leader in adaptive apparel,” Cole shared. Ameka Coleman, owner of Strands of Faith based in Pearl, Mississippi, also saw significant growth following her 2024 grant. “This grant allowed us to onboard two more hospital networks, which significantly increases demand for our products. We’re looking at a 400% increase in revenue from this workstream,” said Coleman. For more information about the Fund Her Future program and how to apply, visit www.BlockAdvisors.com/FundHerFutureGrant. To learn more about Block Advisors’ year-round services for small businesses, visit www.BlockAdvisors.com. This article, "Block Advisors by H&R Block Opens Applications for 2025 Fund Her Future Grant Program" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Iran and the United States will hold talks Saturday in Oman, their third round of negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. The talks follow a first round held in Muscat, Oman, where the two sides spoke face to face. They then met again in Rome last weekend before this scheduled meeting again in Muscat. The President has imposed new sanctions on Iran as part of his “maximum pressure” campaign targeting the country. He has repeatedly suggested military action against Iran remained a possibility, while emphasizing he still believed a new deal could be reached by writing a letter to Iran’s 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to jump start these talks. Khamenei has warned Iran would respond to any attack with an attack of its own. Here’s what to know about the letter, Iran’s nuclear program and the tensions that have stalked relations between Tehran and Washington since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Why did The President write the letter? The President dispatched the letter to Khamenei on March 5, then gave a television interview the next day in which he acknowledged sending it. He said: “I’ve written them a letter saying, ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing.’” Since returning to the White House, the president has been pushing for talks while ratcheting up sanctions and suggesting a military strike by Israel or the U.S. could target Iranian nuclear sites. A previous letter from The President during his first term drew an angry retort from the supreme leader. But The President’s letters to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in his first term led to face-to-face meetings, though no deals to limit Pyongyang’s atomic bombs and a missile program capable of reaching the continental U.S. How did the first round go? Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, hosted the first round of talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. The two men met face to face after indirect talks and immediately agreed to this second round in Rome. Witkoff later made a television appearance in which he suggested 3.67% enrichment for Iran could be something the countries could agree on. But that’s exactly the terms set by the 2015 nuclear deal struck under U.S. President Barack Obama, from which The President unilaterally withdrew America. Witkoff hours later issued a statement underlining something: “A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a The President deal.” Araghchi and Iranian officials have latched onto Witkoff’s comments in recent days as a sign that America was sending it mixed signals about the negotiations. Yet the Rome talks ended up with the two sides agreeing to starting expert-level talks this Saturday. Analysts described that as a positive sign, though much likely remains to be agreed before reaching a tentative deal. Why does Iran’s nuclear program worry the West? Iran has insisted for decades that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, its officials increasingly threaten to pursue a nuclear weapon. Iran now enriches uranium to near weapons-grade levels of 60%, the only country in the world without a nuclear weapons program to do so. Under the original 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.67% purity and to maintain a uranium stockpile of 300 kilograms (661 pounds). The last report by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran’s program put its stockpile at 8,294.4 kilograms (18,286 pounds) as it enriches a fraction of it to 60% purity. U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Iran has yet to begin a weapons program, but has “undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so.” Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, has warned in a televised interview that his country has the capability to build nuclear weapons, but it is not pursuing it and has no problem with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s inspections. However, he said if the U.S. or Israel were to attack Iran over the issue, the country would have no choice but to move toward nuclear weapon development. “If you make a mistake regarding Iran’s nuclear issue, you will force Iran to take that path, because it must defend itself,” he said. Why are relations so bad between Iran and the U.S.? Iran was once one of the U.S.’s top allies in the Mideast under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who purchased American military weapons and allowed CIA technicians to run secret listening posts monitoring the neighboring Soviet Union. The CIA had fomented a 1953 coup that cemented the shah’s rule. But in January 1979, the shah, fatally ill with cancer, fled Iran as mass demonstrations swelled against his rule. The Islamic Revolution followed, led by Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and created Iran’s theocratic government. Later that year, university students overran the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, seeking the shah’s extradition and sparking the 444-day hostage crisis that saw diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S. severed. The Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s saw the U.S. back Saddam Hussein. The “Tanker War” during that conflict saw the U.S. launch a one-day assault that crippled Iran at sea, while the U.S. later shot down an Iranian commercial airliner that the American military said it mistook for a warplane. Iran and the U.S. have see-sawed between enmity and grudging diplomacy in the years since, with relations peaking when Tehran made the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. But The President unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018, sparking tensions in the Mideast that persist today. ___ The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat contributed to this report. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. As long as we have employers, we’ll also have managers who issue nonsensical or inefficient edicts — even when their employees point out a smarter way to go. Sometimes that’s because they’re more focused on control or appearances than on actual results. Sometimes it’s because they’re out of touch with the day-to-day realities of the work. And sometimes they’re just bad managers. Today at Slate, I wrote about how some irritated employees have learned to respond to these policies with “malicious compliance”: scrupulously doing exactly what they’re being told to do, but in a way that exposes the absurdity of the request. You can read it here. View the full article

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that applications are now open for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant Program. The initiative aims to boost the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors by supporting value-added businesses with targeted equipment investments. Through the AGRI Value-Added Grant, eligible applicants — including individuals, farmers, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, local governments, and tribal governments — can apply for funding to enhance the production capacity, market diversification, and market access of value-added agricultural products. For this program, “value-added” is defined as the addition of value to an agricultural product through processing. The MDA expects to award a combined $2 million in funding through the AGRI Value-Added and AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk (MPEM) Grants. Funding priorities for this round include projects that increase food safety and expand hemp fiber production capacity. Grant recipients are required to meet specific cash match requirements. Applicants must provide 50% of the first $50,000 of project costs to qualify for up to $25,000 in reimbursement. For expenses beyond the first $50,000, recipients must cover 75% of the additional costs, with the state reimbursing 25%, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000. For example, a project costing $400,000 would be eligible for $112,500 in total grant reimbursement. Applicants would receive $25,000 for the first $50,000 of expenses and $87,500 for the remaining $350,000, requiring them to contribute $287,500 of their own funds. Applications for the AGRI Value-Added Grant are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to carefully review the Value-Added Request for Proposals – Spring document for full eligibility and requirement details. Applications must be submitted online through the designated MDA portal, and new users will need to create an account before applying. The AGRI Program is a key component of Minnesota’s strategy to advance its agricultural economy, offering resources to help businesses grow while promoting innovation and sustainability in the industry. Image: Canva This article, "Minnesota Department of Agriculture Opens Applications for AGRI Value-Added and MPEM Grant Programs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that applications are now open for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant Program. The initiative aims to boost the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors by supporting value-added businesses with targeted equipment investments. Through the AGRI Value-Added Grant, eligible applicants — including individuals, farmers, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, local governments, and tribal governments — can apply for funding to enhance the production capacity, market diversification, and market access of value-added agricultural products. For this program, “value-added” is defined as the addition of value to an agricultural product through processing. The MDA expects to award a combined $2 million in funding through the AGRI Value-Added and AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk (MPEM) Grants. Funding priorities for this round include projects that increase food safety and expand hemp fiber production capacity. Grant recipients are required to meet specific cash match requirements. Applicants must provide 50% of the first $50,000 of project costs to qualify for up to $25,000 in reimbursement. For expenses beyond the first $50,000, recipients must cover 75% of the additional costs, with the state reimbursing 25%, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000. For example, a project costing $400,000 would be eligible for $112,500 in total grant reimbursement. Applicants would receive $25,000 for the first $50,000 of expenses and $87,500 for the remaining $350,000, requiring them to contribute $287,500 of their own funds. Applications for the AGRI Value-Added Grant are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to carefully review the Value-Added Request for Proposals – Spring document for full eligibility and requirement details. Applications must be submitted online through the designated MDA portal, and new users will need to create an account before applying. The AGRI Program is a key component of Minnesota’s strategy to advance its agricultural economy, offering resources to help businesses grow while promoting innovation and sustainability in the industry. Image: Canva This article, "Minnesota Department of Agriculture Opens Applications for AGRI Value-Added and MPEM Grant Programs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article