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As protests in Iran intensify, satellite technology has become one of the only ways for people in the country to circumvent a total internet blackout and heavy restrictions on phone service. Now, as a number of people in the country turn to SpaceX—the company now providing free access to Starlink—there are growing calls for Apple to get involved, too. At least one member of Congress has now reached out to Apple urging the company to turn on satellite texting in Iran. The office of Rep. Buddy Carter, a Republican from Georgia, confirmed to Fast Company that they’d been in touch with Apple about opening up satellite messaging—which lets iPhone users send messages even when there is no wifi or cellular service—in the country, though they didn’t say what response, if any, they might have received from the company. That outreach comes after, on Wednesday, Carter called on the company to do so publicly. “Apple, the leading phone brand in the world, must enable satellite messaging for Iran so they can message family and report atrocities being committed by the Iranian regime,” said Carter in a social media post. Some activists have called for Apple to turn on satellite-based messaging, a service that the company is quickly rolling out. One of these calls, which as of Thursday night racked up nearly half a million views on X, reads: “During this nationwide blackout, the brutal killing of civilians has started in the past 24 hours. We urgently call on Apple to enable Satellite Messaging for users inside Iran, or confirm whether the service is already active and functioning without interference.” “Communication is a lifeline. Lives depend on it,” the person added. It isn’t immediately clear if this is something Apple can do, or what Apple might have already turned on in Iran. Apple did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Globalstar, the satellite telecommunications company that supports Apple’s satellite-based texting service, did not respond to a request for comment by publication time. They’re expensive, but iPhones are used throughout Iran, and the government recently lifted restrictions on newer models. Still, Apple’s website says that the satellite-based texting feature is currently only available to people in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, assuming they’re using an iPhone 14 or a newer model. Apple also offers another satellite-based service, called Emergency SOS, for texting emergency services, though, again, Iran isn’t one of the countries where it’s available. When asked about SpaceX and Starlink, a spokesperson for the State Department Fast Company on Wednesday, the administration “is committed to helping to preserve and protect the free flow of information by the most effective means to the people of Iran in the face of the Iranian regime’s brutal repression.” But the spokesperson did not address Fast Company’s follow up questions about outreach to Apple, specifically. Neither did Florida Senator Rick Scott, who commended SpaceX for making Starlink available in Iran earlier this week. “I would welcome anything — anything from any company, any government— that can help people to send even one byte of data,” Amir Rashidi, who focused on internet security and digital rights at the Miaan Group, which has been tracking the communications blackout in Iran, to Fast Company earlier this week. View the full article

A major fast food franchisee has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The franchisee, Sailormen Inc., operates 130 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen locations in Florida, and like the franchisees of other big-name fast food chains in recent years, has faced numerous economic headwinds. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? On January 15, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisee Sailormen Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. Sailormen has been a Popeyes franchisee since the 1980s, and it currently operates 130 locations of the popular fried chicken chain. The conditions leading to the company’s bankruptcy filing centered on increased debt burdens, driven by several factors. “Those factors include, among others, the national impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurant operations, consumer choice, high inflation, increased borrowing rates, and an increasingly limited qualified labor force,” the company said in its filing. As reported by Restaurant Business, in 2023, Sailormen parent company, Interfoods of America, had a deal to sell 16 Sailormen-owned locations to another company, but that deal fell through, leaving Sailormen liable for the lease payments on those stores, significantly contributing to the company’s financial woes. According to court documents, Sailormen Inc. owes around $130 million to various lenders, some of whom are suing the company. How does this bankruptcy affect Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen? It’s important to note that the bankruptcy does not involve Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen or its owner, Restaurant Brands International (RBI). Sailormen Inc. is a separate legal entity from RBI and only franchises Popeyes stores. However, the bankruptcy filing of a large franchisee is sure to worry other franchise owners about the health of the Popeyes brand. To address those concerns, the president of Popeyes in the U.S. and Canada, Peter Perdue, reportedly sent out a note to relevant parties addressing the bankruptcy. According to the note, which was obtained by Restaurant Business, Perdue told other franchisees that Sailormen’s bankruptcy announcement “does not reflect the healthy unit economics that you are experiencing in your restaurants.” Of the four major fast food brands owned by RBI—Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Firehouse Subs— Popeyes ranks third in number of locations. Burger King is by far the largest RBI chain, with nearly 20,000 locations, followed by Tim Hortons with around 6,000 locations. Popeyes has around 5,000 locations worldwide, and Firehouse Subs has fewer than 1,500. In its most recent quarterly report, for the third quarter 2025, RBI reported net sales of $2.45 billion, an increase of 6.9%. However, much of that gain came from sales increases at its Tim Hortons and Burger King stores, noted CNBC. During the quarter, Popeyes saw same-store sales decline 2.4%. Fast Company reached out to Sailormen and RBI for comment. Will Popeyes store close? In Sailormen’s bankruptcy filings, it made no mention of the possibility of store closures, though no closures are by any means certain. In the memo sent to franchise owners regarding Sailormen’s bankruptcy filing, Popeyes president Peter Perdue reportedly addressed possible closures. “While no one wants to find themselves in a process like this, we certainly believe that a large majority of their restaurants will continue to operate in the Popeyes system,” he wrote. Sailormen is by far the first major quick service restaurant (QSR) franchisee to seek Chapter 11 protection. In recent years, a number of major fast food franchise owners have filed for bankruptcy. This includes the November 2023 bankruptcy filings for Wendy’s franchisee Starboard Group and Burger King franchisee Premier Kings. And last April, another major Burger King franchisee, Consolidated Burger Holdings, also filed for Chapter 11. Many of these franchisees have reported the same struggles as Sailormen’s, including foot traffic that never recovered after the Covid-19 pandemic as well as inflationary pressures. View the full article

OpenAI will begin testing ads in ChatGPT in the U.S. in the coming weeks. Ads will appear at the bottom of chatbot responses, be clearly labeled, and will only show when there’s a relevant sponsored product or service tied to the conversation. Who will see ads: Logged-in adult users on the free tier Users on ChatGPT Go, OpenAI’s $8/month low-cost subscription Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans will remain ad-free Users under 18 will not see ads Why we care. Ads inside ChatGPT open a new, high-intent placement where users are actively asking questions and making decisions. Unlike traditional search or social ads, these placements appear directly within relevant conversations, offering context-driven exposure with clear user controls. If scaled, this could become an entirely new performance and discovery channel — especially for brands focused on intent, education, or consideration-stage marketing. The bigger goal. OpenAI says ads are part of a broader push to make powerful AI accessible to more people. ChatGPT Go, which launched in 171 countries last year, is now available in the U.S., offering expanded features like image generation, file uploads, and memory at a lower price point. Ads are intended to help reduce usage limits for free users and keep costs down. What won’t change. OpenAI emphasizes that ads will not influence ChatGPT’s answers and that user conversations will never be sold to advertisers. Ads won’t appear near sensitive or regulated topics such as politics, health, or mental health. OpenAI’s ad principles. The company says its approach is guided by mission alignment, answer independence, conversation privacy, and user control. Users will be able to see why they’re shown an ad, dismiss it, turn off personalization, or clear ad-related data at any time. Big picture. With more than $1.4 trillion in infrastructure commitments and a reported $20 billion annualized revenue run rate, OpenAI is under pressure to find scalable revenue streams. Advertising — long a cash engine for companies like Google and Meta — could help offset those costs while keeping AI broadly available. Between the lines. CEO Sam Altman has previously warned that ads could erode trust, but OpenAI is positioning this test as cautious and user-first, stressing it won’t optimize for time spent or revenue at the expense of experience. What’s next. Ads aren’t live yet, but testing will begin soon. OpenAI says it will refine how ads appear based on user feedback as it experiments with monetizing its flagship product. View the full article

The public has lost faith in the political system and in the people operating itView the full article

Chain sought to be the ultimate retailer in the sector but its collapse suggests plenty of shoppers never wanted it at allView the full article

If you're an Android owner who uses wireless headphones or earbuds, remove them for a second and listen up: As first reported by WIRED, millions of audio devices from reputable brands like Sony, JBL, Anker, Sonos, and even Google itself are now facing a major security vulnerability that could allow hackers to eavesdrop on your conversations or track your location. There are ways to plug the hole, but you'll need to jump through a few hoops to do it. How the "WhisperPair" attack worksThe vulnerability was first discovered by Belgium's KU Leuven University Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography Group, and is being dubbed "WhisperPair." It takes advantage of Android's Fast Pair feature, which allows for convenient, one-tap connections to nearby Bluetooth devices, similar to what might pop up on your iPhone screen if you open an AirPods case near it. Unfortunately, according to the researchers, they've discovered that it's possible for a malicious actor to essentially hijack the pairing process, giving them a hidden window into your audio device while still letting it connect to your phone or tablet, leaving you none the wiser. "You’re walking down the street with your headphones on, you're listening to some music. In less than 15 seconds, we can hijack your device," KU Leuven researcher Sayon Duttagupta told WIRED. OK, so a hacker can listen in on your headphones. Big whoop. But yes, actually. Big whoop indeed. How this puts you at riskOnce a hacker pairs with your audio device, they can use it to eavesdrop on your microphones, listen in on any private conversations that might be coming through your speakers, play their own audio at whatever volume they want, and, if your device has Google Find Hub support, possibly even track your location. That last vulnerability is the most concerning to me, although it's also the hardest for hackers to pull off. Right now, it's only been documented in the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and five Sony products, and requires you to have not previously connected them to an Android device or paired them with a Google account. Still, even without location tracking, it's certainly not ideal for a hacker to essentially have access to a microphone in your house at all times. How to protect yourselfThe researchers reached out to Google, which has come up with a series of recommended fixes—but here's where the problems come in: These fixes need to be implemented by the accessory makers on an individual basis, and you'll likely need to install them manually. What that will look like differs based on what device you have. JBL, for instance, told WIRED that it has started pushing out over-the-air updates to plug the vulnerability, while Logitech said it has "integrated a firmware patch for upcoming production units." Lifehacker is reaching out to other companies with affected products, and I will update this post when we hear back. To ensure you get your device's fixes when they roll out to you, the researcher who discovered WhisperPair suggests downloading its corresponding app—something most audio devices offer these days. “If you don't have the [Sony app], then you'll never know that there's a software update for your Sony headphones,” KU Leuven researcher Seppe Wyns told WIRED. On the plus side, if you happen to own an affected Google audio device, you should be in the clear—the company says it has already sent out fixes for them. Unfortunately, Google isn't magic. The company also said it tried to update Find Hub to block the location tracking vulnerability for all devices, whether their manufacturer has updated them or not. Unfortunately, the KU Leuven researchers said they were able to bypass that one-size-fits-all fix within a few hours. Unfortunately, Fast Pair can't be disabled, so until your device's manufacturer rolls out its own update, it will be vulnerable. There is a panic button you can hit if you notice unusual behavior in the meantime, as the researchers say that factory resetting your audio device will clear it of any hackers who have already paired to it. Unfortunately, that still leaves it vulnerable for new hackers going forward. The risk is real but mostly theoretical for nowOn the bright side, while the concerns here are quite real, Google says you don't need to worry too much yet. The company told WIRED it has, "not seen any evidence of any exploitation outside of this report's lab setting." That means the researchers in question might be the first people to discover WhisperPair, although the researchers themselves are being a bit more cautious, as they question Google's ability to observe audio hijacking for devices from other companies. On that note, if you're a smug iPhone user reading this, you shouldn't feel too comfortable: WhisperPair could affect you too. While the vulnerability can't originate on an Apple device, if you happen to connect a device that has already been hacked on an Android to your iPhone or iPad, then you're in the same boat. How to know if you're at riskI wish I could offer a simple solution that would instantly beef up the security on all of your devices, but unfortunately, staying safe from WhisperPair will take some vigilance on your part—in particular, looking out for an update from your device's manufacturer. To check whether the WhisperPair vulnerability affects you, visit the researchers' website and search for your device. It'll tell you the manufacturer, whether it's vulnerable, and what steps you can take to plug the vulnerability. Note that the short list that first pops up under the search bar doesn't include every vulnerable device, so don't assume you're safe just because you don't see yours there—search for it first. View the full article

Put down Wordle. New brain-exercise-for-the-day just dropped. “Can you read 900 words per minute?” a viral post that has been doing the rounds on X, challenges. “Try it.” If you made it to 600 words per minute, that’s more than twice the speed of the average reader. If you made it to 900, congratulations—according to some back-of-the-napkin math, that makes you 278% faster than the national average (which is 238 words per minute). By that same logic, it could take you around 40 seconds to read this 600ish word article. But should it? As one X user pointed out, “this is like brainrot for reading.” Or as Jane Ollis, medical biochemist and founder at AI-powered neurotech company Sona, told Fast Company, “It’s the cognitive equivalent of watching Netflix on fast-forward.” The challenge uses a technique called rapid sequential visual presentation, or RSVP. The effect is bizarre, almost meditative, as your eyes passively absorb huge quantities of words at a rapid-fire pace. “Eye movements shorten, the inner voice gets kicked out of the room, and the brain starts guessing what comes next,” explains Ollis. There’s another factor to consider when we read really fast. “It’s neural autocomplete,” says Ollis. “Very efficient. Not always accurate.” Research backs this up. Getting rid of sub-vocalizations—or “hearing” words in your mind—may increase “reading” speed, but has been shown to reduce comprehension of what is being read. And doing away with those extra eye movements, by placing words one on top of another rather than along a sentence (like in the X post), has also been found to have a similar effect on comprehension. “You know roughly what happened, but you wouldn’t bet your reputation on the details. And neuroscience tells us that the good stuff—insight, memory, and learning—happens when the brain slows down enough to actually chew the information,” explains Ollis. “When people try to read at extreme speed, the brain doesn’t suddenly get smarter. It gets lazier in a clever way.” For the deluge of text we consume on a daily basis (more than at any other time in history) this skill isn’t unhelpful. From checking emails to scanning work documents to perusing social feeds, these are all effective use-cases for this kind of speed reading approach. (It’s also a pretty fun challenge, to be honest.) But the best way to read faster, without reducing comprehension, is simply to read more. “In a world obsessed with speed,” Ollis says, “attention might be the most rebellious skill we have.” View the full article

When you think of tools for studying substance use and addiction, a social media site like Reddit, TikTok, or YouTube probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet the stories shared on social media platforms are offering unprecedented insights into the world of substance use. In the past, researchers studying peoples’ experiences with addiction relied mostly on clinical observations and self-reported surveys. But only about 5% of people diagnosed with a substance use disorder seek formal treatment. They are only a small sliver of the population who have a substance use disorder—and until recently, there has been no straightforward way to capture the experiences of the other 95%. Today, millions of people openly discuss their experiences with drugs online, creating a vast collection of raw narratives about drug use. As a doctoral student in information science with a background in public health, I use this material to better understand how people who use drugs describe their lives and make sense of their experiences, especially when it comes to stigma. These online conversations are reshaping how researchers think about substance use, addiction, and recovery. Advances in artificial intelligence are helping make sense of these conversations at a scale that wasn’t possible before. The hidden population The vast majority of people diagnosed with a substance use disorder address the issue informally—seeking support from their community, friends, or family, self-medicating or doing nothing at all. But some choose to post about their drug use in dedicated online communities, such as group forums, often with a level of candor that would be difficult to capture in clinical interviews. Their social media posts offer a window into real-time, unscripted conversations about substance use. For example, Reddit, which is comprised of topical communities called subreddits, contains over 150 interconnected communities dedicated to various aspects of substance use. In 2024, my colleagues and I analyzed how participants in drug-related forums on Reddit connect and interact. We found that they focused on the chemistry and pharmacology of substances, support for drug users, recreational experiences such as festivals and book clubs, recovery help, and harm reduction strategies. We then selected a few of the most active communities to develop a system for categorizing different types of personal disclosures by labeling 500 Reddit posts. Policymakers and public health experts have expressed concerns that social media encourages risky drug use. Our work did not assess that issue, but it did support the notion that platforms such as Reddit and TikTok often serve as a lifeline for people seeking just-in-time support when they need it most. When we used machine learning to analyze an additional 1,000 posts, we found that most users in the forums we focused on were seeking practical safety information. Posters often posed questions such as how much of a substance is safe to take, what interactions to avoid and how to recognize signs of trouble. We observed that these forums function as informal harm reduction spaces. People share not just experiences but warnings, safety protocols and genuine care for each other’s well-being. When community members are lost to overdose, the responses reveal deep grief and renewed commitments to keeping others safe. This is the everyday reality of how people navigate substance use outside medical settings—with far more nuance and mutual support than critics might expect. We also explored TikTok, analyzing more than 350 videos from substance-related communities. Recovery advocacy content was the most common, depicted in 33.9% of the videos we analyzed. Just 6.5% of the videos showed active drug use. On Reddit, we frequently saw people emphasizing safety and care. Why AI is a game-changer Platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube host millions of posts, videos, and comments, many filled with slang, sarcasm, regional language, or emotionally charged stories. Analyzing this content manually is time-consuming, inconsistent, and virtually impossible to do at scale. That’s where AI comes in. Traditional machine learning approaches often rely on fixed word lists or keyword matching, which can miss important contextual cues. In contrast, newer models—especially large language models like OpenAI’s GPT-5—are capable of understanding nuance, tone, and even the underlying intent of a message. This makes them especially useful for studying complex issues like drug use or stigma, where people often communicate through implication, coded language, or emotional nuance rather than direct statements. These models can identify patterns across thousands of posts and flag emerging trends. For example, researchers used them to detect shifts in how Canadians on X, the social media site formerly called Twitter, discussed cannabis as legalization approached—capturing shifts in public attitudes that traditional surveys might have missed. In another study, researchers found that monitoring Reddit discussions can help predict opioid-related overdose rates. Official government data, like that from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typically lags by at least six months. But adding near-real-time Reddit data to forecasting models significantly improved their ability to predict overdose deaths—potentially helping public health officials respond faster to emerging crises. The role that stigma plays in substance use disorder is difficult to capture in traditional surveys and interviews. Bringing stigma into focus One of the most difficult aspects of substance use to study—and to address—is the stigma. It’s deeply personal, often invisible and shaped by a person’s identity, relationships, and environment. Researchers have long recognized that stigma, especially when internalized, can erode self-worth, worsen mental health, and prevent people from seeking help. But it’s notoriously hard to capture using traditional research methods. Most clinical studies rely on surveys or interviews conducted at regular intervals. While useful, these snapshots can miss how stigma unfolds in everyday life. Stigma scholars have emphasized that understanding its full impact requires paying attention to how people talk about themselves and their experiences over time. On social media platforms, people often discuss stigma organically, in their own words and in the context of their lived experiences. They might describe being judged by a health care provider, express shame about their own substance use or reflect on how stigma shapes their relationships. Even when posts aren’t directly naming the experience as stigma, they still reveal how stigma is internalized, challenged or reinforced. Using large language models, researchers can begin to track these patterns at scale, identifying linguistic signals like shame, guilt or expressions of hopelessness. In recent work, my colleagues and I showed that stigma expressed on Reddit aligns closely with long-standing stigma theory—suggesting that what people share on social media reflects recognizable stigma processes, not something fundamentally new or separate from what researchers have long studied. That matters because stigma is one of the most significant barriers to treatment for people with substance use disorder. Understanding how people who use drugs talk about stigma, harm, recovery, and survival, in their own words, can complement surveys and clinical studies and help inform better public health responses. By taking these everyday expressions seriously, researchers, clinicians and policymakers can begin to respond to substance use as it is actually lived — messy, evolving and deeply human. Layla Bouzoubaa is a doctoral student in information science at Drexel University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Big city or small town? Tourist trap or undiscovered sights? Following an itinerary or spontaneous exploring? Travel has become a trend as generations raised on social media catch flights, not feelings. But Gen Z and millennials may also be redefining travel—all in the search of a more authentic adventure. Hidden-gem locations and no-stress getaways are top of the list for young travelers. It’s a shift from the kinds of bucket-list destinations that have saturated Instagram and TikTok and fueled an overtourism crisis in recent years. As traveler-favorite towns are combatting high influxes of visitors, some travelers are looking to new horizons. They’re also looking to AI to help plan trips. Rather than ask friends or scroll the social media feed, young travelers are turning to the technology for destination suggestions and deals. Travel search engine company Kayak looked into the vacation trends of the future as younger generations jet set. Here are some of the top findings. Hidden gems The days of TikTok-planned itineraries may be waning, as posts with the #hiddengem hashtag increased by at least 50%. Sixty-nine percent of Gen Z and 66% of millennials say they want to visit places they’ve never seen before, according to Kayak’s 2026 WTF What the Future report. Young travelers are searching for hidden gems (and the ability to claim they discovered them first). Influencers and travel gurus are quick to offer suggestions of their favorite underground vacation spots. So where are young travelers headed? Check out some of the emerging destinations, as highlighted in Kayak’s report: Cork, Ireland Fez, Morocco Sofia, Bulgaria Praia, Cape Verde Baku, Azerbaijan Chongqing, China Asunción, Paraguay Barranquilla, Colombia Halifax, Canada Norfolk, VA Slow travel Beyond just looking for the next undiscovered dream vacation spot, younger travelers are increasingly looking for ways to actually unwind on holiday. Where trips used to be about seeing every sight imaginable, TikTok creators are now promoting so-called slow travel. Sixty-six precent of travelers say relaxation and mental reset are their top priorities on a trip, according to Kayak’s report. So what does slow travel entail? It might encapsulate a few trends: shorter trips, looser itineraries, and focusing on wellness. Younger generations are certainly exercising their wanderlust, but they’re doing it at their speed—and in a dream location they might be gatekeeping. View the full article

Google Ads simplified access to Manual CPC during campaign setup. Instead of navigating through the “Select a bid strategy directly (not recommended)” option, advertisers now see “Manually set bids” directly under the Conversions goal. The change: Manual CPC is surfaced within Google’s primary bidding flow. Advertisers no longer need to bypass Google’s recommended strategies to access it. The update is visible in campaign bidding settings across the UI. Why we care. Manual CPC remains a go-to bidding strategy for advertisers who want hands-on control, but Google’s setup flow has increasingly nudged users toward automated bidding. This update lowers the friction for those who still prefer manual control. Big picture. While Google continues to push Smart Bidding, this change acknowledges that manual bidding still plays an important role — especially for experienced advertisers, niche campaigns, or situations where automation isn’t the best fit. Credit. The update was shared by Hana Kobzová founder of PPC News Feed View the full article

Most of the health advice summarized in Google’s AI Overviews relies on non-medical sources, a new analysis shows. This follows fresh concerns about users receiving misleading or unsafe guidance on sensitive health topics. What’s happening. The Guardian recently reported that Google’s AI Overviews sometimes surface incorrect or dangerous health advice. The reporting drew on reviews by medical charities and experts. Examples included flawed guidance on pancreatic cancer diets and misleading explanations of liver blood test results. Google disputed the findings. The company said the examples were taken out of context and argued that most AI Overviews are accurate and link to reputable sources. The bigger issue. SE Ranking examined where AI Overviews actually get their information. The study reviewed 50,807 health-related searches in Germany. The big finding: Nearly two-thirds of Google AI Overview citations come from sources without strong medical or evidence-based safeguards. By the numbers. YouTube was the single most cited source for health-related AI Overviews. It accounted for 4.43% of all citations, far more than “more reliable” medical sources (e.g., hospitals and clinics, health insurance providers, health associations). Other findings: 34.45% of citations overall came from more reliable medical sources. Academic journals and government health institutions together accounted for about 1% of all AI Overview citations. AI Overviews heavily favored video content. YouTube ranked first in AI citations but only 11th in traditional organic search results. Source alignment was weak. Only 36% of AI-cited pages appeared in Google’s top 10 organic search results. Why we care. Google’s AI Overviews act as a primary layer of health information, especially for Your Money or Your Life topics. With more than 82% of health queries triggering AI Overviews, the quality of AI-generated answers is a public safety issue. Google should be held to the same standard it has long imposed on others: meeting the strict requirements it demands of YMYL publishers. The study. Health-related AI Overviews turn to YouTube 2–3x more than trusted medical sites View the full article

If a City is going to operate a multimodal transportation system, then it helps to understand the motivations of people who continue to choose personal cars for their short trips. Bicycle advocates often talk about this in terms of “bike trips not taken” because of a lack of quality infrastructure. Survey after survey shows that many people opt out of cycling because of gaps in the bike lane network, busy intersections to cross, or other real or perceived pain points. And case study after case study shows that when cities create comfortable and convenient bike infrastructure, more people choose to ride bikes. There’s a similar issue with public transportation that urbanists seem afraid to talk about: If people feel unsafe using the subway or local bus, they’ll find another way to reach their destination. The feeling might come from witnessing violence on the subway, from knowing their city has decriminalized shoplifting, or from trying to explain to their kids why a person on the bus is yelling at strangers. If people don’t feel safe and secure on public transit, they’re going to do what they can to opt out. Safe systems There’s no easy answer to this issue, but it doesn’t help anyone to pretend like perceived safety is exaggerated. Or worse, to act like these fears are just part of some kind of suburban conspiracy against city living. A safe systems approach to transportation involves enforcement, and that makes some urbanists and city planners uncomfortable post-2020. I get it—you don’t want the boys in blue dragging someone into a squad car for not paying a $2 fare. But the average American is aware of stories much more disturbing than a teenager hopping a subway turnstile. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, transit system homicides increased 50% from 2020–2024 compared with the previous five-year period (2015–2019), along with an 80% rise in assaults. In August 2025, Iryna Zarutska was murdered while riding the light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ridership on the light rail and the local bus has been down since. The thing is, a multimodal transportation system is much safer than one that prioritizes automobile trips at the expense of other modes. But most people don’t know that because the news doesn’t broadcast the 100+ people who lose their lives in preventable traffic crashes every single day. Case study In New York City, 2025 marked a turning point for subway safety. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that subway crime was on track to reach its lowest levels in 16 years (excluding the pandemic era). Accounting for surging ridership, the rate of major crimes per million riders fell to 30% lower than in 2021 and comparable to pre-pandemic lows. Felony assaults dropped sharply in the second half of the year (down 16% from 2024 overall). MTA rider surveys showed perceived safety climbing dramatically—from 57% of customers feeling safe in January 2025 to a record-high 71% by November 2025. This improved sense of security helped drive post-pandemic ridership records, with subway usage up nearly 8% for the year. Safer than cars Public transit remains far safer than the alternative most people default to: driving personal cars. Transit trips are about 10 times safer per passenger-mile than car trips, with far lower rates of traffic fatalities and injuries. Transit-oriented communities also see about one-fifth the per-capita crash risk overall, thanks to reduced vehicle miles traveled and safer speeds. The sooner we talk openly about the real and perceived issues surrounding public transit, the better. The worst thing to do is downplay the topic out of fear that people might start sharing stories about perceived safety and crime. Do you want more people to take the bus? Use the subway? Share rides with strangers? Then ask people who drive everywhere about “transit trips not taken” and take lots of notes. View the full article

Comprehending the importance of leadership and team-building activities can greatly influence your organization’s success. Implementing structured exercises, like the Leadership Race and the Blindfolded Obstacle Course, nurtures vital skills among team members. These activities not merely improve communication and problem-solving abilities but also promote cohesion within diverse teams. As you consider these vital activities, think about how they can be customized to meet your team’s specific needs and objectives. What challenges could your team overcome through these strategies? Key Takeaways Engage in the Leadership Race to enhance teamwork and communication while identifying individual leadership styles among team members. Utilize the Build a Tower Challenge to promote collaboration and creative problem-solving in a fun, interactive setting. Implement the Active Listening Challenge to improve critical listening skills and effective instruction-giving among participants. Organize a Blindfolded Obstacle Course to foster trust and improve teamwork through reliance on clear communication. Conduct structured feedback sessions post-activities to encourage reflection and continuous improvement in leadership skills. Importance of Leadership Games for Team Development Leadership games play a crucial role in team development, as they not just improve critical thinking and effective communication but furthermore encourage collaboration among team members. Engaging in these leadership activities for college students reveals individual leadership qualities and styles, helping organizations identify potential leaders within their teams. These activities simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to gain experiential learning that improves your practical problem-solving abilities. Types of Leadership Activities to Enhance Skills To improve leadership skills effectively, it’s essential to engage in a variety of structured activities designed to target specific competencies. Leadership training activities can be categorized into physical challenges, mental challenges, role-playing simulations, communication exercises, and problem-solving scenarios. For instance, activities like the Leadership Race or Build a Tower Challenge promote teamwork and communication, while simultaneously revealing individual leadership styles in a fun atmosphere. Similarly, the Active Listening Challenge and Blindfolded Obstacle Course focus on critical listening and instruction-giving skills, imperative for building emotional intelligence and trust within teams. Creative problem-solving tasks, such as the Shipwreck Challenge, encourage innovative thinking and collaboration, enhancing adaptive capabilities. Furthermore, incorporating structured feedback sessions post-activity allows you to reflect on experiences, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for continuous leadership development. Engaging in these activities lays the foundation for effective leadership. Benefits of Leadership Activities in the Workplace Engaging in leadership activities in the workplace offers numerous benefits that extend beyond individual skill development. These activities improve communication skills, which are essential since poor communication can cause a 25% decrease in employee productivity. By participating in leadership games and challenges, you can build trust among team members, addressing the fact that 50% of employees leave because of bad leadership. Moreover, such activities help identify and cultivate potential leaders, as only 10% of individuals are natural-born leaders whereas 20% have basic qualities that can be developed. Leadership training activities also enhance problem-solving skills, critical for reducing costly mistakes. In addition, regular leadership activities contribute to a positive corporate culture, with 70% of employees believing that a strong culture boosts job satisfaction and retention rates. Implementing effective leadership development ideas can therefore greatly transform your workplace environment and team dynamics. Elements of a Good Leadership Activity A good leadership activity typically contains five significant elements that enhance its effectiveness and impact. First, clear objectives aligned with leadership development goals help focus the activity, making it measurable and promoting targeted skill improvement. Next, interactive and engaging formats maintain participant interest, guaranteeing the learning experience is enjoyable and effective, which is critical for retention. Furthermore, providing opportunities for feedback and reflection post-activity allows participants to evaluate their experiences, cultivating self-awareness and continuous improvement. In addition, including diverse challenges caters to various skills, guaranteeing all participants can contribute and learn, maximizing the group’s overall potential. Finally, creating a safe environment encourages participants to practice and learn, promoting risk-taking and experimentation necessary for personal and professional growth in leadership skills. When considering leadership activities examples, look for these elements to guarantee success. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Running Leadership Games When running leadership games, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine their effectiveness. Here are three significant mistakes to steer clear of: Lack of Clear Objectives: Without well-defined goals, participants may feel confused and disengaged, preventing leadership exercises for adults from achieving their intended outcomes. Neglecting a Safe Environment: Failing to create an inclusive atmosphere can discourage participants from fully engaging, limiting their opportunities to practice and develop new leadership skills. Ignoring Feedback and Reflection: Overlooking post-activity discussions means missing valuable insights into each participant’s strengths and areas for improvement, which are crucial for long-term growth. Creating Inclusive Leadership Games for Diverse Teams Creating inclusive leadership games for diverse teams is vital for nurturing an environment where every participant feels valued and heard. To achieve this, consider incorporating diverse perspectives by encouraging participation from all members, which can improve team cohesion and creativity. Leadership activities for students, such as role-playing simulations, allow team members to experience different viewpoints, cultivating empathy and comprehension. Activities that emphasize active listening, like the Active Listening Challenge, effectively promote inclusivity and improve communication within diverse teams. Post-activity feedback mechanisms are important for reflecting on the inclusiveness of the games, helping to identify areas for improvement in team dynamics. Tailoring leadership games to include cultural elements and various leadership styles can boost relevance and engagement, ensuring that all participants connect with the experience. Measuring the Effectiveness of Leadership Games Comprehending the effectiveness of leadership games can considerably improve their impact on team dynamics and individual development. To measure this effectiveness, you should focus on several key areas: Participant Feedback: Collect reflections from participants after leadership games. Their insights can highlight what worked and what didn’t. Behavioral Observations: Look for changes in communication and collaboration skills. This can indicate the games’ impact on leadership abilities. Goal Tracking: Assess progress in relation to specific leadership development goals established before the activities. This helps quantify the benefits of leadership exercises for students. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Team Building? The five C’s of team building are communication, collaboration, commitment, competence, and cohesion. Communication guarantees everyone understands goals and tasks. Collaboration encourages team members to share their skills and ideas. Commitment nurtures responsibility and accountability among team members. Competence assures that individuals have the necessary skills to perform effectively. Finally, cohesion builds a strong team spirit, helping members work together in the direction of shared objectives, especially during challenges. These elements are essential for a successful team. What Are the Three Main Team Leadership Activities? To improve team leadership, focus on three main activities: problem-solving tasks, trust-building exercises, and structured workshops. Problem-solving tasks, like obstacle courses, encourage collaboration and highlight individual strengths. Trust-building exercises, such as the Human Knot, cultivate reliance among team members, vital for effective teamwork. Finally, workshops offer structured learning opportunities, addressing specific leadership challenges and developing critical skills like conflict resolution and decision-making, ultimately improving team dynamics and productivity. What Are the 5 C’s of Leadership Development? The 5 C’s of leadership development are Communication, Collaboration, Commitment, Competence, and Confidence. Effective Communication nurtures clear dialogue among team members, enhancing comprehension. Collaboration leverages individual strengths to achieve common goals. Commitment encourages accountability, motivating team members to fully engage in their tasks. Competence guarantees leaders have the necessary skills for decision-making. Finally, Confidence builds trust, allowing team members to share ideas and take initiative without fear of judgment. What Are the Fun Activities for Team Building? You can engage your team with various fun activities that improve collaboration and communication. The Leadership Race assesses leadership qualities in a competitive format. The Build a Tower Challenge encourages teamwork using office supplies. The Human Knot exercise promotes problem-solving through physical collaboration. The Shipwreck Challenge nurtures creativity during survival simulations. Finally, the Virtual Escape Room provides an interactive platform for remote teams to solve puzzles together, strengthening both teamwork and problem-solving skills. Conclusion Incorporating leadership activities into team development can considerably improve skills and promote cohesion among team members. By selecting the right activities, such as the Leadership Race or Blindfolded Obstacle Course, you can cultivate potential leaders whilst encouraging communication and problem-solving abilities. Nonetheless, it is crucial to avoid common pitfalls and create inclusive environments for diverse teams. By measuring the effectiveness of these games, you can guarantee they contribute meaningfully to your organization’s growth and leadership development. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Activities for Leadership and Team Building Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Comprehending the importance of leadership and team-building activities can greatly influence your organization’s success. Implementing structured exercises, like the Leadership Race and the Blindfolded Obstacle Course, nurtures vital skills among team members. These activities not merely improve communication and problem-solving abilities but also promote cohesion within diverse teams. As you consider these vital activities, think about how they can be customized to meet your team’s specific needs and objectives. What challenges could your team overcome through these strategies? Key Takeaways Engage in the Leadership Race to enhance teamwork and communication while identifying individual leadership styles among team members. Utilize the Build a Tower Challenge to promote collaboration and creative problem-solving in a fun, interactive setting. Implement the Active Listening Challenge to improve critical listening skills and effective instruction-giving among participants. Organize a Blindfolded Obstacle Course to foster trust and improve teamwork through reliance on clear communication. Conduct structured feedback sessions post-activities to encourage reflection and continuous improvement in leadership skills. Importance of Leadership Games for Team Development Leadership games play a crucial role in team development, as they not just improve critical thinking and effective communication but furthermore encourage collaboration among team members. Engaging in these leadership activities for college students reveals individual leadership qualities and styles, helping organizations identify potential leaders within their teams. These activities simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to gain experiential learning that improves your practical problem-solving abilities. Types of Leadership Activities to Enhance Skills To improve leadership skills effectively, it’s essential to engage in a variety of structured activities designed to target specific competencies. Leadership training activities can be categorized into physical challenges, mental challenges, role-playing simulations, communication exercises, and problem-solving scenarios. For instance, activities like the Leadership Race or Build a Tower Challenge promote teamwork and communication, while simultaneously revealing individual leadership styles in a fun atmosphere. Similarly, the Active Listening Challenge and Blindfolded Obstacle Course focus on critical listening and instruction-giving skills, imperative for building emotional intelligence and trust within teams. Creative problem-solving tasks, such as the Shipwreck Challenge, encourage innovative thinking and collaboration, enhancing adaptive capabilities. Furthermore, incorporating structured feedback sessions post-activity allows you to reflect on experiences, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for continuous leadership development. Engaging in these activities lays the foundation for effective leadership. Benefits of Leadership Activities in the Workplace Engaging in leadership activities in the workplace offers numerous benefits that extend beyond individual skill development. These activities improve communication skills, which are essential since poor communication can cause a 25% decrease in employee productivity. By participating in leadership games and challenges, you can build trust among team members, addressing the fact that 50% of employees leave because of bad leadership. Moreover, such activities help identify and cultivate potential leaders, as only 10% of individuals are natural-born leaders whereas 20% have basic qualities that can be developed. Leadership training activities also enhance problem-solving skills, critical for reducing costly mistakes. In addition, regular leadership activities contribute to a positive corporate culture, with 70% of employees believing that a strong culture boosts job satisfaction and retention rates. Implementing effective leadership development ideas can therefore greatly transform your workplace environment and team dynamics. Elements of a Good Leadership Activity A good leadership activity typically contains five significant elements that enhance its effectiveness and impact. First, clear objectives aligned with leadership development goals help focus the activity, making it measurable and promoting targeted skill improvement. Next, interactive and engaging formats maintain participant interest, guaranteeing the learning experience is enjoyable and effective, which is critical for retention. Furthermore, providing opportunities for feedback and reflection post-activity allows participants to evaluate their experiences, cultivating self-awareness and continuous improvement. In addition, including diverse challenges caters to various skills, guaranteeing all participants can contribute and learn, maximizing the group’s overall potential. Finally, creating a safe environment encourages participants to practice and learn, promoting risk-taking and experimentation necessary for personal and professional growth in leadership skills. When considering leadership activities examples, look for these elements to guarantee success. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Running Leadership Games When running leadership games, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine their effectiveness. Here are three significant mistakes to steer clear of: Lack of Clear Objectives: Without well-defined goals, participants may feel confused and disengaged, preventing leadership exercises for adults from achieving their intended outcomes. Neglecting a Safe Environment: Failing to create an inclusive atmosphere can discourage participants from fully engaging, limiting their opportunities to practice and develop new leadership skills. Ignoring Feedback and Reflection: Overlooking post-activity discussions means missing valuable insights into each participant’s strengths and areas for improvement, which are crucial for long-term growth. Creating Inclusive Leadership Games for Diverse Teams Creating inclusive leadership games for diverse teams is vital for nurturing an environment where every participant feels valued and heard. To achieve this, consider incorporating diverse perspectives by encouraging participation from all members, which can improve team cohesion and creativity. Leadership activities for students, such as role-playing simulations, allow team members to experience different viewpoints, cultivating empathy and comprehension. Activities that emphasize active listening, like the Active Listening Challenge, effectively promote inclusivity and improve communication within diverse teams. Post-activity feedback mechanisms are important for reflecting on the inclusiveness of the games, helping to identify areas for improvement in team dynamics. Tailoring leadership games to include cultural elements and various leadership styles can boost relevance and engagement, ensuring that all participants connect with the experience. Measuring the Effectiveness of Leadership Games Comprehending the effectiveness of leadership games can considerably improve their impact on team dynamics and individual development. To measure this effectiveness, you should focus on several key areas: Participant Feedback: Collect reflections from participants after leadership games. Their insights can highlight what worked and what didn’t. Behavioral Observations: Look for changes in communication and collaboration skills. This can indicate the games’ impact on leadership abilities. Goal Tracking: Assess progress in relation to specific leadership development goals established before the activities. This helps quantify the benefits of leadership exercises for students. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Team Building? The five C’s of team building are communication, collaboration, commitment, competence, and cohesion. Communication guarantees everyone understands goals and tasks. Collaboration encourages team members to share their skills and ideas. Commitment nurtures responsibility and accountability among team members. Competence assures that individuals have the necessary skills to perform effectively. Finally, cohesion builds a strong team spirit, helping members work together in the direction of shared objectives, especially during challenges. These elements are essential for a successful team. What Are the Three Main Team Leadership Activities? To improve team leadership, focus on three main activities: problem-solving tasks, trust-building exercises, and structured workshops. Problem-solving tasks, like obstacle courses, encourage collaboration and highlight individual strengths. Trust-building exercises, such as the Human Knot, cultivate reliance among team members, vital for effective teamwork. Finally, workshops offer structured learning opportunities, addressing specific leadership challenges and developing critical skills like conflict resolution and decision-making, ultimately improving team dynamics and productivity. What Are the 5 C’s of Leadership Development? The 5 C’s of leadership development are Communication, Collaboration, Commitment, Competence, and Confidence. Effective Communication nurtures clear dialogue among team members, enhancing comprehension. Collaboration leverages individual strengths to achieve common goals. Commitment encourages accountability, motivating team members to fully engage in their tasks. Competence guarantees leaders have the necessary skills for decision-making. Finally, Confidence builds trust, allowing team members to share ideas and take initiative without fear of judgment. What Are the Fun Activities for Team Building? You can engage your team with various fun activities that improve collaboration and communication. The Leadership Race assesses leadership qualities in a competitive format. The Build a Tower Challenge encourages teamwork using office supplies. The Human Knot exercise promotes problem-solving through physical collaboration. The Shipwreck Challenge nurtures creativity during survival simulations. Finally, the Virtual Escape Room provides an interactive platform for remote teams to solve puzzles together, strengthening both teamwork and problem-solving skills. Conclusion Incorporating leadership activities into team development can considerably improve skills and promote cohesion among team members. By selecting the right activities, such as the Leadership Race or Blindfolded Obstacle Course, you can cultivate potential leaders whilst encouraging communication and problem-solving abilities. Nonetheless, it is crucial to avoid common pitfalls and create inclusive environments for diverse teams. By measuring the effectiveness of these games, you can guarantee they contribute meaningfully to your organization’s growth and leadership development. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Activities for Leadership and Team Building Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re planning to hit up a movie over the long weekend, you’re in luck. Going to the theater will be a bit cheaper for two days, as long as you believe popcorn is a must-have movie accessory. That’s because Cinemark, in partnership with Lowes, is celebrating National Popcorn Day, which falls on Mon. Jan. 19, with a reprise of last year’s Bring Your Own Bucket (BYOB) event. To celebrate, select Cinemark theaters will let you bring a bucket (any bucket) to fill to the brim on the 18th and 19th for just five bucks. And yes, they really mean any bucket. Per the announcement, Cinemark says, “Get creative with it—any container can be a bucket, including a Lowe’s 5-gallon blue bucket. And just for bringing in your Lowe’s bucket, you’ll get a FREE medium popcorn when you buy any medium fountain drink.” That’s up to 400 ounces of delicious buttery popcorn for a total steal. According to some social media users, they were able to snag the deal last year without even seeing a movie. One TikTok user, @BanesaSilva, posted a video last year for National Popcorn Day. In it, she brings a massive pot and the theater fills it with popcorn without question. “Let’s go home! Movie night!” she says, joyfully, at the end of the clip. Other users on TikTok proved that, when you’re asking Cinemark, “bucket” is a highly flexible term. One user showed up with a rolling cooler, which the theater happily filled. Others showed up with large shopping backs and storage containers to hold mounds of the salty snack. Needless to say, when Cinemark says “get creative” with your bucket, they really seem to mean it. So, don’t hold back. Anything can be a bucket with a little imagination (and a big appetite). Still, bringing a Lowe’s blue 5-gallon might be the ticket to the ultimate reward. Those who do will be exempt from the 400-ounce limit. So, if your appetite (or your family’s) is endless when it comes to popcorn, that may be the most desirable route to go. Plus, customers who bring in the Lowe’s buckets will be gifted popcorn coupons (valid from Feb. 1 to Feb. 26). Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without movie-goers sharing their wild and wonderful buckets online for all to see. Therefore, the theater chain is asking everyone to tag @Cinemark in their BYOB posts. View the full article

In a significant development for small business owners who utilize Apple Card, Chase has announced that it will become the new issuer of the widely used credit card. This transition, expected to occur in approximately 24 months, aims to enhance the existing benefits of Apple Card, potentially reshaping how small business owners and consumers manage their finances. Apple Card, which debuted in 2019, has gained popularity for its innovative features such as up to 3% Daily Cash back on purchases, spending tracking tools, and the recent introduction of high-yield Savings accounts. As Chase steps in as the issuer, both companies promise to maintain these advantages while introducing new features designed to further support financial health. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “We’re incredibly proud of how Apple Card has transformed the credit card experience for customers by delivering innovative tools that empower users to make healthier financial decisions.” Bailey emphasized the commitment to providing a best-in-class experience, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon as Chase takes over. For small business owners, the implications are substantial. The Apple Card’s robust rewards system allows users to earn cash back on every purchase, an attractive proposition for those managing expenses in retail, service industries, and beyond. The seamless integration with Apple Wallet makes tracking expenses straightforward, allowing for better cash flow management. Chase’s CEO of Card & Connected Commerce, Allison Beer, highlighted the partnership’s innovative potential, stating, “We share a commitment to supporting consumer financial health, and we’re proud to deepen our relationship by welcoming them as the newest partner in our industry-leading co-brand credit card program.” This relationship signals a fresh approach to customer service, financial tools, and possibly new rewards that could draw small business owners to add Apple Card to their financial toolkit. The collaboration also touches upon the Apple Card Family feature, which enables users to share payment methods with family members. For small businesses, this could mean introducing the card as a budgeting tool for family-run enterprises or teaching young adults about personal finance through shared accounts. Moreover, the Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) option allows users to purchase new Apple products interest-free over time. This could create opportunities for small business owners to invest in equipment or services without immediate financial strain. While the partnership offers many benefits, small business owners should also consider potential challenges during the transition. Although users can continue using their Apple Card as usual during the changeover, the shift from Goldman Sachs to Chase may introduce new terms and conditions. Business owners should stay informed about any alterations in fees, interest rates, or rewards systems once the transition takes place. Additionally, the partnership is subject to regulatory approvals, which could affect the timeline and implementation. Small business owners should monitor both Chase and Apple communications for updates and prepare for possible adjustments in their financial management strategies as the changes unfold. The expected portfolio transfer of over $20 billion in card balances to the Chase platform illustrates the scale of this initiative. However, regulatory scrutiny could mean that the timeline remains flexible, making it crucial for small business owners to stay engaged with ongoing announcements. As Chase and Apple prepare for this evolution of Apple Card, the integration of enhanced features and support for financial health stands to benefit small businesses actively engaged with digital finance platforms. The collaboration reflects broader trends in the industry, emphasizing innovation and consumer empowerment. As the transition approaches, further details will be revealed, offering more insights into how this partnership could reshape financial tools for small business owners. For ongoing updates, visit the original announcement from Chase at media.chase.com. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Chase to Take Over Apple Card Issuance in Major Partnership Shift" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a significant development for small business owners who utilize Apple Card, Chase has announced that it will become the new issuer of the widely used credit card. This transition, expected to occur in approximately 24 months, aims to enhance the existing benefits of Apple Card, potentially reshaping how small business owners and consumers manage their finances. Apple Card, which debuted in 2019, has gained popularity for its innovative features such as up to 3% Daily Cash back on purchases, spending tracking tools, and the recent introduction of high-yield Savings accounts. As Chase steps in as the issuer, both companies promise to maintain these advantages while introducing new features designed to further support financial health. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “We’re incredibly proud of how Apple Card has transformed the credit card experience for customers by delivering innovative tools that empower users to make healthier financial decisions.” Bailey emphasized the commitment to providing a best-in-class experience, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon as Chase takes over. For small business owners, the implications are substantial. The Apple Card’s robust rewards system allows users to earn cash back on every purchase, an attractive proposition for those managing expenses in retail, service industries, and beyond. The seamless integration with Apple Wallet makes tracking expenses straightforward, allowing for better cash flow management. Chase’s CEO of Card & Connected Commerce, Allison Beer, highlighted the partnership’s innovative potential, stating, “We share a commitment to supporting consumer financial health, and we’re proud to deepen our relationship by welcoming them as the newest partner in our industry-leading co-brand credit card program.” This relationship signals a fresh approach to customer service, financial tools, and possibly new rewards that could draw small business owners to add Apple Card to their financial toolkit. The collaboration also touches upon the Apple Card Family feature, which enables users to share payment methods with family members. For small businesses, this could mean introducing the card as a budgeting tool for family-run enterprises or teaching young adults about personal finance through shared accounts. Moreover, the Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) option allows users to purchase new Apple products interest-free over time. This could create opportunities for small business owners to invest in equipment or services without immediate financial strain. While the partnership offers many benefits, small business owners should also consider potential challenges during the transition. Although users can continue using their Apple Card as usual during the changeover, the shift from Goldman Sachs to Chase may introduce new terms and conditions. Business owners should stay informed about any alterations in fees, interest rates, or rewards systems once the transition takes place. Additionally, the partnership is subject to regulatory approvals, which could affect the timeline and implementation. Small business owners should monitor both Chase and Apple communications for updates and prepare for possible adjustments in their financial management strategies as the changes unfold. The expected portfolio transfer of over $20 billion in card balances to the Chase platform illustrates the scale of this initiative. However, regulatory scrutiny could mean that the timeline remains flexible, making it crucial for small business owners to stay engaged with ongoing announcements. As Chase and Apple prepare for this evolution of Apple Card, the integration of enhanced features and support for financial health stands to benefit small businesses actively engaged with digital finance platforms. The collaboration reflects broader trends in the industry, emphasizing innovation and consumer empowerment. As the transition approaches, further details will be revealed, offering more insights into how this partnership could reshape financial tools for small business owners. For ongoing updates, visit the original announcement from Chase at media.chase.com. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Chase to Take Over Apple Card Issuance in Major Partnership Shift" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Your fees send a message about your firm. By Loren Fogelman The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Your fees send a message about your firm. By Loren Fogelman The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

I told myself I won’t check emails until I check off my “one thing” to do for the day. I couldn’t do it. I always reach for the phone in the morning. Willpower wasn’t enough. The brain is wired to take the path of least resistance. Fighting it every day with willpower won’t work. These days I use systems. I work with rituals. I get my most important tasks (MIT) done between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. I schedule my MIT’s the night before. And get straight to work at the scheduled time. Ninety percent of the time at the same place. I’ve done it for so long, I do it on autopilot now. My three-hour block means no motivation required. I’m not relying on willpower to stay “productive.” I’m depending on a system that nudges me in the right direction. Goals are about the results you want; systems are the processes you actually follow. Your goal might be to “write a book.” The system is “open the laptop at 7 a.m. and write 200 words before you start your other tasks.” Systems make good habits stick. They take away unnecessary mental decisions. So you can focus on your meaningful tasks. If your schedule or environment is designed to support your habits, you are likely to follow through. For example, you don’t wake up and give yourself a motivational speech before you brush your teeth. You don’t look for hacks to make it stick. You just do it. Same bathroom. Same sink. Same routine. The system runs you. No willpower or motivation required. Your brain hates decisions Now apply that to the things you struggle with. Writing. Exercising. Saving money. Eating well. Notice the pattern? Those areas usually have no clear or intentional default. They rely on you “feeling like it.” That’s where things fall apart. Your brain loves defaults. It hates decisions. Every decision costs energy. By noon, you’ve already burned through most of it deciding what to wear, what to reply, what to ignore, what to worry about. So when you say, I’ll think about it later, you’re just waiting to borrow energy you won’t have. Designing systems or rituals can be applied to almost anything. From batching similar tasks, blocking distractions on purpose to arranging your workspace in a specific way. Systems don’t just help productivity. Want to sleep better? Define your ideal bedtime. Dim the lights, hide the blue light devices. The same principle applied to investing. Automate the transfer the minute it gets to your savings. Want quality connection with the people you love? Pre-schedule time with them. Don’t hope you’ll “feel like it.” Systems are the invisible things we put in place to take back control of the direction of our lives. Willpower can only nudge you so far. If you want lasting change, real work, better life experiences, you need systems. Set them up, tweak or upgrade them, and let them do what they do best: make your life efficient and meaningful. Your future self will thank you. The minute you notice systems at work, you will wonder why you haven’t been applying them all those years. It’s like realizing most of your day isn’t driven by motivation at all. It’s driven by defaults. Starting is everything Systems don’t make you better. They make starting easier. And starting is everything. The people who “seem disciplined” usually have just engineered fewer points of failure. They don’t rely so much on motivation. They depend on structure. Even creativity works with systems. The myth is that structure kills freedom. In reality, structure creates it. When you remove distractions and decisions, your mind has space to play. That’s why so many artists swear by boring routines. Same walk. Same workspace design. Same start time. They are protecting their “creative space.” If you keep “failing” at something, the problem probably isn’t you. It’s the setup. Don’t blame yourself for not thriving in environments designed to distract, stress, and fragment you. Design better systems to support the habits you want to start. Put the phone away from sight to do deep work. If your phone sits next to your laptop while you work, you will check it. You can’t “willpower” your way out of a notification. Put it in a drawer. Or disable the notifications. Put the book on the pillow to start a reading habit before bed. Your future self will find it there, a clear next action. Automate the bill. Get the running gear ready the night before. Every time you have to ask yourself, “Should I work out now?” you give yourself an out. When you have a system, the answer is already “Yes.” And your environment is designed to support the new habit. If my system fails, I don’t get mad at myself. I get curious. What needs adjusting? Are there too many steps? I tweak my structure and try again. We all respond to cues daily. Systems put them to work for you. You are more likely to be disciplined if you design better structures for your week, both at work and at home. Design beats willpower. Every time. You don’t need more motivation. You need fewer decisions. Want a challenge? Pick one area in your life. Now, design a new system for it so your brain does the hard work automatically. Start tiny. Start ridiculously small. But start. View the full article

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman warned that labor market conditions could weaken further and said the central bank should avoid signaling a pause in monetary policy. View the full article

You’ve been reinventing the wheel. Why? By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

You’ve been reinventing the wheel. Why? By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Positive Culture: A thriving workplace culture boosts employee morale, productivity, and retention rates, contributing to overall business success. Open Communication: Foster open communication by creating safe spaces for feedback and transparency through regular meetings and technology tools. Team Collaboration: Encourage team-building activities and collaborative projects to strengthen relationships, trust, and innovation among employees. Employee Recognition: Implement recognition programs that celebrate achievements, motivating employees and aligning their efforts with business goals. Training and Development: Invest in continuous learning opportunities to empower employees and address skill gaps, enhancing job satisfaction and productivity. Diversity and Inclusion: Promote an inclusive environment where all voices are valued, leading to improved decision-making and enhanced organizational innovation. Creating a positive workplace culture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for fostering productivity and employee satisfaction. When you cultivate an environment where team members feel valued and engaged, you’ll notice a significant boost in morale and collaboration. A thriving culture can transform your workplace into a hub of innovation and creativity. You might wonder where to start. The good news is that implementing effective strategies doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small, intentional changes can lead to a more positive atmosphere. In this article, you’ll discover practical tips to enhance your workplace culture and create a space where everyone can thrive. Understanding Workplace Culture Workplace culture plays a crucial role in shaping team dynamics and overall business success. It encompasses the values, behaviors, and practices that define how your employees interact and work together. Definition of Workplace Culture Workplace culture refers to the shared values and norms within your small business. It reflects your organization’s mission, vision, and the collective behavior of your team members. This culture influences everything from decision-making processes to how feedback is communicated. Strong workplace culture promotes collaboration, enhancing performance and productivity, while a negative culture can lead to conflict and inefficiency. Importance of a Positive Workplace Culture A positive workplace culture boosts employee morale, leading to higher productivity and better retention rates. Engaged employees demonstrate improved performance and are more likely to contribute innovative ideas, directly impacting your business growth. Positive culture encourages effective communication, enhancing teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, it supports conflict resolution, making it easier to address issues as they arise. Prioritizing workplace culture fosters an environment where employees feel valued and motivated, ultimately aligning with your business goals and enhancing operational efficiency. Key Tips for Creating Positive Workplace Culture Creating a positive workplace culture significantly boosts productivity and employee morale. Implement the following strategies to cultivate a supportive environment in your small business. Encourage Open Communication Encourage open communication by fostering an atmosphere where employees feel safe sharing ideas and feedback. Regular team meetings, suggestion boxes, and anonymous employee surveys enhance communication skills and allow you to address concerns effectively. Use technology solutions, such as collaborative software and screen recorders, to facilitate clear communication, especially in remote or hybrid settings. Promote transparency about your business operations through weekly updates or internal newsletters to keep everyone informed and engaged. Promote Team Collaboration Promote team collaboration by organizing activities that strengthen relationships and trust within your workforce. Team-building events not only improve morale but also enhance teamwork and conflict resolution skills. Encourage collaborative projects that allow employees to leverage their strengths, thus improving workflow and productivity. By fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, you create a culture where employees actively contribute to business growth. Recognize and Reward Employees Recognize and reward employees to reinforce positive behavior and high performance. Implement performance reviews that provide constructive feedback and celebrate achievements. Consider establishing an employee recognition program that highlights individual and team accomplishments. Such recognition motivates employees to excel, aligning their efforts with your business goals. This practice significantly enhances employee retention, ensuring your business maintains a committed and engaged workforce. Strategies for Implementation Implementing effective strategies fosters a positive workplace culture. Focus on the following areas to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Training and Development Programs Investing in employee training can significantly boost productivity and support business growth. Identify skill gaps and offer tailored training programs to empower your workforce. Encourage continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and mentoring opportunities. Regular performance reviews help assess progress and align employee development with business goals. These initiatives cultivate an environment where team members feel valued and equipped to tackle challenges. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Diversity and inclusion play a crucial role in enhancing workplace culture. Promote an inclusive atmosphere where all voices are heard, helping to create a sense of belonging for every employee. Implement policies that encourage diverse hiring practices and provide equal opportunities for advancement. Engage your team in training sessions focused on conflict resolution and effective communication skills to foster collaboration. By embracing diverse perspectives, you strengthen your organization’s innovation capacity and improve overall decision-making. Measuring Workplace Culture Success Measuring the effectiveness of your workplace culture is essential for continuous improvement. Use structured methods to evaluate employee satisfaction and engagement which directly impacts your small business’s productivity and growth. Employee Surveys and Feedback Conduct regular employee surveys to gauge satisfaction levels and gather valuable insights. Utilize anonymous feedback tools to encourage honesty. Implement a schedule for these surveys, ensuring you review results every quarter. Analyze trends in employee responses to identify strengths and areas for improvement in leadership and team management. Encourage open dialogue during team meetings to discuss feedback openly, creating a culture of trust and transparency. Analyzing Productivity and Engagement Metrics Track productivity and engagement metrics to assess workplace culture success. Focus on key performance indicators such as project completion rates and employee turnover rates. Compile data on employee performance reviews to understand individual contributions towards business goals. Use software tools for real-time analytics, which allow you to pinpoint workflow inefficiencies. Set benchmarks for improvement, enabling you to develop strategies that enhance operational efficiency. By systematically measuring these elements, you can refine your approaches to employee management and drive your small business ahead. Conclusion Fostering a positive workplace culture is essential for your business’s success. By making small yet impactful changes, you can create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. Encouraging open communication and collaboration not only boosts morale but also drives innovation. Remember that investing in training and embracing diversity can lead to a more dynamic team. Regularly measuring your culture’s effectiveness through employee feedback will help you identify areas for improvement. Prioritize these strategies, and you’ll cultivate a thriving workplace that aligns with your business goals and enhances overall performance. Frequently Asked Questions What is workplace culture? Workplace culture refers to the values, behaviors, and practices that shape how employees interact and collaborate within an organization. It reflects the company’s mission and vision, influencing employee morale and performance. How does a positive workplace culture impact productivity? A positive workplace culture enhances employee morale, fosters collaboration, and encourages innovation. When employees feel valued and motivated, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. What are some simple strategies for improving workplace culture? To improve workplace culture, encourage open communication, promote team collaboration, recognize employee achievements, and invest in training and development. These small, intentional changes can create a more supportive environment. Why is employee training important for workplace culture? Employee training boosts productivity by addressing skill gaps and offering development opportunities. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, making employees feel valued and contributing to overall business growth. How can I measure the success of workplace culture initiatives? Regular employee surveys, anonymous feedback tools, and tracking metrics like productivity and engagement can help assess workplace culture. Analyzing these results allows organizations to refine strategies for continuous improvement. What role does diversity and inclusion play in workplace culture? Diversity and inclusion initiatives enhance workplace culture by fostering collaboration and innovation. Embracing diverse perspectives creates a sense of belonging and improves decision-making, ultimately benefiting the organization. Image Via Envato This article, "Tips for Creating a Positive Workplace Culture That Drives Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Positive Culture: A thriving workplace culture boosts employee morale, productivity, and retention rates, contributing to overall business success. Open Communication: Foster open communication by creating safe spaces for feedback and transparency through regular meetings and technology tools. Team Collaboration: Encourage team-building activities and collaborative projects to strengthen relationships, trust, and innovation among employees. Employee Recognition: Implement recognition programs that celebrate achievements, motivating employees and aligning their efforts with business goals. Training and Development: Invest in continuous learning opportunities to empower employees and address skill gaps, enhancing job satisfaction and productivity. Diversity and Inclusion: Promote an inclusive environment where all voices are valued, leading to improved decision-making and enhanced organizational innovation. Creating a positive workplace culture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for fostering productivity and employee satisfaction. When you cultivate an environment where team members feel valued and engaged, you’ll notice a significant boost in morale and collaboration. A thriving culture can transform your workplace into a hub of innovation and creativity. You might wonder where to start. The good news is that implementing effective strategies doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small, intentional changes can lead to a more positive atmosphere. In this article, you’ll discover practical tips to enhance your workplace culture and create a space where everyone can thrive. Understanding Workplace Culture Workplace culture plays a crucial role in shaping team dynamics and overall business success. It encompasses the values, behaviors, and practices that define how your employees interact and work together. Definition of Workplace Culture Workplace culture refers to the shared values and norms within your small business. It reflects your organization’s mission, vision, and the collective behavior of your team members. This culture influences everything from decision-making processes to how feedback is communicated. Strong workplace culture promotes collaboration, enhancing performance and productivity, while a negative culture can lead to conflict and inefficiency. Importance of a Positive Workplace Culture A positive workplace culture boosts employee morale, leading to higher productivity and better retention rates. Engaged employees demonstrate improved performance and are more likely to contribute innovative ideas, directly impacting your business growth. Positive culture encourages effective communication, enhancing teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, it supports conflict resolution, making it easier to address issues as they arise. Prioritizing workplace culture fosters an environment where employees feel valued and motivated, ultimately aligning with your business goals and enhancing operational efficiency. Key Tips for Creating Positive Workplace Culture Creating a positive workplace culture significantly boosts productivity and employee morale. Implement the following strategies to cultivate a supportive environment in your small business. Encourage Open Communication Encourage open communication by fostering an atmosphere where employees feel safe sharing ideas and feedback. Regular team meetings, suggestion boxes, and anonymous employee surveys enhance communication skills and allow you to address concerns effectively. Use technology solutions, such as collaborative software and screen recorders, to facilitate clear communication, especially in remote or hybrid settings. Promote transparency about your business operations through weekly updates or internal newsletters to keep everyone informed and engaged. Promote Team Collaboration Promote team collaboration by organizing activities that strengthen relationships and trust within your workforce. Team-building events not only improve morale but also enhance teamwork and conflict resolution skills. Encourage collaborative projects that allow employees to leverage their strengths, thus improving workflow and productivity. By fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, you create a culture where employees actively contribute to business growth. Recognize and Reward Employees Recognize and reward employees to reinforce positive behavior and high performance. Implement performance reviews that provide constructive feedback and celebrate achievements. Consider establishing an employee recognition program that highlights individual and team accomplishments. Such recognition motivates employees to excel, aligning their efforts with your business goals. This practice significantly enhances employee retention, ensuring your business maintains a committed and engaged workforce. Strategies for Implementation Implementing effective strategies fosters a positive workplace culture. Focus on the following areas to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Training and Development Programs Investing in employee training can significantly boost productivity and support business growth. Identify skill gaps and offer tailored training programs to empower your workforce. Encourage continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and mentoring opportunities. Regular performance reviews help assess progress and align employee development with business goals. These initiatives cultivate an environment where team members feel valued and equipped to tackle challenges. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Diversity and inclusion play a crucial role in enhancing workplace culture. Promote an inclusive atmosphere where all voices are heard, helping to create a sense of belonging for every employee. Implement policies that encourage diverse hiring practices and provide equal opportunities for advancement. Engage your team in training sessions focused on conflict resolution and effective communication skills to foster collaboration. By embracing diverse perspectives, you strengthen your organization’s innovation capacity and improve overall decision-making. Measuring Workplace Culture Success Measuring the effectiveness of your workplace culture is essential for continuous improvement. Use structured methods to evaluate employee satisfaction and engagement which directly impacts your small business’s productivity and growth. Employee Surveys and Feedback Conduct regular employee surveys to gauge satisfaction levels and gather valuable insights. Utilize anonymous feedback tools to encourage honesty. Implement a schedule for these surveys, ensuring you review results every quarter. Analyze trends in employee responses to identify strengths and areas for improvement in leadership and team management. Encourage open dialogue during team meetings to discuss feedback openly, creating a culture of trust and transparency. Analyzing Productivity and Engagement Metrics Track productivity and engagement metrics to assess workplace culture success. Focus on key performance indicators such as project completion rates and employee turnover rates. Compile data on employee performance reviews to understand individual contributions towards business goals. Use software tools for real-time analytics, which allow you to pinpoint workflow inefficiencies. Set benchmarks for improvement, enabling you to develop strategies that enhance operational efficiency. By systematically measuring these elements, you can refine your approaches to employee management and drive your small business ahead. Conclusion Fostering a positive workplace culture is essential for your business’s success. By making small yet impactful changes, you can create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. Encouraging open communication and collaboration not only boosts morale but also drives innovation. Remember that investing in training and embracing diversity can lead to a more dynamic team. Regularly measuring your culture’s effectiveness through employee feedback will help you identify areas for improvement. Prioritize these strategies, and you’ll cultivate a thriving workplace that aligns with your business goals and enhances overall performance. Frequently Asked Questions What is workplace culture? Workplace culture refers to the values, behaviors, and practices that shape how employees interact and collaborate within an organization. It reflects the company’s mission and vision, influencing employee morale and performance. How does a positive workplace culture impact productivity? A positive workplace culture enhances employee morale, fosters collaboration, and encourages innovation. When employees feel valued and motivated, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. What are some simple strategies for improving workplace culture? To improve workplace culture, encourage open communication, promote team collaboration, recognize employee achievements, and invest in training and development. These small, intentional changes can create a more supportive environment. Why is employee training important for workplace culture? Employee training boosts productivity by addressing skill gaps and offering development opportunities. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, making employees feel valued and contributing to overall business growth. How can I measure the success of workplace culture initiatives? Regular employee surveys, anonymous feedback tools, and tracking metrics like productivity and engagement can help assess workplace culture. Analyzing these results allows organizations to refine strategies for continuous improvement. What role does diversity and inclusion play in workplace culture? Diversity and inclusion initiatives enhance workplace culture by fostering collaboration and innovation. Embracing diverse perspectives creates a sense of belonging and improves decision-making, ultimately benefiting the organization. Image Via Envato This article, "Tips for Creating a Positive Workplace Culture That Drives Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article