ResidentialBusiness

The latest Lower acquisition comes after several previous mergers with lenders as well as two last year that incorporated technology and real estate platforms. View the full article

Ikea’s new store is in the metaverse. The company announced Wednesday it’s piloting a limited-edition pop-up in Roblox’s “Welcome to Bloxburg” game offering players Ikea products they can use to decorate virtual homes. This is the first time that the Swedish furniture retailer has entered gaming in a meaningful way, since an earlier Roblox game in 2024, according to the company. It comes after noticing for years how young adults and teens were building and designing homes in games and wondering why Ikea wasn’t a part of it. “Ikea wanted to better understand how Gen Z and Gen Alpha think about furnishing and self-expression, recognizing the need to meet them on platforms they already use and learn from how they interact with products and spaces in a digital environment,” Ikea’s chief digital officer Parag Parkekh tells Fast Company. “At Ikea we are always curious and eager to develop and connect with people where they are. Today many people are online, and many people are gaming,” he says. “This is an area where we want to see if there is an appetite for Ikea as a brand and our products also in the gaming world.” Ikea’s goal: better understand Gen Z and Gen Alpha The pilot is intentionally small, as its primary goal is to gather learnings for the company. For now it will be available only for people in Australia and Sweden from January 22 to February 5. Located inside the virtual Bloxburg Fancy Furniture Store, which players can access in the the game’s town center, people can choose from items like the Stockholm sofa, the Brännboll inflatable gaming chair, and Ikea’s shark toy named Blåhaj. The company says it chose its selection of products based on items that are less common in the game, are classic Ikea designs, or are items that the Bloxburg team suggested players might like. “Overall, the aim is less about ‘selling’ a catalogue and more about understanding how customers express home furnishing ideas and how Ikea products can support that in a digital world,” Parkekh says. Unboxing Ikea’s tech moves Ikea’s entry into gaming comes on the heels of other tech-forward moves. Last year the company relaunched its smart home line and opened branded kiosks selling Ikea products in select U.S. Best Buy locations. But it’s also late to the metaverse party. Brands including Gucci, Nike, and Walmart opened their own Roblox experiences in 2022—but the trend never caught on in a big way. Today, the dream of a widely used virtual metaverse has been declared effectively dead, and Meta laid off hundreds in its own virtual reality division Tuesday. There are signs of a possible resurgence, though, with examples like Ikea’s foray into the space and Coach’s collection on Sims 4 this week proving brands aren’t abandoning virtual worlds as spaces to show off their products completely. For Ikea, the challenge in translating its physical home furnishings for a virtual world was balancing recognizability and simplicity, since items needed to feel instantly like they had Ikea proportions, colors, and silhouettes while also working smoothly in a gaming context. Luckily, Ikea already has all its products created in 3D, and Bloxburg modified those same models with Ikea’s approval to turn them into gamified objects. “We are very pleased with the outcome,” Parkekh says. There will also an in-person component for Ikea’s Roblox experience, with hidden QR codes set to go up at Ikea locations in the two pilot countries that visitors can scan to unlock extra items. And an Ikea in the metaverse could one day come to other countries too. The company says its virtual shop pilot is a just starting point, and it believes we’ll see more of its home furnishings in games going forward. View the full article

DIY fixes around the house can save you a lot of money and headaches—with few basic skills and a few basic tools, you can tackle a wide range of home projects while other folks pay professionals enormous amounts of money to get the same work done. But sometimes, you get what you pay for. Professionals may be pricey, but they bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that helps them avoid simple mistakes that can lead to real trouble—including code violations. A lot of DIYers tend to skip steps like pulling permits and inspections on the assumption that they’re not necessary for minor fixes, but hacks that seem like clever solutions when you’re DIY-ing can actually be illegal. And code violations can and will come back to haunt you once you try to sell the house, if not sooner. Here are some of the most common DIY choices that could also cause code violations. Using the wrong electrical outletChanging electrical receptacles (also commonly, if incorrectly, referred to as outlets) is a relatively easy DIY project that just about anyone with a screwdriver can tackle, from upgrading to modern three-prong receptacles or adding USB capabilities. But even if your project is successful in the sense that you end up with working receptacles and you haven't electrocuted yourself or burned down the house, you can still wind up with a major code violation if you don’t use ground-fault circuit interruption (GFCI) receptacles in areas where water sources are present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas. The applicable codes can be exacting when it comes to minimum distances from water sources, daisy-chaining receptacles, and using GFCI breakers instead of individual outlets. If you’re just slapping any old outlet into place, you’re probably violating electrical codes, even if everything works. Handrails without proper returnsIf you have a set of stairs that lacks a handrail (or has an old handrail that’s loose and coming free from the wall), it’s easy to buy a new one, cut it to size, and attach it to the wall with fresh screws. But if your handrail isn’t at the correct height (typically somewhere between 30 and 38 inches from the stair tread), you’re in violation of most residential codes. And if your handrail doesn’t make a 90-degree turn toward the wall, floor, or a post at the end—known as a return—you’re also violating code. It’s a safety issue, because clothing and straps can loop over the handrail as you start up or down the stairs, leading to a potential fall and injury. Venting into a voidA few years after buying my house, I decided to replace the ugly ventilation fan in the bathroom. Imagine my surprise when I yanked that sucker out and discovered it was vented directly into the ceiling void. Ventilation fans in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms must vent outside the house, not into an attic or basement. Even if the fan you’re replacing currently vents into an interior space, you have make upgrades to vent it outside or your repair will also violate codes. Overloading your electrical box If you know that you need a metal electrical box when running wiring through your house, that’s great. If you cram way too many wires and clamps into that box, you’ll be in violation of the electrical code—and in real danger of burning down your house. Each electrical box is rated by volume—not the number of wires, but their total volume. Calculating this can be complex if you’re not deeply familiar with wiring, so a good rule of thumb is to avoiding adding wires to a box unless you’re absolutely certain you’re not breaking code by doing so. Cutting into beams Running electrical or plumbing work through walls, basements, or crawl spaces seems straightforward: You start at A, run the material to B, and close everything up. Except you will quickly run into a common problem when a beam or joist invariably blocks your wires or pipes from advancing. Drilling through studs to run wiring is pretty common, as is notching joists to squeeze pipes through. But if you cut into a load-bearing stud or beam with too large a notch, you can easily run into a code violation (and a dangerous one, at that). That’s because cutting into a load-bearing structure weakens it, and weakens everything it's supporting as a result. As with electrical work, the code for notching lumber in the house can be difficult to parse unless you’re experienced with it. You can usually use common sense here and be okay, but it’s also very easy to drill a hole or cut a notch that’s a little too large, setting yourself up for future headaches. Unmarked breakersDid you know that your breaker box is supposed to be clearly—and accurately—labeled? Unlabeled breakers (or, worse, incorrectly labeled breakers that don’t reflect changes to the wiring) are dangerous to anyone who works on them, because critical assumptions will be made based on those labels. If you did some DIY wiring in the house that’s otherwise up to code but you forgot to label or update your breakers, you’re violating code anyway. Overusing extension cordsEveryone uses extension cords, whether it’s to bring power to something that can’t be plugged into the wall or as a temporary solution to a problem. With stress on the word temporary, because extension cords are never supposed to be used as permanent wiring. That means if you’ve been powering something in your basement, yard, or even a bedroom for a long time, you’re probably violating your local fire code. Extension cords are simply not rated for constant use—if you’ve been using one to deliver power for a while, it’s time to call an electrician and have some proper wiring done. (If you want to double extra violate that code, go ahead and run an extension cord—or even an appliance cord—inside your walls.) Too-tall fencingNeighbors can be nosy (and annoying), and the old saying that “good fences make good neighbors” is all too true. Just don’t let the desire for privacy and dominion over your lands lead you into violating local codes, because privacy fences usually have strict upper height limits. Most building codes limit privacy fencing to about six feet at most, so if you build a 12-foot green monster in your backyard to block your neighbor’s view of your sunbathing area, you’re setting yourself up for a future problem. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m dealing with two issues from the same event with the same employee. I am the manager for a warehouse distribution center for a larger company. For our holiday party, I handed out RSVP cards with a choice of one of three dinners for the employee and a guest a few weeks ahead of the party so we knew of a count for the meals and we could pre-pay. The dinner was at a somewhat upscale location (a country club). I was somewhat surprised when one of my employees (Kyle) showed up not only with his wife, but also a 5-6 year old child/grandchild. After the meal and while I was making a speech about how the company was doing, work anniversaries, etc., the child started saying, “I’m bored, I want to leave,” getting louder each time they said it. So during my speech, Kyle, his wife, and the child left. Not a huge deal, but at the end of the party a member of the waitstaff handed me a bill for $18.75 for a chicken strip meal and a pop for the child. I had to pay (plus tip) out of my own pocket. How would you handle this? Ask for reimbursement from Kyle? Plus how to discuss not bringing a child (or an extra guest) to what was an adult event with an invite for only two people? The second issue with Kyle: all employees were given a ticket when they arrived and we had enough prizes/gifts for every employee at the party. We would draw a name and a prize/gift was given. Because Kyle had left, we just continued to the next name after his name was drawn. That meant we had an extra item at the end, so I put all the tickets back in the basket and announced that whichever employee’s name was drawn, their guest would get the prize. Yesterday I overheard some talk about how Kyle approached the employee whose wife had won the extra prize and is expecting them to give up the prize as Kyle should have received it, even if he wasn’t there. The employee hasn’t approached me (yet) about the situation. Do I step in now, or wait until something is said to me? Even though it wasn’t stated “must be present to win,” should I have held onto Kyle’s prize or was it okay to give it away? Some companies let employees win raffle prizes at parties even when they’re not there, but it’s not at all uncommon to confine prizes only to people who are in attendance — and Kyle was out of line in approaching his coworker and demanding the prize. In your shoes, I’d just talk to the employee who Kyle approached and let them know the prize is theirs and they don’t need to feel any pressure to hand it over to Kyle. Add that if Kyle causes any issues over that, they should let you know and you’ll handle it. There’s an argument for giving Kyle a heads-up too, particularly if your sense is that this is going to blow up into a problem. I’d say it this way: “Sorry you had to leave early! Please don’t ask Ralph to give up the prize his wife won; that was my call when you weren’t there when your name was drawn.” As for Kyle bringing his wife and a child when the invitation was only for one guest: let that go and just be clearer about the expectations next year. There are companies where employees are welcome to bring additional family members to holiday parties, and people don’t always scrutinize invitations enough to realize that one guest is okay but two wouldn’t be. (Should they read more carefully? Sure. But people don’t, and it’s usually not worth the hassle of making a big deal about it unless it truly causes significant problems.) Plus, who knows, maybe they had a last-minute child care emergency and thought bringing the kid along was the best solution, or just didn’t realize this was going to be a “company speeches” sort of event and not something more family-friendly. The $18.75 for the kid’s meal should be a business expense (one you get reimbursed for), just like if there were some other unexpected add-on to the charges for the event. As the host of the event, handing Kyle a bill would be really ungracious. And the point of company holiday parties is to build morale, not to leave people feeling bad or resentful or like they/their family were a burden. $18.75 is a small price for the company to pay to avoid that. But for future events, be clearer up-front on the invitation and when talking about the party — “one guest per employee,” “this is not a child-friendly event (there will be work speeches!) but you are welcome to bring an adult guest,” or whatever is right for the circumstances. Clearer is always kinder (but so is giving people some grace if they get it wrong, within reason). The post my employee showed up at a company party with a child, left early, then tried to claim someone else’s prize appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States. The State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, said Wednesday it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected in accordance with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become “public charges” in the U.S. The suspension will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant, or temporary tourist or business visas. “The The President administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the department said in a statement. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.” The statement did not identify which countries would be affected by the pause, but President Donald The President’s administration has already severely restricted immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, many of them in Africa. The suspension will begin on Jan. 21. —Matthew Lee, AP diplomatic writer View the full article

To improve your social media presence, consider implementing five key post types that greatly boost interaction. Polls and surveys can provide valuable insights into your audience’s preferences, whereas user-generated content showcases authentic customer experiences. Behind-the-scenes content humanizes your brand, and interactive quizzes invite participation. Live Q&A sessions encourage real-time engagement. Each of these strategies can strengthen brand loyalty and visibility, making your social media efforts more effective. What’s the best way to implement these ideas? Key Takeaways Create interactive polls and surveys to gather insights and boost audience engagement with minimal effort from users. Share user-generated content to enhance brand visibility and trust, showcasing authentic experiences that resonate with consumers. Post behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand, fostering transparency and encouraging audience loyalty through candid glimpses. Develop interactive quizzes that invite participation and promote community discussion while gathering insights on customer interests. Host live Q&A sessions to facilitate real-time interaction, building trust and generating valuable user-generated content for expanded reach. Polls and Surveys How can you effectively engage your audience and gather valuable insights? Using polls and surveys is a practical approach. These tools require minimal effort from users while providing significant feedback. Platforms like Instagram Stories, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn make it easy to conduct polls in real-time, encouraging interaction. By asking engaging questions about product preferences or service features, you can boost interaction rates, as people enjoy sharing their opinions. According to a DemandGen report, interactive content like polls can double audience engagement compared to static posts. Additionally, the data you gather from polls and surveys can inform your future content and marketing strategies, ensuring you align your offerings with your audience’s preferences. User-Generated Content User-generated content (UGC) is an influential tool that not just improves brand visibility but also builds trust among consumers. By showcasing authentic customer experiences, UGC nurtures a sense of community and credibility. In fact, 79% of people say user-generated content greatly impacts their purchasing decisions. Brands that incorporate UGC into their marketing strategies can experience a 28% increase in engagement rates, as it resonates more with audiences than traditional advertising. Encouraging followers to share their content using branded hashtags can help you track contributions, boosting organic reach. Furthermore, featuring real customers in your marketing can strengthen customer loyalty, with 50% of consumers more likely to engage with such brands, creating a valued connection and sense of belonging. Behind-the-Scenes Content Behind-the-scenes content offers a unique glimpse into your brand’s operations, allowing you to showcase the people and processes that bring your products or services to life. This type of content humanizes your brand, nurturing transparency and authenticity with your audience. By sharing relatable insights into daily operations, you can considerably boost facebook engagement posts, creating a stronger emotional connection with your followers. In fact, 96% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that demonstrate authenticity. Incorporating casual, candid moments in behind-the-scenes posts encourages audience interaction, as people often feel more connected to brands that show their human side. This increased engagement not only improves loyalty but also enhances your social media visibility. Interactive Quizzes What makes interactive quizzes such an effective tool for social media engagement? These engaging posts invite participation, leading to higher interaction rates than static content. Quizzes can be shared across platforms like Instagram Stories, Facebook, and TikTok, helping brands reach wider audiences as they gather insights into user preferences. By incorporating fun, relevant questions related to your brand or industry, you promote community and encourage discussion among followers. Here’s a quick comparison of interactive quiz benefits: Benefits Details Increased Engagement Higher interaction rates than static posts Data Collection Gathers insights on customer interests Easy Sharing Shareable across multiple social platforms Community Building Sparks discussions among followers Utilizing quiz stickers on Instagram further boosts engagement, keeping users invested in your content. Live Q&A Sessions Live Q&A sessions offer a dynamic way for brands to interact with their audiences in real time, building community and trust. These sessions facilitate direct engagement, allowing followers to connect with company representatives or industry experts. Hosting a live Q&A can boost engagement rates considerably, with brands experiencing up to a 300% increase in comments and questions compared to regular posts. Utilizing platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and TikTok improves visibility, as these platforms notify followers when a session starts. Incorporating audience-submitted questions can tailor the content to their interests, making the experience more relevant. Furthermore, live Q&A sessions generate valuable user-generated content, amplifying brand reach as attendees share their experiences across social media interactive posts. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 rule on social media suggests you share five posts about your business, five posts from others, and engage with five posts from your audience. This balance helps nurture community and interaction. By following this strategy, you not just promote your brand but additionally build relationships with your followers. It encourages active participation, leading to increased engagement rates and a more authentic social media presence, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses. What Type of Social Media Posts Get the Most Engagement? To maximize engagement on social media, focus on interactive posts like polls and quizzes, as they encourage participation. User-generated content, such as testimonials and photos, builds trust and nurtures community. Visuals, including images and videos, attract more attention than text alone. Furthermore, seasonal and holiday-themed posts resonate well, whereas contests and giveaways incentivize users to engage more, leading to increased visibility and interaction with your brand. What Is the 70/20/10 Rule in Social Media? The 70/20/10 rule in social media suggests that 70% of your content should provide engaging and informative material, whereas 20% should share content from other sources or user-generated posts. Only 10% should be promotional. This strategy helps you maintain audience interest, builds your brand’s authority, and reduces the risk of overwhelming followers with constant sales pitches. How to Make Engaging Social Media Posts? To create engaging social media posts, start by using interactive elements like polls and quizzes, which encourage participation. Incorporate eye-catching visuals and concise captions, as they attract more views. Encourage user-generated content to promote community and brand loyalty. Connect your posts to trending topics or seasonal events for relevance. Finally, include clear calls to action, guiding your audience toward desired interactions, which can markedly improve engagement and drive conversions. Conclusion Incorporating engaging posts like polls, user-generated content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, interactive quizzes, and live Q&A sessions can greatly improve your social media interaction. These strategies not just encourage audience participation but additionally nurture a sense of community around your brand. By utilizing these techniques, you can gather valuable insights, showcase authentic experiences, and humanize your brand, in the end, strengthening brand loyalty. Implementing these approaches will create a lively and dynamic social media presence that resonates with your audience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Engaging Posts That Boost Social Media Interaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To improve your social media presence, consider implementing five key post types that greatly boost interaction. Polls and surveys can provide valuable insights into your audience’s preferences, whereas user-generated content showcases authentic customer experiences. Behind-the-scenes content humanizes your brand, and interactive quizzes invite participation. Live Q&A sessions encourage real-time engagement. Each of these strategies can strengthen brand loyalty and visibility, making your social media efforts more effective. What’s the best way to implement these ideas? Key Takeaways Create interactive polls and surveys to gather insights and boost audience engagement with minimal effort from users. Share user-generated content to enhance brand visibility and trust, showcasing authentic experiences that resonate with consumers. Post behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand, fostering transparency and encouraging audience loyalty through candid glimpses. Develop interactive quizzes that invite participation and promote community discussion while gathering insights on customer interests. Host live Q&A sessions to facilitate real-time interaction, building trust and generating valuable user-generated content for expanded reach. Polls and Surveys How can you effectively engage your audience and gather valuable insights? Using polls and surveys is a practical approach. These tools require minimal effort from users while providing significant feedback. Platforms like Instagram Stories, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn make it easy to conduct polls in real-time, encouraging interaction. By asking engaging questions about product preferences or service features, you can boost interaction rates, as people enjoy sharing their opinions. According to a DemandGen report, interactive content like polls can double audience engagement compared to static posts. Additionally, the data you gather from polls and surveys can inform your future content and marketing strategies, ensuring you align your offerings with your audience’s preferences. User-Generated Content User-generated content (UGC) is an influential tool that not just improves brand visibility but also builds trust among consumers. By showcasing authentic customer experiences, UGC nurtures a sense of community and credibility. In fact, 79% of people say user-generated content greatly impacts their purchasing decisions. Brands that incorporate UGC into their marketing strategies can experience a 28% increase in engagement rates, as it resonates more with audiences than traditional advertising. Encouraging followers to share their content using branded hashtags can help you track contributions, boosting organic reach. Furthermore, featuring real customers in your marketing can strengthen customer loyalty, with 50% of consumers more likely to engage with such brands, creating a valued connection and sense of belonging. Behind-the-Scenes Content Behind-the-scenes content offers a unique glimpse into your brand’s operations, allowing you to showcase the people and processes that bring your products or services to life. This type of content humanizes your brand, nurturing transparency and authenticity with your audience. By sharing relatable insights into daily operations, you can considerably boost facebook engagement posts, creating a stronger emotional connection with your followers. In fact, 96% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that demonstrate authenticity. Incorporating casual, candid moments in behind-the-scenes posts encourages audience interaction, as people often feel more connected to brands that show their human side. This increased engagement not only improves loyalty but also enhances your social media visibility. Interactive Quizzes What makes interactive quizzes such an effective tool for social media engagement? These engaging posts invite participation, leading to higher interaction rates than static content. Quizzes can be shared across platforms like Instagram Stories, Facebook, and TikTok, helping brands reach wider audiences as they gather insights into user preferences. By incorporating fun, relevant questions related to your brand or industry, you promote community and encourage discussion among followers. Here’s a quick comparison of interactive quiz benefits: Benefits Details Increased Engagement Higher interaction rates than static posts Data Collection Gathers insights on customer interests Easy Sharing Shareable across multiple social platforms Community Building Sparks discussions among followers Utilizing quiz stickers on Instagram further boosts engagement, keeping users invested in your content. Live Q&A Sessions Live Q&A sessions offer a dynamic way for brands to interact with their audiences in real time, building community and trust. These sessions facilitate direct engagement, allowing followers to connect with company representatives or industry experts. Hosting a live Q&A can boost engagement rates considerably, with brands experiencing up to a 300% increase in comments and questions compared to regular posts. Utilizing platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and TikTok improves visibility, as these platforms notify followers when a session starts. Incorporating audience-submitted questions can tailor the content to their interests, making the experience more relevant. Furthermore, live Q&A sessions generate valuable user-generated content, amplifying brand reach as attendees share their experiences across social media interactive posts. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 rule on social media suggests you share five posts about your business, five posts from others, and engage with five posts from your audience. This balance helps nurture community and interaction. By following this strategy, you not just promote your brand but additionally build relationships with your followers. It encourages active participation, leading to increased engagement rates and a more authentic social media presence, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses. What Type of Social Media Posts Get the Most Engagement? To maximize engagement on social media, focus on interactive posts like polls and quizzes, as they encourage participation. User-generated content, such as testimonials and photos, builds trust and nurtures community. Visuals, including images and videos, attract more attention than text alone. Furthermore, seasonal and holiday-themed posts resonate well, whereas contests and giveaways incentivize users to engage more, leading to increased visibility and interaction with your brand. What Is the 70/20/10 Rule in Social Media? The 70/20/10 rule in social media suggests that 70% of your content should provide engaging and informative material, whereas 20% should share content from other sources or user-generated posts. Only 10% should be promotional. This strategy helps you maintain audience interest, builds your brand’s authority, and reduces the risk of overwhelming followers with constant sales pitches. How to Make Engaging Social Media Posts? To create engaging social media posts, start by using interactive elements like polls and quizzes, which encourage participation. Incorporate eye-catching visuals and concise captions, as they attract more views. Encourage user-generated content to promote community and brand loyalty. Connect your posts to trending topics or seasonal events for relevance. Finally, include clear calls to action, guiding your audience toward desired interactions, which can markedly improve engagement and drive conversions. Conclusion Incorporating engaging posts like polls, user-generated content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, interactive quizzes, and live Q&A sessions can greatly improve your social media interaction. These strategies not just encourage audience participation but additionally nurture a sense of community around your brand. By utilizing these techniques, you can gather valuable insights, showcase authentic experiences, and humanize your brand, in the end, strengthening brand loyalty. Implementing these approaches will create a lively and dynamic social media presence that resonates with your audience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Engaging Posts That Boost Social Media Interaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

After two years of declines, United States greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2025—a change driven by increased electricity use, due in part to data centers and cryptocurrency mining, as well as cold winter temperatures that meant homes required more heating. Emissions increased 2.4% in 2025, according to preliminary data from the research firm Rhodium Group. That’s higher than the country’s GDP growth, which increased by a projected 1.9%. That the country’s emissions grew more than its GDP is notable: Climate experts have long noted that it’s both possible and necessary to reduce emissions while still growing the economy. And for the past few years, the U.S. has done just that. (Multiple states have also individually reduced their emissions while growing their economies.) Now, though, 2025 has broken a three-year trend in which the economy’s growth outpaced our emissions growth. Heating, data centers, and crypto mining The main drivers of this emissions increase came from the buildings and power sectors. Colder temperatures meant more homes had to rely on natural gas and coal for heating. The winter of 2025 specifically “led to increased direct combustion of these fuels in buildings, driving up emissions by 56 million metric tons, or 6.8%, compared to 2024,” per Rhodium. Coal generation grew 13% compared to the year prior, making 2025 just the second year in the past decade in which coal generation increased. (Since its peak in 2007, coal generation has shrunk by 64%.) Coal use grew in part because natural gas prices increased. Utility companies also delayed planned retirements for coal plants in order to meet a growing demand for power, and due to Department of Energy orders. At the same time, electricity use increased. Total electricity generation grew 2.4% in 2025, mostly because of commercial buildings “where data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and other large load customers drove electricity demand,” according to Rhodium. The surge in electricity demand comes as AI has fueled a boom in data center construction. (Rhodium’s report also notes that investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure were a major source of U.S. economic growth, as well.) While transportation is responsible for the highest share of emissions, that sector only saw a 0.1% growth in greenhouse gases compared to 2024. Road traffic actually increased, but the growing share of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the road meant gas consumption declined. How The President policies could impact emissions Though U.S. emissions increased in 2025, they’re still below pre-pandemic levels—6% below 2019’s emissions, and 18% below 2005’s emissions. But The President administration policies could mean greenhouse gas emissions grow even more. The The President administration has already made efforts to curtail climate progress, bolstering the use of fossil fuels, canceling clean energy products, and removing federal tax incentives that would get more people to buy EVs or other energy-efficient technologies. Despite those efforts, which began as soon as The President took office in January for his second presidential term, the emissions growth in 2025 wasn’t really impacted by recent The President or congressional policies, Rhodium says. “Apart from some modest contributions to increased coal generation from Department of Energy orders to keep a few plants running, we aren’t yet seeing the direct effects of these policy changes in U.S. emissions,” the report reads. That could change in the next year or two, though, the researchers note, “particularly if data center electricity demand continues to surge and the grid responds with more output from existing fossil generators instead of new, clean resources.” View the full article

American intervention in Iran carries far greater risks than in VenezuelaView the full article

Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, whose shopkeepers helped bring Islamist clerics to power in 1979, once again became a hotspot for anti-regime ralliesView the full article

Move is part of an effort to limit entries from foreigners who rely on government welfare View the full article

Short form videos are addicting. They're also often low quality, AI-generated, misinformation, or some combination of the bunch, and may have a negative impact on our attention spans and mental health. In short, they're just not that good for us. It's bad enough for grown adults to control their scrolling habits, but it's another thing entirely for children, which poses quite the a challenge. It's easy enough to ban short-form video apps entirely, like TikTok. But what about apps that have short-form content as just one pillar of the overall package? Take YouTube: You might not mind your child having limited access to the app or site to watch long-form content you approve of, but having Shorts always in the way throws a wrench in that system. Any type of short-form video feed would be an issue here, but YouTube Shorts is particularly egregious, allowing kids to watch some truly horrific content, often generated by AI. Choosing whether your kids watch YouTube ShortsLuckily, YouTube finally appears to be giving parents some control here. As spotted by TechCrunch, YouTube announced updates to its parental controls on Wednesday. While there are a few changes on the way, the headline for me concerns Shorts. Not only will YouTube let parents choose a timer for how often their kids can watch Shorts, they can choose to set the timer to zero—effectively blocking Shorts for their kids' and teens' accounts. This should be welcome news to any parents struggling to limit the short-form video content their kids are watching. You can let them watch other types of videos on YouTube Kids, or even standard YouTube if its a teen account, without worrying about them going down short-form video rabbit holes for hours. The control here can be even more granular than an outright ban, too. Since you're always in control of the timer, YouTube says you can customize timers based on the scenario: You could set the Shorts timer to zero during homework time, then offer 30 minutes of scrolling after dinner. You could bump that to 60 minutes on weekends, or when in the car. If your child is under a supervised account, you'll also be able to control both custom Bedtime and "Take a Break" reminders. This is not the first time YouTube has offered users more control over Shorts. Last week, the company rolled out a new search filter that lets you choose to only see long-form videos in any given result, and since October, you've been able to limit the number of shorts you can watch in a day. YouTube, and parent company Google, are also expanding parental controls and enhancing protections for kids and teens. YouTube now uses AI to guess your age, and, if it believes you're under 18, will add restrictions to your account. Google also gives parents more control over supervised accounts: Previously, teens could choose to remove supervision after turning 13, but now, they need their parents to sign off on it too. View the full article

The answers track firm size and practice focus. By CPA Trendlines Research Join theBusy Season Barometer survey here. Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

The answers track firm size and practice focus. By CPA Trendlines Research Join theBusy Season Barometer survey here. Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Then, as now, Iranians took to the streets and risked their lives for free speech and economic prosperity View the full article

A reader writes: I’m a professional woman in my early 50s hiring for a position on my team. My colleague (a mid-40s man) and I interviewed a good candidate for a junior position (a man in his late 20s) with whom we have each subsequently exchanged a few emails. In each email the candidate has sent to my colleague, he calls him “Mr. [last name]” but in mine, he calls me by my first name. We’re pretty informal in our office, were relaxed in our interviews, and have always signed our emails with just our first names. I’m confused by the difference in addressing us. My husband says it’s sexism and a big red flag. I’m curious as to your thoughts. I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: Snow days when only some people can work from home Can I give employees feedback on the candidates they recommend? The post what to do when a job candidate treats men and women differently appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

In a bold move set to transform the retail landscape, HP Inc. has launched its Intelligent Retail Solutions, marking a significant advancement in unified commerce. Aimed at empowering retailers, these solutions merge hardware, software, and intelligent services, offering businesses greater control, consistency, and visibility in their operations. This initiative comes at a crucial time for small businesses navigating a post-pandemic retail environment, where customer expectations are evolving rapidly. Retailers face a myriad of challenges, from inventory management to customer engagement. HP’s new offerings could be the game-changing resources they need. “Our Intelligent Retail Solutions illuminate the path forward for retailers as they embrace a dynamic landscape that demands flexibility and resilience,” said an HP spokesperson. This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that small businesses require innovative tools to effectively compete. One of the standout features of these retail solutions is their ability to integrate seamlessly into existing systems. For small business owners not equipped to invest heavily in new infrastructure, this feature is particularly advantageous. As inventory management becomes increasingly complex, having a solution that can bridge various systems—such as online and brick-and-mortar operations—will likely create a smoother experience for both staff and consumers. The integration also allows for enhanced data analysis, which is crucial for making informed business decisions. With real-time analytics, retailers can better manage stock levels, forecast trends, and tailor their marketing efforts. This data-driven approach can ultimately lead to increased customer satisfaction and, hence, higher sales—vital for small businesses aiming to grow. Moreover, HP is focusing on sustainability, another key interest area for modern consumers. Their solutions incorporate environmentally friendly practices which can enhance a brand’s reputation. Small businesses can leverage this aspect to connect more deeply with eco-conscious consumers, thus positioning themselves competitively in the marketplace. However, while the benefits are undeniable, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. Implementing new technology can be daunting—especially for businesses with limited resources and expertise. There may be a learning curve associated with the transition to these advanced systems, which could initially disrupt existing workflows. Additionally, while the prospect of enhanced inventory management and customer engagement is appealing, the upfront costs associated with these new systems could be a barrier for smaller retailers. It’s essential for business owners to weigh these costs against the potential for increased efficiency and sales. HP has positioned itself as a partner in this journey, offering support through training and resources to ease the transition. Small business owners should take advantage of these offerings to ensure they fully utilize the capabilities of the Intelligent Retail Solutions. As retailers continue to evolve, embracing technology will become not just advantageous but essential. HP’s Intelligent Retail Solutions offer a compelling opportunity for small businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. For those looking to get ahead, this innovation could be the key to maintaining relevance and driving growth in an ever-changing economic environment. For more information on HP’s Intelligent Retail Solutions, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "HP Launches Smart Retail Solutions to Enhance Unified Commerce" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a bold move set to transform the retail landscape, HP Inc. has launched its Intelligent Retail Solutions, marking a significant advancement in unified commerce. Aimed at empowering retailers, these solutions merge hardware, software, and intelligent services, offering businesses greater control, consistency, and visibility in their operations. This initiative comes at a crucial time for small businesses navigating a post-pandemic retail environment, where customer expectations are evolving rapidly. Retailers face a myriad of challenges, from inventory management to customer engagement. HP’s new offerings could be the game-changing resources they need. “Our Intelligent Retail Solutions illuminate the path forward for retailers as they embrace a dynamic landscape that demands flexibility and resilience,” said an HP spokesperson. This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that small businesses require innovative tools to effectively compete. One of the standout features of these retail solutions is their ability to integrate seamlessly into existing systems. For small business owners not equipped to invest heavily in new infrastructure, this feature is particularly advantageous. As inventory management becomes increasingly complex, having a solution that can bridge various systems—such as online and brick-and-mortar operations—will likely create a smoother experience for both staff and consumers. The integration also allows for enhanced data analysis, which is crucial for making informed business decisions. With real-time analytics, retailers can better manage stock levels, forecast trends, and tailor their marketing efforts. This data-driven approach can ultimately lead to increased customer satisfaction and, hence, higher sales—vital for small businesses aiming to grow. Moreover, HP is focusing on sustainability, another key interest area for modern consumers. Their solutions incorporate environmentally friendly practices which can enhance a brand’s reputation. Small businesses can leverage this aspect to connect more deeply with eco-conscious consumers, thus positioning themselves competitively in the marketplace. However, while the benefits are undeniable, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. Implementing new technology can be daunting—especially for businesses with limited resources and expertise. There may be a learning curve associated with the transition to these advanced systems, which could initially disrupt existing workflows. Additionally, while the prospect of enhanced inventory management and customer engagement is appealing, the upfront costs associated with these new systems could be a barrier for smaller retailers. It’s essential for business owners to weigh these costs against the potential for increased efficiency and sales. HP has positioned itself as a partner in this journey, offering support through training and resources to ease the transition. Small business owners should take advantage of these offerings to ensure they fully utilize the capabilities of the Intelligent Retail Solutions. As retailers continue to evolve, embracing technology will become not just advantageous but essential. HP’s Intelligent Retail Solutions offer a compelling opportunity for small businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. For those looking to get ahead, this innovation could be the key to maintaining relevance and driving growth in an ever-changing economic environment. For more information on HP’s Intelligent Retail Solutions, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "HP Launches Smart Retail Solutions to Enhance Unified Commerce" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

YouTube is updating advertiser-friendly guidelines so some non-graphic videos on "controversial issues" may be eligible for full monetization. The post YouTube Expands Monetization For Some Controversial Issues appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Google is rolling out a new update for the Trends Explorer page that is powered by Gemini. The goal is to make it easier for users and researchers to find more search terms to explore. “The updated Explore page has a new side panel that uses Gemini capabilities to automatically identify and compare relevant trends for your area of interest,” Google wrote. What it looks like. There is this new layout and new “Suggest search terms” button at the top right of the page. Here is a screenshot: When you click on “Suggest search terms,” you can enter in a keyword or a natural language sentence and Gemini will help you break out all the terms and compare them to each other. Google will automatically identify and compare relevant trends for your area of interest, and provide a list of suggested Gemini prompts to help you explore further. Here is an example: Plus, Google rolled out a new, modern look to help you better understand trends data. “Each search term gets dedicated icons and colors, which makes it easier to match each term with its line on the graph. We’ve also increased the number of terms you can compare, and we’ve doubled the amount of rising queries we show on each timeline, so you can better understand why a query is trending,” Google added. Here is the old design: Gradual rollout. While I can see this new Google Trends explorer page today, some might not see it yet. Google said this is a gradual rollout on desktop right now. Why we care. This may give you new ways to explore fresh and new content ideas for your site. Give it a try, it might surprise you. View the full article

“Never skip leg day” sounds like something a swole gym bro with killer quads might harp on about. But doctors also sing the praises of lunges and split bench squats, and not for the reason you might think. In a recent article for Vogue, California-based physician Dr. Chris Renna said: “Stronger leg muscles are linked to better cognitive function in aging mainly through their effects on blood flow, metabolic health, brain structure, and physical/social activity patterns.” Muscle mass starts to decline at age 30. As the largest muscle group in the body, maintaining muscle strength in the thighs and glutes is especially important for healthy aging—and apparently, brain function. Multiple studies back this up. A 2015 study of over 300 female twins, ages 43 to 73, found the more powerful their legs (measured by pushing one foot as hard and fast as possible against a pedal), the better their cognition a decade on (measured by a series of tests on memory and processing speed). Another study of 1,500 older adults, with an average age of 70, conducted in 2018, also found an association between stronger legs and better performance on tests of their cognitive function. A separate study also in 2018, this time conducted on mice, found exercising the lower extremities to be critical to brain and nervous system health. Researchers discovered that neurological health depends as much on signals sent from the leg muscles to the brain as it does the other way around. This offers an explanation for why patients with neurological diseases experience rapid decline once their movement becomes limited. “It is no accident that we are meant to be active: to walk, run, crouch to sit, and use our leg muscles to lift things,” the study’s author, Dr. Raffaella Adami, told academic journals publisher Frontiers. “Neurological health is not a one-way street with the brain telling the muscles ‘lift,’ ‘walk,’ and so on.” The brain-leg connection can be explained by tiny proteins called myokines. When the leg muscles are exercised, they release these messenger molecules, which reach the brain via the bloodstream. Here, they support learning ability, memory, and neural adaptation, the process by which the nervous system adjusts and improves its functioning. A simple leg day session that includes weight-bearing exercises like lunges, squats, and calf raises will not only improve physical strength. By increasing blood flow, the brain floods with extra oxygen, helping to decrease harmful inflammation in the body. If you’ve been known to skip squats or lunges at the gym, it doesn’t help that modern life is, for many, characterized by a concerning lack of movement. Commuting to work to sit at a desk for hours, before commuting home again to sit some more on the couch, means our legs often aren’t getting the regular exercise they need to keep our brain working optimally. So drop some squats in front of some Netflix or while listening to a podcast. Your glutes won’t be the only part of your body that thanks you. View the full article

Maybe you can help a client at the same time. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

Maybe you can help a client at the same time. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

The contract rate on a 30-year mortgage dropped 7 basis points to 6.18% in the week ended Jan. 9, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released Wednesday. View the full article

Google has introduced “Personal Intelligence” in the Gemini app as a beta which allows Gemini to give you a more personalized response by connecting across your Google ecosystem, including Google Search, Gmail, Photos, and your YouTube history. Google said this is “Launching as a beta in the U.S., this marks our next step toward making Gemini more personal, proactive and powerful.” This will also be coming to Search in AI Mode soon, Google told us. While Gemini could already retrieve information from these apps, with Gemini 3, it can now reason across your data to surface proactive insights. Here is how it looks. Here is a video of how it works: Availability. This feature is rolling out today to some Google users: Rolling out over the course of the day—14th January—to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. It should reach all eligible users within the week. Once enabled, it works across Web, Android and iOS and with all of the models in the Gemini model picker. Google will soon expand to more countries and the free tier. It’s also coming to Search in AI Mode soon. This is right now only available for personal Google accounts and not for Workspace business, enterprise or education users. Privacy, control and personalization. Here are some of the privacy controls and personalization settings: This experience is off by default, so you can decide if and when to connect apps to Gemini. Even when your apps are connected, Google won’t personalise every response. You can also connect some apps without connecting others To keep making your conversations helpful, Gemini will continue personalising your experience by referencing your past chats by default. You can stop this by turning off the setting called your “Past Gemini chats.” You can also manage and delete your past chats anytime. You can decide not to personalise certain responses via the try again button Give feedback about personalisation via thumbs down button Why we care. This is coming to AI Mode in Google Search, and this may play a role in your track visibility in these tools. If much of the experience is super personalized, then tracking AI results will be really challenging. View the full article