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Nathan Reis, co-founder of a lender service provider, recently received a ten-year prison sentence for orchestrating a scheme that fraudulently acquired over $65 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, a key relief measure under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This case serves as a striking reminder of the potential pitfalls in pursuing federal funding and the repercussions of misusing taxpayer dollars. The sentence was delivered by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn, aimed squarely at reinforcing accountability in the wake of extensive fraud during a national crisis. Reis was also ordered to pay over $66 million in restitution, reaffirming serious consequences for exploiting governmental aid intended for struggling businesses. “Stealing money from federal relief programs is stealing money contributed by taxpayers to help individuals and small businesses survive economic hardship,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. His statement emphasizes that dishonest actions, especially during crises, will be met with unwavering scrutiny and legal repercussions. Reis co-founded Blueacorn to ostensibly assist small businesses in securing PPP loans but instead engaged in a large-scale fraud operation. The scheme involved submitting fabricated documents—like tax forms and bank statements—to secure loans for which applicants were ineligible. Notably, Reis and his accomplices charged borrowers fees based on the loan amounts, creating a profit motive that compounded the fraud. In total, they processed over 530 fraudulent loans, resulting in staggering losses. This case’s implications are profound for small business owners. Although the majority of PPP beneficiaries utilized these funds for their intended purposes, the high-profile nature of such fraud cases raises critical questions about due diligence and risk management when seeking financial assistance. The commitment of authorities to prosecute fraud in pandemic-related programs is now clearer than ever. The Fraud Section of the Justice Department has taken action against over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases since the CARES Act was enacted, seizing more than $78 million in cash and assets tied to fraudulent activities. For small business owners, this case underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to the program’s requirements. The government has established guidelines to ensure that funding reaches those truly in need, and violating these rules can culminate in severe penalties, including criminal prosecution. While accessing financial assistance through aid programs can be invaluable, it is crucial for business owners to remain vigilant about the legitimacy of their applications. Engaging in fraudulent practices not only risks financial ruin but also tarnishes the integrity of individuals and institutions that genuinely require support during challenging times. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould noted, “He and others who criminally exploit federal funding will be prosecuted to the fullest extent in our district.” This serves as a warning that federal authorities are actively monitoring applications and are prepared to take action against those who exploit economic recovery funds. Furthermore, the societal impact is worth considering. Fraud of this magnitude undermines public trust and diverts essential resources from legitimate businesses struggling to stay afloat during periods of economic downturn. Rebecca Day, Acting Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, stressed the commitment of law enforcement to prosecute those who exploit emergency programs. “Abusing government programs and exploiting a national emergency will never be tolerated,” said Day, further emphasizing the collaborative effort across federal agencies to combat fraud. As small business owners navigate recovering from recent challenges, diligence is vital. Understanding the specifications of any funding program, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with all guidelines are essential steps to safeguarding against potential pitfalls. For further information on the case and updates related to fraud investigations, individuals can refer to the original post at SBA’s website: SBA Press Release. Image via Google Gemini This article, "PPP Fraudster Sentenced to 10 Years for Stealing $65 Million in Relief Funds" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Pricing construction work accurately is one of the most important steps before any project begins. A well-prepared construction quote helps set expectations, protect margins and establish trust with clients from the start. By clearly outlining costs, assumptions and scope, contractors can reduce disputes, speed approvals and move confidently from proposal to contract without misunderstandings. What Is a Construction Quote? A construction quote is a formal document that details the estimated cost of completing a specific construction project or scope of work. It itemizes labor, materials and other expenses, defines assumptions and provides clients with a clear price reference before work is authorized. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Construction-quote-template.jpg Get your free Construction Quote Template Use this free Construction Quote Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template When to Make a Construction Quote Construction quotes are not limited to a single stage of the project lifecycle. They are used in multiple situations where cost clarity, formal approval or pricing commitment is required before work begins or decisions are finalized. Before submitting a bid for a private or negotiated project, when clients need a clear price breakdown to compare options and decide whether to move forward. After completing a site visit or reviewing drawings, once sufficient information is available to estimate costs accurately and reduce the risk of pricing assumptions. When a client requests pricing for a specific scope of work before signing a construction contract or issuing a formal notice to proceed. During project changes or additional work requests, where a revised construction quote is needed to price new scope before approving variations. For small or short-duration construction jobs that do not require a full proposal but still need documented pricing and client acceptance. ProjectManager helps create a construction quote by turning estimates into structured, data-backed and defensible pricing. Task lists and Gantt charts, for example, allow construction teams to break down the job into detailed activities like site prep, framing, finishes and more. Each task becomes a clear cost line item, making it easier to explain and defend to owners. Get started today with a free 30-day trial. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-light-mode-task-info-general-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more What Should Be Included in a Construction Quote? To be effective, a construction quote must do more than list prices. It should clearly identify the parties involved, define accountability and provide enough context to avoid confusion, disputes or misinterpretation before work begins. Contractor and Client Information At the top of any construction quote, contractor and client information establishes who is responsible for the work and who is authorizing it. This section creates legal and commercial clarity, ensuring the quote is traceable, verifiable and tied to the correct project and parties. Legal business name of the contractor Contractor address and contact details License number and registration information Client name or company name Client address and contact details Quote reference number or ID Date the construction quote was issued Project Description Rather than focusing on pricing, the project description provides context for what the construction quote applies to. It summarizes the nature of the work so clients understand what is being priced, helping align expectations before reviewing scope details or costs. Project name or reference Site location or address Type of construction work High-level overview of objectives Relevant drawings or document references Scope of Work Clarity matters most when defining responsibilities. The scope of work section spells out what tasks are included in the construction quote, preventing assumptions that could later lead to disputes, change orders or disagreements about what was priced. Detailed list of included construction activities Explicit exclusions Materials and finishes covered Labor responsibilities Referenced plans or specifications Cost Breakdown Clients often focus first on this section because it explains how the total price was built. A clear cost breakdown increases transparency, supports trust and helps clients understand where money is being allocated across construction activities. Labor costs Material costs Equipment or rental expenses Subcontractor costs Total quoted price /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-construction-ebook-banner-ad.jpg Payment Terms How and when payments are made can impact both cash flow and project momentum. This section defines financial expectations upfront, reducing confusion and ensuring both parties agree on timing and payment structure before work begins. Payment schedule or milestones Deposit or upfront payment requirements Accepted payment methods Late payment conditions Retainage, if applicable Project Assumptions and Constraints Every construction quote is based on certain conditions. By documenting assumptions and constraints, contractors protect themselves against unforeseen changes while giving clients visibility into the factors that could affect pricing or delivery. Site access assumptions Working hours or scheduling limits Permits or approvals assumed Client-provided materials or information Validity period of the quote Related: 39 Construction Documents (Templates Included) Terms and Conditions This section defines the legal framework governing the construction quote. While often overlooked, it establishes protections, limitations and expectations that apply if the quote is accepted and converted into a contract. Quote acceptance requirements Liability limitations Warranty or guarantee statements Dispute resolution terms Conditions for changes or cancellation Construction Quote Template This construction quote template captures vendor details, site information and pricing by material, labor and miscellaneous costs, presenting subtotals, taxes and totals to document scope, pricing assumptions and expiration terms. Download this free construction quote template for Excel to get started. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Construction-quote-template-image-good.pngFree download Construction Quote Example To better understand construction quotes and to see what sections to include when putting one together, consider this construction quote example below. Contractor and Client Information Contractor name BuildRight Construction LLC Contractor address 789 Builder Lane Client name Oakwood Residential Development Project location 456 Residential Avenue Quote reference CQ-2025-014 Quote date 15/07/2025 Project Description This quote covers construction works for a five-story residential building, including structural works, exterior envelope and interior fit-out. The project will be executed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and applicable building codes. Scope of Work Work category Description Included Site preparation Mobilization, temporary fencing and site setup Yes Structural works Concrete structure, slabs, columns and beams Yes Exterior works Facade, insulation, windows and roofing Yes Interior finishes Drywall, flooring, painting and fixtures Yes MEP systems Electrical, plumbing and HVAC installation Yes Cost Breakdown Cost item Description Amount (EUR) Labor All trades and site supervision 820,000 Materials Concrete, steel, finishes and fixtures 1,050,000 Equipment Cranes, lifts and temporary equipment 210,000 Overhead Project management and site facilities 140,000 Contingency Unforeseen conditions allowance 90,000 Total quoted amount — 2,310,000 Payment Terms Payment milestone Percentage Timing Mobilization payment 10% Upon contract signing Progress payments 80% Monthly, based on progress Final payment 10% Upon practical completion Project Assumptions and Constraints Assumption/constraint Description Design completeness Quote based on issued-for-construction drawings Site access Normal working hours and unrestricted access assumed Exclusions Land acquisition, financing and furnishings excluded Terms and Conditions This quote is valid for 30 days from the issue date. Any changes to scope, design or schedule may result in a revised quote. Work will commence upon written acceptance of this quote and execution of a formal construction contract. More Free Construction Project Management Templates We’ve created dozens of construction project management templates for Excel, Word and Google Sheets you can download for free. Construction Scope of Work Template One of the most important steps when making a construction quote is to clearly define the work that will be executed, to then identify the resources that will be needed and estimate their costs accordingly. This construction scope of work for Excel is ideal for this task as it helps identify project tasks, their resource requirements and costs. Construction Estimate Template As established above, costs are the core component of a construction quote, so the more accurate the cost estimation is, the more competitive the construction quote will be. This free construction estimate template is ideal for breaking down the costs associated with the different stages of a construction project and comparing planned vs. actual costs. Construction Schedule Template The schedule of a construction project greatly affects its labor and equipment costs as these are usually time-based, so when making a construction quote, it’s very important to have a clear, realistic and accurate construction schedule first. This free construction schedule template allows you to make a construction schedule using ProjectManager’s Gantt chart features such as critical path analysis, task dependencies, resource allocation and much more. How ProjectManager Helps Make Accurate Construction Quotes From in-depth scheduling to documentation, ProjectManager makes it seamless to create accurate construction quotes. Once the project starts, the software tracks actual labor hours, schedule performance, cost trends and more. Use this data to improve future construction quotes, ensuring each one is more accurate than the last. Assign Resources and Estimated Hours to Tasks Our built-in resource management tools, such as timesheets, the team page, the workload page and more, make it easy to adjust resources in real time. With these real-time insights, it’s easier to validate whether your quote is realistic based on workload. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/workload-page-resource-management-lightmode.png Capture Risk & Contingency Drivers The RAID log is the ideal place to track high-risk tasks, tight dependencies and potential project bottlenecks. If action needs to be taken, use the risk card to assign a priority, owner and plan to help mitigate the risk before it unfolds into a larger issue. /wp-content/uploads/2024/01/risk-image-lightmode.png Related Construction Content 39 Construction Documents (Templates Included) How to Manage a Construction Project Step by Step Construction Cost Tracking: Complete Guide Hard Costs vs. Soft Costs in Construction Construction Budget: A Quick Guide (with Examples) Construction Estimating Guide ProjectManager is online construction project management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post How to Make a Construction Quote: Example & Free Template appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Last year, one of my New Year's resolutions was to overhaul my apartment and turn it into a cleaner, more comfortable, more organized, and more efficient space. Knowing that a messy space can negatively impact your productivity and overall mental health, I reasoned that this would actually serve the purpose of making me a more efficient, peaceful person, so I took it seriously. One major issue was quickly apparent: My kitchen is tiny, which meant it was disorganized and more or less useless when it came to its primary function, which is to facilitate my cooking. It took some creativity (and money), but I figured out what to do—and now I'm learning to cook and bake better for one of this year's resolutions. The improvements I made to the kitchenMy kitchen is a little over three feet wide and five feet long. (I live in NYC, where this is the norm.) There is no counter space; all there is along one side is a sink and an oven. The first thing I had to do was manufacture counter space, which I did by adding cubed storage shelving. (I did this years ago, but only truly organized the cubes last year. We're getting to that.) It looks like this: Credit: Lindsey Ellefson The main things I thought of, besides organizing the cubed storage, were how I could better utilize what space I did have, which is why anything and everything possible is now hanging vertically on under-cabinet wine glass racks, utensil holders, or a towel rack, plus hooks all over. What I'm most excited for is the impending delivery of this big peg board, which is going to allow me to hang more utensils and cookware on the wall. VUSIGN Pegboard Combination Wall Organizer Kit $44.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $44.99 at Amazon Other, smaller improvements became more obvious to me as I worked through organizing the big stuff. Once I cleared out and designated a suitable spot for my Nespresso, I figured out I needed a vertical, adhesive-backed holder for the pods, since there wasn't enough room in the cubes to hold them in their retail boxes. I finally bought a big ladder so I could actually use my cupboards. I then set about organizing the cupboards with acrylic risers, the same way I organized my perfume and makeup. For the area under the sink, I bought a pull-out shelf to give me easy access to cleaning materials. The boxes containing my various grains and oats were too unwieldy to keep in my cupboards, which led me to a rotating rice dispenser. It went on that way for a while, with me paying tribute to the Amazon gods every few days, but it was all because I had a bigger plan. The organizing rules that guided me (and can help you, too)You may not want a giant peg board or need to hang all your spatulas upside-down. Maybe you have lots of drawers. That's cool. You still need a plan for organizing whatever you've got and a plan for figuring out what you, specifically, need. Throughout the organizing process, I kept a key principle in mind. It's called the Organizational Triangle and it's a set of three rules: Everything needs a place, similar items must be stored together, and for every new thing that comes in, one should go out. I ignored the last rule, for the most part, because what I was bringing in was meant to store what was already there better, but those first two were crucial. Prior to using the OT, not everything had a place. Some bowls and mugs lived in the sink. Not everything was stored together, either, which made it a pain to attempt to cook. By grouping similar items and designating each of them a spot, I could assess the volume of each category, get rid of what I didn't need, and better organize everything. By organizing smaller batches of things that would fit into one cube or on one hanging rack, I ended up organizing the whole thing, big-picture-style. Other cleaning and organizing techniques, like SIMPLE and Core 4, were also instrumental. Both of these advise that you need containers for your things. Again, this helps you assess actual volume and make sharper decluttering choices, but it also keeps everything neat. I got a little abstract in my interpretation, considering my hanging organizers "containers," but also used boxes and the aforementioned grain dispenser to meet those requirements. By following strict, pre-identified cleaning and organizing rules, I was able to more effectively turn the space into something usable. The guidelines helped me make a plan, even if I was redoing and correcting it as I went along, so I wasn't just hanging myself out to dry. Now, when I need a spatula or whatever you call that special tool that breaks up ground beef, I know where they are, they're easy to reach, and I feel good about how everything looks before, during, and after a cook session. View the full article

A reader writes: I have seen you and other people say that you shouldn’t usually accept a counteroffer. I wish I had listened to you, but I didn’t. The backstory is I have worked at my company for almost a decade, and for the first several years I was extremely underpaid. I know this because I made a lateral move that resulted in a significant pay increase. With each transfer, I have been clear that growth (and money, of course) are very important to me. Recently I was recruited (I did not seek this new position, it came to me) for a position that would have increased my pay slightly. It would have changed my work status from fully remote to hybrid, but most importantly, it was a training opportunity that many do not get. When I told my current employer, they asked me not to make any rash decisions and to give them 48 hours. They returned with a counteroffer that involved a promotion and a raise — $20K more than the new position would pay, and $30K more than I was making already. I am the sole provider for my family, and when I considered the additional money, not having to travel, and not losing any PTO or benefits, I decided to accept. Several months later, while the raise has materialized, the promotion has not. I am still stagnant, doing the same work as I was before, with my manager telling me to be patient. The trust is gone! I’m grateful for the raise, but angry to not be learning anything new and to have given up on an excellent opportunity. I don’t understand why my manager would lie to me about the promotion. (We did have layoffs recently, so those of us who are left are stuck doing a lot of extra work. I can’t help but feel my boss knew those were coming and got scared that he would lose me and have to lay off those other people as well, so he chose to lie to me.) Probably the answer is “your boss sucks and is unlikely to change.” But prior to this, I really trusted and liked my boss, and now I can barely talk to him. I have been looking for other jobs but this market is terrible. How can I handle a situation like this? You are not the first person to accept a counteroffer, turn down the outside job, and then have your employer renege on the promises they made to keep you. It’s incredibly shitty behavior from an employer. They essentially lied to get you to act against your own interests. They may not have intended to lie — they might have really thought they’d follow through on what they promised — but once they became tempted not to do what they committed to do, they wildly mishandled it. There are situations where an employer might legitimately find itself unable to meet the commitments they made in a counteroffer — for example, if they had a sudden and dramatic revenue drop or were acquired by a company that refused to honor the original plan — but in that case, at a minimum they owed you a conversation about what had changed, a profound apology, and an active attempt to work with you to figure out what could be done instead. It doesn’t sound like that’s happened (and it’s not even clear if something like that was in play, or if they just took their promises cavalierly). Have you talked to your manager about what happened? If not, it’s worth a conversation where you say something like, “I was ready to leave for an opportunity that would have been strongly in my interests, and you convinced me to stay by committing to promoting me. I took you at your word and turned down the other job on good faith because I trusted that the company would honor the commitment it was making to me. I’m really struggling with the fact that I agreed to stay with a specific agreement for a new job, and that hasn’t come through. I’d like to talk about a timeline for making that happen, ideally a quick one since I turned down a different position for it.” But if that doesn’t change anything … you’re absolutely right to have lost all trust in them. They’ve squandered that trust just about as deeply as an employer ever can. You don’t owe them any loyalty at this point, and you should have no qualms about leaving as soon as something you want to leave for comes along. The post I accepted my company’s counteroffer, and now they’re going back on our agreement appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The deal still faces a lawsuit from activist investor HoldCo Asset Management, which contends that Comerica didn't properly shop itself before agreeing to sell to Fifth Third. View the full article

Marshall is tasked with bringing Sagent's Dara servicing platform implementation up to scale, replacing Geno Paluso, who is vice chairman during the transition. View the full article

A Guardian investigation says health experts found misleading information in Google's AI Overviews for some medical searches. Google disputes the findings. The post The Guardian: Google AI Overviews Gave Misleading Health Advice appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

When you’re looking to create stunning visual slideshows, choosing the right video creator can make a significant difference. Several options stand out for their unique features and user-friendly interfaces. Animoto offers customizable templates and a vast music library, whereas Movavi simplifies the process with its three-step approach. Adobe Express combines professional design with AI tools, and Icecream App caters well to beginners. Clipchamp, in contrast, provides flexible editing options for various skill levels. What sets these platforms apart? Key Takeaways Animoto offers customizable templates and an extensive music library, enabling users to create professional-quality slideshows effortlessly. Movavi allows for quick slideshow creation in three steps, with support for high-resolution outputs and a rich library of creative effects. Adobe Express provides polished templates and AI assistance, making it easy to design visually appealing photo slideshows on both web and mobile platforms. Icecream App is a lightweight and user-friendly tool, ideal for beginners seeking simple slideshow creation with AI support for various file formats. Clipchamp features flexible timeline editing and a variety of templates, making it suitable for both novices and professionals, although performance may vary on lower-end devices. Animoto Animoto is a strong cloud-based video creation tool designed to help you produce professional-quality slideshows with ease. As an ai slideshow maker, it stands out as one of the best slideshow makers available. You can use this photo slideshow software to learn how to create a slideshow for Instagram or how to make a slideshow with music effortlessly. The user-friendly drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process, allowing you to choose from customizable templates customized for various themes. Plus, Animoto features an extensive library of licensed music, which improves your storytelling. Once you’ve created your slideshow, you can easily publish and share it across multiple social media platforms, making it a versatile slideshow video creator for all your needs. Movavi If you’re looking for another robust option for creating slideshows, Movavi Slideshow Maker is worth considering. This software makes it easy to create a picture slideshow with music in just three simple steps: import your photos, add music and transitions, and export your final product. Movavi supports various media formats and offers high-quality output resolutions up to 4K, making it one of the best slideshow maker software available. You can access a rich library of filters, effects, and templates to improve your creativity. Moreover, the built-in music library provides royalty-free tracks, ensuring your slideshows are engaging. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, you’ll find this photo slideshow software free download full version meets your needs and simplifies how to make a slideshow with pics and music. Adobe Express Adobe Express serves as a user-friendly web-based design tool that simplifies the process of creating photo slideshows with integrated music and alterations. You can easily make a slideshow with images using AI, ensuring a visually appealing result. To learn how to create a picture slideshow with music, explore the polished templates and design assets offered by Adobe Express. This free slideshow maker is compatible with both web and mobile devices, allowing you to edit on-the-go. You can customize slide timing and transitions, giving you control over your slideshow presentations. With its integration into Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Express stands out among the best photo slideshow software and top slideshow programs available today. Icecream App Icecream App is a lightweight desktop application that simplifies the process of creating straightforward slideshows, making it an excellent choice for beginners. This software allows you to make a slideshow with images using AI, which is one of the easiest ways to make a photo slideshow. You can easily learn how to create a video slideshow and how to make a photo slideshow with music. Icecream App supports various file formats and offers quick export options for hassle-free use. Although it may not have advanced editing features, it shines as one of the best photo slideshow maker software available. If you’re wondering how do you create a slideshow with music, this app is among the top slideshow software options for you. Clipchamp Clipchamp stands out as a user-friendly, browser-based video editor that caters to both novices and professionals looking to create impressive slideshows. With its flexible timeline editing, you can easily arrange photos and videos to achieve the perfect visual flow. Whether you want to make a slideshow with images using AI or learn how to make a slideshow video, Clipchamp provides excellent resources. It ranks among the best slideshow software, featuring a variety of templates and stock assets to improve your projects. If you’re wondering how to create a picture slideshow with music for free, this platform has built-in options for that too. Nonetheless, be mindful that performance may lag on lower-end devices, impacting larger projects. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Video Slideshow Maker? When choosing the best video slideshow maker, consider your needs and preferences. Animoto’s user-friendly interface is great for quick projects, whereas PowerDirector offers extensive effects and changes. Movavi Slideshow Maker simplifies the process with its three-step method, and Icecream Slideshow Maker supports high-resolution outputs. For social media content, Adobe Express provides polished templates. Each option has unique features, so evaluate them based on your specific requirements and desired outcomes to find the right fit. How to Make a Stunning Slideshow? To create a stunning slideshow, start by selecting a user-friendly slideshow maker with customizable templates. Import high-quality photos and videos from your device or cloud. Add text captions for context and choose license-free music to set the mood. Experiment with various shifts and animations to keep your audience engaged. Finally, export your slideshow in high resolution, such as 4K, to guarantee clarity across different platforms and devices for the best viewing experience. What’s the Best App to Use for a Slideshow? To find the best app for creating a slideshow, consider your specific needs. Animoto offers a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, whereas Wondershare Filmora provides robust editing tools. If you prefer simplicity, Movavi Slideshow Maker is efficient with its three-step process. Freemake Video Converter allows for easy uploads to YouTube. Evaluate these options based on features, ease of use, and desired output quality to choose the right one for you. What Is the Best Free AI Photo Slideshow Maker? The best free AI photo slideshow maker is InVideo AI. It lets you create slideshows using personal media, stock images, or text prompts. Its user-friendly interface works seamlessly on Chrome and Edge browsers, so you won’t need to download any software. During the free version has limitations like watermarks and restrictions on the number of slideshows, the AI features simplify the process, allowing you to generate visually appealing slideshows quickly and efficiently. Conclusion To conclude, choosing the right slideshow video creator can improve your visual storytelling. Animoto’s templates and music library cater to diverse needs, whereas Movavi’s straightforward process simplifies creation. Adobe Express offers professional-quality design through AI tools, and Icecream App is user-friendly for beginners. Finally, Clipchamp’s flexible editing options accommodate all skill levels. By comprehending the unique strengths of each platform, you can select the one that best fits your project requirements and creative vision. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 5 Slideshow Video Creators for Stunning Visuals" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re looking to create stunning visual slideshows, choosing the right video creator can make a significant difference. Several options stand out for their unique features and user-friendly interfaces. Animoto offers customizable templates and a vast music library, whereas Movavi simplifies the process with its three-step approach. Adobe Express combines professional design with AI tools, and Icecream App caters well to beginners. Clipchamp, in contrast, provides flexible editing options for various skill levels. What sets these platforms apart? Key Takeaways Animoto offers customizable templates and an extensive music library, enabling users to create professional-quality slideshows effortlessly. Movavi allows for quick slideshow creation in three steps, with support for high-resolution outputs and a rich library of creative effects. Adobe Express provides polished templates and AI assistance, making it easy to design visually appealing photo slideshows on both web and mobile platforms. Icecream App is a lightweight and user-friendly tool, ideal for beginners seeking simple slideshow creation with AI support for various file formats. Clipchamp features flexible timeline editing and a variety of templates, making it suitable for both novices and professionals, although performance may vary on lower-end devices. Animoto Animoto is a strong cloud-based video creation tool designed to help you produce professional-quality slideshows with ease. As an ai slideshow maker, it stands out as one of the best slideshow makers available. You can use this photo slideshow software to learn how to create a slideshow for Instagram or how to make a slideshow with music effortlessly. The user-friendly drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process, allowing you to choose from customizable templates customized for various themes. Plus, Animoto features an extensive library of licensed music, which improves your storytelling. Once you’ve created your slideshow, you can easily publish and share it across multiple social media platforms, making it a versatile slideshow video creator for all your needs. Movavi If you’re looking for another robust option for creating slideshows, Movavi Slideshow Maker is worth considering. This software makes it easy to create a picture slideshow with music in just three simple steps: import your photos, add music and transitions, and export your final product. Movavi supports various media formats and offers high-quality output resolutions up to 4K, making it one of the best slideshow maker software available. You can access a rich library of filters, effects, and templates to improve your creativity. Moreover, the built-in music library provides royalty-free tracks, ensuring your slideshows are engaging. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, you’ll find this photo slideshow software free download full version meets your needs and simplifies how to make a slideshow with pics and music. Adobe Express Adobe Express serves as a user-friendly web-based design tool that simplifies the process of creating photo slideshows with integrated music and alterations. You can easily make a slideshow with images using AI, ensuring a visually appealing result. To learn how to create a picture slideshow with music, explore the polished templates and design assets offered by Adobe Express. This free slideshow maker is compatible with both web and mobile devices, allowing you to edit on-the-go. You can customize slide timing and transitions, giving you control over your slideshow presentations. With its integration into Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Express stands out among the best photo slideshow software and top slideshow programs available today. Icecream App Icecream App is a lightweight desktop application that simplifies the process of creating straightforward slideshows, making it an excellent choice for beginners. This software allows you to make a slideshow with images using AI, which is one of the easiest ways to make a photo slideshow. You can easily learn how to create a video slideshow and how to make a photo slideshow with music. Icecream App supports various file formats and offers quick export options for hassle-free use. Although it may not have advanced editing features, it shines as one of the best photo slideshow maker software available. If you’re wondering how do you create a slideshow with music, this app is among the top slideshow software options for you. Clipchamp Clipchamp stands out as a user-friendly, browser-based video editor that caters to both novices and professionals looking to create impressive slideshows. With its flexible timeline editing, you can easily arrange photos and videos to achieve the perfect visual flow. Whether you want to make a slideshow with images using AI or learn how to make a slideshow video, Clipchamp provides excellent resources. It ranks among the best slideshow software, featuring a variety of templates and stock assets to improve your projects. If you’re wondering how to create a picture slideshow with music for free, this platform has built-in options for that too. Nonetheless, be mindful that performance may lag on lower-end devices, impacting larger projects. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Video Slideshow Maker? When choosing the best video slideshow maker, consider your needs and preferences. Animoto’s user-friendly interface is great for quick projects, whereas PowerDirector offers extensive effects and changes. Movavi Slideshow Maker simplifies the process with its three-step method, and Icecream Slideshow Maker supports high-resolution outputs. For social media content, Adobe Express provides polished templates. Each option has unique features, so evaluate them based on your specific requirements and desired outcomes to find the right fit. How to Make a Stunning Slideshow? To create a stunning slideshow, start by selecting a user-friendly slideshow maker with customizable templates. Import high-quality photos and videos from your device or cloud. Add text captions for context and choose license-free music to set the mood. Experiment with various shifts and animations to keep your audience engaged. Finally, export your slideshow in high resolution, such as 4K, to guarantee clarity across different platforms and devices for the best viewing experience. What’s the Best App to Use for a Slideshow? To find the best app for creating a slideshow, consider your specific needs. Animoto offers a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, whereas Wondershare Filmora provides robust editing tools. If you prefer simplicity, Movavi Slideshow Maker is efficient with its three-step process. Freemake Video Converter allows for easy uploads to YouTube. Evaluate these options based on features, ease of use, and desired output quality to choose the right one for you. What Is the Best Free AI Photo Slideshow Maker? The best free AI photo slideshow maker is InVideo AI. It lets you create slideshows using personal media, stock images, or text prompts. Its user-friendly interface works seamlessly on Chrome and Edge browsers, so you won’t need to download any software. During the free version has limitations like watermarks and restrictions on the number of slideshows, the AI features simplify the process, allowing you to generate visually appealing slideshows quickly and efficiently. Conclusion To conclude, choosing the right slideshow video creator can improve your visual storytelling. Animoto’s templates and music library cater to diverse needs, whereas Movavi’s straightforward process simplifies creation. Adobe Express offers professional-quality design through AI tools, and Icecream App is user-friendly for beginners. Finally, Clipchamp’s flexible editing options accommodate all skill levels. By comprehending the unique strengths of each platform, you can select the one that best fits your project requirements and creative vision. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 5 Slideshow Video Creators for Stunning Visuals" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Stranded passengers may have to wait days for alternative flights after hundreds of cancellations View the full article

Anker launched a pair of "2-in-1" earbuds under its Soundcore brand at CES 2026, and it has a unique feature: They can be worn in two ways by adjusting the ear hooks. When you want active noise cancellation, you can wear it in-ear, and when you don't, you can adjust the hooks for an open-ear design. This quirky product is called the Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro—and you can already buy it for $150, which includes a launch discount of $30. When it comes to CES announcements, I'm always wary of vaporware, aka products that are announced but never shipped. That's why I keep an eye out for products with a shorter launch window so you can actually get your hands on the things you're excited about. The Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro is one of those products. As Anker itself admits on the product page, the Aerofit 2 Pro isn't for everyone. The biggest quirk of this product is its size. It's a lot bigger than most ANC earbuds, and the ear hooks go all the way around your ears, which isn't a fit that works for everyone. The charging case is also quite large, when compared with other ANC earbuds: It's 4.23 inches (11cm) wide, and it supports wireless charging. Credit: Soundcore Most noise-cancelling headphones let you switch to a listening mode that allows ambient sounds via software, but the Aerofit 2 Pro lets you do this by physically twisting the earbuds. This adjustment seems quite seamless based on the demo video on the product page, but I haven't tested it in-person, so I'll reserve my judgment until I do. There are five levels of adjustment for the ear hooks, with levels 1 and 2 reserved for open-ear listening, and 4 and 5 for noise cancellation. Level 3 maintains your previous listening mode to prevent accidentally switching to a different mode. View the full article

In moments of political chaos, deepfakes and AI-generated content can thrive. Case in point: the online reaction to the US government’s shocking operation in Venezuela over the weekend, which included multiple airstrikes and a clandestine mission that ended with the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife. They were soon charged with narcoterrorism, along with other crimes, and they’re currently being held at a federal prison in New York. Right now, the facts of the extraordinary operation are still coming to light, and the future of Venezuela is incredibly unclear. President Donald The President says the U.S. government plans to “run” the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that, no, America isn’t going to do that, and that the now-sworn-in former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez will lead instead. Others are still calling for opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonalzez to take charge. It’s in moments like this that deepfakes, disinformation campaigns, and even AI-generated memes, can pick up traction. When the truth, or the future, isn’t yet obvious, generative artificial intelligence allows people to render content that answers the as-yet-unanswered questions, filling in the blanks with what they might want to be true. We’ve already seen AI videos about what’s going on in Venezuela. Some are meme-y depictions of Maduro handcuffed on a military plane, but some could be confused for actual footage. While a large number of Venezuelans did come out to celebrate Maduro’s capture, videos displaying AI-generated crowds have also popped up, including one that apparently tricked X CEO Elon Musk. At least anecdotally, deepfake content related to Venezuela has spiked in recent days, says Ben Colman, the cofounder and CEO of Reality Defender, a firm that tracks deepfakes. Those narratives aren’t tied to any movement and “run the gamut from nationalist to anti-government, pro-Venezuela, pro-US, pro-unity, anti-globalization, and everything in between,” he says. “The difference between this event and events from even a few months ago is that image models have gotten so good in recent days that the most astute fact-checkers, media verification experts, and experts in our field are unable to manually verify many of them by pointing to specific aspects of the image as an indicator for validity or lack thereof,” Colman explains. “That battle (of manual, visual verification) is pretty much lost.” OpenAI told Fast Company that it’s monitoring how Venezuela is playing out across its products and says it will take action where it sees violations of its usage policies. The State Department’s Global Engagement Center, a federal outfit established to monitor disinformation campaigns aboard, would have previously tracked the situation, a former employee says. For instance, within the Russian war in Ukraine, the State Department saw deepfakes of leaders trying to convince soldiers to lay down their arms, and fake narratives about additional entrants into the war. During political chaos, it’s common for online actors to try to disincentivize opposing factions, the person adds. That center was later shut down, after Republicans accused the outfit of censoring Americans. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication. ‘Accelerants’ Political deepfakes and AI-generated content are now commonplace. A few years ago, AI-generated TV anchors spreading pro-government talking points, seemingly intended to promote the idea that Venezuela’s economy and security were generally good went viral across the country. In 2024, a party affiliated with former president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, shared a deepfake video featuring an AI-generated Donald The President endorsing their platform (that was far from the only example in the country). As even the recent New York City mayoral election showed, AI is often deployed during tense campaign seasons. The Knight First Amendment Institute, which analyzed the use of AI in elections back in 2024, found that many deployments of AI, especially during election time, aren’t necessarily meant to deceive—and that misinformation isn’t always created from AI. The problem isn’t just that it’s easy to make disinformation with AI, but that people are open to ingesting disinformation. In other words, there’s demand for this kind of content. “Deepfakes in this context aren’t just misinformation, they are accelerants,” Emmanuelle Saliba, chief investigative officer at GetReal Security, another firm that tracks deepfakes, told Fast Company. “While some of the fabricated content we’ve seen circulating is created to feed meme culture, some of it has been created and disseminated to confuse and destabilize people during an already volatile climate. Trust is hanging by a thread.” View the full article

Starting in March 2026, Google Merchant Center will enforce a new system for multi-channel products — items sold both online and in physical stores — requiring advertisers to use separate product IDs when those products differ by channel. What’s changing. Under the new approach, online product attributes will become the default. If a product’s in-store details differ, advertisers will need to create a second version with a distinct product ID and manage it independently in their feeds. What advertisers should do. Google has started emailing affected accounts, flagging products that need updates ahead of the March deadline. Retailers should review their product data feeds now to ensure online and in-store items are properly segmented — especially if they rely on Local Inventory Ads or sell across multiple Google surfaces. Why we care. Many retailers currently manage online and in-store versions of the same product under a single ID. Google’s update changes that assumption, pushing advertisers to explicitly separate products when attributes like price, availability, or condition aren’t identical. The big picture. This update gives Google cleaner, more consistent product data across channels, but shifts more feed management responsibility onto advertisers — particularly large retailers with complex inventories. First seen. The update and news of Google’s comms was first mentioned by PPC News Feed founder Hana Kobzová. Bottom line. If your online and in-store products aren’t truly identical, Google will soon require you to treat them as separate items, or risk issues with visibility and eligibility. Dig Deeper. Update of multi-channel product system from Google. View the full article

Monitoring comes as Washington builds up military assets in BritainView the full article

A reader writes: I am a senior project manager in a nonprofit. Over the summer, I been working on a series of focus groups and was assigned Lola as an intern. Our office aims to provide meaningful training to our interns, as nearly 80% of them are hired after their internships, so I assigned Lola to write one of the focus group reports. She was present at the focus group itself and was given the audio recording and transcript, plus a report template with guiding questions in order to complete the assignment. I had a previous experience with an intern producing reports with AI, which required tons of rework. So when I first assigned this to Lola, I explained that AI is not a reliable tool for this type of work, as it often provides incorrect answers, fabricates quotations, and can hallucinate during data analysis. Well, Lola turned in the report and it was clear she had used AI: the report included multiple “quotations” that were not things that had been said at all, and the analysis was incorrect. I told my manager we were going to miss the deadline since we would have to redo the work. In my feedback to Lola, I didn’t call out the AI use specifically, but I pointed out every quote that was made up and highlighted where the analysis was wrong. This was easy for me to do because I had attended the focus group too, but I pointed out to my boss that if that hadn’t been the case, I might not have recognized the problems with her work. At the end of her internship, Lola ended up being hired as a junior project manager. I hadn’t been the only one working with her so I assumed she had improved. But she was recently assigned to work with me again and was responsible for a series of interviews and reports. She received a detailed protocol for the work, including a template with guiding questions (again). When she sent me the reports, I could immediately see that she must have uploaded the interview transcripts into AI, entered the guiding questions one by one, and then copied and pasted the answers. The report was confusing and lacked key information. I didn’t feel I should mention the use of AI in my feedback since I was only 90% sure that that’s what she had done, so once again I just flagged the incorrect info and places that needed further elaboration. She then sent me a revised version – and I’m again 90% sure that she just used my comments as prompts for AI and then adjusted only the specific parts of the text I flagged, without checking its consistency with information included elsewhere. I was really pissed off at this point, as we had already missed a deadline because of this, but I just told her she had to be more careful about storytelling, reader-friendliness, and consistency and declared her task closed. I felt asking to revise text again was a waste of my time; she would have continued working with AI anyway and I was fed up with providing encouraging feedback to someone whose work shows no real skill beyond copying and pasting. I need to talk with my manager about Lola at this point, and I believe it should also be reported to higher-ups. This is a serious quality matter, as we could have our project budget cut if an analysis is poor quality and AI use is identified. I truly believe Lola’s employment should be reconsidered, or at least she needs better training. But I’m not her direct manager; she’s just been assigned to assist me in my work, and I’m unsure how much standing I have to take this on directly, either with her or with anyone else. How should I deal with this massive and inappropriate use of AI from a colleague? You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it. The post my coworker is using AI to do her work (badly) appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Military would use sensors, drones and satellites to ensure compliance in support of a European-led ‘reassurance force’View the full article

Kim Kardashian’s apparel brand Skims is outfitting American athletes at the Olympics for the fourth time in a row, and this year’s collection is its cheekiest one yet. Skims and Team USA have established something of an annual tradition. The brand has dressed Olympic and Paralympic athletes in new loungewear-slash-underwear capsules at the Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022, and Paris 2024 Games—and now, it’s back for Milano Cortina 2026. This year’s collection includes everything from Americana-themed panties to cozy pajama sets, tasteful sweaters, menswear, and accessories. The collection will be available to average folk starting on January 8 at Skims.com and some Skims flagship stores, with prices ranging between $20 and $88. Compared to previous collaborations, this year’s launch isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel. However, sprinkled throughout the more standard offerings are a few items that feel like Juicy Couture turned sporty—and for Skims, those pieces make complete sense. Skims Team USA serves up business in the front, party in the back For years, Team USA’s Olympic aesthetic has largely been defined by its ultra-preppy, buttoned-up collaboration with Ralph Lauren, which has officially helmed the country’s ceremony outfits since 2008. Other brands, like J. Crew, have worked on more casual takes on Olympic apparel (see this year’s ‘70s-inspired collection), but Skims has led the charge on some of the most approachable Team USA gear in recent years, bringing its quintessential focus on minimalist silhouettes and soft fabrics to each new collection. This year’s Skims Team USA capsule is largely in line with year’s past. Staples include basic Team USA-themed ringer tees, undies, and tank tops, paired with flannel sleep shorts and wooly crewneck sweaters—essentially, exactly what one might imagine from a Skims x Team USA collab. But a couple of the pieces seem to wink at a slightly more experimental direction. At least one of the pairs of underwear includes the phrase “Team USA” emblazoned in bold retro lettering across the bum. And in one photo, the Skims team styled this design quirk with a pair of white, over-the-knee socks, also featuring “Team USA” lettering. It’s a shot that feels like a glimpse of how y2k Juicy Couture might’ve handled Olympic outfitting; and it brings a sexier design ethos to prep—and the world’s most anticipated athletic event. It makes sense that Skims Team USA might try something a bit more out-of-the-box this year, given that its cachet in the athleisure and brand collaboration spaces has expanded massively since its first Olympic partnership in 2020, including official partnerships with the NBA, WNBA, Nike, and North Face. If any brand could get away with bringing a bit of lighthearted levity to the Games’ apparel, it would be Skims—and as long as it doesn’t verge into nipple bra or merkin territory, we’ll take it. View the full article

Instagram is launching a new feature, Instagram for TV, aimed at transforming how users engage with content on the platform. This innovative app allows users to watch Reels—short video clips—from their favorite creators on large-screen TVs, making it a perfect solution for shared viewing experiences with family and friends. Currently available on Amazon Fire TV in the U.S., this development could offer small business owners unique opportunities to enhance their marketing strategies. “Watching reels together is more enjoyable, and this test will help us learn which features make that experience work best on TV,” Instagram stated in a press release about the new offering. For small business operators, the implications of Instagram for TV are significant. Not only does this feature position Instagram as a key player in the social media landscape, but it also opens doors for creators and brands aiming to connect with wider audiences. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits, practical applications, and challenges. Instagram for TV combines ease of use with personalization. Users can install the Instagram app on their Amazon Fire TV and link up to five different accounts. Each account gets a tailored experience, showcasing reels based on individual interests—ranging from trending moments to travel tips and sports highlights. This curated content could lead small business owners to target specific demographics more effectively. For instance, a travel agency could create engaging reels tailored for users interested in travel, making use of this platform to reach potential customers directly in their living rooms. Furthermore, as users navigate through these channels, they have the option to let more reels play automatically, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. This feature may prove beneficial for businesses looking to engage viewers without requiring them to interact constantly with the platform. A retail brand could run a series of promotional reels about products or services, creating continuous engagement while freeing viewers from the need to scroll for more content. Interestingly, Instagram plans to introduce features that could pave the way for even more interactivity. Users could potentially use their smartphones as remote controls, browse content through innovative channel-surfing options, and even share feeds with friends. This could provide small businesses with fresh avenues for collaborative advertising by aligning with complementary brands to share dynamic content. However, with these benefits come potential challenges for small business owners. As Instagram places a strong emphasis on content standards suitable for a broad audience, businesses must ensure that their reels align with these guidelines. The new app adheres to a PG-13 rating system similar to those in movies, which could limit certain types of marketing content that don’t fit this criterion. Additionally, business owners should consider the educational aspect of using Instagram for TV. Crafting engaging reels that capture audience attention within a limited time frame may require new skills and creativity. Companies without experience in short-form video content may need to invest in training or hire professionals, which could incur additional costs. Moreover, the target audience for Instagram remains predominantly younger demographics. While this can be advantageous for brands focused on younger consumers, it might not match the target audience for every small business. Owners need to assess if focusing their marketing efforts on this platform aligns with their overall branding and target market strategy. As the launch of Instagram for TV unfolds, the platform is set to introduce more features and improvements based on user feedback. Small business owners may find value in being early adopters, experimenting with the app while it is still evolving. For those eager to start, the process of set-up is straightforward: install the Instagram app on an Amazon Fire TV and log in to begin exploring personalized viewing experiences. With Instagram’s integrated focus on safety and audience suitability, small business owners can feel secure in creating content tailored for broad audiences. This new feature positions Instagram as a competitive platform in the digital advertising landscape, making it essential for small business owners to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly. The opportunity to reach and engage a larger audience through innovative content is an invitation to explore new dimensions in marketing. To stay updated on Instagram for TV and its features, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Instagram Launches TV Feature to Enjoy Reels with Friends on Big Screen" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Instagram is launching a new feature, Instagram for TV, aimed at transforming how users engage with content on the platform. This innovative app allows users to watch Reels—short video clips—from their favorite creators on large-screen TVs, making it a perfect solution for shared viewing experiences with family and friends. Currently available on Amazon Fire TV in the U.S., this development could offer small business owners unique opportunities to enhance their marketing strategies. “Watching reels together is more enjoyable, and this test will help us learn which features make that experience work best on TV,” Instagram stated in a press release about the new offering. For small business operators, the implications of Instagram for TV are significant. Not only does this feature position Instagram as a key player in the social media landscape, but it also opens doors for creators and brands aiming to connect with wider audiences. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits, practical applications, and challenges. Instagram for TV combines ease of use with personalization. Users can install the Instagram app on their Amazon Fire TV and link up to five different accounts. Each account gets a tailored experience, showcasing reels based on individual interests—ranging from trending moments to travel tips and sports highlights. This curated content could lead small business owners to target specific demographics more effectively. For instance, a travel agency could create engaging reels tailored for users interested in travel, making use of this platform to reach potential customers directly in their living rooms. Furthermore, as users navigate through these channels, they have the option to let more reels play automatically, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. This feature may prove beneficial for businesses looking to engage viewers without requiring them to interact constantly with the platform. A retail brand could run a series of promotional reels about products or services, creating continuous engagement while freeing viewers from the need to scroll for more content. Interestingly, Instagram plans to introduce features that could pave the way for even more interactivity. Users could potentially use their smartphones as remote controls, browse content through innovative channel-surfing options, and even share feeds with friends. This could provide small businesses with fresh avenues for collaborative advertising by aligning with complementary brands to share dynamic content. However, with these benefits come potential challenges for small business owners. As Instagram places a strong emphasis on content standards suitable for a broad audience, businesses must ensure that their reels align with these guidelines. The new app adheres to a PG-13 rating system similar to those in movies, which could limit certain types of marketing content that don’t fit this criterion. Additionally, business owners should consider the educational aspect of using Instagram for TV. Crafting engaging reels that capture audience attention within a limited time frame may require new skills and creativity. Companies without experience in short-form video content may need to invest in training or hire professionals, which could incur additional costs. Moreover, the target audience for Instagram remains predominantly younger demographics. While this can be advantageous for brands focused on younger consumers, it might not match the target audience for every small business. Owners need to assess if focusing their marketing efforts on this platform aligns with their overall branding and target market strategy. As the launch of Instagram for TV unfolds, the platform is set to introduce more features and improvements based on user feedback. Small business owners may find value in being early adopters, experimenting with the app while it is still evolving. For those eager to start, the process of set-up is straightforward: install the Instagram app on an Amazon Fire TV and log in to begin exploring personalized viewing experiences. With Instagram’s integrated focus on safety and audience suitability, small business owners can feel secure in creating content tailored for broad audiences. This new feature positions Instagram as a competitive platform in the digital advertising landscape, making it essential for small business owners to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly. The opportunity to reach and engage a larger audience through innovative content is an invitation to explore new dimensions in marketing. To stay updated on Instagram for TV and its features, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Instagram Launches TV Feature to Enjoy Reels with Friends on Big Screen" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

While the US military operation in Venezuela didn't hit sentiment on American financial markets, the action reminded investors how tenuous any trading thesis can be in a world undergoing geopolitical changes. View the full article

A golden phone that President Donald The President‘s family business promised to release last year remains mysteriously under wraps as the technology industry serves up a glut of new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas this week. When the The President Organization launched a mobile phone service last June, it was supposed to be a stage setter for a new smartphone bathed in gold with a $500 price tag — a bargain compared to Apple’s latest iPhone models that sell for anywhere from $800 to $1,200. The newly formed The President Mobile targeted its T1 phone for an August or September release. What’s more, The President Mobile initially hailed T1 as a device that would be “proudly designed and built in the United States for customers who expect the best.” But both the T1’s shipping date and U.S. manufacturing ambitions gradually began to shift, even as The President Mobile continues to accept $100 deposits for the device. Not long after announcing the device, The President Mobile pivoted from describing it as a phone that would be made in the U.S. to framing it as a device that would be “proudly American.” The President Mobile’s website now touts the T1 as having an “American-proud” design, with no further explanation. Analysts believed that the shift stemmed from a recognition that the U.S. lacked the supply chain and other logistics required to make a smartphone for less than $1,000 — the same hurdles that made it implausible for Apple to acquiesce to President The President’s demands that the company move its iPhone manufacturing from China and India. Later in the summer, The President Mobile also became more vague about when the T1 would become available, but still indicated it would be delivered to customers who paid the $100 deposit by the end of 2025. The President Mobile’s website continues to list the T1’s targeted release date as “later this year.” The The President Organization didn’t respond to inquiries from The Associated Press about the delays or when the device is now expected to be shipped. The Financial Times recently reported that it was told by a customer representative for The President Mobile that the phone will be shipped in late January and attributed its delayed release to the 43-day shutdown of the federal government last year. Whatever the reason, the T1’s ongoing absence from the smartphone market didn’t come as a surprise to International Data Corp. analyst Francisco Jeronimo. “We have always been quite skeptical about this phone,” Jeronimo said. “They are probably finding that it is harder to build a phone than they thought it would be. Let’s see if this thing comes to life or not.” While the T1 has remained in a holding pattern, The President Mobile has been selling its wireless service for $47.45 per month — a price tied to Donald The President’s titles as the 47th and 45th President. For customers looking for a smartphone that they can use sooner rather than later, The President Mobile is also selling refurbished versions of older iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy models at prices ranging from $370 to $630. “Maybe they changed their strategy and figured out they are better off just selling refurbished phones,” Jeronimo said. —Michael Liedtke, AP technology writer View the full article

Pipeline safety regulators on Monday assessed their largest fine ever against the company responsible for leaking 1.1 million gallons of oil into the Gulf off the coast of Louisiana in 2023. But the $9.6 million fine isn’t likely to be a major burden for Third Coast to pay. This single fine is close to the normal total of $8 million to $10 million in all fines that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hands out each year. But Third Coast has a stake in some 1,900 miles of pipelines, and in September, the Houston-based company announced that it had secured a nearly $1 billion loan. Pipeline Safety Trust Executive Director Bill Caram said this spill “resulted from a company-wide systemic failure, indicating the operator’s fundamental inability to implement pipeline safety regulations,” so the record fine is appropriate and welcome. “However, even record fines often fail to be financially meaningful to pipeline operators. The proposed fine represents less than 3% of Third Coast Midstream’s estimated annual earnings,” Caram said. “True deterrence requires penalties that make noncompliance more expensive than compliance.” The agency said Third Coast didn’t establish proper emergency procedures, which is part of why the National Transportation Safety Board found that operators failed to shut down the pipeline for nearly 13 hours after their gauges first hinted at a problem. PHMSA also said the company didn’t adequately assess the risks or properly maintain the 18-inch Main Pass Oil Gathering pipeline. The agency said the company “failed to perform new integrity analyses or evaluations following changes in circumstances that identified new and elevated risk factors” for the pipeline. That echoed what the NTSB said in its final report in June, that “Third Coast missed several opportunities to evaluate how geohazards may threaten the integrity of their pipeline. Information widely available within the industry suggested that land movement related to hurricane activity was a threat to pipelines.” The NTSB said the leak off the coast of Louisiana was the result of underwater landslides, caused by hazards such as hurricanes, that Third Coast, the pipeline owner, failed to address despite the threats being well known in the industry. A Third Coast spokesperson said the company has been working to address regulators’ concerns about the leak, so it was taken aback by some of the details the agency included in its allegations and the size of the fine. “After constructive engagement with PHMSA over the last two years, we were surprised to see aspects of the recent allegations that we believe are inaccurate and exceed established precedent. We will address these concerns with the agency moving forward,” the company spokesperson said. The amount of oil spilled in this incident was far less than the 2010 BP oil disaster, when 134 million gallons were released in the weeks following an oil rig explosion, but it could have been much smaller if workers in the Third Coast control room had acted more quickly, the NTSB said. —Josh Funk, AP Transportation Writer View the full article

BONUSES: Smaller firm to larger, 25 questions to ask and 17 data points to request. By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

BONUSES: Smaller firm to larger, 25 questions to ask and 17 data points to request. By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

There's something deeply satisfying about tracking your running progress in a spreadsheet you built yourself. No algorithm showing off other people's workouts, no concerns about what happens to your data if the company pivots or shuts down. Just you, your numbers, and a system designed exactly the way you want it. And when I wrote about this earlier this year, I received some truly heartwarming messages from runners who'd been thinking the same thing. So many of us runners are tired of relying on apps, and we're instead drawn to a simple, customizable spreadsheet. Why build your own spreadsheet?Sure, there's no shortage of fitness tracking apps out there. Strava, Garmin Connect, Nike Run Club—they all have their strengths. But owning your own spreadsheet offers something different: complete control. You can design your system to match your specific training needs. I also appreciate the intentionality that gets introduced when you have to design your own tracking system. There's also the simple economics. Spreadsheets are free. They don't have premium tiers, they don't expire when you stop paying, and they don't suddenly lock features you've been using for months. Plus, creating custom charts and graphs to visualize your progress becomes a matter of a few clicks rather than hoping the app updates to include the exact view you're looking for. This is not the first spreadsheet I've shared with my Lifehacker community, but this might be my magnum opus: a running tracker that logs every workout, calculates weekly mileage automatically, visualizes training load over time, and helps me plan toward specific race goals. It's evolved over months of use, shaped by what actually matters when I lace up my shoes each morning. Here she is. If the idea of a spreadsheet appeals to you, but you hate my spreadsheet, that's fine! I'm not even crying about it! Let's take a look at how you can perfect your own DIY running tracker. What to track (and what to skip)The key to a sustainable running spreadsheet is tracking what actually helps you without drowning in data entry. Here's what I've found worth logging: The essentials: Date, distance, time, and pace. These four fields form the backbone of any useful running log. They let you calculate weekly mileage, monitor whether you're getting faster, and spot trends over time. The context: Route or location, weather conditions, and how you felt during the run. These qualitative details help you understand the story behind the numbers. That slower pace might make sense when you remember it was 95 degrees, or you were running hills, or you resolved to run slower now in order to run faster later. The training details: Type of run (easy, tempo, intervals, long run), elevation gain if relevant to your training, and any specific workout structure. This helps you ensure you're balancing different types of training rather than just logging junk miles. What I don't track: Every single calorie burned (those estimates are notoriously unreliable anyway). Setting up your systemStart simple. Create columns for your essential data and add a few basic formulas: total weekly mileage, average pace for the week, maybe a running total for the month. Google Sheets and Excel both make this straightforward, and you can always add complexity later. Consider organizing with separate tabs for different purposes. I keep one tab as my main running log where each row represents a workout, another tab for monthly summaries that automatically calculate totals and averages, and a third for goal tracking where I can see my progress toward specific races or mileage targets. The beauty of building your own system is that you can iterate. After a month of tracking, you'll notice what information you actually reference and what just clutters the spreadsheet. Maybe you thought you'd care about cadence but never look at that column, or perhaps you wish you'd been tracking which shoes you wore to monitor when they need replacing. Adjust accordingly. Making it visualNumbers in rows tell one story, but charts and graphs reveal patterns you might otherwise miss. Create a simple line graph showing your weekly mileage over time and you'll instantly see when you're ramping up training, when you backed off for recovery, and whether your current volume is sustainable. I like having a few standard visualizations: a line chart of weekly mileage, a bar graph comparing monthly totals across the year, and a scatter plot showing the relationship between distance and pace to spot my comfortable running ranges. None of this requires advanced spreadsheet skills—most programs will generate decent charts automatically once you select your data. The bottom lineThe point here isn't to use my exact system, but to recognize that you can build something better suited to your needs than any one-size-fits-all app. Your training is unique to you—your goals, your schedule, your body, your definition of progress. Why not track it in a way that reflects that? Keep what works, discard what doesn't, and enjoy this life upgrade. View the full article