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Norges Bank Investment Management to give $250mn mandates to external managersView the full article

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its strong support for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02). The legislation aims to eliminate barriers preventing independent auto repair shops from accessing critical tools, software, and repair manuals that are currently available only to manufacturers and authorized service centers. In a letter sent to Rep. Dunn from NFIB’s Principal in Foreign Government Relations Andrea McGee writes, “NFIB represents approximately 300,000 small and independent businesses across the country. As the role of technology becomes commonplace in vehicle manufacturing, Americans are essentially driving computers on wheels, leaving many independent vehicle repair shops struggling to gain necessary vehicle data access to perform even the simplest of repairs.” The REPAIR Act seeks to provide independent repair shops with guaranteed access to vehicle repair data, ensuring they can continue serving their communities. NFIB noted that 89% of its members support the right of customers and repair shops to access the necessary information from manufacturers to repair their products. While the current right-to-repair “handshake” agreement between automotive industry groups provides some access to repair data, NFIB emphasized that it lacks accountability. “It provides no recourse or accountability when automakers stall or withhold pertinent vehicle data from independent vehicle repair shops or when third-party automotive repair information websites or software increase the fees required to access the vehicle data,” McGee says in the letter. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, independent repair shops handle over 70% of aftermarket vehicle repairs. Without guaranteed access to repair data, NFIB warns that small businesses—particularly those in rural areas—will face significant challenges. “Without access to an independent vehicle repair shop, consumers will be forced to spend more time away from their own businesses and take more money out of their pockets,” McGee says. NFIB underscored the critical role independent repair shops play in local economies, particularly in rural areas where they may be the only option for vehicle maintenance. “Independent vehicle repair shops provide cost- and time-saving services to their communities. NFIB represents countless businesses in rural areas that only have local independent vehicle repair or aftermarket parts shops,” the letter noted. NFIB expressed its commitment to working with lawmakers to advance the REPAIR Act through Congress. “NFIB thanks you for introducing this important legislation and looks forward to working with you this Congress to advance this bill,” McGee writes in the letter to Rep. Dunn. As the bill moves forward, NFIB continues to advocate for policies that support small businesses and independent service providers in the automotive industry. Image: Envato This article, "NFIB Supports Bipartisan REPAIR Act to Aid Independent Auto Shops" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its strong support for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02). The legislation aims to eliminate barriers preventing independent auto repair shops from accessing critical tools, software, and repair manuals that are currently available only to manufacturers and authorized service centers. In a letter sent to Rep. Dunn from NFIB’s Principal in Foreign Government Relations Andrea McGee writes, “NFIB represents approximately 300,000 small and independent businesses across the country. As the role of technology becomes commonplace in vehicle manufacturing, Americans are essentially driving computers on wheels, leaving many independent vehicle repair shops struggling to gain necessary vehicle data access to perform even the simplest of repairs.” The REPAIR Act seeks to provide independent repair shops with guaranteed access to vehicle repair data, ensuring they can continue serving their communities. NFIB noted that 89% of its members support the right of customers and repair shops to access the necessary information from manufacturers to repair their products. While the current right-to-repair “handshake” agreement between automotive industry groups provides some access to repair data, NFIB emphasized that it lacks accountability. “It provides no recourse or accountability when automakers stall or withhold pertinent vehicle data from independent vehicle repair shops or when third-party automotive repair information websites or software increase the fees required to access the vehicle data,” McGee says in the letter. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, independent repair shops handle over 70% of aftermarket vehicle repairs. Without guaranteed access to repair data, NFIB warns that small businesses—particularly those in rural areas—will face significant challenges. “Without access to an independent vehicle repair shop, consumers will be forced to spend more time away from their own businesses and take more money out of their pockets,” McGee says. NFIB underscored the critical role independent repair shops play in local economies, particularly in rural areas where they may be the only option for vehicle maintenance. “Independent vehicle repair shops provide cost- and time-saving services to their communities. NFIB represents countless businesses in rural areas that only have local independent vehicle repair or aftermarket parts shops,” the letter noted. NFIB expressed its commitment to working with lawmakers to advance the REPAIR Act through Congress. “NFIB thanks you for introducing this important legislation and looks forward to working with you this Congress to advance this bill,” McGee writes in the letter to Rep. Dunn. As the bill moves forward, NFIB continues to advocate for policies that support small businesses and independent service providers in the automotive industry. Image: Envato This article, "NFIB Supports Bipartisan REPAIR Act to Aid Independent Auto Shops" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A West Virginia man has been sentenced to three years in prison for failing to pay employment taxes withheld from his employees’ wages and for obstructing the IRS’ efforts to collect those taxes, the Department of Justice announced. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Christopher Jason Smyth operated Stat EMS LLC, an ambulance service in Pineville, from 2012 through part of 2017. Prior to founding Stat EMS, Smyth operated another ambulance business that accrued millions of dollars in employment tax liabilities before filing for bankruptcy. He then created Stat EMS under a nominee owner while continuing to run the business in the same manner as before. As the operator of Stat EMS, Smyth was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes from employees’ wages and remitting them to the IRS. However, for years, he failed to fully pay those taxes. Instead, he diverted company funds to pay personal expenses and transferred money to businesses controlled by his friends and family. The IRS determined that Stat EMS accumulated approximately $3.3 million in unpaid taxes. When the IRS assessed the unpaid taxes against Smyth personally and attempted to collect them, he engaged in deceptive conduct to evade payment. According to the Department of Justice, Smyth misled an IRS revenue officer by falsely claiming he had no personal bank accounts and did not use accounts belonging to others. In reality, he routinely deposited his paychecks into an account held in a relative’s name. He also denied involvement in several businesses, despite having signature authority over their bank accounts. Following his conviction, Smyth was sentenced to three years in federal prison. The sentence underscores the consequences of failing to meet employment tax obligations and attempting to obstruct IRS enforcement actions. This article, "West Virginia Ambulance Business Owner Sentenced to Three Years for Tax Crimes" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A West Virginia man has been sentenced to three years in prison for failing to pay employment taxes withheld from his employees’ wages and for obstructing the IRS’ efforts to collect those taxes, the Department of Justice announced. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Christopher Jason Smyth operated Stat EMS LLC, an ambulance service in Pineville, from 2012 through part of 2017. Prior to founding Stat EMS, Smyth operated another ambulance business that accrued millions of dollars in employment tax liabilities before filing for bankruptcy. He then created Stat EMS under a nominee owner while continuing to run the business in the same manner as before. As the operator of Stat EMS, Smyth was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes from employees’ wages and remitting them to the IRS. However, for years, he failed to fully pay those taxes. Instead, he diverted company funds to pay personal expenses and transferred money to businesses controlled by his friends and family. The IRS determined that Stat EMS accumulated approximately $3.3 million in unpaid taxes. When the IRS assessed the unpaid taxes against Smyth personally and attempted to collect them, he engaged in deceptive conduct to evade payment. According to the Department of Justice, Smyth misled an IRS revenue officer by falsely claiming he had no personal bank accounts and did not use accounts belonging to others. In reality, he routinely deposited his paychecks into an account held in a relative’s name. He also denied involvement in several businesses, despite having signature authority over their bank accounts. Following his conviction, Smyth was sentenced to three years in federal prison. The sentence underscores the consequences of failing to meet employment tax obligations and attempting to obstruct IRS enforcement actions. This article, "West Virginia Ambulance Business Owner Sentenced to Three Years for Tax Crimes" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

President Donald Trump said he inherited an "economic catastrophe" from his predecessor in a joint address to Congress, though markets fell Tuesday on fears of a budding trade war with Canada and Mexico. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more. As someone who gets to see “the future” unfold in research and development labs around the world, I’ve grown comfortable with our global food landscape constantly evolving. Part of the fun! Anticipating the trends that shape this evolution isn’t just important—it’s essential. First, there are macro trends that continue each year and can’t be ignored. By 2030, our global population will increase to 8.6 billion. This growing population needs more food, and we need to find new ways to meet this need with less impact to our planet. This requires innovation and building resilient food supply chains to connect people and families around the world to the nutrition they need and the food they love. In addition, new dynamics are reshaping consumer behavior and market demands at a rapid pace. Here is a glimpse of the top food trends and the innovations that are poised to redefine the food landscape in 2025. 1. Health and nutrition: Food gets more personal As health consciousness grows, consumers are aligning eating habits with wellness goals. While high protein diets and mindful eating still top the list, calorie reduction is quickly taking center stage. GLP-1 weight management medications can help reduce overall calorie consumption, but they’ll also push demand for nutrient-dense, protein-rich and gut health-focused foods. This evolving landscape calls for targeted innovations to meet these tailored consumer needs. Functional foods that cater to individual health objectives are also surging. Consumers want personalized nutrition and ingredients with benefits like immunity promotion, mental clarity, and gut health. And let’s not forget the reigning king of macronutrients: protein. From savory snacks to hearty meals, consumers continue to prioritize protein throughout the day. Whether it’s steak, chicken, seafood, plant-based alternatives, mycoproteins, or dairy, companies are adjusting offerings to meet diverse preferences. 2. Value redefined: The rise of at-home premiumization Inflation and rising food costs have consumers balancing premium experiences and taste with perceived value. Consumers are prioritizing affordable indulgences. Our research shows that 77% are reducing their restaurant spending, while 46% are still eating premium treats at home. From private label options to smaller serving sizes and packaging, brands are looking to maintain quality while catering to budget-conscious shoppers’ desire for premium experiences at home. That includes partnerships with foodservice operators and retailers to ensure that premium products, recipes, and more are accessible for dine-in or at-home experiences. One example is the Sam’s Club prime rib sliders, which quickly became a popular shelf staple in the U.S. We also see this expanding to bold, multicultural tastes that resonate with the culinary curious around the world. 3. Indulgence without compromise Consumers are craving treats that satisfy indulgent desires without sacrificing health. While there will always be those moments to fully indulge—usually holidays and celebrations—we’re seeing a trend toward healthier choices for the every day. Globally, more than 20% of people actively seek foods lower in salt, sugar and fat, with the percentage increasing with age. For example, PepsiCo recently reduced saturated fat in Lay’s potato chips in China by 50%. Consumers are also reducing sugar intake, with 66% of Americans trying to limit sugars. Innovative sweeteners that offer a choice for reduced and zero calorie food and beverages are becoming more popular, ranging from sports drinks, soda, and coffee to baked goods and ice cream. 4. Food tech: Revolutionize innovation through generative AI Generative AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s revolutionizing food development and operations. McKinsey estimates GenAI could add $2.6 to $4.4 trillion of global productivity annually, with $40-70 billion to come from agriculture. That’s why we’re investing and adopting new technologies that can safely support our people and deliver results. At Cargill, we’re piloting AI-driven research tools to accelerate knowledge sharing and product development. Our teams use AI to aid in everything from optimizing fermentation enzymes to microbiome assessments and ingredient reformulations, to help bring new solutions to market more quickly, using ingredients that meet fast-changing consumer preferences and supply challenges. Shaping tomorrow’s table The food industry’s transformation in 2025 is brimming with potential. New consumer trends are pushing innovators to deliver solutions that meet these health, nutrition, convenience, and indulgence trends with tastes and flavors that consumers love. And while trends may adjust year to year, I’m a strong believer that it takes an ecosystem approach to make these solutions possible at a global scale. Partnerships are needed across the food supply chain, starting with farmers, and connecting to food favorites that show up in restaurants and on the grocery shelf. This intersection of new food innovations that can meet our growing population’s needs around the world is what excites me most about the future of food. Florian Schattenmann is CTO and vice president of R&D and innovation at Cargill. View the full article

Goal comes despite slowdown in domestic economy and mounting trade tensions with USView the full article

Speech comes as president has unleashed aggressive agenda to reshape US trade and foreign policyView the full article

Proposed sale of more than 80mn sq feet of ‘non-core assets’ comes amid aggressive cost-cutting agendaView the full article

All batteries age, and the lithium ion battery in your iPhone is no exception. Overtime, the battery degrades, meaning it can no longer hold as much of a charge as it could when it was new. After a few years of using the phone, you may notice your phone needs more frequent juice-ups throughout the day. When the inevitable happens to you, you don't need to buy a new iPhone. Instead, you can simply replace the battery at a relatively inexpensive cost. Depending on your iPhone, you may not only notice an increase in time away from the charger, but also a boost in performance, since iOS slows down the processing power of your iPhone when its battery is too degraded. Though replacing your battery is possible, it could certainly be easier. Apple secures the battery to the inside of most iPhones with strong adhesive. To remove it, you need to pull on a few tabs that are easy to break, making the removal process more precarious than it should be. The battery itself is also fragile, and you'll need to remove and reattach some very delicate cables. Despite all of this, it's possible to replace your battery yourself, but it's simpler to opt to take it to a repair shop. (Apple would prefer you use one of its own.) All that said, the process is notably easier with three of the iPhone 16 devices—including the newly released iPhone 16e. Some iPhone 16s use a different adhesiveThe iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16e all ship with a new type of battery adhesive that makes repairs much easier. At first glance, it doesn't seem like much has changed: When you pry open the back case of your iPhone, you'll still find a tab on its battery. However, that tab isn't meant to be pulled yet. Instead, you need to apply an electric current through the adhesive holding the battery to the device for 60 seconds. The current is enough to shake the battery loose, at which point, you use the tab to gently pull the battery away from the iPhone. You don't need to worry about damaging the battery, since the battery will be so loose, gravity could remove it. As iFixit explains, the tech works by oxidizing the adhesive with the electric current. That breaks the bonds that actually makes the glue adhesive, so it no longer sticks to the surface it was connected to. It's quite technical, and I am no expert, but it's really cool tech—and something that makes replacing the battery in your iPhone 16, 16 Plus, or 16e safer and easier. Apple probably didn't make these changes out of its concern for customers. Instead, it's likely in response to an EU law that requires smartphones to have "replaceable batteries" by 2027. Europe has had quite an influence over Apple's decisions in recent years, requiring the company to open up many of its closed platforms, including allowing independent app stores and browsers on iOS. That said, if you own an iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max, you won't find your batteries any easier to repair. These devices still come with Apple's traditional battery adhesive, so their batteries are just as difficult to replace as ever. It's not clear why Apple opted to skip this new adhesive on the Pro phones, but it is possible that it's simply trialing the fresh tech on some of their devices, not all—especially while there's still time before that EU law takes effect. Perhaps the entire iPhone 17 line, Pro iPhones and all, will sport easy-to-remove batteries. For now, it seems it's just the less expensive models that benefit. The iPhone 16e has some added repairabilityIn addition to this new adhesive, Apple added some additional repairability perks to the 16e. The biggest is that Apple now has a guide for repairing the USB-C charging port on this particular iPhone, the first time the company has issued a manual for such a repair. However, as iFixit reports, this repair is not easy. It involves removing a number of iPhone components in the way of the port, including the back glass, front camera, top speaker, battery, among others; lift up the logic board, then access the USB-C port to repair it. This was apparently the procedure before, but now Apple has a step-by-step guide confirming the difficulty of the repair. Finally, you don't need to be as careful when opening the back cover on the 16e: One of the metal clips that holds the back cover in place now guards an important flex cable. With other iPhones, you can easily slice this cable while sliding pick tools into the back case when opening it, but the clip here ensures you won't damage the cable in the process. View the full article

The U.S. has entered a trade war. Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 20% tariff on Chinese goods, could have wide-reaching and long-lasting impacts on the bottom line of millions of Americans. These follow reciprocal tariffs, where the U.S. matches the tariffs other countries charge for imported U.S. goods, imposed last month by the White House. (Canada and China have already retaliated with tariffs of their own.) The duties hardly come as a surprise. Trump has been clear about his intention to slap tariffs on many countries since the campaign (though he did delay this round a month ago). He also utilized tariffs during his first term in the White House. Trump has claimed that tariffs have economic benefits for the U.S., though there is wide disagreement among economic experts about that theory. The Tax Foundation estimates Trump’s tariffs will reduce after-tax incomes by 2.2%. For a household making $100,000, that’s $2,200. The Tax Policy Center is a bit less pessimistic, saying the tariffs will reduce after-tax incomes by 1%. A November report from the National Retail Federation stated, “A growing body of economic research has attempted to assess the impacts of the proposed tariffs on the U.S. economy. In nearly every case, the conclusion has been the same: a net negative impact on the United States with results ranging up to $7,600 in additional costs annually per household.” Some companies are already warning customers that they will be forced to raise prices, while others are insisting they won’t. That’s likely to be a continually evolving list. (Trump, for instance, has already threatened to increase the Canada tariffs after that country announced a retaliatory levy Tuesday—and has previously threatened the European Union with a 25% tariff). The bottom line is this: Tariffs will impact your finances, possibly more than you might imagine. Here are a few ways they could force some belt tightening. Groceries and household goods The most immediate impact from the tariffs will likely be felt at the grocery store. Roughly half of the vegetables consumed in the U.S., as well as 40% of the fruits imported are from Mexico. And some 90% of all avocados consumed come from Mexico. Over the past two decades, the volume of fresh vegetables imported by the United States, primarily from Mexico and Canada, rose nearly 200%, according to a 2021 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. and Canada, meanwhile, have the largest two-way trade in live cattle and beef in the world. Price increases could come quickly on both sides of the border. Even French fries are likely to get more expensive. Canada sent some $1.7 billion worth of frozen fries and other “prepared potato” products to the U.S. in 2023. And tequila and beer drinkers are likely to pay more, also, as Mexico is the heart of the tequila business and Modelo is the top-selling beer brand in the U.S. Exports of wood charcoal (and other wood products) from Canada to the U.S. in 2023 topped $11.5 billion, so summer barbecues will be doubly hit. And electronics, toys, clothing and sporting equipment are all markets that are heavily dependent on China, which has shown the ability to mass produce playthings that meet U.S. safety standards. Retirement accounts Since Trump confirmed he planned to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the stock markets have been in a tailspin. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 are now negative for the year and the Dow is barely clinging to positive territory (but is lower than where it stood when Trump was elected). Bitcoin is also lower since the start of 2025 (by almost 9%), despite the announcement of a national crypto reserve on Sunday. Stock markets ebb and flow naturally over the course of time, of course. And retirement accounts are long-term savings vehicles. But for people who are drawing on them now or plan to soon, big drops in the market could have a direct impact on the money that they have available for their retirement. Home and car prices Canada is one of the leading suppliers of lumber to the U.S. (and lumber futures hit a 30-month high on news of the tariffs.) Meanwhile, China and Mexico make most of the drywall. And many auto manufacturers assemble vehicles sold in the U.S. in Mexico. Car and truck prices could rise by as much as $12,000 by some estimates. And home builders might have to raise prices as well, which could impact not only the price of new construction, but existing homes on the market as well. “Rising costs due to tariffs on imports will leave builders with few options,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, in a statement. “They can choose to pass higher costs along to consumers, which will mean higher home prices, or try to use less of these materials, which will mean smaller homes. … We may see buyer’s willingness to pay rise for existing homes as newly built homes get pricier which would mean rising prices for existing homes, too. “ View the full article

The Trump administration could announce a pathway for tariff relief on Mexican and Canadian goods covered by North America's free trade agreement as soon as tomorrow, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Tuesday. View the full article

Change comes after thousands of workers were fired, causing chaos across the USView the full article

The banking sector has stabilized significantly since the spring of 2023, but elevated interest rates have created lingering issues on bank balance sheets. View the full article

President’s protectionist moves spark concerns about retaliation and damage from escalating trade warView the full article

Google launches QR code feature for Business Profiles, making it easier to send customers directly to the review page. The post Google Business Profile Update: QR Codes For Review Pages appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Google is beta testing Creator Partnerships in Google Ads. This new feature lets advertisers find and promote high-quality YouTube Shorts featuring their brand. How it works: Advertisers can discover Shorts videos from YouTube creators that mention their brand or products. The feature is powered by BrandConnect, Google’s creator marketing platform. Once enabled, Creator Partnerships can be accessed under the Tools section in the Google Ads interface. Why we care. This tool enables brands to leverage user-generated content (UGC) and creator collaborations more effectively, potentially boosting ad performance and reach. Between the lines. This move aligns with the growing trend of brands utilizing authentic, creator-driven content in their advertising strategies. What they’re saying. Kevin Kaneria, who shared a screenshot of the feature on LinkedIn, highlighted its potential for easily linking and promoting creator videos directly from Google Ads accounts. Bottom line. While in beta and available on an invite-only basis, Creator Partnerships could significantly impact how brands collaborate with creators and utilize short-form video content in their advertising campaigns. View the full article

Manufacturing, retail and food sectors highlight coming shocks after duties on Canada, Mexico and China are imposed View the full article

Target and Best Buy, two of the country’s largest retail chains, warned their prices will increase after President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada went into effect on Tuesday, sending the stock market plunging over 650 points and shock waves through the financial system. Adding fuel to the fire, Trump also said he would double tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%. The move prompted Canada and China, two key trading partners, to swiftly retaliate with their own tariffs, igniting what many are calling a global trade war. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada would also put a 25% levy on U.S. goods, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico plans to announce similar measures this weekend. Canada, Mexico, and China together are responsible for over 40% of all imports by value to American consumers. The Trump administration went ahead with the tariffs, despite experts warning the measures would raise already skyrocketing prices. And American consumers aren’t happy: 74% believe tariffs will lead to higher prices, and 44% think tariffs will impact their finances negatively, according to a LendingTree study that analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data. Which companies and industries are likely to raise prices? Target CEO Brian Cornell said the tariffs could force the company to raise prices this week, because the chain imports much of its fruit and vegetables from Mexico during the winter, per CNN. “We’ll try to protect pricing, but the consumer will likely see price increases over the next couple of days,” Cornell said. The U.S. imports $46 billion of agricultural products from Mexico, according to USDA data, with fresh fruit, beer, and avocados topping the list. Meanwhile, Chipotle, which sources about half of its avocados from Mexico, told NBC News it intends to absorb the costs of the tariffs. Electronics makers are also getting caught in the crosshairs. On Tuesday’s earnings call, Best Buy’s CEO Corie Barry said prices were “highly likely” to increase due to the tariffs on China and Mexico, as vendors “will pass along some level of tariff costs to retailers, making price increases for American consumers.” Barry said this is because “the consumer electronic supply chain is highly global, technical and complex,” and its two top sources for those products are China (55%) and Mexico (20%). The news sent shares plunging, down more than 15% (NYSE: BBY) after the morning bell on Tuesday, despite strong fourth-quarter earnings that topped expectations. Another place where Americans could see prices increases is the U.S. automotive industry, which relies heavily on parts from abroad. One industry analyst, Daniel Roeska, said he expects to see “severe disruptions” in profits and supply chains. In fact, the tariffs could add as much as $12,000 to the price of a new car, according to a report from the Anderson Economic Group as reported by NBC News. The American Automotive Policy Council, which represents GM, Ford, and Stellantis, said that their vehicles and parts should be exempt from the tariffs based on negotiations during Trump’s first term. Despite that, shares of Ford (NYSE:F) and General Motors (NYSE:GM), which were already down on tariff fears, dropped more than 2% and 3% respectively on Tuesday. AutoZone CEO Philip Daniele also said in September the auto-parts company would “pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” So did Columbia Sportswear CEO Timothy Boyle, who told The Washington Post last fall that the company will “just raise the prices. . . . It’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable for Americans.” States most vulnerable to Trump’s tariffs Keeping those products affordable could be harder in some states, like Montana, New Mexico, and Vermont. The LendingTree study found those three states, which get at least two-thirds of their imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, are the most likely U.S. states to be affected by the tariff wars. View the full article

After the president announced tariffs would go into effect—sparking a trade war that sent the S&P 500 plummeting 1.8% on Monday—a new meme has begun taking hold on Bluesky: Trump Take Nest Egg. It’s being delivered in context-free drops, in response to tariff-centric news clips, and accompanied by screenshots of the stock market declining in real time. While the loaded phrase may leave some observers scratching their heads, it should be instantly recognizable to many folks who have spent too much time online lately—particularly on Bluesky, where the simple line, “Trump take egg,” has become the go-to meme for commenting on the president’s chaotic second term. The Tarzan-esque catchphrase began as a way to highlight Trump’s ownership of the recent egg shortage and subsequent price surge. Joe Biden’s critics spent much of the former president’s lone term blaming him for grocery store sticker shock; now, the shoe is firmly on the other foot (especially after the Trump administration made moves like accidentally firing the team responsible for curbing bird flu, which may have directly affected egg prices). Trump Take Nest Egg, the latest iteration of what may be 2025’s most infectious phrase, isn’t the first time it’s evolved. Though originally used as a caption for photos of depleted store shelves, and still frequently deployed that way, the cadence of the phrase quickly spread to other Trump-related topics. When the president sought to end New York City’s congestion pricing program recently, Blueskiers wrote “Trump cause traffic. As the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seemingly fed whole segments of the federal government to the wood chipper, it was “Trump take job.” Some have used the phrase to comment on Trump’s broken promises around IVF treatment, which was highlighted in a viral Washington Post profile recently. And of course, many have used the phrase to comment on the abundance of recent plane crashes and near misses. Over the past month, “Trump take egg” has become a Swiss Army Knife of a meme that has reverberated widely online and off. It’s as if social media is putting all their Trump-related memes in one basket. “It’s been amazing to see the egg meme organically evolve like it has,” says Michael Tae Sweeney, the Daytime Emmy-winning TV and film editor who created it and has egged it on every step of the way. “Not just the many variations like ‘Trump take nest egg’ but also seeing examples of it out in the real world–people holding ‘Trump take egg’ signs at protests, or even slapping ‘Trump take egg’ stickers on empty supermarket egg cases.” The “nest egg” iteration, however, might be the purest and potentially most resonant distillation of the idea since it initially hatched. While Trump and Elon Musk have both previously admitted there could be temporary “pain” from the retaliatory tariffs, many of their already-pressed constituents are ill-equipped to weather it. Sweeney’s hope, though, is that those consumers will soon have more proactive defenders, armed with better messaging around Trump’s actions. “With a few notable exceptions like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and JB Pritzker, Democratic politicians have so far been unable or unwilling to lend their supporters effective language to express the pain and frustration we’re feeling with Trump’s incompetent and destructive economic policies,” he says. “That it’s fallen to random idiots like me to step in isn’t great.” Of course, no amount of posting on social media will make the president reconsider his least popular economic initiatives. But it’s not yet clear if Trump Take Nest Egg signifies the beginning of a bigger offline movement. Scrappy grassroots catchphrases have certainly morphed into nationwide rallying cries before. (“Let’s go, Brandon”, for instance, made its way to Congress.) As variations on “Trump take egg” burrow into national consciousness, and the anger behind them becomes more visible, it could wind up translating into more public protests. And that might be what it takes for Trump’s love of tariffs to crack. View the full article

The internet posts and side projects of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) worker Jordan Wick could give some clues for how Musk’s efficiency group might attempt to use AI to downsize and retool the government. During the last half of February, Wick, who has a DOGE email account associated with the Executive Office of the President and now is embedded in the General Services Administration (GSA), posted to his GitHub page the code for several tools that appeared to be related to DOGE’s work. The page was discovered by political reporter Roger Sollenberger at the end of last month. Wick posted the code for a tool that automatically downloads DMs from Twitter accounts. The code specifies Twitter accounts, which existed only until the social platform rebranded to “X” in October 2023, suggesting the possibility that the tool could be used to search through the digital past of government employees looking for disagreeable opinions or references. Another tool appeared to be designed for collecting sensitive data from government agency org charts. The tool contained fields for capturing the employee’s office, a 1-5 satisfaction rating, union status, and whether or not their position is statutorily mandated. Both the Twitter DM and org chart tools could be used to capture and structure data for use in an AI model. One source within the GSA believes the sensitive data collected by the tools could be used in a “potential AI federal employee evaluation/firing-bot.” Wick has now set his GitHub account to private. (DOGE didn’t immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for comment on Wick’s GitHub posts.) Wick’s tools appear to be designed for evaluating and firing more federal employees, but his professional background suggests a deep interest in modernizing government IT systems using AI. After graduating from MIT in 2020 and working at the self-driving car company Waymo, Wick cofounded (with ex-Palantir employee Anthony Jancso) Accelerate SF, which put on hackathons looking for ways to use large language models to improve local government services in San Francisco. In 2024, Accelerate SF renamed itself AccelerateX and began courting federal agency contracts with its own “modern OS for government.” A recruiting post on X said the company hopes to use AI to reduce expenditures, automate tedious work, and help interpret government policy language. AccelerateX claimed last May that it already had contracts with “two of the largest transportation agencies in America,” but a search for the company’s name in the federal procurement database came up empty. Those contracts could be with local or state governments. (AccelerateX did not respond to Fast Company’s request for comment.) One key challenge of using AI tools to streamline the government is that they must be deftly integrated into existing mission-critical systems—some of them old and brittle like the COBOL-coded mainframe systems used to process Social Security payments. Any interruption to those legacy systems could deprive millions of people of benefits they depend on to live. And there are many such systems active in the government. View the full article

Chancellor-to-be moves to relax debt brake in ‘sea change’ from country’s conservative approach to borrowingView the full article

Projects are made up of tasks. Each of those tasks needs to be completed to meet certain quality standards. However, they also have to be done safely and, often, under specific conditions or regulatory requirements. A method statement is a document that ensures tasks check these boxes. We’ll explain what a method statement is, when it should be used and what should be included to help with writing one. To ensure that nothing is left out of this process, readers can also download a free method statement template to help them get started. What Is a Method Statement? A method statement is a document that outlines the step-by-step process for completing a specific task or activity in a project while ensuring safety, quality and compliance with regulations. It provides clear instructions on how work should be carried out, the equipment and materials required and the health and safety measures to be followed. Method statements are commonly used in construction, engineering, manufacturing and high-risk industries, where detailed planning and risk management are essential. They help workers understand their responsibilities, minimize hazards and ensure that work is performed consistently and efficiently. When project teams follow a well-structured method statement, they can reduce risks, improve efficiency and ensure compliance with industry standards. The method statement sets up the parameters, but project management software takes those instructions and puts them into practical use. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project views so that the project manager and their teams have the right tools at hand to do their job as defined by the method statement. This includes scheduling tasks, resources and costs on robust Gantt charts that link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns. Our Gantt chart also filters for the critical path to identify essential tasks. Then it sets a baseline to track planned against actual effort in real time. That gives project managers the tools they need to plan, manage and track work. Those plans are shared across the software, allowing various teams to choose the right feature to get their tasks done. They can use the visual workflow of a kanban board or task lists that prioritize and add tags and comments to better collaborate with others. Stakeholders can see progress by using our calendar view. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-CTA.pngProjectManager’s Gantt chart plans, executes and tracks what the method statement documents. Learn more When to Use a Method Statement A method statement should be used whenever a task or process requires detailed instructions to ensure consistency, safety and compliance. It is particularly useful in projects or operations where risks must be minimized, quality must be maintained and clear guidance is needed. Below are some key scenarios where method statements are essential. Business Process Improvement In business process improvement initiatives, method statements help document standardized procedures for optimizing workflows. They provide a structured approach to streamlining operations, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring that employees follow best practices when implementing new processes. Project Management Method statements play a critical role in project management, particularly in industries like construction, IT and engineering. They outline the exact steps for executing tasks, ensuring that project activities are completed safely, on time and according to specifications. This helps manage risks, improve coordination and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Operations Management In day-to-day operations, method statements help businesses maintain consistency, quality and safety in routine tasks. Whether in manufacturing, logistics or facility management, these documents ensure that employees follow the correct procedures, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency. Using a method statement in these scenarios helps maintain control, accountability and compliance so that work is carried out effectively and safely. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Method-statement-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free Method Statement Template Use this free Method Statement Template for Word to manage your projects better. Download Word File What Should Be Included in a Method Statement? A method statement is a detailed document that outlines the correct way to perform a task while ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance. It serves as a guide for workers, project managers and safety officers, helping to minimize risks and maintain quality. Below are the key components that should be included. Project Details This section provides basic information about the project, including the project name, location, start date and key stakeholders involved. It sets the context for the method statement. Scope of Work The scope of work defines the task or process, including specific activities, deliverables and any limitations or exclusions. This ensures that all parties understand the extent of the work. Roles and Responsibilities Identifies key personnel involved in executing and overseeing the task. This includes project managers, supervisors, workers and safety officers to ensure accountability at every stage. Step-by-Step Procedure This is a detailed, sequential breakdown of how the task should be performed. It includes instructions on equipment use, materials required and technical processes to follow. Risk Assessment Outlines potential hazards associated with the task and the measures in place to mitigate these risks. This helps ensure a safe working environment. Resource Requirements This section lists the materials, tools, equipment and workforce needed to complete the task efficiently. This ensures proper planning and resource allocation. Safety Measures Safety measures detail the health and safety protocols workers must follow, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices and adherence to regulatory standards. Emergency Procedures In this section of a method statement, the steps to take in case of an accident, fire, equipment failure or other emergencies are outlined. It ensures that workers know how to respond to critical situations. Quality Control Parameters These parameters define the standards and criteria that must be met to ensure the task is completed to the required quality. It may include inspections, testing and approval processes. A well-prepared method statement helps ensure efficiency, safety and compliance in any project or operational task. Method Statement Template This free method statement template for Word allows organizations to define the tasks, resources, safety measures and other important details required to standardize workflows and operational procedures. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/method-statement-template-600x626.png Method Statement Example To better understand how a method statement works, let’s review the process in a real-life scenario. In the below example, we’re imagining a building that needs a window installation, a process that requires safety procedures and adherence to building codes. Project Details The method statement begins with high-level information, such as location, date, etc. Process Name: Installation of Glass Window Panels Location: ABC Office Building, 456 Business Avenue Reference Number: WIN-002 Project Manager: Mark Johnson Date of Issue: February 14, 2025 Scope of Work This method statement outlines the process for installing glass window panels into the designated openings of the building. The work includes the safe handling, fitting and securing of window panels according to project specifications. Roles and Responsibilities Everyone involved in the window installation will be mentioned in the method statement, as will their roles in the procedure. Project Manager: Oversee the installation process and ensure all safety and quality standards are met. Site Supervisor: Supervise installation teams and ensure compliance with the method statement. Window Installer: Carry out the installation of glass panels to ensure they are fitted properly and securely. Safety Officer: Monitor safety practices, provide training and ensure workers use proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Quality Control Inspector: Inspect the installed panels for quality, alignment and proper sealing. Step-by-Step Procedure At this point, the process is outlined in detail to ensure that the work is being performed correctly, safely and to code requirements. 1. Preparation Verify the glass panel dimensions and ensure they match the required sizes for each window opening. Prepare the installation area, including cleaning the window frames and ensuring they are free of debris. 2. Handling and Transporting Glass Panels Use proper lifting equipment (e.g., suction cups, cranes) to lift and transport glass panels to the installation area. Ensure workers are trained in safe handling techniques to avoid injury or damage to glass panels. 3. Window Panel Installation Carefully position the glass panel within the window frame using a lifting team. Check the alignment of the panel to ensure it fits properly within the frame. Secure the glass panel using the appropriate fasteners and sealants. 4. Sealing and Finishing: Apply sealant around the edges of the window frame to prevent water and air infiltration. Ensure the panel is securely fastened and check for any gaps or misalignments. 5. Post-Installation Inspection: Inspect each window panel for proper installation, including the sealant application and verify the alignment and functionality of opening mechanisms (if applicable). Clean the glass surfaces to remove any smudges, fingerprints or installation debris. Risk Assessment One of the purposes of a method statement is to reduce risk. Therefore, this section identifies the risks associated with this procedure for those involved to be aware of them and, hopefully, avoid them. Risk of Falling Glass: Glass panels can fall and cause injury or damage. Mitigation: Use appropriate lifting equipment, team members and safety barriers to protect the area. Injury During Handling: Risk of cuts or crush injuries during glass handling. Mitigation: Ensure all workers wear gloves, safety goggles and other necessary PPE. Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: The work area may have debris or wet conditions. Mitigation: Maintain a clean and dry work area, use proper footwear and install warning signs. Resource Requirements Every task requires human and nonhuman resources. This section of the method statement will list all the resources required to complete the task. Personnel: Four window installers, one site supervisor, one safety officer, one quality control inspector. Equipment: Cranes, suction cups, scaffolding, lifting straps, power tools, sealant applicators, PPE (gloves, goggles, hard hats). Materials: Glass panels, fasteners, sealants, cleaning materials. Safety Measures Because installing windows in a building can be dangerous, this part of the method statement details how the workers will execute the task to reduce the possibility of injury. Workers must wear PPE at all times, including gloves, hard hats, safety boots and eye protection. Glass handling equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it’s in good working condition. Set up safety barriers around the installation area to prevent unauthorized access and protect workers below. Perform regular safety checks before beginning each stage of the installation process. Emergency Procedures If there’s an emergency, the method statement is prepared. This section lists those issues and how to mitigate or respond to them. Injury: Apply first aid and immediately call emergency medical services for serious injuries. Glass Breakage: If glass breaks during installation, clear the area immediately, wear proper gloves and dispose of broken glass safely. Fire: In case of fire, evacuate the area and activate the building’s fire suppression system. Falling Objects: If glass panels or equipment fall, stop work and inspect safety measures before resuming. Quality Control Parameters The method statement also ensures that the deliverable will meet quality standards. This section ensures that’s the case. Panel Alignment: Ensure the glass panels are aligned properly within the window frame, with equal spacing on all sides. Sealing: Verify that the sealant is applied evenly and completely to prevent water infiltration. Cleaning: Ensure that all glass panels are free from fingerprints, smudges or other installation marks. Functionality: Check that windows open and close smoothly (if applicable) and that hardware is properly installed. Related Project Management Templates There are other free templates beyond the free method statement template that can help with managing project management processes. We have over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Download these to help deliver successful projects. Standard Operating Procedure Template A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of instructions that direct an organization or project team on how to do a task. This free standard operation procedure template for Word is simpler to the method statement template and can help deliver more successful projects. Process Map Template Use this free process map template for Excel to improve efficiency, reduce efforts and ensure consistency in operations. This will help organizations visualize workflows, identify inefficiencies and optimize processes to improve collaboration and decision-making. SIPOC Template SIPOC is an acronym for suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs and customers. Use this free SIPOC template for Excel to diagram business processes from start to finish. Doing this before implementation helps managers make better decisions and gives teams a better understanding of the process. How ProjectManager Helps Manage Projects From Start to Finish Templates are useful when exploring a process and how to ensure that it covers all the bases in terms of being done correctly and safely and meeting requirements and regulations. However, templates fall short when it comes time to plan, manage and track that work. That’s because templates are just static Excel documents that aren’t equipped to handle dynamic project management. For that, use project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that helps plan projects and execute them across multiple project views but also manages resources and track progress, cost and performance in real time. Robust Resource Management Keeps Teams Productive Once the method statement is completed, resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart and teams are onboarded. During this process, our software allows project managers to set their team’s availability, including PTO, vacation, global holidays and skill sets to make assigning them tasks easier. Then toggle to the color-coded workload chart to get an overview of resource allocation and see who is overallocated or underutilized. From that chart, project managers can balance workloads to keep teams working at capacity while avoiding burnout. There’s even a team page to get a daily or weekly summary of the team’s activities. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Real-time Project Management Dashboards and Reports To make sure the project is moving forward as planned, project managers can get a high-level view of the progress and performance on real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They take live data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. Customizable reports on project status, portfolio status, variance, timesheets, workload and more go deeper into the data or can be filtered for a more general view to share with stakeholders. Even our secure timesheets, which streamline payroll, help by tracking labor costs to keep the project within its budget. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode.jpgRelated Content For those who want to read more about project management and how it helps to deliver successful projects, follow the links below. They lead to related topics that have recently been published to our blog. How to Write a Scope of Work Project Scope Statement: How to Write One With Examples What to Include In a Construction Daily Report Free Construction Daily Report Template for Excel ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post How to Write a Method Statement: Example & Template Included appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

For many new mothers, one of the most mysterious and elusive parts of breastfeeding is the latch. While some babies’ mouths manage to automatically make an airtight seal around their mother’s nipple, others can have difficulties, or physical impediments, that make achieving good suction and proper nursing almost impossible. One solution care providers have offered is the nipple shield, a cuplike perforated silicone device that fits on top of a mother’s nipple and areola and improves the way babies make their latch. It’s typically a short-term method for addressing issues ranging from tongue-ties to flat nipples to engorgement. The problem with nipple shields—and even for those nursing mothers and babies with a textbook latch—is that it can be hard for moms to know when milk is actually flowing. [Photo: Munchkin] Baby brand Munchkin is trying to eliminate some of that mystery with the Flow Nipple Shield +, a new baby nutrition device that works like a conventional nipple shield but which also has an innovative extended channel for the milk to flow through, offering mothers a visual confirmation that babies are successfully latched and effectively nursing. Steven B. Dunn, founder and CEO of WHY Brands, Munchkin’s parent company, says the device addresses some of the literal pain points of breastfeeding while aiming at a bigger target. “We describe our product as a nipple shield because it helps explain to mom what it is. We’re not selling a product to reduce pain, though it does reduce pain just like another nipple shield. We’re creating and designing a new category,” Dunn says. “This is a breastfeeding insight tool.” [Photo: Munchkin] The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding newborns for the first six months of life, and supports continued breastfeeding for the first two years of life. But according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, only about 60% of babies in the U.S. are still breastfeeding at six months, and only about a quarter of babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Part of the shortage is that many mothers think they aren’t able to breastfeed effectively. A 2013 study from Pediatrics found that a perception of insufficient milk supply was the leading reason mothers stopped breastfeeding, despite only 5% of mothers actually having those symptoms. That perception led to 60% of mothers stopping breastfeeding earlier than they wanted to. In the face of these numbers, Munchkin saw an opportunity to give mothers more information about what was actually happening during the breastfeeding process. The innovation of the Flow Nipple Shield + is a unique milk channel that brings milk on a looping path from the nipple to the baby’s mouth, jutting out from the latch zone so that a mother (or other observer) can easily see milk moving through. “This channel, the width, and dimensions of it, went through a lot of test and learn, test, and learn,” says Dunn. “It was probably the most difficult product to manufacture in Munchkin’s 30-year history.” The nipple shield’s design has been in development for almost a decade. Munchkin’s design and product teams worked with lactation consultants and engineers to fine-tune the form of the device, and to ensure the milk channel was long enough to provide visual confirmation without making it too hard for babies to get the milk all the way through. They also worked to reduce its overall size. “We purposely made the product as thin as possible with food grade silicone to maximize the skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby,” Dunn says. [Photo: Munchkin] During product development, Munchkin launched a 12-month clinical trial of the device, to gauge its effectiveness in encouraging more breastfeeding. Among the 301 participants in the trial, more than 93% were still breastfeeding at the six-month mark. “Our research shows that if moms get confident, especially in the first month of breastfeeding, they’re much more likely to continue,” Dunn says. Available in four sizes, the Flow Nipple Shield + retails for $40 and includes a special syringe for cleaning the surface and the milk channel. The device will be available in the U.S., Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. “It’s probably the largest global campaign we’ll ever do,” says Diana Barnes, chief brand officer at WHY. But the nature of the product has also posed a problem for its marketing. The best way to explain the product, Barnes says, is to show it being used during breastfeeding, which requires at least partial exposure of a breast. “Some vendors have chosen not to show our assets,” says Barnes. “I was actually quite disappointed.” That hasn’t stopped the company from pursuing ad placements around the world, including in Times Square. “Our goal is to normalize what is the most natural thing to women since the beginning of time,” Barnes says. The Flow Nipple Shield + is an attempt to make that natural process less mysterious and frustrating. “We do not want to be preachy. We don’t want to push. If mom’s goal is a day, if mom’s goal is a month, or six months, or a year, we want to do whatever we can do to provide insights,” Dunn says. “This just shows your milk is flowing, your milk is not flowing. It’s a green light or red light. And we think that information is so key for mom making her choices, whatever it’s going to be.” View the full article