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TikTok just updated its desktop viewing experience to offer a smoother UX, expanded features, and more ways to watch. I wish it would go back to how it was before. It’s no secret that TikTok has a mobile-first design. Its beloved hyper-specific algorithm and For You page, as well as its wholehearted embrace of short-form video, has inspired copycats the likes of which include everyone from Instagram to LinkedIn and Substack. TikTok has even changed the fabric of culture itself, shortening attention spans and shaping the music industry as we know it. While TikTok shines on mobile, its desktop experience has historically been significantly less intuitive. The new desktop browser is, by all counts, a marked improvement. But, for those of us who turn to the clunky desktop TikTok to cut down on screen time, it’s not necessarily a good thing. [Photo: TikTok] Ugh, TikTok’s new desktop browser is better The biggest change to TikTok’s desktop browser is the noticeably smoother UX. Previously, scrolling through videos on the homepage could feel delayed and glitchy, which quickly becomes frustrating given that it’s the platform’s main function. Now, each clip transitions smoothly into the next—an element of TikTok’s new “optimized modular layout” that offers “a more immersive viewing experience and seamless feed exploration,” according to a press release. The look of the platform has also been cleaned up and simplified, including via a minimized navigation bar, to “reduce distractions” during doomscrolling. Beyond the improved UX, updated desktop TikTok also comes with a few new features. It’s poached the Explore tab straight from the app, giving users another, less tailored feed to explore. There’s now also full-screen live streaming modes for gamers, a web-exclusive floating player on Google Chrome so users can watch brainrot Subway Surfers TikToks while they shop online, and a collections tool that can organize saved videos into subcategories. And, yeah, on the surface, all of these changes are reasonable responses to TikTok’s lackluster web browser experience. They make it more frictionless, intuitive, and enjoyable. But did the developers ever consider that maybe some of us liked it when it was bad? Can we just not? When TikTok entered the mainstream around the early pandemic, I downloaded it on my phone for a total of about two days. The reason it didn’t make the cut in my app library was not because it was bad, but because it was actually too fun—so much so that reading my AP Lit homework started to feel like an insurmountable task when those little videos were, like, right there. For me, the ideal screen time solution has been to delete social media apps from my phone and only check them when I’m on my computer, where their desktop counterparts tend to be more outdated and, sometimes, downright annoying. My one exception to this rule is YouTube Shorts, but only because its algorithm is leagues behind TikTok’s and therefore tends to drive me away by recommending one too many English hobby horsing videos. Am I still addicted to these apps? Most definitely. But do I feel like I have to check them every 30 seconds? Thankfully, no. TikTok’s desktop experience used to similarly serve as a refuge from the mobile app itself. It was a safe place to get a quick taste of what’s happening online without getting sucked into a three-hour rabbit hole about giving butter to babies. Its irritating quirks were precisely the point—and, I would argue, plenty of other desktop users likely turned to this version for the same reason. Now, though, as the desktop experience creeps ever-closer to the actual mobile app, we’re all going to have to figure out where to relegate TikTok so that we can hack our brains out of craving it. View the full article

A recent Society for Human Resources Management study found that 47% of employees with invisible chronic conditions—illnesses or disabilities that limit activities and functions but lack visible symptoms—have not disclosed their conditions to their employers. When I first read this statistic, I wasn’t surprised. In a world where the majority of people with invisible disabilities fear discrimination and stigma should they disclose, where is the incentive to do so? I am part of the 53% who has disclosed her invisible illness to her employer, and fortunately received support, empathy, and understanding as a result. Without a doubt, privilege is at play here. I’m a white, college-educated woman with five years in my career under my belt. This affords me access to opportunities and healthcare as well as social and cultural latitudes that, unfortunately, many do not share. I wish my experience could be the norm. As I reflect on the experiences that led me to this point, I’m considering how organizations and their leaders can rethink these disclosures to better support employees. Who can afford the risk of disclosing For the majority of my career, I’ve grappled with an acceleration in symptoms from my chronic illness, later found to be a likely result of the Lyme disease I contracted while in utero (something that impacts only a very small population of fetuses globally). My body could not sustain the consistent schedule and output needed to succeed in a traditional workplace, so I turned to self-employment, which allowed me to earn a living while managing decades of health challenges. With my health stabilized, I began seeking traditional employment in 2023. Inevitably, the question of why I was interested in working for someone else after so long working for myself would come up. I decided to be honest and candid, letting employers form their own opinions. While my health challenges were far less acute than they once had been, I knew that my chronic illness would always be a part of my professional story—so sharing that early on in the process would help me gauge reactions and understand whether an organization would be the right fit for me. Plus, I was largely targeting healthcare companies in my search, and I knew that my experiences on the patient-facing side could be an immense asset to leverage during the interview process. Still, each time I shared the reasons behind my unconventional résumé history with a recruiter, I felt a twist of nerves in my stomach, born of the instinctive thought that such an admission would be an overall detriment to the way I am perceived in the workplace. I’m sure you can imagine how delighted I was at the number of recruiters and hiring managers who responded with empathy, kindness, and appreciation for my honesty. One recruiter thanked me for my bravery and shared that she also lives with an autoimmune disorder. Another commiserated with me about how challenging it is to live with Lyme disease, as his mother-in-law had just been diagnosed. These conversations typically segued neatly into discussions about my ability to adapt to and around my chronic illness, underscoring that I am the kind of employee (and person) who looks to leverage her lived experience toward positive outcomes for others—and am committed to using all the effort possible to do so. Ultimately, my approach paid off. Since the start of 2024, I’ve been able to leverage my experience as a “professional patient” (a phrase I coined as a half-joking nod to my lifetime spent in and out of doctor’s offices) to better serve patients and providers through my work as a content marketing specialist for a healthcare startup. Advocating for truly accessible approaches When I joined the organization for which I now work, I once again chose to share my experience living with lifelong chronic illness—this time, with colleagues and my manager. That’s because the internal culture is one that I knew would be accepting and accommodating. During an initial call with a new coworker welcoming me to the team, I learned that they also live with a chronic illness. The ease with which they disclosed, and the way they spoke about the organization’s response—that their disclosure had been met with reminders that their health is the most important thing, and encouragements to arrange elements of their work to be as accommodating as possible—told me that my disclosure would likely be met similarly. As it turns out, I was right. My disclosures sounded different depending on who I was talking to; I often deployed the “professional patient” joke when in conversation with clinicians or researchers, while I got a bit more granular with the people I collaborate with often, such as my team and my manager. Regardless of how the conversation started, it always ended the same way: They were gracious and thankful for my candor, and I was likewise thankful for their understanding and willingness to hear me. Unfortunately, researchers have consistently found that my experience is a rare one. A 2021 academic analysis found that most chronically ill and disabled office workers spend a disproportionate amount of energy concealing all visible symptoms of their condition for fear of discrimination or retaliation. That means their time spent away from work isn’t spent preparing to return refreshed and renewed but rather managing their symptoms so they can continue to conceal them at work. This could include, but certainly isn’t limited to, sleeping 10 to 12 or more hours on the weekends, fitting in all-day IV infusions between errand-running on Saturdays, or staying in their home and not speaking to any friends or family members to manage emotional and cognitive burnout. Is it any wonder that people with disabilities are part of the subgroup found to experience 26% higher work-related burnout? Like millions of other workers across the United States, the choices I make about my career and ways of working are driven primarily by the chronic condition with which I live. Employers, founders, and managers can help alleviate this mental burden for their employees with invisible disabilities by doing these three things: Rethink ending remote work. For many disabled or chronically ill employees, remote, hybrid, and/or flexible work isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s an accommodation and an equalizer. In a remote-first workplace, chronically ill or disabled employees can have equal visibility on their work as their able-bodied and healthy counterparts without having to worry about being judged for their invisible condition. Prioritize curiosity and empathy. Two people with the same invisible condition may have very different symptoms. Encourage managers and leaders to respond to disclosures with empathy and gratitude—responses that lead to massive increases in both employee engagement and well-being. Open the floor. While no one owes anyone a candid disclosure of their health status, consider offering opportunities to impact and shape diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, such as employee resource groups (ERGs), to employees like me who have elected to do so. Their expertise in their own experience is uniquely valuable, and should be seen as such. To that end, ensure these opportunities are genuinely and thoughtfully offered, not just put together as a way to tick a box on a list of inclusive options. As some organizations choose to downsize DEI initiatives, and even stop using words like equity altogether, it’s never been more vital to ensure employees—regardless of health, ability, gender, race, and more—are supported so they can do their best work. I’m living proof that these approaches work, and I hope that more organizations choose to follow suit. View the full article

IAG posts record annual profits driven by demand for transatlantic travelView the full article

This post was sponsored by Bluehost. The opinions expressed in this article are the sponsor’s own. Is my website ready for 2025’s tech and SEO changes? How can I keep my site fast, secure, and user-friendly? What makes a hosting provider future-proof? In 2025, the extent to which you adapt to emerging technologies, changing user expectations, and evolving search engine algorithms will determine if you’ll thrive or struggle to stay relevant. Staying ahead of emerging trends is essential for maintaining a fast, secure, and user-friendly website. Optimizing performance, strengthening security measures, and enhancing user experience will be key factors in […] The post 9 Trends You Should Watch To Keep Your Website Afloat in 2025 appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Many things are considered distinctly millennial: a man bun, avocado toast, axe-throwing bars. Now you can apparently add millennial burger joints to that list. On February 11, TikToker fairylights2007 shared a clip using Kyle Gordon’s “2011 Millennial” parody song, along with a caption that read: “This song is so truffle fries overpriced burger brick walls metal tin of ketchup.” You know the type. As the video points out, the burgers are typically overpriced—$19 to be exact—always with a brioche bun. Fries are extra and come served in a fryer basket with a special “house sauce” (i.e., ketchup mixed with mayo). Somewhere in the restaurant, a chalkboard lists “local” IPA beers. The menu includes sections like “handhelds” and “sweet treats.” The decor? Exposed piping, string lights, and Edison bulbs. Commenters on the video were quick to point out other telltale signs of millennial burger joints. “A pbj burger on the menu,” one wrote. “Games no one has ever played but every bar has,” suggested another. Chances are, you’ve frequented one of these places at least once—whether you wanted to or not. Gordon’s song has since become the soundtrack to a number of TikTok videos jumping on the trend. “YES we’re a millennial burger joint; YES we overprice everything; YES our truffle fries are mediocre at best; YES we’re two guys with a crazy idea; NO we don’t offer comfortable seating; YES we serve water in mason jars,” one post read. “It was about time all these burger places with the same aesthetic get called out,” another creator added. These burger joints became popular in the mid-to-late 2010s, right around the time millennials were launching their first businesses. But now they’ve become prime targets for the online generation, who love to poke fun at millennials for everything from their “cringe” humor to their love of Harry Potter. And yet, for all the mockery, these places aren’t going anywhere. The “millennial burger joint” may now be shorthand for a style-over-substance hipster eatery, but I, for one, will be enjoying my basket of mediocre truffle fries with garlic aioli. So sue me. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. My mom answered my phone and told off my boss I was very sick with Covid and my mom had to come take care of me. She already knew issues that I’d been having with my boss; he’s a jerk. I learned later that he called to ask a question that he could have easily found the answer himself. My mother answered the phone and yelled at him because he does a lot of abusive things and keeps us working on days off, even vacation, not to mention when people are very sick. He is the type who can dish out the punishment or rude comments but cant handle it when you do it back even the slightest. Anyway, she told me what she had done. Once I returned to work, I was written up and told my mother is not to answer my phone when anyone from the company calls because they chip in $50 a month for the phone. This is not their phone. Does this warrant a write-up? Do they have the right to say my mother cannot answer my phone? No, this doesn’t warrant a write-up. If you call someone’s personal phone, you risk someone else answering it and conducting themselves differently than an employee would. But there’s no official arbiter of what you can and can’t be written up for; there’s only common sense, and your boss clearly doesn’t have it. The question about whether they can say your mom can’t answer company calls on your phone when they pay part of the bill … eh, probably. If they consider that your work phone, then sure, they can say you’re the only one who can answer it (hell, in a lot of states they could say that without paying any of the bill). It’s a dumb response from them, though. Also, though, your mom should stay out of your work life and not tell your boss off on your behalf! I get the impulse, but she doesn’t have the standing to do that and she ended up causing problems for you at work. But I kind of love her for defending her sick kid. Is she up for telling off other people’s bosses too? She’d probably be in demand. 2. Staff is grumbling about sales team’s “perks” I manage a team of salesmen who call on very large customers. Typically we are responsible for signing 5-10 contracts that generate a lot of meaningful revenue for the company. Because of the size of these contracts and the nature of our customers, we attend a lot of off-hours events to host our customers — things like dinners, concerts, and professional sporting events. As a manager, I try to be flexible with people’s schedules to accommodate all the hours they end up working outside of the normal 9-5. However, I’m running into problems with other departments complaining about my team’s availability or implying that we are more focused on partying than working. This typically happens when they want to connect with someone on my team but that person is using comp time; for example, they had a 7pm dinner the day before so I don’t have them come into work till 10 am but production wants to meet right at 9 am. I understand why there might be a perception issue to say, “Oh, John is coming in late on Monday because he has to spend all Sunday at the suite of an NFL game,” but these events truly are a work day for us. Attending with a customer and trying to have a meaningful business conversation can be a pretty high pressure and stressful thing! We might have a beer at the game but it’s much more about making sure the customer has a great time then it is about actually enjoying the venue. Typically my team has to provide a recap of any conversations that they had and how contract negotiations are advancing. It’s also not fair to expect them to spend a weekend day or a weeknight working and then go back to a regular schedule. My boss understands this but when I’ve tried explaining it to other departments (typically run by people at my level but without sales experience) I’ve had varying degrees of success. I’ve also set up a couple times a week like Monday afternoons, where I can guarantee that my whole team is working at the same time so these departments can schedule meetings. That has helped manage the scheduling issue that we are having, but it’s made the grumbling worse because they feel like we are being unreasonable. Is there a good way that I can explain to my peers outside of sales that we aren’t being divas, we just have a weird work schedule? Can you stop describing the specifics of what they were doing when they were working off-hours and instead just say “he had to work all day Sunday” or “he worked until very late last night”? If you mention dinners and games, people are going to focus on that to the exclusion of the “work” part. You might also try talking with the other managers one-on-one about the pattern and ask for their help in figuring out how to resolve it; sometimes when people are enlisted in solving a problem that they themselves are part of it, they start to get it more. And you could say, “While the events can seem like fun ones, that’s still time that my team has to be ‘on’; they can’t relax, they need to be focused on the client, and that’s time that they can’t be with their family or friends or handling household responsibilities. Since we can’t ask people to spend all their waking hours furthering the company’s business interests and they need to have time off as well, what would you suggest?” But some of this is just a perpetual issue between sales and non-sales people, so your measure of success shouldn’t be “there is zero grumbling about this.” 3. Can I use Discord messages to confirm that my unreliable coworker told me she ignores my emails? Right now, I am building an argument to my boss to change the workflow of a specific task to address a problem I have with a coworker (Clara). Clara’s supposed to be doing this task on my behalf. (For internal policy reasons, I’m not allowed to do it myself.) However, Clara is not reliable at doing this task. Over the years, I’ve made a thousand tiny adjustments to my work to make it as easy as possible for her, and she often still makes errors, which only affect me and are for some reason my sole responsibility to identify and (tell her to) fix. I’ve been stewing silently about this for years, because I thought I was just being a hater, frankly. But at my next review, I’m going to urge our boss to see if I can be given the authority to just handle this task myself. Since all of the measures I take to help Clara and make up for her errors are individually very small, I’m compiling documentation to explain everything I’m doing and confirm that, collectively, they consume a lot of my time and energy — much more than just doing it myself. One item I wanted to include was an email from several months ago, where Clara asked me to indicate importance in the subject line of emails to her; I send out a lot of notices to the whole building, so she mostly just ignores messages from me and sometimes misses important ones. However, when I received this email, it made me so blindingly angry — considering everything else I’m already doing — that I trashed it immediately without responding. Now that I’ve decided to talk to our boss about it, it’s gone from the face of the earth. But I have the annoyed Discord messages I sent to my partner the day-of that confirm that this email once existed. They don’t say anything spicy — essentially, “Clara just straight-up admitted to me that she doesn’t read my emails” with an air of frustration — and nothing rude, hostile, or profane. Do you think it would help or hurt my case to include these? If including them is a bad idea, do you have any alternate suggestions? Even if I had the original email, would it have been too petty to include, anyway? Clara’s otherwise very nice and definitely isn’t acting maliciously, so I still feel insane for actually complaining about this. Don’t include the message you sent to your partner about it. It’ll come across as petty, and it puts the focus on your frustration more than on Clara’s behavior. It will also seem odd that you’re trying to come up with “evidence” that the email existed, when no one has asked for any and in any reasonably healthy work environment, simply telling your manager about what was said will be enough. Just tell your manager what Clara told you and assume you’ll be believed. (If your word isn’t enough, there are bigger problems that would dwarf this anyway.) 4. Manager said we can’t talk to HR without telling him first Is it legal/ethical for a supervisor to tell their team they cannot go to HR without telling him and letting him set the appointment with HR? This comes after a coworker went to HR for two reasons (supervisor issues the entire team is having and a request to move departments). Today the team came in and was told that they cannot go to HR about anything without telling him first what it is about and then he will set an appointment with HR if he deems worthy/necessary. I am thinking it is not illegal, but not exactly ethical and definitely not in the favor of the team as the supervisor will not set up appointments if he wants to hide things and there would retaliation. While it’s not illegal on its face, it creates legal liability for your company. What if someone wants to report harassment or discrimination from your boss? They have to go through him first and he’ll decide if they get to talk to HR about it or not? What if he decides they can’t? It’s very unlikely that HR would be okay with this rule if they knew about it (in part because companies need clear and accessible reporting procedures for harassment and discrimination to effectively defend themselves against lawsuits in those areas), so someone should break the rule to tell HR (and when doing that, should point out that they’re doing exactly what they were told they couldn’t and will need HR’s assistance in ensuring they’re not penalized for it). View the full article

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ASUS has introduced the ExpertBook B5 (B5405/B5605), a lightweight business laptop powered by AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra processors, enterprise-grade security, and customizable configurations designed for professional use. The AI-powered business laptop features ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant, and ASUS ExpertGuardian, a security suite providing multi-factor authentication and firmware protection. AI-Powered Performance and Productivity The ExpertBook B5 integrates AI-driven computing, offering up to 99 total-platform TOPS for enhanced multitasking. ASUS’s AI ExpertMeet provides real-time transcription, noise cancellation, and live-translated captions, ensuring seamless collaboration. The laptop’s Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc graphics enable faster content creation and business analytics. Durable, High-Performance Design Encased in a lightweight 1.36kg aluminum frame, the ExpertBook B5 features a 2.5K 144Hz display for crisp visuals. The ASUS ExpertCool thermal solution enhances cooling performance by 26%, maintaining efficiency during extended usage. Built to MIL-STD-810H standards, the device ensures durability in extreme conditions. Enterprise-Grade Security with ASUS ExpertGuardian To safeguard sensitive data, ASUS ExpertGuardian offers multi-layered protection, including Windows 11 Secured-core PC technology, TPM 2.0 encryption, biometric authentication, and USB access locks. The laptop supports certificate-based authentication and self-recovering BIOS protection, providing long-term security updates. Customizable Configurations for IT Management The ExpertBook B5 supports pre-configured BIOS settings, asset labeling, and software imaging for streamlined IT deployments. Its modular design allows for easy maintenance, with a tool-free battery latch reducing downtime. Driving Sustainability with a Digital Product Passport ASUS is introducing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) to enhance lifecycle tracking and sustainability compliance. The QR code-based tracking system provides businesses with real-time data on material sourcing, manufacturing, and recycling, supporting eco-conscious product design. Availability The ExpertBook B5 (B5405/B5605) is now available for enterprise customers. ASUS continues to innovate in AI-driven business computing, delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable solutions for modern professionals. This article, "ASUS Unveils AI-Powered ExpertBook B5 with Enhanced Security and Customization" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

ASUS has introduced the ExpertBook B5 (B5405/B5605), a lightweight business laptop powered by AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra processors, enterprise-grade security, and customizable configurations designed for professional use. The AI-powered business laptop features ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant, and ASUS ExpertGuardian, a security suite providing multi-factor authentication and firmware protection. AI-Powered Performance and Productivity The ExpertBook B5 integrates AI-driven computing, offering up to 99 total-platform TOPS for enhanced multitasking. ASUS’s AI ExpertMeet provides real-time transcription, noise cancellation, and live-translated captions, ensuring seamless collaboration. The laptop’s Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc graphics enable faster content creation and business analytics. Durable, High-Performance Design Encased in a lightweight 1.36kg aluminum frame, the ExpertBook B5 features a 2.5K 144Hz display for crisp visuals. The ASUS ExpertCool thermal solution enhances cooling performance by 26%, maintaining efficiency during extended usage. Built to MIL-STD-810H standards, the device ensures durability in extreme conditions. Enterprise-Grade Security with ASUS ExpertGuardian To safeguard sensitive data, ASUS ExpertGuardian offers multi-layered protection, including Windows 11 Secured-core PC technology, TPM 2.0 encryption, biometric authentication, and USB access locks. The laptop supports certificate-based authentication and self-recovering BIOS protection, providing long-term security updates. Customizable Configurations for IT Management The ExpertBook B5 supports pre-configured BIOS settings, asset labeling, and software imaging for streamlined IT deployments. Its modular design allows for easy maintenance, with a tool-free battery latch reducing downtime. Driving Sustainability with a Digital Product Passport ASUS is introducing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) to enhance lifecycle tracking and sustainability compliance. The QR code-based tracking system provides businesses with real-time data on material sourcing, manufacturing, and recycling, supporting eco-conscious product design. Availability The ExpertBook B5 (B5405/B5605) is now available for enterprise customers. ASUS continues to innovate in AI-driven business computing, delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable solutions for modern professionals. This article, "ASUS Unveils AI-Powered ExpertBook B5 with Enhanced Security and Customization" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Apple has announced a $500 billion investment in the United States over the next four years, marking its largest-ever financial commitment. The company’s plan includes a new manufacturing facility in Texas, doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, expanding research and development, and accelerating investments in AI and silicon engineering. Apple’s investment will support new facilities in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington, reinforcing its focus on advanced manufacturing and innovation. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility will open in Houston in 2026, creating thousands of jobs and producing servers that support Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company’s commitment to U.S. innovation, stating, “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future. From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.” Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, supporting high-tech manufacturing and skills development. The expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment to produce advanced silicon at TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona, where Apple remains the largest customer. Apple’s suppliers manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. This investment is expected to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and create high-paying jobs. The company is expanding research and development (R&D) operations, nearly doubling U.S.-based R&D spending over the past five years. Apple plans to hire 20,000 employees over the next four years, focusing on AI, silicon engineering, and software development. Apple’s recent launch of the A18 chip and Apple C1 cellular modem highlights its long-term strategy in custom silicon development. The Apple C1 modem, the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone, represents a major milestone in the company’s R&D investment. As part of its focus on workforce development, Apple is opening the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. The facility will train workers and assist small- and medium-sized businesses in adopting AI and smart manufacturing techniques. Partnering with universities like Michigan State, the academy will offer free courses on project management, supply chain efficiency, and manufacturing process optimization. This article, "Apple to Invest Over $500 Billion in U.S. Expansion, Manufacturing, and AI Development" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Apple has announced a $500 billion investment in the United States over the next four years, marking its largest-ever financial commitment. The company’s plan includes a new manufacturing facility in Texas, doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, expanding research and development, and accelerating investments in AI and silicon engineering. Apple’s investment will support new facilities in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington, reinforcing its focus on advanced manufacturing and innovation. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility will open in Houston in 2026, creating thousands of jobs and producing servers that support Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company’s commitment to U.S. innovation, stating, “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future. From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.” Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, supporting high-tech manufacturing and skills development. The expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment to produce advanced silicon at TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona, where Apple remains the largest customer. Apple’s suppliers manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. This investment is expected to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and create high-paying jobs. The company is expanding research and development (R&D) operations, nearly doubling U.S.-based R&D spending over the past five years. Apple plans to hire 20,000 employees over the next four years, focusing on AI, silicon engineering, and software development. Apple’s recent launch of the A18 chip and Apple C1 cellular modem highlights its long-term strategy in custom silicon development. The Apple C1 modem, the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone, represents a major milestone in the company’s R&D investment. As part of its focus on workforce development, Apple is opening the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. The facility will train workers and assist small- and medium-sized businesses in adopting AI and smart manufacturing techniques. Partnering with universities like Michigan State, the academy will offer free courses on project management, supply chain efficiency, and manufacturing process optimization. This article, "Apple to Invest Over $500 Billion in U.S. Expansion, Manufacturing, and AI Development" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Company executives touted the immediate returns from its rebranding and Super Bowl advertising campaign, with February activity exceeding expectations. View the full article

Ryan Donovan, the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks' CEO, foresees affordable housing mandates becoming more focused on home supply than demand. View the full article

OpenAI released a new base model on Thursday called GPT-4.5, which the company said is its best and smartest model for chat yet. It’s not a reasoning model like OpenAI’s o1 and o3 models, but it can be used to train other models to be reasoning models. Notably, GPT-4.5 was trained using 10 times the computing power (scores of GPUs in data centers) than its predecessor, GPT-4o. The result is a model whose outputs feel more natural and human, OpenAI said in its press release, and demonstrate a better general understanding of the world. Its writing and programming skills are better, and it hallucinates less. It also displays a higher level of emotional intelligence about the user and what they’re trying to do. For example, when prompted with “I’m going through a tough time after failing a test,” the model responded: “Aw, I’m really sorry to hear that. Failing a test can feel pretty tough and discouraging, but remember, it’s just one moment—not a reflection of who you are or your capabilities.” OpenAI cofounder and former researcher Andrej Karpathy, who got early access to the model, posted on X that the improvements are subtle but meaningful. “Everything is a little bit better and it’s awesome, but also not exactly in ways that are trivial to point to,” Karpathy continued; also, the model appears to have improved by 20% in everything it does rather than improving by several times over in certain domains or skills. OpenAI said GPT-4.5’s performance proves that supersizing models, training data, and computing power can still produce significant performance gains. However, a debate has been raging over this assertion on X. Karpathy saw evidence of this in his tests: “[I]t is incredibly interesting and exciting as another qualitative measurement of a certain slope of capability that comes ‘for free’ from just pretraining a bigger model.” Of course, “free” is stretching it: Training costs for a model as big as GPT-4.5 could approach $1 billion. OpenAI is releasing GPT-4.5 as a research preview to ChatGPT Pro users and to developers who pay to access OpenAI models through an API. It will become available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users next week, the company says. 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. Ageism in Hollywood is a tale as old as time. It’s well-documented that older women have been less represented in mainstream media and female actors over 40 are less likely to get work compared to their male counterparts. The stigma surrounding aging women in entertainment has been so pervasive that many actresses have felt forced to hide the natural realities of aging. Actress Naomi Watts recently revealed, “I was told I would never work again if I admitted to being menopausal.” Her experience is not unique—many women in the industry have echoed similar sentiments, facing a shrinking pool of opportunities as they age. This year’s award show season has shown that the tides are turning. We’ve started to see a shift with actresses in Hollywood experiencing success later in life. One of the most discussed films of the past year, The Substance, tackles ageism head-on. And in a historic moment, Demi Moore—44 years into her career—won her first Golden Globe at 62 and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. During the Golden Globes, we saw seven of the Best Actress nominations go to women over the age of 40. These nominations signal a growing recognition that talent doesn’t have to have an expiration date. For decades Hollywood has created the perception that women in their 40s and beyond, often when they are perimenopausal or menopausal, are past their primes and reaching the end of their careers. Moore previously shared that she almost quit acting because of ageism and how difficult it can be, particularly for women over 50. However, this cultural shift in Hollywood’s acceptance and celebration of aging women could change how this demographic is represented. Now the question is, will we see other industries shift their perceptions of midlife women? Here’s why they should. Outdated research has failed menopausal women Before looking ahead, we have to understand how we got here. The societal stigma around aging has often overlapped with menopause, and unfortunately, that’s led to a negative perception of this transitional period of a woman’s life. Menopause has been widely understudied. For example, a study in Nature Aging has shown that researchers haven’t properly considered menopause in 99% of studies of the biology of aging. Furthering the stigma, outdated research has led to a lack of treatment options for women experiencing menopause symptoms. The use of hormone therapy to treat menopause symptoms stopped nearly overnight due to a study showing that hormone therapy increased the risks of cancer. However, recent studies have debunked that theory and shown the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks. The lack of research and controversial history around hormone therapy has hurt menopause care and prevented aging women from getting the adequate support they need. That all is changing. What the entertainment industry can teach Companies can take a page from Hollywood’s playbook by supporting and empowering its female senior talent. Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are some of the most experienced managers, leaders, and mentors in the workplace. As they age, they are also often at the height of their careers. McKinsey and Lean In found that female leaders contribute more to employee engagement—including creating an inclusive workplace and mentorship—than their male counterparts, and another McKinsey report found that organizations with gender diversity of executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability compared to those who didn’t. Senior female leaders are an essential part of the workforce. Yet according to our 2022 Menopause in the Workplace report, 46% of working women experiencing menopause said their 50s have been the most difficult time in their careers. Our latest data also showed that 50% of Gen X women have experienced ageism at work. Now is a critical time for companies to step up and support. Organizations must invest in meeting the evolving needs of their midlife female workforce. Investing in menopause support for senior women leaders—such as access to specialized providers, educational resources, and coverage for hormone therapy—enables these women to manage their symptoms effectively, remain at peak productivity, and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders. What happens in Hollywood strongly influences culture, including workplaces. On March 2, Moore is up for her first Oscar for her critically acclaimed role. No matter who wins, it’s a victory for Moore and all aging women at work. Asima Ahmad, MD, MPH, FACOG is cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility. View the full article

UK leader hails ‘very productive discussion’ but president declines to back plan for Ukrainian peacekeepers View the full article

Executives have met with investors this week to test waters on an offering that could value the company at $35bn View the full article

From the rising cost of eggs and the staggering cost of housing, the constant chaos from mass government firings to the tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, Americans are struggling to cope with rampant economic uncertainty the best way they can: doom spending. One in 5 Americans say they are buying more than usual, “purchasing items excessively or impulsively in response to fears or anxiety about future events,” according to a recent report by CreditCards.com. The act of buying things as a way to self-soothe and cope with discomfort can be particularly problematic, especially when you’re worried about your personal finances and the economy at large in the first place. The survey, published in February 2025, examines consumer spending habits since President Donald Trump took office and focuses on the role economic factors and uncertainty play. Here are some key findings. Americans are buying more, driven by Trump tariffs President Trump’s proposed tariffs are weighing heavily on many people’s minds. In fact, more than one in 4, or 29%, of respondents say fear of Trump’s tariffs greatly impacts their desire to make additional purchases. Trump has said, starting March 4 (next week!), he will slap a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and may in the future even broaden the scope of goods to include automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors—all of which means higher prices for American consumers already dealing with cost of living concerns and inflation. Digging a little further, the report shows 19% of respondents say they are buying significantly (5%) or slightly more (14%) items than usual, and of this group, 29% say fear of Trump’s tariffs greatly impacts their desire to make additional purchases, while 37% say it’s having some impact. Another pandemic also prompts spending The report found that 3 in 10 respondents are purchasing items to prepare for another pandemic. Meanwhile, 42% say they are, or will start, stockpiling items, mainly food and toilet paper. Also, since November 2024, 28% of respondents say they have made one large purchase (over $500) and 21% say they soon plan to. The most common of those large purchases were electronics (39%), home appliances (31%), and home improvement materials (25%). People also bought furniture (22%) and cars (17%). Finally, and perhaps the most worrisome finding of the report, is that 34% of respondents say they are likely to worsen or go into credit card debt this year to secure purchases. View the full article

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled Congress has voted to repeal a federal fee on oil and gas producers who release high levels of methane, undoing a major piece of former President Joe Biden’s climate policy aimed at controlling the planet-warming “super pollutant.” The fee, which had not gone into effect, was expected to bring in billions of dollars. The Senate on Thursday voted along party lines 52-47 to repeal the fee, following a similar House vote on Wednesday. The measure now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. Methane is a much stronger global warming gas than carbon dioxide, especially in the short term, and is to blame for about one-third of the world’s warming so far. Oil and gas producers are among the biggest U.S. methane emitters and controlling it is critical to address climate change. Most major oil and gas companies do not release enough methane to trigger the fee, which is $900 per ton, an amount that would increase to $1,500 by 2026. The measure was part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, but the Environmental Protection Agency didn’t formally set rules until late last year. That timing made it vulnerable to the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to pass a resolution to undo rules that are finalized toward the end of a president’s term. If those resolutions pass and the president signs them, the rule is terminated and agencies can’t issue a similar one again. “It’s a sorry testament to the influence of Big Oil on Capitol Hill that one of the top priorities of Congress is a blatant handout to the worst actors in the fossil fuel industry,” said Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen’s energy program. The American Petroleum Institute, the largest lobbying group for the oil and gas industry, applauded the move, calling the fee a “duplicative, punitive tax on American energy production that stifles innovation.” “Thanks to industry action, methane emissions continue to decline as production increases, and we support building on this progress through smart and effective regulation,” said Amanda Eversole, the executive vice president and chief advocacy officer at API. Globally, methane concentrations in the atmosphere have been steadily climbing. Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, who chairs the Senate’s Environment and Public Works committee, spoke in favor of repeal on the Senate floor. “We should be expanding natural gas production, not restricting it. Instead, the natural gas tax will constrain American natural gas production, leading to increased energy prices and providing a boost to the production of natural gas in Russia,” she said. Repeal of the methane fee is the latest of several pro-oil and gas moves Republicans have taken since the start of Trump’s term. On his first day, he declared a national energy emergency, calling for more oil and gas production, and fewer environmental reviews. Democrats failed to overturn that declaration yesterday. Trump has also lifted a pause on new applications for liquified natural gas export terminals, removed the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, and moved to open up more areas of public lands and waters for oil and gas drilling. The fee on methane releases was aimed at pushing companies to adopt better practices to curb emissions and make their operations more efficient. Technology exists to prevent leaks and to fix them. The EPA had said the fee was expected to reduce 1.2 million metric tons of methane emissions by 2035—that’s about the same as removing 8 million cars from the road for a year. The Biden administration had also implemented methane regulations on existing oil and gas wells, after addressing methane escaping from new wells. The EPA at the time meant for the fee to complement that rule and focus on the worst polluters. About half of all methane emissions from wells are from just 6% that are smaller producers, according to a recent study. — Michael Phillis and Matthew Daly, Associated Press View the full article