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The White House published its plan ahead of a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu View the full article

Maxwell House is doing some downsizing. For a limited time, it’s changing its name to Maxwell Apartment. Just in time for National Coffee Day, the coffee brand owned by the Kraft Heinz Company announced that while supplies last, it’s selling a year’s supply of its specially packaged coffee for just $40 on Amazon, or what it’s calling a 12-month “lease.” It’s the same exact coffee, just cheaper at about 10 cents less per ounce. (It also has a new name for the first time in 133 years.) The brand cites statistics that coffee drinkers could save more than $1,000 a year with the offer compared to daily cafe runs. That’s not enough for a down payment on a home, but it’s something, and it comes as coffee prices—not to mention home prices—are on the rise. “Two-thirds of American adults drink coffee every day, which can add up quickly, especially these days,” Holly Ramadan, head of coffee for North America for Kraft Heinz, said in a statement. Brewing a comeback Ground coffee saw the highest inflation rate in any category except for eggs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, thanks to factors like supply issues, tariffs, and volatile weather. “Maxwell House believes no one should have to go without great tasting coffee, and Maxwell Apartment delivers the same delicious taste people know and love, at a value that celebrates all our fans are doing to make smart choices in their lives,” Ramadan said. Maxwell House’s parent company Kraft Heinz saw net sales of about $26 billion in 2024, but it announced this month that it’s splitting into two publicly traded companies about a decade after merging. The split comes as the company’s total revenue and stock has fallen, and amid a wider trend away from processed foods. Kraft Heinz said the breakup would help reduce operational complexity, drive efficiencies, and allow each company the give more attention and resources to their specific portfolios. Maxwell House will join the half of the company now being called North American Grocery Co., which will get custody of portfolio of well-known food and beverage brands like Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, Capri Sun, Lunchables, and Ore-Ida. The Maxwell Apartment promotion is part of a larger effort that Maxwell House says it has planned this fall to emphasize value and consistent flavor. And at a time of rising costs and in a competitive landscape of private label brands, that’s exactly what a national brand would have to do to succeed. View the full article

Since the end of July, UWM's common stock price gained 55%, but an improved mortgage origination outlook was already accounted for, said Jeffrey Adelson. View the full article

In today’s competitive market, small businesses must adopt effective branding strategies to stand out. Start by defining your brand identity, which includes your core values and mission. Next, comprehending your audience’s demographics helps tailor your messaging. You’ll additionally benefit from analyzing your competitors for strategic positioning. By implementing these steps, you can improve your visibility and customer loyalty. Nevertheless, there are more solutions to explore that can raise your brand even further. Key Takeaways Define your brand identity by outlining core values and creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos and color palettes, to enhance recognition. Know your audience by analyzing demographics and psychographics to tailor branding services and create customer personas that address specific needs. Analyze competitors using tools like SEMrush to identify their strengths and weaknesses, refining your branding strategy based on market gaps. Establish credibility by regularly publishing engaging content that resonates with your audience, boosting website traffic and fostering customer loyalty. Maintain consistent branding through a well-defined style guide that ensures uniformity in visual elements, messaging, and tone across all platforms. Define Your Brand Identity Defining your brand identity is essential for establishing a strong presence in the market. Start by outlining your core values, mission, and personality. These elements create a clear purpose that guides all your branding initiatives. A branding consultant for small businesses can help you articulate these aspects effectively. Next, focus on creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos, color palettes, and typography. This guarantees consistency across all platforms. Remember, a strong brand identity improves recognition and nurtures customer loyalty, as many consumers prefer brands that align with their values. Utilizing a branding agency for small businesses can provide customized branding solutions for small businesses, making sure your identity resonates with your target audience during their perception and trust. Know Your Audience To effectively know your audience, you first need to identify your target segments. Analyze competitor insights to understand what resonates with similar customers and what gaps you can fill. Identify Target Segments How can you effectively identify your target segments? Start by analyzing demographics such as age, gender, income level, and location. This foundational data helps tailor your branding services for small businesses. Next, explore psychographics to understand your audience’s values, interests, and lifestyles, which can align your brand messaging with their preferences. Creating customer personas will provide insights into their specific needs and pain points. Utilize tools like Facebook Audience Insights to reveal trends that inform your strategy. Finally, engage directly with your audience through polls and feedback to adapt your branding approach continually. Partnering with a small branding agency can further improve these efforts, ensuring your brand resonates effectively with your target segments. Analyze Competitor Insights Comprehending your competition is crucial, especially in relation to refining your branding strategy. By analyzing competitor insights, you can identify strengths and weaknesses that inform your own approach. Here are three key steps to reflect on: Utilize Tools: Use platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs to discover competitors’ top-performing keywords and content strategies, which can help you engage your audience more effectively. Monitor Social Media: Examine engagement metrics on social media to see what resonates with your target audience, giving you insight into their preferences. Review Customer Feedback: Analyze customer reviews of your competitors to identify market gaps your brand can exploit, positioning your offerings advantageously. Create a Style Guide Creating a style guide is essential for ensuring your brand’s identity remains consistent and recognizable across all platforms. It helps you document guidelines for brand colors, fonts, and logos, enhancing brand recognition by up to 23%. By maintaining a cohesive brand voice and messaging, your communications will resonate better with your audience. Regularly update your style guide to reflect any changes in your brand identity or strategy, keeping you aligned with current market trends. This guide serves as a valuable reference for both internal teams and external partners, reducing discrepancies in brand representation. In the end, a well-defined style guide improves brand credibility, making it easier for customers to connect with and trust your brand. Establish Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert With Content Marketing Establishing your small business as a subject matter expert through content marketing can greatly boost your credibility and attract a loyal customer base. By providing valuable information that addresses common customer questions, you build trust in your industry. Here are three effective strategies to implement: Regularly Publish Content: Create blog posts, how-to guides, and videos to increase website traffic. Companies that blog generate 67% more leads. Focus on Engagement: Share relevant content that resonates with your audience. 57% of consumers feel more connected to brands that do this. Prioritize Consistency: Regular updates strengthen brand relationships and encourage loyalty, as 70% of consumers prefer learning through articles rather than advertisements. Implement these strategies to solidify your expertise. Look for Partnership Opportunities To grow your brand’s reach, consider collaborating with non-competitive businesses that target a similar audience. You can co-host local events to attract new customers as you share resources, making it beneficial for both parties. This partnership approach not just improves visibility but likewise builds community trust, which can greatly impact your brand’s credibility. Collaborate With Non-Competitors When you collaborate with non-competitive businesses, you not just broaden your reach but furthermore boost your brand’s credibility. By aligning with brands that share your values, you create a stronger perception among consumers. Here are three effective strategies for collaboration: Cross-Promote on Social Media: Joint giveaways can increase your engagement rates by 20-30%, attracting attention from both audiences. Bundle Products: Offering combined deals with a partner can raise your sales by up to 25%, as customers see greater value in these bundles. Leverage Each Other’s Customer Bases: By co-hosting events or pop-ups, you improve foot traffic and engagement, tapping into new markets. Implement these strategies to expand your reach and strengthen your brand. Co-Host Local Events Co-hosting local events can be a potent strategy for small businesses looking to improve their visibility and build community connections. By partnering with non-competitive businesses, you can share resources, which reduces costs and increases attendance. This collaboration can boost your brand exposure by up to 30%. Joint events, like pop-up shops or workshops, create unique experiences that attract customers, with 70% of consumers more likely to attend such events. Additionally, cross-promotional marketing during these events often improves brand visibility, as 60% of participants report increased awareness of the brands involved. Engaging in local partnerships strengthens community ties, appealing to the 82% of consumers who prefer supporting brands that contribute to their communities. Build a Community Around Your Brand Building a community around your brand is vital for nurturing customer loyalty and engagement. A strong community not just connects you with customers but likewise improves their overall experience. Here are three effective ways to build this community: Encourage User-Generated Content: Invite your customers to share their experiences, as 79% say it influences their purchasing decisions. When they engage, it boosts your brand interactions. Host Interactive Experiences: Organize virtual events or workshops, which can create deeper relationships and lead to a 20% increase in brand loyalty. Communicate Your Brand Story: Share your values consistently across platforms. About 64% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that align with their beliefs. Fostering community is important for long-term success. Make Your Brand Unmissable Online To make your brand unmissable online, it’s vital to establish a strong digital presence that resonates with your audience. Start by utilizing social media platforms, as 57% of customers prefer digital engagement with businesses. Create a signature social post format to guarantee consistency, which helps build a recognizable brand identity. Leverage free tools on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for branded GIFs and stickers, enhancing your content’s creativity. Transform your comments sections into engaging experiences by incorporating humor and personality, which cultivates memorable interactions. Finally, implement low-cost branding strategies, such as guerrilla marketing techniques, to create buzz and increase your brand exposure without a significant financial investment. Focus on these strategies to stand out online effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Branding? The 5 C’s of branding are crucial for comprehending and developing your brand. First, there’s Company, which defines your mission and unique selling proposition. Next, Customers, where you analyze your target audience’s demographics and needs. Then, Competitors, focusing on both direct and indirect rivals to find market gaps. Collaborators involve partnerships that improve your brand’s visibility. Finally, Context encompasses the external factors and trends that may influence your brand’s positioning in the market. What Is the 3 7 27 Rule of Branding? The 3-7-27 rule of branding emphasizes the importance of repeated exposure for effective brand recognition. You need to present your message three times for it to resonate, seven times for it to be memorable, and 27 times before potential customers take action. This approach highlights the necessity of consistent messaging across various platforms. What Are the 3 C’s of Branding? The 3 C’s of branding are Company, Customer, and Competitor. First, define your company’s unique value proposition and mission to establish a strong identity. Next, understand your target customers by analyzing their demographics and pain points, which will help you tailor your messages effectively. Finally, study your competitors to identify market gaps and opportunities, allowing you to differentiate your brand. Together, these elements create a cohesive branding strategy that builds recognition and trust. How Do I Brand My Small Business? To brand your small business, start by defining your purpose and core values, as these guide your branding efforts. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and competitors. Next, create a cohesive visual identity with a memorable logo and color palette. Develop a strong brand voice that reflects your personality, maintaining this tone across all communications. Finally, regularly update your brand style guide to guarantee consistency in your marketing materials. Conclusion Implementing these seven branding solutions can considerably strengthen your small business. By defining your brand identity, comprehending your audience, and maintaining consistency, you can create a strong market presence. Establishing yourself as a subject matter expert and engaging with your community will nurture loyalty. Furthermore, seeking partnership opportunities and enhancing your online visibility will further set you apart. Focus on these key strategies to build a recognizable and trusted brand that resonates with customers and drives growth. Image Via Envato This article, "7 Essential Branding Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s competitive market, small businesses must adopt effective branding strategies to stand out. Start by defining your brand identity, which includes your core values and mission. Next, comprehending your audience’s demographics helps tailor your messaging. You’ll additionally benefit from analyzing your competitors for strategic positioning. By implementing these steps, you can improve your visibility and customer loyalty. Nevertheless, there are more solutions to explore that can raise your brand even further. Key Takeaways Define your brand identity by outlining core values and creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos and color palettes, to enhance recognition. Know your audience by analyzing demographics and psychographics to tailor branding services and create customer personas that address specific needs. Analyze competitors using tools like SEMrush to identify their strengths and weaknesses, refining your branding strategy based on market gaps. Establish credibility by regularly publishing engaging content that resonates with your audience, boosting website traffic and fostering customer loyalty. Maintain consistent branding through a well-defined style guide that ensures uniformity in visual elements, messaging, and tone across all platforms. Define Your Brand Identity Defining your brand identity is essential for establishing a strong presence in the market. Start by outlining your core values, mission, and personality. These elements create a clear purpose that guides all your branding initiatives. A branding consultant for small businesses can help you articulate these aspects effectively. Next, focus on creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos, color palettes, and typography. This guarantees consistency across all platforms. Remember, a strong brand identity improves recognition and nurtures customer loyalty, as many consumers prefer brands that align with their values. Utilizing a branding agency for small businesses can provide customized branding solutions for small businesses, making sure your identity resonates with your target audience during their perception and trust. Know Your Audience To effectively know your audience, you first need to identify your target segments. Analyze competitor insights to understand what resonates with similar customers and what gaps you can fill. Identify Target Segments How can you effectively identify your target segments? Start by analyzing demographics such as age, gender, income level, and location. This foundational data helps tailor your branding services for small businesses. Next, explore psychographics to understand your audience’s values, interests, and lifestyles, which can align your brand messaging with their preferences. Creating customer personas will provide insights into their specific needs and pain points. Utilize tools like Facebook Audience Insights to reveal trends that inform your strategy. Finally, engage directly with your audience through polls and feedback to adapt your branding approach continually. Partnering with a small branding agency can further improve these efforts, ensuring your brand resonates effectively with your target segments. Analyze Competitor Insights Comprehending your competition is crucial, especially in relation to refining your branding strategy. By analyzing competitor insights, you can identify strengths and weaknesses that inform your own approach. Here are three key steps to reflect on: Utilize Tools: Use platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs to discover competitors’ top-performing keywords and content strategies, which can help you engage your audience more effectively. Monitor Social Media: Examine engagement metrics on social media to see what resonates with your target audience, giving you insight into their preferences. Review Customer Feedback: Analyze customer reviews of your competitors to identify market gaps your brand can exploit, positioning your offerings advantageously. Create a Style Guide Creating a style guide is essential for ensuring your brand’s identity remains consistent and recognizable across all platforms. It helps you document guidelines for brand colors, fonts, and logos, enhancing brand recognition by up to 23%. By maintaining a cohesive brand voice and messaging, your communications will resonate better with your audience. Regularly update your style guide to reflect any changes in your brand identity or strategy, keeping you aligned with current market trends. This guide serves as a valuable reference for both internal teams and external partners, reducing discrepancies in brand representation. In the end, a well-defined style guide improves brand credibility, making it easier for customers to connect with and trust your brand. Establish Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert With Content Marketing Establishing your small business as a subject matter expert through content marketing can greatly boost your credibility and attract a loyal customer base. By providing valuable information that addresses common customer questions, you build trust in your industry. Here are three effective strategies to implement: Regularly Publish Content: Create blog posts, how-to guides, and videos to increase website traffic. Companies that blog generate 67% more leads. Focus on Engagement: Share relevant content that resonates with your audience. 57% of consumers feel more connected to brands that do this. Prioritize Consistency: Regular updates strengthen brand relationships and encourage loyalty, as 70% of consumers prefer learning through articles rather than advertisements. Implement these strategies to solidify your expertise. Look for Partnership Opportunities To grow your brand’s reach, consider collaborating with non-competitive businesses that target a similar audience. You can co-host local events to attract new customers as you share resources, making it beneficial for both parties. This partnership approach not just improves visibility but likewise builds community trust, which can greatly impact your brand’s credibility. Collaborate With Non-Competitors When you collaborate with non-competitive businesses, you not just broaden your reach but furthermore boost your brand’s credibility. By aligning with brands that share your values, you create a stronger perception among consumers. Here are three effective strategies for collaboration: Cross-Promote on Social Media: Joint giveaways can increase your engagement rates by 20-30%, attracting attention from both audiences. Bundle Products: Offering combined deals with a partner can raise your sales by up to 25%, as customers see greater value in these bundles. Leverage Each Other’s Customer Bases: By co-hosting events or pop-ups, you improve foot traffic and engagement, tapping into new markets. Implement these strategies to expand your reach and strengthen your brand. Co-Host Local Events Co-hosting local events can be a potent strategy for small businesses looking to improve their visibility and build community connections. By partnering with non-competitive businesses, you can share resources, which reduces costs and increases attendance. This collaboration can boost your brand exposure by up to 30%. Joint events, like pop-up shops or workshops, create unique experiences that attract customers, with 70% of consumers more likely to attend such events. Additionally, cross-promotional marketing during these events often improves brand visibility, as 60% of participants report increased awareness of the brands involved. Engaging in local partnerships strengthens community ties, appealing to the 82% of consumers who prefer supporting brands that contribute to their communities. Build a Community Around Your Brand Building a community around your brand is vital for nurturing customer loyalty and engagement. A strong community not just connects you with customers but likewise improves their overall experience. Here are three effective ways to build this community: Encourage User-Generated Content: Invite your customers to share their experiences, as 79% say it influences their purchasing decisions. When they engage, it boosts your brand interactions. Host Interactive Experiences: Organize virtual events or workshops, which can create deeper relationships and lead to a 20% increase in brand loyalty. Communicate Your Brand Story: Share your values consistently across platforms. About 64% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that align with their beliefs. Fostering community is important for long-term success. Make Your Brand Unmissable Online To make your brand unmissable online, it’s vital to establish a strong digital presence that resonates with your audience. Start by utilizing social media platforms, as 57% of customers prefer digital engagement with businesses. Create a signature social post format to guarantee consistency, which helps build a recognizable brand identity. Leverage free tools on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for branded GIFs and stickers, enhancing your content’s creativity. Transform your comments sections into engaging experiences by incorporating humor and personality, which cultivates memorable interactions. Finally, implement low-cost branding strategies, such as guerrilla marketing techniques, to create buzz and increase your brand exposure without a significant financial investment. Focus on these strategies to stand out online effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Branding? The 5 C’s of branding are crucial for comprehending and developing your brand. First, there’s Company, which defines your mission and unique selling proposition. Next, Customers, where you analyze your target audience’s demographics and needs. Then, Competitors, focusing on both direct and indirect rivals to find market gaps. Collaborators involve partnerships that improve your brand’s visibility. Finally, Context encompasses the external factors and trends that may influence your brand’s positioning in the market. What Is the 3 7 27 Rule of Branding? The 3-7-27 rule of branding emphasizes the importance of repeated exposure for effective brand recognition. You need to present your message three times for it to resonate, seven times for it to be memorable, and 27 times before potential customers take action. This approach highlights the necessity of consistent messaging across various platforms. What Are the 3 C’s of Branding? The 3 C’s of branding are Company, Customer, and Competitor. First, define your company’s unique value proposition and mission to establish a strong identity. Next, understand your target customers by analyzing their demographics and pain points, which will help you tailor your messages effectively. Finally, study your competitors to identify market gaps and opportunities, allowing you to differentiate your brand. Together, these elements create a cohesive branding strategy that builds recognition and trust. How Do I Brand My Small Business? To brand your small business, start by defining your purpose and core values, as these guide your branding efforts. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and competitors. Next, create a cohesive visual identity with a memorable logo and color palette. Develop a strong brand voice that reflects your personality, maintaining this tone across all communications. Finally, regularly update your brand style guide to guarantee consistency in your marketing materials. Conclusion Implementing these seven branding solutions can considerably strengthen your small business. By defining your brand identity, comprehending your audience, and maintaining consistency, you can create a strong market presence. Establishing yourself as a subject matter expert and engaging with your community will nurture loyalty. Furthermore, seeking partnership opportunities and enhancing your online visibility will further set you apart. Focus on these key strategies to build a recognizable and trusted brand that resonates with customers and drives growth. Image Via Envato This article, "7 Essential Branding Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. When you install a major update like iOS 26, you find yourself discovering things the more you use it. You might find a new way to boost your battery life, or stop those spam calls and texts for good. For me, however, one of my favorite discoveries was a small but excellent change to group chats—which doubles as a way to discover which of your contacts have also updated to iOS 26. Typing indicators join the group chat Once people update their iPhones to iOS 26, group chats start supporting typing indicators, or, in other words, those tiny typing bubbles you see in one-on-one chats in Messages. The first time you're in a group chat after updating your iPhone and see someone typing, it's a bit jarring, since that feature has been exclusive to single chats for all of iMessage history. To me, it almost seemed like a glitch—that's not supposed to happen. But it's actually a great update. Now, group chats aren't just dead air in-between messages: You can tell when other people are working on responses to one of your messages, so you won't be surprised the next time a host of new texts start flooding in. On the flip side, if you don't see these chat bubbles, you'll know no one is actually working on anything to say. Dead air means dead air. What's interesting, though, is that since you need to be running iOS 26 in order to get typing indicators, this new feature serves as a bit of a tell to know which of your contacts has updated to the latest OS. That's what I'm finding after a couple weeks of iOS 26: I'll be in group chats where messages come in without warning, as per usual, but one contact will appear as a typing bubble. I'm sure someday not that long from now, that won't be the norm, and I'll see most contacts typing in group texts. But for now, it's a neat observation. Just remember: If you're running iOS 26, anyone else running iOS 26 can see that you're typing in the group chat. It might require some new muscle memory. Until now, you've been able to take as long as you want to type and send messages in group chats without notice. But now, some (if not all) of the chat members will be able to see when you start crafting a text. This is far from the only change Apple made to messaging in iOS 26. In fact, there's a lot new here, including chat background, the ability to copy individual words from messages, and polls like you might find on other chat apps and social media platforms. View the full article

Hillshire Brands, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, has recalled some 58 million pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products, saying they “may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter,” according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The problem was discovered after the Tyson Foods subsidiary received multiple consumer complaints, five of which involved injuries. Upon investigation, Hillshire Brands determined that the wooden sticks entered the production process prior to product battering. The FSIS has received no additional reports of injury from consumption of these products. The agency is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers, along with school and institution refrigerators and freezers. Here’s what to know. What are the details of the corndog and sausage product recall? The recalled corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products were sold online and shipped to retail and food service locations nationwide. They were also sold to school districts and Department of Defense facilities across the country. (The products were distributed to schools through commercial sales, and were not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.) The products subject to recall were packaged between March 17, 2025 and September 26, 2025, and bear establishment number “EST-582” or “P-894” printed on the packaging. Here’s a list of the recalled products: UNBRANDED FOOD SERVICE Product Name: Batter Wrapped Franks on a Stick with Turkey and Chicken, Pork, Beef added Lot number: 10000050925 Package size and type: 2.67oz franks in a 6lb case Use by date: 12/13/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/27/2025, 1/3/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/18/2026, 1/27/2026, 2/2/2026, 2/3/2026, 2/23/2026, 3/21/2026, 4/12/2026, 4/27/2026, 5/18/2026, 5/23/2026 JIMMY DEAN Product Name: Jimmy Dean Cinnamon French Toast Sausage on a Stick Lot number: 10000033532 Package size and type: 30oz cartons in a 7.5lb case Use by date: 11/17/2025, 12/21/2025, 1/18/2026, 3/16/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/26/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Original Pancake & Turkey Sausage on a Stick Lot number: 10000033532 Package size and type: 2.51 oz sticks in a 9.41lb case Use by date: 12/1/2025, 1/13/2026, 2/15/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/29/2026, 5/4/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Blueberry Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick Lot number: 10000033494 Package size and type: 30oz cartons in a 15 pound case Use by date: 11/16/2025, 11/23/2025, 11/30/2025, 12/8/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/29/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/4/2026, 1/10/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/25/2026, 2/1/2026, 2/12/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/26/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/13/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/22/2026, 3/27/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/15/2026, 5/3/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/7/2026, 5/13/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancake and Turkey on Stick Lot number: 10000070613 Package size and type: 40IW 6.27 pounds case Use by date: 12/1/2025, 1/13/2026, 2/15/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/29/2026, 4/5/2026, 5/4/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage On A Stick, Pancake Batter Covering a Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000064591 Package size and type: 50 oz carton in a 25 pound case Use by date: 11/12/2025, 11/20/2025, 11/27/2025, 12/4/2025, 12/10/2025, 1/7/2026, 1/11/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/9/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/20/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/12/2026, 4/18/2026, 4/22/2026, 5/1/2026, 5/8/2026, 5/14/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage On A Stick, Pancake Batter Covering a Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000033531 Package size and type: 28.125 pounds per case Use by date: 12/12/2025, 12/21/2025, 1/29/2026, 3/12/2026, 5/2/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancake Batter Covering A Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000033525 Package size and type: 6 carton per case/ 4.687lbs Use by date: 11/13/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/15/2025, 11/20/2025, 11/21/2025, 11/27/2025, 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 12/4/2025, 12/5/2025, 12/9/2025, 12/11/2025, 12/12/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/18/2025, 12/24/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/7/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/28/2026, 1/29/2026, 2/4/2026, 2/19/2026, 2/20/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/5/2026, 3/12/2026, 3/19/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/26/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/2/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/16/2026, 4/17/2026, 4/18/2026, 4/23/2026, 4/24/2026, 5/1/2026,5/2/2026, 5/7/2026, 5/8/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage On a Stick, Pancake Batter Covering A Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000033496 Package size and type: 30oz carton in a 15 pound case Use by date: 11/13/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/15/2025, 11/19/2025, 11/21/2025, 11/26/2025, 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 12/3/2025, 12/5/2025, 12/7/2025, 12/9/2025, 12/11/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/18/2025, 12/24/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/27/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/14/2026, 1/17/2026, 1/22/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/30/2026, 1/31/2026, 2/1/2026,2/2/2026, 2/4/2026, 2/6/2026, 2/7/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/18/2026, 2/19/2026, 2/21/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/2/2026, 3/4/2026, 3/5/2026, 3/19/2026, 3/26/2026, 4/2/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/16/2026, 4/17/2026, 4/19/2026, 4/23/2026, 4/24/2026, 5/7/2026, 5/15/2026, 5/16/2026, 5/31/2026 STATE FAIR Product Name: State Fair Corn Dogs Batter Wrapped Franks On a Stick Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Lot number: 10000084818 Package size and type: 48 count -12lbs case Use by date: 1/4/2026, 1/11/2026, 2/13/2026, 3/1/2026, 4/6/2026, 4/28/2026, 5/17/2026, 6/1/2026 Product Name: State Fair Turkey Corn Dogs, Whole Grain Batter Wrapped Turkey Franks On a Stick Lot number: 10000028322 Package size and type: 48 count per case Use by date: 1/31/2026, 2/22/2026, 4/11/2026, 5/3/2026, 6/7/2026 Product Name: State Fair Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter. Lot number: 10000046146 Package size and type: 32 oz cartons in a 12 pound case Use by date: 4/27/2026, 5/6/2026, 6/8/2026 Product Name: State Fair Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000004126 Package size and type: 13.35 oz cartons in a 10.012lb case Use by date: 1/20/2026, 1/27/2026, 2/12/2026, 3/2/2026, 3/4/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/25/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked, Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork, Beef Added Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000001365 Package size and type: 36 count/2.67oz/6lbs case Use by date: 12/20/2025, 1/5/2026, 2/6/2026, 3/22/2026, 6/6/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Lot number: 10000008481 Package size and type: 48 count/4oz/12lbs case Use by date: 1/4/2026, 1/11/2026, 2/13/2026, 3/1/2026, 4/6/2026, 4/28/2026, 5/17/2026, 6/1/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fiesta Corn Dogs, Batter Wrapped Chicken Franks – Pork, Turkey, Beef Added with Cheese and Jalapeno Peppers Lot number: 10000009149 Package size and type: 12 lbs case Use by date: 12/30/2025, 2/3/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/15/2026, 4/11/2026, 5/3/2026, 5/24/2026 Product Name: State Fair Hot Dogs made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000022346 Package size and type: 42.72 oz cartons in a 10.675 pound case Use by date: 12/12/2025, 12/14/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/29/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/6/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/16/2026, 1/19/2026, 1/21/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/25/2026, 1/30/2026, 2/1/2026, 2/8/2026, 2/9/2026, 2/10/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/17/2026, 2/21/2026, 2/24/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/6/2026, 3/9/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/13/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/16/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/23/2026, 3/24/2026, 3/27/2026, 3/29/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/19/2026, 4/20/2026, 4/24/2026, 4/26/2026, 5/1/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/8/2026, 5/9/2026, 5/15/2026, 5/19/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/22/2026, 5/25/2026, 6/2/2026, 6/5/2026, 6/12/2026, 6/13/2026, 6/14/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000001126 Package size and type: 16 oz cartons in a 12 pound case Use by date: 12/17/2025, 12/22/2025, 1/5/2026, 1/7/2026, 1/19/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/2/2026, 2/14/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/17/2026, 3/24/2026, 4/13/2026, 4/20/2026, 4/28/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/11/2026, 6/3/2026, 6/9/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made With Turkey and Chicken, Pork , Beef Added Wrapped In A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000059443 Package size and type: IW 30 CNT SWC 6/5LB Use by date: 12/14/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/16/2025, 12/21/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/23/2025, 12/27/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/3/2026, 1/5/2026, 1/7/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/10/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/16/2026, 1/18/2026, 1/20/2026, 1/21/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/30/2026, 2/1/2026, 2/6/2026, 2/7/2026, 2/10/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/17/2026, 2/21/2026, 2/22/2026, 2/23/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/6/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/8/2026, 3/9/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/13/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/22/2026, 3/25/2026, 3/27/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/4/2026, 4/6/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/13/2026, 4/19/2026, 4/24/2026, 4/25/2026, 4/26/2026, 4/27/2026, 5/1/2026, 5/2/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/8/2026, 5/9/2026, 5/10/2026, 5/16/2026, 5/17/2026, 5/18/2026, 5/19/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/22/2026, 5/23/2026, 5/26/2026, 5/31/2026, 6/2/2026, 6/3/2026, 6/5/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000037409 Package size and type: PK 22 CNT 6/58.7oz Use by date: 12/12/2025, 12/13/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/20/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/27/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/4/2026, 1/6/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/17/2026, 1/18/2026, 1/25/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/27/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/8/2026, 2/9/2026, 2/14/2026, 3/3/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/23/2026, 3/25/2026, 3/29/2026, 4/4/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/12/2026, 5/3/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/5/2026, 5/11/2026, 5/12/2026, 5/15/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/25/2026, 6/9/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made With Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added, Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000013658 Package size and type: 36 count/2.67oz Use by date: 1/10/2026, 2/25/2026, 5/2/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Turkey Corn Dogs, Batter Wrapped Turkey Franks on a Stick Lot number: 10000009481 Package size and type: 48 count Use by date: 12/21/2025, 2/16/2026, 3/7/2026, 4/25/2026, 5/10/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Whole Grain Batter Wrapped Uncured Chicken Franks on a Stick Lot number: 10363650928 Package size and type: 48 count-4 oz Use by date: 4/4/2026, 5/9/2026, 6/6/2026, 7/18/2026, 8/8/2026, 8/15/2026, 8/29/2026, 9/19/2026 Product Name: State Fair Beef Corn Dogs, Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000037550 Package size and type: 42.72 oz cartons in a 10.675 lb case Use by date: 12/22/2025, 12/28/2025, 1/5/2026, 1/11/2026, 1/19/2026, 1/27/2026, 1/31/2026, 2/2/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/12/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/16/2026, 2/24/2026, 2/28/2026, 3/1/2026, 3/2/2026, 3/4/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/16/2026, 3/17/2026, 3/21/2026, 3/24/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/14/2026, 4/18/2026, 4/20/2026, 4/21/2026, 4/27/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/11/2026, 5/25/2026, 5/31/2026, 6/1/2026, 6/8/2026, 6/15/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Corn Dogs, Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000069419 Package size and type: 24 CNT 6/64.08 OZ Use by date: 3/10/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/28/2026, 5/11/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000016146 Package size and type: 12 oz cartons in a 6 lb case Use by date: 12/23/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/18/2026 Product Name: State Fair Turkey Corn Dogs Batter Wrapped Turkey Franks On a Stick Lot number: 10000009488 Package size and type: 48 count-4 oz Use by date: 12/16/2025, 12/21/2025, 1/20/2026, 2/16/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/8/2026, 3/28/2026, 4/21/2026, 4/25/2026, 5/10/2026, 5/24/2026 What if I have these products in my refrigerator or freezer? Consumers, schools, and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact The Hillshire Brands Company at 888-747-7611. View the full article

Frank founder sold student aid start-up to the US bank for $175mn in 2021 but lied about its user baseView the full article

Spending on AI infrastructure is now contributing more to U.S. GDP growth than the entire consumer economy, according to new data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The comparison, which was posted to Twitter (X) by economist Heather Long on Monday, suggests that hype may not be the only thing propping up the high stock prices and valuations of AI companies such as Nvidia and OpenAI. Here, “consumption” means consumer spending on goods and services for personal use, which traditionally contributes about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product. “AI Spending” means business investment in software and information processing equipment, including data center construction, chip purchases, and computing infrastructure. The AI boom is fueling strong US economic growth. But it no longer eclipses consumption, based on the latest Q2 GDP data. How much did these things add to GDP growth in the first half of 2025? AI spending added 1.05 pp Consumption added 1.05 pp We'll see what happens in Q3. pic.twitter.com/nQDhDsIgKH — Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) September 29, 2025 The numbers show that AI spending contributed 1.05% of total economic growth in the first half of 2025, after contributing only between .02% and .03% from 2022 through 2024 — a 4X to 5X growth ratio. The bad news (for the overall economy) is that consumer spending has fallen dramatically, from contributing 2.6% of GDP growth to just 1.05% in mid-2025. The decline could stem from flagging consumer confidence as the The President tariffs take hold, and inflation fatigue and economic uncertainty continues. Heady times for AI companies This has all been good news for AI companies and their suppliers. Michael Cembalest, who is Chairman of Market and Investment strategy at J.P.Morgan, writes in a recent brief that since the appearance of ChatGPT in November 2022, AI-related stocks have accounted for 75% of S&P 500 returns, 80% of earnings growth, and 90% of capital spending. OpenAI is now valued at $300 billion. Anthropic is valued at $183 billion. The “AI spending” is mainly focused on the new data centers that the AI industry says are necessary to deliver next generation services to both businesses and consumers. Now, Cembalest says, new data center spending is eclipsing new office construction for the first time. But he also points out that new data centers are coming under increased regulatory scrutiny because of their inordinate demands on the power grid. On the other hand, the BEA numbers suggest that the economy is increasingly dependent on one narrow segment, when a healthy economy would show broad corporate investments across sectors. That might be fine if AI infrastructure investment lasts, and if consumer confidence recovers. But investors typically abhor prolonged capital expenditures, especially if there’s no sign of that infrastructure leading to measurable business efficiencies. And so far, the efficiencies brought by generative AI and new automation have been spotty. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Right now, you can get a 2nd Gen Ring Indoor Cam with a free Ring pet tag on Amazon for its lowest price ever at just $30, making this bundle ideal for pet owners who want to increase indoor surveillance. The camera itself is a mid-tier indoor security camera that offers a solid blend of affordability, features, and smart home integration with those in the Alexa ecosystem, while the pet tag makes it easier to keep track of your furry friend. You can also get a bundle with two cameras for 54% off. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), White with Ring Pet Tag $29.99 at Amazon $69.98 Save $39.99 Get Deal Get Deal $29.99 at Amazon $69.98 Save $39.99 This 2nd-gen indoor camera records in 1080p HD video with color night vision and allows you to access Live View via the Ring app. Its Advanced Pre-Roll feature captures footage a few seconds before motion is detected, giving you better context when you’re looking over motion alerts. It comes with two-way talk and customizable motion zones, so you’re not being notified unnecessarily. It also has a manual privacy shutter that lets you swivel or cover the camera, disabling both the lens and mic, as this PCMag review notes. The field of view is 143° diagonal, 115° horizontal, and 59° vertical. A swivel mount allows for flexible placement, and Amazon reviewers praise how easy it is to set up, with a 5-10 minute installation time. However, it is powered via a micro USB plug-in, so unlike battery-powered Ring devices, continuous power is required for this camera to run. It also only supports 2.4 GHz wifi. Still, it’s ideal for those in the Alexa ecosystem; when motion sensors are triggered, your Echo device will light up and make an announcement, keeping you in the loop when someone is there. While it stores up to 180 days of video events, a Ring subscription is required for more extensive or permanent video storage. While the Ring pet tag isn’t GPS powered, it does have a custom QR code that provides information about your pet while protecting your personal information, helping anyone with the Ring app reunite you with your pet. If you’re looking for a reliable indoor monitoring camera that performs well and has useful privacy features but doesn’t require ultra-high resolution video quality or pan/tilt (and you don’t mind a wired camera), the 2nd Gen Ring Indoor Cam is a compelling option, especially with the free Ring pet tag that’s included. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $819.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $319.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Nearly 20% of homeowners had a mortgage rate of at least 6% in the second quarter of this year, signaling Americans are warming up to higher rates, Redfin said. View the full article

OpenAI is launching Instant Checkout inside ChatGPT to Plus, Pro, and Free users in the U.S. Users will be able to buy products from Etsy sellers. Purchases are powered by the new Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP), co-developed with Stripe. How it works. Users search in plain language (e.g., “gifts for a ceramics lover”). Then: ChatGPT returns product recommendations ranked by relevance, not payment. If an item supports Instant Checkout, users tap “Buy,” confirm shipping and payment details, and complete the order without leaving chat. Orders, payments, and fulfillment run through the merchant’s existing systems; ChatGPT just passes information securely. Merchants pay a small transaction fee; shoppers pay no extra cost. Between the lines. OpenAI said products are ranked only by relevance – not sponsorship or whether Instant Checkout is enabled. Merchants remain the merchant of record, keeping control over fulfillment and customer relationships. What’s next. Coming soon, according to OpenAI: Multi-item carts. Expansion to Shopify’s million-plus merchants (e.g., like Glossier, SKIMS, and Spanx) More regions beyond the U.S. Why we care. If AI chat becomes a mainstream way for people to discover products, OpenAI is now at the start of that purchase journey. For brands or businesses selling products, this could mean a new channel to optimize for – one that bypasses traditional search and funnels discovery straight into checkout. How to sign up. Merchants can apply to have their products included in ChatGPT search results and enable Instant Checkout via ACP. Etsy and Shopify sellers are already eligible and don’t need to apply. OpenAI is onboarding merchants on a rolling basis through an online application form. Dig deeper. How ChatGPT search ranks products and merchants OpenAI’s announcement. Buy it in ChatGPT: Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol View the full article

Proposal calls for immediate ceasefire and release of all remaining hostages View the full article

Effective manufacturing inventory management is vital for your business’s success. By implementing strategic practices like ABC analysis and regular audits, you can optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory. Utilizing technology for tracking and forecasting demand helps align inventory with sales trends. Comprehending supplier performance and ensuring proper staff training are likewise fundamental. These foundational tips can greatly improve your inventory processes, but there’s more to explore on how to achieve lasting efficiency. Key Takeaways Implement ABC Analysis to prioritize inventory, focusing resources on high-value items that drive profitability. Maintain accurate and detailed records of SKUs, including sales data and supplier information, for effective tracking. Schedule regular inventory audits and utilize cycle counting to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Diversify your supplier base to mitigate risks and enhance delivery reliability through performance monitoring. Invest in advanced inventory technology and staff training to improve tracking efficiency and operational effectiveness. Prioritize Your Inventory for Better Management To effectively manage your inventory, it’s crucial to prioritize it based on value and turnover rates. Implementing ABC Analysis can help you categorize inventory into A, B, and C groups, allowing you to focus on high-value items that impact financial performance. Regularly assess turnover rates to identify items that sell quickly, ensuring you avoid cash flow issues with slower-moving products. Establish reorder points based on sales velocity for each group, so high-priority items are restocked without delay. Utilize demand forecasting techniques to anticipate future needs, enhancing your manufacturing inventory management strategy. Regularly review and adjust priorities as market conditions change, ensuring your strategy aligns with business goals. The best software for manufacturing companies can streamline this entire process effectively. Track All Product Information to Manage Inventory Effectively Effective inventory management hinges on your ability to track all relevant product information carefully. Start by maintaining detailed records of your Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), including barcode data, supplier information, and lot numbers. This information is vital for accurate tracking and management. Documenting countries of origin and item costs over time helps you understand pricing dynamics, allowing for informed procurement decisions. Don’t forget to monitor daily sales data, as it enables accurate inventory updates and reveals seasonal sales patterns. Regularly analyzing sales trends can identify peak sales days, optimizing your inventory levels and reducing stockouts. Implementing a robust system for tracking product information improves overall inventory accuracy, ensuring you fulfill orders efficiently and maintain customer satisfaction. Audit Your Inventory Regularly To manage your inventory effectively, you need to schedule regular counts to guarantee accuracy. Comparing these counts with your records helps you identify discrepancies swiftly, which can impact your financial reporting and operational efficiency. Schedule Regular Counts Scheduling regular inventory counts is crucial for maintaining accurate inventory records and guaranteeing your business runs smoothly. Whether you choose annual, monthly, or weekly counts, these checks help identify discrepancies between physical stock and recorded data. Conducting spot checks on high-demand items can further improve accuracy, allowing you to make timely adjustments to your inventory management practices. Regular audits not only verify stock levels but also assess the effectiveness of your current techniques, revealing areas for improvement. Implementing a cycle counting method guarantees ongoing accuracy without requiring a complete shutdown for annual counts. Furthermore, using automated inventory management tools can streamline the auditing process, providing real-time data and reducing the time spent on manual checks, ultimately supporting better decision-making. Compare With Records Even though it might seem tedious, regularly comparing your physical inventory counts with recorded levels is essential for maintaining a robust inventory management system. Conducting audits on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis allows you to identify trends in inventory movement, helping you pinpoint areas for improvement. By utilizing cycle counting, you can improve accuracy by focusing on high-demand items more frequently, ensuring critical stock levels are maintained. This comparison not only aids in adjusting your inventory management processes but also enhances your forecasting and reduces holding costs. In addition, regular audits are fundamental for compliance with industry regulations and can detect issues like theft or spoilage before they lead to significant financial losses, safeguarding your business’s bottom line. Identify Discrepancies Promptly Regular inventory audits play a pivotal role in identifying discrepancies quickly, ensuring your records align with physical counts. Aim to conduct these audits monthly or quarterly to maintain accuracy. Utilizing cycle counting techniques can help you focus on high-demand items, allowing for more frequent checks and faster resolution of inaccuracies. Implementing barcode scanning systems streamlines the counting process, reducing human error during audits. When discrepancies arise, analyze them by comparing physical counts with expected amounts to identify root causes. Adjust your inventory management practices based on this analysis. Regular audits not only improve inventory accuracy but also support compliance with financial reporting standards, enhancing overall operational efficiency. By staying proactive, you can better manage your inventory and reduce costly errors. Analyze Supplier Performance To effectively manage your inventory, you need to assess your suppliers’ delivery reliability and monitor their order fulfillment. Regularly tracking these factors helps guarantee that your materials arrive on time and meet quality standards, which is essential for maintaining production schedules. Assess Delivery Reliability Evaluating delivery reliability is crucial for maintaining an efficient manufacturing operation, as it directly impacts your inventory management strategy. Regularly assess supplier performance metrics, focusing on on-time delivery rates and order fulfillment accuracy. Establish clear communication channels with suppliers to address issues swiftly and build a collaborative relationship. Consistently monitor lead times and analyze historical data to identify trends, helping you make proactive adjustments to your inventory strategies. Implement a supplier scorecard system to rate suppliers on key performance indicators (KPIs), facilitating informed decisions regarding potential changes or negotiations. Moreover, diversify your supplier base to reduce risks associated with relying on a single source, ensuring a resilient supply chain that can maintain inventory levels during disruptions. Monitor Order Fulfillment Monitoring order fulfillment is essential for ensuring that your manufacturing processes run smoothly and efficiently. Regularly assess supplier performance metrics, like on-time delivery rates and order accuracy, to confirm that suppliers meet your business needs. Establish performance benchmarks and conduct quarterly reviews to identify improvement areas as you encourage open communication about expectations. Implement a Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) system to streamline evaluations and keep organized performance records for better decision-making. Use data analytics to spot trends in supplier performance, allowing you to adjust inventory strategies proactively, reducing the risk of stockouts or delays. Finally, develop contingency plans for high-risk suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions and maintain continuity in your manufacturing processes during supply chain challenges. Practice the 80/20 Inventory Rule In the process of managing inventory, it’s essential to recognize that not all items contribute equally to your profits. The 80/20 inventory rule, or Pareto Principle, asserts that around 80% of your profits come from just 20% of your inventory items. By identifying this top 20%, you can focus your resources on high-value products, leading to better inventory turnover. Regularly analyzing your inventory helps maintain this focus, ensuring you align suppliers and production schedules with your most profitable items. Implementing the 80/20 rule can minimize excess stock and streamline your operations. In the end, this approach improves decision-making regarding reordering and stocking strategies, greatly enhancing your cash flow management and overall efficiency in manufacturing. Be Consistent in How You Receive Stock To maintain consistency in how you receive stock, it’s essential to establish standardized procedures that everyone follows. This includes training your staff regularly on these processes, ensuring they know how to verify shipments against purchase orders and document any discrepancies. Standardize Receiving Procedures Standardizing receiving procedures is essential for effective inventory management. By establishing consistent methods for receiving stock, you can reduce errors in inventory records by as much as 20%. Utilize checklists to verify quantities, quality, and specifications against purchase orders, which helps identify discrepancies swiftly. Implementing a designated receiving area in your warehouse can streamline the flow of incoming goods, decreasing receiving time by up to 30%. Use checklists to improve accuracy and accountability. Designate a specific area for receiving goods to boost efficiency. Regularly review and update procedures based on feedback and operational needs. These steps won’t just improve accuracy but will also nurture a culture of accountability among your staff, ultimately improving your inventory management processes. Train Staff Regularly Training staff regularly is vital for maintaining consistency in how stock is received and recorded. Regular training sessions help you understand best practices in inventory management, minimizing errors and discrepancies. By implementing standardized receiving processes, such as using checklists or digital tools, you can improve accuracy and guarantee all items are accounted for upon arrival. Consistent training on inventory management software allows you to efficiently track stock levels, boosting visibility across the supply chain. Reinforcing the importance of proper documentation during stock receipt, including lot numbers and expiration dates, prevents issues related to spoilage and compliance. Regular refresher courses on inventory handling and receiving procedures keep you updated on any protocol changes, leading to improved overall operational efficiency. Track Sales for Effective Inventory Management Effective inventory management hinges on the ability to track sales accurately and consistently. Maintaining accurate daily sales data allows you to update inventory in real-time, reflecting current demand and minimizing stockouts or overstock situations. Analyzing sales trends helps identify seasonal patterns, enabling you to forecast better and align inventory with customer demand. Implementing a robust point-of-sale (POS) system can streamline this process, providing insights into item performance. Regularly monitor sales data against inventory levels to recognize slow-moving items. Use sales data to inform reorder points and quantities, optimizing inventory management. Take proactive measures, such as discounts, to clear excess stock and reduce carrying costs. Order Restocks Proactively Once you’ve established a solid framework for tracking sales, the next step is to order restocks proactively. To guarantee timely replenishment, establish reorder points based on historical sales data and lead times. Utilize automated reorder alerts within your inventory management software to streamline the restocking process. Analyze demand trends to adjust reorder quantities, avoiding both overstocking and understocking. Implement a just-in-time (JIT) inventory approach to minimize holding costs. Regularly review supplier performance to confirm reliable deliveries. Action Benefits Frequency Set reorder points Prevent stockouts Regularly Use automated alerts Streamline restocking Ongoing Analyze demand trends Optimize inventory levels Monthly Implement JIT Maximize cash flow As needed Review suppliers Guarantee timely deliveries Quarterly Invest in Inventory Management Technology Investing in inventory management technology is vital for modern manufacturers seeking to improve efficiency and accuracy. By implementing advanced systems, you can achieve real-time tracking of stock levels, reducing discrepancies and enhancing order accuracy by up to 20%. Utilizing tools like barcode scanners and RFID technology can further boost inventory tracking efficiency, leading to quicker stock audits and reducing manual errors by over 30%. Furthermore, cloud-based solutions offer scalability and better collaboration with suppliers, potentially lowering lead times by 15%. Here are some key benefits of investing in this technology: Predictive analytics powered by IBM can forecast demand with up to 95% accuracy. Automation tools can save you an average of 30% in labor costs. Enhanced tracking improves overall operational efficiency. Use Integration-Friendly Inventory Management Tools To improve inventory management further, using integration-friendly tools can greatly streamline operations. These tools improve communication between various systems, providing real-time updates on inventory levels across platforms, which boosts supply chain efficiency. Equipped with APIs, they facilitate seamless connections with SAP and Salesforce systems, allowing for better data sharing and analysis. Additionally, cloud-based inventory management solutions enhance accessibility and collaboration among team members and suppliers, supporting remote work and global operations. Advanced analytics features enable you to forecast demand more accurately, optimizing inventory levels and reducing the risk of stockouts or excess inventory. Implementing these tools can lead to significant cost savings by minimizing manual tracking errors and reducing labor costs associated with inventory management processes. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Steps to Effective Inventory Systems? To create effective inventory systems, start by defining your inventory needs, categorizing items like raw materials and finished goods. Next, implement an inventory management system for real-time tracking and data analysis. Establish reorder points based on sales velocity to avoid stockouts. Conduct regular audits and cycle counts to guarantee accurate records. Finally, analyze supplier performance to maintain timely deliveries and ideal inventory levels, supporting a smooth production process. How Do You Manage Inventory in Manufacturing? To manage inventory in manufacturing, start by implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) practices to minimize excess stock and reduce costs. Use Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) calculations to find the most cost-effective order size. Regularly conduct cycle counts and physical audits to verify accuracy in stock levels. Categorize your inventory with ABC Analysis to prioritize high-value items, and invest in technology for real-time tracking, which will improve your demand forecasting and decision-making processes. What Are the Five Principles of Inventory Management? The five principles of inventory management are crucial for effective operations. First, you need to know your inventory, tracking all types accurately. Second, demand forecasting helps you predict future needs using historical data. Third, implementing an efficient reordering system guarantees timely stock replenishment. Fourth, regular inventory audits maintain accuracy by checking physical stock against records. Finally, utilizing technology improves tracking and provides real-time visibility, streamlining your inventory management processes considerably. What Are the Golden Rules of Inventory Management? The golden rules of inventory management include maintaining accurate records, implementing reorder points, and conducting regular audits. You should classify your inventory using ABC analysis, focusing on high-impact items. Leverage technology, such as inventory management software, for real-time tracking and analytics. These practices help prevent stockouts and overstock situations, optimize operational efficiency, and guarantee your inventory aligns with demand. Following these rules can greatly improve your inventory management efforts. Conclusion Effective manufacturing inventory management is essential for optimizing operations and increasing profitability. By prioritizing inventory, tracking product information, and auditing regularly, you can guarantee accuracy and efficiency. Analyzing supplier performance and practicing the 80/20 rule helps focus resources where they matter most. Proactively ordering restocks and investing in technology streamlines processes, as integration-friendly tools elevate overall management. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively align inventory with demand, reduce excess stock, and improve your bottom line. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Essential Tips for Effective Manufacturing Inventory Management" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Effective manufacturing inventory management is vital for your business’s success. By implementing strategic practices like ABC analysis and regular audits, you can optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory. Utilizing technology for tracking and forecasting demand helps align inventory with sales trends. Comprehending supplier performance and ensuring proper staff training are likewise fundamental. These foundational tips can greatly improve your inventory processes, but there’s more to explore on how to achieve lasting efficiency. Key Takeaways Implement ABC Analysis to prioritize inventory, focusing resources on high-value items that drive profitability. Maintain accurate and detailed records of SKUs, including sales data and supplier information, for effective tracking. Schedule regular inventory audits and utilize cycle counting to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Diversify your supplier base to mitigate risks and enhance delivery reliability through performance monitoring. Invest in advanced inventory technology and staff training to improve tracking efficiency and operational effectiveness. Prioritize Your Inventory for Better Management To effectively manage your inventory, it’s crucial to prioritize it based on value and turnover rates. Implementing ABC Analysis can help you categorize inventory into A, B, and C groups, allowing you to focus on high-value items that impact financial performance. Regularly assess turnover rates to identify items that sell quickly, ensuring you avoid cash flow issues with slower-moving products. Establish reorder points based on sales velocity for each group, so high-priority items are restocked without delay. Utilize demand forecasting techniques to anticipate future needs, enhancing your manufacturing inventory management strategy. Regularly review and adjust priorities as market conditions change, ensuring your strategy aligns with business goals. The best software for manufacturing companies can streamline this entire process effectively. Track All Product Information to Manage Inventory Effectively Effective inventory management hinges on your ability to track all relevant product information carefully. Start by maintaining detailed records of your Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), including barcode data, supplier information, and lot numbers. This information is vital for accurate tracking and management. Documenting countries of origin and item costs over time helps you understand pricing dynamics, allowing for informed procurement decisions. Don’t forget to monitor daily sales data, as it enables accurate inventory updates and reveals seasonal sales patterns. Regularly analyzing sales trends can identify peak sales days, optimizing your inventory levels and reducing stockouts. Implementing a robust system for tracking product information improves overall inventory accuracy, ensuring you fulfill orders efficiently and maintain customer satisfaction. Audit Your Inventory Regularly To manage your inventory effectively, you need to schedule regular counts to guarantee accuracy. Comparing these counts with your records helps you identify discrepancies swiftly, which can impact your financial reporting and operational efficiency. Schedule Regular Counts Scheduling regular inventory counts is crucial for maintaining accurate inventory records and guaranteeing your business runs smoothly. Whether you choose annual, monthly, or weekly counts, these checks help identify discrepancies between physical stock and recorded data. Conducting spot checks on high-demand items can further improve accuracy, allowing you to make timely adjustments to your inventory management practices. Regular audits not only verify stock levels but also assess the effectiveness of your current techniques, revealing areas for improvement. Implementing a cycle counting method guarantees ongoing accuracy without requiring a complete shutdown for annual counts. Furthermore, using automated inventory management tools can streamline the auditing process, providing real-time data and reducing the time spent on manual checks, ultimately supporting better decision-making. Compare With Records Even though it might seem tedious, regularly comparing your physical inventory counts with recorded levels is essential for maintaining a robust inventory management system. Conducting audits on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis allows you to identify trends in inventory movement, helping you pinpoint areas for improvement. By utilizing cycle counting, you can improve accuracy by focusing on high-demand items more frequently, ensuring critical stock levels are maintained. This comparison not only aids in adjusting your inventory management processes but also enhances your forecasting and reduces holding costs. In addition, regular audits are fundamental for compliance with industry regulations and can detect issues like theft or spoilage before they lead to significant financial losses, safeguarding your business’s bottom line. Identify Discrepancies Promptly Regular inventory audits play a pivotal role in identifying discrepancies quickly, ensuring your records align with physical counts. Aim to conduct these audits monthly or quarterly to maintain accuracy. Utilizing cycle counting techniques can help you focus on high-demand items, allowing for more frequent checks and faster resolution of inaccuracies. Implementing barcode scanning systems streamlines the counting process, reducing human error during audits. When discrepancies arise, analyze them by comparing physical counts with expected amounts to identify root causes. Adjust your inventory management practices based on this analysis. Regular audits not only improve inventory accuracy but also support compliance with financial reporting standards, enhancing overall operational efficiency. By staying proactive, you can better manage your inventory and reduce costly errors. Analyze Supplier Performance To effectively manage your inventory, you need to assess your suppliers’ delivery reliability and monitor their order fulfillment. Regularly tracking these factors helps guarantee that your materials arrive on time and meet quality standards, which is essential for maintaining production schedules. Assess Delivery Reliability Evaluating delivery reliability is crucial for maintaining an efficient manufacturing operation, as it directly impacts your inventory management strategy. Regularly assess supplier performance metrics, focusing on on-time delivery rates and order fulfillment accuracy. Establish clear communication channels with suppliers to address issues swiftly and build a collaborative relationship. Consistently monitor lead times and analyze historical data to identify trends, helping you make proactive adjustments to your inventory strategies. Implement a supplier scorecard system to rate suppliers on key performance indicators (KPIs), facilitating informed decisions regarding potential changes or negotiations. Moreover, diversify your supplier base to reduce risks associated with relying on a single source, ensuring a resilient supply chain that can maintain inventory levels during disruptions. Monitor Order Fulfillment Monitoring order fulfillment is essential for ensuring that your manufacturing processes run smoothly and efficiently. Regularly assess supplier performance metrics, like on-time delivery rates and order accuracy, to confirm that suppliers meet your business needs. Establish performance benchmarks and conduct quarterly reviews to identify improvement areas as you encourage open communication about expectations. Implement a Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) system to streamline evaluations and keep organized performance records for better decision-making. Use data analytics to spot trends in supplier performance, allowing you to adjust inventory strategies proactively, reducing the risk of stockouts or delays. Finally, develop contingency plans for high-risk suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions and maintain continuity in your manufacturing processes during supply chain challenges. Practice the 80/20 Inventory Rule In the process of managing inventory, it’s essential to recognize that not all items contribute equally to your profits. The 80/20 inventory rule, or Pareto Principle, asserts that around 80% of your profits come from just 20% of your inventory items. By identifying this top 20%, you can focus your resources on high-value products, leading to better inventory turnover. Regularly analyzing your inventory helps maintain this focus, ensuring you align suppliers and production schedules with your most profitable items. Implementing the 80/20 rule can minimize excess stock and streamline your operations. In the end, this approach improves decision-making regarding reordering and stocking strategies, greatly enhancing your cash flow management and overall efficiency in manufacturing. Be Consistent in How You Receive Stock To maintain consistency in how you receive stock, it’s essential to establish standardized procedures that everyone follows. This includes training your staff regularly on these processes, ensuring they know how to verify shipments against purchase orders and document any discrepancies. Standardize Receiving Procedures Standardizing receiving procedures is essential for effective inventory management. By establishing consistent methods for receiving stock, you can reduce errors in inventory records by as much as 20%. Utilize checklists to verify quantities, quality, and specifications against purchase orders, which helps identify discrepancies swiftly. Implementing a designated receiving area in your warehouse can streamline the flow of incoming goods, decreasing receiving time by up to 30%. Use checklists to improve accuracy and accountability. Designate a specific area for receiving goods to boost efficiency. Regularly review and update procedures based on feedback and operational needs. These steps won’t just improve accuracy but will also nurture a culture of accountability among your staff, ultimately improving your inventory management processes. Train Staff Regularly Training staff regularly is vital for maintaining consistency in how stock is received and recorded. Regular training sessions help you understand best practices in inventory management, minimizing errors and discrepancies. By implementing standardized receiving processes, such as using checklists or digital tools, you can improve accuracy and guarantee all items are accounted for upon arrival. Consistent training on inventory management software allows you to efficiently track stock levels, boosting visibility across the supply chain. Reinforcing the importance of proper documentation during stock receipt, including lot numbers and expiration dates, prevents issues related to spoilage and compliance. Regular refresher courses on inventory handling and receiving procedures keep you updated on any protocol changes, leading to improved overall operational efficiency. Track Sales for Effective Inventory Management Effective inventory management hinges on the ability to track sales accurately and consistently. Maintaining accurate daily sales data allows you to update inventory in real-time, reflecting current demand and minimizing stockouts or overstock situations. Analyzing sales trends helps identify seasonal patterns, enabling you to forecast better and align inventory with customer demand. Implementing a robust point-of-sale (POS) system can streamline this process, providing insights into item performance. Regularly monitor sales data against inventory levels to recognize slow-moving items. Use sales data to inform reorder points and quantities, optimizing inventory management. Take proactive measures, such as discounts, to clear excess stock and reduce carrying costs. Order Restocks Proactively Once you’ve established a solid framework for tracking sales, the next step is to order restocks proactively. To guarantee timely replenishment, establish reorder points based on historical sales data and lead times. Utilize automated reorder alerts within your inventory management software to streamline the restocking process. Analyze demand trends to adjust reorder quantities, avoiding both overstocking and understocking. Implement a just-in-time (JIT) inventory approach to minimize holding costs. Regularly review supplier performance to confirm reliable deliveries. Action Benefits Frequency Set reorder points Prevent stockouts Regularly Use automated alerts Streamline restocking Ongoing Analyze demand trends Optimize inventory levels Monthly Implement JIT Maximize cash flow As needed Review suppliers Guarantee timely deliveries Quarterly Invest in Inventory Management Technology Investing in inventory management technology is vital for modern manufacturers seeking to improve efficiency and accuracy. By implementing advanced systems, you can achieve real-time tracking of stock levels, reducing discrepancies and enhancing order accuracy by up to 20%. Utilizing tools like barcode scanners and RFID technology can further boost inventory tracking efficiency, leading to quicker stock audits and reducing manual errors by over 30%. Furthermore, cloud-based solutions offer scalability and better collaboration with suppliers, potentially lowering lead times by 15%. Here are some key benefits of investing in this technology: Predictive analytics powered by IBM can forecast demand with up to 95% accuracy. Automation tools can save you an average of 30% in labor costs. Enhanced tracking improves overall operational efficiency. Use Integration-Friendly Inventory Management Tools To improve inventory management further, using integration-friendly tools can greatly streamline operations. These tools improve communication between various systems, providing real-time updates on inventory levels across platforms, which boosts supply chain efficiency. Equipped with APIs, they facilitate seamless connections with SAP and Salesforce systems, allowing for better data sharing and analysis. Additionally, cloud-based inventory management solutions enhance accessibility and collaboration among team members and suppliers, supporting remote work and global operations. Advanced analytics features enable you to forecast demand more accurately, optimizing inventory levels and reducing the risk of stockouts or excess inventory. Implementing these tools can lead to significant cost savings by minimizing manual tracking errors and reducing labor costs associated with inventory management processes. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Steps to Effective Inventory Systems? To create effective inventory systems, start by defining your inventory needs, categorizing items like raw materials and finished goods. Next, implement an inventory management system for real-time tracking and data analysis. Establish reorder points based on sales velocity to avoid stockouts. Conduct regular audits and cycle counts to guarantee accurate records. Finally, analyze supplier performance to maintain timely deliveries and ideal inventory levels, supporting a smooth production process. How Do You Manage Inventory in Manufacturing? To manage inventory in manufacturing, start by implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) practices to minimize excess stock and reduce costs. Use Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) calculations to find the most cost-effective order size. Regularly conduct cycle counts and physical audits to verify accuracy in stock levels. Categorize your inventory with ABC Analysis to prioritize high-value items, and invest in technology for real-time tracking, which will improve your demand forecasting and decision-making processes. What Are the Five Principles of Inventory Management? The five principles of inventory management are crucial for effective operations. First, you need to know your inventory, tracking all types accurately. Second, demand forecasting helps you predict future needs using historical data. Third, implementing an efficient reordering system guarantees timely stock replenishment. Fourth, regular inventory audits maintain accuracy by checking physical stock against records. Finally, utilizing technology improves tracking and provides real-time visibility, streamlining your inventory management processes considerably. What Are the Golden Rules of Inventory Management? The golden rules of inventory management include maintaining accurate records, implementing reorder points, and conducting regular audits. You should classify your inventory using ABC analysis, focusing on high-impact items. Leverage technology, such as inventory management software, for real-time tracking and analytics. These practices help prevent stockouts and overstock situations, optimize operational efficiency, and guarantee your inventory aligns with demand. Following these rules can greatly improve your inventory management efforts. Conclusion Effective manufacturing inventory management is essential for optimizing operations and increasing profitability. By prioritizing inventory, tracking product information, and auditing regularly, you can guarantee accuracy and efficiency. Analyzing supplier performance and practicing the 80/20 rule helps focus resources where they matter most. Proactively ordering restocks and investing in technology streamlines processes, as integration-friendly tools elevate overall management. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively align inventory with demand, reduce excess stock, and improve your bottom line. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Essential Tips for Effective Manufacturing Inventory Management" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Class action lawsuits accuse the lender and servicer of negligence over the incident which compromised the sensitive data of tens of thousands of customers. View the full article

Connecticut banking officials cited a series of alleged violations, including false and misleading statements and failure to maintain complete loan files. View the full article

An experimental medication made from marijuana successfully reduced back pain in a new study, offering further support for the drug’s potential in treating one of the most common forms of chronic pain. The 800-patient study by a German drugmaker is the latest evidence of the therapeutic properties of cannabis, which remains illegal under U.S. federal law even as most states have made it available for medical or recreational use. Health officials in Canada and Europe have previously approved a pharmaceutical-grade form of cannabis for several types of pain, including nerve pain due to multiple sclerosis. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug containing CBD — one of the many non-intoxicating chemicals found in cannabis — to treat rare seizures in children with epilepsy. Unlike that drug, known as Epidiolex, the new cannabis formula from drugmaker Vertanical contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that gets users high. But levels of the chemical are very low, essentially a microdose compared to what’s available in gummies, chocolate bars, and other products sold at marijuana dispensaries in the U.S. The company said patients in the trial didn’t show any signs of drug abuse, dependence, or withdrawal. Vertanical is seeking approval for a large group of patients: those suffering from lower-back pain, a chronic condition that affects millions and has few proven treatments. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can’t be used for long-term pain because of their side effects, which include stomach ulcers and indigestion. Opioids are no longer recommended, after the overprescribing of painkillers such as OxyContin in the 1990s and 2000s led to the ongoing epidemic of addiction to that class of drug. Chronic pain is one of the most frequently cited conditions of people enrolled in state-run medical marijuana programs. But there’s been little rigorous research on the drug’s use in that group. Lead study author Dr. Matthias Karst said in an email that the new findings show cannabis “can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low-back pain, without the safety concerns commonly associated with opioids.” Karst is a pain specialist at Hannover Medical School and a consultant for Vertanical. For the new study, patients with back pain were randomly assigned to take Vertanical’s proprietary liquid cannabis extract or a placebo. At the end of 12 weeks, patients taking the medication reported a nearly 2-point reduction in pain on an 11-point scale, compared with 1.4 points for those taking placebo. The difference was statistically significant. Those getting the drug also reported improvements in sleep and physical function. Patients who continued with a six-month extension phase continued to experience reductions in pain. The results were published Monday in the journal Nature. Side effects included dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea, and led to more than 17% of people discontinuing the drug early. Researchers said that the dropout rate was lower than what’s typically reported with opioids, which can cause constipation, nausea, drowsiness, and carry risks of addiction. Vertanical has filed an application for its drug with European regulators. In the U.S., the company says it is “working closely” with regulators to design a study to support FDA approval. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Matthew Perrone, AP health writer View the full article

Comcast said on Monday it will appoint President Michael Cavanagh as co-CEO, adopting a dual chief executive model as the company prepares to spin off several NBCUniversal cable networks as part of a restructuring. Cavanagh will take up the new role in January and also join the company’s board, serving alongside Brian Roberts, who will continue as chairman and co-CEO. Several high-profile firms such as Oracle and Netflix have adopted a co-CEO model to better manage their operations as they become more complex and globally diversified. Comcast plans to spin off its NBCUniversal cable channels, including USA Network and CNBC, into a new company called Versant later this year amid shifting market dynamics and growing interest in streaming platforms. “He is the ideal person to help lead Comcast as we manage the pivot we are making to drive growth across the company,” Roberts said in a statement. Comcast is also planning a restructuring of its largest business unit, connectivity and platforms that includes Xfinity internet, mobile and pay TV services, Reuters reported earlier this month. It plans to eliminate a layer of management and cut jobs as part of efforts to centralize operations. The company is also working to turn around its broadband business, which has faced intense competition from wireless telecom providers that are aggressively promoting internet and mobile bundle deals. Comcast has responded by introducing national pricing, five-year price guarantees, and bundled mobile and broadband packages. Cavanagh joined Comcast as its finance chief in 2015. He was previously also the JPMorgan’s CFO for six years, and co-head of the financial giant’s corporate and investment bank. —Harshita Mary Varghese, Reuters View the full article

Brave launches Ask Brave, a unified interface that shows chat answers alongside links, videos, and products. The post Brave Introduces Ask Brave, A Unified AI Search Interface appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. My omnipotent social media algorithms know I'm a sucker for trendy fitness content. What's interesting about today's fitness influencers is they sound nothing like the boot camp battle cries of the past decade. Quite the opposite, really. Instead of "no pain, no gain," think soft lighting, cozy socks, and your favorite comfort show playing in the background. Welcome to "Cozy Cardio"—TikTok's antidote to workout burnout. "Cozy cardio" is all about prioritizing comfort and enjoyment over intensity and intimidation. If you've ever felt like traditional fitness culture wasn't for you, this gentler philosophy might be exactly what you need to rediscover the joy of moving your body. What is cozy cardio?Picture this: You're in your softest sweatpants, a candle is flickering nearby, your favorite show is queued up, and you're walking on a treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike—not to hit a specific target or beat a personal record, but simply to move. At its core, the "cozy" in cozy cardio is about creating a low-pressure, comfortable environment for low-impact cardiovascular exercise. This trend began with TikTok creator Hope Zuckerbrow back in 2022, who coined the term when she started posting her early-morning cardio routines. It regularly crops up again and again, with creators sharing their relaxed workout setups, complete with mood lighting, comforting beverages, and zero pressure to push past their limits. The message behind all these video is that if you feel alienated by high-intensity workout culture, well, get cozy with it. Celebrity trainer Kollins Ezekh sees a clear reason for its popularity: "I think it's taking off because it makes working out feel less like a chore. For years, fitness was pushed as 'go hard or go home.' Cozy Cardio flips that—it's about moving your body in a way that feels good, not punishing. People can finally picture themselves enjoying the process, and that's powerful." Why cozy cardio might work for youTraditional fitness culture often frames exercise as something you must endure—a punishment for eating dessert or a means to "earn" your rest. This creates a negative association with movement, making it feel like one more demanding item on an endless to-do list. What I love about cozy cardio is that it reframes exercise as self-care rather than self-correction. By pairing movement with comforting elements, it becomes something you actually look forward to—a peaceful ritual, rather than an obligation. Ezekh emphasizes the importance of environment in this shift: "The atmosphere matters. If you dim the lights, light a candle, or throw on your favorite show while you move, it creates a calming routine. You're still getting the endorphins from exercise, but the cozy setting tells your body to relax. It turns a workout into something that helps you decompress instead of adding more stress to your day." Personally, I've found low-impact cardio still delivers in terms of mental benefits. And this is coming from someone who loves already high-intensity cardio. But it's regular walking, light cycling, or gentle movement that seriously boosts my mood and reduces stress. Plus, it comes without the joint strain or exhaustion that I risk with my high-intensity training. How to create your own cozy cardio routineReady to embrace this kinder approach to fitness? Here's how to build a cozy cardio practice that actually sticks. Set the mood: Transform your workout space into a sanctuary. Dim the overhead lights or use lamps for softer illumination. Light a candle with your favorite scent. Play calming music, an engaging podcast, or binge-worthy television. The goal is to create an environment where you feel relaxed and at ease, not on edge or pressured. Choose comfortable movement: Select low-impact activities that feel sustainable: walking on a treadmill, using a stationary bike, stepping in place, gentle dancing, or using an under-desk elliptical. The intensity should feel manageable—you should be able to hold a conversation while moving. Dress for comfort: Forget restrictive athletic wear if it doesn't serve you. Wear your softest loungewear, favorite oversized hoodie, or whatever makes you feel cozy. The only requirement is that your clothing allows you to move freely. Start small and build consistency. Ezekh advises keeping expectations realistic: "Keep it simple—walk on a treadmill while watching Netflix, hop on a bike with a podcast, or do light movement in the evening instead of scrolling your phone. Even 10–15 minutes goes a long way. Results come from consistency, not punishment, and cozy cardio makes it easier to show up again and again." Make it a ritual: Designate a specific time for your cozy cardio session. Perhaps first thing in the morning with coffee, during your lunch break, or as an evening wind-down. When it becomes a predictable, pleasant part of your routine, you're more likely to maintain it. Remove the pressure: Let go of tracking every metric. You don't need to monitor your heart rate, count calories burned, or beat yesterday's performance. If you feel like going for twenty minutes instead of thirty, that's perfectly fine. The point is to move in a way that feels nurturing, not demanding. The bottom linePersonally, I'm a huge fan of this sort of cultural shift in how we approach wellness. It acknowledges that not everyone thrives in competitive fitness environments, that movement shouldn't feel punitive, and that exercise is most sustainable when it's actually enjoyable. This trend is particularly valuable for people who are rebuilding their relationship with movement after injury, illness, burnout, or disordered exercise patterns. It offers an entry point that feels safe and accessible, removing the intimidation factor that keeps many people from starting at all. Of course, cozy cardio isn't meant to replace all forms of exercise. Those who enjoy high-intensity workouts or competitive sports should absolutely continue those pursuits. But for the countless people who have struggled to maintain a consistent exercise routine because traditional fitness culture felt overwhelming or uninviting, this gentler approach offers a genuine alternative. The fitness industry has long operated on the assumption that motivation comes from pushing harder, going faster, and doing more. Cozy cardio suggests something different: that sometimes, the most powerful motivation comes from making movement feel like something you don't want to miss—because it's become the most peaceful, comforting part of your day. In a world that constantly demands more from us, there's something quietly revolutionary about a fitness trend that asks for less—less intensity, less pressure, less punishment—and offers more: more enjoyment, more sustainability, and more compassion toward yourself. So dim those lights, turn on your favorite show, and give yourself permission to move gently. View the full article

CSX railroad announced Monday that it had replaced its CEO less than two months after an investment fund urged it to either find another railroad to merge with to better compete with the proposed transcontinental Union Pacific railroad or fire outgoing CEO Joe Hinrichs. The outgoing CEO, who came to the railroad in 2022 after a long career with Ford, focused on repairing CSX’s relationship with its workers and labor unions and unifying the team after a bitter contract fight. But Ancora Holdings, which helped spur major changes at Norfolk Southern, said CSX’s operating performance deteriorated significantly under Hinrichs’ leadership. Hinrichs resigned to clear the way for Steve Angel to become CEO effective Sunday. Angel, 70, also comes from outside the rail industry although earlier in his career he oversaw GE’s locomotive building unit, so he does have that experience. CSX said he has 45 years experience leading large public companies, including most recently as CEO of Linde and Praxair. “We are excited to welcome Steve as our new CEO. He is a visionary in creating long-term value and an expert in guiding companies through significant transformation,” the railroad’s board Chairman John Zillmer said. CSX has been under pressure from Ancora and other investors since Union Pacific announced its $85 billion deal to acquire Norfolk Southern, which is CSX’s rival in the eastern United States. But both BNSF and CPKC railroads said they aren’t interested in a merger right now. Ancora said CSX has delivered disappointing shareholder returns and poor financial performance during Hinrichs’ tenure. But over the past year, CSX was working on two major construction projects — repairs from Hurricane Helene and a major tunnel renovation in Baltimore — that disrupted the railroad. Both those projects were just completed this month, so CSX’s performance was expected to improve in the fourth quarter. Angel promised to make improvements at the Jacksonville, Florida-based company, which is one of the six largest railroads in North America. “My top priorities will be to ensure the safety of the railroad and our employees, deliver reliable service to our customers, and increase value for our shareholders,” Angel said in a statement. —Josh Funk, AP transportation writer View the full article

A reader writes: I’ve been working at a university for eight years in the donor relations department. This past year has been really tough for the university budget-wise, for various political funding reasons. There was a round of layoffs in late April, where 10 out of the 60 people let go were in our unit (which has about 200 people). Another layer to consider is that our fundraising unit has gone through a massive reorg with a lot of roles being compressed with bigger portfolios. We used to have stewardship person in each faculty, now we have stewardship officers responsible for 3+ faculties. Our team is really flat, with the associate director having seven direct reports. I’ve been approached to take on a role where I would oversee four of those people as a manager. This is a first time manager role for me but I have already demonstrated a lot of leadership and mentorship. I was quite disappointed to hear that this new role would not come with a salary or job grade change. It was presented as a learning opportunity, but I sort of feel taken advantage of. I think I deserve a salary increase and if I don’t get one now, I won’t have as much leverage to negotiate if I wait to ask six months into the new role. Yes, they’re taking advantage of you. Managing four people is a significant increase in responsibility and you should be paid accordingly for it. I’m curious to know whether they’d be hiring for this position and advertising it to external candidates if you didn’t accept it. If they would be, they should absolutely pay you accordingly. But if they otherwise wouldn’t hire for it for budget reasons, it could become slightly less unreasonable; in that case, they might be seeing it as mutually beneficial. The idea would be that you get a management role that you might not be as competitive for if more experienced candidates were in the mix, and you can then parlay that into advancement and more money down the road (even if it not with them) … and in exchange, they get someone in that role. It’s still not fair — you deserve to be paid for a significant increase in work and responsibility — but I’d be slightly less irked by it, particularly given the context about the budget issues and layoffs. Ultimately it comes down to how much you want to get management experience. If it’s not something you really care about, that’s a lot of work to take on for no raise just because they offered it. If you do want management experience, which can be frustratingly hard to get for people who want to move in that direction, it might be worth it to you to do. If you do want to do the job, it’s reasonable to point out that it’s a significant increase in work and responsibility and ask to be paid fairly for that increase. They might not give you as much as they’d give a more experienced candidate, but you should get more than you’re getting now. If they really won’t budge, though, see if you can negotiate for a salary review (or outright raise) in six months. That’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing. The post I was offered a promotion to manager but with no raise appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Executives urge ministers to follow through on promises to cut red tapeView the full article

FICO's claims about its 10T score highlight how its monopoly has stifled innovation and raised costs for homebuyers, according to the CHLA's Rob Zimmer. View the full article