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US president says he will hold calls on Monday in attempt to end Ukraine ‘bloodbath’ View the full article

After a slower-than-usual start to the seasonal climb, gas prices are beginning to rise just ahead of the summer travel season, according to AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose by four cents over the past week, reaching $3.192. The increase comes as crude oil prices climb and fuel demand begins to rise. AAA notes that the typical spring surge in prices was delayed this year due to lower-than-normal crude oil prices. However, prices are now aligning with seasonal expectations. Despite the recent rise, gas remains about 40 cents cheaper than the same time last year, when the national average was $3.60. The price uptick arrives just as a record 39.4 million Americans are expected to hit the road over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. With drivers paying less than in 2024, travel costs may be more manageable despite the current upward trend. National and Regional Averages Today’s National Average: $3.192 One Week Ago: $3.152 One Month Ago: $3.172 One Year Ago: $3.60 Among the most expensive markets, California tops the list at $4.92 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($4.49), Washington ($4.33), and Nevada ($3.96). Mississippi holds the lowest average at $2.66, with Tennessee ($2.71), Louisiana ($2.73), and Alabama ($2.76) also among the least expensive. Supply and Demand Trends According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.71 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.79 million b/d. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline supply decreased by one million barrels to 224.7 million, and production dipped to an average of 9.4 million b/d. In the oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $63.15 per barrel after a 52-cent drop at Wednesday’s close. Crude oil inventories increased by 4 million barrels to a total of 441.8 million, which remains approximately 6% below the five-year average for this time of year. Electric Vehicle Charging Costs Hold Steady The national average cost for charging an electric vehicle at a public station held steady over the past week at 36 cents per kilowatt hour. West Virginia leads the nation with the highest average EV charging rate at 50 cents per kilowatt hour, followed by Tennessee (48 cents) and Alaska (47 cents). Kansas posted the lowest rate at 23 cents, with Delaware (24 cents) and Missouri (25 cents) close behind. This article, "Gas Prices Begin Seasonal Rise Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

After a slower-than-usual start to the seasonal climb, gas prices are beginning to rise just ahead of the summer travel season, according to AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose by four cents over the past week, reaching $3.192. The increase comes as crude oil prices climb and fuel demand begins to rise. AAA notes that the typical spring surge in prices was delayed this year due to lower-than-normal crude oil prices. However, prices are now aligning with seasonal expectations. Despite the recent rise, gas remains about 40 cents cheaper than the same time last year, when the national average was $3.60. The price uptick arrives just as a record 39.4 million Americans are expected to hit the road over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. With drivers paying less than in 2024, travel costs may be more manageable despite the current upward trend. National and Regional Averages Today’s National Average: $3.192 One Week Ago: $3.152 One Month Ago: $3.172 One Year Ago: $3.60 Among the most expensive markets, California tops the list at $4.92 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($4.49), Washington ($4.33), and Nevada ($3.96). Mississippi holds the lowest average at $2.66, with Tennessee ($2.71), Louisiana ($2.73), and Alabama ($2.76) also among the least expensive. Supply and Demand Trends According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.71 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.79 million b/d. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline supply decreased by one million barrels to 224.7 million, and production dipped to an average of 9.4 million b/d. In the oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $63.15 per barrel after a 52-cent drop at Wednesday’s close. Crude oil inventories increased by 4 million barrels to a total of 441.8 million, which remains approximately 6% below the five-year average for this time of year. Electric Vehicle Charging Costs Hold Steady The national average cost for charging an electric vehicle at a public station held steady over the past week at 36 cents per kilowatt hour. West Virginia leads the nation with the highest average EV charging rate at 50 cents per kilowatt hour, followed by Tennessee (48 cents) and Alaska (47 cents). Kansas posted the lowest rate at 23 cents, with Delaware (24 cents) and Missouri (25 cents) close behind. This article, "Gas Prices Begin Seasonal Rise Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Uber has announced a range of new features and services aimed at making everyday life more affordable and convenient for users. Introduced at the company’s Go-Get 2025 event, these offerings span ride-sharing, grocery delivery, dining, and autonomous transport, all designed to ease daily routines and reduce costs. Route Share Offers Affordable Commuting One of the key announcements is Route Share, described by Uber as its most affordable ride option to date. Route Share will operate along busy corridors during weekday commuting hours, offering pickups every 20 minutes and accommodating up to two co-riders. Uber states that Route Share will be up to 50% cheaper than an UberX ride. The company is also exploring partnerships with employers to make Route Share eligible for commuter benefits. New Ride Passes for Predictable Pricing To help users save on frequently traveled routes, Uber introduced two new types of ride passes: Price Lock Pass: For $2.99 per month, riders can lock in a price for specific routes and save up to $50 monthly. Each pass covers a one-hour window for a selected route, and users can buy passes for up to 10 routes per month. Prepaid Pass: Riders can prepay for 5, 10, 15, or 20 rides on regular routes to unlock greater discounts. According to Uber, ride passes will soon be available for teen accounts as well, easing daily school commutes for parents and guardians. Commute Alerts and Hub Uber is introducing AI-powered Commute Alerts to help riders plan trips more efficiently. By analyzing ride history, driver availability, and real-time pricing, the alerts notify users of the optimal time to request a ride. This tool, along with others, will be housed in a new in-app Commute Hub launching this summer. Expanded Uber One Benefits and Member Days Uber One members will see enhanced perks, including 10% Uber One credits back when using Uber Rent (including Turo) and Lime rides via Uber. Uber is also launching its first Uber One Member Days from May 16–23, featuring major discounts such as 50% off shared rides, 20% off Uber Black, and 40% off Comfort Electric. According to Uber, new deals will be available each day during the week-long event. New Tools for Grocery Savings Uber is adding a Savings Slider to its Eats app to help users stick to grocery budgets. When creating a list, the app compares in-store prices and suggests nearby stores with better deals. Users can slide to see savings, approve suggested swaps, and keep spending in check. In-Person Dining with Dine Out Uber is rolling out a new feature called Dine Out within the Uber Eats app, allowing users to find and claim in-person dining deals. The company is also partnering with OpenTable to power reservations in select countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia. Uber One members will get exclusive access to prime restaurant tables, and OpenTable VIPs will be able to redeem points with Uber and Uber Eats. Shared Autonomous Rides on the Horizon Looking toward the future, Uber is collaborating with Volkswagen to launch its first shared autonomous ride. The service will debut in Los Angeles in early 2026, using Volkswagen’s fully electric, fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD vehicle. Uber describes this initiative as part of its vision for a transportation future that is electric, shared, and self-driving. This article, "Uber Unveils New Everyday Savings Features at Go-Get 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Uber has announced a range of new features and services aimed at making everyday life more affordable and convenient for users. Introduced at the company’s Go-Get 2025 event, these offerings span ride-sharing, grocery delivery, dining, and autonomous transport, all designed to ease daily routines and reduce costs. Route Share Offers Affordable Commuting One of the key announcements is Route Share, described by Uber as its most affordable ride option to date. Route Share will operate along busy corridors during weekday commuting hours, offering pickups every 20 minutes and accommodating up to two co-riders. Uber states that Route Share will be up to 50% cheaper than an UberX ride. The company is also exploring partnerships with employers to make Route Share eligible for commuter benefits. New Ride Passes for Predictable Pricing To help users save on frequently traveled routes, Uber introduced two new types of ride passes: Price Lock Pass: For $2.99 per month, riders can lock in a price for specific routes and save up to $50 monthly. Each pass covers a one-hour window for a selected route, and users can buy passes for up to 10 routes per month. Prepaid Pass: Riders can prepay for 5, 10, 15, or 20 rides on regular routes to unlock greater discounts. According to Uber, ride passes will soon be available for teen accounts as well, easing daily school commutes for parents and guardians. Commute Alerts and Hub Uber is introducing AI-powered Commute Alerts to help riders plan trips more efficiently. By analyzing ride history, driver availability, and real-time pricing, the alerts notify users of the optimal time to request a ride. This tool, along with others, will be housed in a new in-app Commute Hub launching this summer. Expanded Uber One Benefits and Member Days Uber One members will see enhanced perks, including 10% Uber One credits back when using Uber Rent (including Turo) and Lime rides via Uber. Uber is also launching its first Uber One Member Days from May 16–23, featuring major discounts such as 50% off shared rides, 20% off Uber Black, and 40% off Comfort Electric. According to Uber, new deals will be available each day during the week-long event. New Tools for Grocery Savings Uber is adding a Savings Slider to its Eats app to help users stick to grocery budgets. When creating a list, the app compares in-store prices and suggests nearby stores with better deals. Users can slide to see savings, approve suggested swaps, and keep spending in check. In-Person Dining with Dine Out Uber is rolling out a new feature called Dine Out within the Uber Eats app, allowing users to find and claim in-person dining deals. The company is also partnering with OpenTable to power reservations in select countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia. Uber One members will get exclusive access to prime restaurant tables, and OpenTable VIPs will be able to redeem points with Uber and Uber Eats. Shared Autonomous Rides on the Horizon Looking toward the future, Uber is collaborating with Volkswagen to launch its first shared autonomous ride. The service will debut in Los Angeles in early 2026, using Volkswagen’s fully electric, fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD vehicle. Uber describes this initiative as part of its vision for a transportation future that is electric, shared, and self-driving. This article, "Uber Unveils New Everyday Savings Features at Go-Get 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The WHY and HOW of going from QoS to QoE is the subject of a new white paper just released by Aprecomm. The post New Aprecomm white paper: Understanding the business-critical shift from QoS to QoE appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

"This is your chance to make a real difference." Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown Go PRO for members-only access to more Rob Brown. View the full article

"This is your chance to make a real difference." Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown Go PRO for members-only access to more Rob Brown. View the full article

Key Takeaways Continuous Learning: Embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity to refine your skills and enhance your knowledge about the market and your business model. Adopting a Growth Mindset: View failures as chances to innovate and improve, fostering resilience and a proactive approach toward business challenges. Effective Adaptation: Stay flexible by conducting regular market research, implementing diverse growth strategies, and leveraging digital marketing to respond to changing customer needs. Building Resilience: Collaborate with mentors, strengthen your team, and develop financial awareness to navigate setbacks and maintain a sustainable growth trajectory. Developing Essential Skills: Prioritize effective leadership, clear communication, and financial literacy to drive productivity and manage your business efficiently. Creating a Support Network: Establish connections with mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs through networking to enhance your resources, insights, and collaborative opportunities. Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey is more than just starting a business; it’s a transformative experience filled with lessons and growth. Each challenge you face offers a unique opportunity to learn about yourself and refine your skills. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing venture, the path you take can shape your future in ways you never imagined. As you navigate this exciting yet often unpredictable landscape, embracing the ups and downs becomes essential. You’ll discover that every setback can lead to valuable insights, pushing you to innovate and adapt. This article will explore how you can harness these experiences to foster personal and professional growth, turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Understanding Your Entrepreneurial Journey Your entrepreneurial journey involves more than just launching a startup. It’s a continuous process of learning and growth, where each experience shapes your path and influences your success. Embracing this journey helps you adapt and thrive, making your business more resilient. The Importance of Learning Learning is crucial for small business success. Each setback in your venture provides valuable insights. Analyze your challenges to discover new opportunities. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and refine your business model. Regularly engage in activities like attending workshops or networking events. This can enhance your knowledge about funding options, marketing strategies, and financial management. Seeking legal advice early, especially concerning business registration or intellectual property, prevents costly mistakes later. Embracing Growth Mindset A growth mindset significantly impacts your entrepreneurial journey. Embrace challenges as chances to innovate and improve. When you view failures as learning opportunities, you foster resilience. Collaborate with mentors or business coaches for guidance on business strategies, leadership skills, and team building. Cultivating a positive attitude towards growth encourages you to develop customer acquisition channels and optimize your sales funnel. Approach every aspect of your small business—from branding to product development—with the intention of evolving, and success becomes attainable. Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship The entrepreneurial journey demands ongoing learning and adaptability. With each challenge, you grow and refine your approach to building a successful small business. Adapting to Change Adapting to change is essential for small business success. Markets evolve, customer preferences shift, and technological advancements continually reshape the landscape. Embrace flexibility by: Conducting Market Research: Understand your target audience and their needs. Regularly gather feedback to guide your product development and marketing strategies. Implementing a Growth Strategy: Develop a clear business model. Evaluate various funding options, such as bootstrapping, crowdfunding, or securing venture capital, to adapt to financial fluctuations. Leveraging Digital Marketing: Utilize social media and SEO techniques to reach your audience effectively. Keep your branding consistent across platforms to maintain a strong online presence. The Value of Resilience Resilience plays a critical role in navigating entrepreneurial challenges. Every setback provides lessons that foster growth. Enhance your resilience by: Seeking Mentorship: Collaborate with business coaches or join a business incubator. Learning from the experiences of others helps you avoid common traps and accelerates your development. Building a Strong Team: Focus on team building and effective leadership. Hire employees who share your vision and support your small business goals. Developing Financial Awareness: Keep track of cash flow, budget expenses, and understand your profit margin. Maintaining a clear picture of your finances can help you pivot effectively during tough times. By prioritizing adaptability and resilience, you position yourself for success throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Developing Essential Skills Navigating your entrepreneurial journey involves acquiring essential skills that directly impact your success. Leadership and Communication Effective leadership and communication enhance team collaboration and drive productivity. You must motivate your team, clearly articulate your vision, and establish a culture of continuous learning. Identify your leadership style and build a team that complements your strengths. Adapt to changes, fostering open communication channels that allow for feedback and new ideas. Recognizing the importance of human resources, implement effective hiring processes and employee benefit structures to maintain motivation and retention. Financial Literacy Financial literacy is crucial for managing your small business effectively. Understand the fundamentals of accounting, taxes, and budgeting. Develop a solid financial plan that includes cash flow management, profit margins, and funding options like business grants or angel investors. Familiarize yourself with different business structures such as LLCs and sole proprietorships to determine the best legal framework for your startup. By grasping financial concepts and maintaining transparency in your operations, you’ll position your venture for sustainable growth and scalability. Building a Support Network Building a strong support network benefits small business owners during the entrepreneurial journey. This network provides guidance, resources, and connections crucial for success. Finding Mentors Finding mentors accelerates your learning curve. Mentorship offers real-world insights, advice on business plans, and assistance with navigating funding options. Seek seasoned entrepreneurs who can provide guidance on critical aspects like market research and legal structures. A mentor can also help you refine your pitch for potential investors, aiding in securing funding through avenues like venture capital or angel investors. Networking Opportunities Networking opportunities allow you to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration. Engage in local business events, seminars, or workshops to meet individuals who share your entrepreneurial spirit. Join organizations like your local chamber of commerce or industry-specific associations. These connections lead to potential partnerships, shared resources, and valuable insights into best practices in areas such as marketing and customer acquisition. Leveraging social media platforms can further enhance your outreach, creating a broader network that supports your growth strategy. Conclusion Embracing your entrepreneurial journey means embracing growth and learning at every turn. Each challenge you face is a stepping stone that can lead to greater innovation and success. By maintaining a growth mindset and actively seeking opportunities to learn, you’re setting yourself up for long-term achievements. Surrounding yourself with a strong support network and mentors can provide invaluable insights that accelerate your progress. Remember that adaptability and resilience are key components of your success. As you navigate this path, stay open to new ideas and experiences. Your journey is not just about building a business; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself as an entrepreneur. Frequently Asked Questions What is the main theme of the article on entrepreneurship? The article focuses on the transformative journey of entrepreneurship, highlighting that success is not only about the business itself but also about personal growth, learning from challenges, and adapting to change. How can setbacks benefit entrepreneurs? Setbacks provide valuable insights that lead to innovation and adaptation. By analyzing these experiences, entrepreneurs can uncover new opportunities and find ways to enhance their strategies. Why is a growth mindset important for entrepreneurs? A growth mindset encourages entrepreneurs to view challenges as opportunities for improvement and innovation. This perspective helps them remain resilient and adaptable in the face of obstacles. What skills are essential for entrepreneurial success? Key skills include effective leadership, communication, financial literacy, and adaptability. These abilities enhance team collaboration, boost productivity, and help manage business finances effectively. How can entrepreneurs build a strong support network? Entrepreneurs can build a strong network by seeking mentorship, attending local business events, and leveraging industry-specific associations. Social media platforms also support outreach and networking opportunities. What role does market research play in entrepreneurship? Market research helps entrepreneurs understand customer needs and preferences, enabling them to adapt their offerings and strategies to better meet market demands and stay competitive. How can mentorship accelerate the entrepreneurial journey? Mentorship provides real-world insights and guidance, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine their business plans, and identify funding options more effectively. What is the importance of financial literacy in entrepreneurship? Financial literacy enables entrepreneurs to manage accounting, budgeting, and funding options. Understanding these areas is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring business stability. Image Via Envato This article, "Embrace Learning and Growing Through Your Entrepreneurial Journey for Lasting Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Continuous Learning: Embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity to refine your skills and enhance your knowledge about the market and your business model. Adopting a Growth Mindset: View failures as chances to innovate and improve, fostering resilience and a proactive approach toward business challenges. Effective Adaptation: Stay flexible by conducting regular market research, implementing diverse growth strategies, and leveraging digital marketing to respond to changing customer needs. Building Resilience: Collaborate with mentors, strengthen your team, and develop financial awareness to navigate setbacks and maintain a sustainable growth trajectory. Developing Essential Skills: Prioritize effective leadership, clear communication, and financial literacy to drive productivity and manage your business efficiently. Creating a Support Network: Establish connections with mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs through networking to enhance your resources, insights, and collaborative opportunities. Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey is more than just starting a business; it’s a transformative experience filled with lessons and growth. Each challenge you face offers a unique opportunity to learn about yourself and refine your skills. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing venture, the path you take can shape your future in ways you never imagined. As you navigate this exciting yet often unpredictable landscape, embracing the ups and downs becomes essential. You’ll discover that every setback can lead to valuable insights, pushing you to innovate and adapt. This article will explore how you can harness these experiences to foster personal and professional growth, turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Understanding Your Entrepreneurial Journey Your entrepreneurial journey involves more than just launching a startup. It’s a continuous process of learning and growth, where each experience shapes your path and influences your success. Embracing this journey helps you adapt and thrive, making your business more resilient. The Importance of Learning Learning is crucial for small business success. Each setback in your venture provides valuable insights. Analyze your challenges to discover new opportunities. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and refine your business model. Regularly engage in activities like attending workshops or networking events. This can enhance your knowledge about funding options, marketing strategies, and financial management. Seeking legal advice early, especially concerning business registration or intellectual property, prevents costly mistakes later. Embracing Growth Mindset A growth mindset significantly impacts your entrepreneurial journey. Embrace challenges as chances to innovate and improve. When you view failures as learning opportunities, you foster resilience. Collaborate with mentors or business coaches for guidance on business strategies, leadership skills, and team building. Cultivating a positive attitude towards growth encourages you to develop customer acquisition channels and optimize your sales funnel. Approach every aspect of your small business—from branding to product development—with the intention of evolving, and success becomes attainable. Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship The entrepreneurial journey demands ongoing learning and adaptability. With each challenge, you grow and refine your approach to building a successful small business. Adapting to Change Adapting to change is essential for small business success. Markets evolve, customer preferences shift, and technological advancements continually reshape the landscape. Embrace flexibility by: Conducting Market Research: Understand your target audience and their needs. Regularly gather feedback to guide your product development and marketing strategies. Implementing a Growth Strategy: Develop a clear business model. Evaluate various funding options, such as bootstrapping, crowdfunding, or securing venture capital, to adapt to financial fluctuations. Leveraging Digital Marketing: Utilize social media and SEO techniques to reach your audience effectively. Keep your branding consistent across platforms to maintain a strong online presence. The Value of Resilience Resilience plays a critical role in navigating entrepreneurial challenges. Every setback provides lessons that foster growth. Enhance your resilience by: Seeking Mentorship: Collaborate with business coaches or join a business incubator. Learning from the experiences of others helps you avoid common traps and accelerates your development. Building a Strong Team: Focus on team building and effective leadership. Hire employees who share your vision and support your small business goals. Developing Financial Awareness: Keep track of cash flow, budget expenses, and understand your profit margin. Maintaining a clear picture of your finances can help you pivot effectively during tough times. By prioritizing adaptability and resilience, you position yourself for success throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Developing Essential Skills Navigating your entrepreneurial journey involves acquiring essential skills that directly impact your success. Leadership and Communication Effective leadership and communication enhance team collaboration and drive productivity. You must motivate your team, clearly articulate your vision, and establish a culture of continuous learning. Identify your leadership style and build a team that complements your strengths. Adapt to changes, fostering open communication channels that allow for feedback and new ideas. Recognizing the importance of human resources, implement effective hiring processes and employee benefit structures to maintain motivation and retention. Financial Literacy Financial literacy is crucial for managing your small business effectively. Understand the fundamentals of accounting, taxes, and budgeting. Develop a solid financial plan that includes cash flow management, profit margins, and funding options like business grants or angel investors. Familiarize yourself with different business structures such as LLCs and sole proprietorships to determine the best legal framework for your startup. By grasping financial concepts and maintaining transparency in your operations, you’ll position your venture for sustainable growth and scalability. Building a Support Network Building a strong support network benefits small business owners during the entrepreneurial journey. This network provides guidance, resources, and connections crucial for success. Finding Mentors Finding mentors accelerates your learning curve. Mentorship offers real-world insights, advice on business plans, and assistance with navigating funding options. Seek seasoned entrepreneurs who can provide guidance on critical aspects like market research and legal structures. A mentor can also help you refine your pitch for potential investors, aiding in securing funding through avenues like venture capital or angel investors. Networking Opportunities Networking opportunities allow you to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration. Engage in local business events, seminars, or workshops to meet individuals who share your entrepreneurial spirit. Join organizations like your local chamber of commerce or industry-specific associations. These connections lead to potential partnerships, shared resources, and valuable insights into best practices in areas such as marketing and customer acquisition. Leveraging social media platforms can further enhance your outreach, creating a broader network that supports your growth strategy. Conclusion Embracing your entrepreneurial journey means embracing growth and learning at every turn. Each challenge you face is a stepping stone that can lead to greater innovation and success. By maintaining a growth mindset and actively seeking opportunities to learn, you’re setting yourself up for long-term achievements. Surrounding yourself with a strong support network and mentors can provide invaluable insights that accelerate your progress. Remember that adaptability and resilience are key components of your success. As you navigate this path, stay open to new ideas and experiences. Your journey is not just about building a business; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself as an entrepreneur. Frequently Asked Questions What is the main theme of the article on entrepreneurship? The article focuses on the transformative journey of entrepreneurship, highlighting that success is not only about the business itself but also about personal growth, learning from challenges, and adapting to change. How can setbacks benefit entrepreneurs? Setbacks provide valuable insights that lead to innovation and adaptation. By analyzing these experiences, entrepreneurs can uncover new opportunities and find ways to enhance their strategies. Why is a growth mindset important for entrepreneurs? A growth mindset encourages entrepreneurs to view challenges as opportunities for improvement and innovation. This perspective helps them remain resilient and adaptable in the face of obstacles. What skills are essential for entrepreneurial success? Key skills include effective leadership, communication, financial literacy, and adaptability. These abilities enhance team collaboration, boost productivity, and help manage business finances effectively. How can entrepreneurs build a strong support network? Entrepreneurs can build a strong network by seeking mentorship, attending local business events, and leveraging industry-specific associations. Social media platforms also support outreach and networking opportunities. What role does market research play in entrepreneurship? Market research helps entrepreneurs understand customer needs and preferences, enabling them to adapt their offerings and strategies to better meet market demands and stay competitive. How can mentorship accelerate the entrepreneurial journey? Mentorship provides real-world insights and guidance, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine their business plans, and identify funding options more effectively. What is the importance of financial literacy in entrepreneurship? Financial literacy enables entrepreneurs to manage accounting, budgeting, and funding options. Understanding these areas is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring business stability. Image Via Envato This article, "Embrace Learning and Growing Through Your Entrepreneurial Journey for Lasting Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Were it not for his experience in North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt said he never would have become president of the United States. After his first wife and mother died on the same day in 1884, the eventual 26th president retreated to modern-day North Dakota to mourn and reflect. Next July, more than a century after Roosevelt’s death, a presidential library in his honor is slated to open in the state that held so much significance in his life. And the visionaries behind the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library hope a visit to the Medora, North Dakota-based library will prove as restorative to people in the modern era as this area once was for Roosevelt. That may seem an ambitious goal, but this project offers an opportunity to expand the definition of what a presidential library can be, says Edward O’Keefe, chief executive officer of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. It was only fitting to take a land-first approach when celebrating a man who is synonymous with conservation and the national park system, he says. “We wanted to build a place where you can learn about, and from, Theodore Roosevelt, where you can connect with friends and family and nature so you can decide what change you want to see in the world,” O’Keefe tells Fast Company. He wrote the book, The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt, which was released earlier this month. ‘SOMETHING DYNAMICALLY DIFFERENT’ Though there was talk of building a Roosevelt library for years, the idea started to take shape in March 2020 when the foundation launched a design competition. That COVID-era timing proved serendipitous, O’Keefe says, because it made the power of creating a place that would serve as a convening point all the more relevant. Later that year, Snøhetta, an Oslo-based architectural firm, was unanimously selected as design architect. “This is not a museum with only artifacts under glass. It is meant to be an experience,” O’Keefe says. “There’s no point in building a presidential library to a president who has been gone for over 100 years unless you’re going to do something dynamically different and for the future.” Among the design elements that make this library different from others is its roof, featuring dozens of native plant species that will help the building blend seamlessly into the prairie landscape. The coming weeks will mark a milestone in the construction process—that’s when more than 28,000 plant plugs will be planted on the roof, which spans about three football fields in length, currently planned for June 6. The library’s architecture was inspired by a leaf atop two pebbles and is almost identical to the initial design, says Craig Dykers, lead architect for the project and co-founder of Snøhetta. Once completed, people can ascend to the top of the roof for a view of the surrounding Badlands, the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, nighttime stargazing and, eventually, events. “I can tell you, it’s such a dramatic experience,” Dykers tells Fast Company, adding that it was important to foster a direct connection with nature that Roosevelt enjoyed. “It sort of purifies your soul and allows you to see things in a unique way.” Beyond the roof, the butte where the library is situated is being restored to how it might have looked when Roosevelt came west, with native grasses that are more resilient in what can be a harsh and windy environment. Local ranchers have also been consulted as part of the design process and will experiment with grazing cattle and bison on the 93-acre site. A LIVING BUILDING The library is pursuing full certification from the International Living Future Institute as part of its Living Building Challenge, the most advanced measure of sustainability. The project will serve as a model of self-sufficiency, featuring zero energy, zero emissions, zero water, and zero waste sustainability aspects. Inside the library are walls made from rammed earth, or soil that’s been compressed. It’s the first time in modern times this ancient technique has been used in North Dakota, and a team based out of nearby Dickinson came together to learn how to make these walls, Dykers says. From the walls to the roof and beyond, the living building is intentionally tactile so that visitors feel a connection with nature that’s pervasive. In such ways, the design draws as much inspiration from the uniqueness of the land as it does the uniqueness of the man. SLOWING DOWN In addition to pouring through a wealth of biographies, academic research, and Roosevelt’s speeches and writings, Dykers sought to better understand how that time in North Dakota helped break the president’s spell of mourning. So the architect embarked on a nearly two-week solo hike during COVID-era lockdowns in the national park and surrounding area. “To be in that place was so powerful to me, and that’s exactly what happened to Teddy Roosevelt,” Dykers says. Even if many people aren’t inclined to do the same, a kidney-shaped cultural loop that surrounds the library will ensure visitors can appreciate the land from different perspectives, Dykers notes. That’s because the design is unusual in that it’s essentially flat, even though the land is not, which allows people to experience the rolling landscape in a unique way, he adds. “We’re trying to slow people down, so they look down at their feet for a moment or look across the horizon for a moment, to get a different sense of time,” Dykers says. “North Dakota has an exceptional horizon.” INSPIRING VISITORS For O’Keefe, who grew up in North Dakota, leading the foundation after a 20-year stint as a media executive has been a coming home of sorts. The future library and surrounding land will be an opportunity to introduce more people to his beloved home state. Just as Mount Rushmore has become a landmark destination in South Dakota, O’Keefe envisions the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library someday becoming the same for North Dakota. And drawing people together in a place that held almost-spiritual significance for Roosevelt may have the same effect for those who embrace it, O’Keefe says. “The design is evocative of this purpose in bringing people together and exposing them to nature and trying to inspire them to live more purposeful lives,” O’Keefe says. “The journey is the destination.” View the full article

Key Takeaways Influence on Parenting: Mom influencers are reshaping parenting dynamics by sharing authentic insights, tips, and personal experiences, making them relatable to their audience.Effective Content Strategies: They utilize various platforms and content formats, such as Instagram stories and Facebook posts, to engage followers and increase brand visibility.Collaboration Benefits: Partnering with mom influencers can amplify your marketing efforts, leveraging their established audience for higher engagement and brand awareness.Selection Criteria: Consider niche alignment, audience demographics, engagement rates, and authenticity when selecting mom influencers for collaborations to maximize impact.Community Engagement: By connecting with mom influencers, businesses can build trust and foster community, enhancing their social media reach and customer interaction.Valuable Insights: Mom influencers provide practical parenting tips and inspiration, positioning them as trusted sources for content that resonates with followers and drives brand loyalty. In today’s digital age, mom influencers are reshaping the parenting landscape, offering insights, tips, and inspiration to millions. These dynamic women share their journeys through motherhood, connecting with audiences on a personal level while navigating the challenges and joys of raising children. Whether it’s parenting hacks, lifestyle advice, or heartfelt stories, their authentic voices resonate deeply with followers. You might be wondering who stands out in this vibrant community. From seasoned experts to relatable newcomers, the top mom influencers are making waves across social media platforms. They not only entertain but also empower other parents to embrace their unique paths. Dive in as we explore the leading mom influencers who are changing the way we view parenting today. Overview of Mom Influencers Mom influencers play a crucial role in shaping online communities and driving social media engagement. These influencers utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter to share personal narratives, parenting tips, and lifestyle advice. Their authentic storytelling resonates with audiences, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Mom influencers employ various content creation strategies, from engaging Instagram stories to informative Facebook posts. By leveraging social media trends, they increase their organic reach and attract a loyal following. Their content often features user-generated content and paid ads, enhancing brand awareness for both personal and small business endeavors. Collaborating with mom influencers can amplify social media campaigns through influencer partnerships. Their established brand voice and community management skills make them ideal for promoting products and services. By utilizing social media tools for analytics and monitoring, businesses can assess the effectiveness of these collaborations and refine their social media strategy. Incorporating hashtags effectively maximizes visibility on social media platforms, while a well-planned content calendar ensures consistent posting. Engaging with followers through comments and customer feedback boosts engagement rates and helps maintain brand consistency. With the growing significance of mom influencers, your small business can harness their influence to enhance your online presence, increase customer interaction, and ultimately, improve your social media ROI. Criteria for Selection Evaluating the impact of mom influencers involves considering several key factors. These criteria ensure that you identify influencers who resonate with your brand and target audience effectively. Niche and Audience The niche of each mom influencer plays a pivotal role in their connection with followers. For instance, if you target wellness and lifestyle-focused customers, influencers like Kourtney Kardashian and Hilaria Baldwin can amplify your brand through their engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Understanding each influencer’s audience demographics helps tailor your social media marketing. This can enhance brand awareness and drive engagement in your social media campaigns. Engagement and Authenticity High engagement rates signify an influencer’s ability to connect genuinely with their audience. You can assess this through metrics like likes, comments, and shares on social media posts. Authenticity builds trust, and followers are more likely to respond positively to relatable content. Influencers like Chrissy Teigen showcase this authenticity through storytelling and personal anecdotes, fostering community management and interaction. By partnering with authentic influencers, you can leverage their established brand voice to improve your social media growth and enhance your online presence. Top Mom Influencers to Follow Engaging with mom influencers can boost your small business’s social media presence. These influencers resonate with audiences, driving social media engagement and brand awareness through relatable content and storytelling. Influencer 1: Profile and Impact Chrissy Teigen is an American model and television personality known for her humorous and honest approach to parenting. With over 42 million Instagram followers, she effectively connects with her audience by sharing relatable parenting stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her family life. By utilizing Instagram stories and user-generated content, Teigen enhances her organic reach, making her influence invaluable for brands seeking meaningful engagement. Her approach to creating authentic content exemplifies effective social media strategy, perfect for small businesses aiming to increase visibility. Influencer 2: Profile and Impact Hilaria Baldwin is a yoga instructor and entrepreneur who founded the Yoga Vida studio in New York City. As a podcaster and author, she combines wellness and motherhood, sharing insights on both topics with her followers. Baldwin’s community management skills shine through in her interactive social media posts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where she engages her audience effectively. Collaborating with her can elevate your social media campaigns by leveraging her brand voice and loyal following, driving customer interaction and enhancing your small business’s online presence. Influencer 3: Profile and Impact Kourtney Kardashian embraces a lifestyle brand that emphasizes health and wellness. Through her social media platforms, she shares content focused on motherhood, family, and personal growth. Kardashian’s storytelling ability and expertise in TikTok and Instagram marketing create a compelling narrative that draws in audiences. Engaging with her not only builds brand consistency but also aligns your small business with a widely recognized figure. Utilizing her influence can significantly enhance your social media optimization and drive higher engagement rates, ensuring your brand stays relevant in current social media trends. Benefits of Following Mom Influencers Following mom influencers offers small businesses numerous advantages, particularly in the realms of social media marketing and community engagement. Engaging with these influencers can enhance your brand visibility and foster a loyal customer base. Community Building Mom influencers excel at community building through authentic storytelling and relatable content. Their ability to connect with followers fosters trust, which can benefit your brand when you collaborate with them. When influencers share your products or services, they introduce your brand to engaged audiences across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This engagement can drive organic growth and increase your social media followers. By leveraging their established communities, you can enhance brand consistency and community management efforts. Parenting Tips and Inspiration Mom influencers provide valuable parenting tips and inspiration that resonate with their audiences. Their content includes practical advice and insights that parents appreciate, making these influencers trusted sources. When you align your small business with these influencers, you tap into relevant content creation that can be shared across social media platforms. This approach enhances your social media strategy, increasing user-generated content and encouraging customer interaction with your brand. By showcasing how your products fit into their parenting stories, you create relatable marketing messages that spark engagement and boost social media campaigns. Conclusion Mom influencers are reshaping the way you connect with parenting and lifestyle content. Their authentic storytelling and relatable insights create communities that foster trust and engagement. By collaborating with these influencers, you can enhance your brand’s visibility and establish a genuine connection with your target audience. Whether you’re a small business owner or a parent seeking inspiration, leveraging the influence of these remarkable women can lead to significant growth and engagement. Embracing their unique perspectives not only enriches your social media strategy but also empowers you to navigate your parenting journey with confidence. Frequently Asked Questions What is a mom influencer? Mom influencers are social media personalities who share their parenting experiences, tips, and stories. They connect with audiences through authentic content, providing insights into child-rearing and lifestyle while building online communities around parenting. How do mom influencers impact the parenting landscape? Mom influencers significantly shape the parenting landscape by sharing personal experiences and hacks that resonate with their followers. Their content fosters community engagement and offers relatable advice, making them trusted sources for parents seeking guidance. Why are collaborations with mom influencers beneficial for brands? Collaborating with mom influencers allows brands to tap into their established trust and authenticity. These influencers help amplify social media campaigns by introducing products to engaged audiences, leading to increased brand awareness and customer interaction. What are effective strategies for working with mom influencers? To maximize collaboration with mom influencers, brands should focus on selecting influencers based on their niche and audience demographics. Utilizing effective hashtags, maintaining a content calendar, and engaging with followers are essential for successful campaigns. Can you give examples of successful mom influencers? Notable mom influencers include Chrissy Teigen, known for her humor and relatability; Hilaria Baldwin, who blends wellness and motherhood; and Kourtney Kardashian, who focuses on health and storytelling. Each has unique strategies for captivating their audiences. How can small businesses benefit from following mom influencers? Small businesses can gain valuable insights from mom influencers on community engagement and social media marketing. By aligning with these influencers, businesses can enhance their content strategy and build trust with parents seeking practical advice and recommendations. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Top Mom Influencers Shaping Parenting and Lifestyle Online" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Influence on Parenting: Mom influencers are reshaping parenting dynamics by sharing authentic insights, tips, and personal experiences, making them relatable to their audience.Effective Content Strategies: They utilize various platforms and content formats, such as Instagram stories and Facebook posts, to engage followers and increase brand visibility.Collaboration Benefits: Partnering with mom influencers can amplify your marketing efforts, leveraging their established audience for higher engagement and brand awareness.Selection Criteria: Consider niche alignment, audience demographics, engagement rates, and authenticity when selecting mom influencers for collaborations to maximize impact.Community Engagement: By connecting with mom influencers, businesses can build trust and foster community, enhancing their social media reach and customer interaction.Valuable Insights: Mom influencers provide practical parenting tips and inspiration, positioning them as trusted sources for content that resonates with followers and drives brand loyalty. In today’s digital age, mom influencers are reshaping the parenting landscape, offering insights, tips, and inspiration to millions. These dynamic women share their journeys through motherhood, connecting with audiences on a personal level while navigating the challenges and joys of raising children. Whether it’s parenting hacks, lifestyle advice, or heartfelt stories, their authentic voices resonate deeply with followers. You might be wondering who stands out in this vibrant community. From seasoned experts to relatable newcomers, the top mom influencers are making waves across social media platforms. They not only entertain but also empower other parents to embrace their unique paths. Dive in as we explore the leading mom influencers who are changing the way we view parenting today. Overview of Mom Influencers Mom influencers play a crucial role in shaping online communities and driving social media engagement. These influencers utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter to share personal narratives, parenting tips, and lifestyle advice. Their authentic storytelling resonates with audiences, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Mom influencers employ various content creation strategies, from engaging Instagram stories to informative Facebook posts. By leveraging social media trends, they increase their organic reach and attract a loyal following. Their content often features user-generated content and paid ads, enhancing brand awareness for both personal and small business endeavors. Collaborating with mom influencers can amplify social media campaigns through influencer partnerships. Their established brand voice and community management skills make them ideal for promoting products and services. By utilizing social media tools for analytics and monitoring, businesses can assess the effectiveness of these collaborations and refine their social media strategy. Incorporating hashtags effectively maximizes visibility on social media platforms, while a well-planned content calendar ensures consistent posting. Engaging with followers through comments and customer feedback boosts engagement rates and helps maintain brand consistency. With the growing significance of mom influencers, your small business can harness their influence to enhance your online presence, increase customer interaction, and ultimately, improve your social media ROI. Criteria for Selection Evaluating the impact of mom influencers involves considering several key factors. These criteria ensure that you identify influencers who resonate with your brand and target audience effectively. Niche and Audience The niche of each mom influencer plays a pivotal role in their connection with followers. For instance, if you target wellness and lifestyle-focused customers, influencers like Kourtney Kardashian and Hilaria Baldwin can amplify your brand through their engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Understanding each influencer’s audience demographics helps tailor your social media marketing. This can enhance brand awareness and drive engagement in your social media campaigns. Engagement and Authenticity High engagement rates signify an influencer’s ability to connect genuinely with their audience. You can assess this through metrics like likes, comments, and shares on social media posts. Authenticity builds trust, and followers are more likely to respond positively to relatable content. Influencers like Chrissy Teigen showcase this authenticity through storytelling and personal anecdotes, fostering community management and interaction. By partnering with authentic influencers, you can leverage their established brand voice to improve your social media growth and enhance your online presence. Top Mom Influencers to Follow Engaging with mom influencers can boost your small business’s social media presence. These influencers resonate with audiences, driving social media engagement and brand awareness through relatable content and storytelling. Influencer 1: Profile and Impact Chrissy Teigen is an American model and television personality known for her humorous and honest approach to parenting. With over 42 million Instagram followers, she effectively connects with her audience by sharing relatable parenting stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her family life. By utilizing Instagram stories and user-generated content, Teigen enhances her organic reach, making her influence invaluable for brands seeking meaningful engagement. Her approach to creating authentic content exemplifies effective social media strategy, perfect for small businesses aiming to increase visibility. Influencer 2: Profile and Impact Hilaria Baldwin is a yoga instructor and entrepreneur who founded the Yoga Vida studio in New York City. As a podcaster and author, she combines wellness and motherhood, sharing insights on both topics with her followers. Baldwin’s community management skills shine through in her interactive social media posts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where she engages her audience effectively. Collaborating with her can elevate your social media campaigns by leveraging her brand voice and loyal following, driving customer interaction and enhancing your small business’s online presence. Influencer 3: Profile and Impact Kourtney Kardashian embraces a lifestyle brand that emphasizes health and wellness. Through her social media platforms, she shares content focused on motherhood, family, and personal growth. Kardashian’s storytelling ability and expertise in TikTok and Instagram marketing create a compelling narrative that draws in audiences. Engaging with her not only builds brand consistency but also aligns your small business with a widely recognized figure. Utilizing her influence can significantly enhance your social media optimization and drive higher engagement rates, ensuring your brand stays relevant in current social media trends. Benefits of Following Mom Influencers Following mom influencers offers small businesses numerous advantages, particularly in the realms of social media marketing and community engagement. Engaging with these influencers can enhance your brand visibility and foster a loyal customer base. Community Building Mom influencers excel at community building through authentic storytelling and relatable content. Their ability to connect with followers fosters trust, which can benefit your brand when you collaborate with them. When influencers share your products or services, they introduce your brand to engaged audiences across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This engagement can drive organic growth and increase your social media followers. By leveraging their established communities, you can enhance brand consistency and community management efforts. Parenting Tips and Inspiration Mom influencers provide valuable parenting tips and inspiration that resonate with their audiences. Their content includes practical advice and insights that parents appreciate, making these influencers trusted sources. When you align your small business with these influencers, you tap into relevant content creation that can be shared across social media platforms. This approach enhances your social media strategy, increasing user-generated content and encouraging customer interaction with your brand. By showcasing how your products fit into their parenting stories, you create relatable marketing messages that spark engagement and boost social media campaigns. Conclusion Mom influencers are reshaping the way you connect with parenting and lifestyle content. Their authentic storytelling and relatable insights create communities that foster trust and engagement. By collaborating with these influencers, you can enhance your brand’s visibility and establish a genuine connection with your target audience. Whether you’re a small business owner or a parent seeking inspiration, leveraging the influence of these remarkable women can lead to significant growth and engagement. Embracing their unique perspectives not only enriches your social media strategy but also empowers you to navigate your parenting journey with confidence. Frequently Asked Questions What is a mom influencer? Mom influencers are social media personalities who share their parenting experiences, tips, and stories. They connect with audiences through authentic content, providing insights into child-rearing and lifestyle while building online communities around parenting. How do mom influencers impact the parenting landscape? Mom influencers significantly shape the parenting landscape by sharing personal experiences and hacks that resonate with their followers. Their content fosters community engagement and offers relatable advice, making them trusted sources for parents seeking guidance. Why are collaborations with mom influencers beneficial for brands? Collaborating with mom influencers allows brands to tap into their established trust and authenticity. These influencers help amplify social media campaigns by introducing products to engaged audiences, leading to increased brand awareness and customer interaction. What are effective strategies for working with mom influencers? To maximize collaboration with mom influencers, brands should focus on selecting influencers based on their niche and audience demographics. Utilizing effective hashtags, maintaining a content calendar, and engaging with followers are essential for successful campaigns. Can you give examples of successful mom influencers? Notable mom influencers include Chrissy Teigen, known for her humor and relatability; Hilaria Baldwin, who blends wellness and motherhood; and Kourtney Kardashian, who focuses on health and storytelling. Each has unique strategies for captivating their audiences. How can small businesses benefit from following mom influencers? Small businesses can gain valuable insights from mom influencers on community engagement and social media marketing. By aligning with these influencers, businesses can enhance their content strategy and build trust with parents seeking practical advice and recommendations. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Top Mom Influencers Shaping Parenting and Lifestyle Online" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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The United Nations was in a crisis: Elon Musk had taken control of the European Space Agency and all of its outposts in space to further the development of Starlink. Delegates to the U.N., already in a special committee discussing equitable ways to militarize outer space, discovered Musk’s plans. Hurriedly, the representatives from Japan, Germany, and Egypt came up with a way to rein in the rogue billionaire: kidnap him. Musk, ever noncompliant, hid out on the moon, took several ESA scientists hostage, and lobbed threats at the U.N. After a day-long stalemate, the delegates found a way to bring Musk safely down to Earth, regaining control of the ESA. The diplomats negotiating in this outlandish scenario weren’t professionals, and didn’t have long and storied careers. Most of them weren’t even adults. They were high schoolers from around the world, and they’d come to Geneva, Switzerland, in mid-March for the 14th annual Yale Model United Nations Conference, Europe, looking to have a say in the future of global politics. But even in sessions where they role-played imagined, futuristic scenarios, this year’s Model U.N. attendees couldn’t escape the present. The teen from New York who had played the role of the Egyptian delegate in the space-focused committee said it was funny that in their fictional world of outer space, which even included alien encounters, “Elon Musk is still the corrupt figure, kind of pulling the strings behind an elected body that he’s not really supposed to have control of.” A common extracurricular for high school students with an interest in international relations, Model U.N. mirrors the procedure of real U.N. meetings. For the three-day YMUNE conference in March, hundreds of student delegates came from countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, traveling up to 6,000 miles with their schools to participate. Once there, students broke into committees, focusing on a topic of their choice for the duration of the conference. Some students attended General Assembly (GA) committees, exploring contemporary issues, such as nuclear energy, equitable internet access, and cryptocurrencies. Model U.N. deviates from the U.N. in that it often has faster-paced “crisis” committees that involve more direct action from participants; assassination attempts and other acts of sabotage are common. Other committees at this year’s YMUNE focused on historical and fictional events, like outer space colonization or the ethical struggles in Charlotte Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. I attended a specialized committee on the Paris Commune of 1871, where I worked with other delegates to create a stable and autonomous communist government. Delegates are expected to come to these conferences with some research done and a write-up of their assigned countries’ position. But once a committee starts, things tend to get chaotic, as teenagers in business attire fight for global influence. And this year, they were fighting for influence in the shadow cast by President Donald The President’s “America First” brand of diplomacy. The White House meeting heard round the world Model U.N. trains students to be the future of international diplomacy, an objective that feels more complex than ever. This year’s YMUNE conference took place two months after The President’s inauguration and just two weeks after his now infamous Oval Office meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The President’s approach to politics spilled into many of the committees, no matter the topic, and lingered in the minds of the student delegates. When asked about The President’s approach to foreign policy, many of the international students I spoke with expressed concern and outrage over his treatment of Zelenskyy. A group of girls from Germany had strong opinions on the issue, saying that The President was selfish and impeding on democracy. One of the girls called the Oval Office meeting “horrible to watch,” adding that “all [The President] wanted to do was belittle [Zelenskyy] and make a fool of him in front of international television.” The President “clearly doesn’t want to work with [any] country,” she said. “He lies and says he wants to work with them, but in the end, it’s just for his own benefit.” She was aware of Elon Musk’s interaction with far-right political parties in Germany, such as the AFD, and noted it was “scary to see how such a far-right party is slowly gaining popularity in Germany.” All the German girls seemed to agree that the U.N. had a mandate to fight undue U.S. influence. Even students who admired The President seemed put off by the Oval Office meeting. A Brazilian student who voiced support for The President’s “firm” approach to foreign policy and appreciated his “strong” persona said, “It’s a little bit too radical to just lash out on Zelenskyy in the White House.” As many of the delegates at YMUNE were European, they were all too aware of The President’s disdain for established alliances and his desire to limit military funding to Europe. A different pair of German students said they had an initial interest in some of The President’s more moderate policies, as they were similar to reforms they would have liked to see implemented in Germany. But now, one said: “He’s quite literally going against the entire EU.” The cloud of America First nationalism At the same time that the space committee was negotiating with Musk over his hostages, a different group of delegates gathered in a GA committee to discuss the uses of science and technology in international development. As the delegates looked for funding to support their proposals for nuclear energy and expanded internet access, a theme emerged: They were all wary of making alliances with the United States. According to the delegate representing Malaysia (a classmate of mine from New York City), the students representing developing nations were afraid the U.S. would try to monopolize the funding for their projects to have outsize influence over their countries. If the U.S. paid for cell towers and satellites, they reasoned, it could try to wrest control of them in the future. The delegate representing Iran remarked that the allies should quickly try to make a deal with the U.S. before The President attaches strings to the money, seizes control of projects, and “capitalizes on all of our collaboration.” The cloud of American nationalism hung over the room, threatening tenuous collaborations. The delegate of Malaysia told me that all the delegates were aware of a shifting world order, and were cracking jokes about current events without ever saying explicitly that The President was the biggest threat to the success of their proposals. Throughout the entire conference, delegates were finding that The President wasn’t just affecting the substance of YMUNE negotiations, he was altering the style of them. Some attendees felt they were witnessing a cultural shift. The usual schmoozing between delegates trying to make alliances was turning into something more sinister, as some students took on the personas and negotiating tactics of The President and his allies. The positions taken by delegates in Model U.N. are just assumed for a few days. We are all essentially just playing a role. But the tactics that work for politicians in the real world also work for these delegates. Many saw strongman personas to be less palatable, but more effective, in getting peers on their side. I spoke with a girl from India who observed that many delegates this year believed they had “the power to act or behave like The President.” She saw them “using his policies to take really radical action that we have not seen before as well,” pushing for more extreme proposals in direct contradiction of the collaborative purpose of Model U.N. She said some sessions were more about “showing your personality” than working together. A group of girls from Franconia, Germany, also had thoughts about the way delegates’ personas were changing in response to these politicians. They sensed that delegates were becoming more entitled and assertive, and that normally collaborative committee sessions were turning into power struggles. “It’s interesting to see other delegates embody a persona that is similar to The President,” said one of the girls, who was originally from the United Kingdom. She saw people dropping some of the refinement that negotiations are supposed to have in favor of louder and more aggressive posturing. She called this a “risky game.” Usually in YMUNE, delegates try to balance the complexities of global politics, humanitarian crises, and the diverse perspectives of the other delegates with the goals of the country or person they are representing. Even delegates representing more politically contentious countries don’t want to make real enemies. But this year, most of the students I spoke with seemed to believe that diplomatic niceties were being lost, and that The President was the main reason why. Politics or Puns? YMUNE is traditionally a place where delegate-students can build their public speaking skills, develop their ability to compromise, practice formal academic writing, and meet new people from around the world. It’s also a place where they can practice real diplomacy. I, like many students, joined Model U.N. because I care about global political issues and want to feel like I am making a difference to solve them—and because I like the idea of a career as a diplomat. But some delegates felt the connection between Model U.N. and the real U.N. had been severed with The President undermining the U.N.’s work. The delegate from the committee on outer space, who joined Model U.N. because he appreciated the chance to address world issues and to work toward “real change,” remarked that Model U.N. has started to feel “less like a simulation of the U.N.,” and more like a fun activity to do, influenced by the news but removed of its broader significance. He had started to lose faith in the real U.N., too. He told me that “if a president can push aside decades of good will” as easily as The President has, then international relations begins to feel like a “futile field.” He seemed to think that learning how to participate in real diplomacy through Model U.N. was no longer possible. I agreed with him. During this year’s meeting, I often felt shut down in committee sessions by the kinds of delegates who like to imitate The President’s behavior, and was treated differently by some of them because of my gender. I still care passionately about global politics, but am unsure if I will continue doing Model U.N. in college. It’s frustrating to put work into conferences and feel as though my research is pointless, that I won’t be listened to simply because I refuse to adopt the brashness of other delegates. I feel like my time is better spent addressing politics in other ways—like by writing articles. One evening, during a break in the conference, I stepped out of the hotel where the sessions were being held to buy some food at a nearby grocery store. On my way out, I was confronted with a large crowd of students. In the middle stood a boy from Massachusetts, engaged in a spirited impression of The President. I fought my way to the center of the circle and introduced myself, asking for his name. “My name is Donald J. The President,” he replied in a perfect imitation of the president’s drawl. I asked him for his stance on international policy. “No one knows international policy better than Donald The President,” he responded. “We love policy, and we love internationals, too.” The crowd tittered. The boy absorbed the energy of his audience, growing bolder, matching the cadence of the president. “What a great question. We love these questions,” he went on. He kept it up for a few more minutes, the audience hanging on to every word. For the moment, at least, no one seemed too concerned with what the real The President’s policies meant for their futures. And then it was over. The crowd dispersed, meandering through the misty night back to the hotel, ready to engage in another two hours of committee sessions. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. This week, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York published its quarterly Household Debt and Credit Report. It shows that while still low, distress is creeping back into the housing market. Here’s how the U.S. housing foreclosures in Q1 of 2025 compare to previous years: Q1 2014: 144,500 Q1 2015: 111,820 Q1 2016: 96,680 Q1 2017: 90,460 Q1 2018: 76,360 Q1 2019: 71,040 Q1 2020: 74,720 Q1 2021: 11,400 Q1 2022: 24,220 Q1 2023: 35,640 Q1 2024: 44,180 Q1 2025: 61,660 When COVID-19 lockdowns began, the federal government implemented a nationwide foreclosure moratorium to protect homeowners from the economic fallout. These protections—including forbearance programs—were extended multiple times. At the same time, a historic surge in housing demand pushed home prices to new highs during the pandemic housing boom, boosting homeowner equity and keeping foreclosure activity unusually low. But in recent quarters, foreclosures have steadily returned, inching closer to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. That foreclosure rebound picked up pace in Q1 2025, following the expiration of the moratorium on foreclosures of home loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The question heading forward: Will housing foreclosures continue to rise through the rest of 2025 and in 2026? Let’s take a closer look at the leading indicators. Before U.S. housing foreclosures rise, delinquencies of 90-plus days typically increase. While credit card and auto delinquencies of 90 days or more have surged in recent quarters, delinquencies of 90-plus days on household mortgages remain well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Here’s how the recent share of household mortgage balances that are 90-plus days delinquent compares to previous years: Q1 2014: 3.72% Q1 2015: 2.95% Q1 2016: 2.08% Q1 2017: 1.67% Q1 2018: 1.22% Q1 2019: 1.00% Q1 2020: 1.06% Q1 2021: 0.59% Q1 2022: 0.47% Q1 2023: 0.44% Q1 2024: 0.60% Q1 2025: 0.86% On the delinquency front, the most noticeable development this quarter is that student loan delinquencies surged to a five-year high in early 2025. While the jump was expected after years of artificially low student loan delinquency rates, Fed researchers warned of serious consequences for behind student-loan borrowers, including damaged credit and reduced access to mortgages and auto loans. According to the New York Fed, superprime U.S. borrowers—those with credit scores above 760—who carry unpaid student loan balances are expected to see their credit scores drop by an average of 171 points this spring. That’s because student loan delinquencies, which hadn’t been reported to credit bureaus since the start of the pandemic, are now being reported again. This sudden credit hit could temporarily push some borrowers out of the housing market in 2025 and 2026. The Treasury has also resumed collection tactics on student loans, including wage garnishment and tax refund seizures, raising questions about potential spillover into other areas of consumer credit. And before 90-plus day delinquencies typically increase, 30-plus day delinquencies usually rise first. Indeed, 30-plus day mortgage delinquencies have returned to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Here’s how the portion of household mortgages transitioning into 30-plus days delinquent compares to historic data. Q1 2014: 4.92% Q1 2015: 4.05% Q1 2016: 3.70% Q1 2017: 3.51% Q1 2018: 3.38% Q1 2019: 3.50% Q1 2020: 3.48% Q1 2021: 1.59% Q1 2022: 1.66% Q1 2023: 2.43% Q1 2024: 3.24% Q1 2025: 3.71% Big picture: While U.S. housing foreclosures remain low and below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, the 30-plus days delinquency data suggests that foreclosures could gradually near pre-pandemic 2019 by the end of 2025. View the full article

The web wasn’t always like it is now. It used to be weirder—in a good way. And it still can be. After all, we all occasionally need a tranquil break amidst a hectic day—be it a beautiful sunset, the sight of a cat falling asleep on a windowsill, or even just the landscape rolling by as you stare out the window. That’s what the tool we’re about to go over is all about. It’s a way to look out a window—but not your window. Another person’s window. Right from your workday screen. On the surface, it may not appear practical—but arguably, it’s the most practical thing in the world. Even just a few moments of staring into a virtual window can inject something invaluable into your day. Sometimes, there’s nothing more practical than simply taking care of yourself. In that sense, it’s good for productivity, too. Place the window on a secondary monitor—or keep it in one corner of your computer screen—and it just might put you in the right mood to tackle the rest of your to-do list without any doomscrolling or other distractions. So, ready to find your favorite magical window? Unearth all sorts of little-known tech treasures with my free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. A spiffy new discovery in your inbox every Wednesday! Watch windows around the world This simple-as-can-be website lets you peer out someone’s window via video captured somewhere else in the world—and there’s no telling where, exactly, you’ll end up. It’s random. ➜ The site is called ​WindowSwap​, and it’s a brilliant brain-resetting resource you can use for free. And it couldn’t be much easier to get started with, either: Just open up the WindowSwap website​ and click (or tap) on “Open a window somewhere in the world.” You can keep clicking “Open a window somewhere in the world” as much as you want to randomly flip through different streams. The location of the video—and the time it was captured, likely in the last few months—will appear at the top of the screen. Here’s what the experience actually feels like in action: *click* 🌅 It’s the golden hour near sunset. You’re looking out a window from a high-up apartment at the soft glow of the sky, cars slowly cruising by on the calm street below. *click* ❄️ It’s night time in winter. Snow falls peacefully in a backyard somewhere. All is still. *click* ✈️ You’re watching out an airplane window as an airplane makes a gradual descent through a clear blue sky, snowy mountains on the horizon. *click* 🌴 Tropical foliage fills your view. A cockatoo flies toward the camera. *click* 🐈 A cat faces away from you, staring out the window along with you. You get the idea. It goes on and on like that from there. You can stop wherever you like and take in the view—or maybe even leave it open while you work. WindowSwap is free, but the service will sometimes ask for your support. You can close any pop-ups requesting you subscribe if you aren’t interested in contributing. If you do end up contributing, the WindowSwap All Access subscription offers a handful of extra features—like the ability to search for specific cameras rather than flipping through them randomly—but you really don’t need any of that to enjoy the service. WindowSwap is ​available as a website​ for phones, PCs, Chromebooks, Macs, and any other device you may be using. This core service is completely free. And you don’t have to create an account or provide any personal information to use it. Ready for more week-enhancing tech treats? Check out my free Cool Tools newsletter for an instant introduction to an incredible audio app—and another off-the-beaten-path gem every Wednesday! View the full article

On Monday, Starbucks rolled out a new dress code as part of its larger corporate overhaul. But union workers say the change is both restrictive and unproductive—and now, baristas are walking out. The dress code comes as new CEO Brian Niccol is on a mission to bring the brand “back to basics,” including by scaling back its menu, returning hand-written notes on cups, and introducing ceramic mugs in stores. Employees are now required to wear a more simplified palette of solid black tops along with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms under the company’s signature-green apron. However, in an email to supporters, Starbucks Workers United—the union representing Starbucks baristas—called the dress code “restrictive,” adding that it was implemented “without input from the baristas it affects.” The union has been bargaining to reach a contract with Starbucks for over three years, with no end in sight. It says that the new dress code represents “bad faith bargaining,” alleging that the code undermines a tentative agreement about attire made at the bargaining table. A spokesperson from Workers United told Fast Company that, as of Wednesday evening, walkouts have occurred at more than 100 Starbucks locations and included more than 1,200 baristas. The strikes come in the wake of a lackluster financial report for Starbucks’s second quarter of 2025, during which revenue dipped below expectations, U.S. comparable store sales declined 2%, and U.S. comparable transactions were down 4%—leaving some analysts wondering just how well Niccol’s “back to basics” plan is actually working. Union workers are frustrated with the new dress code According to a series of videos posted by Workers United, baristas are frustrated with the new dress code for a number of reasons. In one clip posted to Bluesky, a group of workers at a store in Dallas claim they were told their black sneakers were no longer acceptable under the dress code, and that they would have to buy new shoes before returning to work. The Workers United spokesperson explained that, in the past, waterproof shoes have always been a requirement. On Monday, though, several workers (including those in the aforementioned video) claim they were told their waterproof shoes couldn’t have any mesh fabric, despite the fact that such a stipulation was not included in the new dress code. As this new dress code begins to be enforced, Starbucks didn't provide money for new shoes. The company would rather understaff stores than let us work in the shoes we've always worn during shifts. Customers don't care about what's on our feet! [image or embed] — Starbucks Workers United (@sbworkersunited.org) May 13, 2025 at 7:50 AM The spokesperson also alleged that employees have been sent home for small details like the color of their blue jeans or the number of visible piercings. “Managers are told that they have to enforce all these things; otherwise their own jobs are in jeopardy,” the spokesperson said. “It’s creating a lot of frustration and confusion, and making baristas feel like this really isn’t about what they’re wearing; it’s just about control.” In another video of workers announcing their reasons for walking out, one barista shared: “Now we have to purchase new shirts and shoes to be compliant with the new policy. Why doesn’t Starbucks do the right thing and provide a stipend for these newly required items?” Starbucks announced its dress code change on April 14. At the time, the company said it was also launching a line of company-branded T-shirts, adding that employees could receive two of these shirts at no cost. However, the Workers United spokesperson said they’d received several reports of the free shirts not being ready for baristas on Monday. Starbucks, on the other hand, claimed that, of the 18 styles available, only three were temporarily unavailable in a few sizes this week. In response to the recent walkouts, a Starbucks spokesperson said: “The biggest update to our dress code is simple: wear a black shirt—either your own or one we provide.  While Workers United, which represents less than 5% of our workforce, attempted to create disruption in a handful of stores, the overwhelming majority of our 10,000 U.S. company-operated stores remain open and are serving customers as normal. ” The spokesperson noted that there haven’t been any changes to the shoes baristas can wear, other than the heel height, adding that footwear can be black, grey, navy, brown, tan, or white. However, they did not comment on baristas’ complaints about the inconsistent application of the dress code. The spokesperson added that it would be “more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table to finalize a reasonable contract. ” A broader issue Strikes due to the dress code are just the latest chapter in an ongoing battle between Workers United and Starbucks—and union members say their concerns go far beyond what they’re supposed to wear. Over the past three and a half years, Workers United has been in a continuous bargaining process with Starbucks management, seeking a contract that includes higher wages, guaranteed hours, and better staffing in stores. Members reported that negotiations between the union and the company broke down in late February, which has led union members to increasingly engage in acts of civil disobedience, like sip-ins, walkouts, and picket lines. In the past, both the union and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have argued that Starbucks hasn’t been bargaining in good faith. In December, Workers United filed an updated unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB outlining their concerns around the drawn-out bargaining process. And, recently, the union filed a new amendment with the NLRB alleging failure to bargain over the dress code. The amendment calls the dress code an example of “bad faith bargaining” for “unilaterally implementing a new dress code policy . . . that materially differed from both the status quo and what the parties had tentatively agreed to at the bargaining table.” A Starbucks spokesperson said they would “make sure any differences between our negotiations and store implementations are addressed lawfully and fairly.” Jasmine Leli is a barista from Buffalo, New York, who’s worked at Starbucks for three years. She’s also one of the union bargaining delegates who ran the dress code working group that led to a tentative agreement about a future dress code. The union’s proposed dress code, she says, included protections like allowing workers to wear union T-shirts to work and to keep their visible piercings. Leli calls the new dress code a “distraction from fixing the real issues that we have in our stores.” “As partners, we don’t have guaranteed hours,” Leli says. “We don’t have enough people at work during the middle of the day and at night. I’m not getting all of the hours that I need. I’m not making a fair wage—I got a 30 cent raise—and now I’m being asked to go out and purchase a completely new wardrobe, including shoes, and our contract hasn’t been finalized.” Ultimately, Leli says, Starbucks should be working to finish the contract and solve its staffing issue—not implementing a new dress code. Customers care more about the wait time for their latte than the shirt their barista is wearing, she adds. “We’re more than mad because the changes that the company is making don’t address the issues that we’re facing in the stores,” Leli says. “Starbucks is iconic for their green apron. Customers know they’re walking into a Starbucks. It’s not a mystery. And with my regulars, I know their drink, and they know me, whether I’m in a purple shirt or a black shirt.” View the full article

When a friend and I began investing in thoroughbreds in 2018, it wasn’t fantasies of running in the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes that excited us most. It was naming the racehorses. We’d seen California Chrome and American Pharoah etch their names in the sports lexicon. And while producing a horse of that caliber was a longshot, just the prospect of the announcer yelling, “Here comes [name we chose] down the stretch!” was unexpectedly thrilling. This weekend’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, features some elite thoroughbreds, and even some better names. Journalism, the favorite, has arguably the best name in the field. American Promise has obvious American Pharoah vibes and was sired by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify—another iconic moniker. On name alone, I’d put my money on Sandman. And while betting on the horse with the best name is the equivalent of my 10-year-old daughter rooting for the Miami Dolphins because their uniforms are pretty, for a niche sport that becomes the center of the sports world for six weeks in the spring, sometimes the name is all we’ve got. For owners to choose a name worth rooting for, there are some tricks—and rules—to follow. The Basics All racehorses are given the birth date of January 1 of the year they were born, regardless of their actual birthday. Then, the clock starts ticking. Owners must give their horses an official, registered name by February of their second year, or face late registration fees from horse racing’s administrative hub, The Jockey Club. Before receiving their official monikers, these nameless thoroughbreds are typically referred to by combinations of their sire and dam’s names (their father and mother) along with a description. For instance, the horse As Time Goes By was previously known as “bay mare by American Pharoah out of Take Charge Lady.” Sometimes they go by just the dam’s name and the birth year—“2020 chestnut gelding out of Sunrise Glow.” Kind of like how COVID-19 got its name, or how scientists would name a newly discovered planet. Owners must submit six different name options to The Jockey Club for consideration, each of which must follow the club’s specific rules. The Science Racehorse naming follows strict guidelines. Before Twitter, horse racing featured the original character limit. Names cannot exceed 18 characters, including spaces and punctuation. This explains compact names like Shutthefrontdoor and Keepmeinmind. Additionally, names are limited to seven syllables, with 2003 Kentucky Derby contender Atswhatimtalkinbout pushing character, syllable, and pronunciation limits to the extreme. Using initials is also prohibited, as are numbers—unless spelled out, as exhibited by 1988 Derby runner-up Forty Niner. Horse-related terms like filly, colt, mare, and stallion are also forbidden, as are official course and race titles. Names with obvious commercial value are also immediately rejected. Nobody wants to see a horse named Coca-Cola or TikTok leading the field down the stretch. The art Uniqueness is nonnegotiable. No horse can share a name with another currently racing or one that has raced or bred in the previous 10 years. For stallions, the name protection extends to 15 years after they’ve stopped breeding, while winners of Grade 1 stakes races—the highest echelon of the sport—are protected for 25 years. And just like sports teams retire jersey numbers, names like Secretariat, Man o’ War, and Seattle Slew are forever on the restricted list and can never be reused. To check a name’s availability, owners can verify it against the Jockey Club registry. Personal names are also tricky. A horse cannot be named after a famous person or someone who’s been dead for less than 50 years without written permission from them or their family. I learned this firsthand when I tried to name one of our horses Mookie Blaylock as an ode to Pearl Jam, which the band used as its original name before changing it, and was informed I needed permission, which wasn’t worth the trouble. One of the most famous stories of a celebrity-named horse came in 1991, when then-First Lady Barbara Bush gave her written consent to the owner of a filly out of Kentucky to use her name, but the horse made only two starts and earned just $102 in winnings. Finally, the Jockey Club strictly prohibits vulgar, obscene, or offensive names. Previously rejected names include Ben Dover and Sofa King Fast, though occasionally, some—like Hoof Hearted—slip past the censors. The craft Casual and seasonal horse racing enthusiasts remember names like California Chrome and Smarty Jones, both Derby winners. But who remembers Orb, or Mage? Both also won the Derby, but their names don’t inspire, so they’re largely forgotten. To craft a unique, memorable name that bettors want to root for, many owners look to their horse’s physical characteristics. A foal with a distinctive scar might earn a boxing-related name like Haymaker, turning an imperfection into a memorable identity. The most common tradition is incorporating the parents’ names, like a nominal family tree, as 2023 Derby contender Tapit Trice did when it combined sire Tapit with dam Danzatrice (Italian for ballerina), creating a name that honors both bloodlines. The biggest breeders have more sophisticated racehorse naming strategies. Susan Magnier, who names the racehorses at Coolmore in the UK, reserves grand names for their most promising colts. The name Camelot was stored in her diary for nearly 10 years before a worthy horse emerged. That horse went on to win six of the 10 races he started across Ireland and Great Britain in 2011–13, doing the moniker justice. From Bananas on Fire to Sandman My partner and I had four horses to name. One name I’ve already forgotten, as it was given to a forgettable horse. Another we dubbed Artillery—strong, singular, and assertive. A third we named Queen Karma. We liked the implied royalty combined with the mysticism and alliteration. But the name that caught the attention of bettors and emerged as the best in the stable was Bananas on Fire, a nod to our favorite beer from a local Lake Oswego brewery. Hardly Secretariat or Seabiscuit, but it was fun. Which is where many owners land. While there’s no Bananas on Fire in this weekend’s Preakness, we do have Journalism. We have River Thames, Goal Oriented, and Pay Billy. Sovereignty, another strong name, won the Derby but won’t be running the Preakness, so there’s no shot at a Triple Crown this year. So if we’re going on name alone, even with Journalism locked in as the favorite, I’ll still put my money on the best name in the field. Give me Sandman. View the full article

Acquisition of securitised asset business from Credit Suisse has become a cornerstone of private asset group’s strategyView the full article

When I lived in Florida, I had a neighbor named Ms. Carmen. She was in her late 70s, fiercely independent, and lived alone with her two dogs and one cat, which were her closest companions. Each hurricane season, she would anxiously ask if I would check on her when the winds began to pick up. She once told me: “I’m more afraid of being forgotten than of the storm itself.” Her fear wasn’t just about the weather; it was about facing it alone. When hurricanes hit, we often measure the damage in downed power lines, flooded roads, and wind-torn homes. But some of the most serious consequences are harder to see, especially for older adults who may struggle with mobility, chronic health problems, and cognitive decline. Emergency preparedness plans too often overlook the specific needs of elders in America’s aging population, many of whom live alone. For people like Ms. Carmen, resilience needs to start long before the storm. I study disaster preparations and response. To prepare for hurricane season, and any other disaster, I encourage families to work with their older adults now to create an emergency plan. Preparing can help ensure that older adults will be safe and able to contact relatives or others for help, and will have the medications, documents and supplies they need, as well as the peace of mind of knowing what steps to take. Recent hurricanes show the gaps In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton put a spotlight on the risks to older adults. The storms forced thousands of people to evacuate, often to shelters with little more than food supplies and mattresses on the floor, and ill-equipped for medical needs. Flooding isolated many rural homes, stranding older adults. Power was out for weeks in some areas. Emergency systems were overwhelmed. A tornado tore into a senior community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, during Milton, killing six people. Some long-term care facilities lost power and water during Helene. At the same time, some older adults chose to stay in homes in harm’s way for fear that they would be separated from their pets or that their homes would be vandalized. These events are not just tragic; they are predictable. Many older adults cannot evacuate without assistance, and many evacuation centers aren’t prepared to handle their needs. How to prepare: 5 key steps Helping older adults prepare for emergencies should involve the entire family so everyone knows what to expect. The best plans are personal, practical, and proactive, but they will contain some common elements. Here are five important steps: 1. Prepare an emergency folder with important documents. Disasters can leave older adults without essential information and supplies that they need, such as prescription lists, financial records, medical devices and—importantly—contact information to reach family, friends, and neighbors who could help them. Many older adults rely on preprogrammed phone numbers. If their phone is lost or the battery dies, they may not know how to reach friends or loved ones, so it’s useful to have a hard copy of phone numbers. Consider encouraging the use of medical ID bracelets or cards for those with memory loss. Hurricane season begins June 1. Don’t wait until it’s too late. To prepare ahead you can develop an evacuation plan, assemble a disaster supply kit, create a communications plan and more. For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit: https://t.co/gG4ogHLnOg pic.twitter.com/Wukb1C1CUt — Polk Emergency Mgmt (@polkemergency) May 6, 2025 Critical documents like wills, home deeds, powers of attorney, and insurance records are frequently kept in physical form and may be forgotten or lost in a sudden evacuation. Use waterproof storage that’s easy to carry, and share copies with trusted caregivers and family members in case those documents are lost. 2. Have backup medications and equipment. Think about that person’s assistive devices and health needs. Having extra batteries on hand is important, as is remembering to bring chargers and personal mobility aids, such as walkers, canes, mobility scooters, or wheelchairs. Do not forget that service animals support mobility, so having supplies of their food will be important during a hurricane or evacuation. Ask doctors to provide an emergency set of medications in case supplies run low in a disaster. If the person is staying in their home, prepare for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency in case the power goes out. That means having enough bottled water, extra pet food, and human food that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking. 3. Map evacuation routes and shelter options. Identify nearby shelters that will likely be able to support older adults’ mobility and cognitive challenges. If the person has pets, make a plan for them, too—many areas will have at least one pet-friendly shelter, but not all shelters will take pets. Figure out how the person will get to a shelter, and have a backup plan in case their usual transportation isn’t an option. And decide where they will go and how they will get there if they can’t return home after a storm. If your loved one lives in a care facility, ask to see that facility’s hurricane plan. 4. Create a multiperson check-in system. Don’t rely on just one caregiver or family member to check on older adults. Involve neighbors, faith communities, or local services such as home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, support groups, and senior centers. Redundancy is crucial when systems break down. 5. Practice the plan. Go through evacuation steps in advance so everyone knows what to do. Executing the plan should be second nature, not a scramble during a disaster or crisis. Planning with, not just for, older adults Emergency planning isn’t something done for older adults—it’s something done with them. Elders bring not only vulnerability but also wisdom. Their preferences and autonomy will have to guide decisions for the plan to be successful in a crisis. That means listening to their needs, honoring their independence, and making sure caregivers have realistic plans in place. It’s an important shift from just reacting to a storm to preparing with purpose. Lee Ann Rawlins Williams is a clinical assistant professor of education, health and behavior studies at the University of North Dakota. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Americans often receive a lot of grief for being less internationally traveled than citizens of other countries. But in recent years, more Americans are traveling abroad than ever before. Numbers compiled by the digital magazine Travel and Tour World (TTW) show that in March 2025, 6.56 million Americans flew outside of the country. That’s 1.6% more than the same period a year earlier, and more than 22% more than in 2019—the year before the pandemic caused international travel to grind to a halt. TTW cites “pent-up demand, strong personal savings among affluent demographics, and a growing appetite for immersive cultural experiences” as the main reasons more Americans are traveling overseas. And those numbers from March will likely increase this month as the school season ends and Americans start heading out on summer vacations, especially since ticket prices have been dropping lately as airlines lower their fares to entice inflation-wary consumers to travel. But if it’s your first time traveling internationally, you may not be aware that the reigning transportation and mapping app kings in the United States, Google Maps and Apple Maps, aren’t always the best to use in other countries. There are others that will enable you to navigate new lands more easily, especially the abundant public transportation options that most other countries offer. With that in mind, here are some apps to download before you head out on your global travels. Citymapper Citymapper is probably the most recognizable app on this list, and that’s because it does one thing better than nearly any other app: It helps you navigate some of the world’s best cities, whether that be by foot, car, bicycle, scooter, tram, ferry, or other city-specific modes of transit—way more modes than Apple or Google offers in most locales. Citymapper is already pretty popular in America because it helps residents and visitors in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., get around. However, while the app supports just 28 cities in America, it supports 72 in Europe, along with prominent Asian destinations, including Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong. Moovit If you need public transit directions in America or most major European cities, Google Maps or Apple Maps can do a decent job of getting you from point A to point B. But if you are in less frequently traveled countries of the world, you’ll find that Google Maps and Apple Maps don’t always reveal all the public transportation options that are available when trying to get across a city—or from city to city. Thankfully, there’s Moovit, which boasts public transit directions for more than 112 countries and 3,400 cities across the globe—including many in the Global South, which many transit apps frequently overlook. If you are traveling in Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, or large parts of Asia, Moovit will likely show you the most public transportation options available. Another great thing about the app is that it lets you download a city’s transit maps for offline viewing. Naver Map Few countries have a geopolitical postwar history that’s as fascinating as South Korea. The country, which is still technically at war with North Korea, rapidly industrialized after the 1960s to become one of the world’s most economically and technologically advanced nations. If you plan to visit South Korea, be sure to download Naver Map before you go. Naver Map is the Google Maps of South Korea, and it features nearly everything you would expect to find in Google Maps, including transportation directions and business listings. You can still use Google Maps or Apple Maps in South Korea, but their real-time transportation direction capabilities are significantly nerfed. That’s because South Korean law requires mapping providers to store their mapping data within the country—something neither Google nor Apple does. And yes, while Naver Map is predominantly used by locals, the smartphone app is also available in English, making it a must-have for American visitors. Rome2Rio The apps above are mostly very city- or country-specific. But what if you are going on a multination journey—say from Portugal to Finland—and stopping at multiple cities on the way? There is probably no better app that helps you get from one country to another than Rome2Rio. Fast Company has previously spotlighted the platform—which is basically like a Google Maps for major modes of travel between any two points on the planet—but it’s worth mentioning here again because it is so useful (and the smartphone app is great). Rome2Rio will show you how to navigate between two places—no matter if by car, train, bus, plane, or ferry—and show you how much it is likely to cost based on your selected mode of transport. Transit Finally, it’s worth mentioning that one of the easiest transportation apps to use is Transit, thanks to its excellent user interface, which makes following step-by-step transit directions a cinch. As soon as you open the app, you’ll instantly see the public transport options closest to you—no searching required. It also displays route options in a color-coded bar chart format, letting you choose the best one for you at a glance. Transit is currently available in 25 countries and over 870 cities. The majority of those cities are in the United States, Canada, and France, but the app also supports major cities in popular destinations for U.S. tourists, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other select global cities. View the full article