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The reverse mortgage division reported a loss due to hedging costs but on a net basis the company proved profitable ahead of peak market disruption in April. View the full article

Google’s AI-powered security now blocks 20x more scams in search results, Chrome, and Android. The post How Google Protects Searchers From Scams: Updates Announced appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church, seems to have similar views on the environment as his predecessor, Pope Francis. Prevost, who is taking the name Pope Leo XIV, has been outspoken about the need for urgent climate action and voiced his support for the use of climate technology such as solar panels and EVs. Pope Francis, who died in April, made the climate crisis a central issue of his papacy. He urged fossil fuel executives to transition to clean energy, calling the rising greenhouse gas levels “disturbing and a cause for real concern”; he declared a global climate emergency; and he launched a project to power the Vatican with solar panels, among other acts. Now Pope Leo XIV seems poised to follow in Francis’s environmental footsteps. When Francis spoke, in November 2024, about how climate change would impact the world’s most vulnerable populations, and how it requires global cooperation to address, Cardinal Prevost shared his support for climate action, too. Prevost “stressed it is time to move ‘from words to action,’ ” on the climate, Vatican News reported at the time. Prevost also warned against the “consequences of unchecked technological development,” while reiterating the church’s commitment to protecting the environment through actions like the Vatican’s solar panels or by shifting to electric vehicles. In Catholicism, there’s the belief that God has given humans “dominion over nature,” a directive that has been interpreted by some as domination over the planet and its creatures. Pope Francis, however, championed an interpretation that advocated less for exploitation and more for harmony with nature, and the need to care for it. Cardinal Prevost has echoed this idea, saying, per Vatican News, that dominion over nature should not become “tyrannical,” but instead must be a ” ‘relationship of reciprocity’ with the environment.” Prevost hasn’t been vocal about his positions broadly, so it’s not exactly clear what environmental actions he’ll take during his papacy. But his bio on the College of Cardinals Report, a website run by Catholic journalists, notes that he “is reportedly very close to Francis’s vision regarding the environment, outreach to the poor and migrants, and meeting people where they are.” View the full article

On 212 E 141st Place in Dolton, Illinois—just a few blocks from Andy’s hot dogs and Chuck’s Gun Shop & Pistol—resides a typical 5 bed, 3 bath, 1,200 sqft brick home that is about to become a landmark. Because it’s the childhood home of Robert Prevost, the cardinal who has just been elected to become the next Pope. Listed on Redfin for $199,000 at the time of publishing, the home matches an address and tax records first reported by South Cook News. It also aligns with Prevost’s personal history. Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, he spent most of his life in the region. The home, constructed in 1949, is typical of this neighborhood, which is filled with single family homes built in the mid century as families were attracted to lawn life and nearby train lines that could bring them into the city. Dolton is an area that HBO’s show Southside once perfectly dubbed, the “southside of the southside.” Bordering Chicago, it’s part of a few suburban communities that still share the city’s grid before golf courses and cul-de-sacs take over. These areas housed much of Chicago’s Irish Catholic community before white flight in the 1990s dispersed them north, south, or east into Indiana. Prevost himself kicked around several south suburban cities, having lived in Homewood, New Lenox, and Olympia Fields. Notably, the home was purchased in May 2024 for $66,000 by a flipper who renovated it to include granite and subway tile in the kitchen, and what looks to be refinished wood (or new vinyl) flooring throughout. The property has been on the market for over 100 days and has been through one price reduction already. But if its rehabbers had had any clue about the coming results of the Conclave, perhaps they could have saved the effort. View the full article

Google officially announced the deprecation of Structured Data Files (SDF) v7. The legacy version will be sunset on Nov. 4. Key changes post-deprecation. SDF v7 will no longer be supported; the default version will shift to v7.1 for all users. Any sdfdownloadtasks.create API requests referencing SDF_VERSION_7 will return a 400 error after November 4. Why we care. Advertisers and partners using SDF v7 must migrate to v7.1 or higher before the deadline to avoid service disruptions in Display & Video 360 workflows. What to do. Review the v7.1 release notes to understand differences from v7 and plan your migration. Need help? Use Google’s new Display & Video 360 API Technical Support form. Bottom line. SDF v7 is on the way out. Upgrade to v7.1 or newer well ahead of the November deadline to keep your programmatic campaigns running smoothly. View the full article

A clear project scope is essential for delivering work on time, on budget and to stakeholder expectations. Scope templates help define what a project or program will and won’t include, ensuring everyone is aligned from the outset. By standardizing how scope is documented, these templates and documents reduce ambiguity, prevent scope creep and provide a reference point throughout the project lifecycle. In this roundup, we’ve gathered a range of scope templates designed to support various project and program needs. Whether you’re managing a small initiative or a complex multi-project program, these free templates, documents and Excel spreadsheets will help you outline deliverables, boundaries, responsibilities and success criteria clearly and consistently. 1. Project Scope Template Download this free project scope template for Word to define and outline a project’s boundaries, objectives, deliverables and key requirements. It serves as a foundational planning tool that clarifies what is included in the project, and just as importantly, what is not, to ensure alignment among stakeholders, avoid misunderstandings and manage expectations from the start. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Project-Scope-Screenshot.jpg This free scope template includes sections such as project objectives, deliverables, milestones, exclusions, constraints, assumptions and approval requirements. By standardizing how scope is communicated, the template helps project managers maintain focus, reduce the risk of scope creep and ensure that all efforts are directed toward the agreed-upon goals. It’s a critical reference point throughout the project lifecycle, guiding decision-making and change management. 2. Scope of Work Template Use this free scope of work template for Word to outline specific tasks, deliverables, timelines and responsibilities in a project or contract. It serves as a detailed agreement between parties—typically a client and a service provider—clearly defining what work will be performed, how it will be done and under what conditions. This scope template helps ensure all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the project’s scope and reduces the risk of miscommunication or disputes. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Scope-of-work-template-screenshot-e1736455419750.png A scope of work template includes sections such as project objectives, detailed work descriptions, deliverables, timelines or milestones, payment terms, success criteria and any assumptions or constraints. In both project and program management, using a standardized scope template improves consistency, transparency and accountability across teams and vendors. It also forms the basis for tracking progress and evaluating whether the work is completed to expectations. 3. Project Plan Template for Excel This free project plan template for Excel is used to outline the key elements of a project, including its goals, scope, timeline, resources, budget, risks and communication strategy. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap that guides project execution and ensures all team members and stakeholders are aligned from the outset. As with a scope template, it helps project managers organize their planning efforts and maintain consistency across different projects. /wp-content/uploads/2025/04/project-plan-template-for-excel.png A project plan template includes sections such as project objectives, scope, milestones, task breakdowns, roles and responsibilities, risk management strategies and monitoring and reporting processes. By using a project plan template, teams can reduce planning time, improve clarity and more effectively manage timelines, deliverables and resources. It’s a foundational tool for keeping projects on track and ensuring successful outcomes. Not only that, but this scope template directly influences the creation of the Gantt chart when scheduling the project. What it outlines is translated into the task list, sequencing and duration used in the Gantt chart. While there are Gantt chart templates, it’s not advisable to use such a static tool to plan a dynamic project. For that, we recommend upgrading to project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts (among other project views) that schedule tasks, resources and costs. Unlike much of the competition, our Gantt charts can link all four types of task dependencies to avoid cost overruns, filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks and slack, plus set a baseline to track progress in real time. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more 4. Statement of Work Template Download this free statement of work template for Word to define the specific work to be performed on a project, including objectives, deliverables, timelines, roles and conditions. This scope template acts as a binding agreement between a client and a contractor or service provider, detailing what is expected, how it will be done and under what terms. The statement of work template helps prevent scope creep, miscommunication and disputes by clearly outlining responsibilities and expectations from the start. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Statement-of-Work-Screenshot.jpg This scope template includes sections such as the project purpose, scope of work, detailed task descriptions, deliverables, schedule, performance criteria, payment terms and acceptance criteria. In project and program management, using a standardized scope template ensures consistency across engagements, strengthens accountability and facilitates smoother project execution by providing a clear and shared understanding of the work to be completed. 5. Project Charter Template Use this free project charter template for Word to formally authorize the start of a project. It outlines the project’s purpose, objectives, key stakeholders, scope, high-level timeline and resource requirements. This project scope template serves as a reference point for all involved parties, providing a clear understanding of what the project aims to achieve. It establishes the authority of the project manager to allocate resources and make decisions. /wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Project-Charter-Screenshot.jpg A project charter template includes sections such as project background, goals, scope (inclusions and exclusions), assumptions, constraints, key milestones, roles and responsibilities and approval signatures. This scope template is essential for securing stakeholder buy-in, aligning the team around a shared vision and reducing ambiguity before detailed planning begins. It sets the foundation for all subsequent project documents and activities. 6. Estimate Template This free estimate template for Excel can calculate and present the projected costs, time and resources required to complete a project or a specific set of tasks. It helps project managers, clients and stakeholders understand the financial and logistical expectations before work begins. By itemizing costs—such as labor, materials, equipment and other expenses—this scope template provides a transparent and detailed overview that supports budgeting, decision-making and planning. /wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Project-Estimate-Screenshot.jpg An estimate template is closely tied to the project scope, as it derives its inputs directly from the scope’s defined deliverables and boundaries. The project scope outlines what work needs to be done, including specific tasks, features, milestones and objectives. The estimate template then takes that scope and translates it into quantifiable elements—such as time, labor, materials and costs—needed to complete each part of the project, which is why it’s included in this scope template roundup. 7. Needs Assessment Template Use this free needs assessment template for Excel to identify and evaluate the gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes. It helps organizations determine what resources, processes or changes are necessary to achieve specific goals. This scope template includes sections for identifying the target audience or stakeholders, documenting existing problems or inefficiencies, outlining desired results and prioritizing needs based on impact and feasibility. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/needs-assessment-template.png In project management, a needs assessment template plays a key role in defining project scope. By systematically analyzing what the organization truly needs, this scope template helps project teams avoid unnecessary or misaligned work. It provides a fact-based foundation for determining what should be included in the project (inclusions) and what should not (exclusions), helping to ensure that the scope directly addresses real, validated needs. This process supports more focused, efficient project planning and increases the likelihood of delivering meaningful, value-driven outcomes. 8. Work Breakdown Structure Template Download this free work breakdown structure (WBS) template for Excel. It’s a visual, hierarchical tool used to break down a project into smaller, more manageable components. This scope template organizes project deliverables into a structured tree, starting with high-level objectives and progressively dividing them into tasks, sub-tasks and work packages. The goal of a WBS is to clearly define all the work that needs to be done to achieve the project goals. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WES-Screenshot.jpg The WBS template directly informs and supports the project scope by translating broad scope statements into specific, actionable work items. This scope template ensures that all aspects of the scope are captured and nothing is overlooked. By detailing every deliverable and its related tasks, the WBS helps clarify the project boundaries, making it easier to estimate resources, assign responsibilities, schedule tasks and monitor progress. In essence, the WBS is a blueprint that operationalizes the scope, serving as a bridge between planning and execution. ProjectManager Manages Scope Better Than Templates Scope templates can help define a project’s scope. But they’re not ideal for planning, managing and tracking projects. That’s not just scope templates, of course, but all of them. That’s because whether created in Excel or Word, they remain static documents that are poor collaborative tools. Put the templates away and take out project management software for a more dynamic and integrated way to manage projects. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that can help teams plan and execute their work, but also manage resources and track progress in real time. Allocate and Track Resources in Real Time Gantt charts schedule resources and, when onboarding teams, project managers can set their availability to allocate those resources as efficiently as possible. But that’s only the start of our resource management tools. Color-coded workload charts show resource allocation in real time across one or more projects. It’s easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized and balance the team’s workload to keep them productive. A daily or weekly team page summarizes their work. It can be filtered by priority or progress, and tasks updated without leaving the page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Monitor Scope With Real-Time Dashboards and Reports Changes in scope have to be monitored, whether that’s adding tasks or deliverables. Our software does that automatically, reflected in Gantt chart timelines, depending on the aforementioned workload chart. This helps to capture scope creep fast and mitigate it. A high-level overview of the project’s metrics can be found with our real-time dashboards and more detailed information uncovered in customizable reports on resource usage, task completion, budget impact and more. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Team-summary-better-data-light-mode-home-screen-dashboard.png Related Scope Content Scope management relies on much more than scope templates. For those that are curious to learn more about the subject, below are links to recently published articles from our blog, which offer tips, tools and more. What Is Project Scope? Scope Management Steps, Tips & Tools Project Scope Statement: How to Write One With Examples What Is Scope Creep and How Can I Avoid It? How to Make a Scope Management Plan (Template Included) ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 8 Free Scope Templates: Documents, Excel Spreadsheets & More appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

YouTube is an amazing tool. If there's anything you want to do, from playing an instrument to fixing household appliances, there is a video on the site somewhere outlining exactly how to do it. The problem: YouTube doesn't always act like a tool. It's easy to get sucked down a rabbit hole of related videos, comments, and other distractions (mostly because the site it designed to make sure you do exactly that). If you wish YouTube behaved more like a tool and less like a dopamine factory, I recommend Untrap. This browser extension, available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera, lets you make almost 300 tweaks to the YouTube website, allowing you to remove the distracting features and enable a few useful ones by default. To get started, install the extension and click the icon. You will see a few useful options, including the ability to hide all shorts, but to find the really useful things, click the All Settings box at the bottom. This lets you browse tweaks for every page on the YouTube website, including video pages, the home page, and the search results. I suggest starting with the place you spend most of your time: video pages. Scroll through the list and you'll find various tweaks you can make. The first thing I did was turn on "Hide Related Videos" and turn on "Automatically Show Chapters." This immediately transforms the space to the right of the video from a rabbit hole of distractions into a tool you can use to browse the currently playing video with intention to find the exact information you're looking for. Credit: Justin Pot There are more great features here. You can disable the suggestions that show up at the end of the video. You can force the theater mode, meaning the video will always take up the full width of the screen. You can automatically extend the video description, meaning you'll never again have to click the little "More" button in order to find the link that you're looking for. You can even disable the comments completely, if you wish you spent less time scrolling through them. You're in control. There are similar options for YouTube's homepage, the subscriptions page, and even the search results. If there's anything about YouTube's interface that you find distracting or generally not useful, just disable it. In an ideal world, YouTube (and every other site) would work this way, but it's nice that there are tools out there that let you customize things. View the full article

A hot new high-stakes competition show went viral on the internet this week that had fans placing bets, joining fantasy leagues, tweeting live updates, and posting daily recaps. But it wasn’t Love Island or Survivor. It was the conclave. The conclave is the Catholic Church’s traditional process for picking a new pope. It involves sequestering dozens of cardinals in an locked-down Sistine Chapel for an indefinite period, during which time they use a series of votes to elect a new pontiff. After each ballot, an old-fashioned system is used to let the world know whether a pope has been chosen: If the decision has not been made, black smoke issues from the Chapel’s chimney; if it has, the smoke is white. This afternoon, white smoke issued after less than two days, announcing that Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, had been chosen—and marking an end to a brief subculture of ultra-dedicated conclave fans. Weeks before the conclave began, fans were already turning the election into a quasi-sporting event, analyzing each of the 133 contenders and placing bets on their chances of success. Once the conclave was actually underway, cardinal fever only became more intense—and more strange. These are four of the oddest ways that conclave watchers kept up with the news: 24/7 chimney watch For the most dedicated of pope watchers, the official Vatican News channel hosted a 24/7 close-up livestream of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, where the much-awaited smoke issues after each ballot. Despite the fact that the video was largely unchanging—except for the occasional seagull sounds or chatter from the street below—it consistently held the attention of thousands of viewers since going live yesterday. By the time white smoke was issued around noon ET, viewership nearly topped 300,000. Pope Crave For anyone who’s a frequent X user, you’re probably familiar with the account Pop Crave, which updates followers with pop culture news every few hours. Well, now there’s that, but for the next pope. Pope Crave is keeping pope enthusiasts in the loop with a near-constant stream of conclave-related memes, photos, and, of course, real-time updates. The account started as a fan page for the film Conclave, but has since turned into a full-on conclave news outlet in its own right, working with ad hoc correspondents on the ground in Rome to deliver forthcoming details about the election process to its more than 70,000 followers. In an interview with Time magazine, the account’s main administrator, Susan Bin, said her long-term goal for the account is for “the Holy See to hire us so we can make official Vatican memes.” Today, Pope Crave broke the news that a new pope had been selected minutes before many major news networks. Polymarket Thousands of people have already joined conclave-based fantasy leagues and put down their hard-earned cash on the cardinal they like best. On the crypto trading platform Polymarket, “Who will be the next Pope” was the current top trending query on Tuesday, amassing over $27 million in trade volume. A handy color-coded chart kept track of how each candidate was faring among bidders. Just after white smoke issued from the Chapel, but before Prevost’s election was announced, bids on cardinal Pietro Parolin shot into a significant lead, followed by the internet’s favorite, Luis Antonio Tagle. Prevost’s election evidently came as a shock to most bidders, considering that his chances to win were hovering around 1% (and sometimes even edging closer to zero) in the days leading up to the decision. Conclave Island Frequent reality TV-enjoyers may have found it difficult to ignore that the conclave has a striking number of features in common with their favorite shows: A select group of individuals, sequestered from the rest of the world in an intense competition, which is also clouded in layers of mystery and drama. This certainly was not been lost on many fans of the drag competition show Drag Race, who took to captioning iconic images of the show with “the conclave” and speculating about what kind of cash prize the next pope might receive. Over on TikTok, creator Rob Andrson (@heartthrobert) took the reality TV comparison to the next level with a series of videos he called the “Pope Games.” Each installment was dedicated to explaining how the conclave works, as well as digging into all of the juicy gossip surrounding this year’s election, in a style that evoked the reality TV show Love Island. In a Day 1 recap, posted yesterday evening, Anderson began, “Day one of the ‘Pope Games’ is complete. 133 of these singles have entered the villa: no technology or contact with the outside world, leaving the ring light at the door, losing their Duolingo streaks.” He went on to explain a shocking “smear campaign,” touched on reports that cardinals watched the Conclave movie to prepare for the election, and foreshadowed the schedule for day two. View the full article

Experts warn pact still leaves UK facing higher tariffs on exports to the US than before president returned to officeView the full article

10Web announced a new API that enables developers, agencies, and SaaS tool providers to offer AI website building capabilities to their customers The post 10Web Releases API For Scaled White Label AI Website Building appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We're grateful to all our wonderful speakers & guests for making WWC Mountain View a memorable experience for all. The post WWC Mountain View photos: All our great speakers – and more appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

White House and Downing Street celebrate tariff cuts but critics warn of a thin agreement that could face legal challengeView the full article

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed agreement to blunt impact of Donald The President’s tariffs View the full article

In the run-up to the annual U.N. climate conference, set to take place in Brazil’s Amazon in November, the construction of a road is drawing attention, with critics arguing it will lead to environmental degradation. Before the talks, called COP30, the state government of Para is building a 13-kilometer (8-mile) avenue designed to ease traffic on a major highway that runs parallel. The road was planned long before Belem, a metropolitan area of 2.5 million people that sits on the edge of the Amazon, was chosen as conference host. That hasn’t spared it sharp criticism, however, because the road is expected to cut across the last remnants of rainforest in Belem. Road building in the Amazon, which historically has often led to deforestation and development of surrounding areas, also stands in stark contrast to a central aim of climate conferences, and in particular this one: conservation of biodiversity. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has made the slowing of deforestation a central focus of his administration, has frequently boasted that this will be the first such conference in the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon is key to regulating the climate, because trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that heats the planet when released into the atmosphere. “We will hold the best COP in history because the topic of all the ones held in other countries was the Amazon,” Lula said while visiting Belem worksites in February. “This one will be in the Amazon.” An official project map shows a straight line dividing a green area through the city’s outskirts. This protected area is slightly larger than Manhattan. It was designated in 1993 to protect two lakes, a river basin and to restore a degraded rainforest. However, its rules allow private properties, government-approved deforestation and public works. Two university campuses are located within its limits. “Even with measures to reduce the damage, there are tough issues to address,” said Roberta Rodrigues, a professor of architecture at the Federal University of Para. “It’s hard to imagine a road being built along the banks of the Guama River without it leading to illegal development. It may lead to the end of this protected area.” The project dates back to 2020. Construction began in mid-2024, despite criticism over its impact on one of the city’s few remaining green areas. The project drew wider attention in March, when the BBC reported that the avenue was “being built for COP30.” As the story was picked up by news outlets around the world, Brazil’s government issued a statement saying the avenue wasn’t among the 33 infrastructure projects planned for COP30. In a statement to The Associated Press, the state government of Para said that the avenue, named Liberdade, or Freedom, will be an expressway and development around it won’t be permitted. The chaotic growth of Brazilian cities, however, suggests it’s a promise that will be hard to keep. Countless public areas have been occupied for the irregular construction of housing — from modest structures to luxury condos — with the expectation that they will eventually be legalized, which often ends up happening. Belem is the capital of Para, which is run by Gov. Helder Barbalho, a politician from a traditional family who is an ally of Lula. Both support oil drilling in the nearby mouth of the Amazon River, likely a point of contention during COP30. The road is scheduled to be inaugurated just before the conference kicking off on Nov. 10. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Fabiano Maisonnave, Associated Press View the full article

Claim dismissed by prosecution lawyers at Old Bailey sentencing hearing View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Running seems like a cheap sport—you just need shoes!—until you actually go shoe shopping. The right footwear can make or break your experience. They can also break your budget; even the most basic models are well over $100 new. (That being said, keep in mind that the most expensive shoe isn't necessarily the best for you.) Of course, you can search for deals at any time—there's usually something being discounted no matter when you look. But if you want a specific shoe on sale, it's worth watching the schedule of new releases. And the ultimate hack: New shoe models tend to be introduced in the spring, making right now an excellent time to snag discontinued models. Spring is the best time to buy running shoesJust like cars, running shoes come in a make (Asics), model (Gel Nimbus) and, well, there is usually a number at the end of the name instead of a model year: Asics Gel Nimbus 27. Shoes are updated every year or two, depending on the model; the long-running Nike Pegasus is up to version 41. And just as with cars, you can often snag a deal at the end of the model year when sellers get rid of their old stock to make room for the newcomers. You can follow websites like Runner’s World or Sole Review to check out which models are being updated and when they are scheduled to launch. But an even simpler way to keep up on shoe seasons is just to check the “new arrivals” section on your local running store’s website, or sign up for their newsletter. For example, since that Asics Gel Nimbus 27 was released this year at $165, you can bet that the Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is available much more cheaply. At the time of this writing, most of the color/size combinations are going for around $110—that's more than a 30% discount. ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 26 $109.95 at Amazon $159.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $109.95 at Amazon $159.95 Save $50.00 ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 26 $109.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $160.00 Save $50.05 Get Deal Get Deal $109.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $160.00 Save $50.05 That’s a pretty typical bargain, but you can do even better if you shop around—and if you don’t mind choosing your shoes based on the cheapest price rather than the prettiest colors. That issue of selection is a good reason to shop now rather than waiting. As the summer wears on, you may find deeper discounts on last year's model, but you'll also have fewer options. Sizes sell out, too. Here's a perfect example: the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 (that's two models back) is going for just $99.95. The catch is that you have to wear the "cream/fawn" design, since that's the only color option I could find available. Save money by buying these modelsThere are too many running shoes to list all the deals, but I'd like to highlight some prime examples where a shoe was recently released, causing the previous version to go for a much cheaper price. (Release dates below are based on what companies or publications announced earlier this spring, and may or may not be the actual release date. You get the idea, though.) The Hoka Clifton 10 was released in March for $150, and you can now find the Hoka Clifton 9 for $94.25 (women's, men's). The Brooks Glycerin 22 was released in February for $165, and the Brooks Glycerin 21 is now available for $105.60 (men's) and $98 (women's). The Brooks Ghost 17 was released in May for $150, and the Brooks Ghost 16 is now available for $109.95 (women's, men's) Brooks Women's Ghost 16 $109.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $139.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $109.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $139.95 Save $30.00 Brooks Men's Ghost 16 $109.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $139.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $109.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $139.95 Save $30.00 But beware shoes that are too oldIf you’re going to shop discontinued models, there are a few pitfalls you should know about. One is that the foam in a pair of shoes will degrade while it sits on the shelf. This isn’t a problem if you’re buying a model that was just discontinued—those should be fine. But if you find shoes that are two or three model numbers back, they probably won’t last as long as new ones. (The price might still make them worthwhile even with the shortened lifespan, but consider yourself warned.) The same concern applies if you’re buying last year’s model as a backup and planning to stash it in your closet until your current shoes break down. Consider how long it will be until you actually use the shoes, and decide accordingly. While you’re at it, apply the same logic to any gently-used shoes you might find on eBay or Poshmark. View the full article

Two questions, same topic. The first one: I’m on the job hunt, and I have some DEI-focused experience on my resume. I’ve received five rejections from the ~15 jobs I’ve applied for (at least they responded instead of ghosting me!) and I’m wondering if the DEI work is getting flagged. I revamped my team’s interview process to be more equitable and reduce bias, I joined the company’s DEI group when it started in 2020, and I have volunteer experience with a DEI group outside of work. It’s not my entire resume, but it’s enough bullet points and buzzwords to show that I have opinions. In today’s anti-DEI world, should I remove this from my resume? Probably worth noting, I’m a woman in tech. And the second: I work for a nonprofit that does not take government grants. I previously served a two-year set term on the company’s IDE Council, which was later renamed DEI Council, and has now been named Voices and Values Council due to wanting to stay under the radar of the current administration. I am proud of the work I did when I served and have my time on that council listed on my resume and LinkedIn profile. Would you recommend that I change how I reference it to the new non-DEI name (on my resume and/or LinkedIn)? Would leaving the explicit DEI reference help me weed out potential employers that would be turned off by that and align with those who still value it, or would leaving it be seen as out of touch with the current environment and lessen my chances of an interview? Yes, keeping the explicit references to the work will indeed help you weed out employers who are turned off by advocacy of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Companies that do support the work are unlikely to see you as out-of-touch for including it. More broadly, though, I’d decide based on three factors: 1. First and foremost, how important it is to you to screen out companies that have a problem with it. If you’re in a position where you don’t care if you’re screened out by those companies — and especially if that’s an outcome you’d see as desirable — keep it on! In that case, you can stop reading here. Otherwise, though, you could also consider… 2. The company you’re applying for. Do they seem committed to equity and inclusion work? Do they currently talk about it on their website, under any name? Have you seen recent statements from them about it? This could be a different answer for different companies, so you could have two versions of your resume (just like you also might have multiple versions to tailor your application in other ways). 3. How much the work contributes to your resume. If you have significant accomplishments from DEI work, you should generally leave those on, especially if you can talk in concrete terms about how they helped your company get better results in its work. On the other hand, if the line on your resume isn’t much more than just being a member of a working group, it might not be adding enough to keep it (and that could have been true in the last administration as well). If you do keep it and the organization has renamed the work (as in the Voices and Values Council example), use the new name. It won’t hurt to switch it, and it could help. For letter #1, I would not assume that five rejections indicate the DEI work is an issue; it’s just a hard job market right now. That said, you can always try taking it off your resume temporarily and see if it changes your results; that’s always a reasonable course when you’re not sure if something in your materials is holding you back. We won’t be in this place forever, though. The post should I remove DEI work from my resume? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The woman behind Instacart’s successful IPO, Fidji Simo, is joining OpenAI’s C-suite. On Wednesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced Simo’s new role as CEO of Applications. She will report directly to him after transitioning out of her current role at Instacart later this year. “In her new role, Fidji will focus on enabling our “traditional” company functions to scale as we enter a next phase of growth,” Altman said in a blog post. “Fidji brings a rare blend of leadership, product and operational expertise, and genuine commitment to ensuring our technology benefits everyone.” Before joining OpenAI’s executive team, Simo served as a member of its board of directors. She will now concentrate on scaling the company’s “traditional” functions as it moves into its next phase of growth. Simo’s addition signals OpenAI’s potential expansion beyond ChatGPT. Previous reports have suggested the company is exploring ventures into social media platforms. “This organization has the potential of accelerating human potential at a pace never seen before and I am deeply committed to shaping these applications toward the public good,” Simo said in the blog post. Here’s everything you need to know about Silicon Valley’s latest executive: Who is Fidji Simo? The 39-year-old is a first-generation high school graduate from the fishing village of Sète in France. As Fast Company previously reported, Simo was named after a perfume worn by her mother, a boutique owner. She graduated from one of France’s most prestigious business schools, HEC Paris, and began her career at eBay in 2007. Facebook alumn Prior to Instacart, Simo served as a senior executive at Facebook, working closely with her former mentor Mark Zuckerberg, and eventually leading the Facebook app prior to the company’s rebrand to Meta. During her tenure from 2011 to 2021, she held roles including Director of Product Management and Vice President of Video, Games, and Monetization. Leading Instacart In January 2021, Simo became CEO of Maplebear Inc., Instacart’s parent company. She went on to lead Instacart’s highly anticipated IPO in 2023, which raised $660 million and valued the company at $9.9 billion. A healthcare iniciative While serving as CEO of Instacart, Simo co-founded the Metrodora Institute after being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and endometriosis. The clinic and research center is dedicated to treating women with neuroimmune axis disorders by collecting data from consenting patients and sharing it with partner research institutions in hopes of finding a cure. These disorders include conditions in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, such as lupus, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and long COVID. View the full article

Key Takeaways Direct Customer Engagement: Yelp messaging enables businesses to interact with potential clients in real-time, enhancing customer service and fostering loyalty. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Quick responses to inquiries can significantly improve customer satisfaction and retention by addressing concerns promptly. User-Friendly Features: The intuitive interface and notification system allow businesses to manage customer messages easily, even outside of operating hours. Lead Generation: By facilitating seamless communication, Yelp messaging can increase lead generation, helping businesses secure more potential customers. Privacy and Response Management: Businesses must prioritize safeguarding customer privacy and implement effective response management to maintain a positive brand reputation. Strategic Integration: Incorporating Yelp messaging into business processes enhances operational efficiency and aligns customer interactions with brand management goals. In today’s fast-paced digital world, effective communication is key to building relationships with customers. Yelp messaging offers a unique platform for businesses to engage directly with potential clients, making it easier than ever to answer questions and address concerns in real-time. This feature not only enhances customer service but also helps you stand out in a competitive market. By leveraging Yelp messaging, you can create a more personal connection with your audience, leading to increased trust and loyalty. Whether you’re a small local business or a larger establishment, understanding how to use this tool effectively can transform the way you interact with your customers. Dive in and discover how to make the most of Yelp messaging to elevate your business and enhance customer satisfaction. Overview Of Yelp Messaging Yelp messaging offers small businesses an effective way to enhance customer service and streamline communication. This tool allows you to interact directly with potential clients in real-time, addressing questions or concerns promptly. By facilitating quick responses, you can significantly improve customer satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. With Yelp messaging, you can also differentiate your business from competitors. The ability to engage with customers gives you a chance to highlight unique aspects of your services or products. A personal touch fosters trust and loyalty, two vital components for business growth. Utilizing Yelp messaging contributes to efficient project management. As you manage customer inquiries, you establish a workflow that prioritizes communication and responsiveness. This optimization directly supports your overall business strategy by aligning customer interactions with your brand management goals. In today’s competitive landscape, effective communication serves as a cornerstone of operational efficiency. By integrating Yelp messaging into your business processes, you enhance decision-making capabilities. A robust communication channel empowers your team, promoting collaboration and improving customer acquisition strategies. Investing time in mastering Yelp messaging can streamline your customer interactions and boost productivity. Emphasizing timely responses through this platform aligns with your objectives for employee management and customer feedback. Ultimately, leveraging this tool will strengthen your brand and drive sales management efforts, contributing to your long-term success. Features Of Yelp Messaging Yelp messaging offers powerful features that enhance communication for small businesses, facilitating better customer interactions and improved service. User Interface Yelp’s messaging feature presents a user-friendly interface. When customers visit your business profile, they see a customizable call-to-action (CTA) on the right-hand side, making it easy for them to send messages at any time, even beyond your operating hours. This capability enhances your customer service by allowing immediate responses to inquiries, improving overall satisfaction. By encouraging users to provide detailed inquiries, including requests for quotes from multiple vendors, you streamline communication and support business growth. Notification System Yelp’s notification system ensures you never miss a customer inquiry. When a customer sends a message, you receive an email notification that includes the original message. This feature allows for direct responses via email, letting you maintain a dialogue even if you’re not logged into the Yelp application. Such real-time communication fosters deeper customer relationships and aids in effective project management, ensuring timely follow-ups that contribute to customer retention and loyalty. This aspect of the messaging system aligns with your overarching business strategy to enhance operational efficiency and keep your focus on delivering excellent service. Benefits Of Using Yelp Messaging Yelp messaging offers numerous advantages for small businesses, enhancing customer engagement and improving response times. Enhanced Customer Engagement Yelp’s messaging feature makes it easy for customers to reach out to your business without needing to make a phone call. This convenience appeals particularly to users seeking quick communication outside of business hours. Customers can request quotes, consultations, or additional information at their leisure, leading to increased lead generation. For example, a client reported nearly two dozen leads within just two weeks after enabling the messaging feature. Additionally, the option for customers to request quotes from multiple vendors boosts your chances of securing leads that might otherwise slip away. Incorporating this feature into your business strategy fosters better relationships with clients, promoting customer loyalty and retention. Improved Response Time Quickly responding to customer inquiries through Yelp messaging enhances your business operations. Prioritizing timely replies can significantly impact customer satisfaction, as customers appreciate immediate interactions. By maintaining a consistent workflow for responses, you establish a standard of communication that reflects your commitment to excellent customer service. Effective time management through Yelp messaging enhances your team’s capability to address customer needs promptly. This tool not only streamlines communication but also supports your overall project management by allowing you to allocate resources efficiently and ensure customer expectations are met. Challenges And Limitations Yelp messaging presents several challenges and limitations that small businesses need to address effectively to reap its benefits. Privacy Concerns Privacy concerns arise when businesses engage with customers through Yelp messaging. You handle sensitive customer information, which requires a commitment to maintaining privacy. Failure to safeguard this data could result in trust issues with clients, damaging your reputation and customer retention. Implementing secure communication practices is crucial for protecting customer privacy and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Response Management Response management represents a significant challenge with Yelp messaging. You must respond to customer inquiries promptly to avoid negative impacts on your response rate and average response time displayed on your Yelp page. Inconsistent or delayed responses can reflect poorly on your customer service, ultimately affecting brand management and reputation. A team member needs to be available to handle messages, which can strain resources if your business lacks sufficient personnel. Efficient time management strategies and a well-defined workflow are essential for maintaining timely communication and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Additionally, businesses often encounter budgeting challenges when it comes to Yelp messaging. Sponsored actions to engage with potential customers can lead to unexpected costs, especially if non-qualified leads flood in. Tracking these expenses and integrating them into your financial planning helps maintain control over your budget without sacrificing opportunities for customer acquisition. Conclusion Embracing Yelp messaging can transform your business’s communication strategy. By connecting directly with customers in real-time you can enhance their experience and build lasting relationships. This tool not only streamlines inquiries but also showcases your commitment to excellent service. As you navigate the challenges that come with this feature remember that prioritizing responsiveness can set you apart from competitors. With effective use of Yelp messaging you can boost customer satisfaction and drive loyalty. Investing time in mastering this platform is a step toward elevating your brand and achieving long-term success. Frequently Asked Questions What is Yelp messaging? Yelp messaging is a feature that allows businesses to communicate directly with potential customers through real-time messaging. It enables businesses to respond to inquiries, questions, and concerns efficiently, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction. How can Yelp messaging improve customer relationships? Yelp messaging fosters personal connections with customers by allowing timely responses and direct communication. This increased responsiveness can help build trust and loyalty, differentiating businesses in a competitive market. What benefits does Yelp messaging offer small businesses? Yelp messaging provides small businesses with improved customer engagement, quicker response times, and the ability to showcase their services. It helps generate leads and fosters greater customer satisfaction. Are there any challenges associated with Yelp messaging? Yes, businesses may face challenges such as managing customer privacy, maintaining prompt response times, and budgeting for sponsored actions. Careful monitoring and strategic planning can help address these challenges. How does Yelp messaging enhance project management? Yelp messaging streamlines communication by establishing a consistent workflow for customer inquiries. This efficiency allows teams to allocate resources effectively, meeting customer expectations and supporting overall operational goals. Can customers message businesses outside business hours? Yes, customers can send messages to businesses via Yelp messaging even when they are closed. This feature caters to those seeking quick communication, enhancing customer service by providing immediate opportunities for interaction. How does Yelp messaging impact customer satisfaction? Quick and consistent responses through Yelp messaging significantly enhance customer satisfaction. By addressing inquiries promptly, businesses demonstrate their commitment to excellent service, positively impacting customer loyalty and retention. Image Via Envato This article, "Maximize Customer Engagement with Effective Yelp Messaging Strategies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Direct Customer Engagement: Yelp messaging enables businesses to interact with potential clients in real-time, enhancing customer service and fostering loyalty. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Quick responses to inquiries can significantly improve customer satisfaction and retention by addressing concerns promptly. User-Friendly Features: The intuitive interface and notification system allow businesses to manage customer messages easily, even outside of operating hours. Lead Generation: By facilitating seamless communication, Yelp messaging can increase lead generation, helping businesses secure more potential customers. Privacy and Response Management: Businesses must prioritize safeguarding customer privacy and implement effective response management to maintain a positive brand reputation. Strategic Integration: Incorporating Yelp messaging into business processes enhances operational efficiency and aligns customer interactions with brand management goals. In today’s fast-paced digital world, effective communication is key to building relationships with customers. Yelp messaging offers a unique platform for businesses to engage directly with potential clients, making it easier than ever to answer questions and address concerns in real-time. This feature not only enhances customer service but also helps you stand out in a competitive market. By leveraging Yelp messaging, you can create a more personal connection with your audience, leading to increased trust and loyalty. Whether you’re a small local business or a larger establishment, understanding how to use this tool effectively can transform the way you interact with your customers. Dive in and discover how to make the most of Yelp messaging to elevate your business and enhance customer satisfaction. Overview Of Yelp Messaging Yelp messaging offers small businesses an effective way to enhance customer service and streamline communication. This tool allows you to interact directly with potential clients in real-time, addressing questions or concerns promptly. By facilitating quick responses, you can significantly improve customer satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. With Yelp messaging, you can also differentiate your business from competitors. The ability to engage with customers gives you a chance to highlight unique aspects of your services or products. A personal touch fosters trust and loyalty, two vital components for business growth. Utilizing Yelp messaging contributes to efficient project management. As you manage customer inquiries, you establish a workflow that prioritizes communication and responsiveness. This optimization directly supports your overall business strategy by aligning customer interactions with your brand management goals. In today’s competitive landscape, effective communication serves as a cornerstone of operational efficiency. By integrating Yelp messaging into your business processes, you enhance decision-making capabilities. A robust communication channel empowers your team, promoting collaboration and improving customer acquisition strategies. Investing time in mastering Yelp messaging can streamline your customer interactions and boost productivity. Emphasizing timely responses through this platform aligns with your objectives for employee management and customer feedback. Ultimately, leveraging this tool will strengthen your brand and drive sales management efforts, contributing to your long-term success. Features Of Yelp Messaging Yelp messaging offers powerful features that enhance communication for small businesses, facilitating better customer interactions and improved service. User Interface Yelp’s messaging feature presents a user-friendly interface. When customers visit your business profile, they see a customizable call-to-action (CTA) on the right-hand side, making it easy for them to send messages at any time, even beyond your operating hours. This capability enhances your customer service by allowing immediate responses to inquiries, improving overall satisfaction. By encouraging users to provide detailed inquiries, including requests for quotes from multiple vendors, you streamline communication and support business growth. Notification System Yelp’s notification system ensures you never miss a customer inquiry. When a customer sends a message, you receive an email notification that includes the original message. This feature allows for direct responses via email, letting you maintain a dialogue even if you’re not logged into the Yelp application. Such real-time communication fosters deeper customer relationships and aids in effective project management, ensuring timely follow-ups that contribute to customer retention and loyalty. This aspect of the messaging system aligns with your overarching business strategy to enhance operational efficiency and keep your focus on delivering excellent service. Benefits Of Using Yelp Messaging Yelp messaging offers numerous advantages for small businesses, enhancing customer engagement and improving response times. Enhanced Customer Engagement Yelp’s messaging feature makes it easy for customers to reach out to your business without needing to make a phone call. This convenience appeals particularly to users seeking quick communication outside of business hours. Customers can request quotes, consultations, or additional information at their leisure, leading to increased lead generation. For example, a client reported nearly two dozen leads within just two weeks after enabling the messaging feature. Additionally, the option for customers to request quotes from multiple vendors boosts your chances of securing leads that might otherwise slip away. Incorporating this feature into your business strategy fosters better relationships with clients, promoting customer loyalty and retention. Improved Response Time Quickly responding to customer inquiries through Yelp messaging enhances your business operations. Prioritizing timely replies can significantly impact customer satisfaction, as customers appreciate immediate interactions. By maintaining a consistent workflow for responses, you establish a standard of communication that reflects your commitment to excellent customer service. Effective time management through Yelp messaging enhances your team’s capability to address customer needs promptly. This tool not only streamlines communication but also supports your overall project management by allowing you to allocate resources efficiently and ensure customer expectations are met. Challenges And Limitations Yelp messaging presents several challenges and limitations that small businesses need to address effectively to reap its benefits. Privacy Concerns Privacy concerns arise when businesses engage with customers through Yelp messaging. You handle sensitive customer information, which requires a commitment to maintaining privacy. Failure to safeguard this data could result in trust issues with clients, damaging your reputation and customer retention. Implementing secure communication practices is crucial for protecting customer privacy and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Response Management Response management represents a significant challenge with Yelp messaging. You must respond to customer inquiries promptly to avoid negative impacts on your response rate and average response time displayed on your Yelp page. Inconsistent or delayed responses can reflect poorly on your customer service, ultimately affecting brand management and reputation. A team member needs to be available to handle messages, which can strain resources if your business lacks sufficient personnel. Efficient time management strategies and a well-defined workflow are essential for maintaining timely communication and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Additionally, businesses often encounter budgeting challenges when it comes to Yelp messaging. Sponsored actions to engage with potential customers can lead to unexpected costs, especially if non-qualified leads flood in. Tracking these expenses and integrating them into your financial planning helps maintain control over your budget without sacrificing opportunities for customer acquisition. Conclusion Embracing Yelp messaging can transform your business’s communication strategy. By connecting directly with customers in real-time you can enhance their experience and build lasting relationships. This tool not only streamlines inquiries but also showcases your commitment to excellent service. As you navigate the challenges that come with this feature remember that prioritizing responsiveness can set you apart from competitors. With effective use of Yelp messaging you can boost customer satisfaction and drive loyalty. Investing time in mastering this platform is a step toward elevating your brand and achieving long-term success. Frequently Asked Questions What is Yelp messaging? Yelp messaging is a feature that allows businesses to communicate directly with potential customers through real-time messaging. It enables businesses to respond to inquiries, questions, and concerns efficiently, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction. How can Yelp messaging improve customer relationships? Yelp messaging fosters personal connections with customers by allowing timely responses and direct communication. This increased responsiveness can help build trust and loyalty, differentiating businesses in a competitive market. What benefits does Yelp messaging offer small businesses? Yelp messaging provides small businesses with improved customer engagement, quicker response times, and the ability to showcase their services. It helps generate leads and fosters greater customer satisfaction. Are there any challenges associated with Yelp messaging? Yes, businesses may face challenges such as managing customer privacy, maintaining prompt response times, and budgeting for sponsored actions. Careful monitoring and strategic planning can help address these challenges. How does Yelp messaging enhance project management? Yelp messaging streamlines communication by establishing a consistent workflow for customer inquiries. This efficiency allows teams to allocate resources effectively, meeting customer expectations and supporting overall operational goals. Can customers message businesses outside business hours? Yes, customers can send messages to businesses via Yelp messaging even when they are closed. This feature caters to those seeking quick communication, enhancing customer service by providing immediate opportunities for interaction. How does Yelp messaging impact customer satisfaction? Quick and consistent responses through Yelp messaging significantly enhance customer satisfaction. By addressing inquiries promptly, businesses demonstrate their commitment to excellent service, positively impacting customer loyalty and retention. Image Via Envato This article, "Maximize Customer Engagement with Effective Yelp Messaging Strategies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. National active housing inventory for sale at the end of April 2025 was up 31% compared to April 2024. That’s just 16% below pre-pandemic levels in April 2019. However, while the national housing market has softened and inventory has surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels in some pockets of the Sun Belt, many housing markets remain far tighter than the national average. Pulling from ResiClub’s monthly inventory tracker, we identified the tightest major housing markets heading into the spring 2025 season, where active inventory is still the furthest below pre-pandemic 2019 levels. These markets are where home sellers have maintained more power compared to most sellers nationwide. Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 37 markets (see table below) at the end of April 2025 still had at least 50% less active inventory than in April 2019. That’s lower than last month’s count—when 42 of the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets still had active inventory at least 50% below pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Many of those tight markets are in the Northeast, in particular, in states like New Jersey and Connecticut. Unlike the Sun Belt, many markets in the Northeast and Midwest were less reliant on pandemic-era migration and have fewer new home construction projects in progress. With lower exposure to the negative demand shock caused by the slowdown in pandemic-era migration—and fewer homebuilders in these regions offering affordability adjustments once rates spiked—active inventory in many Northeast and Midwest housing markets has remained relatively tight, maintaining a seller’s advantage heading into spring 2025. View the full article

White smoke is pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that a pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church. That means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers. The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin, and reveals the name he has chosen to be called. The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia. Here is the latest: Older cardinals who didn’t participate in the conclave rush out to the square These cardinals lined up as military bands played the Italian and Holy See national anthems. Spotted in the crowd were American Cardinals Sean O’Malley and Donald Wuerl, both of whom are over 80 and didn’t vote. Swiss Guards have taken position in front of front of St. Peter’s Basilica A marching brass band in blue uniforms led a contingent of Swiss guards through the crowd to a central spot below the balcony, generating another huge roar from the crowd. The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the official security force of the Vatican, and holds a ceremonial and a protective function. And now more marching bands are celebrating the election of a new pope in a parade that includes large groups in military dress uniforms. “Vivi il Papa!” erupts from the crowd whenever the music pauses. All eyes are now on the red-draped central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica That’s where a cardinal will soon emerge to “to proclaim a new pope to Rome and to the world.” There is incredible excitement — the crowd is roaring, and some are shouting “hallelujah!” Church bells ring in Spain Moments after white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel, the bells began tolling in Barcelona’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica and the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, across from the royal palace. The great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica are tolling And down below, amid the cheers in the vast mix of humanity in St. Peter’s square, priests are making the sign of the cross and nuns are weeping at the white smoke wafting into the sky. The crowd erupted with joy in St. Peter’s Square Some are obviously deeply moved, others excited. They’re clapping and waving national flags and taking photos with their phones. “Viva il papa!” some shouted. White smoke is pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney It signals that a pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church. That means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers. The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin, and reveals the name he has chosen to be called. The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia. The smoke emerged from the chimney at 6:07 p.m. Pope Francis appointed 108 of the cardinals voting for his successor He elevated these men and others who are not eligible to vote in groups throughout his papacy, beginning in January 2014 with 19. They came from around the world, including the developing nations of Haiti and Burkina Faso, in line with his belief the church must pay more attention to the poor and that its hierarchy should reflect the face of the faithful. His last batch was installed in December 2024 with 21 cardinals, 20 of whom are in the conclave. The excitement in the square is contagious At one point there was applause from the crowd as thousands train their eyes on the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, but it was a false alarm. “We want a Pope close to the people and close to us, to the youth, who represent the future of the Church, said Kacper Michalak, 20, a seminarian from Poland who came for the 2025 Jubilee. The holy year is an ancient church tradition encouraging spiritual renewal which encourages pilgrimages to Rome. How long does it take to choose a pope? It’s hard to say precisely. The Vatican doesn’t officially publish the number of votes in past conclaves, and sources compiling their own tallies don’t completely agree. But historical data provide a few clues. The longest conclave since the 20th century began took 14 rounds of balloting across five days, ending with the election of Pius XI in 1922. The shortest, electing Pius XII in 1939, took three ballots over two days. Cardinals must reach a two-thirds majority to elect a pope. That may have been easier in the past: In 1922 there were just 53 voting cardinals, and until 1978 conclaves had fewer than 100. This year there are 133, so 89 votes are needed. These are the US cardinals voting for the next pope The United States is home to 10 of the 133 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope. That’s more than any other nation except Italy, home to 17 of the electors in the conclave choosing a successor to Pope Francis. Only four of the American electors actively serve as archbishops in the U.S. — Timothy Dolan of New York, Blase Cupich of Chicago, Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, and Robert McElroy of Washington. Two others are retired archbishops, and four have spent many years serving at the Vatican. It’s a mixed group, ideologically. McElroy was one of Francis’ staunchest progressive allies. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a traditionalist, was a frequent critic of Francis. View the full article

Seventeen states are suing President Donald The President‘s administration for withholding billions of dollars for building more electric vehicle chargers, according to a federal lawsuit announced Wednesday. The The President administration in February directed states to stop spending money for electric vehicle charging infrastructure that was allocated under President Joe Biden — part of a broader push by the Republican president to roll back environmental policies advanced by his Democratic predecessor. The EV charger program was set to allocate $5 billion over five years to various states, of which an estimated $3.3 billion had already been made available. The lawsuit is led by attorneys general from California, Colorado and Washington, and challenges the Federal Highway Administration’s authority to halt the funding. They argue Congress, which approved the money in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, holds that authority. “These funds were going to be used to shape the future of transportation,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, calling it “short-sighted” of The President to revoke the funds. “We won’t sit back while the The President administration violates the law,” Bonta, a Democrat, said. The U.S. Department of Transportation did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. EVs stood at about 8% of new car sales in the U.S. last year, according to Motorintelligence.com, a sign the market is growing — although the pace has slowed as the auto industry tries to convince mainstream buyers about going electric. The program was meant to assuage some concerns and build infrastructure along highway corridors first, then address gaps elsewhere once the state highway obligations were met. Some states with projects running under the program have already been reimbursed by the Biden-era federal funds. Others are still contracting for their sites. Still more had halted their plans by the time the The President administration ordered states to stop their spending. Regardless, getting these chargers installed and operating has been a slow process with contracting challenges, permitting delays and complex electrical upgrades. It was expected that states would fight against the federal government’s efforts to slow the nation’s electric vehicle charger buildout. New York, for example, which is part of the suit, has been awarded over $175 million in federal funds from the program, and state officials say $120 million is currently being withheld by the The President administration. Even the electric carmaker Tesla, run by Elon Musk, who has spearheaded The President’s Department of Government Efficiency efforts to cut federal spending, benefited greatly from funding under the program, receiving millions of dollars to expand its already-massive footprint of chargers in the U.S. Despite threats to the program, experts have said they expect the nation’s EV charging buildout to continue as automakers look to make good on massive electrification ambitions. Consumers thinking about buying an EV often cite concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure. It’s a hurdle for people living in multifamily dwellings and in rural areas, or what are otherwise known as “charging deserts.” It’s also a problem for people who can’t find a place to charge their vehicle near their work, or who often drive longer highway routes. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said withholding the funds was illegal and would kill thousands of U.S. jobs, ceding them to China. “Instead of hawking Teslas on the White House lawn, President The President could actually help Elon — and the nation — by following the law and releasing this bipartisan funding,” Newsom said, referencing The President’s recent purchase of a Tesla in a show of support for Musk. The The President administration’s effort to withdraw funding for electric vehicle chargers is part of a broader push to roll back environmental policies advanced under Biden. During The President’s first week back in office, he signed executive orders to pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement again, reverse a 2030 target for electric vehicles to make up half of new cars sold, and end environmental justice efforts. At the same time, federal agencies under The President have rolled back key rules and regulations and supported the build-out of the fossil fuel industry. The U.S. House also advanced proposals last week aimed at blocking California from enforcing vehicle-emission rules, including a ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. The Senate parliamentarian says the California policies are not subject to the review mechanism used by the House. —Sophie Austin and Alexa St. John, Associated Press/Report for America View the full article

Google said it is now able to catch 20 times the number of scammy pages within Google Search than it was previously. Google also said that it reduced the number of bad actors on the web impersonating airline customer service providers by more than 80% within Google Search. Google credits its AI and improved classifiers for these changes. The numbers. Google gave these two stats when it comes to improving the safety of the Google Search results: Google Search can “catch 20-times the number of scammy pages” Google Search has reduced fake phone number “scams by more than 80% in Search” AI and classifier improvements. Google credits these improvements to its updates to its technology. Google said improvements to its “AI-powered scam detection systems — along with improvements to our classifiers,” has led to these better scam detection algorithms. “Advancements in AI have bolstered our scam-fighting technologies — enabling us to analyze vast quantities of text on the web, identify coordinated scam campaigns and detect emerging threats — staying one step ahead to keep you safe on Search,” Google added. Why we care. We often see complaints about searchers being scammed one way or another. Google, as it should, does take these seriously and is constantly working on ways to improve its techniques to block these efforts. It is nice to hear these improvements are making a difference. View the full article

New AI systems are less accurate than older versions, with error rates up to 79%. Learn why this happens and how to protect your brand. The post New AI Models Make More Mistakes, Creating Risk for Marketers appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article