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US stock futures tumble as president reveals plans for 10% universal levies and higher ‘reciprocal’ dutiesView the full article

The diplomatic cost of the US president’s tariffs will be enduringView the full article

The new duties imposed by the US president will send shockwaves through global supply chains View the full article

Everybody wants sovereignty. Everybody wants wealth. Yet a fund is not, sadly, a reliable route to their creationView the full article

Prime minister hopes trade talks between London and Washington could further reduce the levyView the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. A beautiful object, expertly designed, can bring you joy throughout your busy day, unless you are unable to use it because of a permanent, temporary, or situational disability. How does design fail or succeed in creating an inclusive experience for all? As CEO of Michael Graves Design, I am deeply committed to advancing the functionality and accessibility of everyday products, with a special focus on enhancing the lives of those with disabilities. Our mission is to improve quality of life beyond aesthetics, addressing real-world challenges faced by individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities. What drives this commitment? A profound conviction in the transformative power of design to simplify daily tasks and infuse them with dignity and delight. Imagine if every aspect of your daily routine, from waking up to going to bed, was designed with your needs in mind. Activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, and moving around are foundational to our independence. Yet, for individuals facing temporary or permanent disabilities, these essential tasks can pose significant challenges. This also happens due to situational disabilities that we all experience as we go through our day: full hands, loud environments, low lighting, etc. Design can address these challenges head on, transforming everyday activities into seamless experiences, while enabling us to target the widest audience possible. Focus on consumer experiences over tasks This design philosophy empowers brands to tackle everyday challenges by transforming routine tasks into seamless experiences for consumers. We’re eager to share our approach, helping you broaden your reach and enhance how you connect with the widest audience possible. Take, for example, our latest collaboration with Pottery Barn. We introduced bedroom furniture that embodies our “design for all” ethos. At first glance, the furniture collections looks like any other Pottery Barn furniture in its catalogue, relaying an aspirational lifestyle that resonates so well with consumers. But a closer look reveals how dignity has been woven into each piece. Beds come with integrated armrests for easier mobility, and nightstands feature enhancements to store CPAP machines and prevent items from tumbling off—just a few of the many simple, yet profound modifications that make independence both accessible and delightful. The twist here is that while these novel functional enhancements were designed around the needs of those with various disabilities, they were designed to be attractive and useful to everybody. A true embodiment of universal design, equal measure is given to the emotional and functional desires of consumers, essential to design for all. This product development strategy is underpinned by decades of research into the needs and preferences of aging adults and those with disabilities. This is not just design—it’s empathy in action. You must be able to identify real-world problems that need solving, guided by a deep understanding of what people truly desire. Our roadmap is centered on the various ADLs, which are crucial for independent living. The future of design The future of design must be proactive, not reactive. The brands that take this approach will be the leaders of the future. What challenges lie ahead? How can design continue to evolve to meet the unmet needs of our society? To do this successfully, design must merge today’s common expertise in the emotionally driven aspects of a product’s personality and purpose with the less incorporated ability to include and translate various ability levels as creative constraints in the product development process. In short, new products must be alluring, but push their usefulness to a broader audience. We believe the future is in the merging of these two approaches. To have a pioneering brand today, you need to exceed customers’ expectations for enhanced independence, empowering them with the dignity we all deserve. This is the true power of thoughtful design. It goes beyond making daily tasks possible; it’s about transforming how they’re experienced. Anyone living with a disability knows that interruption, modification, and adaptation become part of the daily habits and rituals. Designing with dignity in mind means designing habits and rituals that can be enjoyed for the long term, through shifting conditions. As we look forward, we must ask ourselves how our work as designers and creators of experiences can continue to break barriers and open doors for all members of society. Challenge yourself to think beyond “human-centered design” and instead widen your aperture to focus on “society-centered design.” Let’s not just design for some; let’s design for every body, and make every interaction with our products a reaffirmation of our shared humanity. Ben Wintner is CEO of Michael Graves Design. View the full article

Some members of the Senate, where the GOP majority is thinner, also are asking the Federal Housing Finance Agency to reveal more about planned mortgage reforms. View the full article

What worked on YouTube last year may be outdated now. Explore fresh tips and examples to help keep your video content relevant. The post 10 New YouTube Marketing Strategies With Fresh Examples For 2025 appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I’ve always preferred to wear my Oura ring on my ring finger. The company says that “for optimal performance and accuracy,” it’s best to wear it on your index finger, but that any finger can work. And if you ask longtime Oura users, you’ll get a variety of opinions. Does it really matter which finger you use? I realized I have the perfect way to test this—I have two gen 3 rings that fit my index and my ring fingers. I wore both for nearly two weeks to compare their readings and answer the question once and for all. Oura Ring 4 $349.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Get Deal Get Deal $349.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg How I set up my experimentAs I explained in my four-year retrospective, I’ve worn quite a few Oura rings over the years. My current unit is a gen 3 ring (the slightly older model) that I wear on my ring finger. I also had a gen 3 that fit my index finger, so I could wear both to bed for a few days and compare their readings. I actually wore three rings, but left one of them off my results because it turned out to be redundant. This one was a duplicate of the one I had on my ring finger, so I wore it on the other hand’s ring finger. It was a nearly-dead one that I had replaced when its battery wore out. It still had just enough juice to make it through each night’s sleep so long as I charged it the next day. The readings were pretty much the same as my other ring finger, though, so I left this data off my results chart for clarity’s sake. For this experiment, I needed to pair each ring to a different account on a different phone. The things I do for you, dear readers. Since the accounts were all working from different (or nonexistent) baseline data, I avoided any scores that the app calculates based on your personal history. I stuck with readings like resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep time. The one score I kept was sleep efficiency, since that combines multiple measurements from the same night. My results Credit: Beth Skwarecki I’ve always felt like my ring finger readings are as good as my index finger readings, but now I have data to prove it. Look at these charts! The readings are often identical, and always close. There was one day where the two readings differed—it's the very last day, with different respiratory rates and sleep efficiency. On that day, my second ring-finger ring (data not shown) matched the other ring-finger ring, suggesting that it's the index finger that was the outlier. Overall, the different fingers give readings that are much closer to each other than the different devices from this comparison (for that experiment, I wore Oura, Garmin, Whoop, Apple, and Fitbit devices at the same time). Any of the three placements I used would be perfectly good for daily wear. So why does Oura say your index finger is best? I reached out to the company for more information. What Oura says The gen 3 and 4 Oura rings work on any finger, an Oura spokesperson told me by email, so long as the ring fits “tightly and securely” around the base of the finger. So why the preference for the index finger? It turns out that’s the finger where most people have the easiest time getting a good fit. Specifically: “We suggest avoiding fingers with large knuckles where the base is significantly narrower, which can affect fit and sensor contact. This is why we generally recommend the index finger. If that’s not comfortable or preferred, the middle or ring finger are also good alternatives. All three fingers have larger blood vessels, which help optimize PPG pulse monitoring.” (PPG refers to photoplethysmography, the optical sensor system that picks up your pulse from your finger.) So if your ring finger has a big bony knuckle, you’ll need a larger size ring to get over the knuckle, and that ring won’t be able to sit snugly against the base of your finger. I have no problem getting a secure fit on my ring finger, but I can see that my thumb has a large enough knuckle it probably wouldn’t work well with the ring. Another issue with sizing is that the Oura ring doesn’t come in half sizes, so you may not be able to find the perfect size for your preferred finger. That said, the gen 3 rings feel about a half-size smaller than the gen 4 rings at the same numbered size, so playing around with both sizing kits may help you to find the perfect fit if you’re not picky about which version of the ring you end up with. View the full article

AI-powered search is changing fast. Are you ready? Join our expert panelists for The Impact of ChatGPT and Generative AI on Search: Insights from Industry Experts where they will dive deep into the evolving landscape of AI and search marketing. In this insightful session you’ll discover: How AI search is reshaping SEO and what it means for your strategy. Practical tips to optimize your content for AI tools Why brand awareness and authoritative content are crucial for success in AI-powered search. Whether you’re an SEO professional, marketer, or business leader, this webinar offers the strategic insights you need to stay competitive in an AI-driven digital world. Save your spot today! View the full article

It’s no secret that raising kids in the U.S. has become grossly expensive. The price of childcare alone has ballooned over the past decade, with many families reporting that it costs them at least a quarter of their annual income. Across many states, families need to earn an average of $180,000 to comfortably afford infant care; the high cost of living in states like California and New York can require an income exceeding $250,000. An increasing burden on families A new analysis by the online lending marketplace LendingTree captures why so many families are struggling to manage the enormous cost of having children. The study found that since 2023, the annual cost of raising a young child has jumped by nearly 36%, coming to about $30,000 per year. Over the course of 18 years, that amounts to almost a whopping $300,000. In four states—Hawaii, North Dakota, Washington, and Maryland—that figure can be well over $300,000, even rising over $360,000. Overall, families report spending nearly 23% of their income on the annual expenses of raising children. Childcare comprises a significant portion of those expenses for families with young kids: According to LendingTree’s analysis, childcare costs spiked by more than 50% in just the past two years. Childcare centers have always struggled to make ends meet due to the steep cost of labor. As federal funding has dried up following the pandemic, however, that financial strain has only been exacerbated. Beyond childcare The cost of care is just one of the many additional expenses borne by families with children. There’s the cost of housing, as well as the attendant expenses associated with food, clothing, transportation, and healthcare. The LendingTree analysis found, for example, that food costs jumped by nearly 30% since 2023. That means even in states where childcare is less expensive—like North Dakota—the annual cost of raising children can remain high due to other expenses, like housing. (In fact, the average cost of raising children over 18 years is lower in Massachusetts than it is in North Dakota.) LendingTree’s findings also indicate that even as these costs rise precipitously, families are receiving less assistance from the government. Between 2023 and 2025, the value of federal tax credits decreased by over 44%, in part because the expanded child tax credit secured by the Biden administration expired. While it’s true that the cost of childcare continues to be one of the greatest challenges for many families, the financial burden doesn’t end there—and that’s unlikely to change without broader federal investment. View the full article

The housing regulator has been mum on details about its reshuffling, but Secretary Scott Turner has emphasized mission-critical functions would persist. View the full article

Regulators should approve the deal because post-merger, the servicing market remains fragmented and the mortgage origination business is even more dispersed. View the full article

This guide breaks down five proven prioritization techniques, like the Eisenhower Matrix and MoSCoW Method, to help you focus on what truly matters. You'll learn how to manage your time effectively, reduce burnout, and create a workflow that supports both urgent tasks and long-term goals. The post How To Prioritize Tasks: 5 Proven Techniques appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

Although home burglaries are trending downward overall, there are still more than 800,000 break-ins every year. Aside from the potential damage to your property and the loss of your belongings, there also the concern for your family’s safety—no one wants criminals wandering around your house. The obvious solution is to go with technology—alarm systems and security cameras. While these kinds of systems can definitely help defend against unwanted guests on your property (and give you peace of mind), there’s more you can do to keep your home secure. Your landscaping is a surprisingly key element of your home’s security—or it can be, if you plan it thoughtfully. Here are a few simple ways your home’s exterior design can help defend it against intruders. Keep your home's entrances visibleThe first thing to consider when it comes to security and landscaping is visibility. A lot of tall, lush plants can give you a feeling of cozy privacy—but it also offers a lot of places for people to conceal themselves. Trimming hedges, shrubs, and other plantings down to about 2 to 3 feet in height will ensure you have a good field of vision around your property, and can help eliminate those hiding spots and make it easier to actually use those security cameras you paid for. Having a lot of plants around windows and doors can give you a lot of privacy and shade, but it also means someone can get up close to your house to work on your door and window locks without being seen from the street. Your neighbors can’t help you if they can’t see what’s happening. And dense landscaping around your front door means someone can conceal themselves in order to wait for you to come home or open the door. To make your windows and entryway more secure, keep them clear. If you’re using defensive plants, keep them trimmed low and set them back from windows and doors. You should be able to see the area immediately around your apertures easily from a variety of angles. You can also increase visibility by avoiding opaque features like walls or fences, and instead going with see-through choices like picket or chain-link fences or lattices. Choose thorny plantsOne way to weaponize your landscaping against trespassers is to place “defensive” plants around access areas like first-floor windows. Thorny, prickly plants placed thickly around these areas create a natural barrier to anyone trying to creep around your house. It might not have the same visceral excitement as releasing a bunch of hounds, but it will definitely make a trespasser think twice as they nurse their wounds. Some examples of good defensive plants include cacti (including some mild-weather species like Prickly Pear), thorny rose bushes, Whale’s Tongue agave, or spiky plants like Barberry. Whatever climate or design you’re working with, there’s a plant that will make life uncomfortable for anyone trying to get close to your house. Trim back your treesIf you’ve got trees as part of your landscaping, you should keep them away from your house (about 8 to 20 feet, depending on the size of the tree) for a lot of very good reasons (root issues with your foundation or roof damage, for example). But if your trees are closer than that, or if they’re mature and their branches have crept closer to the house, you should hire an arborist to cut them back. Trim both horizontally (so no one can shimmy their way to a window or to get on your roof) and vertically (so there are no branches lower than seven feet or so off the ground) to prevent someone from climbing up. Untrimmed trees can provide hiding places or act as ladders for thieves and other intruders, so trimming them regularly is a very good idea. Skip the trellisYou might like the visual of a climbing plant snaking its way up your home’s walls, but if that includes a trellis or lattice you should reconsider. A trellis or lattice attached to an exterior wall (or leaned up against it) is essentially a ladder that someone can use to climb, gaining access to an upper floor window. Use gravel for ground coverOne way your landscaping can increase your home’s security is by making it more challenging for intruders to sneak around. Rough gravel used as a ground cover around access points like windows will be noisy when walked on, making it a lot more difficult for someone to get close without being noticed. It’s not going to be as effective as an alarm system, of course, but in the dead of night an unusual noise might alert you—or your dog—to the presence of an unwanted guest outside. Add lightingOne of the more obvious ways your landscaping plan can improve your home’s security is by adding a lot of lighting, especially motion-activated lights. Being able to see your outdoor spaces clearly makes it less likely someone can gain access to your property undetected, and a sudden flood of light will deter trespassers hoping for the cover of darkness. When planning your landscaping, make sure to include robust lighting to make it as safe and secure as possible. View the full article

Publicly traded lenders, including UWM, Rocket Mortgage and Guild Mortgage, saw personnel expenses increase significantly throughout last year. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you've never considered the Kindle Kids e-reader because of the label, you've been missing out on some sweet perks. The 16 GB Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids is $139.99 (originally $179.99), the lowest price it has ever been, according to price-tracking tools. Here's why this is a great deal for everyone—not just kids. (16 GB) – larger 7" glare-free display – Cyber Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $179.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $179.99 Save $40.00 (16 GB) – larger 7" glare-free display – Starfish Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $179.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $179.99 Save $40.00 (16 GB) – Larger 7" glare-free display – Diary of a Wimpy Kid Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $144.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $189.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Get Deal $144.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $189.99 Save $45.00 SEE 0 MORE The kids' Kindle version includes a free case (about a $30 value), an ad-free experience ($20 value), six months of Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription ($36 value), and a two-year warranty (as opposed to the one-year warranty on the standard version). All that value for $20 less than the “adult” version is a no-brainer. The cases for these models are obviously tailored for kids, but it's hard to argue with free. The Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription will charge you automatically after the first six months, but you can cancel it beforehand. On these Kindle models, the kids’ mode feature is turned on by default. You can easily turn it off in the settings, but this will bring the ads back to the lock screen—the Kindle Kids also has some cool features even adults will appreciate, like the awards feature, as this video explains. With the six months of Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription, you can get unlimited access to thousands of kids' books, including all of the Harry Potter series. The Paperwhite Kindle hardware is the same as the adults, including that it's waterproof, has adjustable warm light, a 12-week battery, and Audible access through Bluetooth. You can read the full review of the 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids from PCMag here. If you still don't know which Kindle is best for you, check out our complete breakdown. View the full article

Blackstone and Andreessen Horowitz among firms that would wrest control of social media site from China’s ByteDance View the full article

Nintendo has never been known for high-performance hardware, but that certainly hasn't hurt its bottom line—especially in the Switch age. The company's decision to use more basic components for the Switch back in 2017 helped keep the console cheaper than any of its competitors. It's tough to get too hung up on the lack of 4K 60fps support when you can play the latest Zelda on a handheld that can cost less than $200. But lo, a new Switch is here, and with it, a new price. The Switch 2 is, indeed, a more powerful version of the Switch, and comes with a number of advantages: a larger 1080p HDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dock equipped with a fan to support 4K 60fps gameplay, magnetic Joy-Cons with a "mouse mode" for tabletop controls, among other neat perks. Of course, Nintendo isn't giving those perks away for free, nor is it offering the Switch 2 at the same price as the Switch 1. If you want to order Nintendo's latest console, you're going to have to pay more—for everything. How much does the Switch 2 cost? The Switch 2 retails for $449.99. If you want the bundle that comes with a digital copy of Mario Kart World, that costs $499.99. That isn't cheap, especially when you can pick up a Switch OLED right now for $250. The original Switch retailed for $299.99 too, though that's roughly equal to $390 when adjusting for inflation, so the difference isn't quite so dramatic. We'll likely never know exactly what went into the pricing decision for the new Switch, but it's certainly possible tariffs played a big role. The Switch 2 sold in Japan, for example, costs 49,980 yen, which is just over $333 today. The Mario Kart bundle is 53,980 yen, or roughly $360—still cheaper than the original Switch's MSRP in today's money. Ouch. How much are Switch 2 games?There's a $50 difference between the standalone Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, so you might imagine that's what the game costs. Unfortunately, no: Mario Kart World is actually $80. Not all games may cost this much, however. According to Geoff Keighley, Donkey Kong Bananza retails for $70. These are the only two games with retail prices, so we'll have to see how Nintendo handles MSRPs with future games. (While we don't know the exact prices, we do know a lot of the games launching for Switch 2.) However, physical games might actually cost more. Reports show that Nintendo's European versions of Mario Kart World cost €79.99 for a digital copy, but €89.99 for the physical cart. $90 for a physical game card seems astronomical. We'll need to wait and see if Nintendo rolls out any other pricing information. Switch 2 accessoriesNintendo's official Switch 2 accessories page is live, which means we can see all the MSRPs for the console's newly-announced add-ons. Here's what you can expect to pay for each: Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99 Left and Right Joy-Con 2 controllers: $89.99 Joy-Con 2 charging grip: $34.99 Joy-Con 2 strap: $12.99 Joy-Con 2 wheel (two-pack): $19.99 Switch 2 camera: $49.99 Switch 2 dock: $109.99 Switch 2 carrying case (with screen protector): $34.99 Switch 2 all-in-one case: $79.99 Switch 2 AC adapter: $29.99 View the full article

Google has confirmed issues with the Local Service Ads advertiser console and said they are “investigating and working to resolve this with high priority.” Since this morning, advertisers trying to access the Google Local Service Ads advertiser console have been hit by timeouts, 500 status codes and other errors preventing them from manage LSAs. Confirmation. Ginny Marvin, Google’s Ads Liaison, confirmed the issue on X just minutes ago: The team is investigating and working to resolve this with high priority. — AdsLiaison (@adsliaison) April 2, 2025 The issue. There are a number of complaints on social media about LSAs not being accessible. Here are some of those complaints, some starting around 8 am ET this morning: Was wrong! It is down, you cant log into anything and or create a new profile. I keep getting the gemini logo LOL or the broken robot logo. — Anthony Higman (@AnthonyHigman) April 2, 2025 thats affirmative – supposedly an ICS issue — Chris Barnard (@CPBarnard) April 2, 2025 It’s almost always glitchy but today is worse. I’ve been getting the 500 for hours. — Cody (@cojack90) April 2, 2025 Google has yet to post about this issue on the Google Ads status console. Why we care. If you have been having issues managing your Google Local Service Ads, you should know you are not alone. Many advertisers have been having issues all day long. And while LSAs often have issues in the console, these issues today seem a lot worse. So hang tight, Google is working on addressing the issues. View the full article

There’s a change order process to manage when there are requests for something new or altered in a construction project. A variation order is also instrumental in managing change. This is especially important in construction, where the project often undergoes many changes. What is a variation order? We’ll define the term and explain when to use one and who requests and approves it. Then we’ll break down the components of variation orders and illustrate how they work in a real-life situation by providing an illustrated example. What Is a Variation Order? A variation order is a formal document issued to modify the original contract terms, typically concerning the scope of work, materials, design or project timeline. Variations may arise due to design changes, unforeseen site conditions or client requests. The variation order outlines the changes, their impact on the project cost and schedule, and is agreed upon by both the contractor and client before implementation. It ensures clear communication and proper documentation of adjustments to prevent disputes. Project management software can help with managing variation orders. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts that visually represent the project timeline, tasks, dependencies and milestones, which can be used to assess the impact of variation order on the project schedule and resources. Project managers can quickly identify which dependent tasks may be delayed and estimate how the overall completion date will be impacted, including additional resources that may be required. Our Gantt chart links all four types of task dependencies, filters for the critical path and can set a baseline to monitor progress in real time and make sure the additional tasks are completed on schedule. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more When to Use a Variation Order A variation order should be used in a construction project when there’s a need to formally change the terms of the original contract. This includes any adjustments to the scope of work, design, materials, costs, timelines or other contractual obligations. Here are common scenarios when a variation order is necessary. Design or Scope Changes The client requests additional features or modifications to the original design. Errors, omissions or ambiguities in the design are discovered that require clarification or adjustments. The contractor suggests improvements that could enhance quality, reduce costs or improve efficiency. Site Conditions and Unforeseen Issues Unexpected site conditions are encountered, such as poor soil quality, underground utilities or archaeological findings. Environmental factors like flooding, landslides or weather damage affect construction progress. Regulatory or Compliance Changes New regulations, safety standards or building codes are introduced after the project begins. Inspection authorities require changes to meet compliance requirements. Material or Equipment Substitutions Specified materials are unavailable, and alternative materials need to be used. Equipment specified in the contract is no longer suitable due to unforeseen conditions. Time Extensions or Delays Project delays occur due to factors beyond the contractor’s control, such as adverse weather, supply chain disruptions or labor shortages. A variation order can formalize a time extension to adjust project timelines. Budget Adjustments Changes in labor or material costs may require a re-evaluation of the budget. Additional work or unforeseen conditions may result in increased costs that need client approval. Client or Stakeholder Requests Clients may change their preferences mid-project, asking for aesthetic modifications or functional adjustments. Stakeholders might request changes to accommodate business needs or operational improvements. Who Requests a Variation Order Different parties involved in a construction project can request a variation order, depending on the situation. The most common roles requesting a variation order include the following. Client or Project Owner The client may request a variation order to make design changes, add new features or adjust project requirements. They might also request changes due to evolving business needs, regulatory updates or aesthetic preferences. Contractor The contractor may identify unforeseen site conditions, such as poor soil or hidden utilities, that require additional work or changes to the construction plan. They may also propose variations to improve constructability, reduce costs or meet safety requirements. Architect or Designer Architects or designers may request a variation order if they identify design flaws, omissions or discrepancies in the project drawings or specifications. They may also suggest modifications to enhance functionality or aesthetics. Engineer Structural, civil or MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineers may request changes due to technical issues, unforeseen site conditions or changes in material availability. They may also recommend variations to ensure structural integrity and compliance with regulations. Project Manager or Consultant The project manager may identify the need for a variation order to mitigate delays, reallocate resources or address issues affecting project timelines. Consultants responsible for quality assurance or regulatory compliance may also suggest changes. Regulatory Authorities In some cases, building inspectors or regulatory agencies may require changes to meet updated codes, safety standards or environmental regulations. Who Approves a Variation Order? A variation order is typically approved by the party or parties with contractual authority over the project. The approval process ensures that the proposed changes are justified, budgeted and aligned with the project’s goals. The key individuals or entities that may approve a variation order include the following. Client or Project Owner The primary approver in most cases, since they are responsible for funding the project. The client evaluates the financial and timeline impacts before approving. They may involve their legal or financial advisors for larger variations. Project Manager Often plays a role in reviewing the variation order for feasibility, cost-effectiveness and its impact on the project schedule. While they may not have the final authority, they provide recommendations to the client. Contractor May need to approve the variation order if it affects their contractual obligations, timelines or resource management. In some cases, the contractor might also negotiate for adjustments in payment or schedule. Architect or Designer Approves variations that involve design changes to ensure the changes align with architectural intent and building codes. Provides technical input regarding the feasibility of the proposed changes. Engineer If the variation order involves structural or technical modifications, the engineer must assess the impact on safety, stability and compliance with engineering standards. Quantity Surveyor or Cost Consultant Reviews the financial impact of the variation order, ensuring accurate cost estimates are provided before approval. Regulatory Authorities (If Necessary) For variations that affect safety standards, zoning regulations or building codes, the relevant regulatory authority may need to approve the changes. What Should Be Included in a Variation Order? A variation order is a formal document to request and approve changes to a construction project’s original contract. It serves as an essential record of any adjustments in scope, timeline or budget. To ensure clarity and transparency, a well-structured variation order should include the following elements. Project Details Provide basic information about the project, including: Project name and location Contract number or reference Client’s and contractor’s names Date of the variation order This ensures all parties can easily reference the correct project and context. Description of Change Clearly outline the nature of the variation. Specify what is being added, removed or modified, including details about materials, design or scope. Explain the reason for the change, whether it’s due to client requests, unforeseen site conditions or regulatory requirements. Change Impact Provide a detailed analysis of how the variation will affect the project’s: Cost: Estimate any additional costs or cost savings. Time: Specify any changes to the project schedule, including revised milestones or completion dates. Resources: Indicate if extra labor, materials, or equipment will be required. This section ensures that stakeholders understand the full impact of the change. Signatures Include designated spaces for signatures from key stakeholders, typically: Client or project owner Contractor or subcontractor Project manager or consultant The signed approval formalizes acceptance of the variation order. Supporting Documents Attach any relevant documentation to provide additional context or justification, such as: Revised drawings or blueprints Cost estimates or quotations Schedules and timelines Correspondence or meeting notes Supporting documents ensure that all details are accurately recorded and accessible for future reference. By including these elements, a variation order becomes a clear, comprehensive document that facilitates effective communication and decision-making in construction projects. Variation Order Example To better understand what a variation order is, let’s look at how it works in a real-life scenario. For example, a change order for a construction project that consists of adding additional parking spaces to an apartment complex. Change Description Field Details Project Name Sunrise Apartment Complex Change Name Additional Parking Lot Expansion Number CO-2025-001 Requested By John Smith (Client Representative) Contact john.smith@email.com Date March 14, 2025 Description of Change The original design included 50 parking spaces. Due to increased tenant demand, an additional 25 spaces need to be added. This requires extending the parking area and modifying drainage. Reason for Change Increased tenant requests and revised city zoning recommendations for parking space minimums. Change Impact Field Details Tasks/Scope Affected Earthwork, grading, and drainage installation, Asphalt paving and line marking, Electrical wiring for additional lighting, Landscaping adjustments Cost Evaluation Estimated Additional Cost: $120,000, Revised Total Project Budget: $5,620,000 Risk Evaluation Potential delays in paving due to weather conditions, Increased material procurement lead time, Budget overrun if additional changes arise Sign Offs Field Details Decision 1. Accepted (Circle One: 1. Accepted 2. Deferred 3. Rejected 4. More Info Requested) Comments Approved with phased expansion recommendation, Budget reallocation required for added cost Project Manager Signature John Doe Date March 15, 2025 Decision Maker Signature Sarah Lee (Senior Executive) Date March 16, 2025 The above charts illustrate how a variation order would be done in the construction of additional parking spaces in an apartment complex. Variation Order Template To help with the variation order process, download this free change request form template for Word, which is another way to describe a variation order. /wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Change-Request-Screenshot.jpg This is an essential part of the change management process and helps to make sure the change is thoroughly and smoothly implemented. Related Construction Project Management Templates A variation order template is one of over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that can be downloaded from our site. They cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Below are a few that are related to the change management process. Change Management Plan Template Download this free change management plan template for Word to outline how changes will be identified, assessed, approved and implemented within a project. It serves as a guide for managing both anticipated and unexpected changes, ensuring minimal disruption to the project’s progress. Change Impact Assessment Template Use this free change impact assessment template for Excel to evaluate the potential effects of a proposed change on a project. It helps stakeholders understand how the change will impact various aspects of the project, including time, cost, resources and overall objectives. This template is often used as part of the change management process to make informed decisions before approving or rejecting a change request. Change Log Template A change log is a spreadsheet used to track and manage changes in a project. Download this free change log template for Excel to provide a clear and organized way to document details about change requests, their status and their impact on the project. Using this free template makes it easy to filter, sort and analyze data, ensuring that all changes are properly monitored and managed. How ProjectManager Helps With Change Management Change management is too dynamic to depend on static templates to manage implementation into construction projects. Construction crews need tools that don’t have to be manually updated and can provide a more collaborative environment. That’s why they choose construction project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio construction management software that allows project managers to track, assess and implement changes systematically while maintaining control over timeline, budgets and resources. Manage Tasks and Resources Effectively After a change is approved, new tasks can be assigned to team members with deadlines and priorities. Because their availability has been set when onboarded and human and nonhuman resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart, project managers can ensure the right people and materials are there to make the assigned changes. Workload charts show resource allocation across one or multiple projects, so it’s easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized. The team’s workload can be balanced to keep them all working at capacity without causing burnout. There’s also a team page to get a daily or weekly summary of team activity, which can be filtered by progress or priority and tasks updated without leaving the page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png View Impact Assessment With Real-Time Dashboards and Reporting There are many ways to see how changes are impacting the schedule, budget and more. For a high-level overview, toggle to the real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They automatically collect live data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that display time, cost, workload and more. For a closer look, use customizable reports on status, variance, workload timesheets and more. Each can be filtered to focus on key data points or provide a more general view of progress, which can then be shared with stakeholders. Secure timesheets can track labor costs to help stay on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode.jpg Related Change Management Management Content A variation order is a crucial but small part of the larger change management process. For those who want to learn more about the topic, below are some more recent pieces we’ve published on our blog about change management principles, processes, plans and more. What Is Change Management? Principles, Process & Models How to Make a Change Management Plan How to Make a Change Management Communication Plan What Is Change Control in Project Management? Change Impact Assessment & Analysis ProjectManager is online project and portfolio construction management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Variation Order in Construction: A Quick Guide appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

On Monday, Apple released iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for compatible devices. But Apple Watch owners might have noticed watchOS 11.4 curiously missing from the list. Apple pulled the update at the last minute, something of a rarity from the company that likes to release all software updates together. But now, the new watchOS update is finally available to everyone, and the slight delay was worth it. This update enables a feature that many Apple Watch users have wanted for a long time: the ability to break through Silent mode when an alarm goes off. The iPhone already does this really well. You're in Silent mode, or you have Do Not Disturb enabled, but your morning alarm still sounds. Apple Watch, on the other hand, had no such option. So if you like using a Silent mode to protect yourself from notifications and other dings, you had to make do with the vibration alarm. Starting with watchOS 11.4, you can keep your notifications at bay, while relying on an audio alarm to sound alongside the gentle vibrations. Which Apple Watches are supported?The feature is available only for users who have watchOS 11.4 or newer. That means it's only available for Apple Watch Series 6 and above, Apple Watch Ultra and above, and the Apple Watch SE 2. If you're rocking the original Apple Watch SE, or the older Series 5 Apple Watch, you're left out in the cold here. Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you have one of the supported Apple Watches, first update your iPhone to iOS 18.4, and then head over to the Watch app. In the My Watch tab, go to General > Software Update. Here, download and install the latest watchOS 11.4 update. How to enable Break Through Silent Mode for any alarm Credit: Khamosh Pathak The feature isn't necessarily ideal, since you need to enable it for every alarm that you set. The news is good if you rely on the same repeating alarm each day, since those settings are preserved, but if you frequently set new alarms, make sure this setting is enabled each time. Hopefully, Apple will create a system-wide toggle for this, or even make this a default option down the line. Go to the Alarms app on your Apple Watch, and choose the alarm that you want to customize. Here, in the Edit Alarm menu, scroll down and enable Break Through Silent Mode. How to enable Break Through Silent Mode for Sleep Mode Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you wear your Apple Watch in bed, chances are you use Sleep mode, and the alarm associated with your sleep schedule. If you want to break through Silent mode here, you'll need to enable the feature separately. On your watch, open the Sleep app and scroll all the way down to your alarm schedule. You'll see two alarms here—one for setting your Bedtime, and one for Wake Up. Choose one of the alarms, and in the Edit Schedule view, scroll down and choose Sound & Haptics. Here, enable Break Through Silent Mode. View the full article

DoorDash co-founder shares three insights that can be used to build a stronger digital brand and improve search visibility The post How DoorDash Became Huge Starting With A $10 Domain Name appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

An artificial intelligence watchdog is accusing OpenAI of training its default ChatGPT model on copyrighted book content without permission. In a new paper published this week, the AI Disclosures Project alleges that OpenAI likely trained its GPT-4o model using non-public material from O’Reilly Media. The researchers used a legally obtained dataset of 34 copyrighted O’Reilly books and found that GPT-4o showed “strong recognition” of the company’s paywalled content. By contrast, GPT-3.5 Turbo appeared more familiar with publicly accessible O’Reilly book samples. “These results highlight the urgent need for increased corporate transparency regarding pre-training data sources as a means to develop formal licensing frameworks for AI content training,” the authors wrote in the paper. One of the nonprofit’s founders and paper’s authors, Tim O’Reilly, is the CEO of O’Reilly Media. An OpenAI spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to Fast Company‘s request for comment. Training data lies at the heart of all artificial intelligence models. Large language models require an incredible amount of information that it uses to guide back on when it churns out text or images for users. OpenAI has struck up some licensing deals to be able to train their models on certain content. But the company, which recently fundraised and is worth $300 billion, has also come under fire for sourcing certain content. The New York Times, for example, is leading a charge against OpenAI and minority owner Microsoft over alleged copyright infringement. The researchers acknowledged limitations in their study but argued the issue is likely part of a broader systemic problem in how large language models are developed. “Sustainable ecosystems need to be designed so that both creators and developers can benefit from generative AI,” the authors said. “Otherwise, model developers are likely to rapidly plateau in their progress, especially as newer content becomes produced less and less by humans.” View the full article

Zelle, the digital payment platform that allows you to send money directly to friends and family, has shuttered its standalone app. But while the Zelle app is no longer, you can likely still send and receive money with Zelle through your bank or credit union—Zelle is already integrated into over 2,200 bank apps, and you can use this search tool to find out if yours is one of them. Otherwise, you'll have to send money using another tool. Here are four of the best Zelle alternatives for peer-to-peer payments. VenmoVenmo allows you to request money or pay other users and send up to $60,000 a week once you've verified your identity within the app. You can transfer funds in your Venmo account to your bank account for free if you're willing to wait 1–3 days, or instantly for a 1.75% fee. Funds sent from from your Venmo balance or linked bank account/debit card are fee-free, while money sent using your credit card incur a 3% charge. Note that you should update the default privacy settings on Venmo to ensure your transactions and account information aren't publicly viewable. Venmo is available for iOS, Android, and on the web. PayPalPayPal is a well-established digital payment service that is useful for sending and receiving money from friends and contacts as well as making purchases online. There's no fee to send money via the "Friends and Family" function from a linked bank account or using your PayPal balance, and standard withdrawals are also free (like Venmo, instant transfers incur a 1.75% fee). There are fees for international transactions and currency conversions, as well as personal transactions made with credit cards. PayPal is available for iOS, Android, and on the web. Cash AppCash App is a peer-to-peer platform similar to Venmo. You can send money from a linked bank account or debit card to other Cash App users—if the recipient's phone number or email isn't linked to an account, they'll be prompted to create one to claim the funds—for free. Standard transfers are also free, and instant transfers from Cash App to your bank incur a 0.5%–1.75% fee. Cash App can also be used to send and receive bitcoin. It's available for iOS, Android, and on the web. Apple CashApple Cash is a built-in payment function for sending money to other iPhone users via Messages, Wallet, or Tap to Cash. Apple Cash is a digital card held in your Apple Wallet, and you can transfer funds out to your linked bank account (standard timing and free) or debit card (instant for a 1.5% fee). Apple Cash allows you to send or receive a maximum of $10,000 per message, with the same limit in a 7-day period. If you have an iPhone, you can pay someone using Apple Cash from within other apps, including Messages. Apple Cash is integrated into iOS and available on the web. How to protect your privacy with digital paymentsThe apps we've listed here have various privacy and security protections, like encryption and secure authentication, but peer-to-peer payment platforms are still targets for scammers. Make sure you only send funds to trusted contacts, and enable settings that keep your money safe, like identity verification and limiting who can see your account and request funds from you. View the full article