Marketers can save time and money selecting and integrating new technologies if they "align their investments with business outcomes and develop a continuous improvement approach to how such tools and platforms are selected, used and upgraded," writes Julia Amorim. To make the job easier, Amorim suggests assessing your current tech stack to confirm current capabilities, map out key processes, workflows and other variables, determine how you'll train individuals to use a new platform or tool and consider necessary internal communication and documentation.
Recent stock market activity and drops in interest rates have many economists discussing the possibility of a recession in the US economy and its impact on employment. Mark Zandi of Moody's says unemployment would nudge up 2-3 percentage points, with jobs in manufacturing, media, finance and construction among the most affected.
STEM labs are sprouting up in shipping containers that Maryland education nonprofit Learning Undefeated has repurposed as Drop Anywhere Labs. The 22-by-8-foot containers can accommodate up to 12 students and host lessons on STEM topics including career paths.
Marketing automation is the leading front-office technology for financial advisers for many reasons, writes marketing expert Bob Hanson. It assists with marketing list segmentation, it allows advisers to run successful digital campaigns, and it tracks results to increase return on investment, he explains.
Friendly's has refreshed the coffee offerings at its 175 eateries, with new brewing machines and 100% Arabica beans from roaster S&D Coffee & Tea. The family dining chain is also brewing its first iced coffee offering.
The CDC released updated guidelines in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report recommending young adults up to age 26 receive catch-up human papillomavirus vaccination if they were not fully vaccinated as adolescents in accordance with existing guidelines, while those ages 27 to 45 should only be vaccinated if they are at risk for HPV. The guidance reaffirmed previous pediatric HPV immunization recommendations advising that children receive initial vaccination at ages 11 or 12 and one follow-up dose after six months to one year.
YouTube Originals will now be available for free for all viewers and will be supported by ads and YouTube Premium subscribers will be able to view the content ad-free. YouTube will also be using an algorithm to recommend videos for Premium subscribers.
Luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. is introducing its first full line designed for men in a push to boost sales and court younger consumers. The retailer's 300 stores will feature a separate space for the 100-design line, which will also include non-jewelry items like beer mugs and ice tongs.
⋅ CNN
Instagram is inviting white hat hackers to test its Checkout feature, which allows users to buy products directly from the site. The hackers are limited to those who have already provided "high-quality" information as part of bug bounty programs.
⋅ The Hill
CMS Administrator Seema Verma said the Trump administration will push ahead with a proposal to align Medicare drug prices with those paid in other countries despite resistance from many Republicans, who warn the plan involves a form of price controls. Verma said the proposal is a "top priority" for the administration, but she declined to reveal any timetable for when the plan might move forward.
The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved legislation aimed at making broadband maps more accurate by setting up parameters for the Federal Communications Commission to act and for groups to challenge the FCC's maps. "This is a big win for the cause of rural broadband and for good public policy," USTelecom President Jonathan Spalter said of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act.
Louisiana's State Bond Commission has approved the sale of up to $350 million in bonds to pay for a $450 million renovation of New Orleans' 44-year-old Superdome. Under the financing deal, the state would provide $90 million, the Saints would cover $150 million and the Superdome management district would pay $210 million.
⋅ Inverse
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, said that using nuclear thermal rockets for inter-space travel should be an area of research for NASA. "To be clear: good for in-space transit, but not recommended for Earth to orbit!," Musk Tweeted.
South Korea is on track to have 10 F-35s in its fleet by year's end, with a total of 40 expected in the next two years. Japan, meanwhile, has confirmed orders for 42 F-35s with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities.
Extraordinary amounts of sargassum seaweed have put a whale-sized dent in travel to not just to Mexico but Florida and the Caribbean too, as the seaweed rots and reeks. Some destinations have installed barriers in the water to try to keep sargassum out, while others have resorted to spending millions of dollars to haul it away.