Two Michigan small business owners are set to share their powerful stories of resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing to testify about their personal struggles against Governor Gretchen Whitmer's strict lockdown measures. A local restaurant owner who endured a harrowing five-day jail sentence and a passionate barber who was confronted with potential criminal charges will provide firsthand accounts of their defiance during a challenging period of pandemic restrictions. These individuals represent the human face of small business owners who fought against what they perceived as overly restrictive government regulations during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Their testimonies promise to shed light on the personal and professional challenges faced by entrepreneurs struggling to keep their businesses alive while navigating unprecedented public health guidelines. Their upcoming testimony is expected to offer a compelling narrative of individual resilience and the tension between public health mandates and personal economic survival during one of the most challenging periods in recent American history. MORE...

In a significant shake-up at CBS's iconic news program, veteran producer Bill Owens has departed from "60 Minutes" amid ongoing legal turbulence. The veteran journalist's exit comes at a critical moment when the network is embroiled in a high-stakes $10 million lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump, stemming from a controversial interview broadcast last year. Owens, a longtime stalwart of the renowned investigative news program, has been a key figure in shaping the show's journalistic approach for years. His sudden departure adds another layer of complexity to the already tense legal battle between CBS and Trump, who is challenging the network over the content and presentation of a previous interview. The lawsuit and Owens' exit highlight the increasingly challenging landscape for media organizations navigating high-profile political interviews and the potential legal repercussions that can follow. As "60 Minutes" continues to adapt to these pressures, the industry watches closely to see how this situation will unfold. MORE...

Apple finds itself under the microscope as the Better Business Bureau challenges the tech giant's marketing approach for its new "Apple Intelligence" features. The regulatory body is urging the company to recalibrate its promotional language and dial back potentially overstated claims about its artificial intelligence capabilities. The scrutiny comes at a critical time for Apple, which recently unveiled its AI-powered features during the Worldwide Developers Conference. While the technology promises groundbreaking innovations, the Better Business Bureau suggests that the marketing messaging might be stretching the boundaries of accuracy. Specifically, the bureau is concerned about the potential for consumers to be misled by the promotional language surrounding Apple Intelligence. They recommend that Apple provide more transparent and measured descriptions of the AI's actual functionalities and limitations. This development highlights the growing challenges tech companies face when marketing cutting-edge technologies. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, the line between impressive innovation and marketing hyperbole continues to blur. Apple has yet to officially respond to the Better Business Bureau's recommendations, but industry observers are watching closely to see how the company will adjust its communication strategy in light of these concerns. MORE...

Spears Business School at Oklahoma State University has taken a significant step towards global academic collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding with Wuyi University. This strategic partnership aims to create exciting opportunities for students within the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, promising to enhance educational experiences and provide unique cross-cultural learning opportunities. The memorandum represents a forward-thinking approach to international education, designed to broaden students' perspectives and prepare them for a increasingly interconnected global hospitality industry. By bridging academic resources between OSU and Wuyi University, students will gain unprecedented insights into international tourism practices and management strategies. This collaborative agreement is expected to open doors for student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and shared academic programs that will enrich the educational journey of hospitality and tourism students at both institutions. The partnership underscores OSU's commitment to providing innovative and globally-oriented educational experiences. MORE...

In an innovative approach to experiential learning, Stillman School of Business M.B.A. students are set to embark on a remarkable international consulting project with the Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona, a historic institution that holds the distinguished title of the world's oldest continuously operating library. This unique capstone course opportunity will challenge students to apply their strategic skills to a venerable cultural landmark, bridging academic expertise with real-world preservation and management challenges. The Biblioteca Capitolare, nestled in the heart of Verona, Italy, represents an extraordinary repository of knowledge with centuries of scholarly tradition. By engaging directly with this prestigious institution, students will gain invaluable insights into international consulting, cultural heritage management, and the intricate world of library preservation and innovation. Through this immersive project, M.B.A. candidates will not only enhance their professional capabilities but also contribute meaningful strategic recommendations to one of the world's most significant cultural institutions, demonstrating the transformative power of academic collaboration and global engagement. MORE...

In our inaugural exploration of Amazon Q Business, we unveiled a robust evaluation framework for this cutting-edge Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) solution. This innovative platform empowers businesses to leverage their proprietary data through an intelligent AI assistant, eliminating the traditional complexities of managing large language models (LLMs). Our initial deep dive focused on three critical aspects of implementing Amazon Q Business: strategic use case selection, meticulous data preparation, and the development of comprehensive performance metrics. By breaking down these fundamental components, we aim to provide organizations with a clear roadmap for successfully integrating this transformative AI technology into their operational workflows. The journey of implementing Amazon Q Business is about more than just technological adoption—it's about unlocking new levels of organizational intelligence and efficiency. Through careful planning and strategic implementation, businesses can transform their data into a powerful, actionable resource that drives innovation and competitive advantage. MORE...

In a controversial move, the Wayne Township school board has voted to rescind its policy aimed at promoting minority and local business participation. This decision comes amid mounting pressure from the Trump administration, which has been pushing educational institutions to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives under the threat of potential federal funding cuts. The board's vote signals a significant shift in the district's approach to supporting underrepresented businesses and local entrepreneurs. By repealing the policy, Wayne Township schools may potentially limit opportunities for minority-owned and local businesses that have previously benefited from targeted participation incentives. The timing of this decision aligns with broader national debates surrounding diversity and inclusion efforts in public institutions. School districts across the country are now grappling with the challenging balance between maintaining federal funding and preserving policies designed to create more equitable economic opportunities. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the Wayne Township school board's decision represents a complex intersection of economic policy, educational administration, and national political pressures. MORE...

Verizon's leadership revealed a surprising twist in the company's recent mobile subscriber loss, attributing part of the decline to unexpected consequences of government-mandated efficiency initiatives. The telecommunications giant reported that these new workplace regulations have inadvertently impacted their customer base, creating challenges in maintaining their traditional subscriber numbers. In a candid disclosure, Verizon's CEO highlighted how the evolving regulatory landscape has created ripple effects throughout their mobile service operations. The company is navigating these changes while striving to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly complex telecommunications market. The revelation underscores the delicate balance between regulatory compliance and business performance, demonstrating how government policies can have far-reaching implications for major telecommunications providers. Verizon continues to adapt and strategize in response to these emerging challenges, committed to delivering robust mobile services despite the current market pressures. MORE...

Plush Toy Lovers Brace for Impact: Trade War Threatens Affordable Collectibles The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China are casting a shadow over the beloved world of plush toy collectors. Influencers and fans are growing increasingly anxious as potential tariffs threaten to drive up the prices of their cherished "plushies" to unsustainable levels. The soft, cuddly collectibles that bring joy to millions could soon become luxury items, with rising trade barriers potentially making these adorable companions significantly more expensive. Passionate collectors and social media influencers are watching the situation closely, worried that their favorite hobby might become financially out of reach. As negotiations continue and tariffs loom, the plush toy market hangs in a delicate balance, with fans hoping for a resolution that will keep their beloved plushies affordable and accessible to enthusiasts of all ages. MORE...

In a bold move that could shake up the ride-sharing industry, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a legal challenge against Uber, targeting its popular Uber One subscription service. The lawsuit signals a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of the company's business practices. The FTC's legal action takes direct aim at Uber's subscription model, which offers users premium benefits like discounted rides and food delivery. By filing this lawsuit, the regulatory agency appears to be questioning the transparency and fairness of the Uber One program, potentially setting the stage for broader reforms in how subscription services operate in the gig economy. This legal confrontation underscores the ongoing tension between innovative tech platforms and government regulators, highlighting the complex landscape of digital service subscriptions. As Uber faces this latest challenge, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for how ride-sharing and delivery services structure their membership offerings in the future. MORE...