The article profiles various leaders and their contributions to the fields of leadership, human resources, and technology. It highlights the achievements of Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and her focus on people, kindness, and pragmatic idealism. The article also details the roles and accomplishments of professionals from companies like Kennametal Inc, INGKA (IKEA group), Forvia, and Principal Financial Group, as well as their educational backgrounds and involvement in various programs and initiatives. ADP's President and CEO, Maria Black, is committed to innovation and social good through ADP's products. The text also introduces other ADP executives and their contributions to product development and global enterprise sales.

The article explores how the city of Gelsenkirchen and its football fans navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the economic impact on local businesses, including a pub, a brewery, and fan clubs associated with the Schalke 04 football team. Key figures share their personal experiences, detailing how they adapted to the crisis through innovation and community support. Despite the hardships, there is a sense of resilience and hope for a better future.

Germany, once hailed as the world's leading recycler, faces a harsh reality as a significant portion of its recyclables are incinerated or shipped abroad, often ending up in illegal dumpsites in poorer countries. This revelation has disillusioned many Germans, including Sandra Dudler, who meticulously follows recycling protocols. Reports indicate that only 15.6% of post-consumer plastic waste in Germany is remade into new products, with over 60% being burned. The German government and environmental organizations like Greenpeace and BUND are calling for stricter regulations and reduced plastic production. The European Union's upcoming ban on single-use plastics and Germany's new packaging registration requirements aim to address these issues, but activists argue for more drastic measures.

A significant portion of Americans are unbanked or underbanked, relying on alternative financial services like pawnshops and payday lenders. This issue disproportionately affects people of color, immigrants, those living in poverty, and people with disabilities. Universal internet access could help these individuals participate more fully in the financial system, especially as physical bank branches decline. Virtual banking services and trust-building through human connections are essential. The FCC's investment in 5G for rural areas could also spur economic development and entrepreneurship.

Vienna has reclaimed the top spot in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking, excelling in Stability, Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure. The city is noted for its extensive public transportation network, significant investments in infrastructure projects like the U5 subway line, and a strong focus on sustainable development and social housing. Key figures like Peter Hanke and Jasmin Soravia highlight Vienna's commitment to quality of life, climate neutrality by 2040, and its appeal to international investors. The city's resilience during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine underscores its high quality of life and social cohesion.

Jan Gehl, a renowned architect, shared his insights on future-proofing cities at ULI Europe’s Real Estate Forum in Copenhagen. He criticized reliance on technology alone to solve urban issues, advocating instead for human-centric urban planning. Gehl highlighted the negative impacts of modernism and car-centric planning, using Copenhagen's transformation into a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly city as a successful model. He emphasized the importance of creating livable, sustainable cities that encourage walking and biking. Gehl also discussed successful urban projects in New York City and Moscow, contrasting them with less successful efforts in London. He concluded that humanistic city planning is both cost-effective and beneficial for all.

Despite laws mandating equal pay for equal work, significant gender and racial wage gaps persist globally. Women earn on average 80% of what men earn, with disparities more pronounced among minority groups. Pay discrimination also affects LGBTQ individuals. Pay transparency and open discussions about salaries are crucial for addressing these inequities. Various countries and states are implementing measures to promote pay transparency, but achieving true pay equality remains a complex and long-term challenge. The World Economic Forum estimates it could take 134 years to close the gender pay gap at the current rate.

Grace Dobush reflects on her journey of embracing silliness, from taking an improv class in high school to creating a techno song inspired by Covid-19 testing signs in Berlin. She recounts the process of developing the song 'Wir steigen ein (Kostenloser Bürgertest)' with her friend Kevin, drawing inspiration from the summer of 2022 and submitting it to Germany's Eurovision selection committee. Despite uncertainty about the song's acceptance due to its length, Dobush expresses pride in this creative endeavor and the formation of her band, Bodega Crush.

The article discusses the increased workload and stress experienced by workers globally, especially those working from home, as found in a report by the ADP Research Institute. It highlights the cultural differences between the United States and Germany regarding work-life balance and the importance of taking time off to recharge. The author emphasizes the need for company cultures to encourage employees to disconnect during their vacations to ensure their wellbeing.

Real estate investors must consider the human impact of climate change and adopt long-term investment strategies. The article highlights the significant internal displacement caused by Hurricane Katrina and emphasizes the need for municipalities to develop socially equitable resilience plans. Experts discuss the complexities of climate migration, the importance of climate risk assessment, and the potential for new real estate opportunities in areas better equipped to handle climate change. The article also addresses the challenges of predicting climate migration, the phenomenon of climate gentrification, and the need for holistic solutions to manage climate risk and migration.

The article discusses the increasing focus on sustainability through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, particularly in the real estate and technology sectors. It highlights the significant role of buildings and construction in global carbon emissions and the opportunity for the real estate industry to commit to sustainability. Siemens is showcased as a leader in this area, with detailed strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, fleet emissions reduction, and innovative solutions like hydrogen technologies. The article also mentions other companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble that have set science-based targets for ESG goals. The importance of international frameworks and accurate data collection for achieving sustainability is emphasized.

Michaels has received a $5 billion buyout offer from Apollo Global Management, which values the company at $22 per share, a 47% premium over its pre-announcement share price. This acquisition follows a history of Michaels alternating between public and private ownership. The deal, which requires shareholder approval, includes terms to protect employee wages and benefits for a year. Concurrently, competitors JOANN and Cricut are going public, highlighting contrasting strategies within the crafting industry. Michaels' 2020 sales saw a modest increase, unlike the significant growth experienced by Etsy.

Grace Dobush shares her experiences and advice from nearly four years of living in Berlin in her e-book 'How To Berlin,' available on Amazon. The book provides practical tips on visas, work permits, apartment hunting, freelancing, workplace customs, pet relocation, shopping, and navigating German bureaucracy, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. It aims to be a comprehensive guide for expats moving to Berlin.

CLEVER°FRANKE, a company founded in 2008, has grown to 35 employees and is known for blending design and technology. With offices in Utrecht, Chicago, and Dubai, they have worked on notable projects like Google's Consumer Barometer and a microsite for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. They value long-term client relationships and have dream clients like Nike, adidas, NASA, and SpaceX. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they continue to innovate in data visualization and maintain a positive work culture.

The pandemic has sparked a resurgence in zine-making, with individuals using the medium to process thoughts, document experiences, and stay connected. Key projects include The Strange Times, Be Seen Project, and Quarantine Public Library, highlighting themes of social justice and creativity. Libraries and archives are also collecting pandemic-related zines, recognizing their value in storytelling and community engagement. The zine format offers a low-barrier, DIY approach to publishing, appealing to both seasoned and new creators.

Grace Dobush discusses the removal of statues glorifying the Confederacy and other controversial historical figures, arguing that it does not erase history but prevents the normalization of their glorification. She highlights the role of public art in reflecting a city's values and provides examples from Richmond, Berlin, and New York City. The article also explores the logistics of statue removal, the creation of new monuments, and the potential for alternative forms of public art that better reflect contemporary values.

Dan Doctoroff, chairman and CEO of Sidewalk Labs, shared his vision for the future of urban development at ULI Europe’s 2020 Conference in Amsterdam. He emphasized the need for cities to grow to remain prosperous and introduced the Quayside project in Toronto as a model for 21st-century urbanization. Despite the project's potential, it faces challenges, including a lawsuit from a Canadian civil rights organization over data privacy concerns. Doctoroff remains optimistic, highlighting innovations like the PMX Project, a mass timber high-rise, and advocating for government-managed data privacy solutions.

Huncwot, a design and technology firm based in Warsaw, Poland, is known for its passion for cultural projects and its innovative work with clients such as the National Library of Poland and the iconic magazine Przekrój. The firm, which started in Poznan and moved to Warsaw around 2010, employs a team that values art and design, and has developed a reputation for creating engaging and aesthetically pleasing websites. Huncwot has also worked with international clients, including the Harvard Film Archive, and has developed its own content management system called Serdelia.

A study by Aniko Öry from Yale SOM and Yuichiro Kamada from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business suggests that a combination of free accounts and financial incentives can effectively encourage users to talk about a product. The optimal strategy varies depending on the product's audience and whether it has a social or private use. The study also indicates that advertising may hinder word-of-mouth campaigns if people believe others are already aware of the product. Dropbox and Uber are cited as examples of companies using different word-of-mouth strategies tailored to their services. Further research is suggested to explore the impact of referral rewards on initial product impressions and the influence of product quality on referral program efficacy.

Global real estate leaders discuss the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, highlighting the shift in focus towards health and safety, and the long-term implications for real estate. Experts from various regions, including China, Canada, and the UK, share their perspectives on market conditions, tenant relations, and government interventions. Despite the economic slowdown, some deals continue, particularly in residential and logistics projects. The pandemic is expected to influence building designs and public spaces for years to come.

At the ULI Europe Conference, experts discussed the global economic outlook, real estate market conditions, and the impact of political tensions and climate change. While some believe European real estate is nearing its peak, opportunities in logistics and emerging markets like Brazil, India, and China remain. The U.S. market is perceived differently, with some seeing softening and others stability. Sustainability and the U.N.'s SDGs were highlighted, with companies like Boston Properties investing in energy-efficient upgrades. The future of work, with automation and the growth of tech and life sciences, is reshaping office space demand.

The ULI Europe 2020 Conference in Amsterdam focused heavily on climate change, with speakers discussing the real estate industry's significant role in both contributing to and mitigating climate change. Maarten Jennen from PGGM highlighted the challenges and strategies in managing a large real estate portfolio under climate risks. Dirk Brounen emphasized the dual role of real estate in climate change and solutions. The conference also introduced the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) tool, funded by the European Union, to help assess and mitigate carbon risks in properties. PGGM's collaboration with Munich RE for risk assessment was showcased, and the importance of sustainable business models was underscored by Ruud Veltenaar.

Berlin, once abandoned by major industries post-World War II, is now a burgeoning tech hub, attracting €2 billion of the €2.7 billion in venture capital flowing to German startups in the first half of 2019. Despite this growth, 64% of Berlin startups struggle to find office space due to rising rents, highlighting a significant challenge for the city's tech sector.

The 'Smogware' project, led by Iris de Kievith and Annemarie Piscaer from Rotterdam, transforms fine dust pollution collected from various cities into ceramic glazes to raise awareness about air pollution. The project visually represents the amount of pollution inhaled over different time periods through the color and texture of the glazes. Workshops, such as the one held in Berlin, involve participants collecting fine dust, which is then used to create glazed ceramic pieces, highlighting the tangible impact of air pollution.

Marker's team has focused on making readers smarter about business through guides and columns on starting, growing, and running a company. They emphasize the power of narrative journalism in learning and developing mental models. The article highlights a collection of their finest stories, including one on Uber's data advantage.

Scooter startups Bird and Tier Mobility have secured significant funding rounds, with Bird raising $275m and Tier Mobility $60m. Other major scooter startups, Circ and Voi Technology, are also expected to announce new funding soon. In Paris, scooter regulation is a contentious issue ahead of the 2020 mayoral election, with current mayor Anne Hidalgo implementing strict rules. Marseille has granted Bird, Voi, and Circ licenses to operate scooters in the city.

The Fixfest Repair Festival in Berlin gathered 250 makers, activists, and tinkerers from 14 countries to discuss the right to repair and circular economies. A new EU-wide campaign for the right to repair was launched, highlighting the potential economic and environmental benefits of extending the lifespan of electronic devices. The article emphasizes the cultural and practical challenges of repair, citing examples like the legal battle between Norwegian repairer Henrik Huseby and Apple. The piece advocates for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing to support repair culture and sustainability.

Joe Castiglione, deputy director for technology, data, and analysis at the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, likens his job to playing SimCity. The article explores the challenges urban planners face in accessing valuable data from Uber, which holds extensive information on city navigation. Despite efforts, including legal actions, urban planners struggle to obtain this data, which could significantly enhance urban planning and transportation models.

Germany, once lauded as the world's best recycler, faces a harsh reality as a significant portion of its recyclables are incinerated or shipped to poorer countries where they are often dumped or burned illegally. This has led to disillusionment among citizens like Sandra Dudler, who diligently follow strict recycling protocols. Reports reveal that only a small percentage of plastic waste is actually recycled into new products, with the majority being exported or incinerated. Environmental organizations and citizens are calling for stricter regulations and reduced plastic production, while the European Union's upcoming ban on single-use plastics aims to address the issue.

The article discusses the role of sensor-driven Internet of Things (IoT) technology in enhancing sustainability and building management, as highlighted by Erik Ubels, CTO of EDGE Technologies, at a ULI Europe forum. EDGE Technologies, known for its innovative smart building solutions, integrates various systems into a single platform to improve building efficiency and tenant satisfaction. The company's flagship project, the Edge in Amsterdam, exemplifies the potential of IoT in achieving sustainability goals. The article emphasizes the importance of upgradable sensors and connecting buildings to smart city grids to optimize energy use and reduce carbon emissions. EDGE's expansion into the UK market and its collaboration with companies like Vattenfall further demonstrate its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Copenhagen's transformation from an ailing manufacturing city to a people-centric, sustainable urban area is highlighted, with a focus on its goal to become the first carbon-neutral world capital by 2025. Key developments include the revitalized waterfront, the UN17 Village, and sustainable building practices. Housing affordability remains a concern, with a growing population and insufficient small, affordable apartments. Innovative solutions like container housing projects are being implemented to address student housing needs.

The Women's World Cup quarterfinals are set to begin amid a severe heatwave in Europe, with temperatures expected to reach up to 104F (40C) in some areas. Matches are scheduled later in the day to avoid the peak heat, and FIFA has allowed spectators to bring water bottles into stadiums and may implement cooling breaks for players. France's national weather agency has issued an orange heat warning, and cities like Paris are opening cooling rooms and extending pool hours. Record high temperatures are also expected in Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, with potential forest fire risks in northeastern Germany. The heatwave is being compared to the deadly 2003 heatwave, which resulted in 70,000 fatalities.

The FAA has issued a warning about the risks of flying over Iranian airspace following the downing of a U.S. drone by Iran. In response, several international airlines, including Lufthansa, KLM, United Airlines, Qantas, British Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, have adjusted their flight routes to avoid the region. The incident has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with President Trump initially threatening retaliation but later downplaying the incident. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of new sanctions on Tehran.

McDonald's has introduced the Big Vegan, a plant-based burger, in Germany to cater to the growing number of flexitarians. The burger, made with a soy and wheat patty from Nestle, is part of McDonald's strategy to adapt to changing consumer tastes. Despite mixed reviews from German bloggers, the Big Vegan is seen as a solid addition to McDonald's menu. The launch comes as McDonald's faces competition from other fast food chains in the U.S. that have partnered with companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat to offer meatless options. The Big Vegan's success in Germany could influence McDonald's future offerings in other markets.

Former executives of France Telecom, now Orange, are on trial for psychological harassment linked to 35 employee suicides. The trial, which follows extensive investigations, could result in prison time and fines for the accused and a monetary penalty for Orange. The case highlights the company's controversial restructuring methods post-privatization, which allegedly led to a hostile work environment. The trial is significant as it addresses corporate responsibility and employee welfare on a large scale, with a verdict expected in August.

Uber faces ongoing legal challenges regarding the classification of its drivers as independent contractors versus employees, a critical issue as it approaches its IPO. The European Parliament has approved new rules aimed at providing minimum rights for gig economy workers, which Uber argues do not apply to its drivers. This debate has led to numerous lawsuits and varying rulings in different regions, with significant implications for Uber's business model and profitability. Despite some concessions, Uber remains firm in its stance, highlighting the potential risks for investors.

The EU's Common Identity Repository (CIR) aims to consolidate biometric data on visitors, migrants, and some EU citizens to enhance security and track unauthorized activities. Critics warn of increased risks of data breaches and misuse. The system, costing at least €1.1 billion, will integrate existing and new databases, affecting hundreds of millions. Comparisons are drawn to India's Aadhaar system, highlighting potential security flaws. Advocates argue it will aid law enforcement, while critics emphasize privacy concerns and potential discrimination against immigrants and refugees.

The U.K. government has rejected an anti-Brexit petition signed by 5.8 million people. Despite a significant protest march in London, the government remains focused on finding a way forward for Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May's deal, which includes a two-year transition period, has been rejected twice by Parliament. The House of Commons will vote on alternatives, and May may present her deal for a third vote. Key pro-Brexit figures, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson, have indicated conditional support for May's plan if she resigns before trade negotiations. The EU has set deadlines for the U.K. to propose solutions if the deal is rejected again.

Volkswagen and Amazon have announced a global partnership to create an industrial cloud for Volkswagen's 122 facilities, powered by Amazon Web Services. This initiative aims to standardize and network production machinery and systems, optimizing operations and potentially integrating a global supply chain. The project involves 220 specialists and aims to be operational by the end of 2019. This move aligns with Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess's push for efficiency and innovation, amidst broader goals of increasing electric vehicle production and meeting EU emission regulations. The announcement follows recent strategic decisions by Volkswagen, including job cuts and increased investment in research and development.

Albert Reimann Sr. and Jr., former heads of the Reimann family, were committed Nazis who exploited forced labor during WWII. The family, now wealthy through JAB Holdings, plans to release a full report on their Nazi past and has pledged €10 million to charity. JAB Holdings, owning brands like Panera and Keurig, reported a value decline due to its stake in Coty but remains financially robust.

Uber acquires Dubai-based Careem to expand its presence in the Middle East/Northern Africa region, aiming to reach 1 billion users ahead of its anticipated IPO. Careem will remain an independent brand, led by co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha, and will report to a board with representatives from both companies. The deal, subject to regulatory approval expected by Q1 2020, will allow both companies to operate separately while integrating parts of their networks to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Spotify has acquired Parcast, a podcast studio known for shows like Cults, Serial Killers, and Mythology, as part of its strategy to shift from music to audio content. This follows recent acquisitions of Gimlet Media and Anchor, with Spotify planning to spend up to $500 million on podcasting companies in 2019. Despite its large user base, Spotify remains unprofitable due to music royalties, and these acquisitions aim to provide engaging content without the associated costs.

Uber is set to acquire Dubai-based Careem for $3.1 billion, comprising $1.4 billion in cash and $1.7 billion in convertible notes. This move signifies Uber's commitment to the Middle Eastern market, bolstered by investments from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and backing from Saudi Prince Al-waleed bin Talal. The acquisition precedes Uber's anticipated IPO, which could value the company at $120 billion.

A lawsuit against Purdue Pharma and eight Sackler family members alleges aggressive marketing of OxyContin despite its known addictive qualities, contributing to the U.S. opioid epidemic. In response to the negative press, the Sackler Trust has decided to temporarily halt new philanthropic donations to protect recipient institutions from distraction. The Trust has committed £60 million to various causes since 2010. Recent rejections of Sackler donations by the National Portrait Gallery, Tate, and Guggenheim highlight the growing scrutiny. Purdue Pharma reportedly earned over $4 billion from 2008 to 2016, during which opioid overdose deaths surged in the U.S.

eBay is considering selling its non-core businesses, including the eBay Classifieds Group and StubHub, following discussions with investors Elliott Management and Starboard Value. Axel Springer, a Berlin-based publisher, has expressed interest in acquiring eBay Classifieds Group, which could be valued at around $10 billion. Axel Springer reported significant revenue growth in its digital and classifieds segments for 2018. eBay's Classifieds Group, with brands like Gumtree and Kijiji, generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2018, with a significant portion coming from Germany.

New Zealand swiftly enacted new gun laws following the Christchurch shootings, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leading the charge. The legislation, expected to be in place by April 11, includes a ban on assault rifles and a buyback program for military-style weapons. The move contrasts sharply with the U.S., where gun control remains a contentious issue due to the Second Amendment and the influence of the National Rifle Association. The article highlights the differences in gun ownership perspectives between New Zealand and the U.S., noting that New Zealand views firearm ownership as a privilege rather than a right.

Bayer's shares dropped over 12% following a verdict that its product Roundup caused cancer, raising concerns about future lawsuits. The ruling is part of the Hardeman v Monsanto trial, with Bayer facing over 11,200 similar lawsuits. Despite the jury's decision, Bayer maintains that glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, does not cause cancer. Analysts suggest that settling the litigation could cost Bayer up to $5 billion. Previous cases, such as Dewayne Johnson's, have also resulted in significant damages against Bayer. Regulatory bodies and scientific organizations are divided on glyphosate's carcinogenic risk.

The 2019 World Happiness Report reveals Finland as the happiest country for the second consecutive year, while the U.S. drops to its lowest ranking ever at No. 19. The report, based on data from Gallup and compiled by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates happiness based on GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of government corruption. The U.S.'s decline is attributed to reduced social capital, increased obesity, and substance abuse, with digital media and reduced face-to-face interactions also cited as contributing factors. Jeffrey Sachs describes the U.S. as a 'mass-addiction society,' criticizing the free-market theory for fostering self-destructive behaviors.

Germany's 5G spectrum auctions have commenced, with four major telecom firms—Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, Vodafone, and Drillisch 1&1—bidding via fax machines from a secure location. Despite Germany's technological prowess, faxes are preferred for their perceived security and legal validity. The auctions, expected to last at least three weeks, could generate up to €5 billion for the federal government. Drillisch 1&1, a subsidiary of United Internet, emerged as a strong contender with high initial bids, aiming to become Germany's fourth mobile network.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern criticized Facebook for its handling of the Christchurch mosque attack footage, emphasizing the platform's responsibility as a publisher. Ardern communicated with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and urged the public to focus on the victims rather than the perpetrator. Facebook revealed details about the video's spread and its efforts to prevent further harm, including collaboration with the New Zealand Police and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism. The shooter, Brenton Tarrant, has been charged and moved to a maximum security prison.

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg emphasizes the company's unwavering commitment to safety in light of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 tragedies. Boeing is actively cooperating with international regulators and authorities to investigate the accidents and ensure the safety of the 737 MAX. The company is working on a software update and pilot training to address concerns. Muilenburg highlights Boeing's century-long dedication to aviation safety and the ongoing efforts to maintain trust and integrity in their operations.

Florida-based FIS is set to acquire Worldpay in a $34 billion deal, including taking on $7.7 billion of Worldpay's debt, bringing the total enterprise value to around $43 billion. This merger is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the payment processing sector, driven by the need to adapt to the growing e-commerce market. The combined company will have its headquarters in Cincinnati, with international operations based in London. The global payment processing market is valued at $1.4 trillion and is expected to grow significantly by 2027. Other notable deals in the sector include Fiserv's acquisition of First Data and PayPal's purchase of iZettle.

Following the livestream of the New Zealand mosque shooting, several major companies, including ASB Bank, Lotto NZ, Burger King, and Spark, have pulled their advertising from Facebook. The Association of New Zealand Advertisers and the Commercial Communications Council have urged businesses to reconsider their ad placements on platforms that fail to moderate hate content. Facebook reported removing 1.5 million videos of the shooting within 24 hours, but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern emphasized the need for tech companies to take more responsibility. Other social media platforms are also working to prevent the spread of the video.

U.S. airlines are adjusting their operations following the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max, with United, American Airlines, and Southwest making necessary changes to accommodate affected flights. The grounding follows two fatal crashes involving the aircraft model in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Boeing supports the FAA's decision and is facing financial repercussions, including canceled orders and compensation demands. President Donald Trump and FAA's Daniel K. Elwell have commented on the situation, emphasizing safety concerns and ongoing investigations.

SoftBank and Toyota are considering a $1 billion investment in Uber's self-driving technology division, which would provide Uber with additional support ahead of its planned IPO. Investors have been concerned about the division's losses and lack of revenue, prompting calls for outside investment. SoftBank, already Uber's largest shareholder, and Toyota have previously invested in Uber's autonomous driving efforts. SoftBank's Vision Fund, the largest technology fund globally, has invested heavily in various companies, including Doordash, WeWork, and Slack. SoftBank's recent IPO raised $23.5 billion, marking the largest Japanese IPO to date.

A 14-hour outage affected Facebook and its associated services, including Instagram, Messenger, Oculus VR, and WhatsApp, causing significant disruption for users worldwide. Facebook confirmed that the outage was not due to a cyber attack, with experts suggesting routine maintenance or a Domain Name System issue as possible causes. The outage, the longest in Facebook's history, also impacted the Ads Manager tool, frustrating advertisers. During the downtime, Telegram gained 3 million new users.

Nissan will cease production of the Infiniti Q30 and QX30 models in Sunderland, U.K., affecting 200 tradespeople, and shift production to Japan due to stronger sales there. The company is focusing on North American and Chinese markets and will withdraw from Western Europe by 2020. Brexit uncertainty is cited as a complicating factor for future planning. Other automakers like Honda and Toyota are also scaling back U.K. operations, with Honda planning to end production by 2021 and Toyota warning of production halts in a no-deal Brexit scenario. The U.K. still lacks a clear Brexit plan as the March 29 deadline approaches.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Ethiopian authorities are at odds over who should analyze the black boxes from the Ethiopian Airlines crash. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam indicated that the U.K., France, Germany, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency are being considered for the analysis to avoid undue U.S. influence. The crash of the Boeing 737 Max 8, which killed all 157 people on board, follows a similar crash of the same model in Indonesia, raising global concerns about the aircraft's safety.

With Carlos Ghosn facing serious legal charges, Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi have restructured their leadership to ensure a balanced alliance. Jean-Dominique Senard of Renault will chair the alliance, with CEOs from Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi joining the board. Ghosn, who was instrumental in forming the alliance, has been ousted from his positions and faces charges of financial misconduct. He was released on bail but is restricted from attending Nissan's board meetings. The alliance aims for a fresh start while maintaining existing shareholdings.

The U.S. has warned Germany to exclude Huawei from its 5G network or face reduced intelligence sharing, citing security concerns over potential Chinese espionage. Germany relies heavily on U.S. intelligence for counter-terrorism and is hesitant to ban Huawei due to its significant trade relationship with China and potential delays in 5G infrastructure development. The U.S. has already banned Huawei and ZTE equipment for federal use and has charged Huawei with various crimes. This diplomatic pressure is part of broader U.S. efforts to limit Chinese influence in global technology infrastructure.

Nvidia has acquired Israeli chipmaker Mellanox for $6.9 billion, outbidding Intel's $6 billion offer. Mellanox reported a record $1.1 billion in revenue for 2018, a 26% increase from 2017. Nvidia, known for its graphics chips, faced a revenue shortfall in Q4 2018 partly due to decreased data center revenue, an area where Mellanox excels. The acquisition is seen as a strategic fit, with both companies having collaborated on projects like the Sierra and Summit supercomputers. Mellanox CEO Eyal Waldman expressed optimism about the merger, citing shared visions and performance-driven cultures.

The United States is projected to rival Saudi Arabia as the world's top oil exporter by 2024, with U.S. exports increasing from 4.5 million barrels per day in 2018 to over 8 million barrels per day in 2021. The IEA forecasts a global oil demand growth of 1.2 million barrels per day through 2024, reaching 106.4 million barrels per day. U.S. shale oil production, or fracking, has surged from less than 1 million barrels per day in 2010 to 7 million barrels per day. The U.S., which briefly became a net oil exporter in November 2018, is expected to consistently hold that status from September 2020 or 2021. The U.S. is also a net exporter of coal and natural gas and is anticipated to become an overall net energy exporter in 2019, remaining so until 2050.

Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways are experiencing financial difficulties, leading to staff layoffs, route reductions, and canceled plane orders. The Middle East saw the slowest growth in air traffic in January, with Emirates reporting an 86% drop in profits. Etihad is reducing its aircraft orders to mitigate expected losses, while Qatar Airways is struggling with increased costs due to a trade embargo. A decline in first-class travel is also affecting these airlines, as more affluent travelers opt for private jets.

Berlin's local government, led by a coalition of the Social Democrats, Left Party, and Greens, has made International Women's Day a public holiday, marking progress towards gender equality. The decision, passed by Berlin's parliament, reflects the city's multicultural values. While the holiday is celebrated with feminist events and protests, local business leaders express concerns over the economic impact, estimating a 0.3% loss in economic output. The holiday's origins trace back to early 20th-century suffrage protests and socialist movements, with several countries recognizing it as a national holiday.

The author, Grace Dobush, shares her experience and reasons for closing her Etsy store, which she had operated since 2006. She discusses the evolution of Etsy from a platform for independent crafters to a large corporation on the verge of an IPO, losing its indie credibility. Dobush criticizes Etsy for issues such as the oversaturation of the market, the prevalence of resellers, and the homogenization of indie craft. She points out that while Etsy offers high traffic, it also imposes significant fees and control over sellers, leading successful businesses to eventually move to other e-commerce platforms like Big Cartel or Shopify for more autonomy and lower fees. The article provides insight into the challenges faced by crafters on Etsy and the broader implications for the craft economy.

The article discusses the significant growth of the US creative industry, now valued at $43.9 billion, a 45% increase since 2011. The Association For Creative Industries, formerly known as the Craft and Hobby Association, conducted the research. The article compares the creative industry to the sports industry and highlights the lack of recognition for the creative business, citing the example of Etsy's underestimation by some business media despite its substantial gross sales. The piece also touches on the demographic changes within American crafters, noting a younger and more diverse crafting community. The rebranding of the AFCI and the Creativation trade show are mentioned as signs of the industry's adaptation to the digital economy. The article also covers the role of social media influencers in the crafting industry and the fragmentation of the creative market across various types of retailers.

The article discusses the misuse and over-reliance on Social Security numbers (SSNs) in the United States as identifiers in various sectors, including healthcare, banking, and government services. Originally intended for government benefits, SSNs have become a target for identity thieves due to their widespread use. The article highlights the history of SSNs, their increasing use by different organizations, and the risks associated with their exposure. It also covers the high incidence of data breaches in the healthcare industry and provides advice on how to protect SSNs from misuse. Experts like Adam Levin from IDT911 and Sean McCleskey from the Center for Identity at the University of Texas at Austin offer insights into the problem and suggest ways to mitigate the risks of identity theft, such as being cautious about sharing SSNs, monitoring credit reports, and considering credit freezes.

The article discusses the evolution of libraries in America, from subscription-based to free public libraries, highlighting the role of Andrew Carnegie in the establishment of public libraries. It focuses on the remaining 19 non-profit membership libraries, particularly the Mercantile Library in Cincinnati and the Mechanics’ Institute Library in San Francisco. These libraries are reinventing themselves as cultural centers and coworking spaces, offering affordable memberships compared to typical coworking space fees. The article also touches on the history of the first subscription library by Benjamin Franklin and the unique American origin of membership libraries. The Mercantile Library, with its rich history and evolving membership, and the Mechanics’ Institute Library, with its cultural focus and community appeal, are presented as valuable and authentic spaces in the modern era.

Michael James Brody Jr., known for his grandiose promise to give away his $25 million fortune in 1970, became a media sensation before retreating from public life due to overwhelming attention and legal troubles. Despite his claims of vast wealth, his actual inheritance was significantly less. Brody's life was marked by erratic behavior, drug use, and mental health issues, culminating in his suicide in 1973. His story has been revisited in a recent documentary, highlighting his brief but impactful presence in the public eye and the idealistic yet tumultuous era he lived through.