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Employers have used free meals and snacks to lure workers back to the office. Republicans decided that’s no longer worth a tax deduction, unless you work in the Alaska fishing industry or a restaurant. Increasingly, companies have been asking (or demanding) that employees return to the office, claiming that it fosters a stronger company culture and enhances productivity. To woo employees back, or to make sure they’re not angry/hangry when ordered back, companies have been expanding perks such as on-site gyms, childcare facilities, and, of course, free food and beverages. Beginning January 1, the food part will be more expensive for employers, meaning more of them could revert to B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Snacks). Congressional Republicans, who extended so many other tax breaks (and added some new ones) in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) President Donald Trump signed on July 4th, decided they would allow a current deduction for employers who provide meals and snacks to expire—except that is, for certain employees, such as those working in restaurants and in Alaskan fishing vessels and fish processing facilities. (No, we’re not making it up. The fishy part was one of the concessions Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski extracted from her Republican colleagues for her crucial support.) The Back Story Before Trump’s first term tax cuts—the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—employers who provided meals for their employees, and the employees who ate those meals, were entitled to tax breaks under one of two sections of the tax code. Under section 119 of the tax code, employees are not taxed on on-site meals provided by employers for the employer’s convenience. For tax purposes, whether meals are for the convenience of the employer depends on all the facts and circumstances, but typically means that there’s a substantial business reason other than to provide the employee with additional pay (the exclusion doesn’t apply to cash allowances instead of meals). So feeding employees who would otherwise be gone too long at distant lunch spots would be deductible for the employer and not taxed to the worker. Even if the meals couldn’t be considered for the employer’s convenience, they might still be tax-favored under Section 132(e) of the tax code as a de minimis fringe benefit—something so small or inconsequential as to not be worthy of attention. For tax purposes, it means something that has so little value that accounting for it would be unreasonable or administratively impracticable. Typically, this includes items such as coffee, doughnuts, or soft drinks, as well as occasional meals provided to allow employees to work overtime (although how coffee could be considered so inconsequential as not to be worthy of attention is a mystery to me). The de minimis exclusion also applied in most cases to restaurants’ staff meals—the kind you see in The Bear. (Technically, it’s deductible if the facility’s annual revenue equals or exceeds its direct operating costs. Direct operating costs include the cost of food, beverages, and labor costs for cooks and waitstaff, and others who provide services primarily on the premises.) Note that the meals that qualified for the convenience of the employer and the food provided under the de minimis fringe benefit weren’t (and still won’t be) taxable to the employees. That was a win-win, since employees were not taxed on the perk and employers got a deduction. Trump 1.0: TCJA The TCJA made several changes to the tax treatment of meals and entertainment expenses. Entertainment expenses were disallowed. Plus, that 2017 law created section 274(o), which, beginning in 2026, disallows 100% of the employer’s deduction for expenses for food or beverages provided to employees, as well as expenses for the operation of certain eating facilities for employees. As part of the Congressional pattern of frontloading tax goodies and backloading tax pain, the TCJA provided that through 2025, 50% of the cost of on-site employee meals would be deductible (provided it was for the employer’s convenience). And, although de minimis snacks aren’t considered meals, they were also 50% deductible under the TCJA rules. Trump 2.0: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act The new tax law extended many expiring tax provisions in TCJA, but did not extend the rules that had temporarily allowed deductions for snacks and employer convenience perks. Both are now set to expire at the end of the year, which means that U.S. companies that provide snacks, coffee, or on-site meals at the office will no longer receive a tax deduction for doing so. You might think that it was just an oops—that Congress forgot that the provision might expire. But that’s not the case. OBBBA didn’t roll back the provision for all industries—two notable exceptions have been carved out. One exception applies to very specific businesses—those on a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel, or at a facility for the processing of fish for commercial use or consumption located in the U.S. north of 50 degrees north latitude, and is not located in a metropolitan statistical area. It might not surprise you to learn that the only state north of 50 degrees north latitude is Alaska. Notably, the lobster industry wasn’t similarly spared; Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was a no vote on OBBBA. A second exception applies to establishments that sell food and beverages to customers and also provide meals to their employees—in other words, restaurants. The restaurant industry can continue deducting employee meal expenses for kitchen and waitstaff. As for everybody else? Businesses outside of the Alaskan fishing industry and restaurants may be out of luck now, but Congress apparently thinks it’s worth it. The Joint Committee on Taxation found that eliminating the deduction will raise $32.5 billion over the next decade. That might not seem like a lot of money in a law that includes tax cuts that will reduce federal revenues by $4.475 trillion between 2025 and 2034. But consider this: The $25,000 tax deduction for tips, which lasts only through 2028, costs a similar $32 billion. And here’s the weird part, the cost

Topline Astronomer CEO Andy Byron is out at the tech company after he was spotted hugging his human resources chief at a Coldplay concert this week, as the viral moment continues buzzing across social media. The viral moment occurred at a Coldplay concert this week. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Getty Images Key Facts Astronomer announced Byron was stepping down from his role in a statement Saturday, saying the company’s board accepted his resignation. Astronomer said its “leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will take over as interim CEO as Astronomer looks for someone to fill the position. The company said Friday it was investigating the matter involving Byron and noted he had been placed on leave. Byron’s LinkedIn page is no longer public, according to CNN, and his name was pulled from Astronomer’s leadership page. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here. Who Was The Woman Byron Was Hugging? Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s chief people officer, leads human resources at the company. She remains on leave as of Saturday. Key Background The viral moment occurred at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts this week. Byron was seen embracing Cabot from behind on a jumbotron and quickly separated from her once he saw himself on the screen, ducking out of view while Cabot turned her back to the camera. Chris Martin, Coldplay’s frontman, said, “Whoa, look at these two,” before suggesting they were either having an affair or were just shy. The moment has sparked a wave of memes and satirical posts online. Amid the jokes, a statement from someone impersonating Byron made the rounds online, using a quote from Coldplay’s song “Fix You” as the final sentence. Astronomer later confirmed the statement was fake. Further Reading Astronomer CEO Andy Byron Steps Down Following Coldplay Kiss Cam Controversy (Vanify Fair) Read More

When shoppers browse for something, they probably can’t imagine owning a piece of the company itself via their purchase. But that’s essentially what Barcelona-based Beself Brands made possible through its first-of-a-kind security offering BeToken, which went live recently under the wardship of its ERIR (Entity Responsible for the Registration and Records) URSUS-3 Capital. The token’s economic structure seems to be refreshingly straightforward, with Beself carving up 100% of their equity into tokens (17.84 million), with plans to sell roughly 2.97 million of them to retail investors at an entry point of just €100 (approx. $116). The tokens themselves operate on Polygon using the ERC-3643 standard, which embeds compliance verification directly into each transaction. Similarly, Madrid-based ONYZE is set to manage cryptographic key custody under banking supervision, while Token City will provide a user-facing platform for all pertinent transactions.  The result seems to be a trad-fi framework wearing blockchain clothing, with the resultant technology offering genuine operational utility rather than mere novelty. The Spanish landscape analyzed Spain currently hosts over three million small and medium enterprises (SME), yet virtually none of these entities access public investment markets, as traditional exchanges impose massive fees and regulatory compliance costs (that have historically destroyed most family businesses). BeToken’s model offers a viable alternative in this regard, unlocking an entirely new funding mechanism. Moreover, it bears mentioning that Spain has been methodically building infrastructure for exactly this type of innovation, with the aforementioned development arriving on the heels of Law 6/2023, which formally blesses distributed-ledger share registers, and dovetails with the lighter prospectus regime introduced by Royal Decree-Law 5/2021, hinting at a playbook other growth-stage firms may soon copy. Beself’s unique proposition From the outside looking in, Beself Brands has structured its tokenomics to address certain obvious pitfalls (like quick cashout scenarios) with company founders facing restrictions that prevent them from selling more than 10% of their holdings annually.  Not only that, the company has allocated €500,000 (approx. $582,000) specifically for trading liquidity support, while token holders receive actual dividend payments starting in year two, contingent on continued profitability. Lastly, long-term holders can earn a 10% loyalty bonus after twelve months. If this setup holds its own, it stands to validate more than one company’s experiment; demonstrating blockchain’s genuine utility and showcasing how the future of finance could resemble an e-commerce checkout process rather than a complex experiment which only a select few tech savvy individuals can participate in. Interesting times ahead, to say the least! Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content provided on Coinpedia’s information pages is intended to be informative and accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, Coinpedia does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information presented. The information is subject to change without notice, and readers are encouraged to conduct their research and consult with relevant professionals before acting on any details or advice. Coinpedia is not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions resulting from the use of the information provided on these pages. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Both Dogecoin and Shiba Inu are making headlines this week with significant whale activity and fresh technical breakouts. Yet even as these meme coins reclaim key levels, many traders are now pivoting toward Remittix, a new payment token dubbed “XRP 2.0.” Let’s explore the DOGE latest updates, recent Shiba Inu predictions and why Remittix is attracting early investor capital. DOGE Latest Updates Show Double Bottom Breakout Recent DOGE latest updates confirm that Dogecoin has broken out of a key double bottom pattern. After weeks of sideways action, the price surged past the $0.24 neckline and hit $0.2525 with a 5.78% daily gain. Analysts say this classic breakout pattern could send DOGE toward the $0.42 zone, marking a major reversal for the meme coin. source: @ali_charts on X Behind this move is a flurry of whale activity. Wallets holding between 1 million and 100 million DOGE have grown their positions substantially over the past few months. One whale even opened a 10x leveraged long position worth $21.24 million, showing serious confidence in the current price structure. Still, as DOGE latest updates warn, technical caution is needed near the $0.30 resistance zone due to high MVRV and NVT ratios.  Shiba Inu Predictions Strengthen After Whale Surge While DOGE is rising, new Shiba Inu predictions are emerging after a sharp jump in whale activity. Over 615 trillion SHIB tokens were moved in just 24 hours, the highest volume spike in the past month. This level of movement is typically driven by high-net-worth investors preparing for market volatility. source: TradingView SHIB’s price briefly hit $0.000015, testing the top of its current resistance range. Some Shiba Inu predictions suggest a potential breakout if whale accumulation continues. But others caution that a correction could follow if sentiment fades. Still, the recent data shows SHIB is alive and active in the market. A clear move above resistance could spark a short-term rally, keeping traders glued to Shiba Inu predictions throughout July. Remittix Gains Momentum While meme coins dominate headlines, savvy investors are looking elsewhere for bigger gains. Remittix, often called XRP 2.0, is one of the most talked-about Ethereum-based tokens this month. Built for global transactions, Remittix aims to modernize payments using smart blockchain tech. It has already raised over $16.6 million and sold 559 million tokens. Many early adopters believe it could become the next 100x crypto in the real-world payments space. Here’s why Remittix is trending: Real-World Payment Utility: Used by agencies, creatives, and global freelancers. $250K Giveaway Live: Creates community buzz and rapid onboarding. Wallet Launch Coming in Q3: Beta app supports staking and storage. 50% Bonus Active: Early buyers receive extra tokens at checkout. Low Gas Fees, High Speed: Built for mass adoption and daily use. Meme Coins Rally But Smart Money Eyes Utility This week’s DOGE latest updates and Shiba Inu predictions show strong signs of life in meme coin markets. But with smart capital now rotating into Remittix, traders are starting to see that real-world use cases and strong fundamentals may drive the next crypto bull cycle. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here: Website: https://remittix.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix $250K Giveaway: https://gleam.io/competitions/nz84L-250000-remittix-giveaway Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content featured on Coinpedia’s press release page is provided for informational purposes only. Coinpedia does not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any press releases or associated materials. Any views, opinions, or statements expressed in these press releases are those of the respective issuers and do not reflect the opinions or positions of Coinpedia. Coinpedia is not liable for any content, products, services, or actions mentioned in the press releases. Readers should independently verify the information before taking any actions related to the subject matter of the releases. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

With Ethereum’s steady performance signaling renewed interest in the blockchain sector, attention is turning toward emerging projects with higher growth potential. Ethereum’s climb toward the $3,700 mark suggests continued market confidence in large cap cryptocurrencies yet some investors are now exploring alternative assets for greater potential returns. One such project is Ozak AI, currently in the fourth stage of its presale with tokens priced at $0.005. The project’s low entry price combined with a roadmap aimed at real-world AI integration has sparked early investor interest. The next presale phase targets a token price of $0.01. This positioning has prompted speculation that Ozak AI could yield higher percentage gains than established tokens, such as Ethereum. While Ethereum may increase fivefold early projections suggest Ozak AI could deliver 100x returns if it reaches a target valuation of $1 in the next bull cycle. To clarify, a 100x return from the current price of $0.005 means the token would need to reach $0.50 to achieve 100 times the initial investment. Since the token has already surged 400% from its initial price of $0.001 to $0.005 investors who got in early have already seen significant gains. The next jump from $0.005 to $0.01 represents a further 100% increase before the ultimate goal of $1 is realized. Growth Potential and Market Positioning The $OZ token presale has surpassed $1.39 million in funds raised and sold over 38.18 million tokens that reflecting growing interest from early adopters. The project positions itself at the intersection of blockchain and artificial intelligence, emphasizing utility and scalability across key industries including supply chain, finance and logistics. Its focus is on providing decentralized, AI driven tools that operate through smart contracts which enabling real-time data processing and predictive analytics. Unlike trend-based crypto assets that rely primarily on community sentiment, Ozak AI’s approach is centered on long-term usability. The project’s development includes features aimed at automation, machine learning and decision-making processes that do not require centralized oversight. These characteristics are expected to enhance its relevance across diverse applications, giving it an advantage in an increasingly utility-driven market. Youtube embed: Next 500X AI Altcoin Technical Infrastructure and Tokenomics The Ozak AI ecosystem is being built with a strong focus on sustainable growth. Its tokenomics are structured to support both early-stage investor interest and long-term project development. The current price point of $0.005 offers a low-barrier entry which may appeal to retail investors looking for potential upside ahead of broader exchange listings. Besides the presale dynamics, the framework of Ozak AI will utilize blockchain to enable the protection of its data transactions and the possibility of scaling its AI processes. Transparency and consistency in operations are guaranteed by the use of smart contracts. Key features include decentralized AI agents, real-time market analytics and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) infrastructure, making it a practical and forward-looking solution for traders and Web3 developers.  With institutional and retail investors keeping an eye on new names on the blockchain and paying less attention to large caps, more attention is being paid to early-stage tokens, including Ozak AI. As the development continues with a clear use-case strategy, the project is establishing itself on one of the competitive ends of the market that is already appreciative of innovative solutions supported by applied technology. These aspects coincide with the trend in the crypto industry to move towards functionality and reliability that will increasingly affect the attitude of investors by the end of 2025. For more information about Ozak AI, visit the links below: Website: https://ozak.ai/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/OzakAGI  Telegram: https://t.me/OzakAGI  Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content on Coinpedia’s sponsored page is provided by third parties and is intended for promotional purposes. Coinpedia does not endorse, guarantee, or take responsibility for the accuracy, quality, or effectiveness of any services, products, or information presented in these sponsored materials. The inclusion of sponsored content does not imply Coinpedia’s approval or support. Readers are advised to exercise due diligence and conduct their research before making decisions or taking action based on the information presented in sponsored content. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Ayni Gold is revolutionizing gold investment by tokenizing real mining capacity in Peru. Each $AYNI token is linked to measurable gold extraction and rewards investors in PAXG (a gold-backed stablecoin) through staking. Why Tokenized Gold Mining Is Changing Gold Investment Gold-backed tokens are gaining popularity as investors seek secure, inflation-proof assets. Tokenized gold mining combines real-world assets with blockchain transparency, giving users exposure to mining profits without owning physical gold or managing operations. As gold prices push toward record highs and investors pivot back toward real-world assets, one project is reimagining what gold exposure can look like in the age of blockchain. Historically, gold mining is highly centralized and inaccessible. Central banks and large investment funds dominate the sector, controlling resources, data, and profits. Private investors are excluded from participating in mining operations and are limited to trading gold derivatives on exchanges — missing out on the full economic upside of gold production. In a world where participation in gold mining is a monopoly of big corporations, Ayni Gold is a gateway to institutional-grade gold profits for everyday investors. It is a new Web3 venture with deep roots in the Peruvian gold sector. But unlike other “gold-backed” crypto projects, it isn’t just creating a digital asset pegged to bullion in a vault. It’s going a step further: tokenizing the actual capacity to mine gold through the $AYNI token and sharing the profits with its holders. Source: X With its OTC token sale now open to early participants, Ayni is beginning to pull back the curtain on a model that could redefine how gold investment works, especially for non-crypto natives. How Does Ayni Gold Token ($AYNI) Work? Most blockchain projects that claim to be “gold-backed” are really just tokens tied to theoretical reserves or stored bullion. Ayni does something far more concrete. Each $AYNI token is backed by real-world mining capacity — specifically, 0.000004 cubic meters per hour of earth extraction from a licensed gold mine in Peru. That mine, operated by Minerales San Hilario, holds over nine tons of verified gold reserves, and the extraction is already underway. This means Ayni doesn’t rely on future speculation — it’s linked to measurable production in real time. This “power-token” concept gives $AYNI a level of real-world accountability few digital assets can match. To create deflationary pressure and support the token’s long-term value, the supply is capped at 806 million units. Additionally, 15% of all management fees collected for providing the staking service will be used to buy back $AYNI from the open market and burn it on a quarterly basis. How to Earn Rewards with Ayni Staking Ayni doesn’t operate like a typical speculative token. Simply holding it won’t generate returns. To start earning, token owners need to stake their tokens — locking them for a chosen time period to activate their share of gold extraction profits. The platform offers various lock-up options, allowing users to balance flexibility with returns. And to make things even more intuitive, Ayni has launched a Smart Mining Calculator on its website. This tool lets users input how much they want to stake and for how long, then generates estimated earnings based on live mining data, not assumptions. The entire staking model is designed to feel familiar for an average user. No confusing DeFi language. Just stake, wait, and earn. Payouts in PAXG (Gold-Backed Stablecoin) Where Ayni really separates itself is in how it distributes profit. Instead of paying returns in $AYNI or a platform-native token, the platform rewards stakers in PAXG — a gold-backed stablecoin issued by Paxos — with payments made quarterly based on the actual processed capacity and gold mined. Each PAXG token is tied 1:1 to physical gold held in vaults, giving users the benefit of true gold exposure, without storage, security, or delivery hassles. Even if crypto markets are volatile, Ayni’s payout model stays rooted in the intrinsic value of gold. Is Ayni Safe? Transparency and Audits The platform’s commitment to transparency is not just for show. The mining concession in Peru is operated by the same leadership as Ayni, creating full alignment between the physical and digital sides of the project. All mining outputs, operational expenses, and distribution data will be shared regularly through public business reports. These off-chain disclosures are backed by on-chain records, accessible through the DAO framework, ensuring that token holders can verify what they see — whether it’s mining output or how rewards are calculated. This community-driven governance model also gives $AYNI holders voting rights on key project decisions. Audits: Ayni’s smart contracts and staking logic will undergo third-party audits once launched. PeckShield has already audited $AYNI token deployment. Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content provided on Coinpedia’s information pages is intended to be informative and accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, Coinpedia does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information presented. The information is subject to change without notice, and readers are encouraged to conduct their research and consult with relevant professionals before acting on any details or advice. Coinpedia is not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions resulting from the use of the information provided on these pages. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

XRP is making headlines once again as July turned out to be one of its most eventful months this year. From surging new accounts on XRPL to record-breaking TVL (Total Value Locked), XRP’s momentum is catching the eye of both traders and long-term investors.  Could this be the start of another major breakout? XRP Network Growth Hits New Milestones One of the strongest signals of XRP’s growing traction is the surge in new accounts. According to XRPScan data, over 10,000 new accounts were created on July 18 alone, the highest since February.  While it hasn’t topped the all-time high of 30,000 set in December 2024, this steady rise shows that new investors are flowing into the network. The number of active wallet addresses also saw a huge jump, surpassing 50,500—a 100% increase compared to the previous month. This spike suggests not just interest but real usage of XRP’s blockchain, something many altcoins struggle to achieve. Ripple Sees Massive Whale Transfer Ripple has caught everyone’s attention after a huge XRP transfer worth over $738 million was spotted. This sudden move comes as XRP’s price edges closer to its 2018 all-time high, leaving traders and fans wondering what’s next. According to data from Whale Alert, a massive 210,669,117 XRP tokens were moved in a single transaction. At first, the sender’s identity was a mystery, which sparked intense discussions within the XRP community.  TVL Reaches New Heights Another big milestone comes from XRP’s total value locked (TVL). This number just hit an all-time high above $92 million, mostly driven by activity on XRP’s decentralized exchange (DEX). For nearly a year, TVL had stayed flat, but now new energy is flowing in. Part of this push came from Ripple’s official launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain Mainnet in early July. This upgrade made it easier for people to lock their XRP into liquidity pools and use it in new ways. XRP Dominance on the Rise XRP’s dominance index (XRP.D) recently crossed the 5.4% mark, its highest level of 2025 so far. Some analysts believe it could climb toward 15% or even revisit its 2017 peak of 30% if the current trend continues.  With a market cap above $211 billion, XRP has even overtaken major corporations like Shell, Siemens, and Blackstone. As of now, XRP price is trading around $3.54, reflecting a jump of 1% seen in the last 24 hours with a market cap hitting $210 billion.  We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Social media isn’t just evolving, it’s setting the pace for how real estate agents market themselves, connect with clients, and stay visible. What used to be a bonus tool for showcasing listings has become a central hub for discovery, decision-making, and relationship-building. And as social media platforms shift, algorithms change, and consumer behavior adapts, so must your marketing strategy.  The question is no longer if you should be active on social media; it’s how you show up in ways that align with where the industry is heading. In this article, we’re breaking down the key social media trends shaping the future of real estate marketing so you can stay ahead of the curve, stand out in your market, and continue to grow your business in a competitive landscape. Trend 1: Short-form video keeps rising—vertical, raw, and real Short-form video has become the dominant language of social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to reward bite-sized, vertical video content with greater reach and higher engagement. For real estate agents, this means that quick, mobile-friendly clips are now one of the most powerful ways to connect with audiences and stay visible in an algorithm-driven world. But what’s performing best isn’t slick or heavily produced, it’s real. Videos that feel personal, spontaneous, and unfiltered are resonating more than polished walk-throughs or templated content. What’s working now: “Talk to camera” insights: quick market updates or “3 things to know before you buy” clips. Community features: local spotlights or neighborhood vibes. Behind-the-scenes: a day in the life, client wins, or open house prep. If you’re not already posting short-form videos, now’s the time to start experimenting. And if you are, keep an eye on how your audience responds because what feels low-effort to you may be the most authentic thing you share all week. Today’s buyers, especially younger ones, are using Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to search for everything from local restaurants to real estate agents. In fact, social media is now a top discovery channel for Gen Z and Millennials, often replacing traditional search engines. That means your content isn’t just for engagement; it’s part of your online discoverability strategy. Your profile, posts, and captions all play a role in helping people find you. Your bio, captions, hashtags, and even the words spoken in your videos are all being indexed to help users discover content that matches their search. What this means for agents: Use clear keywords in your bio (e.g., “Denver real estate agent for first-time buyers”). Caption with intent: Include phrases people might actually search for, like “moving to Austin” or “home buying tips.” Think like your audience: What would a relocating buyer or first-time homeowner type into the search bar? The agents who show up in search are the ones who understand how the platforms work and optimize accordingly. It’s not about chasing trends, it’s about being findable when your next client is looking. Trend 3: Personality beats polish Authenticity wins over perfection in today’s social landscape. Audiences are tuning out overproduced videos and overly scripted content in favor of posts that feel more human, more relatable, and more you. That’s good news for agents who don’t have a full production team behind them—and even better news for building trust. People want to work with someone they connect with, and showing up as your authentic self helps build that connection long before a consultation ever happens. What this looks like in action: Sharing your thoughts in a candid “walk and talk” video. Letting your personality come through in captions (humor, compassion, insight). Posting bloopers, behind-the-scenes clips, or honest takes on the market. Think less “influencer” and more “trusted guide.” The agents who are winning on social right now aren’t necessarily the flashiest; they’re the most relatable. Trend 4: Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the content game (but not replacing you) AI tools are becoming part of everyday marketing workflows, and real estate is no exception. From drafting captions and brainstorming video ideas to generating listing descriptions or content outlines, AI can save agents serious time. But here’s the key: it’s a starting point, not a substitute. The most effective agents are using AI as a creative assistant, not a content autopilot. That means blending AI efficiency with your human voice, expertise, and emotional intelligence. How agents are using AI today: Drafting listing descriptions or Instagram captions, then personalizing the tone. Using AI tools to repurpose long-form content into short, social-friendly snippets. Brainstorming topic ideas or responding to frequently asked client questions. What AI can’t do is build trust, tell your story, or connect authentically with your audience. That part is still all you. Trend 5: Cross-platform repurposing is the new efficiency standard Gone are the days of creating entirely separate content for each platform. The most savvy marketers and time-strapped agents are embracing repurposing as a strategic approach, not a shortcut. One strong piece of content can fuel your presence across multiple channels. A quick Instagram Reel becomes a TikTok. A YouTube Short can be clipped from a longer market update. A carousel post can double as a LinkedIn slideshow. The key is tailoring each version to the tone and expectations of the platform, not copying and pasting. Examples of what works: A client testimonial video edited into multiple formats: short-form for Instagram, longer-form for YouTube, text-based post for LinkedIn. A blog post broken into bite-sized tips for Instagram Stories or Facebook. A listing walk-through turned into a highlight reel, a behind-the-scenes clip, and a “just listed” photo post. This kind of content recycling saves time, increases reach, and reinforces your message without starting from scratch. Organic reach isn’t what it used to be. As platforms prioritize ads and personalized feeds, even your most engaging content may not reach as many people without a little boost. That’s why more agents are setting aside small budgets for paid promotion to amplify visibility, target specific audiences, and stay competitive. You don’t need a big ad budget to see

A Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts in the prosecution of chronic sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend is unlikely to produce much, if anything, to satisfy the public’s appetite for new revelations about the financier’s crimes, former federal prosecutors say. Attorney Sarah Krissoff, an assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan from 2008 to 2021, called the request in the prosecutions of Epstein and imprisoned British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell “a distraction.” “The president is trying to present himself as if he’s doing something here and it really is nothing,” Krissoff told The Associated Press in a weekend interview. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche made the request Friday, asking judges to unseal transcripts from grand jury proceedings that resulted in indictments against Epstein and Maxwell, saying “transparency to the American public is of the utmost importance to this Administration.” The request came as the administration sought to contain the firestorm that followed its announcement that it would not be releasing additional files from the Epstein probe despite previously promising that it would. Epstein is dead while Maxwell serves a 20-year prison sentence Epstein killed himself at age 66 in his federal jail cell in August 2019, a month after his arrest on sex trafficking charges, while Maxwell, 63, is serving a 20-year prison sentence imposed after her December 2021 sex trafficking conviction for luring girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. Krissoff and Joshua Naftalis, a Manhattan federal prosecutor for 11 years before entering private practice in 2023, said grand jury presentations are purposely brief. Naftalis said Southern District prosecutors present just enough to a grand jury to get an indictment but “it’s not going to be everything the FBI and investigators have figured out about Maxwell and Epstein.” “People want the entire file from however long. That’s just not what this is,” he said, estimating that the transcripts, at most, probably amount to a few hundred pages. “It’s not going to be much,” Krissoff said, estimating the length at as little as 60 pages “because the Southern District of New York’s practice is to put as little information as possible into the grand jury.” “They basically spoon feed the indictment to the grand jury. That’s what we’re going to see,” she said. “I just think it’s not going to be that interesting. … I don’t think it’s going to be anything new.” Ex-prosecutors say grand jury transcript unlikely to be long Both ex-prosecutors said that grand jury witnesses in Manhattan are usually federal agents summarizing their witness interviews. That practice might conflict with the public perception of some state and federal grand jury proceedings, where witnesses likely to testify at a trial are brought before grand juries during lengthy proceedings prior to indictments or when grand juries are used as an investigatory tool. In Manhattan, federal prosecutors “are trying to get a particular result so they present the case very narrowly and inform the grand jury what they want them to do,” Krissoff said. Krissoff predicted that judges who presided over the Epstein and Maxwell cases will reject the government’s request. With Maxwell, a petition is before the U.S. Supreme Court so appeals have not been exhausted. With Epstein, the charges are related to the Maxwell case and the anonymity of scores of victims who have not gone public is at stake, although Blanche requested that victim identities be protected. “This is not a 50-, 60-, 80-year-old case,” Krissoff noted. “There’s still someone in custody.” Appeals court’s 1997 ruling might matter She said citing “public intrigue, interest and excitement” about a case was likely not enough to convince a judge to release the transcripts despite a 1997 ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that said judges have wide discretion and that public interest alone can justify releasing grand jury information. Krissoff called it “mind-blowingly strange” that Washington Justice Department officials are increasingly directly filing requests and arguments in the Southern District of New York, where the prosecutor’s office has long been labeled the “Sovereign District of New York” for its independence from outside influence. “To have the attorney general and deputy attorney general meddling in an SDNY case is unheard of,” she said. Cheryl Bader, a former federal prosecutor and Fordham Law School criminal law professor, said judges who presided over the Epstein and Maxwell cases may take weeks or months to rule. “Especially here where the case involved witnesses or victims of sexual abuse, many of which are underage, the judge is going to be very cautious about what the judge releases,” she said. Tradition of grand jury secrecy might block release of transcripts Bader said she didn’t see the government’s quest aimed at satisfying the public’s desire to explore conspiracy theories “trumping — pardon the pun — the well-established notions of protecting the secrecy of the grand jury process.” “I’m sure that all the line prosecutors who really sort of appreciate the secrecy and special relationship they have with the grand jury are not happy that DOJ is asking the court to release these transcripts,” she added. Mitchell Epner, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice, called Trump’s comments and influence in the Epstein matter “unprecedented” and “extraordinarily unusual” because he is a sitting president. He said it was not surprising that some former prosecutors are alarmed that the request to unseal the grand jury materials came two days after the firing of Manhattan Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, who worked on the Epstein and Maxwell cases. “If federal prosecutors have to worry about the professional consequences of refusing to go along with the political or personal agenda of powerful people, then we are in a very different place than I’ve understood the federal Department of Justice to be in over the last 30 years of my career,” he said. Krissoff said the uncertain environment that has current prosecutors feeling unsettled is shared by government employees she speaks with at other agencies as part of her work in private practice. “The thing I hear most often is this is a strange time. Things aren’t

President Donald Trump threatened to block the Washington Commanders’ bid to build a new stadium in the District of Columbia, escalating his feud with the NFL franchise over its decision to change its name from the Redskins.  “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington.” Trump has previously complained about the football team’s decision to change its name amid concerns the old name was a slur against Native Americans. Earlier Sunday, he had asserted there was a “big clamoring” to switch it back. “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen,” Trump posted. “Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!”  The Commanders didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump also leveled criticism at the Cleveland Guardians, the Major League Baseball team that changed its name from the Cleveland Indians in 2021. Trump has sought to reverse other name changes done in an effort to be racially or culturally sensitive.  Trump is limited in what he can do about sports teams outside Washington, DC. But the Commanders plan to build a new stadium on land that has been managed by the US National Park Service. The tract’s RFK Stadium was home to the team for roughly three decades until 1996.  Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America. Explore this year’s list. Read More