Nearly half of small and midsize US companies have seen costs rise more than 20% since widespread tariffs were imposed, according to a survey by cargo booking platform Freightos. About the same proportion of respondents say they have reduced shipment volumes because of the higher costs. Unlike larger corporations, these firms lack the resources to absorb sudden changes in tariffs and rising costs, leaving them more vulnerable to the financial impacts of ongoing trade tensions.

Television networks are working to increase their appeal to small and midsize businesses by introducing self-serve platforms and AI-powered advertising tools that reduce costs and simplify the process of running TV ads. Inspired by how Meta and Google serve millions of small advertisers, platforms like Universal Ads and Roku Ads Manager are designed to help smaller brands access TV audiences.

Employers are facing challenges with workplace surveillance as hybrid work blurs boundaries between private and professional spaces, according to Tamsin Lawrence of Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors. Lawrence emphasizes the need for employers to understand overlapping state and federal privacy laws, be transparent about data collection and carefully store employee information to avoid breaching privacy regulations.

SmartTake: Even though the actual laws differ between Australia and the US, the advice still stands. Employers should notify employees about surveillance -- especially audio and visual monitoring -- and have a clear, legitimate reason for collecting such data. To avoid legal pitfalls, familiarize yourself with the privacy laws surrounding the data you collect and find out whether you need to consult employees about changes.

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act, signed into law July 4, brings significant changes to business taxation that benefit startups, including immediate domestic R&D expensing, a revamped Qualified Small Business Stock framework with earlier exits and reinstated bonus depreciation, writes Shazia Tabasum, a senior income tax manager at Burkland. Startups can fully deduct US-based R&D expenses immediately, apply changes retroactively to 2022-2024 tax returns, benefit from a raised gross asset cap and tiered capital-gains exclusions and take advantage of 100% bonus depreciation for tangible property.

Saying "not now" instead of automatically agreeing to every request can significantly improve your productivity by giving you time to consider whether the request aligns with your priorities and values, writes productivity expert Donna McGeorge. "So when you next feel the tug of obligation, urgency, or expectation, try asking yourself one question: 'Does this need me now or am I simply in the habit of saying yes?' Then, give yourself the grace to wait," McGeorge recommends.

California's "No Robo Bosses" Act, which is awaiting the governor's signature, would require employers to notify workers about the use of AI in decision-making and prohibit AI from being used solely for discipline or termination. Starting Jan. 1, employers would be required to maintain a list of automated decision systems, provide detailed notices about those systems and include human oversight in decisions influenced by AI.

Striking portraits of her own dog, Caldwell, and several foster cats have won photographer Katie Brockman the title of International Pet Photographer of the Year in the International Pet Photography Awards. Other honored photos include a bunny dripping in paint, a dog catching a frisbee in midair, a coiled white snake and a white horse standing in a misty lake.