IRS Launches Online Tax Forum, Offering New Seminars and CE Credits | Small Biz Trends

November 6, 2026November 5, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In the fast-paced world of small business, staying updated on the latest tax regulations and practices can feel like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, the IRS has rolled out an online resource designed to empower tax professionals with the knowledge they need, while also offering benefits tailored specifically to small business owners. The 2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Online, unveiled by the Internal Revenue Service, provides access to a plethora of seminars aimed at enhancing proficiency in current tax laws, IRS procedures, and essential topics critical for the upcoming tax season.

Frank J. Bisignano, IRS Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of tax professionals in bridging the gap between the IRS and taxpayers. “Tax professionals play a key role in the nation’s tax system by providing an important link between the Service and the taxpaying public, helping them understand their tax obligations,” he stated. This new initiative caters to those professionals by providing updated information crucial for effective tax planning and compliance.

Canva Announces Major Restructuring, Impacting Over 1,200 Employees | Small Biz Trends

November 6, 2026November 5, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In a move that has significant implications for small businesses globally, Canva, the popular graphic design platform, announced substantial organizational changes that will see over 22% of its workforce, or 1,271 employees, impacted. As the company aims to adapt to shifting market dynamics and technological advancements, it’s essential for small business owners to understand how these changes could influence their operations and potential shifts in collaboration with Canva.

Canva’s decision is a reflection of broader challenges in the tech landscape. “Success in our first chapter doesn’t guarantee success in the next,” said Canva’s CEO Mel Perkins, emphasizing the need for adaptation amidst slower growth. This transition signals an effort to streamline operations for improved efficiency and creativity, which small business owners may find relevant as they navigate their own challenges in a competitive market.

Xbox Cloud Gaming could soon let players use their smartphones as controllers on TVs | Digital Trends

November 4, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Xbox Cloud Gaming already lets you play console games on a compatible smart TV without owning an Xbox. But there’s still one piece of hardware you need to get started. A controller. Microsoft is now testing a way to get around that requirement, allowing players to use their Android phone or iPhone as a virtual gamepad. The game runs on the television, while your phone takes care of the controls.

The feature is part of two new Xbox Cloud Gaming previews, and there’s an interesting difference compared to what Sony offers with its PS5.

How does the phone controller work?

According to Xbox, the virtual gamepad works directly through your phone’s browser. There is no need to install a separate app, and some games will even get their own customized touch controls.

US midterms campaign set to be the most expensive ever recorded | BBC News

November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The US midterms campaign is set to be the most expensive on record – with the total cost projected to reach nearly $12bn (£9bn), according to Open Secrets, an independent organisation that tracks campaign finance.

Most of the spending is driven by outside political groups – known as Super Political Action Committees (Super PACs) – pouring large sums of money into some key races ahead of election day on 3 November.

The top individual donor is billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who has spent almost half a billion dollars backing Republican candidates, particularly in Texas, where many of his companies are based.

BBC Verify has looked into the figures and where the money was spent.

Microsoft hits 10 quarters of record-breaking revenue in a row | TechCrunch

October 29, 2026October 28, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Whatever the future of AI might be, the current situation is still very good for Microsoft. The tech giant reported yet another quarterly revenue record on Wednesday: $92.3 billion, a 19% increase over the year-ago quarter.

Microsoft has now reported record-breaking revenue for 10 quarters in a row.

This is profitable revenue, too. Microsoft reported that net income reached $36.6 billion, an increase of 32% on a GAAP basis, over the year-ago quarter.

The record-breaking income was largely driven on the strength of Microsoft Cloud, which reached $63.9 billion in revenue this quarter, an increase of 30% over the year-ago quarter, Microsoft said.

Massive Leak Exposes 41,000 Homeland Security Workers—Including Undercover ICE Agents | WIRED

October 28, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

AN UNPRECEDENTED LEAK of Department of Homeland Security records has exposed details of more than 41,000 employees or contractors who work for the department and its constituent agencies. The records include email addresses, phone numbers, and office addresses, but also references to internal systems and sensitive information on undercover and surveillance programs. In all, the leak provides a map of how DHS is organized and how it operates.

The records, which span DHS itself as well as seven component agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Customs and Border Protection, were last updated on August 19, 2026. The transparency nonprofit Distributed Denial of Secrets and cybersecurity researcher and journalist maia arson crimew previewed the data to WIRED, which they say they obtained from a group calling itself the Department of Peace.

Nintendo just made an unusual decision—and it’s going to be good for business | Fast Company

October 15, 2026October 14, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Sony sparked a backlash among gamers with its decision to phase out physical game discs. Now Nintendo is reassuring its customers that it has no plans to follow suit anytime soon.

“We go off what the consumer prefers, and take that into account very heavily,” Bill van Zyll, VP and general manager for Nintendo in Latin America, said in a recent interview. “We also have a platform that was just launched. We’re barely just over a year into [Nintendo Switch 2]. It’s got both digital and physical—that capability. There are no plans to ditch physical.”

Gas Prices Hit Record Highs This September as National Average Surges | Small Biz Trends

September 30, 2026September 27, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Gas prices continue to rise in the United States, creating a growing challenge for small businesses that rely heavily on transportation and fuel costs. The most recent data from AAA Gas Prices reveals that the national average for regular gasoline reached $4.48 per gallon—an almost 5-cent increase from the previous week and a record high for this time of year. Notably, this surge defies seasonal norms, which generally see a decrease in fuel prices as autumn begins.

The recent spike can primarily be attributed to ongoing volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside the robust prices of crude oil. AAA reports that the average price for September is currently $4.30 per gallon, surpassing last year’s record of $3.83. Small business owners might need to brace themselves for further price increases this season, as gasoline demand and production fluctuate.