Kian Parsa
Contributing Editor, Founder Stories
Kian Parsa is a contributing editor focusing on founder stories and new businesses. With a background in business and technology reporting for publications like 'Venture Weekly' and 'The Startup Scene,' Kian brings a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. He believes that every new business has a powerful human story at its core. His work dives deep into the motivations, struggles, and breakthroughs of local founders, creating narrative-driven articles that are both inspiring and insightful. His celebrated 'First Draft' series has become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
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Latest Articles

New Behavioral Health Center Opening in Our Community
On Monday at 2 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the opening of Cornerstone Services' new behavioral health center at 2705 McDonough St. in Joliet, bringing a critical new resource to the comm
Jul 15, 2026 · 3 min read

AI Search Now Cites YouTubers Over Brands for Answers
In high-intent categories like consumer electronics and financial services, nearly one in two AI assistant responses now cite independent YouTube creators, often bypassing official brand channels enti
Jun 29, 2026 · 2 min read

Summer childcare challenges; new tax credit offers partial relief
During summer months, working mothers already spend nearly nine hours more per week on childcare than during the school year, a significant increase that often strains family resources and personal ti
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Einstein Bros. Bagels Plans 300 New Locations by 2030
Einstein Bros. Bagels aims to open 300 new locations by 2030, a rapid expansion fueled by a completely redesigned store model. This aggressive growth strategy targets substantial market share in the b
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read

First-time homebuyers now average 40 years old in America
At 40 years old, the typical first-time homebuyer in America is now older than ever before, a stark indicator of a shifting economic landscape, according to Nar Realtor .
Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Meta Faces Lawsuit From Ex-Executive Over Alleged Duress
Meta Platforms is seeking $50,000 in damages for each alleged violation of a non-disparagement agreement by former executive Sarah Wynn-Williams, who is fighting back in federal court.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Open-label placebos boost memory in older adults
Older adults who took a placebo supplement for three weeks showed measurable improvements in memory, physical performance, and well-being, even when they knew the pills contained no active ingredients
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Rust-Out: Understanding Causes and Finding Solutions
By 2026, rust-out is projected to affect 1 in 3 bored workers, silently eroding their well-being and productivity.
Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Glossier secures $45 million credit facility from Tiger Finance
Beauty brand Glossier, which once raised just $1 million in a seed round, has now secured a $45 million revolving credit facility.
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Psychology Reveals Sustainable Self-Discipline Strategies
If you have ever felt your resolve crumble by midday, you are not alone.
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Unhappy Customers Now Quickly Damage Business Reputation
In the last 24 hours, social media complaints about Company X's new product surged by 300%, directly preceding a 5% dip in its stock price, according to Brandwatch.
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read

AI Companies: Navigating Automation and Security Challenges
In November 2025, Anthropic disclosed 'the first reported AI-orchestrated cyber espionage campaign'.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Anthropic AI Faces Government Scrutiny Over Safety Concerns
On Friday evening, the Department of Commerce immediately suspended Anthropic's flagship Claude 3 model for all federal government use, citing 'unacceptable risks to national security and critical inf
Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

Grow LinkedIn Followers by Posting Less: New Strategy Emerges
A LinkedIn user who cut their posting frequency by 50% saw their follower count jump by 30% in three months, according to a case study by Digital Growth Institute.
Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read

First Impressions: Why They Stick and Are Hard to Change
In as little as a tenth of a second, people form specific trait inferences from facial appearance.
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Top Startup Gift Ideas for Dads and Grads in 2026
The Therabody SleepMask doesn't just block light; it actively vibrates to help users fall asleep, according to Esquire .
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

AI bills surge, threatening project cancellations and rising costs
Uber's entire annual AI budget was gone by April 2026.
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Melinda French Gates' leadership vision contrasts with Elon Musk
Speaking at the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Melinda French Gates presented a vision of leadership anchored in empathy and collaboration, implicitly challenging the 'move fast and break things' ethos often se
Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Gen Z Entrepreneurs Explore Purpose-Driven Small Business Ideas
At just 24, Kugan Suppiah invested in a Bang Cookies franchise and already plans a second location, showcasing how Gen Z finds entrepreneurial success and structure in established business models.
Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Viggo Labs Debuts John Wick Inspired AI Agent Team
During a recent simulation, a multi-agent AI system called 'Continental' autonomously coordinated 12 drones and 3 ground robots.
Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read