As more organizations embrace generative AI, one of the most common things we hear is: “Why doesn’t my Copilot Studio agent always follow the instructions I give it?” This reaction makes sense, especially if you’re used to rule-based chatbots, where writing a rule directly creates an agent behavior. But generative AI doesn’t operate on strict…
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) has opened the application window for the 2026 Tax Incentive Program, making up to $40 million in tax incentives available to eligible life sciences companies of any size operating in the Commonwealth. The program is intended to support companies engaging in research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing that are…
The cannabis industry is entering a transformative phase following President Donald Trump’s December 18, 2025, executive order directing the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This move signals a major shift in federal policy, creating significant opportunities for operators and investors while introducing new complexities. Rescheduling has…
The hospitality industry has long been characterized by its emphasis on customer service, operational efficiency, and adaptability to shifting market conditions. Yet, as margins tighten and guest expectations rise, hotels are increasingly turning to automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve profitability. In a recent episode of Withum’s Lodging Insights…
For real estate owners and managers, Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges and tenant billing are more than routine accounting tasks, they are essential drivers of profitability, tenant satisfaction and operational transparency. CAM charges, which cover expenses for shared spaces such as lobbies, landscaping, parking facilities, and building security, are typically allocated across tenants based on lease terms. When…
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) has long served as the backbone of federal procurement, guiding how the U.S. government acquires goods and services. However, after more than four decades of incremental updates and mounting complexity, the FAR is undergoing a historic transformation. The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), initiated under Executive Order 14275, marks the most…
In mid‑January 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released a video announcing an extensive Department of Defense review of sole-source contracts awarded under the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program. His message signals significant oversight shifts affecting thousands of small, disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) program is a business development initiative by the Small Business Administration…
The Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) is the most significant international initiative for tax transparency on digital assets to date. Developed by the OECD and endorsed by the G20, CARF sets a global standard for the automatic exchange of tax information on crypto-asset transactions between countries. As of December 2025, more than 75 jurisdictions have committed…