• Tesla just scored a mega sales beat, but it didn't stopped its stock from getting punished by investors.
• Shares dropped 8% despite deliveries rising 25% year over year.
• The company's EV business is still going strong, even as Musk bets on robotaxis and humanoid robots.

Tesla's deliveries show sales are bouncing back — but investors still dumped the stock on Thursday.

Shares of Elon Musk's EV maker dropped as much as 8% on Thursday despite the firm blowing past Wall Street's delivery estimates for the second quarter. If the losses hold, it'll mark Tesla's worst single-day loss in a year.

Tesla delivered 480,126 EVs in the second quarter, up 25% year-over-year. The figures handily beat Wall Street's expectations, given the consensus estimate for 396,466 EVs for the quarter, according to Bloomberg. A separate company-compiled consensus suggested deliveries would reach 406,024 vehicles.

The latest figures are a sign that Tesla sales have largely recovered from a wave of anti-Elon Musk backlash in 2025 and a steep decline in the wider US EV market.

Shares ticked higher 2% in early morning trading before sinking into the red in the afternoon. The stock, which has weathered a volatile few years amid Musk's growing involvement in US politics, is down 10% year-to-date.

Like many of its rivals, Tesla has been battling a so-called "EV winter" in the US following the end of the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles in September.

Total US electric vehicle sales fell 27% in the first three months of the year, according to data from Cox Automotive, and a wave of electric vehicle models has since vanished from the market as automakers roll back ambitious EV targets amid weak demand.

However, a spike in gas prices due to the war in the Middle East appears to have given the industry a shot in the arm. Data from Kelley Blue Book, an automotive research firm, estimates EV sales in the US topped 85,000 in May, the highest since the EV tax credit was scrapped in September 2025.

In February, before the war began, average US gas prices were just under $3 per gallon. They peaked in May at about $4.56 per gallon, according to AAA.

Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, Cox Automotive's director of industry insights, told Business Insider that Tesla's second-quarter sales have been boosted by high gas prices.

That boost mainly came from markets like Europe, which have seen an EV sales boom in recent months, Valdez-Streaty said. Meanwhile, she added, growth of alternative fuel vehicles in the US has been focused on hybrids — which Tesla doesn't sell.

"If you think about the European market and the Chinese market, Tesla definitely benefited from those high gas prices," she said.

In a June note, analysts at Goldman Sachs wrote that they expect EV adoption to accelerate in the coming years, ultimately pushing oil prices down.

All eyes on robotaxis

For Tesla, the latest figures show that its underlying EV business remains strong, even as the company pivots away from it.

In January, Musk said Tesla would end production of its premium Model S and X vehicles to free up factory space for its Optimus humanoid robot, which is set to start production this summer.

Tesla is also ramping up production of its Cybercab, a gold-colored robotaxi that doesn't have a steering wheel or pedals. The company's wider robotaxi rollout has been sluggish so far, however, with only a few dozen vehicles operating in Austin, Houston, and Dallas a year after the service began.

The EV pioneer has been eclipsed in recent weeks by Musk's other public company, SpaceX, which raised $85 billion in a record-breaking IPO and is now valued at almost $480 billion more than Tesla.

SpaceX's stock market surge has led some Tesla investors to suggest that the two companies should merge. Speaking before SpaceX went public, the rocket maker's president, Gwynne Shotwell, didn't rule it out.

"That might make Elon's life a little easier, actually," she said.

"There's no question that there's synergies between Tesla and SpaceX in our futures, definitely, there's a convergence of a kind of what we're all trying to accomplish in the future," Shotwell added.

Shopping for a new TV can get overwhelming fast. Between endless spec sheets and flashy jargon, it's tough to know which models are actually worth your money. That's where I come in. I've been testing home entertainment gear for over a decade and have reviewed TVs across every display type. I know exactly what TVs at different price points should deliver to make them worthwhile, and I've used that expertise to highlight the four best TVs you can buy right now.

For most people, the Samsung S90F OLED hits the perfect sweet spot. It's easy to assemble and delivers high contrast, rich colors, and deep black levels that disappear in a dark room. But if you're trying to spend less, the TCL QM6K is a standout for the money. It doesn't match the S90F's performance, but it punches well above its price and uses the snappy Google TV interface with Gemini AI smarts.

My team and I use calibration tools to measure a TV's picture, but we don't stop there. Our philosophy is that real-world viewing and overall usability matter most. That's why we also watch movies and channel surf just like you would. We also factor in smart features, design, and value to find the best TVs across the board. All of the models I recommend are available in multiple sizes, including big-screen options perfect for the World Cup. Be sure to select the size you want from each retailer's listing.

Our top picks for the best TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90F 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best premium OLED: LG G5 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best entry-level model: TCL QM6K 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best midrange option: TCL QM7K 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best overall: Samsung S90F

What we love: It delivers the best balance between performance and price of any TV we've tested.

Drawbacks: Samsung's smart TV interface isn't our favorite, and color capabilities vary depending on the size you buy.

The Samsung S90F OLED sports a full suite of smart features, a sleek design, and image quality that outshines most rivals in its price range.

Assembly is hassle-free thanks to snap-on legs that attach to the TV without needing screws. The legs then click into a pedestal base, giving the S90F an elegant look. However, the plastic stand isn't quite as sturdy as the metal bases included with some rival models, so you're trading heft for convenience with this design.

The TV delivers pixel-level contrast and dazzling highlights that pop off the screen. Lower-end TVs tend to look like a cloudy mess when displaying dark scenes in a dim room, but the S90F offers deep, inky black levels. The result is bold, cinematic picture quality with rich color and sharp detail. The S90F also delivered solid brightness in my team's tests, making it a solid fit for average living rooms and dedicated home theaters alike.

Viewing angles are another strong suit. While LED and QLED TVs can fade when viewed off-center, the S90F maintains contrast and color accuracy from nearly any seat in the room. Gamers will also appreciate the TV's high refresh rate, ensuring smooth gameplay.

Samsung's Tizen smart TV interface includes built-in access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming app, allowing Game Pass members to stream Xbox titles without a console. The platform also supports nearly every major streaming service and lets you use Amazon Alexa or Samsung's own Bixby digital assistant. Navigation speed has also been upgraded compared to older Samsung TVs, with faster load times and less lag. That said, our reviewer found the interface's menu and app organization a bit clumsy. It's not a dealbreaker, but there's still room for improvement.

A special note should also be made about the S90F's unique SolarCell remote. It's compact but has all the buttons you need easily within reach, and it has a rear solar panel for charging, so you don't need batteries. It also has a USB-C port so you can plug it in to charge as a backup.

The S90F is available in sizes from 42 to 83 inches. Features and general capabilities are the same across all sizes, but the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models deliver slightly better color performance.

A 2026 version of this TV, called the S90H, is also available. However, it costs more than the S90F and, based on initial testing, doesn't offer a big upgrade. That said, the S90H does add Samsung's glare-free screen coating, which the S90F lacks. This tech dramatically reduces reflections but slightly lowers contrast in bright rooms. If glare is a pain point in your space, the S90H could be worth the extra money. But otherwise, the S90F is the better value. You can learn more in my breakdown of 2026 Samsung OLED TVs.

Read our Samsung S90F 4K TV review.

Best premium OLED: LG G5

What we love: It delivers an exceptional combination of high contrast and brightness, and its flush design looks stunning hanging on a wall.

Drawbacks: It's expensive and doesn't come with a pedestal stand.

The LG G5 OLED is one of the most impressive high-end TVs I've tested. It offers a rare combination of pixel-perfect contrast and high brightness. During testing, the G5 offered nearly twice the peak brightness of cheaper OLEDs, such as the S90F.

Of course, what's actually important is how the TV looks when watching real-world content. And in a word, the G5 is stunning. High-brightness HDR movies, such as "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Aquaman," leap from the screen in ways I've rarely seen, fully utilizing the G5's nearly unmatched combination of intense peak highlights and infinite contrast. Viewing angles are also wide, allowing you to sit to the side of the screen without any significant shifts in contrast and color. Gamers even get a high 165Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC.

The G5's webOS smart TV interface works well enough, but it isn't my favorite platform. The homepage is a bit barebones in design and features shopping recommendations too prominently. However, you still get access to all the best streaming services, general navigation and usability are solid, and I like that you can disable ads in the settings menu. The remote also has a unique motion control function that lets you point it at the screen to move a virtual cursor. This is a love-it-or-hate-it feature, but you can always use traditional click navigation instead.

The TV also boasts a handsome design, sturdy materials, and a slim profile. It comes with a flush wall mount that allows you to hang the panel with virtually no gap, which looks fantastic in nearly any living room. But the trade-off is that the G5 doesn't include a traditional stand. If wall mounting isn't doable in your room, you'll have to purchase a separate stand.

It's also worth noting that a 2026 version of this TV, called the G6, is also available. I got an early look at the new model, and it offers improved processing to further minimize banding and a stronger anti-reflective coating. However, the G6 costs a lot more. Dedicated enthusiasts might want to consider the latest model, but most are better off snagging the G5 while it's available for less. You can learn more in my roundup of 2026 LG OLED TVs.

Read our LG G5 4K TV review.

Best entry-level model: TCL QM6K

What we love: It's affordable without sacrificing key features, and it's available in many sizes.

Drawbacks: Its image quality degrades from an angle, and it's dimmer than pricier TVs.

The QM6K is TCL's top entry-level QLED TV. The 65-inch size is often on sale for $650 or less, which is an excellent value for a TV in this class.

The QM6K's Google TV interface is easy to use and snappy to navigate. When reviewing older TCL TVs, I encountered several minor glitches here and there, but the QM6K was free from bugs. Google TV has gradually become one of my favorite interfaces, thanks to its clean layout and seamless integration with other Google services. And Google's new Gemini AI assistant works well for voice search and content recommendations. I also love that the included remote has backlit keys, which even high-end LG and Samsung models lack.

However, what really sets the QM6K apart from other similarly priced TVs is its use of a Mini LED backlight and quantum dots. These features are typically reserved for pricier sets and enable the QM6K to produce higher contrast and better color than most rivals. I was impressed by the TV's backlight control, which produced minimal blooming (halos around bright objects) and a solid HDR image with excellent saturation. However, as a budget-friendly TV, the QM6K has some limitations. The display's black levels are slightly lighter than those of pricier QLEDs, and its brightness is notably dimmer than my other picks in this guide.

As a result, bright highlights in some movies and TV shows have less impact than intended. And although viewing angles have been improved over older TCL QLEDs, they're still much narrower than those of an OLED TV. On the plus side, the QM6K offers a significant gaming upgrade over its predecessor, with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. This makes the QM6K one of the most affordable TVs that can display 4K/120Hz signals from a PS5 or Xbox Series X, enabling smoother motion when playing certain games.

All things considered, the QM6K is the perfect starter TV for anyone who wants a budget set that still offers worthwhile HDR performance.

Read our TCL QM6K 4K TV review.

Best midrange option: TCL QM7K

What we love: It delivers color and brightness that rivals pricier TVs from other brands.

Drawbacks: Its picture quality degrades when you're at an angle, and its large pedestal stand could make placing a soundbar tricky.

TCL's QM7K is one of the best TVs in its price range. It's an especially great midrange set for those who want an extra-large screen, since its 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes are often on sale for excellent prices.

Similar to the more affordable QM6K, the QM7K runs Google TV and is powered by Gemini AI for quick access to numerous streaming services and support for conversational voice control. It also uses a Mini LED backlight with quantum dots and local dimming, and includes a handy backlit remote control. But what sets this pricier model apart from its cheaper sibling is its brightness.

During my testing, the QM7K measured more than twice as bright as the QM6K. It's more than bright enough to give specular highlights (like explosions) ample intensity in HDR movies and TV shows. The TV's backlight control is also impressive. I didn't notice any major brightness fluctuations or patchy contrast in dark scenes. Likewise, halos around bright objects were almost nonexistent.

Similarly, viewing angles have been improved over older models. This is still a QLED, so color and contrast do wash out at extreme angles, but you can veer farther from the center without the TV's quality degrading as much. However, black levels aren't quite as deep as I've seen on pricier QLEDs, and the QM7K's backlight still can't match the pixel-level precision of an OLED. And though the included pedestal stand is nice and sturdy, its large size could make putting a soundbar in front of the display a little difficult.

But given its cost, the QM7K is an excellent midrange TV. The 65-inch model is often available for $1,000 or less, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a bright TV at a reasonable price.

The best TVs, compared

Why do we still recommend 2025 TV models?

For most shoppers, 2025 TVs are still the best value. They're often available at significant discounts compared with newer 2026 models, while delivering very similar picture quality and features. The latest TVs do offer some improvements, but not usually enough to justify paying hundreds more right now. We expect 2025 models to remain in stock through much of the year, but we'll update our recommendations as prices on 2026 TVs come down and older models become harder to find.

Other TVs we reviewed

Though they didn't quite make the cut for this guide, my team and I reviewed several other display models as we sought the best TVs. Here's a rundown of some other notable TVs we tested, along with details on why they didn't make our top four picks.

Samsung R95H Micro RGB 4K TV - See at Samsung

Samsung's R95H is the company's flagship Micro RGB TV for 2026. Unlike typical QLED and Mini LED sets, which use only white or blue backlights with color filters, the R95H uses an RGB backlight with red, green, and blue LEDs. This allows the backlight to produce color, which enhances performance. We measured 91% of the BT.2020 color space, the widest range we've seen on a consumer TV. However, the R95H's brightness is a bit disappointing for a flagship set, and its contrast still can't match Samsung's OLEDs.

Read our Samsung R95H review.

TCL X11L SQD 4K TV - See at Amazon

The X11L is TCL's first SQD TV, which stands for Super Quantum Dot. In essence, this is an advanced QLED set with better color and brightness than a typical QLED. In fact, this TV delivers the best brightness performance I've ever measured. It also has exceptional black-level control for a QLED. That said, it still can't match the pixel-level contrast of an OLED, and its viewing angles are narrower. It's also expensive and only available in large 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes. If you're a home theater enthusiast with the funds, this TV is hard to beat, but other models offer a better overall value.

Read our TCL X11L review.

LG C6H OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

LG's C6H is a new submodel in its popular C Series of OLED TVs. It's only available in 77- and 83-inch sizes, while the standard C6 is available in smaller sizes. The C6H is notably brighter than the C6 as it uses the same advanced tandem OLED technology as LG's more expensive G Series. We were impressed by its image quality, and it has the potential to be the top big-screen OLED value of 2026. However, its launch price is a bit high, so we recommend waiting for sales to see if it drops.

Read our LG C6H review.

Samsung S95F OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

The S95F is another excellent high-end TV alternative to the G5. It can't quite reach the same high brightness level, but it can offer slightly richer colors in certain content. However, the S95F uses a divisive matte screen rather than a glossy screen. The matte panel does a fantastic job of reducing reflections, but it can reduce contrast in a bright room. Samsung also sells a 2026 model, the S95H, that can get brighter than the G5 and features a unique metal bezel. But it costs a lot more, and we still prefer the G5's inkier black levels.

Read our Samsung S95F review and Samsung S95H review.

TCL QM8K QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

TCL's QM8K is one of the brand's top QLED models. It delivers excellent performance that's on par with many high-end sets from pricier brands. In particular, the QM8K boasts impressive brightness and superior contrast control compared to similar QLEDs. However, overall image quality is still surpassed by OLED models, such as the Samsung S90F. That said, if you're looking for a high-performance QLED TV for a bright room, the QM8K is an excellent choice. TCL also sells a new 2026 QM8 model, called the QM8L. It costs more but delivers even better color performance.

Read our TCL QM8K review and TCL QM8L review.

Hisense U8QG QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

The Hisense U8QG is another excellent QLED TV for those seeking a high-brightness screen. It performs similarly to the TCL QM8K, but can get slightly brighter and features a faster 165Hz refresh rate. That said, it's limited to three HDMI ports and suffers from oversaturated reds. Ultimately, we still give an edge to similarly priced OLED displays for overall performance.

Read our Hisense U8QG review.

Samsung Frame Pro 4K TV - See at Amazon

The Frame Pro is Samsung's premium version of its popular Frame TV. Like the standard Frame, the Frame Pro is designed to look like a hanging piece of art when not in use as a TV. It accomplishes this with a matte screen that mimics the look of canvas, a flush wall-mount, interchangeable bezels, and access to a vast collection of art to display on-screen (subscription required). This high-end model can get brighter than the standard Frame, and its black-level control is better thanks to edge-lit local dimming. It also utilizes a wireless connection box, which expands your placement options within the room. However, while this is an excellent option for design-focused buyers, its overall picture quality still lags behind that of the best TVs in this guide.

Read our Samsung Frame Pro 4K TV review.

Amazon Ember Omni Mini LED TV - See at Amazon

The Omni Mini LED is Amazon's flagship TV. This model uses a Mini LED backlight to deliver higher contrast and brightness than the brand's more affordable offerings. It stacks up well against other TVs in its class, like the QM7K, but its list price is a bit high, and we prefer other smart TV systems over Amazon's Fire TV interface.

Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED review.

Amazon Ember Omni QLED TV - See at Amazon

The Omni QLED is a lower midrange Amazon model that uses regular LEDs but still features local dimming. However, its brightness and color performance are underwhelming considering its price. Our reviewer also noted that most of the TV's picture modes are wildly inaccurate. For those reasons, we recommend buyers go with similarly priced alternatives from TCL and Hisense.

Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review.

What TVs are we testing now?

My team and I are constantly reviewing new TV models for consideration in this guide. Here's a rundown of what we're testing right now:

• Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV - See at Sony
• Sony Bravia 7 II True RGB TV - See at Sony
• Hisense UR9 RGB Mini LED TV - See at Best Buy
• Samsung S90H OLED TV - See at Amazon
• TCL QM7L SQD TV - See at Amazon
• Amazon Ember Artline - See at Amazon
• LG MRGB95B Micro RGB TV - See at LG

How we test TVs

To pick the best TVs, my team and I focus on picture quality, smart features, design, and overall value.

Picture quality: My TV testing mixes objective measurements with everyday viewing. Meters and pattern generators are used to measure a TV's brightness and color capabilities using Portrait Displays Calman software. But while test patterns are helpful, they don't tell the whole story. So I also live with each TV for a few weeks, watching movies and shows in both bright and dark environments, just like I would on my own set. This helps me spot performance quirks across different types of content. I also weigh image quality against price, as what I expect from a budget TV differs from what I expect from a flagship model.

Smart features: I spend time with each TV's smart platform to see how fast it is, how well voice search works, how many apps are available, and how intrusive the ads feel. If a TV includes unique features, I dig into those too to see whether they actually make a difference.

Design: I don't hold inexpensive TVs to the same standard as premium ones, but I do call out any major design issues. High-end models, on the other hand, should feel premium, with thin panels, metal finishes, sturdy stands, and thoughtful touches like adjustable heights or backlit remotes.

Value: Ultimately, the best TVs strike the right balance between performance and price. Expensive sets need to earn their premium with truly top-tier picture quality, while midrange and budget options should deliver features that go above and beyond what you typically get at their price.

For more details on our review process, check out our breakdown of how we test tech products.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I've been testing home entertainment gear for more than a decade, and my team and I spend all year getting hands-on with the newest TVs. I also studied film production, so I care a lot about how accurately a TV reproduces a director's intended picture. I use calibration tools, pattern generators, and benchmark discs to measure brightness and color accuracy, but numbers alone only tell part of the story. I also live with every TV I review — watching movies, streaming shows, gaming, and casually channel surfing — to see how it performs in the real world. My goal is to cut through the marketing fluff and help you find a TV that looks fantastic without spending more than you need to.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

TV FAQs

What kinds of TVs are available in 2026?

If you buy a TV in 2026, it will likely be branded as one of four primary display types: OLED, QLED, Micro RGB, or LED. Though performance varies by model, each tech has its own strengths and weaknesses.

OLED TVs (including newer QD-OLED and Four-Stack OLED models) have traditionally delivered the best overall picture quality thanks to self-lit pixels that produce perfect black levels, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles. They're ideal for home theaters and movie lovers, and newer OLED types are bright enough for most living rooms. Downsides include lower peak brightness than the brightest LED-based TVs, higher prices, limited size options, and a small risk of burn-in with extreme use. You can learn more in our guide to the best OLED TVs.

QLED TVs use an LCD panel with an LED or Mini LED backlight and quantum dots to boost brightness and color. High-end models can get extremely bright, making them great for sunny rooms, and they're available in a wide range of sizes and prices with no burn-in risk. However, even the best QLEDs can't match OLED's contrast, and picture quality varies widely depending on whether the TV includes local dimming.

LED TVs are the most basic and affordable option. They use LCD panels with LED backlights, but lack quantum dots and typically lack local dimming and wide color support. They're best for budget shoppers who want large screens at low prices, though contrast, color, and viewing angles are generally mediocre compared to OLED and QLED.

RGB LED TVs (also called Micro RGB, RGB Mini LED, and True RGB) are an emerging technology that's similar to a QLED TV. But instead of using a quantum dot filter, RGB LED TVs use separate red, green, and blue LEDs in their backlight. This enables purer colors than QLED TVs without the burn-in concerns of OLED. That said, the technology is very new, models are limited, and contrast still can't match an emissive OLED panel. You can learn more in our breakdown of Sony True RGB tech.

And for more detailed comparisons of TV panel technology, check out our QLED vs. OLED and our RGB LED vs. Mini LED TV explainers.

What is 4K?

4K is a screen resolution used on many TVs, as well as certain computer monitors. A 4K TV has 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times as many as a 1080p HDTV. More pixels can make an image look sharper and more detailed, especially on larger screens. Most TVs sold today have a 4K panel, and most major streaming services and game consoles support 4K playback.

Why don't we recommend 8K TVs?

Most TV brands have stopped making new 8K TVs, with Samsung being the only major player to release 8K models in 2026. The benefits of 8K over 4K are extremely subtle and hard to notice unless you sit close to a very large screen. It's also essential to remember that 8K content is virtually nonexistent, as nearly all movies and TV shows are still produced in 4K or even lower resolutions. Ultimately, the best 4K TVs provide much better value than the few remaining 8K TVs on the market.

What size TV is best?

TVs range from compact 24-inch models to massive 100-inch-plus screens, and the right size depends on your room, seating distance, resolution, and budget. Larger TVs cost more and require more space, but they also create a more immersive viewing experience.

There's no single best TV size for everyone, but 65 inches is often the sweet spot. It strikes a great balance between cinematic impact, everyday practicality, and value, which is why many manufacturers use it as their flagship size.

If you have a certain size in mind, check out our guides below for more picks in that category:

• Best 100-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 43-inch TVs

What smart TV interfaces does each brand use?

Nearly every TV you can buy in 2026 is a smart TV, but brands use different operating systems (OS) to handle streaming apps and features.

• Fire TV: Amazon, Panasonic, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense, TCL
• Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense, Onn
• Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense
• Vizio OS: Vizio, Onn
• Tizen: Samsung
• webOS: LG

You can learn more about different smart TV systems in our guide to the best smart TVs.

Do you need a TV with HDMI 2.1?

HDMI 2.1 is standard on many midrange and high-end TVs and is most useful for gamers. It enables 4K at 120Hz (and sometimes higher refresh rates with a PC), along with variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) for smoother, lower-lag gameplay.

To use these features, every device in your setup must support HDMI 2.1, including your TV, gaming console or PC, and any soundbar or AV receiver used for passthrough. You'll also need 48Gbps-rated HDMI cables to handle the full bandwidth. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for our top recommendations.

When is the best time to buy a TV?

If you're shopping for a new TV, the best time to buy is during deal events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. TVs often drop to their lowest prices during these sales. You can also find significant discounts in the weeks leading up to major sports events, such as the Super Bowl and March Madness, as well as during holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.

What TV brands should you consider?

The best TV brand for you depends on your budget and priorities. Sony, Samsung, LG, and Panasonic lead the pack for premium build quality and cutting-edge OLED and QLED performance, though their midrange and entry-level models usually cost more than comparable options from rivals.

If you want strong picture quality for less, TCL and Hisense are excellent value brands. Their midrange QLED TVs often rival — or even beat — pricier models from bigger names, thanks to features like quantum dots and local dimming, even if the design and build feel less premium.

Roku and Amazon also sell their own TVs, which can be solid deals during sales but are usually less competitive at full price compared to similarly priced alternatives.

For basic, no-frills TVs, budget brands like Onn, Insignia, and Toshiba are worth considering. They offer affordable HD and 4K sets and are best suited for casual viewing, secondary rooms, or tight budgets, especially when discounted during major sales events.

You can learn more about the top offerings from different TV companies in our brand-specific buying guides:

• Best Hisense TVs
• Best Sony TVs
• Best TCL TVs
• Best LG TVs
• Best Samsung TVs
• Best Roku TVs

Do TVs offer good sound quality?

Generally speaking, TVs offer mediocre sound quality. To keep TVs thin and affordable, manufacturers use small speaker drivers, often placed in areas that lead to poor sound quality. This results in poor sound quality, characterized by muddy dialogue, flat dynamics, and a lack of bass.

We recommend purchasing a soundbar or a full surround sound system to get the best sound quality with your TV. Check out our soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations:

• Best soundbars
• Best budget soundbars
• Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• Best soundbars with subwoofers
• Best Bose soundbars
• Best Sonos soundbars
• Best surround sound systems

For more details on the latest advancements in immersive surround sound technology, check out our guide to Dolby Atmos.

Can I watch free local channels on my TV?

Most TVs include integrated digital tuners that can receive free over-the-air broadcasts when paired with an antenna and a coaxial cable. Reliable digital antennas can cost as little as $20. Check out our guide to the best indoor TV antennas to see our top recommendations.

If you live in an area with poor antenna reception but still want an alternative to cable that provides access to popular channels, check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services.

• Software engineers are asking themselves why they're suddenly on the chopping block in the AI age.
• Famed engineer Kent Beck said it's not just because AI can do some of their work.
• It's because "we're kind of assholes, sometimes," he said.

Software engineers are among the most prized talent at any tech company, so why are they suddenly one of the most vulnerable species of the AI boom?

On a recent episode of "The Pragmatic Engineer," famed software engineer Kent Beck gave a pretty blunt answer: "We're kind of assholes, sometimes."

Software engineers, no matter their level of technical expertise, tend to lack some of the softer skills that are prized in the workplace, he said.

"We don't necessarily have good emotional regulation skills. We don't have natural empathy," he said. "We're oftentimes more direct than other people can easily handle." Those, at least, are some of the more "hideous" qualities of a typical software engineer, he said.

As AI changes everything, those softer skills can now make or break a technical career.

As AI writes more code, companies are asking engineers to review, direct, and manage AI-generated work rather than produce every line themselves. Vibecoding is now a commonplace practice in the software industry, enabling seasoned coders to build prototypes more quickly and non-coders to turn their ideas into pilots.

It is also blurring the line between engineering and product work. Anthropic's head of growth, Amol Avasare, told Business Insider that engineers using tools like Claude Code are seeing their productivity increase by two to three times, putting new pressure on product managers and designers.

That all means companies are now often asking software engineers to take on more product management tasks, which require more interaction with human colleagues.

For smaller projects, he said, Anthropic is already asking engineers to act as "mini PMs," taking responsibility not just for the code but also for stakeholder coordination and cross-functional work. The rise of that hybrid "product engineer" role suggests that the most valuable engineers may be the ones who can pair technical chops with product judgment and people skills.

Kent described the need for programmers to learn people skills as a "cosmic practical joke."

He said when you get started coding, you are told that all you need to do is learn everything about this computer, and you'll be fine. "And then oops sorry there's this whole human side and your ability to affect change in the world is gated by your ability to communicate and empathize."

When Quince launched diamond engagement rings starting at just $900 for a single carat solitaire, I'll admit I was intrigued. After reviewing more than 60 Quince items over the years, I've learned the brand is not very consistent. The quality usually varies depending on the category — the cashmere is decent, for example, but I was less impressed by its denim.

Engagement rings, however, are a much bigger commitment than a sweater. Quince promises solid gold settings crowned with IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, akin to jewelry from Brilliant Earth and Blue Nile.

All these promises had me wondering: Is this one of Quince's best values, or another case where the low price comes with tradeoffs? To find out, I tested the 3-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Emerald Comfort Fit Engagement Ring to see exactly what $2,900 buys.

The ring has a simple gold band with an elegant diamond centerpiece.

I thought I was immune to the hypnotized look I've seen people get when admiring diamonds. It turns out, the visual drama of a stone bending light really does have an effect on you. I also love the its elongated shape, which is reportedly a trend in engagement rings this year.

However, I was surprised at how big 3 carats looks on my hand — so big that it makes my other jewelry seem disproportionately small. I figure the right engagement ring should complement my other pieces, not eclipse them, so I'd rather size down to a two carat oval diamond.

I also didn't get its band fitted before trying it on, so it was too loose on me. Before you decide on a style, it's important to use a ring sizer to get the closest fit. You may still need it professionally resized because your finger can be between whole and half sizes.

Diamonds like these are graded on their "4C's:" cut, carat, color, and clarity. This particular emerald cut lab-grown diamond weighs 3.05 carats, has a color grade of F, and a clarity of VS 1. F Color diamonds are the most affordable grade of colorless diamonds. VS 1 diamonds have minor internal defects, also called "inclusions," but I couldn't see these at all. You'd likely only detect them under 10x magnification.

The setting is a four-pronged platinum head. 

The prong setting is the most classic style in engagement rings. Four prongs can sit flush with a wedding band and is secure enough for a small diamond, but for weightier carats, six prongs is safer. This is another reason I'd recommend sizing down in carats if you plan to buy an engagement ring from Quince.

More of Quince's engagement rings

You can find dozens of Quince engagement rings, including ones with yellow diamonds and peachy-pink morganite, on the retailer's site. Most of these are available in classic shapes like emerald, brilliant, and oval cuts, with options for adding pavé bands, halos, or both.

When it's eventually time for the ring exchange, Quince also has a wide selection of matching lab-grown diamond wedding rings and simple metal bands.

Below are rings in gold and white gold for the same price. You can also find these in a slightly more expensive platinum version.

Where do Quince's diamonds come from?

Even under a jeweler's loop, lab-grown diamonds are both chemically and visually indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

No one will be able to tell your diamond is lab-grown — unless, of course, you present them with the IGI Lab Grown Diamond Report that comes with each Quince lab-grown diamond ring. This lists the diamond's growth using a process called Chemical Vapor Deposition, as well as stats like its measurements and weight.

The bottom line

A Quince diamond engagement ring is worth it for those who prefer lab-grown diamonds with small carats and simple designs.

I advise that you be prepared to take it to a jeweler, because there may be slight fitting issues that you won't discover until it's on your finger. Also, be wary of having it dropped off at your doorstep, because Quince doesn't use a special delivery system despite the value of what you ordered.

Otherwise, I believe even a trained eye can appreciate the beauty of a Quince engagement ring, and budget-savvy couples everywhere can appreciate its price tag.

• I'm a former Dollar Tree employee, and I still love buying certain items from the budget retailer.
• Dollar Tree is my go-to place for essentials like cotton balls, bleach, and dog waste bags.
• I exclusively get my greeting cards and gift bags at Dollar Tree — the chain has a great variety.

Even though I no longer work at Dollar Tree, I still shop there all the time.

The discount retailer can be great for those of us trying to live a budget-friendly life, since most items are $1.25 each. Not everything at the chain is a great value, in my opinion, but I've found some excellent products over the years.

Here are a few Dollar Tree finds I swear by and still purchase often.

Air-fryer liners come in handy.

Cleaning an air-fryer basket can be a real hassle, so these Surefresh liners feel like a necessity in my kitchen.

They help catch pesky crumbs that might otherwise fall deep into the appliance and burn.

A pack of 20 liners only costs me $1.25.

The plastic cups with sip lids are perfect for iced coffee.

I love starting my mornings with iced coffee, but after a long day at work, I dislike cleaning reusable cups that have been sitting out for hours.

So, I pay a little extra to put my drinks in disposable 20-ounce plastic cups that come with lids designed for sipping with or without a straw.

I used to spend $25 on 100-packs of similar cups elsewhere until I realized Dollar Tree's bag of six for $1.25 was a better value. The price per cup is a few cents lower, and I don't need to worry about storing so many cups at once in my home.

Dollar Tree is still the only place I'll buy greeting cards.

I've seen drugstores and stationery stores charge $5 or more for greeting cards. Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of them that are two for $1.

There are options for virtually every occasion, from birthdays to graduations, and lots of them are from Hallmark. The selection is also updated seasonally.

All in all, I like saving money on a card so I have more to spend on a gift.

Disposable plates and platters are perfect for parties.

Dollar Tree is my go-to destination for affordable party supplies, especially when I need serving plates, platters, and bowls.

I've used these for chips, dips, finger foods, and appetizers — and I love not having to wash a huge pile of dishes once the party's over.

The chain also sells disposable utensils, such as forks, spoons, ladles, and tongs, to make serving even easier.

I grab a car air freshener almost every time I go to Dollar Tree.

Everyone loves a nice-smelling car, and I appreciate that my local Dollar Tree has so many scents and styles of fresheners available for $1.25 a pop.

I've seen hanging tree-shaped fresheners, vent clips, and even scented diffusers that fit in cupholders, in scents ranging from fruity to clean to musky.

It's easy for me to switch up my car's scent whenever I want without spending a fortune.

If you have a dog, you may want to grab some waste bags.

Dollar Tree carries a wide variety of dog-waste bags in different designs, colors, and sizes.

These compact rolls are perfect for stashing in your bag, pocket, or car. Each pack typically has four rolls of 15 bags, plenty to last dozens of walks.

Plus, Dollar Tree usually also sells bag carriers and holders that clip onto backpacks or leashes. That way, you'll never forget to bring bags on your walk.

Everyday essentials, like cotton swabs, balls, and pads, are easy to pick up from Dollar Tree.

I use cotton swabs, balls, and pads for a wide range of purposes, like removing makeup, treating minor cuts, and cleaning small surfaces.

For me, grabbing a pack of each at Dollar Tree whenever I run out feels like a no-brainer. The quality has impressed me, and the prices are generally lower than those I've seen at nearby drugstores.

I always head to Dollar Tree when I need to pack up a present.

To me, it feels wasteful to spend too much on gift bags — they're usually used once and then tossed.

Fortunately, Dollar Tree stocks $1.25 bags in various sizes and designs for just about every occasion. Some of the smaller bags come in value packs of two or three, making them even more cost-effective.

I find it's affordable to stock up on bleach at Dollar Tree.

For many households, including my own, bleach is a cleaning essential. It's just $1.25 a gallon here — a few bucks cheaper than what I've seen at other stores.

If you can find it and use it frequently, definitely grab a few bottles. It used to fly off the shelves when I worked at Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree was not involved in the sourcing or writing of this story. The views contained within represent the author's personal views.

This story was originally published on June 12, 2025, and most recently updated on July 2, 2026.

Autodesk is making a $350 million investment in training and tools to help people learn how to use artificial intelligence, said Dara Treseder, the company's chief marketing officer, in an interview at the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival.

Treseder cited insights gleaned from the company's recent AI jobs report. "It showed that while 82% of people are very comfortable using LLMs in their daily lives, only a third of people are comfortable using AI in their job," she said. In the report, respondents said they fear AI might not work properly or will make humans irrelevant.

"That education is so key, not only to give people the skills and the talent," she said, "but to change the mindset."

Laura Ness Owens, chief marketing officer at Bobcat, a manufacturer of compact construction and landscaping machines, said that she wants to meet customers where they are searching for information.

Previously, the customer journey could start with search and the company's website, she said. "Today, many customers are going right to the large-language-models and saying, 'I want the right loader for me, to do this type of work', so they are skipping much of that research stage that we were able to guide."

Owens says that product reviews, earned media, and dealer reviews factor into those LLM results. "You have to understand that the good, the bad, and the ugly are out there," she said. "It's pushed us to really focus greater on that customer experience."

American Express is now the official payments partner of the NFL.

Tim Ellis, the chief marketing officer at the National Football League, joined Elizabeth Rutledge, chief marketing officer at American Express, to talk about why their new collaboration benefits both brands. The pair was interviewed at the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival.

"Any time we look at a potential partnership, we always think, of course, of the fan first — is this going to be a meaningful addition to their enjoyment of the game?" said Ellis. "There's a lot of value that's going to come from this at both times. A fan who's also a member, the special experiences and things they will get as a part of this agreement, it's best in class."

Rutledge said that 70% of Amex's US members are NFL fans. The alignment will help the NFL extend its international fan base, she said. "We have a global footprint, and we're so excited in partnership with Tim and the team to enable that expansion that I know the NFL is focused on, as are we."

• Z.ai, the buzzy Chinese startup behind GLM 5.2, debuted a new AI coding tool to compete with Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor.
• ZCode connects to other frontier models and offers pricing tiers below those of its American competitors.
• "Competition and collaboration are what push all of us forward," ZCode head Zixuan Li wrote on X.

Cursor has a new competitor from across the Pacific.

The buzzy Chinese startup Z.ai released its AI coding tool this week. It's called ZCode, and is described as combining "the best AI agents with your existing tools so you can plan, code, review, and deploy without friction."

Z.ai called ZCode the "official development environment" for its hot new open-source model, GLM 5.2. That model rattled Silicon Valley with its high context window and performance on certain tasks, such as cybersecurity.

ZCode is a harness, one that connects to other models as well. That puts it in competition with products like Cursor and GitHub Copilot.

The comparisons to American products seem inevitable. One user commented on the Z.ai announcement post: "Damn, so you guys just cloned Codex?"

Compared to other AI coding tools, ZCode is relatively inexpensive. Its lite plan is on sale for $16.20 a month, while its max plan — 20x the lite plan — is $144 a month. For comparison, the cheapest Cursor individual plan is $20 a month, and the 20x ultra plan is $200 a month.

On social media, users continue to compare the two products. "Wake up babe, open source Claude Code just dropped," one user wrote.

Another wrote that Z.ai was "determined to catch up with its Western competitors and put them under pressure."

For their part, competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cursor haven't seemed to flinch. Z.ai lead Zixuan Li wrote on X that the tool stood "on the shoulders of an incredible open developer community."

"Competition and collaboration are what push all of us forward," Li wrote.

Demand generation is a top priority for brands, said Gabrielle Wesley, CMO of Mars North America, who was interviewed during the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival.

"It's important for marketers to stand up as demand-generation leaders," Wesley said. "We know our consumers better than anyone else, so we know what drives them. It's our responsibility to educate the rest of the organization on the consumers and give the consumers what they want."

Wesley said she sees parallels between the pressures of the sports world and marketing. "The idea that we must really deliver in our jobs as soon as we step into the seat, it's a parallel to coaching," she said, adding that she's listening to how coaches inspire players to deliver their best performance.

Tracy-Ann Lim, the global chief media officer at JP Morgan Chase, said during this time of rapid change, CMOs need to understand the long-term implications of their decisions and their leadership. Lim was interviewed at the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival.

"You're not just responsible for leading the change in this new marketing moment," Lim said. "You're responsible for developing and breeding the new age of marketing leaders."

Lim says she relies on "the power of clarity" to guide her, even if that means admitting what she does not know. "That's almost most powerful than declaring what you do."

• Trump Accounts are launching July 4, and children born between 2025 and 2028 will get $1,000.
• A growing number of companies have pledged to match that $1,000 contribution for their employees.
• Here are the companies that have said they'll contribute to Trump Accounts.

More and more American companies are planning to invest in Trump Accounts.

The accounts, set to launch on July 4, are a new investment account intended to help children grow wealth and to make capitalism cool again.

And it comes with free money: If your baby is born between 2025 and 2028 and is an American citizen, the government will deposit $1,000 into the account.

The Trump administration has also encouraged private companies to get involved and match the government's $1,000 contribution for their employees.

Beginning in December, many companies — particularly financial institutions — have announced they'll do just that.

Under the law, companies can contribute up to $2,500 per year to employees' Trump Accounts.

Here are some of the major companies that have announced that they'll contribute to their employees' children's Trump Accounts.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs announced on July 2 that it would match the government's $1,000 contributions to employees' Trump accounts.

"Starting early and staying invested for the long term is one of the most reliable ways American families build lasting financial security," CEO David Solomon said in a press release.

He was among the CEOs who attended a White House roundtable about the initiative last summer.

Micron

On June 30, Micron announced a $250 million investment in Trump Accounts, agreeing to match employee contributions up to $1,000 for children under the age of 18, in addition to a one-time $250 seed contribution for children of workers in states where Micron operates: Idaho, New York, Virginia, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas.

The investment, announced in time to coincide with the nation's 250th birthday on July 4, was "about helping children build a strong foundation for future opportunity while supporting the workforce and communities that will shape US semiconductor leadership," Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron's chairman, president, and CEO, said in a statement.

Bank of America

Bank of America announced it was joining the Trump Account initiative and matching the $1,000 contribution via an internal memo in January.

"We applaud that the federal government is providing innovative solutions for employees and families to plan for their future, and we welcome the opportunity to participate," the memo said.

BlackRock

The investment management firm BlackRock announced in December that it would match the federal government's $1,000 Trump Account contribution for its employees.

"BlackRock has long championed early childhood savings accounts and supported the policies that make them possible," the company said in a release.

BNY

Bank of New York Mellon, also known as BNY, announced in December that it would contribute $1,000 to employees' Trump Accounts.

"For more than two centuries, BNY has supported our nation's financial ecosystem and the people who power it, including our own employees. This initiative advances that mission in a meaningful way," CEO Robin Vince said in a statement at the time. "By matching the government's contribution, we're helping our employees give their children a head start toward a stronger financial future."

Charles Schwab

The Charles Schwab Corporation announced in December that it would contribute $1,000 to eligible employees' Trump Accounts.

"For more than half a century, Schwab has stood for increasing access, lowering costs, and empowering millions of families to achieve their financial dreams and goals," CEO Rick Wurster said. "By matching the government's contribution for our employees' children, we're honoring that commitment."

Chime

Chime announced in December that it would match the government's $1,000 contribution to employees' Trump Accounts.

"The launch of Trump Accounts aligns with our mission to unlock financial progress for everyday Americans by teaching financial health and education from a young age," CEO and cofounder Chris Britt said. "Supporting Chimers' long-term financial well-being is a core part of our employee benefits philosophy."

Chipotle

A Chipotle spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that the fast casual chain would be matching the government's contribution to employees' Trump Accounts.

"This initiative aligns closely with our purpose driven culture and our dedication to supporting the whole employee—at work, at home, and into the future," the spokesperson said. "We are proud to join companies across the country in backing this program and helping jumpstart the financial futures of our employees' children."

Citi

Citi announced that it would contribute $1,000 to employees' Trump Accounts in an internal memo sent to employees in February and seen by Business Insider.

The company also said it would commit $5 million to "non-profit organizations that will create awareness of the program, encourage participation and support families in completing the steps necessary to open accounts."

"We're excited to play an active role in supporting the financial well-being of families across the US," the memo read.

Coinbase

The cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase announced in January that it would contribute to employees' accounts.

"Hopefully we can pay the $1k in Bitcoin," CEO Brian Armstrong said on X.

Comcast

A spokesperson for Comcast confirmed to Business Insider that the company will be contributing to employees' Trump Accounts.

Continental Resources

Continental Resources, an Oklahoma-based petroleum and natural gas company, plans to contribute to employees' Trump Accounts.

"At my company, Continental Resources, we want to lead by example," Founder and Chairman Harold Hamm said in a video message at the "Trump Accounts" summit in February. "We encourage other companies to join us in working alongside the government to implement similar programs."

"We plan to do this in every state in which we operate, doing our part to give back and further build upon this program and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation," Hamm added.

IBM

A spokesperson for IBM confirmed to Business Insider that the company will contribute to employees' Trump Accounts.

The company isn't just matching the $1,000 contribution.

It's also pledging to contribute an additional $1,000 when parents invest $4,000 within 24 months of their child's birth or by July 2026, whichever comes later.

Intel

Intel announced in January that it would contribute $1,000 to employees' Trump Accounts.

"America's future technologists will define the next era of innovation, and the Trump Accounts program helps give them an early financial foundation," CEO Lip-Bu Tan said. "By matching the federal government's contribution, Intel is reinforcing our longstanding commitment to investing in our people and expanding the ways we support employees' families as they prepare for the future."

JPMorgan Chase

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, announced in January that the bank would contribute to the accounts.

"By matching this contribution, we're making it easier for them to start saving early, invest wisely, and plan for their family's financial future," he said in the release.

Mastercard

A Mastercard spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that the company will "incorporate" Trump Accounts "into our benefit offerings for all US employees."

Nvidia

Nvidia has said it will contribute to employees' accounts, but it has not specified the contribution amount.

"Nvidia will proudly support this bold initiative by contributing to the accounts of our employees' children," CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement, according to Bloomberg.

Robinhood

Robinhood, a trading and investment app, announced in December that it would match the federal government's $1,000 contribution.

"Our mission is to democratize finance for all and we're honored to help extend that mission to the next generation through this initiative," the company wrote in a post on X.

Russell Investments

Russell Investments, a Seattle-based firm, announced in January that it would contribute $1,000 to employees' accounts.

"Starting early helps to demystify investing," CEO Zach Buchwald said in a statement. "By matching government contributions to Trump Accounts, we're helping employees start investing for their children when compounding has the greatest impact."

SoFi

SoFi Technologies announced in January that it would match the government's $1,000 contribution.

"When it comes to helping people get their money right, few things matter more than investing early, and nothing is earlier than day one," SoFi CEO Anthony Noto said in a statement at the time. "Opening the door for more Americans to invest early will unlock decades of compound growth and transform financial outcomes over a lifetime."

State Street

State Street, a financial services company, announced in December that it would match the federal government's $1,000 contribution to employees' Trump Accounts.

"State Street believes in the power of investing and the importance of helping families build a secure financial future for their children," CEO Ron O'Hanley said. "By matching the US Treasury's contribution, we are giving the next generation a head start on saving and a stake in the American economy to harness the wealth-generation power of investing and plan for long-term financial health."

Steak 'n Shake

The burger chain Steak 'n Shake announced in January that it would provide its employees with an additional $1,000 for Trump Accounts.

"Steak n Shake has benefited from our country's prosperity, and we are committed to giving back to our communities and our country," the company wrote on X.

Turning Point USA

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk announced in January that the political advocacy group and its affiliate, Turning Point Action, would contribute $1,000 to employees' Trump Accounts.

She referred to her late husband, Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in September.

"Charlie spoke so often about the importance of young families and having children, and his face would light up every time he learned about a Turning Point employee welcoming a newborn into their family," Kirk wrote on X.

Uber

A spokesman for Uber confirmed to Business Insider that the ride-share company will be contributing to its employees' Trump Accounts.

"Uber is looking forward to participating in this program and building on the government's contribution for our employees," the spokesman said.

Visa

The credit-card giant Visa announced in December that it would contribute to employees' Trump Accounts.

"We plan to include these accounts in our benefits package for U.S. employees when they become available," the company wrote on X.

Visa has also said that it's working to allow cardholders to be able to deposit their rewards into the accounts.

Wells Fargo

A spokesperson for Wells Fargo confirmed to Business Insider that the company will contribute to employees' Trump Accounts.

Jessica Padula, Nespresso's chief marketing officer, started her career in social media. Padula told us in an interview at the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival that too many people are forgetting the value of deep expertise in key areas, and are too focused on moving into broader senior positions.

Padula said deep expertise can help marketers spot opportunities others might miss. "It gives you a bit of credibility if you master a craft, if you're really depth-of-expertise in something, and then you're able to see that connective tissue because you know your area so well," she said.

Padula helped create Nespresso's influencer practice, and says they're focused on mining their unique expertise in content. "We've started thinking of creators as 'creators'", she said. "They are best in class at knowing what content works."

• Donald Trump made a ton of money in crypto last year.
• Digital assets have become one of the most lucrative parts of his business empire even as crypto struggles.
• Some have raised concerns about conflicts of interest and market trust in light of the disclosures.

When it comes to his own portfolio, Donald Trump has lived up the name he adopted on the campaign trail: the crypto president.

The crypto market has struggled this year, with bitcoin prices falling to a two year low last week, but Trump's recent financial disclosures show that digital assets reaped him a windfall in 2025.

A federal filing released by the US Office of Government Ethics shows Trump's profits from his various crypto businesses reached $1.2 billion in 2025. The 925-page document provides an extensive breakdown of his crypto exposure, including $50 million in bitcoin and $500 million from the World Liberty Financial token.

Similar to earlier disclosures that showed an astounding number of stock trades made during the first quarter of this year, news of Trump's crypto winnings has been met with scrutiny and criticism over potential conflicts of interest given the Trump family's crypto ventures.

Here's what smart people in market are saying about the president's crypto fortune.

Dan Weiskopf, portfolio manager at Tidal Financial Group

Weiskopf serves as co-portfolio manager of Tidal Financial's subversive ETFs, which tracks congressional trades. He told Business Insider that the president's crypto gains could draw louder criticism of the market at a time when proponents are working to legitimize digital assets and get key regulation through Congress.

"While I commend President Trump for filing the appropriate 1,000 page disclosures, listing about $1.4 billion from Crypto income in 2025 is not the Clarity needed to push forward his agenda to get the Market Structure Bill on his desk," he said. "The focus is on 'ethics and conflict of interest' and our President is adding fuel for the skeptics."

Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group

Newman noted that most of the profits revealed in the disclosure are the result of newly issued tokens surging shortly before a subsequent plunge.

"The disclosure lists over a billion in crypto revenue off World Liberty Financial and the $TRUMP token," Newman said. "But the $TRUMP coin briefly cleared $74 and now trades under $2. The crypto gains are clearly more speculative, stemming not from appreciation but from token issuance."

Gordon Johnson, CEO of GLJ Research

The market research firm's founder said that the length of Trump's 2025 disclosure immediately caught his eye, noting that those filed by previous presidents have been shorter.

But that wasn't the only concern he had, flagging the gains Trump made from a deal with a crypto group called Celebration Coins, which has no public online presence.

"The Trump family reported at least $1.4 billion in income in year one — about $635 million of it from a memecoin licensed to a group called 'Celebration Coins' that has essentially no public footprint, while his own administration was writing the rules for the entire asset class. If a public-company CEO booked $635 million from a counterparty you couldn't find in a Google search, the auditor wouldn't sign the 10-K."

Ross Gerber, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management

Wealth manager Ross Gerber was less restrained. The investor previously blamed the meme coins released by Trump ahead of his inauguration in 2025 for weighing on crypto and diminishing trust in the market.

After seeing Trump's 2025 crypto profits, Gerber's criticisms have grown louder. In comments to Business Insider, Gerber described the president meme coin activities and his crypto gains as "a straight up grift of his own supporters."

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

• In 2021, I spent two nights in a tiny home I found on Airbnb, and now I can see myself living in one.
• I'd never stayed in a tiny home before and thought I'd feel limited in a 250-square-foot house.
• The home's impressive space-saving hacks and lush outdoor area won me over.

I never thought I'd say this — but now I can picture myself living tiny.

In 2021, I took a trip to Miami and spent two nights in a 250-square-foot tiny home I found on Airbnb for about $200.

I'd never stayed in a tiny house before, and at half the size of my apartment in NYC, I figured I'd find the space uncomfortably small for more than a couple of days.

But this little abode, packed in a queen-sized bed, a kitchen, a bathroom, decor, and storage space, all without feeling cramped.

I also thought I'd have to let go of my maximalist decor style to live the tiny life. Still, this home's playful use of color, unique storage spaces, and mixed-media wall decor made it feel inviting without seeming cluttered.

The tiny home had a private entrance in the side yard and felt hidden away by plants.

Located in the lush backyard of a full-sized home, my Airbnb was hidden underneath 100-year-old oak trees.

When I arrived, I pictured myself working among the array of plants and thought this outdoor space made the tiny home seem livable.

To the right of the front door, the bedroom had a queen-sized mattress and frame.

I was surprised to find a queen bed in such a small space. It made me realize I wouldn't need to get a smaller mattress to live in a tiny home — as long as I was smart about how I used the remaining square footage.

There was a table next to the bedroom, and I thought it was clever of the owners to put crates on the walls for more storage space.

The table also doubled as storage shelving. I stored my belongings here to feel more at home during my stay.

The kitchen had a fridge, toaster oven, full-sized sink, and counter space to the left.

A sliding barn door led to the bathroom past the kitchen, which I thought was a clever way to save the space a swinging door would take up.

The bathroom had more storage and decor all over the walls.

Next to the shower, a storage closet had a curtain rather than a door, which I thought looked better while saving more space.

After a meal and a shower, I relaxed on the bed and thought, "Yeah, I could live somewhere like this."

In the morning, my feelings were confirmed when I saw all the natural light through the windows.

To help keep your pup from overheating in hot weather, it's important to provide plenty of fresh water and time indoors in a cool place. Many dogs also gravitate toward cooler surfaces to get more relief from the heat, and one of the best dog cooling mats or pads can help keep them comfortable.

Cooling mats for dogs come in several designs, including ice or water-filled mats and pressure-activated gel pads. For this guide, we tested 21 popular options. I personally tested nine with my pitbull mix, Marty McFly, and my editor's senior hound, Homer, tried more than a dozen, including the top picks. Altogether, we've tested 21 cooling pads, crate mats, and blankets. Both of our dogs are ideal testers, since they naturally stretch out on cooler surfaces like tile and hardwood floors when temperatures spike.

Our best overall pick is the Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat. It offers the longest-lasting and strongest cooling performance, both inside and outdoors, and features light cushioning for added comfort. With its extra-durable construction and materials, it's also the priciest mat in this guide. If you're looking for something more affordable, the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad has strong cooling powers and is a longtime favorite of Homer.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog cooling mats and pads

Best overall: Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat - $40-$180 at Amazon

Best budget: Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad - $25-$85 at Amazon

Best for large dogs: Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Pad - $73 at Chewy

Best for crates: EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat - $20-$60 at Amazon

Best water mat: K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III - $23-$50 at Chewy

Best for travel: Bedsure Cooling Mat - $30-$67 at Amazon

Best for the sofa: Lesure Premium Cooling Blanket - $25-$48 at Amazon

Best overall

The Cooler Dog Hydro Cooling Mat can be used indoors or outside and cools longer than any other mat we tested. Lisa Sabatini, Business Insider Reviews senior pets editor, left the mat in a 95-degree sunroom where it stayed cold for seven hours, far surpassing other cooling mats. In more moderate temperatures, Sabatini's senior pup, Homer, sunbathed on the mat and took a long snooze.

The Hydro Cooling Mat consists of four parts: a machine-washable cover with three interior pockets. The top pocket holds a pre-filled water cushion, the middle pocket holds the included ice sheet, and the bottom pocket houses a heat-repelling, insulated layer. The cover and interior pockets are outfitted with durable velcro closures so you can easily remove the components before washing the mat.

This mat differs from other options in that it only comes in two sizes: mini (18 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, 1.25 inches thick) and regular (23.5 inches long, 18 inches wide, 2 inches thick). If you have a larger dog, you can purchase multiple regular-sized mats and attach them together with snaps along the edges. However, that means you'll pay significantly more. In fact, this is the priciest mat we recommend, at $50 for the regular size.

Two mats were just the right size for a 45-pound beagle. The half-inch-thick ice sheets were easy to fold up and place in a top freezer. Sabatini also liked that the covers were easy to clean in the washer before air-drying. Some condensation may form on the cover when it's particularly hot, so make sure it's completely dry before storing it.

This mat also replaces our top pick for the best outdoor mat: the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III. Once filled with cold water, the Cool Bed III wicks heat away from your dog and maintains a surface temperature similar to the air temperature. It's still a great option, especially if you have a smaller budget.

Best budget

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad earned high points in all of our tests for excellent indoor cooling. Its cooling powers lie in the pressure-activated gel, which absorbs a dog's body heat for up to three hours.

This mat is a longtime favorite of Sabatini's pup Homer, and he stretches out on it year-round. As soon as I unpacked it, Marty didn't hesitate to flop down in his preferred resting position: a full-bodied splay. Dogs who prefer a bit of padding may also like the cushioning of the thin, solid gel-filled interior.

In my testing, I measured only 2.8 degrees of heat transfer, considerably less than I observed with most mats. The manufacturer says that after three hours of continuous use, you'll need to "recharge" it by setting it aside for 20 minutes so the gel can regain its cooling abilities.

The mat's nylon exterior is super durable, and my dog's nails never left any scratches behind. It's easy to wipe clean, but oily smudges like those from peanut butter may leave faint stains. If that's a concern, machine-washable covers in several pastel colors are sold separately. The manufacturer says they don't impact cooling performance, but we haven't tested one yet. We'll be doing so for a later update.

While the Cool Pet Pad comes in a wide range of sizes, there isn't an option for giant breed dogs.

Read our full review of the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad.

Best for large dogs

If you have a giant breed dog or two pups who like to share, the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad might not be big enough for them, or the Hydro Cooling mat might bust your budget. If that's the case, consider the 33-inch-by-55-inch Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Pad.

This pad cools just as well as the Green Pet Shop mat and is less expensive. However, it provides less cushioning and has a more slippery surface, which isn't ideal for dogs prone to instability. Still, it's an excellent choice for many extra-large pups and multi-dog households.

My 55-pound Marty had plenty of room to stretch out on this mat. In fact, two Martys could easily fit on it. I sat on it, too, and although it's a firmer surface than the Cool Pet Pad, I found it comfortable.

The mat stayed in place Marty ran across it, but his longer nails did slide a bit. So, if your dog is prone to sliding and instability, this isn't a good option for them.

That said, I liked how easy it was to wipe the smooth material clean, and its darker color hides stains well.

Best for crates

Most cooling mats are thin and not ideal for long snoozes in a crate. A thick cooling crate pad with added foam support, however, ups the comfort quotient for pups. The EveryYay mat has a 3-inch egg-crate foam core that molds to a dog's body for extra comfort. Its cover is a cool, silky, mesh-like fabric that provides refreshing relief on hot days. The mat comes in several sizes to match the dimensions of most of the best dog crates.

My dog tends to be picky about beds, but it took very little persuasion to get him to lie down on the mat and sink into the cushy egg-crate foam. After Marty lay on it for 30 minutes, the bed's surface temperature increased by 4 degrees. While there was some heat transfer, it remained well below his body temperature. Sabatini sat on the bed herself for 20 minutes and could feel the cooling sensation the entire time.

It's durable and waterproof, and the ability to toss the removable cover in the washer and dryer is a big bonus. If you have an older or arthritic dog who could use a little more support, the Bedsure Cooling Dog Bed comes in a few crate-compatible sizes and is made of the same egg-crate foam, but the channeled cover provides more cushion. "I was really impressed by the extra comfort provided by the polyester-filled quilted cover, and it cools just as well as the EveryYay mat," Sabatini says of the 35-inch-by-22-inch bed that fits perfectly inside her dog's crate.

Best water mat

If your dog loves the great outdoors, the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III is perfect for chilling outside. The water-filled bed wicks heat away from your dog while maintaining a surface temperature close to the surrounding environment.

The directions say to place it in the shade, but Sabatini also set it out on a sunny deck where it worked surprisingly well. After Marty lay on it for half an hour indoors, its surface temperature rose by only 3.6 degrees. Outdoors on the deck, sans dog, its surface temperature rose by 3 degrees over the course of an hour.

With a thin foam insert and adjustable firmness (just add more water), the bed has a squishy, pillowy feel. Marty liked to burrow his nose into it. Dogs who like a firmer bed might hesitate, though. The sturdy cover is puncture-resistant, but you should still place it on a smooth surface free of sharp debris.

Filling the bed with water takes several minutes, and it's awkward to move after that. The good news is that you don't have to empty it between uses. If you need to recharge it, leave it inside an air-conditioned space until it cools down. Be sure to read the manufacturer's directions for preventing the foam insert from bunching up when moving it.

Best for travel

The best cooling mat for travel is actually a lightweight, heat-absorbing mat with a nonslip bottom. While it won't cool as effectively as an ice, gel, or water-filled pad, Sabatini says the Bedsure Dog Cooling Mat has a luxurious, silky cover that is very cool to the touch.

Over two weeks of testing, her dog often rotated between this mat and the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad. She sat on the mat for 10 minutes and found the temperature increased from 75.8 degrees to 84.4 degrees during that time. That said, it returned to room temperature in just five minutes.

The mat is easy to fold, roll, and tuck into small spaces. Should you take your dog on a road trip and find yourself dealing with a jam-packed trunk, it won't take up any valuable vehicular real estate. You can also lay the smaller-sized mats across the back seat or inside a dog car seat. Even more, the mat comes in five sizes that are compatible with many dog crates.

Although the material feels quite delicate, Sabatini used a fork to simulate a dog's nails, and the fabric did not snag. It also came out of the washing machine in great shape and air-dried within a few hours.

Best for sofas

If your pup loves to lounge with you on the sofa or in bed, a regular cooling mat won't cut it. Gel mats perform best on hard floors, and our travel pick doesn't cover as much area as the heat-wicking Lesure Pet Cooling Blanket, which comes in a range of sizes up to a twin bed.

I was immediately impressed by the fabric's cool feel, its appealing silkiness, and its cute quilted cloud pattern. My dog always enjoys being rolled into a blanket burrito, so this blanket was an easy sell. He stayed in his blanket cocoon for a full 30 minutes.

The material's starting temperature was 77.9 degrees, and after, it measured 80.8 degrees. I then draped it over my lap. While some of Marty's residual body heat carried over and took away from the cooling sensation, I still enjoyed the blanket's breathability and the softness of the fabric.

I machine-washed the blanket and didn't notice any difference in its texture or durability. However, some reviewers say that repeated washes can take a toll on the blanket's quality over time. It is labeled air or line-dry only, and its light weight helps it dry within a few hours.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in the best dog cooling mats

I asked two veterinarians what's important to consider when shopping for a cooling mat. There are a few key things to consider, including your dog's size, where you plan to use it, and what materials are best. 

Size: Dr. Sam Meisler, veterinarian and founder of PetWell Clinic, says size is your first priority. You'll want to choose a mat that allows your dog to rest its entire body on it so it doesn't hang off the sides. In terms of length and width, leave a bit of extra space so that your dog can remain cool even if it shifts around on the mat. 

Use: My experts say that gel mats, water mats, and cooling blankets all achieve the same goal of wicking heat away from the body, but different types of mats can work better in different contexts. Gel mats are recommended for indoor use only, as extended time outdoors may compromise the gel's effectiveness. Water mats work well both indoors and outdoors. While they require some setup, they don't need to be recharged and can be used continuously. Blankets are lightweight, portable, and easier to introduce to dogs who don't gravitate toward mats. 

Materials: Meisler and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, veterinarian and author of The Forever Dog Life, say that anyone considering a gel mat must make sure it's labeled as nontoxic. "Beds that contain gel pose a risk because they're made with a variety of different chemicals that aren't meant for consumption," Becker says. While no dog should ingest large quantities of nontoxic gel, that designation from a reputable, well-known brand indicates that the gel won't present major health concerns if a small amount is consumed. As for the cover materials, I found nylon, vinyl, and polyethylene durable, comfortable, and cool. 

Warranty: K&H Pet Products and Green Pet Shop offer limited warranties, while other brands provide none. Whether a warranty is worth narrowing your pool of potential mats depends on how much you value the peace of mind it offers.

How we tested the best dog cooling mats

I evaluated the best dog cooling mats with my trusty accomplice, Marty McFly, my 55-pound pitbull mix. I ran all tests indoors for maximum temperature control and set my thermostat to 78 degrees. I conducted the following tests to compare how each mat measured up to the competition.

Cooling abilities: I first placed my hands on each mat to gauge its coolness. I then measured its surface temperature with an infrared thermometer. Next, I had Marty lie on the mat for 30 minutes, and I sat beside him during that time. Afterward, I measured the temperature again to see whether the mat retained heat from our bodies. 

Safety of materials: Before testing, I checked each mat to ensure its materials were labeled nontoxic. Exterior materials like nylon, vinyl, and polyethylene are strong enough to withstand nail scraping and minor chewing. They're also nontoxic unless they're consumed in large quantities.

Comfort: After Marty settled down on each mat, I evaluated how comfortable he seemed. I observed whether he was happy to rest there for an extended time or immediately got back up. I also sat on each mat to evaluate its softness, its moldability to the body, how easy it was to get on and off, and its ability to accommodate bodies in different positions, such as seated and lying down.

Durability: After Marty spent time on each mat and moved around, I examined the materials for wear and tear. I also ran a fork over the surface of each mat 20 times to see if the materials tore or incurred any damage.

Skid resistance: I put Marty on a leash and ran him across each mat 10 times as it was laid on a laminate floor. I observed whether the mats slid on the ground and whether Marty's feet slipped on them.

Ease of cleaning: I smeared a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of mud onto each mat, then let them sit for 24 hours. I cleaned each mat according to the manufacturer's instructions. I recorded how long the process took, whether I needed any special equipment or supplies, the overall ease of the experience, and how effectively it removed the mud and peanut butter, along with any organic materials left behind after testing, such as drool and hair.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Lisa Sabatini, pets editor: I first bought a cooling mat for one of my dogs in 2018. After adopting Homer and becoming keenly aware of his tendency to overheat, I knew I needed to get another mat and chose the well-reviewed Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad. It became one of Homer's go-to resting spots, including during winter months when the radiator gives off too much heat. I've since tested every pick in this guide with Homer, among many other mats.

Dog cooling mats FAQs

Do cooling mats actually work for dogs?

The short answer is yes, but even the best dog cooling mats have their limitations. "By using gel, water, and/or special fabrics, the mats absorb heat from a dog's body, which makes them feel cooler," Meisler says. There are, however, a few caveats that could reduce a cooling mat's effectiveness. Becker says a mat might be a waste of money if your dog doesn't typically use mats or beds. It's also important to remember that a cooling mat is intended to provide added comfort. Proper hydration and a cool environment are the most important things to provide your dog. "If the ambient temperature is excessive, a cooling mat alone is not enough to prevent heat stroke or overheating," says Becker.

Are cooling mats safe for dogs? 

Meisler and Becker agree that cooling mats are generally safe for dogs, but it's important to do your research before ordering a mat. Above all else, Becker says to pay attention to the quality of a mat's construction and the types of materials and coatings. Look for brands that use puncture-resistant materials like nylon, and always choose materials labeled as nontoxic. Most importantly, closely supervise your dog when introducing new items. "If you have a dog that tends to chew or eat their toys and/or bedding, all mats could be a choking or GI obstruction risk," Becker says. If you know your dog is inclined to chew on things, never leave them alone with a cooling mat.

Can dogs sleep on cooling mats overnight? 

Meisler says that while pets can sleep on a cooling mat, it doesn't mean they should. While nothing about the mats themselves makes them unsafe for sleeping, Meisler encourages people to pay attention to their dog's preferences, as they have keen instincts for what makes them feel comfortable and happy. "Just like humans, some dogs may prefer a cooler surface for shorter periods versus a prolonged amount of time," he says. "While prolonged use might be safe, it isn't always advisable or necessary. Dogs regulate their body temperature through various means. It is essential they have access to normal temperatures to prevent muscle stiffness or other issues." Becker says many cooling mats, especially gel-filled ones, have limits on how long they can sustain their cooling properties before needing to be recharged. "Don't assume that the mat will continue to cool your pup past about 4 hours, and never rely on any mat or bed to prevent overheating or heat stroke," she says. Providing your dog with alternative places to rest, like one of the best orthopedic dog beds, is a good idea.

How should cooling mats be stored for maximum longevity?

Always follow a manufacturer's instructions for storing a mat. In general, avoid storing cooling mats in direct sunlight, in high-temperature areas, or in places where they could get wet.

• Chris Bess is a Los Angeles-based publicity professional.
• He was employed by Disney for over 30 years and was recently let go.
• A video he shared about his experience has almost 2 million views on Instagram.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chris Bess, a former Disney employee. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I worked in theatrical publicity and home entertainment publicity for 31 years at The Walt Disney Company. I started at the very beginning as an assistant in theatrical publicity and was most recently the head of our home entertainment publicity team.

We worked with journalists to do press and experiential events, as well as influencer engagement for all our film releases. That meant every Disney film that went into a theater: Disney animation, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, 20th Century Films, and Searchlight. Any way you could consume a movie outside the theater, we also handled, such as DVD, Blu-Ray, and streaming.

I loved what I was doing.

I was laid off and turned to social media

My whole team of three and I were laid off last month. I know it was a business decision, but it still surprised me. We were a small team managing a lot of activity, managing agencies and vendors. Last summer, there was a round of layoffs, and we had already lost someone. It made me feel like we wouldn't be impacted this time. Maybe that was a bit naive.

Friends told me to make a video on Instagram to tell people how I felt, that it would make me feel better, and it would get the word out that I was available. It took me a bit to process the idea. I got up the courage about a week and a half later. My daughter shot the video. It was hard to get in front of her and say, "OK, roll." I'm a publicist; I'm always behind the camera directing talent and spokespeople. I'm never in front.

Almost 2 million people have seen the video in just a few weeks

I've been blown away by the response. So many people have been so kind and gracious with feedback and support. It's been overwhelming. I did a similar post on LinkedIn, and that also received positive responses.

So many colleagues I hadn't spoken to in a while reached out. In publicity terms, this was really like a press release saying I'm looking for employment. It reached so many people I hadn't spoken to in a while or hadn't thought of.

A lot of people have reached out and asked to grab coffee, saying they have an idea or venture, or that they'll keep me in mind. I can't say it's led to anything yet, but it's only been a few weeks. I'm looking and applying to positions, taking lunches and meetings, and networking. Hopefully, I can make a smooth transition to the next thing soon.

It was a risk, but I'm glad I took it

I'd encourage anyone who does this to be authentic and to also remember that when you put yourself out there, you're inviting feedback from everyone. For the most part, it's been incredibly kind, encouraging, and gracious, but there have been some negative comments. That just goes along with social media.

I strongly believe the next thing will come through networking, whether it's someone to champion me at a company or make an introduction. Networking is key, and I think social media is a great way to facilitate that.

I have yet to meet a single person who says that getting let go didn't lead to better things. Everyone says, "When I look back, it's only gotten better." So my fingers are crossed, and I'm staying positive.

• Sam Altman said that current AI systems would have been recently considered "science fiction."
• The OpenAI CEO said in the next year or so he expects systems "with astonishing power."
• This moment, Altman said, calls for the creation of a global AI framework.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says his industry is already like something out of a work of fiction.

"Evidence of AI's economic value, importance to national security and acceleration of scientific discovery is becoming clear," Altman wrote in an op-ed published by the Financial Times. "In another year or two, we expect to have built systems with astonishing power, capable of delivering tremendous value to the world."

Altman said that AI systems that would have recently been called "science fiction" are already in place and will continue to change the world.

"Artificial intelligence will reshape the material conditions of human life on a scale that no technology has accomplished since the harnessing of electricity, and perhaps beyond even that," he wrote.

Altman's words come at a critical moment for the nascent technology, a turning point that the OpenAI CEO said requires a global AI framework.

Altman's proposal, which comes on the heels of his recent conversations with world leaders and fellow tech executives at the G7 conference in France, is the establishment of "a US-led international forum."

The organization, which Altman said might include representatives from government, independent technical experts, and others, would establish standards for the AI industry and make "the technology available to nations and companies that participate and follow the rules."

"It could also serve as a governance mechanism over the labs, and guard against the commercial pressures that can lead to unsafe racing," he wrote.

Most importantly, Altman stressed that unless the world sets a sweeping standard together, individual countries will have outsized influence.

"International cooperation like this seems a reasonable way to avoid power becoming too concentrated, and ensure that the benefits of AI are democratised," he wrote.

Altman did not explicitly mention the US government's request, which OpenAI agreed to, to initially limit the release of GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna to a group of "trusted partners" whose names were shared in advance with the government.

But in a statement announcing the decision, OpenAI said such limited releases should not "become the long-term default." The Trump administration's request also looms large as OpenAI approaches an IPO. The request followed even more heated face-off between the Commerce Department and Anthropic, which led the Trump administration to briefly impose export controls on OpenAI's rival.

Altman said that the AI industry can look to established regulatory bodies for inspiration. Altman named-checked the International Atomic Energy Agency, an organization with the United Nations umbrella, that monitors global nuclear energy development and verifies countries aren't trying to obtain nuclear weapons.

"Even during times of immense international turmoil this co-operation has been possible; the IAEA for instance came into being in the early days of the cold war," Altman wrote.

In a recent essay, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who has a famously contentious relationship with his one-time colleague Altman, called for AI regulations to mirror the Federal Aviation Administration. Amodei went further than Altman in explicitly advocating for the federal government to have the power to stop the release of an AI model if third-party testing shows it would present "unacceptable risks."

"There may come a time, perhaps relatively soon, when we need to go beyond this, when the most powerful AI systems look less like airplanes or automobiles and more like weaponizable nuclear materials—a threat to humanity rather than 'just' a threat to public safety," Amodei wrote. "If that occurs, we may need more aggressive regulatory measures than those I have laid out."

• Meta's adding a new app to the family: Pocket.
• Pocket is a social app that lets people create interactive content — "gizmos" — by prompting AI.
• Meta hired the team at Atma Sciences Inc. earlier this year, which built an app called Gizmo.

Get ready for another Meta app.

Meta is rolling out Pocket, a new social AI app, Business Insider has learned. Meta describes the Pocket as a platform to "create, share, and discover gizmos with friends."

The app is listed on Meta's Help Center and in the Google Play Store. The timeline and rollout regions are unclear. It was not available to download in the US on Thursday. Meta did not respond to a request for comment.

"The Pocket app is not yet available everywhere," Meta's Help Center says. "If it is available for you, some features may not yet be available in your area."

What's a "gizmo," you ask?

It's basically a mini-game you can create by typing out a prompt. In Meta's words, "a gizmo is an interactive, playable AI-generated experience."

For instance, you could prompt Pocket to create a gizmo that turns a flower into a paintbrush, letting you draw an image with that flower-brush on the touchscreen.

Meta's family of apps has grown well beyond Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It has introduced new social apps like Threads and Forum, as well as several new AI apps that build on Meta's focus on artificial intelligence.

Business Insider exclusively reported in March that Meta had hired the team behind Atma Sciences Inc., which built an app called Gizmo. It also acquired a non-exclusive license to the startup's tech. Meta declined to disclose the financial details of the deal at the time.

A few months after scooping up the team, Meta appears to be cashing in on the gizmo experience with its new stand-alone app, Pocket.

The app is listed on Google's Play Store and is pitched as a social feed where users can vibe code their own interactive games or content:

Scroll a feed of gizmos from people around the world. Gizmos respond to your touch and the tilt of your phone. They play sound effects and your favorite songs. They can use your camera or pull in photos from your camera roll. Some can even reason about the world around them.

Alessandro Paluzzi, a developer who reverse-engineers Meta's apps to reveal internal tests, spotted that Pocket will be promoted within Meta's apps alongside a growing portfolio that includes Instants (Instagram's latest Snapchat-like app).

Pocket isn't the only app trying to build out a social feed around vibe-coded games. Sekai, an app with a similar premise, recently raised $20 million in Series A funding.

As some social feeds start to feel stale — and less social — interactive games could be a way to reignite engagement. TikTok has also experimented with its own feed of mini games.

The Round of 32 is playing out at the World Cup. We've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch Spain vs. Austria, including free and global streaming options.

Spain heads into the Round of 32 following a surprising start to the group stage, in which Cabo Verde held the tournament favorites to a draw. Spain went on to win their next two games, leading them to the top of Group H. Austria came in second in Group J, trailing Argentina. The teams will duke it out in Southern California for a shot at advancing to the Round of 16.

Keep reading to learn the best global watch options for today's Spain vs. Austria match. If you're interested in tuning into the rest of the tournament, make sure to bookmark our where to watch the World Cup streaming guide.

Where to watch Spain vs. Austria for free

World Cup fans in several countries are in luck this year. There are tons of free options for all of the games, including Spain vs. Austria. This match is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK, SBS On Demand in Australia, Das Erste in Germany, RAI in Italy, and RTVE in Spain.

US viewers can watch at no immediate cost with a free trial from a live TV service, such as Fubo or YouTube TV.

How to watch Spain vs. Austria from anywhere

If you're away from the location where any of these streaming services work, don't worry. You can access the free options from anywhere with a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs are easy-to-use apps that let people temporarily change the location on their devices so their favorite websites work from anywhere in the world. They're popular among those looking to keep up with their usual services while traveling abroad or hoping to boost their day-to-day cybersecurity and privacy.

NordVPN consistently ranks among the best VPNs we've tested. It's fast, user-friendly, and offers an impressive selection of global servers. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's no sweat if it's not what you're looking for.

Where to watch Spain vs. Austria in the US

Spain vs. Austria, and much of the rest of the tournament, will air on FOX in the US. Other matches will be available through FS1. If you're a cord-cutter looking for a streaming service to watch the rest of the World Cup, you have several options.

Fubo Sports + News offers FOX, FS1, and around 27 other channels in its lineup. Subscriptions also unlock access to ESPN Unlimited. If you're looking for even more channels, FOX and FS1 are also available in Fubo's pricier Pro and Elite plans. Fubo plans start at $65 a month, but first-time customers can get at least $10 off their first month after a free trial.

YouTube TV carries FOX and FS1 in both its main and sports plans. The main plan typically costs $83 a month, but a limited-time deal can bring the first five months down to $68 a month for new customers. Similarly, the sports plan typically costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months. YouTube TV also typically offers a free trial for first-time customers.

Fans interested in Spanish-language coverage in the US will need to subscribe to Peacock. Sports-friendly plans start at $11 a month for Peacock Premium and unlock access to all 104 World Cup matches.

Where to watch Spain vs. Austria in the UK

BBC and ITV split coverage rights in the UK, but Spain vs. Austria is available through the BBC. This means fans will be able to live stream all the action for free with a BBC iPlayer account. Users just need to create an account if they don't already have one, and then they're all set to start watching.

Where to watch Spain vs. Austria in Australia

All World Cup games, including Spain vs. Austria, are available to live stream on SBS On Demand in Australia. This is a free streaming service that supports SBS channels and just requires account creation to use.

Note: VPN use is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content may constitute a breach of the terms of use for some services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

A punishing heat wave is upon us, and if history is any indication, standard delivery windows and store shelves are about to clear out fast. Waiting until your living room feels like an oven to buy an air conditioner is a recipe for weeks of miserable, sleepless nights, and potentially dangerous indoor temperatures. It's not just a matter of staying cool; air conditioning has become a necessity.

To help you beat the heat, we've rigorously tested over 20 window and portable units. We evaluated them for raw cooling speed, energy efficiency, decibel levels, and ease of installation. Keep in mind that you'll need single- or double-hung windows to properly install a traditional AC. All other window types will benefit from the best portable air conditioners. Our story on portable versus window air conditioners details the differences between these styles if you're unsure which is best for your needs.

The best air conditioners

Best overall air conditioner: Frigidaire Gallery GHWW085TE1 - See Amazon

Best U-shaped: Midea U-Shaped Inverter Air Conditioner - See at Amazon

Best portable air conditioner: Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner (MAP14S1TBL) - See at Amazon

Best air conditioner for large rooms: Frigidaire 14,000 BTU FHWW145WE1 - See at Frigidaire

Best design: Windmill Air Conditioner - See at Windmill

Best overall combination of cooling, low noise, and energy efficiency

Our top pick crushed it during testing. The Frigidaire Gallery led the pack in nearly every test we performed. On high, it lowered my bedroom temperature by 10 degrees over eight hours, bringing the room to a chilly 63 degrees by bedtime. For those who don't need to sleep in an igloo, it offers three fan speeds and an eco mode.

It's also the quietest AC we've tested and one of the most efficient. On high, it measured 47 decibels with a smooth, steady whoosh and no rattling or cycling noises. It's also one of the few window ACs to earn Energy Star's "Most Efficient" designation. In my tests, it used 0.46 kWh after one hour, just 0.06 kWh more than the Midea U. Based on eight hours of daily use, I estimate it would cost about $51 to run all summer.

Much of that performance comes from its inverter compressor. Unlike traditional compressors that cycle on and off at full power, inverter compressors use variable-speed motors to maintain the set temperature at a lower, steadier level. That helps cut down on both noise and energy use.

The built-in air quality sensor is useful, but its indicator light is my biggest complaint. A front-facing light changes from green to yellow to red based on the room's air quality, and I noticed it turned red when I burned a candle or cooked. The AC itself won't significantly improve air quality — for that, you'll need an air purifier or Frigidaire's PureAir allergen filter — but it's a helpful reminder of how everyday activities affect indoor air. Unfortunately, the light can't be turned off independently. The only option is sleep mode, which also raises the temperature by 4 degrees overnight to save energy. I woke up hot when I tried it, so I covered the light with construction paper, which worked but detracted from the AC's otherwise sleek design.

A design that doesn't block access to your window

You can actually open the window when using this unit. The Midea U was the first AC to offer a true innovation over the classic window unit design: the ability to open the window while it's installed. This is due to its U-shape, which keeps more of your window accessible for fresh air and natural light.

However, that groundbreaking design had a major flaw, but the 2026 redesign works to address it. Units sold between 2020 and mid-2025 were prone to internal moisture pooling and black mold accumulation if they weren't installed at a flawless angle, resulting in a product recall. Midea initially addressed this by sending out manual rubber drain plug repair kits, which we tried ourselves, but the current 2026 generation fixes the issue with a hardware redesign, featuring integrated external foot levelers to ensure foolproof sloping and an open rear drainage hole so condensation can escape. The current edition also tacks on a dedicated dehumidifier mode, an improved dust filter, and a longer two-year warranty.

Note: If you want the 2026 model, be sure to compare the product numbers, as it gets tricky. The 2026 version is MAW08V1UWT versus the updated model with the repair kit is MAW08V1QWT.

Installation remains a hurdle. Because of its split-chassis design, setting up the Midea U is significantly more involved than standard units. Instead of relying on built-in accordion folds, you have to secure an independent support bracket into your window sill, slide the heavy unit onto it, and meticulously cut and stuff foam blocks to seal the gaps. While our previous expert tester knocked it out in 25 minutes, it took me a full hour—mostly because I was obsessively checking that the unit was perfectly level to prevent any future mold issues. It also leaves you with a drawer full of specialized, alternate window brackets and accessories that you'll have to store if you move often. City dwellers should also note that if your high-rise building uses pre-installed, mandatory exterior safety brackets, you may have to creatively DIY the Midea bracket to fit around them.

Once it's in, the performance is stellar. Like the Frigidaire, the Midea U uses inverter technology to achieve impressive efficiency numbers. It consumed 9.6 kWh over a 24-hour period, which works out to 0.4 kWh each hour. Based on average electricity rates, it will cost you about 55 cents to run it for an eight-hour day. I was also impressed with how quietly the AC runs. The sound meter registered a smooth, non-disruptive 48 decibels at its highest setting.

Read our full Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner review.

A surprisingly powerful portable AC

If you don't have space for a window AC, this is the model we recommend. Portable ACs inherently underperform compared to window models. Because they rely on a long exhaust tube, heat radiates back into your room from the hose, creating a pressure differential that draws in outside air and forces the machine to work twice as hard. If a window unit is not an option, the Midea Duo is your absolute best bet because its unique hose-in-hose design stops that hot air leakage.

It's the most powerful and quiet unit I tested, but that comes at the expense of energy usage. In testing, the Midea Duo reduced the temperature of a 550-square-foot room by 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit in two hours, one of the best performances I've seen. On low, the Midea Duo runs at just 43 decibels, which is five decibels quieter than any other unit I tested, and maxes out at 56, which isn't too disruptive either. However, the Midea used 2.16 kWh over an hour, about 0.2 kWh more than the overall hourly average in our tests.

It's easy to control with the accompanying app. Fortunately, you can offset those energy costs using Midea's feature-packed SmartHome app. The app allows you to set a customized "sleep curve" that balances overnight comfort with power usage, control the airflow direction, and pair the unit with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice commands. I choose to schedule the Midea to turn off during peak electrical pricing and come back on afterward to ensure the room is comfortable by bedtime. You can also turn off the LED display to avoid light pollution.

The Midea Duo is also available with a heating mode, though we haven't tested this model. Read our full Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner review.

A great option for large rooms

Large rooms need powerful ACs — and this option from Frigidaire delivers. With 14,000 Btu of cooling power, it can comfortably handle lofty and open spaces. The AC features an inverter compressor that adjusts its speed to maintain the room's target temperature rather than just turning off and on, as most ACs do. The Frigidaire FHWW145WE1 is one of the most powerful air conditioners I've tested, dropping the test room's temperature by 4 degrees in 1 hour. However, it was also one of the loudest units I've tested and used the most electricity. Fortunately, it features an Eco mode that balances noise, power use, and cooling. When running it on high, electricity costs will average about $1.56 for an eight-hour day.

It's super easy to set up. I was especially impressed with the seamless installation, considering our previous best air conditioner for large rooms pick, the discontinued LG LW1517IVSM Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner, took two hours to install and aggravated my chronic back pain with its 100-pound weight. 

It has basic smart features. You can change the temperature, mode, and fan speed. Plus, you can set schedules, so the AC automatically turns off when you aren't home or during your utility's surge pricing hours. Overall, this is an outstanding choice for cooling large rooms.

A stylish design that's also easy to install

If you want to balance aesthetics with cooling, this AC is for you. While most air conditioners are boring-looking at best and an eyesore at worst, the Windmill Air Conditioner features an aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design. Side panels hide the ugly accordion folds, so the unit looks like an extension of your walls.

It took minutes to install. The Windmill comes with everything you'll need to get it into your window, including a pair of scissors. The process took our installer just 10 minutes from start to finish. You can control the AC via discreet buttons on the top of the front panel, a remote, or the Windmill app. The app even has features we haven't seen in other ACs, like the option to set the air temperature to track the sun's position.

It has average noise levels and efficiency. In an hour, the 12,000 Btu version of the Windmill used 0.67 kWh. Based on average electricity costs, it will cost you about a dollar to run for eight hours — and less if you opt for a less souped-up Btu model. The unit was about 54 decibels on high speed, or a little louder than a refrigerator. Overall, this is the best air conditioner you can buy if aesthetics and easy installation are major considerations.

It also has air purification. For about $45 extra, you can add on a pack of air purifying filters, which eliminates the need to keep another bulky appliance around and might make you feel a little better about breathing in the city air.

Read our full Windmill Air Conditioner review.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in an air conditioner

When shopping for an AC, there are four primary factors to consider: type of AC, Btu, energy efficiency, and extra features. Below, I detail more about what to look for in each category:

Types of air conditioners

There are four primary types of air conditioners: window units, portable air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and through-the-wall units.

• Window ACs: This guide primarily recommends window air conditioners because they're relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and suitable for both renters and homeowners. I think window ACs are the best for most people if central AC is not an option.
• Portable ACs: You may consider a portable air conditioner if you don't have windows that will fit a traditional unit. However, they're less efficient at cooling than window units. Read more about the best portable air conditioners and when you should buy a window AC vs a portable AC.
• Ductless mini-split air conditioners: Mini-splits are a more permanent cooling solution. They feature a wall unit connected to a compressor that sits outside your home. We only recommend this AC type for homeowners who do not want to invest in a full HVAC system.
• Through-the-wall ACs: These units should only be considered when you're aiming to cool a room with an exterior wall that has no windows, or if this is the type of unit already installed in your home or rental. 

Btu

Btu is short for British thermal units. One Btu is equal to the amount of heat needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. In cooling, Btu is used to measure the amount of heat removed from a room. The more Btu per hour an air conditioner is rated for, the better job it does of cooling. That said, you shouldn't just leap to buy the air conditioner with the highest Btu possible. For maximum cooling and efficiency, you need a unit that isn't too big or too small for your room size.

If you get a unit that is too big for your room, it will cool too quickly without removing moisture, creating a cold, clammy environment. Alternatively, an AC that is too small will be overworked, boosting your energy bills. Use the table below (from the Energy Star website) to determine the best air conditioner Btu for your room size:

Your Btu needs will be greater if the room has a ceiling more than 8 feet high, is very sunny, is regularly occupied by more than two people, or it's a kitchen.

It's common for model numbers for the same units to vary by one or two digits. This usually indicates different Btu ratings and colors, so choosing a model number that reflects the Btu rating right for your room is crucial.

Energy efficiency

Air conditioners have come a long way in terms of energy efficiency, but you'll want to look for a few things that will ensure you're getting the most efficient unit possible:

• Energy Star certification: The easiest way to determine if you're getting an energy-efficient appliance is to look for Energy Star certification. This program is run by the US Department of Energy and EPA to promote energy efficiency. "Any window AC model that earns the Energy Star label is independently certified to save energy, save money, and help protect the climate," says Enesta Jones, a spokesperson for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA oversees the Energy Star program.
• CEER: If you want to get deeper into the numbers, look at a unit's CEER. "The CEER, or Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of energy efficiency for a room air conditioner," Jones says. "The higher a room air conditioner's CEER value, the more efficient the room conditioner is when comparing across models with the same cooling capacity." The CEER is measured by dividing the Btu output by the amount of energy consumed both while the unit is running and while it's in standby mode.
• kWh: Finally, consider kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is a unit of energy that most electricity utilities use to measure your power use, and it's what I use to measure the energy consumption of the air conditioners I test.

Extra features and other considerations

Below are some other features and qualities you might consider when shopping for an AC:

• WiFi connectivity: Some ACs have WiFi connectivity, allowing you to use your phone to schedule and control the unit remotely. You can crank the AC before you get home or turn it off after you leave to save energy. Many pair with smart speakers for voice operation. Smart ACs don't always work as advertised. In my reviews, I note if smart functions work well. In general, though, you're probably better off using a remote control, which is included with all ACs in this guide.
• Noise: All AC units make some noise, but if you're installing a unit in a bedroom, you want to keep sound output to a minimum. I note the noise output of the picks above. 
• Window access: Some newer AC models (notably the Midea U) offer window access even after installation. This is a nice option if you live somewhere where the weather fluctuates a lot during the season.

How we test air conditioners

Our testing methodology

Here is how I test the main attributes I look for:

Installation: You'll probably only install and uninstall your AC once a year, but it can significantly impact your unit's performance. I timed how long each model took to install, noted whether I needed special tools, and assessed how easy it was to uninstall. I also looked at the window sizes each air conditioner would fit. Most will fit windows 27 to 36 inches wide. 

Cooling: I set up a digital thermometer on the opposite side of a 650-square-foot room from the air conditioner and measured its cooling performance by comparing the temperature before and after running the AC at its highest setting for an hour.

Noise: I took a decibel reading using a sound meter positioned 6 feet away from the AC running on high. I also noted any jarring sounds as the compressor turned on and off.

Air quality: Using an air quality monitor, I measured particulate matter and volatile organic compounds before and after running the AC for an hour. I noted any significant changes in air quality in my reviews, but it never entered the "harmful" range during the tests, and I don't weigh this category heavily.

Power use: Using a smart plug, I measured how many kWh each unit used while on high for an hour. 

Extras: Almost all ACs have fan and dehumidifier modes, a window installation kit, a delayed on/off function, and a remote control. These are the basics. I give extra points if a unit has foam seals, curtain insulation, WiFi connectivity, or other bonuses.

Meet the experts behind the guide

James Brains, former senior reporter: I tested 14 different air conditioners for this guide with a series of objective tests. I use my testing results to make recommendations for every type of person, whether you need a budget-friendly window unit or a portable AC.

Lauren Savoie, former deputy editor: I completed an additional round of testing with new releases to update our list of the best air conditioners. I used James' methodology for consistent results.

Air conditioner FAQs

How can you use your air conditioner efficiently?

Jones recommends you keep the unit level, circulate cool air with a fan, keep heat-producing objects away from the AC thermostat, and use a low fan speed on humid days. You can also save on energy costs by installing your air conditioner in a shaded spot and keeping the thermostat as high as is comfortable.

Can I use an air conditioner in a room without windows?

Yes. However, the hot air your AC produces needs a way out of the room. Otherwise, you'll cancel out your unit's cooling effects. If you don't have a window, pick an AC that sends its hot air out the back. You can install these in an exterior wall.

A portable unit gives you more options since the opening to the outdoors only needs to be as large as the exhaust hose.

Which is better: a portable air conditioner or a window/room air conditioner?

I cover this topic extensively in my comparison of portable air conditioners vs window air conditioners, but the short answer is: window units, for most people.

According to Jones, window ACs are more efficient than portable units, which aren't part of the Energy Star program. I found this to be true in my testing. The most efficient portable AC I tested used 60% more energy than the top window pick.

Portable ACs are great in spaces where there isn't a window that can support a window air conditioner. But, in general, if you have a single- or double-hung window, the best air conditioner is a window unit. It will offer better cooling and efficiency along with lower upfront and long-term costs.

What should you do if your air conditioner is too powerful for your room size?

If your AC has too much Btu for your room, it will cool faster than it can dehumidify, creating an uncomfortable, clammy environment. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture or replacing the AC with a more suitable unit. Another solution is increasing the space you are cooling. You can do this by keeping internal doors open.

How do you clean an air conditioner?

The most frequent maintenance task on your air conditioner is cleaning the filter. This should be done once or twice a month and is pretty simple. Just remove the filter, use a handheld vacuum to remove any debris, then wash it with soap and water, allowing it to dry completely before reinstalling it.

You should clean your AC's coils, fins, interior, and exterior every year. For details on how to do that, visit my article on how to clean window air conditioners.

What's the best air conditioner for a bedroom?

When shopping for the best air conditioner for a bedroom, look for an option with low noise levels, dimmable displays, and mid-range power. Our top pick is an excellent option for bedrooms, though you'll have to cover the air-quality light if you're bothered by lights at night.

• The small-cap Russell 2000 has surged amid a market rotation that's taken place in recent months.
• Yet, Goldman Sachs says the momentum is destined to fade.
• Waning fuel from the AI trade and a more hawkish fed will hobble further strong gains.

The small-cap Russell 2000 has had a big run this year, outpacing the tech-laden Nasdaq 100 to post a year to date gain of about 20%. But don't get used it, Goldman Sachs says.

According to the bank, the small-cap rally can be largely attributed to AI, with the infrastructure boom trickling down from the tech sector's leaders. But even as small-caps have outperformed, there are budding risks to smaller companies that mean the rally is likely going to fade.

"The combination of elevated valuations and near-trend US economic growth points to low single-digit Russell 2000 returns in the next 12 months," wrote Goldman analyst Ben Snider in a note to investors.

Finance pros began noticing the strength of small-cap stocks in Summer 2025, highlighting the group as an overlooked winner of the broader AI trade. Now Snider's team sees the market shifting in a different direction for two reasons.

First, the Russell 2000 recently went through its June 2026 reconstitution, which slashed the weight of the index's AI infrastructure stocks in half, reducing it from 15% to 7%. That number matters because a large portion of companies in the index are not actually profitable.

"While analyst estimates point to strong EPS growth, roughly a quarter of the Russell 2000 is unprofitable," Snider added. "Unprofitable stocks represent 29% of Russell 2000 constituents and 23% of market cap. This unprofitable share has trended higher during the past 20 years and increased slightly following last week's rebalance."

Second, monetary policy risks are rising for small-cap stocks as Kevin Warsh begins his tenure as chair of the central bank. The Russell 2000 is full of companies with floating rate debt, who could suddenly end up owing a lot more if the Fed decides to hike interest rates.

Even after Thursday's tepid jobs report, markets still think the Fed could raise rates at least once this year, which would have an outsize negative impact on the more rate-sensitive small-cap sector.

"A Fed tightening cycle would pose a bigger risk to small-caps than large-caps," Snider said. "While our economists believe that the Fed will most likely remain on hold for the next few quarters, the market is pricing roughly 35 bp of Fed tightening through year-end. About 30% of Russell 2000 debt is floating rate, compared with 7% for the S&P 500."

Mattresses are expensive. After all, the best ones use a large quantity of premium materials to give you the best sleep of your life. That's why sales are the perfect time to splurge on your bed upgrade, so you can save hundreds on a game-changing bed. Read on to find the season's best 4th of July mattress sales.

Life doesn't wait for jaw-dropping sales like Black Friday to roll around. Whatever the reason is that you're shopping now, you can trust that these are the best discounts from brands we trust available now. Some of my favorites include the usual suspects: Saatva, Leesa, and Casper. If you're instead shopping for bedding and other accessories, Brooklinen and Coop Sleep Goods are also running solid holiday weekend sales.

The best 4th of July mattress sales

Don't miss out on this weekend's best mattress deals. The picks below are not only tested and reviewed recommendations from our experts, but they're also at worthwhile holiday prices.

Saatva's sale cuts a bigger chunk the more you buy. That brings the Classic Queen mattress down by $325, but if you're furnishing your whole home, you can get up to $625 off your order.

This $500 discount is a typical holiday price for Big Fig, but it's still worthwhile. Use code JULY4 to get the price in your cart.

More 4th of July sleep and bedding deals

Not in need of a mattress? Your sleep situation can still get upgraded for the holiday weekend with these sleep deals on bedding, toppers, and more.

The entire Insider Reviews team is obsessed with Coop's pillows, and its mattress toppers bring the same comfy technology to your entire bed. Coop only offers sales during the holidays, so don't miss out on this 4th of July discount.

Brooklinen sales are another rare one, only cropping up for national holidays. This is the best price we've seen for the Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set in months.

See more: Best mattresses | Best mattress toppers | Best sheets | How we vet deals

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• Actors James Van Der Beek, Robert Duvall, Chuck Norris, and Patrick Muldoon died in 2026.
• So did painter David Hockney, "Dilbert" creator Scott Adams, and Grateful Dead's Bob Weir.
• Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, record producer Clive Davis, and mogul Ted Turner also died this year.

Below, we look back at the celebrities we lost in 2026, listed in alphabetical order.

Scott Adams, 68

Scott Adams worked at a telephone company in the 1980s. The experience inspired his beloved comic strip, "Dilbert."

By the end of the decade, the character and his satirical office humor began appearing in comic strips.

At its peak, "Dilbert" was syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers. A cartoon series debuted in 1999, running for two seasons.

Adams gained notoriety when he began writing blog posts praising Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential run. In 2023, "Dilbert" was pulled from newspapers across the US following racist comments made by Adams.

Adams died on January 13 from metastatic prostate cancer.

Brad Arnold, 47

The lead singer of 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold launched the group into fame with the 2000 rock anthem "Kryptonite," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year.

The success led to other hits like "Loser," "Here Without You," and "When I'm Gone." Arnold's vocal range and lyrics focused on love and love lost, which fueled the group to stardom.

Arnold died on February 7 from a type of kidney cancer.

Afrika Bambaataa, 68

A hip-hop pioneer during the 1970s and 1980s, Lance Taylor, known professionally as Afrika Bambaataa, first gained attention as a DJ in the Bronx.

He signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1981 and released landmark songs like "Jazzy Sensation" and "Planet Rock." He would go on to influence the likes of Queen Latifah and A Tribe Called Quest throughout his career.

Bambaataa founded the hip-hop awareness group, Universal Zulu Nation, in the 1970s to steer kids away from gang life. Bambaataa stepped down as the head of the organization in 2016 after accusations of sexual abuse.

Bambaataa denied all claims.

He died on April 9 due to prostate cancer.

Rob Bass, 59

One of the icons responsible for bringing hip-hop to the mainstram, Rob Bass crafted the iconic track "It Takes Two" alongside DJ E-Z Rock.

The track, released in 1988, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later went certified platinum. In 1989, it was voted the greatest single of all time by Spin magazine.

Bass died on May 22 following cancer.

Nicholas Brendon, 54

Nicholas Brendon was a television actor, best known for playing Xander Harris in all seven seasons of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

He also starred in "Criminal Minds" and "Kitchen Confidential."

Brendon died in his sleep on March 20 due to natural causes, according to his family's statement.

In 2023, Brendon suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. He also had cauda equina syndrome, which led to several spinal surgeries.

"While it's no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis, and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing," the statement to The Hollywood Reporter read. "Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart."

Peabo Bryson, 75

Two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson is best known for his classic love ballads.

Bryson began releasing music in the late 1970s, but one of his first major hits was opposite Roberta Flack on the 1983 duet, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love." He continued hit-making a year later with the smash "If Ever You're in My Arms Again," and in 1991, he topped the R&B charts with "Can You Stop the Rain."

Bryson found global stardom with his renditions of two Disney classics. In 1991, he released the pop version of "Beauty and the Beast," alongside Céline Dion, and a year later, he duetted with Regina Belle on "A Whole New World" from the 1992 release of "Aladdin."

Bryson died on June 2. No cause was given.

James Burrows, 85

An 11-time Emmy winner and co-creator of "Cheers," director James Burrows helped shape modern TV comedy through his work on iconic sitcoms including "Will & Grace," "Friends," and "Frasier."

Known for his comedic timing and elaborate blocking, Burrows got his start directing episodes of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Throughout his career, he directed episodes of "Frasier" (winning an Emmy for the pilot episode), "Will & Grace," "Friends," and "The Big Bang Theory." He directed over 50 pilot episodes.

Burrows died on June 19. No cause was given.

Kyle Busch, 41

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Busch was considered one of the greatest racers of all time.

Busch was hospitalized on May 21, before two upcoming races. Hours later, he was pronounced dead.

Busch died from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.

Robert Carradine, 71

Robert Carradine was best known for his roles as Lizzie McGuire's dad and as the iconic geek Lewis Skolnick in the 1980s franchise "Revenge of the Nerds."

As a member of Hollywood's famed Carradine family, Robert was destined for an onscreen career.

He received one of his first screen credits starring in his brother David Carradine's popular 1970s TV series "Kung Fu" and went on to land roles in everything from Samuel Fuller's World War II classic "The Big Red One" to the "Lizzie McGuire" series.

Carradine's family shared statements with Deadline that emphasized being open about his struggles with mental illness.

"We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby's valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder," Carradine's family said. "We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness."

Carradine died by suicide on February 23.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or has had thoughts of harming themself or taking their own life, get help. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is also available through the Crisis Text Line — just text "HOME" to 741741. The International Association for Suicide Prevention offers resources for those outside the US.

Bud Cort, 77

Most famous for his role as Harold in the 1971 cult-classic "Harold and Maude," Bud Cort became the epitome of 1970s counterculture thanks to his baby-faced looks, wit, and sophisticated persona.

The dark comedy starred Cort as Harold, a man in his 20s who is obsessed with suicide until he meets 79-year-old eccentric Maude (Ruth Gordon).

Before that, Cort scored bit parts in Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H*" (1970) and "Brewster McCloud" (1970).

After "Harold and Maude," Cort worked steadily for the rest of his life, occasionally showing up in hit movies like Michael Mann's "Heat" (1995) and Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004).

Cort died on February 11 following a long illness.

Eric Dane, 53

Long before becoming one of TV's most recognizable heartthrobs, Eric Dane was building his career with guest roles on series like "Saved by the Bell" and "Married… with Children."

He later gained wider attention with appearances on "Charmed" before landing his breakout role as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy." He most recently starred in HBO's "Euphoria," where he played Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi's character, Nate Jacobs.

Dane has two children with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. In April 2025, the actor said that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Dane died on February 19 at age 53, his publicist confirmed in a statement to Business Insider.

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," his publicist said.

Clive Davis, 94

A legend in the music world, Davis was responsible for elevating pop music to unthinkable heights by discovering talents like Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys, to name a few.

Over his 50-year career, along with being an executive behind millions of album sales, he also won five Grammys, including two for Album of the Year ("The Bodyguard" soundtrack and "Supernatural" by Santana).

Davis died on June 22. No cause was given.

Robert Duvall, 95

Robert Duvall starred in a plethora of timeless classics, including "The Godfather," "The Godfather Part II," "Apocalypse Now," "THX 1138," "The Natural," "Days of Thunder," and "The Apostle."

Duvall will be best remembered for starring in three of director Francis Ford Coppola's iconic films: playing Tom Hagen in the first two "Godfather" movies and Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in "Apocalypse Now," in which he delivers one of the most memorable lines in movie history: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."

Duvall was lauded for his acting talent, from not saying a word while playing Boo Radley in his first big screen role in the 1962 classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" to his portrayal of a country singer dealing with alcoholism in 1983's "Tender Mercies," which earned him an Oscar.

He died on his ranch in Virginia on February 15. No cause was given.

Mark Fuhrman, 74

Fuhrman cemented his place in popular culture as one of the lead LAPD detectives on the 1995 murder case of O.J. Simpson's ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.

Fuhrman found the famed bloody glove on the Simpson estate, and during the trial, he gained infamy when Simpson's defense team used his past racist language to discredit him as a witness.

Fuhrman retired from the LAPD after the Simpson trial and moved to Idaho, where he wrote true crime books.

Fuhrman died on May 12 of throat cancer.

Valentino Garavani, 93

For over six decades, one name has been synonymous with women's high fashion: Valentino.

The Italian designer launched his fashion business in Rome in 1960 and never looked back. Soon, every star wanted to be seen in his creations. They've been worn by icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Sharon Stone, and more.

Though Garavani retired from designing in 2008, his label is still a red carpet staple, as is his famous shade of bright red dubbed "Valentino Red."

Garavani died on January 19. No cause was given.

Donald Gibb, 71

No one defined a bully for a generation more than Gibb's hulking fraternity character Orge in the "Revenge of the Nerds" movies of the 1980s.

Since the original raunchy comedy was released in 1984, Gibb's intimidating size and loud yells of "NERDS!" have become as memorable as the pocket protectors worn by the movie's geeks.

Gibb went on to star opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme in his classic 1988 action movie "Bloodsport." He also landed guest star roles through his career on shows like "Quantum Leap," Magnum P.I.," "MacGyver," "Night Court," and "Cheers."

Gibb died on May 12 following health complications.

Anthony Head, 72

Rising up through the UK stage scene in the 1980s, Head found fame when he was cast as Rupert Giles, who became a father figure to Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy Summers in all seven seasons of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Most recently, he played the bitter former owner of AFC Richmond on "Ted Lasso."

Head's death was announced by his family on June 5. They stated the cause was "complications due to pneumonia."

David Hockney, 88

British painter David Hockney was renowned for his striking portraits and figurative pop art. Many of his best-known paintings, including 1966's "The Splash" and 1972's "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)," were inspired by the bright colors and sun-dappled pools of Los Angeles.

Hockney moved to Los Angeles in the late '60s, and his work became synonymous with the warmth and leisure of Southern California. He was also one of the few popular artists at the time to depict openly gay scenes, and Hockney was outspoken about anti-gay censorship.

Throughout his career, Hockney split time between California, England, and France. He died at his home in London on June 12 at age 88, his publicist confirmed to The New York Times. No cause of death was given.

Jesse Jackson, 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, a minister, and an activist icon who twice ran for president.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson experienced Jim Crow segregation on public buses and at school firsthand. It would shape the rest of his life.

His fight for civil rights began in the 1960s, when he helped organize protests and demonstrations across the US and worked closely alongside civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His decadeslong career as a leading civil rights activist included support for modern national movements, such as the push for voting rights, the fight against racism, and a higher minimum wage.

Jackson ran for president twice, both times as a democrat. He placed third for the party's nomination in 1984 and second in 1988. This marked the most successful presidential runs of any Black candidate prior to Barack Obama.

Jackson announced in 2017 that he'd been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In November 2025, Jackson was treated in a Chicago hospital after complications from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition.

Jackson died on February 17.

Patrick Muldoon, 57

In the 1990s, you couldn't escape the piercing eyes of Patrick Muldoon.

He played Austin Reed on "Days of Our Lives" for most of the decade, and when he wasn't on the soap, he was over on "Melrose Place" playing the villain role of Richard Hart.

If being on two iconic shows wasn't enough, he also showed up on "Saved by the Bell" and had a role in the cult classic movie "Starship Troopers."

Muldoon died on April 19 after a heart attack.

Tom Noonan, 74

Standing at a towering 6' 5", Tom Noonan was born to play the bad guy. And he did just that, starring as the villain in movies like "Manhunter," "RoboCop 2," and "Last Action Hero."

But this actor had more to show off. He showcased his comedy chops as Rodney Dangerfield's degenerate gambling friend in the 1983 comedy "Easy Money," and set up the heist for Robert De Niro in Michael Mann's 1995 classic "Heat."

His knack for storytelling also translated behind the camera. Noonan wrote, directed, and starred in the drama "What Happened Was," which won the grand prize at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival.

Noonan died on February 14; no cause was given.

Chuck Norris, 86

Few action stars have Chuck Norris' credentials.

Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, he was a martial arts champion and a black belt in Karate, judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Tang Soo Do.

His talents would become known the world over in 1972, when he faced off against Bruce Lee in "The Way of the Dragon."

Through the 1980s, Norris became one of the biggest action stars in the world thanks to movies like "A Force of One," "The Octagon," and the "Delta Force" and "Missing in Action" franchises.

In the 1990s, he took over the small screen, playing the lead in the "Walker, Texas Ranger" TV show, which aired in over 100 countries during its run from 1993 to 2001.

Norris was hospitalized on March 19 in Hawaii and died the following day, according to his family. No cause was given.

Catherine O'Hara, 71

O'Hara, who was best known for her roles in "Beetlejuice" and "Home Alone," got her start in the Canadian comedy scene, appearing in the now-legendary cast of "SCTV."

It would mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership with fellow actor Eugene Levy, who became her frequent costar and collaborator in memorable appearances in Christopher Guest films like "A Mighty Wind" and "Best in Show" and television series like "Schitt's Creek," which earned her an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actress in 2020.

O'Hara's representation confirmed her death to Business Insider on January 30. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed in a death certificate viewed by People that O'Hara died of a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause.

Valerie Perrine, 82

Perrine found herself cast alongside the biggest stars of the 1970s.

She played the love interest opposite Jeff Bridges in 1973's "The Last American Hero" and Robert Redford in 1979's "The Electric Horseman." She earned an Oscar nomination for starring alongside Dustin Hoffman in 1974's "Lenny."

For most, she'll be remembered best for sharing the screen with Gene Hackman as the secretary to his evil Lex Luthor in 1978's "Superman." She also starred in the sequel. As Ms. Teschmacher, her loyalty to Luthor is questioned when she rescues Superman (Christopher Reeve) after he's chained with Kryptonite.

Perrine died in her home in Beverly Hills on March 23. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015.

Sonny Rollins, 95

One of the most influential jazz musicians in history, Rollins recorded more than 60 albums over his seven-decade career.

His live album, "A Night at the Village Vanguard," is considered one of the greatest jazz albums ever made.

Rollins died on May 25; no cause was given.

Neil Sedaka, 86

Sedaka is responsible for some of the biggest pop songs of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Brooklyn native wrote over 500 songs, including classic hits like "Laughter in the Rain," "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Bad Blood" and the Captain & Tennille song, "Love Will Keep Us Together."

Sedaka died on February 27; no cause was given.

Gene Shalit, 100

Before there was Rotten Tomatoes or even Siskel & Ebert, movie lovers got their recommendations from Gene Shalit.

The iconic movie critic could be seen sporting his signature look of glasses, bushy hair, and big mustache as a staple on the "Today" show from 1973 to 2010. If he wasn't interviewing the biggest movie stars, he was reviewing movies with incredible puns ("'Ishtar' is Ish-terrible.")

His larger-than-life presence left a mark on pop culture: he was parodied as a Muppet and on countless episodes of "SCTV" and "Saturday Night Live."

Shalit died on June 12; no cause was given.

Kiki Shepard, 74

In her 15-year tenure as a co-host on "Showtime at the Apollo," Kiki Shepard was considered royalty at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater.

Known in the building as "Apollo Queen of Fashion" thanks to her dazzling outfits, Shepherd was a fixture on the show from 1987 to 2002.

Throughout her career, Shepard also appeared on TV shows like "Baywatch," "A Different World," "NYPD Blue," and "Grey's Anatomy."

Shepard died on March 16 after suffering a heart attack.

Béla Tarr, 70

Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr became a legend in the arthouse world for his unflinching work featuring several-minute-long takes.

With movies like "Family Nest" (1979) and "The Turin Horse" (2011), Tarr showcased his slow cinema style while focusing on marginalized characters living bleak lives. Tarr pushed the envelope with his style when he made "Sátántangó" in 1994, which had a run time of 450 minutes.

His work influenced several arthouse filmmakers, including Jim Jarmusch and Gus Van Sant's "Death Trilogy" ("Gerry," "Elephant," and "Last Days").

Tarr died on January 6 following a battle with a "long and serious illness."

James Tolkan, 94

You might not recognize the name, but if you're a movie fan, you know the face.

Tolkan's tough-guy persona made a mark on movie history in films like "Top Gun" and the "Back to the Future" franchise.

In "Top Gun," he played Commander Tom "Stinger" Jardian, who famously gives Tom Cruise's character a tongue lashing, saying, "Your ego is writing checks your body can't cash."

In "Back to the Future" and its sequels, he played Principal Strickland, who had zero tolerance for "slackers."

Other credits include "Serpico," "WarGames," "Masters of the Universe," and "Dick Tracy."

Tolkan died on March 26; no cause was given.

Ted Turner, 87

Ted Turner changed the television landscape thanks to his maverick maneuvers to harness the 24-hour news cycle.

After taking over his father's advertising company in the 1960s at the age of 24, Turner embarked on a path to change the media landscape by buying up radio and TV stations around the South. He even bought sports teams including the Atlanta Braves MLB team and the Atlanta Hawks NBA team.

All of that programming would eventually become part of TBS, a "super station" that showed old movies, reruns, and Braves and Hawks games.

Turner then set his sights on the news. He founded CNN, the first 24-hour news channel, in June of 1980.

Over the decades, Turner gained celebrity status, particularly after marrying with Jane Fonda, a union that lasted from 1991 to 2001. In 1991, he was named Time's "Man of the Year." He sold his networks to Time Warner for $7.5 billion in 1996.

Turner died on May 6; no cause was given.

James Van Der Beek, 48

Van Der Beek was beloved all over the world for his role as the titular teen Dawson Leery on the WB series "Dawson's Creek."

The series, which ran from 1998 to 2002, turned Van Der Beek into a star and a teen heartthrob. While "Dawson's Creek" was still airing, he'd cement his stardom playing the lead role of high school quarterback "Mox" Moxon in the 1999 coming-of-age drama "Varsity Blues."

Van Der Beek found steady work the rest of his career in movies like "Texas Rangers" and "The Rules of Attraction, and memorably played a fictional version of himself on the TV series "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," and performed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2019.

Van Der Beek learned he had stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, and publicly announced his diagnosis in late 2024.

Van Der Beek previously told Business Insider that the news came as a shock, given the subtleness of his symptoms and his efforts to stay as healthy as possible.

"I was doing everything," he said. "I was doing sauna, cold plunge, weightlifting, Pilates. I would dance and also do football training."

Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11.

Bob Weir, 78

Weir was one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead.

The singer-songwriter wrote and/or sang on songs like "Sugar Magnolia," "Playing in the Band," "Truckin,'" "I Need a Miracle," and "The Other One."

After the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Weir went on to form several other bands, including Kingfish, Bobby and the Midnites, RatDog, The Other Ones, and, alongside John Mayer, Dead & Company.

In the summer of 2025, Weir was diagnosed with cancer.

Weir died on January 10.

Victor Willis, 74

Willis was the lead singer of the iconic disco band the Village People.

Along with being the lead vocalist and dressing as the police officer (and sometimes naval officer), Willis was also the cowriter on many of the band's hits, including "In the Navy," "Macho Man," and the song that will keep the Village People in pop culture lore until the end of time, "Y.M.C.A."

Willis left the band to embark on a solo career in 1979, then re-formed the Village People in 2017.

Willis died on June 30 following a "short but aggressive illness," according to the Village People Facebook page.

Frederick Wiseman, 96

For over five decades, Wiseman's brand of non-fiction storytelling put a spotlight on everyday people.

From high schoolers to hospital workers to Air Force cadets training for nuclear war, Wiseman's close to 50-film catalogue is an unvarnished reflection of America over the last half century.

Wiseman died on Februay 16, no cause was given.

• Weave Robotics has launched Isaac 1, a home robot, for $7,999 or a $449 monthly preorder plan.
• It promises to handle household chores like doing laundry and tidying your home.
• The launch has caused buzz on X as users wonder if it's a sign of home robots becoming mainstream.

The robot butler is starting to look less like science fiction.

Y Combinator-backed Weave Robotics unveiled its home robot, Isaac 1, on Wednesday. It comes in five pastel colors and is available for preorder at $7,999 upfront or a $449 monthly subscription. The post on X by Weave announcing the launch has over 13 million views and 14,000 likes.

With no company yet having deployed a humanoid home robot at scale, Isaac 1 has generated buzz online. At $7,999, it undercuts rivals such as 1X's $20,000 Neo home robot, fueling speculation that the tech could become more accessible. Tesla has yet to announce a price for its humanoid robot, Optimus.

"$8k home robot. Closer and closer to never doing chores again," Chris Paxton, an AI innovation lead at Agility Robotics, wrote.

"It's about to get very strange folks," wrote Jason Calacanis, a Silicon Valley angel investor and cohost of the "All-In Podcast," in response to the launch on X.

The startup said Isaac 1 can do your laundry, make your bed, and tidy your home. Weave says on its website that its robot can operate autonomously for these tasks by default, but it can be controlled remotely by a human operator if needed.

The head of market development at fintech company Tempo, Simon Taylor, said on X that Isaac 1 looks like a "Roomba with arms" — a reference to the iconic self-cleaning disc-shaped vacuum made by iRobot.

Another commenter on X described the robot as "slow" and "clunky."

On its website, the firm says it uses personal information to improve or upgrade services. It is unclear whether data from homes is used to train the robot. The company did not immediately respond to requests to comment.

Training robots is difficult because, unlike AI chatbots, which have an abundance of material from the internet to train on, there is no equivalent for the physical world and navigating spaces.

AI and robotics firm 1X's Neo said its home robot will be available for preorder and begin deliveries later this year.

Elon Musk said on Tesla's Q1 earnings call in April that the firm will begin production of its long-delayed humanoid robot, Optimus, in late July or August. Tesla has said that Optimus is intended to perform household chores, alongside factory work and caregiving.

Growing up playing tennis in Florida helped me develop a high tolerance for heat, but since moving to New York, I've become a lot more sensitive. Or maybe I'm just getting older.

Over the years, I've come up with a few clever ways of dealing with uncomfortable heat and humidity — especially during heat waves when it feels unbearable to be outside. I carry a French pharmacy face and body mist everywhere I go (it's like walking through a misting machine on a hot day), I use a pre-diluted peppermint essential oil roll-on, and I wear a lightweight cooling hat from the brand Mission.

Mission was co-founded by Serena Williams, Drew Brees, and Dwayne Wade. It makes hats, towels, clothing, and accessories from technical cooling fabrics that bring your temperature down. The brand caters mostly to athletes and the outdoor community, but what sets it apart (besides the fact that it actually works) is that not every style looks like it belongs on a fishing boat. 

I have a regular baseball hat from the brand that I wear for more active days, and a bucket hat that I wear at the pool or while gardening. These aren't the only styles, but they're the two most popular ones. Each comes in multiple colors, and the materials are extremely lightweight. Both styles are cute, comfy, and keep me from melting like a popsicle in the heat.

How Mission cooling hats work

Mission is pretty tight-lipped about the technology of their material, except to say that it "enhances" the process of evaporation, pulling heat away from the body and into the air. To activate the vaporactive cooling technology, the lightweight material has to be wet. The second you dampen it, you'll get an immediate cooling effect (you can do this with regular water or let your sweat do the work for you). But, unlike regular hats, the material remains cool to the touch instead of trapping steam and warming up as the sun beats down on you. 

Once the hat is wet, I've found that my sweat keeps it naturally damp and cool so I rarely (if ever) have to re-wet it on a long day out. But if you're just sitting by a pool or on a boat and you're not working up a sweat, you may want to re-wet the hat every hour or so. You can even hand-wash the hat with soap or detergent in between wears. 

Temperature test

I did a little test outside on a 90-degree day using a laser thermometer where I measured the temperature of the hat before and after dumping room-temperature water (about 70 degrees) on it. 

The dry hat was 77.7 degrees and, after dumping water on it, the wet hat measured 54.5 degrees. For reference, I performed the same test with the same cup of water on a regular cotton hat, and it measured just over 74 degrees when wet — 20 degrees warmer than the wet Mission hat. 

Comfort and fit 

The baseball hat fits well and has an adjustable band like any other athletic hat. I have a small head, and it's not too big for me. Same goes for the bucket hat — it's not too big around my head, but has an adjustable chin strap that can be tucked into the hat or tightened against the chin for a more secure fit. 

The Mission bucket hat is definitely a little goofier, but it's great for days on the water when I don't want my hat to blow away or when I want to protect the back of my neck. The bucket hat is also UPF 50, so I know I won't get burnt through it if I'm out on a boat or experiencing extreme sun exposure.

The bottom line

Mission cooling hats are incredibly effective at regulating my body temperature when I'm outside on hot days. They keep me cool and comfortable, and I recommend them to anyone who spends a good bit of time outside.

If you're looking for options with more coverage, check out all of Mission's hats, clothing, and cooling towels. There are hats with full neck coverage, hooded towels you can drape over your head, and even T-shirts to keep you extra cool.

• Michael Pope, Freestone Grove's natural resources sector head, is leaving the firm.
• The fund will pivot away from energy and double down on other sectors, like tech and industrials.
• Pope closed his own fund, Wellfield Capital, to join Freestone before it launched in 2024.

A top energy trader is leaving the $6.5 billion hedge fund Freestone Grove just two years after helping launch the firm, two people familiar with the matter told Business Insider.

Michael Pope's departure from the firm means Freestone will no longer have a stand-alone energy investing team. A person close to the manager told Business Insider that Freestone did not see the same money-making opportunity in energy and natural resources companies as it did in other sectors.

Pope's analysts will work for other teams at the firm, this person said.

Pope has been the manager's natural resources sector head since the fund's launch in early 2024, closing his own fund, Wellfield Capital, to join Freestone founder Todd Barker. Pope previously worked for Barker at Citadel.

Freestone declined to comment. Pope did not respond to requests for comment. His profile on the firm's website was recently removed.

The firm has recently expanded its investment head count to bolster its focus on other sectors, according to a person familiar, including:

• Micah Nance is set to join later this year as Freestone's technology, media, and telecoms sector head, the person close to the firm said. Nance is a former Citadel partner.
• Tsz Hin Kwok, a former lawyer who has worked as an analyst at Citadel for the past 7 years, will be the firm's first event-driven PM when he joins later this year.
• Jared Franken, a former managing director at Interval Partners, joined the firm earlier this year as a portfolio manager focused on industrials.
• The firm also promoted analysts Daniel Goldberg and Charlie Witmer to portfolio managers. The pair trade consumer and healthcare stocks, respectively.

The firm's $3.5 billion launch was somewhat overshadowed by Jain Global's $5.3 billion debut in 2024. However, Freestone has steadily grown its asset base and its investment head count to 105 people over the past two years, while Jain decided to return external capital to manage money exclusively for Millennium. Business Insider reported that Freestone was also open to new capital from select investors.

The fund was up 8.5% in 2025 but lost money in the first quarter of 2026. A person close to the firm said Freestone recovered its losses in the second quarter, with the fund up roughly 1% through the first half of the year.

• Last year, I decided to change my location on dating apps to find matches abroad.
• I wanted to live outside the US and, as a writer, hoped to report on all I'd learn about dating.
• My experiment ended when I fell for a Paris match. Now that we're together, I'm trying to relocate.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at 41 years old, I found myself in bed, lying to men about where I lived.

Well, sort of.

Earlier that night, while my teenage kids were getting ready for bed, I scrolled through TikTok, pausing on a video from a woman who manually changed her location on a dating app and found her husband in a city that wasn't her own.

As I clicked through the comments, I found hundreds of people sharing their own city-switching experiences — one woman matched with a guy based in Amsterdam over a decade ago, booked a trip to meet him, and never looked back. Another said they found a partner in Scotland and now live there with him.

All of these stories gave me an idea: I would join Hinge as a journalistic dating project.

I'd change my location every three weeks to observe dating patterns in different cities and countries. After, I'd compile my findings and report back to other women who wanted to know what's going on with modern dating.

In the "Don't Judge Me" section of my Hinge profile, I recorded a voice note explaining my situation: "Before you match with me, you should know that I have changed my location to date outside of my country. I have always felt like home is elsewhere. My plan is to move abroad within three years."

It was mostly the truth. I am a life-long traveler, former resident of India, and Sicilian-American, so it wouldn't be unusual for me to date this way. However, I didn't disclose my love project. That part I kept to myself.

Determined, I began swiping.

Going into this experiment, I didn't expect I'd actually find love in another country

My first stop was London, where I experienced a lot of the same behavior on dating apps as I did in the US, with brief replies and conversations with too few questions asked.

So after three days, I changed my location to Paris.

Even though I didn't speak French, men seemed genuinely interested in me and my quest to find love abroad. Many were polite, showing a level of etiquette, manners, and sophistication that seems mostly lost in the States.

I had three great conversations going with different men when one sent me a rose. "I am totally judging you, but in a good way," he said in response to my voice note.

Over the next few days, we talked on the app about life in France, my dream of buying property in Sicily, and '90s R&B. Soon, we moved to WhatsApp and shared photos — his adorable beagles, my burgeoning rosemary bush, what we were cooking, the weather outside our respective homes.

We shared late-night phone conversations and early morning texts.

After two weeks, he asked me if we could be exclusive and said he'd delete his dating apps. "It's rare when you find someone who shares your same values and lifestyle, and so I'd like to focus on you," he said.

I agreed to do the same and, a few days later, finally told him about my dating project — how I'd been talking to several men, screenshotting conversations, saving files, and taking notes for weeks.

"But I've decided I don't want it to continue," I confessed on our call. "My primary goal is to find love, and I feel like we have something here."

I took a deep breath as he paused for a moment.

"I'm glad you told me, and I trust you," he said.

While I let the grief over giving up this creative dream move through me, I also felt excited to embark on my other dream: a shot at real love.

After meeting in person, our connection has only gotten stronger

For the past seven months, we've talked every day through video notes, voice notes, and video calls. We have not missed a day of speaking to each other since we started messaging on Hinge.

In April, we met in person for the first time in New York City. Our ease with each other was instant. He held my hand while walking, sweeping me off to side street corners to kiss me.

I cried in his arms as I left him at the airport at the end of his trip.

One month later, we decided I should move to France so we could really build our relationship. This summer, I traveled to Paris to stay with him at his home for a week to see if I liked it. I loved it.

Although all of this is romantic, there are very real challenges I still need to contend with.

I don't yet have a job in France, securing a visa is a lengthy process, and I don't speak French. I also have a home in the US to sell, and my kids are in high school and may decide not to come with me. (Luckily, they'll still be in good hands if they don't.)

Like any worthwhile project, this will take time. But I can't think of a better way for one project to end, and another to begin.

• Britain's largest electronics retailer has warned of price rises amid the global scramble for memory.
• AI data center demand is driving a shortage of memory chips, making consumer electronics pricier.
• Currys CEO Alex Baldock said it was too early to predict how big the price rises would be.

Higher prices for smartphones and laptops are coming later this year, the boss of Currys, Britain's biggest electricals retailer, has warned, as the AI data center boom soaks up the world's supply of memory chips.

Currys, a UK equivalent of Best Buy, sells laptops, phones, TVs, and appliances online and through hundreds of stores across the UK, Ireland, and the Nordic countries, generating about $12 billion in annual revenue.

That scale, and the buying power that comes with it, makes it a useful early-warning system for where consumer electronics prices are headed.

CEO Alex Baldock blamed AI and data centers for devouring the world's silicon supply on an earnings call after the company reported its annual results.

"Less is left over for the likes of mobile phones and laptops, and that inevitably will cause availability challenges and some cost price inflation coming through later this year," he said in a call after the results were released.

Baldock said it was too early to say how big the price rises would be, but that Currys would lean on its buying power as market leader to secure supplies and hold increases down.

"We've seen this coming for some time; we've made sure that we've brought forward, so we've got good security of supply in computing and mobile phones until at least September," he said.

Currys is the latest company to sound the alarm about a shortage that has already pushed up prices on Apple products and Xbox consoles, a shortage that analysts expect to worsen before it improves.

Memory makers have been reallocating manufacturing capacity toward deep-pocketed AI hyperscalers like Meta, Google, and Amazon, leaving gadget makers fighting over what's left.

Investors seem to have gotten the message: even as Currys reported an 18% jump in annual profit, its shares were down around 3% on the day.

• I tried 22 bagels from Einstein Bros. Bagels and ranked them from my least favorite to top pick.
• Ultimately, neither the poppy-seed nor honey whole-wheat bagels impressed me much.
• Einstein's cinnamon-sugar and apple-cinnamon bagels were my absolute favorite picks.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is a US-based chain that serves up more than 20 varieties of bagels. It's got classic flavors that are always in the rotation, gourmet options, plus limited-edition or seasonal ones.

With so many choices — not to mention its wide selection of cream cheeses and other toppings — ordering can be intimidating.

To figure out what's really worth getting, I ordered and tasted every available bagel at my local chain during my visit. I tried each on its own, toasted with cream cheese, and toasted with butter. 

Here's how each bagel held up, ranked from my least favorite to my top picks.

Toppings totally overwhelmed the poppy-seed bagel.

I don't think poppy seeds have a great flavor, so a plain, un-toasted bagel covered in the black seeds wasn't a winner. This bagel had a somewhat unpleasant taste, and the exterior was a little tough.

Adding cream cheese and butter didn't help this one, either. Even with creamy spreads, the poppy-seed flavor was too strong to mask.

I wasn't really a fan of this bagel, but I bet it would work well for breakfast sandwiches loaded with flavorful fillings. And, if you really like poppy seeds, you'll probably enjoy this.

I felt the honey whole-wheat bagel was too dry.

Honey whole wheat sounded like it'd be pretty boring, and it was. There was the slightest hint of sweetness from the honey, but otherwise, it didn't leave a great taste in my mouth.

This bagel also seemed drier than any of the others I tasted and wasn't anything special, in my opinion.

The cream cheese helped bring out some flavor, but only just.

Even with butter, the honey whole-wheat bagel was still bland, and unless you really slather it with the spread, it was still pretty dry.

The sesame bagel was just fine, even with butter and cream cheese.

Unsurprisingly, this tasted like sesame seeds. The texture was definitely chewy, and it was strange to eat it un-toasted and without any spread.

The toasted sesame-seed bagel with butter was fine if a little flavorless. It was slightly better with cream cheese, but it still left an off-putting aftertaste.

I think this bagel would work well as part of a breakfast sandwich, but regular old spreads didn't do it for me.

I found the green-chile bagel to be too spicy for my liking.

From the first bite, I noticed how soft the texture was, which was quite different from the chewier ones I'd eaten so far. The second thing I noticed was how incredibly spicy this bagel was to me.

I like a little heat, but this was really overwhelming.

Once I toasted this bagel, the cheese flavor came through a little more.

With just butter, this bagel was still too spicy. I preferred it with cream cheese, which definitely brought the heat down to a more tolerable level.

The garlic bagel was soft and tasted best with cream cheese.

This unsurprisingly tasted very garlicky, and the texture was good. It was soft inside and not tough or hard outside.

The abundance of sesame seeds sprinkled on top also helped tone down the garlic flavor a bit.

The cream cheese and garlic tasted great together, creating a tangy-and-savory flavor combo. The butter was also a good pairing, but it definitely heightened the garlic flavor.

The flavors of the spinach-Florentine bagel weren't balanced.

The toppings were well spread out across the top of this Einstein Bros. "gourmet" bagel. However, I mostly just tasted spinach.

I like spinach, but this was a little much — I think this could use more cheese or garlic.

I really enjoyed the texture of the toasted spinach-Florentine bagel. After a few minutes in the toaster oven, it became nice and crisp across the top with absolutely no sogginess.

Toasting this bagel really brought out its cheesy flavor, but the spinach taste I didn't love still dominated.

I wanted to see more berries in the blueberry bagel.

I typically love blueberry bagels, but this one, at least un-toasted, left much to be desired.

The texture was tough, making it hard to bite into, and the blueberries were few and far between.

The exterior became slightly crispy upon toasting, but the interior was still pretty chewy.

I didn't think the butter worked well on this at all. The addition of cream cheese was OK, but the bagel still needed more blueberries.

The chocolate-chip bagel needed more chocolate, but cream cheese helped elevate it.

This bagel was very chewy.

The chocolate chips themselves were pretty good, but the bagel definitely could've used some more because the bites without chocolate were rather bland.

Adding cream cheese seemed like an odd combination to me, but it actually tasted great. It reminded me of a cannoli.

Butter, on the other hand, felt like a weird addition. It just didn't taste right with the chocolaty bagel, in my opinion.

The pretzel bagel could've passed as a plain one.

It was pretty hard to tear a bite off the pretzel bagel, which had an extra-tough exterior. Flavor-wise, there was a slight saltiness, but it was pretty plain.

I think it could've used more salt and longer in the oven, but the Einstein Bros. menu I saw depicted a darker-looking bagel, so I also might have just gotten a dud.

It took on a more savory profile with the addition of cream cheese, and the butter worked especially well on this salty bagel. Either spread is a great choice.

I thought the hash-brown bagel would be more exciting, but it was tasty.

I couldn't wait to try the "gourmet" cheesy hash-brown bagel, which was topped with crispy potato slices, but it was chewy and a bit tough to bite into.

Despite the texture issues, the hash browns were extra crispy and had a peppery flavor.

Toasting this bagel helped to crisp the hash browns even more.

With butter, this reminded me of a good plate of diner hash browns. And with cream cheese, it reminded me of a hash-brown casserole.

Either way, this was good, but not as delicious as I'd expected it to be — it would probably be great for a breakfast sandwich, though.

With just a hint more spice, the cinnamon-raisin bagel would be even better.

The cinnamon-raisin bagel had a good flavor on its own.

I tasted more raisin than cinnamon, which I would have liked more of, but I liked that it was soft.

I didn't love this bagel with cream cheese because there were too many competing flavors. The butter was fine, but I honestly think I'd prefer it with a richer nut butter.

I was pleasantly surprised by the earthy flavor of the ancient-grain bagel.

This was the softest of all the bagels I tried.

It had a pleasant, earthy flavor, and the seeds coating the top added a nice crunch. Despite that, I think this bagel would definitely taste better with some type of spread.

Even after toasting, this bagel still had a nice, soft texture.

At first, the cream cheese tasted a little strange with this, but then it mellowed out to a better flavor. The butter helped the earthy flavor shine through; however, it made the dough a little too soft.

Everything bagels are typically my go-to order, but this was lackluster without schmear.

These are typically my favorite kind of bagels, but this one was way too onion-y for my liking. I still enjoyed the crunch from the seeds and crisp toppings, though.

Adding butter was fine for complementing the savory flavor of this bagel, but the onion was still overpowering. On the other hand, cream cheese helped balance the flavor of the bagel really well.

The pumpernickel bagel was a bit tough but had great flavor.

The bagel was definitely tough to bite into, but the savory, earthy flavor sold it for me. It had a really nice rye flavor that reminded me of eating a Reuben sandwich in the best way.

I found that the butter actually detracted from the rye flavor. But the cool, smooth cream cheese was a perfect contrast to the crunchy, toasted pumpernickel bagel.

I liked that the jalapeño-cheddar bagel had just a hint of spice.

Compared to the green-chile bagel, this option had more cheese and far less spice — but it definitely still brought the heat.

I toasted the jalapeño-cheddar bagel and tasted it with butter first, which didn't really add anything to the flavor.

Toasting this and adding cream cheese to it was a delicious decision, though. I believe this bagel was really made to pair with the cream cheese. The combination tasted a lot like a jalapeño popper.

The plain bagel was solid, but it definitely needs a spread.

The classic plain bagel at Einstein Bros. was very chewy.

Aside from that, there was a good yeasty, bread flavor, but it definitely needs a spread to make it enjoyable to eat.

Butter didn't do much to amplify the flavor of this bagel, but it paired well with cream cheese.

Luckily, the chewiness wasn't as intense once it was toasted. It actually gave the bagel a nice, crispy exterior and a slightly soft interior.

I loved the crisp, cheesy exterior of the Asiago-cheese bagel.

Before toasting, the Asiago-cheese bagel was slightly crisp, not chewy. I also liked that the cheesy flavor was apparent even without any kind of added spread.

Fortunately, both the butter and cream cheese paired well with this bagel.

The buttered, toasted bagel had a crunchy texture with an even more prominent cheese flavor. And with cream cheese, it was still quite savory and really yummy.

The six-cheese bagel was perfectly blanketed in toppings.

Unlike some of the bagel options, the six-cheese variety had a full layer of topping — almost like a pizza.

This bagel, un-toasted, had a slightly chewy texture and a good, cheesy flavor. Considering this had six kinds of cheese, though, I think the flavor could've been stronger.

When toasted, the six-cheese bagel got crispier on top, and the cheese flavor came through more.

It tasted delicious with both butter and cream cheese, though I preferred it with the latter.

I loved the cranberry bagel, even without toasting it or adding a spread.

This cranberry bagel was so sweet and delicious. The berries weren't overly chewy, and I really loved the flavor they added.

There weren't too many cranberry pieces, but I didn't find myself wishing for more.

Butter didn't really add or subtract from the flavor, but cream cheese made it taste like a deliciously creamy breakfast pastry.

Truthfully, the French-toast bagel was best on its own.

Even plain and un-toasted, the French-toast bagel rocked my taste buds.

The exterior was crispy and very sweet, and the interior was soft. In addition to a crunchy, cinnamon topping, there were little cinnamon clusters dispersed throughout the dough, so every bite was packed with flavor.

Butter didn't change the taste of the French-toast bagel, but it did give it a nice, moist texture. The cream cheese, on the other hand, almost overpowered the cinnamon-sugar flavor, which I preferred on its own.

The cinnamon-sugar bagel was a worthy runner-up.

This bagel was so delicious plain. It tasted buttery without any spread, and the texture wasn't too tough or chewy, even before it was toasted.

Adding cream cheese made the bagel a little too rich for me. The flavor was still nice, but the textures were overwhelming.

However, the addition of butter was pretty great. It made me nostalgic and reminded me of the cinnamon-sugar toast that I ate all the time as a kid.

This apple-cinnamon bagel somehow had a gooey yet crispy center.

Another item on Einstein's "gourmet" menu, the apple-cinnamon bagel was yummy on its own. The topping featured a cinnamon-sugar crunch paired with soft-baked apples.

My only complaint is that all of the toppings were in the center of the bagel.

Un-toasted, toasted, with cream cheese, or with butter, this bagel was a winner.

Adding butter gave this bagel an apple-crisp vibe, and it was even more delicious with the cream cheese.

Even though warming it up made the bagel a little soggy from all of the toppings piled in the center, I really loved this cinnamon-y, sugary apple combination.

This story was originally published in October 2020 and most recently updated on July 2, 2026.

Chief marketing officers are measured by results, not creativity or awards, and must do work that inspires the people in the company, says Meta's Alex Schultz.

At the time of this interview, Schultz was CMO and VP of analytics. A few days after the 2026 Cannes Lions concluded, Meta announced that Schultz would become the company's first chief data officer, passing the CMO title to Denise Moreno.

Schultz said there are three categories of brand AI use in the future — pure AI-only content, creators enabled by AI, and brands and creators who swear they will never use it. "The middle category will be the biggest," he said. "Pure human makes sense for some brands, but that middle bit of brands and humans enabled by AI will be the biggest."

The CMO role boils down to three things, said Erica Serow, Bain's chief marketing officer, who was interviewed during the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival.

"It's about incredible creativity, it is about great measurement and confidence in how money is getting spent, and it's about figuring out how to deploy technology to help you," she said. "That's a really tough basket of goods."

Serow said clients are no longer talking about artificial intelligence abstractly; they are focusing on their objectives and thinking through how technology can help them achieve them. "It's a real pivot to have people talking about using AI to solve a business priority instead of creating a business priority around AI," she said.

"The secret to CMO tenure is coming in and wearing an enterprise hat, first and foremost," said Claudine Cheever, the chief marketing officer at Pinterest.

Cheever joined Pinterest from Amazon in January 2026. "One of the things I look for in a role is what is the executive team like, and is my job going to be first, a member of that ET, and then a CMO."

Pinterest is about "intention" rather than attention, Cheever said, and it measures success based on user engagement. "Pinterest is really where people come to figure out what they are going to try, buy, or do next," she said. "I think that's incredibly commercial and it's very differentiated."

Yahoo is in the middle of a "brand transformation," and is aiming to win over a new generation of users, said Josh Line, the chief marketing officer,

It all began with the product. "It started with redeveloping all our products over the last two years. Every pixel is new," Line said. "So we were ready to get out there from the marketing perspective."

Line said that Yahoo deleted all its social accounts a year and a half ago and is now seeing greater traction on those channels. Creators have been a big part of the strategy, including Benny Blanco through his "Friends Keep Secrets" podcast.

"We invest in what I call 'credible adjacency' rather than influencer marketing," said Tara Giuliano, chief marketing officer, in an interview at 2026 Cannes Lions.

As a global investment firm, Nuveen is careful about its celebrity and creator partnerships. "We have to do a lot of due diligence on any alignment strategy that we have," she said. One of its recent partnerships has been with Mark Wahlberg's Municipal apparel company. Wahlberg is also a Nuveen client.

Giuliano, whose brother died by suicide amid financial distress, also spoke about her sense of purpose in helping people secure their future.

• Student-loan borrowers on SAVE started receiving notices to switch plans on July 1.
• Once a borrower receives the notice, they'll have 90 days to switch to a new repayment plan.
• An education official said servicers will notify up to 250,000 borrowers each week.

The SAVE exodus has officially begun.

The first batch of notices to student-loan borrowers enrolled in the SAVE repayment plan went out on July 1, informing them of their 90-day timeframe to switch to a new plan and begin making payments.

The notice that borrowers received, reviewed by Business Insider, has the subject line: "You have 90 days to select a new repayment plan."

SAVE "is no longer available to borrowers," an email from federal servicer EdFinancial said. "As a result of the settlement, EdFinancial was directed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to move all borrowers out of the SAVE plan."

The Education Department said in a recent court filing that while September 29 is the earliest that borrowers will have to switch plans, the transition will occur in waves, and most borrowers will receive more time. Federal servicer Nelnet said in a FAQ on its website that since it is notifying 3 million borrowers, its customers will receive a notice "between July 2026 and March 2027." This means some borrowers could have until the end of May 2027 to switch off SAVE.

Borrowers will remain on the SAVE forbearance, during which interest will continue to accrue, until their application for a new repayment plan is processed, Nelnet said in its FAQ.

Undersecretary of Education Nicholas Kent said at a conference this week that servicers will contact up to 250,000 borrowers each week, notifying them of their timeframe to switch plans. If they do not switch, they will be moved to the standard repayment plan or the new tiered plan, which are the most expensive options.

The SAVE plan was a Biden-era repayment plan that allowed for cheaper monthly payments and a shorter timeline to loan forgiveness. In March, the Trump administration announced a settlement eliminating the plan and encouraged the 7 million borrowers on SAVE to enroll in its new Repayment Assistance Plan, which became available on July 1.

Kent posted on X on July 1 that nearly 46,000 borrowers have submitted applications to enroll in RAP.

Have a story to share about student loans? Contact this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com, or fill out this form.

The LinkedIn community is growing beyond the typical office worker, according to Jessica Jensen, the brand's chief marketing officer, who was interviewed at 2026 Cannes Lions.

"Creators are on fire on LinkedIn," Jensen said. "We have seen 90% growth in the number of people adding 'creator' to their profile."

The platform launched a marketplace to help match creators with brands. Professional athletes are also increasingly setting up LinkedIn profiles. Jensen cited a recent story about a player for Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup team who was recruited through LinkedIn.

Lenovo is the first-ever technology partner of the FIFA World Cup, and Emily Ketchen, CMO of IDG and ISO, said, "It's really a statement around partnership."

IDG is Lenovo's Intelligent Devices Group, and ISO is its International Organization for Standardization.

Ketchen was interviewed at the 2026 Cannes Lions. She described how Lenovo has created 3D avatars for all players across all 48 teams to make replays more realistic. Lenovo has also used AI to stabilize the view from the "Ref Cam," so audiences can see the game from the referee's perspective.

• Melania Trump earned over $17.2 million in 2025, a new annual financial disclosure report showed.
• The first lady reported earning $10.71 million from her documentary, "Melania."
• She also earned over $6 million from NFT sales and $521,161 from sales of her 2024 memoir.

President Donald Trump's certified annual financial disclosure report, released on Tuesday, showed that first lady Melania Trump earned over $17.2 million in 2025 from her documentary, book sales, and NFTs, or non-fungible tokens.

The first lady's biggest payday, according to the filing, was the licensing fee for her "Melania" documentary, which chronicled her activities during the 20 days leading up to the 2025 inauguration.

Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million to acquire the documentary and $35 million to market it, prompting some Democratic lawmakers to raise concerns that the project was a "pay-to-play arrangement" by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos to "gain political influence or favorable treatment" with the Trump administration. In a statement, Amazon said, "We licensed the film for one reason and one reason only — because we think customers are going to love it."

"Melania," which premiered in theaters in January 2026, went on to gross $16.6 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

In the financial disclosure report, Melania Trump reported earning $10.71 million from the documentary.

The report also shows that the first lady earned $6,011,259 "for the sale of NFTs and other collectibles." Her limited-edition NFTs, which are sold out on her official website, have included an exclusive digital series of photos from the 2024 campaign trail titled "On The Move" and a blue animated MetaRose commemorating National Foster Care Month in 2022.

Additionally, Melania Trump reported $521,161 in net proceeds from book sales of "Melania," her best-selling memoir published by Skyhorse Publishing in 2024.

All told, Melania Trump earned over $17.2 million in 2025, the filing showed.

Donald Trump reported earning over $2 billion, around half of which was tied to his cryptocurrency ventures, including token sales through World Liberty Financial and a licensing agreement for Trump-branded meme coins.

The filing shed light on the degree to which the Trump family has profited since returning to the White House in January 2025.

Donald Trump dismissed questions about whether he was profiting off the presidency on Wednesday, telling reporters that his money is handled by separate institutions and that "everybody is profiting" because "the stock market's going up" before boarding the new Air Force One jet.

The Office of First Lady Melania Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. A White House spokesperson previously told Business Insider that "neither the President nor his family has ever engaged — or will ever engage — in conflicts of interest."

• I left the US and bought a villa in a small Tuscan village for about 45,000 euros in 2023.
• In total, I spent around 200,000 euros on the villa and renovations by the time I moved in.
• The language barrier can be tough, but I love the sense of community and laid-back lifestyle here.

In 2023, after a decade of transatlantic travel for my work in MotoGP, I decided it was time to relocate to Europe.

My life in America felt transient. Every couple of weeks, I was back on a plane to a Grand Prix, most of which were in Europe.

After many years in Phoenix, I craved the more laid-back lifestyle I'd seen on my many trips to Europe, where work-life balance felt like a priority, and vacation was of utmost importance.

I was ready to live somewhere new, preferably quieter and within an hour of an international airport, since my job involves frequent travel.

Eventually, I set my sights on Tuscany, a beautiful region where the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix is held each year, which also has two international airports.

After narrowing my search, I landed in the comune of Pistoia, just about a 30-minute drive from the Florence airport. There, I found a beautiful three-story historic villa that had been sitting empty for decades.

It had six bedrooms, two kitchens, and a dining room, but it was also severely neglected and in need of a total renovation.

The villa was listed for six figures, but I knew I'd need to put a lot of money into it to make it livable, so I made a much lower offer.

After negotiation, several months of complicated legal maneuvering, and lots of paperwork, the property was mine for about 45,000 euros (just under $50,000 at the time) after taxes and associated fees — and my dream was one step closer.

It took several months and six figures to get the place move-in ready

The renovation process began in early 2024, and my goal was to get the home move-in ready before my apartment lease expired in a few months, while staying within my remaining budget of about 150,000 euros.

To kick off the renovation, I hired a highly recommended geometra (an architect and construction manager of sorts) and a mason, both of whom were great.

Given the scale of the renovation, we needed to apply for permits for just about everything, from refurbishing masonry to erecting scaffolding.

We cleared out the entire house and, as permits were obtained, began working on it, inside and out. Much to my and my Italian friends' surprise, the project stayed on schedule and relatively on budget.

The work was hard, and the house's location, up a winding mountain road, made deliveries extra challenging. Some of the biggest projects included replacing the entire wiring and plumbing systems, as well as the roof.

The only "budget creep" resulted from decisions I made on the fly to achieve the result I was looking for: a modern renovation that retained as many original features — including the beautiful tiled floors and balustrades — as possible.

In between covering Grands Prix, I pitched in and tried to assist with the work where I could, whether helping to remove the aging plaster, restore window shutters, or carry tiles.

Being hands-on saved me time and money, and also seemed to help me build an earnest relationship with the tradesmen doing the work.

Of course, working with great people helped. I like to think they didn't want to let me down, since they knew my apartment lease was expiring and that I needed to move in or risk sleeping in a building site.

By November 2024, the main renovation was complete, and I had finally moved in.

In the end, I'm glad I restored a centuries-old villa

After decorating the place with rugs, furniture, and homewares I'd collected during road trips across North Africa and Europe, my centuries-old villa feels like home.

I've settled into the casual cadence of village life, becoming a regular at nearby businesses and even helping out with the area's new football team.

So far, the greatest contrast between life in a Tuscan village and Phoenix has been my connection with the community. Here, spending time with neighbors who become friends is a daily ritual, not a planned outing.

In Italy, I've learned to gift myself time — time to stop, to talk, to share a coffee or an aperitivo. I no longer rush through dinner; I try to enjoy the experience as much as the food.

I've also become somewhat of a local novelty, in part because of my accent and ability to bring MotoGP bikes home for show-and-tell.

Getting used to living here hasn't always been easy since I don't yet speak fluent Italian. Google Translate and the patience of the gracious Italians around me have helped, though. My neighbors have learned to wait for my computer-assisted reply after they ask me a question.

Work has also been much easier now that I've got a home base in Europe. Instead of boarding long flights every other week, I can take short ones to cover different events. It's been a huge help for work-life balance.

Getting to places now feels like an adventure instead of a chore, and the best part is when I get back home, so many people around me want to hear about the weekend — including the drama on the track and in the paddock. My work feels more important and interesting in the company of MotoGP's most passionate fan bases.

As much as I miss some of the conveniences of living in a big city, I'm grateful I've built a dreamy, more laid-back life that barely resembles the "treadmill of keeping up" that was my life in America.

I can't recommend restoring a centuries-old villa if you're looking to turn a profit or quickly move into a new place. However, if you're looking for an incredible adventure and change of scenery, it may just be worth it.

• I tried beef hot dogs from Nathan's, Sabrett, Applegate, and Ball Park.
• Ball Park had the thickest frank, but I thought Applegate's organic hot dogs packed the most flavor.
• I didn't think Sabrett's less-than-flavorful hot dogs warranted their higher price tag.

Nothing says summer quite like a crispy, cooked hot dog with just the right amount of snap.

WalletHub reported that Americans are expected to consume 818 hot dogs per second between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year, with 150 million hot dogs eaten on July 4 alone.

Ahead of this year's celebrations, I decided to try four different kinds of hot dogs to see which one I would choose for my own cookout.

I opted for beef hot dogs from Applegate, Sabrett, Nathan's, and Ball Park. The Sabrett, Nathan's, and Ball Park packages each included eight beef franks, while the Applegate package included six.

I cooked each type of hot dog the same way. Then I tried each one on a Martin's long potato roll, topped with Heinz ketchup and French's classic yellow mustard.

Here's how all four hot-dog brands ranked, from worst to best.

My least favorite brand that I tried was the Sabrett skinless beef frankfurters.

This was the second-most expensive brand I tried. A pack of eight hot dogs costs $8.99, excluding taxes and fees, but they were on sale for $6.99.

Since it's a New York brand — and I live in the city — I half-expected to pay a little less for a local product.

The hot dog was about the same thickness as the Nathan's hot dog, which I ultimately ranked higher.

The Sabrett hot dog fit perfectly inside the potato roll bun without hanging too much off either end.

I felt like the flavor in the Sabrett hot dog was lacking.

The only flavors that came through were the ketchup and mustard, which is a distinct no-no in my book for hot dogs.

While the texture wasn't overly chewy, I thought it didn't have the distinct snap I often look for in a hot dog. 

While it wasn't bad by any means, I didn't think this brand was worth the higher price tag.

I also tried a New York staple: Nathan's skinless beef franks.

Nathan's is a New York institution famous for its annual Coney Island hot-dog-eating contest on July Fourth.

I managed to snag an eight-pack of these hot dogs on sale at my local Food Bazaar.

The original price was $7.39, but I managed to get them for just $3.99, excluding tax.

I thought the Nathan's hot dogs were a perfect size.

It looked like a really classic hot dog you would eat on the pier in summertime: crispy on the outside, while still retaining that classic red hot-dog color.

The hot dog from Nathan's tasted slightly saltier than the other varieties.

After just a few bites, I was already reaching for water — it was hard to imagine eating dozens of these in a competition setting.

The hot dog had a decent flavor and a satisfying snap, but the overwhelming saltiness made it far from memorable.

My second-favorite brand was Ball Park's beef hot dogs.

The Ball Park pack of eight hot dogs cost me $8.99, excluding taxes and fees.

The Ball Park hot dogs were the thickest and shortest ones on my list.

I also noticed they cooked a lot faster than the other brands. While the other brands retained their red, crispy consistency in the pan, the Ball Park dogs quickly began to char and crisp up after only a minute or two of cooking.

I personally like really well-done, almost charred hot dogs, but it's something to keep in mind if you have different preferences. 

The Ball Park dog was well done on the outside, but the inside was still slightly chewy.

I thought the hot dog had a nice smoky flavor that paired well with the bun and toppings, though the texture was a bit too rubbery for my taste.

My favorite hot-dog brand was Applegate's organic uncured-beef hot dogs.

The pack of six franks cost me $8.99 at my local Food Bazaar grocery store, excluding taxes and fees.

The pack came with six hot dogs, two fewer than the other packs.

The smaller package size is definitely worth keeping in mind if you're shopping for a large cookout or feeding a crowd, since you may need to buy multiple packs to have enough on hand.

When the Applegate hot dog was done cooking, I noticed it was skinnier than the other brands.

I wondered whether it would be less filling, or how the slightly thinner shape would affect the eating experience. 

Right away, I noticed that the hot dog had a lot of flavor, and the frank had a satisfying snap.

The ketchup and mustard added plenty of flavor without overpowering the hot dog's savory, beefy taste.

Even though it was the thinnest hot dog I tried, the bun-to-dog ratio still felt balanced, with each ingredient complementing the others well.

In the end, I had to give the win to Applegate.

I was surprised that this brand won. Even though I call New York City home, neither of the local brands, Nathan's or Sabrett, deserved the win in my book. 

I thought Applegate's hot dog, though thinner than the others, had the best flavor and texture. It was also a great value, despite the pack being two dogs short. If I had to choose which hot dog brand to eat at my cookout, it would be Applegate hot dogs all the way.

• I ordered sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches from Dunkin', Starbucks, and Tim Hortons.
• Each breakfast sandwich had its own pros and cons, but I liked the one from Tim Hortons the most.
• Ideally, I'd like a sandwich with Tim Hortons' egg, Dunkin's sausage, and Starbucks' English muffin.

There's nothing quite like enjoying a tasty sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast.

Like many New Yorkers, I maintain a careful mental ranking of the best bodegas and street carts in my area for breakfast sandwiches. However, I became curious as to which coffee chain would be best to turn to when I'm traveling and need something to eat.

So, purchased sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches from Dunkin', Starbucks, and Tim Hortons and compared them. Here's how it went.

First, I visited a Tim Hortons location in Manhattan.

To kick things off, I visited Tim Hortons, a Canadian chain known for its coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches.

Although I've been to a handful of Tim Hortons locations in the US and Canada before, this was my first time trying anything beyond coffee and doughnuts.

I went to order a stand-alone sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, which cost $5.99, but the cashier informed me that the $6 (pre-tax) breakfast deal came with the sandwich, a doughnut, and a medium iced coffee. So, I went with the latter.

I really liked the egg on this sandwich.

The sandwich from Tim Hortons was the greasiest of the three, but it also tasted the freshest. The egg had a nice, fluffy texture and a soft, flavorful yolk.

The English muffin was pleasantly substantial, and the yellow cheese was melted to the perfect creaminess. The sausage added some heft, but I didn't think it had much flavor.

Next, I visited a Dunkin' location across the street.

To continue my search for the best sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, I visited Dunkin' — a chain known for its coffee, fruity refreshers, doughnuts, and sandwiches.

Although I've been to Dunkin' before, I'm not a huge fan of its coffee, so I rarely seek it out. However, I decided to give its breakfast sandwich a try.

The sausage, egg, and cheese cost $6.25 before tax, which is only slightly more than I paid for the other options I tried.

Like the Tim Hortons across the street, Dunkin' also advertised a $6 meal deal. Sadly, though, it was only valid for a coffee and two wake-up wraps, so I didn't take advantage of the offer.

Dunkin's option was made with flavorful sausage.

The Dunkin' sandwich was the largest of the three, owing mostly to the fluffy-looking English muffin it came on. Unfortunately, though, I was disappointed when I took a bite.

The English muffin tasted somewhat doughy and almost unnaturally soft — it reminded me a bit of white bread. It also had a floury coating, which I didn't love.

The egg was fairly puck-like and light on flavor, and the cheese didn't do much to rescue it. However, the sausage was the saving grace, with rich flavor and a hint of spice.

Finally, I visited a nearby Starbucks location.

To round things out, I visited Starbucks, a chain famous for its coffee, lattes, fruity refreshers, and selection of baked goods.

I visit Starbucks often, but I typically stick to the brand's cold brew. And although I've tried many of its breakfast sandwiches over the years, I mostly choose them for convenience, and never paid close enough attention to the flavor.

So, I was excited to try the sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich again.

The Starbucks sandwich came on a delicious English muffin.

I thought the Starbucks English muffin was the tastiest of the three I tried. It had an enjoyable toastiness and a chewy density that helped it stay intact while I enjoyed the sandwich.

The bright yellow disc of melted cheddar and egg, however, didn't taste like much of anything besides salt. Starbucks' sausage was decidedly the spiciest of the three, which I didn't expect, but also the driest.

Before tax, this sandwich cost $5.45, making it the cheapest one I tried.

Overall, the option from Tim Hortons was my favorite.

At the end of the day, these sandwiches were difficult to rank, as each had some points in its favor and some against. Ideally, I'd like a sandwich with Tim Hortons' egg and cheese, Dunkin's sausage patty, and Starbucks' English muffin.

But as they were, I liked Tim Hortons' sandwich the best. It tasted the freshest of the three, even though it was the first one I ordered, and the ingredients seemed fairly high-quality across the board.

• Michael Petri began working at his family's plumbing business as a tween.
• The odd jobs led him to enter the profession after college and become the majority owner.
• He is celebrating the firm's 120th anniversary and said it is in safe hands with his son.

This story is based on an interview with Michael Petri, 71, from Brooklyn, New York, of Petri Plumbing. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I officially joined my family's plumbing firm in 1977 at the age of 23, after graduating with a business degree from Villanova University.

The company had been at the center of my life since I was born, whether it was listening to my dad and granddad talking about its founding in 1906 or hiding in the park to avoid being called in to help.

I did the dirty work

I was around 12 at the time. No matter what tree I crouched behind, someone would find me and make me do the dirty work, like sweeping the floors or cleaning the trucks.

My younger brother, Gerard, now 68, entered the firm after high school while I waited until I'd left college.

Even in college, I had to help out. Once, I'd barely gotten off the bus for Christmas vacation when I was summoned to a shack in Coney Island.

Gerard said we had to go under the property to fix a pipe. "I'm not thrilled about this," I said. I opened the hatch and stuck my head down into the basement.

I saw a thousand eyes looking up at me. They were rats. Dad got me to break some glass into a bucket and throw it at them so they'd scatter. "I'm not getting paid enough money for this," I said.

I accepted a well-paid job elsewhere

Still, I persisted. Gerard and I were at the bottom of the totem pole. There was no special treatment for being the bosses' sons and grandsons. We earned $30 a week.

Two years in, I was offered a good, well-paid sales job at a nationwide company with headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. My dad encouraged me to accept because he wanted me to spread my wings.

So I took it. But I didn't so much as set foot out of New York. I waited for my flight at JFK airport and, at the last minute, ran to a payphone.

"I can't do this," I told Dad. "It's not really who I am."

So I went back into the field and eventually qualified as a licensed plumber.

I particularly enjoyed working on residential projects. As a successful tradesman, you need empathy. People often call you when it's an emergency. You have to calm them down as you do the repair.

My son is following in my footsteps

Gerard was more into the commercial side of things, often on-site in office towers and hotels. However, I have always preferred working with private customers because of the human interaction.

Petri has gone from strength to strength. We now employ over 40 people. My son, Chris, left his internship on Wall Street to follow in the family footsteps in 2015.

He owns 49% of the business, and I own 51%. As vice-president and the operations manager, he's taken things to new levels by embracing technology.

We've certainly seen some change over the last 120 years. A display in our office features the horseshoes used for horse-drawn carts in the early 20th century and lanterns before flashlights came along.

Legacy isn't as important for younger generations

The longevity is hard to beat. The company has been through the Spanish Influenza, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, up to 9/11, and beyond.

I'd love to say the company will stay in the family for another century. But legacy isn't as important as it was for my generation.

In the meantime, I'm grateful to Chris for continuing to build a successful operation that the whole family can be proud of.

• My husband and I traded New York City for a quaint village with more space and access to nature.
• After a few years, though, I started to really miss my family and the conveniences of life in NYC.
• We're trying to move back, but I worry we're priced out of the neighborhood where I grew up.

I grew up in the Bronx, the NYC borough known as the birthplace of hip-hop and the home of the Yankees. It's the third-most densely populated county in the US, with around 1.4 million residents.

I loved my home, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I longed for more space. So, my husband and I left the apartment we occupied in my parents' home and moved 45 minutes away into a split-level house on a half-acre plot with a babbling brook.

Now, we live in a village with around 8,000 people. It's easily accessible by train, and there's a flower shop, a local coffee spot with an attached bookstore, and an ice-cream shop with homemade flavors like roasted pistachio and fresh cantaloupe.

I love our cute village and all the nature that surrounds us — but I'm also paranoid about ticks, and lawn work takes my husband a whole day every other weekend. I still haven't adjusted to the lack of convenience, and I miss my family.

That's why, three years into living here, we started itching to move back to the Bronx.

There was a lot we hadn't considered when we moved here

We moved away to find a deeper connection with nature and more space, but the trade-offs haven't necessarily felt worth it to us.

I love that every window in our house looks out onto greenery, but I've realized that so much of the nature and wildlife I'd wanted from this move, I'd already had in the Bronx. I had simply taken it for granted.

Green space? Many houses in my parents' neighborhood have small yards with veggie gardens. Outdoor activities? The Bronx has tons of bike trails, a beach, a zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden.

Although our current house is nice and roomy, it also feels empty without my parents and brother stopping in all the time, like they used to. As my parents get older and my husband and I plan to start trying for our own kid, being closer to family feels more important than ever.

There are also challenges we didn't expect. When we relocated to a place without a public-transit system, I'd failed to consider the lack of convenience.

I don't drive, so now I have to either walk over a mile to the nearest grocery store and back or pay for food delivery from the Whole Foods located a few towns over.

Although I know I could get my license, I don't necessarily want a lifestyle that's so car-dependent. Plus, with my husband using our only car to commute down to the Bronx for work, it'd be an extra expense to get a second vehicle.

Unfortunately, our search for a new home feels nearly impossible

I'd like to move back to the neighborhood where I grew up because that's what feels like home. I want to support the place and people who made me who I am today.

The housing inventory in that area has been sluggish, though, and sellers are still pricing high. These days, older houses in need of major renovations in the Bronx cost about the same as larger, newer homes in our current town.

Pretty much all the options stretch our limited budget: mostly equity in our current house and some minor savings. Money has been especially tight since I lost my full-time job last year.

Then there are the current 30-year mortgage interest rates, which have been (often more than) double the 3% we secured back in 2021.

Factor in the generally high cost of living in New York City, and I'm starting to believe we've been priced out of the neighborhood where I grew up.

I don't regret leaving the city, because it taught me a lot about myself and what I value. Getting back to the Bronx is the right next step, though, and I'm holding on to hope that I'll find my way home soon.

• Thomas Edison's laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, opened in 1887.
• Edison personally conducted experiments in chemistry, machinery, electricity, and other fields.
• In the laboratory, he and his staff developed the first motion-picture camera.

In what is perhaps Thomas Edison's most famous quote, the inventor said, "Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration."

For most of Edison's career, this perspiration took place in his laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey.

When the laboratory opened in 1887, Edison had already been credited with inventing the light bulb and the phonograph, and he was a successful businessman. But in this new workspace about 15 miles from New York City, he'd continue to conduct experiments for the next 45 years until his death in 1931.

Edison previously worked out of a laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, where he developed the light bulb and the phonograph, but it was in West Orange where he'd continue to experiment, creating the world's first motion-picture camera, successful alkaline storage batteries, and other devices that would have far-reaching impacts on American innovation.

Edison registered a jaw-dropping 1,093 patents in his lifetime, though his work couldn't have been achieved without models from his contemporaries, and his collaborators and engineers were crucial in the development of his fully in-house inventions.

Today, the West Orange laboratory is known as Thomas Edison National Historical Park and is maintained by the National Park Service. Many rooms in the lab have been preserved to look exactly as they did when Edison died nearly 100 years ago.

See inside the 139-year-old laboratory.

The laboratory spans a city block in West Orange.

In 1886, when Edison married Mina Miller, his second wife, he already owned a roughly 13-acre estate in the then-rural town. According to the park, Edison had outgrown his lab in Menlo Park by this time and was seeking something bigger.

He enlisted architect Henry Hudson Holly to construct a new lab near his home, which would become his workplace for the rest of his life.

In addition to the three-story main laboratory, the complex has specialized labs for different fields.

The complex, consisting of six laboratory buildings, employed about 150 to 200 workers at one time.

The space included a chemistry lab, a motion-picture studio, a blacksmith shop, and a pattern shop. In the latter, carpenters created wooden models of machine parts that Edison and his collaborators then used to model metal parts.

The chemistry lab held about 18 workers.

For his entire life, Edison's favorite science was chemistry. After being introduced to the world of test tubes and beakers as a child, he began conducting experiments in his parents' basement.

The complex's chemistry lab was "one of the best-equipped chemistry laboratories in the world" when it was completed, according to the park. Here, Edison and his collaborators experimented with rubber, phonograph records, and cement.

His cement would ultimately be used to build the original Yankee Stadium, among other applications.

Though he didn't invent the light bulb in this lab, Edison and his team made further advancements in electricity here.

Edison is credited with creating the first practical light bulb suitable for extended use, building on the ideas of inventors such as the British scientist Joseph Swan.

One of Edison's chief priorities in his new lab was to improve the electric light, according to the Thomas A. Edison Papers at Rutgers University. Edison also developed a practical alkaline battery at the facility, and the technology was later used in railroads, mining, manufacturing, and ships.

Edison and his collaborators built the world's first film studio at the complex.

In an 1888 patent application, Edison sought to create a device "that does for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear, which is the recording and reproduction of things in motion," according to the park.

Inventor William K.L. Dickson, Edison's most notable collaborator on motion-picture experiments, designed a building known as the Black Maria, which featured a revolving structure and convertible roof to allow for ample sunlight while recording motion pictures.

Today, visitors can explore a replica and see how some of the world's first films were made.

The studio attracted vaudeville performers and other entertainers who were drawn to the idea of seeing themselves on film, according to the park.

The structure was used less frequently throughout the 1890s, and the lab's priorities shifted, eventually leading to the Black Maria's dismantling in 1903. The replica on display today was built in 1954.

Edison and Dickson invented what is widely considered the first motion-picture camera in 1891.

Inside the Black Maria replica are recreations of two devices developed by the inventors.

Largely thanks to Dickson's work, the pair developed the kinetograph, widely considered the world's first motion-picture camera.

Its sister device, the kinetoscope, allowed people to watch motion pictures via a peephole. For 5 cents, users could watch strips of film at 45 frames per second.

The devices are displayed alongside images of films from the period.

In the main building, machinery rooms were loud and dangerous, featuring moving parts in every corner.

The main laboratory building is home to multiple machinery rooms. These were used for experimenting and creating parts rather than manufacturing, which was left to Edison's other factories in the area.

The smell of oil regularly permeated the air while workers stood among leather belts, drill presses, and cranes that could lift 6 tons. The machinery rooms were powered by a steam engine before the introduction of electric motors in 1910.

Edison touted the versatility of his facilities, once saying, "We can build anything from a lady's watch to a locomotive," according to the park.

The music room highlights Edison's love of recorded sound.

Edison's staff made experimental recordings in the music room on the third floor, testing different-sized horns and recording materials to determine which produced the best sound quality.

In 1877, Edison created the first audio recording that could be played back at his Menlo Park lab. He recorded a humble rendition of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" onto a sheet of tinfoil.

Edison's phonograph became his favorite invention, though later, his models couldn't keep up with the competition. Sales were further hurt by the rise of radio in the 1920s.

Edison had a staff of photographers who documented different rooms and machines in the lab.

An adjacent room served as a darkroom for the photographers to develop film. Edison was keen on public relations at the time and used photos to promote his machinery, according to the park.

The drafting room was where ideas were turned into reality.

As time went on, projects in the lab grew quickly in size, necessitating a robust planning process. Collaboration between draftsmen, foremen, and machinists was crucial to coming up with a cohesive blueprint for a product.

In addition to science, Edison was an enterprising businessman.

The inventor founded numerous companies in electricity, mining, recording, and motion pictures, which were later consolidated under Thomas A. Edison, Inc. Most notably, he founded Edison Electric Light Company shortly after creating his light bulb, which later became Edison General Electric. In the 1890s, the company merged with a competitor to form General Electric.

To support his endeavors, he owned factories that manufactured his products. In 1915, they employed around 10,000 people.

Edison had a net worth of roughly $12 million when he died, according to the park. In today's money, that's more than $250 million, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

His business practices and legal challenges were also unforgiving at times.

By some accounts, Edison was a difficult boss. At his Menlo Park lab, employees often worked 80-hour weeks, significantly more than the average of 60 hours at the time, according to the Thomas Edison Papers. In 1886, workers went on strike at one of his manufacturing locations in New York City over pay demands.

Edison also sued many other inventors and companies over infringement claims. In one instance, he sued the inventor Granville T. Woods twice over patent control for the railway telegraph, with Woods ultimately winning in court.

The facility's three-story library doubled as a movie theater.

The library served multiple purposes beyond being a reading room. A large projection screen sat discreetly on one wall, allowing motion pictures to be shown. Edison used the library to entertain important guests and hold business meetings.

The library is home to about 10,000 books, according to the park. Along the walls, Edison displayed numerous portraits and awards, such as honorary degrees from universities.

He even kept a bed handy.

Edison used this bed in a library alcove for short naps while working, though the inventor's famous napping technique usually involved sitting in an armchair. Edison held a steel ball while falling asleep, and when his muscles relaxed and the ball hit the floor, he'd purportedly have a jolt of creativity, according to the journal Science.

Edison's desk in the library remains unchanged from the day he died in 1931.

He sorted paperwork for his companies, finances, scientific ideas, and other matters in the desk's many cubbies, per the park.

But his favorite room was a plain, unassuming space.

Though many would be quick to crown the library the best workspace in the lab, Edison preferred Room 12, a quiet and much less extravagant setting on the second floor. Edison used the space to meet with assistants or quietly take notes in private.

The inventor was a prolific notetaker. He and his staff filled more than 3,500 notebooks throughout his career, the park said.

The lab allows visitors to see how some of America's biggest innovations started with years of hard work and collaboration.

While about half of Edison's patents were born out of the lab, it was the work of scores of people at any given time that made these achievements possible. For the alkaline storage battery alone, Edison conducted over 10,000 experiments to find the right materials, according to the park.

Experiments for various projects were conducted over the course of years or even decades, showing how many of the luxuries of modern life we enjoy today didn't come easily.

• Orchestra has installed over 100 street-facing cameras in San Francisco with plans to install 900 more.
• Its AI turns live footage into searchable data for police, insurers, real estate, and AV firms.
• The startup wants to build "AGI for cities" and plans to put cameras across the US and the world.

It sounds like the opening scene of a surveillance thriller: a startup is trying to turn San Francisco into a searchable video feed.

Orchestra, a 10-month-old company, has set up more than 100 street-facing cameras across the city, giving it live coverage of areas including SoMa, the Tenderloin, North Beach and the Marina. It plans to place 900 more cameras across the city's main commercial corridors over the next six months.

The pitch is something like Google Search, but for city streets. "It's a search engine for the physical world," said cofounder and chief operating officer Stephania Stavropoulos.

Orchestra installs free street-facing cameras on private businesses' properties. The cameras stream high-definition video around the clock, and AI converts the footage into structured data, identifying objects, vehicles, and incidents. Cofounder and CEO Drake Burciaga called the footage the "Erewhon of data" because of its premium quality.

The startup plans to sell different kinds of structured data, not raw footage, to a wide range of customers. Police departments could use video as evidence in criminal investigations; insurance providers could use it to help determine fault in car accidents; and autonomous-vehicle companies could use certain data before expanding into a new city, Burciaga said. Other customers, such as real estate firms, might receive analytics reports about foot traffic in a neighborhood, he added.

Orchestra is entering the market as national backlash grows against AI-enabled cameras. 50 cities and counties have cancelled contracts or deactivated cameras from Atlanta-based surveillance-tech company Flock Safety since early last year. Concerns have centered on privacy, data sharing, and videos of hackers showing how they obtained access to live video feeds from Flock cameras.

"We are not providing carte blanche access to our camera network, and no customer is building directly on top of the raw camera feeds," said Stavropoulos.

Orchestra is raising its seed round, and says it is building "AGI for cities." AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is an AI industry term for a system that can match or surpass human intelligence. Orchestra calls the video model it is building "Omniscience," underscoring its ambition to expand the network to every major US city and eventually around the world.

"It's the ability to know everything, past, present, and future," Burciaga said. "We're all Christians, so we are careful, but somebody could refer to this as God-mode."

'The camera people'

I visited Orchestra's headquarters a few weeks ago, a small office on the top floor of a building in downtown San Francisco. Stavropoulos showed me one of her own paintings hanging on the wall, a colorful piece that blended a woman's bust with the shape of a violin. Then we found Burciaga sitting on the balcony in cowboy boots and a denim jacket with an American flag stitched into the sleeve.

Burciaga dropped out of college to build his first startup in 2021, a platform to help drivers and autonomous vehicles find street parking. But as he tried to build a map of real-world activity, he learned there was a larger market opportunity.

"The digital is already indexed," he said. "But in the physical world, it's a blue ocean."

Google Street View has mapped much of the physical world, of course. But Orchestra is setting out to build a private Street View on steroids, with high-definition video of every commercial corridor streaming day and night.

Burciaga has assembled his dream team to build this startup. His first call was to Stavropoulos, a longtime family friend from Chicago who had run a supply-chain business. He convinced her moved to San Francisco and lead operations at Orchestra.

Then he brought in two older cofounders: Bruno Beccaria, a former Citadel legal and compliance executive whom Burciaga met playing soccer, and Michael Coen, an MIT-trained computer scientist. Beccaria serves as chief technical officer, while Coen leads AI.

For all the sci-fi overtones, the founders insist they are not building an Orwellian surveillance system.

They said Orchestra does not place cameras in residential neighborhoods, and that people's faces are blurred into video feeds. Instead of using facial recognition, the system can identify anonymized people by details like clothing and shoes. The company does retain some of the raw footage, but said access is tightly restricted and never sold to customers.

"There's always been this tradeoff between security and privacy," Burciaga said. "But we are able to anonymize the data, so we're at a time when you can get all the good parts of the data without invading people's privacy."

The founders said they have received almost no pushback as they install cameras across the city. Instead, they've started to be known as "the camera people" and get calls multiple times a week from businesses asking for camera installations. One of San Francisco's largest gym chains contacted Orchestra a few weeks ago, and its cameras are now installed across the chain's locations, the startup said. Orchestra declined to name the gym.

Orchestra said it is building safeguards to avoid privacy issues and hacks. Burciaga brought in Beccaria, who has nearly two decades of experience in hedge-fund compliance, to tighten controls around data access. The company said it regularly meets with cybersecurity advisors to strengthen its systems. The founders said they are exploring putting the platform on the blockchain, which would create a tamper-proof log of who accessed footage and when.

'Robocop'

The company's early focus is public safety. Orchestra has built a product called "Robocop," an AI agent designed to investigate incidents before a human is assigned to a case.

Robocop monitors San Francisco's 911 dispatch data through DataSF, the city's data portal where anyone can access city data and real-time feeds. When a high-priority incident appears near Orchestra's camera network, the system can pull relevant footage and package it into an evidence file called "Veritas."

Orchestra does not currently work with the San Francisco Police Department, but said it is going through the required steps to eventually be able to sell its platform to the department.

The founders said they vet every potential customer and press them on how they plan to use the platform. The company did not share a specific framework for evaluating customers, but said it has turned down local governments that approached it.

"We could build the best parking enforcement officer and generate lots of revenue for cities by snitching on people," Burciaga said. "That's a very boring way to live. It's bad revenue."

When I asked whether Orchestra would sell to a government in China, Burciaga pointed to the American flag stitched into his jacket.

"Look at this American flag," he said. "We're America first."

Have a tip? Contact Rya Jetha via email at rjetha@insider.com or Signal at rjetha.07. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

If I could choose my last meal, it would be ice cream. And lots of it. I eat it every day, all year round, and even own a traditional electric ice cream maker so that I can make large batches of unique flavors like spicy chocolate chili ice cream.

The only problem? My two-quart machine is bulky and cumbersome to lug out every time I want to make homemade ice cream. So I’m not surprised that the Ninja Creami was such a huge hit when it was introduced in 2021. It’s compact (and attractive) enough to keep on most countertops, can whip up a variety of frozen desserts, and, unlike a traditional ice cream machine, it doesn’t eat up freezer space. Instead of freezing a massive empty bowl overnight to churn your ice cream base the next day, you freeze ingredients directly in a pint container and a high-speed blade system "shaves" the frozen block into a perfectly smooth, frosty treat in minutes.

While Ninja pioneered this category, cheaper, more compact competitors have emerged to challenge its dominance. I spent weeks testing the Ninja Creami 7-in-1 against alternatives like the nutribullet Chill and Cuisinart FastFreeze to find out who each one is best for and which machine iced out the competition. The Ninja Creami systems remain the most versatile option, but Nutribullet and Cuisinart whipped up some delicious novelties, too. Here’s the scoop.

How we tested

I made the same recipes in the Ninja Creami, nutribullet Chill, and Cuisinart FastFreeze, then evaluated each machine using the following criteria.

• Ease of use: First, I looked at how easy the ice cream maker is to set up and how steep its learning curve is to operate. I also considered whether the interface is intuitive and if the presets do all the heavy lifting, or if the user needs to lend a hand.
• Dessert quality: I made dairy-based vanilla ice cream, dairy-free vanilla coconut ice cream, juice-based lemon sorbet, and pink lemonade slushies, and I added candy mix-ins to the dairy-based vanilla ice cream. Then, I judged each dessert’s creaminess, iciness, and, when applicable, consistency after re-spin.
• Ease of cleanup: Making ice cream is fun, and cleanup should be as simple as possible. I looked at how many parts needed to be washed, how much effort it would take to clean them, and whether any pieces were dishwasher safe.
• Size: Since you want an ice cream maker you’ll actually use, I considered how much space the appliance takes up on the counter or in a cabinet, as well as how heavy it is.
• Noise: Each blade-style machine makes some noise, so I thought about how tolerable and apartment-friendly it is and whether it is too loud for whipping up a late-night treat.

Ninja Creami

What I liked

In my tests, I found the Creami 7-in-1 to be superior to the Chill and the FastFreeze. It made the creamiest, densest vanilla ice cream of all the machines, and my lemon sorbet had a thick, rich texture like premium ice cream, despite containing no dairy. The non-dairy vanilla coconut was very good (though the Chill's was better — more on that below), and the pink lemonade slushy initially came out like dry, powdered snow, then melted into a wonderfully sippable consistency.

The Creami is a dream for creative home cooks who like to experiment. It has an easy-to-navigate user interface, and there are tons of recipes available on TikTok, blogs, Ninja's site, and in cookbooks. But you can also go rogue with the Mix-in setting, which lets you incorporate ingredients like cookie dough, crushed Oreos, and fruit into the pint. When I added my favorite Unreal peanut butter drops to my vanilla ice cream, a single spin on the Mix-in cycle distributed them perfectly, yielding the consistency of a thick shake or blizzard. (This was also the case with the FastFreeze.) The silky, remixed ice cream produced by the Creami was absolutely edible as is, but if you prefer a firmer scoop, return the pint to the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

What to know

Ninja sells several Creami models with different capacities, programs, and accessories. In addition to the base Ninja Creami 7-in-1, there's the Creami Deluxe 11-in-1, which makes 24-ounce servings and has 11 presets, including Italian Ice and Creamiccino. The newer, slimmer Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 gets an interface upgrade, yields 24-ounce batches, and features 11 presets, including dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs. For those specifically craving soft-serve consistency, the specialized Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl features a dedicated handle for dispensing perfect soft-serve swirls.

What I didn't like

The biggest drawback is the size. The Creami is bulky and about as tall as a coffee maker, so it may be a tight fit on some countertops or in cabinets. It also has several parts to wash after each use, including the outer bowl, lid, blade, pints, and pint lids. They are dishwasher safe, but it's still lots of parts. The outer bowl and lid were also a little clunky to insert and remove at times.

The bottom line

The Ninja Creami is definitely a smooth operator. It remains the best overall machine I tested for texture, customization, and recipe flexibility. It's bulky and has more parts to clean than the others, but it produced the smoothest dairy ice cream and is the strongest choice for anyone who wants to experiment with ingredients.

nutribullet chill

What I liked

My New York City apartment has a small kitchen with limited cabinet and counter space, so I appreciated the nutribullet Chill's narrow design. It is slimmer and shorter than the Creami and has fewer parts (two pint cups with lids, a blade block, and a blade block cover). The machine is sleek enough to keep on my countertop, but its base and accessories also fit into my cabinet.

The Chill's dairy-free vanilla coconut ice cream was the best of all the machines I tested. It was extremely smooth and rich, with a velvety mouthfeel and no detectable ice crystals. My lemon sorbet had a texture similar to a frosty puree, and my pink lemonade slushy started off snow-cone-like before melting slightly and becoming perfectly sippable.

What to know

Setup was relatively easy, although I overlooked the instruction manual's note that the retractable blade must be touching the top of the blade block before twisting it onto the pint cup. When I locked the cup into the Chill's motorized base, a "Check Blade" light alerted me to my error. Otherwise, the nutribullet Chill is incredibly easy to operate. After securing the cup in the machine, you select a program on the touchpad, then hit start. Dessert is ready in under five minutes.

The Chill also has a smaller recipe community than the Creami, and recipes designed for one brand's machine may not work well in another. Such was the case when I made a FastFreeze vanilla ice cream recipe in the Chill that turned out like a melted milkshake. I had better luck using nutribullet's recipe, which has a higher fat content thanks to the addition of egg yolks. It yielded a firm, custardy vanilla ice cream with hints of ice crystals.

What I didn't like

The Chill isn't as versatile as the Creami—there's no Mix-in feature—and it's noisier, too (think blender-level), but it does a fine job at making frozen treats.

The bottom line

The nutribullet Chill is compact, cute, and easy to use. It's a strong pick for casual dessert makers who want a sleek machine that won't dominate the counter. It also excels at non-dairy dessert options.

Cuisinart FastFreeze

What I liked

Retailing at a modest $120, the FastFreeze is a great entry-level gadget for those new to ice cream making. It's the cheapest alternative to the Ninja Creami, is ridiculously easy to use, and takes up little space. It completely reimagines the form factor by swapping the bulky motorized housing of its competitors for a slim, wand-style power handle that locks directly onto a cylindrical mixing assembly.

After freezing the dessert base for 24 hours, you let the half-pint container sit on the counter for 10 minutes, attach the mixing mechanism, select a dessert setting, and push down to engage the blade. The entire process takes seconds and involves much less noise than the Creami or the Chill.

For a simple tool, the FastFreeze does a wonderful job at making desserts. The texture of my dairy and non-dairy ice creams, lemon sorbet, and pink lemonade slushy was noticeably icier than those made with the Creami and Chill, but it got smoother with a few stirs. As with the Creami, the dairy-based vanilla ice cream became looser and silkier when mix-ins were added.

What to know

I live alone, so I found the half-pint containers ideal for creating individual servings, but those wanting larger batches will need to double or triple most recipes, freeze multiple containers, or consider buying the FastFreeze Max, which comes with pint containers.

Of all the machines tested, the FastFreeze was the easiest to clean. The mixing assembly's blade just needs a rinse with warm water, and the containers and lids can be hand-washed or placed in the dishwasher.

What I didn't like

My one gripe with the FastFreeze is that the icons representing the program settings on the dial are confusing. Do I use the soft-serve icon or the ice-cream dish icon to make ice cream? And which of the two drink icons should I use for a slushy? I found myself referring back to the instruction manual to find out.

The bottom line

The Cuisinart FastFreeze is a low-cost, low-effort way to make tasty frozen treats, especially if you want small individual portions and don't need the versatility of the Creami.

Which one should you get?

All three ice cream machines are excellent, but there was a noticeable difference in the texture of the desserts they produce. The Ninja Creami 7-in-1 was the overall best at churning out smooth, creamy ice creams, sorbets, and slushies. Most drinks and dairy-based desserts made with the nutribullet Chill had a hint of ice crystals, but they're so minuscule that they didn't impact the texture. That said, the Chill is exceptional at non-dairy desserts like vanilla coconut ice cream, which had no noticeable crystals whatsoever. The Cuisinart FastFreeze's ice creams and sorbets had larger ice crystals that I could feel on my tongue, but they weren't gritty or unpleasant. Those larger crystals were actually a plus for my pink lemonade slushy, as the ice melted to a refreshing texture faster than those slushies made in the Creami and Chill.

Ultimately, I was pleased with each machine's performance, so choosing the best ice cream maker for your home really comes down to your personal needs.

• Choose the Ninja Creami if you want the smoothest texture, the most recipe flexibility, and the ability to customize with mix-ins.
• Choose the nutribullet Chill if you want a smaller countertop machine and especially care about dairy-free ice cream.
• Choose the Cuisinart FastFreeze if you want the most affordable, easiest-to-store option and mostly make single servings.

What to know before buying

The Ninja Creami 7-in-1, nutribullet Chill, and Cuisinart FastFreeze differ from traditional electric ice cream machines in that they create desserts using a frozen base and a steel blade rather than a liquid base and churning mechanism. "These machines have very sharp blades that rotate extremely fast and 'shave down' a pre-frozen block of ice cream base," says Trung Vu, a pastry and baking arts chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. "This type of machine can be slightly more versatile than traditional ice cream makers, which are uni-taskers."

More presets don't mean better results, however. The dessert's quality depends on your recipe. "Fat and sugar play a large role in the creaminess, texture, and mouthfeel of ice cream and sorbet," says Vu. "Don't expect these machines to be miracle workers and churn something great out of almost nothing." For best results, stick to recipes that are specific to your machine.

Lastly, expect some noise while these machines are running. Because they use high-speed blades to break down solid ice, none of them is silent. The nutribullet Chill is by far the loudest (sounding like a blender tackling tough ingredients), the Ninja Creami is slightly muffled by its outer bowl assembly, and the Cuisinart FastFreeze is the quietest, emitting a brief whir similar to an immersion blender.

• A TV producer read my articles about my identical twins and invited them on a national TV show.
• They described their rivalry on air in a way I hadn't heard before.
• They've built a whole system I knew nothing about.

In the green room before the taping, Thomas and Charlie were debating who would make the other look worse on camera and who would land a Netflix deal first. I was the one worried about what would happen if they froze, but I kept that to myself.

A makeup artist worked through the other guests and eventually reached the boys. They tried to wave her off until she explained the studio lights would turn them into two shiny tomatoes. They sat there as toner and blush went on. I stood next to them, taking photos, which I sent to their girlfriends immediately.

The audience had been waiting for someone to make them laugh

The first 10 minutes of the show were serious and earnest. Other guests shared heavy responses about sibling relationships. Then the host turned to Charlie. He answered the way he answers everything, with a joke, and the whole room laughed. Thomas was also entertaining, and the audience lapped up their stories. I sat there trying not to look like a grinning idiot in case the camera panned over. I failed.

It was hard to square the two confident young men onstage with the brothers who'd argued every day about whose turn it was to take the bins out.

What I'd written about their rivalry wasn't wrong, but it wasn't the full picture

I've written multiple articles about Thomas and Charlie's competitiveness: the injuries, the academic tension, and the constant measuring of one against the other. I thought I understood it. Sitting in the audience, I realized I'd been writing the rivalry like a problem they were stuck with. But they were describing it like a game they'd both signed up for.

Thomas told the host he's never felt in Charlie's shadow. Charlie is, in his words, "basically another version of me," so anything Charlie achieves is proof Thomas can do it too. The rivalry I'd been framing as friction for years, they described as something they genuinely enjoy.

The dinner table arguments that frustrate my wife and me? They laughed about them. Said there's nothing in it, that it's just how they talk. There's no malice and no grudges.

The host asked Thomas how he felt when Charlie tore his ACL and missed most of the football season. Thomas said the injury was bad for Charlie, but he'd enjoyed finally having the spotlight. For the first time, coaches and spectators could tell which twin was on the field. "So no sympathy then?" the host asked. The audience laughed. Charlie shook his head.

They both work in the fruit and vegetable section at the same supermarket. To decide who gets the worst jobs, they play rock-paper-scissors. Thomas said it's easy to win because Charlie always picks rock and refuses to change his strategy. I'd never heard any of this.

The host asked if they'd live together, and I was surprised by the answer

The host's final question was whether they'd live together after they leave home. Thomas said probably. Then he added he'd also be fine if they didn't, because Charlie is the messiest person he's ever met. His bathtub is overflowing with dirty clothes.

When the episode aired a few months later, they watched it on their phones at the pub with mates. They weren't going to sit on the couch and make a big deal of it with us. I'd been in the studio, I knew exactly what they'd said, and I still got nervous watching it back.

I'd spent years writing the bickering as a problem. It isn't one. So when they do move in together, I'll just come over for dinner, leave my dirty dishes on the table, and let them fight over whose turn it is.

• When I was younger, asking for money required planning ahead.
• My grandparents had to go to the bank during business hours to secure funds for me.
• My kids can ask for money with the click of a button. There are pros and cons to this.

I hear the question often: "Mom, can I have some money?" Whether it is for a trip to the mall or movies, my kids always seem to want more. I have four kids, two daughters and two sons. My older son, Zach, is 21; my older daughter, Cam, is 19; my younger daughter, Kyle, is 15; and my younger son, Brooks, is 13.

Over time, getting them cash (though, let's be real, we rarely use actual cash anymore) has become much easier — and that ease has changed how I think about money.

Getting money when I was a kid meant planning

When I was growing up, if we needed money, we planned ahead. Debit and credit cards weren't even widely used or accepted in the early 90s — people more commonly paid with checks or cash. I remember planning for Saturday trips to the mall at least a week in advance. The grandparents who raised me actually had to go to the bank, fill out a withdrawal slip, and hand it to the teller, who then checked their account and handed them the cash.

They also had to bank during the bank's hours of operation. This was no easy feat as they both held full-time jobs. Often, this meant running an errand on a lunch break from work. The whole process was laborious.

This meant we had to also plan our strategy for asking for money in the first place. I would time my request strategically to increase the chances of securing funds. This meant asking at opportune times, such as when they were getting ready for bed and too tired to think much. I remember promising to do everything from cleaning the bathroom to wiping down all of the tile in the kitchen for a few dollars to spend at the mall food court.

The adage, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail," rang especially true when I needed to secure money for a teenage adventure.

Things changed a bit with my older kids, but not by much

Originally, the process worked the same when I was parenting my older kids, who are now 21 and 19. There was one exception: their requests didn't take as much planning. If the bank was closed, I could head to the ATM, which was open 24 hours a day. However, I still had to make time for the trip, fitting it in when I was out or making a separate trip. Even then, getting money still took effort.

When my older daughter reached her late teens, she opened a bank account, and I could transfer money to her account because it was linked to mine. She also had Venmo, so I got the app and could send money that way. This simplified life for both of us.

Getting money is much easier now, which isn't always a good thing

Now, my youngest kids, 15 and 13, don't even need a bank account to request money over the phone. My younger daughter requests a certain amount of money with the click of a button, and I can send her what she needs. I can also adjust the amount. This allows for shrewd negotiations and discussions around the cost of things. She'll ask for $10; I'll talk her down to $5.

This, like many aspects of raising teenagers, is both a blessing and a curse. While I no longer have to schlep to the bank every time my kids make a request, they can ask and receive money at any time for any amount. It is too easy. $3 here, $5 there, and it's easy to lose track unless you really pay attention. That convenience is part of the problem.

While my kids do not get an allowance, they can ask for money for specific chores. We negotiate via phone or text. They will do certain jobs, like walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or cleaning a specific part of the house. I've also taken the opportunity to help my kids figure out what's really important to them, and how to negotiate and compromise. These are skills that they will need in life.

It has also allowed us to talk more openly about money than I was able to with my grandparents. I want them to know that we have limited funds and what that means — that they cannot always get the things they want. When money is so easy to get at the click of a button, they often don't realize how hard it is to make. Like everything in life, the differences between my generation and theirs aren't always easy to navigate. With honest conversations and a few small bumps along the way, we are figuring it out, though.

• Ukraine is mounting M2 Browning guns on ground robots to fight Russia.
• The powerful crew-served machine gun is heavy, so it's often mounted on vehicles.
• Infantry and vehicles are at great risk on the front lines, so that's why the robots are going in instead.

Ukraine's ground robots are giving its army a new way to use the M2 Browning, a powerful, crew-served American machine gun that is often mounted on vehicles because of its weight.

Ukraine is using its growing fleet of ground robots to attack Russian targets, with weapons including grenade launchers, RPGs, and machine guns.

One weapon of choice is the American-designed, century-old M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun, known as "Ma Deuce," which has seen conflicts from World War II to Afghanistan and is now being used by Ukraine against Russian troops and drones.

Ukrainian robot and weapons maker DevDroid says the M2 is especially well-suited for robots, which can carry the heavy gun into battle while keeping soldiers farther from the front.

The company's main product is the Droid TW, a reconnaissance and strike ground robot with a turret that can fit a machine gun, including a KT-7.62, a Ukrainian variant of the Soviet PKT.

But the robot's primary weapon is the M2, Oleg Fedoryshyn, the company's director of R&D, told Business Insider. "I think in the Ukrainian Army, maybe 90% of all Droid TW are with Brownings."

It's a readily available weapon, he said. "We have a lot of Brownings in the army."

The M2 can be carried and operated by troops in the field, but doing so takes a crew and is burdensome. "It's quite hard for a soldier to take a Browning on himself and some ammunition because it's quite heavy. It's better to use a vehicle," Fedoryshyn said.

In the US military, a common weapon configuration is to mount the .50 caliber machine gun atop a vehicle like a Humvee. In Ukraine, though, crewed vehicles and their crew are at tremendously high risk, due primarily to mine and drone threats.

Handing the weapon to the robot

A robot, also known as an unmanned ground vehicle or UGV, is a better vehicle choice, Fedoryshyn said, because it keeps soldiers farther from the fight. "It's better to set it on a UGV because in this case, you don't need a soldier for that near the machine gun."

The M2 Browning, designed by the US at the end of World War I and fielded in the early 1930s, is now one of the most widely used heavy machine guns in the world, used by more than 90 countries.

At 84 pounds before ammunition, a tripod, and other gear, the M2's weight means it is typically used differently from lighter machine guns.

The M2 can be carried into the field by troops, but its weight makes it cumbersome and manpower-intensive, which is why it is often mounted on vehicles, tripods, or fixed positions. Putting it on a robot lets Ukraine use the gun's firepower without requiring troops to haul, crew, or fire it from exposed positions.

The DevDroid system can also support the US-made M240 medium machine gun, but Fedoryshyn said that weapon isn't as available to Ukrainian troops as the M2.

The US and other allies have supplied Ukraine with M2s and ammunition, giving Kyiv access to a weapon it can reliably keep in the fight. The US alone has produced millions of M2s over the decades, making it the kind of widely available weapon partner nations can send in meaningful numbers without quickly depleting their own stocks.

The M2 Browning is a popular choice for other companies that also manufacture Ukraine's ground robots. This contrast between cutting-edge robots and a century-old weapon reflects a larger pattern in Ukraine: old gear being paired with new technology.

Ihor Kulakevych, a product manager at Ukraine's FRDM Group, a drone and ground robot maker, previously told Business Insider that the company puts the M2 on its D-21-12 remotely controlled ground battle robot because of how available and dependable it is.

Many Western militaries have the gun and the required ammunition in their stockpiles, he said, so Ukraine can rely on a supply. The company also sees the M2 as a particularly reliable weapon.

Ukraine's Frontline Robotics, another drone and weapons maker, also produces an autonomous weapons module designed to carry the M2, among other weapons, that can be mounted on a robot. Mykyta Rozhkov, the company's chief business development officer, told Business Insider that this turns it into a "small tank."

The M2 is also being used in other autonomous weapons in Ukraine, including an AI-powered turret called the Sky Sentinel that Ukraine uses to stop Russia's Shahed-style drones.

The M2 is a combat-proven weapon

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has described the gun as "legendary," saying it has proven itself to be reliable and durable. The Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an elite combat force, have described the weapon as "a true warrior among weapons that has proven itself in the most extreme conditions."

The M2 is also key for Ukraine's air defense units that mount weaponry on the backs of pickup trucks and move around to try to stop Russia's attacks before they hit their targets. Many of those crews use the iconic American gun, even as Ukraine develops new and more advanced anti-drone solutions like interceptor drones.

The commander of a mobile air defense unit previously told Business Insider that the gun is still effective in many situations, and that weapons like this are a key part of the layered air defense that Ukraine wants, with a host of different solutions to maximize its chances of taking down Russian drones.

Ukraine wants to make its growing fleet of ground robots as powerful and effective as possible to take on Russia while keeping its own soldiers safe. It's using them not just to fire at Russian targets, but also to transport injured soldiers, to carry heavy gear, to lay and remove mines, and to bring explosives to Russian positions and then detonate.

Their use is rapidly growing. Ukraine's defense minister said earlier this month that the robots were used to help with more than 50,000 logistics and evacuation missions since the beginning of the year, up sharply from the 2,000 missions that officials had said the robots carried out in the six months leading up to December.

Fedoryshyn said that the ultimate goal with the robots is for them to "save people's lives" by taking over as many roles from human soldiers as possible.