• Billionaires and CEOs are converging in Idaho for the Allen & Co. conference this week.
• AI and media consolidation are expected to be hot topics at the off-the-record conference.
• Notable attendees include executives from Warner Bros., GM, and OpenAI.

Summer camp is back in session — if your bunkmates run the world's biggest tech and media companies.

Tech CEOs are descending on Sun Valley, Idaho, as the annual Allen & Co. conference kicks off on Tuesday.

Known as "summer camp for billionaires," the invite-only gathering is expected to draw leaders from Amazon, Apple, Meta, OpenAI, and other major media companies. Though discussions among invitees are kept confidential, Tim Armstrong, the CEO of Flowcode, previously told Business Insider that AI was the "1,000-pound gorilla" in "every conversation, every meeting" at last year's conference.

Hundreds of private jets, bringing some of the world's most influential executives, have been flocking to the mountain resort since Monday. Tim Burke, director of the Sun Valley Friedman Memorial Airport, told Business Insider he expects between 300 and 350 aircraft each day of the conference, more than four times the typical traffic.

Here are the CEOs and billionaires we've spotted in Sun Valley so far.

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, waves at the camera

Zaslav arrived as Warner Bros. Discovery weighs major strategic changes after announcing plans to split into two stand-alone public companies, separating its streaming and studio business from its traditional cable networks.

Jerry Yang, former CEO of Yahoo, arrives at the conference

The Yahoo cofounder remains a prominent investor through AME Cloud Ventures, backing AI and enterprise technology startups. Yang has become a regular fixture at Sun Valley as AI has emerged as the dominant topic among tech leaders.

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, walks past reporters after arriving

Barra is steering GM through a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles while expanding its lineup of hybrid models. The automaker has also been investing heavily in autonomous driving and software as competition intensifies.

Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI, arrives at the Sun Valley Lodge

Taylor chairs OpenAI's board while also leading Sierra, the AI startup he cofounded that builds customer service agents for businesses. His appearance comes as AI investment, infrastructure costs, and enterprise adoption remain top themes at this year's conference.

Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, walks with a hot drink in hand

Mohan oversees YouTube as it continues to dominate streaming watch time and expand its business around Shorts, podcasts, and AI-powered creator tools. The platform remains a key player in the battle for digital advertising and entertainment audiences.

Bob Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, arrives at the annual gathering

Iger stepped down as Disney CEO in March after handing the reins to Josh D'Amaro, ending his second stint leading the entertainment giant. He remains a senior advisor and Disney board member through the end of 2026.

Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, checks into the lodge

Sarandos leads Netflix as the streaming giant continues to invest in live events, advertising, and sports programming while maintaining its lead over traditional media rivals. Netflix remains a central player in conversations about the future of entertainment.

Ken Langone, cofounder of Home Depot, is greeted by Zaslav upon arrival

The billionaire investor and Home Depot cofounder remains an influential voice in corporate America and philanthropy. Langone frequently weighs in on the economy, politics, and business leadership.

Barry Diller, chairman and senior executive of IAC, arrives on a bike

Arriving on a bike as he did in previous years, the veteran conference attendee has spent decades shaping the media industry through companies including IAC, Expedia, and Match Group.

Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner, steps out of a van

Manfred is overseeing MLB's efforts to expand streaming distribution and modernize the league's media business, as sports rights remain among the entertainment industry's most valuable assets.

John Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group, heads into the lodge

Henry oversees Fenway Sports Group, whose portfolio includes the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Michael Eisner, former Walt Disney Company CEO, arrives in a football club hat

Eisner led Disney from 1984 to 2005 and remains one of the entertainment industry's most recognizable executives. A longtime Sun Valley attendee, he continues to invest in media and technology ventures and to advise companies.

• Meta is building a 715,000-square-foot data center campus in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
• The city said the project is responsible for contaminating part of its recycled water system, used only for irrigation purposes.
• Meta is working with its contractor to resolve the issue. The city stopped accepting industrial wastewater from all data centers.

Officials in the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, say a massive, under-construction Meta data center campus located just south of the city is responsible for contaminating part of its recycled water system.

Cheyenne's Board of Public Utilities said in recent public notices that water discharged by Goat Systems, a Meta contractor at the site, contaminated the city's wastewater treatment facility with a rare bacterium.

That facility includes Cheyenne's reuse water system, which is used for irrigation purposes only, a board spokesperson said. The system cleans used water so it can be safely released back into the environment or reused for watering things like parks and golf courses. The bacterium did not enter the city's drinking supply, city officials said.

"We were able to connect the Meta Data Center campus to this through sampling their site and it was determined to be through their fill-and-flush discharge that the bacteria was introduced to the system," Erin Lamb, a spokesperson for the Board of Public Utilities, told Business Insider on Tuesday.

Fill-and-flush operations are a cooling system for data centers in which water is periodically flushed from pipes, discarded, and then replenished with new water. Some data centers now use a "closed-loop" system that recycles the same water within the facility.

The board's public notice characterized the infraction as "significant noncompliance" and revoked Goat Systems' "industrial discharge privileges for fill and flush operations." While the board posted the notice on July 2, it said the operations were halted on March 24.

Goat Systems, the Meta contractor, "immediately ceased discharge of wastewater from the fill and flush operation" after it was notified of the pollutant, Cheyenne's Board of Public Utilities said. A representative for Goat Systems could not be reached for comment by Business Insider.

A Meta spokesperson told Business Insider the company is working with its general contractor, Fortis, to resolve the issue.

"When the board shared that it found a substance in the city's wastewater — not public drinking water — Fortis immediately stopped discharging industrial wastewater and began hauling it offsite," the spokesperson said. "Fortis also began its own water testing with an independent environmental specialist, which has found no trace of the substance."

A spokesperson for Fortis said the company "takes its environmental obligations seriously and will continue to work constructively with BOPU and all relevant authorities as this matter is fully resolved."

The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities said in its notice that it would pause accepting any industrial water discharge from any data center, whether it's a fill-and-flush or closed-loop system.

The board said the bacterium it found in the wastewater was Cupriavidus gilardii. Although infections are rare, direct exposure can pose a risk to older people or those who are immunocompromised. Laboratory staff identified the bacterium during a wastewater sampling in February, the board said.

"Over the past two months, BOPU staff have undertaken significant remediation efforts, including draining and disinfecting the entire reuse water system and Prairie View Pond to eliminate any remaining bacterial presence," the board said in its notice. "To prevent potential migration throughout the reuse distribution network, all affected irrigation systems were temporarily converted to potable water supplies."

Lamb, the spokesperson for BOPU, told Business Insider that the agency plans to hold a press conference on the matter in the next week or so.

Meta announced the $800 million, 715,000-square-foot data center development in 2024. Once the campus is fully operational, Meta says it will be wholly sustainable. The company said it aims to be water-positive by 2030, meaning it will restore more water than it consumes.

"The Cheyenne Data Center will be optimized for our AI workloads and help people connect, build communities, and grow their businesses," Meta said at the time of its announcement.

Data centers have become a divisive topic. Tech companies are spending billions of dollars to develop the facilities that power their AI products. They say data centers can generate economic growth, create jobs, and push the US ahead in the AI race against China.

Critics, however, are much less enthused. Many Americans are pushing back against data centers and don't want them anywhere near their communities. They're concerned that the sprawling facilities will negatively impact water resources, worsen air quality, increase noise levels, and interfere with their quality of life. Some protesters have swarmed local planning meetings, created petitions, and taken legal action to stop construction.

In response, a handful of legislators have taken steps to place parameters around data center developments or ban them altogether. At the federal level, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York proposed a moratorium on AI data centers.

The data center industry is still speeding full steam ahead, however. By the end of 2025, there were over 1,400 data centers built or approved for construction in 45 states and Washington, DC.

Shopping for glasses can be a time-consuming and pricey experience, but online retailers like Zenni offer a streamlined service that means you never need to leave your home. Zenni carries a massive selection of stylish and affordable frames for prescription lenses, sunglasses, readers, and more. One of the easiest ways to ensure you're getting the lowest prices at checkout is by using one of the best Zenni promo codes we've tested.

Our editors have tested out all the leading online eyewear retailers, and Zenni consistently makes the cut as one of the top options thanks to its fashionable, budget-friendly glasses. The brand's in-house frames deliver impressive quality for the price, while designer options from labels like Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs prove you don't need to spend luxury-level prices to get a polished look. Zenni offers a variety of frames and lenses, including options for all ages and face types. There are even niche products, like VR Lenses for Meta Quest and FL-41 lenses for light sensitivity. For a closer look at why we recommend the retailer, you can check out our full Zenni review.

Zenni is already a budget-friendly option, but savvy shoppers can save even more by using a promo code at checkout. We've scoured the internet for new discount codes and tested out the best options to ensure they're still active at the time of writing. We've rounded up the best promos below, including a buy-one-get-one 20% off offer.

Today's best Zenni discount codes

Previous Zenni promo codes

Are there any other Zenni sales running at the moment?

You can check out Zenni's sale page anytime for a full list of current markdowns on their frames. At the time of writing, Zenni is also running the following promotions.

• Follow our Instagram page and WhatsApp channel for more deals and buying guides

How to use Zenni promo codes

Start by adding eligible items to your cart. From the "Shopping Cart" page, scroll down to the bottom where it says, "Have a promo code?" You can paste a discount code into the text box and click "Apply." Then, continue to checkout as a guest or with an existing account.

Can you stack Zenni discount codes?

Zenni doesn't allow customers to stack multiple promo codes, which means that only one code can be used per purchase. If it's your first purchase in the Zenni mobile app, we recommend using the 15% off FIRSTAPP code rather than one of the many 10% off codes, which you can use on future orders.

Zenni promo code frequently asked questions

Does Zenni offer discounts for students, teachers, and the military?

Zenni offers eligible college students, teachers, military members (active, reserve, and veterans), and military spouses a 10% discount on all purchases. First responders and medical personnel can also receive a 10% discount on orders.

People eligible for these discounts must verify their status to take advantage of the offer. These discounts can't be combined with other promo codes or offers.

If you're a student or educator, check out our roundups of the best student discounts and best teacher discounts for more ways to save.

Does Zenni take insurance?

Zenni doesn't take insurance directly. However, they will provide a detailed receipt with your order that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Zenni does allow you to spend FSA and HSA dollars directly on the site. Simply enter your FSA/HSA card at checkout like you would a credit or debit card. Learn more about using FSA and HSA dollars on Zenni's website.

Does Zenni offer free shipping?

Shoppers can receive free standard shipping on orders of $89 or more. Free shipping will automatically be applied once you have enough items in your cart, so you don't need to enter a promo code. Free shipping is also combinable with other offers and promotions.

How do I choose the best glasses for my face shape?

Zenni lets you shop frames by face shape on their website, so you can choose from frame shapes that typically complement your features. For example, they suggest choosing round frames if you have a square face shape or square and aviator frames for a heart-shaped face.

If you're unsure of your face shape or what would look best on you, Zenni also has a virtual try-on feature that allows you to see what any of their frames look like on your face.

Do I need a prescription to use Zenni?

Zenni offers plenty of non-prescription eyewear, so you don't need a prescription to use the site. You can shop for non-prescription readers, sunglasses, sports goggles, and blue-light-blocking glasses with Zenni.

What is Zenni's return policy?

Zenni allows shoppers to return items within 30 days of the original purchase in exchange for site credit and reimbursement of any shipping fees. For returns made within 14 days of your original purchase, you'll have the option to receive a full refund to your original payment method instead of site credit. Learn more about making returns on Zenni's website.

Can I reuse a Zenni promo code?

Zenni does not explicitly prohibit using promo codes multiple times. However, certain codes may only be applied to one order per person, so be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for the code you want to use.

How do I know which size frames to get?

If you don't know which size to get for your frames, Zenni can help. Visit the size guide on the Zenni website for information on how to measure your face and sample frames you can print out to test your size.

Looking for more eyewear? Check out our roundups of the best GlassesUSA promo codes.

Chewy has earned a loyal following by making it easy to stock up on everything your pet needs without leaving home. The online retailer carries a huge selection of pet food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and accessories, along with an AutoShip program that helps you save on recurring orders. If you're looking to cut costs even further, a Chewy promo code can help lower your total at checkout.

Chewy isn't just for cats and dogs, either. The site also stocks supplies for birds, fish, reptiles, small animals, horses, and livestock, plus prescription medications through its online pharmacy and access to virtual veterinary services. It's become a one-stop shop for pet owners looking to simplify everyday care.

Whether you're buying a single bag of food or placing a larger monthly order, the savings can add up. Chewy frequently offers sitewide sales, brand-specific promotions, and limited-time discounts, and we've rounded up the latest Chewy coupon codes and deals below to help you save on pet essentials.

Today's best Chewy promo codes

Today's best Chewy pharmacy promo codes

Previous Chewy promo codes

Are there any other Chewy sales running at the moment?

Check out the full list of markdowns and ongoing deals, including the option to shop deals by pet, on Chewy's Today's Deals page. At the time of writing, you can shop for the following deals.

Use Chewy promo codes on these items

If you purchase items we recommend in our pet guides on Chewy's site, you can easily spend enough to earn the free $20 gift card with the code WELCOME. Purchasing one of our top cat treats, the Inaba Churu Chicken Variety, for $32.96, and the ChomChom Pet Hair Remover, one of our favorite pet hair removers we've reviewed, for $24.99, puts the total price of your order over the $49 minimum to use the promo code.

• Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for more deals and buying guides

How to use Chewy promo codes

Start by adding coupon-eligible items to your cart. Once on the "Shopping Cart" page, you should see a list of applicable promo codes in the "Available Savings" dropdown box. Apply any of the Chewy promo codes by clicking "Apply," and you should see a checkmark to let you know that the coupon will be applied. From there, continue to checkout to enter your shipping and billing information.

Can you stack Chewy promo codes?

Chewy does allow you to stack promo codes. If multiple promotions apply to your purchase, they will be listed in your cart's "Available Savings" dropdown box. However, certain promotions may not be eligible for stacking, so be sure to check the terms and conditions.

Chewy promo code frequently asked questions

Does Chewy offer discounts for students, teachers, and the military?

As of the time of writing, Chewy does not offer special discounts for students, teachers, or members of the military, so your best bet is to take advantage of their other coupons and deals.

If you're a student or teacher, check out our roundups of the best student discounts and best teacher discounts for more ways to save on your favorite brands.

Can I get pet insurance through Chewy?

Yes, Chewy does offer insurance. Chewy's Care Plus insurance offers its customers four plans at varying price points, including everyday wellness coverage and accident and illness coverage.

Read our full Chewy pet insurance review for more information on plans and pricing.

Does Chewy offer free shipping?

Chewy offers customers free shipping on all orders over $49. For all other orders, shipping costs a flat fee of $4.95 per order.

What is Chewy's return policy?

Chewy allows you to return items for a full refund within 365 days of your original purchase. This policy does not apply to prescription medications. That said, if you received damaged or incorrect medication, Chewy will help you exchange it or provide a refund on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need a vet prescription to get pharmacy products from Chewy?

Yes, you must have a prescription from a licensed vet to order medication from Chewy. Chewy will contact your vet by phone or fax for their authorization before fulfilling your order. This process can take around three business days, so consider the timing when deciding how soon to order.

What are the benefits of choosing Chewy's autoship option?

In addition to not having to remember to reorder pet supplies and prescriptions, shoppers who use autoship can save an extra 5% on select brands for all future autoship orders. There's no additional fee for choosing the autoship option, so it may be worth it if you frequently need to order the same food, medication, or supplies.

Still shopping? Check out our roundup of the best dog subscription boxes.

• Rebecca Yarros announced that she is writing book four of the "Empyrean" series.
• The "Fourth Wing" author published the latest book in the series, "Onyx Storm," in January 2025.
• The author has offered hints about how Violet Sorrengail's story will continue. Spoilers ahead.

Rebecca Yarros' next "Fourth Wing" novel is on the way.

It's been over a year since Yarros released "Onyx Storm," the third installment in her "Empyrean" series. Following "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame," the novel continues the story of Violet Sorrengail's journey to become a dragon rider and fight forces of dark magic at Basgiath War College. The series is set to comprise five novels, all published by Entangled's fantasy imprint, Red Tower.

"Onyx Storm" — the fastest-selling adult novel released in 20 years — ended on a cliffhanger, so Yarros' readers have been clamoring to get their hands on the next romantasy novel in the series since the moment they finished book three.

In a March 2026 Instagram post, Yarros said she's officially writing book four. She's been sharing updates on her progress since then, building excitement for what's to come.

The rest of this article has spoilers for the "Empyrean" series.

Yarros started writing the fourth 'Empyrean' novel in March 2026

Yarros released the first three books in the "Empyrean" series in under two years. "Fourth Wing" came out in April 2023, "Iron Flame" was released in October 2023, and "Onyx Storm" hit shelves in January 2025.

Yarros made clear she wouldn't be writing book four at the same pace. Speaking at an engagement in Philadelphia on January 25, 2025, Yarros said she wouldn't commit to a release date, as she was planning to write a contemporary novel and spend time with her family first.

Yarros later told Elle that she intended to rest before returning to writing in part because the amount of work she did in recent years wasn't good for her mentally or physically, as she has chronic medical conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, and POTS, an autonomic nervous system disorder.

She kept her word, keeping largely quiet about book four for the rest of 2025. Then, on February 8, 2026, she shared on Instagram that she had begun plotting, and on March 19, 2026, she posted a Reel announcing she had begun writing the next "Empyrean" novel.

In the Reel, Yarros walks up to a board and writes "#4" at the top.

"And now that my latest contemporary novel is off to my editor, I'm back writing in the Empyrean world for the foreseeable future," Yarros captioned the post. "Let's ride."

The author has posted a few updates about her progress since then, most notably on June 13. She shared a short video clip on Instagram of an ocean view and said in her caption that she would be spending the summer writing at the beach.

"Our home is undergoing distractingly noisy work, which gives us the perfect excuse to pack up our kids and spend the summer on Deverelli time while I'm writing book 4," she said. Deverelli is an isle that Violet visits in "Onyx Storm," and it plays a key role in the book's plot.

"I've already got my desk set up here (pink binders and all), and I'll be spending these beautiful days with some riders you may know, and their dragons," Yarros continued her caption. "I feel so lucky to have such a breathtaking view for inspiration while I'm writing!"

It will still be a while before the fourth "Empyrean" book hits bookshelves, but fans can rest assured that Yarros will be focused on the novel in the coming months, as she has continued to tease on her Instagram.

On July 1, she posted dates for "Fourth Wing" nights at baseball games in the coming months, noting in the caption that she could attend only two of the 12 events listed because she is "concentrating on writing book 4."

Then, on July 3, she posted a black and white photo of a calendar page with "Happy birthday Violet!" written on it and sunglasses sitting atop it. Yarros had drawn 12 empty boxes in a list below the message, and she wrote in her caption, "Time to check these boxes off with word count for the day!"

The boxes may be her writing checklist, but some fans think Yarros' list may be nodding to the 12 hours Violet can't remember from the final pages of "Onyx Storm." The missing hours are just one element of the dramatic end of "Onyx Storm" that left fans reeling.

The fourth book will hopefully address unanswered questions from 'Onyx Storm'

There was no shortage of drama at the end of "Onyx Storm."

First, Xaden Riorson took more power from the earth, speeding up his transition into a dark magic wielding venin, one of of the main antagonists in the series, and sending him down a path toward evil; another unnamed dragon rider turned venin; the dragon Andarna returned to Violet after her time away with the irid dragons; and Violet woke up with a wedding ring and blessing of her marriage to Xaden from the goddess Dunne, with no memory of the last 12 hours of her life.

In the book's final line, her fellow rider Imogen Cardulo reveals she used her signet power to wipe Violet's memory of the night — at her request.

Violet's brother, Brennan, also revealed that six dragon eggs and four riders, including Xaden and his best friend, Garrick Tavis, are missing.

Hopefully, the fourth book in the "Empyrean" series will reveal what happened between Violet and Xaden, where Xaden and the other missing riders are, the location of the missing eggs, what Andarna learned from her time with the irids, and how Xaden's additional use of his venin powers harmed his soul.

Likewise, Violet will likely still be searching for a cure to save Xaden from being venin, but as his wife, she also becomes the Duchess of Tyrrendor. She will have new power and responsibility in his absence, and readers will have to wait to see how she balances her new role as she develops her signets.

Yarros shared some clues for book four while promoting 'Onyx Storm'

Yarros went on an "Onyx Storm" book tour after the book's January 2025 release, offering some insight into the series' future as she connected with fans.

For instance, at an event in Los Angeles on January 21, 2025, Yarros said, "Someone you love won't make it in book four." That comment isn't that surprising, as beloved characters have died in each installment of the series. However, Yarros got more specific with her hints as her book tour continued.

At an event in St. Louis on January 31, 2025, Yarros shared that readers have more to discover about the isles Violet explores in "Onyx Storm." When host Lexi Ryan asked her why there was no map of the isles included in "Onyx Storm," Yarros said it "was deemed to be too spoilery" by her editorial team, suggesting Violet doesn't know all she will about the isles by the end of book three.

Then, speaking at an event in Denver on February 2, 2025, Yarros shared clues about who Xaden's new venin brother could be.

"I would pay attention to who's missing at the end," she said. "I would pay attention to someone who feels like whatever they have given is not enough, which is always the case when you turn venin."

Fans think Xaden's cousin Bodhi Durran, Garrick, or even Violet's brother Brennan could fit that description at the end of "Onyx Storm."

Yarros also discussed a plot device she uses that may have consequences for the series. After riders bond a dragon at threshing at Basgiath, the rider announces the dragon's name to the Scribes so it can be recorded. However, Yarros pointed out to fans that the dragons never speak their names directly to the Scribes.

It's possible some riders don't share their real names or that dragons lie to their riders, which could help the children of rebels bond dragons their relatives previously bonded, giving them second signet powers. The potential for faux dragon identities could also have other ramifications for the series.

Speaking more on signet powers in Denver, Yarros said readers had only seen "like 10%" of Violet's dream-walking abilities, in part because others who developed the power would have been killed, making it difficult for Violet to learn how to use the signet.

"There's probably one person alive that can train her," Yarros said, though she gave no information about who that person is.

She also said Xaden's "inntinnsic" signet has only reached "like 50%" of its potential, so his mind-reading abilities will likely grow in book four.

In addition, Yarros revealed at the Los Angeles Festival of Books in April 2025 that she has a title picked out for the fourth book, though she didn't say what it was.

Yarros offered more hints about the next 'Empyrean' novel in late 2025

On October 24, 2025, Yarros appeared at Romantasy Bookcon in Orlando, hosted by Fabled Fantasy Events. She spoke with the hosts of the "Fantasy Fangirls" podcast, Lexi Ayala and Nicole Holleman, about the "Empyrean" series, and Yarros offered hints and sneak peeks at book four.

For instance, Yarros discussed how the dramatic ending of "Onyx Storm" will impact the next book, telling Ayala and Holleman that readers will know what happened to Violet during her 12 missing hours by the novel's end.

Likewise, when the duo asked Yarros about a scene she was excited to write in the next "Empyrean" novel, she said, "I'm really excited to write the moment Violet realizes why Xaden married her. That I am pumped for."

Of course, Xaden loves Violet, but considering he had turned venin and the marriage would give Violet political power as the Duchess of Tyrrendor, there is likely more to their union than meets the eye.

Yarros also warned that readers "should really be prepared in book four to see Xaden enter his villain era," indicating his marriage to Violet won't stop him from going full venin in the next "Empyrean" novel.

The "Fantasy Fangirls" also asked Yarros if Imogen had been wiping Violet's memories at other times in the "Empyrean" series, which many readers had been wondering after the ending of "Onyx Storm." Rather than giving a direct answer, Yarros said, "I think it depends on what you believe of Imogen's character. What has Imogen shown you of her character? What has she told Violet about her signet?"

In the "Empyrean" series, readers only see Imogen wipe memories when Violet or Xaden specifically asks her to. However, much of the series is only told from Violet's limited perspective, so there may have been occasions when Imogen wiped people's memories without Violet's knowledge.

Likewise, Yarros addressed some of her readers' concerns surrounding Bodhi, as there is a contingent of "Empyrean" fans who think Xaden's cousin has feelings for Violet, saying, "Bodhi has a thing for what Xaden has. But he doesn't want to."

Her response indicates that Bodhi may be jealous of Xaden rather than in love with Violet. And considering he is one of the potential candidates to have turned venin at the end of "Onyx Storm," Yarros' response is particularly eyebrow-raising.

Yarros also gave some hints about the structure of the next book, telling Ayala and Holleman that she plans to offer multiple points of view in the narration of book four. She even specified that some portion of the book will be told from Sloane Mairi's perspective.

Finally, Yarros told readers to pay attention to the black dragons in the "Empyrean" series, encouraging them to ask themselves why there are so few black dragons in the world, adding that it's "very relevant" that two new baby black dragons hatched in "Iron Flame."

Hopefully, Yarros' clues can tide readers over until book four is published. In the meantime, they can read other romantasy novels to make the wait a bit more bearable.

YouTube TV has dominated the live TV streaming service market for years now, and the platform is currently offering one of the best discounts we've seen on a live TV provider in quite some time. The latest YouTube TV deal slashes subscription prices by 18% for your first five months of service.

The deal gives new users $75 off YouTube TV's main plan for five months (that's $15 a month off each month over a five-month period). The sale lowers the price of the main plan from $83 a month to $68 a month. While the promotional period lasts for five months, you can cancel at any time, so you're not locked in if you decide you don't want YouTube TV anymore.

YouTube TV's fantastic reputation stems from its main plan's 100+ channel lineup. It's one of the top cable alternatives in the game, since it's not missing any major networks and carries several niche cable channels. The main plan offers everything from local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC to popular cable networks such as AMC, CNN, ESPN, Fox News, and the NFL Network.

Below, we've rounded up everything you need to know about YouTube TV and its current deals, including a special discount on the Sports plan. You'll need to click through our special YouTube TV link to get the full five-month offer on the main plan, since it won't appear on the standard landing page. Happy streaming!

FAQ

When does the YouTube TV deal end?

The YouTube TV deal wraps up on August 31, 2026, so there are a little less than two months left to cash in on the offer. The deal kicked off on January 1, 2026.

Does YouTube TV have a free trial?

YouTube TV offers a free trial for new users, so you can try out the service for multiple days before you're charged for your first month, giving you time to decide whether it's a good fit. YouTube TV's free trial varies in length, so you should check to see what's available to you when you go to sign up.

How do you sign up for the deal?

It's easy to sign up for the YouTube TV deal. For the main plan, just make sure to click through one of our YouTube TV links to ensure you're accessing the full five-month offer (navigating to the YouTube TV sign-up page through other means, like Google, will only show you a three-month offer).

Once you click through, you can check the plans and channels that are available to you in your ZIP code. You can start the sign-up process by clicking the big blue "Try It Free" button, which will prompt you to choose a Google account to sign in with.

Are there any other YouTube TV plans or deals?

Yes, YouTube TV also offers a dedicated sports plan. This option is cheaper than the main plan and a good fit for those who are only interested in streaming channels and networks that carry live sporting events. YouTube TV's Sports plan typically costs $65 a month, but a limited-time deal can knock $10 a month off your first 12 months of service, a total of $120 (or around 15%) off your first year. The Sports plan deal runs until August 26, 2026.

Are there other live TV streaming services?

YouTube TV is just one of several live TV streaming services on the market. Other popular month-to-month options include DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Philo. Each streaming service offers something different in terms of channel availability and pricing. You can learn more about some of these other options in our heavily tested guide to the best live TV streaming services.

You can learn more directly through YouTube TV's website. For additional savings opportunities, check out our guide to the best streaming deals and bundles.

• Sixteen US presidents were educated at Ivy League colleges and universities.
• Joe Biden was the first US president since Ronald Reagan not to have attended an Ivy League school.
• During his presidency, Trump has taken on Harvard University, the alma mater of 8 former presidents.

Admissions at some of the top colleges and universities in the US have become increasingly competitive as tuition costs continue to climb, but for the nation's top students, earning a spot next to a former president on the alumni list could be worth the hassle.

The Ivy League has long been a breeding ground for world leaders, inspiring innovators, and many US presidents.

Among the eight Ivy League schools, Harvard has educated the most US presidents — eight — followed by Yale, with five.

On the other hand, a few of the Ivies have not yet seen one of their students become US president: Brown University, Cornell University, and Dartmouth College.

Most presidents in recent US history graduated from an Ivy League school. In fact, from the end of Ronald Reagan's term in 1989 until the beginning of Joe Biden's in 2021, the presidency was occupied by Ivy League alums. Donald Trump's return to office in 2025 restored an Ivy League alum to the White House.

Here are the presidents who attended Ivy League institutions and the universities they attended, ranked by the number of US presidents they have educated.

Princeton University

The Ivy League's ties with the US presidency go back to the nation's founding. In 1771, founding father James Madison, who served as the fourth US president from 1809 to 1817, graduated with a bachelor's degree from Princeton University, then called the College of New Jersey.

Woodrow Wilson, who was president from 1913 to 1921, graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1879.

University of Pennsylvania

The ninth US president, William Henry Harrison, who served the shortest presidency in US history in 1841, attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied medicine, but he withdrew before his expected graduation date of 1793.

In 1968, Trump graduated with a bachelor's in economics from Penn's Wharton School, which he had transferred to from Fordham University two years prior.

Columbia University

After graduating from Harvard College — Harvard University's undergraduate school — in 1880, Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th US president, attended Columbia University's law school, from which he eventually withdrew.

His fifth cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd US president, attended Columbia Law School in 1904 after graduating from Harvard College a year prior, but he also withdrew from the program.

In 1981, Barack Obama, then a junior at Occidental College, transferred to Columbia University, where he graduated with a bachelor's in political science in 1983.

Yale University

The 27th US president, William Howard Taft, graduated from Yale University in 1878. His father, Alphonso Taft, who graduated from Yale in 1833, had founded the Skull and Bones secret society while at the school — his son, as well as two other US presidents, would become members of that society.

In 1941, the 38th US president, Gerald Ford, graduated from Yale Law School. In 1973, Bill Clinton, who was the president from 1993 to 2001, graduated from the same school.

George H. W. Bush, who was president from 1989 to 1993, graduated from Yale with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1948. His son George W. Bush, the 43rd US president, graduated from the school with a bachelor's in history in 1968.

Both Bush presidents were members of the Skull and Bones secret society.

Harvard University

Harvard University has ties to the US presidency dating back to the nation's founding. The first US vice president and second US president, John Adams, attended Harvard University, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1755 and a master's degree in 1758. His son John Quincy Adams, the sixth US president, graduated from Harvard College in 1787.

In 1845, Rutherford B. Hayes, who was president from 1877 to 1881, graduated from Harvard Law School.

The 26th US president, Theodore Roosevelt, graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor's degree in 1880, as did the 32nd US president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1903.

In 1940, the 35th US president, John F. Kennedy, graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's in international affairs. In his college essay, he famously expressed his desire to attend the school from which his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, graduated in 1912: "To be a 'Harvard man' is an enviable distinction, and one that I sincerely hope I shall attain."

In 1975, George W. Bush graduated from the school with an MBA, the only US president to have earned this degree.

In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School, the most recent US president to attend the school.

Editor's note: This story was originally published in June 2025. It was most recently updated in July 2026.

Correction: June 10, 2025 — An earlier version of this story misstated when Theodore Roosevelt graduated from Harvard College. It was in 1880, not 1876. It also misstated when William Howard Taft graduated from Yale University. It was in 1878, not 1978.

Vistaprint has become a go-to destination for custom printing, whether you're launching a business, promoting an event, or creating personalized gifts. From business cards and flyers to banners, stickers, signs, apparel, and branded merchandise, the retailer offers a wide range of products for both personal and professional projects. If you're planning an order, a Vistaprint promo code can help bring the total down.

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Today's best Vistaprint discount codes

Previous Vistaprint discount codes

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In addition to their voucher codes, Vistaprint also runs several ongoing sales and promotions, all of which can be found on their "Offers" page. As of the time of writing, Vistaprint is running the following deals.

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Vistaprint requires all shoppers to create an account before designing products, so start there. Once you've created an account, you can add coupon-eligible items to your cart. From the "My Cart" page, you can apply a promo code by clicking the "Have a code?" dropdown, pasting the code into the text box, and clicking apply. Once the voucher code has been applied, continue to checkout to enter your shipping and billing information.

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• I'm an interior designer, and I love shopping at HomeGoods — but there are things I don't buy there.
• I prefer to shop elsewhere for candles and sets of pots and pans. 
• Typically, I don't buy large furniture pieces or mirrors from HomeGoods. 

I'm an interior designer and a big fan of HomeGoods.

The chain can be a really great place to find trendy decor, small furniture pieces, and a range of other household items that suit all sorts of styles.

As much as I enjoy shopping at the home-furnishing store, there are a few things I avoid getting there.

I get my larger furniture pieces, such as sofas, somewhere else.

HomeGoods can be a great place to buy a stool or a small side table, but I wouldn't buy larger furniture pieces here.

For example, many of the sofas and big chairs I've seen in the store look amazing from afar, but the quality hasn't impressed me much.

Plus, at HomeGoods, you typically buy floor models. Your couch could be on the sales floor for weeks, with hundreds of strangers sitting on it or carts bumping into it at every turn.

There may be some hidden gems at a reasonable price, but when it comes to large pieces that will get lots of use, I'm not willing to gamble on quality. I'd rather shop at dedicated furniture stores, like a CB2 or West Elm, or seek out made-to-order options.

The candles are too hit-or-miss for me.

The candle aisle at HomeGoods is my favorite part of the whole store. But as fun as the section is to peruse, the wide variety of brands, shapes, and scents can be a mixed bag.

I've found that many of the candles I've bought at the chain either don't burn very well or lose their scent pretty quickly, even though they look great and smelled amazing in the store.

A lot of these candles are just fine in a pinch — and you might get lucky with a great one — but I'd rather spend more to buy something I'm confident is higher quality from an actual candle store.

Many of the large mirrors don't pass my basic quality test.

In the age of the mirror selfie, I completely understand the desire to add the perfect floor-length mirror to a space. After all, they're essential for good outfit-of-the-day posts.

That said, the large mirrors I've seen at HomeGoods haven't impressed me yet.

Mirrors can be massive statement pieces, so I suggest taking the time to look for high-quality options.

One way I like to test the quality of mirrors in a store is by standing far away from them to see whether my reflection gets distorted. If I start to look funky, I'll pass on the mirror.

It can be hard to find a solid set of pots and pans at HomeGoods.

Many of HomeGoods' pots and pans look amazing — again, brands and quality vary — but I buy mine elsewhere.

Although you might get lucky and find name-brand items in the store's aisles, I've bought many random pots and pans from here that looked nice but haven't held up well.

Getting a full, matching set of cookware from HomeGoods is also tricky since not all stores carry the same pieces or multiples of a design.

If I'm supplying a kitchen from scratch or hoping to build a collection, I'd rather invest in a matching set from a trustworthy cookware brand.

Skip the kitschy letters and signs with quotes and phrases on them.

Choosing the perfect finishing touches for a space can be one of the trickiest tasks. However, I'll never waste money on hanging letters or signs with quotes. Quotes are meant for journals, not walls.

I've seen a lot of signs at HomeGoods with overused phrases and cringeworthy quotes. Some pieces with basic labels like "coffee" and "tea" even feel like they're paying homage to farmhouse design in an untasteful way.

I suggest choosing text-free art pieces and decor items instead for a classier look. (Luckily, HomeGoods has a lot of aisles filled with these, too.)

Full-priced holiday decor is rarely worth it to me.

HomeGoods has an impressive array of decor for every holiday and season I can think of — and it's often on shelves long before whatever it's celebrating begins.

However, as a frequent HomeGoods shopper, I've learned that if you wait until one day after the holiday, you can sometimes get up to 50% off on some seasonal items.

It can be risky, since the pieces you love may go out of stock before then, and sales aren't guaranteed. However, the deals can be great and, as a planner, I actually prefer preparing for a holiday almost a year before it returns.

HomeGoods has some tasteful items for desk organization, but I still skip this section.

HomeGoods is generally a great place to find one-off special items, but not so much coordinated or matching sets.

I like matching sets too much to consider buying desk decor or office supplies here, from letter organizers to pencil cups.

I'd shop elsewhere for finishing touches for my home office — maybe Target or even Ikea.

This story was originally published on December 21, 2023, and most recently updated on July 7, 2026.

Living in New York City means walking everywhere. On a typical day, I'll clock one to two miles just from walking my dog, running errands, and commuting to and from the train. For most people here, that kind of mileage automatically means sneakers. For me, it doesn't. I love the added height, elegance, and confidence that a great pair of heels brings — and yes, I firmly believe Carrie Bradshaw would never show up to brunch in running shoes.

That mindset led me to a very specific mission: finding heels that can actually keep up with a walking-heavy lifestyle. I tested dozens upon dozens of pairs across every category, logging miles, enduring blisters, and pushing past sore arches to see which ones truly delivered on comfort. After all that trial and error, I've narrowed it down to the heels that are genuinely wearable — even on city streets.

How I tested for the most comfortable heels

For the research part of my testing, I scoured the internet to find out which brands and styles of shoes people were raving about. I went deep on Reddit threads, asked my coworkers and friends for their recommendations, and talked to shoe experts. This gave me a starting list of over 40 individual pairs, with brands like Naturalizer, Inez, and Vivaia coming up over and over.

Then, I tested the heels for myself. Armed with my phone's step counter, I tried to walk a mile in each of the recommended heels. In some heels, I could scarcely walk down my street without getting pain or blisters. None of those made the list.

But after months of testing, I came up with a list of stellar heels that were comfortable for the entire mile walk and more. Over the past two-and-a-half years, I've tested over 90 heels and counting. I'm constantly trying out new brands and new styles that promise comfort.

These are the heels that have past the mile walk test with flying colors.

For more of our rigorously-tested shoe coverage, see our articles on the most comfortable dress shoes and best walking shoes for women.

The comfortable heels matrix

Because "comfortable" can mean different things depending on the occasion, I mapped each heel on two axes: classic to trendy, and everyday easy to event-ready. Every pair here passed my comfort test, but this matrix shows where each one shines.

A: M.Gemi Lizza Due | B: Ally Classic Pumps | C: Reef Sunset Ibiza | D: Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal | E: Inez Mia | F: Nomasei Baghera Sandals | G: Birdies Kiwi Kitten Flower | H: Margaux Ada | I: Naturalizer Elaine Slingback | J: Inez Camilla | K: Elizee Fiorella Sandal | L: Margaux Platform | M: Bared Footwear Towhee | N: Vivianly Clear Heels | O: Dream Paris Low Heel P: Calla Margot | Q: Naturalizer Grace Sandal | R: Naturalizer Tressa Sandal | S: Oasis Society Celine

A quick look at some of my favorite comfortable heels for summer

Which brands make the most comfortable heels?

From least to most expensive, here's what we would recommend:

• Dream Paris makes budget-friendly heels that are famous on Amazon. They're staggeringly low-priced, with most costing between $25-$40. You get somewhat more than you pay for, because these are much more comfortable than other brands at the same price point — but the quality doesn't compare to any of the other brands on this list.
• Naturalizer makes high-quality, versatile heels that are wearable (think simple block heels, classic pumps, etc.). Most of their shoes cost around $150, but there are tons of sales on seasonal colors. We trust this brand for details like padded arches, stabilizing straps, and walkable silhouettes.
• Vivaia is known for heels that are all made with a stretchy knit fabric that cradles the foot. This makes them great for people with wide feet, since the fabric is more accommodating than materials like leather. Most heels cost about $150, but they also have frequent sales.
• Frankie4 is an Australian-based, podiatrist-founded footwear brand that we keep coming back to. Despite the emphasis on podiatry, the styles are all cute and wearable. Expect to spend about $200 a pair, but you'll be able to feel the attention to comfort details.
• Inez is a luxury pick with careful Spanish craftsmanship to back up its slightly higher prices (at least $250 a pair). The designs are sophisticated with a contemporary flair. I've been wearing shoes from the brand for years, and each pair has held up beautifully in both construction and style.

Best overall: Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal

What we love: With a heavily padded footbed and a super versatile silhouette, these are the ultimate wedding guest heels. These beloved shoes come in over 40 colors (check multiple links if you're looking for a specific shade), so you can find one to match your outfit perfectly.

Not ideal for: People with narrow feet, since these only come in a regular and wide fit.

First of all, can I just say how impressed I am with Naturalizer? Over a decade ago, I remember following my grandmother into the store while she picked out loafers that you could tell were a podiatrist's dream. But now, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything like those orthopedic loafers on their site.

Instead, they've incorporated all the comfort that they're known for into shoes that are actually cute. So while the inside of the shoe might still be a podiatrist's dream, the outside will be trendy and chic — exemplified by the bestselling Joy Dress Sandal.

You can see how thick the padding is by just looking at it. The insole is contoured to your foot, providing arch support and taking pressure off the balls of your feet. The heel itself is a whopping three-and-a-half inches, but they absolutely do not feel that high when you have them on.

I've recommended these to tons of friends as the perfect wedding guest (or even wedding day!) shoes, and have gotten countless post-event texts about how amazingly painless these are. I've personally danced the night away in these heels at least half a dozen times.

Check out our article on the best bridal shoes for more of our top picks for heels for your big day.

Best budget: Dream Paris Chunky Low-Heel

What we love: These Amazon ultra bestsellers get heaps of praise for their good value. For under $40, they're a great, comfortable block heel that isn't too high.

Drawbacks: Though these are a great budget option, they lack premium comfort features like a padded footbed or contoured construction.

I knew that I needed to test these shoes because they have a whopping twenty-four thousand reviews on Amazon and four-and-a-half stars. People in the reviews rave about wearing these all night, walking miles in them, and how they feel like they cost way more than the under-$40 price tag.  Plus, they have nearly thirty colors available. 

After walking over a mile in the Dream Paris Low Heel Sandals, I understand what the hype is about. The heel is a perfect everyday height and you can't beat the simplicity and versatility of the silhouette. Plus, they are absolutely everything that Amazon reviewers claim them to be — super affordable and very walkable. 

However, if you're committed to the single-strap silhouette and want shoes that will last you through every summer wedding you attend, I would still recommend our best overall pick, the Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal. It has an almost identical silhouette, but the Naturalizer pair has far more footbed padding. Plus, the padding is brilliantly contoured to your foot. This Dream Paris pair is great for getting pretty comfy heels at a good price, but you might face some issues with the toe strap rubbing and your foot feeling fatigued if you're planning to wear these all the time. 

Best pumps: Ally Classic Pumps

What we love: These are available in four different widths, providing a near-custom fit. They're also perfect for wearing to work.

Drawbacks: Higher price point compared to other options, since these are meant to be an investment piece.

Even if you're a pump enthusiast, you probably haven't felt pumps like these. Ally's shoes feel custom since they're available in four (yes, you heard right, four) different widths. And you can absolutely feel what a difference it makes to have a shoe in your exact size. 

I took Ally's fit finder quiz to nail down which width would fit me best and was blown away when I received the shoes. Inside, there are layers of padding that perfectly cradle the arch of my foot. And there's even toe box contouring to support the balls of your feet. Seriously, these have all the comfort bells and whistles that you could ask for. 

The only drawback of these Ally pumps is that they're a touch expensive, but compared to actual custom shoes, these are a steal.

Best for walking: M. Gemi Lizza Due

What we love: It's a notably comfortable platform heel thanks to its shallow pitch, which keeps your foot from sitting at too steep an angle, and the wide ankle straps make it feel especially stable and secure while walking.

Drawbacks: It has the heft of a platform heel, and the wider straps may feel a bit bulkier than those of a more delicate sandal silhouette.

After testing the Lizza Due, what impressed me most was how much more stable and wearable it felt than a lot of platform heels I have tried. One of the biggest reasons is the fairly shallow pitch (the angle at which your foot sits). That makes a real difference in comfort over time, since the shoe does not have that steep feel that can leave the balls of your feet aching after just an hour or two. I tested the suede version rather than the metallic leather, and in that finish, it felt especially easy to wear — polished and dressy, but a little softer and more versatile than a high-shine party shoe.

The fit also feels especially secure on foot, which adds a lot to the overall walkability. The wide ankle straps help keep your foot stable, so you feel more supported and less wobbly than you might in a strappier or more delicate-looking heel. That combination of a platform sole, shallower pitch, and grounded ankle support makes this a strong option for anyone who wants height without the usual tradeoff in comfort. It still looks elevated and occasion-ready, but what makes it stand out is that it actually feels practical enough to wear for a full event, not just for photos.

Best for summer: Reef Sunset Ibiza

What we love: These shoes have a 3.7 inch heel but are so lightweight and squishy that you won't feel the height at all. Plus, they're under $100.

Drawbacks: The detailing on the outside is not raffia but foam painted to look like fibers. This is actually a plus for me since real raffia would make these heavier, but it won't stand up to up-close inspection.

The Sunset Ibiza heels from Reef just became my new summer go-to sandals. They're super high — nearly four inches! But you don't feel the height at all. You just feel like you're walking on foam.

Despite the stilt-level height, I can't stop wearing these. Since I'm five-foot-two, so many of my pants and maxi dresses drag on the floor without heels. But I slip these on with about as much care as I would slip on a Birkenstock — no worries about eventual foot aches or blisters.

Best for a wedding: Inez Camilla

What we love: These platform heels come in wedding-ready colors like silver, nude and black. They're comfortable enough to dance in and high enough to keep your maxi dress off the floor.

Drawbacks: Unlike many of Inez's shoes, this style only comes in a standard width.

I've worn the Camilla shoes to three different weddings and have danced the night away every time with no issues. The high platform means that these shoes have a relatively shallow vamp, but your foot is still at an elegant, leg-lengthening angle.

They're also almost four full inches high, which is great for me since I'm petite and tend to have an issue with long dresses dragging on the floor. These keep the hem firmly off the ground.

I also appreciate that these are available in formalwear neutrals — like silver and shiny black. Part of the reason I love these so much is that they go with anything, no matter the dress code.

Read more in our full Inez Camilla review.

Best for work: Antonia Saint NY All Occasion Heel

What we love: The brand's SoftSurround System is fantastic. It keeps your foot stable and makes it feel like your foot is surrounded by a foamy cushion.

Drawbacks: Some people report that the shoes run a little larger than expected.

If your office dress code is a little more formal, these pumps will be your new best friend. They pair perfectly with the best suits for women or formal work dresses.

The All Occasion Heels from Antonia Saint New York have an internal cushioning system that surrounds the whole foot rather than just padding the footbed. I love the comfort and, crucially, the support this offers. Instead of sliding around, my foot is firmly braced by the shoe. This is especially helpful for safety since instability can cause ankle injuries.

Usually, I size down a half-size in pumps because the pitch of the heel tends to push my toes deep down into the toe box, leaving extra space at the back. But I opted not to size down in these, and I'm glad I did. The brand's proprietary SoftSurround System keeps my foot enveloped in foamy support so my toes don't slip down.

The shoes are also made from soft, shiny leather that looks great and photographs well. The brand also claims that the heel is made from materials that won't nick. I know I'll be wearing these a ton, so I'll report back if I experience any damage, but so far, so good!

Best strappy: Bared Footwear Towhee

What we love: Walkable summer heel with a shallow pitch, contoured footbeds, and optional gel cushions for those prone to pain in the ball of the foot
Drawbacks: Not ideal for extra-wide feet or long toes

I've seen similar versions of this modern strappy sandal from like Quince, Vagabond, and Marcella — but I highly doubt any are as comfortable as the Bared Footwear Towhees. These come with podiatrist-designed footbeds that are highly cushioned and contoured, with raised arch support and subtle notches to even out the pressure heels put on your metatarsals. This pair feels perfect for special occasions in warm weather that require standing all day.

Their heel cups keep you from sliding forward and help relieve weight from your forefoot. And the smooth, adjustable straps are made of rolled leather, so they don't cut into your skin even if your feet swell. I also love that they don't make much noise when I walk (sometimes I would rather not click-clack with every step), and the rubberized heel caps are softer and grippier than most heels.

The narrow block heels have a wide base to make up for the thin straps, so I wasn't teetering any time I had to pick up the pace. I tested them on a 20-minute walk to break them in ahead of a family wedding. A while in, I had to adjust the straps to keep my toes from sliding forward over the edge, but this was more of a fit preference, not a major discomfort. If you have long toes like mine, a sandal with a platformed toebox like the Inez Camillas may work better. —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Business Insider Reviews.

Best for bunions: Calla Shoes Margot Heel

What we love: Made especially for people with bunions, these shoes are built with a wider toe box and a stretch lining to accommodate mild to moderate bunions.

Drawbacks: The ankle strap is a little too thin to offer extra stability.

If you have bunions, you have to check out Calla. The brand makes heels, sneakers, flats, and more designed to accommodate mild to moderate bunions. And for particularly large ones, they even have picks with extra-wide toe boxes.

But these shoes are a far cry from the orthopedic loafers that you might expect from a comfort-focused, bunion-solution shoe brand. Instead, you'll find silhouettes on par with most trendy footwear retailers. Chief among them, in my opinion, are the Margot Heels that look like a stylish platform heel on the outside, but have tons of comfort features on the inside.

To accommodate bunions, these have a stretch lining, a wide toe box, and lots of interior padding. They're incredibly comfortable despite being over four inches tall. Plus, they're built for stability — I would have no issues dancing the night away in these. However, my only minor critique is that the ankle strap is a little thin; I would have preferred a thicker, cushioned strap like the one across the toe box.

Bottom line: these are best for anyone who wants a dressy heel that feels more wearable — especially if you're sensitive in the forefoot, want extra toe room, or prioritize stability over a delicate silhouette. Before you check out, it's worth double-checking the measurement guide if you're between sizes, then taking advantage of the brand's exchange/return options if you need a tweak.

Best slingbacks: Inez Mia

What we love: A sleek standout from one of our favorite comfortable heel brands, these slingbacks are beautifully crafted and come in narrow, standard, and wide widths.

Drawbacks: The elastic is a little flimsy; we would have much preferred a buckle.

Slingbacks are the style of the season and there's no style more comfortable than this pick by Inez. It's available in a bunch of colors — and it comes in narrow, standard, and wide fits.

Inez is one of our favorite brands ever for comfortable heels — which is why you'll find a bunch of their shoes on this list. In our Inez review, we raved about the brand's commitment to only the highest quality of craftsmanship. They are made in Spain and have proprietary plush insoles, which you can absolutely tell make a huge difference. When you slip them on, you can feel immediately how they cradle your foot for maximum stability and comfort.

The Mia slingbacks, especially in the beautiful orchid color, got me tons and tons of compliments. I cannot recommend them enough.

Highest heel: Elizee Fiorella Sandal

What we love: For a heel this high (and a pitch this steep), it's incredible how comfortable these are. I highly recommend them as some of the best bridal heels around.

Drawbacks: At over $600, they're definitely a splurge.

At nearly four inches with a three-inch pitch, the Fiorella Sandals from Italian brand Elizée look a little intimidating — but don't let that fool you. They're super lightweight, with a cushioned insole and a thick strap that wraps around your ankle for stability. 

When I wore them for the first time, I was blown away by the construction. This is a true stiletto heel. And yet, I didn't feel any of the discomfort of basically walking around on my tippy-toes for hours. 

It's a little on the pricier side, but it's a perfect choice for a wedding, whether it be yours or one you're attending as a guest. It has the rare combination of being a classic, formal stiletto while also being a shoe that you can dance in all night. 

Just not that when I first tried this, I had buckled it too loosely around my ankle. It felt much less comfortable because my foot was wiggling around too much. Make sure you fasten these on tightly (even tighter than you think you need to) for the best fit.

Best heeled flip-flop: Naturalizer

What we love: This is the rare heeled flip-flop that actually feels walkable. The cushioned sole, arch support, and sculpted shape help keep your foot in place, so you're not constantly pushing against the sensitive area between your toes. It also has a manageable 2.5-inch covered heel and Naturalizer's Contour+ Comfort Technology, which gives the trendy silhouette more support than most.

Drawbacks: The thong-sandal silhouette can be tricky in general, so this still may not be the best choice if you know you hate any pressure between your first two toes.

The heeled flip-flop is the shoe silhouette of the summer, showing up everywhere from runways to street style. But as effortless as the trend looks, it can be surprisingly hard to wear. I tried tons of heeled thong sandals while testing comfortable heels, and almost all of them put too much pressure between my first two toes.

The Naturalizer 27 Edit Tressa Dress Sandal was the only one I could actually walk a mile in comfortably. It still has the clean, open-toed look of a minimalist thong sandal, but the construction makes it much more wearable than most versions of the trend. The cushioned sole, arch support, and curved floor of the shoe cradle the foot so it stays in place instead of sliding forward with every step.

That extra stability makes a huge difference. Rather than feeling like I had to grip the shoe with my toes or brace against the thong strap, my foot felt supported from underneath. The 2.5-inch covered heel gives it enough lift to feel dressy without pushing it into true high-heel territory, and the slip-on design keeps the whole thing easy and casual.

The Tressa also has a more fashion-forward shape than your average comfort sandal. It gives you the runway-adjacent, street-style look of a heeled flip-flop, but with enough cushioning and support to make the trend feel realistic for actual walking.

Best lightweight: Crocs Brooklyn Heel

What we love: These are hands down my most-worn pair of heels. I slip them on to do errands, walk my dog, and even wear them out to dinner. They're incredibly lightweight and have such a shallow pitch that you barely feel like you're wearing heels at all.

Drawbacks: Though it's small, the Crocs logo does appear on the outside of the shoe. Plus, the white color has some issues with scuffing.

Yes, that's right, these are Crocs. They're made of the same lightweight, foam-like material that made the clogs famous. And if you're wondering if they feel the same; they really do. 

Like the clogs, the Brooklyn Heel footbed is cushioned and has bumps on it that are like little massage beads. At first, I was dubious about this feature, but I like how the little bumps stop my food from sliding around. And they're lightweight like the Crocs clogs, too. 

These chunky heels lean into the '90s vibes and give you a full extra three inches of height. Plus, unlike other chunky heels, these don't feel like you're lugging around rocks on your feet. And they're just cute. I really enjoyed shocking my coworkers by telling them I was wearing Crocs. 

The only issue I foresee with these is scuffing. I got the Brooklyn Heel in white, so it's hard to not get little black marks on them. If I were to do it again, I would probably get the black color to avoid this issue. 

Best heeled ballet flat: Margaux Ada

What we love: With a shorter heel and a slightly square toe, these elegant shoes fit like a glove.

Drawbacks: Finding the correct size and width can be difficult.

We've long admired Margaux's commitment to beautiful leather and chic silhouettes. The Ada looks like an elegant ballet flat, but it has a little heel that adds slightly over an inch of height.

I got it in the color Espresso Crinkle Patent, which is a shiny brown color that feels like the epitome of fall. The leather is supple and molds to your feet for a glove-like fit. Plus, the insole has a memory foam-like padding that cradles your foot.

But sizing is a little tricky to get right. I've always characterized my feet as being on the wider end of typical, but I very rarely find myself having to opt for a wide fit shoe. In almost all situations, a regular width works just fine. But with Margaux shoes, I've learned to always go for the wide.

The shoes come in three widths: narrow, medium, and wide. If you're on the fence about which would work for you, opt for the more generous fit.

Best high vamp: Elaine Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

What we love: These extremely comfortable slingbacks have a high vamp that provides extra stability and a foam footbed that feels great to walk on. The shoe also comes in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide fits.

Drawbacks: Certain colorways are prone to scuffing.

Shoes with a high vamp have been an under-the-radar trend that's slowly seeping into the mainstream. In case you're unfamiliar, the vamp of a shoe refers to the upper section that covers the top of the foot, starting at the toe. Most of the slingbacks on this list give me a little bit of "toe cleavage," but these extend farther up my foot. And while I was initially skeptical about the look and fit of the Elaine Slingback, it took me almost no time to be sold.

The higher vamp actually adds a lot of stability that other slingbacks lack. It keeps your foot from wiggling in the shoe and provides a stable base for walking. Plus, these have the cushioned footbed that I've raved about in other reviews of Naturalizer shoes. The heel on these shoes is almost three inches high, but they feel much lower than that.

I got these in the medium width, but they also come in narrow, wide, and extra wide fits. And these come in a ton of colorways — both basic leather shades and some unexpected seasonal designs like a shiny black pick coverd in silver studs and plaid fabric pattern.

Best velvet: Birdies Kiwi Kitten Flower

What we love: The velvet flower makes these shoes really stand out — and the arch support and padded footbed make them comfortable to stand or dance in.

Drawbacks: The sole of the shoe is completely smooth, so it takes some breaking in to prevent slipping on tile floors. Also, the heel isn't as stable as I would like.

We've reviewed Birdies' loafers, sneakers, and more throughout the years, but heels are somewhat new for the brand. The Kiwi Kitten Flower is a style standout, with a statement rose and a delicate heel.

Comfort-wise, the details that matter are built in. Birdies uses a memory foam comfort insole with full arch support and a contoured footbed for that plush, cushioned feel underfoot. The sole is also designed to flex, with the brand's signature rubber front pod that can help with grip where you actually push off when you walk.

These aren't perfect — I do wish the heel was a little more stable. And when I first tried them, I felt myself sliding around because the sole lacks traction; this got much better once I had worn them a bit and broken them in by walking on concrete.

But they're so cute that some flaws are easy to overlook. I got an overwhelming amount of compliments on these, and it's easy to see why.

Best sculptural: Nomasei Baghera

Pros: These were surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. The leather feels soft and flexible, almost like a second skin, and the memory-foam padding helps prevent the usual ball-of-foot pain that can come from hours in heels. The block heel is also a big plus for weddings — sturdy on grass and wide enough that it won't get stuck between patio slats.

Cons: The V-shaped design is really flattering, but it doesn't give you the same locked-in feel as an ankle strap. They also caused one small heel blister after a full night of wear, so they're not totally immune to break-in pains — just much better than expected for a brand-new pair worn to a six-hour wedding.

The Nomasei Baghera sandals prove that a statement heel doesn't have to come at the expense of comfort. With their sculptural silhouette, soft leather, and sturdy block heel, they're the kind of shoes you can actually stay in for hours.

Gabrielle Chase, a senior associate style editor for Insider Reviews, wore them straight out of the box for a long day and night on her feet — a gamble she doesn't usually take with heels. "I packed six Band-Aids, assuming I'd need them all," Gabrielle said. "Reader, I'm happy to report that I shuffled and slid to my heart's content and only sustained one tiny heel blister the entire night."

The sandals have a flattering V-shaped upper that creates a leg-lengthening effect, along with soft, flexible leather that molds comfortably to the foot. "They're made with a leather that's so soft and flexible that they feel like a second skin," Gabrielle said.

Comfort-wise, the memory-foam padded insoles are a standout feature. Gabrielle said they helped prevent the metatarsal pain she usually gets after spending too much time in heels. The block heel also adds stability, making these easier to walk in than many dressier stilettos.

"These are the kind of heels that look special but don't punish your feet for wearing them," Gabrielle said. She also appreciated how well the block heel handled different surfaces. "When the wedding moved outdoors, their block heels were sturdy enough for grass and too thick to get caught in the slats of the patio," she said.

These are a great choice if you want a fashion-forward sandal that's still comfortable enough for hours of wear. The only caveat is that the V-shaped design doesn't provide the same locked-in feel as a traditional ankle strap, so they may not be ideal if you prefer extra support around the ankle.

And while they're dressy enough for formal occasions, they're versatile enough to style more casually, too. "I loved them so much that next I'm excited to dress them down with some ragg socks and jeans," Chase said.

Best with a bow: Oasis Society Celine

What we love: It combines several comfort-friendly details — a stable block heel, cushioned insole, adjustable ankle strap, and a more manageable 3.75-inch height — that make it easier to walk in.

Drawbacks: The textured woven floral textile and textile-wrapped heel look beautiful, but they may be more delicate and harder to keep pristine than smoother materials. Plus, they run a little narrow.

After testing the Oasis Society Celine in Rose Garden, I was impressed by how comfortable and walkable it felt for such a cute, dressed-up heel. The floral fabric and oversized bow make it feel especially charming and feminine, and it definitely reads as a statement shoe — the kind of pair that can instantly dress up a simple, solid-color outfit and make it feel more styled. Comfort-wise, the padded footbed gives it a softer feel underfoot, while the block heel adds stability that makes it easier to walk in than a lot of similarly decorative occasion heels.

My main caveat is that while the cushioning helps, I wish the padding were wider and extended across the full footbed for more complete support. Even so, it still felt notably comfortable in testing, and the secure ankle strap and grounded heel shape make it feel practical enough for events where you actually plan to be on your feet. It is a great option if you want a heel that feels romantic and standout, but is also genuinely wearable.

Highest pump: Inez Alta

What we love: If you want the highest walkable pump possible, this is it. It's steep, but Inez is great at making steep shoes comfortable.

Drawbacks: These do get uncomfortable after a while of walking.

Another winner from a brand that we love. Here's what I said about these stellar pumps in our Inez Review:

Pumps are difficult to get right. Unlike platforms or other kinds of creatively-designed shoes, there's no way of getting around the steep pitch. In fact, these are particularly steep. Aptly called the Alta, they have a towering heel height of 3.5 inches. You can get the style in a lower-height heel, called the Lola, if this sounds a little too tall for you. But don't be afraid to go with the higher heel. The shoes are far more comfortable than they look.

And while I probably wouldn't recommend these for running around, they are the ultimate secret weapon for feeling authoritative and stylish at work. Paired with one of the best suits for women, the Alta pumps make the ultimate power outfit.

Best mules: Vince Camuto Paigely Mule

What we love: These leg-lengthening mules have a thick footbed padding that makes standing in heels this high much less painful.

Drawbacks: The steep pitch means that you can't walk much more than a mile in these, and the toe box might be too narrow for some.

These Paigey Mules by Vince Camuto are miraculously leg-lengthening. Since there's no ankle strap and the vamp is low and flatteringly curved, it gives the illusion that your legs go on forever. In fact, if I'm ever taking a full-body mirror selfie, I love throwing these on for the pic at home — even if I'm wearing other shoes out.

The best part of these is that the footbed is among the thickest of all the heels I tested. It's not cloud-soft, more like a firm mattress that still offers support. The significant cushion does prevent these from being suitable for people with high-volume feet, since the toe box can be a bit narrow.

However, the leg-lengthening effect comes from your feet being at a steep angle in these. The pitch is dramatic, so they'll never be the shoes that you can walk across town in — a mile is probably the max. But they're perfect for wearing to events where you're doing a mix of sitting and standing.

Best kitten heel: Naturalizer 27 Edit Grace Sandal

What we love: This shoe has tons of padding. It's obvious even in the picture above how padded the toe strap is.

Drawbacks: Some people report that the bottom is slippery.

I've already touted the supreme comfort of Naturalizer heels and these are another stellar option. 

Not only is the footbed padded, but the straps are also cushioned. In fact, the toe strap is downright foamy. It makes a huge difference when you're walking since the repetitive motion can make typical straps cut into you. 

I also appreciate the stability of the kitten heel on the 27 Edit Grace Sandal. Sometimes, heels this this make you feel slightly wobbly. But these are secure and I feel sure-footed, even when walking on uneven surfaces.

Best platform: Margaux The Platform Sandal

What we love: These chic sandals are beautifully constructed, and Margaux's signature "X"-shaped toe strap design provides plenty of stability.

Drawbacks: We've had some issues with Margaux's sizing, so we highly recommend ordering the wide width even if you normally order regular width shoes.

Margaux makes an amazing selection of carefully designed comfortable heels. This one is a slightly higher version of their City Sandal — another winner when it comes to construction. But at a full three inches high, The Platform takes the cake for the best heel overall when it comes to combining height with walkability. 

There are lots of features that contribute to the comfort of this fabulous heel. First, it has five millimeters of cushioned padding on the sole that makes it feel like you're putting on a slipper. Plus, the toe straps form Margaux 's signature "X" which adds stability that you wouldn't get from a narrow, single strap. And finally, these shoes are handmade in Spain, meaning that there's a ton of effort focused on the construction of the shoes that you won't find in just any shoe made on an assembly line. 

Overall, I found these to be so walkable that I started using my pair as an everyday shoe — and not just the pair of cute heels that I only pull out for special occasions. In fact, I'm going to pack them for walking around and sightseeing when I'm in Italy, which is a huge testament to this heel's top spot as the most comfortable heel.

Make sure you check out Margaux's other shoes (like The Heel, a pump) for similarly stellar construction. We even reviewed Margaux's Demi Flats and loved those too. 

Though I found it super comfortable on my typical-to-wide feet, some reviewers note that the heel area is a little wide for people with narrow feet. Also, there are reviewers who note that the ankle strap is a little bit loose. If that's an issue for you with these (or any shoe), I suggest getting a leather hole puncher to add extra holes for the buckle. I have one and use it on everything from purses to belts and more!

Best clear heels: Vivianly Transparent Stiletto Heel

What we love: These under-$40 heels make you look like you have legs for days.

Drawbacks: Since they're made of clear plastic with no give, it's not a good idea to wear them for long walks.

If you haven't heard about the miracle of clear heels, allow me to educate you. There are certain features of shoes that make your legs look shorter: an ankle strap cuts your leg off, and platforms don't create the leg-lengthening tippy-toe shape that traditional heels do. But clear heels are the holy grail of making your legs look like they go on for days. 

I've had these clear heels from Amazon for over two years and I take them out whenever I wear a cute minidress. They're comfortable enough that you can dance in them at night, but I wouldn't recommend wearing them for long walks since the repetitive motion can make the plastic cut into your feet. One mile was fine, but anything over that might be a little dicey. 

But for $40 Amazon shoes that I've had for years, they really do the trick. And don't just take my word for it — these shoes have six thousand reviews on Amazon and nearly five stars, with people in the comments amazed at how comfortable they are. 

FAQs

What are the most comfortable types of heels?

The shape of the heel will definitely affect how comfortable it is. Here are a few common types.

• Platforms are typically the most comfortable because they reduce the angle of the pitch (the incline between the heel and the toe). You can even get platforms (often called 'flatforms') that have no pitch at all and are completely flat.
• Block heels are also pretty comfortable because the thick heel offers stability that thinner heels don't. If you want the look of a block heel but the comfort of a platform, look for shoes that have a platform under the toe.
• Kitten heels are thin and typically two inches or lower. Most shoes with kitten heels are aesthetically delicate, so they have a much different look than chunky block heels or platforms.
• Stilettos are the hardest to pull off, comfort-wise. The heels are thin and tall, often tapered to be thinner at the point where the heel hits the ground. If you like the look of a stiletto but find it hard to balance, try looking for "spool" heels, which are flared at the top and bottom to offer more stability.

What heel height is best for all-day comfort?

Here's the secret: It's not about how high the heel is — it's about how steep the pitch is. For example, a five-inch platform with a one-inch pitch will be loads more comfortable than a two-inch kitten heel.

When you're looking for heels, look at the angle of the pitch and prioritize a shallow incline over a lower heel.

What features make a heel comfortable?

In addition to a low pitch, here's what you should look for when shopping for comfortable heels.

Cushioned insoles: Prioritize shoes that have padded insoles. Walking on a surface lined with foam is infinitely better than walking on unlined wood or plastic.

Arch support: Without arch support, your feet will get tired quickly. You want to avoid flat insoles, even if the heel is low.

The right toe box: Wider toe boxes and open-toed shoes will be easier on your feet. Pointed-toe shoes can force your foot into a position where your toes get squished, especially if you're walking all day.

What heels are good for people with wide feet?

If you have wider feet, we highly recommend looking for brands that have specific wide-foot fits, like Naturalizer.

But we also recommend checking out brands that use stretchy material, like Vivaia. Since Vivaia's signature stretchy knit construction gives a lot of wiggle room in terms of width, it's a great choice for people with wide feet.

• Business Insider asked six tech workers about the biggest misconceptions in the industry.
• Workers challenged assumptions about AI, Big Tech, and what their jobs actually involve.
• Some said AI has changed the nature of tech work — but not in the ways many people think.

If you ask tech workers what people misunderstand about working in their industry, they'll tell you — plenty.

In interviews with Business Insider, tech professionals from companies including Amazon, Google, and Snap challenged assumptions that their jobs are mostly coding, that AI has made their work easier, and that Big Tech is the only worthwhile career path. Some focused on misconceptions held by people outside the industry, while others pointed to misunderstandings from people already working in tech.

These professionals — including engineers, data scientists, and product managers — are working in an industry that's changing rapidly. They say many people's understanding of tech jobs hasn't kept up.

Here's what six tech workers believe are the biggest misconceptions about working in tech. (Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.)

My job is about much more than coding

Priyanka Devi Ramesh is a business intelligence engineer at Amazon. She's 30 and lives in Virginia.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that working in tech is all about coding. People assume if you work in tech, you sit in front of a screen writing code all day. But my role as a business intelligence engineer is deeply rooted in understanding the business, talking to stakeholders, cleaning messy data, and telling stories through dashboards.

A huge part of my job is communication — translating complex data into something a non-technical customer or vendor can act on. Tech is far more cross-functional and people-oriented than most outsiders realize.

The perks are real. So is the pressure.

Sreeja Apparaju is a machine learning engineer at Snap. She's in her 20s and lives in New York.

One misconception is that tech jobs are all hoodies, ping pong tables, and a four-hour workday. The perks are real, but they exist alongside the genuine intensity of on-call rotations, launch crunches, performance reviews, and the constant pressure to keep learning as the stack evolves under you.

There's also the assumption that the work is purely solitary and screen-bound. The technical problems are only half of it; the other half is people: understanding what users actually need, negotiating priorities with partners, and communicating clearly enough that the right decisions get made even when you're not in the room.

AI can't do your thinking for you

Udit Mehrotra is a head of product at Amazon. He's in his 30s and lives in Seattle.

The biggest misconception I come across right now is that you can outsource your thinking to AI. A lot of people have discovered that AI tools are genuinely impressive at producing output quickly, and the temptation is to let the tools drive.

The problem is that the quality of what comes out is almost entirely determined by the quality of thinking you put in. Garbage in, garbage out, except now it's faster and looks more polished.

The bar keeps getting higher

Mike Kostersitz is a senior director, product management at Nike. He's 60 and lives in Oregon.

A common misconception is that tech workers are coasting — making a lot of money for very little work because AI does the rest. That gets it backwards. AI doesn't hand you free time; it removes the repetitive work that used to crowd out the important work.

The job hasn't gotten easier — the bar has gotten higher. We're expected to think more clearly, decide faster, and lead through more change in a quarter than we used to in a year.

Tech is much bigger than software engineering

Prerit Pathak is a security engineer at Google. He's in his 20s and lives in New York City.

I think many people mistakenly believe that being a "tech employee" is synonymous with being a software engineer. The reality is that technology is a vast ecosystem of roles like Product Management, UI/UX Design, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.

These specialists act as the architects, maintainers, and protectors of the digital world, ensuring that technical tools solve important problems for our future generations.

Big Tech isn't the only path

Iren Azra Zou is a software engineer at the trucking logistics startup Double Nickel. She's in her 20s and lives in New Jersey.

I think some people in tech over-focus on working at the most famous tech companies. Those can be great, but they're not the only path, and often not the best fit for everyone.

There are countless small and mid-sized companies doing interesting, meaningful work. I see a lot of people limit themselves because they think it's either "Big Tech" or something boring and non-technical. That's just not how the industry actually looks.

Do you have a story to share about how you're navigating a career crossroads? If so, please reach out to the reporter via email at jzinkula@businessinsider.com, or via Signal at jzinkula.29.

• Netflix is adding short shows from publishers like Condé Nast to further diversify its content mix.
• Streamers have invested in snackable content to imitate YouTube.
• This deal is "straight out of the YouTube handbook," analyst Brandon Katz said.

Netflix is leaning into snack-sized content as it seeks to claw viewing time from YouTube.

The streaming giant is bringing more short videos to its app as part of licensing deals with major publishers, including BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst Magazines, Penske Media, and People Inc., Netflix said Tuesday. Starting in early August, subscribers can watch videos ranging from 3 to 20 minutes from brands like Bon Appétit, Cosmopolitan, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Vogue. The videos center on topics like travel, cooking, and fashion.

Netflix has been investing in video podcasts and short-form vertical video to better compete with YouTube, which has been rapidly growing its share of TV viewership in recent years. YouTube had a 13.4% share of US TV viewing in April 2026, versus Netflix's 7.8%, per Nielsen.

Netflix's new licensing deals are "straight out of the YouTube handbook," said Brandon Katz, the insights director at entertainment research firm Greenlight Analytics.

"It's another attempt to court low-cost engagement with lean-back pop culture programming," Katz said. He added that "Netflix is trying to become a more habitual source of entertainment without having to pony up the premiums for hit-or-miss original programming."

Other Hollywood streamers have been leaning into short-form clips over the last year, in hopes of driving higher engagement and training users to open their apps throughout the day, rather than just at night.

"These partnerships help us deepen fandom and create more ways for members to carry those stories with them throughout their day," John Derderian, the VP of Animation Series and Kids & Family TV, said in a statement about the deal.

Short-form video isn't new for Netflix. The streaming leader first experimented with vertical clips in 2021 with a "Fast Laughs" feature that showed snippets from comedy shows. Netflix shuttered the feed a few years later, before adding short-form video again earlier this year. The streamer has also had videos of less than four minutes as part of its "WWE Legend Profiles" series.

Netflix has been looking to speed up the addition of YouTube content to its platform by offering publishers more relaxed licensing terms, according to two people who've had direct conversations with the streamer in recent months.

During its initial push to add podcasts in 2025, Netflix insisted that podcasters pull their video shows off YouTube. That would be a tough ask for some creators and publishers who've built big businesses on YouTube. (It did some early deals with creators like Ms. Rachel that didn't have that requirement.)

Now, Netflix is regularly talking about licensing shows and podcasts without requiring them to leave YouTube, the two people said.

"It's a real change," one person involved in the discussions said.

However, podcasters and other creators will still have to consider whether being available on Netflix will cannibalize their YouTube audience — and if the licensing fee Netflix pays will make up for it.

• McClard's has kept its barbecue sauce recipe in a bank vault for decades.
• The Arkansas barbecue restaurant has been family-owned since 1928.
• Bill Clinton once had McClard's ribs flown to the White House.

Some family recipes are tucked away in a kitchen drawer or written down in a dusty recipe book.

At McClard's Bar-B-Q in Arkansas, one family recipe is considered so valuable that it's locked away in a bank vault.

The nearly century-old barbecue institution has been serving customers since 1928, and four generations of the McClard family have helped preserve the restaurant's traditions.

But perhaps no tradition is more closely guarded than the recipe for its signature barbecue sauce — the recipe that helped transform a roadside tourist station into one of Arkansas' most beloved restaurants.

Its top-secret barbecue sauce has become part of McClard's legendary history

According to the restaurant, founders Alex and Gladys McClard operated the Westside Tourist Court, which included a gas station and diner, in the late 1920s.

When a traveler passing through couldn't pay the roughly $10 he owed after staying for two months, he offered something else instead: a recipe he claimed was for "the world's greatest barbecue sauce."

The restaurant said the McClards accepted the recipe in lieu of payment, thinking it was better than nothing, and realized it lived up to the traveler's promise. The couple began tweaking it to suit their tastes, and before long, their barbecue business became the standout attraction of their tourist court.

Reviewers describe the sauce as hot and spicy, with a rich, vinegary base layer that adds a tangy bite, and say it's more similar to traditional Carolina barbecue sauces than Texas or Kansas City varieties.

McClard's Bar-B-Q opened in 1928 and moved to its current location in 1942.

Rather than keeping the couple's iconic barbecue sauce recipe in the restaurant kitchen, the restaurant says the handwritten recipe is still stored in a safety deposit box at a downtown Hot Springs bank to help ensure it remains protected for future generations.

McClard's still prepares its sides from longtime family recipes, a tradition that has attracted generations of loyal customers, including presidents.

One of McClard's most famous fans was former President Bill Clinton

Clinton, who spent much of his childhood in Hot Springs before serving as Arkansas governor and eventually president, remained loyal to the restaurant long after leaving the state.

He was known to be a fan of the restaurant's spicy sauce, tamale spread, and chicken wings.

The Takeout reported that the then-president would have McClard's ribs flown to DC on Air Force One, and they were even served at Camp David, the presidential retreat in the Catoctin Mountains.

McClard's is still a local favorite nearly 100 years after opening

The restaurant's website said the new generation of ownership at McClard's continues to see great success.

Each week, the restaurant serves 7,000 pounds of hickory-smoked beef, pork, and ribs, 250 gallons of spicy barbecue beans, 250 gallons of cole slaw, 3,000 hand-rolled hot tamales, and 3,000 pounds of french fries.

What began as payment for an unpaid motel bill has become one of Arkansas' most enduring culinary traditions — and one secret the McClard family has no intention of letting slip.

• A Manhattan tower that formerly held Pfizer's headquarters was at risk of collapse, officials said.
• The incident sparked a large emergency response and the evacuation of several buildings.
• FDNY said it found "buckled" columns and "sagging" floors at the high-rise at 235 East 42nd Street.

A Manhattan high-rise that once served as Pfizer's global headquarters is at risk of collapse on Tuesday after New York City officials said the tower continued to shift hours into a massive emergency response that triggered multiple evacuations.

City officials warned at a Tuesday afternoon press conference that conditions at the under-construction 38-story building at 235 East 42nd Street were "extremely serious" and "dangerous."

"The concern is that since we have been on site in the early morning, we have seen continued shift of the structure," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

New York City Fire Department Chief John Esposito said that since the building is a steel-frame building, "it would not be a total collapse."

"It would be more of a localized collapse, but that remains our concern, that it's moving," Esposito said.

Esposito added that a "collapse zone" has been set up.

FDNY officials said the department initially received a call about reports of falling bricks from the high-rise just before 8 a.m. ET.

After emergency responders arrived at the building, they found two support columns "buckled" on the 21st and 22nd floors, as well as "sagging" floors between the 21st and 26th floors.

The building was quickly evacuated, and other surrounding buildings were also evacuated as a precaution.

No injuries were reported, and Mamdani said that all construction workers who had been inside the building at 235 East 42nd Street were accounted for.

"Two structural columns have buckled, in addition to multiple cracks and sagging floors. The building remains unstable," Mamdani said during the afternoon press conference.

Video footage circulating on social media appears to show structural steel beams bending inside the building.

New York City Department of Buildings commissioner Ahmed Tigani said crews will enter the building only after it's deemed safe.

"Once we can determine that it's safe to enter the building, we will then, in concert with the contractors, ownership, and with consultation with FDNY, be able to deploy plans to shore up that floor, and then continue to investigate further for any other weak points that need further help shoring," Tigani said.

The former Pfizer headquarters is undergoing a major conversion from office space into a 1,600-unit residential rental development with a quarter of the units reserved for affordable housing.

The project, developed by the firm MetroLoft, is slated for completion early next year and is expected to include ground-floor retail space and 100,000 square feet of amenities.

Representatives for MetroLoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Business Insider.

MetroLoft says on its website that upon completion, the project will be New York City's "largest office to residential conversion to date."

• I tried every doughnut I could find at Krispy Kreme and ranked them from worst to best.
• The seasonal maple-buttercream doughnut was my least favorite because it was super sweet.
• Many of Krispy Kreme's classic flavors remained my favorites.

When I was in college in Washington, DC, my roommates and I would drive about 45 minutes into Virginia twice a month to stock up on fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

The chain, which opened its first location in North Carolina in 1937, has since expanded outside the southeastern portion of the US. Now, I'm just a short bike ride away from multiple Krispy Kreme locations in New York City.

Though I try not to go too often — I can't eat doughnuts like I did in college anymore — I want to make sure I'm picking up the best flavors the chain has to offer.

So I went to my local Krispy Kreme and bought one of every type of doughnut they had in stock. Here's my ranking of all 14 doughnuts, from worst to first.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in September 2024. Although many seasonal flavors return, item availability is subject to change.

Krispy Kreme's maple-buttercream doughnut was way too sweet for me.

A limited-time seasonal variety, the maple-buttercream doughnut is a glazed yeast doughnut with a swirl of maple frosting on top.

None of the other doughnuts I tried had this type of frosting — most of the others had icings lacquered on, whereas this was piped on.

The frosting had the color and flavor of maple candy but tasted even sweeter. It was way too sugary for my liking, even by doughnut standards.

The oatmeal-Kreme-pie flavor had too much going on.

The oatmeal-Kreme-pie flavor was another seasonal variety. It was by far the most heavily dressed doughnut in the bunch. To be honest, it looked like it came from a fancy bakery.

This cream-filled option was topped with vanilla frosting, streusel, more cream, and a little oatmeal cookie. If you think that sounds like too much, you're absolutely right.

Like the maple buttercream, this doughnut was cloyingly sweet.

I thought the strawberry doughnut with sprinkles tasted artificial.

The frosting on the strawberry-iced doughnut had a candy-like artificial flavor that tasted almost medicinal. It even turned off my 4-year-old, who loves pink things and sprinkles.

I only ranked it this highly because my 7-year-old said it was his favorite doughnut of the bunch.

I didn't love the chocolate-iced doughnut.

When I pulled the chocolate-iced doughnut out of the box, I thought it looked fairly boring.

After taking a bite, I realized I didn't love the icing. The flavor was on the sweet side, and there wasn't much depth to it.

My kids thought sprinkles made the standard chocolate-iced doughnut better.

This doughnut was exactly the same as the chocolate-iced version but with rainbow sprinkles on top. In my kids' eyes, this made it distinctly better than the regular chocolate-iced doughnut.

In my eyes, however, there weren't enough sprinkles to make much difference in the flavor or texture.

The pumpkin-spice cake doughnut was a nice change of pace.

The pumpkin-spice cake doughnut was the only flavor I tried with a cake base, and its denser texture made for a nice change of pace.

I also liked that Krispy Kreme didn't go overboard with the pumpkin-spice flavoring, which can be off-putting when it's too strong.

This limited-time flavor reminded me of an apple-cider doughnut with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, but it wasn't as hearty or as crumbly as I'd like a cake doughnut to be.

The chocolate-iced custard-filled doughnut is Krispy Kreme's take on a classic Boston cream.

I realized I'd never tried Krispy Kreme's take on the Boston cream doughnut before — and it wasn't bad.

The custard filling was creamy, on the thin side, and only lightly sweet. But again, I was unimpressed by the chocolate icing.

I enjoyed the chocolate-iced Kreme-filled doughnut.

The cream in this doughnut reminded me of the filling of a Twinkie — fluffy and very sweet. I liked that it kept the doughnut extra moist and sweet throughout.

The glazed lemon-filled doughnut was a pleasant surprise.

When I took a bite of this doughnut, I was surprised by how much I liked the lemon filling. It was closer in consistency to custard than jelly, and it had a nice citrusy zing to it.

I would order this again, even though I don't normally love lemony desserts.

My kids loved Krispy Kreme's cake-batter doughnut.

My 4-year-old said the cake-batter doughnut was her favorite of the ones she tried.

It was topped with cheerful yellow icing and rainbow dot sprinkles. I thought the cake-batter cream filling tasted more buttery than traditional cream.

It was a bit on the sweet side for my tastes, but I'd buy it again and give it to the kids to split.

The dulce de leche flavor on the salted-caramel-cheesecake doughnut was delicious.

The seasonal salted-caramel-cheesecake flavor is essentially a glazed doughnut topped with swirls of cream-cheese buttercream and dulce de leche flavoring.

Photos of the dessert make it look like it's finished with salted-caramel crumbs, but the one I got had very little salted caramel — and what was there tasted only of salt.

The cream-cheese buttercream mostly tasted like the regular cream, but the dulce de leche flavor was delicious. It was rich, buttery, and salty, which went well with the sweetness of the glaze.

My 7-year-old rejected it as "too salty to be dessert," but I'll definitely look out for this variety again.

The glazed raspberry-filled doughnut is a classic for a reason.

The glazed raspberry-filled doughnut is one of my go-to Krispy Kreme orders, and it didn't disappoint.

I knew what to expect: a delicious mess of goopy, tangy raspberry filling and the chain's familiar glaze.

Some of the appeal of this doughnut may be nostalgia for me, but there's a reason it's a classic.

I loved that the spiced-apple-filled doughnut was topped with cinnamon sugar.

The seasonal spiced-apple-filled doughnut was the only one I tried that had cinnamon sugar instead of glaze on the outside.

Inside was an apple filling with a nice hint of warm spices. It tasted like an elevated version of a McDonald's apple pie.

The original glazed doughnut was my favorite.

During my taste test, I learned you can't go wrong with Krispy Kreme's classics.

In my experience, the original glazed doughnuts always taste a bit fresher than the rest of Krispy Kreme's varieties. They're also perfect in their simplicity: just a sweet glaze on a soft, squishy, yeasty doughnut.

I wasn't surprised I loved the original glazed doughnut so much — I've had more than a few in the past. But I was surprised none of the other flavors could top it. Even the kids loved it despite its lack of sprinkles.

This story was originally published on September 30, 2024, and most recently updated on July 7, 2026.

A trip to the World Cup semifinals is on the line when Spain and Belgium face off in one of the tournament's most anticipated quarterfinals. Both teams have survived the knockout stage against quality opposition, setting up a clash between two European heavyweights with championship aspirations.

Spain arrives after knocking out Portugal, while Belgium earned its place in the final eight with a statement win over the United States. With star-studded lineups, years of international success, and a semifinal berth at stake, this matchup is expected to be one of the toughest tickets of the World Cup. If you're hoping to be there in person, we've rounded up everything you need to know about buying Spain vs. Belgium tickets, including where to find seats and how much you can expect to pay on the resale market. Check out StubHub and Vivid Seats for the latest listings available now.

Where to buy Spain vs. Belgium tickets

Tickets didn't last long when they were initially released for the World Cup. That said, last-second shoppers can hope to find seats, albeit at inflated prices, from the verified resale market.

July 10 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA

• StubHub seats starting from $1,129
• Vivid Seats starting from $1,097

How much are Spain vs. Belgium tickets?

Spain vs. Belgium has become one of the most expensive tickets of the World Cup quarterfinals, with two European giants battling for a place in the semifinals. On StubHub, the least expensive tickets currently start at around $1,100, while premium lower-bowl and midfield seats climb to roughly $9,000. The priciest VIP and hospitality listings exceed $135,000, making this one of the costliest matches remaining in the tournament.

Vivid Seats isn't far off, with entry-level tickets beginning at about $1,100 before fees. Most lower-level seats are listed between $4,000 and $8,000, while premium VIP inventory tops out at roughly $12,400.

Who is on the Spain and Belgium teams for the 2026 World Cup?

If you're keeping tabs on a favorite player, here's the official lineup for Spain's squad.

• Unai Simón — Goalkeeper
• David Raya — Goalkeeper
• Joan García — Goalkeeper

• Marc Pubill — Defender
• Álex Grimaldo — Defender
• Eric García — Defender
• Marcos Llorente — Defender
• Pedro Porro — Defender
• Aymeric Laporte — Defender
• Pau Cubarsí — Defender
• Marc Cucurella — Defender

• Mikel Merino — Midfielder
• Fabián Ruiz — Midfielder
• Gavi — Midfielder
• Álex Baena — Midfielder
• Rodri — Midfielder
• Martín Zubimendi — Midfielder
• Pedri — Midfielder

• Ferran Torres — Forward
• Dani Olmo — Forward
• Yeremy Pino — Forward
• Nico Williams — Forward
• Lamine Yamal — Forward
• Mikel Oyarzabal — Forward
• Víctor Muñoz — Forward
• Borja Iglesias — Forward

Rooting for the other team? Here's who will represent Belgium at the match:

• Thibaut Courtois — Goalkeeper
• Senne Lammens — Goalkeeper
• Mike Penders — Goalkeeper

• Zeno Debast — Defender
• Arthur Theate — Defender
• Brandon Mechele — Defender
• Maxim De Cuyper — Defender
• Thomas Meunier — Defender
• Koni De Winter — Defender
• Joaquin Seys — Defender
• Timothy Castagne — Defender
• Nathan Ngoy — Defender

• Axel Witsel — Midfielder
• Kevin De Bruyne — Midfielder
• Youri Tielemans — Midfielder
• Diego Moreira — Midfielder
• Hans Vanaken — Midfielder
• Alexis Saelemaekers — Midfielder
• Nicolas Raskin — Midfielder
• Amadou Onana — Midfielder

• Romelu Lukaku — Forward
• Leandro Trossard — Forward
• Jérémy Doku — Forward
• Dodi Lukebakio — Forward
• Charles De Ketelaere — Forward
• Matias Fernandez-Pardo — Forward

See more: Is StubHub legit? | Where to buy World Cup tickets | Where to watch the World Cup

Follow our Instagram page and WhatsApp channel for more deals and buying guides.

Whether you are packing up for college and hunting down the best dorm sheets, outfitting a guest room, or configuring a split-king adjustable bed, you cannot skimp on a proper set of Twin XL sheets. Because a Twin XL mattress is exactly five inches longer than a standard twin, an ordinary sheet set simply won't stretch to fit, leaving you wrestling with popped corners in the middle of the night.

We've tested dozens of sheet sets over the years in making our best sheets guide, and many of our favorites are available in twin XL sizing. The L.L. Bean Percale Fitted Sheet is our best overall pick, with a crisp, cool feel thanks to its extra-long-staple cotton construction. If you're on a strict budget, the Threshold Performance Sheet Set offers incredible quality and softness for just $35 and features deep pockets for thick mattresses or beds with a mattress topper.

If you are in the middle of campus prep, you can also check out our comprehensive guide to the best college dorm essentials.

Our top picks for the best twin XL sheets

Best overall twin XL sheets: L.L.Bean Percale Fitted Sheet - See at L.L.Bean

Best budget twin XL sheets: Threshold Performance Sheet Set - See at Target

Best cooling twin XL sheets: Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set - See at Sijo

Best bamboo twin XL sheets: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Quince

Best sateen twin XL sheets: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set - See at Brooklinen

Best linen twin XL sheets: Quince European Linen Sheet Set - See at Quince

Best patterned twin XL sheets: Urban Outfitters Patterned Sheets - See at Urban Outfitters

Best flannel twin XL sheets: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Fitted Sheet - See at L.L.Bean

Best overall

These are our favorite sheets of all time. L.L.Bean's percale sheets are the top pick in our guide to the best sheets. We were impressed with almost everything about them: They're lightweight and breathable, very soft yet still crisp, and they still look great after multiple washes.

The cotton is premium and durable. While a 280-thread count may sound low, a higher thread count doesn't guarantee a better sheet. The type of cotton is also important for luxurious-feeling sheets. Made from Pima cotton, a high-quality, extra-long-staple cotton, L.L.Bean's percale sheets are extremely soft and very durable. 

You'll have to buy the pieces separately. One drawback of L.L.Bean's twin XL sheets is that the flat sheets and pillowcases are sold separately, unlike the ease of a set. While buying these pieces is a slight chore, it lets dorm shoppers skip a flat sheet if they don't want one (a common preference among students), saving them money on premium cotton.

Best budget

These sheets feel as good as options twice the price. Target's Threshold sheets are smooth, soft, and silky, made from materials that usually match the specs of sheets four times the price. We didn't find them actually wrinkle-resistant, as advertised, but they're great otherwise — both comfortable and durable. In addition to solid colors, the set comes in a variety of patterns, such as florals, stripes, and modern geometrics.

One of their most notable features is the deep fitted sheet. Extra stretch is built into the corners of the sheet, helping it cling to any twin XL mattress and reduce fabric bunching. The deep pockets are especially great if you want to add one of the best mattress toppers to your bed. There are also labels for "top" and "bottom" to further speed up the process of making your bed.

You'll need to wash them regularly. Because they are synthetic-blended sateen, they can trap body oils quicker than percale, meaning you'll want to stick to a strict weekly wash schedule. If you are unsure how to do that, check out our guide on how to wash sheets.

They hold up well. After many washes, we haven't had any pilling, durability, or shrinkage issues. We recommend washing them first to remove any manufacturing dust, as they did have an initial odor.

Read our full Threshold Performance Sheet Set review.

Best cooling

Eucalyptus is the best material for cooling bedding. When testing options for our best cooling sheets guide, we looked at the moisture-wicking of linen sheets and the breathability of cotton. Yet, the top pick was eucalyptus, specifically the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus sheets. It combines durability, softness, affordability, coolness, and comfort.

Sijo's set is a favorite for hot sleepers. Air flowed freely through the sheets as they wicked away moisture and heat. We also liked how cool to the touch they were. Sets come in 13 colors, with or without top sheets. We wish the sheets had top and bottom tags for faster bed-making, but we're glad Sijo offers a 30-day trial, so you can try them out before deciding if they're for you.

Best bamboo

Bamboo sheets are simply the best. The Reviews team loves bamboo bedding because it's breathable, environmentally friendly, and remarkably soft. After thoroughly testing several options, the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set earned the top spot in our best bamboo sheets guide for its affordable price, color selection, breathability, and luxurious softness, with a crisp, silky sateen weave. The sheets are Oeko-Tex certified and made of viscose from organic bamboo. Pick from 23 color options, and whether you want a flat sheet bundled in.

Making the bed is a breeze, but they aren't the most durable. We loved how easily the fitted sheet goes on the mattress. And the top and bottom labels saved time when making the bed. You have a one-year return period to decide if the Quince bamboo sheets suit you. Like Quince's linen sheets, the bamboo sheets aren't the most durable. We noticed torn threads and pilling after washing. They stain easily, too.

Read our Quince Bamboo Sheet Set review.

Related: What to try from Quince

Best sateen

Brooklinen's sateen sheets are iconic. In contrast with the cool, matte feel of percale, sateen cotton has a more buttery, silky texture. It's similar to the difference between a button-up shirt (percale) and a soft T-shirt (sateen). Brooklinen's Luxe Sateen Sheet Set is our favorite if you like a hotel-like experience and the smooth, luxurious feel of sateen.

Recently revamped and better than ever. Sleeping between Brooklinen's sateen sheets is a comfy experience. The brand recently relaunched its flagship product with finer, long-staple cotton yarns to enhance breathability and durability while maintaining its original softness. Plus, making the bed is easy, thanks to labels on the long and short sides of the sheets.

We stand behind these sheets. A Business Insider Reviews editor has used the same Brooklinen sateen sheet set for nearly a decade, and despite years of use and cleaning, the set has held up well. Yet, like most sateen sheets we've tested, these sheets sleep warmer. Brooklinen also offers a 365-day return policy to try these sheets for yourself.

Read our full Brooklinen Luxe sateen sheet review.

Related: Our favorite products from Brooklinen

Best linen

Some love linen, some don't. Even on hot, humid nights, linen stays dry and promotes airflow, thanks to its hollow flax fibers that let air through and absorb moisture. Plus, when you follow the care instructions, it will last you for many years. However, linen isn't for everyone. It's expensive, feels rough, and wrinkles easily. Yet, it gets softer with use and time, and you may appreciate its casual, lived-in appearance.

Quince is one of the few brands with affordable twin XL linen sheets. Twin XL linen sheets are a little harder to come by, likely because they're a niche product that's typically more expensive than most people want to spend on twin-sized sheets. Quince fills a gap in the twin XL market with its sheet set, which comes in 25 colors. They're among the most affordable options for the best linen sheets, costing around $150 for a Twin XL set. Plus, they have a lovely soft texture right out of the package.

They have a middle-of-the-road weight. While thread count is used to describe sateen and percale, linen sheets are measured in grams per square meter (GSM), which indicates the textile's weight. A higher GSM indicates a denser fabric. At 150 GSM, Quince's Linen Sheet Set is on the medium side compared to most linen sheets.

But they sleep warm and rip easily. Quince's linen sheets did sleep warmer than others we tested, and they're not the most durable we tried; our tester's flat sheet ripped after about a year of frequent use. But, if you're looking for linen Twin XL sheets to use during your time in the dorms, these are the best option.

Best patterned

Urban Outfitters makes the cutest, trendiest prints. When you're looking to lean into whimsy, Urban Outfitters has you covered with the best patterned sheets, available in a range of trendy styles and in Twin XL. Urban Outfitters cotton patterned sheets have designs spanning florals, food prints, animals, toile, and more. If you're looking for an eclectic look in your dorm room, these are a must-have.

They're affordable, lightweight, and breathable. At $49 for a Twin XL set, they're affordable, too. They aren't the softest sheets we've tried, and they're a little thin and loose on the mattress — but they're lightweight and breathable. The Mariana Tile Set we tried is a cotton/polyester blend; if you want full cotton, look for the core cotton collection.

Best flannel

Flannel sheets are warm and cozy. L.L.Bean is also our top pick for the best flannel sheets. Though flannel sheets are typically considered a winter staple, the Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel is suitable for year-round. We tried them in the summer, and they were surprisingly comfy and breathable. The top sheet isn't overly heavy, so you won't overheat. On the flip side, these might not be the sheets for you if your dorm is excessively frigid.

The sheets stay soft and vivid after washing. As you might expect, L.L.Bean's flannel sheds a lot in the dryer. However, we noticed significantly less lint after a couple of initial washes. After several washings, the flannel was as soft and unpilled as ever. The sage green color stayed true, too.

Twin XL sizing has a limited selection of colors and patterns. Sadly, L.L.Bean doesn't offer as wide a variety of patterns and colors for its twin XL flannel sheets as it does for its other sizes. You can still get them in eight different hues, though. As with the L.L.Bean percale sheets, the twin XL fitted sheet is sold separately from the flat sheet and pillowcases.

Our top picks, compared

How to Choose Twin XL Sheets

Bed sheets are made of natural fibers, including linen and cotton, and synthetic materials such as polyester. While we generally prefer the breathability of natural fibers, shopping for a Twin XL mattress requires considering unique setups that don't apply to standard sizes. For a broader look at fabrics, thread counts, and care, check out our main guide to the best sheets.

Otherwise, if you are outfitting a college dorm or configuring a luxury split-king bed, here is exactly what to look for before buying.

Match the sheets to your bed setup (Dorms vs. split kings)

• For college dorms: Focus on pocket depth, flexibility, and laundry durability. Most dorm mattresses are notoriously thin (6 to 8 inches), but students almost always add a thick foam mattress topper. Look for deep pockets (15+ inches) with thick, heavy-duty elastic that can snugly hug a variable mattress height without slipping. Additionally, dorm sheets must survive industrial, high-heat campus washers and dryers, making crisp cotton percale or performance synthetic blends the most resilient choices.
• For split king and adjustable beds: A Split King setup consists of two Twin XL mattresses side by side on a motorized base. When you elevate the head or foot of the bed, standard sheets will easily snap right off the corners. Prioritize Twin XL sheet sets that feature built-in corner anchor straps or extra-deep elastic rims to keep the fabric pinned securely as the mattress pivots.

Choose the right weave for temperature regulation

The weave of the fabric dictates how well the sheets manage heat and airflow, which is critical if you are dealing with unpredictable, centralized college dorm HVAC systems:

• Cotton Percale: A crisp, matte, plain-weave cotton that feels like a cool, structured button-down shirt. It offers maximum breathability and airflow, making it perfect for hot sleepers. Our top pick, the L.L.Bean Percale Fitted Sheet, is an excellent example.
• Cotton Sateen: A satin-weave cotton with a smooth, silky texture and a subtle sheen. It is slightly heavier and more tightly woven, making it ideal for cooler climates or a hotel-like luxury feel, such as the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set.
• Performance Synthetics (Eucalyptus & Bamboo): Materials like Tencel lyocell and bamboo viscose are naturally cool to the touch and offer exceptional moisture-wicking properties. If you are prone to night sweats, options like the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set will keep you dry.

Check the pieces and packaging (set vs. open stock)

Pay close attention to how the sheets are sold so you aren't caught off guard on move-in day. Most twin XL sheet sets include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a single pillowcase, but some premium brands sell their bedding as "open stock," meaning the fitted sheet, flat top sheet, and pillowcases are sold individually rather than bundled together. If you are someone who prefers to skip a flat top sheet entirely, buying open-stock pieces can actually save you money. Buying pieces individually can also be helpful for split-king mattresses too, since you'll need two fitted sheets. Just double-check the product description to ensure you aren't accidentally buying a fitted sheet alone.

How we test sheets

Our picks for the best twin XL sheets are all taken from our guides to the best sheets.

Here's how we tested: 

1. We sleep on each set for at least one week and note texture, comfort, breathability, and coolness.
2. We wash and dry each set according to the instructions at least five times. That usually means washing the sheets in a cold cycle with gentle detergent and drying them on low. We noted any fabric degradation or shrinkage.

Twin XL sheet FAQs

How long is a twin XL mattress?

A Twin XL mattress measures 80 inches long by 39 inches wide. While it shares the same width as a standard twin mattress, it features an extra 5 inches of length, making it the exact same length as a standard queen or king mattress. This size is specifically engineered to comfortably accommodate sleepers up to 6 feet 6 inches tall.

Do twin sheets fit a twin XL bed?

No, twin fitted sheets won't fit on a twin XL bed. Because a twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a traditional twin, a standard twin fitted sheet will rip or snap off the corners if stretched. However, you can technically use a standard twin flat (top) sheet on a twin XL mattress in a pinch, though it will tuck in with significantly less overhang at the foot of the bed. You can use a twin XL sheet on a twin bed but you may have some excess fabric to tuck in.

What twin XL sheets are best for college dorms? 

The best college dorm sheets balance breathability with extreme durability in laundry. We highly recommend our top budget pick, the Threshold Performance Sheets. They feature an affordable price point, deep 18-inch pockets with extra corner stretch to easily accommodate thick memory foam mattress toppers, a reinforced elastic band to keep sheets in place, and a resilient cotton sateen construction that handles the high-heat cycles of campus laundry facilities without pilling.

How do you buy sheets for a split king bed?

Buying a single "Split King sheet set" can be incredibly difficult and expensive, plus there are limited options at the mass market. Instead, the most cost-effective strategy is to mix and match open-stock pieces: buy two individual Twin XL fitted sheets to cover the independent mattresses, and one standard King-size flat sheet to spread across the top. This ensures your adjustable base can pivot freely on either side without leaving you with two useless twin top sheets.

• Matt Damon plays the lead role of Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's new film, "The Odyssey."
• On Amy Poehler's podcast, "Good Hang," Damon described filming the adaptation of Homer's epic.
• He said his role was physically demanding and required changes in diet, sleep, and overall health.

Matt Damon says preparing for his demanding role in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" required "a complete lifestyle change" now that he's in his 50s.

Damon, 55, has long been associated with action-heavy roles, including Jason Bourne, a character he first played at age 30.

Amy Poehler asked Damon about the difference in preparing for the roles during his appearance on her podcast, "Good Hang," which was released Tuesday.

"It's one thing running and punching in 'Bourne' in your 30s; it's way different to be getting jacked in your 50s," Poehler said.

"It's just a complete, a complete lifestyle change," Damon said. "There's no planning it. Any other time I tried to do something like that, it was always like, 'well, I'll time my workouts…' — this was like, 'No.'"

"Just put your foot on the gas, and that's it," he added. "That's the only way to do it — and eat a little less."

'A complete lifestyle change'

Among his changes for the role, Damon gave up gluten, a decision he said "completely changed my life."

The actor previously said the diet — in addition to working with a trainer for the film — got him down to his high-school weight.

Other changes weren't by choice. Damon told Poehler the filming process was detrimental to his sleep, with the production team joking about what they called "the 'Odyssey' Five."

"If you could get five hours [of sleep], you were thrilled," he said.

A couple of nights, he was too tired to sleep at all because of the day's strenuous filming, he said.

'The Odyssey' pushed its actors to their limits

On Poehler's podcast, Damon, who plays the lead, Odysseus, in "The Odyssey," said every actor had to go through "physical discomfort" due to the demands of different scenes, which depict characters in physical labor and among adverse environmental conditions.

"Every single person around you was weathering those same difficulties and pushing themselves," Damon said.

The Oscar-winning actor described a scene shot in a cave, believed to be one of the possible birthplaces of Zeus in Greek mythology. Rather than using CGI, Nolan chose to film in difficult-to-reach places that Damon said "nobody would be crazy enough to try to shoot in."

The film was shot in various countries and regions, including Italy, Greece, Iceland, Scotland, and Western Sahara.

Other actors in the film have also shared the challenges of working on the project. Zendaya said she was unable to open her mouth because of freezing temperatures while filming in Iceland, per Variety.

Despite the discomfort, Damon told Poehler it was "one of the great roles of all time" and getting to be a part of the team was "one of the best feelings I've ever had."

"It felt more like an expedition than a movie," he said.

• Many A-list attendees have been spotted at Wimbledon wearing coveted watches.
• Serena Williams wore a pink Audemars Piguet watch, valued at more than $45,000.
• David Beckham sported a $5,350 Tudor Black Bay 58 in steel.

Wimbledon is underway, and luxury watches seem to be as common in the stands as those bright green tennis balls on the court.

The famed tennis tournament is being held between June 29 and July 12 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.

Athletes like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka are hitting the court to compete, and celebrities like David Beckham are supporting from the sidelines.

Both players and attendees are sporting luxury timepieces that are catching a lot of attention. Here's the wrist candy we've spotted so far.

Serena Williams arrived for her first match wearing a pink Audemars Piguet watch.

While leaving a practice session, Williams was photographed wearing the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph timepiece.

The $45,900 watch has a diamond-set bezel, a titanium case, 18-carat white-gold hands, and a pink bracelet.

It perfectly matched the handle of her tennis racquet.

David Beckham opted for a steel Tudor piece.

The soccer legend attended the first day of Wimbledon wearing a gray suit and a steel watch. The latter was the new Tudor Black Bay 58, which retails for $5,350.

The silver piece has a black face beneath a domed dial and distinct rhodium-plated hands.

Romeo Beckham one-upped his dad with a Patek Phillipe watch.

The model attended with his girlfriend, Kim Turnball, and was photographed wearing the Nautilus 7118 watch from the Swiss brand. It retails for $68,268.

Traditionally a women's watch, it has a rose-gold bracelet, a silver opaline dial with a wave pattern, and shining white hands.

Alexander Ludwig sported a simple timepiece from Frédérique Constant.

The "Vikings" actor sat beside musician Niall Horan and wore a Swiss watch on his left wrist.

The Frédérique Constant piece (model FC-303MS4C24) is from the watchmaker's classic collection. It features a rectangular face in rose gold with a black leather band.

It's no longer sold by the brand and is sold out by secondhand watch dealers.

Esteban Ocon was there on day two wearing a Bianchet watch.

The French Formula 1 driver wore the Tonneau Ultrafino Carbon watch, which costs about $83,895 (67,500 CHF).

The black design features a double strap made in part from high-density carbon, a square face with visible gears, and self-winding hands.

On Wednesday, Erica Stoll wore a diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe piece.

Stoll sat in the audience with her husband, golf star Rory McIlroy, and flashed her rose-gold Patek Phillipe watch as she clapped.

She wore a version of the Nautilus 7118 that retails for $76,645. It has 56 diamonds around its face and a thick, shining bracelet.

Joao Fonseca signed autographs with a Rolex on his wrist.

The athlete wore the $40,000 Yacht-Master 42, which has a black dial and white-gold features.

It's also known for being legible in the dark and scratch-resistant.

Lady Eliza Spencer chose a Chopard watch for the fourth day of Wimbledon.

She attended the tournament with her sister, Lady Amelia Spencer, and the two were photographed together on their way inside.

In those images, you can see Lady Eliza's $11,400 Happy Sport watch from Chopard.

The timepiece has a pink leather bracelet, a stainless steel and rose-gold case, and five loose diamonds that move across its pink mother of pearl face.

Day five saw Jelena Djokovic in the audience wearing a massive Audemars Piguet piece.

The watch in question appears to be the Royal Oak Self-Winding Perpetual Calendar in 18-carat pink gold.

It's labeled as "price upon request" on the Audemars Piguet website, though secondhand watch dealers list the piece for more than $229,000.

She wore the watch alongside a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet that was also in rose gold.

Usain Bolt wore his Hublot collaboration watch.

The Olympic runner collaborated with Hublot early this year to create the Big Bang Unico Reloaded Usain Bolt watch.

Limited to 200 pieces, the approximately $33,640 (€ 29,000) watch in 18K yellow gold has a lightning bolt-shaped hand and a camoflage bracelet.

It's also engraved with the phrase "Anything is Possible, Don't Think Limits."

Andrew Garfield attended Wimbledon on July 4 while wearing an IWC timepiece.

He paired his all-blue outfit with the $11,200 Ingenieur Automatic 35 watch from IWC. It has a silver, stainless steel bracelet, a blue face with a checked pattern, and a date display.

The "Amazing Spider-Man" actor sat with his girlfriend, Monica Barbaro, and Vogue global editorial director Anna Wintour at the tournament.

Arden Cho was in the audience wearing Chanel wrist candy on July 7.

She specifically wore the Boy-friend watch, which has an 18-karat beige gold case, a black quilted bracelet, and 64 diamonds around its face. Its price is only available upon request.

Cho wore it with an assortment of diamond rings, bracelets, and a Hermès handbag.

Comedian Matt Friend opted for a Rolex.

He wore the $42,700 Cosmograph Daytona, known for its 18-karat yellow-gold case, turquoise dial, and black Oysterflex bracelet.

• I'm an only child, raising my three children in a different country than where my parents live.
• As my parents get older, I feel guilty for not living close to them.
• But I also don't want to miss watching my kids grow up right before my eyes.

Growing up, I always told my parents I was never getting married or having kids. It was a blow to them, because I'm an only child and they were really looking forward to being grandparents.

Fast forward many decades, and I met my now-husband, who changed my mind. I saw him play with our friends' kids and figured if I was going to try to have kids with someone, it'd be with him and him only.

I'm now the mom of three kids ages 8 and under. My parents are in their 80s, and I feel a constant pull to be there for all of them at the same time.

I moved from Argentina to the US

Exactly 16 years ago, I moved from Argentina, where I am from, to the US to attend grad school. My intention was to come for a year and move back home. I had left my apartment, my cat, and a boyfriend who said he'd wait for me. But after graduating, I got a job that sponsored my visa, and encouraged by my dad, I decided to give living in the US a try.

My intention was never to live so far away from my parents, but one thing led to the next. I met my now husband, we had kids, bought a house, and now I need to travel almost 24 hours to get a proper hug from the people who raised me.

While I see my parents often, it is becoming increasingly expensive. I can tell how quickly time is ticking between visits. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's years ago, and while her condition is stable, I sometimes don't recognize her. My dad has battled multiple cancers throughout his life, and while still very active, he is slowing down.

I carry a lot of guilt because of it

The situation we're in breaks my heart because I want to be with them for the mundane, not just the extravagant splurges like going to see Argentina play in the World Cup, just in case it's the last one we see together.

At the same time, I feel guilty for not always being there to watch my kids grow up. It's cliché, but so very true, that the years are so short with them.

I look back at photos from just last summer and can tell how quickly time is flying by. My 8-year-old can now wear the same shoe size as me, and I find myself packing boxes of hand-me-down clothes almost every month.

I'm being pulled in 2 directions

I'm sure being an only child exacerbates all my feelings, but I also know I'm not the only one stuck in the sandwich years — watching my kids growing up and my parents getting older.

All I really want is to bottle up all the fleeting moments with them. When my kids ask me for a snuggle before bed, I do it even though I have a pile of laundry to fold, because one day they won't ask for that anymore. When my mom calls me in the middle of dinner, I always pick up because soon she might not know how to use a phone anymore. I take photos of my kids doing the little things, only to turn around and do the same with my parents. I want to remember it all before it's gone.

The pull in two directions never lets up. But maybe that's not a problem to solve — maybe it's just what it feels like to be this loved, and to love this much.

There are plenty of options when it comes to the best streaming services, and with new platforms launching every year, choosing which ones to sign up for can feel a bit daunting. But the best Disney Plus bundles are designed to get subscribers as much programming as possible under one discounted price. All Disney Plus bundle combinations include at least Disney Plus and Hulu, and from there, you can add either HBO Max or one of the ESPN streaming service tiers into the mix.

By signing up for any of the Disney Plus bundles, you'll automatically save at least 30% (but often over 40%) compared to what you'd pay every month if you subscribed to each service individually. There's even a new six-month plan option that can help you save up to 52%. It's enough of a deal that even if you're only mainly interested in Disney Plus or Hulu, we still recommend considering signing up for both, since bundle prices start at just $1 a month more than only subscribing to one service.

Disney Plus tends to skew family-friendly, so there are some content gaps when it comes to more mature programming. Hulu can help supplement this with a mix of network TV shows, blockbuster movies, and original, award-winning series geared toward adults. ESPN (either Select or Unlimited) adds live sports into the mix, including tennis, golf, football, and basketball. HBO Max rounds out the coverage with critically acclaimed prestige films and TV shows like "The Sopranos," "The Last of Us," and the "Dune" franchise.

We know it can sound a bit confusing, but the Disney Plus bundles are some of the best streaming deals on the market, so we're here to help clear up any questions you might have. Keep reading to explore a breakdown of costs, available bundling combinations, instructions on how to sign up, and info on what to do if you already have an existing subscription.

How much does the Disney Plus Bundle cost?

There are several versions of the Disney Plus bundle, ranging in price based on ad-tier and the number of bundled services. The cheapest option is the ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu bundle, which costs $13 a month. The most expensive bundle is the ad-free Disney Plus and Hulu with ESPN Unlimited and NFL Plus Premium combination, which costs $55 a month.

There's also a brand-new pricing and plan option for the Disney Plus and Hulu bundles, if you don't mind committing to six months of service (billed monthly). The offer, first introduced in April 2026, gives you ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu for $12 a month for six months ($71.94 in total) or ad-free Disney Plus and Hulu for $18 a month for six months ($107.94). Once the six-month term is up, plans will renew at the then-standard rates. This is a solid savings opportunity for anyone who thinks they'll be using Disney Plus and Hulu for at least six months.

We've broken down all the details on bundle pricing below. You can find a full rundown of all Disney-related subscription prices, including standalone plans, in our Disney Plus price guide.

How to sign up for the Disney Plus Bundle

For those living in the US, signing up for the Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and/or ESPN is easy. You just need to visit the Disney Plus website and select your desired plan. If you don't see the exact option you want on the landing page, you might need to start the signup process and log in to see all available plan configurations.

If you want to sign up for the HBO Max version but don't see it on the website homepage, just visit this website to get started instead. While Disney Plus is available globally, the bundles are confined to the US since Hulu and ESPN Select/Unlimited are only supported in the US.

After entering your email address and payment information, you can activate your account on each service. You can use the same account information across each platform and watch Hulu from the Disney Plus app and website. If you already have (or have ever had) a Disney Plus, Hulu, or ESPN account, this will serve as your MyDisney login for all Disney-owned services (unless you wish to sign up under a different email). You can reset your password through your email if you don't remember your login information.

Can I get the Disney Plus bundles for free?

Disney Plus no longer has a free trial, and none of the bundles come with a trial period, but there are still a few ways that you might be able to try out the services for free.

The DirecTV MyEntertainment genre pack includes ad-supported Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max. This month-to-month live TV streaming package, which costs $35/month and carries 50+ live entertainment and lifestyle channels, comes with a five-day free trial for new customers. Ad-supported Disney Plus is available through DirecTV's MyKids pack, which costs $20/month, offers 10+ family-friendly channels, and also includes a five-day free trial.

The Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN bundle is included in both Hulu + Live TV subscription tiers (which we dig into below). This live TV package sometimes offers a free trial for its ad-supported tier, which means you can access all services for free for the duration of the trial. However, this free trial typically only lasts for three days (when available) before the subscription renews at the then-current monthly rate, unless you cancel before then.

Though Verizon previously offered free access to the Disney Bundle with its 5G Play More Unlimited and 5G Get More Unlimited phone plans, this promotion is no longer active for new members. However, you can get a reduced rate on the ad-supported Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus (Select) bundle with Verizon Unlimited plans. This will cost $10/month instead of the standard $20/month.

Can current subscribers upgrade to the Disney Bundle?

Yes, current Disney Plus, Hulu, or ESPN Select/Unlimited subscribers can upgrade any of their existing subscriptions to the bundle. You just need to sign up for the Disney Plus Bundle using the same email address on file for your current membership. You can also log into your existing account and explore other plan options, and make the switch from there. Disney will then adjust the bundle cost to account for your existing subscription fees.

Though current HBO Max subscribers can upgrade to the bundle to get Disney Plus and Hulu included, remember that the HBO Max Ultimate Ad-Free plan is not included. That means current Ultimate members will see a downgrade in streaming quality if they choose to bundle, as only HD 1080p is available. To stream HBO Max in 4K UHD, you'll need to stick with the Ultimate Ad-Free plan, which isn't available as a bundle with another streaming service.

Remember, however, that members who have existing subscriptions through special promotions — like Spotify's Student Plan with Hulu — are not eligible for an upgrade to the bundle. They'll need to cancel their subscription or sign up for the bundles separately with another account.

Can you subscribe to Disney Plus bundles annually?

One of our favorite ways to save on streaming services is by subscribing annually, which usually saves subscribers money each year compared to paying for 12 months on a month-to-month plan. However, none of the Disney Plus bundles offer annual options right now.

You can subscribe to the Disney Plus ad-free tier annually for $190/year (a little over $37 in savings compared to paying month-to-month for a year), the Hulu ad-supported tier annually for $100/year (a little less than $20 in savings compared to month-to-month), ESPN Select annually for $130/year (a little over $25 in savings compared to month-to-month), or ESPN Unlimited annually for $300/year (a little less than $60 in savings compared to month-to-month). HBO Max also offers annual plans on all tiers of service, ranging from $110 to $230 a year.

Can I watch Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN, or HBO Max content in the same app?

Disney Plus allows you to watch most programming from Hulu and/or select content from ESPN on Disney Plus if you're subscribed to either of the streaming services. The Hulu option became available in December 2023 (and officially rolled out in 2024), and the ESPN option became available in December 2024.

You must subscribe through the bundle or trio plans or link your stand-alone accounts. Select Hulu and ESPN programming is also available to watch on Disney Plus without a Hulu subscription. Once you log in, you can navigate to the ESPN and Hulu content by clicking on the applicable tiles on the Disney Plus homepage. The tiles are right next to the Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar options, so it's easy to navigate.

Disney Plus/Hulu/HBO Max Bundle subscribers can watch select HBO content from the Hulu app, but not all. With the HBO Max add-on, select titles like "Euphoria," "House of the Dragon," and "The Last of Us" can be found within the Hulu app. Non-HBO or HBO Max exclusive content, like the Studio Ghibli and Harry Potter libraries, cannot be found in the Hulu app.

All four apps remain separate services for now.

Will Disney Plus and Hulu become one app?

In August 2025, a little less than two months after the Walt Disney Company purchased Comcast's stake in Hulu, Disney announced plans to fully integrate Hulu into Disney Plus for a one-app experience with the two oft-bundled services in 2026. Hulu has slowly become integrated into Disney Plus (to the point where US viewers subscribed to the bundle are able to watch most Hulu content on Disney Plus if they want), but there's no exact timeline for when the Hulu app might officially be phased out.

What's the difference between the Disney Plus bundles with ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited?

ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited are two tiers of the same streaming service available via the ESPN app. You can check out our ESPN streaming service guide for a comprehensive breakdown of the two plans. Choosing between one of the Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN Select bundles and one of the Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN Unlimited bundles ultimately comes down to personal taste and your household's needs. If you have access to a live TV streaming service or cable package, ESPN Select will probably do the trick with its supplementary coverage, but ESPN Unlimited might be a better fit if you're looking for a cable replacement for ESPN sports networks.

Does Hulu + Live TV include the Disney bundle?

Hulu + Live TV plans come with Disney Plus, the Hulu streaming library, and ESPN Select/Unlimited through the ESPN app. Hulu + Live TV subscribers don't have to pay extra or adjust any options in order to get the bundle. The service also lets you stream more than 95 live TV channels, including most of what you'd find in standard cable plans. There are also a number of add-ons you can get for maximum TV coverage. Check out our Hulu Live TV channels roundup to see the full lineup.

Hulu + Live TV plans cost $90 a month for ad-supported on-demand streaming or $100 a month for ad-free on-demand streaming. The ad-free options extend to Hulu and Disney Plus, but Hulu + Live TV and ESPN will always have ads due to the nature of live TV.

This is the only bundle automatically included with Hulu + Live TV, and there's no option to swap ESPN for HBO Max. Instead, you'd need to get an additional subscription to HBO Max, which will cost extra, although you're able to add it on through your Hulu + Live TV subscription.

Are there any current deals on the Disney Plus bundles?

While we consider Disney Plus bundles a deal in their own right, a limited-time offer can help sweeten the savings. However, as of July 2026, there are currently no special, additional limited-time offers available. The most recent Disney Plus deal discounted the first three months of ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu service from $13 a month down to $5 a month. The deal concluded on March 24, 2026.

When was the last price hike on the Disney Plus bundles?

On October 21, 2025, the majority of Disney Plus bundles faced a price hike. Most bundles increased by $2-3, excluding those with Hulu + Live TV, which faced a steeper price hike. Some bundle options, like the ad-free Disney Plus and Hulu bundle and bundles that include ESPN Unlimited, didn't see a price increase.

• Two US airlines are facing lawsuits over the definition and disclosure of a window seat.
• Windowless seats are largely a result of aircraft design and seat layout.
• Windowless seats in a carrier's premium section usually cost extra, view or not.

A pair of lawsuits against two US airlines over what counts as a "window seat" has drawn attention to a quirk of aircraft cabins: not every window seat actually has a window.

Several carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Ireland's Ryanair, operate Airbus and Boeing aircraft with some seats that lack physical windows because of the plane's design. For example, seats 10A and 11A on certain Boeing 737s.

This shouldn't necessarily come as a surprise. Most carriers identify these seats during the booking process. Still, air carriers' ticketing of these seats is under scrutiny as the cases proceed, potentially with ramifications for seat offerings and fares.

The civil cases, both filed in August 2025, allege that United and Delta charged passengers extra for these seats without providing a clear warning that they would actually be seated beside a blank section of fuselage.

Aviva Copaken, a plaintiff in the suit against United, said she paid up to $170 for window seats that did not have a window.

In a November motion to dismiss the case, United argued that a window seat simply refers to a seat positioned next to the aircraft wall, rather than one that guarantees a view.

A US district judge in San Francisco rejected that motion on Monday, allowing the lawsuit to move forward. Delta's motion to dismiss, which was filed in Brooklyn, is still pending.

A future ruling against the airlines could prompt them and other carriers to rethink how they price or disclose these seats. United has already updated its booking process to show when a selected seat lacks a window.

United told Business Insider that it had nothing to share regarding the lawsuit. It's unclear if Delta updated its booking systems; the airline declined to comment.

Why are there windowless seats?

Windowless seats are largely a result of how aircraft are designed and how airlines plan their seat layout.

Aircraft such as the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Boeing 757 families have components, including air conditioning ducts, emergency equipment, and electrical wiring, that can prevent windows from being installed in certain parts of the fuselage.

How much legroom airlines want to give their passengers also plays a role. Adding or removing rows could shift the alignment with the windows.

The location of windowless seats varies by plane model, but they are often found around exit rows or at the rear of the cabin.

Spanish flag carrier Iberia, for example, has windowless seats in row 39 on its Airbus A321XLRs. JetBlue has at least one no-window seat on much of its Airbus narrowbody fleet.

Some larger jets, like the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, have seats with misaligned windows rather than completely missing ones.

Many of these unpopular windowless seats are in extra-legroom sections of economy and can cost a premium despite the lack of a view.

For example, a United Boeing 737-900 flight from Chicago to Newark, New Jersey, in September disclosed during booking that seat 11A did not have a window. The upgrade price was $80 — the same as identical seats in the rows with windows.

That pricing strategy is not unusual: looking at flights on Alaska and Ryanair, windowless seats were priced the same as other regular window seats.

Can you get a refund for booking a windowless seat?

Copaken, the plaintiff, said in the lawsuit that United refunded her seat fee after she complained to the airline. Another plaintiff, Marc Brenman, said he received a refund of 7,500 MileagePlus miles.

However, refunds are not guaranteed.

United said its contract of carriage does not define a window seat as providing an external view, and refunds are generally required only when a customer is downgraded from their original paid seat.

Similar policies exist at other airlines, including Alaska and JetBlue.

While it may be worth asking an airline for a refund or travel credit if you discover your window seat is actually a blank wall, passengers may have limited recourse if the lack of a window was disclosed at the time of booking.

• The chip sector was under pressure on Tuesday.
• Samsung reported record revenue, but triggered fears of overspending and lofty investor expectation.
• Selling spread across Asia before hitting the US, with Intel, Marvell, and Micron among the big losers.

Samsung unleashed fresh pain on the US chip trade on Tuesday.

Chipmakers led US tech shares lower in the session, as investors rushed to take money off the table and rotated into other areas of the market. The trigger? A blowout earnings report from Samsung, which reported record revenue on AI demand in the last quarter.

The electronics giant said operating profits rose to 89.4 trillion won over the last three-month period, and it anticipated that figure to more than double to 171 trillion won. But the results failed to satisfy investors, leading Samsung shares to slide 7% during trading in Korea on Tuesday.

The report looked like a "sell-the-news" event for investors, who have steadily ramped up earnings expectations while also worrying about whether the money spent on the AI buildout will actually be "recouped through use," Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise, wrote in a note on Tuesday.

Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix have also become key bellwethers of the AI trade, since all three companies are "emblematic of the high costs of the AI buildout," Jose Torres, a senior economist at Interactive Brokers, told Business Insider.

"Firms have been pulling all kinds of levers to raise the significant dollars necessary to fund these AI initiatives," Torres said, pointing to how booming profits for these chipmakers could stoke investor concern overbuilding AI infrastructure, which ends up hurting the chips sector.

The moves also foreshadow potential selling pressure that could arise if US chipmakers and AI-linked companies fail to meet sky-high expectations.

The sell-off on Tuesday quickly spread across Asian markets, and eventually hit the US market once trading began. South Korea's KOSPI Index dropped nearly 5% on Tuesday, while Japan's Nikkei 225 Index fell 2%.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Sector Index, which ended the second quarter with its best-ever three-month gain, slid 5%. The index is now down 15% from its peak last Tuesday.

Intel, Marvell, and Micron, which have been among the biggest beneficiaries of the latest AI feeding frenzy among investors, were some of the market's big losers during the session.

Here were some of the biggest losses in the chips sector:

• Intel: -11%
• Marvell: -11%
• AMD: -9%
• Micron: -9%
• Samsung: -7%
• SK Hynix: -6%
• VanEck Semiconductor ETF: -6%
• Roundhill Memory ETF: -10%

The selling this week may also be fueled by higher rate expectations, Torres added, pointing to how Treasury yields breached key psychological levels on Tuesday as markets priced in hotter inflation and higher interest rates. The 10-year US Treasury yield broke past the 4.5% mark, while the 30-year bon yields rose past 5%.

"This is the process of the market essentially picking the winners and losers of who eventually are going to be the top beneficiaries," he said of AI trade.

"The chip trade has begun to be rather volatile. The buy-the-dip impulse remains alive, but enthusiasm is fading," Mehmet Beceren, a senior market strategist at Rosenberg Research, wrote in a note on Tuesday.

All three benchmark indexes slid into the red, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 dropping more than 1%. SpaceX, which joined the tech-heavy index Tuesday morning, dropped another 4%, a sign the hype is continuing to fade for Elon Musk's rocket company.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which broke through the 53,000 level for the first-ever time, also pulled back amid the selling.

Here's where US indexes stood around 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday:

• S&P 500: 7,518.69, down 0.25%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 52,929.60, down 0.24% (-126.31 points)
• Nasdaq 100: 25,953.277, down 0.64%

Other areas of the market have strengthened as some of the air comes out of the chip rally, a sign that investors are finding safety in other sectors.

Over the last five trading days, the financials sector has gained 4%, while the materials and communications sectors have both climbed 2%.

"Stocks outside of the chip arena were mostly steady to higher in early action, reinforcing the rotation ideas that characterized last week's trading," Joe Mazzola, a head trading and derivatives strategist at Charles Schwab, wrote in a note on Tuesday.

• The creator economy has captivated notable VCs' attention and checks.
• Some creator-focused startups are raising millions of dollars.
• Here are the pitch decks that 48 startups used in Series A, seed, and pre-seed rounds.

The creator economy has bred a generation of startups — from influencer-marketing companies to new social-media experiences.

These startups have captured the attention and wallets of influential venture capitalists and angel investors over the last several years, giving rise to many unicorn valuations in the space.

Meet 17 creator-economy startups to watch in 2026, according to VCs

AI is continuing to fuel investor interest in the creator economy. For instance, Hedra, a generative AI startup used by some creators to make viral content, announced a $32 million Series A led by A16z in 2025.

These 13 creator economy startups pulled in about $2 billion in funding in 2025

Other categories, such as social commerce, are also top areas of interest for investors. ShopMy, which previously shared its Series A pitch deck with Business Insider, raised another $147 million in 2025 and was valued at $1.5 billion.

Creators themselves, like Emma Chamberlain and MrBeast, are also raising venture capital for their businesses.

See the leaked pitch deck Chamberlain Coffee used

So, how do creator-economy startups land those investments? Often, it starts with a pitch deck. 

Lumanu, a creator-focused financial startup, uses a simple pitch deck that's more of a "conversation guider," its cofounder and CEO, Tony Tran, told Business Insider.

"My pitch is always why, what, how, and why now?" Tran said. (Read the full pitch deck here.)

Every startup has a different approach.

Some even ditch the pitch deck altogether and opt for an email or Notion document.

Check out 16 VC firms investing in creator economy startups

We talked with founders who've pitched their startups to investors about their process. They broke down the pitch decks they used to secure millions of dollars in funding.

Read the pitch decks that helped 48 creator-focused startups fundraise millions of dollars:

Note: Pitch decks are sorted by investment stage and size of round.

Series A

• Restream, a livestreaming alternative to platforms like the Amazon-owned Twitch: $50 million Series A (14 pages)
• Hedra, a generative AI video platform: $32 million Series A (9 pages)
• Dub, a fintech startup that lets people copy influencers' stock trades: $30 million Series A (15 pages)
• ShopMy, an affiliate platform that lets creators earn commissions through shoppable landing pages: $26.5 million Series A (23 pages)
• Posh, an IRL events startup: $22 million Series A (12 pages)
• Pearpop, a creator-marketing platform: $18 million Series A (18 pages)
• Spoon Radio, a social-audio startup: $17 million Series A (15 pages)
• Kyra, a content studio, talent-management firm, and influencer-marketing platform: $15 million Series A (20 pages)
• Allstar, a startup helping gamers become social-media creators: $12 million Series A (6 pages)
• Lumanu, a business-solutions platform for creators: $12 million Series A (8 pages)
• Hype, a platform for link-in-bio and other creator-monetization tools: $10 million Series A (13 pages)
• Catch+Release, a startup that helps creators and everyday social-media users license their content to brands: $8.8 million Series A (12 pages)
• Slip.stream, a music startup focused on gamers: $7.5 million Series A (13 pages)
• Brag House, an esports startup: $5 million Series A (24 pages)
• CreatorDB, an influencer marketing company: $4.7 million Series A (13 pages)

Seed

• Linguana, an AI video translation startup that is targeting YouTubers: $8.5 million (13 pages)
• AvatarOS, a startup building virtual avatars for social media, gaming, and other immersive experiences: $7 million (11 pages)
• Hypernatural, a generative AI startup that wants to be the Canva for video: $6.8 million (14 pages)
• Flick, an AI video generation startup for filmmakers: $6 million (10 pages)
• Scenario, a generative AI startup to create gaming art and assets: $6 million seed (8 pages)
• Sesh, a music startup that connects artists and fans using their mobile wallets: $5 million seed (13 pages)
• Authoritive, an online course-development startup: $5 million seed (11 pages)
• Dstlry, a comic-book creator startup: $5 million seed (26 pages)
• Dharma, a travel startup for creators and brands: $4.7 million pre-Series A (17 pages)
• Glystn, an AI-powered community-management platform: $4 million seed (15 pages)
• Daisy, an influencer marketing startup that launched in 2024: $3.9 million (9 pages)
• Klipy, a GIF and meme content startup: $3.8 million (11 pages)
• Anima, an augmented-reality startup: $3 million (15 pages)
• Grandstand, a sports startup working with athlete creators: $2.75 million
• Seam Social, a new Web3 social-media platform: $2.5 million (10 pages)
• Spark, a digital art platform from the YouTuber Moriah Elizabeth: $2.5 million seed (9 pages)
• Insense, a startup helping e-commerce brands get low-cost ads: $2.5 million pre-Series A (9 pages)
• Supercast, a podcast subscriptions startup: $2 million seed (20 pages)
• Chartmetric, a music-data and -measurement company: $2 million seed (46 pages)
• Ultimate Playlist, a music-marketing startup: $2 million round (9 pages)
• Magroove, a music distribution and discovery platform: $1.6 million seed (21 pages)
• Stagetime, a professional-networking startup for performing artists: $1.5 million seed (13 pages)
• Jubilee Media, a content studio looking to expand beyond YouTube and TikTok: $1.1 million seed-plus (12 pages)

Pre-Seed

• Storiaverse, a startup for animators and writers: $2.5 million pre-seed (16 pages)
• July, a "talent manager in your pocket" for creators: $2.3 million pre-seed (9 pages)
• Squads, a startup that helps creators mint and sell crypto coins: $1.8 million pre-seed (12 pages)
• Skye, a career-coaching platform: $1.6 million pre-seed (33 pages)
• Punchup Live, a comedy platform: $1 million pre-seed (19 pages)
• Spore, a content and community-building startup: $1 million pre-seed (17 pages)
• Hashtag Pay Me, a startup that helps creators price brand deals: $200,000 pre-seed (9 pages)

Other

• Humanz, an influencer marketing platform, raised $15 million for an M&A spree (28 pages)
• Our Future, a short-form video-news brand that targets Gen Z: acquired (15 pages)
• Rodeo, a social shopping platform, shared the pitch deck it used to get into an Andreessen Horowitz startup accelerator (11 pages)

Samsung makes some of the most impressive TVs that my team and I test each year. Its lineup ranges from simple, budget-friendly LED models to high-end OLEDs built for serious home theater performance. But as strong as Samsung's TV selection is, some models are definitely better buys than others. The best Samsung TVs deliver the right mix of picture quality, useful smart features, and value for the money.

To help you sort through the options, I've picked the best Samsung TVs you can buy right now. My top choice is the Samsung S90F, an OLED TV that delivers deep contrast and bold, punchy colors. If you're on a budget, the Samsung U8000H is a good pick for casual streaming or a secondary room. While its picture quality is limited, it's an affordable smart TV for basic streaming, and it comes in many sizes.

I've also included Samsung TVs with anti-reflective screens, which are especially handy if your living room gets a lot of sunlight or overhead glare. And if you're planning a big sports setup for events like the World Cup, several of these TVs are sold in extra-large screen sizes. When checking retailer listings, make sure you select the screen size you want.

Our top picks for the best Samsung TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90F OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best entry-level: Samsung U8000H LED TV - See at Amazon

Best high-end: Samsung S95H OLED TV - See at Samsung

Best RGB LED: Samsung R95H Micro RGB TV - See at Samsung

Best for your wall: Samsung LS03F Frame QLED TV - See at Amazon

Best overall: Samsung S90F

What we love: It offers the best balance of performance and cost among Samsung TVs.

Drawbacks: Its color capabilities vary depending on the size you buy, and its screen isn't the best at reducing reflections.

When it comes to overall value for your money, the S90F is the best Samsung TV available. In fact, it's my pick for the best TV you can buy from any brand.

Utilizing a QD-OLED panel, the S90F delivers an infinite contrast ratio and outstanding color performance that outshines similarly priced OLEDs from the competition. When watching HDR (high dynamic range) content, highlights leap off the screen, while deep, precise black levels fade into the dark. Wide viewing angles make the TV equally impressive for movie nights and group watch parties, since the picture looks great from any seat.

Brightness is also good for a TV of this type. Our reviewer measured a peak of around 1,460 nits, which gives the S90F solid impact in dark home theaters and average living rooms. However, it's worth noting that Samsung does sell brighter TVs, including the premium S95H OLED, which offers a bit more pop in certain HDR videos.

The S90F uses a glossy screen rather than the anti-glare matte coating used on some of Samsung's other models. While matte screens handle reflections much better, glossy panels maintain better contrast. If combating reflections is a priority and you're willing to spend more, you can opt for Samsung's newer S90H model, which offers similar image quality but now uses a matte rather than glossy panel. However, the S90H's color performance is actually slightly worse than the S90F's.

All things considered, the S90F offers the best balance of price and performance in Samsung's TV lineup. Its picture quality is close to that of pricier models from other brands, and it frequently goes on sale.

Note: Samsung's 42-, 48-, and 83-inch S90F models do not feature quantum dots, so their screens can't match the color performance of other sizes.

Read our full Samsung S90F 4K TV review.

Best entry-level: Samsung U8000H

What we love: It's one of the most inexpensive TVs in Samsung's lineup, and you can choose between many sizes.

Drawbacks: The TV's image quality is notably worse than that of the other models I recommend, and the included remote doesn't support voice control.

In general, Samsung's entry-level TVs tend to fall short compared to TCL and Hisense's offerings at the same price. But if you want a Samsung TV on the cheap, the company's U8000H is its most competitive budget option.

This 2026 model replaces my previous pick in this spot, the 2025 U8000F, which is now harder to find in stock. Both TVs offer nearly identical specifications, but the U8000H adds a new DLG 120Hz feature on sizes 55 inches and up. This mode enables smoother motion in video games, but at the cost of lowering the screen resolution and sharpness.

The U8000H features a standard LCD panel with a direct-lit LED backlight. This is fine for casual viewing, but the TV lacks the step-up picture-quality features you'd get on Samsung's pricier models. Most notably, the U8000H lacks local dimming and quantum dots. This means the TV's color range is limited and its black levels aren't very deep. As a result, dim scenes will appear cloudy and washed out in a dark room.

Brightness is also much lower than most of Samsung's other TVs. The U8000H technically supports HDR10 and HDR10+, but it can't get bright enough to fully showcase HDR's benefits. Still, the U8000H can play standard dynamic range (SDR) content in both 4K and high definition with sharp detail, so HD cable channels and all the best live TV streaming services look solid. 

This is a decent entry-level model for casual viewers who just want a basic smart TV and don't care about paying extra for better picture quality. It looks best in a room with moderate light, rather than a sunny space or dark home theater. However, keep in mind that if you're willing to look outside Samsung's lineup, you can find TVs with better contrast and color performance, such as the TCL QM6K, for a bit more money.

For more cheap display recommendations from other brands, check out our guides to the best budget TVs and best TVs under $500.

Best high-end: Samsung S95H

What we love: It offers the most impressive image quality of any Samsung TV, its screen is great at reducing reflections, and it has a premium design with a unique metal bezel.

Drawbacks: The anti-glare screen lifts black levels in bright rooms, the metal frame might not fit all decors, and the TV is pricey.

The S95H OLED is the most impressive Samsung TV I've tested so far. It's expensive, but it delivers some of the best image quality you can get on any consumer display.

This model replaces my previous pick, the S95F, which remains an excellent TV, especially since it's now heavily discounted. However, if you're truly seeking Samsung's top high-end set, the S95H is unmatched.

Like the S95F, this new model uses an OLED panel to produce an infinite contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. But the S95H takes OLED brightness to another level. Using a 10% test pattern, I measured an incredible peak of 2,780 nits. That's around 30% brighter than the S95F and the highest number I've ever recorded on an OLED TV, beating even the LG G5.

The TV's color performance is also stellar thanks to the panel's use of quantum dots in the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models. (The 83-inch size likely uses four-stack OLED technology to achieve similar results.) When watching actual content, this high brightness, wide color gamut, and perfect contrast deliver gorgeous HDR images, with a level of intensity that's a clear step above Samsung's midrange S90 series.

Samsung also takes a more premium approach to the S95H's design, which it calls its "FloatLayer." The TV has a metal frame-like bezel, and the screen appears to almost float in front of it. Some might prefer the older S95F's more subtle design and thinner bezel, but I think this unique style looks fantastic when mounted on a wall. To complement its frame-like design, the S95H is also the first OLED to support Samsung's Art Store. You need to pay a subscription fee to access the store's full selection, but users get 30 free pieces that rotate monthly.

The S95H features Samsung's latest anti-glare screen technology, which uses a matte-like finish. This could be a pro or con depending on your viewing needs. This feature significantly reduces reflections in rooms with ambient light, making it a perfect fit for people who struggle with glare. Sports fans, in particular, should consider the S95H, as it's great for watching games during the day.

However, this glare-free coating has one downside: it can make black levels appear a bit elevated in a bright room. This was evident during testing with the lights on, but I found the effect less bothersome than on previous S95 TVs. I still prefer glossy OLEDs, but if reflections are a constant headache in your room, the S95H's anti-glare screen is a big perk.

Read our first-look Samsung S95H 4K TV review.

Check out our guide to the best TVs for picture quality.

Best RGB LED: Samsung R95H

What we love: Samsung's Micro RGB tech delivers some of the best color performance of any consumer TV, and the screen features the brand's impressive anti-glare coating.

Drawbacks: Brightness, contrast, and viewing angles can't match those of Samsung's S95H OLED, and it's not available in smaller sizes.

The Samsung R95H is the brand's first mainstream RGB LED TV, or Micro RGB TV, as Samsung calls it, and it's an impressive showcase of what this new display technology can do. While standard LED, QLED, and Mini LED TVs use either a white or blue backlight, Micro RGB TVs use red, green, and blue LEDs. This allows the backlight to produce a purer, wider range of colors than other TVs. And in my initial testing, the R95H did just that.

I measured around 91% coverage of the BT.2020 color range, which is the most I've recorded from any TV so far. Now it's important to note that it's rare for content to actually use such an expanded color gamut, but that could change in the future. As it stands, the R95H gives bright, highly saturated movies a punchy look, but it doesn't make reds, blues, and greens appear cartoonish or unnatural. Color gradients also looked clean rather than blocking in my testing, which helps the picture maintain a smooth quality during demanding scenes.

The R95H's backlight control is also good for a non-OLED TV. Dark sequences have nice depth, and the set avoids many of the distracting halo effects that can pop up on lesser LED models. It's not perfect, though. I could still spot some light bleed on very difficult shots, and the black levels didn't have the same pixel-level precision as you get from a Samsung OLED.

Likewise, the TV wasn't as bright as I expected. I measured a peak of 1,600 nits on a 10% HDR window, which is respectable but not quite flagship-level. I'm going to test more settings to see if I can optimize the screen's brightness when I get more hands-on time with it in the near future.

Thankfully, the R95H's design feels appropriately upscale. The TV has a slim profile, narrow screen borders, and a stylish stand with a mirror-like finish. Like the S95H, this model also has an anti-reflective screen, which is especially useful in rooms with lamps or windows that cause a lot of glare. You also get four HDMI 2.1 ports on the TV itself, plus compatibility with Samsung's wireless One Connect Box for more input flexibility.

But as impressive as the R95H is, it isn't the best Samsung TV for everyone. Its biggest selling point is color, not contrast or brightness. Samsung's S95H OLED still delivers a more impactful HDR image overall, especially in a dark room. The R95H is the Samsung TV to buy if you want the brand's most advanced color tech, but OLED remains the better choice for shoppers who want the strongest all-around picture quality.

Read our first-look Samsung R95H TV review.

Best for your wall: Samsung LS03F Frame

What we love: Its frame-style design looks fantastic hanging on a wall, with a matte canvas-like screen, flush mount, and swappable bezels.

Drawbacks: The TV's picture quality is secondary to its design, with low contrast and limited brightness.

Samsung's Frame TV is an excellent choice for anyone planning to mount their display on a wall. This unique TV is designed to resemble a piece of art hanging in your living room.

The Frame has a black border by default, but you can pay extra to get different bezel colors for the exact picture-frame look you want. Options include white, brown, teak, red, beige, and more. The add-on bezels magnetically snap onto the display for simple installation.

This version of the Frame TV utilizes an external One Connect Box to house its video ports, allowing the panel to maintain a one-inch profile from top to bottom. When paired with the included slim-fit wall mount, the TV can be hung flush on your wall, just like a framed work of art.

The display uses a matte finish similar to the anti-glare filter featured on several other Samsung TVs. This finish helps prevent reflections, but it's also been designed to give the screen a more canvas-like appearance. When you're not watching TV, you can turn on "Art Mode," which cycles through various paintings and photographs from Samsung's Art Store (subscription required) or a connected USB drive. A built-in motion sensor can even toggle the Art Mode to activate only when people are in the room.

While the Frame's unique design is its main selling point, the TV also benefits from a QLED panel, albeit without all the bells and whistles of Samsung's top QLED models. The Frame can't hit the same peak brightness levels as my high-end picks, and it lacks local dimming for precise contrast control.

I don't recommend this TV to anyone focused on picture quality, but it still delivers a decent image for casual viewing. The Frame is specifically geared toward individuals who want the best Samsung TV that can also serve as an attractive design piece to hang in a living room, and in that sense, it excels.

Samsung also offers a slightly revised 2026 version of the Frame. The most notable difference is that the 2026 model has its ports built into the panel rather than housed in a separate connection box. This could be a pro or con depending on your setup needs, but since the older model is often on sale for less, I still recommend it for most people.

Check out our guide to the best frame TVs.

What else we considered

Samsung S90H TV - See at Amazon
The S90H is the 2026 successor to our favorite Samsung TV of last year, the S90F. The new model is similar overall but offers a few changes that could make it more or less attractive, depending on your priorities. Most notably, it now uses Samsung's anti-glare screen, which is great at reducing reflections. However, the TV no longer uses quantum dots in any of its sizes, so color performance is actually slightly downgraded compared to the S90F's. For now, I still give the cheaper S90F an edge in overall value, but the S90H is an excellent alternative for those willing to spend more for an anti-reflective screen.

Read our full Samsung S90H TV review.

How we test Samsung TVs

Our picks for the best Samsung TVs are based on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by over a decade of experience covering the home entertainment market. Our testing encompasses several key evaluation points that we use to assess a TV's overall performance and value, including HDR quality, brightness, color gamut coverage, contrast, local dimming performance (if applicable), viewing angles, gaming capabilities, navigation speed, design, and price. 

When measuring a TV's brightness and evaluating other technical picture-quality attributes, we use a colorimeter with test patterns made by a pattern generator or the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc. 

However, test patterns only show one part of the equation, so we rely on real-world content and day-to-day viewing to see how Samsung's TVs look when watching typical programs in bright and dark rooms. Our material is carefully selected to showcase scenes that demonstrate test black levels, highlights, color fidelity, and fine details across 4K Ultra HD, high-definition (HD), and standard-definition (SD) material. We also use various sources, including streaming services, cable channels, a 4K Blu-ray player, and game consoles. 

General usability and design are also taken into consideration. We get a feel for living with a TV for a few weeks while using its basic functions and smart TV features. If a TV has slow navigation or is missing key functions, that affects our assessment, but we set expectations for each model within its price range. 

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

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I've been reviewing home entertainment gear for over a decade, and my team and I spend all year getting hands-on with the latest TVs. I also attend annual reviewer workshops for an early look at Samsung's newest video and audio tech, so I'm always up to speed on what it's rolling out next. I studied film production, which makes me especially picky about picture accuracy, so I want a TV to display movies and shows the way their creators intended. In addition to using calibration tools and benchmark discs to measure brightness and color performance, I live with every Samsung TV I review. That means streaming, movie nights, gaming sessions, and everyday channel surfing to see how it actually holds up at home. My aim is to cut through all the tech buzzwords and help you find a Samsung TV that delivers great picture quality at a good price.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

Samsung TV FAQs

What kind of TVs does Samsung make?

Samsung's TV lineup is divided into four main categories: OLED, QLED, Micro RGB, and Crystal UHD.

OLED models use self-illuminating pixels, so they don't need a backlight and can deliver perfect black levels with infinite contrast. Some Samsung OLEDs also use quantum dots to achieve a wider color gamut. The trade-offs? OLEDs can be vulnerable to burn-in in extreme cases, and midrange models can't reach the same peak brightness as top QLED TVs.

QLED models use LCD panels with LED backlights and quantum dots. They can't match an OLED's pixel-level contrast, but high-end models can get brighter and don't carry the risk of burn-in. Samsung's best QLEDs — its Neo QLED lineup — add Mini LEDs with full-array local dimming, bringing them closer to OLED-level contrast performance.

For a deeper breakdown of how these two technologies compare, check out our full QLED vs. OLED guide.

Micro RGB models are the latest advancement in Samsung's TV lineup. These TVs are similar to QLEDs in that they also use LCD panels with Mini LEDs and full-array local dimming. But rather than use quantum dots in conjunction with white or blue LEDs, Micro RGB TVs use red, blue, and green LEDs to produce some of the richest, brightest, and most accurate colors available on a consumer display. However, contrast still can't equal the pixel-level precision of an OLED. You can learn more in our RGB LED vs. Mini LED guide.

Crystal UHD and Mini LED models are Samsung's entry-level LCD TVs. They use basic LED backlights and offer limited color, brightness, and contrast compared to other display types. They're best suited for casual viewers who simply want an affordable smart TV without advanced picture features.

All of Samsung's displays are available in multiple sizes. The smallest options start at 32 inches, while the largest models can reach 130 inches. For TV recommendations at various screen sizes, check out our size-specific guides:

• 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

Does Samsung sell 8K TVs?

Yes, Samsung makes 8K TVs, and we've featured them in this guide before. But given the current price and performance gap between Samsung's 4K and 8K models, we recommend most shoppers stick with 4K.

Samsung's 8K TVs are impressive, but the real-world benefits of 8K are minimal. There's virtually no native 8K content beyond a few YouTube clips, so everything you watch will be upscaled 4K or HD. On very large screens, an 8K set can look slightly sharper if you sit close, but the difference isn't big enough to justify the price premium. You'll get better overall value by choosing one of Samsung's higher-end 4K TVs.

If you're determined to go 8K, the Samsung QN990F is our top pick. We've tested that model, and it delivers excellent picture quality. Still, most people will be happier with Samsung's more affordable 4K OLEDs, which offer superior contrast — a factor that makes a far bigger impact on image performance than 8K resolution.

Does Samsung make soundbars?

Yes, Samsung offers a range of soundbar models across various budgets, including the highly rated Q990 series of Dolby Atmos soundbars. You can learn more in our full Samsung Q990F soundbar review.

Some Samsung soundbars support a feature called Q-Symphony when paired with certain Samsung TVs. Q-Symphony enables the soundbar and TV speakers to work in tandem, enhancing sound quality.

For more soundbar recommendations from Samsung and other brands, check out our home audio buying guides:

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

Are Samsung TVs better than LG TVs?

Samsung and LG both make excellent TVs, and it's hard to crown one brand as universally better than the other. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on what you need and which specific models you're comparing.

For LCD-based sets, Samsung has traditionally branded its top models as QLED, while LG's are branded QNED. The underlying panel tech differs slightly, but performance is broadly similar. That said, Samsung's high-end QLEDs have held an edge over LG's top QNEDs thanks to higher brightness and more effective local dimming.

In 2026, both companies also launched advanced LCD-based TVs branded as Micro RGB, which promise even better color performance. However, it remains to be seen how Samsung and LG Micro RGB TVs compare.

Both brands also produce some of the best OLED TVs on the market, and the competition is even closer here. Samsung's top OLEDs use quantum dots, boosting brightness and color compared to LG's midrange OLEDs. However, LG's flagship G5 OLED and G6 OLED use a four-stack design that enables them to rival Samsung's brightest OLEDs. Likewise, LG's OLEDs maintain deeper black levels in bright rooms. LG also offers OLEDs in more sizes, making the lineup more flexible for different budgets.

One important difference between all of LG and Samsung's TVs is their support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats. LG's mid- and high-end TVs work with Dolby Vision, while Samsung supports HDR10+. Both formats use dynamic metadata to optimize contrast and color scene by scene, but Dolby Vision is more widely adopted across streaming apps and 4K Blu-rays.

You can find LG recommendations in our guide to the best LG TVs.

What smart TV interface does Samsung use?

Samsung uses a proprietary smart TV interface built using the Tizen operating system (OS). Unlike other interfaces, such as Roku OS, Android TV, Fire TV, or Google TV, Samsung's Tizen platform is not available on smart TV models or streaming devices from other brands.

For many years, Samsung's Tizen OS featured a pop-up screen that displayed apps across a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen, but Samsung updated its interface in 2022. Now, Samsung smart TVs use a full-screen homepage that organizes your favorite services and displays content recommendations. Most Tizen TVs feature support for Alexa or Bixby voice control, and newer models also support Microsoft Copilot AI. There's also a Gaming Hub section that allows you to access cloud services, including Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna.

Samsung's smart TV interface works well across its TV lineup and offers access to all the best streaming services, but it's not the smoothest OS we've used. Even high-end models have been prone to hiccups and slight lag in the past. However, the brand's latest TVs have made notable improvements in this regard.

Most buyers should be satisfied with Samsung's smart TV performance, and no major services or features are missing. But if you prefer a different interface with slightly snappier navigation, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices for other options.

For display recommendations that use other systems, check out our full guide to the best smart TVs.

Do Samsung TVs support Dolby Vision?

No, not even the best Samsung TVs support Dolby Vision. However, they do support a similar format called HDR10+. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are both dynamic metadata high-dynamic-range formats. This means that compatible content can be encoded with specific instructions that tell your TV how to handle HDR contrast and color on a scene-by-scene basis.

This is in contrast to the standard HDR10 format, a static metadata format that can include only a single set of instructions for the entire video, rather than providing scene-by-scene details. In practice, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ can deliver a more refined HDR experience with video quality that better matches the specific capabilities of your TV. However, these benefits over standard HDR10 are often very subtle.

Although Dolby Vision and HDR10+ offer similar capabilities, Dolby Vision is supported by more streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs, making it the more desirable format.

Check out our HDR TV guide for more information about how these formats stack up.

Are matte screens better than glossy ones?

Some Samsung TVs use a glossy or semi-glossy screen, but the company has started to release more models that use a matte-like finish instead. They both have pros and cons that make them better suited for specific types of viewers.

Glossy screens are great at preserving high contrast and deep black levels, but they're prone to mirror-like reflections. This can be a problem if your room has lots of lights or windows. On the other hand, Samsung's anti-glare matte screens significantly reduce reflections. On the downside, the matte filter causes black levels to appear slightly elevated and washed out in a bright room.

The right style for you depends on your personal preferences and viewing needs. We tend to favor glossy screens for most uses, as high contrast plays a big part in overall picture quality. However, matte screens are better suited for spaces where ambient light cannot be controlled.

Notable Samsung TVs that use matte screens include the S95F, S95H, S90H, QN90F, R95H, and Frame models.

True Classic has become a go-to brand for shoppers looking to upgrade their everyday basics without overspending. Its lineup includes fitted T-shirts, polos, hoodies, jackets, jeans, and other wardrobe essentials, with bundle pricing that makes it easy to stock up on multiple pieces at once. If you're planning to place an order, a True Classic promo code can help you save even more at checkout.

Our style team has tested a range of True Classic clothing over the years, and the brand continues to impress with its comfortable fabrics, consistent fit, and everyday durability. Standout picks like the Classic Polo 3-Pack and True Classic Bomber Jacket have earned recommendations in our buying guides thanks to their balance of quality, comfort, and value.

Although True Classic's multipack pricing already offers solid savings, the retailer sometimes runs sitewide promotions and limited-time discounts. We've rounded up the best True Classic coupon codes and deals available now to help you save on T-shirts, polos, outerwear, and more.

Today's best True Classic discount codes

Previous True Classic discount codes

Are there any other True Classic sales running at the moment?

You can find a full list of current markdowns on the "Clearance" page of True Classic's website at any time. As of the time of writing, the brand is running the following promotions.

• Follow our Instagram page and WhatsApp channel on mobile to be the first to know about new deals, buying guides, and reviews

How to use True Classic discount codes

It's easy to apply True Classic discount codes to your order. You start by adding coupon-eligible items to your cart, then continue to checkout. On the checkout page, you can add a coupon by pasting the promo code into the "Discount code or gift card" text box and clicking "Apply." The savings will be applied, and the new price will be shown. From there, continue the checkout process by entering your shipping and billing information before placing your order.

Can you stack True Classic discount codes?

True Classic doesn't allow coupons to be stacked together. Only one discount code may be applied per order.

True Classic discount code frequently asked questions

Does True Classic offer discounts for students, teachers, and the military?

True Classic offers a 20% discount for students, teachers, and military members. True Classic also has special offers for first responders and medical professionals. Eligible customers must verify their status to access the discount.

If you're a student or teacher, check out our roundups of the best student discounts and best teacher discounts for more ways to save from your favorite brands.

Does True Classic offer free shipping?

True Classic offers free shipping on orders of $109 or more after discounts are applied.

What is True Classic's return policy?

True Classic allows free returns in-store or via mail within 100 days of the original purchase. Items must be unworn and unwashed to be returned. You can start your return or exchange on True Classic's website.

Can I apply a True Classic discount code after placing an order?

If you forgot to add a promo code before placing your order, you can contact True Classic's customer service team with the coupon and order details, and they will be able to apply the code for you.

Can True Classic discount codes stack with other sales?

Most True Classic discount codes cannot be applied to sale or clearance items. There may be exceptions, though, so be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for the code you want to use.

Can I reuse a True Classic discount code?

Most True Classic discount codes are designed for one use only. However, there may be exceptions, so be sure to check the terms and conditions for the specific code you want to use.

Check out more men's style deals in our roundups of the best Madewell coupons and Abercrombie promo codes.

The final Round of 16 match has arrived at the World Cup. We've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia.

The last spot in the World Cup quarterfinals is up for grabs, and Switzerland and Colombia will battle it out in Vancouver. Switzerland has been stuck at the Round of 16 for the past three World Cup tournaments, and they're looking to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954. Colombia last qualified for the quarterfinals in 2014, but they've had a slightly rocky run since then, failing to qualify for the tournament in 2022.

For both teams, everything is on the line. If you're hoping to tune in, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn some of the best international watch options. If you're interested in streaming the rest of the tournament, you can bookmark our where to watch the World Cup guide.

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia 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 Switzerland vs. Colombia. This match is available to stream for free on ITVX in the UK and SBS On Demand in Australia.

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 Switzerland vs. Colombia 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 Switzerland vs. Colombia in the US

Switzerland vs. Colombia, 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 28 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 Core and Ultra 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 Switzerland vs. Colombia in the UK

BBC and ITV split coverage rights in the UK, but Switzerland vs. Colombia is available on ITV. This means fans will be able to live stream all of the action for free with an ITVX 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 Switzerland vs. Colombia in Australia

All World Cup games, including Switzerland vs. Colombia, 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.

Athleta has expanded beyond its signature athletic clothing through the years, though the brand's workout sets and leggings remain some of the best on the market. The retailer carries everything from sports bras and performance layers to travel outfits, jumpsuits, dresses, and polished pants fit for work. If you're a savvy shopper looking to save on your next order, Athleta coupon codes are one of the easiest ways to cut costs at checkout.

Our style team has tried plenty of Athleta pieces over the years, and the brand consistently delivers on comfort, quality, and ease of wear. Standouts like the Ultra High Rise Elation Legging and Endless High Rise Pant have earned spots in our workout set and work pants buying guides for their flattering fits and durability through long days.

Athleta often discounts select colors and seasonal styles, but promo codes can help you save even more. Below, we have rounded up the best Athleta coupons, promo codes, and deals available right now. We've tested these codes out to ensure they're still active at the time of writing.

Today's best Athleta coupons

Previous Athleta coupons

Are there any other Athleta sales currently running?

You can find a full list of all current markdowns at any time on Athleta's website, which we've compiled for you below. As of the time of writing, Athleta is running the following promotions.

Use Athleta coupon codes on these items

You can use Athleta coupons to save on styles we've recommended in our guides, including one of our favorite pairs of women's workout leggings. The Ultra High Rise Elation Legging is already on sale, bringing the price down from $99 to $75. However, when you apply the coupon code MEGHAN10, you can reduce the price by 10% to around $67.49. Alternatively, use the same code on our favorite stretchy work pants, the Endless High Rise Pants, which currently retail for $109, to reduce the price to just $98.10.

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How to use Athleta coupon codes

Start by adding coupon-eligible items to your cart. Once you're on the "Shopping Bag" page, you can apply a coupon by pasting the coupon code into the text box under "Promos" that says "Enter Promo Code" and clicking "Apply." From there, continue to checkout and enter your shipping and billing information.

Can you stack Athleta coupons?

Athleta does allow some coupon codes to be stacked together. However, there may be exceptions, so be sure to check the terms and conditions for the specific codes you want to stack. Some coupon codes can't be combined with other existing offers, such as limited-time sales.

Athleta coupons: frequently asked questions

Does Athleta offer discounts for students, teachers, and the military?

As of the time of writing, Athleta does not offer special discounts for students, teachers, or military members, so your best bet is to take advantage of their other coupons and promotions.

If you're a student or teacher, check out our roundups of the best student discounts and teacher discounts for more offers from your favorite brands.

Does Athleta offer free shipping?

Athleta offers free shipping on all orders over $50 to members of its rewards program. For non-members, shipping fees will be calculated at checkout based on your delivery location and order cost. For All-Access cardmembers, the free shipping minimum is $35+. Learn more about the rewards program and sign up on Athleta's website.

What is Athleta's return policy?

Athleta allows you to return items for a full refund up to 30 days after the original delivery date or in-store purchase.

Can I use Athleta coupon codes in-store?

Some Athleta coupons can be used both online and in-store. However, many coupons are online-exclusive, so be sure to check the terms and conditions for the specific code you want to use.

Can I reuse an Athleta coupon?

Some Athleta coupon codes can be used multiple times. However, there are certain codes that can only be used once, so be sure to check the terms and conditions for the specific code you want to use.

Does Athleta have a rewards program?

Athleta offers two ways for shoppers to earn rewards. You can open an Athleta rewards credit card, which earns you 20% off your first purchase and five rewards points for every dollar you spend (plus a few other perks), or sign up for the rewards program for free without opening a card, which earns you one rewards point for every dollar you spend and a birthday bonus.

The free rewards tier is known as a Core membership, but if you spend $350+ in a year, you unlock more benefits as a Premier member. Learn more about the benefits and how to sign up at Athleta's website.

Looking for more activewear? Check out our roundup of the best Spanx coupons.

• With up to four games left, three players have already scored 7 goals in the World Cup.
• It means the tournament is on track to see its highest scoring Golden Boot winner in a generation.
• That's a big win for FIFA given the huge opportunities that would come with a growing US market.

The World Cup's biggest stars are here to remind us what high performance looks like.

Just as superstar engineers are dominating the biggest jobs in AI, so too are soccer's top players taking the World Cup by storm. With the tournament's superstars on a scoring streak, it looks increasingly likely that this year's World Cup will feature the most prolific top goalscorer in a generation.

Three players are tied on seven goals each, with up to four games left to play.

For perspective, over the previous 22 tournaments, the Golden Boot winner has averaged 7.1 goals. If we see a double-digit winner this year, it would be the first since West Germany's Gerd Müller scored 10 in 1970.

With 269 goals across 92 matches so far this year, that's on track to be the highest average number of goals scored since 1970.

It's worth noting that this year's event comes with additional scoring opportunities, as the 2026 World Cup is the largest ever. It has been expanded from 32 teams in every tournament since 1998 to 48 this year, which means there's an extra round of games.

It's shaping up to be a big win for FIFA, amid hopes that an exciting tournament could help the sport grow in the US, with its bags of money and enthusiasm for live entertainment. It also comes as the tournament takes the title of the most expensive World Cup on record, with fans dishing out thousands of dollars and going to extreme measures to see their teams play across North America.

Below, we broke down how many goals the winner of the Golden Boot has scored at each tournament since 1930.

There were no tournaments held in 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War. France's Just Fontaine set the record for most goals scored in a World Cup in 1958, with 13 goals in six games.

The World Cup's top scorers so far

Lionel Messi is leading the way, as he has reached seven goals in four games — one fewer game than his fellow high-scorers, with Argentina's next game scheduled for Tuesday.

The 39-year-old kicked off his campaign with a hat trick against Algeria and has scored in every game so far.

However, Polymarket odds suggest that France's Kylian Mbappé is the favorite for the Golden Boot, the award given to the tournament's highest scorer. He's on 49% compared to Messi's 12%.

Mbappé was the top scorer at the previous World Cup thanks to a hat trick in the final. He almost single-handedly brought France back from the brink, but Argentina won the penalty shootout.

Erling Haaland has also scored seven goals, including both of Norway's in their 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday. He's 6'5, 200 lbs, and plays soccer like a marauding Viking, chasing down the ball and bullying his way past defenders. The next round will be his country's first time in a World Cup quarterfinal.

Finally, Harry Kane of England is waiting in the wings with six goals. That's the same tally he achieved when he won the Golden Boot in 2018, but he's reached a new peak this year.

Many are tipping him for the Ballon d'Or, awarded to the world's best player each season, after scoring 72 goals in 62 games for club and country. He would be the first Englishman to receive the accolade in 25 years.

The next World Cup won't be for another four years. Some of the sport's biggest stars will have retired. There may not be nearly as many goals.

Enjoy it while you can.

• As older parents, my husband and I know our time with our son is limited.
• Sometimes we splurge to make memories we hope will last a lifetime.
• Attending a World Cup game with special experiences was worth the expense.

When my husband and I decided to have a fourth child just before I turned 40 and he turned 43, we knew we had more love to give. Plus, we wanted to give our other children the gift of another sibling. At the time, I was excited about growing our family, although I knew it would be chaotic and a different experience than when I had my first when I was much younger.

Now, eleven years later, I am faced with a reality that comes with being an older mom: I am in a race against time.

The years are passing quickly

I used to laugh at the thought of being nearly 60 at my son's high school graduation. However, as the years slip by too quickly, I realize that my time with my son will be heartbreakingly short. I no longer brush aside the thought of how old I will be while he is still relatively young. Instead, I feel as though I am racing against a clock, trying to make up for time I know will be lost as my son and I both get older.

I am acutely aware that the time my husband and I have to have adventures without our youngest and make memories that will stick with him is limited. Although I hope to be healthy and spry for many more years, the reality is that I need to focus on the here and now because the future is uncertain. Even with the best possible outcome, there will be fewer tomorrows than I would like.

Seeing a World Cup match was a chance to give my son an experience he will never forget

Although I have never been into sports, my son loves soccer. He taught me to derive a lot of joy from watching him play, cheering for his favorite club, Real Madrid, and seeing our local team, DC United, in action.

It was hard to figure out how to make his dreams of seeing a World Cup match come true until Visit Sugar Land, the tourism bureau of Sugar Land, Texas, just outside of Houston, invited us to see a match. The entire day exceeded all of our expectations, and I walked out of the stadium knowing that my son had an experience he will never forget.

After the match, I called my husband to tell him that there was nothing like being at the World Cup in person, watching our soccer-fanatic son drink in every moment, sharing the drama of every moment. "I wish you could have been there, too," I told him. "I wish all of us could see a match together."

Racing against time sometimes means splurging

I checked the calendar to see if my husband and I could take our son to another game during our packed summer. There was one match in my hometown of Philadelphia that was feasible. It wasn't cheap or something we had budgeted for, but it was only a three-hour drive away, and we could stay with family to keep costs down. I started asking friends for advice. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said one. "When will the World Cup be in the United States again?" asked another. "My husband's best childhood memories are going to the World Cup with his Dad," another friend told me. "That's why he still loves soccer and watches with our girls," she explained.

I was still on the fence because of the cost, but decided to go into planning mode in earnest. When I saw tickets pop up during FIFA's last-minute ticket sale, I panic-bought three seats, paying more than double what I expected. I also got access to a hospitality suite, which I knew would make the game extra special. After I hit buy, I had a twinge of regret. However, I reminded myself that as an older parent, it's important to ensure my family has incredible experiences now, while we can. Sometimes that means dipping into savings or going out without other material things.

Having incredible experiences with my kids while I can is always worth the trade-off

Having incredible experiences with my kids is always worth the time, energy, and investment. Seeing the World Cup in Philadelphia was no exception. My heart was full as I watched my husband and son enjoy the day. Getting to be by my son's side as he smiled and screamed, fully in his element, was worth the splurge.

Thanks to our access to a hospitality suite, we got to hold a match ball and pose with the World Cup trophy, making the day even more special. "Messi touched this," my son said as he posed for a photo. "I hope Christiano Rolandlo gets it this year," he added, emphasizing his loyalty to his Portuguese mom. Plus, having access to an air-conditioned lounge with easy access to ice-cold drinks turned out to be nicer than I anticipated, since the game we saw was one of the hottest in World Cup history.

I know that my son will carry the memories of the World Cup game he witnessed with his Dad and me long after we are gone. I hope his memories of the day will forever make him smile as much as he did on the day of the match, and that is priceless.

• Trump Accounts offer children $1,000 investment for college or retirement through US government.
• Parents can open accounts for kids under 18, but those born 2025-2028 are eligible for $1,000 from the government.
• Parents and employers can contribute to Trump Accounts, maximizing compounding investment returns.

Trump Accounts went live on July 4, providing a new avenue for parents to start investing on behalf of their kids.

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last year, children born between 2025 and 2028 are eligible for a one-time $1,000 deposit from the US government into their account that will then be invested in the stock market.

Kids born before this window can also open an account, but won't be able to claim the government handout — though some wealthy donors are also offering funds to kids based on other criteria.

Parents can contribute up to $5,000 a year until the child turns 18. Employers can also chip in $2,500 a year. Like an individual retirement account, Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged, with funds growing tax free while held in the account.

Americans can open an account with the Internal Revenue Service and manage it through the Trump Accounts app, which was developed by Robinhood and BNY Mellon.

The idea is that starting an investment account at such a young age allows one to take advantage of the extra years of compounding returns.

The government is giving account holders a choice between five funds to invest in, but if being a portfolio manager isn't exactly your expertise, you won't have to stress over how to invest the money.

First, you don't necessarily have to choose a fund — the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM) is set up as the default fund if investors don't specify another fund or funds. That means the money will be automatically invested no matter what.

Second, all of the funds offer broad market exposure, so there's not a "wrong choice."

Here are the five funds you can invest in through a Trump Account.

State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF

Ticker: SPYM

Expense ratio: 0.02%

Notes: The default fund at launch, the ETF tracks the S&P 500 index, which comprises 500 of the largest stocks in the US. That means investors will get broad exposure to all US stock sectors, though the index is currently weighted heavily toward tech.

As an added advantage for investors, this particular fund has one of the lowest expense ratios for an S&P 500 index fund at 0.02% per year.

"The fund was selected to provide broad exposure to the U.S. stock market while maintaining expenses well below the statutory fee limitation," the US Treasury Department said on its website.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

Ticker: IVV

Expense ratio: 0.03%

Notes: This BlackRock- managed fund also tracks the S&P 500 index.

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF

Ticker: VTI

Expense ratio: 0.03%

Notes: Instead of tracking around 500 stocks, this fund invests in around 3,500 US stocks. To a degree, that means more diversification. However, since it's a cap-weighted strategy like the others, the largest stocks in the market like Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft still make up a large chunk of the fund.

State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF

Ticker: SPTM

Expense ratio: 0.03%

Notes: This one is a bit of a mix between an S&P 500 fund and VTI, as it tracks 1,500 US companies across all market-cap levels. It captures about 90% of the US market.

iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF

Ticker: ITOT

Expense ratio: 0.03%

Notes: Tracks the 2,500 stocks in the S&P Total Market Index. It's also cap-weighted, so there's a lot of overlap with the other funds listed above and a strong weighting toward mega-cap tech.

Spanx might have initially made its name for its iconic shapwear, but the brand has grown over the years to include stellar loungewear, activewear, everydays basics, and even workwear and jeans. The retailer offers everything from smoothing essentials to versatile wardrobe staples, so there's something for every kind of shopper. Prices can add up, but one of the easiest ways to save on your next order is by using one of the best Spanx coupon and promo codes we've tested.

Our style editors have tested several Spanx items over the years, and the brand has consistently impressed us. The Spanx Air Essentials Half-Zip and Wide Leg Pant are recommended in our roundup of the best sweatsuits for women, while the SuperSmooth Stretch Twill Slim Straight Pants top the charts in our guide to the best women's work pants. Our guide to the best women's workwear brands ranks Spanx as the top choice for comfort, and we're even fans of Spanx jeans.

The most reliable way to regularly lower the price of your cart is by applying a coupon, which is why we've scoured the internet for Spanx promo codes. We tested the best options to ensure they're still active at the time of writing and rounded them up below, with discounts reaching up to 20%.

Today's best Spanx coupons

Previous Spanx promo codes

Are there any other Spanx sales running at the moment?

You can find a full list of sales and markdowns at any time on the "Sale" page of the Spanx website. As of right now, Spanx is running the following promotions.

Use Spanx voucher codes on these items

Using the promo codes WELCOME15, ECOOKXSPANX, NASREENXSPANX, CARALYN15, XK15VMZH, SWCXSPANX, or NENAXSPANX can help you save 15% on some of our favorite Spanx apparel. The Air Essentials Half Zip costs $128, and the Air Essentials Wide Leg Pant currently costs $118. If you add one of the aforementioned coupon codes, you can bring the final cost of our favorite matching set down to around $209.

Or, if you're in the market for new workwear, you can test out the same codes on the Ponte Flare Pant, which currently costs $158, and get one of our favorite women's work pants for $134.

Are the deals from Spanx promo codes worth it?

The discounts available from Spanx promo codes are definitely worth it, with savings reaching up to 20% off your order. Over the time we've tracked Spanx discounts, the retailer has consistently had at least one active coupon, making these promo codes a reliable way to save. Sitewide sales are pretty rare, especially outside the holidays, which means that coupons are often the only way to save, especially on certain popular items that are rarely discounted.

If you do find a marked-down item, such as something from the sale section of the Spanx site, you can often save even more by combining the deal with one of the above coupon codes. Most coupon codes can't be applied to items marked Final Sale.

• Follow our Instagram page and WhatsApp channel for more deals and buying guides.

How to use Spanx voucher codes

Start by adding coupon-eligible items to your cart. Once viewing your cart, you can apply a coupon by pasting the voucher code into the text box that says "Promo code" and clicking "Apply." From there, continue to checkout to enter your shipping and billing information.

Can you stack Spanx coupons?

Spanx promo codes can't be stacked together. Only one coupon code can be applied per order. If you try to add a second coupon code, it will automatically replace the first discount code you entered.

Spanx promo code frequently asked questions

Does Spanx offer discounts for students, teachers, and the military?

At the time of writing, Spanx does not offer special discounts for students, teachers, or the military, so your best bet is to take advantage of their other coupons and deals.

If you're a student or educator, check out our roundups of the best student discounts and teacher discounts for more offers from your favorite brands.

What is Spanx's return policy?

Spanx allows returns for a full refund within 30 days of the original delivery date. All returned items must still have their original tags attached. You can visit the Spanx website to learn more about the retailer's return policy.

Does Spanx offer free shipping?

Spanx offers free standard shipping on orders of $75 or more in the US. If you spend less than $75, standard shipping is $7. Shoppers who opt for faster shipping (including basic, expedited, or overnight) will need to pay a fee of $15 to $30. Learn more about shipping rates on the Spanx website.

Can I use Spanx voucher codes in-store?

Typically, Spanx coupons are only valid for online purchases. That said, there may be some exceptions, so be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for the code you want to use.

Can I reuse a Spanx coupon?

The majority of Spanx coupons are only valid for one use per customer. That said, there may be exceptions, so it's worth reading through the terms and conditions of the specific code you're hoping to use. Several of the codes we've highlighted offer 15% off, so you can always try using one code on your first order and another on your next purchase.

Looking for more style deals? Our guides to the best Abercrombie promo codes, Athleta coupon codes, and Madewell coupon codes can help lower prices at checkout.

• OpenAI wants a subject matter expert in investment banking.
• The job pays up to $205,000 plus potential equity.
• The posting shows how OpenAI wants to continue to make inroads in a lucrative enterprise space.

OpenAI is making a bigger play for investment banking.

The AI company is seeking someone with two or more years of investment experience to join its Applied AI team in San Francisco as a "subject matter expert."

"You will bring deep, current knowledge of how investment banking work is actually performed, including company and industry research, financial analysis and modeling, valuation, diligence, transaction execution, and the creation and review of client materials," the company wrote in its description of the role.

Base pay starts at $185,000 a year and can go up to $205,000 with equity offers on top of the salary. OpenAI announced last month that it had privately taken the first step toward a long-expected IPO, sweetening the pot of any potential equity offer.

The job will "define the quality bar for AI-assisted investment banking work," OpenAI wrote, making it clear that whoever takes the position will play a key role in evaluating the capabilities of future AI models.

"Work closely with product teams to identify the highest-value opportunities for AI in investment banking, prototype new workflows using OpenAI tools, and assess whether early experiences meet the needs of real users," the description reads.

As for experience, OpenAI is looking for someone with "live transaction execution and the production of high-quality analyses, financial models, and client materials" in addition to a clear understanding of every rung of the investment banking ladder.

"Understand how work and judgment evolve from junior analyst through director, and can identify where AI should automate execution, support decision-making, or remain subject to human review," the job description reads.

OpenAI's job search underscores the fierce competition among AI companies for a lucrative slice of the enterprise market.

In May, Anthropic announced 10 new agents to streamline Wall Street-type gruntwork. According to a presentation by the OpenAI rival, financial services is the second-largest industry by enterprise revenue, with tech still leading the way.

When OpenAI released GPT-5.5 in April, the company highlighted the AI model's knowledge work capabilities, including how internal teams were using it for financial-related tasks. OpenAI is ready to release GPT-5.6 widely, but has paused those plans at the Trump administration's behest.

Investment banks are already pouring billions into technology, with a focus largely on AI. As Business Insider previously reported, JPMorgan Chase, the largest US bank by assets, is spending $18 billion a year on technology with a central focus on AI. Goldman Sachs is spending $6 billion this year on technology alone.

Goldman has backed OpenAI's Deployment Company venture and was listed in April as a partner in building out OpenAI's Trusted Access for Cyber program.

OpenAI's program came on the heels of rival Anthropic's release of the Claude Mythos Preview to a select group of organizations as part of Project Glasswing. JPMorgan was an early partner in Anthropic's project, which has since expanded to more than 150 organizations across more than 15 countries.

• Toyota announced a $3.6 billion expansion at its Texas truck assembly plant.
• Trump said the investment came because of his policies: "That's what tariffs do."
• The investment comes as the US, Mexico, and Canada enter negotiations on potential changes to USMCA.

Toyota is planning a $3.6 billion expansion of its Texas truck assembly plant. President Donald Trump took credit for the investment.

On Monday, the automaker announced the multibillion-dollar investment to add a second vehicle assembly line at its San Antonio manufacturing campus to support production of the Tacoma pickup. Toyota said the expansion project would shift some of the midsize truck's production from its Mexico plants to San Antonio over roughly 4 years. Toyota will still build some Tacoma models and the Corolla in Mexico.

While Toyota did not attribute the expansion to tariffs in its announcement and the company is not fully exiting production in Mexico, Trump said the fresh investment was a sign that his tariffs were working.

"It came over the wires that Toyota is moving out of Mexico into the United States, and building one of the biggest truck and car plants ever built," Trump said on Tuesday during a visit to Ankara, Turkey. "It's amazing. That's what tariffs do, properly used."

Toyota said the investment will create 2,000 jobs and add 2.5 million square feet to the site, doubling the company's Texas footprint by 2030.

On Monday, Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, said the investment reflected the company's "confidence in the region's workforce, innovation, and long-term growth potential."

The move gives Trump a high-profile example of a well-recognized company creating manufacturing jobs. His administration has argued that tariffs incentivize companies — particularly automakers — to reshore manufacturing in America and reduce reliance on foreign production.

Toyota's announcement also comes amid major uncertainty for automakers with plants in North America. The USMCA — the trilateral free trade pact between the US, Canada, and Mexico struck during Trump's first term — is under review after the US declined to renew the treaty in its current form on July 1. The Trump administration is reportedly pushing to change the agreement so 50% of all automotive parts and manufacturing would happen in the US.

Toyota also nodded to that trade uncertainty in its release, saying it remained committed to operations in all three countries while encouraging "a quick resolution to USMCA" to keep North America globally competitive.

• Jeremy Grantham says the odds of a SpaceX stock crash are high.
• The GMO cofounder raised concerns about SpaceX's valuation and the company's ambitious goals.
• SpaceX's planned projects are "utterly inconceivable" to most "serious physicists," Grantham said.

Count Jeremy Grantham among the SpaceX skeptics.

The investing titan and GMO cofounder said it is highly likely that shares of SpaceX will plunge one day. Speaking to Morningstar this week, Grantham shares a number of concerns about Elon Musk's rocket company, including those related to itys valuation, its lofty space exploration goals, and general doubts about the productivity benefits of AI.

SpaceX shares have cooled after their initial post-IPO surge, hovering close to levels around $150, which is where the stock began trading on June 12 after its IPO. The stock joined the Nasdaq 100 index on Tuesday.

"If its price is justified, we live in a strange world, and we'll be lucky not to be bossed around by our automaton friends," Grantham said, referring to Tesla's humanoid robots, which SpaceX CEO Musk has said he plans to send to Mars on a SpaceX spacecraft.

"And if it's much more likely to have a crash — both ways it will be historically notable — and I would bet at least 90% on the second," the billionaire investor said.

Questions about SpaceX's valuation have been swirling since before it went public. SpaceX is the seventh most valuable public company in the world, despite losing nearly $6 billion in 2025.

In its S-1 filing, the company also estimated it had a total addressable market of $28.5 trillion, 90% of which it said was driven by AI.

Grantham said valuation figures were "just amazing" when looking at the firm's total addressable market projection, considering that its AI products were a "third-rate" offering when compared to products from Anthropic and OpenAI.

Second, Grantham took issue with SpaceX's space exploration plans. In its S-1 filing, the firm outlined several of its ambitions, including its goals to mine asteroids, build data centers to orbit the earth, and establish a colony on Mars.

Most of those goals are considered to be "utterly inconceivable" by "serious physicists," Grantham said.

Finally, he raised concerns about how the expected productivity gains from AI in general might be unrealistic, hobbling the AI component of SpaceX's growth story.

"It will be amazing, by the way, if it doesn't collapse, because it will need such massive developments on AI that our entire lives are totally different," he said. "And here we are promising—I mean, some people are saying it'll be 10%, 20% a year productivity—I mean, they have no idea what they're talking about."

Grantham is known as a permabear on Wall Street, frequently making dire predictions for markets. In recent years, he's repeatedly sounded the alarm for a stock bubble and a steep stock crash, even as equities posted back-to-back years of double-digit gains.

• Halfway through 2026, big-name hedge funds have mostly performed well.
• Managers like Millennium and Point72 benefited from a resurgent stock market in the second quarter.
• Few managers can match the S&P 500 index's nearly 10% return through the year's first half, though.

A blockbuster quarter for equities helped fuel strong returns from big-name hedge funds.

Through the first six months of 2026, the most closely watched space in the industry — the large-scale multistrategy managers such as Millennium, Point72, and Schonfeld — has performed well.

Here are some highlights:

• Point72 returned 3.4% in June, pushing Steve Cohen's firm's first-half returns to 14.5%, a person close to the manager told Business Insider.
• Millennium is up 10.5% for 2026's first six months, a person close to the fund told Business Insider, after a gain of 4.1% in June.
• Schonfeld posted a 2.5% gain in June, bringing the manager's flagship to 8.4% for the first half of the year.

Investors began pricing in an Iran-war resolution at the very end of March. The result was a market bottom that lined up perfectly with the start of a new quarter. The S&P 500 rose 15% for the period, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 surged 28%. Not to mention, SpaceX started trading publicly after the biggest IPO in history.

The S&P 500 finished the first half of 2026 up close to 10%. While that's outpaced most hedge funds, some managers' equity-only options have outperformed. Schonfeld's Fundamental Equities fund, for example, is up 12.3% in the first half after a 3.6% gain last month, a person close to the manager said.

Firms mentioned in the story and the table below declined to comment.

This story was originally published on July 1 at 1:18 PM. New figures have been added to the table below as they have been learned.

• I traveled to a remote part of Sweden to celebrate my friend's 30th birthday with 25 strangers.
• We quickly bonded through late-night conversations as we disconnected in the Swedish countryside.
• Pushing myself outside my comfort zone reminded me how rewarding it can be to embrace the unknown.

When my college friend invited me to Sweden for her 30th birthday, I didn't hesitate to say yes. In fact, I booked my flight to Europe within an hour of receiving her invitation in the mail.

Her camp-themed celebration was set to take place over a summer weekend in the small, remote town of Björkasjö, Sweden. My friend had rented a massive 7,000-square-foot house that once operated as an actual summer camp, so group meals, camp-inspired games, and lake swims were part of the plan.

I'm always eager to plan my next adventure, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate her milestone birthday. However, as the trip approached and the guest list was finalized, I recognized only my friend's and her sister's names.

Soon, I realized I'd basically be spending the weekend off the grid in another country with 25 strangers.

After a bit of solo travel, I connected with the group and formed fast friendships

Before the weekend festivities began, I spent the day exploring Copenhagen on my own. I usually travel with friends or family, so kicking off my trip this way was yet another step outside of my comfort zone.

Despite being a Type-A planner, I had nothing arranged but a hotel room for the night. To my surprise, I wasn't lonely and really enjoyed the freedom of wandering the city on my own without a plan.

Following my solo day in Copenhagen, I hopped into a rental car with two other women who were also traveling to the same summer camp.

My friend had loosely connected us a few days before the trip, and although we had mutual friends from Minnesota, we didn't actually meet until we arrived in Europe.

I was worried the 2½ -hour drive into remote Sweden could be awkward, but we ended up talking and laughing the entire time, despite the jet lag.

As a Midwesterner now living in Florida, I always appreciate connecting with people who share those same roots. The three of us quickly bonded over McFlurries and chicken sandwiches at McDonald's during a very non-traditional Swedish fika.

Once we arrived at the camp compound, the three of us grabbed a room to share for the weekend. By that night, we were already swapping stories and getting ready together like we'd known each other longer than a day.

As people arrived from all over the US and Europe, conversations kept flowing.

The group ranged from recent college graduates in their mid-20s to married couples in their 30s expecting their first child. I loved meeting another military spouse, fellow alums from my college, and plenty of Taylor Swift fans.

Despite our different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, everyone was interested in getting to know each other.

Stepping away from the rest of the world truly allowed us to bond through deeper conversations. Instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone each night, I was engaging in interesting conversations with new friends and soaking in the peaceful Swedish countryside.

I was even surprised by how much I had in common with some of the recent Gen Z college graduates, despite our eight-year age gap. While they were building careers in bustling New York City, I was settling into a quieter life with my husband in Florida's Panhandle.

Although our lives looked very different, we found plenty to talk about, including a shared love of international travel.

Spending the weekend outdoors also pushed me outside my comfort zone

As promised, the birthday weekend was filled with nonstop fun, including a lot of late-night parties and day drinking. I was never really into the party scene in college, and I certainly don't have the same stamina at 30 that I did back then.

Some of the drinking games were completely new to me — and I couldn't decide if I felt young for joining in or old because I couldn't hang. I still pushed myself to keep up, knowing I didn't want to miss out on the experience.

Beyond the partying, I often found myself embracing new experiences I normally wouldn't have tried otherwise.

For instance, a cold midnight swim in the lake, which I later learned had leeches, isn't normally my idea of fun. As someone who isn't particularly outdoorsy, I never expected this to become one of my favorite memories of the trip.

Even still, I ran into the chilly water under the bright moonlight, laughing and smiling from ear to ear with new friends. And although I'm not much of a cook, I was also happy to jump into the kitchen and help prepare meals for the group.

By the end of the weekend, the 25 strangers didn't feel like strangers anymore

Knowing my friend had brought together a group of people she loved and cared about gave me the confidence I needed to go on this trip, and I'm grateful.

Opportunities to step out of my comfort zone like this are rare, and the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to say yes when they come up.

A few years ago, I would have felt overwhelmed at the idea of spending a weekend in another country with new people.

After this experience, I wouldn't hesitate to take the risk again. It reminded me that stepping into discomfort can create some of the most memorable travel experiences.

• To find the best ice-cream cake, I visited Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen, and Baskin-Robbins.
• Dairy Queen's cake was solid, but the one I got at Baskin-Robbins felt like a better value.
• Cold Stone Creamery's was the priciest, but it was the best for flavor and customization.

No celebration is complete without cake. But like many, I've grown tired of dry layers and waxy frosting. It wasn't until recently that I remembered ice-cream cake exists.

I hadn't eaten ice-cream cake for years, let alone ordered one online, but a quick search showed that the Dairy Queen, Cold Stone Creamery, and Baskin-Robbins of my childhood were still popular.

In a quest to discover the best, I customized a similar ice-cream cake at all three chains. To keep the playing field level, I requested the smallest-size celebration cake with "Happy Birthday" in blue letters.

The flavors and layers were based on my first stop, Dairy Queen, since it offered few customization options. I used its standard DQ Cakes Celebration Cake as the baseline.

Here's how the chains measured up.

Dairy Queen's "custom" cakes didn't feel all that custom to me.

My local Dairy Queen offered two types of ice-cream cake: DQ Cakes and DQ Blizzard Cakes, both with preset fillings.

For both, I'd be selecting a preset cake in terms of flavor and theme, but I could customize my message and choose its color.

All of the DQ Cakes consisted of chocolate soft serve on the bottom, fudge and chocolate crunchy bits in the middle, and vanilla soft serve on top, finished with white topping.

Some had colorful icing borders or designs featuring licensed characters, such as Disney princesses, but most were quite simple.

I selected the DQ Cakes Celebration Cake, which was finished with a white piped border and rainbow sprinkles.

The smallest available size was an 8-inch round, listed as serving eight to 10 people on the website.

My Cold Stone Creamery cake truly felt made-to-order.

Practically every element of this dessert was customizable, including the ice-cream flavor, cake type, middle layer, frosting, and toppings. I could even configure the side "crumbing" and add up to three free mix-ins.

With over a dozen ice-cream flavors, five middle-layer options, 10 frostings, and even more mix-ins, I was convinced anyone could create their dream combination.

The sky felt like the limit — until I tried ordering an ice-cream-only cake. That wasn't an option, as the chain required I choose yellow, red velvet, or devil's food cake.

To best mirror my Dairy Queen order, I picked devil's food chocolate cake as the base and French vanilla as the ice cream flavor. To try matching the middle, I selected Oreo cookies and hot fudge as mix-ins, plus hot fudge as a layer.

Finally, I added white frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

The smallest cake I could order was a 6-inch round, enough for up to eight partygoers, according to the website.

Baskin-Robbins' fudge-crunch filling cake gave me Dairy Queen déjà vu.

My local Baskin-Robbins had dozens of designs, but two main options for custom ice-cream cakes: one with ice cream and real cake, and another with ice cream and fudge-crunch filling.

For the former, I could choose one type of cake (from three options) and one ice cream flavor (from 35 options).

The latter was described as "two layers of rich ice cream, surrounding a layer of fudge and chocolate crunchies." I couldn't customize the ice-cream flavors, though: one was vanilla and the other was chocolate.

I ended up ordering the Baskin-Robbins' Celebration Party Cake with a fudge-crunch center, which seemed most similar to what I got at Dairy Queen.

The smallest size was a 4-by-8-inch rectangle; however, my store ran out of sheet cake. Unless I wanted to wait a week, a 9-inch round was the next smallest option, enough for 12 to 16 people, per the site.

Dairy Queen's cake was cute and classic.

None of the cakes were overly fancy, but Dairy Queen's cake appeared exceptionally clean, festive, and easy to read. I liked the whipped embellishments and vibrant sprinkles.

To me, $34.99 for an 8-inch cake felt like a solid deal.

Cold Stone Creamery's cake wasn't the widest, but it was the tallest.

Although small in diameter, Cold Stone's cake was stacked high with several thick layers.

Style-wise, it was the simplest of the three. The letters looked a little cramped, but I chalked it up to the 6-inch size being harder to decorate. I still found it festive.

Nonetheless, the $36.99 price tag hurt, given that the cake was technically 2 inches smaller than Dairy Queen's and 3 inches smaller than Baskin-Robbins'.

The Baskin-Robbins cake looked nothing like the photo.

Based on the photos in the online ordering menu, I expected rainbow sprinkles and bright, vivid colors. The cake didn't have either. I could accept the darker hues, but I really missed the sprinkles.

That said, the intricately piped frosting and sophisticated garnishes made up for it. And $35.99 for a 9-inch cake felt like a steal compared to the price at my previous stop.

I liked the Dairy Queen cake, but it didn't feel too special.

With smooth soft-serve and equal parts chocolate and vanilla flavors, Dairy Queen's cake checked some boxes. The whipped "frosting" added a light and fluffy finish.

I felt like I didn't get enough chocolate crunchies, though. And aside from a few globs pooled at the edges, the fudge was practically nonexistent.

To its credit, the cake's crunchy chocolate pieces had a deep, full-bodied flavor — better than Oreos, in my opinion. I just wish there were more, especially since the fudge-and-crunch center was the cake's claim to fame.

With only a thin middle layer and no actual cake, it felt like eating chocolate and vanilla soft serve in cake form.

Cold Stone Creamery's cake had a perfect mix of textures.

Cold Stone's towering dessert was the only cake that I thought truly earned its "custom" title.

In addition to the lettering, it had everything I selected: the cookie bits, hot-fudge swirls, and white frosting, plus my chosen cake and ice-cream flavors.

I enjoyed the crunch of the cookies, the sponginess of the cake, and the silkiness of the super-creamy ice cream. Better yet, the cake remained firm, not hard, and bouncy.

Disappointment came in the form of hot fudge (or lack thereof). Until I looked closely and saw a thin line, I assumed the chain had forgotten to add it. However, since the vanilla ice cream contained hot fudge, I let the miniscule layer slide.

The Baskin-Robbins cake tasted exceptionally chocolaty.

At first glance, the inside of Baskin-Robbins' ice-cream cake appeared identical to Dairy Queen's. Different from Dairy Queen, however, Baskin-Robbins went heavy on the fudge and extra-light on the crunch.

The fudge formed a thick, almost chocolate-bar-like layer over the ice cream, giving the cake a nice balance of softness and structure.

Crunchy chocolate cookies would have been a welcome addition, though honestly, the cake didn't need much more chocolate.

Vanilla paled in the background, even with disproportionately more vanilla ice cream than chocolate. As a chocoholic, I enjoyed the intense flavor, but it wouldn't be for everyone.

Price-wise, Baskin-Robbins' cake felt like the best deal.

All of these felt pricey compared to a regular sheet cake, but generally worth it for such a crowd-pleasing dessert.

My custom ice-cream cake cost $4.37 per inch at Dairy Queen, $6.17 per inch at Cold Stone Creamery, and $4 per inch at Baskin-Robbins.

If I were to assume I can get the maximum number of servings from each cake based on the chain's provided estimates, Baskin-Robbins is also the best value at $2.25 per serving, compared to $3.50 at Dairy Queen and $4.62 at Cold Stone Creamery.

All things considered, I'd take the estimated servings with a grain of salt, especially since they are a bit vague and vary quite a bit among chains.

For example, Cold Stone Creamery says its 8-inch round serves up to 14, and Dairy Queen says its 8-inch round serves eight to 10. This is likely because the former's cake is much taller with more layers.

For an ice-cream-only cake, I'd choose Baskin-Robbins …

Baskin-Robbins' cake didn't look quite how I'd hoped it would, but it was a solid pick that offered a great value.

The rich, flavorful ice cream felt more substantial than Dairy Queen's soft serve, which mattered when the entire cake was made of it.

Although I wished for more cookie bits, the fudge made up for it. And if I were in a time crunch, Baskin-Robbins had plenty of premade options, too.

… but between the three chains, Cold Stone Creamery stole the show.

It may have been the priciest per inch, but if I'm paying at least $35 for a custom ice-cream cake, I'd rather spend on something unique and made-to-order.

The Cold Stone Creamery dessert had actual cake, the most velvety ice cream, and endless customizable features, including more than 35 mix-in options and a dozen ice-cream flavors.

Above all else, this chain's ice cream tasted the best, in my opinion.

And, although I was skeptical at first, the springy devil's food cake made this dessert feel complete.

Plus, it could reasonably be left out for a bit if needed, thanks to the substantial bottom layer. I couldn't say the same about the Dairy Queen or Baskin-Robbins cakes, which began melting the minute they hit the plate.

Practicality-wise, the small size option was another perk. Because of its impressive height, the 6-inch cake felt like more than enough for a typical group of eight or so.

All of the chains had tasty cakes, but for a truly personalized experience and a chocolate-fudge-crunch-vanilla situation done right, I'd pick Cold Stone every time. I can forgive the price tag.

• This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter.
• You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.

Microsoft is rethinking its gaming business, and one of its first steps is shedding staff.

The tech giant laid off 4,800 employees on Monday, accounting for roughly 2.1% of its global workforce. The cuts, which BI's Ashley Stewart first reported last week, mostly impact Microsoft's sales and Xbox business.

Xbox accounted for 1,600 cuts on Monday, with the gaming division aiming to ultimately shed 3,200 jobs during the current fiscal year, which ends in June. That's 20% of Xbox's workforce.

New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma didn't hold back when explaining why it's taking such drastic measures.

"Our business today is not healthy," Sharma wrote in the email to staff. "We are operating at margins that are 3—10x lower than comparable platform and publishing businesses."

Sharma, who was named CEO earlier this year, highlighted the challenges with Xbox's aggressive expansion of its studio portfolio. She said in a typical year it loses 64 cents for every dollar it invests.

Changes include a newly formed COO role focused on P&L, along with an organizational flattening that'll ideally have no more than three layers of management. Sharma said teams will have makers, player-coaches and directly responsible individuals, who own key decisions.

"History is full of companies that mistake longevity for inevitability. We will not be one of them," Sharma wrote.

Things aren't going well for the wider gaming industry.

BI's Sarah E. Needleman reports on why Xbox's challenges are representative of bigger problems plaguing the whole video-game industry.

Sony's decision to scrap physical PlayStation discs in favor of digital downloads starting in 2028 has led to backlash. Fans and even some legendary game developers raised issue with the decision

Part of the beef with the digital-only switch is a fear that Sony could cut access to games people already purchased. (That exact scenario recently happened with Sony pulling access to more than 500 StudioCanal titles due to licensing agreements.)

There's also the secondary market. Users wouldn't be able to resell a game they don't have a physical copy of.

The memory shortage is also complicating things, with Xbox among the retailers raising prices. Gaming analysts previously told BI's Ben Shimkus that it's starting to make games feel more like a luxury hobby than a fun pastime.

The gaming industry could get a major level-up soon: Grand Theft Auto VI.

The massively popular crime-drama series is releasing its first new installment in 13 years this fall in what is expected to be the biggest video game release of all time. GTA VI is the type of game that can pull a lot of people back into gaming, and even convince them to buy a new console to play it.

But the increased attention is coming as the industry navigates a memory shortage and a major console attempts an overhaul.

Ultimately, GTA's success might not lift the rest of the industry. Big fires burn bright, but they need a lot of oxygen to grow. I talked about some of my concerns on my TikTok a few weeks ago.

Whatever the case I'll be watching … and playing.

• SpaceX joined the Nasdaq 100 index today, weeks after its record-breaking IPO.
• The end of a quiet period has also unleashed the first wave of SpaceX analyst ratings.
• Wall Street has largely bought into Elon Musk's sci-fi ambitions, with analysts signaling a bullish stock outlook.

SpaceX has blasted off, and now Wall Street thinks the stars are the limit.

Elon Musk's rocket company made its debut on the Nasdaq 100 index on Tuesday, weeks after raising $85.7 billion in the largest IPO in history.

Joining the Nasdaq opens SpaceX to a wave of passive buying, with investors who hold funds that track the index automatically gaining exposure to SpaceX.

A post-IPO share rally pushed SpaceX's valuation as high as $2.9 trillion, but the stock price has gone into retreat in recent weeks. SpaceX's market cap dropped below $2 trillion shortly after markets opened on Tuesday.

Tuesday also saw Wall Street give its verdict on Elon Musk's sci-fi ambitions for the company.

Big Wall Street firms like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and UBS have been restricted from making analyst calls on SpaceX stock by the so-called "quiet period" for banks that underwrote the IPO.

That quiet period has now expired, and some banks have broken cover with bullish calls and sky-high price targets. Here's what analysts are saying.

• Goldman Sachs thinks the next phase of the HALO trade will be driven by earnings.
• Its analysts say that investors are "under-positioned" ahead of HALO trade's next chapter.
• They're bullish on capital intensive companies in infrastructure, basic materials, and defense.

Goldman Sachs says that one of the market's hottest trades is entering a new phase—and investors might not be ready to take advantage.

In a note, Goldman Analyst Guillaume Jaisson examined the HALO trade, a term coined by Ritholtz Wealth Management CEO Josh Brown that's short for "heavy assets, low obsolescence," and which describes capital intensive companies that own a lot of physical assets. In a July 7 note to investors, he laid out the opportunity he sees as the HALO trade enters its next phase of growth.

"Tactical positioning risks exist after a strong rally and the increasing correlation of HALO with the Momentum factor," Jaisson wrote. "However, longer-term allocations remain heavily skewed away from Value, suggesting investors remain under-positioned for a world in which physical assets, infrastructure and industrial capacity regain strategic importance."

Goldman has been bullish on the HALO trade for much of this year, as conditions shift from asset-light businesses like software makers, to asset-heavy companies in areas like infrastructure, manufacturing, and defense. It's a trade that's held up through bouts of volatility brought on by events like the Iran war.

"Outperformance has been strong, and the shock ultimately reinforced our view," Jaisson said. "The HALO pair trade, expressed as long Capital Intensive (GSSTCAPI) vs short Capital Light (GSSTCAPL) companies, is up around 20% year to date."

The analyst acknowledged the selloff at the start of the Iran war, sparked by investors who wanted to minimize exposure to companies exposed to global trade. However, capital intensive stocks at the heart of the HALO trade have since surpassed their pre-war levels and out-performed their capital-light peers.

Now his team sees a new phase of growth approaching, one that could spark even stronger momentum for these companies in the near term.

"Capital Intensive stocks have significantly outperformed Capital Light stocks, driving a substantial convergence in valuations," he added. "Going forward, we expect returns to be increasingly driven by earnings."

Jaisson noted that his team is now more confident in certain sectors such as energy security and industrial sovereignty. He added that Goldman's stock analysts are primarily in agreement, as they maintain Buy ratings on half the stocks in his team's Capital Intensive basket.

Goldman flagged a handful of sectors and stocks that are part of the HALO trade. They include: infrastructure (Enel, E.ON), Basic materials Materials (Shell, BP), Aerospace & Defense (Airbus, Rheinmetall) manufacturing and consumer platforms (Volvo, BMW) and the physical layer of technology (ASML Holding, ASM International).

• NATO revealed plans on Tuesday to quintuple its number of trained drone operators by the end of 2027.
• It's part of an initiative that will also include major investments in counter-drone capabilities.
• The move comes as Western militaries increasingly look to prepare for modern battlefields.

NATO unveiled plans on Tuesday for a fivefold increase in trained drone operators by the end of 2027, part of efforts to prepare allies for the kind of conflict that's unfolding in Ukraine.

Mark Rutte, NATO's secretary general, announced the new "Drone Edge" initiative, which will include more than $40 billion in investments from allies in counter-drone capabilities over the next five years.

"Allies are also committing to train five times as many drone operators in their armed forces by the end of 2027," Rutte said at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum in Ankara.

NATO will launch a counter-drone marketplace so that allies can buy new technology at scale and fast. The project could resemble a Ukrainian digital platform that allows soldiers and units to purchase weaponry from drones to electronic warfare systems.

NATO said its Flight Training Europe program, which "facilitates all aircrew training" for 20 allies at centers across Europe, will be extended to cover training for drone operators.

"Drones have fundamentally altered, as we all know, the character of modern warfare, Rutte said, pointing to recent conflicts. "They have become a decisive factor on the battlefield. This is clear from what we see in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and across the alliance."

"Allies themselves have seen repeated drone incursions," Rutte added. "In response, NATO is rapidly expanding our ability to deploy and operate drones at scale." He said that NATO is also focused on building strong counter-drone defenses.

The battlefield in Ukraine has featured a wide range of drones, from fixed-wing strike and reconnaissance aircraft to smaller first-person-view quadcopters and interceptors for air defense.

The training timeline really depends on the drone. Ukrainian operators previously told Business Insider that learning to fly an FPV drone, for example, can take up to a month. Once a pilot has that foundation, they said, learning to operate an interceptor can take just a few days. British forces, recalling lessons from the Ukrainians, shared that it takes at least 60 hours of hard work.

Business Insider recently visited the Killhouse Academy in Ukraine, where thousands of soldiers and civilians have been learning the basics of FPV piloting over short courses. The program underscores how drones have seeped into the whole of society.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, said that his country has the world's "largest and the most advanced drone warfare capability."

Although NATO doesn't face the same wartime pressures that Kyiv does, Ukrainian officials and conflict experts have said that the West must better prepare for a modern battlefield — and do so with urgency.

NATO militaries are increasingly adding offensive and defensive drones to their arsenals, and the operator training program announced Tuesday could help allies prepare for future conflicts shaped by these systems.

"We are building a drone-ready alliance," Rutte said, "leveraging the latest innovative technologies, investing in our transatlantic defense industries, and learning real-world lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine."

• We left Canada so my 80-year-old wife could get a master's at the University of Cambridge.
• My visa limited my work opportunities, our budget is tight, and I've taken on all household chores.
• I feel out of place here, but I know this is a temporary hardship for my wife's dream.

Just before her 80^th birthday, my wife, Susan, was accepted into a master's program at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

This would not be her first degree, but earning one from such a prestigious academic institution is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Pursuing this dream has been daunting. Not only does completing a master's in only nine months seem nearly impossible, but we've also temporarily relocated from our home in British Columbia.

Although Susan was born in the UK, she's considered an international student — tuition and fees for this degree are tens of thousands of dollars.

Still, my role is to support her as she embarks on this great challenge.

Our income has been reduced and I've taken on all of the household responsibilities

Susan and I have both always worked, often seven days a week.

After decades of managing not-for-profit organizations, I'd moved into freelance writing, and we'd been operating a successful dog-walking business. Susan has also taught piano to eager students around Vancouver for many years.

However, my wife is now focused on her studies. And as I'm in the UK on a tourist visa, my options for working are extremely limited, and I can't get a job locally.

We have pensions and some retirement savings, but this has been a bigger challenge than expected, especially amid relocation costs and tuition bills.

Unable to do much work during our time in the UK, my plans were to read lots of books and finish the memoir I've been writing for several years. What happened has been much more mundane: I have become a bit of a stay-at-home husband.

I cook, I clean, I shop for groceries. I do laundry and am careful not to place Susan's more delicate garments in the dryer. I take out the garbage and recycling, I pick up and return books at the University library, and I keep track of meetings, appointments, and doctor visits in my calendar.

We'd always shared these jobs and responsibilities, but now they're almost entirely my domain while she focuses on her studies.

I'm also the in-house proofreader and editor, and Susan's person to bounce ideas off of. When her workload seems most overwhelming, I'm the person who shuts up and just listens.

My entire life revolves around Susan's schedule and requirements, and my own goals and needs have become secondary.

I often feel I don't belong in Cambridge, though a new hobby has helped

It didn't take long for me to learn that I have no real place in Cambridge. This feeling began at the college gym nearest our home for the year, a beige-painted apartment in student housing.

Susan's keycard opens the door for her. My "partner" card doesn't, so I can only work out when she does. More frustrating was realizing that not only would my card not open the door to get me into the gym, but also it wouldn't unlock the door to let me exit. If there were no one else in the gym, I'd be trapped.

Furthermore, Cambridge is a town famously devoted to students and faculty. Because I don't fit in either of those boxes, I'm excluded from all sorts of facilities and events, including free concerts and lectures I see advertised that happen inside colleges that I'm not allowed to enter.

Worse for me was realizing that because I wasn't part of the University, I also rarely fit into conversations. When I meet someone locally, their ice-breaker question is always "What are you studying?"

"Um, nothing. I'm Susan's husband." turned out to be a very fast way to end a conversation. I've adapted that to, "Oh, I'm Susan's plus-one…", with a laugh, followed quickly by, "… and I'm working on a memoir." That literary pretense is often enough to establish my legitimacy with Susan's classmates.

After three or four months, I realized that this lack of a place to be, or a role to play, was making me terribly unhappy. Susan was entirely consumed by her studies, and I couldn't in good conscience expect her to fix this.

So, on my 70th birthday, I came up with a solution of my own: taking up flying.

I began taking lessons nearby, and although the hobby is satisfying, it also reinforces the box I'm living in.

Gliding lessons have to fit around Susan's life, and because we don't have a car in Cambridge, I need to find people who can give me a ride to the airfield, which is 45 minutes from our student home.

Because it takes me away from Susan and takes up a large part of my depleted income, gliding also makes me feel guilty.

As much as I love soaring through the skies over the green English countryside, I keep being reminded that we're here for Susan, not for me.

And even among the pilots, I find myself surrounded by retirees from the University and students from its gliding club. Once again, I don't quite fit into either group.

Ultimately, these temporary discomforts are worth dealing with to see my wife's dreams come true

Susan and I have always supported each other's passions — that's what has made our marriage successful — but this new arrangement has been a challenge.

However, it is temporary. In a few months' time, when we return home to Canada after Susan has completed her degree, I'll be able to continue my writing work, and Susan will return to teaching.

Our budget won't feel as strapped, and we'll be back with our friends and community in Canada. We'll probably return to our more balanced division of labor, taking turns who shops for groceries and cooks dinner.

And hopefully I'll finally finish — and publish — my memoir.

Part of the memoir I'm writing looks closely at my mother's life as the wife of my father. A bit like me during this time, she didn't have a job and had less money than she really needed. She was stuck at home as a housewife, cooking, cleaning, and raising us kids.

My mom worked tirelessly to make sure that we were happy and secure. Like her, I'm going to great lengths to support someone I love, giving up part of my own life to make Susan's dream come true.

If there's one lesson that I'll take home from Cambridge, it is that this is often the greatest gift that you can give a loved one.

• The mid-1870s were a period of significant cultural, economic, and technological transformation.
• During this time, people dressed in formal fashion and traveled by steamboat, buggy, or railroad.
• Sports became increasingly popular as people took more interest in leisure activities.

As America approached it 100th birthday in 1876, the nation was on the precipice of a major transformation.

The Second Industrial Revolution was ushering in new industries, innovations, and cultural shifts. It fueled the Gilded Age, and the fast accumulation of enormous wealth was reshaping American society.

Interest in leisure and sports began to rise, a middle class emerged, with the Civil Rights Act of 1875 offering hope — albeit short-lived — to African American communities.

Everyday life also looked different. People dressed in formal apparel as a norm, traveled by steamboat and buggy, and communicated via the then-emerging telegrams.

Take a look back in history to see what life was like 150 years ago, from family life and fashion to transportation and food.

In the 1870s, families were experiencing significant changes as the Second Industrial Revolution moved people from farmland to cities.

After the Civil War, America entered its Second Industrial Revolution. During this time, cities became the place to find a job as factories popped up in urban areas. This sparked a great change in the family dynamic.

Before this time period, families mostly lived on farmland and made a living off their land. But from 1870 to 1920, millions of people moved to cities.

As more people moved into the cities, daily life became crowded and unsafe for some.

People crammed into the streets of New York City 150 years ago, crowding the city. This marked the beginning of tenement housing, which packed entire families into one-room apartments. Most lived in squalor and in unsafe environments.  

"It was all very dense, very crowded, and unregulated — conditions that fostered disease and inhumane living conditions," the New York Public Library reported.

At the same time, people were moving west as train lines expanded.

Once the railroads were completed after the Civil War, many people moved out west to settle and farm the open land. While some think of these people as cowboys, the Library of Congress debunked that narrative: The people who moved out west experienced tough lifestyles, including "long, hard hours of labor, poor living conditions, and economic hardship."

The country's demographics were changing, too, as thousands of people immigrated from Europe.

To combat poverty and hardships, many immigrated to the United States in hopes of a better life. From 1870 to 1900, 12 million people immigrated to the country, per the Library of Congress. At that time, the majority of immigrants were coming from Germany, Ireland, and England.

Around 70% of immigrants entered the US via New York City's Ellis Island during the first half of the 20th century.

African Americans had been freed from slavery a decade prior, but this freedom was still severely limited.

Slavery had been made illegal in 1865 by the ratification of the 13th Amendment, and, in 1870, the US government passed the 15th Amendment, which granted African Americans the right to vote, although many were still unable to do so due to other discriminatory laws in place.

The 15th Amendment states, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Five years later, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 passed, prohibiting discrimination against African Americans in public places, including transportation and accommodations, but it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court just eight years later. It took nearly a century for the principles to be passed into law.

Many African Americans were still unable to vote, and they were pushed into squalor.

Throughout the 1870s and for decades to come, multiple practices were implemented to stop Black people from exercising their right to vote. In some ways, African Americans were free, but in many ways, they were disfranchised.

It would be nearly 100 years before many people of color could exercise their right to vote, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Voting Rights Amendments in 1975.

Children spent most of their time in one-room schoolhouses.

Before 1870, public education was not a priority. But between 1870 and 1900, attendance at public schools doubled, as people saw the value of an educated society. In fact, the growing number of immigrant families in the US prompted the need for public schools as assimilation efforts demanded accessible education for children across the US.

Public schools were often one room and housed children of all ages. Students learned math, reading, writing, geography, and history. 

For families who were extremely poor, children would sometimes forgo schooling and instead join the workforce to help the family's finances.

When not in school, children played with dolls that they made themselves.

Most parents 150 years ago would make toys out of items lying around the house. During this time, rag dolls were popular.

If you were wealthier, however, you would have access to handcrafted toys. Abroad, children played with dolls made of china, train sets, and soldiers. It was also common for children to play with toys that represented a story from the Bible.

Women's fashion was dramatic and elegant, with details focused on the back.

In the 1870s, women's dresses tended to swoop towards the back and bunch around the buttocks, according to the Fashion Institute of Technology. It was also common that the dress fell flat against the abdomen. The princess waistline, which was achieved by wearing a tight corset, was also popular during this time period.

Menswear of 150 years ago was also more formal.

Some men during this time period also used canes or walking sticks as fashion accessories.

For getting around, the horse and buggy was a popular option.

By the mid-1870s, traveling by horse and buggy had become the most popular mode of transport.

It allowed the whole family to go for a ride.

The Spring Wagon is just one model that people used. It was a carriage that had two benches with one behind the other, per Britannica. 

It wouldn't be until decades later, in 1908, that the Ford Model T popularized automobile transportation.

The steamboat was another popular mode of transport during this time.

The first steamboat was launched in 1807, so by 1870, the industry had largely taken off.

"Steamboats dominated American river transportation," the National Museum of American History wrote.

The upstream and downstream systems allowed people to transport goods and people at a faster and cheaper rate.

The mid-1870s saw the rapid expansion of railroad systems.

Before 1871, 45,000 miles of railroad track had already been laid in the US, but from 1871 to 1900, the country laid another 170,000 miles, according to the Library of Congress. As the transcontinental railroads crisscrossed the US, train travel became popular.

The railroad also gave people access to different types of food.

During the 1870s, people gained access to foods that were previously unavailable in their geographical areas. People on the East Coast could suddenly consume oranges from California, beef from Wyoming, and fresh milk. 

This led to an expansion in the American diet beyond the previous regional bounds.

Luxury train travel began taking off as elites' wealth grew exponentially.

Right at the peak of the Gilded Age glamor, the 1870s saw the launch of luxury train cars by the Pullman Palace Car Company, which produced high-end rail travel options for the wealthiest passengers following its launch in the 1860s.

During this time, women started buying commercially prepared items to eat.

Grocery stores like Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company and the A&P opened in the mid-1800s, and they gained popularity by the 1870s.

Around this time, women started buying mass-produced groceries instead of making their own, and "five and dime" stores also became popular around this time period for the same reason.

Many people bought clothing and goods from a catalog called Montgomery Ward.

About 150 years ago, Aaron Montgomery Ward started a mail-order business by publishing a catalog that featured appliances, furniture, and clothing. It quickly took off and became a popular means of retail for people in the 1870s.

New leisure activities, like cycling, were becoming popular.

Cycling got its start 150 years ago, but it became a national craze in 1890 when women began using bicycles as a tool to mobilize themselves freely, per the Smithsonian.

Tennis was also a popular sport 150 years ago.

People who belonged to the upper and middle classes loved to play tennis and golf.

Lawn tennis, which originated in England, spread in the US throughout the 1870s. The New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club — widely considered the first tennis club in the US — was founded in 1876.

At the same time, baseball rose in popularity in various US cities.

Throughout the US, baseball gained momentum during the 1870s after emerging a few decades earlier in 1846, when the first official baseball game was held in Hoboken, New Jersey.

In 1876, the National League was created by executive and later president of the Chicago White Stockings, William Hulbert.

College football was another sport that gained popularity during this time.

The first intercollegiate football match took place in 1869 between Rutgers University and Princeton University, per NJ.com, but it wasn't until the mid-1870s that college football began gaining popularity across the country.

The first Harvard-Yale football match was held in 1875, and the rivalry between the elite schools brought attention to the game.

With a newfound interest in leisure activities, the US held the first Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby got its start 150 years ago, in 1875. Today, the sporting event is still held in Louisville, Kentucky, and is considered an American tradition.

The period also saw the rise of shooting as a hobby for many across the US.

Considered "America's oldest active gun club," per its website, the Massachusetts Rifle Association was founded in 1875.

Just a few years earlier, in 1871, the National Rifle Association had been founded in New York.

By the late 1890s, shooting competitions began taking off.

Telecommunications saw great improvements during this time.

By 1875, telecommunications technologies had been developing, with telegrams becoming increasingly popular and efficient since the widespread adoption of Morse code messages in the 1840s.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone, which allowed people to speak across long distances and revolutionized modern communications.

Founded by the inventor, the Bell Telephone Company eventually became what today is AT&T, per the company's website.

• My daughter was born in January 2026, so she is eligible for a Trump Account with $1,000.
• I spoke to financial advisors before setting up an account for her in May.
• The investment popped up in her profile on the Trump Accounts app on July 6.

I've never been much of a numbers guy. Until recently, my approach to money was what I'd call vibes-based accounting: save a bit each month, contribute to my 401(k), try to cook at home instead of ordering in, and occasionally ignore my better judgment in favor of martinis and Cos shirts.

Then I had a baby.

Since my daughter was born in January, every dollar feels higher-stakes. A $43 Thai takeout on Uber Eats? That's 200 diapers or several cans of formula. Or money that should probably be going into some kind of account because apparently responsible parents are constantly opening accounts.

I'm also staring down a roughly $40,000 hospital bill for a relatively uncomplicated birth and an eyewatering monthly sum for New York City daycare. Surely a Trump Account should rank lower on the list of priorities.

Earlier this year, my husband and I resolved to do some research into Trump Accounts — government-backed investment accounts seeded with $1,000 for eligible babies.

After calling some experts, we decided to go for it, filling out a 4547 form and downloading the Trump Accounts app.

We saw the $1,000 pop up in our daughter's account on July 6, two days after the program officially launched.

Here's how the sign-up process worked, and how we plan to use it.

What is a Trump Account?

The big selling point is that eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 receive $1,000 from the federal government in an investment account that grows over time.

Families can contribute additional money, and outside donors — including employers and philanthropies — may contribute too.

The accounts aren't quite like 529 college savings plans. They're more flexible, but also less tax-advantaged in some ways. The money can't be touched until the child turns 18. The child — not the parent — ultimately controls the money. And unlike emergency savings, the funds are locked away during the years when many families arguably need money most.

Why I'm opening one, but not contributing my own money just yet

I'm 35. My husband and I have student debt and almost no savings. We don't have family money or trust funds. Like a lot of millennials, we're trying to build stability while also raising a child in an increasingly unforgiving economy.

So, before signing up, I wanted to know whether opening a Trump Account was actually financially responsible.

I first spoke with Ray Boshara, a senior policy advisor at both Washington University's Center for Social Development and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, who has spent decades researching child savings accounts.

He argued the value of these accounts may not just be financial.

"We have a lot of research evidence showing that when kids have an asset in their name for their future, they develop what's called a college-bound identity," Boshara, whose 7-week-old grandson is newly eligible for a Trump Account himself, said. "They have a future orientation."

Research on child savings accounts has found that even relatively small amounts of money earmarked for a child's future can influence educational expectations and long-term planning.

So, while $1,000 is not going to transform my daughter's financial future, Boshara said the idea that she could grow up knowing money had been set aside in her name — however modest — could have meaningful, intangible benefits.

Shane Sideris, a financial advisor at Hello Nectarine, told me eligible families should probably claim the government's free $1,000 contribution. But beyond that, he said parents like us should prioritize debt repayment, emergency savings, and retirement first.

"As a parent, you should always put your own oxygen mask on first," he told me. "The most important thing you can do for your child is make sure you're never a financial burden to them."

To get the money, you need to fill out a 4547 form

To actually open the account, I went to InvestAmerica.org, a website designed for the program.

I was redirected to the IRS Trump Accounts portal and prompted to log in through ID.me, the identity verification platform used by the IRS and other government agencies.

The verification process was similar to setting up a banking app. I uploaded photos of my driver's license, then recorded a short live video selfie to confirm my identity.

After that, I had to fill out a 4547 form, a new form introduced by the IRS specifically for 530A Accounts, known colloquially as Trump Accounts. I entered my own information — name, address, and Social Security number — followed by my daughter's details.

The final page asked whether I wanted to opt into the pilot program providing eligible children with the government's $1,000 contribution. I hit yes. (That was the whole reason I was there.)

A green confirmation bar appeared: "Your application was submitted."

The glossy Trump Accounts app tracks your investments

The vibe of the Trump Accounts app is luxury-coded — serif fonts and gold accents throughout. A notification about data sharing appears under an illustration of a gold-embossed envelope that's slightly open. The prompt to turn on notifications comes with a gleaming gold bell.

The tagline on the Apple App Store reads: "Invest in your child's future."

The sign-up page guides you through a hypothetical child's investment growth. First, a smiling 1-year-old appears next to "$1,000." Then the app flashes forward to a 5-year-old with "$4,800," a teenager with "$68,800," and finally an 18-year-old with "$112,000." (A footnote explains that those projections assume parents contribute $50 a month for five years, then $5,000 annually for the next 13.)

I signed up on May 28.

Just after 5 pm on Monday, July 6, I got a notification from the app that my daughter's money had been invested.

Sure enough, I opened the app to see $1,000 in her account, and a list of companies her money has been invested in. All contributions are automatically invested in SPYM, a fund with holdings such as NVIDIA, Amazon, and Microsoft.

How I feel now that I've signed up

So far, 6 million people have opened accounts for their children, with over 1.5 million opting in to receive the government's financial contribution, Time reported.

I still don't know whether we'll contribute beyond the initial $1,000.

Right now, our priorities are daycare, debt, and building the kind of emergency savings both experts told me matters more — at least 3 to 12 months of living expenses that we don't dip into.

Still, I'm glad I opened the account, not because I think it will magically secure my daughter's financial future, but because becoming a parent has thrown my vibes-based accounting into sharp relief. Maybe I could be a little more deliberate about dollars.

And if nothing else, I figured I probably shouldn't turn down free money from the government while paying New York City daycare prices.

• I left my job to spend time traveling with my father.
• Days later, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died.
• A year later, I'm returning to work after navigating grief and his estate.

One year ago, I left my job to travel with my father. Neither of us had taken a vacation in years; he was a widower living alone, and I was a journalist who had prioritized my career for 25 years.

A trip was something we had discussed after my mother unexpectedly died from cancer on Christmas 2021.

My father wanted to visit her family overseas to say "thank you" and "goodbye" in person. He was slowing down physically, and we agreed we should go together. Additionally, it would be nice for me to travel without having to check my email and alerts for breaking news.

He had lost significant weight

I drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco to meet my father and plan our next year of adventures. I immediately noticed something was wrong. He had lost considerable weight since I last saw him a few months prior. He told me he had food poisoning from a bad salad he had eaten weeks before.

"Food poisoning doesn't last for weeks," I replied.

Concerned, I took my father to urgent care the following day. Under the hospital's bright lights, his jaundice was apparent. Even the whites of his eyes had turned yellow.

My father was immediately admitted for testing and observation. Having gone through this process a few years prior with my mom, he instructed me to go home. Ironically, the new luggage I had bought for us was waiting on his doorstep when I returned.

He never walked through that front door again. He died in the hospital of pancreatic cancer 10 days later.

We didn't get to make new memories

Death certificates replaced passports. Instead of making new memories with dad, I desperately tried to hold onto the ones I had.

The weeks that followed were overwhelming. My brain, which had gone into vacation mode, snapped into "next of kin" mode. In addition to my father's friends and relatives, financial institutions and insurance agencies had to be notified of his passing. There was also his beloved garden that needed tending — I live in a plantless condo and definitely do not have a green thumb — and a refrigerator stocked with perishable food I didn't want to waste.

Not having a job at the time had its advantages and disadvantages. I didn't need to rush back to my job in Los Angeles. I could stay in San Francisco indefinitely and settle his affairs. But not having work also meant I had eight additional hours each day to grieve and regret what I could've done differently. There was a lot of work to be done, and a lot of reflecting.

A year has now passed, and I'm now ready to return to the workforce.

I'm ready to redirect my energy into work

One of my motivations is financial. While I budgeted to take a year off and was also left with an inheritance, I incurred unforeseen expenses, including my father's outstanding mortgage.

I also want comprehensive employee health benefits. After losing both parents to late-stage cancers, my physical health has become a top priority. I'm currently paying COBRA benefits out of pocket, and those premiums skyrocketed earlier this year under the current administration.

Finally, there's my mental health. Grief is overwhelming. There is no timeline for grief, and I certainly still have rough days a year after my dad's passing. I loved and still love my mom and dad very much. But now that I've largely settled his affairs, including getting his house ready for sale, I'm ready to redirect that energy back into work.

I tested the waters back in March, ironically on the vacation I finally ended up taking. I went to Milan for the Winter Olympics. I had previously covered a half-dozen Games for various outlets, but never attended one in person. I started my journalism career 25 years ago as a skating researcher at ABC/ESPN (yes, such a role existed) and shared Threads on Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and other headline-making 2026 Olympians. I somehow became THE expert on the platform, garnering over four million views in two weeks.

After months of sadness, I finally felt happy. I was interacting with others and engaging creatively, two things I hadn't really done since my dad passed. In adulthood, I've prided myself on being a good son and a good journalist. Now that only the latter remains, it's where I want to put my efforts.

• Rafael Nadal says having self-doubt contributed to his success in tennis.
• "The doubts are positive because they allow me to go on court knowing that I need to improve," he said.
• He said his rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic also pushed him to get better at the sport.

Rafael Nadal, 40, says constant self-doubt and competing against tennis's greatest players made him a better athlete.

On Monday's episode of Bloomberg's "Leaders with Francine Lacqua" podcast, the tennis legend spoke about the mentality that kept him going throughout his tennis career.

"I always had doubts, and for me, the doubts are good," Nadal told podcast host Francine Lacqua. "For me, doubts are positive because they allow me to go on court knowing that I need to improve."

Nadal said he didn't let success make him complacent. Instead, he believed there was always more work to be done.

He added that his self-doubt wasn't about whether he was good enough, but whether he was doing enough to reach his potential.

"It's easy to say, OK, I am winning. I am super good. I keep practicing. But you lose this feeling of going on court every day with the motivation and determination to improve something," Nadal said.

He added that going onto the court to practice or to stay fit was never enough to inspire him.

"My motivation was always going on court with the determination to improve something," he added.

Beyond self-doubt, his "healthy" rivalry with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic also made him a better player, Nadal said.

"We push each other to the limits," he said. "Our rivalries help us to improve our level of tennis, our mentality, bringing our possibilities to the limit because we knew that if we were not doing things more or less the perfect way almost every day, the other will be better than us."

Even so, they all have a "huge respect" for one another, Nadal said.

"At the end of the day, we are achieving our dreams. So why do we need to fight in a negative way?" Nadal said.

Nadal retired in 2024 after one of the most decorated careers in tennis history that included 22 Grand Slam singles titles. A former world No. 1 for 209 weeks, he is widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player of all time, having won a record 14 French Open titles.

Nadal joins a growing list of athletes who have opened up about what helps them stay at the top of their sport.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy has said that picturing the worst-case scenario helps him stay mentally sharp during competition.

"If you're trying to overcome anxiety or nerves around performance, I try to think about, well, what's the worst that could happen? I'm not going to die on the golf course," McIlroy said in a 2025 interview.

NBA legend Michael Jordan has said his relentless competitive mindset is what drives his success both on and off the court.

"I'm cursed. That's just the way I am. And I try to use it in the best positive way that I can," he said in an April interview.

• Michael Burry called out President Donald Trump after he poked fun at short sellers on Monday.
• Trump said the "couple of guys" shorting the market were in "big trouble" and getting "wiped out."
• Burry said Trump couldn't grasp his strategy but excelled at enriching himself as president.

Michael Burry hit back at President Donald Trump after the US leader jeered at short sellers on Monday.

Speaking at a White House luncheon to mark the launch of Trump Accounts, Trump hailed the "hottest stock market in history" and pondered aloud whether anyone wasn't enjoying the ride.

"I guess you have a couple of guys that went short, those poor bastards," he said. "I mean, they're in big trouble. They're being wiped out."

"I never like short guys because they're betting against the country," Trump added.

Burry — the investor of "The Big Short" fame who's known for betting against stocks such as Tesla, Nvidia, and Palantir — fired back in a since-deleted X post.

"Donald Trump could not in a million years understand or make his way through any of my substack essays," Burry wrote. "But he can shoot from the hip and make money for him and his cronies better than anyone."

"Michael Burry has predicted 50 of the last three market crashes, so he should focus on renewing his credibility before attacking anyone else," White House spokesman Kush Desai told Business Insider by email.

Burry, who has pivoted from running a hedge fund to writing about his personal investments on Substack, was likely referring to Trump's recent disclosure that he made more than $2 billion last year, in part by trading assets such as stocks and cryptocurrencies.

The investor — who shot to fame after his massive bet against the mid-2000s housing bubble was immortalized in the book and movie "The Big Short" — defended short sellers in a later post as well.

"The biggest mistake shorts make is believing people are smarter than they are," he wrote.

Burry walked through how he approaches shorting in a Substack post last month. He emphasized that it's a high-risk practice, the upside is limited, and losses can mount quickly.

"Shorting is a world filled with slippery slopes and sand castles," he wrote. "The sand castles are real, and vulnerable, but the slippery slopes drive men insane and ultimately prevent most from being properly positioned when the castle is washed away."

Burry said that his portfolio is "mostly long most of the time." He conserves more cash as valuations get rich, then focuses on finding bargains when markets become even more stretched.

"As I deploy into serially whacked undervalued stocks, I also begin to short the market through puts on indices as well as stocks most sensitive to the prevailing mania's fulcrum points," he wrote.

Stocks have soared to record highs this year, driven by immense buzz around AI. Burry has been one of the biggest doubters of the boom, saying tech companies are overinvesting in AI infrastructure, and valuations of chipmakers and other companies riding the AI wave have reached unsustainable highs.

Short sellers have gotten a bad rap in recent years as party poopers who bet on stocks to fall and market rallies to reverse. But they can make markets more efficient by uncovering fraudulent practices, countering overoptimism with skepticism, and pouring cold water on hype and speculative excess.

Burry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

• The parent company of one of the top US crypto exchanges sued its former auditors.
• Kraken alleged that Mazars quit its audit after the SEC sued Kraken, a case that was later dropped.
• The auditor's withdrawal prompted Kraken to acquire TradeStation Crypto, records show.

A month after U.S. regulators brought a lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Kraken in 2023, the exchange's auditors quit, according to court records. Now Kraken's parent company is suing its former auditors at Mazars USA for $22 million.

The lawsuit follows a confidential arbitration in which the arbitrator, a retired judge, awarded Kraken $22 million, according to redacted copies of his decisions filed in Kraken's lawsuit. One of his rulings noted that Mazars' withdrawal created "a licensing crisis" for Kraken, affecting the exchange's effort to obtain state money transmitter licenses. The arbitrator awarded Kraken damages connected to its purchase of TradeStation Crypto, an investment platform.

Kraken is suing to obtain that award. A spokesman for Forvis Mazars didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mazars, now part of the Forvis Mazars group, halted its work for Kraken in late 2023, just days before completing work on the audit of Kraken's 2022 financials, Kraken alleges in its lawsuit. Kraken by that point was under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and trying the patience of state regulators by taking so long to submit audits required to obtain the licenses that it needed, court records say.

Mazars in 2023 received subpoenas from a grand jury and the SEC for its Kraken files, according to court filings. Mazars stopped work on its Kraken audit a month after the SEC filed a lawsuit accusing Kraken of operating illegally as an unregistered securities exchange. The SEC's complaint cited comments or findings that appeared to be from Mazars' audit workpapers, according to an arbitration decision.

"When your auditor quits with no findings against you, you inherit a cloud you did nothing to create, and you pay to clear a name that was never dirty," Arjun Sethi, the co-CEO of Kraken's parent Payward Inc. told Business Insider in an emailed statement. "We spent years and millions in legal fees doing exactly that."

The SEC withdrew its lawsuit against Kraken in March 2025, shortly after President Trump took office for his second term. The Trump administration has eased regulations and rolled back restrictions related to the crypto industry. The president reported $1.4 billion in income tied to crypto ventures last year, according to his recent financial disclosure.

The auditor's withdrawal prompted an acquisition

Coindesk, an industry publication, reported in 2024 that Kraken acquired the Tradestation unit partly because of its regulatory licenses. According to the arbitration records, $12.5 million of the arbitration award was related to the cost of the acquisition.

The arbitrator wrote that Mazars deserved "credit for being honest," but that the audit firm still owed Kraken millions.

"I have no doubt that the circumstances surrounding this audit were difficult, challenging and at times frustrating," the arbitrator wrote. "Kraken was in its early years of operation but was rapidly growing into a major player in the cryptocurrency world. Unfortunately, its accounting procedures and automation were lagging behind."

Forvis Mazars is the 10th biggest accounting firm in the US with about $2.2 billion in revenue, according to Inside Public Accounting. Mazars, one of its predecessors, previously counted Trump among its clients, and his efforts to protect his financial records from investigators during the Biden administration were a subject of extensive litigation.

• A troubling divergence is brewing in the AI trade between chipmakers and hyperscalers.
• Traditional Magnificent 7 powers are being overlooked in favor of semiconductor producers.
• Wall Street thinks the situation has gotten overextended, and expects a rebound for hyperscalers.

The stock market's performance in the second quarter was historic on many levels. Major US indexes posted their best returns since 2020. Semiconductors had their best quarter ever.

But underneath the surface of the seemingly robust AI trade lurks a troubling divergence — one that still has Wall Street strategists on edge.

As chipmakers have soared, hyperscalers have taken a back seat. Allegedly elite Magnificent 7 stocks have been surprisingly weak.

Forget the Mag 7 — they've been the Lag 7. The underperformance in recent months is particularly glaring when you chart it:

Investors have made it clear that they currently prefer the companies that actually make the chips needed to power the AI trade. The exorbitant capex spending from hyperscalers, meanwhile, has gone out of fashion as traders increasingly wonder if the investments will pay off. It's a classic push and pull that's long defined the AI trade.

Whether hyperscalers can close the gap is ultimately the question that will dictate how the entire AI trade fares through the end of 2026.

Major equity strategists across Wall Street are hopeful. The idea of a hyperscaler comeback keeps coming up in mid-year reviews and interview discussions.

Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley's CIO and chief US equity strategist, is the most recent notable Wall Streeter to throw his weight behind the idea. He wrote in a new client note that he expects a rotation back towards hyperscalers, away from chipmakers.

"Semiconductor stocks are going to correct," he told Bloomberg TV, adding: "You can't have this divergence continue. It's not sustainable."

Meanwhile, Ben Snider — the chief US equity strategist at Goldman Sachs — told BI recently that resilient spending, combined with valuations that now look attractive, make hyperscalers a great investing play.

To round out the Wall Street believers, JPMorgan recently laid out how the semi-vs.-hyperscaler divergence could end up shrinking. Under this scenario, hyperscalers improve monetization and start generating revenue and earnings that allow it to capture a bigger share of the AI pie.

This all sounds good. But is it easier said than done?

The next Mag 7 earnings season in a couple of weeks will offer the next critical litmus test for how investors feel about AI spending — and whether tangible results are coming quickly enough.