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I've lived in one of New England's most popular tourist destinations for over 20 years. It's certainly not for everyone.

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:47:18 +0000

I've been a Newport, Rhode Island, local for a long time now, and I've made peace with a lot of the drawbacks that come with living in a beloved tourist destination.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

I've lived in Newport, Rhode Island, for over 20 years. I love it, but it comes with drawbacks.
The city gets so crowded with tourists in the summer and fall, which makes day-to-day life tougher.
Still, navigating traffic and long lines is worth it to live in such a lovely part of New England.

In 2002, I moved from Alexandria, Virginia, to Newport, Rhode Island, where my now-husband has family roots.

I immediately fell for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and cozy New England vibe. It's so breathtaking that we chose to marry there, despite having spent much longer stretches of our lives in other amazing cities.

Newport is still a magical coastal enclave with fabulous restaurants, year-round events, and extraordinary hospitality, but over the past two decades, the area has seen an influx of second homeowners, new hotels and inns, and a surge in short-term rental properties.

It's especially busy in the summer, though autumn in New England also lures visitors — including tens of thousands via cruise ships — to the city to take in the brilliant fall foliage.

With a palpable increase in travel demand, some may argue Newport hardly has an "off season" anymore.

The city, located on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, now welcomes more than 3.5 million visitors annually, and that has come with some challenges.

Major thoroughfares quickly become congested during the summer, especially on weekends

Newport has a lot of events that draw visitors to the city by land and sea.

Douglas Mason/Getty Images

Living in a popular tourist destination can definitely feel overwhelming at times.

We locals love to bask in all the things that make Newport so special, too, but we also need to do everyday errands in between the "staycations."

Area roads get very congested in the summer, many with traffic that comes to a crawl at the busiest times of day. This means I have to plan for most tasks to take longer than they would in less-busy seasons.

And, in the summer, I switch up my schedule to go grocery shopping, stop by the post office, and do other mundane chores early in the morning in an attempt to avoid some of the traffic.

It's especially challenging to visit beloved cafés and restaurants during busy season

In the offseason, it is often way easier to get coffee and make dinner reservations.

Tim Graham/Getty Images

In summer, some restaurants and cafés are so popular that stanchions are needed to manage the lines that form outside.

One breakfast spot my friends and I frequent in the offseason isn't even worth trying to dine at on summer mornings unless we want to wait an hour or so.

Newport also has a serious coffee culture with more than a dozen dynamic local cafés. One of my favorite spots, The Nitro Bar, has gone viral, and both locations in the city draw crowds that literally wrap around the block most summer and fall mornings.

It's wonderful to see small business owners succeed and grow, and to have people from across the country want to experience something delicious in my own backyard. However, if I want my dirty chai latte on a summer weekend, I have to get to the shop when it opens at 7 a.m. to beat the crowds.

I've encountered similar challenges when dining in Newport.

The city has so many great restaurants ranging from upscale to super casual, plus rooftop decks perfect for sunset cocktails and harborside eateries that lean into Newport's nautical heritage.

It's not unusual to quickly find a spot for lunch or a light bite during off-peak hours, run into friends, and spontaneously have a fun group outing.

However, tables and meal reservations can be hard to secure during busy seasons — especially if you have a larger party of six or more and it's summer.

Knowing local staff helps, but it's not unusual for a place to simply be at full capacity during dinner hours. Planning well in advance or just waiting for the flexibility and availability in quieter seasons, like winter or spring, helps.

We love when family and friends visit us in Newport in the summer, but lodging rates can be exorbitant

Newport has waterfront restaurants and hotels.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

Newport is known for its jaw-dropping Gilded Age mansions, but unfortunately, we don't own one. So when family and friends come to visit, they're often shocked by hotel and short-term rental rates.

Peak-season hotel rooms can easily exceed $500 a night, especially on weekends, and many require a two-night minimum.

I can see why so many people want to visit Newport — it's beautiful.

Andrea McHugh

What's more, there can be times in the summer and fall when it's hard to find availability at all.

World-class events, including the Newport Folk Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and the Hall of Fame Open, bring tens of thousands of visitors to the City by the Sea. Many visitors end up having to seek accommodations off the island and further outside the city.

Still, Newport is vibrant and lively all year round — and I'm grateful to live here

I love living in Newport, even if it comes with challenges.

Andrea McHugh

Unlike some other popular New England destinations, nearly all of Newport's businesses are open year-round, though some restaurants, shops, and inns may take a few short weeks off for updates and renovations — or some well-earned rest and relaxation.

The challenges that summer brings aren't unique to Newport, but its popularity comes with some legitimate trade-offs.

However, with its salty breeze, iconic harbor, rich history, inspiring architecture, impressive dining scene, electric events, and community spirit, Newport has a way of casting its spell and making you fall in love with it, whether here for a day or for more than 20 years.

If you ask me, there's nowhere in the world I'd rather call home. And I'm willing to bet most Newport locals would agree.

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Read the pitch decks of 18 startups looking to disrupt dating apps and social networking that have raised millions

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:47:41 +0000

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

New social, professional networking, and dating startups are coming onto the scene.
VCs and angel investors are funding some of these promising startups.
Here are the pitch decks 18 startups used while raising rounds or getting acquired.

A new generation of consumer social startups is emerging.

From platforms focused on getting people to meet IRL to dating apps taking on Tinder or Hinge, startups are disrupting the digital social scene.

Founders of these startups are tackling problems like loneliness, dating app fatigue, and general dissatisfaction with the current social media incumbents.

Some founders come from Big Tech backgrounds, like the Instagram-heavy team behind photo-sharing app Retro, or the ex-Google employees building the social-mapping app PamPam. Gen Z founders are also throwing their hats in the ring, like Isabella Epstein with her IRL-focused app Kndrd, and becoming content creators along the way.

Investors are taking notice.

Meet 19 startups in social networking, dating, and AI that investors have their eyes on

Some venture capital funds — such as French firm Intuition VC or gaming-focused firm Patron — have made tackling loneliness and relationships part of their investment theses.

But it's not just friendship and dating that are ripe for disruption.

Startups like Khosla Ventures-backed Gigi, Yale-student-founded Series, Boardy, Filament, and Goodword have raised capital for AI tools to help people network better or maintain professional relationships.

"When people think about loneliness, they think about friends and family," Goodword CEO Caroline Dell told Business Insider. "But we spend most of our waking hours at work as professionals."

Other startups, like social network Spill, have opened up investment rounds to include users themselves using the platform Wefunder.

Meet the founders of 11 startups competing with dating app giants like Tinder

It's not yet clear how many of these investments will pan out. Some startups are pre-revenue, while others are experimenting with monetization methods (such as freemium models).

"Founders have to be honest with themselves," said Marlon Nichols, a founding partner at Mac Venture Capital. "Some of them aren't really venture-scale or venture-type investments. We're looking for the next big thing, the next category leader."

Meet 12 VCs and investors eyeing new social startups

Pitch materials can also help woo potential buyers. Arya, an AI relationship wellness startup, shared the slides that convinced the team to acquire Flamme, another app for couples.

Business Insider spoke with several social media and dating app founders about the pitch decks they used to raise millions or ink deals.

Read the pitch decks from 18 social-networking and dating startups:

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

Series A

Seed

Pre-Seed

Keeper, an AI matchmaking service that wants to help people find their soulmates: $4 million (20 pages)
Series, an AI professional network for college students: $5.1 million pre-seed (10 pages). Read the pitch deck it's using to raise its next round, too.

Other

Read the materials that helped this startup get acquired:

Flamme, an app for couples wanting to keep the spark alive, was acquired by AI relationship wellness company Arya. Read the LinkedIn DM and two slides from its pitch deck that helped seal the deal.

Read about more social networking and dating startups raising millions:

Read the original article on Business Insider

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A live-action Princess Tiana movie is in the works from Colman Domingo and Robert OHara

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:26:26 +0000

A new Disney princess might be getting the live-action treatment soon: Princess Tiana, from 2009's The Princess and the Frog.

On Friday, Deadline reported that Emmy and Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Euphoria, Sing Sing) and Tony-nominated director Robert O'Hara (Slave Play) are in talks to co-write a live-action film centered on Tiana.

Originally voiced by Anika Noni Rose, Tiana is a determined waitress from New Orleans who hopes to one day open her own restaurant. Her grand plan gets derailed when she's turned into a frog alongside Maldonia's cursed Prince Naveen (voiced by Bruce Campos). So begins an adventure through the Louisiana bayou, with the two eventually falling in love. By the end of the film, the pair return to their human forms and get married. That's not all: Tiana's dreams finally come true with the grand opening of her restaurant, Tiana's Palace.

However, Domingo and O'Hara's film, still in extremely early days, reportedly won't just be a live-action retread of The Princess and the Frog, the way most of Disney's live-action projects are. Instead, it is set to be an original spin-off story, similar to Beauty and the Beast spin-off Gaston, also in development.

The original take on a beloved character could be just what Disney needs as it continues with its live-action projects. 2026's Moana and 2025's Snow White both floundered at the box office, suggesting audiences are growing tired with the constant remakes of classics. However, 2025's Lilo & Stitch did earn over $1 billion, so the appetite for live-action versions of certain properties remains.

COntributer : Mashable https://ift.tt/4s6vx9W

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Robot lawn mower deal: This coupon knocks $700 off the Hookii Neomow X at Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:26:18 +0000

SAVE $700: As of July 17, the Hookii Neomow X robot lawn mower is on sale for just $1,499 with an on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% or $700 off its list price of $2,199.

Credit: Hookii

Hookii Neomow X

$1,499 at Amazon
$2,199 Save $700

*with on-page coupon*

If mowing the lawn is a chore you'd rather not do, I suggest looking into a robot lawn mower. Yes, they're expensive, but if you keep your eyes peeled on Amazon, you can often find a sweet deal. Case in point: an on-page coupon knocks $700 off the Hookii Neomow X.

As of July 17, the Hookii Neomow X robot lawn mower is down to just $1,499 from its usual $2,199. That's a 32% price drop and the cheapest this model has ever been, according to our favorite price-tracking tool.

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This robot mower uses AI Vision, 3D LiDAR, and visual recognition to distinguish your lawn's boundaries and avoid obstacles in real time. It may take some time for it to map out your yard initially, but once it's familiar, you can view the layout on the map, manage your zones, set exclusion areas, draw virtual walls, and more. Mashable's sister site CNET tested this mower and found that it had some issues in certain areas, so they recommended properly setting boundaries for exclusionary zones.

It's suitable for flat or slightly sloped lawns up to 24 degrees and can mow up to .75 acres (about 32,000 square feet). A single charge will give you about two hours of operation.

If that sounds like your yard, the Hookii Neomow X could be the ideal mower to take over your lawn care duties this summer. Snag it while it's $700 cheaper than usual — and don't forget to check the box next to the on-page coupon price.

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Samsung Unpacked: What to expect from Samsungs new smartwatches

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:26:14 +0000

Samsung Unpacked is right around the corner, and with it, we'll be getting new Samsung Galaxy Watches. The pressure is on with this generation for Samsung, so here's what we know, what we expect and what we want from the company's latest wearables.

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Apple Intelligence is cleared to launch in China (but not the EU yet)

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:26:44 +0000

When Apple announced major changes to its Apple Intelligence set of features in June, it came with a big caveat: Almost none of the features were available in the European Union and China.

This has now changed – at least in China.

According to Reuters, Apple Intelligence has been registered with China's cyberspace regulator. The new features are coming in iOS 27 and other new Apple platforms which are currently in beta; this development paves the way for them to launch in September, when iOS 27 is scheduled to launch proper. However, Reuters says that the regulator's statement did not give a precise launch date for the AI features in China.

Additionally, Alibaba said its Qwen AI model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence in iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro devices in China. Furthermore, Baidu said it's working with Apple to develop Apple Intelligence features for Chinese iPhone users.

The report doesn't mention the European Union, where new Apple Intelligence features are mostly unavailable. In June, Apple said that the features were delay in the EU for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 due to Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA). At the time, the company said it does "not currently have a timeline for Siri AI’s availability on iOS and iPadOS in the EU.”

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'A troubling precedent': Businesses ask Senate to kill a plan to limit stock buybacks and dividends

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:47:21 +0000

SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump's effort to limit defense stock buybacks could be included in a key defense bill.
Over 40 trade groups are urging the Senate to quash the push to limit buybacks and dividends.
They argue that dividends are important for everyday investors.

Businesses are urging Congress to strip a measure from a bill that would restrict defense contractors from issuing dividends or buying back their stock.

More than 40 business and industry groups have penned a letter to the Senate urging action on section 815 of the National Defense Authorization Act, a provision that would effectively ban companies that contract with the Department of Defense from buying back their own shares or paying dividends.

"If adopted, Section 815 would harm millions of American retirees and other investors by restricting lawful returns of capital to shareholders, establish a troubling precedent for federal interference in corporate governance and capital allocation decisions," the letter stated.

President Trump first discussed the idea of barring defense contractors from stock buybacks in January. His initial statements triggered a selloff in defense stocks, hitting sector leaders like General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

Months later, business groups and the Chamber of Commerce are urging Senate to ensure that Section 815 is stricken from the NDAA entirely, making it clear that they see severe consequences if it is signed into law.

Signed by a list of pro-business organizations that includes the US Chamber of Commerce, the American Bankers Association, and American Council for Capital Formation, the letter highlighted the concerning elements that these businesses and organizations see with Trump's plan.

They framed their argument around the notion the move would harm "main street investors," as Section 815 would limit two of the primary ways that a company can return money to shareholders. The letter's authors said it could be a blow retirement funds for many Americans, given how many people own stocks through their 401(k) and Roth IRA accounts.

"Stock buybacks are simply another common way of providing a financial return to investors," the letter states. "Supporters of restrictions on buybacks argue that when companies elect to buy back their own stock, they are taking capital away from research & development, manufacturing, or other investments. Such claims are demonstrably false."

Trump's January executive order was framed as a way to penalize contractors for underperforming.

"Every firm across our economy has a right to profit from prudent investment and hard work, but the American defense industrial base also has the responsibility to ensure that America's warfighters have the best possible equipment and weapons," the order said. In a Truth Social post, the president said: "MILITARY EQUIPMENT IS NOT BEING MADE FAST ENOUGH!"

Share buybacks are sometimes criticized as a way for companies to artificially boost their stock price irrespective of actual performance, but the business and trade groups that signed the letter say they're important for individual investors as well as big institutions.

Citing a study from the US Chamber of Commerce, the letter notes that retail investors have saved as much as $4.2 billion over the past 17 years as a direct result of share buybacks.

"Some of the newest investors in the market are the beneficiaries of Trump Accounts, a program that depends upon consistent returns in the stock market," the letter added. "Restrictions on the return of capital to shareholders could constrain investment returns and threaten the long-term success of this program."

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Michael Burry's grim warnings are a 'godsend,' star tech investor says

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:47:07 +0000

Michael Burry's Substack is a "godsend," tech investor Gavin Baker said.

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Gavin Baker praised Michael Burry and his Substack on a recent podcast.
Atreides Management's chief investor said AI isn't a bubble but he values Burry's skepticism.
"We want a really smart person who's credibly banging a bearish drum," Baker said about Burry.

Michael Burry has been locking horns with AI bulls like Elon Musk and Alex Karp, but Gavin Baker says he's thankful for Burry's thoughtful critiques of the latest tech boom.

"I'm so grateful to Michael Burry," the managing partner and chief investor of Atreides Management said during the latest episode of the "Generating Alpha" podcast. "His Substack, it's a godsend."

Baker, an early investor in Tesla, SpaceX, and Nvidia, described Burry as a "really smart, intelligent guy who's making a really credible bear case every day."

"We want that," he continued. "We want a really smart person who's credibly banging a bearish drum."

Burry, the investor of "The Big Short" fame, pivoted from running a hedge fund to writing about his personal portfolio on Substack late last year.

He's warned that Big Tech companies are spending too much on AI equipment such as Nvidia microchips and data centers, creating a capital-spending bubble that will burst if demand falls short of expectations.

On the podcast, Baker showed he's no stranger to Burry and another leading bear, GMO cofounder Jeremy Grantham. He echoed the pair by saying that revolutionary technologies have historically sparked bubbles as buzz and speculation take hold, leading to overbuilding and an eventual crash.

Baker said that "if you look at everything — canals, railroads, radio, the internet, PCs — you would think we will have an AI bubble."

He said that as a value-conscious investor, that prospect is a "disaster" and a "nightmare" that nobody wants. But he said the market is "obviously not in a bubble," as tech valuation multiples are broadly the same as they were five or six years ago, and have compressed since the start of last year.

Baker also said he's not worried about overbuilding because the "scars are so deep " from the dot-com bubble that they've "kept a lid on tech valuations," and constraints on electricity supplies and microchip production will limit the buildout.

"So I'm optimistic and hopeful that watts, wafers, and scars of the internet bubble keep a true bubble from happening because that's the enemy of every long-term investor," he said.

Baker might value Burry's bearish commentary because it reminds investors of those scars and the risks they're running, helping to stave off a bubble.

Baker and Burry didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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After losing my dream job, I moved to Ireland on a whim. Nearly 2 years later, I've built a life I love even more.

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:47:40 +0000

Losing my job, a beloved family member, and a long-term relationship in a short period pushed me to finally follow my dreams and move somewhere new.

Trish Sissons

In one week, I lost my dream tech career, a family member, and my long-term relationship.
On a whim, I decided to move to Ireland (which I'd never visited) and pursue my sailing dreams.
Now, I'm living out my bucket list in Dublin and can't imagine being anywhere else.

I knew from my first week in Toronto that it wasn't the place for me.

However, it took me six years, one death, a breakup, and the loss of my dream job for me to buy a one-way ticket out of there.

It was never my intention to settle in Toronto, but when love had called, I'd answered. The partner I'd met while living in Australia had a job there. We decided we'd stay here for a few years, then move back to the country where we'd met.

Still, I had a hard time acclimatizing to the concrete sprawl, especially after living in the lush Australian landscape and growing up surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of British Columbia.

If I was going to stick this out, I realized I needed to appreciate Toronto for what it was — a commercial hub. I set my sights on the ultimate distraction: professional fulfillment.

Luckily, I'd landed a contract job I loved in tech marketing in Toronto. I found that if I focused on work, it was easy to ignore other problems and pretend I didn't miss living near the ocean.

For a while, focusing on my career helped me ignore parts of my life that weren't working

Conveniently, my job in Toronto was so interesting that I could pretend I didn't miss living near the ocean.

Trish Sissons

After several contract extensions, I was finally offered a permanent role on my dream team, but something felt off.

On one hand, I was doing work I enjoyed with people I liked and respected. On the other, the gap between my partner and me had become a chasm, and our plan to move back to Australia together felt less likely the closer it got.

I had achieved the career goal I'd spent a year hustling toward, yet I was deeply unhappy. So, I decided to spend a month in Canada's Pacific Northwest.

Surfing in Tofino, I realized I hadn't been in the water for six years. I hadn't done a lot of things I loved or taken any steps toward my lifelong dream of learning to sail.

I'd put all my personal ambitions and passions aside to be in a city I didn't like, in service of someone else's dreams, and wound up pouring myself into work as a coping mechanism.

I began to wonder, if I didn't live by the ocean, doing these things I loved so much, who was I? And if my partner decided he didn't want to leave Toronto, where would I go?

I still wasn't ready to face reality, so I returned to Toronto and focused on the thing I knew would keep me tethered: my job. I turned into an ostrich, burying my head in my work, unwilling and unsure of how to fill the void.

After a restructuring and a breakup, I finally pushed myself to a new place: Ireland

I couldn't go somewhere I'd been before and expect a different outcome.

Trish Sissons

Sometimes, when you're ignoring your intuition, the world stops nudging you and starts shoving.

I was good friends with my coworkers, so when the group chat started to buzz while I was on vacation, I took note. One by one, my former teammates were pulled into meetings to notify them of their termination due to restructuring. I felt for them, but I was also relieved I wasn't on their team anymore. I felt safe.

When my manager texted me to ask if I could hop on a quick call, I was a bit surprised but thought it was nice of him to notify me of the staffing changes while I was on vacation.

I wasn't prepared to be part of the restructuring. Or for my relationship of seven and a half years to end the day after I got back to Toronto. Or for my beloved grandma to die not long after.

Sometimes, life shoves so hard the tether snaps.

That's how I found myself lying on the air mattress in the spare bedroom of the Toronto house I'd grown to loathe, wondering where to go next.

For me, doing something new had to start with going somewhere new.

I knew I needed to be by the water again, a place with accessible hiking, surfing, and nature. And, most importantly, I had to be somewhere I could get a visa as an unemployed person over 30.

Eventually, I set my sights on Ireland, a country I'd never visited. I secured a temporary visa and booked my flight for November 8, a date I picked because it just felt lucky.

Eighteen months later, I'm living a 20-minute walk from the beach in Dublin. I have a great tech marketing job again, but without the sacrifice of living somewhere that doesn't feel like home. I have been surfing, I finally learned to sail, and I have found a vibrant community.

Somehow, with plenty of hope but little expectation, a decision I made on a whim has led to the life of my dreams. Now, I'm working on securing my next visa so I can continue to live in Dublin, where I hope to stay for a long time.

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Gamestop marks up popular Pokémon on card game by 300%

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:26:09 +0000

Gamestop has been marking up their Pokémon card decks by multiples of three and even four over their retail pricing from the Pokémon Center, the official primary retailer for Pokémon merchandise, according to reporting by Engadget.

Engadget reporter Sam Rutherford noticed that the price of an Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle at Gamestop was a whopping $90, more than three times the $27 charged for the same item by the Pokémon Center, while more rare or collectible items, such as the 30th Anniversary Ultra-Premium Collection, were marked up by as much as 400%, retailing for $600 at Gamestop compared to its usual $120 MSRP.

This phenomenon is a small part of a larger trend driven by a mismatch between an item's original cost and its value on the second-hand market. Other obvious examples include coveted sneakers, concert tickets, and high-end luxury items like Swiss-made watches and luxury handbags by Chanel or Hermès.

Everyone is fighting for a share of the aftermarket value of these high-demand luxury items. So, any time this mismatch exceeds 200 percent of the item's original cost, there's a strong financial incentive for third-party retailers to step in. Which is why fights keep breaking out at Costco stores when new Pokémon cards are released.

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Gamestop can plausibly argue that it's just engaging in what economists call pricing equilibrium, raising the cost of the cards to better reflect their true market value, but as Rutherford points out, this also puts the cards financially out of reach for a huge chunk of the intended Pokémon card consumer market, who aren't in fact collectors flush with cash but children and teenagers eager to play a card game.

For its part, Nintendo is aware of these problems. At its most recent annual shareholders meeting, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa spoke of a commitment to allowing fans to purchase Pokémon cards with "peace of mind," and vowed to "take measures to respond to this [price gouging] issue," though he was notably reticent to list specific steps.

Take a step back from Pokémon cards and Gamestop's actions start to look like part of a much broader trend. Earlier this year, Rockstar Games made the controversial decision not to sell physical copies of its upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 game, instead offering in-store fans a box with a digital code inside it, effectively killing the resale market for what will surely be the best-selling game of the year and probably the decade, while Sony announced it will no longer support disc drives after January 2028.

From this wide-angle perspective, these attempts to eat into the aftermarket seem distinctly anti-consumer and likely to provoke a significant backlash.

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Instagram's newest AI tool didn't survive the week

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:47:16 +0000

Instagram launched a new AI tool on Tuesday. It was gone by Friday.

Anna Barclay/Getty Images

Meta launched a new AI image generation model, Muse Image, on Tuesday.
The tool allowed users to generate AI images based on public Instagram posts.
Following backlash from users and entertainment groups, the feature is no longer available.

It started as a routine product drop. Then it spiraled into a PR nightmare. Now it's gone.

On Friday, Meta said a new feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts is no longer available. Users learned of the feature on Tuesday when Meta unveiled Muse Image, the first image-generation model from Meta Superintelligence Labs. Muse Image is available through Meta AI.

"Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way. We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available," Meta said in an Instagram blog post.

Meta announced the tool in a press release on Tuesday.

Instagram

Other Muse Image features, like the ability to make edits directly on photos, are still available.

Instagram users swiftly rebuked the feature after its rollout. They said it raised privacy concerns and created space for deepfake content. Many users shared advice on how to opt out of the feature on social media sites like X and Reddit.

Privacy advocates like Apar Gupta, the founding director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, criticized Meta in a video posted on X on Friday.

"Just because Meta owns one of the largest social media platforms, and we're forced to use it, it's been taking it as an excuse to violate our consent and privacy again and again," Gupta said.

Entertainment groups also criticized the feature. SAG-AFTRA, a labor union representing about 160,000 entertainment and media professionals, urged its members to opt out of the feature.

In a statement to Business Insider, SAG-AFTRA said that "anything other than a clear and conspicuous OPT-IN for these types of uses of Instagram users' images is unacceptable, and an utter miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the obvious dangers and harms inherent in such use."

The union applauded Meta's decision to reel back the feature. "With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behavior is unwise. We appreciate its discontinuance. It is the responsible thing to do," the union said.

Creative Artists Agency, a talent group representing a slew of A-list stars, also criticized the feature. "No one's name, image, likeness, voice, or creative work should be used by any third party, including AI models, without clear, documented consent," the agency said in a statement shared with Variety. "True innovation puts creators first: respecting their rights, protecting their livelihoods, and giving them real control, not handing it over to platforms."

AI has become a source of tension for entertainers, some of whom worry that it will be used to steal their likeness, voices, or iconic phrases without their consent. Celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Jeremy Clarkson have registered trademarks to protect their likeness from AI.

Like Meta, OpenAI faced backlash after releasing Sora 2, an AI video-generation platform, in 2025. The platform initially allowed users to create content featuring trademarked characters, drawing ire from entertainment companies such as Studio Ghibli. Although OpenAI secured a partnership with Disney to legally use those characters, Sora 2 shut down in March.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Phoebe Gates’ Phia accused of taking credit for sales it didn’t drive

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:26:19 +0000

Phia’s browser extension was supposed to help shoppers find better deals, but it may also have redirected affiliate commissions to itself. Let us explain.

A celebrity-backed shopping startup co-founded by Bill Gates's daughter Phoebe Gates and her former Stanford University roommate Sophia Kianni has been suspended from affiliate platform Impact.com. The suspension came after a July 9 Bloomberg investigation found that its browser extension claimed credit for purchases it did not actually generate.

Testing conducted separately by Bloomberg, Capital One Shopping, and independent researcher Ben Edelman found that Phia could silently open a new browser tab during checkout and load its own affiliate link to the retailer. In some cases, that replaced the tracking code belonging to the website, advertisement, or publisher that originally sent the shopper there.

The practice is known as “cookie stuffing” or attribution fraud. In plain terms, Phia could receive credit, and potentially a commission, for a purchase even when the shopper had not discovered the product through Phia or interacted with one of its recommendations.

Affiliate marketing normally works by assigning a unique link to a publisher, creator, or shopping platform. When a shopper follows that link and completes a purchase, the retailer can identify which affiliate generated the sale and pay it a commission.

According to Bloomberg, Phia’s extension sometimes inserted itself at the end of that process. A shopper could arrive at a retailer independently or through another publisher, only for Phia to replace the original referral code as the shopper approached checkout.

In one test described in the investigation, Bloomberg followed a Nordstrom link from a Wirecutter article about Fourth of July deals. Phia allegedly opened another tab in the background during checkout and replaced Wirecutter’s referral information with its own. The extension reportedly behaved similarly when Bloomberg reached a shopping site through a paid advertisement from another publisher.

Impact.com suspended the company after being alerted to the behavior, and the platform told Bloomberg that activity within the extension appeared to be inconsistent with its policies and that it was reviewing potentially affected transactions. Social media immediately was abuzz with conversation, with some people upset while some defend the 23-year-old co-founder.

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Phia acknowledged that there had been a problem, although the company characterized it as a software issue rather than an intentional business practice.

“Within the last 24 hours, we were made aware that in a recent release our codebase was causing misattributions from a subset of users,” a Phia spokesperson told Bloomberg. The company said its team worked through the night to identify and correct the issue.

Bloomberg retested the extension after contacting Phia and found that it had stopped automatically claiming the referral click. Independent researchers also reportedly confirmed that the behavior was no longer occurring. It remains unclear whether the fix will be enough to satisfy Impact.com, retailers, and other affiliate partners reviewing the affected transactions.

Phia launched in April 2025 as an AI-powered shopping assistant available through a mobile app and browser extension. The product is often described as a version of Google Flights for shopping. While someone browses clothing or accessories online, Phia searches more than 40,000 retail and resale websites for the same item, similar products, lower prices, and discount codes. It can also compare a full-price product with secondhand listings, helping shoppers decide whether to buy it new or look for a cheaper resale option.

The company makes money in part through affiliate commissions. When Phia directs a user to a retailer and that person completes a purchase through its link, the retailer may pay the startup a percentage of the sale. That makes accurate referral tracking central to Phia’s business model: The code attached to the purchase determines which platform gets credit and potentially gets paid.

Phia grew quickly after its launch. Within its first week, the app reportedly reached No. 21 on Apple’s App Store and by September 2025, the company said it had crossed 500,000 downloads.

Its funding grew almost as quickly. Phia raised an $8 million seed round in September 2025, followed by roughly $35 million in additional funding in January 2026. The later round pushed its reported valuation to approximately $185 million less than a year after launch and brought its total funding to more than $43 million.

Phia has also attracted an investor roster that looks less like a cap table and more like a Coachella lineup. Backers include Khloé Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Paris Hilton, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jessica Alba, Mindy Kaling, Ice Spice, Alix Earle, Karlie Kloss, and The Chainsmokers, alongside a collection of tech executives and venture capital firms.

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Some have compared the situation to Honey, the PayPal-owned coupon extension that has also been accused of replacing creators’ affiliate links with its own during checkout. Honey remains the subject of an ongoing class action lawsuit, and PayPal has disputed claims that the extension improperly took commissions from creators.

The Phia allegations also arrive after an earlier controversy involving the amount of information collected by its browser extension. In November 2025, cybersecurity researchers found that the extension was transmitting copies of webpages users visited back to the company’s servers, including pages unrelated to shopping.

Those pages could include sensitive websites such as email inboxes and bank accounts, according to the report. Phia said the data was anonymous, was used to determine which websites involved shopping, and was not stored. The company removed the feature after concerns were raised and said it would limit its collection to website URLs.

Phia says the affiliate issue has been fixed, but Impact.com is still reviewing what happened and whether any transactions require further action. The extension may have stopped opening tabs in the background, but Phia’s affiliate business is now getting a very public checkout.

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‘Love Island USA’ reveals the final four couples competing for first place

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:26:16 +0000

Following a lighthearted week of quality time and family reunions, Love Island USA finally announced the four couples competing for the $100,000 first-place prize.

After Corbin and Parmida were dumped from the villa in Season 8, episode 29, there were six couples left standing: Aniya and Carl, Kayda and Zach, Kenzie and Dylan, Melanie and Sincere, Tierra and KC, and Trinity and Bryce. The next few days were full of fun challenges like The Girls pranking The Boys, The Girls enjoying a fun waterpark-themed getaway from the villa, and the Islanders meeting each other’s family members for the first time.

Season 8, Episode 33 kicked off with a "mouthwatering" couples’ challenge, in which each islander had to transfer food items in water (like sardines) or condiments (like ketchup) from their mouth into their partner’s mouth. After the challenge, the couples had a few more tough pills (or, in this case, fortune cookies) to swallow at dinner that night: they found out the results of a public vote that decided which four couples were heading to the finale, and which two couples were going home.

One by one, the couples cracked open their fortune cookies, revealing whether they were safe. The final four were revealed to be Aniya and Carl, Trinity and Bryce, Melanie and Sincere, and Kayda and Zach.

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

This left two couples dumped from the villa: Kenzie and Dylan, and Tierra and KC.

X users were sad to see them go, especially those who thought that Tierra and KC had a stronger connection than other couples in the villa. KC had just asked Tierra to be his girlfriend in Season 8, episode 31, which made the dumping even more shocking to viewers.

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However, viewers were elated that Kenzie didn’t say goodbye without squatting down for one last iconic split.

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While the islanders shared an emotional goodbye with Kenzie, Dylan, Tierra, and KC, they took the time to appreciate the genuine friendships they built in the villa – embodying what viewers called "Friendship Island" this season.

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What makes the final four couples especially memorable this season is that the four girls are each part of the original group of islanders that we were introduced to in Season 8, episode 1, with X users saying that we have a "core four" finale in our midst.

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Now that the final four couples have been revealed, we’re only a few episodes away from finding out which couple will be crowned the winners of Love Island USA Season 8.

The season finale is scheduled to air on Sunday, July 12, 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on Peacock.

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Audity reveals her the dream job that could lure her away from TikTok

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:26:34 +0000

Fans of Audity (aka Audrey Hopkins) know her for her jubilant energy, her explosive creativity, and her surprising illustrated mash-ups. Her character designs collide with unexpected inspiration points, like Pennywise and Tinkerbell, or her husband as a merman. And the results are digital drawings that are not only winsome but also inspiring followers (13.2 million on TikTok) to create kooky characters of their own.

Out of Vidcon 2026, Audity sat down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko for a Creator Playbook interview. Here, she revealed how she became a content creator, what she does when she's hit an "art block," and the dream project that could lure her away from TikTok for a bit.

"I love [Dropout] so much," Audity shared, adding, "But Dimension 20, particularly. I want to draw the characters for a season of theirs. Honestly, I've told them before, I'll do it for free."

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage or see more of this year’s Mashable 101 to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

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Bad Apples trailer: Saiorse Ronan hits her breaking point

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:26:35 +0000

Respect your teachers, folks. They're underpaid, underappreciated, and if you push them to the edge, well, good luck. That's the core message of the Saoirse Ronan-led dark comedy thriller Bad Apples, which has a trailer out today.

Directed by Jonatan Etzler and written by Jess O'Kane as an adaptation of Rasmus Andersson's novel De Oönskade, the film sees Ronan as a Somerset-based primary school teacher named Maria. She adores teaching, but the underfunded education system wears her down on the daily. When her disruptive student Danny (newcomer Eddie Waller) spins out of control, Maria makes some choices.

As I wrote in my review out of BFI London Film Festival, "With Ronan's always-impeccable talents supported by a sublime young cast, Bad Apples leans into unethical impulses, all the while exposing home truths about the under-resourced education system and social disdain toward children with behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties. Plus, it's really funny."

Bad Apples hits cinemas Sept. 18.

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Moana review: Disney transforms a cinematic masterpiece to kids stuff

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:26:35 +0000

When Moana was released in 2016, it was a gorgeous cinematic wonder, drawing inspiration from Polynesian mythology, offering moving and catchy songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foaʻi, and reveling in the creative freedom animation offers. At its core, it was a story of a young girl rejecting the norms of her society to fight for creation and exploration over annihilation and ignorance.

2026's live-action remake of Moana has the same plot. But because of its execution — and arguably its very existence — it flies in the face of the message of the original. By definition, this remake is retreading the path that directors John Musker and Ron Clements laid down before. Beyond that, however, there's a bizarre, uncanny valley feel to this live-action version. It evoked in me a similar reaction to AI slop, where I cringe at the unnerving blend of the familiar and the not-quite-right.

To be clear, I'm not suggesting Disney — which has been accused of using generative AI in the past — or that Moana (2026) director Thomas Kail employed generative AI in making Moana's home of Motunui or its surrounding lands, sea, and creatures. What I am saying is that hemmed in between the original film's distinctive features and Disney's determination to treat every animated hit as a proof of concept for a wobbly live-action re-creation, there's something uncanny and grotesque lurking here.

Moana (2026) feels less epic, more Disney Channel

Emma Puahi-Shapazian as young Moana in Disney's live-action "Moana." Credit: Disney

Jared Bush's screenplay from the 2016 animated adventure is closely followed, though he and his Moana 2 co-writer, Dana Ledoux Miller, share scripting credit for this remake. Once more, Moana's grandmother (played this time by Rena Owen) unfurls the folklore of Te Fiti, a goddess of life and nature; the trickster demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson, the only actor reprising his role here); and the volcanic beast Te Kā. While the other children are scared of these stories, a young Moana looks elated.

Kail, who helmed the Broadway productions of Miranda's In The Heights and Hamilton, doggedly follows the film's first act shot-for-shot, inviting the question of why remake a movie if it's just live-action now? (Because audiences will turn up. I know. I know.)

Kail is staying as close as he can to the look of the original film. There's no Little Mermaid-like choice to make Moana's animal pals Heihei and Pua look cringingly photo-real. Instead, they look like their animated versions fleshed out in CG. Which, for Pua, is pretty cute. For HeiHei, a gangly chicken with bug-eyes and red bumps all over his face, it's less charming, as reaction shot after reaction shot reminds us that cute but creepy is a fine line to walk.

But hey, this is what Disney fans want, right? A loyal recreation of a thing they loved just 10 years ago (that has a sequel and is readily available to rewatch on streaming). Sure. But aside from my general grievance about the lack of innovation in Disney's menagerie of live-action remakes, Moana has a strangely false quality to it. The cast — led by 19-year-old Catherine Laga'aia — gives performances that feel straight out of a Disney Channel show. They're are bouncy and broad in a way that made me expect the cheer or a pre-recorded studio audience to break in.

The artifice of Moana ruins the fun

Dwayne Johnson is Maui in Disney's live-action "Moana." Credit: Disney

This studio sitcom tone is jarring against the backdrop of Motunui's lush natural wonder. Here, in the village, when the tribe gathers, is where I could see the potential of a live-action Moana. Seeing a lot of AAPI performers gathering together in traditional costume to sing, dance, and showcase their culture was beautiful. The sequences for "Where You Are" and "We Know the Way" are among this movie's best because it is exhilarating to see these elements, in which community comes together to accomplish something incredible in live action. It reminds us of the incredible feats humans are capable of through craft and collaboration. Here is where Kail shines, understanding how to orchestrate a plethora of dancers and performers to create a dynamic staging. However, when it's the movie is focused on Moana, this reality gets lost.

Part of the issue is the aforementioned Disney Channel performance style, which actually makes this Moana feel flatter than Auliʻi Cravalho's voice acting in the first film. The other issue is the sound quality itself. From early scenes with Moana's chief father (John Tui) through most of her scenes with Maui, the sound recording has that isolated crispness of ADR. Typically, additional dialogue is recorded in post-production to smooth over rough spots in the on-set audio (or to make changes to the script). Here, this sound quality is so abundant that it draws attention back to the artifice around Moana.

From there, how am I to ignore how sequence after sequence seems shot against greenscreen? Though the seascape is convincingly rendered by a sprawling army of VFX artists, the lack of breeze in the air and the crisp lines around the actors all draw attention to the seams. Even Johnson's Maui look feels odd. His wig — which was much mocked online — is perfectly coiffed, as if for a shampoo commercial, framing a face that is chiseled but flawless in texture. Then his body is wrapped in Maui's signature tattoos. But it feels like the exquisite corpse game, as if these three pieces of costuming/make-up were made independently and then jammed together. They lack cohesion visually, like too much of this Moana. So, instead of being caught up in the familiar waves of a wonderful story, I was snagging on the rocks of WTF am I looking at.

Rooster Heihei in Disney's live-action "Moana." Credit: Disney

I'm sure a great deal of work went into chiseling this remake into something that will please fans. But Moana then falls into the familiar trap that Disney has built with these movies. Fans want something familiar but new enough to justify the cost of a ticket. It's understandable that this action-adventure Disney princess might have seemed like a great opportunity for a live-action adaptation. But Kail is not an action director, and Moana doesn't offer the kind of song numbers that rely on dance the way In the Heights and Hamilton do. Kail seems lost amid the movie's overwhelming CG, which, while solidly rendered, lacks any sense of artistic direction beyond "like the first Moana."

So, the result is a film that misses the point of its protagonist's journey. Rather than going somewhere new, Kail and company avoid discovery, opting instead to approximate popular IP. And in that way, it feels like AI. It does not feel like an earnest, human expression, but rather a shallow approximation that might have the general look but miss the soul of the original work.

Moana opens in theaters on July 10.

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Whip up frozen sweet treats with $70 off the Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:26:15 +0000

SAVE $70: As of July 7, get the Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker for $149.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $219.99. That's a discount of 32%.

Credit: Amazon

Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker

$149.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $70

If you find yourself wanting to snack on ice cream but don't want to leave the house for it, there are options. You could pick up a pint from the supermarket, or you could make your own frozen desserts at home, courtesy of a machine like the Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker. With it, you can make your own flavors and treats all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

As of July 7, get the Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker for $149.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $219.99. That's $70 off and a discount of 32%.

This easy-to-use ice cream maker can help you put together a variety of frozen treats, with the end result being thick ice cream you can scoop like the handmade flavors at your favorite restaurant. Add your own mix-ins to each pint, with the ability to build your perfect treats with Oreo or fruit and everything in between.

If you're health-conscious and watching the amount of sugar or calories you're taking in, you can also use the machine to whip up high protein, keto, low sugar, or dairy-free desserts as well. With the three-step process, it's all about making your frozen desserts quickly and efficiently, so you have more time to enjoy them.

Tired of store-bought ice cream or just want to make your own treats? Grab this ice cream maker and start creating while it's on sale. You'll be glad you took the plunge, as homemade ice cream is often the best you'll taste.

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Sergey Brin and 11 other billionaires and tech elite lined up against California's proposed billionaire tax

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:47:38 +0000

Google cofounder Sergey Brin and John Doerr have donated a combined $94 million to undercut California's proposed billionaire tax. Peter Thiel has donated $3 million to a separate group.

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A handful of California's estimated 214 billionaires are trying to stop a proposed wealth tax.
Google cofounder Sergey Brin, who moved assets out of the state, has spent $82 million.
Here are those joining him, including Peter Thiel, ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and DoorDash CEO Tony Xu.

California's tech billionaires and millionaires are going down spending.

This November, Californians will vote on whether to impose a billionaire tax after a last-minute push for Gov. Gavin Newsom to broker a deal failed to materialize.

With their fortunes (or at least a lengthy court battle) potentially at stake, some of the biggest names in tech have poured in over $120 million to try to outright sink or complicate the chances of a one-time 5% wealth tax on state residents and trusts with assets over $1 billion.

In comparison, SEIU-UHW, a healthcare workers union, the wealth tax's primary backer, has received roughly $31 million thus far.

Here's a look at some of the biggest names that are lined up against the tax

Sergey Brin

Getty Images

Google cofounder Sergey Brin was one of the biggest names to move assets outside California ahead of a key deadline in January.

That hasn't stopped him from being the single largest funder of the opposition to the billionaire tax through a political committee called "Building a Better California."

All told, Brin has donated a staggering $82 million to Building a Better California so far. He cut his most recent check, a $16 million donation, on May 15, just over a month before the deadline for finalizing ballot initiatives.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Brin is worth $280 billion and is the world's third-richest person.

John Doerr

Getty Images

Kleiner Perkins chairman John Doerr famously wrote the firm's $12.5 million check for a stake in Google.

Doerr has donated $10 million to Building a Better California, making him the group's second-largest donor after Brin, who, alongside cofounder Larry Page, pitched Doerr on Google all those years ago.

Doerr stepped down from the venture capital firm in 2016 but remains chairman. He also serves on Alphabet's board.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Doerr is worth $15.6 billion.

Chris Larsen

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In 2012, Chris Larsen cofounded OpenCoin, which would later be renamed Ripple Labs, a blockchain financial infrastructure company.

Larsen stepped down as Ripple CEO in December 2016, but remains executive chairman. In 2018, Larsen made history as the first person to join Forbes' 400 richest list with a fortune comprised primarily of cryptocurrency.

Larsen has donated $2.5 million to Building a Better California. He has also donated $5 million to Golden State Promise, a group that is outright opposing the tax. Separately, Ripple has also donated $5 million to that effort.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Larsen is worth $12.4 billion.

Michael Moritz

Getty Images

A former Time Magazine journalist, Michael Moritz, joined Sequoia Capital in the 1980s and remained there until he stepped down in 2023.

Moritz has donated $7.5 million to Building a Better California.

An early investor in Google and PayPal, Moritz became a renowned venture capitalist and helped make Sequoia into one of Silicon Valley's leading firms. In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II knighted the Welsh native.

According to Forbes' estimates, Moritz is worth $8 billion.

Patrick Collison

AOP.Press/Corbis via Getty Images

Patrick Collison cofounded Stripe, a payments company, alongside his brother John.

Patrick Collison has donated $7 million to Building a Better California. As CEO, Collison has made Stripe into a fintech leader.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Collison is worth $16.3 billion.

Eric Schmidt

Google's ex-CEO is worried most countries will adopt Chinese AI models.

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for America Business Forum

Brin isn't the only Googler lining up against the tax.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has donated $3,026,176.51. After Brin, Schmidt was the earliest donor to Building a Better California.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Schmidt is worth $58.7 billion.

Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel speaks at the Cambridge Union.

Nordin Catic/Getty Images

PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel backed away from political spending after the 2022 midterms. In January, he made one of his largest donations since then to a group looking to stop the billionaire tax.

In December 2025, Thiel donated $3 million to the political arm of the California Business Roundtable. While Thiel's donation was not to explicitly stop the tax, the longtime industry group is one of many lined up against it.

In the meantime, the Palantir cofounder has gone further than some of California's other billionaires. The New York Times reported in May that Thiel is spending more time in Argentina.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Thiel is worth $22.1 billion.

Stewart Resnick

Stewart Resnick and Lynda Resnick

Getty Images

Billionaires Stewart and Lynda Resnick first bought California farmland in 1978 as a hedge against inflation. Now, Wonderful Company estimates that nearly half of all Americans buy products it grows, harvests, bottles, and packages every year.

Stewart Resnick has donated $2.5 million to Building a Better California.

Wonderful Company's brands include Fiji Water, Pom Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, and Wonderful Halos. The company owns roughly 180,000 acres of California farmland.

According to Forbes' estimates, Stewart Resnick is worth $5.4 billion.

Tony Xu

DoorDash CEO says AI-led productivity isn't everything.

Bloomberg/Getty Images

DoorDash CEO Tony Xu cofounded the delivery service alongside three of his Stanford classmates.

Xu has donated $2 million to Building a Better California.

When DoorDash IPOed in 2020, Xu instantly became a billionaire. According to Forbes' estimates, Xu is worth $1.8 billion.

Max Levchin

Getty Images

Affirm CEO Max Levchin cofounded what later became PayPal in 1998 and has since become a leading member of the so-called "PayPal Mafia."

Levchin has donated $1 million to Building a Better California.

In 2014, Levchin started Affirm, a buy-now, pay-later fintech company, which went public in January 2021. Affirm now has a total market cap of roughly $28 billion.

According to Forbes' estimates, Levchin is worth $2.5 billion.

Ron Conway

Tech investor Ron Conway, seen here in 2013, is hoping that California Gov. Gavin Newsom helps kill a proposed wealth tax before it reaches voters.

Jeff Chiu/AP

Angel investor Ron Conway has spent decades working behind the scenes in Silicon Valley.

In March, Conway told Jack Altman, the youngest brother of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, that he was working to get Newsom to kill the proposed tax before it reached the ballot, an effort that proved unsuccessful.

"Our job is to get Gavin to negotiate this so that it doesn't get to the ballot," Conway told Jack Altman during an episode of Altman's "Untapped" podcast.

Conway has donated $100,000 to Stop the Squeeze, a political group that is outright opposing the proposed tax.

Altman publicly thanked Conway for helping aid his return to the AI startup following Altman's brief ouster in 2023.

It's unclear what Conway's net worth is. He was an early investor in Airbnb and GitHub, among other companies.

Daniel Tierney

The California State Capitol in Sacramento.

Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times

Daniel Tierney cofounded the Global Electronic Trading Company (GETCO) in the 1990s after cutting his teeth as an options trader in Chicago.

Now, Tierney leads Wicklow Capital, a family office venture firm he founded in 2013 that focuses on investments in "ABCD," AI, blockchain, climate, and democracy.

Tierney has donated $500,000 to Building a Better California. He is one of 10 people to have donated to the group.

It's unclear what Tierney's net worth is.

Correction: July 6, 2026 — An earlier version of this story misspelled Daniel Tierney's last name.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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The best flea and tick treatments for dogs, with guidance from veterinarians

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:47:25 +0000

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The best flea and tick treatments for dogs include both prescription and over-the-counter options from brands like Seresto, K9 Advantix, Capstar, and Simparica.

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Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can trigger a variety of health issues in dogs, including skin irritation and infections, anemia (particularly in puppies), tapeworms, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fortunately, the best flea and tick treatments for dogs make prevention and elimination straightforward. Many of these medicines also protect against additional parasites, such as lice, mites, intestinal worms, and life-threatening heartworm infections.

Safe, effective flea and tick medicines come in several forms, including topical spot-on treatments, chewable tablets, shampoos, and collars. While many dog flea medicines require a prescription from your veterinarian, others are available over the counter (OTC) without a vet prescription.

Below, you'll find more information about our picks for topical protection, tablets, prescription heartworm prevention, a flea collar, and shampoo.

Our top picks for the best flea and tick treatments for dogs

Our pick	Product and price	Prescription
Topical flea and tick prevention	K9 Advantix II - $12+ per dose at Chewy	No
Tablet for fleas, ticks, and heartworm	Simparica TRIO - $31+ per dose at Chewy	Yes
Topical flea and heartworm prevention	Advantage Multi for Dogs - From $21+ per dose at Chewy	Yes
Collar for fleas and ticks	Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs - $60 at Chewy	No
Shampoo for fleas and ticks	Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor, 12 oz. - $15 at Chewy	No
Flea pill for puppies	Capstar for Dogs - $6+ per dose at Chewy	No

How we chose the best flea and tick medicine for dogs

To select the best treatments, we consulted two veterinarians for guidance on preventing and managing fleas and other parasites in puppies and adult dogs. We also conducted research using the Quick Product Reference Guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This helpful resource lists all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals. The guide includes each product's active ingredients, usage directions, and the parasites they control.

It's important to ask your veterinarian what type of flea and tick medicine is best for your dog. The right product depends on factors like your dog's temperament, lifestyle, and the most prevalent parasites in your area.

Best topical flea and tick prevention

K9 Advantix II is our top pick among the best flea and tick treatments for dogs. It kills fleas and ticks, while also repelling and killing mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice with a single, easy application. Each dose provides 30 days of protection. To apply it, simply squeeze all the liquid in the tube onto two or three spots of your dog's skin on the top of the back from the shoulders to the base of the tail. The liquid spreads across the skin, killing fleas and other parasites on contact.

K9 Advantix II replaces Frontline Plus, our former pick for best topical flea and tick prevention. Many veterinarians say that, based on their experience, Frontline Plus seems less effective than it used to be. K9 Advantix II also kills and repels mosquitoes that might transmit heartworm disease, which makes it a good addition to a dog's heartworm prevention plan. It contains three active ingredients that work together to control parasites: imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen.

Dr. Kelley Lay, a veterinarian in Nashville, Tennessee, prefers K9 Advantix II over Frontline because of K9 Advantix II's broader spectrum of action against mosquitoes, biting flies, and some additional tick species. "I'm in Tennessee, so these things matter big time, especially for those pets who aren't also on heartworm prevention," says Lay, who has worked in a variety of clinic settings over the last decade. "I've had numerous clients come into the clinic with flea-infested pets that have been using Frontline, so it's lost my confidence over the years."

It's important to note that K9 Advantix II is for use on dogs only. The product is extremely toxic to cats, as noted on the product label and insert. It's recommended that cats be kept away from treated dogs for 24 hours.

Best pill

Simparica TRIO is our top pill recommendation for the best flea and tick treatments for dogs. The fast-acting chewable tablet kills more parasites than any other oral product. It begins working within four hours and eliminates 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.

It may be tough to choose between an oral or topical flea control product because there are pros and cons to each type of product. In certain cases, an oral preventive may be more appropriate. For example, some dogs with sensitive skin cannot tolerate spot-on treatments. "Oral products have the benefit of broad coverage to reach every spot of skin without the chance of the product being washed off," says Dr. Kate Crumley, a veterinarian with Blue Heron Consulting.

Simparica TRIO offers broader protection against parasites than our pick for the best topical flea and heartworm treatment: Advantage Multi. While both protect against adult fleas, heartworm, and intestinal parasites, Simparica TRIO kills five species of ticks and flea larvae, which is coverage that Advantage Multi does not provide.

You can give the liver-flavored tablets with or without food once a month. It contains three active ingredients (sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel) to provide an entire month of protection against more parasites than any other oral product. Simparica TRIO is also safe for some of the youngest puppies and smallest dogs. It does require a prescription from your veterinarian and a negative heartworm test. If your dog has a history of neurologic disorders, such as seizures, you should use it with caution.

Best topical flea and heartworm prevention

No flea medicine can protect against every parasite, but Advantage Multi for Dogs comes close. This topical spot-on treatment contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin, which prevent flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs. While it doesn't protect against ticks, it prevents heartworm, mange mites, and three different intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms). If your dog already has worms, your vet may recommend treating them with one of the best dewormers for dogs. As with all heartworm preventatives, your dog will need a heartworm test before beginning treatment with Advantage Multi and annually after that.

It's easy to use Advantage Multi. For dogs weighing 20 pounds or more, apply it to their skin in three or four spots from the base of their neck to their upper back every 30 days. For smaller dogs, apply the entire contents of the tube to a single spot of skin between their shoulder blades. The liquid absorbs and dries within hours. You don't need gloves during application. Just wash your hands with soap and water if any product gets on your skin. For the first 30 minutes after application, prevent dogs from licking the application site, either on themselves or other treated dogs. Children should not touch the application site for two hours.

"For clients who are using Advantage Multi, I let them know I applaud the flea, heartworm, and intestinal parasite control, but I do have a conversation about adding tick protection, especially if the pet's lifestyle and exposure put them at higher risk," Lay says.

Some oral products provide broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other parasites, negating the need to also give Advantage Multi. These treatments include Simparica TRIO, our pick for the best pill, and NexGard Plus. Products like these may be a more economical option for people. "We, of course, adjust depending on the client's needs and preferences, so I do have some that prefer to use a Seresto collar or give Bravecto or another oral flea/tick prevention," Lay says.

Best collar

Editor's note: In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report that the Seresto flea collar was linked to of adverse incidents involving pets and humans. In response, the EPA conducted a review of the Seresto collar and said that its manufacturer, Elanco, agreed to implement measures to alert veterinarians and pet owners about potential risks, including collar malfunctions that could lead to strangulation. "For all other deaths, EPA did not identify cases with a probable or definite association between collar use and death, often due to other factors impacting the animal, such as an existing medical condition," the release says. The EPA further states that the mortality rate associated with the Seresto collar was similar to that observed with other pet products it has reviewed.

Pet owners should consult their veterinarian for additional safety guidance. When purchasing a Seresto collar, ensure it is from a reputable retailer, either online or in-store, with a guarantee program, or directly from your veterinarian. To verify that the collar is authentic, you can contact Elanco product support at 800-422-9874. If your pet experiences an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and contact your vet. Tim Carroll, the EPA's press secretary, also recommends that pet owners report adverse reactions to the National Pesticide Information Center and the EPA.

Flea collars were once the standard approach for controlling fleas, but most collars don't offer the same level of protection as today's topical and oral treatments. However, one noteworthy collar is the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs. It uses sustained-release technology to provide eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, four species of ticks, chewing lice, and mange mites.

In general, the best flea and tick treatments for dogs are topical spot-on and oral preventatives. Still, the Seresto collar may be a good option in certain situations. Lay says that traditional flea and tick collars are generally not very effective, and she has even seen allergic reactions and other issues with some of them. That said, she considers the Seresto collar both safe and effective and recommends it for dogs who don't tolerate topical or oral flea and tick preventives.

The Seresto collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes. Your dog can wear it alongside their regular collar, and it has a safety system to keep them safe if the collar gets caught on something. The collar's active ingredients, imidacloprid and flumethrin, are released in low concentrations across your dog's skin and coat to kill fleas and ticks on contact within 24 hours. It's water-resistant, so you don't need to remove it during swimming or bathing.

Best shampoo

Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo is our top pick for the best flea shampoo for dogs. It kills fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, and lice for up to 28 days, while also soothing dry and irritated skin from flea bites and the constant scratching that follows.

The shampoo contains synthetic pesticides commonly used in flea and tick shampoos: pyrethrins and S-methoprene (Precor). An additional ingredient, piperonyl butoxide, enhances the effectiveness of those pesticides. Oatmeal is added to help heal irritated and itchy skin, and the shampoo has a pleasant coconut scent.

Lay says flea shampoos can be safely used alongside prescription flea control medications. However, they shouldn't be relied on as your first or main defense against fleas. The gold standard remains veterinarian-prescribed, year-round prevention. Despite marketing claims, these shampoos offer little flea protection after the bath, leaving your dog vulnerable to repeated infestations. Additionally, some shampoo ingredients may cause skin irritation.

Best for young puppies

If your dog has a heavy flea infestation, especially if they're a young puppy, you want to eliminate fleas as quickly as possible. Available without a prescription, Capstar for Dogs is the only flea control product safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other topical and oral flea control medicines, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older.

The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more than 90% of adult fleas in as little as four hours. It only protects for 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary. Daily dosing is helpful for young puppies who might not be old enough for an oral or spot-on treatment that provides long-term protection. Once your puppy is old enough, you should follow up with the best flea treatments for puppies that provides a month or more of protection.

Our top picks for flea and tick treatments compared

	K9 Advantix II	Simparica TRIO	Advantage Multi for Dogs	Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs	Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor	Capstar for Dogs
Best for	Over-the-counter flea and tick protection	Broad-spectrum parasite protection, including heartworm prevention	Flea and heartworm prevention and control	Long-lasting flea and tick protection	Immediate treatment of flea infestations	Immediate treatment of adult fleas in dogs as young as 4 weeks old and weighing at least 2 lbs.
Skip this if	You also need heartworm protection in one medication; your dog is pregnant, nursing or under 7 weeks old	You need an OTC medication; your dog is pregnant, nursing, breeding, or under 8 weeks old	You also need tick control in one treatment or an OTC option; your dog is pregnant, nursing or under 7 weeks old	You also need heartworm protection in one medication; your dog is under 7 weeks old	You need continuous monthly protection against fleas, ticks, and other parasites; your dog is under 12 weeks old	You need to eliminate anything other than adult fleas or you need long-lasting protection against fleas and other parasites
Price range	$12-$20 per dose	$31-$45 per dose	$21-$24 per dose	$60 for 8 months of protection	$.77-$1.84 per ounce	$6-$7 per dose
Type	Topical	Pill	Topical	Collar	Shampoo	Pill
Prescription	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No

What to look for in flea and tick treatments for dogs

While you should always consult your veterinarian before choosing a flea and tick medicine for your dog, there are several things every dog owner should consider.

Safety and efficacy: The best flea and tick medicines for dogs are approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can check the Animal Drugs @ FDA database to see if a medication is FDA-approved. If you don't see a drug listed in the FDA database, check the EPA's Pesticide Product and Label System to see if it's been approved by the EPA, which regulates some flea and tick treatments containing pesticides.

Number of parasites treated: It is convenient to use a product that protects against more than just fleas and ticks. While your veterinarian can advise you on which product is best for your dog, we generally favor products that cover more parasites.

There are some exceptions among our recommendations. For instance, Capstar treats only fleas but is the only medicine available for puppies younger than 6 weeks. OTC products, like K9 Advantix II, protect against additional parasites such as lice but not heartworms. Products that treat heartworm always require a veterinary prescription.

Ease of use: The easier a product is to use, the better. For example, chewable tablets are quick and easy to give your dog, provided they like the flavor. Products that require a person to wear gloves when they apply them or require the treated animal to stay away from children or other pets for a while may be a hassle.

Minimum age and weight: Flea treatments are intended for dogs above a minimum age and weight. Your options for a very young puppy will be more limited until they are older and weigh more.

Prescription vs. over-the-counter: Some flea control products are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from your veterinarian. You can buy prescription medicines from your veterinarian or online pet pharmacies and stores like Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart.

Prescription flea control products typically cost more than OTC options because they protect against more parasites, most importantly, deadly heartworms. Dogs must test negative for heartworms before starting a heartworm preventive.

Types of flea and tick medications: There are several types of treatments, including topical, oral, collars, shampoos, and sprays. Cost, convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness vary among these products. Your vet can help you determine the best type for your dog. We advise against flea sprays because topical spot-ons and oral products are more effective. Remember that some dogs with sensitive skin may not tolerate topical products. Crumley says that frequent bathing or swimming may also reduce the effectiveness of a topical product that remains on the skin's surface.

Natural vs. synthetic: Our experts do not recommend using natural products instead of veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control. While natural treatments can deter fleas and ticks, they won't eliminate an infestation. "If you use them, be prepared to apply them at least daily before your pet goes outside for the best chance of keeping the hitchhikers from latching on," Crumley says. If you also have kitties at home, avoid natural flea control products containing essential oils because some can be toxic to cats.

Other pets in your home: Any product labeled for use in only dogs should never be given to a cat. Some ingredients can be toxic to cats. While dog-only flea products can harm felines, cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins. If you're looking for a safe product for your cat, check out our guide to the best flea and tick treatments for cats.

Dog flea and tick treatments FAQs

Which flea treatments do vets recommend for dogs?

It can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks to get rid of fleas. Veterinarians recommend a multi-pronged approach: eliminate existing fleas, prevent new infestations, and treat both your indoor and outdoor environments. If you have more than one pet, they should all be treated at the same time.

Inside your home, vacuum thoroughly, especially in cracks, crevices, and other spots where flea eggs and larvae tend to collect. Wash all bedding in hot water. Outside, clear any areas where fleas can hide, like leaf piles and tall grass. If this process feels overwhelming, a licensed pest control professional can help.

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

There isn't a single flea treatment that's best for every dog. Products differ in the parasites they target, their active ingredients, their safety profiles, and how long they offer protection.

The most effective options offer long-lasting protection, kill adult fleas as well as eggs and larvae, and protect against other parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can recommend the treatment that's most appropriate for your dog.

What is the best method of tick prevention for dogs?

The most effective way to prevent ticks is to use a veterinarian-approved preventive product consistently year-round. These products also protect against fleas and sometimes other parasites and come in oral forms (like pills or chewable tablets) or topical treatments (liquid spot-ons that are applied to a dog's skin). When used correctly and consistently, these products prevent flea and tick infestations on both dogs and within the home.

Dr. Colleen Lambo, a relief veterinarian with Roo, generally prefers oral preventives containing isoxazoline compounds, such as Simparica or NexGard. These medications kill ticks quickly after they bite, which greatly reduces the risk of infections such as Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis, she says.

Lambo says dogs with food allergies or sensitivities might need tailored options, especially for oral products. Additionally, tick prevention isn't one-size-fits-all, so pet guardians should consult their veterinarian to determine the safest, most effective option for their dog's specific needs and environment.

It's important to check your dog for ticks after returning from hikes, walks, or outdoor play in areas where ticks live, such as wooded areas, tall grass or brush, and dog parks. If your dog has thick fur, feel for ticks with your hands. Don't forget to search hidden places ticks love to hide, including between the toes, under the armpits, inside or on the ears, in the groin, and on or under the tail.

Do all dogs need flea and tick medicine?

Yes, fleas and ticks aren't just a nuisance — they can also transmit diseases that make dogs seriously ill. While they might seem like a seasonal issue, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are resilient and can survive year-round. For that reason, veterinarians recommend keeping dogs on broad-spectrum parasite prevention throughout the year.

What are the different types of flea and tick medicines?

Flea and tick medicines come in several forms, including oral medications, topical products, collars, and shampoos. Oral treatments are chewable tablets, while topical products are ointments that you apply directly to the skin. Flea collars have fallen out of favor because they tend to be less effective than oral and topical options. Shampoos are also less effective, offering only short-term relief without long-lasting protection. Both of these products can be purchased over the counter or by prescription, depending on their active ingredients used to kill and repel fleas and ticks.

How do you kill fleas permanently?

Getting rid of fleas completely requires more than killing the adults. You also need to eliminate their eggs and larvae. The most effective treatments target these early stages of the flea life cycle. Ongoing, year-round flea and tick prevention is also key to stopping future infestations. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks for all fleas to be completely gone.

What is the safest flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medications are FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness, but they do come with certain restrictions. Factors like age, weight, and whether a dog is pregnant or nursing can determine which products are safe to use. Some treatments also carry safety warnings for dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic conditions. Always read the label carefully to make sure a product is safe for your dog before using it, and consult your vet if you're unsure.

What is the difference between prescription and OTC flea medicine?

Some flea control products are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription medicines typically cost more because they protect against a broader range of parasites, including heartworms. However, OTC flea medicines can still provide effective, long-lasting protection against fleas and other parasites.

Can I get flea and tick medicine without a vet prescription?

Yes, OTC treatments are available without a prescription. However, these products usually don't cover as many parasites as prescription flea and tick prevention.

Do flea collars work?

Flea collars work, but they're generally not as effective as oral or topical treatments. Our top pick, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, stands out because it provides eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks, and mange mites. Flea collars can be a good option for dogs that can't tolerate topical or oral products, Lay says.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Fleas are tiny and can be hard to spot, so it's important to watch for signs of an infestation. Common symptoms include constant biting, scratching, or licking, along with red, irritated skin. Another telltale sign is flea dirt — a rust-colored mixture of blood meal and dried feces — which shows up in places your dog spends time, like their bed. You can check for flea dirt by running a flea comb against the direction of your dog's fur growth. It's often visible in hard-to-reach areas, such as the base of the tail, the mid-back, and the groin. Other signs of fleas include pale gums (a sign of anemia) and patches of hair loss.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet after a tick bite?

In most cases, you don't need to take your dog to the vet after a tick bite if you can remove the tick completely with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. A single tick bite is usually not an emergency. However, you should contact your vet if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if your dog shows signs of illness, as they could be having a serious reaction to the tick bite or have contracted a tick-borne disease, says Holly Dutton, medical director and an emergency veterinarian at VEG ER for Pets in Tampa, Florida.

Watch for symptoms such as low energy, loss of appetite, fever, joint stiffness evidenced by limping, pale gums, vomiting, or swelling around the bite site. "If your dog seems weak, disoriented, or is having trouble walking or breathing, that's an emergency and they should be seen by a vet right away," Dutton says. "It's also important to have a vet examine the area if the tick's mouthparts remain embedded or the skin becomes red, painful, or oozing."

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He's making $330,000 secretly juggling 2 jobs. He says it's 'surreal' not having to worry about money.

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 16:47:10 +0000

A Texas healthcare worker is earning about $330,000 this year secretly juggling two full-time jobs.

Maskot/Getty Images

A healthcare worker is making $330,000 secretly juggling two full-time jobs.
RTO, layoffs, and employee tracking have forced him to adapt.
The extra income has brought financial security, but longer hours have also fueled burnout.

Editor's note: In February 2025, Business Insider wrote about a medical professional named "Daniel," who was secretly juggling two full-time remote jobs and on track to earn about $280,000. (Daniel is a pseudonym, but Business Insider has verified his identity and employment.) Read that story here. In a recent interview, Daniel shared how his overemployment situation has evolved.

When Business Insider spoke with Daniel last year, secretly juggling two full-time remote healthcare jobs was relatively straightforward.

Since then, one employer has required him to come into the office a couple of days each month. The other one is now tracking how he spends his time. To make matters worse, Daniel's working longer than ever — going from roughly 40 to 50 hours a week across both jobs to as many as 60.

Yet Daniel is still secretly juggling both jobs. In fact, he's on track to earn roughly $330,000 this year — more than ever before.

"We go to the grocery store, we buy whatever we need, we never tap into credit cards," said Daniel, who's in his 40s and lives in Texas. "So it's kind of surreal to see the struggles around me."

Daniel's experience reflects a broader shift in the overemployment movement. In recent years, secretly juggling multiple jobs has become considerably more difficult amid return-to-office mandates, a tougher job market, layoffs, and new employee-monitoring measures.

Yet changing workplace norms have not stopped workers from juggling multiple full-time jobs. Several of them told Business Insider they have simply had to change how they approach the practice.

Some have embraced AI tools to work more efficiently, while others have adapted in other ways.

For workers like Daniel, the financial rewards remain powerful enough to keep them going.

Adapting to overemployment's new challenges

After one of Daniel's employers began requiring some in-person work, he began bringing his other job's laptop to the office, carefully squeezing in work there when time allowed.

The arrangement is possible in part because his second job has become much less demanding over time. Additionally, Daniel said some coworkers know he has outside work, which has made him less concerned about being discovered. In his experience, they seem more concerned with the quality of his work than the hours he spends on it.

Other challenges have proved harder to solve.

One employer began requiring workers to manually track how they spend their time. Daniel said he's delayed complying for as long as possible, because the policy could force him to stretch the truth.

The same employer also conducted layoffs recently. In response, Daniel said he's worked to maintain a reputation as a strong performer, taking on additional responsibilities and positioning himself for a potential promotion.

This has meant working considerably longer hours in the past year. He said AI-powered medical tools have helped offset some of the added workload, allowing him to complete certain tasks more quickly and prevent his hours from climbing even higher.

The rewards of job juggling — and the tradeoffs

The extra income from job juggling gives Daniel plenty of motivation to persevere through the challenges that arise.

Earlier this year, he purchased a rental property, hoping to eventually have enough passive income to reduce his dependence on full-time work. The additional income has also made it easier to cover his child's college tuition.

"I can't even imagine going back to just a single job," he said. "I've gotten used to the income."

While the financial benefits of job juggling have been substantial, Daniel said it's come with tradeoffs. His desire to perform well, combined with a heavier workload and the demands of juggling two jobs, has left him at times feeling exhausted. Though he remains committed to the arrangement, he said the pace can be difficult to sustain.

"It seems like every day I'm living just to see the next day," he said. "I think I need a vacation or something, but it's doable."

Do you have a story to share? Reach out to this reporter via email at jzinkula@businessinsider.com or via Signal at jzinkula.29.

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Teslas Robotaxi service is now active in part of Miami

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 16:26:38 +0000

A new fleet of autonomous taxis has arrived in one of America's worst traffic cities.

Specifically, Tesla's Robotaxi service is now active in Miami, according to a post from the company on X. The same post included a map of a relatively small portion of West Miami, where you can currently hail a Robotaxi. Presumably, more of the city will be included in the service at some point, but for now, the robot cars are limited to those areas.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This follows a limited rollout in Houston and Dallas back in April. Tesla's Robotaxi service has been slowly expanding across the United States, and if precedent holds, the cabs will be available in a larger portion of Miami in the near-ish future, as Austin went from limited to full availability last month. Other cities that could get Robotaxi service this year include Orlando, Tampa, and Phoenix, though, as Electrek pointed out back in April, the company has not been especially good about meeting plans on time.

It should also be noted that these Robotaxis do not come with safety monitors. This is certainly one way to get around in Miami without worrying as much about the city's notoriously awful traffic problems, but keep in mind the risks involved.

COntributer : Mashable https://ift.tt/hZpXobk

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Where to watch the World Cup: Free live stream channels from anywhere for every game

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:47:16 +0000

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Argentina will attempt to defend its FIFA World Cup title at the 2026 tournament, but Spain is the favorite.

Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images (left); Francisco Canedo/Xinhua via Getty Images (middle); Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images (right)

The FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off, four years since Argentina's victory, and Lionel Messi and his crew are attempting to defend their title against a stacked field. We've scoured the viewing options and rounded up everything you need to know about where to watch the World Cup, including free and global streaming options for every match.

If you don't want to scroll any further, we've got you covered. You can live stream every game on FOX and FS1 via FOX One or a live TV service in the US, for free on SBS On Demand in Australia, and for free across BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK, among many other viewing options around the world (which we'll break down below). You can access your streaming options from anywhere with the help of a VPN. Keep reading to learn more about the tournament, whether you're hoping to watch from home or attend in person.

Where to watch the World Cup: quick links

Unlock international channels from anywhere: NordVPN (30-day money-back guarantee)
UK: BBC iPlayer (FREE) | ITVX (FREE)
US: FOX, FS1
Australia: SBS On Demand (FREE)
Canada:
- TSN (various)
- Crave (Select matches, from $12/month)
France: M6 (Select matches, FREE)
Germany: ARD 1 (select matches, FREE) | ZDF (Select matches, FREE)
Japan: DAZN (paid)
Italy: Rai Play (Select matches, FREE) | DAZN (paid)
Spain: RTVE Play (Select matches, FREE) | DAZN (paid)
Turkey: Tabii (Select matches, FREE)
When: June 11-July 19, 2026
Upcoming fixtures:
- Canada vs. Morocco on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST / 1 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- France vs. Paraguay on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. BST / 5 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- Brazil vs. Norway on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. BST / 4 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- England vs. Mexico on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST / 8 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- Portugal vs. Spain on Monday at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST / 3 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- USA vs. Belgium on Monday at 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST / 8 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- Argentina vs. Egypt on Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST / 12 a.m. AWST (next-day)
- Switzerland vs. Colombia on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. BST / 4 a.m. AWST (next-day)

Where to watch the World Cup for free

Several countries around the world offer free access to World Cup coverage. In Australia, all matches will be available for free on SBS On Demand. In the UK, all matches will be split across BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Other regions offer select games for free, often focusing on their national team and major late-tournament matches, while the rest are available via a paid service. In Spain, select matches will be available for free on RTVE Play. In Italy, RaiPlay will offer free coverage of select matches. M6 offers some free matches in France. Tabii in Turkey has plenty of free live streams in Arabic, too.

Want to access some of these free World Cup viewing options from outside the above countries? We'll show you how to get around those geo-restrictions next.

How to watch the World Cup from anywhere

Football fans who are away from the location where their streaming service works during any notable matches can still access their free viewing options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people temporarily change the virtual location on their electronic devices. They're popular among people looking to upgrade their cybersecurity and keep up with their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad.

NordVPN is our top recommendation and one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, offers a massive selection of global servers, and comes with a helpful 30-day money-back guarantee if you find that it's not helping you out.

Where to watch the World Cup in the US

All 104 World Cup games will air on either FOX or Fox Sports 1 (FS1) in the US. FOX offers a direct streaming counterpart, FOX One, for $20 a month with a three-day free trial. You can also sign up for the service as a Prime Video add-on. If you're looking for a service with additional channels or a longer free trial, one of the best live TV streaming services we've tested might be of interest.

Fubo offers FOX and FS1 coverage in its Sports + News plan, along with 25+ other key channels. The streaming package also unlocks ESPN Unlimited access. Sports + News costs $56 a month, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a five-day free trial. FOX and FS1 are also available in the Pro and Elite plan.

YouTube TV is another live TV service with ample FOX and FS1 coverage. A special deal can help new users get $75 off YouTube TV for five months (that's $15 a month off each month over a five-month period). The sale brings the price of YouTube TV's main plan down from $83 a month to just $68 a month. There's also a sports plan with FOX and FS1, which costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months. The live TV service typically offers a free trial for new customers.

If you're looking for Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo has the broadcast rights in the US, and all 104 matches are available to stream on Peacock with Spanish commentary. Peacock's sports-friendly tiers start at $11 a month for Peacock Premium, but you'll be able to watch the first couple of days of the tournament with a pared-down Select plan as well.

Where to watch the World Cup in the UK

Every match at the World Cup will be available for free in the UK. Coverage is split across the BBC and ITV, meaning fans can live stream all matches via a combination of BBC iPlayer and ITVX. These are free streaming options that only require account creation to watch.

Where to watch the World Cup in Australia

It's good news in Australia. All 104 World Cup matches will be available in one place, through SBS, SBS Viceland, and SBS On Demand. That means that you can live stream all of the games via SBS On Demand, which just requires account creation if you haven't already made a login.

Where to watch the World Cup in Spain

RTVE will carry several World Cup matches in Spain. This means that fans will be able to live stream coverage for free on RTVE Play. You'll just need to create an account, and then you're all set to start watching. Coverage will favor games with Spain's national team, along with other marquee match-ups. Football fans in Spain hoping to watch every single World Cup match will need a paid subscription through DAZN.

Where to watch the World Cup in Italy

Select matches will be shown through RAI in Italy, which means that coverage will be available to stream for free via Rai Play. Italian FIFA fans hoping to watch every single match of the World Cup will need a paid DAZN subscription, which will grant access to all 104 matches.

Where to watch the World Cup in Germany

In Germany, select World Cup coverage will be available for free through ARD and ZDF. For full German coverage of the entire tournament, including all early group stage matches, fans will need a paid subscription to MagentaTV.

Which countries were eliminated in the group stage?

16 teams were eliminated after the group stage, and 32 have advanced to the first round of knockouts. Curaçao, Czechia, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, New Zealand, Panama, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Korea, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan were eliminated in the group stage.

Where does the 2026 FIFA World Cup take place?

Typically, the FIFA World Cup is hosted by a single country (except for Japan and South Korea in 2002), but the 2026 tournament will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver serve as host cities. In Mexico, host cities include Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. US host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The final, which is scheduled for July 19, will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Is this a larger World Cup tournament than in past years?

If you've been looking at your TV guide and thinking that there are a lot of matches and teams, you're not alone. 2026 marks FIFA's largest World Cup tournament to date. The tournament was expanded from 32 to 48 teams, nearly doubling the number of matches scheduled to take place. This change increased the number of teams and groups in the group stages and means that knockouts begin with a new Round of 32 before the Round of 16.

Who is favored to win the FIFA World Cup?

Heading into the tournament, Spain was the favorite to win the FIFA World Cup. On DraftKings (prior to the start of the World Cup), Spain led at +450, followed by France (+475), England (+700), Portugal (+800), Brazil (+950), and Argentina (+950).

Previous FIFA World Cup winners

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup. Previous winners include France (2018), Germany (2014), Spain (2010), Italy (2006), Brazil (2002), France (1998), Brazil (1994), West Germany (1990), Argentina (1986), Italy (1982), Argentina (1978), West Germany (1974), Brazil (1970), England (1966), Brazil (1962), Brazil (1958), West Germany (1954), Uruguay (1950), Italy (1938), Italy (1934), and Uruguay (1930).

When and where is the next men's World Cup?

The next FIFA Men's World Cup tournament will take place in 2030. Most of the games will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with one match each taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. These South American games are in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first FIFA World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930.

When and where is the women's World Cup?

The next FIFA Women's World Cup is scheduled for 2027. Brazil will host the tournament for the first time. Spain is the most recent women's World Cup winner, beating out England 1-0 in the 2023 final. Prior to that, the USA won back-to-back in 2019 and 2015.

How do you get World Cup tickets?

Getting your hands on World Cup tickets has proven to be no easy task. The tournament is incredibly popular, and the initial FIFA ticket release was a bit confusing. Our team has found that some of the best prices and seating variety come from the resale market right now. You can learn more in our World Cup tickets guide.

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule

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Taylor Swifts wedding details: Everything revealed so far, including Adam Sandler conducting ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:26:09 +0000

Last night, right before the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, its undisputed queen of pop music, Taylor Swift, finally tied the knot to long-term beau, NFL tight end Travis Kelce, in what was surely the most anticipated and hyped up wedding of the century.

And while the world's most-watched couple have been notoriously tight-lipped about wedding details, and have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep their nuptials private, including forcing their guests to sign "ironclad" non-disclosure agreements and firing workers who took photos of the wedding sets, details are beginning to emerge about last night's affairs

The fairytale ceremony

Ordinary couples have to pick a wedding venue, and the typical locations are a combination of personal meaning, romance, and spirituality. The list includes religious venues, seaside locations, large barns, and ballrooms. But if you're the world's number-one power couple, there's really only one city and probably only one place that can accommodate both your guest lists while still delivering privacy from the paparazzi and your millions of fans: Madison Square Garden.

The home of the Knicks, played host to the Swift-Kelce wedding, and between the night itself and the two days of setup, the location fee alone is reported to be in excess of $3 million.

And of course, it isn't enough just to rent the venue; you also have to secure it. Ahead of the affairs, the NYPD listed the street closures necessary to guarantee security for the couple, and it was comparable or even greater than the list released during the NBA Finals:

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And what about the clothing? In a testament to how well security was managed, we still don't have a photo of Swift in her wedding dress, but her publicist has revealed that both the bride and groom were garbed by Christian Dior Haute Couture, with famed Irish fashion designer Jonathan Anderson personally handling the designs — in close collaboration with the couple, naturally. The footwear for both the bride and groom was custom-made by Christian Louboutin, with even the sneakers selling for more than $1,000, while Cartier supplied her jewelry, according to PEOPLE.

As for the flowers, another staple of weddings, details are still sparse, but Page Six did manage to snap photos of large peach flower arrangements being carted into the venue.

The food and drink offerings largely still remain a mystery, but we have had some tantalizing glimpses into what was on offer, from luxury cake designer Julie Deffense teasing a video of the Swift wedding cake that "traveled over 1200 miles" before quickly deleting the video off her Instagram to TMZ slyly snapping pictures of the food being wheeled into the Garden, which included everything from lobster to fried chicken, onion rings and even a Krispy Kreme truck.

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Some loyal Swiftians who waited outside the venue were even blessed with leftover desserts by one of the catering companies.

The attendees

Let's face it: a wedding isn't the venue, the food, or even the dress. A good wedding begins and ends with the guest list, with the friends and family you choose to celebrate your romance with, and the 1,000-strong list of the Swift-Kelce affair was a mix of A-list celebrities known the world over and friends, family, and even neighbors known only to the couple.

While every guest was no doubt honored to receive the invite, three people in particular were most important to the couple: Austin Swift, Taylor Swift's brother; Jason Kelce, Travis's brother, and…Adam Sandler. According to the hosts of Good Morning America, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, and Michael Strahan, all of whom were in attendance and spent their morning show gabbing about the wedding, the bride and groom eschewed the usual list of groomsmen and bridesmaids in favor of a Man of Honor for Taylor and a Best Man for Travis, and unsurprisingly they both chose their brothers to fill these important roles. But the officiating was done by none other than Adam Sandler, who has reportedly been a friend to the families of both Travis and Taylor over the years, which required the famous actor-comedian to get a one-day license as a marriage officiant in New York.

Celebrity guests included a mix of athletes, entertainers, and models, from Swift's close friends Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Zoë Kravitz to A-list actors like Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, and Julianne Moore, according to The Independent, who also reported that Beatles legend Paul McCartney delivered one of the night's many performances.

A few centuries ago, only the weddings of kings and queens elicited such fanfare, but given that Taylor Swift is pop culture royalty, it's no surprise that her wedding has been the most extravagant and publicized affair of 2026. We wish the happy couple the best of luck as they embark on their three-month honeymoon, the details of which are every bit as under wraps as those of their wedding.

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America's largest labor movement congratulates Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: 'It's better in a union'

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:47:16 +0000

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift got married at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday.
The AFL-CIO congratulated the couple, both of whom are union members.
The couple donated $26 million to charities ahead of the ceremony.

It's a union love story, baby.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift officially tied the knot in an exclusive wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday. Fans from across the globe rushed to congratulate the couple on their high-profile nuptials, including the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. The AFL-CIO is the largest federation of unions in the country.

Swift is a member of the American Federation of Musicians and SAG-AFTRA, while Kelce is a member of the NFL Players Association.

"It's better in a union," the AFL-CIO wrote on X. "Congrats to @The_AFM and @sagaftra member @taylorswift13 and @NFLPA member @tkelce on their marriage!"

In a separate X post, the AFL-CIO said Madison Square Garden "is a completely union venue."

Swift has shown support for unions in the past, including in 2023 during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike. While major studios and streamers resisted meeting union demands, Swift worked with SAG-AFTRA to secure an interim agreement for her concert film, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour."

She's not exactly a stalwart, however. In July of that same year, Unite Here Local 11, which represents 32,000 hospitality workers, urged Swift to cancel her Los Angeles-based concerts in support of their labor strike. She did not.

The high-profile nuptials drew hundreds of celebrities to New York City amid a sweltering heat wave. Paparazzi spotted Jason Sudeikis, Hugh Grant, Benson Boone, Ethan Hawke, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Alba, and more entering the venue.

Adam Sandler, a friend of the couple, officiated the wedding, the AP reported. Austin Swift served as his sister's Man of Honor, and Jason Kelce served as his brother's Best Man. While saying "I do," the couple donned outfits designed by Christian Dior's creative director, Jonathan Anderson, and jewelry from Cartier.

While many of the event's details were kept secret, TMZ reported that more than 1,000 guests were expected to attend, and that the couple paid millions of dollars to rent Madison Square Garden for several days. A City Hall spokesperson told CBS News that a permit was filed to close the streets surrounding the venue from July 2 to July 4.

The couple, who got engaged in August 2025 after two years of dating, donated $26 million to 20 local and national charities ahead of the ceremony. Swift's publicist said the donations were tied to places that have shaped their lives, including Rhode Island and New York City. One of the recipients, Harvesters — The Community Food Network, said Swift and Kelce donated $1 million to its food bank in an Instagram post.

"We'd like to send a heartfelt thank you to @taylorswift and @killatrav for their very generous donation to our food bank just prior to their big wedding day," the nonprofit said. "The two of them have incredibly big hearts and have shown up to support not only us but many charities over the years."

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The Pentagon's gutted weapons testing office is doing more work with fewer people, risking dangers on the battlefield, new watchdog report says

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:47:31 +0000

DOT&E's workforce was cut last year after a memo from Hegseth.

US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Allison White

The Pentagon's independent weapons testing office was cut after a memo last year.
It now has fewer workers doing more work, including in areas where they're not experts, according to a new report.
DOT&E's oversight helps ensure weapons are thoroughly tested and results are documented.

The US Department of Defense's independent office for testing weapons has been gutted, leaving its remaining staff with more work, according to a new Congressional watchdog report.

Last year's workforce cuts to the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, or DOT&E, led to several organizational changes, including the number of programs the office oversees. Experts and officials have raised concerns that the cuts will lead to weapons getting to troops without proper supervision, increasing the risk of dangerous malfunctions.

According to a report from the US Government Accountability Office, a Congressional watchdog, DOT&E's civilian staff decreased from 126 positions to just 30 in May 2025, when US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a memo gutting the office. Hegseth said at the time that the cuts would save a projected $300 million annually and "improve the lethality, readiness, and efficiency of our Armed Forces."

DOT&E's staff of action officers, who are responsible for assessing programs, told the GAO that the cuts had resulted in them being assigned more programs to oversee, as well as programs in warfare areas they're not experts in. There are also gaps in specific areas like electronic warfare.

DOT&E's oversight list of weapons programs included 15 of around 110 active middle-tier acquisition pathway programs as of February 2026. MTA programs are streamlined for fielding new technologies faster, essentially bypassing some traditional steps. Per the GAO report, DOT&E workers said they're concerned military departments could rely on the MTA pathway to avoid certain testing requirements.

DOT&E has been reporting critical information on the successes and failures of costly weapons programs like the F-35.

US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart

More broadly, DOT&E previously went from overseeing 265 programs in 2024 to 173 in 2025. Per the GAO, removals occur for a variety of reasons, including a weapons program being completed, cancelled, or merged. But DOT&E can also stop oversight by determining a program no longer needs it.

With fewer staff and programs, DOT&E action officers are now worried about impacts on troops. "Action officers also said that the losses in oversight depth and breadth caused by the workforce reductions, and subsequent loss of subject matter expertise, increase the risk of weapon systems being delivered to the warfighters with undocumented shortfalls related to effectiveness, suitability, survivability, or lethality," the GAO said.

Established by Congress in 1983, DOT&E oversees a vast portfolio of weapons systems across services and approves the different stages of testing for them. The office ensures tests have been conducted, reviews the results, and provides information on successes and failures to the Pentagon and Congress to make decisions on next steps. DOT&E can also conduct its own tests.

While the defense secretary and lawmakers can still move forward with a program despite DOT&E's review, the office is a critical independent office that informs everyone, taxpayers included, on the details behind weapons testing, like the F-35 stealth fighter. It can help reveal issues with new weapons before troops carry those systems into combat.

Under the second Trump administration, Hegseth and other officials have prioritized quickening the fielding of new weapons, such as drones, to get them to troops quicker. Leadership has described the process as a "failing fast" mentality drawn from Silicon Valley, but this shift has raised concerns about troop safety.

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