• The US-Iran ceasefire hasn't restarted normal shipping flows in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Ships still need Iranian approval or coordination to pass, keeping traffic tightly controlled.
• Shipping is dominated by smaller, risk-tolerant operators as major firms stay away.

The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran has yet to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints largely stalled.

Traffic remains thin and tightly controlled, with vessels still required to coordinate with Iranian forces to pass, according to an April 8 report from maritime intelligence firm Windward.

"Transit conditions, toll arrangements, and the legal framework for passage remain undefined. The strait has not reopened — it is in a supervised pause," the firm wrote.

On Tuesday — the day before the ceasefire was announced — just 11 vessels transited the strait, according to Windward, far below the more than 100 ships that typically passed through daily before the war.

Wednesday's activity showed little change. Five bulk carriers tracked outbound as of midday, all apparently confined to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-controlled corridor.

"Coordination with Iranian armed forces is still required for all transits," Windward wrote.

"Iran has confirmed this operates 'within technical limitations' without specifying what those are but all signs are that the Islamic Republic is seeking to retain its leverage over the waterway during ceasefire negotiations," the firm added.

Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, meanwhile, warned that keeping the strait restricted could deepen a global supply crunch, with more than 20% of traded energy flows at risk, adding that an estimated 230 vessels sit loaded with oil and ready to sail.

He described Iran's hold on the strait as "coercion" and "political leverage" in a LinkedIn post on Thursday, calling for its "full, unconditional" opening.

Limited return of shipping activity

Shipping behavior reflects that uncertainty.

Movements are dominated by smaller, risk-tolerant operators, while mainstream oil majors and large global shipping firms remain absent. Insurance constraints — particularly around war-risk coverage — continue to block a broader return.

Around 3,200 vessels carrying roughly 20,000 seafarers remain west of Hormuz as operators assess the risks, per Windward.

Windward said it could take weeks to move stranded oil and gas cargoes and months for global trade to reach pre-crisis levels, even in a best-case scenario.

"My sense is that it's unlikely ships will move quickly — much as there is a lot of pent-up demand to get these cargoes moving, risks will need to be managed carefully given the lives and costs in play," said Ellen Fraser, an energy analyst and partner at Baringa, a global consultancy.

Fraser said she expects oil prices to remain high in the meantime.

Crude futures rose early Thursday after a sharp sell-off on ceasefire news, but they remain well above pre-war levels of around $70 a barrel.

Brent crude oil futures were trading 2.5% higher around $97 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 3% to around $97.53 per barrel.

• I'm a 65-year-old personal trainer who stocks my kitchen with healthy foods from Costco.
• My cart always has frozen protein sources, like wild shrimp and organic chicken breasts.
• I also love buying healthy snacks, including macadamia nuts and grass-fed beef sticks.

As a 65-year-old fitness trainer, I prioritize consistency and simplicity over perfection in my workouts and diet. I avoid fads and strict rules, instead sticking to simple, easy-to-follow habits I can maintain.

The key to following through on these habits is preparation — hence why I love grocery shopping at Costco. Buying food in bulk means I'm prepared to make meals that support my energy, strength, and overall health on even my busiest days.

Nutrition, like exercise, doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be maintainable, and certain products make that easier.

Kirkland Signature Greek yogurt is an excellent protein source when I don't want to cook an elaborate meal.

I always have a tub of Greek yogurt in my refrigerator and reach for it almost every day.

I use it for yogurt bowls, which I dress up with berries and nuts, and sometimes mix it into my smoothies. It's also useful for cooking, as I often swap it for sour cream in recipes.

The yogurt has a rich, creamy texture, and the large container is an excellent value. Most importantly, it makes it easy for me to get more protein, which is important for aging women.

When I want a nutritious meal that feels special, I reach for the Nanuk Coho smoked salmon in my refrigerator.

Adding Coho smoked salmon to my meals instantly makes them feel more elevated.

It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and key nutrients like vitamin D and B12 — all of which are important for heart, brain, and immune health.

I love having smoked salmon ready to pull out when I host guests at my home. I have it with eggs and avocado for brunch and also arrange it on my charcuterie boards.

Kirkland Signature wild Argentine shrimp is a high-quality protein I can prepare in minutes.

Kirkland Signature wild Argentine shrimp is one of my freezer staples. It requires minimal cook time and makes meal-prep so much easier.

It's a low-fat, high-protein option loaded with nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, iron, and iodine. The shrimp also contains antioxidants and omega-3s that support overall health.

I prefer wild shrimp over farmed shrimp (I think it tastes better and is of higher quality), and because I don't always have the easiest time finding it, I like having this bag ready in my freezer.

Having Kirkland Signature organic chicken in my freezer keeps me from reaching for less nutritious options.

I buy organic chicken breasts or thighs in bulk and freeze them in small portions.

It saves money, reduces the number of trips I have to take to the grocery store, and ensures I always have a protein source ready to prepare.

Keeping chicken available is one of the simplest ways I stay on track. When I have healthy, delicious options at my disposal, it's much easier to make choices that align with my health goals.

Kirkland Signature grass-fed beef sticks are the perfect size to slip into my purse or travel carry-on.

Kirkland Signature grass-fed beef sticks, which each have 10 grams of protein, are one of my go-to snacks, especially when I'm running errands.

My days out of the house often last longer than I expect, so having a snack with me helps me avoid grabbing fast food or making impulsive choices when I get hungry.

The sticks are also a great travel snack. Because they're so easy to slip into my purse, I always have them with me.

Bags of Nature's Touch frozen mixed berries fill my freezer.

I use this mix of frozen fruit to make smoothies and top yogurt bowls almost every day.

They're packed with antioxidants and fiber, and I love how affordable and convenient they are compared to fresh berries.

Frozen berries also carry all of the same benefits, and they're perfectly ripe whenever I need them.

Frozen riced cauliflower and broccoli make it easy to incorporate more vegetables in my diet.

I always store frozen organic broccoli and cauliflower rice in my freezer to make sure I eat enough vegetables.

They're just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. Plus, they're typically less expensive, take less time to chop, and don't spoil within mere days.

Avocados are one of the most versatile foods in my kitchen.

I pair avocados with eggs, mix them into salads, or just eat them on their own.

They're full of healthy fats, fiber, and important nutrients that support heart health and my overall well-being.

I also like to keep Kirkland Signature macadamia nuts on hand for snacking and dressing up my meals.

I often buy a range of nuts, but my current favorite is macadamia nuts. They're rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

I throw a couple of the nuts into my yogurt bowls or snack on a handful to keep me full between meals.

For cooking and making salad dressings, I use Kirkland Signature Italian extra-virgin olive oil.

Kirkland Signature Italian extra-virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and high-quality. It's a kitchen staple, and I feel good using it daily for cooking and making salad dressings.

My dinner plates often include a small serving of Wildbrine raw organic sauerkraut.

I enjoy cooking with Wildbrine raw organic sauerkraut, often adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of it to simple recipes.

Because it's unpasteurized, it has probiotics that support my gut health.

Keep reading our Costco Diaries.

• Amazon announced that Kindles released before 2012, including the first Paperwhite, will no longer be supported.
• You can still read your existing titles, but you can't add anything new.
• As a devoted Kindle 5 user, I'm pissed as heck!

Please be kind to me. I received some devastating news yesterday. An email from Amazon telling me that older model Kindles from before 2012 will no longer be supported, and I won't be able to add new titles to the device. This means my beloved Kindle 5 — the kind with physical buttons on the side to turn the page — is effectively useless to me.

Here's what the email said:

Thank you for being a longtime Kindle customer. We're glad our devices have served you well for as long as they have. Starting May 20, 2026 — 14 to 18 years after their initial launches — we are discontinuing support for Kindle devices released in 2012 or earlier. Here's what this means for you:

* You can continue to read books already downloaded on these devices, but you will not be able to purchase, borrow, or download additional books on them after that date.
* If you deregister or factory reset these devices, you will not be able to re-register or use these devices in any way.

Affected devices include Kindle 1st and 2nd Generation, Kindle DX and DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation.

Arrggggggg!!!! I love my Kindle 5! I like using the clicky buttons on the side instead of the touchscreens of the newer Paperwhites. Years after it was discontinued, my screen cracked, so I hunted down a $30 replacement Kindle 5 on eBay. I was that committed to the physical buttons.

Beyond the pleasing click of a real button, the bigger issue is that I'm left-handed. When the new Paperwhites came out, I went to a Best Buy to test one, expecting to love it. But I discovered that they had a right-handed bias: To turn the pages forward, you tap the right side of the screen (left for back). This is awkward if you're holding the device in your left hand! I read a fair amount on the Kindle app on my iPhone, which uses the same left/right page turn method, and I'm constantly flipping backward by accident. It's a frustrating experience for a lefty!

(Caveat here: not all newer Kindle models work this way; my husband has a Kindle Voyage, which has a different page turning method where you tap an upper button on either side for back, and a lower button for forward.)

It seems like it may still be possible to add new content to your old Kindle by alternative methods, like sending a file to your Kindle email address or using an actual USB cord to add a file. I asked Amazon for clarification here, and a company rep responded with a quote from the same statement they gave customers. They offered no further information.

There may be other unofficial ways, too. There's a whole world of people who "jailbreak" their Kindles, or change the file formats, or strip off the DRM (digital rights management) of ebooks to make them compatible with various types of devices.

Within this world, there is a subset of people who pirate ebooks. This doesn't appeal to me, not even on principle so much as practicality: It sounds annoying and hard to do. As a cheap person, I hate paying my hard-earned cash for books, too — but that's why I have a library card and use the Libby app for ebooks.

I am happy for anyone who finds satisfaction with this arrangement, but it is not for me. I want ease and convenience. I don't want to be messing around with downloading things to my computer first. I want to do a few taps on my phone and get a book instantly. I don't want to do any "jailbreaking" of this device. I don't want to mess around with weird third-party platforms. I like my Kindle for convenience and speed; I'm not looking to complicate things.

Amazon didn't give a specific reason for why it's stopping support for these older models, but this isn't unprecedented. It's not so unusual for older hardware to experience forced obsolescence like this — there's a reason you don't see people using an iPhone 1 too often these days. Supporting software updates for older models takes time and resources, and Amazon probably doesn't see it as worth it.

What makes this slightly unusual is that these old Kindles are workhorses that are operating just fine after 14 years. My Kindle 5 is one of the few personal tech devices that I haven't had to upgrade in the last decade. I've probably gone through six iPhones and at least two laptops in my Kindle's lifetime.

Will I get a new one? I guess. I have been curious about some other ereaders, especially the Boox Palma, which seems perfectly pocket-sized. But I'm not happy about it.

• The world's 20 richest people grew $90 billion wealthier on Wednesday as stocks rebounded.
• Mark Zuckerberg and Bernard Arnault won big after the US-Iran ceasefire sparked a relief rally.
• Larry Ellison and Steve Ballmer are in the red this year due to AI jitters and geopolitical worries.

The world's richest people saw their fortunes soar on Wednesday after news of the US-Iran ceasefire sparked a relief rally in the stock market.

The top 10 people on the Bloomberg Billionaires list collectively gained $52 billion in wealth as the value of their stocks surged. The 20 richest people on the planet added $90 billion to their combined wealth, thanks to the broad-based market rally which lifted all three major US stock exchanges by more than 2.5% on Wednesday.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg led the list of gainers with an almost $13 billion wealth increase in a single day. Shares of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp's parent company jumped 6.5% as buzz over its new AI model, Muse Spark, combined with wider market relief.

Zuckerberg was followed by LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault with a nearly $10 billion gain, then Alphabet cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who added roughly $9 billion and $8 billion to their respective net worths.

Other big gainers included Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara-owner Inditex, whose fortune rose by about $7 billion. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos added close to $7 billion, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell gained $5 billion, and the three living children of Walmart founder Sam Walton notched gains of about $4 billion each.

Elon Musk was the only person in the top 50 on Bloomberg's list to register a wealth decline on Wednesday. The world's richest man saw his fortune dip by around $2 billion to $623 billion as Tesla stock dropped 1%.

However, many of the world's richest people remained in the red for this year as AI jitters and geopolitical fears have pulled down stocks.

Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison is down about $56 billion this year, to $192 billion; Arnault's fortune has shrunk by $43 billion to $165 billion; and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has seen a $35 billion wealth decline to $133 billion.

Zuckerberg and Bezos are down about $16 billion and $11 billion, respectively, to $217 billion and $243 billion.

Instead of the usual suspects, this year's biggest gainers are David Sun and John Tu. The cofounders and 50-50 owners of Kingston Technology, a leading maker of computer drives and memory modules, have both grown an estimated $22 billion richer in 2026 on the back of strong demand from AI companies for their products.

Other big gainers include Robert Pera, the founder and CEO of Ubiquiti and the owner of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team, who has gained about $20 billion this year.

Telecoms mogul Carlos Slim and financier Jeff Yass are up about $18 billion, Dell is around $17 billion in the green, and the Walton siblings have gained around $14 billion each.

Stocks rallied on Wednesday on hopes that President Donald Trump's deal with Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel for the global energy sector.

Its virtual closure over the past five weeks or so has disrupted oil-and-gas flows across the globe, lighting a fire under energy prices and reigniting fears of inflation and recession.

• JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said making big decisions when you're tired is a mistake.
• Dimon said avoiding decisions on Fridays is a key career lesson he has "learned and relearned."
• He said purpose — not happiness — is what really drives success in work and life.

Thinking about making a big decision at the end of a long week? JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says it's worth waiting.

"Making big decisions on a Friday when you're tired is a really bad idea," Dimon said in an interview with NPR's "Newsmakers" on Tuesday.

Dimon shared that insight during an answer about what he wished he knew earlier in life, after nearly 22 years running the world's largest bank by market capitalization, and after he turned 70 last month.

Thomas Roulet, a professor of organizational sociology and leadership at the University of Cambridge, told Business Insider that Dimon is correct about the dangers of "decision fatigue."

"As a CEO, if you have taken decisions throughout the week without time to recharge, cognitive resources — a CEO's ability to juggle and process all information they have to make the right decision — are depleted by Friday," Roulet said.

A CEO might also be "in a rush to make a decision because of the end of the week approaching, which can mean lacking all information to make the right decision or lacking time to consult the right people," he added.

During the interview, Dimon pointed to emotional discipline as another key leadership skill.

"Anger doesn't help," he said, describing the kinds of habits that can quietly undermine judgment.

He framed these insights as lessons "learned and relearned" over time.

"I still make some of those mistakes, unfortunately," Dimon said.

Have a 'purpose in life'

Dimon said he was raised to "have a purpose in life, treat everyone well, do the best you can, leave the world a better place," and "that hasn't changed."

He also pointed to his latest annual letter to shareholders, released Monday, which highlights the USA's upcoming 250th anniversary as a moment to "rededicate ourselves to the values that made this great nation of ours — freedom, liberty, and opportunity."

In the interview, Dimon said the meaning of happiness in the phrase "the pursuit of happiness" from the US Declaration of Independence is often misunderstood.

"When they said the pursuit of happiness, they didn't mean happiness like we mean happiness," he said, but rather "purpose."

Dimon said the idea of purpose can take many forms — from business and politics to everyday life.

"That purpose could be an artist, politician, reporter, you know, business person," he said. "You could be just a caregiver, a mother."

He recalled reading an op-ed about a Medal of Honor recipient who, decades later, came to see that the real heroes were those who quietly helped others every day — though he did not specify which piece he was referring to.

"They never gave up, and they did it through health and sickness and things like that," Dimon said.

"So that's the purpose. You made the world a better place in the way you can contribute," he added.

• This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter.
• You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.

A little bit of blood. A short wait. A test for more than 50 different cancers.

Grail's Galleri test sounds too good to be true. And with cancer on the rise among young people, a simple, noninvasive test done at home sounds like a breakthrough.

Or is it?

BI's health correspondent Hilary Brueck decided to see for herself and took the test.

What she found sits in a gray area. The test has had some success with early detection, but it's far from perfect. Grail's own laboratory study from 2021 said the Galleri test caught cancer just 51.5% of the time.

Hilary noted that the test doesn't include much context or follow-up analysis. Her results were simply, "no cancer detected."

It's also not cheap. With a listed price of $950, it's not something the average American can spring for. Especially when it's essentially a coin flip whether it detects cancer at all.

Even Grail's first CEO, Jeff Huber, sees that as a problem.

"I do feel deeply offended by the current state of things where Grail is a rich people product," he told Hilary.

The Galleri test highlights the tension at the heart of new medical technology.

Dismissing imperfect tests feels too extreme. In a world where doctors are coming up empty on the mysterious rise of colon cancer, anything to help with early detection is a good thing.

And the more chances companies like Grail have to fine-tune the process, the closer we could get to perfection.

Investors don't always have that kind of patience. Earlier this year, Grail announced its biggest trial yet had failed to meet its primary goal of reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses. Shortly after the news broke, its share price dropped 50%.

Optimism for new health tech, when taken to the extreme, also has limits. Just ask another blood-testing startup: Theranos.

But as long as the company is clear about a test's limitations, as has been the case with Grail, stopping in pursuit of perfection feels like leaving a lot on the table.

• Sony Mordechai built his caviar business to make his favorite food more affordable.
• Mordechai told Business Insider he has eaten caviar almost every day for more than 15 years.
• Imperia Caviar is now on a mission to "democratize" the exclusive ingredient so everyone can try it.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sony Mordechai, the founder of Imperia Caviar and entrepreneur behind companies including Sport Couture Group and Alesonor Real Estate Development. It has been edited for length and clarity.

About 15 years ago, a friend of mine who works in the alcohol space organized a week of tastings in Bordeaux. That's when I first discovered the world of caviar.

I became fascinated with it. I started tasting different types, visiting farms, and really trying to understand the industry. What I saw surprised me: the margins were very high, and the system felt outdated. It was very exclusive.

About six or seven years ago, I saw an opportunity. I wanted to create a global brand that could offer the highest-quality product at the best possible price, with great customer service. That's how Imperia Caviar started.

From the beginning, the idea was simple: democratize caviar.

In other parts of the world, people eat caviar much more regularly. So we saw an opportunity not just to sell a product, but to educate people and expand the market.

I've personally been eating caviar almost every day for the past 15 years. I love it so much that I combine it with almost anything.

That includes traditional caviar pairings, as well as very unconventional ones. I've had it with potato chips, fried chicken, and even ice cream. My sister says I eat it like ketchup.

Early on, part of our marketing strategy was to shock people — to show them you don't have to follow rules to enjoy caviar.

At the time, industry insiders told us to stop "defaming" caviar. It was seen as something you could only eat in a formal, luxury setting. But I believe that if you enjoy something, you should experience it however you like.

Now, that mindset is becoming more mainstream.

You see people putting caviar on chicken nuggets, on pizza, on all kinds of foods. What was once taboo is now part of a larger trend. It's less about status and more about experience.

Younger generations, in particular, are very focused on sharing experiences. They're less interested in owning things and more interested in moments they can enjoy and share — often on social media. Caviar fits very well into that.

At the same time, lowering the price point has been critical.

A lot of people assume caviar is only for the ultra-rich. That's a misconception. Yes, it's a premium product, but it doesn't have to be out of reach. You can spend $50 or $100 and have a meaningful experience.

In many ways, I think of what we're doing as similar to what happened with sushi. Years ago, sushi wasn't widely consumed in the US. Now, a large percentage of the population eats it regularly. We believe caviar can follow a similar path.

An important piece to making that happen is quality. For many of our customers, trying our brand is their first time trying caviar, and you only get one chance at a first impression. If that experience isn't great, they may decide they don't like caviar at all.

That's why we've always focused on offering the highest-quality product possible. And that approach has helped us grow.

We started as a direct-to-consumer brand, but many of our customers own restaurants, hotels, and even airlines. They began introducing our caviar into their businesses, and our enterprise side has grown quickly as well.

More restaurants are now offering caviar — not as a stand-alone luxury item, but as an upgrade. Similar to how you might add truffles to a dish, you can now add caviar to pasta, pizza, or other foods.

I think that's a big shift. It's moving from something reserved for special occasions to something that can elevate everyday moments.

In the past, demand was concentrated around holidays like New Year's or Christmas. Now, we're seeing people enjoy caviar for many special occasions — Mother's Day, brunches, parties, and even regular weekends. We even have a caviar subscription, like a wine club, for people who want to enjoy it more frequently.

Personally, I also see a wellness angle.

Caviar naturally contains omega-3s, vitamin B12, iron, and other nutrients. It's something that makes you feel good while you're eating it and afterward. I'm very focused on how food impacts energy and overall well-being, and caviar fits into that.

I don't think the industry is fully there yet in terms of positioning it as a wellness product, but I believe that in the future, for something to be considered truly luxurious, it will also have to be healthy and produced the right way.

Ultimately, our goal is to make caviar an everyday delight.

We believe the timing is right. In some parts of the world, it's already part of the culture. Now, we're seeing that shift happen more globally.

Caviar doesn't have to be about exclusivity anymore. It can be about celebration — big or small — and about sharing experiences with others.

• Investing head count based in Miami for the industry's biggest firms decreased from last year.
• Regulatory filings show Citadel, Millennium, Point72, Balyasny, and more with reduced Miami headcounts.
• The Magic City has been pitched as a cheaper, warmer alternative to New York.

One takeaway from Miami's annual hedge fund week earlier this year was the lack of attendees with plans or desires to relocate to Florida, which has for years been talked about as a cheaper, warmer alternative to high-tax cities like New York and San Francisco.

The narrative took off during the onset of the pandemic, when finance pros forced to work remotely found they could do their jobs poolside, and has turned political as billionaire founders and investors such as Sergey Brin and Peter Thiel grow frustrated with taxes in California and New York.

But while well-off founders and near-retirement executives might be buying property in exclusive Miami neighborhoods or Palm Beach gated communities, the average employee in the asset management industry has not yet been convinced that the grass would be greener in Brickell instead of Midtown Manhattan.

Now, new data from regulatory filings suggest that Miami's momentum as a hub for hedge fund talent may be slowing.

In 2025, eight of the industry's biggest employers — multistrategy funds including Millennium, Citadel, Point72, Balyasny, Schonfeld, ExodusPoint, Verition, and Walleye — had a combined 218 investment professionals in Miami, according to filings. A year later, the eight firms had 20 fewer investors in the Magic City, despite the firms' investing-focused head count increasing by more than 11%.

Regulatory filings break out only where investment staff is located, not every employee, so Miami offices may still be growing overall with non-investing personnel.

Ken Griffin's $69 billion Citadel, which moved its headquarters from Chicago to Miami in 2022, shed 15 investment professionals from its Miami offices, despite growing its overall investing team by 77 people over the year. Izzy Englander's $87 billion Millennium, which has grown its investing cohort by nearly 25% in the last two years, went from 53 investors and two offices in the Magic City in 2024 to 48 and a single Brickell location in 2026.

In a statement to Business Insider, a Citadel spokesperson called Miami a "world-class city" that's the center of gravity for our senior leadership and home to more than 400 colleagues, between the fund and its sister firm, marketmaker Citadel Securities, in the city. The hedge fund has several executives based there, including Joanna Welsh, the firm's chief risk officer.

The statement also noted that the manager is excited about the progress of the new 58-story tower being built for its new headquarters that will change the city's skyline.

New York-based Millennium declined to comment.

Of the eight multistrategy firms reviewed, only ExodusPoint, which added two investors in two new Miami offices, and Walleye, which added five investment staffers to its Miami office, grew their investment headcounts, according to the filings.

The filings show that Verition kept its Miami investment staff head count stable at 10, though the firm closed its office in the exclusive Coconut Grove neighborhood and now has only two properties in the city. A person close to the Connecticut-based firm said the manager has added three investment pros in Miami since the tally for the regulatory filing was taken.

$19 billion Schonfeld, whose CEO, Ryan Tolkin, purchased a $14 million Miami Beach mansion in 2021, has more than doubled its Dubai investing staff in the last two years while its Miami office has remained flat at 16, filings show. A person close to the New York-based fund said its overall Miami presence has grown year over year, with 69 people now working at the firm's Wynwood office.

Brevan Howard is also planning to open an office in the city soon with investment staff, a person close to the European manager told Business Insider.

Overall, a majority of the main multistrategy firms continue to grow head count despite the ongoing talent war that has greatly increased employee compensation costs for hedge funds. The eight firms employ a total of 18,678 people, of which 8,537 — roughly 46% — are people in "investment advisory functions."

The growth, from the investing personnel side, mostly came in the major financial centers these firms already operate in: New York, London, Hong Kong, and, increasingly, Dubai, though how well the Emirati city retains expats in the wake of the US and Israel strikes on Iran will be of interest for decision-makers in Europe and Asia.

There are also new outposts in smaller cities around the world. Filings show that Citadel added people in new locations such as New Zealand and Germany, which came under the firm's umbrella following the purchase of power trader FlexPower last year. The firm's Chicago presence has greatly diminished since it moved its headquarters, with investment staff in the Windy City down more than 42% year-over-year and working out of a new office.

Point72 opened an office and added two investors in Atlanta, Millennium doubled its team in Austin, and Balyasny now has outposts in three Danish cities: Aalborg, Aarhus, and Copenhagen.

• A major relief rally on Wednesday saw stocks spike and crude oil tumble the most since 2020.
• The market is sending signals about how things might look if the Iran war continues to deescalate.
• Detailed below are three major takeaways for investors after the market's latest TACO-trade bonanza

If you — like me — are enmeshed in the day-to-day swings of the market, it can be easy to take the volatility for granted. Between COVID and Trump 2.0, chaotic market gyrations have become the norm.

Still, you simply must appreciate days like Wednesday, which show the market rewiring itself in real time.

The wildest action came in oil, which absorbed its biggest drop since the 2020 COVID era. Brent crude tumbled below $100 per barrel and then continued lower, settling around $95.

There was also a 2.5% gain in the S&P 500, which would be a big deal if it hadn't surged even more just eight days ago. The common thread: signs of war deescalation.

That all combined to make Wednesday a fun day in the market, and also one that offered some useful insights. Here are three things the relief bonanza taught us about markets going forward:

1. We got confirmation of Strait-reopening winners and losers

Wednesday was hardly the market's first rodeo when it came to Iran-war relief. But it still offered a look at areas of the stock sectors poised to thrive if the war deescalates further.

Some of the winners will see relief in the form of lower commodity prices, following a wartime spike. Others are expected to benefit from lower interest rates if the inflationary pressures of the war subside.

Winners:

• Home-improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe's)
• Airlines (United, Southwest, Delta) and cruise lines (Carnival, Norwegian)
• Mega-cap tech (Intel, Meta, Micron)

Losers:

• Energy (Dow, Marathon, ExxonMobil)

2. We have an idea of what premium is still priced into oil

The drop in crude prices was certainly eye-popping, but oil is still trading well above where it was before the war.

While that premium is essentially investors pricing in a lengthy oil-market recovery, Wednesday's decline is them acknowledging the timetable just got clearer and possibly shorter.

3. We were reminded that gold is fully mask-off as a risk asset

After moving in tandem with stocks throughout the Iran war, and for months leading up, gold rose as much as 4% on Wednesday. The gain again proved that the metal trades more like a risk asset than anything.

In theory, a dialing-down of geopolitical tension might make gold fall, because investors no longer need safe-haven protection. Instead, investors are choosing to look at increased odds of rate cuts as a reason to buy gold, which doesn't pay interest.

Going up on the prospect of rate cuts? That's very risk asset-y.

But despite the celebratory mood of Wednesday, there's still a lot we don't know — most notably, when the Strait of Hormuz will actually open.

All of the fervor from Wednesday was predicated on the assumption that tanker flow will resume. But it hasn't yet. And the longer it takes, the more impatient those same traders that drove Wednesday's optimism will get.

• Kimora Lee bought back Baby Phat to try to revive the streetwear brand.
• Lee discussed her journey to reclaim ownership of Baby Phat on Emma Grede's podcast.
• Her effort to regain control of the brand comes as Y2K fashion trends sweep young people.

Kimora Lee built Baby Phat, let it go, then took it back.

After pocketing around $20 million from the brand's sale in the 2000s and investing in other companies, including energy-drink brand Celsius, she began a two-year effort to buy the business back, Lee told "Aspire" podcast host Emma Grede.

"You really do build these things up to let them go, right?" Lee said in an episode published Tuesday. "It's like letting your child go in the world. Getting it back was something that I knew I wanted, but I didn't know how."

In 2019, Lee announced that she bought back Baby Phat. She told Grede on the podcast that she wanted to preserve the brand's signature DNA and felt called to get Baby Phat back, though she knew it would be tricky.

Lee isn't the only founder to recently retake control of their brand. In 2025, Huda Beauty's Huda Kattan bought back the minority stake she'd sold to a private equity firm, helping her regain full ownership of her namesake brand.

Lee regained control of Baby Phat in time for the Y2K craze that's taken hold of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in recent years.

Cultural shifts have been on her side, as young people have begun swapping high-rise jeans for lower-waist styles and breaking out velour tracksuits. Baby Phat's hip-hugging denim and matching sets fall in line with brands like Ed Hardy and Juicy Couture, which have had their own renaissances.

Baby Phat's brand has also seen renewed interest. Searches for "Baby Phat set" spiked in February compared with the past year, according to Google Trends data.

Though Lee didn't share how much she paid to buy back the brand, she said it was worth it in the end.

"You're going to end up paying too much, and they're going to get you for the nostalgia of your name," Lee said.

• Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung retired in 2015 in their early 30s.
• They said a "two-phase FI investment strategy" helped them achieve early retirement.
• Phase one is wealth-building, while phase two is income generation.

When Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung decided to pursue financial independence in 2012, one of the first things they did was change their investment strategy.

For years, the Toronto-based couple had been saving for a home, keeping cash in a bank account for a down payment and closing costs. But as home prices in their market kept rising, they started considering other options. That's when they discovered the financial independence, retire early (FIRE) community through bloggers like Mr. Money Mustache and J.L. Collins.

At first, parts of FIRE seemed unrealistic, including the idea that someone could retire in their 30s through basic index investing.

"I didn't really believe it," Shen told Business Insider.

However, after studying the 4% rule and running their own numbers, they concluded that a $1 million portfolio could support their modest lifestyle. Their FIRE number was calculated by multiplying their annual spending — about 40,000 Canadian dollars — by 25, a common rule of thumb in the FIRE community based on the 4% rule.

The couple redirected about 500,000 Canadian dollars they had saved for a home into index funds and kept contributing to their portfolio. By 2015, they reached their goal and quit their engineering jobs to travel the world. BI confirmed their seven-figure net worth by reviewing screenshots of their investment portfolio.

Shen and Leung have been living off their portfolio ever since. They've also earned some income from their two bestselling books, "Quit Like a Millionaire" and "Parent Like a Millionaire (Without Being One)," but said they don't rely on those earnings to sustain their lifestyle.

Achieving financial independence required a two-part strategy: first, building wealth aggressively by saving and investing most of their income, and then restructuring their portfolio to generate reliable income in early retirement.

They call it a "two-phase FI investment strategy."

1. The accumulation phase

During phase one, or the accumulation phase, Shen and Leung focused on building wealth. The couple used a variety of savings strategies — including trimming three major expenses (housing, transportation, and food) and avoiding lifestyle creep — to save and invest up to 70% of their income. They said their combined income started at around 65,000 Canadian dollars and peaked at around 160,000 Canadian dollars.

They were comfortable maintaining an aggressive portfolio during this phase because the money was meant for long-term growth, Leung explained: "You typically want a relatively aggressive allocation where it's mostly equities. You can go up to 75%, 80%, even 90% equities because you don't need that money right now and you're trying to get the future gains to reach your FI target."

Shen and Leung invested in low-cost index funds tracking U.S., Canadian, and international markets. They also took full advantage of tax-advantaged accounts.

"Anytime that you have an opportunity to get free money or tax-advantaged money, you definitely want to take advantage of that," Leung said, pointing to accounts like 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and 529 plans. "The less money you give to the government, the more money you have for yourself."

2. The income phase

Once the couple hit financial independence and stopped working, their strategy shifted to what they call "an income strategy."

At that point, their goal was no longer just long-term growth. Instead, their focus became generating enough income from the portfolio to cover living expenses without having to sell investments during a market downturn.

"Instead of relying on capital gains and just looking at the total value of your portfolio, what becomes really, really important is how much dividends and interest and other types of income your portfolio is paying," Leung said. "Because when you actually need the money every year to live off of, you can't depend on the wild gyrations of the stock market."

That matters most in the first few years of retirement, which can be the most vulnerable stretch for a new retiree. If you retire and immediately have to sell investments while stocks are falling, it can do lasting damage to your portfolio.

To reduce that risk, Shen and Leung aim to cover as much of their annual spending as possible with portfolio yield — income from dividends and interest instead of selling investments. That way, they are less exposed to downturns when they need cash flow most.

There are a few ways to make that work: lowering living expenses, shifting more of the portfolio toward fixed income, and adding higher-yielding assets.

When you're building your portfolio, it's fine to have a high equity allocation, they said, but in retirement, you want stability and income. That means moving some money out of more volatile stocks and into assets designed to generate income and hold up better during market swings.

"What you do in that situation is you shift money from equities that are very volatile and put more money toward more stable assets, like bonds, preferred shares, real estate investment trusts, and these kinds of investment vehicles," Leung said. "Their job is to pay an income rather than to be a high-flying stock, and then you live off the income."

He said that the strategy has been especially useful during the market instability of 2026.

"What I'm doing is shifting more money into more dividend- and interest-paying assets," Leung said. "As a result, even though the stock market is dropping, we can afford to wait and not sell anything because the interest is enough for us to live off of."

• LegalShield has seen a surge in requests for help with home foreclosures.
• Requests for foreclosure-related assistance are at the highest since the early COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mortgage rates have declined in the last year, but people are still feeling financial pressures.

Americans are increasingly inquiring about help with home foreclosure issues, data from attorney services platform LegalShield shows.

LegalShield publishes a quarterly report on its Consumer Stress Legal Index, an economic indicator that tracks financial stress on US households, based on data from over 150,000 monthly calls with attorneys.

The most recent update found that legal requests related to foreclosure have reached their highest level since March 2020, the month when the COVID-19 pandemic thrashed the US economy.

"Most economic stress measures tell you how people feel," Matt Layton, SVP of consumer analytics at Legalshield told Business Insider. "The CSLI tells you what they do. When a household calls a lawyer about their mortgage or their debt, that is not sentiment — that is a decision made under real financial pressure."

The CSLI included data that show how bad the housing market may be under the surface. The Foreclosure Index jumped 13.4% in March 2026 and is up 20% year-to-date.

It's also not just foreclosures that are rising. Legalshield's Bankruptcy Index has more than doubled since 2022 and rose steadily in the first quarter of this year.

"Together, the indexes paint a picture of households under pressure from multiple directions: insurance and tax-driven payment shock on the housing side, and persistent debt stress beyond it," a statement from Legahshield said.

Mortgage rates have declined over the past year, falling from 7% to below 6.5%, according to data from Freddie Mac. While this has allowed more buyers to stretch their budgets, the spike in foreclosures suggests that an increasing number of buyers may have entered into mortgages they can't afford.

Attorney Chris Peoples noted that many homeowners seek legal help only when their circumstances become dire and time-sensitive, not when problems are just beginning. The fact that so many people are actively trying to find lawyers right now points to a broad shift in market conditions.

Layton noted that historically, when legal calls surge, court filings aren't usually far behind. If more and more consumers are facing foreclosure and bankruptcy, it could be a harbinger of worse things to come.

"At this point, it is less about rising stress and more about households reaching the point where outside help becomes unavoidable," Layton added.

• A couple built a US gas price tracker using Claude Code and AI agents that called 20,000 stations.
• It stacks gas prices with regional delicacies — like Dunkin' coffees and college football tickets.
• The calls show how people react to AI in the wild. Most answer, some hesitate, and a few swear.

"Hey, I'm Bobby from Gas Index, I'm an AI. What's regular goin' for today?"

"Say it again?" an attendant from Manhattan responded — before telling the bot the sign above the station was flashing a $3.89 price for a gallon of regular.

"Perfect, thanks," Bobby said before hanging up.

That's one of nearly 20,000 conversations between a gas station attendant and an AI agent — named Bobby after a character from the animated sitcom "King of the Hill" — created by Matt Cortland and John Fleming.

Cortland and Fleming, a married couple based in London, shipped a website and a phone bot as a passion project on Monday. It's called Gas Index.

It touches on several trends colliding at once: vibe-coding AI tools that speed up software development, rising fuel costs amid the war in Iran, and a new class of bots interacting directly with people in the real world.

"It seemed like a relatively new way of getting up-to-date information," Cortland, who has family in New Jersey and works as a consultant, told Business Insider. "We thought, 'What's the thing that could be really impactful for people?' We arrived at gas prices."

Fleming, a UK-based postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University, said their app reveals a significant difference in American regulations.

On Wednesday, the national average for regular gas is $4.16, according to AAA, but prices range widely — from $3.43 in Oklahoma to $5.93 in California. In the UK, by contrast, the couple found average regional prices differ by just three cents nationwide.

"The US is trying to fill a gap," Fleming said. "In the UK, it's a gold standard system. People in petrol stations have to update their prices every half hour and make it publicly accessible."

How does the gas spike compare with a Dunkin' iced?

Gas Index tracks more than 170,000 stations across all 50 states, with a marriage of data sets. It starts with location and pricing data from Google — but the tech company's dataset covers only about half of US gas stations, according to the founders, with stronger coverage among large chains.

The app aims to fix that coverage gap with updates where Google's pricing API doesn't reach.

To get more data, Gas Index relies on user-submitted photos of pumps and receipts and AI-generated phone calls to stations that don't report prices elsewhere.

Cortland and Fleming said the website was built with Claude Code over three days, while contributions from tools like ElevenLabs, Twilio, and Supabase helped build the phone bot and manage the data in another two days. The couple said the push to build the site's last 10% was "very intensive."

They estimate their AI token receipts for the project between $3,000 and $5,000.

"You spend for every call you make," Cortland said. "When you're making this many calls, the price really starts to go up. We did get a grant from ElevenLabs, which gave a ton of credits. If we didn't have that, it would have been way more expensive."

Gas Index also tries to translate rising gas costs into everyday terms.

Take, for example, a Toyota Camry owner in Alewife, Massachusetts. That driver can enter their car and location to see how much more they're paying to fill their tank — expressed in regional delicacies like Dunkin' iced coffees or fluffernutter ingredients.

Nebraska's gas prices are compared to the price of a ticket to attend a Husker college football game. Louisiana's is weighed against the price of a Cafe Du Monde beignet. New Hampshire's is stacked up to a pint of maple syrup.

Still, accuracy varies. Because the comparisons depend on user-submitted data, which the founders said will improve over time, they have built-in checks to weed out "bad data" from users.

Business Insider spot-checked 10 stations listed on the site by calling them directly. Four matched the listed price, while one differed by 15 cents. Gas prices can change multiple times per day, leading to discrepancies depending on when the data is collected.

Responding to an AI call

Bobby called a lot of stations. Their responses varied.

"I can go outside and check real quick," one cashier in Texas told the AI, according to transcripts provided by Cortland and Fleming. "I'm walking outside right now. So right now, our regular gas is $3.49 a gallon, and diesel is $4.99 a gallon."

Several others were less enthusiastic. Cortland says that one in every 700 calls features some profanity.

The calls also revealed regional differences. Texas was the hardest state to reach by phone, they said, while only 20% of stations in New Jersey shared prices after picking up the receiver.

Independently owned stations were the most willing to disclose their current prices, they said.

A war's impact on fuel costs

The site also frames price increases around the war in Iran, which it references repeatedly on its homepage.

"What's the war costing you specifically?" a read-out at the top of the site says. "Gas is up $1.13 a gallon since the Iran war began."

But the founders said they want everyone to use their new project, and don't want to be seen as nakedly political.

"The goal here is just to get people to try to get better pricing for stuff," Cortland said. "We want people in Democratic and Republican states also to use this, because it can be helpful for everyone."

• The Arctic is a growing NATO priority as China and Russia expand their presence.
• Drones can cover vast terrain, reducing the need for personnel.
• Extreme cold and barren terrain limit drone performance and concealment.

NATO needs cheap drones in the Arctic as the region becomes more contested and critical for security. But the region's harsh conditions make the technology difficult to operate, warfare experts say.

The Arctic region, a priority for the NATO alliance as Russia and China expand their presence, is vast, difficult to monitor, and impractical for large troop deployments, while traditional combat systems are costly to operate at scale.

The Arctic is becoming "a major security concern, but the territory is so vast and resources are also limited," Federico Borsari, a drone warfare expert at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told Business Insider. That's why inexpensive drones are key.

Recent conflicts have shown that drones can be valuable tools, replacing and supplementing some traditional weaponry and roles done by humans. But the cold and vastness pose significant challenges that drones must overcome to be effective.

Drones in the Arctic

Drones are desirable because "there is limited infrastructure to support human presence," Jan Kallberg, a CEPA security expert, told Business Insider.

NATO needs persistent awareness to protect infrastructure, deter adversaries, and prepare for conflict. However, traditional surveillance is "time-consuming" and also "extremely expensive," Borsari said, requiring crews, fuel, and maintenance across vast distances.

As a result, "there are so many security gaps in terms of situational awareness" despite it being so vital for so many countries for trade, navigation, and critical infrastructure security, Borsari said.

In the Arctic, "drones are extremely helpful because you can really use them to increase your ability to monitor and to survey large swaths of territory without the need to put the human or a human crew at risk," Borsari said.

Drones would not remove the need for humans or other weaponry in the region, but in many cases, using drones instead of humans is desirable. Kallberg gave the example at a CEPA briefing in January of a recon mission that once required a platoon to travel 20 miles on skis. Now, that mission can be done by a drone.

They can also be used for logistics, like carrying gear in a region where you can't as easily rely on crewed assets.

Drones can also be used to attack in the region, striking targets or delivering explosives, but that is seen as more of a secondary use and one that would still work alongside traditional weaponry.

It's not easy for drones there

Sparse infrastructure, difficult communications, and extreme cold all complicate drone operations.

The severe cold can drain batteries and cause equipment to fail. The extremely low temperatures make plastic brittle, increasing the likelihood of drone damage. Furthermore, ice buildup on sensors and propellers can inhibit the aircraft. Winds and fog can also stop drones from working properly.

"What makes it worse is that there are very few, if any, spare parts or repair facilities," Kallberg said.

The Arctic can experience months of darkness, making visual navigation and detection tricky and limiting opportunities for solar charging.

Ukraine has experienced problems with drones in the cold as it fights Russia's invasion, with batteries dying, lenses fogging, and components failing.

A Ukrainian drone unit commander previously told Business Insider his unit wraps drone batteries in heated shoe insoles to keep them warm in flight when temperatures are freezing.

Even when functional in the cold, operating drones in the Arctic is a challenge. The barren landscape leaves drones exposed, with little cover to mask them. The lack of background electromagnetic activity also makes their signals easier to detect.

"Even in war-depopulated Eastern Ukraine, there are cell phones, radios, radar, and commercial transmissions," Kallberg said. It makes drones, commands, and other combat infrastructure much easier to hide.

A CEPA report concluded that "NATO should build Arctic-specific capabilities and infrastructure" and warned that the alliance's procurement of Arctic-capable drones "remains fragmented, slow, and risk-averse."

Why the Arctic matters

The Arctic region was long seen as relatively stable and distant, but that is changing.

Melting ice is opening new routes for trade and military activity. US Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe, this year called the region "one of the world's most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas."

The CEPA report said the Arctic is "undergoing a profound transformation" and said the region "risks transforming into a central arena of global strategic competition driven by three major converging trends: climate change, the return of great-power rivalry, and rapid technological innovation."

NATO describes the region as the gateway to the North Atlantic, as it hosts key trade, transport, and communication links between North America and Europe. But it also warns that it is "an area of increasing strategic competition" with Russia having boosted its military activity there and China's interest growing.

NATO is investing in cold-weather equipment, including drones, and conducting testing in the region.

In February, the alliance launched Arctic Sentry, a new mission to coordinate existing lines of effort and boost its presence there, thereby strengthening its overall security posture.

But the US and its allies remain short of many weapons and tools that they need for the Arctic, not just drones. Borsari described NATO's new steps in the region as promising, but not enough.

• Ashley Jernigan lives in a suburb of Augusta, Georgia, in a five-bedroom home with her family.
• Each year, they rent out their home for the Masters Tournament, which can be extremely lucrative.
• Jernigan spends months and thousands of dollars prepping her house for the stay.

By the end of the first Friday in April, Ashley Jernigan had been cleaning her house for weeks.

She scrubbed ash stains from her fireplace, climbed a ladder to dust the highest windows of her home, cleaned inside her dishwasher and washing machine, and took a Magic Eraser to nearly every wall in her home.

That level of spring cleaning might sound over the top. But Jernigan's home needed to be absolutely spotless, because soon it wouldn't be hers anymore — temporarily.

Each year, Jernigan and her family rent out their home in Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters Tournament. A favorite among golf enthusiasts and billionaires for its exclusive atmosphere, the nearly 100-year-old tournament draws thousands of people to Augusta each year. Meanwhile, many locals, like the Jernigans, leave town as the golfers arrive, cashing in on the high costs attendees will pay for comfortable — and in the Jernigans' case, luxury — lodging.

Ten years into turning her home into a rental property for the Masters, Jernigan told Business Insider it's become more than a way to make money. The stay offers her a way to show off her love for her home and her city.

"I take a lot of pride in hosting people at our house," Jernigan said.

Ashley Jernigan's family lives just 20 minutes from the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters.

Ashley Jernigan, 47, lives in Evans, Georgia, a suburb of Augusta, with her husband, their three daughters, and their three golden retrievers.

Jernigan has lived in the Augusta area for over 20 years. She said she didn't know it was common for locals to rent out their homes during the Masters until she became a resident.

"When I moved here 20-something years ago, my husband was like, 'Everybody rents their houses,'" she said. "I had no idea."

Though it might sound surprising, the practice is a no-brainer once you're in the know. Golfers, the countless people who make the Masters happen, and fans of the sport descend on Augusta for the event each year, and they are willing to shell out big bucks for a rental property in the area for their stay.

Plus, thanks to the Augusta Rule, residents can rent their homes for up to two weeks without it being considered taxable income, making renting for the Masters more financially appealing.

Some homeowners have told Business Insider they make over $100,000 from their homes during the Masters, while others say a weeklong stay can cover their mortgage for a year.

The Jernigans have 10 years of Masters rental experience, including renting out their current home since 2020.

The Jernigans started renting their previous home through the Champions Retreat Golf Club, which hosts the Augusta National Women's Amateur tournament each year, as it sat near the club.

Then, when they bought their current home in 2020, they listed it with Patron Properties, a high-end rental housing platform designed specifically for the Masters, and signed a multi-year contract with their current renters. Jernigan couldn't say who the renters are, but she said they have already stayed at the home multiple times and will continue to do so for years to come.

Their five-bedroom, six-bathroom home is just under 10,000 square feet and sits on 6 acres.

Jernigan also could not share how much her home rents for because of the terms of her contract, but similar homes are listed for the 2027 Masters at nearly $120,000 for a week on platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb.

Jernigan said her family customized their home with the Masters in mind.

The Masters Tournament only takes up one week of the year, but because it's such a big event and renting can be so lucrative, Jernigan said her family updated their home with the competition in mind.

"One of the things that we did when we moved to this house, and I feel most people in Augusta do, is you're always thinking about Masters, right?" Jernigan said. "So if you're buying furniture for a bedroom, you're thinking about putting a king-size bed. My daughter is 16, and she sleeps in a king-size bed."

They also have three sets of washers and dryers, in part because a cleaning service turns over the linens in the bedrooms and bathrooms at the house daily during the Masters stay. The multiple sets of machines speed up the process.

They also have entertaining spaces like a whiskey room and home theater, but the biggest investment the Jernigans made in their home for the Masters is in their backyard. They built a large pool, complete with fountains and fire features, and a high-end pool house alongside it.

The pool house helps make the home appealing to renters.

The pool house has a built-in kitchen with appliances including a grill, refrigerator, and wine fridge, as well as a fireplace, a large television, and ample seating.

It also offers views of the Jernigans' property, which includes a large pond and plenty of greenery.

It's a great space for the Jernigans, but it was built with their renters in mind.

"Of course, we enjoy it ourselves, but it is one of the biggest things that our renters really like because they can entertain there," Jernigan said of their pool and pool house. "It's a really big, good space to have the tournament on, and it's just magical."

Golf-themed decor throughout the home also makes the property a natural fit for the Masters.

Jernigan said she doesn't need to put out specific Masters decor, since there are areas of her home with golf nods year-round.

"My husband collects Masters memorabilia, so his office is covered in it," she said of the office, photographed on the left above.

Likewise, when they redecorated their basement three years ago, they created a golf-themed space.

"We did an entire wall that's golf memorabilia," she said. "There's shuffleboard down there, we have Golden Tee, which is a golf game. We have a whiskey room, so it's very Masters vibe down there."

The basement also leads out to the backyard for indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Jernigan said her prep for the Masters starts on January 1 each year, though some prep is scheduled a year in advance.

Because they only rent their home out once a year, Jernigan said a lot of prep goes into making it Masters-ready. Since her family lives in their home for 99% of the year, they need to not only clean it but also depersonalize it to get it ready for guests.

For Jernigan, that means scheduling services to ensure her home is ready a year in advance, including exterior pressure washing and professional cleaning for carpets, rugs, and upholstery. She also schedules her dogs' stay at doggy day care a year in advance.

Then, Jernigan starts preparing for the Masters in earnest three months before her guests arrive.

"January 1, I go hard for decluttering and organizing," she said. "That's my first step, and that's what I focus on in January."

By donating and getting rid of items her family isn't using, it's easier for Jernigan to put the items she doesn't want out for guests into storage when the time comes.

In February, she starts stocking her home for the stay, including specialty toiletries.

The daily cleaning service plays a big role in the luxury experience the Jernigans offer their guests, which functions much as housekeeping would in a hotel.

"I have an entire closet filled with Masters toiletries, just like a hotel where you would have toiletries," she said. "I have those for every bathroom because those get replaced every day."

In February, she starts stocking up on toiletries and taking stock of her towel supply. She needs 20 sets, which include a large towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth, available for guests.

"I go through, and I take out the ones that are stained," she said. "I want you to feel like you're at a luxury hotel, so I always go and replenish those towels."

The bedrooms also get transformed for the Masters.

Although their house has five bedrooms, Jernigan brings in additional beds for the Masters to accommodate more guests. She ends up with nine beds, some of which are twin-sized.

She also has specific bedding she puts out for the Masters, removing the items her family uses.

"I have an entire closet full of just Masters bedding, and I keep it all white, neutral colors," Jernigan said.

She also makes room for her guests' clothing in any bedroom they use.

"We do have to clean out our closets," she said. "We don't remove everything from our closets, but we have to have dedicated space for each guest. So I will go through the closets, we will donate, and we will make room."

Depersonalizing the home is a big part of Jernigan's prep.

Jernigan spends much of the lead-up to the Masters putting her family's more personal items into storage.

"In every bedroom that a person is sleeping in, you have to depersonalize," she said. "That means removing personal items, removing pictures. They don't want to sleep with my kid's picture looking at them."

Jernigan said she leaves family photos or personal artwork in rooms like her office, but she removes them from common spaces like the living room, basement, and bedrooms. She uses her primary closet and attic to store most of the items. Jernigan said the depersonalization is why she starts decluttering at the start of the year.

"You've got to get rid of the stuff that you don't need so that when you get to March, you're not overwhelmed," she said.

Jernigan deep cleans her home herself before a professional team cleans it.

Jernigan has a housekeeping team that cleans the house daily during her renters' stay, and they also come the day before they arrive to clean it. Outside, her home is beautifully landscaped, and the pool is professionally cleaned.

However, as anyone who follows Jernigan on TikTok will know, she spends weeks deep cleaning her home herself before the Masters. She's not just vacuuming and wiping down the counters, either. Jernigan scrubs showerheads, cleans the inside of her dishwasher and washing machine and their filters, washes the walls, and organizes any cabinet her guests might open.

"Nobody's going to clean my house like me, right?" she said. "I want people to be able to sit back and relax. I want them to feel how clean and comfortable the house is. So I'm into the details."

Although she's cleaning for her guests, Jernigan said she ends up being grateful she did it for her own family when they return after the tournament.

"Every battery in every remote control, every light bulb, every filter for your air conditioner, everything is changed," she said. "So when you do come back, it's really nice, because you're like, 'Oh, everything's done.'"

Jernigan said the money locals get from renting their properties helps a lot of people with that annual upkeep, which is part of the draw of doing it in the first place.

"For anybody who's renting, it's something that financially can help them with the maintenance of their house," she said.

Jernigan also goes above and beyond to make her guests' experience feel luxurious.

Jernigan said in the weeks leading up to the Masters, many people in Augusta are in host-prep mode.

"The only thing I can equate it to is everybody is acting like their parents are coming to visit," she said. "We really do take it seriously."

"Yes, it is a really good money maker, and it's very lucrative, but I think there's a big hospitality part to it, where people really like to host people from all around the world in their house," she added.

Jernigan takes that mentality to another level, not only in her cleaning but also in the touches she adds to her home to create a luxury experience for her guests.

She created a guide to her home, which guests can read in a laminated packet or online via a QR code, and she always has a welcome basket waiting for them, made by Augusta Gift Baskets. It contains Augusta-themed treats, including Masters-themed cookies, and Jernigan also gives guests custom Masters cups from Madhouse. A personal note is the finishing touch.

The Jernigan family leaves their home for over a week for the Masters.

The Masters Tournament typically aligns with spring break for schools in the Augusta area, so kids can leave town with their parents during the event. The Jernigans leave on Friday before the Masters and return on Monday after. They spend the week on vacation, using the rental income to help finance it.

"One of the greatest things we've been able to do is have memorable vacations with our kids and take them to some really great places," Jernigan said. In past years, her family has traveled to places like Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica during the Masters.

Jernigan's family leaves in phases. Her dogs head to doggy day care a few days before the rest of them, as they need to be out of the house when the rugs and furniture are steamcleaned.

Then, her family does final prep, like cleaning out the refrigerator, and leaves a day or two before the guests arrive, vacating before the housekeeping staff does their final cleaning session before guests descend on the house.

In total, Jernigan spends thousands prepping her home for her Masters guests.

Jernigan said prep costs vary each year, but her family typically spends thousands. Some years, they paint their home ahead of the Masters; this year, they didn't. They also often run into unexpected costs right before the rental starts. As Jernigan put it: "Something always breaks right before the Masters."

In 2025, it was their dishwasher. In 2026, it was one of their air conditioners, which they found out was broken only four days before they left their home for the tournament.

Jernigan said the prep is worth it, though.

Preparing for the Masters can be chaotic and stressful for Jernigan, but 10 years into hosting for the tournament, she knows it's par for the course (ha).

"Every year, right about today or tomorrow, I question my sanity," she told Business Insider a few days before her guests arrived for 2026. "And then the second that I leave my house, I feel like it's all worth it, because I know the experience that they're about to have."

Jernigan said the stress often comes from balancing her day-to-day life with the prep, such as getting her daughter to soccer games or keeping up with work as a content creator and small-business owner.

In 2026, their eldest daughter is getting married a few weeks after the Masters, so the Jernigans will be just as busy when they return to their home this year.

"You have regular life on top of the undertaking of getting your house ready, but I think it's 100% worth it," Jernigan said.

• One of Kalshi's fastest-growing prediction markets is about tech layoffs.
• It's already reached more than $30 million in trading volume.
• "People should know and position accordingly," Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said on "The Axios Show."

One of Kalshi's fastest-growing markets has little to do with sports, elections, or any of the other hot topics that people might associate with the prediction market platform.

It's about tech layoffs, according to the company's cofounders.

"I think it's an important market, because people should know and position accordingly," CEO Tarek Mansour said on an episode of "The Axios Show" released on Thursday morning. "It's an interesting question about how people should like, think about their jobs and what should they do when going to school, and studying in college."

The market, which asks whether there will be more tech layoffs in 2026 than in 2025, has already reached more than $30 million in trading volume.

For comparison, that's larger than the $25 million that Kalshi traders wagered on who would win "Best Actor" at the Oscars in March.

And the market says there's a more than 83% chance that the number of layoffs in the information sector in 2026 will exceed 447,000, the total for 2025.

Kalshi COO Luana Lopes Lara said the market volume has been "growing 20% week-over-week."

"I think it's just so interesting to see," she added.

Several large tech companies have already seen major waves of layoffs in 2026, including Meta, Amazon, and Oracle.

Much of that has been driven by the continued spread of artificial intelligence into the workplace, with AI replacing things like coding and software engineering.

In some cases, companies are rehiring previously full-time employees as contract workers amid broader shifts in investment toward AI.

Khaby Lame's mysterious $975 million deal has hit a snag: Brokerages are restricting or blocking trading in the stock behind it.

Lame, TikTok's top influencer with over 160 million followers, announced in January that he'd struck a deal that would get him a gigantic payday and let everyday investors buy a stake in his business. To make this happen, Lame's company would merge with the publicly traded Rich Sparkle Holdings, a financial printing firm.

Day traders pounced on the opportunity, buying stock in the company Lame would list under. Rich Sparkle's stock surged on the announcement.

The initial excitement quickly faded. The stock has plunged more than 90% from its January high amid confusion over the deal's future. There haven't been any formal filings indicating that the deal was done, or that Lame's company has received the 75 million shares it was promised.

Now, a handful of prominent investment platforms have restricted trading in Rich Sparkle's shares.

Interactive Brokers lists the stock as non-tradable. A spokesperson for Interactive Brokers said the company "periodically reviews the securities it makes available for its clients to trade and restricts those it has determined are not appropriate to offer."

Others, including ETrade, Merrill Lynch, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard, blocked online trading or put restrictions on the stock.

Some platforms, including Robinhood and Webull, are allowing trading as normal.

Rich Sparkle didn't respond to multiple requests for comment.

Lame, who in January said he was "excited" to become a Rich Sparkle shareholder, hasn't said anything about the deal publicly since then. He has removed Rich Sparkle's stock ticker, ANPA, from his Instagram and TikTok bios, and his team hasn't responded to multiple requests for comment, either directly or through intermediaries.

Rich Sparkle had a market cap of roughly $133 million as of Wednesday's close. Some brokers limit trading in low market-cap stocks because they may not stick around for long and can create logistical headaches for a firm's back office if they disappear, said James Angel, a finance professor and FINRA program director at Georgetown University.

"Brokers feel they are doing their customers (as well as their back offices) a favor by not letting customers buy them," Angel said in an email.

Questions multiply around the deal

Lame, a Senegalese-Italian influencer, rose to fame on TikTok through dialogue-free videos about overly complicated life hacks, like melting butter into a deodorant stick before spreading it on bread.

His $975 million deal with Rich Sparkle put him in rarefied company in the creator economy. YouTube's top star, MrBeast, has built a company valued at about $5 billion, but few other creators have secured such a rich valuation. Unlike MrBeast's company, Lame's would have been publicly traded, giving retail investors an uncommon opportunity to invest directly in the fortunes of an individual creator.

The deal's announcement sparked a wave of optimism among creator economy insiders, who saw it as proof of the industry's value. The vibes have turned more skeptical as questions about the deal mount.

Rich Sparkle called the acquisition "completed" in a January press release; its most recent SEC filing on March 31 still described the deal as contingent on certain conditions. A January filing said the deal would be void if those conditions weren't met or waived by February 28.

Rich Sparkle is registered in the British Virgin Islands and based in Hong Kong. Due to a quirk in how foreign-registered companies file in the US, it could take months for the deal's status to be revealed to retail investors, Angel said.

When we called Rich Sparkle's Hong Kong office to find out if the deal had closed, we were directed to the same corporate email address we've been messaging for months, with no reply.

Under the deal, Lame's company would receive Rich Sparkle stock — not cash — in exchange for its intellectual property.

When Rich Sparkle's shares soared after the announcement, some retail investors watched with envy.

"It started the upward climb all the way up to $180, and I was like, 'Oh, should have held,'" said Eric Moore, a day trader who sold his Rich Sparkle shares before the deal was announced.

As the company's share price has plummeted, so has the value of Lame's potential stake, which Rich Sparkle initially valued at $975 million.

Some of the day traders who jumped into the short-lived Rich Sparkle upswing told us they were trying to make a quick buck on a high-flying stock — and not concerned with its long-term prospects.

Those prospects matter for where the share price will settle, which will determine Lame's potential windfall and could impact broader perceptions of creator-fronted businesses.

A bold proposal that drew industry skepticism

As part of the deal, Rich Sparkle said it planned to create an AI avatar of Lame to do brand deals and sell products on social media. Digital avatars are booming in e-commerce in China and, unlike human sellers, can sell around the clock. Some avatars have made millions in sales in a single livestream.

Still, Rich Sparkle's estimate that Lame's avatar could drive $4 billion in annual product sales seemed wildly optimistic, industry insiders previously told us.

The influencer data company CreatorIQ said it considers Lame to be among the most impactful creators based on the value of posts from brands, media, and other creators that mention him. By this measure, it estimates he's earned $218.9 million from 2020 to 2025 in "EMV," its metric for digital earned media, or unpaid mentions like press coverage.

Lame has worked with major brands including Hugo Boss, Airbnb, and Visa. He nabbed a cameo in Will Smith and Martin Lawrence-starring "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" (2024) and starred in the one-season "Khaby is Coming to America" on the free Fox streamer Tubi (2024), in which he meets and talks with celebs like David Beckham and Alicia Keys.

Lame left the US in June 2025 after ICE detained him, saying he overstayed his visa. After that, he went on a multi-city trip to China in September, where he posted about sampling the food and culture.

Nicola Paparusso, an Italian film producer and talent manager who repped Lame until November, told us he wanted Lame to pivot to mainstream acting.

"I said, 'You can't be an influencer forever,'" Paparusso recalled telling Lame when they were working together. He said the two parted ways over strategy direction and that he didn't know about the Rich Sparkle deal.

In recent days, Lame has been busy posting on TikTok, filming a collaboration with Lego, and signing on to be an ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

He's made no recent mentions of the Rich Sparkle deal.

Have a tip? Contact the reporters via email at lmoses@businessinsider.com or dwhateley@businessinsider.com, or on Signal at @danwhateley.94 or @luciamoses.81. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Americans are increasingly doubtful about their likelihood of finding a new job within three months.
• A quarter of jobless Americans are long-term unemployed.
• March's expectation-beating job growth might offer a bright spot for unemployed workers.

Americans aren't too hot on their chances of finding a new job.

Newly released survey data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows how workers rate their odds of finding a new role within three months, should they lose their jobs today. Since late 2025, the average American thinks they have a roughly 45% chance of landing a new job, worse odds than during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and comparable to the grinding recovery from the Great Recession in the early 2010s.

It's a far cry from the optimism of the pre-pandemic hiring market and the Great Resignation, when opportunities were abundant. Workers also thought they were more likely to lose their jobs in the next year, according to the NY Fed's consumer expectations survey.

It's part of a larger malaise that's settled over the economy and labor market. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index fell by 5.8% from February to March, as Americans anticipated that their personal finances and the short-term economic outlook would take a hit from soaring gas prices and stock volatility. Consumer sentiment about current economic conditions fell by 12.5% year over year. Meanwhile, nearly 10% of respondents in the New York Fed's survey said that their household financial situation was much worse than a year ago.

While unemployment remains relatively low, hiring has slowed and it's a tough market for job seekers. Job hunters are spending longer stretches without work, as the median number of weeks spent unemployed ticked up over the last few months. As of March, job seekers spent a median of 11.5 weeks unemployed — nearly two weeks longer than the year prior.

And long-term job seekers are increasingly swelling the ranks of America's unemployed. More than a quarter of those without work have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. Some workers have told Business Insider that they've been on the hunt for years, or sent in thousands of applications.

It's not all bad news for those out of work, or who anticipate they'd struggle to find new roles. The US added an expectation-whopping 178,000 jobs in March, a huge bounce back from February's dismal hiring numbers. And payroll growth was widespread across sectors, another good sign for workers who have been contending with a lopsided hiring market.

Are you a job seeker, or worried about your prospects for finding a new job? Share your story with this reporter at jkaplan@businessinsider.com.

• OpenBuilder is challenging dominant vibe coding startups with fixed pricing.
• The Y Combinator startup has raised $2.2 million in seed funding.
• Customers can pay for human support when they get stuck.

Vibe coding startup OpenBuilder wants to take on vibe coding giants like Lovable and Replit, arguing that the pricing models of dominant products are unsustainable and profit when non-technical users get stuck.

OpenBuilder participated in Y Combinator's Fall 2025 batch and has raised $2.2 million in seed funding from Focal, Founder Factor, Pascal Capital, and others.

While vibe coding is transforming software, OpenBuilder's cofounder and CEO, Paul Li, told Business Insider that bugs leave projects unfinished and drive up costs.

Rather than credit-based pricing, OpenBuilder charges a fixed subscription for unlimited use, with the option to pay for human developer support when needed.

The tool is built on open-source coding models from Z.ai and the Chinese startup DeepSeek, which are cheaper and offer greater flexibility. As AI costs fall over time, Li says pay-per-use business models will become untenable.

"Our bet is that over time, users are going to become educated and aware enough of the landscapes that eventually it will shift to more fixed pricing," he said.

In addition to OpenBuilder's three employees, the company works with four contractors to provide developer support. It will use the seed funds for hiring and marketing.

Li and cofounder and CTO James Jiang dropped out of the University of Waterloo to cofound a virtual reality gaming company called Mirage VR, and in 2023 pivoted to a coding assistant for software developers called EasyCode, which attracted roughly 1.5 million installs.

They went through Y Combinator with EasyCode, too, though they opted not to raise funds because the company was growing quickly and had already conducted a raise. Li said he regretted that decision as competition within the field intensified.

OpenBuilder targets non-technical builders, including hobbyists and aspiring entrepreneurs. It largely targets small businesses building tools to avoid pricey software products, Li said.

Here's a look at the pitch deck OpenBuilder used to raise its $2.2 million seed. Slides have been redacted so that the deck can be shared publicly.

The first (and glitziest) golf major of 2026 has arrived in sunny Augusta, Georgia. We've gathered everything you need to know about how to watch the Masters Tournament, including free streaming options.

The four-day golf tournament brings together the best golfers in the world for a shot at the elusive Masters title and iconic green jacket. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, with his 2025 victory sealing his career Grand Slam, following past wins at the PGA Championship, US Open, and Open Championship. Ludvig Åberg, Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Scottie Scheffler are among the top competitors participating in this week's event.

Keep reading to learn the best ways to tune into the 90th Masters Tournament, including broadcast and free streaming options. We've outlined coverage details for all four rounds.

• See also: Where to watch Monte Carlo Masters | Where to watch Champions League | Where to watch UFC

How to watch the Masters free from anywhere

If you're away from the US right now, you can still access the free live stream on the official Masters website with the help of a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are easy-to-use tech tools that allow people to temporarily alter the digital locations of their electronic devices. This way, they can access their favorite websites and apps from anywhere. They're especially popular apps for those looking to use their usual services while traveling abroad or improve their cybersecurity.

NordVPN is the best VPN we've tested. It's a user-friendly option with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a selection of cybersecurity perks (especially in the long-term plans). You can learn more about the service in our NordVPN review.

How to watch the Masters in the US

It's good news for US golf fans. The Masters Tournament is the rare golf major where coverage is available completely free online, in addition to the TV broadcasts. Fans can catch all of the action for free on the Masters website.

Coverage will also be available across ESPN, CBS and Paramount Plus, and Prime Video. On Thursday and Friday, Rounds 1 and 2 will be available on Prime Video from 1 to 3 p.m. ET and on ESPN from 3 to 7 p.m. ET. On Friday and Saturday, Rounds 3 and 4 will be available on Paramount Plus from 12 to 2 p.m. ET and on CBS (and Paramount Plus) from 2 to 7 p.m. ET. For early-morning coverage, your best bet is the ESPN app or the Masters website.

ESPN offers two tiers of service: ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited. While some programming will be streaming exclusives, the best way to ensure you can see all of the ESPN action (including direct live streams of the flagship channels) is by subscribing to ESPN Unlimited for $30 a month.

Paramount Plus also offers two tiers of service: Essential and Premium. While Essential comes with some live sports, the only way to live stream the CBS channel directly is with Paramount Plus Premium. This tier costs $14 a month and comes with ad-free on-demand streaming, Showtime programming, and other perks.

If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, you automatically have access to Prime Video. If you don't, you can sign up for Amazon Prime for $15 a month or Prime Video by itself for $9 a month. In addition to all Prime Video shows and movies, this also unlocks access to other select live sports, including Thursday Night Football, and games across the NBA, WNBA, and NWSL.

If you're hoping to catch all of the ESPN and CBS coverage in one place or you'd like a cable alternative service with additional channels, one of the best live TV streaming services we've tested might be of interest. Two of our favorite options, which are both CBS and ESPN-friendly, are DirecTV and Fubo.

You can get both of these networks, a nice selection of other channels, and access to ESPN Unlimited in DirecTV's MySports genre pack or Fubo's Sports + News package. DirecTV MySports costs $65 a month, but you can get your first two months for $45 a month after a five-day free trial. Fubo Sports + News costs $56 a month, but you can get your first month for $46 after a five-day free trial.

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

I watch as my crimson-red blood quickly fills two small glass vials, then gets packed into an ice-cold sleeve to be shipped off to a cancer-hunting lab.

I've just completed my first cancer blood draw. There's about two teaspoons worth here, and I'm shelling out $824 to get it analyzed. (A seasonal discount brought it down from the listed price of $950.)

The process is simple and close to painless. A phlebotomist comes to your house, draws a little blood, you check the paperwork to ensure everything is correctly labeled, and off it goes to a lab. It will be tested for more than 50 different cancers. I'll have results in about a week, my phlebotomist says.

My stomach does a few flips, which surprises me. I don't think there's any reason to be nervous. I'm 40, still 10 years shy of the age when the test is recommended. I don't have any cancer symptoms, and I'm not considered high risk. I don't have a family history of cancer. But the thought of something lurking in my seemingly healthy body is unnerving. What if something is amiss and I just don't know it yet? The wait for results begins.

I've taken the Galleri test from Grail, a blood-testing startup for early cancer detection, one of a handful of tech companies that are Silicon Valley's latest answer to our collective cancer anxiety.

The sales pitch is basically this: If you can spot cancer in your bloodstream right now, you might be able to do something about it.

A third of us will get cancer in our lifetimes. Many of us won't catch it as quickly as we'd like, and there are deadly cancers, like liver and pancreatic cancer, that aren't routinely screened for. Cancer is meanwhile becoming less of an older person's predicament. More young people are getting diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer, a trend researchers and doctors don't fully understand. More young women are getting lung cancer and uterine cancer.

This and similar blood tests aim to get ahead of all that with good tech. They're designed to detect a cancer signal — traces of cancer DNA shed into the blood — and identify where in the body the signal is coming from.

That's the idea, at least. In a laboratory study Grail conducted in 2021, it caught 51.5% of cancers overall. That's a coin toss. Its accuracy fell to 16.8% for stage 1 cancers. Disappointing results from several real-world rollouts, including from a major, three-year trial in the UK, have dimmed the company's outlook. The test is catching cancer, but it's not clear it's really saving lives. At least not yet.

As I await my results, I worry about bad news. But I also worry I won't learn much of anything at all.

Grail has its origins in the human sequencing boom of the early 2000s.

When the Human Genome Project released the first draft of our genetic blueprint in 2000, a wave of biotech companies sprang up, focused on making sequencing more accessible across research, medicine, and eventually consumer testing. Early players like 23andMe were followed by companies that offered more advanced clinical applications, like prenatal tests for Down's Syndrome and other genetic abnormalities.

One of these companies, the genome-sequencing giant Illumina, was among the first and biggest providers of non-invasive prenatal blood tests (NIPTs). In the mid-2010s, Rick Klausner, Illumina's chief medical officer and the former director of the National Cancer Institute, noticed something interesting. When a phlebotomist showed him some unusual chromosomal patterns she'd spotted in a series of prenatal tests, he guessed, correctly, that they could be signs of cancer in the mothers' bodies.

"I immediately thought this could be the breakthrough we've long looked for: a screening test for cancer," Klausner says.

Getting that idea to market would require spending a lot of money, likely to the tune of $1 billion, on development and testing. With that in mind, Grail was spun off in 2016.

A few years later, Illumina reacquired Grail for $8 billion and then spun it off again. Grail went public in 2024 with a $500 million valuation.

"I called it Grail because this is one of the holy grails of cancer: Can you create a blood test for early detection?" Klausner says.

Jeff Huber, a former Google executive who helped develop Google Maps and had served on Illumina's board, was tapped to be Grail's first CEO. As it happened, Huber's interest in cancer detection had just become deeply personal. His wife, Laura, died at age 47 of a late-stage cancer that doctors were slow to diagnose. Huber says he was excited by the idea of harnessing data to increase a patient's odds.

"When cancer is diagnosed late, you are starting behind, and it's an uphill fight the whole way," he tells me. "There are times where you can make progress. But, ultimately, the dominant outcome is you lose because of the starting point."

Huber, who left Grail in 2021, says he still does the Galleri test every year alongside his annual check-up as part of a broader bouquet of cancer screening options. Every other year, he also does a full-body MRI, which costs about $2,500 and can catch abnormal growths. "I do feel deeply offended by the current state of things where Grail is a rich people product," he tells me.

Grail filed for FDA approval of its Galleri test in late January. It scored a major win in February, with a new law that says that Medicare will cover FDA-approved "multi-cancer early detection tests" (MCEDs) starting in 2028, even though none of the tests have made it that far.

The one blood test for cancer screening that's FDA approved is Guardant Health's Shield test, but, so far, it only screens for colon cancer. A recent clinical trial found it detected around 83% of colon cancer cases in people over 45, and the National Cancer Institute is running a trial to determine if the test could eventually be used more broadly.

Other companies may not be far behind, though they're still gathering data. Cancerguard, the makers of Cologuard colon cancer stool testing tests, offers a $690 test that also screens for around 50 cancers and, thus far, performs about as well as the Galleri test. MCED tests are also offered through OneTest and Episeek.

In the meantime, Grail has partnered with lab-testing startups to enable easy, at-home tests at lower prices. Telehealth giant Hims and Hers began offering the Galleri test this year, as did Superpower, a San Francisco-based health coaching startup.

The question is whether Grail's technology, and the tech behind MCEDs in general, is as good as those promoting it say, or if it's more of a work in progress.

The American Cancer Society doesn't recommend MCED tests since "much still needs to be learned about the accuracy." The US Preventive Services Task Force, the independent expert panel that approves tests for insurance coverage, has yet to weigh in.

Several major rollouts of the Galleri test — one involving California firefighters; another done in collaboration with the UK's National Health Service — have yielded disappointing results.

In late 2022, the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation spent over $1 million to offer the Galleri test to 1,786 active and retired firefighters, hoping this new test might save some lives.

A cancer "signal" was detected in 11 tests, according to a foundation press release. Cancer was later confirmed in five of those cases. The diseases were late-stage in all five cases the test flagged and each of the patients have since died. In the other six cases where the Galleri test detected a "cancer signal," follow-up tests found no evidence of cancer.

Within six months, at least three other firefighters who had no cancer signal detected by the test were diagnosed with either melanoma, prostate cancer, or lymphoma.

"We were sort of disappointed," says Tony Stefani, president of the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. "We were under the impression when we talked to them that this was a state-of-the-art type of new screening tool and it would definitely give us an opportunity to catch some of these cancers at their earliest stages."

The foundation now says it "cannot support the routine use" of the Galleri or similar tests due to "false reassurance, missed cancers, unnecessary follow-up procedures, or added stress."

"If they fine-tune this thing to where it does catch these cancers at early stages, like they said, then it's a phenomenal thing," Stefani says. "But right now, it's just not working."

When I asked Grail about this, a spokesperson pointed to the test's success in identifying cancers that aren't routinely screened for, as well as cancers that other screening has missed.

Klausner says it was never expected that the test would have "a positive predictive value of 100%," and that finding even one new cancer is a good thing.

"It's been very strange to me, the extraordinary skepticism of the cancer community," he says. "I'm cautiously optimistic that the performance is going to continue to hold up, and hopefully will demonstrate real meaningful clinical benefit."

Disappointing results have continued to pile up.

Preliminary results from a Grail trial, released in October and involving 23,000 people in the US and Canada found the test detected cancer in 133 people that was later confirmed. However, it missed 196 cases that were diagnosed by doctors within a year, and it produced 83 positive signals that could not be confirmed as cancer.

Then, in mid-February, just three weeks after Grail filed for FDA approval, Grail released preliminary results from a major trial of its test in the UK.

Grail had partnered with the UK's National Health Service on a controlled, three-year trial of 140,000 people between the ages of 50 and 77. The NHS had called the testing "potentially revolutionary" if it could reduce the number of cancers found at stage 3 and stage 4, when the chances of survival are lower, and the overall costs are higher.

When Grail announced it hadn't met that goal, its share price fell 50%. The full results won't be released until later this spring, and an NHS spokesperson told the BBC that "the NHS will carefully study the full results from this major trial in the coming months to help determine how blood tests like this could be used in the future."

Grail has pointed out that the test reduced the number of stage 4 cancer diagnoses by more than 20%, at least for a particular subset of 12 especially deadly cancers, when used a second and third time. Grail also said its testing had led to a fourfold improvement in the detection of breast, colon, lung, and cervical cancers.

Professor Richard Sullivan, the director of the Institute of Cancer Policy at King's College in London, calls Grail's response "incredibly disingenuous." He points out that the test simply didn't achieve its goal of preventing more stage 3 and stage 4 cancer diagnoses.

"The bar was so low, and they couldn't even show that," he says. "The answer is the test does not work. End of story."

Many cancer researchers still see exciting potential in blood testing, even if the results thus far haven't been as good as some had hoped.

"I actually still think that these tests are our best hope for bending the cancer curve," Dr. Scott Ramsey, a cancer researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, told The Cancer Letter when Grail's NHS results were announced. Ramsey is a co-principal investigator for the National Cancer Institute's ongoing MCED trial, which is trialing products from Guardant and ClearNote, but not Grail. "We're looking at the results for a first-generation test, and perhaps a trial design that wasn't ideal," he told the outlet.

As someone who writes about health for a living, I spend a lot of time monitoring cancer research and talking to cancer patients. And the truth is, we don't always have great options.

Doctors can be dismissive of symptoms, and no screening test is perfect. Mammograms miss about one in every eight cases of breast cancer. Colonoscopies, which are now recommended for adults over 45, can miss about 5% of colorectal cancers.

The demand for more accessible and reliable screening options, from MRIs to blood tests to wearables, is enormous. Most of us want more detailed information about our health so we can take proactive steps to live longer, healthier lives. And it would be great if we didn't have to smash our boobs or stick a probe inside our butts, only to test for one cancer at a time, with imperfect results.

It's no wonder that people who can afford it will shell out for any promising new technology, even if the data is mixed or the potential benefit is marginal. And while we typically set a high bar for screening tests — they should save lives and have real preventative value — are we willing to bend that standard in the name of supporting innovation?

A week passes after the phlebotomist's visit, and there's still no word from Grail. For all my growing ambivalence about the test, I can't kick the feeling of uneasiness.

Finally, two weeks after my blood draw, my results arrive in an email from Grail. I wait to open them alongside my husband, just in case the news is bad.

Relief passes over me as I read the result: "no cancer signal detected."

Still, there's no detailed analysis to look at, no numbers to track, no data to keep on file or compare to future tests. I think about other blood tests and genetic workups I've done. They almost always included a range of "normal" values so you can see where you rank, or detailed a long list of genetic mutations you do or don't have. There's none of that detail here.

When I tell people I took the Galleri test, the first thing they usually ask is whether they should give it a try.

In weighing my response, I'm haunted by the story of Danielle Hoeg, a mom to three young kids who took the Galleri test at 43 after some routine blood work had come back with confusing results.

Hoeg had received the same email that I got: "no cancer signal detected." Still convinced that something was wrong, she kept digging and, a few months later, went in for a Prenuvo full-body MRI. The scan found stage one lung cancer. Doctors were able to quickly remove her tumor in a single procedure without any chemotherapy or radiation.

It's just one story. But I wonder about others who don't follow their gut as Hoeg did.

In the weeks since I got my results, here's what I've landed on. If it's peace of mind about cancer you're after, comprehensive full-body MRIs will tell you the most about what's going on in your body right now, for about two and a half times the price of a Galleri draw.

The number one thing you can do — and this is something I've heard from nearly every cancer patient I've interviewed — is to talk to your doctor as soon as something feels amiss. Don't wait months or years to go in. And if they dismiss your concerns, go get a second opinion.

I certainly wish we could do more to both catch cancers earlier and treat them more easily. In the absence of a perfect solution, there are at least some imperfect ones out there.

Hilary Brueck is a health correspondent at Business Insider.

• Goldman Sachs is warning of a painful gas squeeze as much of Qatar's supply remains offline.
• Qatar's liquefied natural gas infrastructure is severely damaged.
• Natural gas prices are already surging, and further increases could follow if supply remains tight.

While the war in Iran has oil markets on edge, a natural gas crisis may be brewing, warned a top Goldman Sachs analyst.

The concern centers on Qatar, which supplies about one-fifth of the world's global liquefied natural gas. Production at QatarEnergy's Ras Laffan Industrial City — the world's largest LNG facility — was knocked offline by recent attacks.

"There is a risk that this just drags so much that it makes the process very painful," said Samantha Dart, the co-head of global commodities research at Goldman Sachs, on the bank's "Exchanges" podcast.

Natural gas is vital to the global economy, used for electricity generation, industrial processes, and heating.

But unlike oil, gas markets are highly seasonal. Countries rely on building up inventories between April and October to get through peak winter demand.

That means that disruptions hitting now — months ahead of winter in the northern hemisphere — can force prices sharply higher if supply isn't restored in time.

"Whatever impact that has had on inventories today, we have to offset it completely by the end of October," Dart said in the podcast recorded on Monday, before the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.

The supply shock is significant. Qatar's LNG infrastructure has been hit hard, and QatarEnergy has said that repairs may take three to five years to fully restore capacity.

"It doesn't take three years to fix anything. What they are really saying is these two liquefaction trains were so damaged that we need to start over. We need to rebuild them from scratch," Dart said.

Natural gas prices have already climbed by 50% to 70%, but Dart said she had expected prices to rally further.

So far, higher prices have only encouraged limited switching to alternatives like coal, rather than the deeper demand cuts needed to rebalance the market, she said.

However, prices haven't surged as dramatically as expected because China, after a mild winter, has redirected its surplus gas into global markets, providing some short-term relief, especially in Europe.

As that temporary relief fades, the market will be forced to reckon with the underlying constraints. The global system lacks slack, and the US — the world's largest LNG exporter — has no spare capacity to fill the gap quickly, Dart said.

If the conflict is resolved soon, prices could ease.

But if it drags on, Goldman sees potential for gas prices to climb another 50% to 100% from current levels as markets are forced to ration demand more aggressively, she added.

• Delta CEO Ed Bastian spoke about the K-shaped economy on a Wednesday earnings call.
• He said premium passengers are less affected by geopolitical conflicts and are traveling as usual.
• Delta reported revenue growth of nearly 10% in the first quarter.

Delta Air Lines CEO said its affluent customers are bringing in cash for the company at a tricky time in the aviation space.

In a Wednesday earnings call, Ed Bastian said that the premium consumer is "becoming more immune to the headlines," and "not delaying their investment in the experience economy."

He said that a year ago, people and corporate passengers specifically were "frozen by the dramatic nature of the tariff uncertainty," but they have grown desensitized to the volatility.

"We hear about tariffs now every day. And sometimes they go up, sometimes they go down. But it's not affecting individuals' lives in a meaningful way," Bastian said.

It's the same story for the Middle East conflict, which has unleashed a massive wave of travel chaos in the region since February and sent fuel prices skyrocketing.

"As difficult as it is to see what's going on with the conflict in the Middle East, I'm not sure that our premium customers are feeling affected by that," the executive added.

Delta reported a 9.4% increase in first-quarter revenue compared to a year ago, earning $14.2 billion. The company's stock rose about 3.7% after earnings were announced on Wednesday.

The airline said that the revenue growth was led by premium, corporate, and loyalty spending. It added that its premium revenue grew 14% compared to the same period last year.

Delta is the latest company to highlight the effects of America's K-shaped economy, a bifurcation in spending patterns between high- and low-earners.

Lower-income consumers are increasingly strapped for cash, and companies are responding with value meals and other deals.

Meanwhile, high-income consumers keep spending. Ralph Lauren's CEO Patrice Louvet told Bloomberg in July that his core consumers were "very resilient."

The CEO of Macy's Inc, which owns the department stores Macy's and Bloomingdale's, said on a December earnings call that the company's customer base, "which is predominantly middle to upper income, remained resilient and engaged."

• A Workday CTO left his post after less than a year to join Anthropic's technical staff team.
• Though not an "executive" title, a "member of technical staff" can bring high pay and prestige in AI.
• Frontier AI labs are using flatter, more fluid labels.

The AI era is elevating a flatter, broader "member of technical staff" role into one of the more prestigious jobs in tech.

In March, Anthropic hired Peter Bailis as a member of technical staff less than a year after he joined Workday as its chief technology officer. Workday's president of product and technology, Gerrit Kazmaier, said at the time of hiring that Bailis would be part of the HR company's initiative to go "all in" on AI.

Prior to the Workday post, Bailis was a VP at Google for about a year and a half, according to his LinkedIn.

"We're grateful for Peter's contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter," a Workday spokesperson said in a statement. "We're thrilled that Gabe Monroy has taken on the role of Chief Technology Officer at Workday, leading our next chapter of AI innovation."

An Anthropic spokesperson confirmed Bailis's move from Workday. Bailis did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Anthropic spokesperson said Bailis will be working on reinforcement learning engineering at the startup.

The MTS title is common at frontier labs — like Anthropic and OpenAI — and larger companies for technical hires across research and engineering. The title highlights a cross-functional and non-hierarchical structure. While the label doesn't specify an executive-level position, it carries prestige and often comes with the promise of building new products.

Anthropic on its careers page says "engineers here do lots of research, and researchers do lots of engineering," adding that engineers will "have as much input into Anthropic's direction as anyone else."

OpenAI president Greg Brockman similarly explained in 2023 that the AI startup did not want to "bucket people into researchers and engineers," opting for the MTS title.

Mike Krieger was the cofounder and CTO of Instagram before he started a news aggregator app and then joined Anthropic as its chief product officer. Earlier this year, Krieger announced on X that he was shifting roles to a technical staff member of Anthropic's Labs, which works on Claude Code.

A MTS role can also bring high pay.

In 2025, Business Insider reported, citing H-1B visa filings to the Department of Labor, that a member of technical staff at Anthropic can pay $300,000 to $405,000. At OpenAI, a member of technical staff could be paid between $210,000 to $530,000, according to the report.

The skyrocketing valuation of Anthropic also brings the prospect of minting multimillionaires through equity as the startup eyes a $380 billion post-money valuation.

The potential allure of the MTS role at a frontier AI lab comes as AI-native startups disrupt larger software companies.

In February, Anthropic's rollout of Claude Cowork and industry-specific plugin tools triggered a stock sell-off in the software sector. The reaction was dubbed the SaaSpocalypse, reflecting fears that AI labs like Anthropic are making tools advanced enough to make companies dedicated to software services redundant.

• Google DeepMind's CEO said the lab merged resources with other areas of Google to catch up to rivals.
• Demis Hassabis said the lab started moving with a startup-like focus and pace.
• The change combined all of Google's AI resources, including compute, a major bottleneck for AI research.

One reorg led Google DeepMind to become the lab it is today.

On an episode of the "20VC" podcast released on Tuesday, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis shared how his AI lab has caught up with its rivals in the last two to three years.

Hassabis said Google combined all the company's resources, including compute, one of the biggest bottlenecks for AI research.

"We've basically helped put together all the talent from around the company, sort of pushing in one direction," he said.

This helped Google build the biggest models rather than having two or three versions at the same company.

"A lot of it was assembling together all the ingredients we already had and then kind of pushing with relentless sort of focus and pace," he said. "Acting almost like a startup, really, to get back to the frontier and be ahead in many areas."

Hassabis cofounded DeepMind in 2010, which Google acquired in 2014. It merged with Google Brain in 2023 to form Google DeepMind, the lab behind tools such as Gemini and Nano Banana.

"I would say about 90% of the breakthroughs that underpin the modern AI industry were done by either Google Brain, Google Research, or DeepMind," Hassabis said.

The unit competes with frontier labs such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft AI.

Tech leaders have long touted their companies' ability to work like a startup and embrace a lean, move-fast culture.

In a letter to shareholders last year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that he wants the tech giant to operate like the "world's biggest startup."

"Speed disproportionately matters for every business, in every industry, at all times," Jassy wrote. "It's a false binary to argue that you can move fast or deliver high standards."

Apple cofounder Steve Jobs also famously said the company was organized like a startup, with different teams all working on the same thing.

"We're the biggest startup on the planet," he said at a 2010 conference.

• Ballerina Farm's Daniel Neeleman says drinking water helps him keep his calorie intake in check.
• "I really believe in liquid, getting full on liquid," Neeleman said.
• He said that the tip came from a book "about why French women are all skinny."

Ballerina Farm's Daniel Neeleman says a diet tip inspired by French women helps him stay lean.

Neeleman is married to "tradwife" influencer Hannah Neeleman. Between homestead life and raising nine kids, he says one simple trick helps him avoid overeating.

"I really believe in liquid, getting full on liquid. When I go to eat, have a bite of food, and have two big gulps of water. I have a bite of food, and have three big gulps of water," Neeleman told GQ in an interview published on Tuesday.

He said that drinking water while eating helps him "get that full, satiated feeling."

"If I just get full on food and I'm not drinking a lot of water, then I find that I can out-eat my calorie allowance really quickly," Neeleman said, adding that it can happen in a single meal if he's not careful.

"I can really pound food, so the liquid just helps me feel full without the calories," he said.

When asked about the idea that drinking water during meals can disrupt digestion, Neeleman said he hadn't heard that before.

"But there's this book about why French women are all skinny and that is the crux of the book. They just drink a lot of water in between bites. And so that's worked for me. I've never had a problem with digesting," Neeleman said.

Neeleman says he tries to keep his daily calories under 2,400 while still getting at least 210 grams of protein.

He said his wife's sensitive stomach pushed her toward clean eating, which in turn influenced his own diet and made him more aware of how quickly processed foods can impact his weight.

"When I was younger, I could eat whatever I wanted. Even today, I'm a pretty steel-trap stomach type of a person. Hannah's amazed that I don't have any of those types of issues," Neeleman said.

"But what I notice is, from a weight standpoint, processed foods put on really bad weight for me really quickly. It just retains. That weight just kind of sticks to you," he added.

At the end of the day, clean eating is about staying healthy, he said.

"The cleaner I can eat, the better I do in my fitness routines and easier it is for me to lose bad fat and gain muscle," Neeleman said.

His wife has also spoken about how their family approaches food and nutrition.

In October, Hannah Neeleman told Business Insider she prepares lunch for her family each day, typically consisting of a carb, lean protein, and vegetables.

She rotates between potatoes, pasta, rice, and quinoa for carbs, while protein is typically steak or roast, with vegetables from their garden, she said.

"I make bread a few times a week, so if it's a bread day, then we have bread as well," she added.

Neeleman isn't the only one who has made small changes to his eating habits to stay lean.

Jennifer Aniston has said that she follows the "80/20" rule to keep her diet in check. The 80/20 rule involves eating healthily 80% of the time and being more flexible for the remaining 20%.

Matt Damon has said that cutting gluten from his diet helped him drop to 167 pounds, a weight he hadn't been at since high school.

• Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson is dedicated to preserving the legacy of her family's burger chain, In-N-Out.
• That means slow expansion, refusing to sell to private equity, and avoiding needless tech advances.
• "That's who we are," she told Pepperdine students last month. "And if it's not broken, why fix it?"

Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson says In-N-Out Burger is sticking to the status quo.

In a conversation hosted by Pepperdine University in late March, the burger chain owner said she has no interest in private equity money, delivery apps, or mobile ordering as other restaurant brands chase speed, scale, and outside capital.

For Snyder-Ellingson, the refusal is part of a larger mission: to preserve the family company's quality, culture, and personal touch.

"I know that that's just not an option for me," she said of partnering with private equity firms. "There's nothing I would gain that would be tied to anything that I'm doing."

Snyder-Ellingson said her goal is to "preserve and continue" the company and honor her family's legacy, not trade control for growth.

In-N-Out, a classic California chain, has been slowly pushing farther east, with Tennessee becoming the chain's 10th state and its furthest-east outpost to date. The company first said in 2023 that it would build an Eastern territory office in Franklin as part of its Tennessee expansion, and by late 2025, it had opened its first stores in Lebanon, Antioch, and Murfreesboro.

In February, In-N-Out opened in Franklin as well, extending the brand's footprint in a market the company now uses as a foothold for its next phase of growth.

That expansion still fits the chain's deliberately slow, controlled playbook. In-N-Out says it only builds stores close enough to its patty plants so that fresh ingredients arrive within a single day. Its current map stretches across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and Tennessee, with New Mexico next in line.

In other words, the Tennessee push is real growth — just growth on In-N-Out's terms.

"We don't want to be in every state," Snyder-Ellingson said last year, when she appeared on the "Relatable" podcast discussing her decision to move her family out of California as the Tennessee office was being built. "We don't want to ever compromise our values and standards and the cornerstones that my grandparents laid down, so it's really just keeping those priorities at the forefront when we make decisions."

That same thinking explains why In-N-Out has resisted delivery and mobile ordering, she said while speaking at Pepperdine. The company has been asked about both, but has decided those paths would strip away what makes the chain distinctive.

"Part of what makes In-N-Out and the experience so special is the interaction and the customer service that we're able to give," she said, speaking to Pepperdine University President Jim Gash. Mobile ordering, she added, would "take a piece of that away." Delivery also fails a basic test: its iconic burgers would not arrive as intended, she said.

Instead, Snyder-Ellingson said the company's edge is consistency.

"We won't compromise our quality," she said, adding that In-N-Out will not take "the quicker, easier way" simply because it is easier for the business. The company's guiding principle, she said, is to do "what's best for our customers."

Her comments fit a broader message that ran through the event: In-N-Out is still a family business shaped by faith, simplicity, and a refusal to change for change's sake. Snyder-Ellingson said she often asks what her grandfather or father would have done, and that question still anchors decisions about the menu, operations, and the company's future.

"That's who we are," she said. "Why change it? And if it's not broken, why fix it?"

• A SpaceX exec announced another xAI reorganization this week.
• The company's organizational structure has been in a state of flux in recent months.
• Several xAI cofounders left the company after it was acquired by SpaceX in February.

As Elon Musk's xAI merges more closely with SpaceX ahead of the space giant's blockbuster IPO, the AI company is undergoing yet another major overhaul to its engineering team, according to a memo viewed by Business Insider.

SpaceX executive Michael Nicolls said the company is "clearly behind" the competition and is taking action to catch up as quickly as possible.

Nicolls, the senior vice president of Starlink at SpaceX, has taken on the title of xAI president, a person with knowledge of the change told Business Insider.

SpaceX, which acquired xAI earlier this year, is expected to file an initial public offering this year, which could value it at over $2 trillion, according to some reports.

As it merges with SpaceX, xAI has undergone a series of organizational shake-ups while racing to keep pace with AI rivals OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. The company has lost several cofounders and senior leaders, most recently Ross Nordeen, formerly one of Musk's closest deputies. Now, Musk is using the Tesla playbook to rebuild the company from the ground up, even as it navigates ongoing departures and layoffs. The stakes couldn't be higher: xAI is pushing toward an IPO that could value the company in the trillions.

Model training

Devendra Chaplot, a former researcher at Facebook and Thinking Machines Labs, who joined the xAI last month, will lead pre-training, the initial phase in which a model learns general patterns from massive datasets, such as text, images, or code.

Aman Madaan will oversee model factory and tooling, including the infrastructure, data pipelines, and training workflows used to develop and improve AI models. Aditya Gupta will head post-training and reinforcement learning, the final stage in which the model is fine-tuned, aligned with human preferences, and optimized for real-world use cases like chat or coding assistance.

Beibin Li, a former researcher at Microsoft and Meta, will lead post-training for Grok Code. Xuhui Jia, who previously worked at Google DeepMind, along with Yukun Zhu, will lead video and image training.

Product and Infrastructure

The company's product team will be led by Andrew Milich and Jason Ginsburg. The two engineers joined the company from AI coding giant Cursor in March. The product team will oversee Grok Main, Grok Voice, and Grok Imagine.

Physical infrastructure will be led by Jake Palmer, and compute infrastructure by Daniel Dueri, who is the director of software engineering at SpaceX, according to LinkedIn. Other SpaceX employees have also taken on leadership roles. Matt Monson, the director of Starlink software at SpaceX, will also be leading data at xAI.

On the compute team, the training performance of xAI's compute is "embarrassingly low," Nicolls said in the memo, and the company plans to improve it significantly in the next two months.

A spokesperson for xAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nicolls said in the internal memo that the changes are effective immediately, and the company is working on giving staff titles that better describe their work.

Musk first reorganized the company in February, after xAI was acquired by SpaceX. Since January, eight of the engineers who helped found the company alongside Elon Musk have left the company, including cofounders Nordeen, Guodong Zhang, and Manuel Kroiss, who led Grok Code, and Toby Pohlen, who helped lead Macrohard, the company's computer use agent project.

In the wake of the cofounder departures, the company's structure has been in a near-constant state of flux, with Musk at times managing dozens of direct reports. Tesla and SpaceX engineers have also come into the company's Palo Alto office to assist with the changes, people with knowledge of the issue said.

XAI has shed dozens of employees since February, Business Insider previously reported. The company cut portions of its teams working on its video and image generation tool, Grok Imagine, and Macrohard, its AI agent project, earlier this year, Business Insider also previously reported. More recently, the company has cut several members of its recruiting team, according to people with knowledge of the cuts.

In March, Musk said on X that "xAI was not built right first time around, so is being rebuilt from the foundations up."

He has also said that the company is looking back through old xAI candidates to bring in new people.

"Many talented people over the past few years were declined an offer or even an interview @xAI," Musk wrote on X.

Correction: April 9, 2026 — An earlier version of this story misspelled Michael Nicolls' last name.

Do you work at xAI or have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at gkay@businessinsider.com or Signal at 248-894-6012. Use a personal email address, a nonwork device, and nonwork WiFi; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

During my time as a veterinary assistant, I regularly performed fecal tests to screen cats for worms. These intestinal parasites live hidden inside your cat where they silently cause harm. Fortunately, the best cat dewormers and parasite preventives can quickly eliminate infections like tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms and keep them from returning.

There are many types of cat dewormers available, including oral and topical treatments. Some products eliminate active parasite infections but don't prevent new ones, while others treat worms and provide ongoing monthly prevention. Because different medications target different parasites, your veterinarian will need to perform a fecal test before you can deworm your cat. They will be able to identify the type of worm your cat has and recommend the appropriate treatment, such as one of the prescription dewormers highlighted in this guide.

To determine the best deworming medications, I consulted veterinarians about how they diagnose and treat worms in cats. I then evaluated products based on safety, effectiveness, parasite coverage, and ease of use. My top pick is Profender, an affordable topical treatment that kills the most common worms with a single dose. For some cats, a monthly preventive that controls many types of parasites may be appropriate. NexGard Combo is a spot-on treatment that eliminates existing parasites and protects against intestinal worms, fleas, ticks, and heartworms with ongoing monthly use.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best cat dewormers

Best broad-spectrum dewormer: Profender Topical Solution - See at Chewy

Best tapeworm dewormer: Droncit Tablets - See at Chewy

Best topical for deworming and prevention: NexGard Combo - See at Chewy

Best tablet for deworming and prevention: Interceptor Flavor Tabs - See at Chewy

Best broad-spectrum

A broad-spectrum dewormer eliminates multiple types of intestinal parasites at once. No other cat dewormer kills as many different types of worms with a single dose as Profender. The topical dewormer contains two powerful active ingredients, emodepside and praziquantel, which eliminate the two most common species of tapeworms, one type of hookworm, and one type of roundworm.

Aside from its effectiveness, Profender is easier to use than our former top pick in this category, Drontal, which is a pill that often requires a follow-up dose. To give your cat Profender, you only need to part the hair at the base of your cat's head and apply the solution directly to the skin. After application, keep your cat separated from other pets in the household until the solution has dried.

Profender is available by prescription only, so you'll need to consult your veterinarian before using it. This step is important, as your cat may have other parasites that even broad-spectrum dewormers won't eliminate.

Best for tapeworms

Droncit tablets tackle tapeworm infestations quickly and safely in cats and kittens over 6 weeks old. You can give the tablet whole or crush it and mix it into your cat's food.

Cats primarily become infected with tapeworms when they ingest fleas infected with tapeworm larvae. Droncit tablets contain praziquantel, an active ingredient that paralyzes and eliminates tapeworms within 24 hours. It's effective against the two most common tapeworm species and gets rid of them with a single dose.

Unlike the other tapeworm dewormer I considered, Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer, Droncit is conveniently available as single tablets, while Elanco is sold in a three-pack and at a slightly higher cost per pill.

To prevent further infections, you'll also need to treat your cat for fleas. For this reason, your vet may also recommend monthly flea prevention with NexGard Combo or another of the best flea and tick treatments for cats.

Best topical for deworming and prevention

NexGard Combo kills worms and other parasites with a single topical treatment and, when applied monthly, helps prevent future infections. It is also an excellent option for cats who won't take pills. Just squeeze the liquid onto one spot on the back of your cat's neck and let it dry.

You can use NexGard Combo once to treat an infestation of tapeworms, hookworms, or roundworms, or give it monthly to keep your cat free from intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks and prevent deadly heartworms.

In general, Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital, prioritizes products that provide both flea and heartworm prevention. "Heartworm disease, although rare, is not treatable in cats and has a high fatality rate," she said. "Coverage for ticks, immature life stages of fleas, and intestinal parasites are also important, and fortunately now there are products available that protect against all the above."

NexGard Combo contains three active ingredients: eprinomectin, praziquantel, and afoxolaner. Eprinomectin and praziquantel work together to kill worms and prevent reinfection. These ingredients are effective against the two most common species of tapeworms, two species of hookworms, one species of roundworm, and heartworms. Esafoxolaner, a form of afoxolaner, treats and controls fleas and ticks.

Best tablet for deworming and prevention

Interceptor is a great choice for pet owners who prefer to give an oral preventive rather than apply a topical product, thanks to the many parasites it protects against. In addition to preventing deadly heartworm disease, Interceptor Flavored Tablets treat and control roundworms and adult hookworms with the active ingredient milbemycin oxime. Each chewable tablet provides 30 days of protection and is safe for kittens as young as 6 weeks.

Interceptor is one of only two chewable parasite preventives available for cats, the other being Heartgard. Unlike Interceptor, Heartgard only treats and controls heartworms and hookworms, while Interceptor also treats roundworms. You can offer your cat an Interceptor tablet as a treat or hide it in a small amount of wet food.

To purchase NexGard Combo, you'll need a prescription from your veterinarian. As with all heartworm preventives, your cat needs a heartworm test before starting this medication and once every year thereafter.

What to look for in cat dewormers

Before purchasing one of the best cat dewormers, it's important to see your veterinarian. If you suspect your cat has worms, the first step is to take them to the vet for a physical exam and fecal test, which is an examination of the stool that reveals what type of worms your cat has. Depending on the type of worms found, your cat might also need follow-up deworming and another fecal exam to ensure all parasites have been eliminated

Your vet can also determine if your cat has other health issues that need to be addressed. Certain single-celled microscopic parasites (protozoa), including coccidia and Giardia, cause symptoms similar to those caused by intestinal parasites, but they are not true worms. They require different prescription medications to treat them. "Generally speaking, if they have one parasite, they'll have multiple parasites," says Dr. Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian at Cornwallis Road Veterinary Hospital. "If they have roundworms, it's not uncommon to see tapeworms or other worms as well, or 'non-worms' like coccidia."

Parasites prevented and other considerations: Even though some dewormers are available over the counter, do not skip the vet visit since different drugs treat different worms. Some drugs may also be more appropriate for the region where you live and your cat's specific health needs.

Safety and efficacy: The medication you give your cat should be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine approves and regulates drugs for animals — you can search the Animal Drugs @ FDA database to see if a medication is considered safe and effective. Some flea and tick products for animals are instead regulated by the EPA since they contain pesticides. You can find out whether a flea and tick product is EPA-approved by searching the EPA's Pesticide Product and Label System.

Ease of use and precautions: A medication may be oral or topical. Consider whether you can easily give your cat a pill by hand or mix it in their food. If choose a topical medication, read the directions carefully to ensure you follow the appropriate precautions. You may need to wear gloves to apply some medicines and keep other pets, children, or pregnant people away from treated animals for a specific period of time.

Be on the lookout for counterfeit products: Counterfeit parasite treatments can harm animals and may be unsafe for humans. For this reason, you should only purchase dewormers and parasite preventives from your veterinarian or a trustworthy pharmacy. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides advice for determining whether a pharmacy is trustworthy, which includes checking to see if an online pharmacy is accredited by the National Association Boards of Pharmacy Pharmacy (NABP) Verified Websites Program. NABP-approved online retailers include Chewy, Petco, and Petsmart. The FDA also provides tips for verifying the legitimacy of a pharmacy, and the EPA says there are several ways you may be able to spot counterfeit products, including missing directions or directions that are not provided in English, foreign-labeled products, and lack of child-resistant packaging.

How we selected the best cat dewormers

My knowledge about intestinal parasites and their treatment and prevention is informed by my experience as a veterinary assistant and my 20-year career writing and editing for pet and veterinary publications.

For this guide to the best cat dewormers, I consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding the treatment and prevention of intestinal parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, as well as heartworms and ectoparasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Although this information guided my product selection, my experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide. I also used the Quick Product Reference Guide published by the independent nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. It lists all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals, including each product's active ingredients and uses.

Below are the main attributes I used to evaluate the best cat dewormers and preventives.

Safety and efficacy: I only considered FDA- or EPA-approved dewormers and preventives for this guide. I then consulted the Merck Veterinary Manual to ensure all ingredients in these products are known to be safe and effective for use in cats and kittens.

Number of parasites treated: With the exception of the tapeworm dewormer, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher I rated it.

Ease of use: Products were rated lower if they were more complicated to use than a similar product. For instance, treatments ranked lower if the pet owner must wear gloves to apply the product or if children, pregnant people, and pets must be kept away from the treated animal for a specified amount of time.

Here's how my recommendations line up with the criteria outlined above:

Cat dewormer FAQs

What is the best cat dewormer?

The best deworming medication for your cat depends on several factors and should be determined by your veterinarian. "It's important to see your veterinarian so they can identify what parasites are present and then prescribe the appropriate deworming medication," Sawyer says. "Your vet can also explain any risks for human disease, which is also parasite-dependent." Treatment options include single-dose deworming medications as well as monthly preventives that treat and control worms on an ongoing basis. Both types of treatments come in oral and topical forms.

Can I give my cat a natural dewormer?

Talk to your veterinarian before trying any natural deworming products. "When pet owners are looking for a product for their pet, I think they want research behind it," Jeffer says. "Most of the time you really can't guarantee that from a product that's labeled 'all natural,' which hasn't stood up to the research that FDA-approved products or EPA-approved products have gone through." He adds that conventional, veterinarian-recommended dewormers are highly effective and very safe. "They've all been used over decades, and there are very few to no side effects associated with them," he says.

Can indoor cats get worms?

Outdoor cats have the highest risk of intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. However, indoor cats still need parasite prevention. Fleas can be brought inside the house by other pets or even on clothing, and indoor-only cats can still be exposed to other parasites. Jeffer says heartworms are the biggest concern for indoor cats. "Even one heartworm can potentially be fatal to a cat," he says. "Even if a couple of mosquitoes get into the house that happen to be carriers for heartworm disease, there's a chance that an indoor-only cat can get heartworms and can actually die from it."

Should you give cats parasite prevention medicine year-round?

Veterinarians recommend year-round, broad-spectrum parasite prevention for all cats. Some people assume protection is only necessary in spring and summer, but different parasites are active during different months, and parasite activity can vary depending on region. Parasites can also become active earlier than expected, even in winter. "It's a little bit of a gamble, especially with climate change and the unpredictability of the weather in most areas of the country," Jeffer says.

Cats that spend time outdoors are at higher risk of contracting intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. However, all cats, including those that live only indoors, need protection against deadly heartworms. Sawyer says parasites can enter the home in several ways, including via other animals like the family dog or small rodents. Fleas can also be carried in on shoes or clothing, and mosquitoes that transmit heartworm disease can enter through open doors or windows.

What are different types of worms in cats and their signs and symptoms?

Cornell University veterinarians estimate that as many as 45% of cats have intestinal parasites at any given time. In adult cats, parasite infestations may cause mild to moderate digestive symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. However, heavy infestations, especially in kittens, can lead to more severe digestive symptoms, weight loss, anemia, malnutrition, and restricted growth.

"We'll see cats coming in, for example, if they've been in a feral situation. They are anemic, bloated, they have chronic diarrhea and vomiting, their coats are brittle and unkempt, and they can be very depressed," Jeffer says. "Kittens can actually die from parasite infestations."

Some of the most common worms seen in cats are tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

Tapeworms: If you see something in your cat's feces that resembles grains of white rice, or you notice them licking or biting the area under their tail, they could have a tapeworm infestation. Cats contract tapeworms when they ingest an infected adult flea. As the tapeworm grows, segments break off and pass in your cat's stool.

"Probably the most common kind of worm that pet owners are going to notice is a tapeworm," Jeffers says. "The cat might have other ailments that need to be addressed, so there are a lot of reasons to bring your cat to the vet to sort out which worm it is and to make sure there aren't secondary issues that are resulting from that infection."

Roundworms: Common in cats, especially in kittens, roundworms are large (3 to 6 inches), smooth, and round-bodied. You might not notice symptoms, particularly if your cat has only a few roundworms. In kittens, large numbers of worms may cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite, dull coat, and restricted growth. You might also see roundworms in your cat's stool or vomit.

Hookworms: Tiny worms nearly invisible without the assistance of a microscope, hookworms are blood-sucking parasites that attach to the wall of the intestines. Signs of hookworm infection in cats include anemia, weight loss, and dull coat. Hookworm-infested cats also sometimes have dark, tarry-looking stools.

Disney Plus prices have increased several times since the streaming service first launched in 2019, but it remains a competitively priced app that has something for the whole family. Plans start at $12 a month for the ad-supported tier, but prices rise when you go ad-free or bundle in other services.

We spend our time evaluating the best streaming services, and Disney Plus has consistently ranked among the top apps available, thanks to its selection of shows and movies for families around the globe. The service carries everything from classic Disney and Pixar films to newer Marvel and Star Wars releases. US viewers can also live stream certain programming, including select sporting events.

Also available to US viewers is the ability to unlock even more content by bundling Disney Plus with Hulu and either HBO Max or ESPN. Bundling with other services increases the price, but it usually offers some savings month over month compared to what you'd pay if you subscribed to two (or three) services separately on a monthly basis.

Even after the most recent round of price hikes, we still think that Disney Plus is worth signing up for due to its deep and often exclusive back catalog, burgeoning slate of original programming, and affordable bundling options. Below, we've provided a full Disney Plus price breakdown for every plan and package, including popular bundles with other streaming services.

How much does Disney Plus cost?

Disney Plus has a range of prices, depending on whether you want to pay monthly, commit to an annual plan, go ad-free, or bundle the service with Hulu/Hulu + Live TV, ESPN Select/Unlimited, and/or NFL Plus Premium, or HBO Max. Below, you can find how much it costs to subscribe to every version of Disney Plus.

What's included in the regular monthly price?

Disney Plus features differ slightly depending on which tier you sign up for: Disney Plus With Ads or Disney Plus No Ads. However, you can access the same shows and movies no matter which ad tier you decide.

The Disney Plus With Ads plan includes:

• Ad-supported streaming for thousands of movies and TV shows
• Up to 4K UHD and HDR on select titles
• Ability to stream on four devices simultaneously
• Ability to add up to seven profiles

The Disney Plus No Ads plan also offers these extra features:

• Ad-free streaming
• Downloads on up to 10 devices
• Dolby Atmos immersive sound on select titles

How much does Disney Plus cost outside the US?

Disney Plus is one of the more globally available streaming services, with many shows and movies streaming through the app around the world. Plans and prices vary from region to region, and the UK also recently received a price hike. While the US only has two plans (With Ads and Ad-Free, both able to stream up to 4K), regions like Canada and the United Kingdom have Standard (With Ads), Standard (Ad-Free), and Premium (Ad-Free with 4K video quality).

The exact offerings in the on-demand library are also subject to regional variability. For example, several shows available on Hulu only in the US stream on Disney Plus in the UK. Disney Plus' foray into live streaming is typically exclusive to the US.

Here's how much Disney Plus costs in local currency in select other major markets internationally:

Can you get Disney Plus for free?

When the app first launched, there was a seven-day Disney Plus free trial. However, the offer was removed years ago, and we haven't seen any signs of its return.

Disney Plus (and Hulu and ESPN) are included with Hulu + Live TV subscriptions. The ad-supported version of this package (which costs $90/month) occasionally offers a three-day free trial.

Ad-supported Disney Plus (and Hulu and HBO Max) are also available through DirecTV's MyEntertainment genre pack, which costs $35/month and includes access to 40+ live channels. Ad-supported Disney Plus is also included in DirecTV's MyKids genre pack, which carries 10+ family-friendly channels. MyKids costs $20 a month, but new users can get their first two months for $15 a month. These plans come with a five-day free trial for new customers, so you can always try out Disney Plus during this brief period.

As of writing, there aren't any active deals allowing free long-term access to Disney Plus, though the platform often partners with companies like Verizon to offer free or discounted plans through other services. Verizon currently offers the ad-supported Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus bundle at a discounted rate of $10 a month if you select it as a perk on select 5G mobile plans. Previously, Verizon offered ad-free Disney Plus for six months, but this promo is no longer available. We'll update this section if any new promotions become available.

How does the Disney Plus price compare to the cost of other streaming services?

Both tiers of Disney Plus are competitively priced when compared to most similar streaming services. The ad-free plan is similar to streamers like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Peacock, but it's more expensive than other services, such as Apple TV and Paramount Plus. Below, you can find a break down of Disney Plus pricing compared to its ad-free streaming competitors, showing that Disney Plus falls toward the upper midrange of ad-free plans.

What are the Disney Plus bundle options?

There are several Disney Plus bundle options, ranging from basic combos with Hulu to more elaborate bundles that include ESPN or HBO Max (and possibly more, which we'll dig into below). These are great options for those looking to watch sports or additional movies and TV shows from non-Disney sources. Bundles are solid ways to build out programming for the whole family, including adults.

If you're planning to subscribe to these services anyway, we recommend doing so under a bundle since they're great ways to cash in on major savings each month. It will always be cheaper to pay for a bundle than pay for the same two or three services separately each month.

You can bundle Disney Plus with Hulu as part of the Basic bundle, which costs $13 a month for ad-supported streaming. You can upgrade the bundle to ad-free Premium for $20 a month.

The Disney Plus (ads), Hulu (ads), and ESPN Select bundle costs $20 monthly. You can also bundle Disney Plus (ad-free) with Hulu (ad-free) and ESPN Select for $30 a month. The bundle can save you more than 40% off the regular combined price of all three services. Those who were previously subscribed to Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus will now be automatically enrolled in one of the ESPN Select bundles.

Subscribers also have the option to bundle Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited. The bundle with ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu costs $36 a month, while the bundle with ad-free Disney Plus and Hulu costs $45 a month.

The Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN bundle is also included with all Hulu + Live TV subscriptions. Live TV with the ad-supported trio costs $90/month, while live TV with ad-free options costs $100/month. It's important to note that only Disney Plus and Hulu are ad-free with this higher tier. ESPN will always have advertisements due to the nature of live TV.

Additionally, subscribers can bundle Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited with NFL Plus Premium. The ad-supported tier costs $46 a month, but the version with ad-free on-demand Disney Plus and Hulu options costs $55 a month.

Alternatively, you can save by bundling Disney Plus with Hulu and HBO Max. You can sign up for the three services with ads for $20 a month, or opt for ad-free streaming for $33 a month, saving you up to 43% compared to subscribing to each individually.

Does Disney Plus charge for password sharing?

Streaming services have increasingly begun to crack down on password sharing, and Disney properties are no exception. Disney Plus does not allow members to share their passwords with users outside their households. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you have to pay for a new subscription. Instead of signing up for a brand-new plan, there's an Extra Member option for both the ad-supported and ad-free versions of Disney Plus.

Extra Member add-on subscriptions cost an additional $7 a month for Basic and $10 a month for Premium. You can also get Extra add-ons for the Disney Bundle Duo Basic ($8 a month), Disney Bundle Duo Premium ($11 a month), Disney Bundle Trio Basic ($12 a month), and Disney Bundle Trio Premium ($15 a month).

When was the last Disney Plus price hike?

The most recent Disney Plus price hike occurred on October 21, 2025. The price change affected most Disney Plus plans, including those with live TV and excluding those with ESPN Unlimited. The ad-free Disney Plus and Hulu bundle also didn't increase in price.

Prior to that, the last Disney Plus price hike was on October 17, 2024. The increase impacted every plan across Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. Most tiers of the service increased by an average of $2 a month. The ad-supported base Disney Plus tier was previously $8, the ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu bundle was $10, and the ad-supported bundle trio was $15.

Honeylove has shapewear to accommodate every kind of outfit, from smoothing tanks and bodysuits to sculpting shorts and underwear. But without a doubt, the products I've been most excited to test out are the bras. As someone who has a large bust but hates the rigidity of an underwire, I was eager to see if their wireless bras could offer support without sacrificing comfort.

With that in mind, I tried three of the brand's best-selling items for my Honeylove review: the CrossOver Bra, SoftForm Bra, and Silhouette Bra. I also tested another one of their bestsellers that I'd been seeing all over Instagram: the SuperPower Short.

If you're looking for more intimates, check out our guides to the best bras and underwear for women.

Sizing advice

I found that certain items run a little large in the band, but not quite enough to advise sizing down completely. I would stick with your usual size, and if you're willing to order an alternative size, try sizing down on the band to see if that works better for you (especially if you tend to be in between band sizes). You can see my thoughts below on the specifics of each style before you decide which ones might work best for your bust size. The only reason to size up would be if you have notably wider hips.

What's the difference between the CrossOver Bra, SoftForm Bra, and Silhouette Bra?

• The CrossOver Bra is a great option if you want customizable lift and versatility, thanks to its adjustable straps, adjustable band, and convertible design.
• The SoftForm Bra feels the softest and most lounge-friendly, with smoothing through the back and sides, but it offers a little less separation than the others.
• The Silhouette Bra delivered the best combination of support, lift, and separation, and its low-back design makes it especially useful under different necklines and outfits.

Honeylove CrossOver Bra review

Before trying the Honeylove CrossOver Bra, I had pretty much given up on finding a wireless bra that actually held my chest up. What makes this one work so well is that the straps are fully adjustable all the way from the band to the cup, which allows me to achieve a customized fit. These are key features for me, because most bra straps tend to be far too long on my shoulders, and as a result, fail to provide adequate lift.

Another advantage of this bra is that it features four rows of hook-and-eye closures, so there's plenty of room to loosen or tighten the band as needed. As someone who's a 32DD, it can be tough to find bras that offer enough coverage but also aren't too loose in the band — and my only concern here is that I'm already wearing it on the tightest hook. That said, it shouldn't be an issue as long as this bra doesn't stretch out too much over time.

These are just a few reasons why, on my quest for the best bralettes for large busts, this one topped the list.

Honeylove SoftForm Bra review

I'll admit that I was super skeptical about the Honeylove SoftForm bra — mainly because there's no adjustability — but I was pleasantly surprised when I slipped it on. The soft and stretchy microfiber feels like a second skin, and there's just enough firm compression to make me feel secure and supported. I love that it's hardware-free with bonded seams, making it invisible under clothing, and the bonding at the cradle helps to lend a little extra lift.

The Honeylove SoftForm Bra is a great pick if you're concerned about side or back bulge — thanks to the ample coverage around the back and the thick, compressive fabric, it instantly smooths out any lumps and bumps.

One thing worth pointing out is that this bra does seem to stretch out a little as you wear it — which is a slight issue since you can't adjust the band or straps. Luckily, though, I did notice that it reverted right back to its original size after washing. This bra also seems to provide less separation than the crossover bra. I certainly wasn't dealing with that dreaded uniboob situation, but I did feel like my bust was pushed inward a bit.

Honeylove Silhouette Bra review

There are two reasons why I don't usually buy bras with skinny straps. One, they typically aren't supportive enough for my fuller bust. Two, they tend to dig into my shoulders more than wider straps do. So, imagine my shock when this bra — which has extra slender straps — turned out to be my favorite in the Honeylove collection.

More recently, I learned that the majority of the bra's support actually comes from the band, not the straps. And the main reason why these straps often dig into my shoulders is that I tighten them too much to compensate for the bra's lack of support in the band. Fortunately, the Honeylove Silhouette Bra fits like a glove, and thanks to all the supportive features, I didn't have to tighten the straps so much that they left indentations in my skin.

The only drawback to this bra is that it has three hook settings on the band as opposed to four (which the Crossover Bra has). Luckily, the bra fit me snugly on the middle hook, meaning I still have room to tighten (or loosen) it as needed.

Honeylove SuperPower Short Review

It's pretty easy to see why this shapewear piece has garnered thousands of five-star reviews. The SuperPower Short offers waist-to-thigh smoothing, and despite having a high level of compression, they really don't feel restrictive.

It definitely takes a little shimmying to get the SuperPower Short on, but that's to be expected with shapewear pieces like this. I was able to sit down and move around pretty freely in them, and never felt like I couldn't eat or breathe comfortably. Thanks to the anti-slip silicone strips at the top of the waistband and structured boning down the sides and upper back, I was relieved to find that SuperPower Shorts don't shift around or roll down. Plus, the BoostBands that encircle the upper back of the legs offer a nice, subtle booty-lifting effect.

The Super PowerShort features a seamless design, and for the most part, they remained undetectable under the variety of dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits I slipped on over them. The only time I saw the waistband show through a little was with a particularly skin-tight dress that's made with ultra-thin fabric.

The advantage to a shapewear piece like this is that you can wear your own preferred bra with it, making it a little more versatile than a lot of shapewear bodysuits. And since there are strategically placed tabs on both sides of the waistband, you can attach a set of straps for some extra support and staying power. I also really appreciate that there's a slit opening at the gusset so I can pee without having to fully undress.

The bottom line

All in all, I'm pretty impressed with the products I tried from Honeylove. Some of the pieces tend to stretch out somewhat with wear, but I also think that's to be expected with anything that has Spandex in the construction. Fortunately, after washing, they seem to shrink back down again.

The seamless bras don't show underneath my clothes, and they're so soft and stretchy that I often forget I'm wearing them. Not only that, but they're remarkably supportive considering that they don't have underwire. My favorites are definitely the Silhouette Bra and the CrossOver Bra, both of which are fully adjustable and oh-so-flattering. The SoftForm Bra is nice for lounging around the house, but I personally feel like the other bras offer a little more in the way of separation.

I can also say with certainty that I'll be using the SuperPower Short under a range of outfits, from fit and flare dresses to pencil skirts. While shapewear is never a necessity, and sometimes I'm more than happy to go without it, I definitely feel a little more confident when I'm wearing this under tighter-fitting garments.

Ultimately, what makes Honeylove's pieces stand out is how comfortable they are. As it turns out, beauty isn't pain.

Shop all Honeylove bras and shapewear here.

FAQ

Should I size up or size down in Honeylove?

For bras, Honeylove recommends sizing up if you're in between cup sizes. If you're in between band sizes, it's best to size up if you want a looser and more comfortable fit or size down if you want a more supportive fit.

For bodysuits, it's best to size down if you're in between sizes since the material is stretchy. They also recommend sizing down if you are petite or if you have a small waist compared to

Which Honeylove bra is best for a large bust?

The CrossOver Bra and Silhouette Bra were the strongest picks for a fuller bust in my testing. Both offered impressive support without underwire, and both provided a more customized fit thanks to adjustable bands and straps.

Is the SoftForm Bra supportive?

Yes, but in a different way than the other two. The SoftForm Bra has a compressive, second-skin feel that makes it supportive and smoothing, especially through the back and sides. That said, it offers a little less separation than the CrossOver Bra and Silhouette Bra, so I preferred it more for lounging and casual wear.

Can you wear the SuperPower Short under dresses?

Yes, and that's one of its biggest strengths. I'd wear it under everything from fit-and-flare dresses to pencil skirts. It stayed mostly invisible under clothing, though the waistband did show slightly under one especially tight dress made from very thin fabric. The shorts may also be a little too long for some minidresses or miniskirts.

Does the SuperPower Short roll down?

In my testing, no. The anti-slip silicone at the waistband and the flexible boning helped keep it securely in place, and I didn't have issues with it shifting or rolling down.

Do Honeylove bras stretch out?

Some of the pieces did stretch a bit with wear, especially the SoftForm Bra. The good news is that after washing, they seemed to return to their original shape. That felt fairly normal for soft, stretchy Spandex styles.

Our audio experts have spent more than a decade testing headphones, logging countless hours with just about every style you can think of. We've used all that hands-on experience to narrow things down to the best headphones you can buy in 2026. No matter the price or design, every pair on this list has two things in common: they sound great and stay comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time.

If you're after wireless over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are still the ones to beat. They strike the best balance of any Bluetooth headphones we've tested, with rich, detailed audio and active noise cancellation (ANC) that genuinely helps on flights or noisy commutes. More of an earbuds person? The Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver a similar experience in a smaller package, with impressive sound and ANC for their size.

You'll also see excellent options from Bose, Apple, Sennheiser, and Soundcore throughout this guide. Whether you're chasing high-end ANC or just need an affordable pair for under $80, this roundup of the best headphones has something that fits your ears, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Our top picks for the best headphones

Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM5 - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: Soundcore Life Q30 - See at Amazon

Best noise-canceling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) - See at Amazon

Best earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5 - See at Amazon

Best AirPods: AirPods Pro 3 - See at Amazon

Best overall

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best over-ear headphones we've tested, offering a standout blend of excellent sound quality, useful features, and effective noise cancellation. Some rivals may outperform them in specific areas, but nothing else delivers this strong an overall package for the price. Simply put, they're the most versatile and well-rounded Bluetooth headphones you can buy.

First and foremost, the XM5 headphones sound great. Their spacious, balanced tuning brings out fine details across all genres. Bass can feel a bit heavy out of the box, but Sony's Headphones Connect app includes a multi-band EQ that lets you adjust the sound to your taste.

Comfort is another strong point. The XM5's understated design, padded earcups, and lightweight build make them easy to wear for long stretches. Playback and volume controls are built into the earcups, and Sony's swipe-and-tap interface proved reliably responsive in our testing. One downside: unlike the previous XM4 model, the XM5 don't fold for compact storage.

Noise cancellation is excellent as well. Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) hold a lead in raw ANC performance, but the XM5 still do a terrific job muting everyday distractions. On flights and commutes, they significantly reduce engine rumble without adding white noise, letting you stay focused on your music or podcasts.

Call quality is strong, too, and Sony packs in plenty of useful features, including Bluetooth multipoint for easy device switching. The companion app is one of the better ones out there, making it simple to customize settings and fine-tune your listening experience.

Note: Sony also sells a newer pair of headphones, the WH-1000XM6, which feature stronger ANC and bring back a folding design. But the XM6 often cost about $100 to $200 more than the XM5, so we still give an edge to the older model in overall value.

Read our Sony WH-1000XM5 review and Sony WH-1000XM6 review.

Visit our guide to all the best Sony headphones.

Best on a budget

The Soundcore Life Q30 are proof that budget headphones can deliver excellent performance without sacrificing key features. For under $100, this over-ear pair wowed us with their pleasing audio performance and solid noise-canceling capabilities.

The Life Q30 produce a clean high-end with warm mids and stable low frequencies. The sound quality isn't audiophile caliber, but the Q30 are remarkably well-equipped for their price. Noise-canceling performance is also surprisingly strong, besting several pricier models we've tested. Sony and Bose still provide a noticeable step-up in this department, but the Q30 held their own in our tests across noisy environments, including a cross-country flight.

Battery life is fantastic: 40 hours with noise-canceling on and an incredible 60 hours with ANC deactivated. Soundcore also features an app with handy functions, including adjustable EQ and various ambient audio modes.

While comfortable, the headphones' build isn't as high-quality as that of more expensive options. The plastic used for the headband and earcups feels somewhat cheap and scratches easily. We also encountered a few misfires with the right earcup's tap command, which toggles between ANC and transparency modes.

However, these shortcomings are easy to forgive given the value these headphones deliver at this price range. At a suggested list price of only $80, these are the best headphones for budget shoppers.

Visit our guide to all the best budget headphones.

Best noise-canceling

The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are Bose's newest flagship headphones, and they still deliver the most impressive noise cancellation we've tested. If blocking out distractions is your top priority, these are the best headphones to get.

Released in October 2025, the second-gen model doesn't dramatically improve performance over the original, but it does add a handful of thoughtful upgrades. Unless you spot the first-gen version at a steep discount, the newer QuietComfort Ultra are the better buy.

As expected from Bose, ANC performance is outstanding. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen excel at quieting low-frequency rumbles — like engines, fans, and construction — but what really stands out is how well they dampen higher-frequency sounds, such as voices and keyboard clicks. Sony's WH-1000XM6 come close in several scenarios, but in our real-world tests, the QC Ultra kept a slight overall edge.

The transparency mode is another highlight. It sounds natural and now uses refined ActiveSense tech that better handles sudden loud noises without making the audio feel artificial. It's ideal when you want to be aware of your surroundings without taking your headphones off.

Audio quality is excellent overall. Some listeners may want to adjust the bass using the Bose Music app's three-band EQ, but once tuned, the mix is clear, detailed, and well-balanced. The headphones also support Bose's spatial audio with head tracking for an immersive, speaker-like soundstage. A new Cinema mode adds dialogue emphasis for movies and TV, and in our testing, it worked wonderfully, enhancing speech without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

Design-wise, the second-gen QC Ultra lean into premium materials, including soft protein-leather earcups and an aluminum headband. Bose has added stylish metal accents for a slightly more upscale look, and the headphones fold for easy travel. Battery life now hits 30 hours with ANC on, up from 24 hours in the previous model.

Bose also improved wear detection: the headphones can power down and disconnect automatically when you set them flat, then wake and reconnect the moment you put them back on. It's a small change that makes daily use feel noticeably smoother.

If you prefer something more compact, Bose sells an earbud version of the QuietComfort Ultra. The over-ear model performs better overall, but the QC Ultra earbuds remain the best in-ear noise-canceling option we've tested.

Check out our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review.

Visit our guide to all the best Bose headphones and best noise-canceling headphones.

Best earbuds

Sony's WF-1000XM5 have everything we look for in top wireless earbuds. They're compact, offer excellent sound quality, deliver solid battery life, and feature powerful noise cancellation.

Earbuds are ideal for on-the-go use, and the WF-1000XM5 are light and easy to carry with their handy wireless charging case. The buds themselves are notably sleeker than their predecessors, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds, which were larger and rounder. Battery life is also great for earbuds of this type, with up to six hours of playback with ANC on.

Speaking of ANC, the WF-1000XM5 deliver good noise-canceling performance. The earbuds effectively suppressed low-frequency drones and trickier high frequencies in our tests. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds can do a better job in this area, but the XM5 earbuds are no slouch, and we prefer their audio performance.

Sound quality is exceptional, with crisp and deep audio that maintains detail across frequencies. High-resolution Bluetooth playback is also supported, but you'll need an Android device compatible with Sony's LDAC audio technology to enable it.

The earbuds support other useful features, including speak-to-chat, multipoint pairing, and multi-band EQ adjustments that you can use to make personal sound profiles. This is accomplished in the Sony Headphones app, and we like how comprehensive it is.

Fit is subjective, especially with in-ear buds, but we found the WF-1000XM5 to be comfortable and secure during our tests. The only downside to their build is that their glossy material can make them slippery when removing them from their case. But that's an admittedly nitpicky complaint. Where it counts most, the WF-1000XM5 excelled in every benchmark we evaluated.

Buyers should note that Sony also sells a newer pair of earbuds called the WF-1000XM6. The updated model features a revised design with a slightly smaller shape and noticeably stronger ANC. However, they cost about $100 more than the XM5. The WF-1000XM6 are better earbuds, but given the price difference, the older XM5 remain the best value. You can learn more in our Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds review.

Visit our guide to the best earbuds.

Best AirPods

The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's latest high-end earbuds, and they're the best headphones for pairing with Apple devices, like the iPhone or Mac. Compared to the second-generation model they replace, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver improved noise-canceling performance, longer playtime, refined audio quality, enhanced water resistance, and a new built-in heart rate-tracking feature.

Like the second-gen model, the AirPods Pro 3 are powered by Apple's H2 chip, but the company has implemented a new multi-port acoustic architecture to improve airflow. This results in improved sound quality with a wider soundstage and deeper bass.

The AirPods Pro 3's noise-canceling feature has also been upgraded with ultra-low-noise microphones and foam-injected silicone ear tips, which are more effective at preventing sound leakage. In our testing, the ANC quality was indeed excellent and was only beaten by Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2.

The AirPods Pro 3 are also excellent fitness earbuds, thanks to built-in heart rate sensors that can provide helpful health data on your iPhone. They're IP57 water resistant as well, which means they can withstand temporary submersion.

AirPods are known for their Apple-centric features, and the Pro 3 are packed with conveniences like Siri voice control, Find My support, and seamless switching between Apple devices synced to your Apple account. When paired with an iPhone, you also gain aural health features, including a hearing aid mode, a hearing protection mode that reduces volume in loud environments, and a five-minute hearing check. A new live-translation feature is also supported when connected to an iPhone with Apple Intelligence.

Sadly, these functions are not compatible with Android devices, so the AirPods Pro 3 are really only suited for Apple users. If you're looking for Android-friendly recommendations similar to the AirPods Pro, visit our guide to the best AirPods alternatives.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review.

Check out our guides to the best AirPods.

How we test headphones

To find the best headphones, our reviewers got hands-on with popular models from every major brand. We don't just skim spec sheets — we spend real time listening, comparing features, and putting each pair through consistent, repeatable tests. Our approach is shaped by years of experience reviewing audio gear, which helps us zero in on what really matters for performance and overall value.

When it comes to sound quality, we listen to a wide range of music across different genres, as well as stream videos and podcasts. We also vary the source quality to see how each pair handles everything from standard, lower-bitrate streaming to lossless audio, spatial formats like Dolby Atmos, and wired playback when it's available.

To test active noise cancellation, we play sounds that mimic the drone of an airplane engine and the chatter of a crowded room. But we don't stop there — we also take headphones out into the real world, wearing them on commutes, walks, flights, workouts, and other everyday outings to see how they actually perform outside the lab.

Above all, we aim to use headphones the way most people would. That day-to-day perspective helps us understand how they'll hold up over time — not just how they sound in a quick test. For more details on our review process, check out our breakdown of how we test tech products.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I lead tech coverage for Business Insider's Reviews team, and I've spent more than a decade writing about home entertainment gear — including headphones in pretty much every style you can think of. Together with my team, I'm constantly testing new models and revisiting longtime favorites to make sure our picks stay up to date. The goal is simple: recommend headphones that actually sound great, feel comfortable, and are truly worth your money.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

What to look for in top headphones

When shopping for the best headphones, consider these core factors to help narrow down the right pair.

Price range: The best headphones can cost anywhere from $25 to over $500. Budget models work fine for casual listening, but they're usually built with cheaper materials, have less dynamic sound, and skip premium features like active noise cancellation (ANC). Higher-end options use better components and more advanced drivers to deliver superior audio and added features.

Design: Most headphones are either earbuds or over-ear models. Earbuds sit in or just outside your ears and come in wired or Bluetooth versions; they're lightweight and ideal for portability or workouts. Over-ear headphones use larger earcups and a headband. They're less compact but typically offer the best overall sound quality.

Connectivity: You can choose between wired and wireless headphones. Wired models— usually with a 3.5mm plug — deliver uncompressed audio and remain a favorite among audiophiles. Wireless headphones pair via Bluetooth, offering convenience and solid sound with today's tech, but the signal is still compressed and you'll need to recharge them. Many Bluetooth models also include a cable for optional wired listening.

Noise cancellation: Most midrange and premium wireless headphones support ANC, which uses built-in mics and processing to reduce outside noise. You can find decent ANC headphones for around $80, but the most effective models generally start around $300. It's rare to find ANC support on wired-only headphones, so you'll need to get wireless ones if you want noise canceling.

Headphones FAQs

What's the difference between over-ear headphones and earbuds?

Most top headphones in 2026 are either over-ear or earbud-style models. Each has its advantages, so the right choice depends on how you plan to use them.

Over-ear headphones use a headband and padded earcups that sit around your ears, creating a comfortable seal. Because they can house larger drivers, the best over-ear models typically deliver the highest audio quality.

Earbuds, on the other hand, are compact left and right buds that either rest just outside the ear or sit directly inside the ear canal. In-ear designs create a tighter seal, improving sound quality and noise isolation compared to open-fit buds.

Even though earbuds generally can't match the full, detailed sound of premium over-ear headphones, their portability is a significant draw. They're easy to carry and great for workouts, commuting, or any on-the-go listening.

For recommendations on earbuds geared explicitly toward active users, check out our guides to the best running headphones and the best headphones for working out.

What is noise canceling?

Active noise cancellation, often abbreviated as ANC, is an audio technology incorporated into many headphones. This tech uses built-in microphones and processing to analyze the sounds around you, then block them by reversing their frequencies.

The best headphones with high-end noise-canceling can do an impressive job of reducing ambient distractions. However, even top models can't block out all noises, with high-frequency sounds being particularly tricky.

Many noise-canceling headphones also support a complementary feature, often called "transparency mode." This mode uses the same microphones to let outside sounds in, so you can stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

What is spatial audio?

Spatial audio, as it applies to headphones, is a feature that creates a 3D surround-sound effect.

Some songs available through services like Amazon Music and Apple Music are natively mixed in spatial audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, and can be played back on any pair of headphones.

Some headphones also feature their own spatial audio modes, which can simulate 3D audio with any music source. Many of these modes use head-tracking, which repositions sounds to match your head movements, mimicing what it would be like to listen to music in a room with physical speakers.

What are the top headphone brands?

Several brands produce excellent headphones, but certain companies excel at designing models tailored to specific budgets.

For instance, brands like Soundcore and JLab excel at offering entry-level models that provide impressive value for your money. Meanwhile, brands such as Sony, Apple, Beats, and Bose provide a wide selection of mid- to high-end wireless headphones featuring top-notch specifications.

Audiophiles, however, may want to focus on companies like Sennheiser, Master & Dynamic, Technics, Bang & Olufsen, HiFiMan, Focal, and Beyerdynamic. This is especially true if you're looking for a premium pair of wired headphones for critical listening.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that transmits audio from a compatible source device, such as a phone, to a pair of headphones or speakers without the need for physical cables. Most consumer Bluetooth devices support a maximum wireless connection of 33 feet.

Bluetooth audio signals are technically compressed, which means some sound detail is lost compared to a wired connection that supports lossless audio. However, current Bluetooth implementations and codecs do a great job of minimizing this loss in quality. So, while a wired connection technically offers better performance, in many cases, the differences are subtle.

For other Bluetooth product recommendations, check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

Update: We've searched the internet for Paramount Plus coupons, but we've been unable to find any active promo codes at this time. We'll continue to keep an eye out for discount codes and other deals, and will add them to this page as we find them, so keep checking back for updates. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn about savings on annual plans, or head back to checkout.

While Paramount Plus might have started as a way to stream buzzy CBS shows on demand, the app has evolved into one of the best streaming services, thanks to its impressive selection of originals, sports programming, and (in the Premium tier) Showtime series. The streaming service is already one of the more budget-friendly apps on the market, but using one of the best Paramount Plus coupon and promo codes can help you save even more on a subscription.

Paramount Plus carries the full slate of popular CBS shows, from franchise favorites like "NCIS" and "Criminal Minds" to newer series such as "Ghosts" and the "Matlock" reboot. Most notably, the service gets the new episodes of "Survivor 50" and "Marshals" the day after they air on linear TV (or live, depending on which tier you're subscribed to). But the service carries much more than CBS faves, including popular original series like "Landman" and award-winning films such as "There Will Be Blood." The streamer also offers an ever-growing line-up of live sports, including UFC events and NFL on CBS games.

By upgrading to Paramount Plus Premium, you gain access to Showtime titles like "Dexter: Resurrection" and "Yellowjackets," along with the ability to live stream your local CBS station. For a deeper dive into the different plans, prices, and features, be sure to check out our full Paramount Plus review and Paramount Plus guide. Even with the most recent price hike, Paramount Plus remains one of the most affordable streaming services available. The ad-supported plan is one of the most competitively priced, given the sheer volume of quality content for $9 a month when compared to competitors.

A promo code can help make a Paramount Plus subscription even cheaper. These codes are pretty rare, but we're always on the lookout for new ones. To help make saving easy, we've rounded up the best current offers in one place. Before you head to checkout, make sure to explore the top Paramount Plus coupon codes we've tested below to secure the best possible price on your new plan.

Today's best Paramount Plus coupon codes

Previous Paramount Plus promo codes

Are there any other Paramount Plus sales running at the moment?

There are no ongoing sales at Paramount Plus right now. The most recent limited-time deal discounted the first two months of service on both Essential and Premium plans. This deal concluded on March 31, 2026, and prices have since returned to their standard rates. We occasionally see other deals on monthly or annual plans throughout the year, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Opting for an annual plan remains a great, evergreen way to save on the streaming service. You can save money each year compared to what you'd pay after 12 months of a month-to-month subscription. An annual subscription is also a great way to temporarily avoid any upcoming price hikes. Check out the savings breakdown below:

• For the latest buying advice updates, follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp

How to use Paramount Plus coupons and promo codes

As with all streaming services, Paramount Plus requires you to create an account to enroll in a plan. If you're on the sign-up page, choose a plan and create an account using your name, email, ZIP code, and a new password. From there, you'll be taken to a checkout page where you can apply a coupon code by clicking "Have a coupon code?" to paste in a promo code.

Can you stack Paramount Plus coupon codes?

Paramount Plus coupon codes cannot be stacked to work together. The system only allows for one promo to be applied at a time. However, we don't often see more than one active coupon code available at a time, so this shouldn't be a frequent problem

Paramount Plus coupons: frequently asked questions

Does Paramount Plus offer discounts for teachers, students, or the military?

Paramount Plus offers verified service members 50% off any plan for life. Students currently enrolled in an accredited institution can get 50% off any plan. Verified teachers, faculty, and staff members can get 50% off any plan.

If you fall into the education category, be sure to check our roundups for the best student discounts and the best teacher discounts you can score year-round.

Which Paramount Plus plans can I choose from?

Paramount Plus has two main tiers of service, which are available as either monthly or annual plans. The base tier, Paramount Plus Essential, costs $8.99 a month or $89.99 a year. Essential includes ad-supported access to most of the streamer's catalog (except for Showtime) and select live events.

Paramount Plus Premium, previously known as Paramount Plus with Showtime, offers a little extra. Premium costs $13.99 a month or $139.99 a year and includes ad-free access to the streamer's entire catalog (including Showtime programming). Users can also live stream their local CBS station, so you can watch CBS shows and sports live as they air.

Does Paramount Plus offer a free trial?

Paramount Plus no longer offers a free trial to new customers. The streaming service previously had a seven-day trial period, but the offer was removed in early 2026.

Is Paramount Plus available outside the United States?

Yes, Paramount Plus is available in select countries outside the United States, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Austria, and more. You can explore a full list of countries with access to Paramount Plus on the streamer's global landing page.

Where can I watch Paramount Plus?

The Paramount Plus app is available across a massive selection of devices, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TVs and tablets, Samsung TV, Google TV, LG TV, and Chromecast, among others. Notably, it's also available on Apple Vision Pro, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox. You can find a full list of supported devices (along with supported models and operating systems) on the Paramount Plus website.

What's coming soon to Paramount Plus?

Like most streaming services, Paramount Plus constantly updates its library to bring you more content. This month, Paramount Plus users will get access to hit originals and specials, shows, popular movies, new live sporting events, and more. See their website for a full list of what's coming to Paramount Plus this month.

Taylor Sheridan's "The Madison," new next-day episodes of CBS hits like "Marshals" and "Tracker," and older films including "21 Jump Street," "Chinatown," "Good Will Hunting," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," "Spy Kids," "The Banshees of Inisherin," and "The Kite Runner" are among the programming hitting Paramount Plus in March 2026.

Which live sports events are available on Paramount Plus?

While the best way to watch the most live sports on Paramount Plus is through a Premium subscription, the Essential tier also includes select sports live streaming. Essential plans come with NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League matches. Paramount Plus also acquired UFC broadcast rights beginning in 2026, and fans can watch all events with either tier of service.

If you opt for a Premium plan, you'll unlock CBS live streaming. This will allow you to catch major sporting events broadcast on the network, including the Masters Tournament and certain March Madness games. CBS also carries select NWSL, WNBA, and college football games, among other events.

Check out more great streaming sales in our guide to the best streaming deals and our roundup of the best Peacock promo codes.

• My Costa Pacifica cruise cost $100 a night, so I expected a stripped-down experience.
• The ship felt dated, the food was hit-or-miss, and I sometimes felt nickel-and-dimed.
• Still, I got to see the Dominican Republic for such a low price. I'd cruise with Costa again.

When I booked my trip with Costa Cruises, an Italian budget line, I wasn't expecting luxury. Honestly, a seven-night solo Caribbean cruise for only $700 felt like a gamble.

If you've cruised before, that price might not seem unusual — many lines offer weeklong Caribbean sailings starting around the same rate.

However, in this case, $700 was my total cost, including taxes, fees, surcharges, gratuities, and even the solo supplement.

At about $100 a night, I expected a stripped-down experience. In some ways, it was. Still, after a week on board, I can confidently say this cruise delivered everything I look for in a tropical getaway.

My itinerary stayed primarily within the Dominican Republic

The cruise I booked was aboard the Costa Pacifica, with an itinerary that started and ended in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a port about an hour from Punta Cana.

Over the course of the week, we visited five ports, four of which were in the Dominican Republic: Catalina Island, Samaná, Amber Cove, and Cabo Rojo (the other was Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos).

I liked that this cruise let me easily see multiple parts of the country without road-tripping. I don't know if Costa intended this as an immersive advantage or a logistical convenience, but either way, it made my vacation better.

The ship felt dated in places, but it was comfortable enough.

The ship's six-story atrium with dramatic glass elevators made a stunning first impression, but the rest of the Costa Pacifica was nowhere near as striking.

Well-worn carpets lined hallways and elevator landings. The buffet had barebones furnishings and pastel plastic dishes that reminded me of summer camp.

In my opinion, the 3,800-passenger Costa Pacifica has all the essentials, but none of the frills.

On board, you'll find two main dining rooms, one buffet, an outdoor snack bar, and four specialty restaurants, plus numerous bars and lounges and a single theater. There are also three outdoor pools, a waterslide, and six hot tubs, but not much else.

My 180-square-foot interior cabin didn't look like it had been updated since the ship was completed in 2009. The wallpaper wasn't especially modern, and the cabinets looked a little worn.

However, my mattress was comfortable, and the shower had plenty of hot water and pressure — so the room hit the marks on function (just not fashion).

It took me a while to get used to the ship's vibe and pace

Costa Cruises is headquartered in Genoa, Italy, and its Mediterranean identity felt obvious when I stepped on board.

On the ship, it sounded like two-thirds of the conversations around me were Italian. The scheduling also felt very Southern European.

Like in Italy, the ship quieted down for a mid-afternoon siesta and picked up with dinner seatings at 9:15 or 9:30 p.m.

Most theater and live music performances — plus a few structured Teen Zone activities — were also scheduled after 9.

Of the three theater productions I attended, none stood out. I thought they leaned more toward low-budget, in-house shows than polished productions, so I didn't feel guilty if I went to bed early.

If you're not used to Italian ways, this scheduling might be culture shock. Although I'm based in the US, as a frequent traveler, I wasn't caught off guard so much as annoyed: I'm usually early to bed, early to rise.

I also like to stay active and busy when I'm on trips, so my normal travel rhythm didn't blend seamlessly with Costa. For the first few days, I wondered if I had made a mistake.

Eventually, I started jam-packing my time in each port with tons of activities, reboarding the ship at the last minute before sailaway.

Then, once I was on board, I didn't mind slowing down and soaking up the Italian dolce vita.

The extra costs felt more widespread here than on other cruises

Nearly all cruise lines charge extra for cocktails, spa treatments, and specialty meals, but Costa charged me for things I hadn't been used to paying for on a ship.

For example, on many cruises, the amount of free food is so abundant that gaining weight on board is practically a cruise tradition — this wasn't the case on the Pacifica.

If I got hungry between 6 and 7 p.m., I'd have to pony up for paid sushi or pizza, since the included grill, buffet, and main restaurants are all closed. Gelato for a mid-afternoon snack starts at €2.40, with no free soft-serve in sight.

If I wanted a glass of water with dinner in the main dining room instead of filling my own water bottle on the pool deck, I'd pay another euro or two.

Like a low-cost airline, cheap base fares lure you in, but everything extra could lead to an expensive final bill. Fortunately, I was expecting this and didn't let charges get out of hand.

At the end of the cruise, my total invoice came to around €200, covering one spa treatment, WiFi access, drinks, and other miscellaneous onboard charges.

Food was hit-or-miss, but I found the winners

Breakfast and lunch were primarily simple, buffet-driven affairs. Once I learned what worked, I stuck to a simple morning routine and ate most of my lunches on shore in port for convenience and variety's sake.

Dinner was where quality varied the most and strategy mattered. I love Italian food, but there's a big difference between mass-produced meals on a cruise ship and the dishes served at a quaint trattoria in Rome.

In my opinion, hot dishes at both the buffet and main restaurant were often overcooked and oversalted. However, Costa overdelivered on its pastas, which were balanced and al dente.

Many of the cold appetizers, like a chilled octopus carpaccio, were also excellent. After discovering these patterns, I often "only" ordered three of the four courses at dinner, focusing on what I felt Costa did well.

One night, I skipped dinner at the main restaurant and headed to the ship's specialty pizzeria instead.

It cost extra, but the diavola pizza — with its wood-fired crust, spicy salami, and gooey cheese — was easily one of the most satisfying bites I had on board.

In the end, the experience was better than the price suggested

This Carnival-owned Italian line kept things simple, but I never felt like I was missing out or getting a bad deal.

Value-focused travelers will be hard-pressed to find a cheaper cruise vacation, especially if they're disciplined enough to rein in incidental spending.

The low price didn't impact my ability to see the Dominican Republic, and the cash I saved helped me splurge on excursions at each port.

I'd cruise with Costa again — and suspect my next trip will be even better since I know what to expect.

Costa Cruises didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

I test TVs for a living, and year after year, Samsung remains one of the most dependable brands I review. The company's models range from entry-level LED sets to high-end OLED displays. However, not every model is a winner. The best Samsung TVs are the ones that really nail the balance between picture quality, smart features, and overall value.

To make things easier, I've rounded up the best Samsung TVs you can buy right now. My top pick is the Samsung S90F, an OLED TV with quantum dot technology that delivers standout contrast along with bright, punchy colors. If you're trying to spend less, the Samsung U8000F is one of the brand's most affordable options. It has some limitations in picture quality, but it's a budget-friendly smart TV that works well for everyday streaming and casual viewing.

Below, you'll also find options with vibrant QLED panels and impressive anti-reflective screens, which are especially useful if your living room gets a lot of natural light. Several of my picks are also available in extra-large screen sizes, making them perfect for March Madness viewing parties. Just make sure to select the size you want from Amazon's listings.

Our top picks for the best Samsung TVs

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

Best on a budget: Samsung U8000F LED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best high-end set: Samsung S95H OLED 4K TV - See at Samsung

Best QLED display: Samsung QN90F QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best for your wall: Samsung LS03F Frame QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best overall

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

Utilizing a QD-OLED panel, the S90F delivers an infinite contrast ratio and outstanding color performance that outshines similarly priced OLEDs from LG and Sony. Its 144Hz refresh rate also helps cement it as one of the best gaming TVs, offering silky-smooth motion when connected to a compatible PC.

Like other Samsung models, the S90F supports HDR10 and HDR10+, and its HDR performance is impressive. Highlights leap off the screen, while deep, precise black levels and wide viewing angles make this TV equally impressive for movie nights and group viewing sessions. Black levels do rise slightly when the panel is exposed to light, but not enough to be distracting.

Brightness is another strong point. Our reviewer measured a peak of around 1,460 nits, which is around 200 nits higher than the previous S90D. That gives the S90F plenty of punch for both dark home theaters and well-lit living rooms.

Still, it's worth noting that the S90F can't quite match the 2,000-nit brightness of Samsung's flagship QLEDs, such as the QN90F, or its premium S95F OLED. It also uses a glossy screen rather than the anti-glare matte coating found on some models. While matte screens handle reflections better, glossy panels like this one maintain richer contrast and a more cinematic look.

All things considered, the S90F offers the best balance of price and performance among Samsung TVs. Its picture quality is close to that of pricier models from other brands, and it frequently goes on sale. That said, it's worth noting that there is a newer 2026 version of this TV, called the S90H. The S90H is very similar, but it now uses Samsung's anti-glare screen, which greatly reduces reflections at the cost of slightly elevating black levels in a bright room. If you struggle with glare, the S90H is a better fit, but since it costs a lot more than the S90F, I still give an edge to the older model.

You can learn more about the new S90H in my 2026 Samsung OLED TV roundup.

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

Read our full Samsung S90F 4K TV review.

Best on a budget

While many of Samsung's high-end and midrange TVs deliver good value, its budget options tend to fall short compared to similar models from TCL, Hisense, and Roku. But if you prefer the Samsung brand, the U8000F is the company's best entry-level option.

The U8000F utilizes a standard LCD panel with a regular LED backlight. This is fine for casual viewing, but the TV lacks the step-up picture-quality features you'd find on Samsung's QLED and OLED models.

Most notably, the U8000F doesn't use quantum dots and lacks local dimming. As a result, the TV offers a more limited color range, and its black levels aren't as deep or uniform across the screen. This is also one of the dimmest TVs in Samsung's lineup. It can technically process HDR10 and HDR10+ signals, but it cannot achieve sufficient brightness or precise enough contrast control to effectively showcase HDR's benefits.

Still, the U8000F is capable of full 4K-resolution playback, which results in a crisp, sharp image. It plays standard dynamic range (SDR) content in both 4K and high definition just fine, so HD cable channels and all the best live TV streaming services look solid.

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

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

Best high-end set

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

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

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

The TV's color performance is also stellar thanks to the panel's use of quantum dots in the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models. (The 83-inch size likely uses four-stack OLED technology to achieve similar results.) When watching actual content, this high brightness, wide color gamut, and perfect contrast deliver gorgeous HDR images, with a level of intensity that's a clear step above Samsung's midrange S90F and S90H.

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

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

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

Check out our guides to the best TVs for picture quality and the best TVs for sports.

Best QLED display

Though I favor Samsung's OLED TVs for their superior contrast performance, the company's QLED TVs are still worthwhile options. The QN90F is one of the brand's top 4K QLED models, and it's especially good if you want a bright TV that costs less than Samsung's flagship S95 OLED series.

The QN90F is part of Samsung's "Neo QLED" series, which utilizes quantum dots for enhanced color and a Mini LED backlight with local dimming for improved contrast. The TV's Mini LEDs enable it to produce solid black levels with good brightness control.

During my tests, the QN90F's dimming worked well and produced fewer instances of blooming (small halos around bright objects) and vignetting (darkening around the edges of bright objects) than I saw on the older QN90D. That said, I still saw minor halos and brightness imperfections, so the QN90F can't quite match the pixel-level contrast control of Samsung's OLED models.

The QN90F delivers a slightly punchier image than its predecessor. I measured a peak brightness of around 2,130 nits, which is a modest 100 nits more than I recorded on the QN90D. Coupled with the display's anti-reflective screen, this makes the QN90F an excellent choice for bright rooms. It also enables HDR videos to produce bold, impactful highlights.

However, as with other Samsung sets that use matte screens, the QN90F's anti-glare filter slightly raises black levels in a bright room, resulting in a performance tradeoff. But if you want a bright TV to combat glare, the QN90F is an excellent option.

Best for your wall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samsung is also set to launch a 2026 version of the Frame later this year. The most notable difference is that the 2026 model will have its ports built into the panel rather than housed in a separate connection box. Pricing hasn't been confirmed, but for the first time, Samsung will offer an extra-large 98-inch size.

Check out our guide to the best frame TVs.

Other Samsung TVs we reviewed

Samsung Frame Pro 4K TV - See at Amazon
Samsung now offers a step-up version of its Frame TV, called the Frame Pro. The Pro features an edge-lit Mini LED backlight for enhanced picture quality, offering higher contrast and brightness than the standard Frame. It also features a wireless connection box, allowing you to pair your media devices without any cables dangling from the display. Ultimately, we still give the standard Frame an edge in overall value for buyers who want a design-focused TV for their wall, but the Pro has its benefits for certain use cases.

Read our Samsung Frame Pro TV review.

How we test Samsung TVs

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the expert behind this guide:

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

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

Samsung TV FAQs

What kind of TVs does Samsung make?

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

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

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

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

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

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

All of Samsung's displays are available in multiple sizes. Some models range from as small as 32 inches to as large as 130 inches. For TV recommendations at various screen sizes, check out our size-specific guides:

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

Does Samsung sell 8K TVs?

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

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

If you're determined to go 8K, the Samsung QN990F is our top pick. We've tested that model, and it delivers excellent picture quality. Still, most people will be happier with Samsung's more affordable 4K OLEDs, which offer superior contrast — a factor that makes a far bigger impact on image performance than 8K resolution.

Does Samsung make soundbars?

Yes, Samsung offers a range of soundbar models across various budgets, including the highly rated Q990 series of Dolby Atmos soundbars. You can learn more in our full Samsung Q990F soundbar review.

Some Samsung soundbars support a feature called Q-Symphony when paired with certain Samsung TVs. Q-Symphony enables the soundbar and TV speakers to work in tandem, enhancing sound quality.

For more soundbar recommendations from Samsung and other brands, check out our home audio buying guides:

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

Are Samsung TVs better than LG TVs?

Samsung and LG both make excellent TVs, and it's hard to crown one brand as universally better than the other. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on what you need and which specific models you're comparing.

For LCD-based sets, Samsung has traditionally branded its top models as QLED, while LG's are branded QNED. The underlying panel tech differs slightly, but performance is broadly similar. That said, Samsung's high-end QLEDs have held an edge over LG's top QNEDs thanks to higher brightness and more effective local dimming.

In 2026, both companies will also release advanced LCD-based TVs branded as Micro RGB, which promise even better color performance. However, it remains to be seen how Samsung and LG Micro RGB TVs will compare.

Both brands also produce some of the best OLED TVs on the market, and the competition is even closer here. Samsung's top OLEDs use quantum dots, boosting brightness and color compared to LG's midrange OLEDs. However, LG's flagship G5 OLED and G6 OLED use a four-stack design that enables them to rival Samsung's brightest OLEDs. Likewise, LG's OLEDs maintain deeper black levels in bright rooms. LG also offers OLEDs in more sizes, making the lineup more flexible for different budgets.

One important difference between all of LG and Samsung's TVs is their support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats. LG's mid- and high-end TVs work with Dolby Vision, while Samsung supports HDR10+. Both formats use dynamic metadata to optimize contrast and color scene by scene, but Dolby Vision is more widely adopted across streaming apps and 4K Blu-rays.

You can find LG recommendations in our guide to the best LG TVs.

What smart TV interface does Samsung use?

Samsung uses a proprietary smart TV interface built using the Tizen operating system (OS). Unlike other interfaces, such as Roku OS, Android TV, Fire TV, or Google TV, Samsung's Tizen platform is not available on smart TV models or streaming devices from other brands.

For many years, Samsung's Tizen OS featured a pop-up screen that displayed apps across a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen, but Samsung updated its interface in 2022. Now, Samsung smart TVs use a full-screen homepage that organizes your favorite services and displays content recommendations. Most Tizen TVs feature support for Alexa or Bixby voice control, and newer models also support Microsoft Copilot AI. There's also a Gaming Hub section that allows you to access cloud services, including Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna.

Samsung's smart TV interface works well across its TV lineup and offers access to all the best streaming services, but it's not the smoothest OS we've used. Even high-end models have been prone to hiccups and slight lag in the past. However, the brand's latest TVs have made notable improvements in this regard.

Most buyers should be satisfied with Samsung's smart TV performance, and no major services or features are missing. But if you prefer a different interface with slightly snappier navigation, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices for other options.

For display recommendations that use other systems, check out our full guide to the best smart TVs.

Are Samsung TVs prone to burn-in?

Samsung's QLED, Micro RGB, and Crystal UHD TVs are not susceptible to burn-in, but its OLED models can experience it in extreme cases. Burn-in occurs when a static image is left on an OLED screen for hours on end — the CNN or ESPN logo in the corner, for example — which can cause a faint, ghostly image to permanently stick to the screen.

Although Samsung OLED buyers should be aware of this risk, OLED TVs have built-in measures to prevent burn-in, including automatic pixel-shift modes and pixel refreshers. Publications like Rtings have conducted long-term tests on numerous OLED TVs, including Samsung models. While the results indicate that burn-in is possible, the tests suggest that individuals with regular viewing habits don't need to worry about it.

As long as you don't plan on watching cable news channels all day, burn-in shouldn't be a factor when deciding whether to buy an OLED TV. However, if you tend to watch just one cable channel for several hours a day, you're better off getting one of Samsung's QLED or Crystal UHD models, so you don't have to think twice about burn-in.

Do Samsung TVs support Dolby Vision?

No, not even the best Samsung TVs support Dolby Vision. However, they do support a similar format called HDR10+. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are both dynamic metadata high-dynamic-range formats. This means that compatible content can be encoded with specific instructions that tell your TV how to handle HDR contrast and color on a scene-by-scene basis.

This is in contrast to the standard HDR10 format, a static metadata format that can include only a single set of instructions for the entire video, rather than providing scene-by-scene details. In practice, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ can deliver a more refined HDR experience with video quality that better matches the specific capabilities of your TV. However, these benefits over standard HDR10 are often very subtle.

Although Dolby Vision and HDR10+ offer similar capabilities, Dolby Vision is supported by more streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs, making it the more desirable format.

Check out our HDR TV guide for more information about how these formats stack up.

Are matte screens better than glossy ones?

Some Samsung TVs use a glossy or semi-glossy screen, but the company has started to release more models that use a matte-like finish instead. They both have pros and cons that make them better suited for specific types of viewers.

Glossy screens are great at preserving high contrast and deep black levels, but they're prone to mirror-like reflections. This can be a problem if your room has lots of lights or windows. On the other hand, Samsung's anti-glare matte screens significantly reduce reflections. On the downside, the matte filter causes black levels to appear slightly elevated and washed out in a bright room.

The right style for you depends on your personal preferences and viewing needs. We tend to favor glossy screens for most uses, as high contrast plays a big part in overall picture quality. However, matte screens are better suited for spaces where ambient light cannot be controlled.

Notable Samsung TVs that use matte screens include the S95F, S95H, S90H, QN90F, and Frame models.

• Oil prices saw their biggest drop since 2020 and stocks surged as traders cheered the Iran war ceasefire.
• It's a fresh case of Trump triggering a relief rally in markets by reversing course on an ultimatum.
• The speaker of Iran's parliament said late in the day that the US had violated some terms of the agreement.

The TACO trade is alive and well.

Stocks surged during Wednesday's trading session and US oil prices dropped the most since 2020 as markets cheered the last-minute ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran late Tuesday. The Dow gained over 1,300 points, and the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite each rose nearly 3%.

About 90 minutes before the 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline set by Donald Trump for a deal with Iran, the president announced a two-week ceasefire.

Brent crude futures slumped as much as 16%, while WTI oil plummeted as much as 19%. Both Brent and WTI oil ended on Wednesday at around $96 a barrel.

Oil pared deeper losses and stocks gave back some gains after Fars News, an Iranian media outlet, reported that Iran had halted oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks on Lebanon after the ceasefire agreement.

Later, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, said that the ceasefire agreement had been violated.

"Now, the very "workable basis on which to negotiate" has been openly and clearly violated, even before the negotiations began. In such situation, a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations is unreasonable," the Iranian leader said in statement released Wednesday afternoon.

Bagher Ghalibaf caught Wall Street's attention earlier in the conflict when he told traders to use Trump's de-escalation posts as a reverse indicator.

Here's where major indexes stood at 4:00 p.m. ET closing bell:

S&P 500: 6,776.59, up 2.41%

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 47,911.09, up 2.85% (1,326.63 points)

Nasdaq Composite: 24,853.87, up 2.69%

Bond yields dropped as investors recalibrated the outlook for inflation. The 10-year Treasury yield fell 6 basis points to 4.28%. Yields spiked during the war, driven by expectations that interest rates would remain high to offset rising prices.

And with that, the now-famous "Trump Always Chickens Out" trope has come to fruition yet again. Investors were waiting for it, and ready to take profits on oil.

To the market's credit, it didn't fall for Trump's fiery threat on Tuesday that "a whole civilization will die tonight" — the S&P 500 and Nasdaq actually finished positive in regular-hours trading. After more than a few TACO instances, traders are getting wise to Trump's push-and-pull routine.

On Wednesday morning, Trump followed up on news of the ceasefire by posting on Truth Social that the US would "work closely" with Iran, and had agreed to many points of a 15-point peace plan. He added that the US would discuss relieving the tariffs and sanctions it has placed on Iran. A 50% tariff would be imposed on any country supplying Iran with weapons, he said in a second post.

The de-escalation is welcome news for an S&P 500 that finished Tuesday down 5% from recent highs. Brent crude, meanwhile, is still 50% above where it was before the Iran war started.

The sentiment shift is enough to boost markets even as uncertainty remains about the durability of the ceasefire and the logistics of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

"Even though there is still uncertainty over how durable this ceasefire is, stocks can still move higher even without all of the details ironed out. Just the scent of thawing tensions is enough for forward-looking stocks to keep climbing the wall of worry," Robert Edwards, chief investment officer at Edwards Asset Management, said.

Here's a rundown of other major moves in global markets on Wednesday:

• Germany's DAX: +5%
• Euro Stoxx 50: +5.2%
• Britain's FTSE 100: +3.1%
• Japan's Nikkei 225: +5.4%
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng: +3.1%
• China's Shanghai Composite: +2.7%

"Investors' wish for a ceasefire has been granted, triggering a rally across financial markets and pulling down the oil price," Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said in a morning note.

"Make no mistake — this is a pause in the proceedings and not a full resolution," he continued. "That means any market rebound could quickly lose momentum unless there is clear progress with US and Iran talks."

Those lingering concerns didn't stop traders from paring their bets on near-term rate hikes to counter inflation. The yield on Germany's 10-year government bond plunged by more than 18 basis points to 2.9% in early trading.

Several benchmark energy prices fell, but remained well above their pre-war levels. Wholesale gasoline futures for May (RBOB) tumbled 10% to $2.97 a gallon, but they cost less than $2 in late February. Dutch TTF natural gas futures for May fell 15% to 45 euros per megawatt-hour, but they traded around 32 euros in late February.

Michael Wan, a senior currency analyst at MUFG, cautioned that securing a durable deal could be difficult given that Iran's demands "seem hard for different parties, including Israel and the Gulf states, to accept."

"As such, we think any agreement on paper will likely be an extremely unstable equilibrium, and we think further meaningful bouts of volatility are more likely than not moving forward," Wan wrote in a Wednesday note.

He added that key questions remain over what concessions Iran might offer in return and that even in the event of a breakthrough, energy markets may not stabilize immediately.

While market participants may welcome ships resuming transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the key question is "which ships will be going back IN to take fresh cargoes back out," June Goh, a senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities, wrote in a post on X.

A two-week ceasefire is likely too short to establish a sustained rebound in inbound traffic, she added.

• Michael Burry thinks Anthropic is beating out another AI darling.
• "The Big Short" investor said that he thinks the market is shifting in favor of the Claude creator.
• In his view, Anthropic's popularity with enterprise clients is worth more than Palantir's government contracts.

Michael Burry has long been bearish on Palantir, but he recently shared a new take on the market's AI darling, comparing its prospects to another titan in the space.

Anthropic isn't publicly traded yet, but it has been at the center of Wall Street's focus for months after new tools from the market of the Claude chatbot sent software stocks into a tailspin. Burry hasn't said much about the broader sector, but in a Wednesday X post, he made said he thinks Anthropic is handily beating the competition.

"Anthropic is eating Palantir's lunch," Burry said. "That massive boost from $9B to $30B ARR at Anthropic is because Anthropic offers the easier, cheaper, intuitive solution for businesses."

This comes just a few months after Burry announced a short position in Palantir. He had previously expressed skepticism about the broader AI boom, implying that he saw a bubble forming,

Now he seems to think the AI market is shifting, specifically toward "plug and play" models from Anthropic that let companies quickly integrate its AI tools into their businesses.

Burry acknowledged that Palantir's lucrative government contracts, but noted that he doesn't think that they give the company an edge. In his view, the real profitability stems from the private sector business that has been the core of Anthropic's valuation.

"Anthropic' went from $9B to $30B in months, it took $PLTR 20 years to get to $5 Billion," Burry added. "[It] is taking 73% of all new enterprise spending.

He cited data from financial operations platform Ramp, pointing to a March 2026 analysis from economist Ara Kharazian, who provided a detailed breakdown of just how much Anthropic's business has grown recently.

Part of the report highlighted the zero-sum nature of the AI market, showing a surge in businesses flocking to Anthropic at rivals' expense.

"Nearly one in four businesses on Ramp now pays for Anthropic (a year ago, it was one in 25)," Kharazian wrote. "OpenAI's 1.5% decline was the largest in any single month for any AI model company since we started tracking business AI adoption."

He added that the share of companies who opt to pay for Claude before OpenAI has also increased steadily and reached 73% in February.

Burry isn't the only investor to bet against Palantir recenly. In September, short-seller Andrew Left revealed that he was shorting the stock and told Business Insider he was bullish on Databricks, an AI startup that, like Anthropic, is still privately held.

• The US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, easing investor concerns.
• But UBS highlights risks in the ceasefire, including potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
• UBS suggests opportunities in US utilities, healthcare stocks, and high-quality bonds.

Investors were jubilant on Wednesday following news that the US, Israel, and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But markets are not yet in the clear, UBS warns.

Stocks ripped on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 rising 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively, by mid-afternoon.

There is indeed plenty to be optimistic about, UBS said in a report on Wednesday.

The drop in oil prices following the ceasefire announcement should ease upward pressure on inflation and downward pressure on growth, and the progress shows a true interest from both sides to de-escalate to the conflict.

But the bank reminded investors that risks surrounding the ceasefire remain, pointing to five in particular.

Most of them concern the reality that the flow through the Strait will not return to pre-war levels right away.

For one, many ships have simply left the area and need time to return.

Second, the ceasefire is only set to last two weeks, and the closer that deadline comes, the more shipping firms could second-guess sending their tankers through the Strait.

Third, there's no guarantee that Iran and its military personnel will uphold the deal, either regarding the ceasefire or keeping the Strait open.

"Any individual strike on a passing vessel could unravel progress. With this in mind, it is crucial that all armed members/units of the Revolutionary Guard adhere to the ceasefire. A breakdown of internal order within Iran presents a potentially uncontrollable longer-term risk to energy flow."

On Wednesday, Iran appeared to again be blocking the Strait, saying it viewed Israel's attack in Lebanon as a breach of the ceasefire deal. As markets moved toward the close, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, said that the ceasefire agreement had been violated.

Fourth, UBS said it's also unclear who will control the Strait going forward, whether the US will have any stake in doing so, or whether Iran would charge tolls for passage. These issues could cause negotiations to stall, the bank said.

Lastly, Iran's nuclear ambitions, sanctions, and US security guarantees are likely to be points of friction in the negotiations, UBS said.

How to invest

UBS said that while long-term investors should stay put, short-term investors might look to corners of the US market, as well as Switzerland and some emerging markets. Under the surface of the broader market, it said there are opportunities in US utilities stocks, industrials, and healthcare stocks.

Outside of stocks, the bank said investors should look at high-quality bonds of short- and medium-term duration, as they could get a boost from rate cuts down the line. The bank's analysts also like gold, which they believe has 23% upside from current levels.

"Gold prices remain well below where they were at the start of the conflict," UBS said. "Over the medium term, if the market shifts toward pricing less risk of rate hikes, while geopolitical and fiscal risks stay high, we would expect gold prices to rise again. We target USD 5,900/oz by year-end and see the metal as a valuable portfolio hedge."

Some examples of funds that offer exposure to these trades include the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO), the Fidelity MSCI Utilities ETF (FUTY), the iShares Global Healthcare ETF, the iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGSB), and the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD).

• Engineers are debating "tokenmaxxing," or the idea of spending as many AI tokens as possible.
• Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan embraced the term: "We've been tokenmaxxing longer than most people."
• Others called it an ineffective productivity measure incentivizing wasteful token use or gaming company leaderboards.

Forget lines of code written, engineers have a new way to compete amongst each other.

Welcome to the era of "tokenmaxxing."

Armed with shiny new AI coding tools, software developers across the tech industry have a wallet full of tokens to spend. Tokens, a measure of computing that determines how AI work is priced, have been floated as a form of compensation for engineers, even cropping up in job descriptions for AI fellowships at OpenAI and Anthropic.

But is token spending a good measure of developer productivity?

The question has lit up on social media this week as techies debate the concept of tokenmaxxing after The Information reported that some Meta engineers are racing to spend tokens to rank on an employee-made "Claudeonomics" dashboard that tracks usage and lets employees compete for titles like "Token Legend." The company didn't respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Some say it's a helpful marker of employees embracing new tools; others say it could incentivize inefficient use of AI within companies — leading to performative gaming of the metric.

"Ranking engineers by token spend is like me ranking my marketing team by who spent the most money," Linear COO Cristina Cordova wrote on X. "Don't mistake a high burn rate for a high success rate."

What is tokenmaxxing?

To understand tokenmaxxing, you first have to know what a token is. Large language models break words into numerical inputs, treating each token as roughly ¾ of a word. AI models charge based on the number of tokens used.

Tokenmaxxing, then, is the drive to spend as many tokens as possible. Meta and OpenAI are just some of the tech companies with token leaderboards, The New York Times previously reported.

While it's difficult to measure how widespread tokenmaxxing has become, companies' AI spending is clearly on the rise. The fintech company Ramp called it a "$1 trillion blind spot" on X, citing Gartner data showing that monthly AI spending among businesses has quadrupled over the last year.

It's also a flex. Founders and future-forward engineers post their token spending on X to signal how all-in they are on AI. One xAI employee wrote that tech was turning every good idea "into theater."

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan appears to be a fan. Quoting a prior post that chided companies that are "stingy" with tokens, Tan wrote: "We've been tokenmaxxing longer than most people."

Is tokenmaxxing a good incentive?

Some within the tech world argue tokenmaxxing is an effective metric; others call it reckless spending.

Khosla Ventures partner Jon Chu called token spending measurement an "absolutely stupid policy" on X.

"Plenty of my Meta friends told me folks have been building bots that just run in a loop burning tokens as fast as they can due to this policy," he wrote.

Cursor employee Edwin Wee Arbus offered a nuanced take on the metric, calling it a "useful, fast proxy, but slightly flawed." He compared it to body mass index, or BMI, which can provide health insights but does not capture muscle or bone mass.

While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang hasn't directly weighed in on "tokenmaxxing," he has stressed the importance of engineers using a lot of tokens, saying that if a $500,000 engineer didn't consume at least $250,000 worth of tokens, he would be "deeply alarmed."

"The Pragmatic Engineer" newsletter author Gergely Orosz called the practice wasteful. "Devs game everything and anything seen as a target for more bonus or promos," he wrote. "This was no different."

BEP Research founder Ben Pouladian pulled a different takeaway from the trend, calling compute the bottleneck for innovation. "In the AI era, every employee becomes a compute consumer," he wrote on X.

"Token spend is always an output not an input," wrote Persona software engineer Arush Shankar, who previously worked at Square and Microsoft, according to his LinkedIn. "Worth looking at, but never in isolation. It's a signal but not THE signal."

Does your company track token spending or token use? Contact the reporter from a non-work email and device at hchandonnet@businessinsider.com, or on Signal at henrychand.30

• I struggled with identity and purpose after becoming a mom.
• I hired a career coach to better understand my strengths and interests.
• The process helped me find new career paths and regain confidence.

Over the nine months of pregnancy with my first baby, I mentally prepared myself for those middle-of-the-night feedings (and the resulting exhaustion), the postpartum mood swings, and other inevitable life changes.

One thing I didn't prepare myself for? The identity crisis set in as soon as I became someone's mother. In an effort to navigate this crisis, I decided to work with a career coach for the first time.

Time felt more precious than ever to me after bringing my son into the world, and I wanted to make sure I was using it wisely. With so much new meaning in my personal life, I longed to find that meaning in my work.

First, I vetted some coaches to find the right fit

While breastfeeding in the dark one night, I impulsively searched Google and Instagram for career coaches and began emailing a few people. After my first call with Gracie Miller, founder of Live Life Purpose Coaching, I knew I had found my match.

She explained that her program was designed to suss out A) what unique skills and talents make me valuable in the workforce and B) what causes, activities, and subjects light me up inside, so that, ultimately, I can pinpoint new career possibilities that encompass both.

The process helped me home in on my strengths — and build confidence

During our first session, I mentioned that a lack of confidence was one of the things holding me back professionally. Fortunately, our sessions together — and the "homework" sheets she assigned me — helped to address that. By identifying my strengths — for example, by reflecting on what people in my life tend to come to me for help with, or by reminiscing about times when I overcame a challenge — I began to feel an increasingly strong sense of self-worth.

I also discovered interests I never knew I had

One of the exercises she assigned me involved recalling times in my life when I felt at my best. I recounted an experience I had giving a motivational speech to a group of patients in an eating disorder treatment program, and told Miller how rewarding it felt to share my success story with them and inspire some much-needed hope on their recovery journey. That triggered another memory of giving a speech to a group of clinicians at Mass General Hospital. I suddenly realized how much I loved public speaking — something I'd never taken into account in my search for job opportunities, let alone acknowledged at all.

Another worksheet Miller gave me required me to list the things I could talk about forever without ever getting bored. While answering this question, I discovered how excited I get discussing psychology and human behavior — which explains my fascination with true crime.

I was surprised to learn I had changed

While I know some aspects of who I am are unlikely to change — like being emotionally driven and idealistic — I recently began to wonder if motherhood might cause some subtle shifts in my personality.

After a few sessions, Miller had me take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test so I could find out the best jobs for my personality type. I already took this test in college, but I was surprised to find that my personality had shifted since then from the "Campaigner" (ENFP) to the "Advocate" (INFJ). Knowing my new personality type then empowered me to consider new potential careers that better fit my strengths — including intuitive insight, deep empathy, and creativity.

I clarified my priorities

I've been a work-from-home freelancer for about seven years now, and while there are definitely a lot of perks to my situation, there are some pitfalls, too.

I hadn't really considered what my ideal work situation might look like, until Miller assigned me a multiple-choice worksheet that involved clarifying whether I prefer working indoors our outdoors, how much travel I'd like my work to entail, whether I'd rather my work duties to change a lot day to day or stay the same, and what size company and setting I'd like to work in.

For example, I learned that I actually enjoy working alone more than working with a team, and that I work better when there aren't strict time constraints than under pressure. Keeping all this in mind on my job search will help me to find roles that minimize stress and anxiety.

I learned about jobs I never knew existed

After our first handful of sessions, Miller used all the data she'd gathered on my strengths and passions to compile a list of possible careers where they overlap. Some of the options she came up with were jobs I had never heard of, like narrative coach, director of brand storytelling, and trend researcher.

She tasked me with doing some quick research on what a day in the life looks like for each of these roles, and then jotting down the pros and cons so I could narrow the list down to my favorites. This exercise gave me a concrete list of new jobs I'd never previously considered — jobs I now have alerts set for on LinkedIn and Indeed.

What really matters to me finally became clearer than ever

Miller's program isn't designed to help clients figure out what they enjoy; it's designed to help them determine their reason for getting up in the morning. To that end, she assigned worksheets that asked me about the areas and issues I'd like to make a difference in. By far the most difficult but valuable assignment involved crafting my "mission statement."

My mission statement is still a work in progress, but I came up with "To uplift and influence others, inspiring a sense of hope and belonging."

I plan to keep coming back to this mission statement whenever I'm evaluating job opportunities, so I can determine whether they align with my true life purpose.

A good night's sleep isn't a luxury; it's the foundation of your health, mood, and productivity. Finding the best sleep products for you can make the difference between restless nights and truly restorative rest, which is why we've dedicated hundreds of hours to rigorously testing mattresses, pillows, pajamas, sleep tech, and more. Here, you'll find our top-tested products — whether you're a side sleeper, a hot sleeper, dealing with back pain, are sensitive to noise, or looking for budget-friendly options — to help you build your best night's sleep.

Best sleep products for hot sleepers

You get better rest when your body is cooler. If you tend to overheat at night — whether from summer humidity, perimenopause, or a lack of air conditioning — these cooling products can help regulate your temperature and improve your sleep.

Best sleep products for back pain

Back pain can make it hard to fall — and stay — asleep. Whether your discomfort comes from poor spinal alignment, pressure points, or a mattress that no longer offers enough support, the right sleep products can help reduce pain and make your nights more comfortable.

Best sleep products for side sleepers

Side sleepers need the right mix of cushioning and support to keep their spring aligned and prevent pressure buildup at the shoulders and hips. If your mattress feels too firm or your pillow doesn't provide enough height, it can lead to discomfort and restless sleep. These products are designed to relieve pressure, support proper alignment, and help you stay comfortable throughout the night.

Invest in the best mattress you can afford

If you can't remember the last time you replaced your mattress, it might be time to get a new one. After testing more than 100 models, we found the best for every sleep position and need, from hot sleepers to those with back pain.

Your perfect pillow is out there

We used to think a one-size-fits-all-pillow didn't exist — until we tested the Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow, which lets you customize loft and density to match your sleep style. We've also found plenty of other options for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

The most comfortable bedding

From sheets to comforters, the way your bedding feels matters just as much as how it looks. Whether you refresh your bedding seasonally or are looking for a new everyday set, our guides will help you find the perfect fit.

The best solutions for hot sleepers

If you sleep hot or struggle with night sweats caused by menopause, the right products can make a noticeable difference. Our top picks feature breathable fabrics and lightweight layers that can help you stay cool and comfortable all night.

Useful sleep aids and tech

Sleep hygiene goes beyond your mattress and sheets — your bedroom environment plays a major role, too. From air purifiers and blackout curtains to alarm clocks, sleep headphones, and sleep trackers, the right tools can help you wind down, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Wind down with the coziest pajamas

We're pretty serious about our loungewear, from cooling pajamas to spa-worthy robes. Because what you wear to bed can make a bigger difference in your sleep quality than you might think.

More sleep upgrades to consider

Small upgrades can make a big difference in your sleep quality. From mattress toppers to sleep masks, these add-ons help fine-tune your setup for even better rest.

Sephora is a household name at this point, synonymous with all things beauty. From hair care and skincare to luxury makeup and fragrance, the store is a shopping paradise for trying new brands or restocking on essentials. With the right Sephora coupon code, you can also save big on your next order.

While Sephora discounts aren't always front and center, the savings are often worth the effort. The brand regularly offers free samples, deluxe gifts, rewards perks, and limited‑time discounts, all of which can be unlocked with the right Sephora promo code. It's an easy way to test new products, build out your routine, or stretch your budget without committing to full‑size items right away.

To make saving easier, we've done the searching for you. Below, you'll find the best Sephora promo codes and current deals we've tested, so you can get the most value out of your next beauty haul.

Today's best Sephora coupons

Previous Sephora promo codes

Are there any other Sephora sales running at the moment?

You can find a full list of current markdowns on the "Sale" page of Sephora's website at any time. As of the time of writing, Sephora is running the following promotions.

• Follow our Instagram page and WhatsApp channel on mobile for more deals, reviews, and shopping guides

How to use Sephora coupon codes

Start by creating or logging in to a Beauty Insider account, then add coupon-eligible items to your basket. On the cart page, you can apply a coupon by pasting the code into the "Promo Code" text box and clicking "Apply." The code will then be applied, or if the code you entered offers multiple free gifts, you'll first be prompted to make your selection. Once the coupon is added, continue to checkout to enter your shipping and billing information.

Can you stack Sephora promo codes?

Sephora does not allow coupons to be stacked together. Only one promo code may be applied per order.

Sephora coupon frequently asked questions

Do I need to join the Beauty Insider program to use Sephora promo codes?

Most Sephora coupons are only valid for Beauty Insider members, so they cannot be used on guest orders. That said, the program is free to join and comes with many perks, including free shipping on all orders, a free birthday gift each year, access to exclusive deals, and more. Learn more and sign up on Sephora's website.

Does Sephora offer free shipping?

Sephora offers free standard shipping on all orders to Beauty Insider members. For orders using guest checkout, Sephora offers free shipping if you spend $50 or more. Learn more about shipping rates and times on Sephora's website.

What is Sephora's return policy?

Sephora allows new or gently used products to be returned for a full refund by mail or in-store within 30 days of the original purchase. Learn more about how to make returns or exchanges on Sephora's website.

Can I use Sephora coupon codes in-store?

Most Sephora promo codes are only eligible for online purchases. However, there may be some exceptions, so be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for the code you want to use.

Score more beauty deals with our roundup of the best Olive & June discount codes.

We tested TA3's viral swimsuits and newer apparel with editors across a range of body types, fit needs, and style preferences to see whether the brand lives up to the hype. TA3 first drew attention after founder Leila Shams appeared on Shark Tank to demonstrate the waist-sculpting effect of her designs, then gained even more momentum on TikTok, where videos of shoppers tightening the corset-style back lacing racked up millions of views. With that kind of buzz, we wanted to find out how the pieces actually perform beyond the dramatic mirror reveal.

In our testing, TA3 stood out for its supportive construction, curve-enhancing fit, and high-impact, confidence-boosting silhouettes. The brand's pieces are undeniably pricey, but several editors felt the combination of shaping, support, and quality made them easier to justify. In this TA3 review, we break down which styles are most worth considering, plus how they fit on different bodies.

Before diving in, one thing is worth saying up front: no one needs shaping swimwear or a cinched silhouette to look good. But for shoppers who want that extra support and sculpting effect, TA3 has built its reputation on delivering exactly that.

If you want more of our favorite suits, see the best swimsuits for women.

The Lifty

TA3's Lifty is a shaping one-piece designed for shoppers who want more lift and support than a typical swimsuit provides. Its underwire construction, adjustable lace-up back, and uncommonly broad size range — including multiple torso lengths and cup sizes up to J/K — make it especially appealing for fuller busts. The overall effect is sculpting and waist-defining, but it's still more customizable than many one-pieces that rely solely on compression.

It's also our top pick for the best swimsuits for large busts and one of our favorite one-piece swimsuits ever.

Sally's review of the Lifty

Size Sally tried: Large, F cup, short torso

I love all of my TA3 swimsuits, but the Lifty is my favorite. The underwire is seriously supportive and helps avoid the dreaded uniboob that some one-pieces can cause. The sizing also feels almost miraculous: you choose your bodice length, swimsuit size, and cup size, which makes for an unusually precise fit. I've never had a one-piece fit me better.

The thick shoulder straps are comfortable and adjustable, and the cups support me perfectly without digging in. It's also cute enough to double as a bodysuit with jeans or flowy linen pants. Most importantly, it really does create a snatched waist. The lace-up back cinches you in impressively well, but you can loosen it when you want less compression, which makes it feel more versatile than most shaping swimsuits. As someone with an F cup, I can confidently say it's the most comfortable and supportive one-piece I've tried, and a big reason it topped our list of the best swimsuits for large busts.

Sam's review of the Lifty

Size Sam tried: Medium, D/DD cup, short torso

The Lifty is a fantastic suit that offers incredible bust support and a cinched waist with real wow factor. It instantly creates a snatched, sculpted look, which makes it feel especially fun and confidence-boosting to wear. But after taking it to the spa and into the sauna, I realized it's not my top pick for pure lounging and relaxation. You can absolutely loosen the back lacing and make it much more comfortable, but to me, this is a suit that's at its best when you want to look amazing and be seen — not necessarily when you want to fully melt into a lounge chair for hours. For photos, pool parties, and statement swim moments, though, it's fantastic.

The Plungey

TA3's Plungey is a shaping one-piece with a more classic, straightforward feel than the Lifty. Its main draw is the deep neckline, which gives it a sexier look, while the brand's signature lace-up back helps create that cinched TA3 silhouette. It still offers shaping and support, but overall it feels like a more basic, less structured option — a good pick for someone who wants the brand's snatching effect in a simpler, lower-cut style.

Jaclyn's review of the Plungey

Size Jaclyn Tried: XL, regular torso

I felt like a catfish in a swimsuit. The fit up top was great, and I felt very secure and flattered at the bust, something that usually concerns me about swimsuits that aren't bra-sized. However, I felt like the suit gaped at the bottom.

The Plungey is very reminiscent of a shapewear bodysuit. It's not the most comfortable swimsuit I've ever worn, but it's a small trade-off for a few hours to feel confident enough to have a photo shoot out in public of myself in a swimsuit.

I felt secure swimming in it, too. I was originally worried the long strings would get in the way with swimming, but it was no issue going for a few laps, or jumping in. Everything stayed put.

Sam's review of the Plungey

Size Sam tried: Medium, short torso

You know that Photoshop feature where you can pull your waist in so that it looks smaller? Well, this suit does that in real life. Now, no one's waist ever needs to look smaller — all bodies are beautiful. But as someone with a larger chest and a short torso, I feel most comfortable in clothing with waist definition (A-line dresses are my go-to).

And boy, oh boy, does the Plungey suit excel in waist-defining. It actually lifts your breasts while pulling your waist in, creating an hourglass shape that I've never seen with another swimsuit. I got tons of compliments when I wore this, which is a true testament to the power of this simple black bathing suit with its magic lacing.

I'm five-foot-two, so I got the suit in the short version, but there are also different lengths, which is why this suit also made our list of the best swimsuits for long torsos.

Sally's review of the Plungey

Size Sally tried: Large, short torso

As someone with a DDD cup, I was curious whether such a low-cut suit would actually feel secure, and I was impressed by how well it held everything in place. I wore it while swimming and snorkeling on vacation in Mexico and felt confident throughout.

The pull string also did a great job defining my waist without feeling too restrictive. I could tighten it for more compression and a more dramatic shape or loosen it for a more comfortable fit. I also appreciated the adjustable straps and the option to choose a short torso length, since I'm 5'1.

After five or six washes, the Plungey still looks great, with no stretching or discoloration. The construction feels sturdy enough that the $178 price tag seems more worthwhile.

The Brazilian Bombshell

TA3's Brazilian Bombshell is one of the brand's sexier, more statement-making one-pieces. It combines built-in shaping with molded cups, removable push-up pads, and adjustable straps, so the effect is lifted through the bust and noticeably cinched through the waist. The signature lace-up back adds to that sculpted look, while the Brazilian-style, cheekier back makes it feel more revealing and less everyday than some of TA3's other suits. Overall, this is the style to choose if your priority is a dramatic, va-va-voom silhouette rather than subtle shaping.

Sam's review of the Brazilian Bombshell

Size Sam tried: Medium, short torso, large cups

The Brazilian Bombshell is one of the most statement-making TA3 suits I tried. It gave me a noticeably lifted look through the bust, a cinched effect through the waist, and an overall silhouette that felt very glam and intentionally sexy. The leopard print only adds to that energy. Even though it's bold, it still felt supportive and well constructed, so I didn't feel like I was sacrificing security for style. This isn't the suit I'd recommend for someone who wants subtle shaping or a more low-key one-piece, but for a full-on bombshell look, it absolutely works.

The Goddessy Maxi Dress

The Goddessy Maxi Dress brings TA3's signature waist-cinching effect to a floor-length silhouette that feels more polished than overtly shapewear-y. It's designed to define the waist and smooth the midsection, but the drapey skirt keeps it from feeling too tight or rigid.

Sam's review of the Goddessy Maxi Dress

Size Sam tried: Medium

I loved the Goddessy Maxi Dress and felt incredibly confident in it. It delivers TA3's signature waist-cinching effect in a dressier, more dramatic silhouette, while the flowing skirt keeps it feeling elegant rather than restrictive. Overall, it struck me as a flattering, confidence-boosting piece that feels polished and special.

The one drawback for me was the bust fit. As someone with a DD chest, I found the top a little small, especially compared with TA3's swimwear, which offers more precise cup-size options. Still, I really enjoyed wearing the dress, and if the bust works for your proportions, it's a standout choice for anyone who wants shaping with a more glamorous, occasion-ready feel.

What we don't like about TA3

The corseting can cause drooping on the butt part: Gabi and Jaclyn reported the same issue. When the corset is pulled tight, it creates some gaping at the seat of the suit, which can make the back look a little unflattering.

When pulled tight, the suit isn't the most comfortable, but we highly recommend loosening the corset straps when you're just lounging on the beach. The snatching effect is great for pictures or for when you want to be seen, but it does make you feel a little like you're in the Victorian era.

FAQs

How do TA3 swimsuits work?

The garment's fabric feels like activewear compression material, not all that dissimilar to a super supportive sports bra. The front and back waist area is lined with power mesh, which helps smooth and shape.

The corseted design starts at around the mid-back, near where the waist is typically smallest, and laces up to around the shoulder blades. With adjustable straps, removable bust pads, and some leeway with the corseted strings, the suit's sizing is quite accommodating and able to be modified depending on your preference for the day.

How does the sizing work?

When shopping for your perfect size, note that you are able to choose from the regular/long or the short torso fit, which is available for all of their current styles. And from XS to 4X, they have an impressive size range that feels inclusive and intentional. We found that the suits fit true-to-size, but the lace-up system offers a lot of wiggle room in terms of sizing.

Different neckline styles can also be paired with different cuts on the hips, but not every style has a high-cut version.

Can you actually swim in TA3 swimsuits?

Yes — TA3 is still swimwear, not just shapewear that looks like a swimsuit. The swim fabric is engineered to resist chlorine, salt water, and UV rays, though the more sculpting-focused styles may feel less lounge-y than softer, less structured suits.

What is TA3's return policy?

TA3 says it accepts returns and exchanges within 21 days of purchase for eligible orders. For international orders, the brand says returns and exchanges are not accepted, and sale items may be subject to stricter rules depending on the discount.

The bottom line

It's no secret that these are on the pricey side – but given the quality, TA3 is worth it. Each suit is an investment piece that will be a staple in your closet for many summer vacations of beachside getaways to come.

Aside from comfort and its customizable fit, many appreciate a piece that pairs well with an outfit in between sunbathing and swimming (say, walking around a beach town or at the resort lunch spot) – and this one-piece acts as the ideal complementary item for denim shorts, a swimsuit coverup, or even loose beachy pants.

If you want to feel polished, snatched, and totally secure when playing around in the water, this suit may be your next best purchase.

Getting a close shave without irritation or pain isn't easy. It's common to find yourself with nicks or leftover stubble from a quick shave. However, the best electric razors for men cater to individuals with diverse hair textures and shaping preferences, consistently delivering a clean shave without discomfort. Our team has thoroughly tested and reviewed many top electric razor models to address the most common needs, and we've narrowed it down to the six best electric razors out there.

Our top pick is Braun's Series 9 Pro Plus, which offers a close, personalized shave that's worth the investment. For a more affordable option, our budget pick also comes from Braun, as the mid-tier Series 7 model remains a timeless and high-quality choice.

Whether you're shopping for a gift for someone else or for yourself, you'll find detailed recommendations based on rigorous testing, honest pros and cons of each pick, and answers to your most asked electric shaver questions from a professional barber.

The top picks for the best electric razors for men

Who should consider an electric razor

It's important to note that an electric razor will never be able to give you a shave as close as a manual razor. If you're looking for an extremely close shave, a manual razor is your best option because it has a blade that moves along the skin rather than a motor with moving blades meant to graze the skin like an electric razor.

That said, an electric razor can get very close to the results of a manual razor, with the added convenience of speed, accuracy, and ease of use. If you're looking to avoid nicks or cuts or are prone to them, this is especially useful for people with particular injuries or disabilities that make using a manual razor safely difficult.

The same goes for folks who love to travel and may not have access to the water or shaving cream needed for a manual razor shave. That's when a battery-powered electric razor can come in handy.

If you're looking for a trim instead of hair removal, we recommend checking out our guide to the best beard trimmers.

How we tested the best electric shavers

We considered people with different hair types, grooming needs, and budgets when selecting razors to test and include in this buying guide. Although my hair type and personal grooming needs may not be the same as everyone else, each product in the guide was tested hands-on over the course of several months. I tested shavers for cutting efficiency, in-hand comfort and feel, battery life, and overall maintenance and care. Each razor was used to shave or trim, and every razor that was waterproof was used in the shower. Each shaver was also charged and cleaned as recommended. For razors that didn't specifically match my personal grooming needs, I used my expertise and experience, having tested dozens of razors over the years, to determine whether they would benefit others.

Model	Type	Best For	Waterproof	Battery Life	Key Feature
Braun Series 9 Pro Plus	Foil	Overall performance	Yes	Up to 6 weeks	Auto-sensing tech, PowerCase, SmartCare Center
Braun Series 7 (7085cc)	Foil	Budget-conscious buyers	Yes	Up to 3 weeks	Beard sensing tech, Flex Head
Philips Norelco's i9000 Prestige Ultra	Rotary	Rotary shave lovers	Yes	Up to 1 hour	72 self-sharpening blades, Bluetooth connectivity
Panasonic ARC6 (ES-LS9A-K)	Foil	High-end grooming, thick beards	Yes	About 1 week	6 blades, 84,000 cross-cutting motions
Bevel Pro All-In-One	Trimmer	Coarse or curly hair	No	Up to 4 hours	Auto-leveling blade gap, great for sensitive skin
Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0	Trimmer	Body grooming	Yes	Not specified	SkinSafe technology, good for below-the-belt
Laifen P3 Pro	Foil	Travel-friendly	Yes	100 minutes	Compact and elegant design

Best overall: Braun Series 9 Pro Plus

As Braun's most advanced shaver to date, the Braun Series 9 Pro Plus (9599cc) is a considerable upgrade to older Series 9 and Series 9 Pro models. Our top pick for one of the best electric shavers comes bundled with the SmartCare Center, which includes a cleaning solution, a mobile charging PowerCase, a cleaning brush, and, for the first time ever, a ProComfort head to prep the face before shaving.

Even with all of the add-ons, the shaver itself is what makes the Braun Series 9 Pro+ such a powerful grooming tool. The cutting head consists of five separate parts — two OptiFoil shavers, a ProLift blade designed to lift hair, a Direct Blade designed to comb the hair in the same direction before cutting, and a skin guard. With 40,000 cutting motions per minute, auto-sensing technology, vibrating sonic technology, and the system provides a smooth and close shave, with minimal work prepping your face beforehand, whether your hair lays flat, stands up, or grows in different directions on different parts of your face.

The Braun Series 9 Pro Plus includes an attached trimmer for detailing mustaches and beard lines. It's positioned on the back of the shaver but extends high enough to see the blade while you're trimming. As someone who's not clean-shaven, the trimmer gets just as much use as the shaver head because the placement doesn't seem like an afterthought that's blocked by the shaver head. It's easy to use and will save you from having to use a separate grooming tool for trimming.

My favorite upgrade on the Series 9 Pro Plus is the mobile charging PowerCase. It's another safe place to store your shaver and automatically charges, extending the battery life to up to 6 weeks — or much longer if you don't shave frequently.

Best budget: Braun Series 7

The Braun Series 7 (7085cc) replaces the older Braun Series 7 (7895cc) as our budget pick for the best electric razors for men because of its dependability and a few key improvements. The Braun Series 7 can "read" the density of your beard, automatically adjusting its power to give you the closest shave ever with Braun's AutoSense technology.

The biggest improvement in the design is the new 360° Flex Head shaver that contours to the curves of your face and neck. The new Series 7 (7085cc) feels effortless, even in hard-to-shave areas like your Adam's apple or jawline.

The new model (7085cc) also has a detachable trimmer that goes in place of the shaver, unlike the previous model (7895cc), which featured a slide-out trimmer on the front of the device. With the new design, the trimmer tool is placed at the top of the device so you can see exactly what you're doing. If you're having difficulty visualizing the difference between the two designs, you can read more in our full Braun Series 7 electric shaver review.

The 7071cc is the same as the 7085cc, except it doesn't include extra-length guard attachments.

Best rotary shaver: Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra

If you prefer shavers with rotary-style blades instead of linear foil shavers, Philips Norelco's i9000 Prestige Ultra is the most advanced option available and one of the best electric shavers we've tried.

While rotary shavers typically all feature three circular shavers, the i9000 Prestige Ultra packs a lot of performance in each one. In total, there are 72 self-sharpening blades that are designed to cut hair in any direction. The exterior of the rotary blades is designed to lift the hair before the blades cut as close to the skin as possible. And with 165,000 cutting actions per minute, you can achieve a close shave in just one pass.

As the world's first root-level shaver, the i9000 can cut hairs below the surface at -.08mm, not just 0mm. I tried it as someone with coarse hair and was still genuinely surprised that I didn't develop razor bumps. The below-the-surface cut means your smooth shave will last longer, and by limiting snags, you'll experience less irritation afterward.

Like most premium shavers, the i9000 Prestige Ultra has automatic beard-sensing technology, but I like that you can also manually adjust it using the + and - buttons on the device. The i9000 Prestige Ultra also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to track your shaving techniques in the app. It'll let you know if you're applying too much pressure or doing passes too fast.

Best high-end: Panasonic Arc6

The Panasonic ARC6 Electric Shaver is arguably the most advanced and premium shaver on the market. Replacing the previous generation ARC5, the ARC6 features massive improvements, including a new head with six blades forged from high-grade Japanese stainless steel and a more powerful motor with 84,000 cross-cutting motions per minute.

With six blades — two finishing blades designed to cut hair at the base, two titanium-coated blades for long and thick stubble, and two lift blades to lift and cut hairs that lay flat — the Panasonic ARC6 has more blades than any electric shaver I've tested. In addition to its premium blade design, the shaver head moves in 22 independent directions to ensure it stays contoured to your face and neck at all times. Its sophisticated design does a great job of limiting nicks and cuts while delivering a close shave with one pass.

My beard doesn't grow incredibly fast or thick and I keep most of my facial hair, so I couldn't truly take advantage of the benefit of having such a powerful shaver. The auto-sensing technology increases or decreases power based on the density of the hair it's cutting, so I likely didn't use the full capacity of the motor, but I can see the value for men who either have thick beards or shave daily.

At just under $500, the Panasonic ARC6 is expensive, but it has the most blades, an incredibly powerful motor, comes with all the extras you need to maintain the device, and is engineered to perform with efficiency and precision.

Best travel-friendly: Laifen P3 Pro

Whether your profession takes you on the go or you enjoy traveling in your free time, the Laifen P3 Pro is an excellent way to stay neatly shaved while away from home. It is by far the most compact shaver I've used, easily fitting in your toiletry bag, backpack, briefcase, or even your front pocket if you really wanted to carry it there.

Made from a single piece of CNC-crafted aerospace-grade aluminum, the Laifen boasts a nice weight and exceptional build quality. On the front of the shaver, you'll find a window showcasing the internals of the 12,000 cuts per minute motor. The blade consists of two foil shavers and a trimmer head, designed to cut hair to a smooth finish.

A fully charged battery provides 100 minutes of shaving time, which is impressive considering the average shave typically lasts only a few minutes. I love that it charges via USB-C, so you won't have to bring a proprietary charger with you on your travels if you have a charger for any of your other devices.

Best for coarse hair: Bevel Pro

If you have coarse or curly hair, you've probably struggled to find products that make grooming comfortable. While even the best electric razors for men focus on getting the absolute closest cut possible, that's also usually the first step to unattractive, painful, or itchy razor bumps. Luckily, the Bevel Pro All-In-One Clipper and Trimmer solves that.

Founded in 2013, Walker and Company (Bevel's parent company) was created by Tristan Walker to cater to the grooming needs of people with coarse or curly hair. While that most directly applies to people of color, the brand's products are generally great for anyone who has sensitive skin.

Rather than using multiple blades that either cut hair below the surface of the skin or snag and pull on hair, the Bevel Trimmer Pro uses an adjustable blade to cut hair to the same level of the skin. Its blades are made of stainless steel and coated in graphite to reduce drag and maintain its sharpness. At the touch of a button, you can adjust the blade gap from 0mm to 2.5mm in 0.1mm increments.

If you've ever used a trimmer that required a lot of downward pressure to effectively cut hair, the Bevel is far from that. The Bevel Pro is extremely precise and sharp. As someone with coarse facial hair who's prone to razor bumps when shaving, I got the best results adjusting the blade to a few tenths of a millimeter away from no gap. We love it so much that we named it one of our top beard trimmers.

More great electric razors

Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0 Pro: At $90, the Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0 might seem expensive, but it's well worth it if you're searching for the best electric razor for men, specifically for trimming body hair. The trimmer features SkinSafe technology that prevents uncomfortable snags or cuts while still providing a close shave all over your body, especially below the belt.

Andis Profoil Lithium Plus: The Andis Profoil Lithium Plus is one of the best electric shavers you'll most likely find in a barbershop — and for good reason. As a tried and true professional grooming brand, Andis is known for premium quality and affordable prices.

Andis Slimline Pro: While several of our favorite electric razors on this list come with a trimming attachment, the Andis Slimline Pro's design is fully dedicated to trimming. As a professional-grade tool, it can outperform any trimmer attachment, and it's simple enough to use at home.

GilletteLabs Heated Razor: When you think of electric razors, grooming tools with a motor and an oscillating blade usually come to mind first. The GilletteLabs Heated Razor has neither of those attributes, but it is a razor and is technically electric. Coming in the form of a more traditional multi-blade razor, it features five blades for a close shave, FlexDisc technology to contour to your face and neck, and, most notably, an Intelligent Heat Control System.

FAQs

We talked with professional barber Sydney Shlakman of Hairrari Hair Salon in Brooklyn, New York, about some care and maintenance tips for your grooming tools. Electric razors are not as simple to clean as the best safety razors, but with these tips, they last a very long time.

We've also answered other frequently asked questions about grooming tools.

What is the difference between foil and rotary razors?

• Foil: The foil electric shaver contains oscillating blades that move back and forth at high speeds. These blades are covered with guards that lift hair for cutting and protect the skin. A foil razor will often have a few separate cutting blades that flex independently to match the contours of your face. However, because a foil head has a rectangular shape, it might not match your face as well as a rotary razor.
• Rotary: The rotary razor has round blades that spin. You'll receive protection from the spinning rotary blades with a slotted guard that sits atop the blades and helps to lift the hairs so they're easier to cut. The heads flex in multiple directions, giving you a close shave by hugging the contours of your face. However, rotary heads are more difficult to clean after shaving than foil shavers.

How often should I clean my razor or trimmer?

"You should clean your tools after every use," Shlakman told Insider. "It's important to maintain clean grooming tools to make sure your tools are working properly and do not build up bacteria or rust."

What is the best way to clean grooming tools?

"The best way to clean your grooming tools is by using a barber bristle brush to brush the hair off of your tools and also using a blade cleaning spray," said Shlakman. "I like using Andis Cool Care Plus to clean and lubricate my blades. You want to brush the hair off first and then spray the cleaning spray."

Some shavers, like the Braun Series 7 and Series 9, have a clean and charged base that will clean it automatically. If your device doesn't have a cleaning system, you should remove the blade, brush or rinse out excess hair, sanitize it, and re-oil your blade before the next use.

Why do I need to oil my blade?

Without oil, razors — whether foil, rotary, or a combination of both — can generate a lot of friction and heat. When a blade gets hot without proper lubrication, it will underperform and will eventually rust and warp. You won't get as close a shave, you'll be more prone to nicks and cuts, and you'll have to replace your blades more often.

What kind of oil can I use on my blades?

Most electric razors and trimmers come with oil, but should you run out, you can use various oils to keep your blades lubricated. A few drops of olive, coconut, baby, or even your favorite beard oil can get the job done. You'll want to avoid products that definitely don't belong on your face, like motor oil or WD-40.

Can I use the same electric razor for my face and my body?

While some electric trimmers can adequately be used anywhere, it's recommended that you use separate blades for your face and body. The bacteria on your face thrive in dry areas with oxygen, and bacteria on your groin area thrive in moist environments. Mixing the two using the same blade everywhere may cause irritations and breakouts.

If you already have a grooming tool you like for your face, it's a good idea to buy a separate tool dedicated to body grooming.

• Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a nearly $1 million settlement with food delivery app HungryPanda.
• The junk fee case follows a settlement with Uber Eats and other apps over worker pay violations.
• The administration says it will continue taking on corporations to protect consumers and businesses.

At the Prospect Park Zoo's red panda exhibit, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a crackdown on the fees food-delivery apps charge to businesses and consumers.

The press conference's location was a nod to the food delivery platform HungryPanda, which largely services Asian restaurants. The administration alleged that the app illegally overcharged hundreds of these businesses through junk fees, and announced a $875,000 settlement on Wednesday. More than 380 restaurants will receive relief money, the mayor said, after the app "bamboozled hardworking New Yorkers."

"For so many restaurants and businesses, it is already hard enough to balance daily costs — labor, rent, equipment, utilities — even harder, frankly, to stay afloat when a delivery platform steals hard-earned revenue," said Mamdani, who was joined by Deputy Mayor Julie Su and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Sam Levine.

Mamdani added that "this is the first-ever action to hold a delivery app accountable for violating the rights of New York City restaurant owners." He said many of the restaurants affected are immigrant-owned and located in neighborhoods like Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Flushing, Queens. The settlement will require the HungryPanda app to provide fee disclosures to users, implement compliance policies, and submit annual compliance certifications, he said.

The city has investigated HungryPanda more than once

Combating junk fees for NYC businesses and consumers has been a top priority for Mamdani in recent months. City law requires third-party food cap fee amounts at 15% for delivery and 5% for other services.

The HungryPanda app has been ordered to pay over $580,000 in restitution to affected restaurants, along with more than $294,000 in civil penalties and fees.

Wednesday's HungryPanda settlement announcement also follows a January settlement involving Uber Eats, Fantuan, and HungryPanda, in which the companies were ordered to pay over a total of $5 million for pay violations affecting nearly 50,000 workers. DCWP's investigation at the time found that HungryPanda failed to pay workers the minimum pay rate between December 2023 and January 2024.

HungryPanda did not immediately respond to a comment request about either settlement.

Mamdani's team secured a similar settlement for fast food and retail workers this year — which the mayor announced while eating a Crunchwrap Supreme at a Taco Bell. He said his administration plans to continue to take on major corporations "exploiting" local workers.

"We are putting abusers and violators of these laws on notice: If you break these laws, we will hold you accountable," he said. "It is time to have a city where, when people play by the rules, they are not put at a disadvantage, because those who break them are allowed to do so with impunity."

• The Masters Tournament is being held in Augusta, Georgia, between April 6 and April 12.
• Attendees are buying tons of merchandise, which includes branded golf gear, beach towels, and more.
• Some of the hottest items this year include $88 quarter-zip sweatshirts and $50 garden gnomes.

One does not go to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, and leave with a single hat or T-shirt.

If you speak with anyone who's attended the golf event, you'll quickly learn that spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on themed merchandise is, pun intended, par for the course.

Morgann Savage, a 21-year-old from Evans, Georgia, told Business Insider she was on-site around 5 a.m. and was one of the first 10 patrons to enter the Pro Shop when it opened on Sunday morning.

"After 15 minutes, it got very busy in the store," she said. "You could barely move with your bags, and everyone was bumping into each other."

There are branded towels, sweaters, golf gear, socks, and mugs, among other popular items. More exclusive pieces include $50 garden gnomes, which Savage said people were "rushing to buy," and $550 mahjong pieces.

Business Insider spoke with attendees who shopped for all of the above at this year's Masters Tournament, taking place between April 6 and April 12.

They said their hauls contain more than "just stuff." Instead, attendees left with memories and status symbols of exclusivity in their green Masters tote bags.

Augusta native Savanna Perry goes to a lot of golf tournaments. She likes to wear Masters merch to all of them.

Savanna Perry, 36, first attended the Masters Tournament at age 2, so the event is nostalgic and meaningful to her. She missed out on buying a gnome this year, but found other gems.

How many items she bought: 33

What she spent: $2,661.51

Who she shopped for: herself, her children, her husband, and friends

"I'm getting a lot of DMs and requests to buy [merchandise for strangers on TikTok]," she said. "I get it. The merch is very sought after and rare."

Her favorite items: a $178 woven purse with the Masters logo, a $726.95 Masters-themed Mahjong set (the bag, game set, and mat were sold separately), and an $88 white quarter-zip sweater that says "Masters."

Why she shops: "In Augusta, you don't go anywhere without seeing people wearing Masters stuff all year round," she said.

"My husband and I also go to a lot of golf tournaments," she added. "We went to the Arnold Palmer last month, and we're going to the Heritage in a week. I like to have really quality stuff for tournaments, and the Masters stuff is so good."

Taylor Crocker Williams was in line at 5 a.m. to get her hands on a coveted garden gnome.

Taylor Crocker Williams, 30, worked at the Masters Tournament while studying at the University of South Carolina. Now, she's returned as an attendee after winning a ticket.

How many items she bought: 18

"You walk in and kind of black out," she told Business Insider. "Everything you thought goes out the window."

What she spent: $1,032.92

Who she shopped for: herself, her husband, and her two children

Her favorite items: a $50 garden gnome and the popular $88 white quarter-zip sweater

Why she shops: "[Shopping at the Masters Tournament] is such a rush," Crocker Williams said. "I love shopping regardless; it's one of my favorite hobbies. Then you add the layer of exclusivity to it, and it's insane."

"Hopefully one day, I can take the kids," she added. "Each year, I'm like, 'Oh, this might be the last year that I get to go.' There's no guarantee."

Rebekah Knowles has been to the Masters Tournament eight times and always shops for family and friends.

Rebekah Knowles, 25, and her fiancé receive tickets each year through Bank of America, where they're longtime clients. She said they always attend with "a written list" of merch to buy.

How many items she bought: 35

What she spent: $2,230.77

Who she shopped for: herself, her fiancé, family members, friends, and a friend's baby

Her favorite items: a $75 "twilly" scarf (to be worn in her hair or on her purse) and the $88 white quarter-zip sweater

Why she shops: "As locals, we wear these items all year round," the Augusta local said. "They are extremely sought after and of amazing quality."

She didn't start shopping until 2 p.m. this year, so there was no line to enter the store. Still, it was crowded inside.

"Everyone was running around and bumping shoulders, but the checkout lines were extremely fast," she said. "They have the process down to a science."

Sam Edelman bought 41 items on the first day of the Masters Tournament.

Sam Edelman, a 31-year-old from North Carolina, won tickets to this year's Masters Tournament through its lottery. It's her second time attending the event.

How many items she bought: 41

What she spent: $2,162.95

Who she shopped for: herself, her husband, friends, family members, and their son

"Some of our friends who have never attended didn't want clothing items; they felt it would be stolen valor," she said. "But they did want home items, like golf flags and tumblers."

Her favorite items: an $88 blue crewneck sweater embroidered with the Masters Tournament logo, and a $48 candle that smells like pine trees in Augusta

Why she shops: "The merch is exclusive, and [wearing it] feels like a badge of honor that you were able to attend," Edelman said. "Living in the South, whenever you see Masters apparel out and about, people always strike up a conversation about it."

Kelly Turner's haul includes gifts for her future bridesmaids — even though she's not engaged yet.

Kelly Turner, 28, grew up in Augusta and regularly attended the Masters Tournament with her grandparents. She later spent six years working at the event.

"It's a tradition and something that feels like home," she said. "I know how rare it is to have the kind of access I've had, and I don't take that lightly. The Masters has been part of every stage of my life."

How many items she bought: 105

What she spent: $3,500

Who she shopped for: herself, family members, and friends

"I bought beach towels for my future bridesmaids, which I know sounds a little extra since I'm not engaged yet," she said. "But I'm hopeful. A lot of them have ties to Augusta, whether they married someone from there, lived there, or just love golf."

Her favorite items: four sets of $22 Masters-branded Del Campo socks and a $19 Masters Tervis cup, which reminds her of the one her mom would drink out of every day

Why she shops: "It's not just stuff," Turner said. "I've inherited a few pieces from my grandparents, and the quality is so good that they've lasted for years."

Liz Godfrey attended the Masters Tournament for the first time and left with 24 souvenirs.

Liz Godfrey, 25, is a Florida native who received an invite to the tournament this year from her best friend, Kelly Turner. It marked her first time at the Masters.

How many items she bought: 24

"Walking into the Pro Shop felt like a dream," she said. "It was bustling with people, but somehow, they've made it so the environment doesn't feel rushed. The staff was exceptional, always helpful, attentive, and available to assist with anything."

What she spent: $1,037.26

Who she shopped for: herself, family members, and friends

Her favorite items: three $18 Masters Tournament coffee mugs and a $34 pink snapback hat that says "Azalea" (the signature flower of the Masters, and also the name of the tournament's popular cocktail)

Why she shops: "For me, purchasing multiple items was about capturing the experience," Godfrey said. "I wanted pieces I could use in my daily life that would also serve as reminders of my time at Augusta National."

Angie Looney wasn't able to snag the gnome she wanted, but she found more than two dozen other items.

Angie Looney, 33, traveled from South Carolina to attend the Masters Tournament for the first time. She's dreamed of going since her teenage years.

How many items she bought: 28

What she spent: $1,700

Who she shopped for: herself, family members, and her boyfriend, who is an avid golfer

Her favorite items: a $29 Corksicle wine tumbler covered in a pink Azalea print, a $98.50 ANWA sweatshirt, and a $125 Peter Millar polo for her boyfriend

Why she shops: "I love the Masters and golf in general, and I attend a lot of golf events with my job," Looney said. "I really wanted some great items to wear to those events, and keepsakes to cherish from my time at this exclusive event."

Morgann Savage went to the Masters with the intention of shopping "a lot."

Morgann Savage, 21, wasn't planning on attending the Masters Tournament this year. But when a family member could no longer attend, she received their ticket and had less than 12 hours to prepare.

How many items she bought: 91

What she spent: $4,458.81

Who she shopped for: herself, family members, and her dad's business

"My dad requested things for his business, Doc Savage Heating, as part of a giveaway," she said, adding that he also gives merchandise to people on business trips and donates other items to charity fundraisers.

Her favorite items: the $50 garden gnome, a $99 gnome-print sweatshirt, and the $178 woven purse

Why she shops: "The Masters Tournament is breathtaking and spectacular," Savage said. "The merchandise does not come close to anything I have bought before. I am also proud to be from Augusta, home of the Masters Tournament."

• Markets think the odds of a Fed rate cut by the end of the year doubled after the Iran ceasefire.
• CME's FedWatch tool shows a 30% chance of lower rates in 2026, compared to just 14% a day earlier.
• Citi sees three rate cuts this year, while other economists are wary of the dovish shift in pricing.

Federal Reserve rate cuts are back on the table with markets repricing the odds of lower interest rates in 2026 after the US, Israel, and Iran agreed to a ceasefire.

The probability of the Fed cutting interest rates by the end of 2026 jumped on Wednesday compared to the odds markets were pricing in on Tuesday. The US and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement late on Tuesday in the hours leading up to Trump's 8 p.m. ET deadline. Wall Street rejoiced, with oil plunging and stocks surging.

Markets see a more than 30% chance of rates easing by year-end, compared to roughly 14% odds a day earlier, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Investors went into 2026 expecting the US central bank to lower rates throughout the year, but those expectations took a hawkish turn as the historic oil shock driven by the war in Iran fueled renewed inflationary concerns.

Citi says that if the US-Iran deal holds up, the market could quickly shift toward expecting more rate cuts again.

"Fed cuts could be rapidly priced back in should the de-escalation prove durable," Citi analysts wrote.

"Any weakness in labor market data together with benign core inflation could have markets implying more cuts. We continue to expect 75bp of cuts this year in September, October and December," they added.

The Fed is in what KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk called "a bind" because the economic constraints of the war on the supply side are limiting the central bank's ability to address the issue.

RSM chief economist Joe Brusuelas also called the war-driven oil shock a "nightmare" for the Fed.

Ed Yardeni, President of Yardeni Research, said that in order for the Fed to look through the energy price shock and view the associated inflation pressures as transitory, long-term inflation expectations must be well anchored.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that inflation expectations are indeed anchored, despite shocks weighing on the near term outlook.

Eric Diton, The Wealth Alliance's president and managing director, indicated the market may be getting ahead of itself by pricing in rate cuts as a knee-jerk reaction to the ceasefire.

"While this is a positive development, we believe it is way too early to celebrate the end of this war, nor make any conclusions about Fed policy," Diton told Business Insider.

"Certainly, if the war ends and the Strait of Hormuz reopens fully, that should reduce energy prices and inflationary expectations, which would give the Fed more leeway in its path of lower rates," he added.

The deal clearly eased investors' worries enough to fuel a relief rally on Wall Street, but the reality of the agreement appears more complicated than investors might want to admit.

US Vice President JD Vance described the agreement as a "fragile truce." By midday on Wednesday, Iranian media reported that Iran had halted passage through the Strait of Hormuz again as Israeli attacks on Lebanon continued.

Diton noted that Israel has had several ceasefires in Gaza, but the agreements have done little to end the conflict in the long term. "It is possible that we may look back at this ceasefire in much the same way."

• Companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Oracle have said they're trimming staff this year.
• Pinterest, for one, cited AI as a factor in its decision to shed less than 15% of its workforce.
• See the list of companies letting workers go in 2026.

The first quarter of 2026 is through, and layoffs are well underway.

Companies, including Block and the popular web tool Tailwind, have cut staff, citing the impact of artificial intelligence among the reasons for the layoffs.

Target, meanwhile, is shifting resources from its supply chain into stores as part of the new CEO's turnaround strategy to improve the shopping experience and return to growth.

More than 100 other companies, from Amazon to Nike to Verizon, have filed legally mandated WARN notices about job cuts to come in 2026, according to WARN Tracker. Some of the cuts are part of previously announced reductions.

This year's cuts follow three years of significant workforce reductions across a broad range of industries, including tech, media, finance, and retail.

The moves come as artificial intelligence, public policy, and broader economic conditions are driving sweeping changes in the business landscape.

A World Economic Forum survey last year found that some 41% of companies worldwide expected to reduce their workforces in the next five years because of the rise of artificial intelligence. The survey also found that jobs in big data, fintech, and AI are expected to double by 2030.

Last year, Business Insider tracked layoffs at around 65 major companies, such as Amazon, Meta, Paramount, and Starbucks. In 2026, we'll continue to track additional job cuts based on company announcements, WARN notices, and our own reporting.

Here are the companies with job cuts underway in 2026, listed in alphabetical order.

Amazon is laying off thousands of employees

Amazon said in January that it is eliminating around 16,000 corporate roles globally.

This marks its second round of mass layoffs since October, when the tech and retail giant shed 14,000 roles.

Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology, described the move in a company memo as part of broader efforts to cut back on bureaucracy inside the company.

Angi is cutting 350 jobs

Angi, the popular contractor listing site once known as Angie's List, said in January that it was cutting around 350 jobs "to reduce operating expenses and optimize the organizational structure in support of long-term growth." The company also said it's making the cuts "in light of AI-driven efficiency improvements."

In a January 7 SEC filing, Angi said that the cuts would save between $70 million and $80 million in annual spending. The layoffs will cost the company between $22 million and $30 million, according to the filing.

Atlassian is cutting 1,600 employees

Atlassian, the enterprise software company and maker of Confluence, said on March 11 that it will be cutting about 10% of its workforce as it invests in AI to reshape its organization.

CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes said in a statement that about 1,600 employees will be affected by the cuts.

"We fundamentally believe people and AI create the best outcomes. Our approach is not 'AI replaces people,'" Cannon-Brookes said. "But it would be disingenuous to pretend AI doesn't change the mix of skills we need or the number of roles required in certain areas. It does."

The company expects to incur $225 million and $236 million in restructuring charges, according to an SEC filing.

Citi's job cuts continue this year

Citi will cut more jobs this year as part of its plan to reduce its workforce by 10%, or 20,000 employees.

In a statement on January 13, the bank said that it will continue to reduce head count in 2026.

"These changes reflect adjustments we're making to ensure our staffing levels, locations and expertise align with current business needs," a spokesperson for Citi said.

The plan was detailed in the company's January 2024 earnings report and could save the bank as much as $2.5 billion.

Crypto.com laid off 12% of its workforce

Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek said in March that the company laid off 12% of its workforce, including "roles that do not adapt in our new world."

"Companies that move immediately and pair the best AI tools with top-performers will achieve a level of scale and precision that was previously impossible," Marszalek wrote in a post on X. "This is where we must go."

Dell cut 10% of its workforce

Dell cut its workforce by 10% for the third year in a row, the company said in its annual filing with the SEC.

As of January 31, 2026, the company had 97,000 employees, down 11,000 from the same time last year. The decline includes both layoffs and attrition, Business Insider reported.

eBay is expected to lay off 6% of its employees

eBay is set to eliminate about 800 jobs globally, making up 6% of its workforce. The company told Business Insider that it's taking steps to better align with its strategic priorities.

"We are grateful for the contributions of the employees impacted and are committed to supporting them with care and respect," a company spokesperson said in a statement.

Epic Games is cutting 20% of its workforce

Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, said in March that it would lay off more than 1,000 people — about 20% of its workforce — as engagement with the game declined.

CEO Tim Sweeney said in a memo that the layoffs "aren't related to AI."

"To the extent it improves productivity, we want to have as many awesome developers developing great content and tech as we can," Sweeney said.

Expedia laid off some employees

Expedia confirmed to Business Insider that it had laid off some employees on January 26 and had also posted new job openings. It's unclear how many of its workers were affected by the cuts.

"We are eliminating roles as well as opening some new roles as we remain disciplined about assessing the skills we need for the future," an Expedia Group spokesperson said in a statement. "We are also simplifying our structure and reducing organizational layers to move faster and with more accountability. These are not easy decisions, and we are grateful for the contributions of our colleagues who are impacted."

GoPro is laying off 145 employees

On April 7, GoPro said it would lay off about 145 employees as it tries to cut operating costs and restructure operations.

The layoffs make up 23% of its global headcount of 631 employees, the camera maker said in a regulatory filing.

The cuts will start in the second quarter of the year and will largely be completed by the end of 2026. The restructuring is expected to result in a charge of $11.5 million to $15 million.

The company cut about 15% of its staff in August 2024 to cut costs.

Heineken has a multi-year plan to reduce its workforce

Heineken is cutting 5,000 to 6,000 roles over the next two years to boost productivity and bring down costs, according to its latest full-year earnings report.

The company told Business Insider that the divisions and regions where the layoffs are due to take place are yet to be confirmed.

Heineken said in its 2025 report that it faced "subdued consumer sentiment" in the Americas, alongside a "challenging year" for brewers in Europe.

Kenvue cuts 3.5% of workforce

Consumer healthcare brand Kenvue, which produces Tylenol, plans to cut 3.5% of its staff. Kenvue had about 22,000 employees globally, per its latest annual report.

The company wrote in a mid-February SEC filing that its board aimed to reduce complexity and drive operational efficiencies.

The company's layoffs and restructuring efforts are expected to cost $250 million in 2026, per the filing.

Lululemon laid off 100 part-time employees at its customer service center

The athleisure giant said it laid off 100 part-time employees to "strengthen the business." The affected roles are in the company's North American contact center.

"After careful consideration, we have made the decision to transition our North America GEC to a full-time employee staffing model. As a result, approximately 100 part-time positions in our GEC have been impacted," a Lululemon spokesperson said.

Meta lays off workers at Reality Labs and other divisions

Meta began laying off employees across multiple teams on March 25, including Reality Labs, Facebook, recruiting, sales, and global operations.

The cuts come as the company ramps up spending on AI infrastructure and talent, alongside broader cost-cutting efforts. Meta said the changes are part of ongoing restructuring to better align teams with company goals, while exploring other roles for affected employees where possible.

Meta first began preparing to slash jobs within its Reality Labs division, the unit responsible for Mark Zuckerberg's metaverse ambitions, in January, three people familiar with the matter told Business Insider at the time.

Two employees said that teams working on virtual reality headsets and Horizon Worlds, the company's VR social network, would be disproportionately affected.

Meta has shifted away from virtual reality in recent years in favor of spending hundreds of billions of dollars on beefing up its AI capabilities.

Nike is set to eliminate 775 distribution center jobs

Nike said on January 26 that it plans to lay off 775 employees across Tennessee and Mississippi, citing efforts to "streamline" its distribution center operations.

"We are sharpening our supply chain footprint, accelerating the use of advanced technology and automation, and investing in the skills our teams need for the future," Nike said in a statement to Business Insider.

Oracle is making cuts across regions

Oracle started laying off employees on March 31. The cuts appear to impact employees on a global scale.

The company employed around 162,000 full-time employees as of May 2025, according to its most recent 10-K filing.

"After careful consideration of Oracle's current business needs, we have made the decision to eliminate your role as part of a broader organizational change. As a result, today is your last working day," the company said in an email to affected employees.

Pinterest is expected to lay off 15% of its workforce

Pinterest announced a global restructuring plan that includes layoffs affecting less than 15% of its workforce, according to a January securities filing. The cuts come with reductions in office space.

"We are making organizational changes to further deliver on our AI-forward strategy, which includes hiring AI-proficient talent," a Pinterest spokesperson said.

"As a result, we've made the difficult decision to say goodbye to some of our team members. We are grateful for their service and supporting them with separation packages and benefits," they added.

Saks said it will lay off 74 employees

Saks will be shutting down a facility in Miramar, Florida, according to a WARN letter. As a result, at least 74 positions will be affected by the closure, per the letter.

Affected employees are expected to be laid off between March 27 and April 30. Saks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January.

"Saks Global made the strategic decision to close operations at the Southeast Service Center (SESC) and shift current SESC capabilities to our stores and alternate Saks Global fulfillment centers, which are well-equipped to manage this additional work," Saks said in a statement to Business Insider.

T-Mobile cut some jobs

T-Mobile cut some staff in early 2026, though the scope of the layoffs is unclear. Some workers posted on LinkedIn saying they'd been affected by the changes in January.

"As the next step in our evolution, we're making some changes while continuing to hire to ensure we have the right focus, structure, and momentum to keep changing the industry through innovation and our long-standing focus on customers," T-Mobile told Business Insider in a statement.

Tailwind cut 3 of its 4 engineers

Tailwind, a popular web tool, said it cut three of its four engineers in January, citing an AI-driven decline in revenue.

"75% of the people on our engineering team lost their jobs here yesterday because of the brutal impact AI has had on our business," CEO Adam Wathan wrote in a GitHub comment on January 6 that made waves in the tech community.

Target is cutting 500 roles from its distribution and regional offices

Target confirmed to Business Insider in February that it would cut 100 district office roles and 400 supply chain positions. It plans to invest instead in additional labor hours at stores to improve the shopping experience and return to growth.

The store improvement effort is a signature priority of the retailer's new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, who started on February 1.

In November, Fiddelke said the company intends to invest an additional $1 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, an increase of 25% from 2025.

UPS said it will eliminate 30,000 jobs

UPS CEO Brian Dykes told analysts during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call that the company plans to reduce its operational workforce by 30,000 in 2026.

"This will be accomplished through attrition, and we expect to offer a second voluntary separation program for full-time drivers," Dykes said.

He told analysts that the company has identified 24 buildings for closure in the first half of 2026 and will continue to evaluate additional buildings for closure.

WiseTech is cutting 30% of its workforce

Logistics software maker Wisetech is cutting 2,000 jobs, or 30% of its staff, citing AI-driven efficiency gains.

In a conference call on February 25, CEO Zubin Appoo embraced AI and said that it means more productivity, in less time, and from fewer employees. The Sydney-based company employed about 7,000 people, according to its annual report released in October.

"I am prepared to say this clearly: the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over," Appoo said. AI is "unlocking levels of efficiency gains across WiseTech that were previously out of reach."

Workday is cutting jobs

Workday is cutting about 400 jobs, and said on February 4 that the move will help the enterprise software company redirect resources toward priority areas.

The layoffs will primarily affect customer-facing roles that are "non-revenue generating," Workday said in a regulatory filing.

The cuts represent roughly 2% of its workforce and are expected to result in about $135 million in charges in the fiscal fourth quarter, which ended in January.

Workday announced a larger round of layoffs about a year ago, citing the need to invest more heavily in strategic areas such as AI. The company reported about 20,600 employees as of late October.

Papa Johns is restructuring

Papa Johns said it is laying off 7% of its corporate staff amid a broader restructuring.

The pizza chain said it will also close 300 locations in North America through 2027, starting with 200 this year.

"Optimizing our restaurant portfolio and strategically closing underperforming restaurants are among the most impactful actions we can take to improve restaurant profitability and fleet health," Papa Johns CFO Ravi Thanawala said during the company's fourth quarter earnings call on February 26.

Is your company conducting layoffs? Got a tip?

I wear a DDD cup size, so I've always approach wireless bras with a hefty dose of skepticism. I've grown accustomed to the false promises of stretchy, wireless bras offering "supportive comfort" — they feel nice at first, sure, but only end up stretched out and saggy after a couple of washes and wears.

I've been testing bras as part of Business Insider's Reviews team for the last 7 years or so (see our guide to the best bras for large busts), and because I notoriously hate wired styles, I've carved a bit of a niche as an expert in wireless bras. I've compared designs from almost every brand — ThirdLove, SKIMS, Spanx, you name it — but finally, I think I've found the brand making the world's best wireless bras. That brand is Evelyn & Bobbie.

I first wrote this review over a year ago, and I'm back to say that I'm still obsessed with its bras (and underwear). They're totally worth the $98, especially if you want a lifting, shaping bra you can actually wear all day long.

Evelyn & Bobbie's wireless bras are the most comfortable I've ever worn. They're supportive, structured, not too constrictive, and they actively lift weight off my shoulders.

It wasn't totally surprising that the bras blew my mind, because Evelyn & Bobbie's seamless briefs were already the best no-show underwear I'd ever worn. But as soon as I started wearing the bras, I found each one to be more comfortable and supportive than the next, like a literal weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Are Evelyn & Bobbie bras good for large cup sizes?

For anyone with large cups, I would skip the Plunge style and go for the fuller coverage ones. After testing every bra style over a full year, I've definitely started to favor styles with adjustable straps, like the Structured Scoop Bra (adjustable straps, but non-adjustable band) and the Beyond Bra (adjustable straps and band) because I have a very short torso. But the non-adjustable styles with thick straps, like the Evelyn Bra pictured above, are also unbelievably comfortable, and they don't stretch out too much.

The bras are designed with a patented material technology that supports the chest from underneath and takes weight off the shoulders.

Evelyn & Bobbie currently only makes wireless bras — meaning they are 100% focused on nailing this particular style. The founder, Bree McKeen, holds several patents for the supportive technology called "EB Core," which is built into each style.

Do Evelyn & Bobbie bras stretch out?

The EB Core support structure features a low-stretch material that's built into the underside of the cups and band, which takes the weight off your shoulders and distributes it more evenly. Supporting the weight of the breast from below is exactly what wired bras attempt to do, but it's a much harder feat to achieve in a wireless style. The specially bonded material that runs through the underside of Evelyn & Bobbie's molded cups is really what sets them apart. Because it doesn't have as much stretch as the rest of the material, it holds the breast's weight and helps shape it so there's no pancaking on the side. That extra support is also what keeps the band from stretching out, so the bra can maintain its shape for longer than a basic molded cup would (hence no uniboobs or sagging after a few weeks of wear).

Their straps also utilize the same bonded structure technology "to ensure that the weight of your bust sits perfectly on your shoulder-clavicle joint, not over the delicate trapezius muscle," which, according to their website (and my extensive testing), prevents the kind of painful indentations that other bra straps can cause. After wearing each style and comparing it to my regular wireless bras, which have all caused indents on my shoulders, I can confidently back the brand's claims about weight distribution and shoulder comfort.

Do Evelyn & Bobbie bras run small?

Evelyn & Bobbie's bras use alpha sizing and come in a range from XS to 3XL. I was skeptical that this sizing scheme would actually work, but it did.

By some miracle, Evelyn & Bobbie has figured out how to make alpha sizing work rather than offering every bra in an exact band and cup size. As a 36DDD, the brand's sizing chart put me at a size large for each style I tried. I thought there was no way it would fit well, but I was instantly proven wrong, style after style.

The sizing options range from XS to 3XL, making it one of the more inclusive bra brands out there. And it's not just the bras that come in a diverse size range. Evelyn & Bobbie's underwear comes in two sizes as well, with one fitting a 0-14 and the other a 16-24. So its efforts to serve a wide range of bodies seem to be part of the brand's DNA.

One-year update

I am still obsessed with my Evelyn & Bobbie bras a year later, and they continue to be pretty much the only ones I ever wear (save for when I need a special strapless bra for occasion dresses). As I mentioned earlier, I tend to favor the styles with adjustable straps because I have a short torso, but every bra I've tried has been incredibly comfortable. They haven't stretched out over time the way most other brands do, but they do still accommodate changes in my cup size during different times of the month.

The bottom line

Priced at $98 each, these bras are not cheap, but they are beyond worth it. The comfort is unparalleled and, in my many years of testing wireless bras, I wouldn't hesitate to call these the best wireless bras ever.

Shop all wireless bras from Evelyn & Bobbie.

• Anthropic said it isn't releasing its newest model, Claude Mythos, due to cybersecurity misuse fears.
• Mythos can autonomously detect and exploit cybersecurity flaws at scale, Anthropic said.
• "Fundamentally, this model seems incredibly impressive and will only improve over time," one expert said.

Anthropic's AI releases have stoked fears of a software apocalypse. Now it says it's not releasing its new model, Claude Mythos Preview, to the public because it's concerned it might unleash chaos on the cybersecurity world.

In a Tuesday blog post, Anthropic said Mythos could autonomously find, analyze, and exploit software vulnerabilities at scale — in some cases better than humans.

Calling it a "watershed moment," Anthropic said Mythos is so powerful that non-cybersecurity professionals could use it "to find and exploit sophisticated vulnerabilities."

Cyberspace experts told Business Insider that while Anthropic's announcement has some deliberate marketing language, the model appears to be a big leap in AI's capabilities in the cyber world.

"Anthropic has built its reputation as the 'safety first' AI company, so announcements like this serve two purposes: genuine caution and signaling its safety-conscious stance," Jake Moore, global cybersecurity specialist at ESET, told Business Insider.

"Fundamentally, this model seems incredibly impressive and will only improve over time," Moore added.

Method in the Mythos

Anthropic said that during its testing period, Mythos detected "thousands" of critical security flaws, including zero-day vulnerabilities, which have no immediate fixes.

For comparison, elite teams of humans working on these problems discover around 100 of these a year, said Ofer Amitai, a cofounder of the startup Onit Security. "So it's roughly 10-100x the output of a top human team, and compresses exploit development from weeks to hours," he added.

Large language models (LLMs), the technology underpinning AI like Mythos, have become incredibly proficient at coding because it has strict rules and patterns. That also applies to cybersecurity, said Erik Bloch, the vice president of information security at Ilumio.

"LLMs are fundamentally language engines, and code is just another language," Bloch said. "That's why it's not surprising they can find bugs and vulnerabilities that humans or rule‑based tools miss, especially subtle, logic‑level issues."

There are questions around costs and scalability, though. Anthropic said finding a 27-year-old vulnerability in one operating system cost $20,000 after running Mythos thousands of times.

"Given costs, does that scale?" said Kev Breen, senior director of cyber threat research at Immersive. "Where do you start? Do humans scale more affordably than AI agents do?"

Offense vs defense

Cybersecurity is a continuous game of cat and mouse between those trying to break in and those trying to keep attackers out. Which side does Mythos benefit most?

In a world where a tool like Mythos was publicly available, attackers would benefit more in the short term, cybersecurity experts say.

"They can generate highly targeted phishing, convincing deepfakes, or workable exploit chains at the push of a button," said Mike Britton, the chief information officer at Abnormal AI.

Then, as defenders adopted such tools, they would gain the edge.

"Tools built on Mythos-class capabilities will let them find, triage, and patch vulnerabilities far faster across the whole lifecycle, shifting the advantage back toward defense," said Amitai.

Anthropic said its own tests on Mythos included encouraging the AI to break out of a virtual sandbox. An Anthropic researcher said they were subsequently sent an "unexpected email from the model while eating a sandwich in the park."

"If the capabilities being presented here really are substantive and not marketing hype, then I for one have some serious concerns about where we're going to end up," Dan Andrew, the head of security at Intruder, told Business Insider.

For now, Anthropic is making a preview version of Claude Mythos available to select companies — including Google, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and CrowdStrike — to help test it in a controlled environment in what it's calling "Project Glasswing."

"The fallout — for economies, public safety, and national security — could be severe," Anthropic said. "Project Glasswing is an urgent attempt to put these capabilities to work for defensive purposes."

Andrew said that while this sounds "scary," he believes that Anthropic thinks the risk is real because they "aren't the worst offenders in hype-versus-substance."