• My friend and I got a private room for two and brought a car on the Amtrak Auto Train for $1,586.
• The ride took just over 17 hours, the food was better than I expected, and I loved avoiding traffic.
• Although our bathroom was small and sleeping on a train was challenging, I'd totally do this again.

On a recent trip to Florida, I was excited to try out Amtrak's Auto Train.

By choosing rail travel and paying a fee to bring my car on board, I'd be able to have my vehicle with me at my final destination — a benefit of driving without the stress of hitting the road.

My friend traveled with me, and we chose to bring one car and book a private bedroom for two. Our ride wasn't cheap at $1,586 one-way.

However, when we looked at an alternative — flying down and renting a car for over a month once we landed — it turned out to be the cheaper option.

The only other option would be to drive the whole way. To me, the idea of spending a full 24 hours sitting in traffic on I-95 only made this train trip way more appealing.

Although I was skeptical about my Amtrak Auto Train ride — and it did have highs and lows — it ultimately felt like a good value.

Here's how it went.

Luckily, the journey is nonstop.

Amtrak's passenger-only trains typically make multiple stops, which can result in longer rides as people get on and off.

However, Amtrak currently has only one Auto Train route in the US, which operates nonstop between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, DC) and Sanford, Florida (outside Orlando). The ride is just over 17 hours.

The limited stops meant this trip still required a few hours of driving for me, since I was traveling from farther north and heading farther south to the Keys.

Even so, I found it wonderful to spend most of my trip relaxing on the train and waking up close to our destination. Plus, I had the added comfort of knowing I wouldn't miss my stop.

Each private room had its own attendant

We'd booked a private bedroom, which is a step up from a roomette and about double the size. According to the Amtrak website, these rooms are typically about 7.1 to 7.5 feet long and 6.6 to 6.8 feet wide.

It includes a single chair and a sofa (basically two wider chairs side by side) that transform into one of the two beds at night, plus a private bathroom.

Our room came with a personal attendant who helped us settle into our small space and brought us water upon arrival. We didn't need much during the ride, but they were available to us if we did.

Since this was my first trip, I was a little confused about how we would pull down the beds, so I was relieved to learn that everything would be taken care of for us.

While we were in the dining car, our attendant transformed the seats into bunk beds. The next morning, while we were eating breakfast, he came in and rearranged the beds back into seating, giving us more room to move around and pack up.

It was nice not to worry about overpacking.

On the Auto Train, vehicles are restricted by size, not weight. This is great news for someone whose bag is always over the weight limit when I fly.

I was able to pack my car with everything I needed, basically using it like a suitcase.

Although I was also able to bring the essentials I'd need for the night on board with me, I learned that less is more. Since space in each room is limited, it's best to bring only what you really need for the night.

This was especially important when the beds in the room were down, as it took away most of the floor space and made getting ready a bit of a challenge. It would've been even tougher if we'd been tripping over suitcases, too.

The food was better than I expected.

On this train, passengers in private rooms received complimentary meals.

I'll admit I had quite low expectations for the food on a train, but I was pleasantly surprised. Our dinner menu consisted of four options: steak, chicken, salmon, or pasta. Each entrée came with a salad and a dessert.

Although the dining car was no Michelin-star restaurant, we found both the steak and the chicken to be pretty enjoyable. Also, to our surprise, we were each even served a complimentary glass of wine with dinner.

For breakfast, we were served coffee, tea, and juice alongside our meals. I had a spinach-artichoke quiche that was pretty good, though I wish the potatoes it was served with had been warmer.

The vibes of the dining car were pretty nice, too.

Although not as elegant as what I have seen depicted during the Golden Age of Rail Travel in the 1800s, the whole dining experience made me feel like I was in a black-and-white movie.

For dinner, tables in the dining car were covered in white tablecloths, set with rolled silverware, and adorned with vases of flowers.

At breakfast, the car was a bit simpler but still nice, with a banana placed at each seat and crumb cakes waiting on the table.

Everyone we encountered on the train was friendly.

Since space is limited, there are no private tables in the dining car. Passengers are seated with other parties to fill up the booths.

The age range of passengers varied from families with very young children playing peek-a-boo between courses to seniors toasting to another successful trip to young professionals in their 20s and 30s.

While waiting for their meals, everyone around us seemed to be discussing their travel plans with their tablemates. I found out that many passengers were regulars on the Auto Train who preferred it over other modes of transportation.

Laughter could be heard from nearly every table, and many groups of new friends were lingering so long after dessert that the waiters had to announce they could continue their conversation in another car, as they had to get ready for the next seating.

On the flip side, our bathroom was even tinier than I thought it'd be.

I wasn't expecting a large bathroom in our tiny space, but it was even smaller than I thought it would be.

Its simple layout consisted of only a toilet with a showerhead above it. The toilet paper needed to be hidden behind a plastic flap to protect it from getting wet when the shower was turned on.

Toiletries, like body wash, were mounted on the wall, and two towels were stored at the top of the restroom area, way above the toilet.

We had a sink, too, but it was located outside the bathroom.

Showering was also a bit tricky.

I found there to be very little room to stand up and shower, as the toilet took up the majority of the space.

I saw a sign inside the bathroom recommending passengers sit to shower, to make the experience more comfortable. I can't say whether that's true, though, as I wasn't ready to try for myself.

It was nice to have a bed, but sleeping on a train was pretty challenging.

The two beds in our room seemed designed to make the most of the space.

The upper bed was slightly smaller and had an attached safety net of sorts to keep people from rolling out of it. This made me uncomfortable as I wasn't able to sit up.

The bottom bunk, however, was more spacious with room overhead, and it was much more pleasant to rest in.

Unfortunately, although I did get some sleep, I found myself tossing and turning all night long. My night wasn't altogether unpleasant; I just couldn't seem to get more than an hour's worth of sleep at a time.

Some find that the gentle rocking of the train puts them right to sleep, but I am not one of those people.

Ultimately, the benefits of this ride outweigh any drawbacks for me.

Although I didn't get much sleep on board, our overall experience in a private bedroom on the Auto Train was actually better than expected.

Our ride felt like solid value, especially since I was taking a longer trip and could avoid the cost of renting a car once we got to Florida, where I was staying for over a month.

The trip itself was just over 17 hours, but instead of sitting in traffic on the highway, we could spend time playing games, enjoying meals, watching downloaded movies on our laptops, and even getting some work done.

Unlike a road trip, we also didn't have to stop to grab food, rest at a hotel, or use restrooms, which made this ride feel extra efficient.

As someone who tends to take longer trips and often needs a car at their destination, I would definitely take the Auto Train again. I'd also upgrade to a private room again, too, since I appreciated having a bed.

If you're traveling for only a week, though, you'll want to crunch the numbers. The cost of the Auto Train (and bringing your car on it) might not be worth it.

Business Insider reached out to Amtrak for comment.

Sony has been building out its Bravia Theater audio lineup for years now, creating a diverse array of options with minimalist designs and simplified control. From stripped-down soundbars like the Bravia 5 to unique configurations like the wireless Quad system, there's something for nearly any use case.

The new Bravia Theater Trio is built with larger TV screens in mind. Rather than a single-bar design, it features a center speaker for dialogue and two wireless, column-shaped side speakers that can be placed on either side of your screen. This enables a wider left-to-right soundstage than most traditional soundbars, which can't stretch to the sides of a massive screen. The side speakers also have upfiring drivers to provide height effects for 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

The Bravia Theater Trio delivers great performance for a one-box setup, with clear detail, immersive sound, and simplified control. But at $2,200, it's also incredibly expensive for a system without a subwoofer or rear surround speakers. Sony lets you add them, including up to two subwoofers, but that pushes the cost to nearly $4,000 or $5,000. That's more than enough for a quality wired surround sound system. You can also get a top-tier soundbar setup like the fantastic Sonos Arc Ultra with a sub and Era 300 surrounds for less. While the Trio is an intriguing and capable new option for people with big-screen TVs, from a value standpoint, it's a tough ask.

The Trio offers a minimalist and professional aesthetic

The Trio's design is unlike any competing soundbar system I've tested. Where Sony's similarly unique Quad speakers aim to virtually disappear in your room, the Trio's tubular side speakers make a statement, looking like futuristic towers on speaker stands or a pro cinema system when wall-mounted. The center bar is adorably small, with a uniform plastic cabinet wrapped in soft acoustic fabric, and only two LEDs out front as a visual display.

The 3.0.2-channel setup comprises nine individually powered drivers, starting with dual rectangular drivers flanking a single tweeter in the center speaker. Each side speaker hosts a traditional woofer-and-tweeter combo out front, and a topside driver to bounce sound off your ceiling for the height effects in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound mixes. The build quality feels stout enough, though Sony's liberal use of plastic leans more toward cheaper soundbars than traditional speaker cabinets.

Newer Bravia Theater models have been light on inputs, and the Bravia Trio is no exception. At the back of the center speaker are just two inputs: an HDMI eARC/ARC port for connecting to your TV and a spare HDMI input for a Blu-ray player or game console. You'll find no digital or analog inputs for connecting other audio gear, or even an Ethernet port for your network.

Input envy is becoming the norm for modern soundbars, with Bose and Sonos offering similarly austere designs, but the Trio's options are a letdown, especially since Samsung's cheaper HW-Q990 series bars offer more, including an additional HDMI input and an optical port. On the plus side, the Trio's HDMI input provides high-bandwidth passthrough for gaming features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low-latency Mode), and 4K video at up to 120Hz.

Streaming options include Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, along with Bluetooth 6.0, but I'd still like to see more options. Missing here are Tidal Connect and Amazon Music Unlimited for Dolby Atmos Music streaming, with Sony instead opting to virtualize stereo music for a 3D audio effect (more on that later).

Blu-ray fans will be pleased to find extensive support for both Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD for hi-res Dolby Atmos and DTS counterparts such as DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X spatial audio. Sony's advanced 360 Spatial Sound mapping aims to create "up to 24 phantom speakers" for Atmos and DTS:X, as well as effective expansion for traditional 5.1- and 7.1-channel surround.

Accessories include a stubby remote with basic controls like volume and bass, mounting brackets, an HDMI cable, and a wand-like USB-C microphone that connects to your phone to calibrate the Trio's sound to your listening room.

Setting up the Bravia Theater Trio is as easy as it gets

One of the primary reasons to choose a wireless system like the Bravia Theater Trio over a traditional receiver and wired speakers is its crazy-simple setup. Sony provides foolproof step-by-step instructions, right down to a sticker over the spare HDMI port, so you don't connect the wrong one from the center speaker to your TV. The three units connect wirelessly (and quickly) to each other, though each must be plugged into the wall for power.

The Bravia Connect app does the heavy lifting, walking you through the process from physical connection to sound optimization for your environment with the included USB-C mic. Tapping through the steps, I had my Trio review model up and running in minutes.

Audio newbies will appreciate touches like ensuring the side speakers are on the correct sides and properly aligned with the center bar, as well as multiple configuration options to fit your setup. There are additional steps if you're adding surround speakers or a subwoofer, but the app and calibration system ensure proper placement for each component.

The Trio offers impressive immersion, but you'll need more speakers for the full effect

I started testing the Bravia Theater Trio directly after using Klipsch's latest powered speakers, The Sevens II. Those speakers cost $200 less and deliver a more traditional, stereo-only setup. Frankly, the Trio was a bit of a letdown at first. Not only does Klipsch's system provide connection options for virtually everything in your home, but it also provides a wide and brilliantly detailed soundstage that feels superbly natural and realistic

I had to adjust expectations for the Bravia Trio, but once I settled in, I was treated to impressive detail in basic fare like sitcoms and dramas, with effortlessly clear dialogue even in complicated scenes. But it's when playing content in 3D audio formats, like Dolby Atmos, where the Trio really shines over traditional stereo setups. The system's upfiring drivers deliver more immersive effects than Klipsch's speakers, which rely on virtual Atmos.

The Bravia Theater Trio revealed a deft touch while tackling my Dolby Atmos demo disc. At the start of Dolby's "Amaze" sequence, the speakers scattered fluttering insects around the front of my room in all directions. In the "Horizon" scene, the spaceships floating overhead were captured with impressive accuracy, seeming to strafe directly above me and firing their rockets with more bass than expected, even without a subwoofer.

Moving on to Atmos films like "Ant-Man," the Trio made sweeping work of the tsunami of bathtub water in Scott's first shrink experience, and a later scene with a flying ant pulled me deep into the San Francisco skyline. Nature shows like Netflix's "Our Planet" fully immersed me in splashy ocean scenes, while the Trio handled HBO's "House of the Dragon" with a brilliant mix of smooth detail and depth, bringing the fantasy world to life.

Just as impressive is how well the system expands traditional surround formats with Sony's Sound Field mode, making them sound more like spatial audio. Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" had me hooked from the crisp pop of glass at the intro as the hooligans descend on the bank. The speakers did well with the soundtrack's ambient urgency, and various effects, like machine-gun clatter inside a bank, seemed to pop up over the 75-inch LG Micro RGB I used for testing.

My favorite experience was replaying "Red Dead Redemption II," which, even with just a 7.1 soundtrack, sounds starkly realistic, largely thanks to the Trio's seamless transition between the bar and side speakers.

Still, throughout my testing, the sound was mostly stuck at the front of the room, with a few exceptions like a virtual bullet sweeping past my cheek or a rushing creek flowing out of the wall. Part of that is because, unlike some flagship soundbars, the Trio's center speaker lacks dedicated side-firing drivers to bounce sound off your wall, so effects like a bird swirling behind you fail to complete their cycle.

Even with side-firing drivers, though, it's rare for effects to get fully behind you without actual rear speakers. While the Trio is a solid start, to really feel the "dome" of the best Dolby Atmos or DTS:X films and TV shows, you'll need to add physical rear speakers like the Bravia Rear 8 or (preferably) the Rear 9, which have their own upfiring drivers to match the Trio's front speakers.

Similarly, while mid-bass is hearty for speakers this size (sometimes buzzing my floor), they don't hit as hard as larger speakers, let alone dedicated subwoofers. Without those elements, the Trio's performance sometimes feels like an unfinished sentence.

Music sounds clear and balanced, but stick to stereo playback

The Trio delivers excellent balance between its side and center speakers while streaming music via Spotify Connect and AirPlay. Vocals are crisp and present, instruments bloom with textural detail, and the wider soundstage makes for a pleasant presentation of complex tracks, from the Beach Boys surf ballads to Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place."

The one exception was listening with the Sound Field mode on, which jumped out right away. This setting is supposed to provide a more open and engulfing soundstage, but instead, it amplifies the Trio's worst tendencies. Instruments sound overly synthetic, and dense mixes feel oddly hollow compared to regular stereo playback. While Sony's Sound Mapping feature has impressive 3D virtualization for movies and TV shows, stereo music sounds much better in its natural format.

The app is your lifeline, for better and for worse

The Trio's incredibly simple setup and control are largely thanks to the Bravia Connect app. The app makes it easy to connect, control playback, switch inputs, and check your current audio format and resolution, among other features.

That's great when it works, but during the first few days of testing, I had issues connecting to the app and streaming via Spotify Connect, resulting in multiple stallouts. After re-pairing the app and going through the setup process again, the system has now been stable for multiple days.

I test tons of WiFi speakers and TVs, and while the vast majority of them work without issue, my network can be finicky with some products. That's actually why I haven't changed it — consider me a quirky network testing ground. I'd expect smooth sailing for most folks, but since the Trio doesn't offer an Ethernet backup, WiFi stability is very important.

The app can also be simple to a fault, with no options for basic EQ adjustments, only three bass modes, and no way to adjust individual channel levels. Sony's calibration/optimization system is effective enough that I rarely felt the need to adjust settings, but those are options I'd expect at this price and scale.

Should you buy the Sony Bravia Theater Trio?

The Sony Bravia Theater Trio is a powerful 3.0.2-channel system that's bound to be divisive on cost alone. It offers very good performance for a three-speaker system, and its mix of minimalism, simplicity, and modular configuration gives it room to grow with the size of your room and screen. While I wasn't able to test it with Sony's surround speakers and subwoofers, I've demoed the flagship Rear 9 and Theater Sub 9, so I'm confident the full setup will rival similar multi-speaker soundbar options from any major competitor.

But value is definitely a sticking point here. For example, you can find the older Samsung 11.1.4-channel Q990D, one of the best one-box sound systems you can buy, for half the price of the Bravia Theater Trio. And that system includes rear speakers and a subwoofer. Alternatively, buying a Sonos Arc Ultra with two Era 300s costs about the same as the Trio while offering much better immersion. Ultimately, you're paying an awful lot for Sony's sound-mapping and speaker design, without getting extras like Sonos' multi-room compatibility, which lets you build a system throughout your home. Not to mention the app issues I had early on (though Sonos has its own well-documented app troubles).

That's not to say the Bravia Theater Trio doesn't have its audience. If you have a massive screen, a flush budget, and an affinity for Sony's simplified take on spatial audio, it's worth consideration. But otherwise, you can get more for less.

• I spend hours each week coordinating my mother's care.
• Daily calls, paperwork, and emergencies have become part of my routine.
• Caregiving has left little room to process my own grief.

When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two-and-a-half years ago, it soon became apparent that she would need 24-hour care.

I work full-time and live in a small apartment with two kids, so caring for her myself or having her move in with me was not an option. Thankfully (after nine months and tons of red tape), I was able to get her into a Medicaid program and arrange full-time in-home care for her.

What I didn't expect was that caring for her would still be a full-time job. Don't get me wrong. I love my mother and want to help her. Her condition is heartbreaking, and I'm extremely grateful that she has people with her to manage her moment-by-moment care needs, like cooking, cleaning, grooming, medication reminders, and making sure she stays safe.

Still, I never expected how much work caregiving for an elderly parent would be, even if I'm not providing direct 24/7 care.

My mom is reliant on me

My mother is extremely reliant on me emotionally. She can still use her phone, so I get about 20 to 30 texts and about one to 10 phone calls from her daily.

Each time her aide gives her medication, she texts me to ask what it's called. She asks me multiple times a day when I will see her next, even after I answer her. It's endless repeated questions, confusion, and fears. I can't respond to everything, but I have to respond sometimes, and it's a constant interruption to my day.

I live five minutes away from her, so anytime she needs something, it falls on my husband or me. She can no longer shop or run errands and often needs help with this or that around her house. We are there multiple times a week helping her. She tends to lose things, break things, or cause other problems at home that require outside support. I also make it a practice to spend one afternoon a week with her just spending time together.

I'm always on the phone, figuring out paperwork

Then, there's the health insurance paperwork and phone calls, doctor phone calls, calls with caregivers, calls with other family members, etc. Not a day goes by that I'm not on the phone with someone or an organization that helps provide her care.

I also take my mother to every doctor's appointment she has, which can be quite frequent. I manage her medication, which includes renewals, pharmacy pick-ups, and filling her medication trays weekly for her aides. I also manage her finances and pay all bills.

On top of all this, there's almost always some emergency each week. Last week, my mother locked two different doors in her apartment from the inside, making the rooms inaccessible, and we had to call an emergency handyman to get them opened. We then had to go out and buy new doorknobs and figure out how to temporarily disable the remaining doorknobs in her house so she wouldn't lock them, too.

I'm on the phone with her aides, my other family members, and her doctors to discuss how to handle things.

I grieve for who my mom once was

The whole thing is just so much to manage, and so stressful, too. I spend many sleepless nights wondering how I'm going to do all the things I need to do for her, and how I can possibly do it all for the next few years, as she continues to live with her condition. She is in her late 70s, so it may still be another few years before she lives with this condition. Alzheimer's is progressive and incurable, and while the caregiving tasks will evolve, they will continue to be here for the rest of her life.

While I grieve for my mother and what her life has become, sometimes I feel like I have little time to feel sadness. The kind of care I provide for her is so relentless and so stressful that there is almost no time for me to even consider my own feelings about what's happening to her. When do I get to say goodbye if I'm knee-deep in the daily tasks that are necessary to keep her safe, all while she deteriorates before my eyes?

I know that one day I'll look back at this time and remember all the little moments we had together — the way I held her hand as we took a walk through her neighborhood, the contented sighs from her on the other end of the phone while I reassured her again that I would see her soon. I know she would appreciate all the tasks I do for her if she understood what was going on around her. I know that each thing I do is an act of love.

But I am drowning in these caregiving tasks, and sometimes wonder how I'm going to make it through the next bunch of years with my mental health intact.

• A version of this story originally appeared in the BI Tech Memo newsletter.
• Sign up for the weekly BI Tech Memo newsletter here.

Remember the executive who sparked the tokenmaxxing panic earlier this year after saying Uber had already blown through its 2026 budget for Anthropic's Claude Code? He's back with a more interesting lesson about AI.

Uber CTO Praveen Neppalli Naga says the company has started sending its best AI engineers into departments like finance, legal, marketing, customer support, HR, and procurement to study how people actually work before building AI tools with them.

He called these two-week teams "Agentic Pods." Engineers spend the first few days shadowing employees, learning every step of a workflow, then quickly build and test software to improve it.

The results are striking. One financial planning process dropped from 15 hours to 30 minutes. Financial reports fell from two days to 10 minutes. Marketing quality checks shrank from two weeks to less than an hour.

Naga said the biggest gains rarely come from speeding up one task. They come from redesigning an entire workflow around AI, eliminating unnecessary approvals, replacing old software, and helping people make decisions faster. You can see this at work here, too.

Several tech executives compared the approach to Silicon Valley's fast-growing "forward-deployed engineer" role. The twist? Instead of sending these AI experts to customers, Uber is deploying them inside its own business to find the next wave of productivity gains.

Peter Wilczynski, chief product officer at Vantortech, jokingly dubbed the role the "Rearward Deployed Engineer," describing engineers embedded deep inside corporate operations to redesign entire workflows around AI rather than simply speeding up individual tasks.

Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at abarr@businessinsider.com.

• Oil and gas prices across the US have remained high amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
• Gas prices have dropped after spiking in May, but the national average is still over $4 per gallon.
• Indiana has seen the biggest rise in the past month, increasing by 14%.

Since the Iran war began in late February, Americans have been feeling the effects at the gas pump.

After the conflict started, prices rose sharply across the US. The national average peaked in May at roughly $4.56 per gallon, per AAA. Gas prices then fell before climbing again, and the national average gas price was $4.11 by the end of July.

AAA's national average gas price rose by 6.73% in July, according to its Fuel Price Tracker. Only four states — Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii — saw prices drop slightly in the past month. (Gas prices typically vary between states due to factors such as local taxes, proximity to supply, and operating costs.)

We looked at the gas prices reported by AAA on July 31 and compared them with prices reported a month ago. We then calculated the percentage increase (or decrease) for each state to determine where prices are rising the most.

In these 20 states, price increases are outpacing the national average.

20. North Carolina

Average gas price (July 31): $3.79

Average price one month ago: $3.50

Increase: 8.16%

On June 13, 2022, North Carolina recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.67 a gallon.

19. Rhode Island

Average gas price: $4.11

Average price one month ago: $3.80

Increase: 8.19%

On June 13, 2022, Rhode Island recorded its highest-ever average price at $5.02 a gallon.

18. Tennessee

Average gas price: $3.70

Average price one month ago: $3.42

Increase: 8.25%

On June 12, 2022, Tennessee recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.64 per gallon.

17. Alabama

Average gas price: $3.76

Average price one month ago: $3.46

Increase: 8.76%

On June 14, 2022, Alabama recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.63 per gallon.

16. Missouri

Average gas price: $3.81

Average price one month ago: $3.50

Increase: 8.83%

On June 16, 2022, Missouri recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.68 per gallon.

15. Wisconsin

Average gas price: $3.96

Average price one month ago: $3.64

Increase: 8.85%

On June 12, 2022, Wisconsin recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.92 per gallon.

14. Montana

Average gas price: $4.29

Average price one month ago: $3.94

Increase: 9.02%

On June 19, 2022, Montana recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.98 per gallon.

13. Arkansas

Average gas price: $3.76

Average price one month ago: $3.45

Increase: 9.14%

On June 14, 2022, Arkansas recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.54 per gallon.

12. Georgia

Average gas price: $3.89

Average price one month ago: $3.56

Increase: 9.19%

On June 15, 2022, Georgia recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.50 per gallon.

11. Utah

Average gas price: $4.28

Average price one month ago: $3.91

Increase: 9.39%

On July 1, 2022, Utah recorded its highest-ever average price at $5.26 per gallon.

10. Nebraska

Average gas price: $3.95

Average price one month ago: $3.61

Increase: 9.43%

On June 17, 2022, Nebraska recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.79 per gallon.

9. Colorado

Average gas price: $4.16

Average price one month ago: $3.80

Increase: 9.59%

On June 21, 2022, Colorado recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.92 per gallon.

8. Minnesota

Average gas price: $3.98

Average price one month ago: $3.62

Increase: 9.96%

On June 15, 2022, Minnesota recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.76 per gallon.

7. Texas

Average gas price: $3.63

Average price one month ago: $3.30

Increase: 10.1%

On June 15, 2022, Texas recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.70 per gallon.

6. Iowa

Average gas price: $3.85

Average price one month ago: $3.48

Increase: 10.61%

On June 15, 2022, Iowa recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.76 per gallon.

5. Oklahoma

Average gas price: $3.74

Average price one month ago: $3.38

Increase: 10.79%

On June 15, 2022, Oklahoma recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.67 per gallon.

4. Arizona

Average gas price: $4.45

Average price one month ago: $4.01

Increase: 11%

On June 17, 2022, Arizona recorded its highest-ever average price at $5.39 per gallon.

3. Maryland

Average gas price: $4.16

Average price one month ago: $3.74

Increase: 11.38%

On June 14, 2022, Maryland recorded its highest-ever average price at $5.02 per gallon.

2. Delaware

Average gas price: $4.16

Average price one month ago: $3.68

Increase: 12.92%

On June 14, 2022, Delaware recorded its highest-ever average price at $4.99 per gallon.

1. Indiana

Average gas price: $3.63

Average price one month ago: $3.18

Increase: 13.98%

On June 9, 2022, Indiana recorded its highest-ever average price at $5.24 per gallon.

• In 2020, Margo Fairchild built a tiny home on her own with no prior experience.
• Fairchild spent countless hours and almost all her paychecks to build the 240-square-foot home.
• It took 15 months and $43,779 to build the home, but the freedom she has is priceless, she said.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Margo Fairchild, 34, who built a 240-square-foot tiny home in Virginia on her own in 2020. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

I grew up watching my dad work with his hands, mostly on cars, and I picked up a bit of resourcefulness and that get-it-done attitude from him.

So, when I decided I wanted to live in a tiny home, it never really crossed my mind to have someone else build it for me. Maybe that was partly because of the expense, but after spending a few years researching and studying building science, I felt like I could take it on myself.

I started construction in 2020 and took 15 months to build my 240-square-foot tiny home. It wasn't like an HGTV show where you see the finished reveal 20 minutes later. I was in the weeds, working on it every single day.

The hardest part of the project was finding the grit to keep going while working 14- to 18-hour days, often after my regular job and on weekends. It was a huge mental burden.

I would ask myself, "Can I really do this?" and then just keep pushing forward.

Nearly all of my time and money were spent on construction

My mom has a small piece of land — less than an acre. We agreed that I could build my home on her property and move in with her while it was under construction. In exchange, I gave her a little money for rent.

I used my savings to pay for the project. Basically, any paycheck I had during that time went toward construction.

Almost immediately, my budget flew out the window.

One of my biggest expenses was purchasing the shell, which forms the home's basic structure. It didn't come with a ceiling, skylight, insulation, or any additional structural framing, so I had to add all of that myself.

I learned as I went, and there was a lot of trial and error. I often turned to "YouTube University." I also started an Instagram page, and architects and builders from places as far away as Holland and Portland would reach out and offer advice whenever I had a question.

I was building during the pandemic and couldn't have people come out to help, so it was nice to feel like I had a community of people to bounce ideas off of.

The only work I hired out during the project was the plumbing. I hired someone who wasn't very reputable, which was definitely a big mistake. They connected my system to my mom's house, which uses a septic tank, and the entire setup failed. Wastewater from both homes flooded my mom's crawlspace.

I had to pay another company to fix it, and in the end, I had to put about $7,000 to $8,000 on a credit card. But at that point, I didn't care. I had good credit and knew I could use my credit card if needed.

Altogether, I ended up spending $43,779 to build the home — nearly double what I had expected.

My home is small, but it meets all my needs

I moved into my home in 2022, and I was so excited. I was 29 and single at the time, and living with my mom was just not it.

My tiny home is basically a studio. It has one bedroom and one bathroom with a bathtub. My queen-size bed is lofted above the dining booth. It's really tiny. I recently got a dog, and she's under my feet all the time.

Still, it's incredibly freeing to turn up my music, open the door, and let my dog run around in the fenced-in yard. It's nice to wake up, look around and say, "Hey, I did that."

I don't feel like I had to give up too much when I downsized from a normal-sized home to a tiny home. It was actually pretty therapeutic to start with a clean slate.

I left some of my things with my former partner and rent a storage unit where I store the rest. I also keep my winter clothes in a closet at my mom's house.

Of course, there are drawbacks to living in a tiny home, like how quickly a small space gets cluttered. You definitely have to keep it tidy so you don't trip over something and break your neck.

I would say the biggest drawback, though, is giving up the extra space for an office or just somewhere to tinker inside my home. But other than those things, I think my tiny home meets my needs.

My tiny home is helping me save for retirement

I pay my mom $500 a month to live on her property. Compared with the $2,000 to $3,000 I might pay elsewhere, the savings have allowed me to put more money toward retirement.

The home has also created other sources of income. I documented the construction process on social media and monetized the content. Within two years, that income covered the cost of building the home.

As my following grew, it also led to more opportunities in the design world, including becoming a co-host of HGTV's "Worst Yard on the Block."

I've seen tiny homes becoming more popular, especially with young people.

I think it's because, for many of us, our salaries just aren't comparable to what our parents — or even Gen Xers and boomers — were making relative to the cost of a house.

I also think a lot of younger people value experiences. Instead of spending all their money on rent or a mortgage, they want to travel, and the expense and responsibility of maintaining a home can limit that freedom a bit.

My advice to anyone who wants to build a tiny home is to find a support system.

It doesn't have to be family or friends. Look for online forums or communities where you can turn on the difficult days —the ones when you're asking yourself, "What am I doing? Who do I think I am to believe I can do this?"

Hearing from someone who has been in that position and can say, "I've done this. You can get through it," makes a huge difference.

Despite the challenges, I would build my tiny home all over again. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding.

• I compared Las Vegas restaurants owned by Gordon Ramsay, Lisa Vanderpump, and Giada De Laurentiis.
• Vanderpump has wild cocktails, while De Laurentiis sticks to Italian-American classics.
• My favorite was Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen restaurant, where every dish was perfectly executed.

Trips to Las Vegas have started to look a little different since I entered my 30s.

Gone are the days when my friends and I would solely survive on McDonald's or Panda Express, lugging grease-stained brown bags or heaving cartons of orange chicken as we rushed from the pool party to the nightclub.

Oh, to be young. Or at least that young!

I'm still going to the clubs, but you won't catch me at the Venetian food court anymore. Dining in Sin City has never been better, and I treat each visit as an opportunity to explore.

On my most recent Vegas trip to review The Vanderpump Hotel, I got the chance to try three very different restaurants by three very big names: Lisa Vanderpump, Gordon Ramsay, and Giada De Laurentiis.

There were highs, there were lows, there were cocktails covered in smoke. There were birdcages stuffed with charcuterie, towers stacked with crostini and crepes, and who could forget the world's most famous beef Wellington?

Here's how it all went.

My first meal of the trip was lunch at Giada, located at the brand-new Vanderpump Hotel.

Giada was De Laurentiis' very first restaurant, opening at The Cromwell hotel in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip in June 2014. The property has since been completely revamped by Vanderpump and now bears her name, but Giada remains in the same space.

When I walked into the restaurant, something about the interior design felt distinctly '90s.

The nearly orange glow of the lighting and the multicolored patterns on the chairs made me feel like I was back in a quirky coffee shop from my childhood. Waiting on each marble table were red water glasses decorated with stars and salmon-pink cloth napkins.

My friend Kayla and I sat down in a comfy crescent-shaped booth that faced the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering front-row seats to the Strip. Our server said the view was even better at night, when everything was lit up and you could watch the Fountains of Bellagio.

We decided to start with the $40 Brunch Favorites Tower.

We loved the crostini, which arrived in thin logs with a generous piping of ricotta on top. The cheese was lightly kissed with truffle and hot honey, creating a sweet-and-savory bite that felt indulgent.

The crepes — which came with either Nutella and strawberry or smoked salmon and caviar — were less impressive. The savory crepe was surprisingly bland, and we couldn't taste any of the caviar. The bacon-wrapped dates at the bottom of the tower were a bit heavy, but the creamy gorgonzola dipping crema added some balance.

Next up was the chopped Italian salad.

We figured we needed some balance before a round of pasta, but the chopped salad was lacking in ingredients and flavor. There wasn't enough salami or baby tomatoes, and, overall, everything needed a big punch of salt.

I tried a couple of additional Giada appetizers while getting room service at The Vanderpump Hotel and would recommend the (really delicious) $17 orzo meatballs or $34 salumi and formaggi dish instead.

We tried the breakfast risotto, rigatoni alla vodka, and cavatelli pasta for our entrées.

The star of the trio was the $22 rigatoni alla vodka, which features pomodoro, a dollop of ricotta, and basil. The noodles, covered in sauce and dusted in cheese, looked beautiful on the plate. Each bite was satisfyingly creamy and rich, with a hint of sweetness.

We also liked the breakfast risotto, a fun Italian-American fusion breakfast that featured sunny-side-up eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, and sugar snap peas. It wasn't the most memorable dish, but the risotto was cooked well, and I liked the extra crunch from the peas and bacon.

Our least favorite dish of the day was the $25 cavatelli. We ordered the pasta since it uses the same lemon crema as the signature lemon spaghetti on Giada's dinner menu, but we could barely taste any lemon. The shrimp on top was dry and looked unappetizing against the pale cavatelli, which had been topped with crispy capers. Nothing about the dish seemed to work.

A Caesars representative declined to comment on the food at Giada.

The next day, we headed across the street to Caesars Palace for lunch at Hell's Kitchen.

Although I've never seen "Hell's Kitchen," which is now in its 25th season, I'm a huge fan of Gordon Ramsay. I've been to a number of his restaurants in London — including his very fun bottomless pizza spot — and love whipping up his recipes at home (my favorite is his 15-minute Bolognese).

So I was super excited to finally dine at one of his Hell's Kitchen restaurants, all of which serve his signature beef Wellington dish.

The restaurant's interior is designed to make guests feel as if they're on the show's set.

The Hell's Kitchen restaurant features a massive open kitchen split into a red and blue side, with chefs wearing either red or blue bandanas to signify their team — just like on the show.

Dangling from the ceiling are dozens of light fixtures shaped like golden pitchforks, part of the series' iconic logo.

We decided to start our day with cocktails that we could eat and drink.

There's nothing like a good Bloody Mary — or in this case, the Hell's Mary — to start your day in Vegas. Hell's Kitchen's $25 version includes Absolut Tabasco vodka mixed with a tomato-spice blend and a smoked paprika rim. It was one of the best Bloody Marys I've had in a long time, refreshing while still packing a spicy punch.

The $24 shrimp cocktail was pretty pricey for four shrimp, but they were extremely plump and fresh — clearly high-quality. The bright and tangy gin cocktail sauce was so delicious, we swept up every last drop.

Next up were the pan-seared scallops.

As someone who watches a lot of cooking competitions, I know how tricky scallops can be. I also learned that they're a frequent challenge on "Hell's Kitchen," with Ramsay known to scream "IT'S RAW" to anyone who dares undercook the pesky bivalve.

There was no such mistake during our lunch. The scallops, perched in a lovely citrus beurre blanc, were butter-soft. The bacon lardons provided some smoky crunch against their tender sweetness, and the English pea purée added a beautiful burst of color.

I couldn't resist trying the onion soup.

If you've read any of my cooking articles, you'll know that I'm a massive soup fan. I'm in a group chat dedicated to sharing pictures and soup recipes (shout-out to my "soup girlz"), and I make a massive batch of homemade chicken stock at least once a year. So the 110-degree Vegas heat did not dissuade me from trying Ramsay's $19 onion soup.

And I'm so glad, because this dish truly felt gourmet. Mixed with lobster, black truffle, and potato hash, each sip was creamy and decadent. I would definitely order it again.

The beef Wellington lived up to its hype.

Every famous chef has their iconic dish. For Julia Child, it was beef bourguignon. For Wolfgang Puck, it's the smoked salmon pizza. And for Ramsay, it's beef Wellington.

While I've dined at a handful of Ramsay's restaurants, this was the first time I got to see his legendary recipe up close. The puff pastry that encased the beef had been baked to a beautiful caramel color, while the medium-rare filet glowed pink. Tucked into the accompanying potato purée was a pool of red-wine demi-glace, presented without a drop out of place. It was a beautiful plate.

And just like every other dish at Hell's Kitchen, the $73.95 beef Wellington was excellent. The puff pastry was flaky and warm, hugging the tender beef inside. I'd run each piece through the velvety potatoes for the perfect comforting bite. The flavors immediately brought me back to the Sunday roast dinners I'd eat while living in London.

We capped off our meal with the $15.95 sticky toffee pudding, which I highly recommend. It was the exact amount of sweetness we needed after such a big lunch.

For our last dinner in Vegas, we decided to travel to Vanderpump's Parisian escape — no passport required.

In addition to her hotel, Vanderpump has four restaurants and bars in Vegas: Pinky's at the Flamingo, Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, and Gigolo at The Vanderpump Hotel.

I tried all four places during my recent trip, going on my own Vanderpump Vegas crawl. Vanderpump à Paris was one of my favorite spots thanks to its stunning decor, imaginative cocktails, and a delicious spread of carbs.

Vanderpump à Paris is designed to evoke a rainy night in the City of Light.

We strolled beneath the restaurant's high stone archways and were transported into a moody, romantic space that felt worlds away from the nearby slot machines. The dim lighting and velvet purple booths made the restaurant feel cozy, while the chandeliers, marble tables, and fountains added drama and elegance.

Behind the marble bar, you'll find a fake window, designed to look like raindrops on glass. Stare long enough, and you'll notice the Eiffel Tower winking back.

After ordering a round of espresso martinis, we dug into our first app.

I love a good charcuterie board, so I couldn't resist trying Vanderpump's $45 Birdcage Á Charcuterie.

The meats — including salami, capocollo, and mini baguette rosettes, a traditional French sandwich — were all delicious, and I loved the housemade potato chips, which were crisped to perfection. My one wish was that they had a creamy dipping sauce to offset that salty crunch. The birdcage comes with a sharp mustard for the meat, but it didn't pair well with the chips. Vanderpump has a fantastic Boursin dip at Gigolo that would be perfect for them.

The $30 Truffle-Stuffed Vanderpump Baguette was my favorite dish of the night.

I wasn't planning to dig into a baguette covered with black summer truffles and triple crème Brie before a long night out in Vegas, but, honestly, I have no regrets.

The golden baguette had a lovely crust that wasn't too crunchy, giving way to the ultra-creamy cheese. And the truffle honey added extra umami — it all tasted so decadent! I have thought about this baguette a lot since leaving Vegas.

And the Louvre at First Sight was the best cocktail of my entire trip.

Only the garnish of my $27 drink was visible at first, peeking through a miniature Louvre pyramid filled with smoke. Tendrils were already seeping from the base, turning the dinner table into our own little club.

A cloud of smoke escaped as the server lifted the case, revealing the pink mezcal cocktail sitting atop fresh flower petals. The drink was both smoky and sweet, with a lovely freshness from the prickly pear and a kick of jalapeño honey. It went down easily (and quickly).

We also tried the $50 Lovelocked, which comes with two cocktails, plus a padlock, key, and marker.

The drink was inspired by Paris' former Love Lock Bridge, which nearly sank from the weight of one million tourists' pledges of love. Now you can re-create the moment at Vanderpump's "Wall of Love."

The concept was cute, but I didn't love the gin and hibiscus drink as much as the Louvre at First Sight, which provided more flavor and drama at a lower price.

The $23 Mini Monsieurs were delicious, but I wouldn't recommend ordering them alongside the baguette.

I ordered our entrées after a few cocktails, which is probably why I decided on sandwiches stuffed with Gruyère and covered in béchamel, along with a $17 tub of Gruyère frites. If I'm having more than one drink, an order of fries is almost guaranteed.

The frites were deliciously seasoned, and the Mini Monsieurs were a cheesy dream. But overall, there were too many carbs for one meal, a fault of my own ordering!

We were completely stuffed, but when the waiter asked if we wanted dessert, how could we say no? The $16 Rose & Rosé Eclairs are light, bite-sized, and a nice little treat to end the night.

There was never a dull moment during my Vegas feast, but there was a clear favorite.

From the cocktails to the dessert, every dish at Hell's Kitchen was perfectly executed. If this were a competition, Ramsay would have won easily.

But that's not to say I wouldn't go back to Vanderpump à Paris for another smoking cocktail and truffle-stuffed baguette. And if you're staying at The Vanderpump Hotel, I highly recommend ordering Giada's orzo meatballs and the salumi and formaggi plate for room service.

The best part about Vegas is that there's truly something for every mood at every hour — even a 40-piece chicken-nugget box, if that's what your young heart desires.

When it came time for our team to test a bunch of the best carry-on bags, I wanted to try Quince's luggage. After all, I've tried almost everything else the brand makes when I started up our Quince review over three years ago.

I'm definitely not sold on all things Quince. But this hardshell suitcase is a prime example of the "affordable luxury" tagline: it functions the same as one from Away or Monos, and yet it costs much less. I first used it on a flight to Las Vegas in 2024 and it later came with me to Berlin last fall. I haven't used another suitcase since.

It's easy to maneuver the subway with Quince luggage in tow

Before I got the Quince carry-on, I was using a two-wheeled suitcase for way too long. The 360° turn on its wheels really makes a huge difference. I can spin it around people who are getting on and off the subway, and the wheels glide smoothly down narrow, carpeted train hallways. I also like that the aluminum telescopic handle locks into a halfway position when I need to haul it up the platform stairs.

Over the past two years, I've mostly been toting mine on the Amtrak between New York City and New England. So for $130, I can't ask for much better.

The carry-on fits a week's worth of outfits thanks to the compression pocket

My roommate used this exact Quince carry-on for his weeklong trip to Paris, and it fit everything he needed. I tend to overpack, though — the 21-inch suitcase will fit me closer to six days' worth of my clothing, shoes, and toiletries. I put anything extra in my travel backpack.

The compartments inside help keep everything organized. On one side is a space for shoes and bulky items. On the other, there's room for clothing that can be packed down with compression straps. There's also a detachable laundry bag and a mesh insert where I store my underwear and socks.

It keeps proving its value over 2 years later

The plasticky shell definitely looks a bit worn now, but the flaws are only superficial. If you prefer to keep yours looking pristine, you can use the foam buffer (which comes with the suitcase) or shield it with a luggage cover.

When I first started using this suitcase, I tossed it down a cement driveway five times to give it the airport treatment. The shell sustained some scuff marks, but there was no damage otherwise. Over the past two years, I've mostly brought it on the Amtrak between New York City and New England, with the exception of a trip to Europe last fall.

All the metal and plastic accents have held up well in that time. In our household, the true test of an item's durability is whether it can survive our cat's chewing habit. So far, his tiny fangs haven't put a dent in it. For $130, I can't ask for much better.

What I like about this hardshell's exterior is that the polycarbonate is lightweight and slightly flexible, so even when it's full to the brim, it caves in just enough that I can zip it completely closed. But it has never warped on me, so I'm confident it'll maintain its shape.

Cons to consider

Quince doesn't clearly outline the terms of the "limited lifetime warranty" that comes with its luggage. The brand also has a too-good-to-be-true return policy. If you need to send it back within the 365-day grace period, make sure your payment method (whether that's PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) adheres to the same default refund period as Quince. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a store credit instead of getting your money back.

Quince makes a similar version of this suitcase with a front pocket, which I also tested. While I personally liked the addition, the pocket does cut into the interior packing space and I think most people will find it isn't worth the trade-off.

The bottom line

After spending over two years traveling with the Quince hardshell suitcase, I can say it's served me well. As a city dweller, the maneuverability comes into clutch each time I take it on the train, and the exterior can handle rough-and-tumble traveling. It's merely a bonus that it resembles a suitcase from a more expensive brand.

Shop all Quince luggage here.

• Laura Lynch was laid off from her middle manager role in 2025 and has struggled to find work since.
• She's eating into her 401K and considering downsizing while skill-building to create opportunities.
• Lynch says her daily struggle is giving into feelings of failure.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Laura Vandemark Lynch, in her 50s, based in Long Island, New York.

I was an office manager for a multi-specialty healthcare provider for two and a half years. Then, in March 2025, the company reorganized and let several middle managers go, including me.

It was shocking because I felt like I had done so much in that particular office. But to be honest, while I was upset about my job being terminated, I was also relieved.

As a person in my late 50s working mostly with younger people, it felt like there were a lot of them trying to mold me into what they wanted.

I've struggled to find a job since then. This is the first time in my life that I don't know that I'll have a happy ending.

I know I'll be OK, but that might mean my husband and I moving in with my mother, selling our house, or draining my 401(k). It feels like I am standing on the precipice of failure, and it's an uncomfortable place to be, but it's not over. Here's what I'm doing to get by.

I'm learning new skills to create more job opportunities

When I first started applying to jobs, I was looking exclusively for in-person jobs because my role in operations management in healthcare requires me to be at the facility where I work.

I've found that many organizations are eliminating middle management roles, making it harder to find jobs that use my skill set, so I've started applying to remote roles as well on job boards and directly through company websites.

I'm trying to diversify my skills, so I'm taking a coding in healthcare course. It was a part of my most recent job that I enjoyed a lot. It's not patient-facing, meaning it's not necessarily a job that requires me to be in a hospital or even in person. That allows me to look into remote opportunities and office job opportunities.

I'm digging into my 401k

I'm now eating into my 401(k), and I don't know what to do. My husband works, but losing my salary has been financially devastating.

I'm wondering whether we should move somewhere else that's less expensive, but I don't know what's best.

My mom has been really supportive, and my husband has helped me look for jobs. He knows that it's not as simple as throwing my résumé online and getting jumped on to get a job.

My family has stepped in to help me feel better about my situation

My adult son, who lives at home, keeps trying to get me to go outside and garden, even though I have a track record of killing plants. My family is trying to help in their own way, especially by getting me out of the house.

I've also been teaching my son to drive, which really gets me out of my own head. Believe it or not, they help by not pushing. They know I'm doing everything I can at this point.

I feel like age is a factor, and it makes me feel invisible

I feel like my age is a factor in why I've struggled to get hired, although I don't understand why.

Just because I'm in my 50s doesn't mean my brain doesn't function well enough to do the job. I have a lot of life experience and can handle stressful situations. In my previous jobs, I had people who relied on me and my expertise on a daily basis to help them find solutions. I went from playing an important role — having a purpose — to feeling like nothing.

It feels like being in the sixth grade and not getting chosen for dodgeball.

I have days when I wonder what the point is of getting dressed, but I'm rejecting those feelings

I try not to dwell on that feeling, but there are times I think about doing something like vacuuming the house, and I think, "What's the point of that, too?" It's crushing to go from being a rock for so many people to feeling irrelevant and unnecessary.

My daily struggle is not to give in to the feelings of failure. To see it, own it, feel it, and then reject it. I have days when I want to give up, but I won't. If I could tell anybody else going through this situation anything, I'd say don't let this be the ending of your story.

Are you navigating a career change in your 50s? Contact this reporter at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com to share your story.

• I'm a baby boomer who has kept up with technological advancements.
• Throughout my career, I adapted to social media, advanced cameras, and website design.
• I believe keeping up with tech has helped me stay relevant as a baby boomer.

When I took a typing class at 14, little did I know I was building a foundation that would help me keep up with technological changes over the next several decades.

After college, I spent years working as a secretary, office manager, and eventually, executive assistant. My typing skills helped, but I was also forced to grow along with technology — from manual typewriters to electric typewriters to computers.

The various jobs that I held were never very fulfilling or challenging, but being a single mother with three children left me little time to make a career move. That changed when my youngest became a teenager.

The World Wide Web was born

In 2000, the internet was growing, and companies were starting to have their own websites to market their businesses. I took a webmaster class because it seemed like designing websites was something I would like, and that changed everything.

I did well in the class, mainly because I was familiar with computer programs and how to work with them. Web development languages were not too difficult, but they pushed my technical skills to the next level. My keyboarding skills were a plus.

After the class, I learned about business networking and started a freelance web design business.

Tech started to change rapidly

The technology behind building a website has changed drastically over the past two decades. Had I not continued to learn about and embrace new technology, I would not have been able to continue my business.

These advances affected not only how a website was constructed, but also how a small-business owner marketed his/her business. Ads in the yellow pages became social media posts. It was my job to guide my clients through all of these changes so that their businesses would survive. Therefore, I was forced to learn and use them myself.

Still, at times, I fought change. As cellphone technology advanced, I was determined not to start texting until I realized that my children never responded to my phone calls, only text messages. Then clients began communicating via text message, and I really had to accept that texting was here to stay.

My technology skills translated from computers to cameras

In 2014, when I decided to create a community television show called "Two Grannies on the Road" as a side project, new technology was once again forced upon me.

I had to learn to operate new, more complex video equipment and edit the videos we created. This was a much easier process because of my web design experience.

Over the past dozen years of creating videos, this technology has changed tremendously as well.

Change is inevitable

The lesson for me is that things are always changing, and if you're not growing, you're shrinking. I'm always advocating that baby boomers are not irrelevant. But we may appear that way to the rest of the world if we are fighting hard to keep things the same as they've always been, especially when it comes to technology.

Admittedly, it gets harder to learn new things as we get older. However, that learning has been shown to help keep our minds sharp.

I'm now 76, traveling around my state, and posting about my journey on social media. I wouldn't be able to do all of this if I hadn't kept up with tech.

Looking back over the years, I'm very glad I chose to embrace changes in technology.

Beth Sobiloff is a grandmother, web designer, knitter, and founder of the "Two Grannies on the Road."

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

Ukraine's new generation of robotic weapons

At Business Insider, we're a little obsessed with weapons and defense as part of our technology and innovation coverage. To get you the latest from the field, we sent two journalists, Robert Leslie and Jake Epstein, to Ukraine in May. Their coverage is here, and more is coming.

Robert and Jake, what was the single biggest surprise from your trip?

JE: For me, how much progress Ukraine has made with robotics and drones compared with my previous visit in March 2025. The tech is far more sophisticated and is increasingly reliant on AI.

RL: Hearing from military units about how fast they can develop new iterations of their ground, air, and sea drones was eye-popping. In just a few weeks, they can design and battle-test technology that would take peace-time armies months, even years.

How is this new tech directly supporting the human soldiers still risking their lives?

JE: The best example is ground robots replacing humans in dangerous front-line missions, including retrieving wounded soldiers and transporting them to safer locations for care.

RL: We also saw giant bomber drones that are increasingly being deployed as heavy-lift platforms to deliver food, medicine, and water to the front.

What do you now see as the biggest questions about this war and the future of war?

JE: The heavy drone saturation on the battlefield has prevented either side from capturing any meaningful territory in years. What seems more impactful now are deep strikes: for Ukraine, mid- to long-range drone attacks on Russian logistics, supply routes, and energy infrastructure.

RL: The use of AI in target identification and drone navigation is widespread, but in most cases, a human hand is still on the trigger. The big question is, how soon before AI completes the "kill"?

Check out our video on Ukraine's latest weapons.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he learned some valuable lessons early on.
• One of those, Altman said is that investing in the popular companies won't lead to spectacular returns.
• Altman has repeatedly credited investor Paul Graham for teaching him valuable business lessons.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Silicon Valley luminaries taught him how to be ok with standing out when making investments.

"The thing I really learned from Peter Thiel and Paul Graham, both in two different ways, which is that the very best companies, the very best investment opportunities are almost never the ones that look really popular," Altman said during a recent episode of the "Invest Like The Best" podcast.

Altman said following the crowd can help to a point, but it's only when you pick companies that may look unpopular in the moment that you open yourself up to a potentially transformative opportunity.

"You can do okay just following the trend and being a little early, but to do spectacularly well, you kind of almost always have to do things that are not what everybody else is doing," he said. "You cannot be sort of following the new wave."

Recently, the OpenAI CEO has reflected on what he learned during his days leading Y Combinator, the famed startup incubator which Graham cofounded in 2005, and in the Silicon Valley hustle culture.

Altman said that Graham taught him that being a startup investor is "like being a flight instructor." Founders need guidance, but the traditional model of a teacher lecturing isn't what's going to really help.

"The person who sits next to you saying like, 'Do this, don't do this,' that worked, you missed that thing, or, you're making these mistakes, and I'm just going to talk you about this one," Altman said, adding he appreciated "that very hands-on kind of, here's where to direct this sort of like Brownian motion energy."

Altman said memories of his early days in Silicon Valley came back once OpenAI had the realization after GPT-4 that they were on "this exponential of model improvement" they started calling everyone they could to secure the compute they needed.

"We started calling the clouds. We started calling chip fabs. We started calling energy providers and everyone's like, 'You're totally crazy. This is impossible. No industry has ever moved like this. We've been around. There's these booms and busts. It's not going to go up in a straight line. This is reckless,'" Altman recalled.

The experience, Altman said, reminded him of "fundraising for an early-stage startup."

"Most people tell you no, but all you need is one or two yeses," he said. "Most people told us no. And we got one or two yeses and we were able to start building."

• Jim Paulsen warns of potential slowdown in AI capex spending, which could impact the US economy and stock market.
• Surging oil prices and rising bond yields are among the forces that could slow spending.
• Paulsen lays out two potentially overlooked indicators that are signaling a spending slowdown.

Capital spending has buoyed the AI trade for months as companies continue to pledge tens of billions of dollars towards it.

But Jim Paulsen, former chief investment strategist at the Leuthold Group and current Substack scribe, sees two market trends signaling bumps in the road ahead.

The first indicator is the recent underperformance of AI stocks, which he says is a warning sign that investors are already bracing for weaker spending growth.

The second — as indicated by the red line in the chart below — is a sharp recent decline in US core capital goods orders.

As oil prices, bond yields and the US dollar have surged, Paulsen says investors have already been pricing in a core-capital-spending slowdown.

"Should US core capital spending decline in the coming six months or even simply trend sideways, this would force a major readjustment in the mindsets of many investors who have embraced the AI spending story," he added.

AI capex has been top of mind for Wall Street analysts recently as second-quarter earnings reports have rolled in, revealing that many big tech leaders plan to keep ramping up spending. The market's response, which sent stocks such as Alphabet, Tesla and Meta into post-earnings plunges, makes it clear that investors want to see a return on these already massive investments.

• Years ago, I started my own business, thinking the flexibility would be good for starting a family.
• Now, I can see that wasn't always the case and I have some regrets.
• My adult sons turned out well, but if i had it to do over again, I might make different choices.

I got married in April of 2000 after living with my now-ex-husband for several years. At the time, I made a good living from my job in advertising, and like many of my colleagues, I'd been doing freelance work on the side for years.

In 2001, my husband and I became proud homeowners, one of the many Americans who used a subprime mortgage in the early 2000s to finance our first home, all my idea. We even leased a new car that year.

Then came 9/11. Amidst the tragedy, the advertising industry ground to a halt. When I got laid off that year, I took the opportunity to start my own marketing consultancy. I'd been talking about going out on my own for years, and it seemed like the right time to take the plunge; after all, we were talking about starting a family, and working for myself would give me the flexibility I'd need as a mother.

I thought it was a foolproof plan. Now, more than two decades later, I look back and see how naive I was.

I started a business and our family simultaneously

As I got my business off the ground, with all the stops and starts that entailed, I soon found myself incubating another project: In late Spring 2002, I got pregnant with our first child. My first pregnancy was eventful to say the least, but after spending most of the last three weeks in the hospital, I delivered a beautiful baby boy.

There is no "right" or "perfect" time to have a baby. I firmly believe that. However, I either overlooked or blocked out one key fact that's important for solopreneur moms without a financial cushion: Even as I was healing from major abdominal surgery, and getting to know this actual human being I'd just brought into the world, I'd still need to be earning money. We had bills to pay.

As a result, the memory that's seared into my mind from my first days at home with my gorgeous newborn boy is of sitting in my bed furiously typing away on my laptop on one side of my body while simultaneously nursing him on the other. I'd cradle both the baby and the computer on my nursing pillow at all hours of the day and night in an effort to be productive; that, looking back on it, bordered on lunacy.

I did the same thing three years later when his baby brother came along.

I have regrets

When I think about those days, I can see how comical that picture is, and I feel a little sorry for myself. But I also know that I was determined to do whatever it took to power through the situation. I am incredibly grateful to have the ability to make a living working for myself, but during that time, I cheated my clients out of my best efforts, and more importantly, I cheated both myself and my sons out of that early time together.

In perhaps the most ridiculous example of how desperate I was to keep all the balls in the air, I was late to my scheduled C-section for my younger son because I was trying to finish up a work project. We laugh about it now, but at the time, I was getting it from all sides. There I was, trying desperately to wrap up a job for a client who had no idea I was supposed to be headed to the hospital — I never told clients how far along I was for fear I'd lose work — and he was yelling at me because the project was clearly finished in a rush. Meanwhile, my then-husband was perturbed and exasperated, in utter disbelief that we were actually going to be late to our own son's birth because I wouldn't get off the computer. I just wanted to bill the job so I could have a minute to breathe.

Except there never was a minute to breathe.

I'm not sure things are any better for new moms now

While it makes me furious that the United States can't get its act together on paid maternity leave, it's my biggest personal regret as a parent that I didn't somehow plan that time better, so that my babies and I could have had those important days and weeks together without so much stress. Those early days with an infant are impossible to recapture. But I wonder, in order to do this with any kind of sanity, are women, are people, being priced out of having babies these days?

The woman who does my hair recently told me that she is pregnant. She's doing it on her own, and she, of course, also owns her own business. She's already planned out her maternity leave, and after a short time away, will initially come back to work part-time. I feel strangely proud of her. I'm proud of her for figuring out another way, and for having the financial wherewithal to carve out time to be with her daughter. I know she's worried, even though she doesn't show it. But she has a village around her, and I hope to be part of that village so that if she needs support, she'll get it.

As for my sons, both are wonderful young men in their early 20s now and I'm very proud of them. Clearly, they don't remember those days when they were infants, and I was juggling breastfeeding and my laptop, but I do. And sometimes it breaks my heart.

• I went running with Jon Gray, Blackstone's president and chief operating officer, and analysts.
• Gray's running videos have gone viral, and I felt firsthand why they're a good business strategy.
• After the run, a sweaty Gray talked to me about navigating social media as a young person at his firm.

Around 7:15 am on Thursday, a photographer in a golf cart trailed a gaggle of young runners in matching black shirts through the southern corner of Central Park. This wasn't some Instagram-ready Gen Z run club, but had potentially as much virality, if not more, since Jon Gray, Blackstone's president and unlikely short-form video star, was leading the pack.

I joined Gray and more than 110 interns, first-year analysts, and pre-MBA summer associates for a group run — and yes, it really was a run, since even those of us at the back kept a pace of 9:22 per mile, according to my Strava. The event was inspired by Gray's hugely popular running videos on LinkedIn, which are peppered with business advice and can rack up millions of views. Gray keeps the videos surprisingly casual, considering he's the heir apparent to a firm that manages more than $1 trillion in assets. He usually talks straight to the camera, wearing AirPods and shiny with sweat, which he told me is part of the appeal.

I felt that appeal firsthand on Thursday morning, when Gray brought much of the same energy and spent a few minutes mingling with employees outside the park. Before taking off, Gray paused to honor Wesley LePatner, a Blackstone real estate executive who was killed in the shooting at the firm's headquarters last year. He remembered her as someone committed to mentoring younger employees—a fitting note before spending the next 20 minutes running through Central Park with junior staff.

I wasn't at the front of the running pack with Gray and the associate holding a ginormous Blackstone flag, but everyone near me seemed pretty relaxed, apart from when we went uphill. (I, at an imposing 5'2, shared a quiet nod with the person who complained of the "long legs up front.")

Some New Yorkers were amused, like the older speedwalking gentleman who got stuck in the middle of our group, but told me he didn't mind. Another man and his very small, very upset dog weren't quite so generous, telling us that we were "not inconvenient at all!" And to all the bikers attempting to navigate our herd, consider this an official apology.

Few of the Blackstone employees wore headphones, opting instead to talk to each other throughout the two-mile loop. They didn't seem hyper-aware of running with Gray, a titan of finance and their ultimate boss, which proved how successful his affable running videos and vibe are.

By Gray's own admission, the videos have a business objective: they allow him to communicate Blackstone's goals and brand at scale, to investors and potential talent alike. He's by no means the only executive to lean into social media — remember the McDonald's CEO, anyone? — but is uniquely successful.

"The more human they are, the more they connect with people," he told me. "But it has to feel right. It has to be authentic. If it becomes overly produced or scripted, I don't think it works."

The same thing goes for this run, which got a slightly more polished video of its own, Gray said. He got to connect with analysts and associates, the latter were part of a program for military veterans, more intimately than when he spots them at the back of a big investment committee room.

"It's interesting — it's allowing you to communicate at scale, but the beauty of it is, it allows for this one-on-one communication," he said, though I couldn't tell if he was talking about the morning jog or the videos he films from all over the globe.

At least some of the young Blackstone employees knew of Gray's videos before joining the firm. Abigail Miles, a first-year analyst on the private credit strategies team, said she'd watch them "all the time," and that other executives should adopt a similar social media strategy.

"I think it's really important, especially at a junior level, to see senior leadership and recognize that they're people, too," she said.

Miles, 21, added that Thursday's run deepened her respect for Gray's hustle, since he finds time to run and film while working such a high-intensity job. Cy Aminzadeh, 22, and another first-year analyst, said the slight cringe factor actually helps the content.

"He's such a giant in the finance world, and for us young people at the beginning of our careers who look up to him in so many ways, seeing him being normal and so down to earth, and doing things that our dad would do, or that we would do — it humanizes him," he said.

The compliance team reviews all of Gray's videos, but he said younger talent has a tougher time navigating the thicket of social media rules at top firms. Earlier this year, a group of self-identified finance bros came under fire for a now-infamous photo shoot, raising the question of how Wall Street is handling the age of the influencer.

"I do think for young people it's harder because they grew up in a world where they post everything, and now they're working at a firm and there is a certain standard," Gray said. Typically, he said, young employees at Blackstone regulate their content to align with the firm's image and values.

When he left the park around 8 am, Gray had a big day ahead of him, since Blackstone was bringing Jersey Mike's public in one of the biggest restaurant IPOs. He assured me the office would likely be full of ginormous subs.

His post-cardio sandwich of choice? A turkey and provolone, "Mike's way."

• Slate's main pitch is affordability. Its no-frills base model is just under $25,000 before charges.
• It's second core tenet: personalization. You can add hundreds of configurable options.
• I drove the truck on Tuesday. Here's what I'd add to mine.

The Slate truck doesn't have a typical key.

Unlike today's cars — which pack proximity sensors inside a little plastic box that runs tech that allows drivers to start the engine via a push-start button — the Slate has a simple solution.

Drivers put a square key into a square slot. The instrument display flicks on. A single bell chimes.

That's it. There is no theatrical lighting sequence, symphony-like entrance music, or enormous touchscreen springing to life.

Even the windows are simpler. They're controlled by manual hand cranks. In my test, it took six or seven spins before the glass disappeared into the door panel.

The deliberately plain interior captures Slate's entire pitch: Modern cars are too complicated, too expensive, and too eager to make every grocery trip feel like a Silicon Valley hype cycle.

Slate's $24,950 electric truck (a little over $26,000, after delivery fees) starts with the basics. Buyers can then use the company's accessory marketplace to add back the features they care about, including speakers, upgraded upholstery, colorful body wraps, storage accessories, and towing equipment.

It is a very different way to make money after selling a car. While other automakers increasingly rely on software subscriptions and features delivered through updates, Slate wants customers to buy physical upgrades.

I drove a prototype on Tuesday and came away pleasantly surprised. The inexpensive truck was roomy, balanced, and genuinely fun to drive.

But the experience also showed me which modern conveniences I would miss.

These are the add-ons I'd buy to make the bare-bones Slate truck livable — plus the options I'd choose if money were no object.

My non-negotiables

I found five add-ons on Slate's marketplace that I'd need.

More seats

The base Slate is a two-seat pickup, which could be perfect for a small business hauling products around town. It would be considerably less useful for my life, unless I suddenly decided to stop driving my friends anywhere.

So my first upgrade would be Slate's squareback SUV kit. It adds a second-row bench, increases capacity from two people to five, and raises the price from $24,950 to $29,950.

Speakers

My friends would be mad if that car were silent.

I spend too much time in cars listening to podcasts and Beyoncé to rely on the natural symphonies of the roadway, so I would add Slate's $250 integrated speaker system. Buyers committed to the stripped-down lifestyle can instead choose a universal speaker mount, though Slate has not yet announced its price.

Extra locks

I would also spend $100 on a locking tailgate. Leaving the contents of the bed available to anyone walking past feels a little too bare-bones, even for Slate.

Accessories for a bike rack

Finally, I bike enough that I would need a rear-mounted carrier and a tow hitch to hold it. Together, those add another $700.

That brings my supposedly bare-bones Slate to about $31,000 before taxes and destination fees.

At that price, it starts bumping into vehicles like the base Ford Maverick and Nissan Leaf — both of which arrive with power windows, infotainment screens, and fewer decisions to make before leaving the dealership.

If money didn't hold me back…

OK, but what if I decided to splash out?

My dream Slate would include a bevy of wildly unnecessary (but fun!) upgrades.

I would start with a blue body wrap, a white roof, matching wheel covers, and yellow accents. Who needs that $1,056 anyway?

Naturally, the yellow would continue inside. And because I would also want to project outdoorsy ruggedness, I would add a rear-mounted spare tire, an upgraded bumper, fender flares, running boards, and a roof rack that I absolutely do not know how to use.

That adds another $2,374.94.

By the time I finished, my dream Slate had 28 accessories, including five that Slate has not priced yet. The running total reached $34,949 before those final bits and bobs.

That excess is part of Slate's appeal.

Automakers have spent years filling parking lots with crossover SUVs that increasingly blur together. It can be difficult to distinguish a Toyota RAV4 from a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 waiting in the school pickup line.

The era of the affordable personality car — think the Volkswagen Beetle or Chrysler PT Cruiser — has largely faded.

Slate gives buyers an unusual amount of freedom to make the truck look like their own, right down to a new partnership with Crayola.

Whether that is enough to create a mass-market hit remains to be seen. But after years of increasingly interchangeable cars, it is at least fun to build one with a little imagination.

• JPMorgan Private Bank sees a series of inflation shocks, but says stocks should push higher anyway.
• Higher rates won't deter the bull market if the growth & hiring remain resilient, the firm said.
• The bank expects the S&P 500 to hit 8,200 by mid-2027, implying a 10% increase in the next 12 months.

The US is getting on an inflation roller coaster ride, but that won't stop the stock market from surging to records, a top JPMorgan strategist says.

Kriti Gupta, an executive director and global investment strategist at JPMorgan Private Bank, predicts the S&P 500 will rise by more than 10% over the next 12 months, with the benchmark index landing around 8,200 by the middle of next year.

That's despite the firm's broader view that the US is headed for a series of inflation shocks — bursts of pricing pressures that could mirror the inflation crisis in the 1970s, when consumer prices whipsawed in the middle of the decade and into the early 1980s.

Inflation appears to be coming in waves, Gupta said, with the post-pandemic surge in price growth being followed by the energy shocks from the Iran war earlier this year.

Still, the fundamental pillars holding up the bull market are still intact: Growth is strong, and AI demand is booming, she told Business Insider of her market outlook.

"We're looking at double-digit returns again this year. And there's still so much to go," Gupta said. We are in the middle of the largest wealth creation in history in the United States."

Her outlook is a rare message of optimism at a time when investors are preoccupied with mounting risks to the bull market. The preeminent fear among investors has been that higher oil prices will stoke inflation and force the Fed to raise rates.

Stocks have slipped from record highs amid a jarring rotation in the tech sector, which has sown doubts about the sustainability of the AI trade. The Nasdaq 100, which briefly shed as much as 11% from its recent peak, remains close to correctional territory.

The Fed looks likely to raise interest rates this year, with markets pricing in an 86% probability of at least one rate hike by 2026-end, according to the CME FedWatch tool. But higher rates would still be unlikely to deter stocks from their long-term uptrend, since the economy is showing signs it can withstand higher borrowing costs — particularly if rates are being raised to address a structural problem with inflation, Gupta said.

Economic growth, for one, remains steady. Real GDP grew 2.1% in the first quarter, more than expected, though growth is expected to slow to a 1.5% annualized pace for the second quarter, according to the Atlanta Fed.

The job market also continues to hold up, even if cracks appear to be forming. The unemployment rate clocked in at 4.2% in June, remaining near a historic low.

Investors also have plenty to cheer on the AI front. Despite the recent sell-off in memory and chips, demand for artificial intelligence still looks "massive," Gupta said, with US firms seeing unmatched growth in profit margins.

Based on the companies that have reported second-quarter earnings so far, the S&P 500 is on track to net the highest net profit margin since the Great Financial Crisis, according to FactSet.

Demand for the S&P 500 also remains "off the charts" from retail and institutional investors, Gupta added.

"We're not seeing hits to economic growth that would justify a larger pullback in the stock market at this stage," she said.

Best opportunities

Gupta outlined the bank's top portfolio recommendations for investors. These were the main categories:

All-in on the US. Gupta said the bank's core portfolio is mostly composed of US stocks, given the US economy's resilience and the unparalleled growth in corporate profits.

"That is genuinely where we believe the most sustainable growth occurs," she said.

Financials. Financial and bank stocks are one way to catch the broadening of AI trade, given that the sector reflects broad economic growth and is likely to benefit from the broader productivity boom spurred by the technology.

"In addition to banks actually using AI for their own efficiency, we are also feeling very strongly about the ripple effect into the economy," Gupta said.

The financials sector has been one of the best-performing sectors in the S&P 500 over the last three months, gaining 5%, according to State Street Investment Management.

Emerging markets are another way to diversify. Gupta pointed in particular to Latin America, with the region seeing a spurt of economic growth as its middle class expands.

The MSCI EM Latin America Index is up 40% this year, while the broader iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is up 11%, both beating gains in the US market.

Alternative assets, for wealthier clients, are another way to diversify a portfolio, Gupta said.

Gold as a hedge. She recommended allocating up to 5% to bullion, depending on a client's portfolio needs.

• Becca Millstein, cofounder and CEO of Fishwife, said she doesn't typically respond to DMs.
• However, she recently hired a candidate after they sent an effective LinkedIn outreach.
• She said the candidate had a great background, strong numbers to back it up, and a concise message.

If you feel like your messages are getting lost in the void, you may be onto something.

Executives are often bombarded with many sales pitches and introductions every day — and that makes it difficult to stand out with a cold outreach.

Becca Millstein, cofounder and CEO of the trendy tinned seafood company Fishwife, said she misses many of the messages she receives on LinkedIn.

"I don't respond to DMs because I don't see them, or it's just too much," Millstein told Business Insider.

Millstein, who cofounded the company in 2020, said it's become increasingly difficult for candidates to stand out by sending a direct message. Every so often, though, someone manages to break through. She said a prospective employee reached out several months ago. After seeing the message, she passed it on to the hiring manager, and they ultimately hired the candidate.

An anonymized version of the DM is below:

Hi Becca,

I just applied for the ______ role at Fishwife and wanted to introduce myself.

In ______ years at ______, I've scaled ______ from ______ to ______ M orders/year. I oversee end-to-end ______, including ______, while managing the corresponding budget of $______ M/year.

In addition to leading ______, I'm responsible for our relationships and agreements with ______. I use data to forecast ______, and to optimize______. The best part of my role is the cross-functional collaboration with teams like ______.

Would you be open to a conversation to discuss the role further? My résumé is attached for reference.

Thanks!

Millstein said the candidate's message got her attention because it was specific and direct. They explained which role they were interested in, summarized their relevant experience, and included numbers to make their case.

She added that the message was concise and made it clear they were "clearly not a robot," which stands out in the flood of messages she receives.

The CEO said that after checking the candidate out, she sent the résumé to the hiring manager and said, "This person seems awesome."

Most of the messages she receives "don't have that kind of substance," Millstein said.

The candidate also included their résumé in the message and said they had already applied for the job, which Millstein said was an important detail.

"Never just send a message if there's a job application open," Millstein said. "Apply for that job. You'll get lost if you don't."

• Caleb Ashton founded QuickFlips, a platform to sell video games, consoles, and Pokémon cards.
• Ashton opened a storefront for his business in 2025.
• QuickFlips has paid customers over $5 million since 2019.

Caleb Ashton's journey into the resale business was, like many who start out in that industry, humble.

Ashton began flipping items — textbooks, action figures, golf clubs, sneakers, and more — while living with his wife in a one-bedroom apartment in 2019. He was eager to create an extra source of income while his wife attended law school.

In true millennial fashion, he learned how to buy and resell items from YouTube videos.

"I started with a budget of 500 bucks that I had cobbled together from birthday and Christmas money. That was my startup seed money," Ashton, 31, told Business Insider."I initially focused on really cheap items like books or things that I could get for $5 at yard sales."

Ashton kept up the side hustle for about six months, but it turned into a full-time job after he was fired from a friend's collectible coin business.

By that point, Ashton had learned that some items could lead to quick, reliable money. Specifically, physical video games.

Things grew quickly.

In 2024, he created QuickFlips, an online resale platform where people can sell their video game collections, consoles, and Pokémon trading cards. He also built the platform's buyback software system.

On QuickFlips, users enter their item into the search bar to get an instant offer price. Once the QuickFlips team has inspected the incoming items, users ship them to the company and receive a payout within 24 hours. QuickFlips then resells the refurbished items on Amazon, eBay, and TCGPlayer to make a profit.

As of 2025, they're also sold in Ashton's brick-and-mortar store.

Ashton opened the storefront last September in Lexington, Kentucky. The overall business made about $4 million in revenue in 2026 and has paid over $5 million to customers since its inception.

Necessity becomes invention

Ashton's decision to open a storefront came out of necessity. For a time, he operated QuickFlips from his spare bedroom. Then, his basement.

"My first hire was my friend Spencer, who came to help pack stuff up and list inventory," Ashton said. "We ended up having about 10 employees in that basement."

QuickFlips began purchasing dozens of video game collections each week. That meant storing the numerous collections, assessing the products, listing them for sale on sites like Amazon, and preparing them for shipping, all from the basement. At one point, there was so much inventory in the basement that Ashton struggled to find space for new hires.

"It was way too tight. My neighbors hated me, so I knew I had to get an actual office space. We landed on a retail complex," Ashton said.

Now, QuickFlips has 33 employees across its online platform and retail space. Strategy-wide, Ashton said QuickFlip's approach to payouts is what differentiates it from other sellers in the marketplace. They have a simple motto: "Pay well, Sell fast."

"We offer a transparent offer upfront. We don't say, 'Hey, come to our store, and we'll make you an offer after we look at everything,'" Ashton said. "We say, 'As long as this is in good condition, we will give you this much for it.'"

Ashton said his business is focused on moving volume.

"We're not necessarily focused on getting every penny for every item," Ashton said. "We would prefer to get some of the money all the time, rather than all the money some of the time."

Going analog

Selling physical video games and consoles may sound like a dead end in the AI age, but Ashton has learned otherwise. Nostalgia is a tried-and-true driver of sales.

"A big reason that people collect, in general, is to go back to a simpler time. There's significant value for a lot of folks," Ashton said. "Another thing is that a lot of folks we've found are getting fed up with digital media."

The influx of digital media and products these days has led some consumers to seek out physical alternatives. Manufacturers and thrift shop owners have told Business Insider they've noticed items like the Nintendo DS become popular with younger generations.

In the gaming community, Sony inadvertently sparked calls for more physical games when it announced that production of PlayStation discs for new games would end in 2028.

"Every day, servers are getting shut down. Games are becoming inaccessible. People are realizing that we don't actually own these digital games," Ashton said. "Sometimes people will come in to trade their PS5 that has 50 games on it, and be crushed when they realize that doesn't actually give the console any more value because we're going to have to reset it."

Living in a world with social media does have some perks, though. QuickFlips has amassed over 661,000 subscribers across its accounts, which also earn ad revenue.

"There are very few people in the space that have our social media following," Ashton said. "There are hundreds of thousands of collectors and video game resellers that know who we are because of how much we invest into our YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook content."

Ashton chronicles QuickFlips growth and his experience as an entrepreneur on his YouTube page, Phoenix Resale.

It's our goal to provide a lot of value to people upfront on both the education and entertainment side," Ashton said. "That's a big part of why they choose to do business with us."

• DoorDash's Dot delivery robot can't physically pick up restaurant orders on its own.
• The company is paying gig workers to cover the final feet between restaurants and the robots.
• DoorDash said that it's offering the loading gigs to meet demand during busy times.

DoorDash's delivery robots need a hand.

Some workers in areas where DoorDash is using its Dot delivery robot are receiving offers through the DoorDash app to load them up. While the vehicles can navigate miles to delivery destinations, it's the few feet between a restaurant's pickup counter and the curb outside where delivery workers intervene.

Devena Bybee, a DoorDash gig worker in Mesa, Arizona, said that she received one such offer in early July. The company is using the robots to make deliveries in the Phoenix area.

Bybee drove about two miles to a restaurant, picked up an order, and placed it in the Dot robot as it waited in the parking lot, she said. She took photos of each step to document the process, and the gig took five minutes, she said. DoorDash paid her about $5.

Bybee was surprised that Doordash asked her to complete the task instead of a restaurant worker who was already on-site. "I just don't see how it's efficient," she said.

On Facebook groups for DoorDash workers, some posts show screenshots of similar gig offers over the past month.

"I would never do a five-dollar order, but I was really curious about this and I was super close to the restaurant," reads one July 6 post showing a robot-loading gig at a Burger King in Scottsdale, Arizona. The poster did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Dashers are essential to our platform and will continue completing the majority of deliveries even as our autonomous technology scales," a DoorDash spokesperson said.

"This limited pilot is designed to support merchants during busy periods, while creating more earning opportunities for Dashers outside of traditional deliveries," the spokesperson added.

A sticking point for automation

The loading gigs are the latest example of DoorDash workers stepping in when autonomous vehicles can't complete a job on their own.

Some workers received offers from DoorDash to close open doors on Waymo's self-driving cars in Atlanta, Business Insider reported in February. Waymo plans to add a self-closing function to its vehicles in the future, the companies said at the time.

Dot, which DoorDash unveiled in September, is roughly the size of a baby stroller and can hold up to 30 pounds of cargo. The robot can navigate both roads and sidewalks to travel between restaurants and customers' homes.

Handing off orders from restaurants to robots is a challenge to the rollout of autonomous deliveries, DoorDash CEO Tony Xu said last August, shortly before the company debuted Dot.

While loading an order only takes a few minutes, restaurants that receive lots of robot-delivered orders might have an incentive to outsource the task to DoorDash, said Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

DoorDash's gig workers, who are independent contractors, don't receive the same employee benefits and hourly pay rate that most restaurant workers do, Bruno said.

"Multiplied over the course of a year or more, there's probably a real savings," he said.

Bybee, the DoorDash worker in Arizona, said that the loading gig left her more confident that humans are still needed for delivery work.

"There's only so much right now that the robots can do," she said.

Do you have a story idea about DoorDash? Contact this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com or via encrypted messaging app Signal at 808-854-4501. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Cheryl Patella transformed her life by moving from Miami to rural North Florida.
• Her move cut her commuting costs, improved her quality of life, and aligned her work with personal values.
• Embracing remote work, Patella now enjoys nature, reduced expenses, and intentional living in Florida.

At 6 a.m. every morning, I gather fresh eggs, check the vegetable garden, breathe in the cool North Florida air, watch my dogs race across five acres, and walk into my home office to begin a virtual meeting with a client.

Five years ago, my mornings began very differently.

Before sunrise, I had already left my home in Miami and was in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Interstate 95. My commute to my job, which began as a fitness director and advanced to acting spa director and later as spa director at another facility, had stretched from 35 to 50 minutes, plus a 20-minute ferry ride.

I paid about $65 a week in tolls, drove 20,000 to 22,000 miles each year, and accepted nearly two hours of commuting as simply part of building a successful career.

I believed those sacrifices were the cost of doing business

Our culture often presents a choice between pursuing success and living a simpler life. What I didn't recognize was that I was also paying hidden quality-of-life costs in time, attention, stress, and mental energy, which diminished both the quantity and quality of my work. They never appeared on a budget, yet they quietly influenced how I lived, worked, and thought.

Ironically, after more than four decades helping clients improve their physical and emotional well-being as a medical fitness specialist, I hadn't fully recognized how much my own environment was shaping mine.

Then COVID-19 created something unexpected

For the first time in decades, life became quiet enough for me to step back and evaluate the life I had built. I suddenly found myself with enough distance from my normal routine to ask questions I had been too busy to consider before.

I started looking for a vacation home where I could spend more time outdoors with my dogs. Then someone asked what my dream home would look like if I could live anywhere. I wrote it down, and the search quietly shifted toward finding a new place to live full-time.

I kept picturing myself sitting at a desk in a wooded area, writing. The vision came to life while searching on Zillow and yielded three top choices.

It was quite an experience searching for homes in the mountains

Some were too far from anyone I knew, and others would have a serious winter season, which was foreign to me.

I flew to each of those cities and, after inspecting several properties, I made a list of the pros and cons of each. It came down to a North Florida property. It was closer to family and a bit larger than I had in mind, but it had all the specifics I was looking for: woods, land, seasonal changes, and they accepted a lower offer.

As a Christian, I've always made prayer part of my decision-making. Over time, I became convinced God wasn't asking me to escape my life — he was asking me to realign it.

The decision also made practical sense

Real estate in South Florida had skyrocketed, and my home in Miami had appreciated substantially. Selling it allowed me to buy 5.5 acres at 59% of my Miami home's selling price, left me with the funds needed for remodeling and upgrades, and reduced recurring expenses.

I moved some of my clients to a new trainer who was a good fit for them. Two clients wished to remain with me and work remotely.

The home I bought was a foreclosure, which meant it could take three months or more to close, requiring me to stay in a rental or hotel with my dogs — another serious adjustment. Finally spending almost two years remodeling the house tested my patience more than I expected.

Like any worthwhile investment, the return has unfolded over time. My property has appreciated to double the price I paid for it.

Nearly five years later, I can say it was worth every challenge

In South Florida, I spent weekends on my Jet Ski. Flying across Biscayne Bay felt like the perfect escape from a demanding workweek. Occasionally, dolphins would surface nearby, jumping alongside me as I crossed the water.

I've traded my Jet Ski for a Hustler zero-turn lawn mower. I spend time maintaining pastures, tending gardens, and caring for the property that has become my sanctuary. The wildlife encounters haven't disappeared — they've simply changed. I now watch small herds of deer graze peacefully in the fields.

Some of the financial benefits were obvious.

My auto insurance premium dropped from $280 to about $125 a month after moving north. Homeowners insurance fell from roughly $4,000 a year to $1,800, and property taxes declined from $4,000 annually to $1,600.

My monthly fuel bill was cut by more than half, tolls virtually disappeared, and my current vehicle, purchased new in 2023, has under 20,000 miles after nearly three years.

My work has changed as well

Technology allows me to work with clients across the country, but the biggest change wasn't where I work — it was how I work.

For years, I managed teams of 30 to 40 employees while supporting communities of several thousand elite residents. It was fulfilling, but every day required constant decisions, interruptions, staffing issues, and operational problem-solving.

Today, my office overlooks gardens, open fields, and woods. When I need a break, I step outside and walk the property, work in the garden, or watch deer cross the pasture before returning to my desk.

Other changes happened because my environment changed

Living in Miami made it easy to stop for lunch, meet friends for dinner, shop on the way home, or spend money simply because everything was convenient.

I'd always encouraged my clients to prepare meals in advance because it saves time, reduces impulse eating, and lowers food costs. Living in a rural community makes it easier to consistently practice those habits. Restaurants are no longer around every corner, and shopping has become intentional rather than convenient.

Weekly dry cleaning, salon appointments, dog-walking services, and a home alarm system disappeared. Professional suits and designer shoes gradually gave way to jeans, work boots, and workout clothes.

Acreage, however, requires equipment, fencing, landscaping, and continual upkeep that doesn't exist on a suburban lot. Travel is less convenient, too. Instead of flying directly from Miami to almost anywhere, most trips now require connections.

There are other trade-offs

I miss having my niece and her children nearby, but we talk almost daily, and we've traveled together around the US and to Europe.

I also miss my longtime housekeeper, who knew my home, my routines, and my dogs almost as well as I did.

Every meaningful decision asks us to give something up

Somewhere along the way, I became so immersed in the business of doing business that I stopped evaluating my quality of life.

Living in the country doesn't equate with loneliness, as my days are still filled with Zooms and FaceTimes. I have close neighbors who watch out for me, and when I need something, I call them. The difference is that I traded constant interruption for intentional connection.

My cost of living declined, my productivity increased, my stress level fell, and my quality of life has improved, but the greatest return wasn't measured by lower insurance premiums, fewer tolls, or a shorter commute. It came from finally aligning my faith, my values, my work, and the life I wanted to build.

• METR, a Berkeley lab started by an ex-OpenAI researcher, has grown into a prominent AI umpire.
• The nonprofit works with OpenAI, Anthropic, and governments to evaluate cutting-edge models.
• METR says that an AI talent shortage hinders growth in safety and security research.

Beth Barnes, one of the AI industry's most influential watchdogs, has a lot to worry about.

The ex-OpenAI researcher has shown that AI's capabilities are escalating by the month. Now, she fears that the industry doesn't have the staff in place to keep up with the technology in its next chapter.

The biggest barrier to that research is talent, said Barnes, who left OpenAI to start the nonprofit METR in 2022. METR, which stands for Model Evaluation and Threat Research, plays a crucial role in the AI industry by working closely with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta to provide independent answers about the tech's quickly changing capabilities.

Yet Barnes sees such fierce competition for AI researchers that even METR's lofty salaries, which reach $503,000 on current job postings, don't address the nonprofit's talent shortage.

"Ideally, we'd like to scale really large, but in practice, we've been able to fundraise as much as we need, and the bottleneck is much more talent," Barnes said.

The security incident announced by OpenAI and Hugging Face sparked a new wave of questions about how to evaluate and control AI. More than 1,300 frontier lab employees signed a letter in July warning that AI development could outpace control. If the industry doesn't have the staff to research precisely what new AI models can do, companies could be forced to slow their releases.

While the behavior of the OpenAI models stunned much of the corporate world, METR's team was far less surprised. Governments, companies, and even religious groups all ask the nonprofit for help understanding and testing the tech's progress.

Still, the feeling inside the 35-person lab is one of concern. When Business Insider visited METR's Berkeley office on the afternoon that OpenAI revealed its hack, Barnes described an AI safety field that is badly constrained by its size.

"There's so much more to do than we have capacity for," Barnes said. A "reasonable civilization," in her view, would be pouring a far larger percentage of AI's investment into steering it and evaluating the tech — especially now that society is reckoning with models this powerful.

'Humanity's preparedness team' struggles to grow

As AI labs release new models, METR measures the likelihood that they can complete tasks of increasing duration. These measurements form the nonprofit's most famous offering, a widely-cited chart that shows how, over the last six years, AI's capabilities have doubled about every seven months.

Chris Painter, METR's president, describes the lab as "humanity's preparedness team," a tongue-in-cheek nod to the preparedness teams at OpenAI and Anthropic that report safety threats to their CEOs.

"We aren't really accountable to anyone other than the public and the public's well-being," Painter said.

Barnes emphasized the importance of METR's independence so that it can produce research that isn't tied to a company's goals. When Barnes worked at OpenAI, she felt the need for a research group outside the labs that could comment freely on the development of the tech. While METR doesn't take money from the frontier AI labs or their employees, it accepts compute grants and works with them to analyze unreleased models.

In addition, staff have analyzed labs' safety practices, written about AI's effect on software engineers' speed, and studied the merits of using AI models to monitor other AI models. Barnes said she'd like to expand into predicting the next levels of AI's capabilities and how those changes could accelerate AI's development.

Neev Parikh, a METR researcher, says talent constraints limit the number of questions researchers can tackle about AI models' internal reasoning.

"There's a dearth of people," Parikh said. "I would happily see the field expand 10x."

METR could play a big role in a new AI climate

In July, OpenAI announced that its AI models cheated during testing by hacking into Hugging Face's systems to find the test answers. Later, CEO Sam Altman said it was "the first security incident that I have felt very viscerally."

METR had seen something like that coming. In May, the nonprofit wrote in a report that current AI agents "could plausibly start a rogue deployment," but would not have the skill to hide it. Then, in June, METR tried out OpenAI's then-unreleased GPT-5.6 Sol model and found that it would repeatedly cheat on challenging tests, including by extracting hidden source code to find the answers. It published a report about this and shared it with OpenAI before GPT-5.6 Sol's wider release.

Come July, the GPT-5.6 Sol model was part of OpenAI's security incident with Hugging Face. OpenAI announced on Wednesday that METR and another nonprofit, Redwood Research, would assess the incident and that their results would inform OpenAI's own technical report.

"There are now real, business-affecting incidents of this, and the world has a stake in understanding that," Painter said.

The cyber skills of OpenAI and Anthropic's newest models have sparked a wave of fear and attention and spawned a raft of new bills in Washington. METR's work lines up closely with one potential route for regulation: a current bill proposal would require large AI model developers to get safety audits from outside organizations. METR could fill a role like this; Painter said they'd potentially be interested, though it's something the field is still figuring out.

Something like that proposal, Painter said, could help with METR's hiring issue. He suggested that more people might leave the AI companies themselves — for similar salaries at METR, though without equity compensation — if a regulatory system gave safety research organizations greater authority.

"There's enough precedent here for each kind of testing arrangement," Painter said, "that I think with either clarity from industry, about how this testing should work long-term, or from the government, I think this field could scale very rapidly."

Ajeya Cotra, who led the writing of METR's May report on the risks of AI, said that oversight of AI can feel "chaotic and unpredictable" right now. She's still optimistic.

"The trend is toward people caring about this issue more," Cotra said. "And wanting to regulate it in a more serious way over time."

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James Hardaway has a reputation among his friends and family for being a reviews guy. Before making a big purchase, he'll check Wirecutter and Consumer Reports, do a drive-by of Reddit, and see what's being said on YouTube. He's an avid film fan, and he eagerly combs through Rotten Tomatoes scores and media writeups ahead of new releases to make sure he's in tune with the cultural moment. He feels that if he's not doing his homework, he may not be making the best use of his money.

Still, Hardaway, a 38-year-old manufacturing manager in Texas, isn't sure if all the ratings-related rigamarole is meaningfully improving his life. He and his wife spent $450 on the supposed "best" stroller when their first child was born and swapped it out for cheaper options in a matter of months. He's not in love with their reviews-driven dishwasher or mattress, though he does like the internet-approved noise machine. For the most part, all the choices and all the noise leave him constantly wondering whether he could have done better.

"There are more and more things that are getting reviewed," he says. "Maybe I don't need the best plunger, but something in my brain thinks that I do."

Many Americans treat every product, service, and experience they buy like a research project. In 2016, the Pew Research Center found that eight in 10 Americans read online reviews before buying something for the first time, and more recent industry surveys suggest the habit has only become more entrenched. Case in point: a 2026 Yelp questionnaire found that an overwhelming majority of Gen Z consumers do research on at least one platform before picking a restaurant, gym, or beauty salon.

Reviews are a remarkably useful invention that let us tap into the wisdom of the crowd. However, we may be taking review culture too far. We're drowning in endless options and endless opinions about those options. It leaves us less satisfied with our selections and strips spontaneity even from simple picks. Instead of helping us make good decisions quickly, reviews tempt us to believe there's some perfect decision to be found if we just keep scrolling.

"Once you're out for the best, the path to misery is pretty straight," says Barry Schwartz, a professor emeritus in social theory and social action at Swarthmore College and the author of the book "The Paradox of Choice." "It's the price we pay for getting what we said we wanted — which we shouldn't have wanted — which is unlimited options."

Reviews have democratized information. Instead of relying on brand marketing or a newspaper critic (a dying breed anyway), people can learn from the experience of hundreds of other customers. But the volume of it all makes it easy to get overwhelmed.

It's a familiar experience: You decide to have, say, pizza for dinner and start browsing through the local options. After 30 minutes, you've identified 15 possible restaurants and read dozens of reviews, and you are still no closer to a decision. One pizza is probably better than the other, but also, any pizza is probably fine, and here you are spending most of your Tuesday night on an unexpected, illogical quest to identify the ideal pie.

"One can get overly indexed on trying to find the best of something or all the information that they could find to make that perfect decision about it," says Michael Luca, a professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "When do we need to be optimizing? When do we need to be satisficing? And just finding something that works for what we're looking to do?"

The internet reinforces the instinct. Google surfaces stars before websites, Amazon displays reviews before a price, and AI search engines increasingly summarize the online consensus before users see a link. Small businesses live and die by the algorithms and online rating systems.

Having such an abundance of options can lead to anxiety and decision paralysis. Take the earlier dinner example: You may feel so inundated or dispirited that you forgo the pizza entirely and head to the kitchen to make a sandwich. Moreover, tastes vary, and we often don't know much, if anything, about the people whose perspectives we're using for guidance.

"You're flipping coins because you don't know the source of any of these reviews, but somehow it gives your decision a certain authority that otherwise it wouldn't have," Schwartz says. The fact that our consumer choices are so intertwined with our identities gives each decision more weight, he adds: "The stakes go up for even trivial decisions, and that pushes even more in the direction of looking at what other people have to say and letting that guide your own decisions."

As though the reviews themselves weren't enough, artificial intelligence is increasingly deciding which reviews people see and how they're interpreted, adding in a layer of complication for consumers and businesses alike.

Some platforms are using AI to summarize reviews, boiling down hundreds of opinions into a handful of sentences. This may help consumers get a general sense of the feedback and make the reviews section feel more useful, but it also has its drawbacks. Power users who like to comb through ratings aren't going to get a lot out of a summary, and while research shows that AI summaries increase purchase intention for products like electronics and appliances, they don't move the needle for experiences, like restaurants and hotels.

It's also not always clear whether an AI overview is accurate or surfaces the most pertinent information. It can flatten commentary into a generic package, overrepresent a small number of negative comments in an effort to be "fair," or simply get things wrong. On sites such as Reddit, it's easy to find small business owners lamenting that AI summaries include extra-negative or incorrect content.

"AI could be helpful if it's helping to figure out how to tailor information and combine it to one's own preferences. But if it's doing more of a one-size-fits-all summary, it's not clear that it's getting you closer to that thing that specifically fits your preferences," Luca says.

Doug Straton, the chief marketing officer at Bazaarvoice, a software company that helps brands collect and display ratings and reviews, says that when AI platforms crawl the web for reviews, they tend to look at volume, recency, and average rating. That is used to determine which products the bot talks about, but not necessarily what it says or the context opinions are coming from — maybe the reviewer the AI is channeling never likes the scent of cucumber, so they rate a bodywash negatively because of that, and all the AI reader sees is that it smells bad. "Because you're superficially scraping the sites, you don't have this depth of data," he says. Straton's company is working with AI companies to place more weight on the Bazaarvoice community's reviews, which they say are more trustworthy and thorough than the random ones.

AI, of course, brings with it another issue: fakery. It's easier than ever to use AI tools to spin up reviews, and harder than ever for consumers to know what's AI-generated. To be sure, fake reviews are hardly new — Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator and the founder of Fake Review Watch, an industry watchdog, tells me they've long been a "massive" problem and that platforms aren't aggressive enough in cracking down on it. "They sweep it under the carpet," she says.

There are all sorts of tactics, AI-related and otherwise, for engaging in review-related trickery, Dean says. Some businesses will barter and trade reviews, or even go to Facebook groups to enlist reviewers, while marketers may enlist review brokers. "There's a whole cottage industry of review providers," she says. "There is a robust black market, openly and flagrantly."

The Federal Trade Commission has tried to crack down on fake reviews and, in 2024, put in place a rule that bans false ratings and testimonials, prohibits incentivizing reviews with a specific sentiment, and imposes financial penalties on violators. "It was a good step, but the review platforms escape liability," Dean says, because under federal law, online companies generally aren't liable for the content other people post on their platforms.

We don't need to go back to a reviews-free society, where your best hope is that your neighbor has a decent recommendation for a contractor, but we probably could stand to adjust our approach when every single thing we might try or buy comes with a giant ratings system.

Sheena Iyengar, a professor at Columbia Business School who studies choice and innovation, says it really helps for people to have clarity on their preferences and goals before diving into the online comments. If you're just looking for the "best" bar or the "best" gym, you're going to have a lot of work ahead of you and may very well end up disappointed. If, however, you're looking for a decent espresso martini at a relatively quiet place with lots of seating or an establishment with plenty of weights and spin classes, you're likely to be more satisfied with the results.

We often flip through reviews faster than our brains can process the information, and in those cases, it's important to slow down, especially when it's a big decision, like booking a vacation. It's also key to remember that in the vast majority of situations, it's just not that deep.

"You make a lot of choices, and most of them are irrelevant and unmemorable," Iyengar says. "Most of your choices in life, because of information overload, you probably should make them on autopilot, save your cognitive energy for the choices that matter."

That's easier said than done for all the aforementioned reasons — the drive to find the best, the sense that every purchase says something about our identity. Yet there's something to be said for going with the flow. If the point of an evening is to catch up with a friend, there's no need to walk 20 blocks to what Yelp and TikTok say is the most happening spot instead of stopping at one of the eight places you pass on the way. Plus, you might discover at the end of your walk that a bunch of other optimization-seekers had the same idea, and now the place is too crowded to get in.

Hardaway still checks reviews and probably always will. But he's learned the online chatter isn't the gospel and that no matter how much research he does, things may not work out. Sometimes, the best baby stroller isn't the one the gurus recommend — it's the one you actually wind up using.

Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.

Emily O'Brien, 26, said in mid-July that she had about 200 pages to go in "Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez, before attending book club at a friend's place the following week.

She loves attending the monthly meet-up, which friends take turns hosting at their homes in Philadelphia, a tradition they started roughly a year ago. She finished what she needed to read before gathering with her friends on a rooftop.

Talking about the book is less important than making sure the friends meet every month to catch up without breaking the bank, she said.

"It's paying off more so than just an occasional dinner would, in my opinion, because you're also sitting there and you just need to talk to one another," O'Brien said.

She said that going out to dinner or happy hour every month can be expensive and hard to plan.

"Do I really want to end up paying 80 bucks for a dinner and drinks with friends? Or I could just stay in and then not spend that," she said. "80 bucks now, I feel like, is different even than what 80 bucks was a year ago, where I'm like I need that for my groceries."

Prices have skyrocketed since 2021, with food away from home rising about 32%, higher than food at home's 27% increase, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' consumer price index. The people who spoke to Business Insider find that hosting at home can mean more bang for their buck, since they're sharing food and drinks among many instead of a pricey meal for one or two at a night out, and have leftovers to enjoy.

O'Brien is among the people in metros with a higher cost of living than the national average, bringing the "third place," or the gathering space outside home and work, such as a coffee shop, into their "first place," or where someone lives. Whether for cost-related reasons or easier than gathering in public, people who spoke to Business Insider were looking to make a real effort to bring people together by hosting.

"You either go to a third space to search out, or you can take responsibility and step up and volunteer to be the person in your community to make that happen," said Kristin Greene, who is in her 50s, and hosts a craft club on the third Tuesday of the month at her San Francisco home.

Here's what some people are doing to intentionally foster community without going to a public space.

Taking turns hosting a book club

O'Brien hosted the book club twice, one of which she picked up brunch items from Trader Joe's, made floral arrangements, and set up a coffee bar with her Nespresso machine. She estimates she spent about $50 on the first session she hosted and about $75 on the other, but that's because she wanted to, and it doesn't have to be the case for everyone who wants to start bringing people together. O'Brien said people sometimes bring wine or an extra snack, yet the group has found it's best for the host to handle the rest, since everyone takes turns.

She thinks it can be easy to avoid social situations because she lives alone, often visits her boyfriend, and wants to avoid the cost of going out. The book club keeps O'Brien accountable for staying connected with others, and although she likes to spend money when she hosts, she thinks it's worth it because it's an activity that brings her a lot of joy.

Prices for food away from home, including dining out, and food at home, including groceries, have both grown about 36% from June 2019 to June 2026 in Philadelphia's metro area.

Building a community at home in one of the most expensive metros

Ariel and Cyrus Kashfian, who are in their 30s, have an open invitation for anyone who knows them or their plus ones to come to their Los Angeles apartment for Shabbat on Fridays.

They also participate in other forms of hosting: Ariel is part of a monthly book club that rotates hosts, and the couple has hosted a murder mystery night with plans for another, among other gatherings.

Cyrus said he likes bringing people together because he wouldn't otherwise see his friends. "If I don't make something happen, they aren't the ones to make plans and host and put things on the calendar," he said. He also thinks that going out to dinner continuously can get monotonous and feel less personal.

"We could go out with friends and stuff like that, but it's harder to get close to people and to really spend quality time with them if you're not just together in someone's home or doing something in a very private environment," he said.

Ariel, who said she and Cyrus are from family-oriented cultures, likes having people over and the positive effects it could have on their two children. "I want my kids to grow up with people always in and out and laughter and warmth," she said. "That's probably the most important part of growing up, is seeing people in your life that just show up for you and want to be around you and have fun."

The children can also go to their rooms to play if they need a break from company, making it easier on the Kashfians than if they were taking care of their kids while out with friends.

Plus, the couple lives in one of the most expensive metro areas in the US, based on regional price parities. "The price of going out in LA has become very, very, very high for a one-and-a-half-hour dinner," Ariel said. "You get more bang for your buck having people over at your house."

Ariel said she made a pot roast, mashed potatoes, salads, and sides for their murder mystery night. While that added up pretty quickly in cost, she said they had leftovers, and everyone was happy with how the night turned out.

"It was a memory that people will have for a very long time," she said. "Money and value are not also the same. You're getting a lot more for your dollar when you're hosting people, and doing an activity that's interesting and fun."

Working on projects at craft club

Greene, who hosts a craft club in San Francisco, fills her dining room each month with people enjoying each other's company over bowls of soup. Her guests work on various projects, from knitting and embroidery to jewelry making and photo editing.

The craft club started after an experimental craft night at the book club she attends. She said other attendees wanted to do that again, so Greene, a needlepointer who sees value in crafting in a community setting, took the initiative and has been hosting pretty consistently since February 2025.

"I finally was sick of us talking about hosting craft club and just decided to go for it, and I think many of us were also just really feeling like the world is complex and challenging, and so looking for pockets of optimism and hope and community," she said.

She had some crafts out in case people didn't have anything, but it has turned into people bringing their own projects while they talk. While it started with some people from the book club, it's a mix of participants from Greene's life, including college friends, a former colleague, and a friend of a friend reconnected with at a Fourth of July picnic. It also includes people who are new to her but one to two degrees connected by other women in the club.

At the most recent gathering, she was needlepointing and offered cumin orange black bean soup, as she tries to make a different homemade soup each time. She landed on soup because it's fairly easy, removes decision fatigue, and is affordable. Attendees have brought items over the months, such as sourdough bread and treats.

"I am a person who is really committed to making community, and I've been in communities and groups where we've created what a lot of people get out of third spaces, but we're hosting them ourselves," Greene said.

More space to bring people together

O'Brien, the book clubber in Philadelphia, said hosting has inspired a desire to get a larger apartment than her 650-square-foot one, which she uses as her "second place," since she works remotely. "My kitchen, my hosting area, my living room, and my office are in the same four walls," she said, adding that she likes that they take turns hosting so she can get out of her space.

Andrea Bryson, 30, moved from a studio for herself to a larger apartment where she's sharing space with her boyfriend in Chicago. That means she has more room to host. She did a soup gathering in the fall, in which people brought their own bowls and spoons, as well as bread and soup to share; a show-and-tell art party featuring meat and cheese snacks brought by guests; a sushi-making night; game nights, and craft nights where people brought their own supplies and hung out.

Bryson likes being able to bring people together at home because the costs can add up quickly if going out in Chicago.

"I do find that I try to limit how much I'm spending when I'm eating out, and if I were to go out and buy drinks and appetizers every time I wanted to see my friends, I think that would add up pretty quickly," Bryson said.

Food away from home in the Chicago metro area has increased more so than in the Philadelphia area, at 40% from June 2019 to June 2026.

Other ways to connect

Those who might not have the means to host at home and don't want to spend money can seek digital third places.

"You can have really rich connections where you are helping each other, answering questions, cheering each other on," Greene, who is part of a weekly virtual meditation group with women around the world and a Discord group about needlepoint, said. "They require almost the same amount of effort to create them."

Bryson said social media can be beneficial in finding third places and groups, or being in a fitness community like she is can be a good way to find people. Her third places are mainly around an active lifestyle, like swimming at a pool or meeting up at the lakefront in Chicago.

Bryson said it takes time to find the right spots. She said third places that are businesses like bars and cafés mean spending money, so a way to find free third places could be public parks and outdoor spaces, such as people doing crafts together at a park meet-up.

If people do want to get into hosting, Ariel said it doesn't have to be as elaborate as you may see on social media. She said sometimes it can be themed, while other times it can be chicken, salad, and a bowl of rice from the store to share with others from the comfort of your home.

• Steve Hanke says AI won't be the game changer many people imagine as it's "incredibly costly."
• The leading economist said the water, power, and microchips needed to power AI limit its potential.
• Hanke said that many companies won't replace people with AI because human labor will be cheaper.

The idea that artificial intelligence will be free to use and virtually costless to provide is delusional and dumb, Steve Hanke says.

"This belief is based on a disconnect from reality, as well as a good dose of idiotic economic reasoning," the professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University told Business Insider by email.

"AI is incredibly costly; it is very resource intensive," Hanke continued. "It requires huge amounts of water, power, and physical capital" like graphics chips, he added.

Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta have projected roughly $700 billion in combined capital expenditures this year, and $1 trillion in 2027, as they race to build out the data centers needed to power the next generation of AI models.

Hanke, who served on President Reagan's Council of Economic Advisers, also addressed widespread concerns that AI will cause massive job destruction.

"Businesses will not be firing everybody and replacing them with AI," he said, because in many cases that will be a lot more expensive than employing humans.

The veteran economist took aim at AI visionaries, describing many of them as "charlatans and hucksters." He said they're "comparing apples and oranges" when they liken AI to software, as providing AI to customers costs money whereas software, once developed, can be sold countless times at virtually no additional cost.

Hanke predicted the "cost of scarce resources that are gobbled up by AI will decide how far the 'AI revolution' goes."

AI optimists have countered that technological advances will make microchips and data centers more power-efficient over time, bringing down the cost of AI.

Elon Musk has made waves for predicting that AI will supercharge productivity and drive down production costs, ushering in an era of abundance where "anyone can have whatever stuff they want."

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has recommended people stop saving for retirement in 10 or 20 years as "money won't matter." Personal finance and AI experts previously told Business Insider they resoundingly disagreed with Musk's advice.

Musk has predicted AI will take over most jobs, and the "best way" for governments to deal with the resulting unemployment is to provide a "universal high income" by mailing checks to everyone.

Mounting concerns about AI

Hanke has been skeptical of AI for a while, describing it to Business Insider in February as "overhyped and potentially dangerous."

Last fall, Hanke said the AI boom could falter if Big Tech companies failed to hit their numbers, and said it "might be wise to buckle your seat belt."

Mark Cuban, the former "Shark Tank" investor, and Michael Burry of "The Big Short" fame warned this week about the massive scale of AI spending and Nvidia's key role in financing it, underlining Hanke's concern about how much the technology costs.

Cuban said it was "truly scary" how central Nvidia is to the AI boom, and cautioned it "all could crumble" if the chipmaker gets outcompeted or makes a mistake.

Burry said Nvidia was "overreaching" in its campaign to strike deals with customers to support its chip sales, and its efforts threatened to "push the circular spending to biblical proportions."

The weekend will see a pair of new champions crowned at the DC Open, and we can help you tune into both finals today from anywhere, for free. We've rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch the DC Open finals, including live streaming options for those without cable.

In addition to local paid options in the US and UK, there's a free DC Open live stream we can help you enjoy for both Alex Eala vs. Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz vs. Rafael Jodar via the Philippines on BlastTV, and we'll help you watch that from any country in the world via a VPN.

• See also: How to watch Canadian Open tennis

How to watch the DC Open from anywhere

If you're traveling away from home, you can still keep up with your usual watch options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are easy-to-use tech tools that allow people to temporarily alter their device's virtual location. This way, their favorite websites and apps work from anywhere in the world, just like they would back home. Since the services we've recommended require country-specific payment methods, this option will work best for those who are simply traveling abroad and hoping to access their usual watch options.

If you're an Alex Eala fan hoping to tune into free coverage from outside the Philippines on BlastTV, you'll need a VPN to access that free DC Open live stream.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, user-friendly, and offers impressive cybersecurity perks. The service also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it's no sweat if you find that it's not what you're looking for.

How to watch the DC Open in the US

DC Open coverage is available through the Tennis Channel in the US. Select match coverage will also be shown through Tennis Channel 2 (T2). There are several ways to live stream the Tennis Channel, including directly with a paid subscription through the Tennis Channel website. You can also get it as part of a live TV streaming service, which lets you watch other popular channels, like ESPN (which you'll need for the US Open next month).

Fubo is one of the best live TV streaming services we've tested. The Tennis Channel and T2 are both available through all of Fubo's main plans, including the budget-friendly Sports + News package. Subscriptions start at $65 a month, but new users can get at least $10 off their first month after a free trial.

YouTube TV is another popular live TV service. To access the Tennis Channel, you'll need the NFL RedZone with Sports Plus add-on, which costs an additional $11 a month. You can add it to either of YouTube TV's plans. YouTube TV's main plan costs $83 a month, but first-time customers can get $15 a month off their first five months after a free trial. YouTube TV's sports plan costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months of service.

How to watch the DC Open in the UK

The DC Open will air across Sky Sports Tennis, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports+ in the UK. Tennis fans can watch through one of the many Sky TV plans that carry Sky Sports. You can learn more about your options in our guide to the best Sky TV deals and plans, or try a more flexible streaming option through Now Sports.

Where does the DC Open take place?

In case the name didn't already give it away, the Mubadala DC Open takes place in Washington, DC. The event is held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.

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

Paramount Plus' action-packed espionage drama, Lioness, is back for its third season. The series starring Zoe Saldaña follows a covert CIA team on high-stakes missions around the world, blending military action and political intrigue. With new episodes finally releasing, learn more about how to watch Lioness season three, streaming options, and worldwide availability, below.

Thanks to a star-studded cast and plenty of suspense, Lioness has become one of Paramount Plus' most popular original series. If you're ready to dive into Season 3 or catch up on earlier episodes, you can do so from anywhere in the world with these tips.

Where to watch Lioness in the US

Fans can catch new episodes of Lioness weekly on Sundays, starting on August 2. They'll be available on Paramount Plus as soon as 12 a.m. PT or 3 a.m. ET the morning of, with a total of eight episodes for the whole season.

The most affordable option is to sign up for the service's Essential tier, starting at $9 a month for ad-supported on-demand content. To skip the ads, you'll need to upgrade to Paramount Plus Premium at $14 a month, which also includes live streaming of Showtime and CBS.

Where to watch Lioness in Canada, Australia, the UK, & other regions

Viewers tuning in from Canada, Australia, and the UK can also use Paramount Plus to catch the new season of Lioness. If the service is available in your country, you'll be able to watch along; exact prices and plans vary by region.

How to watch Lioness from anywhere

Not able to sign up for Paramount Plus where you are? Don't fret: you can still watch Lioness season three by using a VPN, or virtual private network. More than just a streaming service workaround, these tools are a great cybersecurity measure that allows users to temporarily alter their virtual location for a variety of purposes, including accessing Paramount Plus. One of the top picks in our guide to the best VPNs, NordVPN, is the one we trust for the job.

Lioness season three release schedule

After its premiere on August 2, Lioness will release an episode every Sunday through September 20. Here's the exact schedule so you can mark your calendar:

• Season premiere - August 2
• Episode 2 - August 9
• Episode 3 - August 16
• Episode 4 - August 23
• Episode 5 - August 30
• Episode 6 - September 6
• Episode 7 - September 13
• Season finale - September 20

Lioness trailer

Get a sneak peek at what's to come in season three of Lioness by watching the official trailer from Paramount Plus.

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

As dogs age, they develop unique needs due to age-related conditions, including reduced mobility, muscle loss, and cognitive decline. The best senior dog foods are specially formulated to support these needs. They include dry and wet formulas with antioxidants to counter the effects of aging, omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation, and ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.

To make our recommendations for this guide, we asked veterinarians what qualities healthy, nutritious food for senior pups should have. It's important to note that the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) doesn't have specific standards for senior pet food. As a result, nutritional content can vary widely between these diets. The best senior dog foods we recommend meet the AAFCO nutritional standards for adult maintenance or all life stages.

Since older dogs have a slower metabolism than younger ones, some senior foods are lower in calories. Others, however, are more calorie-dense to meet the needs of dogs who eat smaller portions or because they contain added protein to help maintain lean muscle.

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

Highlights for the best senior dog foods

Best overall wet: Royal Canin Mature Adult, 13.5 oz. cans (12 pack) - $47 at Chewy

Best overall dry: Merrick Senior Real Chicken and Brown Rice, 25 lb. bag - $73 at Chewy

Best budget wet: Purina One +Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Turkey and Barley 13 oz. cans (12 pack) - $29 at Chewy

Best budget dry: Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging Chicken and Whole Grain, 29 lb. bag - $47 at Chewy

Best for small breeds: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley, and Rice, 15 lb. bag - $52 at Chewy

Best for large breeds: Nutro Natural Choice Senior 6+ Years Large Breed Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy

Best for weight loss: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Chicken and Vegetable - See at Chewy

Best fresh: JustFoodForDogs Joint and Skin Support - See at Chewy

Best overall wet

Dogs prone to dehydration or ones with reduced kidney function, which is common in older dogs, benefit from extra moisture, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Wet dog food has a higher moisture content, typically 75% to 78%, while dry food contains only about 10% to 12% moisture.

Senior dogs who have multiple tooth extractions or dental disease may also benefit from a soft food diet such as canned or fresh food, says Dr. Emily Luisana, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and co-founder of Peak Veterinary Specialists.

Wet food generally contains more fat per serving than dry food, but it also tends to have fewer calories per serving, and its water content can make it more filling. When it comes to protein, the AAFCO recommends a minimum of 18% for adult dogs, but Luisana says senior dogs experiencing muscle loss may need more, and pups with renal or liver disease may need less.

If your dog finds wet food easier to eat or your veterinarian recommends it, consider our picks below for the best dog food for seniors. They're packed with healthy ingredients, including blueberries and cranberries for antioxidants, healthy carbohydrates like barley and sweet potatoes, and omega fatty acids from fish oil — an effective ingredient in the best joint supplements for dogs.

Best overall dry

If your senior dog has been eating kibble all their life and continues to enjoy it, there's no need to switch to wet food unless your veterinarian recommends it. In fact, Luisana says some of her patients without teeth still prefer kibble.

However, Luisana advises feeding your dog a grain-inclusive senior diet, as long as they aren't sensitive to grains. Freeman says some evidence suggests grain-free dog food can increase the risk of certain types of irreversible heart damage in dogs — namely, canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which leads to an enlarged heart. "Taking that into consideration, grain-free diets are not recommended for any dog," Freeman says.

Our selections for the best dry dog foods for seniors come from trusted brands that employ animal nutrition experts who formulate the recipes. Purina also conducted feeding trials on its Pro Plan formula, which means the brand deemed it safe and palatable after feeding it to a group of dogs.

Best budget wet

Luisana says the best food for your senior dog depends on their lifestyle, body condition, and overall health. Since quality options are available at various price points, your budget doesn't need to be a limiting factor when prioritizing your dog's nutritional needs. Based on your veterinarian's advice, you may want to consider a recipe that contains antioxidants from foods such as blueberries or cranberries, lean proteins such as turkey and chicken, and omega fatty acids from fish.

While Freeman doesn't recommend any specific recipe, he says he's an advocate for brands that have done their due diligence to ensure their food meets the nutritional needs of pets. He names Purina One as an example for a quality brand. Both of our picks for the best affordable dog food for seniors meet Freeman's criteria and include nutritious ingredients like chicken, liver, and brown rice. However, these foods have different protein levels, so ask your vet if your dog should eat a high or low-protein diet.

Best budget dry

Contrary to what you may have heard, Luisana says byproduct meats and meals help make pet foods more affordable, sustainable, and nutritious. That's why many budget foods contain byproducts, typically organ meat such as liver, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. "Meals are cooked meats or bones, ground up. They provide things like calcium, phosphorus, and protein," she says, adding that pet food companies aren't permitted to include inappropriate animal parts in their products.

Instead of solely relying on the ingredient list to evaluate food quality, Luisana recommends considering other factors. For example, most quality brands will employ veterinary nutrition experts, provide ingredient tracing, maintain quality control measures, and contribute to research efforts. 

High-quality diets, regardless of cost, keep skin and bowel movements healthy. Our budget dry food picks contain nutritious ingredients and healthy extras, like prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion and glucosamine and chondroitin, which may support joint health. 

Best for small breeds

Luisana says the age at which dogs are considered seniors can vary based on breed size. Smaller dogs may not reach senior status until age 10 or 11, since they generally have longer lifespans than other pups. 

Freeman says it's not unhealthy to transition older dogs to a senior diet based solely on their age. However, a more reliable indicator is overall health rather than age. Some dogs remain healthy throughout their senior years, so they may not need or benefit from a senior diet like other dogs might, he says. 

One aspect of health to consider is dental health. Freeman says some senior diets consist of softer kibbles, and Luisana adds that smaller kibble size is the most common feature of a smaller breed diet. Our senior picks for the best dog foods for small dogs have extra-small kibble that is easier for dogs with smaller mouths to chew. They also have healthy extras like antioxidants, L-lysine for immune support, and probiotics.

Best for large breeds

Feeding large breed dogs food specifically formulated for their size is crucial to reduce the risk of orthopedic issues. These problems can arise as early as puppyhood and become even more prevalent in their senior years. That's why Luisana recommends senior pup parents take a proactive approach and monitor dogs for early signs of joint and bone diseases. While some changes in behavior, like decreased activity, may be attributed to aging, Luisana says not to overlook the possibility of underlying orthopedic issues such as arthritis.

Taking action by asking your vet about omega-3 and joint supplements, weight loss, and other dietary modifications can significantly improve the quality and length of your pet's life. Our top picks for large breed senior dogs include healthy extras like glucosamine to provide joint support. They also contain antioxidants that help fight oxidative damage, which Luisana says may reduce a dog's risk of degenerative diseases like liver or kidney issues.

Best for weight loss

Freeman says obesity is an issue for many pets but is particularly problematic for seniors. Older pets face a higher risk of orthopedic problems, such as arthritis and other joint diseases, as well as metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Being overweight increases the likelihood of developing these issues and makes managing them more challenging, he says.

During routine checkups, your veterinarian will assess your pup's overall physique by weighing them and scoring their body condition and muscle mass. You can do the same between vet visits using the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) body condition chart and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) muscle condition chart.

"Giving less food can be a successful approach to weight loss, but there is the risk of not providing adequate nutrition," Freeman says. Alternatively, your veterinarian might suggest a specialized weight-loss diet formulated to meet your dog's nutritional requirements in fewer calories. Our recommendations for the best dog foods for weight loss are formulated to keep your pup fuller for longer without sacrificing essential vitamins and nutrients.

Maintaining a lean body condition can extend your dog's lifespan by nearly two years and significantly reduces the risk and severity of arthritis and other health issues, says Dr. Julie Churchill, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

Best fresh

If your dog always begs for a taste of your meals, you might consider preparing a freshly cooked homemade diet instead of buying processed dog foods. However, Luisana cautions that homemade diets are rarely complete and balanced — unless you formulate them with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.

As an alternative, you can try the options we've recommended below. Our fresh food picks for older dogs are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, made of easy-to-digest human-grade ingredients, and prepared with oversight from an animal nutrition expert.

Our recommended brands have also undergone thorough testing by Insider Reviews for our guide to the best fresh dog food.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in senior dog food

Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for the best foods for senior dogs.

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for adult maintenance or all life stages: The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional profiles based on an animal's life stage. They don't approve pet foods or establish specific standards for senior dog foods. However, choosing a senior food formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages ensures the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements of adult dogs. The best dog foods for senior pups will also contain beneficial extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and have fewer calories per serving than adult dog foods.

Ingredient list: Labels list ingredients by weight, so the first few ingredients generally make up the majority of the food's weight. "There are no particular ingredients that senior dogs should avoid," Luisana says. However, she recommends grain-inclusive foods over grain-free foods due to the potential link between grain-free dog foods, especially those containing peas, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Guaranteed analysis: Rather than fixating on dog food ingredient lists, our experts say to examine the guaranteed analysis of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food must have a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat to fulfill a dog's nutritional needs. As the AAFCO doesn't set specific standards for senior dog foods, the guaranteed analysis of these foods can vary significantly between recipes. Before selecting a food, our experts recommend asking your vet about the best food for your senior pup. 

Healthy extras: The best senior dog food will contain extra ingredients that support their unique needs. For example, Freeman and Welborn highlight the potential benefits of antioxidants in supporting healthy aging. Welborn suggests a diet rich in antioxidants, such as Purina Bright Minds, if your dog experiences cognitive dysfunction. Other healthy extras for seniors include joint-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.  

Calorie content: A dog's metabolism typically slows as they age, and many seniors are less active. So, senior dog foods usually contain fewer calories than adult formulations, according to Churchill. Freeman adds that overweight senior dogs are at greater risk of weight-related conditions like arthritis and diabetes. That said, feeding your dog less food could result in a nutritional deficiency. That's why Freeman recommends switching to a low-calorie senior diet or a weight-management diet based on guidance from your vet. 

Breed-size formulation: The best food for your senior pup may depend on their size. Our experts say small and large breed seniors have different health risks and may also require different calorie amounts and kibble sizes. Buying food specific to your pup's size helps ensure they get a recipe formulated for their needs.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: The best senior dog foods are formulated — and in some cases, feeding-trial tested — to meet the AAFCO's nutritional standards for adult maintenance or all life stages. If your dog's food has an AAFCO label, you'll know the recipe fulfills the recommended protein, fat, and nutrient requirements for adult dogs. A label indicating feeding trials confirms the food's safety and palatability based on testing with a group of dogs.

Expert formulations: The dog food brands we recommend meet quality control standards. In other words, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and potentially a PhD-level animal nutritionist, as recommended in the WSAVA Global Nutrition guidelines.

Next-level ingredients: Next-level ingredients refer to those farmed or caught through humane and sustainable farming or harvesting practices. Although these ingredients may not offer extra nutrition to your pet, choosing pet food with ingredients like farmed raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably caught fish helps you support a pet food company that prioritizes both animal welfare and sustainable practices. 

How we selected the best foods for senior dogs

To select foods for this guide, we spoke with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and two small animal veterinarians. They helped us understand the unique dietary needs of senior dogs and what goes into a high-quality senior dog food.

Dr. Nancy Welborn is a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. Welborn practiced private veterinary medicine for livestock and companion animals before transitioning to emergency small animal critical veterinary and then returning to LSU to develop and teach community practice at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.  

Dr. Emily Luisana is a board-certified nutritionist and co-founder of Peak Veterinary Specialists. Previously, she was a practicing clinical veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. Luisana is a graduate of North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. After several years of general practice, she pursued a clinical nutrition residency at NCSU and a fellowship in clinical nutrition at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. Her clinical areas of interest include critical care nutrition, weight loss, homemade diets, and disease-state nutrition.  

Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified nutritionist, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Nutrition, and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary training at Michigan State University, Churchill pursued Internal Medicine and Nutrition residencies and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include seeing patients in the clinic, mentoring students, and finding more effective ways to teach nutrition and facilitate the integration of nutrition into the care of all patients by healthcare teams.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman earned his BS in Biology at Morehead State University and earned his DVM at Auburn University. His research interests include animal behavior and molecular biology. 

Our experts don't recommend any pet food recipes that don't meet AAFCO nutritional standards. They also don't recommend pet food manufacturers that don't comply with WSAVA guidelines. This guide only includes complete and balanced foods that meet the nutritional needs of adults or all life stages. 

Meet the expert behind this guide

Janelle Leeson, pet nutrition reporter: I've been writing about pet nutrition and food for Reviews since 2023. I've consoluted dozens of veterinarians and animal nutritionists to understand the ins and outs of complete and balanced dog food, including the unique needs of senior dogs. The formulas I recommend meet the criteria recommended by my sources as well as the AAFCO standards and WSAVA guidelines.

Senior dog food FAQs

What is the healthiest dog food for senior dogs?

Because dogs age differently and senior diets vary significantly, there's no single healthiest senior dog food. Adult dogs should eat complete and balanced food formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages. The AAFCO doesn't set standards for senior pet foods, so senior dog food recipes can vary significantly. This makes it important to talk to your vet about the most appropriate food for your dog's specific needs.

Should older dogs eat senior dog food? 

Our experts recommend feeding older dogs senior dog food because these recipes are tailored to their lifestyle and nutritional needs. Senior diets generally contain fewer calories than other adult dog foods due to the slower metabolic rates and decreased activity levels of senior dogs. Additionally, our experts suggest choosing senior dog foods that incorporate beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.

Should I feed my senior dog wet or dry food?

Both wet and dry foods offer nutritious options for senior dogs. While some older pets who have had teeth extracted may prefer wet food, others prefer kibble — whether they still have their teeth or not. If your dog won't eat wet food but has trouble chewing, you can always soften their kibble with some water. Your veterinarian may recommend feeding a wet food diet if your dog has a medical condition or tends to get dehydrated easily.

At what age should a dog be put on senior food?

According to our experts, dogs are considered seniors at different ages based on their breed size. Giant breeds may be considered seniors as early as 5 years old, while toy breeds may reach their senior years closer to age 10. It's not unhealthy for an older dog to switch to a senior diet based on age. However, Freeman recommends taking your dog's overall health into account. Senior dogs in good health may not need a senior diet. 

Does senior dog food make a difference?

Switching to a senior diet with more omega fatty acids, and joint-supporting ingredients can make a big difference in the quality and length of your pet's life. If you notice your older dog slowing down, checking in with your vet is always a good idea. They can assess your dog's health and recommend the best dog food for your senior pup.

• YouTuber Hank Green apologized to fans for using AI as a research aid for his content.
• Green runs popular YouTube channels that host accessible explainers on science and other subjects.
• Green said he will slow down or pause making content for his YouTube channels and web games.

Hank Green, one of the internet's most steadfast and reliable content creators, said he's slowing down production after fans criticized him for using AI.

In addition to his personal account, Green hosts the educational YouTube channels SciShow and Crash Course. SciShow is a collection of YouTube channels focused on different scientific disciplines, while Crash Course offers videos that break down topics like Latin American literature and reading statistics.

He also created the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel with his brother, John Green. Green said in a lengthy Reddit comment on Friday that fans can expect fewer YouTube videos for the foreseeable future.

"Expect less hankschannel. It may need to pause for a while," Green wrote. "It may be that Hankschannel comes back with writing and research support. It may be that it comes back with just way fewer videos."

Green said SMUSH and 4x3, two online daily word games he produces, will be paused.

The fresh discourse surrounding Green's use of AI was sparked earlier that day on X, where he told users he had used OpenAI's ChatGPT to research a script. The revelation shocked some X users, who suggested that Green undermined his credibility by using AI without disclosing it to viewers.

As tensions grew on X, Green deleted that post and pivoted to Reddit to address the situation. He told Redditors he's "mortified" that he's "let so many people down."

"I have been relying too heavily on AI as a research aid. It can be very useful for this task, giving me access to a lot of papers I didn't know existed really fast, but I think that has been to the detriment of my work because it has not given me the freedom to find all of my own ways into and around a topic," Green said.

As tech companies push AI to become a ubiquitous part of daily life, critics have voiced concern that it could impact critical thinking skills. In 2025, a survey published by Workday found that nearly half of respondents worried the tech would cause a decline in critical thinking.

There are also concerns around mental health. OpenAI is facing several lawsuits related to users' mental health, including those that say the chatbot encouraged suicide. In June, a coalition of states launched an investigation into ChatGPT's impact on young users.

AI hallucinations, or when LLMs generate inaccurate outputs, are another problem. They've begun popping up in court documents, forcing lawyers and law firms to apologize for including false or misleading information. They've also shown up in reports from some of the world's largest consulting firms.

Green said he uses AI to find resources to research different topics. He said, however, that fans deserve to know when his words are his own or a chatbot's.

"I've been moving so fast that my own process isn't actually clear to me and I want to have it be a guarantee moving forward," Green said.

Green told fans that he's not anti-AI but understands some of their concerns, such as how the tech is trained, its environmental implications, and the consolidation of economic power by tech companies. He ultimately apologized.

"It is very likely that you (the reader) and I disagree on how or even whether AI should be used," Green said. "I think it makes sense for that disagreement to exist. But I have also always believed that my audience is more likely to be right than I am. You know what this feels like in a way I can't. And I am so sorry for diluting myself in this way and harming the thing that we have all built together."

In the post, Green said he feels pressure when creating content and will strive to manage himself more effectively. He'll also address his interactions with AI, which he described as unhealthy.

"But mostly I need to come to terms with the fact that the level of dopamine I've been getting from interacting with LLMs...with doing more and more and more and more...is not healthy for me or good for the world," Green said. "It is careless, and has disconnected me from where people are on this."

The start of two nights of WWE action is just a few clicks away for a huge dose of WWE PLE (Premium Live Event) wrestling live from the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. We'll quickly run through your options on how to watch a SummerSlam live stream from anywhere in the world.

Netflix has extensive international rights to these major WWE events outside the USA. The good news, though, is that if you already have a US Netflix subscription, you can get around geo-restrictions and use that existing account to watch by setting a VPN to a country like Canada or the UK to spoof your viewing location.

Or you can stick with the local US option via the ESPN Unlimited app, which will cost $29.99 a month. You might be tempted to spend an extra $5 to bolt on access to Hulu and Disney+ as well.

• See also: Where to watch UFC | How to watch DC Open tennis

How to watch WWE SummerSlam from anywhere

WWE fans outside the location of their desired streaming service can still tune in with a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs are cybersecurity tools that enable people to appear to be in a different location. So if you're outside the UK or Canada at the moment, you can still watch on Netflix with a VPN. They're popular apps among those hoping to access their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad or boost their online privacy and security.

As far as VPNs go, our top recommendation of the best VPN services is consistently NordVPN. We've found that it unlocks international streaming better than anyone else and includes top-notch security features that can help boost your day-to-day privacy on the internet. Plus, it's a beginner-friendly option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can read more about it in our NordVPN review, and see below to learn how to use a VPN.

How to watch WWE SummerSlam in the UK, Canada, and more

Netflix is the streaming home of WWE SummerSlam in many countries outside the USA. Prices vary by region and depend on your subscription tier.

SummerSlam 2026 is available on Netflix in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UK.

If you're not currently in one of those countries, you can still watch SummerSlam on any Netflix account by changing your VPN settings to one of those countries before signing into Netflix and enjoying the action as detailed above.

How to watch WWE SummerSlam in the US

If you're in the US and don't want the VPN/Netflix route mentioned above, you can find SummerSlam on ESPN Unlimited. Unlike some previous WWE PLEs, you won't be able to catch the first hour of the action on ESPN2, so the entire event is only available on the Unlimited app, which costs $29.99 a month, or you can add Disney+ and Hulu for an extra five bucks.

Can I watch SummerSlam 2026 on demand after?

Yes, both nights of WWE SummerSlam will be available on demand shortly after their initial broadcast on ESPN Unlimited in the US and Netflix internationally, so there's no need to stay up if it runs late into the night where you are or if you're unavailable at that time.

There's usually also an option to start a live broadcast from the beginning if you're joining after it's already started.

So whichever streaming service you're planning to use, you're all set, whether you're watching live or at your leisure later.

• Sam Altman suggested a new use case for ChatGPT that wasn't well-received.
• Altman said parents could make a podcast about their kids' day to listen to on the drive to school.
• Some online commenters offered other suggestions, like "what if you just talked to your children?"

Sam Altman's concept of "cool" seems to differ from the majority.

In his X profile, he says, for instance, that "AI is cool i guess," a statement with which many would likely disagree. He also fails to capitalize "i," which some think is cool, but not all.

And when the OpenAI CEO shared what he called a "cool use case" for ChatGPT on X this week, the reception was not cool. It was cold.

"connect your family calendars and explain your kids' interests," he wrote, in lowercase, adding that it was not his own idea but one he heard. "every morning for the drive to school, have it make a podcast that talks about one kid's soccer game that afternoon, one kid's upcoming birthday, some news, etc."

The idea reflects a broader movement to use AI to ease the burdens of parenting — one that Altman has been promoting for close to a year now. Altman, who welcomed a son with his husband, Oliver Mulherin, in 2025, has said ChatGPT was indispensable during his first months as a father.

For many, however, the idea of inserting AI into every moment of every day, and especially in those spent with children, didn't go over all that well.

"What if you just talked to your children," Alex Hirsch, an animator who created the Disney kids show "Gravity Falls," wrote in response to Altman's suggestion, which got 10 times the number of likes.

Hundreds of X users piled on. Another user said, "using AI in place of real human connection is the worst possible use case for it."

That's a view OpenAI President Greg Brockman might be coming around to, too. In his own eyebrow-raising X post on Saturday, he said that his employees don't like it when ChatGPT asks them for things, even if they'd be "perfectly happy doing the same work" if a coworker asked.

"reinforces how much people care about human relationships and helping each other, and want AI to give time back — or enhance time together — rather than become a layer separating people," he wrote, in lowercase.

For parents who advocate using AI to help them parent, more time is exactly what they say they need. Hally Peck, a mother of two, told Business Insider that she uses an AI agent to manage work calendars, school schedules, activities, birthdays, and childcare logistics.

"I have two kids, and my husband also works full-time," she said. "We're both in very demanding jobs, which means time is our most critical resource."

Altman told Jimmy Fallon that he couldn't imagine "figuring out how to raise a newborn without ChatGPT," which he said he used for questions about developmental milestones and everyday childcare.

He has also said his children will grow up "vastly more capable" because they will learn to use AI, even though they will "never be smarter than AI."

Alexandr Wang, the 29-year-old Meta AI executive and Scale AI founder, has shared an even more extreme vision of AI parenting. He's said he may wait to have children until brain-computer interfaces such as Neuralink become sufficiently advanced. He said he believes that children's neuroplasticity allows them to adapt to technology early and will eventually think alongside superintelligent systems.

• Mayor Zohran Mamdani extended a deadline for homeowners seeking exemption from his pied-à-terre tax.
• Eligible homeowners now have until September 18 to apply for an exemption.
• The tax applies to people who own a secondary property in NYC valued at over $5 million, but who live elsewhere.

Wealthy homeowners who might be subject to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax just got more time to avoid it.

Mamdani and Department of Finance Commissioner Richard Lee announced on Saturday that the deadline for homeowners to submit an exemption application has been extended to September 18. That's four weeks past the original August 21 deadline.

"The extension gives homeowners additional time to establish that the property is their primary residence or demonstrate they are not subject to the surcharge," a press release said. "It also provides more time for homeowners to receive assistance from the Department of Finance and have their questions answered before submitting an application."

The press release said the City of New York has expanded its outreach efforts across the boroughs to improve its communication with residents about the tax.

Mamdani's announcement of the extension comes after some residents complained that the rollout was confusing and the notifications unclear. Some New Yorkers told The Wall Street Journal last week that they had been wrongly targeted by the tax. Others said the process to secure an exemption was overly difficult.

Mamdani introduced the pied-à-terre tax in April. It's part of his campaign promise to tax the rich. He has also proposed raising income taxes on the highest earners and the corporate tax rate.

The second-home tax will affect people who own a secondary property in New York City valued at more than $5 million but live elsewhere. The mayor's office said the tax is expected to generate about $500 million in annual revenue.

Property owners who may be subject to the tax were notified by the Department of Finance via letters starting in July.

The tax, also backed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, is intended to alleviate New York City's large budget gap. New York City Comptroller Mark Levine said in January that the city is facing a $2.2 billion budget shortfall for the 2026 fiscal year.

The tax has angered some wealthy residents, like Citadel CEO Ken Griffin and billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. President Donald Trump criticized the tax in an April Truth Social post that accused Mamadani of "destroying" New York City. The mayor's office faced further scrutiny in July after it released a public list of property owners who could be subject to the tax.

"The pied-à-terre tax is an important new tool to help our city collect the revenue we need for safer streets, cleaner parks, and other critical investments across the five boroughs," Mamdani said in the press release. "We are announcing the extension of the exemption application deadline to ensure that New Yorkers who received the 'You may be subject to...' letters have the time and information they need."

• I visited Greece on a cruise, which was perhaps my first mistake. I didn't get to see enough places.
• Practical clothing would've been helpful, and I wish I hadn't bothered pursuing famous photo ops.
• I wish I'd visited some of the smaller islands in Greece and made a better itinerary for Athens.

When one of my most anticipated trips turned out to be one of my most frustrating, it was entirely my own fault.

I travel professionally for a living, but I still get caught up in excitement and unrealistic expectations when planning. Like many travelers, I'd been dreaming of Greece for years. I watched "Mamma Mia," scrolled through Instagram, and let the images build an idea of what the trip would be like.

In the end, I left the country feeling disappointed and wishing I'd done a few things differently.

Booking a cruise instead of staying on-site didn't give me much time to explore

This was my first mistake, and it shaped the rest of the trip. I still think cruising is a great way to see the world, just not Greece.

In my opinion, the problem comes down to numbers. The ships carry too many people, and they are all landing on a small island at once.

Santorini isn't necessarily equipped to handle the thousands of passengers a cruise ship drops on its shores. Once you arrive, you still have to get up to the villages by tram, donkey, or a long walk.

We were the only ship in port that day, but I still had to wait several hours to reach where I wanted to explore. On a trip with limited time, that's a hard way to start the day.

Next time, I'd actually stay in Greece.

I missed out by only planning my trip around popular islands

This was my biggest mistake. I'd seen images of Santorini's white villages and Mykonos sunsets for years, so when I saw both islands on the cruise itinerary, I jumped at the chance to check off two places in one trip.

Greece isn't a destination you check off a list. It's a country meant to be savored. By choosing two of the busiest islands and spending only a day on each, I never got past the surface.

Both islands were stunning, but I felt rushed and had no time to take them all in. This showed me that my travel style leans toward quiet, undiscovered places over popular, crowded ones.

When I get to visit Greece again, I'll skip Santorini and Mykonos and visit smaller islands that offer quieter, more authentic experiences, such as Hydra, Kimolos, or Ithaca.

Familiarizing myself with Athens before arrival would've improved my trip

Athens is a wonderful, historic city with plenty to see. It's walkable, but seeing the most iconic sites still takes a plan. I didn't have one. I thought I'd just walk around and figure it out.

That led to hours of wandering, getting lost, and losing time in the wrong parts of the city. There was plenty to experience along the way, but I could have seen far more with a plan.

Now that I know more, I'd recommend staying in Plaka — it's within walking distance of the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and good food and shopping.

Also, I suggest booking dinner reservations in advance so you don't miss out on the places you actually want to try.

Pursuing specific photo opportunities wasn't worth my time

The minute I landed in Santorini, all I wanted was a photo in front of the famous blue-domed churches.

I didn't realize that meant walking shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other people down narrow streets where locals were just trying to run their businesses, then standing in line for over an hour for 10 seconds in front of the church.

It's gorgeous, but not worth losing an entire day for one photo. I caught the mistake quickly and hired a local guide to take me to the other side of the island, away from the crowds.

There I found quiet beaches, black- and red-sand shorelines, and small churches with no one in line. Away from Oia, I finally found the Greece I'd pictured.

I underestimated the physical demands of exploring Greece

I'm in decent shape and travel often, but Greece wore me out.

The heat in September was more intense than I expected, and the cobblestone streets, as pretty as they look, are hard to walk on, especially when everywhere I wanted to go was uphill.

I wanted to put on cute dresses and look photo-ready wherever I went, but I ended up wearing sneakers and a ponytail just to get through the day.

If I return, I'll pack more practical clothing, bring real sun protection, and plan around the heat instead of ignoring it.

Ultimately, I'd absolutely go back to Greece — just with a better plan next time

I had dreamt of visiting Greece for years, and as I left, I felt that the country I experienced was nothing like what I had expected.

It was maddening to realize that my disappointment would have been completely avoidable if I had planned differently.

Even though I left exhausted and frustrated, I'd still go back to Greece. I'd just travel differently — slower and more thoughtfully — so I could actually enjoy it.

• My mom was fiercely independent into her 80s, but recently moved into an assisted living facility.
• I didn't anticipate how helping her manage her digital life would be such a big part of her care.
• Two-factor authentication has left my mom unable to manage her accounts on her own.

I really didn't know what caring for an aging parent would be like.

After my father died, my mother continued living alone in New York City. She was in her mid-80s and fiercely independent. She managed all her finances, doctor appointments, and dinner dates with her new boyfriend. She loved her apartment, her lifestyle, her friends, and her iPhone 16, and had no interest in ever leaving. Then her health declined dramatically.

It became clear that staying alone in Manhattan was no longer safe for her without round-the-clock care, which, financially, was not an option. We decided to move her into an assisted living facility in Connecticut, near where I live.

Even though she signed off on the move, she was not happy. I took comfort in believing she would finally have the support she needed with meals, medications, transportation, and daily care. Plus, my son, husband, and I would be able to spend quality time with her.

What I didn't anticipate at all was how passwords would make such a big impact on my day-to-day life.

Tech has become a huge part of caring for my mom

What should have been a simple task — logging into one of my mom's health insurance accounts (she has five) to access reimbursement forms for a dental procedure — turned into an hour-long ordeal. I had to overcome a forgotten password, a verification code sent to an old email address, and the realization that I would need to get her on the phone with the insurance company so they could authorize me to speak on her behalf.

Over the last two years, those kinds of tasks have become a defining part of how my mom and I spend our time together.

My mom has never heard of a password manager like Dashlane, nor did she ever use Apple's version. And she couldn't set up Face ID (she has Parkinson's disease and can't keep her phone still). Instead, she kept every password in a black-and-white composition notebook. For years, that system worked well for her.

She was able to access her bank and investment accounts, as well as multiple insurance portals. She could pay her bills, order household items from Amazon, and send out digital greeting cards for every special occasion.

Then came two-factor authentication. Suddenly, a password wasn't enough. Accounts wanted codes sent to phones, backup email addresses, security questions, and app approvals. She was lost.

The more time I spend navigating these systems on her behalf, the more I realize that so many technological advancements weren't designed with people like her in mind.

Managing her digital life is an essential part of her care

When people talk about caregiving, they talk about healthcare. They don't talk about the moment a parent can no longer figure out why her phone stopped ringing (she accidentally pressed the silent button), retrieve and read a message from her doctor via MyChart (which requires the extra step of logging in and verifying her identity), or deposit a check via her banking app (her shaking hands have made it impossible to hold the phone steady enough to take a photo).

The woman who once managed her own finances, appointments, and social life in New York City now finds herself dependent on me to navigate systems she can no longer manage because of technology that assumes everyone uses a password manager, can retrieve verification codes on multiple devices, and can get the help they need from a chatbot instead of a person. My mom can't do any of that.

Rather than making life easier, the very tools designed to provide convenience and security have had the opposite effect. Every time my mom has to hand me her phone because she can't access an account or figure out why something isn't working, she loses a little more control over her own life. And for someone who spent nearly 90 years managing perfectly well on her own, that loss of independence and confidence is profound.

What surprises me most is how invisible this work is. I imagine there are many adult children like me who are finding themselves in a similar position. We aren't just helping our parents manage their healthcare. We're helping them navigate a world that increasingly assumes everyone is healthy enough, physically and cognitively. to keep up. For me, that has become one of the most important responsibilities of caring for my mom.

• The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going strong since "Iron Man" in 2008.
• But Marvel heroes have been around since as early as 1941.
• We compared every Avenger (or honorary Avenger) in the MCU to their comic-book counterpart.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is, for better or worse, sticking around through at least December 2028, with the release of "Black Panther 3," the long-awaited sequel to "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

That'll mark 20 years of the MCU and at least 42 feature films.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. The latest film in the MCU is "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which hit theaters on Friday.

Since 2008, there have been at least 100 or so characters we think have a credible case for membership in the Avengers.

We've compiled a list of 111 characters we've been introduced to on screen and compared them to their original comic-book forms. Some are near-identical copies; others have been slightly altered for their live-action appearances.

Here's what every Avenger looks like on the page and on the screen.

Warning: This post contains spoilers from every Marvel Cinematic Universe property from 2008 to 2026, including "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."

Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, was played by Robert Downey Jr. for just over a decade, from 2008 to 2019.

First comics appearance: "Tales of Suspense No. 39" in March 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Iron Man," "Iron Man 2," "The Avengers," "Iron Man 3," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Spider-Man: Homecoming," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame" as Downey Jr, and voiced by Mick Wingert in "What If...?"

Post-credit cameo: "The Incredible Hulk"

Gwyneth Paltrow played Pepper Potts, Tony's longtime assistant and eventual wife — and a superhero in her own right, Rescue.

First comics appearance: "Tales of Suspense No. 45" in September 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Iron Man," "Iron Man 2," "The Avengers," "Iron Man 3," "Spider-Man: Homecoming," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame," and voiced by Beth Hoyt in "What If...?"

Here's what Rescue looks like in the comics and in "Avengers: Endgame."

Pepper's still around in the MCU, with a name-drop in "Spider-Man: Far from Home," so she could make another appearance as either herself or Rescue in the future, if Paltrow wants.

Rescue made her comics debut in "The Invincible Iron Man No. 10" in May 2009.

Tony's other best friend, James "Rhodey" Rhodes (or War Machine or Iron Patriot), was played by Terrence Howard for the first "Iron Man" and then recast with Don Cheadle.

First comics appearance:  "Iron Man No. 118" in January 1979

Main MCU appearances: "Iron Man" (as Howard), "Iron Man 2," "Iron Man 3," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "What If...?" and "Secret Invasion"

Post-credit cameo: "Captain Marvel"

Here's what War Machine looks like on the page and on-screen.

Howard never got to play War Machine. During the first "Iron Man," he longingly looks at a suit and says, "Next time," which was more a nod to his comics canon at the time than a promise of a sequel. By the time "Iron Man 2" rolled around, he had been recast.

War Machine first appeared in "Iron Man No. 281" in June 1992.

Bruce Banner was originally played by Edward Norton, but was recast with Mark Ruffalo for all subsequent appearances.

First comics appearance: "The Incredible Hulk No. 1" in May 1962

Main MCU appearances: "The Incredible Hulk" (played by Norton), "The Avengers," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," 'Marvel Zombies," "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law," and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (played by Ruffalo)

Post-credit cameos: "Iron Man 3," "Captain Marvel," and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Here's his extremely famous, extremely green counterpart, the Hulk.

The Hulk hasn't actually been in every movie that Bruce has been in.

He doesn't show up in "Iron Man 3" or "Captain Marvel," is barely in "Avengers: Infinity War," and has completely reformed as "Smart Hulk" in "Endgame" — though he was back in his human form in "Shang-Chi" and "She-Hulk," temporarily, to help heal an injury he sustained in "Endgame."

The Hulk was a not-so-lean, green fighting machine once again in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" due to some psychic interference.

Scarlett Johansson was one of the longest-running Avengers. She made her debut as super-spy Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, back in 2010's "Iron Man 2."

First comics appearance: "Tales of Suspense No. 52" in April 1964

Main MCU appearances: "Iron Man 2," "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Black Widow" as Johansson,  and voiced by Lake Bell in "What If...?"

Post-credit cameo: "Captain Marvel"

Florence Pugh made her debut as the new Black Widow, Yelena Belova, in "Black Widow."

First comics appearance: "Inhumans No. 5" in March 1999

Main MCU appearances: "Black Widow," "Hawkeye," "Marvel Zombies," "Thunderbolts*," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Red Guardian, the Soviet version of Captain America, also debuted in "Black Widow." He's played by David Harbour.

First comics appearance: "Avengers No. 43" in January 1967

Main MCU appearances: "Black Widow," "Marvel Zombies," "What If...?," "Thunderbolts*," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Nick Fury, former head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and famed super-spy, has been around for decades and has had many designs throughout the years. This is what he originally looked like — and here's how Samuel L. Jackson portrays him.

First comics appearance: "Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos No. 1" in May 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Iron Man 2," "Captain America: The First Avenger," "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain Marvel," "Avengers: Endgame, "Spider-Man: Far From Home," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "What If...?," "Secret Invasion," and "The Marvels"

Post-credit cameos: "Iron Man," "Thor," and "Avengers: Infinity War"

The God of Thunder himself, Thor, has been played by Chris Hemsworth for a decade and counting.

First comics appearance: "Journey Into Mystery No. 83" in August 1962

Main MCU Appearances: "Thor," "The Avengers," "Thor: The Dark World," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "Deadpool & Wolverine," "Marvel Zombies" (voiced by Greg Furman), and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Post-credit cameo: "Doctor Strange"

Natalie Portman made her debut as Jane Foster in 2011's "Thor" ...

First comics appearance: "Journey Into Mystery No. 84" in September 1962

Main MCU appearances: "Thor," "Thor: The Dark World," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," and "Thor: Love and Thunder"

And 11 years later, Portman became the Mighty Thor in "Thor: Love and Thunder."

Jane made her debut as her version of Thor in "Mighty Thor No. 1" in November 2015.

 

We're considering the keeper of the Bifrost, Heimdall, an honorary Avenger, as he's the only other Asgardian outside Thor and Loki to appear in "Avengers" films. He was played by Idris Elba.

First comics appearance: "Journey Into Mystery No. 85" in October 1962

Main MCU appearances: "Thor," Thor: The Dark World," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "What If...?"

Post-credit cameos: "Thor: Love and Thunder"

Since Lady Sif is Thor's only surviving Asgardian friend, she's an honorary Avenger, too. She's played by Jaimie Alexander.

First comics appearance: "Journey Into Mystery No. 102" in March 1964

Main MCU appearances: "Thor," Thor: The Dark World," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "Loki," "What If...?" and "Thor: Love and Thunder"

Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, is now the King of Asgard after joining up with Thor as part of the "Revengers."

First comics appearance: "The Avengers No. 83" in December 1970

Main MCU appearances: "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "The Marvels," and "Marvel Zombies"

Korg, who is voiced by Taika Waititi, can be seen fighting in the final battle of "Endgame," making him an Avenger.

First comics appearance: "Incredible Hulk Vol. 2, No. 93" in May 2006 — though he was later retconned to have appeared in 1962's "Journey Into Mystery No. 83"

Main MCU appearances: "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," and "Thor: Love and Thunder"

Miek was there, too. In the films, he's more of a larva-like creature than the humanoid roach of the comics.

First comics appearance: "The Incredible Hulk Vol. 2, No. 2" in April 2006

Main MCU appearances: "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," and "Thor: Love and Thunder"

At this point, Loki, Thor's brother, is basically an Avenger after starting out as a villain. He's played by Tom Hiddleston.

First comics appearance: "Journey Into Mystery No. 85" in October 1962

MCU appearances: "Thor," "The Avengers," "Thor: The Dark World," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "Loki," "What If...?," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Chris Evans embodied the spirit of a true hero as Steve Rogers — better known as Captain America — for eight years, from 2011 to 2019. He's back this year for "Avengers: Doomsday."

First comics appearance: "Captain America Comics No. 1" in March 1941

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: The First Avenger," "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday" played by Evans, and in "What If...?" and "Marvel Zombies" voiced by Josh Keaton

Post-credit cameos: "Ant-Man" and "Captain Marvel." Evans also pops up in "Thor: The Dark World" for a few seconds and is seen throughout "Spider-Man: Homecoming" in a series of instructional videos as well as a post-credits scene.

Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell, was one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the first character to get her own spin-off show due to her popularity.

First comics appearance: "Tales of Suspense No. 75" in March 1966

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Agent Carter," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "Ant-Man," "Avengers: Endgame," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Atwell has also played an alternate version, or variant, of a powered-up Peggy Carter in "What If...?" and "Multiverse of Madness" called Captain Carter.

First comics appearance: "Exiles Vol. 3 No. 3" in May 2018

Main MCU appearances: "What If...?" and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness"

Bucky Barnes begins his MCU tenure as Steve's best friend before seemingly dying in "Captain America: The First Avenger." He's played by Sebastian Stan.

First comics appearance: "Captain America Comics No. 1" in March 1941

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "What If...?," "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts*," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Post-credit cameos: "Ant-Man" and "Black Panther"

But, as many Marvel fans knew, he wasn't actually dead. Instead, he became a mind-controlled assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Over the course of the MCU, he eventually got his mind back.

Basically, he cut off his Winter Soldier hair and got a new robotic arm.

In the comics, Bucky has a stint as the new Captain America once he breaks free of the mind control, so we'll see if he gets to wield the shield one day — though that's looking less likely.

Bucky made his comics debut as Captain America in "Captain America No. 34" in January 2008.

Anthony Mackie's character, Sam Wilson, or Falcon, has a more toned-down appearance from his comics look. He's also one of Steve's closest friends ...

First comics appearance: "Captain America No. 117" in September 1969

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Ant-Man," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "What If...?," "Captain America: Brave New World," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

... leading him to be chosen as the new Captain America. He debuted the look, which is way more accurate to the comics, in the Disney+ series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

As the title card at the end of the season finale indicated, Sam's the new Cap. He even had his own solo film, "Captain America: Brave New World," to prove it.

Sam made his comics debut as Captain America in "All-New Captain America No. 1" in January 2015.

The new Falcon is Joaquin Torres, played by Danny Ramirez.

First comics appearance: "Captain America: Sam Wilson No. 1" in October 2015

Main MCU appearances: "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "Captain America: Brave New World," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

John Walker, aka US Agent, joined the team in "Thunderbolts*." He's played by Wyatt Russell.

First comics appearance: "Captain America No. 323" in July 1986

Main MCU appearances: "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "Thunderbolts*," "Marvel Zombies," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Another Thunderbolt is Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen. She was introduced as a misunderstood villain in "Ant-Man and the Wasp."

First comics appearance: "Iron Man No. 219" in June 1987

MCU appearances: "Ant-Man and the Wasp," "Thunderbolts*," "Marvel Zombies," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

The Sentry, or Bob (or the Void!), is played by Lewis Pullman in "Thunderbolts*." He's another misunderstood villain.

First comics appearance: "Sentry No. 1" in July 2000

MCU appearances: "Thunderbolts*" and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Agent 13, aka Sharon Carter, is played by Emily VanCamp and is introduced as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. She is later revealed to be Peggy Carter's niece. She's since taken more of a villainous turn.

First comics appearance: "Tales of Suspense No. 75" in March 1966

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Captain America: Civil War," "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," and "What If...?"

We finally got a more comics-accurate purple costume for Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye in the finale of his Disney+ series — at least, more comics-accurate to the Matt Fraction 2012 comics run that the show is based on.

First comics appearance: "Tales of Suspense No. 57" in September 1964

Main MCU appearances: "The Avengers," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?" "Hawkeye," "Marvel Zombies," and (rumored) the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Cameos: This isn't technically a "post-credit" cameo, but Renner has an uncredited appearance in "Thor," introducing his character to the universe. His photo was also shown at the end of "Black Widow."

For a brief scene in "Avengers: Endgame," we see Clint take on the mantle of Ronin. We learned more about this time period in "Hawkeye."

We didn't get a great look at the full Ronin suit in "Endgame," but after the better look we got at it in "Hawkeye," it definitely has gold accents, much like the comic costume.

Clint's version of Ronin made his comics debut in "New Avengers No. 27" in April 2007.

Hailee Steinfeld joined the MCU as Kate Bishop, another Hawkeye, in the Disney+ series of the same name.

First comics appearance: "Young Avengers No. 1" in April 2005

Main MCU appearances: "Hawkeye," "What If…?," and "Marvel Zombies"

Post-credit cameo: "The Marvels"

Laura Barton was revealed as the former Agent 19 in "Hawkeye" finale — she's probably a reimagining of Clint's wife in the comics, Mockingbird. She's played by Linda Cardellini and was introduced all the way back in "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

First comics appearance: "Astonishing Tales No. 18" in June 1973 as Agent 19, "Ultimates 2 No. 2" in March 2005, as Laura Barton

Main MCU appearances: "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Hawkeye"

Note: In the comics, Mockingbird's real name is Barbara "Bobbi" Morse. That version of the character was introduced in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." as played by Adrianne Palicki, but most of "AoS" hasn't been regarded as canon in the MCU at large.

Echo, aka Maya Lopez, might've started off as a villain, but we think she's well on her way to a more heroic destiny. She's played by Alaqua Cox.

First comics appearance: "Daredevil No. 9" in December 1999

MCU appearances: "Hawkeye" and "Echo"

Maria Hill was one of Nick Fury's most loyal allies and a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. She was played by Cobie Smulders until her character's death in "Secret Invasion."

First comics appearance: "The New Avengers No. 4" in March 2005

Main MCU appearances: "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Avengers: Endgame," Spider-Man: Far From Home," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "What If...?," and "Secret Invasion"

Post-credit cameo: "Avengers: Infinity War"

Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, was finally called the Scarlet Witch in "WandaVision," and inhabited the character flawlessly in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," even if she was more villain than Avenger.

First comics appearance: "The X-Men No. 4" in March 1964

Main MCU appearances: "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "WandaVision," "What If...?" "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," and "Marvel Zombies"

Post-credit cameo: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"

Paul Bettany made his MCU on-screen debut as Vision in 2015 after years of voicing J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony Stark's artificial intelligence system.

First comics appearance: "Avengers Vol. 1, No. 57" in August 1968

Main MCU appearances: "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," "WandaVision," "What If...?," and the coming Disney+ series "VisionQuest"

Wanda and Vision's son Billy, better known as Wiccan, debuted in "WandaVision," and then reappeared in "Agatha All Along."

First comics appearance: "Young Avengers No. 6" in August 2005

Main MCU appearances: "WandaVision" and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" played by Julian Hilliard, and "Agatha All Along" and the coming "VisionQuest," played by Joe Locke

Quicksilver, or Pietro Maximoff, was introduced in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson — and then a fake version of the character was played by Evan Peters in "WandaVision."

First comics appearance: "The X-Men No. 4" in March 1964

Main MCU appearances: "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (played by Taylor-Johnson) and "WandaVision" (played by Peters)

Post-credit cameo: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (played by Taylor-Johnson)

Note: Peters also plays a different version of Quicksilver in the 20th Century Fox "X-Men" universe in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "X-Men: Apocalypse," "Dark Phoenix," and "Deadpool 2."

Moving on to more cosmic characters, Chris Pratt plays Peter Quill (or Star-Lord) of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

First comics appearance: "Marvel Preview No. 4" in January 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?" (voiced by Brian T. Delaney), "Thor: Love and Thunder," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Gamora, an assassin turned hero and adopted daughter of Thanos, is played by Zoe Saldaña.

First comics appearance: "Strange Tales No. 80" in June 1975

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," played by Saldaña, and "What If...?," voiced by Cynthia McWilliams

Drax the Destroyer, played by Dave Bautista, ditched the cape for his MCU look.

First comics appearance: "The Invincible Iron Man No. 55" in February 1973

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?" (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), "Thor: Love and Thunder," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

It's easy to forget that Rocket Raccoon is voiced by Bradley Cooper ...

First comics appearance: "Marvel Preview No. 7" in summer 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "I Am Groot," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," and "Marvel Zombies"

... or that Groot is voiced by none other than Vin Diesel.

First comics appearance: "Tales to Astonish No. 13" in November 1960

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "I Am Groot," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," and "Marvel Zombies"

Although Yondu started off as an antagonist, he eventually joined the Guardians of the Galaxy — and, by extension, the Avengers. He was played by Michael Rooker.

First comics appearance: "Marvel Super-Heroes No. 18" in January 1969

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "What If...?," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, also started out as an antagonist, but, along with her sister Gamora, joined the Guardians and later the Avengers.

First comics appearance: "The Avengers No. 257" in July 1985

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Mantis joined the Guardians in "Vol. 2," and is played by Pom Klementieff.

First comics appearance: "The Avengers No. 112" in June 1973

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

In "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," Adam Warlock, as played by Will Poulter, joins the team by the end of the film.

First comics appearance: "Marvel Premiere No. 1" in April 1972

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Post-credit appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (inside a pod)

So did Kraglin, Yondu's former first-mate. He's played by Sean Gunn.

First comics appearance: "Tales to Astonish No. 46" in August 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Thor: Love and Thunder," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Another new member of the team is Cosmo the Space Dog, voiced by Maria Bakalova.

First comics appearance: "Nova Vol. 4 No. 8" in January 2008

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy," Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "What If...?," "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

An alternate version of Phyla-Vell also joined the Guardians, played by Kai Zen.

First comics appearance: "Captain Marvel Vol. 5 No. 16" in January 2004

Main MCU appearances: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

The Scott Lang version of Ant-Man, played by Paul Rudd, is remarkably similar to the comics.

First comics appearance: "The Avengers No. 181" in March 1979

Main MCU appearances: "Ant-Man," "Captain America: Civil War," "Ant-Man and the Wasp," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," "Marvel Zombies," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

In the comics, Hope Pym is the villain known as the Red Queen. In the MCU, Hope van Dyne takes on the superhero mantle of the Wasp from her mother and is played by Evangeline Lilly.

First comics appearance: "A-Next No. 7" in April 1999

Main MCU appearances: "Ant-Man," "Ant-Man and the Wasp," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?" "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and "Marvel Zombies"

Henry "Hank" Pym is the original Ant-Man and is played by Michael Douglas.

First comics appearance: "Tales to Astonish No. 27" in January 1962

Main MCU appearances: "Ant-Man," "Ant-Man and the Wasp," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and "Marvel Zombies"

In "Ant-Man and the Wasp," we got our first real look at Janet van Dyne's version of the Wasp, as played by Michelle Pfeiffer.

First comics appearance: "Tales to Astonish No. 44" in June 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Ant-Man," "Ant-Man and the Wasp," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and "Marvel Zombies"

Scott's daughter Cassie, now played by Kathryn Newton, assumed her comics alter ego Stature in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."

First comics appearance: "Marvel Premiere No. 47" in April 1979 as Cassie and "Young Avengers No. 6" in May 2006 as Stature

Main MCU appearances: "Ant-Man" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp" played by Abby Ryder Fortson; "Avengers: Endgame" played by Emma Fuhrmann; and "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday," played by Newton

Doctor Strange — or, to be more precise, Dr. Stephen Strange — is the former Sorcerer Supreme. He's played by Benedict Cumberbatch.

First comics appearance: "Strange Tales No. 110" in July 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Doctor Strange," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Wong is a fellow Master of the Mystic Arts, played by Benedict Wong. He's now the Sorcerer Supreme due to a "technicality."

First comics appearance: "Strange Tales No. 110" in July 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Doctor Strange," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," and "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law"

The Ancient One helped the Avengers in the first film — and then again during the time heist in "Endgame," making her an official Avenger in our books. She was played by Tilda Swinton, a significant departure from the comics character.

First comics appearance: "Strange Tales No. 110" in July 1963

Main MCU appearances: "Doctor Strange," "Avengers: Endgame," and "What If...?"

America Chavez punched her way into the MCU in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," played by Xochitl Gomez. She has the power to punch star-shaped holes through the multiverse.

First comics appearance: "Vengeance No. 1" in September 2011

Main MCU appearances: "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" and (potentially) the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Doctor Strange's future love interest, Clea, made a post-credits cameo in "Multiverse of Madness," played by Charlize Theron.

First comics appearance: "Strange Tales No. 146" in July 1966

Post-credits cameos: "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness"

Black Panther, King T'Challa of Wakanda, was introduced in "Captain America: Civil War." He was played by Chadwick Boseman until his death in 2020, with his last performance as T'Challa in "What If...?"

First comics appearance: "Fantastic Four No. 52" in July 1966

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: Civil War," "Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," and "Marvel Zombies"

Note: With Boseman's death, his version of Black Panther will no longer appear. However, in July 2026, David Jonsson was announced as the star of "Black Panther 3," playing an aged-up version of T'Challa's son introduced in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," also named T'Challa.

Shuri, T'Challa's younger sister, is the new Black Panther. She's played by Letitia Wright.

First comics appearance: "Black Panther Vol. 4, No. 2" in May 2005

Main MCU appearances: "Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?" (voiced by Ozioma Akagha), "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," and the coming films "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Black Panther 3"

Okoye, as played by Danai Gurira, is one of the formidable bodyguards known as the Dora Milaje.

First comics appearance: "Black Panther Vol. 3, No. 1" in November 1998

Main MCU appearances: "Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "What If...?," and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," played by Gurira, and "Marvel Zombies" voiced by Kenna Ramsey

M'Baku (known as Man-Ape in the comics) started as a foil to T'Challa but later joined his council and became a trusted ally. He is played by Winston Duke.

First comics appearance: "Avengers No. 62" in March 1969

Main MCU appearances: "Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," and the coming films "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Black Panther 3"

The version of Nakia in the MCU played by Lupita Nyong'o is strictly heroic, but in the comics, she's a villain known as Malice.

First comics appearance: "Black Panther Vol. 3, No. 1" in November 1998

Main MCU appearances: "Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

Another member of the Dora Milaje is Ayo, played by Florence Kasumba.

First comics appearance: "Black Panther Vol. 3, No. 1" in November 1998

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: Civil War," "Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War," "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

Riri Williams, better known as Ironheart, made her debut in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," played by Dominique Thorne.

First comics appearance: "Invincible Iron Man No. 7" in May 2016

Main MCU appearances: "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," "Ironheart," and "Marvel Zombies"

Spider-Man joined the MCU in "Captain America: Civil War," and we can't wait to see what happens to Tom Holland's version of Peter Parker in the future.

First comics appearance: "Amazing Fantasy No. 15" in August 1962

Main MCU appearances: "Captain America: Civil War," "Spider-Man: Homecoming," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," "Spider-Man: Far From Home," "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday" played by Holland, and voiced by Hudson Thames in "What If...?" and "Marvel Zombies"

Cameo: It was retroactively decided that a young boy in "Iron Man 2" whom Tony saved from a drone was actually a young Peter Parker.

Captain Marvel, real name Carol Danvers, became the first female Marvel superhero with her own movie in 2019. She's played by Brie Larson.

First comics appearance: "Marvel Super-Heroes No. 13" in March 1968

Main MCU appearances: "Captain Marvel," "Avengers: Endgame," and "The Marvels, played by Larson, and "What If...?" and "Marvel Zombies," voiced by Alexandra Daniels

Post-credit appearances: "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Ms. Marvel"

Talos, as played by Ben Mendelsohn, started off as (we thought) an antagonist in "Captain Marvel," but became a close ally to Nick Fury until his death in "Secret Invasion." He's known as Talos the Untamed in the comics.

First comics appearance: "The Incredible Hulk No. 418" in June 1994

Main MCU appearances: "Captain Marvel," "The Marvels," and "Secret Invasion"

Post-credit cameo: "Spider-Man: Far From Home" (though it was really him the whole time in disguise)

Talos' daughter G'iah, played by Emilia Clarke, is now a Super Skrull, and one of the most powerful beings in the MCU.

First comics appearance: "Meet the Skrulls No. 1" in March 2019

Main MCU appearances: "Captain Marvel," as played by Auden L. Ophuls and Harriet L. Ophuls, and "Secret Invasion," played by Clarke

A young Monica Rambeau, played by Akira Akbar, was first seen in "Captain Marvel." An older version played by Teyonah Parris was introduced in "WandaVision," setting her on her path to becoming Photon (or Pulsar, or Spectrum).

First comics appearance: "The Amazing Spider-Man Annual No. 16" in October 1982

Main MCU appearances: "Captain Marvel" (played by Akbar), "WandaVision," "The Marvels," and "What If...?" (played by Parris)

Iman Vellani starred as Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, in the Disney+ series of the same name. She was confirmed as the MCU's first mutant in the season finale.

First comics appearance: "Captain Marvel No. 14" in August 2013

Main MCU appearances: "Ms. Marvel," "The Marvels," and "Marvel Zombies"

She's helped out by Kareem, aka Red Dagger, played by Aramis Knight.

First comics appearance: "Ms. Marvel Vol. 4 No. 12" in October 2016

Main MCU appearances: "Ms. Marvel"

Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu, made his MCU debut in 2021. In the comics, he's the most skilled martial artist in the world.

First comics appearance: "Special Marvel Edition No. 15" in December 1973

Main MCU appearances: "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," "Marvel Zombies," and the coming film "Avengers: Doomsday"

Shang-Chi's sister Xialing, played by Meng'er Zhang, is a combination of a few comic characters, but mainly Shang-Chi's half-sister in the comics, Sister Dagger.

First comics appearance: "Shang-Chi No. 1" in September 2020

Main MCU appearances: "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

In "Eternals," an entire team of super-powered beings was introduced to the MCU. First up is Gemma Chan's Sersi, who has the power of atomic manipulation.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 3" in September 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

Note: Chan played an entirely separate character, Minn-Erva, in "Captain Marvel"

One of her love interests, Dane Whitman, aka Black Knight, is played by Kit Harington. His eventual superhero status was teased in one of the post-credit scenes.

First comics appearance: "The Avengers No. 47" in December 1967

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

A fan-favorite Eternal is Kingo, played by Kumail Nanjiani, who basically creates cosmic finger guns. In the comics, Kingo is Japanese, while the MCU version is a Bollywood movie star.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 11" in May 1977

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

The leader of the Eternals is Ajak, who has healing abilities. In the comics, Ajak is a man, while the MCU version is played by Salma Hayek.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 2" in August 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

Don Lee plays Gilgamesh, an Eternal with especially enhanced strength. In the comics, he's also known as the Forgotten One.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 13" in July 1977

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

In the MCU, the Greek warrior goddess Athena is apparently inspired by Angelina Jolie's Thena, an Eternal who can create cosmic weaponry. Her look is one of the most comics-accurate.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 5" in November 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

Lia McHugh plays a gender-swapped Sprite, an eternally young Eternal who can create duplicates of herself and mask her appearance.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 9" in March 1977

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

Phastos, an Eternal with considerable engineering and technological skills, is played by Brian Tyree Henry, and is the first canonically LGBTQ+ superhero in the MCU.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals Vol. 2, No. 1" in October 1985

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

 

Lauren Ridloff's character Makkari, also a man in the comics, is another first for the MCU: Makkari, a speedster, is its first deaf superhero.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 5" in November 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

Druig is yet another Eternal — he has mind-control powers. He's played by Barry Keoghan.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 11" in May 1977

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals"

The final Eternal, Ikaris, has more enigmatic motivations than the rest of his fellow Eternals. Played by Richard Madden, he basically has the same power set as Superman.

First comics appearance: "The Eternals No. 1" in July 1976

Main MCU appearances: "Eternals" and "Marvel Zombies"

Moon Knight was introduced to the MCU as played by Oscar Isaac. In the comics, Moon Knight (real name Marc Spector) is a vigilante with dissociative identity disorder.

First comics appearance: "Werewolf by Night No. 32" in August 1975

Main MCU appearances: "Moon Knight"

In the comics, one of Marc's personalities is Mr. Knight. In the series, that's the Moon Knight suit of one of Marc's personalities, Steven Grant.

First comics appearance: "Moon Knight Vol. 7, No. 1" in March 2014

Main MCU appearances: "Moon Knight"

Layla El-Faouly, played by May Calamawy, was introduced as the MCU's gender-swapped version of the Scarlet Scarab.

First comics appearance: "The Invaders No. 23" in December 1977

Main MCU appearances: "Moon Knight"

Bruce Banner's cousin Jennifer Walters, better known as She-Hulk, made her debut in the Disney+ series "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law." She's played by Tatiana Maslany.

First comics appearance: "The Savage She-Hulk No. 1" in February 1980

Main MCU appearances: "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law"

Charlie Cox has played Daredevil across various pieces of media, most recently in "Daredevil: Born Again."

First comics appearance: "Daredevil No. 1" in April 1964

Main MCU appearances: "Daredevil," "The Defenders," "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law," "Echo," and "Daredevil: Born Again"

Jessica Jones returned in "Daredevil: Born Again," once again played by Krysten Ritter.

First comics appearance: "Alias No. 1" in September 2001

Main MCU appearances: "Jessica Jones," "The Defenders," and "Daredevil: Born Again"

Frank Castle also officially joined the MCU in "Daredevil: Born Again," still played by Jon Bernthal.

First comics appearance: "Amazing Spider-Man No. 129" in October 1973

Main MCU appearances: "Daredevil," "The Punisher," "Daredevil: Born Again," "The Punisher: One Last Kill," and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"

Another member of the Netflix universe, Luke Cage, as played by Mike Colter, also popped up in "Daredevil: Born Again."

First comics appearance: "Luke Cage, Hero for Hire No. 1" in June 1972

Main MCU appearances: "Jessica Jones," "Luke Cage," "The Defenders," and "Daredevil: Born Again"

We're not sure yet how Gael García Bernal's Werewolf by Night will fit into the MCU, but we're betting he'll be an Avenger eventually. Here's what he looks like when he transforms.

First comics appearance: "Marvel Spotlight No. 2" in February 1972

Main MCU appearances: "Werewolf by Night"

And here's his human alter ego, aka Jack Russell.

Yes, like the Jack Russell terrier.

And, we assume, so will his new friend and monster hunter, Elsa Bloodstone, played by Laura Donnelly.

First comics appearance: "Bloodstone No. 1" in December 2001

Main MCU appearances: "Werewolf by Night"

The definitely misunderstood, possibly gentle giant Man-Thing also debuted in "Werewolf by Night."

First comics appearance: "Savage Tales No. 1" in May 1971

Main MCU appearances: "Werewolf by Night"

Deadpool finally joined the MCU in "Deadpool & Wolverine," played by Ryan Reynolds.

First comics appearance: "The New Mutants No. 98" in February 1991

Main MCU appearances: "Deadpool & Wolverine" and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday" (we think)

Note: Reynolds also played Deadpool in the 20th Century Fox "X-Men" universe in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "Deadpool," and "Deadpool 2."

After over two decades, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine also entered the MCU in "Deadpool & Wolverine."

First comics appearance: "The Incredible Hulk No. 180" in October 1974

Main MCU appearances: "Deadpool & Wolverine"

Note: Jackman also played Wolverine in the 20th Century Fox "X-Men" universe in "X-Men," "X2," "X-Men: The Last Stand," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "X-Men: First Class," "The Wolverine," "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "X-Men: Apocalypse," and "Logan."

Channing Tatum finally got to play Gambit in "Deadpool & Wolverine" years after he was first supposed to take over the role.

First comics appearance: "The Uncanny X-Men Annual No. 14" in July 1990

Main MCU appearances: "Deadpool & Wolverine" and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday"

Note: A different version of Gambit played by Taylor Kitsch appeared in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

In 2025, the Fantastic Four finally became part of the MCU. First up is Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, the extra-stretchy Mister Fantastic.

First comics appearance: "Fantastic Four No. 1" in November 1961

Main MCU appearances: "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday"

Post-credit cameo: The team's ship was seen in "Thunderbolts*"

Note: The version of Reed Richards played by Chris Evans in the 2005 and 2007 versions of the Fantastic Four made an appearance in "Deadpool & Wolverine."

His wife, Sue, the Invisible Woman, is played by Vanessa Kirby.

First comics appearance: "Fantastic Four No. 1" in November 1961

Main MCU appearances: "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday"

Post-credit cameo: The team's ship was seen in "Thunderbolts*"

Sue's brother, Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, is played by Joseph Quinn.

First comics appearance: "Fantastic Four No. 1" in November 1961

Main MCU appearances: "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday"

Post-credit cameo: The team's ship was seen in "Thunderbolts*"

Rounding out the team is The Thing, or Ben Grimm, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

First comics appearance: "Fantastic Four No. 1" in November 1961

Main MCU appearances: "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and the coming "Avengers: Doomsday"

Post-credit cameo: The team's ship was seen in "Thunderbolts*"

Note: Moss-Bachrach played a different Marvel character, Micro, in the Netflix series "The Punisher."

The latest addition to our (huge) crew is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man, in the Disney+ series of the same name.

First comics appearance: "The Avengers No. 9" in October 1964

Main MCU appearances: "Wonder Man"

• Real estate broker Billy Pritchard buys and flips foreclosed homes.
• Foreclosed homes usually come with a lower price tag, but a higher risk.
• It can be a great deal for those willing to take a risk and put in the work.

Billy Pritchard loves a deal.

The Lafayette, Louisiana-based real-estate broker, 46, found his niche buying and flipping foreclosed homes after buying his first foreclosed home one year into his real estate career.

"It was at a really good price range where I probably wouldn't have to put a ton of money into it," Pritchard told Business Insider. "But it was a kind of house that a lot of people don't like to touch because it's on piers, and there were rotten beams, joists underneath, and you had to get it leveled and replace all the subfloor."

Taking those risks paid off for Pritchard, who said he now buys and flips a few foreclosed homes each year.

A foreclosed property is one that is repossessed by the lender or bank after the owner fails to make mortgage payments. A July report from Realtor.com found that the median price of a foreclosed home listed on the MLS sells for 27.2% lower than its estimated value.

There are several ways to buy a foreclosed home; Pritchard mainly focuses on sheriff sales or waits until the lender or bank puts the property on the MLS. A sheriff sale is essentially an auction after the sheriff seizes a property.

Pritchard said he aims to profit at least 30% after buying and renovating a foreclosed property — and sometimes that's easier said than done.

Here are the pros, cons, and misconceptions about buying foreclosed properties, according to Pritchard.

It's not always as much work as you think

When people think of foreclosed properties, their minds might go to homes in distress, but Pritchard said that's not always the case.

"A common misconception is that foreclosed homes are all going to be destroyed and in horrible condition, and that you're going to have to gut the entire thing," he said.

Pritchard said that in his experience, about 50% of the foreclosed homes he encounters need a full overhaul. He added that it's rare for him to come across a property that has been neglected beyond repair.

"People think that if a house is getting foreclosed, the people living there didn't take care of the house — that's not always true," he said. "Or maybe the utilities hadn't been turned on in a long time, and people have been squatting in it, stuff like that. That's not true most of the time — it happens, but it's not a most of the time thing."

You can usually find a great deal in a foreclosed home

The obvious benefit of buying a foreclosed property is that you're often saving a lot of money on the initial purchase.

For sheriff sales specifically, you generally can't go inside the home before the purchase, so you're hoping for a nice surprise on the inside.

"When you can only view the exterior of the home, you may luck out and the home may be beautiful on the inside," Pritchard said. "I've seen it happen where people have only had to put in $5,000, and they got themselves something that was probably 30% plus below market value."

Pritchard added that for those looking to flip the home rather than live in it, there's a lot of potential value.

As of April, foreclosed homes on the MLS accounted for 1.3% of active listings, but in some markets, that share is significantly higher. The foreclosure share of listings in Lake Charles, Louisiana, about 75 miles West of Lafayette, is 10.2%, the highest in the country, according to Realtor.

You have to be OK flying blind when you buy a foreclosed home

Pritchard said that one of the biggest cons to buying a foreclosed property is the lack of information you're given about it.

In Louisiana, sellers are required to sign a property disclosure agreement in which they list the defects of a home, such as the age of the roof or issues with the HVAC system.

In the case of foreclosures, banks are not required to fill out a property disclosure agreement because they never lived in the home.

"With a foreclosure, the bank is exempt from filing that out, so you're kind of shooting in the dark," Pritchard said. He added that if the home is listed on the MLS, you can get an inspection done while under contract.

Another con related to a home's history is title issues, Pritchard said.

"You always, always, always want to get title insurance with a foreclosure," he said. "I have had title issues where there were liens on the title that weren't taken care of whenever I purchased the home."

Buying a foreclosed home usually isn't the best way to break into the housing market

As homeownership eludes many Americans — mainly due to affordability — buying a foreclosed home might seem like a viable option. Pritchard said that while there are definite savings, it's probably not the best option for a first-time homebuyer.

Aside from the work that will most likely need to be done on a foreclosed home, a major barrier for buyers is that properties sold at sheriff sales must be purchased in cash without traditional financing.

"You have to have the funds ready within 48 or 72 hours after you close," Pritchard said.

If you have renovation experience, a foreclosed property could be worth it — but if you're not handy, the risk is definitely not worth it.

"You can luck out," Pritchard said. "But you have to hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst."

• This August, stream classic movies like "Field of Dreams" and "Something's Gotta Give."
• Offbeat comedies like "Ingrid Goes West" and "Swiss Army Man" are also available.
• So are thrillers like "Nightcrawler" and the Netflix original "The Whisper Man."

As summer comes to a close, head over to Netflix to watch Kevin Costner turn his corn field into a baseball diamond and Robert De Niro track down a serial killer.

Here are the best movies on Netflix in August.

"Elysium" (August 1)

This under-appreciated sci-fi thriller from director Neill Blomkamp ("District 9") is set in 2154. The super-elite now live on a cushy space station called Elysium, while the destitute are on a rotting Earth. Matt Damon plays a man who is determined to get up to Elysium and disrupt the hierarchy.

"Field of Dreams" (August 1)

In one of the best sports movies ever made, Kevin Costner plays Ray, a Iowa farmer who, after hearing voices, decides to destroy his crop and build a baseball field. Eventually, dead ball players from the past populate the field, including one from Ray's past.

"Nightcrawler" (August 1)

Writer-director Dan Gilroy's directorial debut is a thrilling neo-noir set in the cutthroat world of stringer journalism. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a slimy conman who finds his niche when he begins racing around Los Angeles at night filming accidents and murders and selling his footage to local news channels.

"Something's Gotta Give" (August 1)

This classic Nancy Meyers rom-com stars Jack Nicholson as an egotistical music executive who likes to party hard and only dates women under 30. But after suffering a heart attack, he gains a new outlook on life when he meets Erica (Diane Keaton) an author who is the complete opposite of him.

"Ingrid Goes West" (August 2)

This fantastic 2017 dark comedy, which examines the horrors of doomscrolling before the term was even coined, stars Aubrey Plaza as Ingrid, a mentally unstable woman who moves to Los Angeles, determined to befriend the Instagram influencer she's obsessed with.

"Swiss Army Man" (August 19)

Before directing duo the Daniels made "Everything Everywhere All at Once," they made this inventive buddy comedy that follows a man (Paul Dano) stranded on an island who befriends a corpse (Daniel Radcliffe). The two form a bond that leads to self-discovery.

"The Whisper Man" (August 28)

This Netflix original is a thriller based on the best-selling book by Alex North. Adam Scott plays Tom, whose son is abducted. All evidence leads to it being the work of a serial killer known as The Whisper Man. Tom turns to his estranged father (Robert De Niro), a retired detective who worked The Whisper Man case, for help. Michelle Monaghan and Michael Keaton also star.

• The largest lottery jackpot ever won, $2.04 billion, was in California in 2022.
• Last year, the Powerball jackpot reached $1.817 billion and was won by a single ticket in Arkansas.
• Winning tickets have ranged from hundreds of thousands of dollars to hundreds of millions.

Lottery jackpots continue to climb to staggering heights, with the Powerball jackpot for Saturday's drawing now sitting at an estimated $707 million.

Although billion-dollar prizes remain rare, they've become far more common over the past decade.

The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot of $1.817 billion was the second-largest lottery prize in US history, while the biggest lottery prize in US history remains the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California in November 2022.

Factors such as rising interest rates, updated game rules (including lower odds), and higher-priced tickets have contributed to the recent surge in billion-dollar jackpots.

Jackpocket compiled a list of the biggest prizes won on a single lottery ticket in each state, with prizes ranging from the low millions to billion-dollar jackpots.

Some states, such as Alabama, Alaska, and Hawaii, do not have state lotteries and were therefore not included in the list.

Here's the biggest lottery win in every state.

ARIZONA: $410 million

The couple who won the grand prize were from Glendale but chose to remain anonymous, a local NBC News station reported at the time, in June 2020.

The winning lottery ticket was also the first Mega Millions winning ticket in the state's history, KTAR News reported. 

ARKANSAS: $1.817 billion

The Powerball jackpot drawn on Christmas Eve 2025 was the second-biggest in history. One ticket sold at a gas station in Cabot, northeast of Little Rock, matched all six numbers. The winner claimed the prize in January 2026, opting for the $834.9 million lump-sum option.

The prize dwarfs the previous largest win in the state. In 2017, a Mega Millions ticket sold in Stuttgart, Arkansas, was worth $177 million, or a cash value of about $107 million before taxes.

CALIFORNIA: $2.04 billion

A Powerball winner in California claimed the largest lottery win in US history in November 2022. The winning ticket was sold at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, about 15 miles outside downtown Los Angeles, NBC News reported at the time.

The winner was identified as Edwin Castro, who opted for a lump sum of $997.6 million, USA Today reported. Castro, who was reportedly living in a one-bedroom home at the time of his win, went on to buy two multimillion-dollar properties shortly after collecting his prize.

NBC News also reported that the owner of the gas station and convenience store, Joseph Chahayed (pictured with his sons), was presented with a $1 million check for selling the ticket. 

COLORADO: $133 million

The ticket was purchased by 67-year-old Judy Finchum in September 2017. ABC News reported he had been playing the exact same lottery numbers for 30 years until she finally won the $133.2 million Powerball jackpot on her dog Tillie's birthday. 

CONNECTICUT: $254.2 million

The winners of the Powerball jackpot, three businessmen from Greenwich — one of America's wealthiest towns — came forward 27 days after it was announced, NBC Connecticut reported in November 2011.

DELAWARE: $230.8 million

A Powerball ticket sold in Middletown won the $230.8 million prize in a drawing on April 6, 2026, the first time the Powerball jackpot has been won in Delaware since 2016, according to the lottery. Winners in the state can stay anonymous.

The win surpassed the previous record of $214.7 million prize claimed by 33 Seaford coworkers in 2004.

FLORIDA: $800 million

A single Mega Millions ticket sold at a Wawa in Bradenton won the $800 million jackpot in a drawing on July 28, 2026, but the winner has not yet been publicly identified. The prize has a cash option of $344.2 million, which they'd have to claim in 60 days.

Previously, the record was held by Gloria C. MacKenzie, 84, who became the then-largest sole lottery winner in US history when she won the Powerball in May 2013. She died in 2021.

GEORGIA: $318 million

Ira Curry of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was identified as the winner of the Mega Millions jackpot in December 2013, WSB-TV reported.

"It's unreal," Curry said during a news conference. "It's like I'm still dreaming."

IDAHO: $220.3 million

NPR reported in 2013 that Brad Duke from Star, Idaho, became the winner of the state's largest lottery jackpot in May 2005 when he won a staggering $220.3 million in the Powerball drawing. 

"I took the ticket in, let the gals behind the counter run the ticket through, and the machine made a bunch of weird noises and they started jumping up and down and jumping in circles," Duke told NPR. "And I was trying to actually pluck the ticket out of their hand because my first instinct was just to kind of get out of there."

ILLINOIS: $1.337 billion

In September 2022, eight weeks after winning the enormous Mega Millions jackpot — the largest in Illinois and, at the time, the second largest in Mega Millions history — two people finally came forward to claim it, Forbes reported. They elected to split the $780.5 million pre-tax cash lump sum.

INDIANA: $536 million

The winning ticket was purchased by an Indiana family on their way to one of their children's sports games, a Mega Millions press release reported in July 2016.

The family chose to remain anonymous "to protect the safety and well-being of their children."

"Their priorities are to use the winnings to pay off debt, plan for their children's futures, and take care of their family long-term," a representative for the family said in the press release.

IOWA: $343.9 million

The winner of the enormous Powerball lottery, 51-year-old Lerynne West, a grandmother of six from Redfield, almost couldn't claim her October 2018 prize after she accidentally left the winning ticket on the floor of her sister's truck, according to the Iowa Lottery.

KANSAS: $218.6 million

The April 2016 winner of the Mega Millions lottery chose to remain anonymous, although state lottery director Dennis Wilson said that the winner was looking "forward to retirement," CNN reported.

KENTUCKY: $167.3 million

James Farthing, of Georgetown, Kentucky, and his mother won the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, the largest in the state's history, in April 2025.

Within days, Farthing was arrested on charges stemming from a fight at a Florida hotel, USA Today reported. In February 2026, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and resisting an officer without violence, and he was sentenced to the nine days he had already served and fined $1,000.

He has since been arrested on three more occasions, including an arrest on charges of domestic violence in July 2026. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault in that case, WAVE3 reported.

LOUISIANA: $191 million

The Powerball prize was claimed by a lawyer in December 2017 on behalf of the winning three-member family, local news station WBRZ reported. 

MAINE: $1.348 billion

The first Mega Millions winner in Maine's history, who chose to remain anonymous, opted for the pre-tax cash payment of $723,564,144, rather than the annuity over 30 years.

The ticket was purchased in January 2023 from Hometown Gas and Grill in Lebanon, pictured. The store received a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket, lottery officials said.

MARYLAND: $731.1 million

Powerball said an anonymous group of winners who had nicknamed themselves "The Power Pack" claimed the $546.8 million lump sum cash option. Though the winning ticket was drawn on January 20, 2021, the winners did not step forward until May 26, 2021.

MASSACHUSETTS: $758.7 million

The winner of the Powerball lottery was Mavis L. Wanczyk, a 53-year-old hospital worker from Chicopee, Massachusetts, CBS News reported in August 2017. Wanczyk, a mother of two, said at a press conference that she picked some of her numbers based on family members' birthdays.

MICHIGAN: $1.05 billion

Mega Millions said that a four-member Oakland County lottery club claimed the $1.05 billion jackpot in March 2021.

"This kind of money will impact the families of our club members for generations to come," the club's representative and attorney, Kurt D. Panouses, said in a press release. "We plan to stay humble and pay it forward through charitable giving in southeast Michigan."

MINNESOTA: $229 million

In August 2011, Thomas and Kathleen Morris, a couple from Burnsville, Minnesota, won the Powerball jackpot. They had been discussing their retirement options with a financial advisor when they purchased a random-number lottery ticket, the Associated Press reported.

"It's still kind of hard to get my head around," Thomas Morris told the AP. "It's a lot of money."

MISSISSIPPI: $524,000

WLOX reported that the Match5 winning ticket was sold at Ramey's Marketplace in Poplarville in February 2022. The winner decided to remain anonymous.

MISSOURI: $893.5 million

The winner split half of September 2025's $1.8 billion Powerball drawing, which set a new record for the state, with another ticket purchased by a Texas lottery player. They each took home about half of the grand prize in a lump-sum payout, for a total of around $410.3 million each, and both remained anonymous.

The winning ticket was purchased at QuikTrip, located on Lusher Road in St. Louis County, USA Today reported, and is the largest prize ever won by a Missouri lottery player.

MONTANA: $48.5 million

Lottery Post reported that the winnings were split between two tickets, one purchased by a winner in Ohio and another by two North West Home Health Care employees, Kim Claassen, 55, and 23-year-old Joe Lamport Jr.

At first, Claassen mistakenly thought they hadn't won and tore up the ticket, but when she realized she'd been checking it against older numbers, she managed to fish the scraps out of the trash and put the pieces back together, ultimately learning of their win, Lottery Post reported.

NEBRASKA: $365 million

USA Today reported that eight ConAgra Foods co-workers took home the winning Powerball jackpot in 2006. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE: $559.7 million

USA Today reported that an anonymous woman claimed the $559.7 million Powerball jackpot. William Shaheen, her lawyer, accepted the lump-sum payout of $352 million and fought for his client to stay anonymous. New Hampshire state law requires the release of a winner's name and hometown.

"We respect the Court's decision and are satisfied to have a resolution," the New Hampshire Lottery said in a statement, USA Today reported in March 2018. "We are pleased that our winner has claimed her prize money and that she has already shared a substantial amount of her winnings with New Hampshire nonprofit organizations."

NEW JERSEY: $1.13 billion

The winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased in Neptune Township in March 2024, and the winner stayed anonymous when they claimed the prize in December of that year. (Winners in New Jersey have up to a year to claim their prize, and often, they take time to get their finances and legal representation in order before stepping forward.)

The winner opted for a one-time cash payout, walking away with $537.5 million before state and federal taxes.

NEW MEXICO: $206.9 million

The New Mexico Lottery said that nine friends — Randy Miller, Ron and Cindy Miller, Ryan and Nicole Miller, Kevin and Jessica Breedyk, and Carl and Holly Baldwin — split the enormous prize after they pooled money together at a birthday party in order to purchase a ticket two hours before the drawing in September 2014.

NEW YORK: $432 million

The New York Post reported in September 2021 that the winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased from a Manhattan pizza joint, Pronto Pizza on West 48th Street in Midtown.

The pizza shop also got a slice of the pie — it received a $10,000 commission for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.

NORTH CAROLINA: $344.6 million

USA Today reported that 66-year-old North Carolina native Charles W. Jackson Jr. took home the largest prize in the state's history in June 2019 after he used numbers from a fortune cookie in the Powerball lottery. 

"I never expected to win," Jackson said. "I just got lucky."

NORTH DAKOTA: $3 million

The winning ticket was sold at Casey's General Store in Fargo, North Dakota, AP reported in March 2021. The winner chose to remain anonymous.

OHIO: $372 million

The winning Mega Millions ticket was sold at a Giant Eagle supermarket in Mentor, a suburb of Cleveland, the AP reported. The numbers were drawn on December 17, 2019, just in time for the holidays. 

OKLAHOMA: $105.8 million

Don and Joyce Harvey were the grand winners of the Powerball jackpot in June 2007, the Associated Press reported at the time. They purchased the ticket at a Shell service station in Roland, a town in eastern Oklahoma.

They chose to receive a $33.3 million lump sum after taxes instead of the full amount, which would be paid out over 29 years, the AP reported.

After Joyce Harvey had been using the same numbers for years, she said a ticket "came out wrong," but she continued to use those numbers for subsequent tickets — and it paid off.

OREGON: $340 million

Frances and Bob Chaney and their daughter, Carolyn West, and son-in-law, Steve West, won the Powerball jackpot in 2005 after they all chipped in to buy $40 worth of tickets in southwest Oregon, CNN reported at the time.

PENNSYLVANIA: $516 million

NBC Philadelphia reported that the winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven in Levittown, Pennsylvania, in May 2021. The winners of the giant Mega Millions jackpot elected to remain anonymous. 

RHODE ISLAND: $336.4 million

ABC News reported in March 2012 that the winner of the massive Powerball jackpot was 81-year-old Louise White of Newport, Rhode Island. At the time, it was the third-largest Powerball lottery in the history of the game.

White purchased the ticket after stopping for some rainbow sherbet at a local Stop N Shop. In honor of the dessert that led to her win, she went on to create The Rainbow Sherbert Trust to benefit her family.

"I want to say that I'm very happy and I'm very proud. This will make my family very happy," White told ABC News. "We are truly blessed. Thank you."

SOUTH CAROLINA: $1.537 billion

Though the identity of the winner of the Mega Millions jackpot was never revealed, officials said in March 2019 that she was a South Carolina woman on a "scenic drive" through Greenville when she stopped to buy a ticket, The Greenville News reported.

She opted to take her winnings as a one-time payment of $877,784,124 in October 2018. It was the largest jackpot in US history up until that point.

SOUTH DAKOTA: $232.1 million

Neal Wanless, a 23-year-old cowboy working on a ranch in Mission, South Dakota, won the Powerball jackpot in 2009, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2020. 

WSJ reported that Wanless purchased the lottery ticket at a local convenience store while he was getting gas. He went on to purchase his own ranch with the winnings but listed it in 2020 for $41.15 million, making it one of the most expensive ranches ever sold in the state.

TENNESSEE: $420.9 million

The Powerball jackpot was split among 20 coworkers who called themselves "The Tennessee 20," WKRN reported in November 2016. The colleagues, who played the lottery together every week, said they weren't going to quit their jobs right away because they didn't want to leave their employers "high and dry," WKRN reported.

The winning ticket was purchased at the Smoke Shop in Lafayette, which also received $25,000 in exchange for selling the winning ticket.

TEXAS: $893.5 million

Texas' largest-ever payout was in October 2025, representing half of the lump sum from the $1.8 billion grand prize, which was split with another winner in Missouri. The cash lump sum was $410.3 million each.

The winning Powerball ticket was purchased at Big's 103 and was the first of the two winning tickets purchased.

VERMONT: $366.7 million

The Powerball winner came forward in August 2022 to collect the massive prize but chose to remain anonymous, WCAX reported.

VIRGINIA: $348 million

The winner of the massive Mega Millions lottery chose to remain anonymous when they stepped forward in August 2025, but they did share their plans for their first purchase: a new zero-radius riding lawn mower, per The New York Post. At around $3,000, that's a fraction of the winner's newfound fortune.

The winner chose to accept the one-time prize of $155.6 million in cash, rather than receiving payments of the full prize amount over 30 years.

WASHINGTON: $754.6 million

Following the February 2023 drawing, Auburn resident Becky Bell, a 36-year employee of Boeing, was revealed as the winner of the Powerball jackpot, King 5 reported.

She said she had already spent her allotted budget for lottery tickets for the week when she saw a sign for the then-$747 million prize in a Fred Meyer store.

Boeing had just delivered its last 747 jumbo jet, King 5 reported, so she took it as a sign and decided to buy one more ticket. Ultimately, she walked away with $309 million after taxes.

WEST VIRGINIA: $314.9 million

The Los Angeles Times identified Andrew "Jack" Whittaker, 55, as the winner. When he won the massive prize on Christmas Day in December 2002, Whittaker was already a millionaire thanks to his sewage-treatment contracting business. 

"I've worked for everything I got," Whittaker told the LA Times, "but this is the first thing anybody's ever given me."

WISCONSIN: $768.4 million

ABC News reported that the winner of the Powerball jackpot was 24-year-old Wisconsin resident Manuel Franco. At the time, it was the third-largest lottery amount in US history.

"I walked into the Speedway and I purchased $10 worth of individual Powerball tickets," Franco said at a press conference, according to ABC News. "I honestly felt so lucky that I did look up at the camera and I wanted to wink at it 'cause I just had that lucky feeling."

WYOMING: $5 million

The March 2016 win was the first Mega Millions lottery ever won in the state after launching in August 2014, Mega Millions said.

• Brian Majewski and his wife, Teresa, created a platform to leave messages, recipes, and more.
• He got the idea after an online acquaintance disappeared from social media.
• Messages and details about running a house can unburden people during grief, he says.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brian Majewski and Teresa Green, co-founders of One Final Message. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Back when people still had genuine conversations on X (then, Twitter), I connected with people I'd never met in real life. I knew some of them struggled with mental health, and one day a person I'd become close with just disappeared.

My mind immediately went to the worst-case scenarios, but I had no way to check on them to see if they were OK — we were only connected somewhat anonymously online.

I started thinking, what would happen if I suddenly died? I would want to leave a message for friends and online acquaintances. I had plenty I wanted to say to people in my life. But I treated the messages like the good China plates: things you want to bring out with friends but never do because they never feel quite right.

My father-in-law's death made me build on the idea

I riffed on this idea for a few years. Then, in 2022, my father-in-law got sick and died. He was 96, so the death was expected, and my wife Teresa and her parents had done a great job planning for his end-of-life.

Still, there were things that fell through the cracks. My mother-in-law couldn't access a particular email account where, for example, all the bills were sent.

Teresa and I started talking about all the people who didn't have as much time to plan for death as her parents, and how much must fall through the cracks for them.

Other people found the idea of a message intimidating

Teresa and I started working on an end-of-life planning platform that could help address these problems. We started with my original question: what message would you want to leave behind for loved ones? We created some templates and sent the platform out to testers.

We were surprised when they didn't take to it. Teresa and I had already spent years talking about this, and we have a fairly practical, non-sentimental approach to death. We were comfortable thinking about the messages we'd like to leave behind. But our testers weren't ready. We realized we were springing these scary, heavy new questions on them.

So, we pivoted, allowing people to leave logistical messages: things like passwords and PINs, but also details, like "the car that I left you needs to idle for 10 minutes in cold weather." We aim to provide context for legal documents such as wills. A will tells you who gets the car; our platform tells them everything they need to know about it.

We've recorded sentinel messages — and the dog food recipe

We still offer the ability to leave messages, which are sent out after your death. We've found that those are right for some people, but not for others. I'm autistic, so getting in touch with my feelings is often hard. Preparing a written message allows me to connect with what I really want to say. I've drafted messages to a friend and a mentor.

Teresa and I talk about death openly, and we've said everything we need to say to each other. So, our messages to each other are more utilitarian. She's written down the dog food recipe she uses to feed our two dogs and told me how to do other household tasks she usually handles.

For me, death is about the people left behind. Capturing a bit of my personality for them and making their lives easier as they move through grief is one final gift I can leave. I'm hoping our platform can take the burden off people. Though I'm still waiting for someone to leave behind a message of spite — let's admit that might be funny.

If you happen to be a fashion lover who spends (way too much) time scrolling through TikTok for chic outfit ideas, you've likely spotted the viral mesh Mary Jane flats on your For You page.

Available for just under $50 on Amazon in classic shades like black, white, light brown, and red, the affordable shoe is a formidable dupe for the luxe Alaïa Mesh Ballet Flats, which is, by comparison, a total splurge at $950.

As far as FashionTok is concerned, the buzzy mesh flats are worth every penny as they're surprisingly comfortable, aligned with the current trends, and are all but made for the total "it girl."

In the name of journalism, I've decided to wear the flats nonstop for a week to see if they live up to the hype. Spoiler: I was pleasantly surprised.

And for more of our rigorously tested shoe coverage, see our articles on the best flats and the best ballet flats. We even have a roundup of the best ballet sneakers, our other favorite quirky shoe trend.

The mesh flat trend

In case you haven't heard, mesh ballet flats have quietly become one of fashion's most consistent shoe trends. And though it might have been easy to write them off as a one-off fad a couple of years ago, it seems like they're here to stay.

We can thank Alaïa—a French fashion house beloved by celebrities—for launching the crystal-studded ballerina flats that quickly reached cult status. Since then, they've dropped countless iterations of the beloved shoe, including a more minimalistic Mary Jane sans any sparkle.

A few celebs have rocked the iconic Alaïa shoe, including Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sofia Richie Grainge. Elsa Hosk and Kourtney Kardashian Barker are a few other fashion-forward celebs who've worn similar mesh styles in recent months, cementing the low-key silhouette as one to watch.

The viral Amazon mesh flats

Although I'm obsessed with Sofia Richie Grainge's chic style, I personally can't seem to swipe my card for flats worth nearly $1,000. That's where Amazon comes in with a near-exact dupe from Amazon brand DOEYG that's priced at just $49.99. But are they worth the coin?

If you live in a metropolitan area, you can get them on Prime with one-day shipping, which is a total plus. And straight out of the box, I'm pretty impressed.

Not only are the shoes well-packaged, but they seem pretty high-quality at first glance. To the touch, the mesh seems to be made from a sturdier cord, while the patent black leather isn't too "plasticy" or cheap-looking and is backed with a smooth faux leather. What's more, the brown sole is slightly cushioned and flexible, which seems promising for comfort.

How they feel over a week of non-stop wear

As a newly post-partum mom, comfort is key — though at the same time, I still want to feel put-together when I'm out and about. Over the last week, my stomping grounds weren't all that exciting: the grocery store, Target, and going on family walks with our dog. But these flats were seamlessly incorporated into my more understated wardrobe.

The backs of the mesh flats (which usually cut my ankles) were soft and flexible, so I didn't experience any issues there. Typically, I wear a size 7.5 shoe, and while the size does fit, I do wish I had purchased an 8 for a slightly more comfortable fit.

Those with wide feet should be especially wary as the shoe is on the narrow side. That being said, after consistent wear, I did notice that they've begun to loosen and "break in" a bit, making me content with my initial size.

As for tips on styling the total closet staple, I've noticed that they are commonly paired with oversized denim for an effortless, cool girl vibe. Throughout the summer months, however, I'll mostly be wearing them with a breezy sundress or a linen midi skirt to tap the still-rising "old money" aesthetic.

The verdict: Are they worth it?

Overall, the viral mesh flats are certifiably comfortable for chill strolls and made for casual (yet slightly elevated) wear. While I didn't have any issues throughout the week, I will say that I likely wouldn't reach for them for long days of walking as the cushion can feel a bit hard after a while — but I think the same can be said about most flats as they tend to have little-to-no support in the soles.

I'm definitely happy with the $50 spent and can see myself wearing them throughout summer and the upcoming fall months. And even if they do completely wear out within that time (I mean, it is an inexpensive Amazon dupe), I wouldn't mind repurchasing come next summer — though I haven't seen any alarming wear-and-tear just yet.

The bottom line

If you're like me and can't justify spending close to $1,000 on a pair of flats, these are well worth adding to your warm-weather rotation. They're far more affordable, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and polished enough to work with both pared-back and dressier outfits.

My main sizing note: I think they'll feel closest to true-to-size on narrower feet, but if your feet run wider, I'd go up a half or full size. I'd also save them for lighter days rather than packing them for hours-long walking tours on unforgiving city sidewalks.

Dupes definitely have their place, and they usually won't outshine the original. Still, if you're looking to try a trend without spending a fortune, I'm all for taking the more budget-friendly route.

After a brief break from the spotlight, ballet flats are firmly back in the mix. The silhouette is simple, versatile, and easy to style, making it a fun way to refresh your wardrobe. I'll be wearing this pair all summer, and likely well into fall, too.

• Dr. Leandro Brandão Guimarães buys superhero costumes for young patients himself.
• Children wear the costumes into the operating room with a parent by their side.
• He says the tradition has reduced fear and transformed the surgical experience.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leandro Brandão Guimarães. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When I first started operating on children as a pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor 15 years ago, I remember personally struggling watching children enter the operating room with me. They were scared and often crying. Sometimes, they were screaming.

It was policy that parents couldn't enter the operating room with us, which added to the children's distress.

It bothered me a lot, especially once I had my own two children, and I started considering how I could make it easier for kids.

I wanted parents to be there for their kids

The first thing I did was refuse to operate if parents weren't allowed to enter the operating room prior to the child being anesthetized. Being separated from a parent at such a vulnerable time is both horrible for the child and for the parent.

I then spoke with a friend in San Diego who helps children with their nerves before surgery by letting them drive a small electric car into the operating room. It was a very cool idea, but too expensive for me.

I wanted to give kids power — to help them feel they were strong and could face their fears. I wanted them to feel like superheroes. This gave me an idea — to give every child the option of choosing a superhero costume to wear into the operating room.

I bought my patients superhero costumes

After an online search for costumes, I found a seller in Brazil who made costumes. I bought, out of my own money, Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Princesses, and Wonder Woman costumes.

That first time a child walked through the hallway in a costume, I knew this would work. The child wasn't apprehensive or nervous — he was laughing and having a fun moment. He forgot the fears he'd had.

That was six years ago, and I've never stopped giving kids this option, always making sure I've bought costumes (from the same seller as I started with — a single mom who appreciates the work and added income) to provide them with before surgery.

I don't lie to kids about their surgeries

Prior to surgery, together with their parents, I clearly explain that I will be doing something in their nose or throat that is going to help them breathe or sleep better. I don't lie to the children about what will be happening.

In appointments prior to the surgery, I have toys for the children to play with in my office, and I often try to joke around to make them laugh and feel comfortable with me as their doctor.

Once they are dressed in their superhero or princess costume on the day of the surgery, I give them the option to either run or fly through the hallway (with me carrying them on my shoulder).

They love going through that corridor in their costumes, laughing and smiling, which in turn makes the parents and the rest of the staff do the same. It's a magical moment.

Following surgery, the family takes the costume home, a reminder to the child of their bravery.

Although I always ask if the patient wants a costume, the older children nearly always decline. To empower them and relieve their anxiety, I treat them with respect and answer any questions they might have. We will have a chat and laugh on the way to surgery — an attempt to distract them in a different way than I do with the younger children.

This shift has clearly been positive for children, but has also contributed to greater love for my work, as I rarely have children who feel distressed before surgery anymore. They now have their parents or guardians with them until they've been anesthetized (a comfort blanket for children) and are distracted by costumes, humor, and lighthearted conversation on the way to surgery.

My job isn't just about making children physically well, but ensuring that the entire surgical process is easier for the child. I'm treating the whole person, not just the problem I'm operating on.

• A version of this story originally appeared in the BI Tech Memo newsletter.
• Sign up for the weekly BI Tech Memo newsletter here.

One chart in Okta's new Enterprise AI Index neatly captures which work software has become more popular in recent years. You may be using these increasingly AI-powered tools yourself.

Anthropic tops the ranking for corporate customer growth between June 2022 and June 2026, followed by OpenAI and Cursor.

The bigger surprise is how well incumbents are holding up.

Google Workspace, GitHub, Microsoft 365, Slack, Adobe, Notion, Canva, and Zoom all rank among the fastest-growing AI applications, suggesting companies aren't completely ripping out existing software in favor of AI-native startups.

Instead, they're doing both: adopting specialist AI tools while expanding the AI capabilities inside familiar workplace apps.

Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at abarr@businessinsider.com.

• US News & World Report ranked all 50 states in the US on livability.
• States were ranked across eight categories, including education, healthcare, and the economy.
• More well-rounded states fared better than those that ranked high in just one or two categories.

Every state has its pros and cons — but which one came out on top?

US News & World Report released its annual list of the best states to live in, evaluating each in eight categories: education, healthcare, the economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, the natural environment, and crime and corrections. The categories are weighted differently based on a survey of 25,000 Americans that asked what they care most about.

US News & World Report senior data editor Evan Comen told Business Insider that since the categories aren't evenly weighted, a state excelling in one category doesn't guarantee a high overall ranking — and in some instances, success in one category could lead to the collapse of another.

Texas, for example, finished outside the top 25 despite ranking first in economy.

"The way we've structured our index, it does reflect some of these trade-offs among categories," Comen said. "Texas is No. 1 in the economy — a lot of that economy is tied to oil and gas manufacturing. But then, Texas is No. 46 in natural environment. And our natural environment category is composed of metrics related to air and water quality and pollution."

Though Southern states have typically performed well on lists that rank the best places to live, Florida and North Carolina were the only Sun Belt states to finish in the top 25. According to Comen, it's not that Southern states are getting worse; rather, other states are improving.

"A decline in rankings doesn't necessarily mean a state is performing poorly in any metric, but rather that they are being outpaced by other states," he said. "Some states in the South might have experienced ranking decline, but it's more because they're being outperformed by other states, particularly the Midwest."

One state that kept its ranking from the previous year was Utah, which finished first for the fourth consecutive year. While Utah finished 48th in the natural environment category, it had one of the most balanced rankings across categories, including the second-best economy.

Keep reading to see what each state is best at and what it needs to improve on, according to US News & World Report.

The population data comes from the US census.

50. Louisiana

Population: 4,618,189

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (43)

Worst ranking: Crime and corrections (50)

49. Alaska

Population: 737,270

Best ranking: Opportunity (30)

Worst ranking: Economy (49)

48. Mississippi

Population: 2,954,160

Best ranking: Crime and corrections (23)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (50)

47. New Mexico

Population: 2,125,498

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (12)

Worst ranking: Education (50)

46. Michigan

Population: 10,127,884

Best ranking: Healthcare (24)

Worst ranking: Education (45)

45. Arkansas

Population: 3,114,791

Best ranking: Economy (23)

Worst ranking: Crime and corrections (49)

44. West Virginia

Population: 1,766,147

Best ranking: Opportunity (4)

Worst ranking: Healthcare and economy (50 in both categories)

43. Alabama

Population: 5,193,088

Best ranking: Opportunity (19)

Worst ranking: Education and healthcare (44 in both categories)

42. Ohio

Population: 11,900,510

Best ranking: Opportunity (18)

Worst ranking: Natural environment (43)

41. Kentucky

Population: 4,606,864

Best ranking: Crime and corrections (10)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (46)

40. Pennsylvania

Population: 13,059,432

Best ranking: Healthcare (11 )

Worst ranking: Economy (47)

39. Oregon

Population: 4,273,586

Best ranking: Infrastructure (2)

Worst ranking: Economy (48)

38. Nevada

Population: 3,282,188

Best ranking: Infrastructure (1)

Worst ranking: Natural environment (47)

37. Illinois

Population: 12,719,141

Best ranking: Education (13)

Worst ranking: Fiscal stability (50)

36. Oklahoma

Population: 4,123,288

Best ranking Economy (11)

Worst ranking: Education (47)

35. California

Population: 39,355,309

Best ranking: Healthcare (7)

Worst ranking: Opportunity (50)

34. Arizona

Population: 7,623,818

Best ranking: Economy (4)

Worst ranking: Education (43)

33. Rhode Island

Population: 1,114,521

Best ranking Healthcare (4)

Worst ranking: Infrastructure (47)

32. South Carolina

Population: 5,570,274

Best ranking: Economy (6)

Worst ranking: Education and crime and corrections(42 in both categories)

31. Missouri

Population: 6,270,541

Best ranking: Opportunity (8)

Worst ranking: Crime and corrections (44)

30. Indiana

Population: 6,973,333

Best ranking: Opportunity (17)

Worst ranking: Natural environment (50)

29. Montana

Population: 1,144,694

Best ranking: Opportunity (15)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (41)

28. Hawaii

Population: 1,432,820

Best ranking: Healthcare (1)

Worst ranking: Economy (46)

27. Maine

Population: 1,414, 874

Best ranking: Crime and corrections (2)

Worst ranking: Infrastructure (41)

26. Texas

Population: 31,709,821

Best ranking: Economy (1)

Worst ranking: Opportunity (48)

25. Tennessee

Population: 7,315,076

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (5)

Worst ranking: Crime and corrections (40)

24. Kansas

Population: 2,977,220

Best ranking: Infrastructure (5)

Worst ranking: Natural environment (39)

23. New York

Population: 20,002,427

Best ranking: Natural environment (6)

Worst ranking: Opportunity (49)

22. Georgia

Population: 11,302,748

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (10)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (35)

21. Maryland

Population: 6,265,347

Best ranking: Healthcare, natural environment (5)

Worst ranking: Economy (37)

20. New Jersey

Population: 9,548,215

Best ranking: Education (2)

Worst ranking: Fiscal stability (49)

19. Virginia

Population: 8,880,107

Best ranking: Crime and corrections (13)

Worst ranking: Infrastructure (39)

18. Connecticut

Population: 3,688,496

Best ranking: Healthcare (3)

Worst ranking: Fiscal stability (47)

17. Colorado

Population: 6,012,561

Best ranking: Education (1)

Worst ranking: Crime and corrections (47)

16. Wyoming

Population: 588,753

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (1)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (38)

15. Wisconsin

Population: 5,972,787

Best ranking: Education (5)

Worst ranking: Infrastructure (37)

14. Delaware

Population: 1,059,952

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (4)

Worst ranking: Education (37)

13. North Carolina

Population: 11,197,968

Best ranking: Education (10)

Worst ranking: Infrastructure, natural environment (26)

12. Iowa

Population: 3,238,387

Best ranking: Opportunity (2)

Worst ranking: Economy (39)

11. Massachusetts

Population: 7,154,084

Best ranking: Healthcare (2)

Worst ranking: Opportunity (41)

10. Vermont

Population: 644,663

Best ranking: Opportunity (1)

Worst ranking: Fiscal stability (41)

9. Washington

Population: 8,001,020

Best ranking: Natural environment (7)

Worst ranking: Opportunity (34)

8. Florida

Population: 23,462,518

Best ranking: Education (3)

Worst ranking: Opportunity (47)

7. Idaho

Population: 2,029,733

Best ranking: Economy (3)

Worst ranking: Education (30)

6. New Hampshire

Population: 1,415,342

Best ranking: Crime and corrections (1)

Worst ranking: Fiscal stability (36)

5. Nebraska

Population: 2,018,006

Best ranking: Infrastructure (3)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (34)

4. North Dakota

Population: 799,358

Best ranking: Fiscal stability (3)

Worst ranking: Healthcare (29)

3. Minnesota

Population: 5,830,405

Best ranking: Infrastructure (9)

Worst ranking: Economy (24)

2. South Dakota

Population: 935,094

Best ranking: Natural environment (2)

Worst ranking: Crime and corrections (41)

1. Utah

Population: 3,538,904

Best ranking: Economy, fiscal stability (2 in both categories)

Worst ranking: Natural environment (48)

• I've traveled to all 50 states and have spent a good amount of time in Florida.
• If I only had one day to spend in the state, however, there are a few things I wouldn't miss out on.
• I'd spend time on the beach, explore Everglades National Park, and drive the Overseas Highway.

After visiting all 50 states, I've found beauty in each of them.

But after more than a dozen visits, Florida really stands out to me — thanks to its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and unique cultural influences.

The state, which is also home to three major national parks, is a great place to spend a vacation, a weekend, or even just a long day.

Here's how I'd spend a summer day in Florida.

First, I'd watch the sunrise on a beach in or near Miami.

In my opinion, there's nothing quite like an East Coast beach at sunrise. So, to start my day, I'd head to one in or near Miami to catch a vibrant display of pink and orange hues.

Plus, it's a great time to enjoy the beach while the temperatures are lower and there aren't as many people around.

Next, I'd drive to the Homestead Entrance at Everglades National Park.

I love spending time outdoors, so after catching the sunrise and grabbing coffee, I'd drive a little over an hour from Miami to the Homestead entrance station at Everglades National Park.

I'd spend a few hours hiking the short Anhinga Trail to spot alligators and other wildlife, and stop at the Pa-hay-okee Overlook for beautiful Everglades views.

After enjoying the park, I'd stop for a treat at the Robert Is Here fruit stand.

After visiting Everglades National Park, I'd drive back east about 8 miles to the historic Robert Is Here fruit stand.

The family-owned and operated stand has been selling exotic fruits and vegetables since 1959, and has now become a tourist attraction with an animal farm, picnic areas, play areas, and milkshakes.

Whenever I'm in the area, I love stopping by for a fruit smoothie and to browse the stand's offerings.

From there, I'd drive the Overseas Highway, stopping for lunch along the way.

From there, I'd drive toward the historic Overseas Highway (US Route 1) and follow it all the way to Key West.

In my opinion, this 113-mile road is one of the most — if not the most — beautiful and scenic in the US, with 42 bridges (including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge) spanning the route.

Along the drive, I'd stop at the Hungry Tarpon at Robbie's Marina in Islamorada for a late seafood lunch with gorgeous views.

After lunch, I'd drive to Key West and explore the downtown area.

At the end of the Overseas Highway sits one of the most unique places I've been to — Key West. There's no shortage of great food, drink, and spectacle throughout the quirky city.

I love walking Duval Street, which is home to historic bars and restaurants, unique boutiques, and great nightlife.

Whenever I have time, I also enjoy visiting the Hemingway Home and Museum — Ernest Hemingway's former residence in Key West — and the Truman Little White House, which served as the "winter White House" for President Harry S. Truman.

I'd end the day watching the sunset in Key West.

After a long day, I like to watch the sunset from Key West at the famous nightly Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. Here, street vendors, artists, and musicians come together to celebrate the sunset with visitors.

Or, for a more elevated experience, I'd hop on a sunset cruise around Key West with music, food, drinks, and a great view.

The best tennis players in the world are heading to Canada for one of the sport's oldest active tournaments, with the men's strand of the 2026 Canadian (or National Bank) Open taking place in Montreal and the women's in Toronto. Wherever you are (and whatever you call it), we'll explain how you can watch Canadian Open live streams this August.

Being ATP and WTA 1000 events, the Tennis Channel has the rights to show all the action in the US. Cord cutters can also watch on the network's very own streaming platform, or via an OTT cable alternative (more information and options below). Sportsnet will show it in Canada, and it's on Sky Sports for tennis fans in the UK. You can access your usual viewing methods from anywhere with a VPN.

• See also: Where to watch DC Open tennis

Canadian Victoria Mboko brought some national pride to proceedings last year, with only the third win for a homegrown player in the Open era. She won't be back to defend her title, alas, after withdrawing due to injury. That leaves things up to the likes of Gabriel Diallo on the men's side and Leylah Fernandez, Kayla Cross, and 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu on the women's side to keep the crown in the Great White North.

The Canadian most likely to, though, is Félix Auger-Aliassime after his excellent season and runs to the quarter-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon. Former winner Alexander Zverev will be seeking to stop him, while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and two-time champ Jessica Pegula are among the female favorites, with 11th seed Naomi Osaka always being a solid outside bet. To watch every second of the action, keep reading this guide to watch the National Bank Open in 2026 — including advice on what to do if you're overseas when it's on.

Where to watch Canadian Open in the US

The Tennis Channel is the place to watch ATP Masters and WTA 1000 events like these in the US. The Tennis Channel is carried on several cable plans, or, if you want to watch online, you can subscribe directly on its website for $12 a month or $110 a year. Alternatively, it's well serviced by a variety of OTT streaming services.

YouTube TV is another option you can try, and it is a little more reasonably priced than Fubo (although it carries 100+ fewer channels than Fubo's pricier plans). To get the Tennis Channel, you'll need its standard plan for $83 a month — with $15 off for each of your first five months — together with the $11 a month Sports Plus Add-on that also includes the likes of NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, Fight Network, and Players TV. YouTube TV carries a free trial for new users.

Fubo includes the Tennis Channel on its Sports + News plan for $65 a month. Plus, it's one of 200+ channels featured in its comprehensive Pro and Elite plans, which are pitched as full cable-replacement services. New users can try before they buy thanks to Fubo's free trial.

Where to watch Canadian Open in Canada

Canada's home tennis Open will be shown on Sportsnet domestically (and TVA for French-language coverage) — so you can watch all the action if you already get access through cable. If not, you have the option to sign up for the online Sportsnet Plus streaming service to stream tennis alongside NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, UK soccer, and loads more, with plans starting at $30 a month.

Where to watch Canadian Open in the UK

Sky Sports is the rights holder for these tournaments in the UK. It means subscribers can also watch the men's and women's tennis online on their mobiles, thanks to the Sky Go app. If you don't want to sign up for a full-blown Sky TV package, then you can opt for a more flexible Now Sports Membership, which starts from as little as £15 a day or currently £30 a month.

How to watch Canadian Open from anywhere

Watching ATP and WTA tennis can be tricky when you're overseas. Try to tap into your usual streaming provider, and you'll find that coverage is blocked due to geographical restrictions. Thankfully, there's a straightforward way to get around this nuisance: by using a VPN (virtual private network). The technology works by making your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other streaming device look as though it's in another location entirely. So you can choose a server located in your home country and watch your regular tennis stream.

NordVPN is the best VPN around. It provides lickity-split speeds, super-smooth usability across devices, market-leading security, and an impressive reputation for unblocking a range of streaming services. You can read more in our NordVPN review and, if it sounds like the right product for you, subscribe safely in the knowledge that there's a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Where does the Canadian Open take place?

The Canadian Open takes place in two cities, with the men's and women's tournaments shared between venues in Montreal and Toronto and alternating between them each year. 2026 sees the men head to the IGA Stadium in Montreal, while it's the women's turn to play at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.

Who are some of the most notable contestants playing the Canadian Open?

As one of the most prestigious ATP/WTA 1000 ranking tournaments, most of the biggest names in tennis are set to appear at the 2026 Canadian Open. The most notable absentees will be reigning women's champion Victoria Mboko, who withdrew earlier due to injury, and Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, who pulled out at the last minute. Carlos Alcaraz is still recovering from a long-term injury. The top 10 seeds for the Canadian Open tournaments are:

Men's

• Alexander Zverev
• Félix Auger-Aliassime
• Alex de Minaur
• Daniil Medvedev
• Ben Shelton
• Flavio Cobolli
• Taylor Fritz
• Jiri Lehecka
• Casper Ruud
• Andrey Rublev

Women's

• Aryna Sabalenka
• Elena Rybakina
• Jessica Pegula
• Coco Gauff
• Mirra Andreeva
• Linda Nosková
• Iga Świątek
• Amanda Anisimova
• Elina Svitolina
• Marta Kostyuk

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.

• Time magazine threw a cocktail party for its second annual "Time100" list honoring creators.
• Alix Earle was a cover star — and the woman of the hour at Time's soiree.
• Business Insider asked the room of creators who else they were dying to network with.

"Do you want caviar?"

Servers floated around a renovated pencil factory in Brooklyn with holsters carrying caviar and crackers around their waists, while internet stars mingled.

The soiree, hosted by Time magazine, celebrated the publication's second annual "Time100" list of content creators. The woman of the hour: Alix Earle, one of the magazine's latest cover stars.

When I arrived at the function, Earle was giving a red carpet interview. Later, while I was in line for the bathroom, I had to wait my turn to sneak behind a photographer having an impromptu photo shoot with her. Throughout the night, guests — including creator peers — rotated taking photos with Earle.

Besides Earle, the room was packed with creators you'd recognize from your phone screens — so many that it was hard to introduce yourself to everyone wiggling through the crowded room.

"You recognize them, but are too scared to say hi," Vivian Tu, of "Your Rich BFF" fame, told me.

Networking was on the agenda, either way.

Who else — besides Earle — were creators dying to meet or network with? I asked the crowd.

Here were some answers:

• Kane Parsons, the YouTuber-turned-director who made headlines this year with A24 hit "Backrooms"
• Boman Martinez-Reid, a comedy creator known for his reality TV skits
• Wisdom Kaye, a fashion creator who made it big on TikTok and was dubbed a "Titan" on Time's 2026 list
• Maura Higgins, a reality TV star who was a contestant on "Love Island" and "The Traitors US"
• Martin Andrijasevic, one half of the "Slushy Noobz" comedy duo

Not everyone did their homework, though. Several creators I asked didn't know who to expect at the party.

Meanwhile, there were constant lines at the open bar and the Target-sponsored freebie corner. The DJ kept playing until the party ended at 9 p.m., but there wasn't much dancing.

Let me take you into the night.

The guest list: It was the FYP, but IRL: Alix Earle, Valkyrae, Jackie Aina, Wisdom Kaye, Eric Sendeño, Max Zavidow, Achieng Agutu, Delaney Rowe, Katie Feeney, Josh Richards, Vivian Tu, and many others. There were industry executives, too: Whalar Group (which owns the party venue, The Lighthouse) cofounder Neil Waller, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor, and OpenAI's VP of global creative partnerships (and ex-Meta exec) Charles Porch. Creators' friends and family, as well as their managers and agents at firms like Range Media Partners, CAA, and WME, were also interspersed in the crowd. There were lots of media regulars, too, in addition to Time's own staff.

The moment: Two comedy creators, Martin Andrijasevic and Lucas Lopez, told me they'd helped each other work up the courage to take the red carpet for a spin. Comedy creators tend to stick together, they said. I caught them as they geared up for a second take, like two kids riding the biggest ride at the amusement park.

The gripe: For a party where networking was literally on the agenda, it was a bit loud and crowded, making it difficult to start a conversation.

The quote: "Maybe next year!" several creators who didn't make the cut this year said.

• My family and I moved into my parents' home earlier this year.
• As we prepare to move out in August, I've been reflecting on our experience.
• While there were challenges, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

In January, our family of five moved from Bright, Australia, to the Gold Coast, where I grew up. With the rising cost of living, my parents generously offered us the downstairs of their house. For the first couple of months, they were overseas traveling, then in March, they returned home.

After my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in June, my husband and I decided it was time for us to move into our own place. There were several reasons behind the decision, but the biggest was that we didn't want to place any extra burden on my parents. Sharing their home with three young kids is wonderful in many ways, but it's also noisy, busy, and adds pressure to their day-to-day lives.

Living with three generations in one household has been a wild ride. We've shared plenty of laughter, created beautiful memories, and treasured the time we spent together. But, as with any shared living arrangement, there have been challenges along the way.

It's been stressful trying to avoid getting them sick

One of the most stressful parts of living with my folks, who are 77 and 81, has been trying to protect them from illnesses. Our three-year-old often brings home all sorts of fun viruses from kindergarten, some of which I've never heard of before, and trying to stop Mum and Dad from catching them has been difficult.

The low light for me was when I went down with a nasty strain of COVID in May. Trying to quarantine downstairs without infecting mum and dad was particularly stressful. Luckily, they escaped that virus, but Mum ended up in hospital with a lung and staph infection later that month.

Privacy isn't easy to come by

Sharing a household has been challenging when it comes to privacy. We always knock before entering a room, but still, you can pretty much hear every conversation through Mum and Dad's floorboards.

One area that might have suffered at the hands of multi-generational living is the old sex life. Let's just say that the bed my husband and I have been sleeping in is about 30 years old, and the bolts could use some grease. Squeaks and creaks tend to kill the vibe.

We've experienced a few personality clashes

My family has always taken the approach that arguments are a healthy part of life. People have different personalities, beliefs, and ideas about things, so naturally, friction can arise.

On occasion, Mum and I have clashed while living together. Surprisingly, we haven't had many disagreements about things you might expect, like household chores, finances, or noise. It's just the usual family drama, and we always resolve issues pretty quickly.

Then, there's the cat

My parents own a very affectionate, slightly neurotic Siamese cat named Siam who frequently wakes us up in the middle of the night, meowing at our bedroom door. If we cave and let him sleep in our room, he has a tendency to repeatedly sit on our faces.

Siamese cats are known to be highly intelligent, and Siam is no different. At one point, when he realized it was fruitless bellowing at our door, he worked out how to open a cupboard door to sneak upstairs, where he proceeded to drive my parents nuts, meowing at their bedroom door instead.

Our son also suffers from cat allergies, which has been problematic. No amount of vacuuming, air purifiers, or having cat-free areas downstairs has helped, and the poor kid has pretty much sneezed constantly for four months.

So, would I do it again?

As the move-out date approaches in August, I found myself reflecting on the multigenerational living experience and asking whether I'd do it again. The truth is, despite the challenges, I absolutely would. In a heartbeat.

I've moved around so much throughout my life, living in more than 20 houses, and while I never imagined living back in my childhood home in my 40s, it's turned out to be a wonderful chapter. Just another one of life's unexpected and beautiful adventures.

Overall, every hurdle was worth it for the precious time we shared with my parents. The memories we made are ones I'll cherish forever.

• Military medics are training for a future war where fast casualty evacuation is no longer a reality.
• Such a battlefield could see medics tending to stabilized casualties for days or weeks before accessing advanced care.
• A senior military trauma leader warned that prolonged casualty care cannot solve all looming evacuation problems.

The corpsman strapped his patient onto the litter as the sound of swirling helicopter blades roared from a watchful instructor's hand-held speaker. Double-checking his IVs were secure, he and a stretcher team hoisted up their casualty and sprinted toward the landing zone amid flying debris from the helo's rotor wash — in this case, a leafblower.

On this makeshift battlefield in the parking lot of the Army's Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, medics had already quelled enemy fire, stopped the bleeding, drawn two bags of blood from teammates for the wounded, and carried him half a football field to a protected position before the "helicopter" arrived to whisk the injured soldier off to a military hospital nearby.

Such a scene — a wounded US service member being swiftly evacuated to advanced lifesaving care — is familiar to veterans of the Global War on Terror and reflects the belief around which the American military has built its modern trauma system: medics triage the wounded, helicopters or Humvees arrive quickly to evacuate them to a higher-level care, and then surgeons take over.

That combat casualty care chain is expected to fracture in a future large-scale war.

During the post-9/11 wars, military medics routinely plugged gunshot wounds, stopped hemorrhage with tourniquets on limbs shredded by roadside improvised explosive devices, and cleared shattered teeth and debris from airways with their fingers.

But the prospect of a large-scale war against a sophisticated foe — an adversary with advanced tech on par with the US military's, with millions of small attack drones potentially stocked and ready — means that they could face the daunting task of keeping casualties alive for longer, without reliable medical evacuation for days or weeks on end.

The military has quietly started preparing some medics to carry more of the burden when evacuation simply isn't possible. But while a single medic can buy time, they can't replace an entire medical logistics system disrupted by drones and electronic warfare, major problems in modern war.

In Ukraine, casualty evacuation within the "golden hour" for life-saving trauma care is effectively nonexistent. Surveillance drones and the threat of attack by explosive-laden drones make traversing the battlefield harder than ever, meaning evacuations are often impossible along the front lines.

Ukrainian troops say evacuating the wounded often means waiting for nightfall or for foggy or stormy weather conditions that disrupt drone operations. Soldiers are increasingly turning to robotic systems to evacuate wounded troops because of the danger to medical teams, though with varying degrees of success.

Facing the possibility that the US could one day find itself in a similar war in which medics are tasked with caring for the wounded for longer, some trauma specialists are preparing for that future now.

"Our emphasis on prolonged field care, and how we've changed the direction of the course, is sort of baked into what we're doing now," the special operations medical course chief said. "The amount of work that goes on after the point of injury for our medics is where we're shifting the emphasis, so that they can confidently take care of somebody."

For the instructors, that means exposing students early to skills like battlefield amputations and infection management, which previous generations usually only learned years into their careers and at higher ranks. The jam-packed training prioritizes the basics of trauma care, the chief noted, but instructors are introducing advanced skills earlier.

Tomorrow's medics, such as the young soldiers and sailors now in the course at Fort Bragg, could face a deluge of responsibilities after stabilizing casualties: feeding them, tracking intravenous fluids, and dealing with infections, a significant problem in Ukraine. Even the prospect of supporting battlefield dialysis in the event of kidney failure, a potential consequence of tourniquets being left on too long, is possible, medical experts say.

During the Global War on Terror, "missions were very often planned within the range of where you could get an aircraft within an hour," said Col. Ken Dwyer, the school's commander, which contributed to improved survival rates.

The idea that some evacuations in a future war could occur within an hour hasn't entirely vanished, Dwyer said. "But it is on life support with respect to what we think the future might hold, and what we've been told to prepare for."

With immediate casualty evacuation unlikely, medics suddenly become responsible for all of a patient's bodily functions, the course chief explained. One person might take on multiple roles normally seen in an ICU — cleaning patients' teeth, administering eye ointment for eyes dried out by sedatives, monitoring fluid intake, and managing bowel functions.

That's not accounting for a volatile battlefield — or multiple patients, said Michael Davis, a retired Air Force colonel who previously directed the US Combat Casualty Care Research Program and served as deputy commander of the US Army Institute of Surgical Research.

Multiple casualties would create a "massive cognitive burden" as medics triage patients with different levels of injury severity, said Davis, still a practicing surgeon.

Prolonged casualty care is not new for the US military. Special operations troops in Africa have long deployed with limited medical support, often without advanced hospitals nearby or quick airlift throughout the enormous continent. Their senior medics have been trained to treat casualties in austere settings, work traditionally known as prolonged "field" care.

But the vast majority of the US military's medical services fall outside of nimble special operations formations. Despite increasing interest in prolonged casualty care, medical providers set to deploy with most troops lack the same opportunities to develop such advanced skills, military trauma experts said, even amid widespread concern about a large-scale war and lessons emerging from Ukraine. Multiple government watchdog reports have found similarly worrisome concerns with military trauma skills development.

Military trauma experts built their careers saving the lives of wounded troops in the Global War on Terror, Davis said, and became haunted by preventable deaths. Many are now retired, taking years of valuable combat casualty care experience with them.

"The upcoming leaders in that middle category have never seen combat, not even counterinsurgency-type combat," Davis said of providers outside special operations.

Concerns about prolonged casualty care in an overwhelmed trauma system have garnered some congressional attention. House and Senate drafts of the annual defense authorization bill include provisions requiring reports on military casualty care readiness. Part of that, some lawmakers hope, will include increased transparency from the Pentagon on how many casualties the military expects in a large-scale war.

Army Col. Jennifer Gurney, director of the military's Joint Trauma System, cautioned that the military's increasing attention to prolonged casualty care risks presenting it as a solution instead of a consequence when rapid evacuation is impossible.

"You want to be in a trauma system that can move rapidly from capability to capability and get the care that you need," Gurney told Business Insider. "Prolonged casualty care means you're stuck."

That's not to say that the military shouldn't prepare medics for prolonged casualty care, she said. Pentagon brass and war analysts have repeatedly warned that future prospects of American air superiority are bleak, and vast maritime distances in places like the Pacific make such preparation a critical requirement.

More advanced training and more readily available supplies can only make an already bad environment slightly less deadly for some, Gurney explained. Medics alone can't turn a bare-bones treatment site into an intensive-care unit, or turn one lone service member into an entire surgical team.

"I think we have to remember that, because we're so hyper-focused on it, people are going to start thinking it's its own capability," Gurney said, referring to prolonged casualty care. "It's not."

"You can't put all this responsibility on medics," she added. "But we do have to teach them what they can do in those denied environments to sustain life."

• My family spent a year traveling in our camper van across Europe and Africa.
• Homeschooling our primary-school-age twins evolved into a very relaxed type of world schooling.
• Now back home, we are closer as a family than we have ever been.

In August 2024, my husband Illya and I, along with our then 8-year-old twin daughters, set off from Bristol, UK, heading to Dover and the cross-channel ferry.

We weren't just going on holiday, though. We were about to start a yearlong adventure, traveling around Europe in our self-built camper van, Phileas.

The plan was that I would continue to run my business — a marketing agency — while Illya, as a stay-at-home dad, would handle homeschooling and the practical side of van life. It seemed foolproof.

After a smooth crossing, we arrived in Dunkirk and parked in one of the convenient and cheap camper car parks that make France such a great place to travel in a van. We spent the evening playing on the beach and eating moules marinière, looking out at the sun setting over the waves.

The children were happy; we were happy. It was off to a good start.

The first bumps in the road

Naively, I had decided against taking any annual leave to ease us into our new life gently. Instead, I had meeting schedules on our first full day on the continent. But when I went to connect my laptop to our internet, I discovered the signal strength was dismal.

Eventually, after much panicking, I found the local tourist office, where I could access free WiFi. Despite using the blurred background tool, random tourists kept popping into view throughout the call. Thankfully, my client was very understanding.

Meanwhile, Illya was on the beach trying to supervise the children while working out how to fix the internet — something that would be a recurring theme throughout the trip and the biggest cause of lost tempers.

It took a while, but we did eventually find a groove. I started waking up early and getting three hours of work in before anyone in the UK was at their desk, then spending the rest of the day switching between meetings and hanging out with my family.

From homeschooling to worldschooling

Meanwhile, homeschooling evolved into something more organic and child-led than I'd anticipated. We did insist that the twins complete a worksheet from their Maths and English books most days, and practice their German on Duolingo. But I think, in the end, they learned far more from our exploration.

Every time we stepped outside the van was an opportunity to learn something new. A woodland walk in Switzerland set off a deep dive into mushroom identification. A park-up next to an 18th-century watermill on the Loire in France was a chance to discover how flour used to be made.

We climbed Vesuvius, explored Pompeii, and visited the Leonardo Interactive Museum in Florence, where the twins learned about flying machines and codes. But we also went on long hikes, picked wild strawberries, swam in mountain rivers, and built dens in the woods.

All of us learned about different cultures. A month in Morocco, half of it during Ramadan, gave us some of our best memories. For example, we ate a fast-breaking iftar meal with a local family who let us park on their land. We rode camels and rolled down sand dunes in the Sahara Desert.

We discovered that when we tried to force learning, we met resistance. But when we let the children lead, when we fanned the flames of their innate curiosity, they blossomed.

A life-changing experience

As we came to the end of our year of traveling, we gave the children a choice: they could go back to their old school, or they could continue with home education. They opted for the traditional route.

The difference I've noticed is in their confidence. They slipped back into playground life easily and have made a bunch of new friends. They play Minecraft and read comics, of course, but they still get excited about hunting for mushrooms on a woodland walk or taking a trip to the local wetland reserve to do some birdwatching.

As for me, life couldn't be more different. Traveling showed me the balance I needed in my life, and halfway through the trip, I decided to close my business, though it took until our return to wrap everything up. Today, I blend consulting work with being more present at home and as a parent, and I'm writing a book about vanlife for families.

So many people have said to me, "I wish I could do that!" And my answer is always, "Why can't you?" I'm not going to pretend it's always easy. But then, nothing worth doing ever is.

Our year of vanlife was the best thing that ever happened to our family. Challenges and all, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Rin Hamburgh is a brand and content specialist based in Bristol, UK. Connect on LinkedIn.

• OpenAI product manager Ty Geri said he dictates long rambles to ChatGPT Work to figure out what's "sticking."
• Geri also ends his prompts with: "Please impress me."
• He shared with Business Insider his tips for using AI and how product managers should adapt to the tech.

Ty Geri always tells ChatGPT: "Please impress me."

"You shouldn't have to," said Geri, a product manager at OpenAI. "The models should try to impress you regardless."

Geri joined OpenAI last year after working at Google on AI search products, like its AI overviews. The 28-year-old from San Francisco is on the front lines of AI and shared with Business Insider how he uses it most effectively at work.

That includes asking it to be impressive — though he wasn't sure it helped much. "It could definitely just be in my head at this point," he said.

His other strategy: long rants. "When I'm thinking something through, I put on dictation, and I ramble," he said. He described ChatGPT as his "partner," one that can sort through his thoughts and find what's "sticking."

Geri will enter one of OpenAI's meeting rooms, turn on his work phone, and start talking to it. "Some people probably think I'm doing something important, but I'm just talking to ChatGPT Work," he said.

He shares the strategy with another OpenAI alum: Andrej Karpathy, a founding member of the lab who later worked at Tesla and recently joined Anthropic. Karpathy wrote in July that he liked 10-minute voice sessions with an LLM that were a "total mess, anything goes, full stream of consciousness."

Still, Geri said he hoped users eventually wouldn't need to have prompting strategies at all. There were areas that OpenAI needed to get better at — "Our writing quality, I think we need to improve," he said — but things should just work.

Product manager gigs are common across tech, offering high salaries without requiring engineering experience. Still, the role is rapidly evolving in the age of AI, as PMs gain access to new skills through vibe-coding tools.

The primary job of a product manager hasn't changed, Geri said: to "care the most about the product." What has changed, then, is the PM's ability to "take action," he said.

"Once upon a time, a PM would strictly have to work with a data scientist," he said. "Now, it's so much more fluid and dynamic."

While the products are "empowering," Geri said, they also "take away a lot of excuses that we used to have." PMs could once say that they didn't understand a certain stage of the engineering process, or that they didn't get all the technicalities. No more.

His advice to other PMs: "Don't restrict what you can understand or can do anymore. You really can do anything."

At OpenAI, PMs are often shipping code, he said. Jobs don't end and start in specific, discrete places. People may have "spikes," sure, but they all share a common goal and means of achieving it.

"Our job is to care about the user and bring the best experience to the user," he said. "We should do whatever it takes to make that happen."